Experts at the on-going 8th Programme for Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA) have described the rehabilitation of Africa’s corridor currently underway in some African countries as transformative and evident.
Chief Executive Officer for AUDA-NEPAD Nardos Bekele-Thomas said the routes are not merely transport links but are also arteries of economic integration and industrial growth.
“Projects like the Lobito Corridor, connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, and the TransAfrican Highway Network, spanning over 56,000 kilometers, illustrate the importance of connectivity in driving regional trade. The operationalization of 32 One-Stop Border Posts has significantly enhanced cross-border trade, reducing delays and fostering regional cooperation. These corridors demonstrate how well-designed infrastructure can unlock economic opportunities, improve lives, and advance Africa’s broader development goals,” she said.
According to Bekele-Thomas, energy access across Africa remains a cornerstone of sustainable development despite progress, over half of Africa’s population still lacks reliable electricity. She however, added that the Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP) offers a bold solution, aiming to provide electricity to 80% of Africa’s population by 2040 while enabling intra-African electricity trade worth $136 billion annually.
“This initiative integrates renewable energy markets and interconnected power grids, positioning Africa as a leader in clean energy. Countries like Morocco and South Africa have demonstrated what is possible through strategic policies and public-private partnerships, achieving remarkable progress in renewable energy generation. However, barriers such as weak procurement frameworks and grid integration challenges must be addressed to fully realize Africa’s energy potential,” she said.
Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy in the African Union (AU) Amani Abou-Zeid said the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) need to be strengthened to accelerate project implementation and called upon all Member States to foster partnerships and private sector engagement.
“Enabling the environment and promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can enhance investment in sustainable infrastructure and help mobilize additional resources and expertise,” she said
PIDA as a continental initiative spaning until 2040 and regarded as enabler of the AU Agenda 2063, aims to address infrastructure deficits across the continent. It’s Second Priotrity Plan of PIDA (PIDA PAP 2) leverages on an integrated corridor approach to maximise efficiency and synergy in cross-border infrastructure planning and construction.
Paida Mpaso
Experts at the on-going 8th Programme for Infrastructure Development for Africa (PIDA) have described the rehabilitation of Africa’s corridor currently underway in some African countries as transformative and evident.
Chief Executive Officer for AUDA-NEPAD Nardos Bekele-Thomas said the routes are not merely transport links but are also arteries of economic integration and industrial growth.
“Projects like the Lobito Corridor, connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, and the TransAfrican Highway Network, spanning over 56,000 kilometers, illustrate the importance of connectivity in driving regional trade. The operationalization of 32 One-Stop Border Posts has significantly enhanced cross-border trade, reducing delays and fostering regional cooperation. These corridors demonstrate how well-designed infrastructure can unlock economic opportunities, improve lives, and advance Africa’s broader development goals,” she said.
According to Bekele-Thomas, energy access across Africa remains a cornerstone of sustainable development despite progress, over half of Africa’s population still lacks reliable electricity. She however, added that the Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP) offers a bold solution, aiming to provide electricity to 80% of Africa’s population by 2040 while enabling intra-African electricity trade worth $136 billion annually.
“This initiative integrates renewable energy markets and interconnected power grids, positioning Africa as a leader in clean energy. Countries like Morocco and South Africa have demonstrated what is possible through strategic policies and public-private partnerships, achieving remarkable progress in renewable energy generation. However, barriers such as weak procurement frameworks and grid integration challenges must be addressed to fully realize Africa’s energy potential,” she said.
Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy in the African Union (AU) Amani Abou-Zeid said the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) need to be strengthened to accelerate project implementation and called upon all Member States to foster partnerships and private sector engagement.
“Enabling the environment and promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can enhance investment in sustainable infrastructure and help mobilize additional resources and expertise,” she said
PIDA as a continental initiative spaning until 2040 and regarded as enabler of the AU Agenda 2063, aims to address infrastructure deficits across the continent. It’s Second Priotrity Plan of PIDA (PIDA PAP 2) leverages on an integrated corridor approach to maximise efficiency and synergy in cross-border infrastructure planning and construction.
