United Nations Economic Commission for Africa - NEPAD

2019 PIDA Week

sroea.editor — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 08:35:05 +0000

Positioning Africa to deliver on Agenda 2063 and economic integration through multi-sectorial approaches to infrastructure development

25 November 2019 to 29 November 2019

Cairo, Egypt

The African Union Commission (AUC), the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) are pleased to announce that the 2019 PIDA Week will be held from 25 – 29 November 2019 in Cairo, Egypt. (Grand Nile Tower Hotel)

The overall goal of PIDA - Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa - is to promote socio-economic development and poverty reduction in Africa through improved access to integrated regional and continental infrastructure networks and services.

Contributing directly to AU’s Agenda 2063, PIDA aims to interconnect the continent in the areas of transport, energy, information and communications technology (ICT) and trans-boundary water management. PIDA thus provides a common framework for African stakeholders to build the infrastructure necessary to integrate the continent physically, economically and socially, offering opportunities to boost Intra- African trade, create new jobs for Africa’s growing population and improve overall socio-economic development on the continent.

PIDA Week 2019 will build upon the relative achievements and momentum gained in the previous events and will take the approach of fostering connections between infrastructure and multi-sectoral development. It will focus on issues such as the connections between infrastructure and the water-energy-food nexus, infrastructure and job creation and infrastructure and Industrialisation. Additionally, as part of the strategy of cross-linkages with PIDA stakeholders, the 2019 PIDA Week will incorporate the Africa Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) Annual Conference and Annual General Assembly (AGM).

Please feel free to consult 2019 PIDA website for further information

Please register online at https://pidaweek.app.rsvpify.com.

2019 PIDA week Concept Note

2019 PIDA Programme

Stories

New multilateral Working Group on Infrastructure and Energy launched by AUC, ECA and AfDB

Working towards a win-win infrastructure partnership with non-African Countries

Funding of regional projects at the heart of discussion during PIDA week

ECA-led road safety initiative praised by officials in Cairo

Photos

Site Visit - New Cairo

Launch of joint thematic working group on infrastructure & Energy

Closing Session

Competitiveness and efficiency of the ports as key elements in integrated corridor Approach

Consultation on the on-going process of developing the common African Strategy for infrastructure partnerships

2019 PIDA Week Opening

Songwe: Transition to the Africa we want is possible if we make the right choices

Minilik.Demissie — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 12:15:34 +0000

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Songwe: Transition to the Africa we want is possible if we make the right choices

Minilik.Demissie — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 12:04:27 +0000

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 08, 2019 (ECA) – The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Friday assured member States that it will continue to work hard with its partners in supporting the continent’s efforts to accelerate development and growth.

ECA Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe, who was among a host of African luminaries and partners at the launch of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD’s (AUDA-NEPAD) new report; Africa’s path to 2063: Choice in the face of great transformations, said as the continent’s premier think tank, the ECA was up to the task and ‘will continue to work with the African Union and others to ensure that the transition to an Africa we want becomes possible’.

She lauded AUDA-NEPAD for the report she said will provide a pathway to prosperity for Africa as envisioned in the continent’s 50-year development plan, Agenda 2063.

“I see this report as a toolkit for where we want to go with Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030,” said Ms. Songwe, adding it was also a reminder of the crucial choices Africa’s leaders should take if the continent is to accelerate growth and development.

While lending ECA’s support to the continent, the ECA Chief also made a clarion call for action when it comes to poverty alleviation, digital technology, governance, corruption and policy issues.

“The future Africa wants will be determined by how well she is governed. The prosperous continent that we all want will not materialize if we do not have the right governance setting to make the right decisions for in the end it is a transparent and accountable leadership that decides the future. Governance remains at the heart of it all,” said Ms. Songwe.

She continued: “We do not know what Africa will look like in 2063 but we do know what we do not want it to look like. We need to ensure that we take paths that will guarantee that we learn from the past and from the presence and ensure we get to the prosperity that we want.”

Ms. Songwe implored the continent to revisit some of its policies and come up with ones that will ensure inclusive growth.

“If we continue with the inequalities we have in many of our countries then we will not be able to achieve Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 aspirations,” she said.

