Imagine a continent on the brink of transformation, where roads connect distant villages, energy lights up entire regions, and digital highways bridge divides—yet progress hinges on smart planning and bold partnerships. That's the heart of Africa's infrastructure revolution, and the NEPAD-Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) just celebrated a milestone that could redefine it all. But here's where it gets really exciting: as this multi-donor fund marks its 20th anniversary, it's not just reflecting on the past—it's fueling a future where regional connectivity isn't a dream, but a reality. And this is the part most people miss: the quiet power of collaboration that turns ideas into tangible assets, millions in funding, and billions in impact.
The NEPAD-IPPF, hosted by the African Development Bank, triumphantly hosted its 40th Oversight Committee Meeting in an online format on October 27, 2025. This gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including donor representatives, partner organizations, Regional Economic Communities, and implementing agencies—to assess achievements and set a fresh direction for Africa's regional infrastructure development. Timed perfectly with NEPAD-IPPF's two-decade anniversary, the event highlighted 20 years of dedicated teamwork, expert knowledge, and real-world results in promoting Africa's interconnectedness.
During the meeting, the committee carefully examined and gave its green light to the NEPAD-IPPF 2024 Annual Report, the 2025 Mid-Year Report, and activities related to the Technical Assistance Fund. They also approved the proposed 2026 Work Programme and Technical Assistance Fund, allocating a substantial USD 16 million to fast-track the development of regional infrastructure projects under the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa Priority Action Plan 2 (PIDA-PAP 2) and to strengthen ties with all involved parties. To put this in simpler terms for beginners, think of PIDA-PAP 2 as a detailed roadmap that prioritizes key projects—like building efficient transport corridors or reliable energy grids—to ensure they benefit multiple countries, fostering economic growth and reducing isolation.
From its start, NEPAD-IPPF has backed 113 regional initiatives spanning energy, transportation, information and communication technology (ICT), and water management. In total, it's invested over $124 million in preparatory work, which has unlocked more than $13 billion in subsequent investments. For instance, a project might begin with NEPAD-IPPF funding feasibility studies for a new railway line connecting several nations, eventually attracting massive private and public funds to make it a reality, much like how a small spark can ignite a wildfire of development.
Mike Salawou, Director of the Infrastructure and Urban Development Department at the African Development Bank, used the occasion to honor the lasting partnerships and ambitious goals. He emphasized that NEPAD-IPPF's successes stem from unwavering donor backing. 'At the core of NEPAD-IPPF's work are our cherished collaborators—the Regional Economic Communities, Power Pools, Corridor Authorities, and Regional Specialized Agencies,' Salawou remarked, painting a picture of a network where no one operates in isolation.
Moreover, the facility's growing importance in speeding up corridor development and creating strong, investable project pipelines aligns seamlessly with global tools like the G20's Regional Project Preparation Toolkit and the African Union's Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP 2), as Salawou pointed out. This collaboration ensures that projects aren't just planned but are robust enough to attract serious funding, turning potential into prosperity.
Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré, Canada's Permanent Observer to the African Union and Special Envoy for Africa, who joined the session, renewed Canada's deep-rooted alliance with NEPAD-IPPF. 'Canada's ongoing involvement with NEPAD-IPPF mirrors our wider goals for Africa, especially our dedication to equitable economic expansion, continental unity, and environmentally friendly progress,' Diendéré shared, highlighting how international support can amplify local efforts.
Birgit Pickel, Director-General for Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), praised NEPAD-IPPF for its outstanding history in propelling regional infrastructure. She revealed that since its launch, the Fund has aided in preparing over 60 projects, with half now fully funded and either in construction or finished. 'These initiatives have sparked over USD 13 billion in investment pledges, showcasing the Facility's knack for converting research into profitable, influential ventures,' Pickel noted, underscoring the multiplier effect of smart preparation.
Additional donors, including Spain and the United Kingdom, also attended and lauded the Fund's accomplishments, praising its commitment to Africa's infrastructure goals through ethical management, fruitful alliances, and concrete outcomes.
But here's where it gets controversial: While these numbers paint a picture of triumph, some critics argue that such donor-funded initiatives might perpetuate dependency on foreign aid, potentially sidelining local innovations or overlooking equitable distribution of benefits. Is this true empowerment, or just another layer of influence from external powers? And this is the part most people miss—the question of sustainability: With billions invested, are we ensuring these projects withstand climate challenges or benefit the most vulnerable communities, or are we setting up for future pitfalls? It's a debate worth having.
About NEPAD-IPPF
NEPAD-IPPF extends financial and technical support to African nations, Regional Economic Communities, and Specialized Agencies, enabling them to develop feasible and investable regional infrastructure in sectors like energy, transport, information and communication technology (ICT), and cross-border water resources. By combining contributions from various donors, the Facility aids in the initial stages of project planning and bolsters Africa's pipeline of infrastructure investments, essentially acting as a catalyst that turns blueprints into buildable realities.
Click here (https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/nepad-infrastructure-project-preparation-facility-nepad-ippf) to learn more.
What do you think? Does this model of international collaboration truly drive Africa's self-sufficiency, or is there a risk of over-reliance on donors? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the successes highlighted, or disagree with any aspects of this approach? Let's discuss!
