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Advocates for Transformative Infrastructure: Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas Propels Africa’s Sustainable Growth at the 8th PIDA Week

This article is brought to you by AUDA NEPAD

Esteemed Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to welcome you to the 8th PIDA Week here in Addis Ababa, a city that symbolizes Africa’s unity and aspirations. I express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, for graciously facilitating this event. Your steadfast leadership and personal engagement during this opening ceremony epitomize your commitment to promoting Africa’s growth and enhancing regional integration. We are deeply thankful for your unwavering support.

Since its establishment in 2015, PIDA Week has evolved into a key platform for infrastructure development across the continent. Jointly organized by the African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, the African Development Bank, and UNECA, this event serves as a crucial forum to assess our progress, confront obstacles, and build strategic partnerships. This year’s theme, “Fostering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure for Africa’s Sustainable Growth: Leveraging Transformative Financing and Regional Integration,” underlines our dedication to addressing the critical infrastructure challenges facing Africa. Building on the momentum from the 2022 Dakar Financing Summit and the 2023 rollout of the PIDA First 10-Year Implementation Report in Nairobi, we gather in Addis Ababa to discuss innovative solutions that will transform the infrastructure landscape and advance our shared vision for the continent.

The achievements of PIDA over the last decade showcase what Africa can accomplish through resolve and collaboration. The current Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP 2) includes 69 transformative projects spanning transportation, energy, water, and ICT. These encompass groundbreaking initiatives like the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, which, when completed, will stand as the world’s largest electricity generation facility, and the ambitious plan to create a navigable Nile River linking Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. These visionary undertakings remind us of Africa’s rich tradition of innovation, a heritage that dates back to the construction of the pyramids. Today, that same spirit of creativity propels our infrastructure agenda forward, step by step, towards realizing our ambitious vision for Africa.

The PIDA Ten-Year Implementation Report outlines substantial achievements. More than 30 million individuals have gained access to electricity, transforming lives and driving economic growth. Improved road and rail networks have modestly bolstered intra-African trade, which now accounts for 16% of total trade. In the water sector, essential storage infrastructure supports agriculture and commerce, while broadband access has exceeded expectations, reaching over 25% and accelerating Africa’s digital transformation. During the construction and operation phases, PIDA initiatives have created over 160,000 direct and indirect jobs, highlighting their significant impact on employment and livelihoods. These milestones reflect the tangible benefits of PIDA’s efforts, but they also underscore the persistent challenges we must confront.

Infrastructure development in Africa continues to grapple with considerable financing gaps, with only $82 billion raised out of the $360 billion required by 2040. Numerous projects struggle to achieve bankability due to inadequate early preparation and lingering perceptions regarding risk. Tackling these challenges necessitates a focus on three fundamental pillars: policies, partnerships, and financing. Effective regional coordination is crucial, as demonstrated by the success of treaty-based organizations and corridor initiatives that align national strategies with regional objectives. Strengthening public-private partnerships is equally vital to ensure that projects are sustainable, inclusive, and community-oriented. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and risk guarantees, are essential to mobilizing the resources required to bridge the funding gap.

The transformative potential of Africa’s corridors is evident. These routes are not just transport links; they are essential conduits for economic integration and industrial growth. Projects like the Lobito Corridor, connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, along with the Trans-African Highway Network, which spans over 56,000 kilometers, demonstrate the critical importance of connectivity in enhancing regional trade. The establishment of 32 One-Stop Border Posts has greatly improved cross-border trade, diminishing delays and promoting regional collaboration. These corridors illustrate how thoughtfully designed infrastructure can unlock economic opportunities, improve lives, and support Africa’s wider development objectives.

Energy access remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. Despite advancements, over half of Africa’s population still lacks reliable electricity. The Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP) presents a bold solution, targeting electricity access for 80% of Africa’s population by 2040 while facilitating intra-African electricity trade valued at $136 billion annually. This initiative seeks to integrate renewable energy markets and interconnected power grids, positioning Africa as a leader in clean energy. Countries like Morocco and South Africa have showcased what can be achieved through strategic policies and public-private partnerships, registering notable progress in renewable energy production. Nonetheless, obstacles like weak procurement frameworks and grid integration issues must be addressed to fully unlock Africa’s energy potential.

The triumph of PIDA hinges on addressing the urgent challenges that influence Africa’s infrastructure landscape. One of the most pressing barriers is risk mitigation. For too long, perceived risks have deterred private sector involvement, leaving vital financing shortfalls unaddressed. Implementing innovative financial instruments such as partial risk guarantees and blended finance offers a pathway forward. These mechanisms foster an environment where private capital can engage confidently, paving the way for transformative initiatives that redefine economies and unite regions.

Equally crucial is the demand for integrated planning. Infrastructure development cannot succeed in isolation. Energy, transport, water, and digitalization must function as interrelated components of a cohesive strategy, creating synergies that promote sustainability and long-term impact. Coordinating initiatives across these interconnected sectors ensures that every road, bridge, or power facility serves as a critical link in a broader network that uplifts communities and stimulates economic growth.

Local ownership adds another layer of significance to this agenda. Infrastructure projects must belong to the communities they serve. They cannot merely be external solutions dropped into unfamiliar landscapes. Public-private partnerships that incorporate local businesses and empower communities create opportunities for genuine engagement and ongoing maintenance. Building local capacities ensures that these initiatives are not only feasible but also cherished as engines of growth and transformation.

The ultimate aim of PIDA transcends the mere construction of physical structures. Its true essence lies in its capacity to transform lives. Roads and power grids are not the end goal but mechanisms for enabling opportunities, promoting industries, and inspiring hope across the continent. As PIDA advances into its next phase, its focus must stay on empowering Africa’s populace, nurturing dynamic markets, and promoting industrialization.

Prioritizing people at the heart of this vision alters everything. Infrastructure is not just about steel and concrete; it emerges as a catalyst for unlocking brighter futures and more resilient economies. When the needs and aspirations of Africa’s citizens form the foundation of every project, PIDA achieves far more than infrastructure delivery—it becomes a powerful driver of prosperity, opportunity, and progress.

Let us harness the opportunity provided by this 8th PIDA Week to reaffirm our shared commitment, engage in meaningful discussions, and outline a course towards sustainable growth and regional integration. Your involvement is a crucial step in achieving this vision.

Thank you.

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