PIDA urges Africa infrastructure innovation

Accelerating solutions to Africa’s infrastructure gaps must be taken seriously if Africa is to realise the aspirations of its people as enshrined in the continent’s blueprint for development, Agenda 2063 and the global agenda for sustainable development.

This was the conclusion by ministers and delegates to the fourth Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe’s State Minister for Matebeleland North Province, Richard Moyo, said the acceleration would add impetus to the continent’s integration process. “We need to have the right infrastructure mix and align our national infrastructural projects to the PIDA programme for collective gain.”

NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, stressed the need to “continue holding a constructive dialogue with all the partners, including the private sector so that we can deliver concretely.”

For his part, Infrastructure Director, African Union, Cheik Bedda, emphasized the importance of good governance to promote infrastructural development that will positively impact the continent’s economies.

Representatives of the European Union and the GIZ, a major partner to NEPAD and its partners in the PIDA programme, also spoke in support of Africa’s quest for an integrated infrastructure network.

“Big change is on the way for Africa through PIDA and we have to stay the course. Huge investments are required for it to become a reality. We as GIZ are with you. There are also huge opportunities in terms of human capital as well for the continent at all levels,” said GIZ African Union Office Director, Ms. Inge Baumgarten.

The meeting also noted the need to increase projects under construction from the current 32 to 50 percent if Africa is to achieve its developmental aspirations. Furthermore, the continent should create an enabling environment for the private sector to have space to buy into the continent’s key priority projects.