AU to hold PIDA Week in Abijan in November

The African Union heads of state and government will host the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) Week from Nov. 12 to Nov. 17 in Abijan.

Since the African Union launched PIDA in 2012, they are still working to fulfill the goals of the strategic initiative, which includes establishing a common market for goods and services.

To re-energize the initiative, PIDA Week will be observed to promote PIDA within the private sector as well as to bring awareness to PIDA's projects.

Those expected to attend meetings during the week include Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, President of the African Development Bank Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and NPCA CEO Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki as well as chief executive officers of the African Regional Economic Communities, representatives of development partners, business partners and journalists.

At the heart of PIDA are infrastructure projects worth $360 billion. These projects are planned for completion by 2040, with full implementation by 2020. The projects are in a number of areas, including energy, transport, trans-boundary water and ICT.

Supporters of the initiative include the African Union Commission, the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency, the African Development Bank, the Regional Economic Communities and an array of specialized regional agencies.