8th Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa Week Kicks Off in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, November 26, 2024 (FBC) – The 8th Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week, the African Union’s strategic framework for enhancing the continent’s physical integration officially commenced today in Addis Ababa.

PIDA Week, which stands as a premier event, has brought together Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, along with other government officials and invited guests.

This year’s theme, “Fostering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure for Africa’s Sustainable Growth: Leveraging Transformative Financing and Regional Integration,” highlights the vital role of innovation, collaboration, and transformative financing in addressing Africa’s infrastructure investment gap.

Organized by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) in collaboration with the African Union and Ethiopia, PIDA Week 2024 is set to be a landmark event, showcasing the significant progress and achievements of PIDA and its diverse stakeholders.

More than 1,000 participants from various sectors are also attending the event as it has been providing a dynamic platform for discussions, knowledge-sharing, product exhibitions, and collaborations.

The event will also bring together representatives from African governments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Pan-African institutions, international financial institutions, development partners, investors, the private sector, civil society, and infrastructure developers—all united in their mission to promote sustainable infrastructure development across Africa.

PIDA Week will serve as a key space to strengthen multilateral cooperation, bringing together key players committed to the preparation and implementation of critical infrastructure projects across the continent, as called by ENA.

As a flagship event, PIDA Week plays a central role in advancing the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, a strategic framework designed to enhance the continent’s physical integration.

The initiative is supported by the African Union Commission (AUC), AUDA-NEPAD, the African Development Bank and the Economic Commission for Africa.

Since its inception, PIDA has delivered notable and tangible results, prioritizing regional infrastructure projects in critical sectors such as transport, energy, water, and ICT key elements in driving greater interconnectivity across Africa.