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Rwanda is among the beneficiaries of the regional financial institution’s initiatives, including financing infrastructure projects and supporting private sector development.

The agriculture sector has received multimillion-dollar funding from the AfDB since the launch of its first project in 1974. As of November 2024, the institution had supported 46 projects to aid the Rwandan government’s efforts to enhance food security. Three projects are currently active, supported by $16.77 million in funding.

Through the multi-million dollar Bugesera Agricultural Development Support Project (PADAB) and the Inland Lakes Integrated Development and Management Support Project (PAIGELAC), the Bank has not only revolutionized farming and fisheries but also fostered resilience, uplifted livelihoods, and strengthened food security.

In the arid plains of Bugesera, farming was once a gamble with nature. The arrival of PADAB, however, turned this challenge into an opportunity.

An investment of $14.8 million between 2006 and 2013 introduced modern irrigation systems covering over 700 hectares in Bugesera. This has enabled farmers to grow crops year-round, significantly increasing yields of maize, beans, and vegetables.

Beyond irrigation, the rehabilitation of 260 kilometers of feeder roads has been a game-changer. Farmers can now transport produce to markets more quickly and at lower costs, reducing losses and increasing profits.

Through the multi-million dollar Bugesera Agricultural Development Support Project (PADAB), AfDB has transformed people’s livelihoods.

Additionally, training sessions on high-yield seeds and sustainable practices have made smallholder farmers more productive and resilient.

Anne, a farmer in Bugesera, is one of many beneficiaries. Once dependent on unpredictable rains, she now harvests surplus vegetables to sell at the market. 'I can now afford school fees for my children and invest in better farming tools,' she says.

PADAB has helped Anne and many others shift from subsistence farming to sustainable livelihoods.
On the other hand, Rwanda’s lakes have long been a lifeline for fishing communities, but overfishing and environmental degradation posed a serious threat to this vital sector.

PAIGELAC stepped in to revive inland fisheries, combining infrastructure upgrades, environmental conservation, and community training to ensure long-term benefits.

The construction of modern landing sites, cold storage facilities, and ice plants has drastically reduced spoilage, enabling fishers to supply high-quality products. Environmental restoration efforts, including watershed protection and reforestation, have safeguarded ecosystems, ensuring that fish stocks remain plentiful.

Nadine, a fish processor and entrepreneur, epitomizes this empowerment. After joining a PAIGELAC-supported training program, she expanded her business and now exports smoked fish to neighboring countries.
'This project changed my life,' she shares.

In the arid plains of Bugesera, farming was once a gamble with nature but now things have changed.

With her earnings, Nadine has built a home and educated her children, inspiring others in her community to follow her lead. Dnd just like her, thousands of women have also received training, loans, and tools, enabling them to lead agribusinesses and improve their families’ quality of life.

For François, a fisherman on Lake Muhazi, the results have been life-changing. 'With training and access to better facilities, my income has increased. I can now support my family and save for the future,' he says.

Since PAIGELAC’s inception, Rwanda’s fish production has grown to 17,000 tonnes annually, lifting thousands out of poverty.

As the regional multilateral financial institution celebrates 60 years, it has, through its initiatives, touched the lives of more than 700,000 Rwandans, supported 696 agribusinesses, and made significant strides in improving food security.

The Bank’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity ensures that its projects not only address immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. This is a pivotal role in supporting Rwanda’s vision to become an upper-middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050.

The agriculture sector has received multimillion-dollar funding from the AfDB since the launch of its first project in 1974

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Senegal and Chad End Military Cooperation with France

Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has called for the removal of French troops from the West African nation, citing national sovereignty.

In an interview with international media ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre—when hundreds of African riflemen were killed by French forces on December 1, 1944, for demanding their pay—Faye emphasized the incompatibility of military bases with Senegal’s independence.

'Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases,' Faye asserted.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April.

Faye also revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the Thiaroye incident as a massacre in an official letter.

“It is not enough to recognize it as a massacre; this acknowledgement must pave the way for full collaboration to uncover the complete truth about Thiaroye’s tragic events,” he stated.

