PIDA Week 2024

The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is a strategic framework designed to address Africa’s infrastructure deficits in key sectors such as transport, energy, water, and information and communication technology (ICT). PIDA plays a critical role in promoting regional integration, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent. It is implemented through Priority Action Plans (PAPs), with PIDA PAP1 (2012-2020) and PIDA PAP2 (2021-2030) focusing on vital infrastructure projects that align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Highlights of PIDA Week 2024

1. A Grand Opening with African Leaders

The event begins with a high-level opening ceremony featuring insights from Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas. These leaders will set a powerful agenda, emphasising Africa’s commitment to resilience, collaboration, and innovation in the face of global infrastructure challenges.

2. Accelerating Solutions for Water Security

With Africa’s water needs at the forefront, a session on “Accelerating Preparation and Financing of Trans-boundary Water Projects” will explore how to overcome funding and institutional challenges. AUDA-NEPAD and partners like the World Bank and AfDB will showcase case studies and financing models aimed at improving water security through regional partnerships.

3. A Roadmap for Africa’s Digital Transformation

Digital infrastructure takes centre stage in a session organised by the World Bank, titled “Digital Infrastructure for Africa: Powering Jobs and Growth Across the Region”. This discussion will feature experts from ECOWAS, IFC, and leading African digital transformation advocates, focused on building robust digital ecosystems that drive employment, economic growth, and climate resilience across borders.

4. Strengthening Regional Cooperation in Water Management

Water cooperation will be further addressed in a World Bank-led session, “Connecting the Drops”, where stakeholders will discuss how water infrastructure can promote peace, regional cohesion, and sustainable development. Panelists, including representatives from OMVS and CILSS, will share insights on Africa’s path toward long-term water security.

5. Reshaping Infrastructure Financing with the Continental Business Network (CBN)

This session will reveal AUDA-NEPAD’s vision for a revitalised CBN, designed to boost Africa’s infrastructure financing capabilities. Discussions will cover new funding models, governance structures, and the importance of aligning regional goals with national priorities, aimed at mobilising greater private and public sector investment.

6. Preparing Infrastructure for Climate Resilience

In a session addressing “Climate-Smart Infrastructure”, PIDA Week participants will learn about climate risks facing Africa’s infrastructure and effective risk management strategies. Leaders from the Zambezi River Authority, Green Climate Fund, and other organizations will share practical steps to fortify infrastructure against climate impacts.

7. Launching CMP Phase III – Powering Africa’s Future

The preliminary launch of the Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP) Phase III marks a significant milestone in Africa’s energy journey. In this session, AUDA-NEPAD, USAID, and major power pools will present CMP’s vision for a stable, interconnected power network, outlining the collaborative efforts needed to make energy security a reality for Africa.

8. Boosting Digital Connectivity for Regional Prosperity

This session, “Accelerating Cross-Border Digital Connectivity through PIDA”, will highlight the role of PIDA in advancing digital infrastructure, regulatory harmonisation, and funding mechanisms to support digitalization across borders. Key players from the ICT and policy sectors will participate in the panel, which AUDA-NEPAD and the AUC are organising.

9. Sustainable Transport Day Celebration

In line with the UN Global Sustainable Transport Decade, UNECA’s session will focus on the role of digitisation in Africa’s transport infrastructure. Experts will explore how tech-enabled transport systems can facilitate trade, mobility, and regional integration, setting the stage for sustainable growth.

10. Advancing Cross-Border Trade with the OSBP Status Report Launch

AUDA-NEPAD and JICA will unveil the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) Status Report, a data-rich resource on border efficiency. The report launch will feature discussions on using innovative tools, like the Logistics Monitoring System (LMS), to enhance Africa’s trade infrastructure, with panelists sharing best practices for cross-border trade facilitation.

11. A Reflective Close and Vision for the Future

The week will end with a closing ceremony summarising the major insights and commitments made during PIDA Week 2024. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali will deliver a closing address, reinforcing the call for unified action toward a sustainable, resilient, and interconnected Africa.