To fully maximize on opportunities in digital identification, digital trade and digital economy, there’s a lot Africa can do, Ms. Songwe said as she explained what the ECA and its partners are doing through its centre of excellence for digital ID, digital trade and digital economy.

“Africa should move from being takers of technology and move towards being creators and developers. That way we can grow, create jobs and reduce poverty. All we have to ensure is that our governance and policies work well,” she said, adding a diversified education was the route to a diversified African economy.

Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Richard Sezibera, who also witnessed the launch, implored African leaders to implement decisions agreed on as the first step towards moving the continent to prosperity.

AUDA-NEPAD CEO, Ibrahim Mayaki said strengthening analysis and data planning capacity was critical for Africa's path to 2063.

AUDA-NEPAD and the Pardee Center hope the study, which gives unique analytical insights with regard to the implications - positive or negative - these transitions may or are already having on Africa’s Agenda 2063 advances, will stimulate, inform and guide critical analysis and determination of national pathways towards prosperity.

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

Experts weigh in on new strategy for financing Africa's infrastructure

chicho.ernest — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 10:23:15 +0000

Nairobi, 3 December 2018 (ECA) - A draft report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) titled, “Attracting Institutional Investors in Africa’s Infrastructure,” has undergone a thorough review by experts from wide-ranging sectors, including infrastructure, finance, stock exchange, academia, investment, and legal, among others.

The report builds on recommendations from an ECA-NEPAD study commissioned by African heads of state, where domestic resource mobilization is highlighted as a more sustainable option for financing infrastructure development on the continent.

In his welcome remarks at the opening of the two-day expert group meeting on 29 November in Nairobi, Stephen Karingi, Director of ECA’s Regional Integration and Trade Division, told the experts that improved transboundary infrastructure is crucial for the continent to reap the benefits of the AfCFTA.

“We need, therefore, to address any perceptions and realities that can dissuade potential investors from our transboundary infrastructure projects,” he added.

The objective of the report, as explained by Adeyinka Adeyemi who heads ECA’s Infrastructure and Regional Integration cluster, is to “present, from a quantitative perspective, information on the quantum of resources that need to be leveraged, as well as guarantee instruments available to the African institutional investment community to encourage further investments.”

Africa’s infrastructure deficit is estimated at over $130 billion per annum. The ECA report accentuates on the need to explore capital from pension funds and sovereign wealth funds in Africa to accelerate the continent’s infrastructure development.

One of the experts, Hubert Danso - CEO of Africa Investor (Ai) Group - said he was pleased that African pension funds and sovereign funds have entered into a new partnership called the 5% Agenda with African governments.

“The 5% agenda is an agreement between African asset owners, institutional investors and heads of state, which says over the next five years we commit to employ our best endeavors to invest up to 5% of our assets as new infrastructure capital, especially if governments can create a more hospitable environment for long term institutional investment.”

Mr. Danso deplored the fact that “the regulatory environment under the PPP framework has always tended to favor development partners and development finance institutions, which are “debt providers” whereas institutional investors are “long-term equity providers.”

The experts were unanimous on the view that Africa needs to move from the old model where the continent was seen more as a developmental opportunity rather than a commercial and thriving environment for investment, economic growth, and job creation.

The deliberations included a comparative and competitive analysis of financial guarantees that are available to institutional investors and venture capitals angle investors, private sector investors, amounts others.

In total, African Pension and Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) investors hold combined assets exceeding USD 500 billion, a figure that is projected to continue growing at a pace of about 1.2% to 1.5% annually.

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

PIDA Week ends with calls on Africa to accelerate implementation of game-changing infrastructure projects

Minilik.Demissie — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 06:50:06 +0000

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, November 29, 2018 (ECA) – 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 attending 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, Mr. 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, the African Union’s Infrastructure Director, Mr. 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.

There was consensus on “bankable and smart infrastructure with cross border orientation”, which would propel socio-economic growth. Governments were urged to proactively involve all stakeholders, in particular communities to make the projects inclusive and true enablers for development.

To realize NEPAD’s 5 percent Agenda and the African Infrastructure Guarantee Mechanism (AIGM), the delegates recommended the establishment of PIDA project specific working groups to focus on data transparency and dissemination; advocacy work; project development; review and funding; partnerships and capacity building.

