The next phase of GiZ support to the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Priority Action Plan (PAP) 2 with an envelope of Euro 7 million for the next three years was at the heart of discussions of the two-day meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 12 and 13 November 2018.

In his remarks, the Director for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union Commission, Mr. Cheikh Bedda stated that this meeting is happening at a strategic time in the life of PIDA as the implementation of the first phase, running from 2012 to 2020, has almost reached its end.

“It is therefore necessary and important for AUC, NEPAD, GiZ and all involved that their activities and programmes should be harmonised and coordinated so that we can all put our financial and human resources to achieve our common goal for PIDA. This calls for stronger partnerships and collaborations among regional, continental and international institutions as well as active engagement with our member States,” Mr. Bedda asserted.

On his part, Mr. Symerre Grey-Johnson, Head of Regional Integration Infrastructure and Trade at the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency appealed for tangible results from PIDA that can impact the lives of Africans while emphasizing the essential importance of strengthened collaboration from PIDA’s implementing partners.

GIZ started its new PIDA-support phase in August 2018 with four output areas covering EURO 7 million. The objective of the meeting was to garner joint understanding of objectives and content on next GIZ-PIDA support phase; clarify on modes of cooperation, communication, monitoring progress and develop a joint workplan for GIZ Support to PIDA Phase 2018-2021.

The two-day meeting was jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NPCA) and GIZ. About 30 delegates representing the three institutions were in attendance.