Faye’s remarks coincided with Chad’s announcement on Thursday that it would terminate its security and defence cooperation agreement with France. This move aligns with a regional shift, as nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have recently expelled French forces to redefine their security partnerships.

Australia Bans Social Media for Children Under 16

Australia has enacted one of the world’s strictest regulations targeting Big Tech by banning social media access for children under 16.

Passed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the law requires platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, to block minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).

A trial phase for enforcing the law begins in January 2025, with the full ban taking effect in a year.

Passed on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the law requires platforms like Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, as well as TikTok, to block minors from logging in or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million).

Unlike similar legislation in France or U.S. states, which allow parental consent for access, Australia’s law is absolute. The move is aimed at addressing social media’s mental health impact on young people and could set a precedent for other governments globally.

Kenyan Deputy President’s Motorcade Attacked During Burial Ceremony

Recently impeached Kenya Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was on Thursday forced to scamper for safety after goons invaded a burial ceremony he was attending in Limuru within Kiambu County.

The attackers indiscriminately assaulted mourners, and Gachagua’s motorcade sustained damage.

A collage of images showing a vehicle belonging to Rigathi Gachagua, damaged during the ugly incident.

In a statement shared on X, the former Deputy president condemned the attack, claiming that the State had intentionally withdrawn his security detail to facilitate such an attack.

“Earlier this week the government withdrew the final aspects of my security that was in place after the impeachment process we are contesting. We did not raise issue with this decision although expectations were that any Kenyan who has served at the level of government that I was privileged to serve at, would be secured by government even after leaving office,” he alleged.

Gachagua, impeached in October for allegedly undermining President William Ruto and other officials, has contested his removal in court.

President Kagame Discusses DRC Security Crisis with Angola’s Lourenço

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço, held a phone discussion on Thursday about the security situation in eastern DRC.

Eastern DRC remains plagued by conflict between government forces and the M23 rebel group, which controls much of North Kivu Province.

The talks came after a November 27 discussion between Lourenço and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and a roadmap agreement between Rwanda, DRC, and Angola to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group in the region.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

Photos from the call showed Lourenço accompanied by his foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently participated in Rwanda-DRC talks in Luanda.

Rwanda Unveils National FinTech Strategy to Spur Financial Growth

Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT launched a five-year FinTech Strategy (2024—2029) on Thursday, aiming to foster a robust FinTech ecosystem and position the country as a regional financial hub.

The strategy prioritizes improving financial literacy, expanding access to investment, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and developing digital infrastructure.

“Today marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s digital transformation journey as we launch our national fintech strategy. This strategy represents not just a policy document but our country’s commitment to positioning Rwanda as a leading fintech hub in Africa,” Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire said during the launch in Kigali.

Rwandan Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire speaks during the launch of the National Fintech Strategy in Kigali on Thursday, November 28, 2024.

Rwanda aims to attract 300 FinTech players, generate 7,500 jobs, and raise $200 million in investments by 2029.

IGIHE

Many I spoke to call it luck, surviving by the skin of their teeth; others see their survival as an opportunity to be beacons of hope, voices for the voiceless. Their persistence proves that people can endure unspeakable adversity.

The Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as a striking memorial to the Genocide mass murders. In addition to being a center for repugnant history, it also functions as a learning center and a space for introspection.

Its role is also international in scope, advocating reconciliation, healing, and peacemaking via education across borders. In fact, for me visiting this memorial wasn’t just a journey to the past but a reflection of those lessons which Africa should urgently internalize in securing her future.

The Frailty of Peace

Growing up in my rural Kenyan neighborhood, I learned about the genocide in school, but the extent of its barbarity felt alien, and somewhat elusive—perhaps because I was only about one month old when it occurred and about twelve when I first learned it in school.

Walking through the Kigali Genocide Memorial, however, the reality became unequivocally stark: peace is easily disrupted. Rwanda’s story is a grim reminder that polarization, hate speech, and rampant bias can escalate into a crippling massacre.

Standing before walls inscribed with names, staring into photos of innocent victims, sent a sobering message about vigilance. Roots of animosity are often planted through careless remarks, policies of exclusion, or orchestrated propaganda campaigns. When cultivated by indifference or culpability, they morph into horrors.