They also pledged to launch and use the PIDA Job Creation Toolkit as a part of the package and means to attract and convince pertinent stakeholders, including financiers and development partners on the benefits of key PIDA priority projects in the construction phase.

The PIDA Quality Label received recognition as a framework needed to ensure projects fulfil set criteria.

They further recommended that PIDA PAP 2 (2020-2030) draws from the ongoing review and consultative process and ensure that it is has a realistic list of projects that should be inclusive of all sectors as well as a strong strategy to communicate progress on priority PIDA projects and facilitate sharing of lessons and experiences on the implementation of PIDA projects.

The partners, including the African Union Commission (AUC), NEPAD Agency, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), vowed to continue working together to put in place sustainable capacity building mechanisms for key infrastructure sectors on the continent and to invest in efforts to accelerate development of key infrastructure projects.

The 4th PIDA Week was held under the theme; Realizing Africa’s Integration through Smart Infrastructure and Good Governance.

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

Private sector urged to invest in Africa’s transboundary infrastructure projects

Minilik.Demissie — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 06:36:10 +0000

Language English

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Private sector urged to invest in Africa’s transboundary infrastructure projects

chicho.ernest — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 03:41:46 +0000

Nairobi, 28 November 2018 (ECA) - A senior adviser on regional integration and trade at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Adeyinka Adeyemi, has assured private sector investors that dependable mechanisms have been established to facilitate and safeguard investment in transboundary projects across Africa.

“I am pleased to inform you that we now have the PIDA Model Law - a harmonized Africa-wide legal framework to facilitate private sector investment in transboundary projects on the continent,” said Mr. Adeyemi.

He pointed out that for so long many investors have said Africa is too risky for investment because of the plethora of policies, laws and regulations involved in transboundary projects but that “with the PIDA Model Law in place, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.”

He was speaking during a side event organized on the margins of the Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi to raise awareness and spur stakeholders and investors into prioritizing the Lamu Port, South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project, given its “tremendous economic potentials.”

In highlighting her government’s interest and commitment to LAPSSET, Ethiopia’s transport minister, Dagmawit Moges, noted “the government of Ethiopia strongly believes that the investment and tourism potential of Southern Ethiopia is interlinked with the LAPSSET Corridor Program.”

She said the project “bears hope and dreams to the peoples of the three countries, and I would like to reassure Ethiopia’s commitment to the realization of such a noble aspiration.”

Ms. Moges emphasized that apart from infrastructural linkages, LAPSSET partners have a crucial role to enhance the economic viability of the corridor by investing in other complementary projects such as special economic zones, free trade areas, and industrial parks.

In the same light, the cabinet secretary for Kenya’s ministry of transport, infrastructure, housing and urban development, James Macharia, noted that significant progress has been made but that governments need to take the lead and invest significantly in the project in order to attract the private sector.

“LAPSSET has moved from being a concept to being a reality. Now, more investment is needed. But for the private sector to come in, they must see what the government has done,” said Mr. Macharia.

NEPAD’s Ibrah Wahabou indicated that the project construction and operational phases will create significant job opportunities in all three countries and must therefore be given utmost priority. He gave a compelling breakdown in his presentation titled ‘PIDA Job creation Toolkit: optimizing LAPSSET job creation potential.’

For his part, Stephen Karingi, ECA’s Director of Regional Integration and Trade stated that LAPSSET is supposed to play a part in the realization of the Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) because “we cannot harness the potential of the AfCFTA unless we have movement of persons and goods and services, and cross-border trade facilitation and investment.

ECA’s Adeyemi assured potential investors that “your money is safe,” adding “if I personally had the money and was not working for the UN, LAPSSET is exactly where I’ll invest without fear.”

The event, which took place on 27 November in Nairobi was co-organized by ECA and the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: ecainfo@uneca.org

Let us make Africa’s infrastructure competitive, Zimbabwean Minister urges continent at PIDA Week

Minilik.Demissie — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 06:24:22 +0000

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, November 27, 2018 (ECA) – Africa needs to unite and work hard to reverse colonial infrastructure systems which promoted the extraction of profitable agricultural and mineral wealth for export at the expense of local communities and the continent,” Zimbabwe’s Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister, Joel Biggie Matiza said Monday.

