Box 3. Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA)

The PIDA is a long term framework for developing infrastructure based on the African Union vision, launched in 2010. It brings together regional and continental infrastructure initiatives under the leadership of the AUC, NEPAD and the AfDB. This includes initiatives such as the NEPAD Short Term Action Plan, the NEAD Medium to Long Term Strategic Framework (MLTSF), and the AU Infrastructure Master Plans. It will be the key AU/NEPAD planning and programming document to prioritise investments in transport, energy, ICT, and trans-boundary water from 2011–2040.

PIDA Sector Studies are developing a vision for Africa’s infrastructure needs, mapping out regional and continental infrastructure investment programs (Energy, Transport, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Trans-boundary Water Resources) over the short, medium, and long term. In addition, these Studies are examining the required institutional arrangements, legal frameworks, and requested financing mechanisms.

PIDA delivered phase III of its study analysis at the end of 2011, reviewing the infrastructure needs of Africa by 2040, proposing a strategic framework for the development of regional infrastructure, and presenting a portfolio of projects in a priority action plan, endorsed by the AU.

Projects selected and intended to be completed by 2020 are given high priority and included in the PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP). The PAP is made up of 51 projects and programmes: 15 energy; 24 transport; 9 trans-boundary water; 3 ICT. They focus on: (a) hydropower, interconnections, pipelines (energy); (b) connectivity, corridor modernization, ports and railways modernisation, air transport modernisation (transport); (c) multipurpose dams, capacity building, water transfer (water); and (d) capacity building, land interconnection infrastructure, internet exchange points (ICT). While the the overall capital cost of PIDA’s long-term implementation to 2040 is currently estimated at more than US$360 billion, the overall capital cost of delivering the PAP through 2020 is expected to reach US$68 billion or about US$7.5 billion annually.

PIDA has also developed a planned energy infrastructure development programme up to 2040. The programme aims to increase energy access of all African people to at least 60% by 2040. This requires the growth of the energy industry by 6.2% and an annual investment of US$40.5 billion. The selection of PIDA energy projects is based on eligibility and selection criteria jointly developed by RECs and Power Pools in Africa. These projects are also included in the RECs Master Plan. There are 29 capital investment projects in this field, which cover power generation, transmission and pipelines. Transmission projects correspond to four energy corridors in North, South, Central and West Africa, aiming at linking 16 countries.

At its Summit in Cannes in November 2011, the G20 called on the Multilateral Development Banks working in Africa to pursue implementation projects that meet the criteria of the High Level Panel on Infrastructure, in accordance with PIDA priorities, and to prioritise project preparation financing, notably the NEPAD Infrastructure Projects Preparation Facility. In January 2012, African leaders agreed to prioritise the programmes contained in the PAP of the PIDA, and to promote regional projects in energy (regional power pools), transport (corridors) and water (cross boundary water projects).