Infrastructure development as an investment accelerator for Africa takes centre stage

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The African Union at Expo 2020 Dubai in proud association with its partners - AUDA-NEPAD, UNECA and AfDB - are geared up to host the second Spotlight on Africa event, which will be focusing on Infrastructure development in Africa. The 2-day high-level conference that will have High Level Officials and Ministers in Infrastructure, Energy, Transport, ICT, and Water Sectors as well as Private Sectors companies leading in the Infrastructure sector.

The conference will look to build on the recently adopted second phase of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP2) set to be implemented from 2021-2030, and continue to engage stakeholders on the effective delivery of infrastructure on the continent. Taking into account the already existing initiatives and frameworks such as the Continental Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS), the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as well as the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM).

Speaking about the event which will be held from 31 October to 01 November 2021, AU Expo Deputy Commissioner General, Mr. Chiza Charles Chiumya said “this is an opportune time for great minds from the African continent, to meet and engage with the global audience on strides taken in these speciliased sectors which serve as great instruments of economical change for the African market,”

“We have and continue to highlight that Africa is open and ready for business and the infrastructure sector has a cruicial role to play in the sustainable development of the African continent, boasting some combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $ 2.6 trillion from the 55 Member States,”

“It is on this premise then, that we look forward to welcoming our guests and certainly the opportunity to engage with potential investors who will leave the conference feeling assured and comforted in the works our skilled professionals are engaged in, so we continue to build the Africa we want” remarked Mr. Chiumya.

The conference will hear from speakers who represent a diverse background of industries in relation to the topic of the day. These include but not limited to: H.E. Solomon Quaynor, Vice President in charge of Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialization at the AfDB. Joined by H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, CEO of AUDA-NEPAD alongside Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, AU Higher Representative on Infrastructure Development in Africa as well as H.E. Dr. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of UNECA and H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy.

“Investing in the African Soft and Hard Infrastructure will help to integrate the Continent by promoting interconnectivity, digitalization, Energy, knowledge exchange, intra African trade and then connecting Africa with the global markets and limitless investment opportunities” concluded Mr. Chiumya.

The event will be streamed LIVE so that no one misses out on the remarkable developments that will be made during the conference and those members of the public who wish to be part of the conversation, there will also be the opportunity to pose questions to the expert panel through numerous digital options, including social media using the #AUatExpo2020 #Ageda2063 #Expo2020

The public, media and all other interested parties can keep up-to-date with the latest out of Dubai as well as get all the necessary information surrounding the AUC lead activities/events by visiting the official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en

For further information please contact:

Mr. Lunga Kupiso, Public Relations & Media Officer - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission - Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org | Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ms. Faith Adhiambo, Media & Communications Coordinator - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission - Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: ochiengj@african-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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