Parallel Session 12: Revitalising the Continental Business Network (CBN) for Accelerated Infrastructure and Industrialization Financing in Africa

Summary: This session will focus on revitalising CBN’s structure and processes to better support the African infrastructure agenda. Drawing from recent insights in AUDA-NEPAD’s updated Service Delivery Mechanism (SDM) and CBN’s operational plans, this session will address governance, sustainable funding, and project facilitation improvements to enhance CBN’s impact in driving investments and meeting the goals of Agenda 2063.

Organiser: AUDA-NEPAD

Moderator: AUDA-NEPAD representative or industry expert

Speakers:
1. Governance and Leadership: AUDA-NEPAD Director of Infrastructure to discuss governance structures and oversight improvements as highlighted in the recent operational plan.
2. Funding Models: Financial institution representative (AfDB or World Bank) to explore sustainable funding models, including facilitation fees and blended revenue models.
3. Project Preparation and SDM Integration: Expert on AUDA-NEPAD’s SDM, focusing on how the simplified SDM process can complement CBN’s project pipeline to increase project bankability.
4. Private Sector and Investment: Private sector investor or business leader to highlight expectations and opportunities for increased private investment in infrastructure.
Policy and Regional Alignment: Representative from a Regional Economic Community (REC) to discuss aligning CBN efforts with regional and national priorities for infrastructure development.

Online Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_l-6JFllRRGCScW3XDkVFvA