The Power of Unity

Remarkably, Rwanda has demonstrated a power of unity and active resolution. This memorial keeps the remembrance of the victims alive as well as enlightens its visitors on the road to restoration for Rwanda.

With programs in place that facilitate dialogue, rebuilding communities, and holding people accountable as a nation, it is an example to show that even amidst a deeply divided population, reconciliation can be realized.

This is a lesson most needed on the African continent, which often finds itself torn apart by ethnic, political and tribal dispute. If Rwanda was able to rise from the ashes of genocide, why can’t other nations turn their conflicts into avenues for healing and advancement?

It takes strong leadership, for sure, but it also requires a united effort to highlight the mutual humanity that binds us together.

The Role of Education

The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as an important educational hub, particularly for young people. By confronting difficult truths, the memorial helps ensure that history is remembered and not repeated.

Education that promotes empathy, inclusivity and critical thinking must be given top priority for us Africans. To help them strive for a more cohesive future, it is our duty to teach our kids about our shared past, including its triumphs and sorrows.

My Experience: A Personal Call to Action

The experience of touring the Kigali Genocide Memorial was both life-changing and profound. In addition to serving as a devastating reminder of the depths of human evil, it also showed how remarkably resilient and forgiving we are when faced with such terrible grief.

I thought about how I could contribute to “Never Again” for it to become more than just a cliche and a reality that we all live by. I believe the answer lies in fostering dialogue, creating a path to harmony through education and immense support from allies.

For Africa, this means drawing lessons from Rwanda’s scars and successes to forge sustainable peace. With that said, I deeply appreciate the fact that the Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a memorial and a call to action for a continent that needs to heal.

Before it’s too late, let’s take note of these teachings. When we come together, Africa will continue to rise but when remain divided along the lines of ethnicity and hate, the continent will certainly come down crumbling.

The Author is a Digital Marketing and Communications Consultant based in Nairobi. She is a published author and a thought leader in the intersection of digital media, communications, and consumer behavior.

Ivy Wangui Mutahi

Over 36,000 refugees resettled from Rwanda to third countries in the last 18 years

The largest camp, Mahama, houses 68,115 refugees,

The announcement came during a discussion between the Ministry and the Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security on November 27, 2024.

Minister of Emergency Management, Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, explained that many refugees in Rwanda’s camps seek resettlement in countries like the USA, Canada, and others. “This year alone, 5,000 refugees have been resettled, bringing the total to 36,000 since 2006,” he stated.

The recent influx of refugees includes around 15,000 Congolese fleeing the ongoing M23 conflict, bringing the total number of refugees currently residing in Rwanda to approximately 16,000.

Rwanda continues to support its refugee population through employment programs and the provision of documentation that enables them to compete for jobs across various sectors of the economy.

Senator Evode Uwizeyimana raised concerns about some refugees who fabricate family connections to be resettled in specific countries, pointing out that those selected for resettlement may struggle to adapt or thrive in their new environments.

“Some refugees lie about family relationships with those who have already been resettled abroad. These individuals often feel disconnected, with no strong ties to either the host country or their country of origin,” Uwizeyimana said.

Minister Murasira acknowledged these challenges, emphasizing that individuals preparing for resettlement receive counseling from mental health professionals to ensure a smooth transition despite the difficulties.

He also noted that Rwanda hosts refugees from diverse regions, which contributes to the large refugee population in the country. However, he encouraged refugees to embrace both their host country and their home country.

Resettlement to third countries remains a key solution for refugees who are unable to integrate into their host country or return to their countries of origin.

As of the latest statistics, Rwanda is home to over 135,000 refugees. Mahama camp, houses 68,115 refugees, while other camps such as Kiziba, Kigeme, Mugombwa, Nyabiheke, and Nkamira shelter a combined total of over 67,000 refugees.

Mahama camp, houses 68,115 refugees.

IGIHE

The Rwandan government understands this too well, and its partnerships with the African Development Bank (AfDB) over the past six decades have continued to transform the country’s energy sector, putting Rwanda on the world map as one of the fastest-growing economies.