Speaking during the opening session of the 2018 PIDA Week in Victoria Falls, Mr. Matiza said for Africa to fully develop and integrate, there was need for the continent to focus on infrastructure development, in particular transboundary projects, to ensure it was competitive enough to make a difference.

“Historically African countries inherited underdeveloped infrastructure geared towards exports-imports transportation rather than focusing on transforming and improving local production capacity as well as promoting intra-Africa trade. This is reason for us to reverse this legacy and as a continent we have crafted a new trajectory through PIDA, a turning point we should follow to ensure we transform the current state of affairs,” he said.

Mr. Matiza hailed PIDA for its efforts in trying to bridge Africa’s infrastructure deficit. He said PIDA Week offered a valuable opportunity for policymakers, project developers, private sector, civil society, and academia to exchange views and proffer solutions towards the implementation of regional infrastructure projects on the continent.

“PIDA is such a vital initiative, not only to catalyse intra-African trade but perhaps more important to provide a wider platform to encourage investment,” he said.

For his part, Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Agency, Mr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, said Africa needs to accelerate the development of transboundary infrastructure projects if it is to fully integrate. He said a lot of progress has been made since African leaders adopted PIDA in 2012.

“We recognise that optimal solutions for continental problems lie in regional integration. We are getting there progressively, but we need to accelerate implementation if we want regional integration. It’s not a question of lack of financial resources, it is a question of lack of bankable projects and sound rules. So we need to do our homework,” said Mr. Mayaki, adding that local, national and regional governance was key to the success Africa seeks in closing its infrastructure deficit.

Challenges

The African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid said the current low levels of infrastructure on the continent posed one of the biggest challenges to Africa’s industrialization and development agenda, which is having a negative impact on Africa's competitiveness and participation in the global markets.

According to the World Bank, the poor state of infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa in respect of its electricity, water, roads and ICT, reduces national economic growth by 2 percent annually and reduces productivity by as much as 40 percent.

“Meeting Africa’s infrastructure needs and developing cost-effective infrastructure services requires significant investments,” the Commissioner said, adding the continent should turn its challenges in infrastructure development into an opportunity.

The financing gap in Africa for infrastructure development is estimated at between US$130 -170 billion per year.

“Despite encouraging investments on infrastructure, both at the domestic and international levels, which averages about US$75 billion per year, there is a need for significant increase in infrastructure investments on the continent,” Dr. Abou-Zeid added.

She added: “There have been remarkable achievements within a short period of time considering the many barriers that exist within the continent. However, the scale of the challenge in infrastructure development on the continent calls for more accelerated implementation and innovative approaches to meet-up with the increasing demand for infrastructure services.”

For his part African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development, Mr. Raila Amollo Odinga, said Africa needs to move away from the conference and feasibility study syndrome and move to implement agreed projects if it is to successfully integrate and achieve sustainable development and change the lives of its citizens for the better.

“Transformational decisions have to be taken if we are to move ahead. Africa must deal with political bottlenecks that hamper its development or we shall never compete,” said Mr. Odinga. “We must also overcome the habitual of feasibility study after feasibility study syndrome without implementing. We must change.”

Ms. Carla Montesi, European Commission's Director for Planet and Prosperity and a representative of COMESA Secretary General, Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe, also spoke in the opening session in support of Africa’s desire to invest in infrastructural development that will support Africa’s growth.

Ms. Montesi said the EU will continue to support Africa in its quest for an integrated infrastructure that generates jobs for the youth; helps reduce poverty; and supports regional integration.

Mr. Xiao Weiming, Director-General of the Belt and Road Unit, National Development and Reform Commission, the People's Republic of China, said his country will continue to work with African nations to help build their infrastructure capacity.

He said China will continue to enhance cooperation with Africa through infrastructure development, adding PIDA was a transformative initiative that will change the face of Africa if fully and successfully implemented.

The 4th PIDA Week is being held under the theme; Realizing Africa’s Integration through Smart Infrastructure and Good Governance, and it intends to build on the relative achievements and the momentum created in the previous three events to continue to engage stakeholders on the effective delivery of infrastructure on the continent.

