Africa’s infrastructural development key driver - PIDA has been lauded as a quantum leap in the continent’s growth process.  The CEO Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, speaking at the launch of the PIDA Capacity Building Project in Centurion, said that ensuring enhanced skills and expertise in the design of projects and making them bankable among stakeholders has to be strengthened for PIDA to be even more effective.

PIDA, short for the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa is a NEPAD, Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union’s continental infrastructure development blueprint. It is currently in its implementation phase. Based on regional and continental projects it is designed to address the infrastructural deficit that hampers Africa’s competitiveness on the world market. 

The capacity building project is a US$8.9 million grant from the AfDB over a three year period, whose primary objective is to help the accelerated delivery PIDA. It was signed by heads of state at the last AU Summit in Addis Ababa. The project will involve placing technical experts to support the running and management of PIDA. 

Dr Kennedy Mbekeani Regional Economist of the African Development Bank

Dr Kennedy Mbekeani, Regional Economist at the AfDB said that PIDA is not just about infrastructure modernisation, but more importantly, about development outcomes, especially inclusive and shared growth. It must impact on the quality of lives of people by improving access to electricity, transport, eater and ICT for the majority of Africa’s population, while also acting as a catalyst for growth of large and small business.

From left to right: Ms Janet Okero, NEPAD, Ms Anna Waldmann, GIZ and Mr Mekuria Beyene, NEPAD

In the next few days, NEPAD will confer with experts from a cross section of development partners on a quantifiable approach to working with AU member states and Regional Economic Communities on improving capacities to implement infrastructure projects in Africa.

Mrs Toussainte Nadje with Ms Eyram Etiase of the AfDB

In thanking the AfDB for the Grant Dr Mayaki said “Implementation is one of the weakest points for most national and regional systems. Support from the AfDB is critical to what PIDA will represent in the next 20 to 25 years because of its role in supporting effective implementation.

Ms Flore Kamdomg and Prof Mosad Elmissiry during the tea break

By improving access to integrated regional and continental infrastructure networks, PIDA will allow countries to meet forecast demand for infrastructure services and boost competitiveness. Some of the expected benefits are increased efficiencies, improved living standards, increased intra-African trade and facilitating integration in the world economy.

Group photo of participants of the week-long meeting