Since the inception of the regional multilateral development finance institution in 1964, Rwanda’s energy sector has benefited from AfDB financing for 16 energy projects. AfDB’s current project portfolio in Rwanda includes six projects, accounting for a $521.82 million investment in the country.

With such partnerships from AfDB and other development partners, Rwanda is well on its way to achieving universal electricity access by 2024, with over 74% of households connected as of 2023 up from 16.8% in 2012.

AfDB’s strategic investments have helped power the remotest villages, ensuring that homes, schools, and health centers benefit from reliable energy. The projects have also led to job creation, both during construction and in industries powered by the new energy infrastructure.

The energy sector is the driving force behind any nation’s growth and development.

Scaling Up Electricity Access Program (SEAP)

The SEAP has been a cornerstone of Rwanda’s journey toward universal electricity access. Over 8,112 kilometers of distribution lines have been established, connecting homes, schools, and businesses to the national grid.

The program has also provided over 193,000 new on-grid connections, including 2,112 productive use connections for small businesses. The rural electrification rate has surged, lighting up homes and powering economic activities across the country.

For Jacqueline, a shop owner in Nyamasheke, electricity has changed her life. Before SEAP, her shop closed at sundown due to the lack of power. Today, she runs a freezer to sell cold drinks, generating enough income to send her children to school.

'Electricity has changed everything,' Jacqueline says, reflecting the life-changing impact of the AfDB’s investments.

The KivuWatt project has unlocked the vast methane gas reserves of Lake Kivu to generate electricity.

KivuWatt: Harnessing Methane for Clean Energy

AfDB’s support for the KivuWatt project has unlocked the vast methane gas reserves of Lake Kivu to generate electricity. With an initial output of 26 MW and plans to expand to 100 MW, KivuWatt provides reliable, climate-friendly power, reducing reliance on wood and diesel.

This energy has spurred business growth in western Rwanda, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.

Renewable Energy Investments

AfDB has been instrumental in driving Rwanda’s push for clean energy. Solar projects have brought light to remote communities, benefitting over 20% of households outside the grid.

Additionally, small hydropower plants have provided affordable, sustainable energy to thousands, contributing to a renewable energy mix that now accounts for 50% of Rwanda’s energy supply. These investments not only reduce environmental impact but also lower energy costs for businesses and households.

Emmanuel, a farmer in Bugesera, now irrigates his crops using solar-powered pumps. 'I no longer rely on the rains, and my harvests have tripled,' he shares.

As the African Development Bank celebrates six decades of partnership with Rwanda, its contributions to the energy sector have proven essential in powering the nation’s growth. AfDB’s investments ensure that energy is not just a service, but a lifeline for development.

With energy at the core of Rwanda’s Vision 2050, AfDB remains a trusted partner, empowering the nation to build a sustainable, inclusive future.

The rural electrification rate has surged, lighting up homes and powering economic activities across the country.

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Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for the past three years, marked by clashes between a coalition of government forces and the armed M23 rebel group, which controls significant areas of North Kivu Province.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

From photos shared on social media, it appears that during the call, President Lourenço was accompanied by members of Angola’s foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently represented Angola in the Rwanda-DRC talks held in Luanda on November 25, 2024.

This dialogue followed another discussion President Lourenço held with DRC’s Félix Tshisekedi on November 27.

These engagements came shortly after Rwanda, DRC, and Angola’s envoys agreed on a roadmap to dismantle the FDLR, a terrorist group operating in the region.

The agreement to dismantle the FDLR is structured into three phases, to be completed within three months.

The first phase involves a thorough 15-day assessment of the FDLR’s threat level, pinpointing its bases, and evaluating its arsenal. This stage aims to establish a clear understanding of the group’s capabilities and operational reach.

Following this, the second phase will see the launch of coordinated military offensives targeting the FDLR and its affiliates. These operations will be conducted alongside joint evaluations overseen by Angola’s security leadership, ensuring a comprehensive and unified approach to neutralizing the group.

