With infrastructure deficits reducing Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth by 2 perfect and productivity by 40 percent, experts have stressed on the need to fast track PIDA initiatives.
Experts attending the 2024 Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) week have emphasized the urgency of accelerating infrastructure development across the continent of Africa.
This was disclosed during a media sensitization workshop where over 20 journalists from across Africa have been invited to take part in this prestigious annual event.
PIDA is a joint initiative between the African Union Commission (AUC), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Planning and Coordination Agency (NPCA), and the African Development Bank (AfDB), whos’ goal is to develop infrastructure across Africa to improve connectivity, trade, and the movement of people.
The primary goal for the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is to overcome regional connectivity challenges by developing transformative infrastructure across the continent.
Speaking here in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during a PIDA journalists Network meeting, African Union Development Agency – NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) Head of Communications and Advocacy Zipporah Maubane said investments in energy, transport, water, and Information and Communication Technology not only address immediate needs but also position Africa for long-term development. She said PIDA projects are key for promotion sustainable economic growth, regional integration, and social development across Africa.
“Infrastructure development drives progress for the African continent and is a key enabler of sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Its pivotal role in improving the continent’s competitiveness and integration into the global economy is unquestionable. While inadequate infrastructure can be a significant obstacle to Africa’s long-term growth, it also represents a significant opportunity, as infrastructure development is supported by intra-Africa trade,” she said.
PIDA provides a strategic framework for priority projects to transform Africa by constructing modern infrastructure to strengthen Africa’s competitiveness and integration into the global economy. Under the auspices of the African Union, PIDA is jointly coordinated by the African Union.
The primary objective of PIDA is to address the ubiquitous regional and intra-regional connectivity challenges in Africa through infrastructure development. In its broadest scope, PIDA is intended to provide not just an adequate stock of infrastructure but a transformational infrastructure that will spur Africa to the next level of development and position it as a recognised player in the global economy
The 2024 PIDA week runs from November 25-29 under the theme ‘Fostering Resilient and Inclusive infrastructure for Africa’s sustainable growth’ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. AUDA-NEPAD Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit Ibrah Wahabou said ICT infrastructure bridges the digital divide, empowering people and businesses to participate in the global economy.
Mr Wahabou said PIDA stands out from previous regional infrastructure integration initiatives because it is based on a shared vision of regional integration and long-term goals. It consolidates continental infrastructure initiatives and fills gaps by providing practical and affordable priority projects aligned with Africa’s long-term development goals.
“Africa has potential for infrastructural development due to its Strong economic growth; a huge market of 2.5 billion consumers in 2050 (in less than 20 years) and the largest free trade area in the world (AfCFTA)” he added.
Established by the African Union Commission (AUC) in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other stakeholders, PIDA serves as a blueprint for advancing regional and continental infrastructure in four sectors: energy, transport, transboundary water, and information and communication technology (ICT). These projects aim to accelerate Africa’s development, aligning with the continent’s economic goals amidst rapid urbanization and a growing population projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2030.
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