By Baboloki Semele – Stakeholders from across Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating the implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) projects, following a three-day workshop in Addis Ababa from February 25-27, 2025. The event focused on reviewing progress and strengthening collaboration to unlock sustainable infrastructure development across the continent.
The workshop marked a crucial step in assessing the impact of the PIDA Implementation Support Project (PISP), a $7 million initiative funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The PISP has been instrumental in enhancing technical capacity at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Union Commission (AUC), ensuring the successful execution of PIDA’s second phase (2021-2030), known as PIDA Priority Action Plan II (PIDA PAP II).
A Call for Collaboration and Expertise
Dr. Kamugisha Kazaura, African Union Director of Infrastructure and Energy, officially opened the workshop, emphasizing the need for collective expertise and synergy in driving the PIDA agenda forward. “This workshop presents an opportunity to harness our collective expertise, foster collaboration, and accelerate the implementation of PIDA PAP II projects as we approach its midterm review,” he stated. He urged stakeholders to leverage available expertise and resources to expedite project execution.
PIDA PAP II comprises 69 projects spanning four key sectors: 18 in energy, 11 in ICT, 25 in transport, and 15 in water. These projects were endorsed by African Union Heads of State in February 2021, and their midterm review will evaluate implementation progress while proposing strategies to address existing bottlenecks.
Enhancing the PIDA Service Delivery Mechanism
To optimize project execution, AUDA-NEPAD is scaling up the Expert Service Pool (ESP) to integrate additional expertise, particularly in transport and logistics. Launched in November 2024, the ESP is focused on early-stage project preparation, prioritizing high-impact, high-readiness initiatives. The initial selection of 20 PIDA PAP II projects was presented to Regional Economic Communities (RECs) for assessment during the workshop.
Yones Touitha, speaking on behalf of Amine Idriss Adoum, AUDA-NEPAD’s Director of Industrialization, Infrastructure, and Economic Integration, highlighted the importance of financial sustainability in PIDA implementation. “Leveraging available financing opportunities through structured engagement frameworks is crucial to accelerating project execution,” he emphasized.
To enhance transparency and accountability, AUDA-NEPAD is also establishing a real-time digital dashboard to monitor project progress, identify financing gaps, and track implementation challenges. This initiative will facilitate evidence-based decision-making and foster stakeholder engagement.
Strengthening Regional Capacities for Long-Term Success
Recognizing the need for localized expertise, AUDA-NEPAD is institutionalizing decentralized capacity-building programs targeting RECs and national infrastructure agencies. These efforts will empower local stakeholders with the technical know-how to advance early-stage project preparation and execution independently. Participants underscored that strengthening regional bodies will be key to sustaining momentum and ensuring the long-term success of PIDA initiatives.
Mobilizing Investments for Africa’s Infrastructure Development
With PIDA PAP II requiring an estimated $16.1 billion annually, AUDA-NEPAD is actively exploring structured engagement with private sector investors and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). Efforts are underway to develop blended finance instruments and tailored Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to enhance project bankability and attract long-term infrastructure investments.
In his closing remarks, Ibrah Wahabou, Head of the Infrastructure Unit at AUDA-NEPAD, emphasized the need for continued investment mobilization and swift implementation in the second half of PIDA PAP II. “Our success will ultimately be measured by two key factors: the progress of our projects and the resources we mobilize. The commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders today will shape the impact we achieve,” he stated.
As Africa pushes forward with its infrastructure agenda, the midterm review of PIDA PAP II is expected to set a clear roadmap for accelerating project execution and fostering sustainable economic growth and regional integration.