The final phase focuses on repatriating FDLR combatants back to Rwanda and reintegrating them into civilian life. Concurrently, efforts will be directed toward mending Rwanda-DRC relations, which have been strained since early 2022. This phase underscores the broader objective of fostering long-term peace and stability in the region.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, clarified that the M23 issue was not a primary focus of the November 25 talks. He noted that subsequent meetings would address M23-related concerns.

'We agreed to meet again to find solutions to this issue. As a country, we have highlighted three security concerns between Rwanda and the DRC: dismantling the FDLR, lifting our defensive measures, and resolving the M23 matter,' he said.

President Lourenço aims to facilitate direct dialogue between Kagame and Tshisekedi once their countries’ ministerial-level envoys finalize actionable solutions to restore peace and security in eastern DRC.

The office of President Lourenço, who serves as the African Union-appointed mediator between Rwanda and the DRC, stated that the conversation between the two leaders took place via phone.

From photos shared on social media, it appears that during the call, President Lourenço was accompanied by members of Angola’s foreign affairs and security teams, who had recently represented Angola in the Rwanda-DRC talks held in Luanda on November 25, 2024.

IGIHE

According to Egypt Today, the two ministers explored ways to deepen collaboration in key sectors, including health, trade, economic cooperation, and capacity building. They also discussed the exchange of expertise through training programs facilitated by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development.

The ministers expressed a shared desire to convene a joint committee between the two countries at the earliest opportunity and to organize a business forum during the committee’s proceedings. This forum would aim to foster stronger ties between the private sectors of both nations.

Additionally, the ministers reviewed progress on the “Egypt-Rwanda Magdi Yacoub Heart Center,” a significant initiative that expands the reach of one of Egypt’s leading heart treatment centers to Rwanda. The center is expected to be a major healthcare facility in Rwanda and the wider African region.

In the broader context, the two officials also discussed developments across the African continent. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the African Union’s institutions and promoting sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063. They also pledged mutual support for nominations in regional and international forums.

Rwanda and Egypt share a rich history of diplomatic relations. The Egyptian Embassy in Kigali was established in 1976, and Rwanda re-opened its embassy in Cairo in March 2015. The two countries have forged strong ties across multiple sectors, including political, economic, cultural, and development cooperation.

Both countries are active members of regional organizations such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, the African Union, and the Nile Basin Initiative.

The Egypt-Rwanda Joint Commission, which was established in 1989, has seen significant collaboration. In 2009, the second round of the Joint Commission led to the signing of ten cooperation agreements spanning agriculture, education, health, industrial development, and other sectors.

Notably, Egypt played a pivotal role in facilitating the construction of the Magdi Yacoub Rwanda-Egypt Heart Centre, which is set to become the first dedicated cardiac hospital in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa. The $20 million facility, currently under construction in Masaka, Kicukiro District, is expected to be completed in 2025.

In August 2024, the Rwandan government agreed to allocate land for the establishment of an Egyptian logistics hub. In return, Egypt committed to providing land for Rwanda to enhance trade and investment opportunities.

Additionally, Rwandan and Egyptian officials recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the supply of medical equipment and devices for the heart center once it is completed.

These developments reflect the ongoing strengthening of relations between Rwanda and Egypt, underscoring a shared commitment to mutual growth and cooperation across multiple sectors.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe (left), and his Egyptian counterpart, Badr Abdel Aati (right), held a phone call on Thursday during which they discussed new avenues for strengthening bilateral ties.

IGIHE

As we join the international community in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism, it is vital to shed light on the ongoing struggles faced by women worldwide, including from Israel and Rwanda, and reaffirm our collective commitment to eradicating this pervasive issue.​​

More than 400 days have passed since Hamas abducted hundreds of civilians from Israel. To date, 101 hostages, including women and children, remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip.

These hostages have been denied Red Cross access, and absolutely no contact with them has been allowed.​​ These precious human beings, including women and daughters, endure unimaginable isolation and suffering.

In this context, we recall that the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict has reported that there is clear and convincing information that some of the hostages have been subjected to various forms of sexual violence including rape and sexualized torture and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such violence is ongoing.

