The 7th Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week 2021 has kicked off in Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) Nairobi, through a hybrid format and will take place from 28th February to 4th March 2022.
PIDA Week aims to bring together international and regional expertise from multiple stakeholders to deliberate on the issues around infrastructure delivery in Africa, and those related to PIDA.
Speaking during a pre-opening session, Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina, said governments are responsible for creation of conducive environment for business.
“It’s the Government’s responsibility to create a conducive environment for business to thrive! Africa needs to invest in integrated infrastructure to develop.” Said CS Maina.
Adding that: “Our priority is to deepen Public- Private Partnerships to fast track infrastructure development in the region.”
She underscored the role of SMEs in the growth of the economy noting that in Africa, the SMEs make up 90 percent of the private sector and provide an estimated 80 percent of jobs across the continent.
This years event will focus on how Africa can lead the way in the delivery of infrastructure in a post-COVID era, supporting the economic and social imperatives of the continent in the digital age.
In addition to the typical issues impacting on infrastructure delivery on the continent, PIDA Week will consider thematic issues such as:
Infrastructure priorities in the PIDA PAP II
Financial requirements of PIDA PAP II projects need project preparation funding
Market sounding of advanced PIDA PAP II projects
Post-COVID 19 infrastructure financing, delivery, and resilience
The critical role of infrastructure in the implementation of AfCFTA and for post COVID-19 Recovery
COVID-19 impact of reduced economic growth and changes in investment and exports patterns on the continent
The likely transformation in demand for and consumption of transport, energy, ICT and social infrastructure.
The main objectives of the 7th PIDA Week are to provide a platform to showcase and deliberate on inclusiveness in infrastructure development in Africa through the PIDA Integrated Corridor Development Approach.
To showcase progress made in the implementation of PIDA projects and related initiatives and share lessons and experiences on the implementation of PIDA projects.
By Fred Azelwa.