Key Speakers

Government of Namibia- Permanent Secretary, Mr Willem Goeiemann, African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Amani-Abou Zeid , NEPAD Agency CEO, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki,   Mr. Shem Simuyemba AfDB Coordinator for Multi-Donor Special Fund – NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF), Development Bank of Southern Africa, Mr Mohan Vivekanandan.

Expected Outcomes

The Third PIDA Week will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in their efforts to: (1) accelerate project preparation and implementation; (2) mobilise adequate financial and technical resources for projects; (3) increase private sector participation in PIDA implementation; and (4) mobilise Member States to integrate the PIDA projects into their national development plans.

Participation

Government of Namibia representatives, SADC representatives, AUC, NEPAD Agency and AfDB representatives, PIDA and CBN stakeholders, private sector, financiers, development partners and media.

Background

The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), developed by the African Union Commission (AUC), NEPAD Agency, African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), is a continental initiative aimed at addressing the infrastructure deficit that is severely hampering Africa’s competitiveness in the world market. It promotes regional economic integration by building mutually beneficial infrastructure and strengthening the ability of countries to trade and establish regional value chains for increased competitiveness.

The 51 PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP) programmes and projects are spread across the four sectors of Energy, Transport, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Trans-boundary Water. The programmes and projects are expected to lead to an integrated continent, fuelling international trade, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

In order to boost intra-African trade and raise the continent’s competitiveness in the global economy, the programme sets out short-term goals to be achieved by 2020, medium-term goals to be achieved by 2030 and long-term goals by 2040. PIDA is a solution by and for Africans which was endorsed by African Heads of State and Government at their 18th Summit in January 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Opportunities for Media

• A media breakfast session on the 11th of December from 7:30 – 9:30 am
• Third PIDA Week Opening Ceremony on the 11th of December from 14:00 – 15:00 pm
• PIDA Week Closing Ceremony Press Conference on the 13^th of December from 13:30-14:00 pm
• A visit to a PIDA site on 14th of December timing TBC
• Possible interviews with the drivers of infrastructure in Africa

Media Enquiries

• NEPAD Agency: Millicent Seganoe, millicents@nepad.org . Mobile: +27 83 266 1829
• African Union Commission: Sophia Nesri, SophiaN@africa-union.org . Mobile: +251911215055
• African Development Bank:  Solange Kamuanga-Tossou@afdb.org
• Government of Namibia: Brumelda English, benglish2@gmail.com , Mobile: +264 81 1660358 and Elizabeth Amagola, elizabeth.amagola@mict.gov.na ,  +264 81 140 3288