Stakeholders Agree to Push for Accelerated Implementation as PIDA Midterm
Review Sparks Commitment to Action
Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA),
a critical initiative aimed at unlocking sustainable growth and integration across the
continent through infrastructure development, has continued to play a crucial role in
shaping policies and guiding strategic development.
In a significant move towards furthering the implementation of PIDA projects, stakeholders
from across Africa gathered in Addis Ababa for a workshop held from 25-27 February
2025. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to accelerate the
implementation of strategic infrastructure projects, attract investment, and build synergy
and collaboration between the diverse sectors involved.
The workshop was an important platform to review the progress and impact of the PIDA
Implementation Support Project (PISP), a USD 7 million initiative funded by the African
Development Bank (AfDB). The PISP is playing an essential role in advancing the PIDA’s
second phase (2021-2030) of PIDA (PIDA PAP II), through technical capacity building.
The PISP has been supporting the implementation of PIDA PAP II projects by
strengthening technical capacity at the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-
NEPAD) and the African Union Commission (AUC).
Officially opening the workshop, African Union Director of Infrastructure and Energy Dr.
Kamugisha Kazaura emphasized the importance of collaboration and expertise in driving
forward the PIDA agenda. “This workshop presents an opportunity to harness our
collective expertise, foster collaboration, and accelerate the implementation of PIDA PAP
II projects as we approach the midterm review of PIDA PAP II”. He further highlighted,
“Now is the time to engage fully, leverage the available expertise, and accelerate the
preparation and implementation of PIDA PAP II.”
Commitment to Accelerating Implementation in the Lead-Up to PIDA Midterm
Review
PIDA PAP II is a portfolio of 69 projects, with 18 in energy, 11 in ICT, 25 in transport, and
15 in water, prioritized and adopted by the African Union Heads of States in February
2021. The midterm review will assess the progress made so far in implementation and put
forward recommendations for accelerated execution while addressing identified
bottlenecks.
To further enhance the effectiveness of the PIDA Service Delivery Mechanism (SDM),
AUDA-NEPAD is scaling up the Expert Service Pool (ESP) by integrating additional sector-
specific expertise, particularly in transport and logistics. This will ensure that project
selection criteria prioritize high-impact, high-readiness projects, accelerating their
transition from preparation to execution.
Since its launch in November 2024, the pool has focused on enhancing early-stage project
preparation through a strong pipeline of viable projects. A detailed methodological
approach for screening and assessment of these projects was discussed. The ESP is
focused on early-stage project preparation, working on projects selected from an initial list
of 20 PIDA PAP II initiatives, which were presented to the Regional Economic
Communities (RECs) during the workshop.
This exercise is expected to further enhance the implementation of PIDA projects by
leveraging available financing opportunities. According to Yones Touitha, who spoke on
behalf of Director Amine Idriss Adoum, Director of Industrialization, Infrastructure, and
Economic Integration at AUDA-NEPAD, during the workshop’s opening.
To ensure greater accountability and transparency in implementation, AUDA-NEPAD will
establish a real-time digital dashboard that will track project progress, financing gaps, and
bottlenecks across PIDA PAP II projects. This initiative will provide an open-access
reporting mechanism for stakeholders, facilitating evidence-based decision-making and
accelerating project execution.
An important aspect of the workshop also included discussions around ensuring the
sustainability of the PISP program and expanding its support to include capacity building
for Regional Economic Communities (RECs). This request was made during the
discussions as well as during other meetings held previously, including the PIDA Steering
Committee meeting. ‘Strengthening the capacities of regional bodies will be vital in
maintaining momentum and supporting the long-term success of PIDA projects,’
underscore participants.
Recognizing the need for localized expertise, AUDA-NEPAD is working to institutionalize
decentralized capacity-building programs for Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
and national infrastructure agencies. This approach will empower stakeholders at the
implementation level with the necessary skills and technical assistance to drive early-stage
project preparation and execution independently.
Mobilizing the Required Finances for Long-Term Success of PIDA
Given the significant annual financing need of $16.1 billion for PIDA PAP II, AUDA-NEPAD
is exploring structured engagement frameworks with private sector investors and
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). This includes the development of blended
finance instruments and tailored Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that will enhance
project bankability and attract long-term infrastructure investment.
In his closing remarks, Ibrah
Wahabou, Head of the
Infrastructure Unit at AUDA-
NEPAD, emphasized that the
ongoing efforts will be further
strengthened in the second
half of PIDA PAP II, leading to
increased investment
mobilization and faster
implementation. “At the end of
the day, our success should
be measured by two factors:
first, the progress of the projects, and second, the amount of resources we have mobilized.
The commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders today in driving these projects forward
will determine the impact we can achieve.”
The meeting also agreed that the continued success of these projects depends on the
sustained efforts of all partners, especially in mobilizing investment, enhancing regional
capacities, and addressing challenges as they arise. The African Union’s efforts, in
collaboration with partners, are helping to enhance Africa’s infrastructure capacity while
contributing to the continent’s broader socio-economic development, regional integration,
and sustainability goals. //
For More information:
Ms. Zipporah Maubane: African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, Head of Communications and Advocacy
zipporahm@nepad.org
Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: BezayitE@africa-union.org|
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate, African
Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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