The event welcomed more than 400 participants brought together an impressive line-up of top-level government representatives, influential industry leaders, private sector, leading thinkers from international institutions, government, academia, business and finance.

It aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in accelerating and synergizing their efforts to accelerate projects preparation and implementation; mobilize adequate financial and technical resources for projects; increase private sector participation in PIDA implementation; and mobilize Member States to integrate the PIDA projects into their national development plans.

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

ECA’s Soteri urges African countries to sign the Luxembourg Protocol

Minilik.Demissie — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 05:24:55 +0000

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, November 26, 2018 (ECA) - Railways are the key to open and free trade across Africa and their development is critical to the continent’s sustainable development agenda, Soteri Gatera, Chief of Industrialisation and Infrastructure at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

In a presentation at PIDA Week 2018 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Mr. Soteri said Africa badly needs an integrated railway network, especially as its roads cannot contain the growing strain from trucks transporting goods across the continent.

“Lack of integrated African rail networks is holding back African growth and intra-continental trade,” he said, adding moving passengers and freight onto high speed rail networks was vital for environmental, social and economic reasons.

Doing this requires billions of dollars in investment infrastructure and rolling stock but States’ resources are limited.

“There is an urgent need for more rolling stock. It is clear that States cannot carry this burden alone and private entrepreneurs and private capital is needed to ensure the dream comes true,” said Mr. Soteri in his presentation titled The Luxembourg Rail Protocol: Railway Rolling Stock Financing – A new solution. for Africa.

The Luxembourg Protocol, which was adopted in 2007 but is still not in force, creates a new global legal regime for securing creditors, facilitating more and cheaper asset based financing of railway equipment without state support.

Entry into force needs four ratifications and an international registry ready to begin operations. The European Union, Gabon, Luxembourg and Sweden are the only ones who have ratified to protocol so far. Italy, Germany, France, Mozambique, Switzerland and UK have signed but are yet to ratify. Finland and Malta have signaled that they would be signing shortly.

The protocol is expected to be in force in contracting states by late 2019.

Mr. Gatera urged African countries to ratify the protocol saying it removes a significant financial burden from governments; liberates public and private operators to obtain private sector finance for rolling stock when needed thereby placing no budgetary constraints on States.

“There are many benefits which include encouraging foreign investment in the railways; creating a key driver for a modal shift from road to rail with various environmental, social and economic advantages; opens up non-recourse private financing of existing fleets and it’s an important part of any PPP strategy,” he said.

Other benefits are cheaper finance available for railway development; lower Export Credit Agency (ECA) premiums; and eliminates complex documentation and structures.

“The Luxembourg Protocol will support African economic integration and high speed rail networks through the provision of common rules covering cross border operation of rolling stock,” said Mr. Soteri, adding for public and private operators, the protocol opens up new capital sources and new ways of doing business – operating leasing leading to a larger, more dynamic, efficient, transparent and competitive industry

“As such it will be a game changer and will help Africa achieve its economic potential. We need your help to make this tremendous tool a reality. Governments need to sign and then ratify the Luxembourg Rail Protocol and lead the way.”

Experts say the protocol will also encourage foreign inward investment and support non-discriminatory infrastructure use at a time when new rail projects and technology will require unprecedented investment in railway equipment in Africa.

The Rail Working Group, a not for profit global industry group based in Switzerland which formed in 1996, is championing the Luxembourg Rail Protocol.

Delegates also discussed the Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM), which Nepad Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, said has the potential for remarkable transformation that will build prosperity while connecting the African continent.

“The Nepad Agency is leading the sub- core team on SAATM infrastructure and we are committed to working with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and other partners to reduce fares and costs of travel by 50 percent to achieve air traffic double- digit growth rates in Africa by 2023,” he said.

Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo, is championing the SAATM project.

The 2018 PIDA Week is being held under the theme; PIDA Implementation through Good Governance – Realizing Smart Infrastructure for Africa’s Integration.

Issued by:

Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org

Africa’s infrastructure deficit under spotlight as PIDA Week 2018 opens in Victoria Falls

Minilik.Demissie — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 12:14:15 +0000

Language English

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Focus Group:

NEPAD

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Africa’s infrastructure deficit under spotlight as PIDA Week 2018 opens in Victoria Falls