PIDA Steering Committee Meeting Wraps Up in Addis Ababa, Intensifies Push for PAP2 Progress
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 28 August 2024 – The PIDA Steering Committee concludes in Addis Ababa, focusing on invigorating the implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP2).
As the PAP2 (2021-2030) nears its midterm, this meeting has served as a critical juncture for evaluating progress and strategizing on overcoming existing challenges to meet ambitious project objectives.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 28 August 2024 – The PIDA Steering Committee concludes in Addis Ababa, focusing on invigorating the implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP2).
As the PAP2 (2021-2030) nears its midterm, this meeting has served as a critical juncture for evaluating progress and strategizing on overcoming existing challenges to meet ambitious project objectives.
Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, African Union Director of Infrastructure and Energy and Co-chair of the Steering Committee, emphasized that PIDA has reached a crucial milestone at the end of its initial five years. With half of the second phase of the program’s timeline remaining, he underscored the urgent need for effective resource mobilization and heightened expectations in infrastructure development. Dr. Kazaura called for renewed energy and coordinated efforts to address ongoing challenges and ensure that PIDA’s transformative goals are realized.
Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, African Union Director of Infrastructure and Energy and Co-chair of the Steering Committee, emphasized that PIDA has reached a crucial milestone at the end of its initial five years. With half of the second phase of the program’s timeline remaining, he underscored the urgent need for effective resource mobilization and heightened expectations in infrastructure development. Dr. Kazaura called for renewed energy and coordinated efforts to address ongoing challenges and ensure that PIDA’s transformative goals are realized.
The meeting featured in-depth assessments from the four principal PIDA institutions—the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)—as well as from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) including the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Union of the Mediterranean Arab States (UMA). Development partners also participated, highlighting the importance of leveraging best practices and successful project milestones to enhance Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
The meeting featured in-depth assessments from the four principal PIDA institutions—the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)—as well as from Regional Economic Communities (RECs) including the East African Community (EAC), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Union of the Mediterranean Arab States (UMA). Development partners also participated, highlighting the importance of leveraging best practices and successful project milestones to enhance Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
PIDA Week has served as a forum for discussing the policy and regulatory frameworks necessary to create an enabling environment for infrastructure projects. These discussions have highlighted the importance of good governance and transparency in project implementation.
A major focus was placed on improving engagement with stakeholders and strengthening the capacity of RECs. This includes developing the skills, resources, and systems required to better manage and implement infrastructure projects. The Committee dedicated substantial time to identifying and addressing implementation hurdles, aiming to refine strategies and enhance project delivery. Resource challenges were a particular concern, with discussions centered on practical solutions to accelerate progress.
The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
A major focus was placed on improving engagement with stakeholders and strengthening the capacity of RECs. This includes developing the skills, resources, and systems required to better manage and implement infrastructure projects. The Committee dedicated substantial time to identifying and addressing implementation hurdles, aiming to refine strategies and enhance project delivery. Resource challenges were a particular concern, with discussions centered on practical solutions to accelerate progress.
The events have highlighted investment opportunities in PIDA projects, attracting interest from both local and international investors. This focus on investment has been crucial in mobilizing the financial resources needed to advance infrastructure development.
Representing AUDA-NEPAD’s Director of Infrastructure and Energy, Industrialisation, Trade and Regional Integration Mr Amine Idriss Adoum, Head of the Economic Integration Division Dr. Towela N’Jere, stressed the critical need for enhanced collaboration among all PIDA stakeholders. She noted that strengthening these efforts is vital for improving the bankability of PIDA projects, which is essential for securing necessary financing and investment. Effective collaboration among governments, development partners, private sector actors, and financial institutions is expected to lead to more viable project proposals, streamlined processes, and reduced risks associated with large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
Representing AUDA-NEPAD’s Director of Infrastructure and Energy, Industrialisation, Trade and Regional Integration Mr Amine Idriss Adoum, Head of the Economic Integration Division Dr. Towela N’Jere, stressed the critical need for enhanced collaboration among all PIDA stakeholders. She noted that strengthening these efforts is vital for improving the bankability of PIDA projects, which is essential for securing necessary financing and investment. Effective collaboration among governments, development partners, private sector actors, and financial institutions is expected to lead to more viable project proposals, streamlined processes, and reduced risks associated with large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
The events have highlighted investment opportunities in PIDA projects, attracting interest from both local and international investors. This focus on investment has been crucial in mobilizing the financial resources needed to advance infrastructure development.
