AFDB-MCDF-AIIB WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHTS CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY PATHWAYS IN AFRICA
15 December 2023
Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, 11-12 December 2023
Source: mcdf
Infrastructure development opportunities for enhancing Africa’s cross-border connectivity and sustainable growth were spotlighted during a regional workshop in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire on 11-12 December, co-organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF), and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Representatives from International Financial Institutions, regional economic communities, development finance institutions, and other lenders discussed potential infrastructure projects that could strengthen connectivity among African countries and between the continent and regional markets.
Mike Salawou, Director of AfDB’s Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, highlighted the importance of public-private partnership (PPP) project development as the bank and partners seek to build infrastructure that is green and climate-resilient and lifts Africa’s competitiveness and trade.
He underscored the value of knowledge and best practice sharing from Asia into Africa in areas such as transport, logistics, and economic corridor development and the role MCDF is increasingly playing to deliver related learning opportunities.
“Africa is the largest beneficiary region of MCDF’s connectivity infrastructure development work,” noted Frederic Asseline, MCDF’s Program Head. “MCDF welcomes opportunities to support connectivity infrastructure projects under the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa Project Action Plan 2 that can facilitate African market growth and make the African Continental Free Trade Area a success.”
Supee Tervaninthorn, Special Advisor to the AIIB Vice President for Investment Operations Region 2, emphasized the bank’s commitment to support sustainable connectivity projects promoting connectivity between Asia and Africa and global public goods.
Participants went on to explore sovereign and PPP co-financing options within the framework of the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa Priority Action Plan 2, as well as other African continental and regional connectivity projects.
The projects focus on key connectivity sectors, including energy, transport, information and communications technology, and water, and align with AfDB, MDCF, and AIIB’s mandates to boost sustainable cross-border connectivity through regional cooperation and integration.
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