ICA Launches the Project Preparation Facilities Network (PPFN)

19 June 2014

June 19, 2014 |Tunis:  The Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA) hosted a 2-day inaugural meeting of Project Preparation Facilities Network (PPFN) in Tunis – from June 17th-18th.

The goal of the meeting was to establish a ‘network’ of funding facilities. The meeting was a resounding success, as it brought together Project Preparation Facilities engaged in project preparation.  Representatives from the European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, the IFC-Infraventure, the Development Bank of South Africa (which hosts three facilities), NEPAD Business Foundation, COMESA-PPIU, ECOWAS-PPDU, NEPAD-IPPF, PPIAF, Sustainable Energy for All, The African Water Facility, the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance and colleagues from the AfDB deliberated over the establishment of PPFN and designed a work plan on the areas of cooperation and road map for the future.

In his opening remarks, AfDB Vice President, Mr. Mbesherubusa  stated  “…Without strong, well-funded and well-coordinated Project Preparation Facilities it will be difficult to finance the preparation phase for important projects…”  The Vice-President also indicated that he expected “…the outcome of this meeting would lay the foundation for a long term cooperation among Project Preparation Facilities - by establishing the first Project Preparation Facilities Network with a clear agreement on the modality of organization and areas of cooperation…” 

“… This meeting was the culmination of several years of work … and we are thrilled with the outcome …” said Mohamed Hassan, Coordinator of the ICA.  He added, “…We started with the publication of a project preparation guide book, followed by a major assessment study of the project preparation facilities – then we created an interactive on-line tool called The Fund Finder – this tool is incredibly useful for fund seekers and funding facilities – and now we have established a Project Preparation Facilities Network … so again, we are very pleased with the way things are moving forward …”

The major outcomes of the meeting included, (i) the establishment of a Project Preparation Facilities Network. (ii)  Commitment to work together through the exchange of data & information, sharing  case studies & best practices and,  (iii)  sharing project pipelines [with the aim of co-financing them], and (iv)  advocacy for more  financial resources  for Project Preparation. 

The Project Preparation Facilities all welcomed the invitation to attend the 2014 ICA Annual Meeting; scheduled to take place in Cape Town South Africa in November, 2014. This will be a great opportunity to meet the key stakeholder in African infrastructure: the Africa Union, Regional Economic Communities, Specialized institutions, as well as the donors and the private sector.

“… There was real wisdom in the ICA saying ‘let’s get the facilities together’ to form a network that will ultimately strengthen the possibilities for funding much-needed infrastructure in Africa … ” said Mr. Amos Marawa, Director of COMESA/PPIU. 

The Project Preparation Facilities Network will be managed through the ICA and the network members will use the ICA Fund Finder tool, and will leverage ICA communications and knowledge products and services to advocate for increased funding for sustainable infrastructure in Africa.

For more information about the Project Preparation Facilities Network or the ICA please contact: icasecretariat@afdb.org

Categories: ICA Meetings, ICA Press Releases