Robert Lisinge, Acting Director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division at UNECA, reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to advancing PIDA, underscoring its role in the successful realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.
The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
Robert Lisinge, Acting Director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division at UNECA, reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to advancing PIDA, underscoring its role in the successful realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.
The meeting was preceded by the PIDA Implementation Support Project (PISP) Steering Committee session, which reviewed progress on this joint initiative funded by the AfDB to expedite PIDA implementation.Robert Lisinge, Acting Director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure Division at UNECA, reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to advancing PIDA, underscoring its role in the successful realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.
The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
The meeting was preceded by the PIDA Implementation Support Project (PISP) Steering Committee session, which reviewed progress on this joint initiative funded by the AfDB to expedite PIDA implementation.
Looking ahead, the committee set the stage for the upcoming 8th PIDA Week, scheduled for late November 2024, which will further explore advancing infrastructure development and integration across the continent.The successful launch event builds upon the foundational Kick-off Workshop held in Kigali in September 2023, where key stakeholders gathered to set the strategic direction and objectives. Additionally, the various meetings of the Interorganizational Steering Committee have played a crucial role in coordinating efforts, sharing insights, and aligning our collective vision.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
Looking ahead, the committee set the stage for the upcoming 8th PIDA Week, scheduled for late November 2024, which will further explore advancing infrastructure development and integration across the continent.
Dr. Kazaura acknowledged the instrumental contributions of various partners in developing and implementing PIDA strategies, commending their collaborative efforts which have been essential to the program’s achievements.
This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
Dr. Kazaura acknowledged the instrumental contributions of various partners in developing and implementing PIDA strategies, commending their collaborative efforts which have been essential to the program’s achievements.
With a strong focus on fostering collaboration and reinforcing commitment, the PIDA Steering Committee aims to drive substantial progress in Africa's infrastructure development, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration.This landmark achievement took place during the AU Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on the 17th of July 2024, following the directives of the 17th Extraordinary Assembly of the AU Heads of State & Government on Industrialization and Economic Diversification, held on the 25th of November 2022 in Niamey, Niger. The mandate came in response to the slow progress in implementing programs relevant to industrialization, structural economic transformation, and development towards the AU aspirations in Agenda 2063.
With a strong focus on fostering collaboration and reinforcing commitment, the PIDA Steering Committee aims to drive substantial progress in Africa's infrastructure development, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration.
Chronology of PIDA Week:
Notes to the editor:
About PIDA: The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is a strategic framework designed to address Africa’s infrastructure challenges and drive sustainable economic development across the continent. Established by the African Union, PIDA aims to enhance regional integration and connectivity through the development of key infrastructure projects.
About PIDA: The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is a strategic framework designed to address Africa’s infrastructure challenges and drive sustainable economic development across the continent. Established by the African Union, PIDA aims to enhance regional integration and connectivity through the development of key infrastructure projects.
About PIDA PAP2: PIDA Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP2) covers the period from 2021 to 2030 and focuses on implementing high-impact infrastructure projects that are critical for Africa’s economic growth and integration. PAP2 builds on the successes of the first phase, targeting key areas such as transport, energy, and ICT infrastructure, with a goal of fostering regional integration and improving socio-economic outcomes across Africa.
About PIDA PAP2: PIDA Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP2) covers the period from 2021 to 2030 and focuses on implementing high-impact infrastructure projects that are critical for Africa’s economic growth and integration. PAP2 builds on the successes of the first phase, targeting key areas such as transport, energy, and ICT infrastructure, with a goal of fostering regional integration and improving socio-economic outcomes across Africa.
For more information:
For further information please contact:
Ms. Bezayit Eyoel| Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: bezayite@africa-union.org |
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web: au. int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Information and Communication Directorate, African Union CommissionE-mail:DIC@africa-union.org Web: au. int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
For more information:
For further information please contact:
Ms. Bezayit Eyoel| Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: bezayite@africa-union.org |
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Web: au. int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Information and Communication Directorate, African Union CommissionE-mail:DIC@africa-union.org Web: au. int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
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