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The Cape Town International Conference Center hosted on 16-17 July 2024, the Infrastructure Africa Forum. The Forum saw attendance from a diverse group, including government officials and policymakers, international and regional development partners, private sector investors and financiers, infrastructure development experts, and practitioners, as well as civil society organizations and advocacy groups.
Africa’s infrastructure development is critical to its economic growth and sustainable development. Infrastructure Africa Forum 2024 is therefore dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s infrastructure sector. Through plenary sessions, project pitch sessions, breakout sessions, exhibitions, and networking events, participants engage in discussions and share insights on best practices, innovative solutions, and successful case studies.
During the opening of the forum, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean MacPherson highlighted that infrastructure plays a central role in improving competitiveness, facilitating domestic and international trade, and enhancing the continent’s integration into the global economy.
“Most importantly, it can bring dignity to people who live very difficult lives in very difficult circumstances,” said the Minister.
He further reiterated that it is now time to re-imagine infrastructure development in our country and contemplate how we can better forge regional infrastructure integration that will unlock new economic opportunities between South Africa and our neighbors.
The Forum facilitated critical discussions and pitches for the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Priority Action Plan 2 projects. It featured dedicated deal rooms, providing project owners the opportunity to present their infrastructure initiatives to stakeholders, including potential investors.
Showcasing Achievements and Building Partnerships
The event provided a platform for AUDA-NEPAD to showcase and highlight the achievements and milestones of selected PIDA Priority Action Plan 2 projects. It also fostered partnerships with investors, development partners, and stakeholders to secure financing and technical support for ongoing and future projects.
AUDA-NEPAD also featured a PIDA exhibition booth to display project information, reports, and multimedia presentations.
Dr. Towela Nyirenda-Jere, AUDA-NEPAD Head of Infrastructure, Digitalisation, and Energy, participated in panel discussions on cross-border infrastructure development, focusing on the role of regional cooperation and economic integration. Dr Nyirenda-Jere spoke on the critical role for the private sector in cross-border infrastructure development. She noted that private sector participation in these projects amounts to less than 5% of total investments.
“We need to address the challenge of financing for early-stage project preparation that would help to unlock and catalyse further investments upstream, especially from the private sector. Working with member states, AUDA-NEPAD aims to contribute to the enabling environment that private sector often quotes as a pre-requisite for their investment”, she said.
Highlighted Projects
AUDA-NEPAD hosted deal rooms where three substantial projects were presented by project owners, emphasising sustainable infrastructure and regional development:
- Angololo Multi-purpose Water Resources Development Project: Valued at $150 million, this ambitious project aims to construct a regional dam and electric generation facility, enhancing water resource management and availability while also offering the potential for energy production through its solar component. It spans across two countries, Kenya and Uganda, showcasing a collaborative effort in addressing regional water needs.
- Douala-N’Djamena Rail Project: This 330 km rail project, estimated to cost $8.8 billion, is a significant venture between Chad and Cameroon. It aims to transform the agriculture and mining sectors of both countries by improving transportation infrastructure. The rail line will enhance the efficiency and capacity of transporting goods, thereby boosting economic activities and regional trade.
- IGAD-Transborder Submarine Fiber, Regional Smart Hub, and Data Centre: This project includes interconnectivity between Kenya and eight neighbouring countries, relaying the Kenyan terrestrial fiber network connecting the submarine cable landing at Mombasa to their borders. It also includes a regional smart hub and a data center.
These deal rooms served as a dynamic platform for project owners to engage directly with investors and other stakeholders. This interaction is crucial for advancing these infrastructure projects from the planning stages to tangible developments. The support from AUDA-NEPAD through PIDA highlights a concerted effort to mobilize resources and expertise for sustainable infrastructure growth across the continent.
The Infrastructure Africa Forum, through these deal rooms, exemplified the importance of collaboration, investment, and strategic planning in addressing Africa’s infrastructure challenges. As these projects move forward, they promise to bring significant benefits to the regions involved, fostering economic growth and improved quality of life.
AUDA-NEPAD’s participation in Infrastructure Africa 2024 was a valuable opportunity to advance PIDA as the continent’s infrastructure agenda. By showcasing achievements, fostering partnerships, and advocating for inclusive development, PIDA can significantly contribute to Africa’s sustainable growth and integration.
SOURCE: AUDA-NEPAD
