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The African Union (AU) in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and Expo, has hosted its second event at the Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme of Infrastructure Development in Africa.
An opening remark by Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, AU Higher Representative on Infrastructure Development in Africa, spotlighted challenges and opportunities of the continent’s infrastructure development.
The event brought together the public and private sectors, as the continent’s leading minds in the field, best unpack policy, commercialisation and the evolution of Infrastructure Development across the African continent.
The 2-day high-level conference included high level officials and ministers in Infrastructure, Energy, Transport, ICT, and Water Sectors as well as private sector companies leading in the Infrastructure sector.
The conference built on the recently adopted second phase of Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP2)Â set to be implemented from 2021-2030, and continue to engage stakeholders on the effective delivery of infrastructure on the continent considering the already existing initiatives and frameworks such as the Continental Digital Transformation Strategy (DTS), the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM).
BACKGROUND
For the AU, Expo 2020 Dubai, which opened in October 1 2021 to end March 31, 2021, offers an opportunity to further entrench the relationship between Africa and the UAE, by leveraging on the longstanding economic partnerships between the two regions and showcase the continent-wide commitment to sustainable development through the AU Agenda 2063 strategic framework – as well as explore opportunities for potential partnerships (https://bit.ly/3btATkd) required for the African continent’s socio-economic transformation.
RELATEDÂ Dubai To Host Over 25 Million Visitors As GITEX, World Expo Begins In OctoberExpo 2020 Dubai also provides an opportunity to be a part of the created innovative solutions, following consultations with the 55 AU Member States in how to increase the quality of life and well-being of all African citizens. For instance: access to market through regional integration, world class infrastructure connecting the Continent to enhance accessibility and mobility of persons and goods to facilitate trade, which will ultimately increase economic growth. Africa is open for business, with a myriad of opportunities to invest in building the Africa we want.
More than 25 million visitors are expected to attend Expo 2020 Dubai by the time the event ends in March.
