Your Excellencies, Esteemed Delegates, Ladies, and Gentlemen,

It is a privilege to welcome you to the 8th PIDA Week in Addis Ababa, a city emblematic of Africa’s unity and ambitions. I extend my heartfelt thanks to His Excellency, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, for his gracious support of this gathering. Your unwavering leadership and personal involvement in today’s opening ceremony reflect your dedication to fostering Africa’s development and strengthening regional integration. We are immensely grateful for your continued assistance.

Since its inception in 2015, PIDA Week has become a vital platform for infrastructure advancement across Africa. Co-organized by the African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, the African Development Bank, and UNECA, this event provides an essential forum for evaluating our progress, tackling challenges, and forging strategic collaborations. This year’s theme, “Fostering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure for Africa’s Sustainable Growth: Leveraging Transformative Financing and Regional Integration,” emphasizes our commitment to confronting the pressing infrastructure issues that Africa faces. Building on the momentum from the 2022 Dakar Financing Summit and the recent launch of the PIDA First 10-Year Implementation Report in Nairobi, we gather to explore innovative solutions that will reshape the infrastructure landscape and propel our common vision for the continent forward.

The accomplishments of PIDA over the past decade demonstrate Africa’s potential when driven by determination and cooperation. The current Priority Action Plan 2 (PAP 2) encompasses 69 transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, and ICT. Among these are groundbreaking initiatives such as the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, which, upon completion, will become the largest electricity generation facility globally, and the ambitious plan to create a navigable link along the Nile River from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. These visionary projects remind us of Africa’s longstanding tradition of innovation, a legacy that dates back to the construction of the pyramids. Today, that same spirit of ingenuity fuels our infrastructure efforts, moving us step by step towards our ambitious vision for the continent.

The PIDA Ten-Year Implementation Report highlights significant achievements. More than 30 million people have gained access to electricity, which has transformed lives and spurred economic progress. Enhancements to road and rail networks have modestly increased intra-African trade, contributing to 16% of total trade. In the water sector, essential storage infrastructure bolsters agriculture and commerce, while broadband access has surpassed expectations, reaching over 25% and accelerating Africa’s digital transformation. Throughout the construction and operational phases, PIDA initiatives have generated over 160,000 direct and indirect jobs, demonstrating their substantial impact on employment and livelihoods. These milestones showcase the tangible outcomes of PIDA’s work while also highlighting the ongoing challenges we must address.

African infrastructure development continues to confront significant financing gaps, with only $82 billion secured out of the $360 billion needed by 2040. Many projects struggle for bankability due to insufficient initial preparation and persistent concerns about risk. Addressing these challenges requires a focus on three fundamental pillars: policies, partnerships, and financing. Effective regional coordination is essential, as evidenced by the success of treaty-based organizations and corridor initiatives that align national strategies with regional goals. Strengthening public-private partnerships is equally crucial to ensure that projects are sustainable, inclusive, and centered on community needs. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and risk guarantees, are vital for mobilizing the resources necessary to close the funding gap.

The transformative potential of Africa’s corridors is clear. These transport routes serve not only as links but also as vital channels for economic integration and industrial development. Projects such as the Lobito Corridor, which connects Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia, alongside the expansive Trans-African Highway Network, comprising over 56,000 kilometers, exemplify the crucial role of connectivity in boosting regional trade. The establishment of 32 One-Stop Border Posts has significantly enhanced cross-border trade, reducing delays and fostering regional collaboration. These corridors showcase how well-planned infrastructure can unlock economic opportunities, uplift communities, and support Africa’s broader developmental goals.

Access to energy is integral to sustainable development. Despite progress, more than half of Africa’s population still lacks dependable electricity. The Continental Power Systems Masterplan (CMP) offers an ambitious solution, aiming for 80% of Africa’s population to have electricity access by 2040 while facilitating intra-African electricity trade valued at $136 billion annually. This initiative aims to integrate renewable energy markets and interconnected power grids, positioning Africa as a leader in clean energy. Countries such as Morocco and South Africa have demonstrated impressive achievements through strategic policies and public-private collaborations, making significant strides in renewable energy production. However, challenges such as inadequate procurement frameworks and grid integration issues need to be tackled to fully unlock Africa’s energy potential.

The success of PIDA depends on addressing the pressing issues that shape Africa’s infrastructure landscape. One of the most critical challenges is risk mitigation. For far too long, perceptions of risk have hindered private sector participation, leaving significant financing gaps unaddressed. Implementing innovative financial instruments such as partial risk guarantees and blended finance presents a viable path forward. These mechanisms create an environment in which private capital can engage confidently, paving the way for transformative projects that redefine economies and unite regions.

Moreover, the need for integrated planning cannot be overstated. Infrastructure development cannot thrive in isolation. Energy, transport, water, and digitalization must be interwoven into a unified strategy, fostering synergies that enhance sustainability and long-term impact. Coordinating efforts across these interconnected sectors guarantees that every road, bridge, or power facility acts as a crucial link within a broader network that elevates communities and drives economic growth.

Local ownership adds another vital dimension to this agenda. Infrastructure projects must be rooted in the communities they are designed to serve. They cannot simply be external solutions imposed on unfamiliar settings. Public-private partnerships that involve local businesses and empower communities foster genuine engagement and facilitate ongoing maintenance. Building local capacities ensures that these initiatives are not only achievable but also embraced as vital engines of growth and transformation.

The true objective of PIDA extends beyond the mere construction of physical structures. Its core essence lies in its ability to transform lives. Roads and power grids are mere tools for enabling opportunities, fostering industries, and instilling hope throughout the continent. As PIDA progresses into its next phase, its attention must remain focused on empowering Africa’s citizens, nurturing vibrant markets, and supporting industrial growth.

Placing people at the center of this vision transforms everything. Infrastructure transcends mere concrete and steel; it becomes a catalyst for unlocking brighter futures and more resilient economies. When the needs and aspirations of Africa’s citizens form the foundation of every initiative, PIDA achieves far more than simply delivering infrastructure—it emerges as a powerful driver of prosperity, opportunity, and advancement.

Let us seize the opportunity presented by this 8th PIDA Week to reaffirm our collective commitment, engage in meaningful dialogues, and chart a path toward sustainable growth and regional integration. Your participation is a crucial element in realizing this vision.

Thank you.