​​This enduring tragedy – which has unfolded over 400 days – underscores the need for urgent action to be undertaken by the international community, in line with the global commitments we have all endorsed under UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.​​ ​​

This landmark resolution calls on us to safeguard women and girls in conflict and prevent their victimization.​​ So long as the hostages remain in custody, and continue to be brutalized by Hamas, we are witnessing the utter failure of the international community to uphold the principles on UNSCR 1325, including the protection of women and girls. We are not only failing Israeli women; we are failing humanity as a whole​​.

We urge you to join in the humanitarian call for the immediate release of all of the hostages being held captive in Gaza by the Hamas terrorist organization, including women, children, husbands and fathers, the elderly and the sick and wounded.

Their plight is a universal concern that transcends politics, bound by our shared commitment to human rights and justice. Let us act together to uphold the dignity and safety of all women and children — as well as all of humankind — affirming the world’s resolve to combat violence against them in every form.

We ask that you take action in your circles of influence — vis-à-vis world decision makers, local leaders and civil society — to orange the world and free the hostages. Let us hope and pray that by the time that next year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is commemorated, all of the hostages being held in Gaza will be reunited with their loved ones, safe and sound in their homes. But their release depends on the actions of each and every one of us. Not apathy and indifference.

Rwanda has made remarkable strides in promoting gender equality, with an unwavering and vocal commitment of HE the president. Despite these advancements, GBV remains a pressing concern.

According to the UNHCR Rwanda GBV Situational Analysis Dashboard for example, over 10,000 cases of GBV were reported in the first half of 2024.

These figures remind us that while progress has been made, the fight against GBV requires sustained efforts and innovative solutions and we all need to work together to eradicate this phenomenon

With hope and determination,

Einat Weiss

Ambassador, State of Israel to Rwanda

Einat Weiss is the Ambassador of the State of Israel to Rwanda.

Einat Weiss

This came during the eighth Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa Week (PIDA Week 2024), held on Nov. 25-29 under the theme “Fostering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure for Africa’s Sustainable Growth: Leveraging Transformative Financing and Regional Integration” at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

Addressing the closing session Thursday, Kamugisha Kazaura, director for Infrastructure and Energy at the AU Commission, underscored the urgent need to address financing and capacity development gaps as a crucial enabler for the realization of major infrastructure development projects in Africa. Noting the critical gap in financing infrastructure projects in Africa, he stressed the need to strengthen public-private partnerships to bridge the gap.

“We need to mobilize domestic as well as international financing. This is very crucial to be able to bridge the financing gap. In order to be able to implement complex development projects, we need the right requisite technical and capacity building,” Kazaura said.

According to the AU, as a continental initiative spanning until 2040, the PIDA aims to address infrastructure deficits across the continent. The PIDA is a continental initiative adopted by all African countries to mobilize resources to transform Africa with modern infrastructure.

Data from the AU show that through PIDA projects, nearly 30 million people in Africa have gained access to electricity, bringing the continent’s overall electricity access rate to approximately 44 percent. Since the start of PIDA, more than 16,000 km of roads and 4,000 km of railway lines have been developed across the continent.

While addressing the opening session Monday, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, underscored that the African continent is at a critical juncture in its development. He said the structural transformation of African economies, as envisioned in Agenda 2063, the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint, requires modern, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure.

Faki underscored that the theme of PIDA Week 2024 reflects Africa’s common commitment to building a prosperous and integrated future for all. He said the PIDA remains Africa’s flagship program for developing cross-border infrastructure that promotes integration and sustainability.

Ethiopian Minister of Transport and Logistics Alemu Sime noted that a significant amount of investment is needed to meet core infrastructure development in developing countries.

“Half of Africa’s population still lack access to electricity, and millions of people have no access to clean drinking water. On top of that, a few people in the continent have access to all weather road and railway network, and Africa is below the global average almost in all aspects,” Sime said.

He said poor physical and digital infrastructure remains the most formidable challenge to boost intra-Africa trade and spur development. Inadequate financial resources and high investment costs are key impediments to Africa’s infrastructure development.

“We cannot rely solely on traditional financing mechanisms. We must leverage innovative funding sources especially public-private partnerships and international financing options to turn our visions into reality,” Sime said.

Xinhua