Unlocking Africas Potential

As the continent grapples with challenges ranging from energy access to transportation inefficiencies, the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa PIDA has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing not only the blueprint for a sustainable future but also the momentum for transformative change.

PIDA highlights the importance of strategic investments in Africas infrastructure as a driver of economic growth, regional cooperation, and sustainability. This agenda is endorsed by the African Union, the African Union Development Agency New Partnership for Africas Development AUDA-NEPAD, and key international partners such as the African Development Bank and UNECA. It is positioned as a critical pathway to unlocking the continents vast potential. However, while significant strides have been made, the road ahead is fraught with challenges that demand a renewed and collective commitment to overcome.

Since its inception in 2015, PIDA has focused on creating and supporting infrastructure projects across four key sectors: transport, energy, water, and information and communications technology ICT. The PIDA Priority Action Plan 2 PAP 2 outlines 69 transformative projects that aim to reshape the continents economic and social landscapes.

Among the most notable projects are the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, which, when completed, will be the worlds largest electricity generation scheme, and the vision of a navigable Nile River that would connect Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. These initiatives echo Africas long history of innovation and ambition, from the building of the pyramids to the modern-day infrastructure endeavours that could place Africa at the forefront of global development.

The results achieved over the past decade are compelling. Over 30m people have gained access to electricity, a critical foundation for economic growth. Roads and rail infrastructure have helped increase intra-African trade, with trade between African nations now accounting for 16 of the continents total trade. Additionally, significant progress in the water sector has enhanced agricultural production and trade, while ICT developments have accelerated Africas digital transformation, reaching over 25 broadband penetration across the continent. Notably, these projects have created over 160,000 direct and indirect jobs, fostering local economies and creating opportunities for millions of Africans.