Skip to main content

Africa embarks on infrastructure development programme

African heads of state have endorsed the launch of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), a multi-billion dollar initiative that will run through until 2040. Following their 18th summit, held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, they approved the implementation of the recommendations in the study on PIDA.
May 11, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
African heads of state have endorsed the launch of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), a multi-billion dollar initiative that will run through until 2040.

Following their 18th summit, held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, they approved the implementation of the recommendations in the study on PIDA.

The study was a joint initiative of the African Union (AU), the 1586 African Development Bank and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) Planning and Coordination Agency.

PIDA’s main goal is to accelerate the delivery of Africa’s current and future regional and continental infrastructure projects in transport, energy, information and telecommunications technologies, as well as transboundary waterways.

Its projects are designed to support Africa’s regional and continental integration, and PIDA’s longer term goal is to enhance the physical integration of Africa, boost intra-African trade, and raise African competitiveness in the global economy.

This is based on expert projections that African countries will grow by an average of 6% a year until 2040, implying that over 30 years the GDP of African countries will multiply six-fold. This continuing growth and prosperity will swell the demand for infrastructure.

Alex Rugamba, the African Development Bank’s director for NEPAD, regional integration and trade, said: “We also foresee the creation of up to 15 million new jobs from the construction, operation and maintenance of PIDA projects. Many more millions of jobs will also be created indirectly through the increased economic activity that will result from PIDA projects.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • ERIC2016 the driver to European prosperity
    June 22, 2016
    From 18-20 October 2016, the European Union Road Federation (ERF), in partnership with the Road Safety markings Association (RSMA) will present the 1st European Road Infrastructure Congress (ERIC2016) in the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. Spanning three days, ERIC will bring together policymakers, road authorities, academics, research laboratories and industry representatives from across Europe and other countries to exchange good practices and present new research findings. The focus is on how to imp
  • Boom in Asian infrastructure investment
    February 8, 2012
    Investment in China and India continues unabated, but other nations on the continent are eager to attract companies as Patrick Smith reports Asia is still booming despite the current economic crisis, and new infrastructure programmes are constantly coming on stream. Powerhouses China and India, with their double-digit growth figures and huge infrastructure plans (in scope and cost), are leading the way and are still magnets for businesses wishing to expand, both in terms of facilities and customers. But oth
  • New road safety system from World Bank
    July 13, 2020

    A new approach to road safety is being promoted by the World Bank (WB). This is intended to meet the needs of the new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), which addresses traffic and road safety under Standard 4, Community Health and Safety. The standard requires that all WB projects avoid or minimise road safety risks and impacts. It applies not just to the communities where the project is being done, but also project workers and road users. Any project with potential road safety implications must develop measures and plans to address these risks.

  • Importance of continued transportation investment
    February 27, 2012
    The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world