Celebrating 20 Years of NEPAD-IPPF: Unlocking Africa's Infrastructure Potential
Two decades of progress in Africa's regional infrastructure development is a cause for celebration, but also a time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities ahead. The NEPAD-Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) recently reached this milestone, hosting its 40th Oversight Committee Meeting to review its journey and plan for the future.
But here's where it gets interesting: NEPAD-IPPF, a multi-donor fund under the African Development Bank, has been a driving force behind Africa's infrastructure transformation. The 40th meeting, held virtually on October 27, 2025, gathered key players in the field, including donor representatives, partner institutions, Regional Economic Communities, and implementing agencies.
A significant milestone was reached as the meeting coincided with NEPAD-IPPF's 20th anniversary. Over the years, this partnership has fostered knowledge-sharing and impactful initiatives, accelerating Africa's regional connectivity agenda. The committee's approval of the 2024 Annual Report, 2025 Mid-Year Report, and Technical Assistance Fund Activities showcased the progress made.
And this is where it gets even more exciting: The committee endorsed the 2026 Work Programme and Technical Assistance Fund, allocating USD 16 million to accelerate regional infrastructure projects and enhance stakeholder collaboration. Since its inception, NEPAD-IPPF has supported an impressive 113 regional projects in energy, transport, ICT, and water, with over $124 million committed to project preparation and a staggering $13 billion mobilized in downstream investment.
Mike Salawou, Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development at the African Development Bank, emphasized the role of donors in NEPAD-IPPF's success. He acknowledged the Regional Economic Communities, Power Pools, Corridor Authorities, and Regional Specialized Agencies as vital partners in this journey.
A key strategy for NEPAD-IPPF's impact is its alignment with global initiatives. Salawou highlighted how the facility's work in corridor development and project pipelines is in sync with the G20 Regional Project Preparation Toolkit and the African Union's PIDA PAP 2.
Canada's Ambassador Ben Marc Diendéré reiterated Canada's commitment to NEPAD-IPPF, aligning with their African development priorities. Birgit Pickel, Director-General for Africa (BMZ), praised NEPAD-IPPF's success in turning technical studies into tangible projects, with over USD 13 billion in investment commitments.
The impact of NEPAD-IPPF extends beyond numbers. It has facilitated collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the creation of bankable projects. Countries like Spain and the UK have recognized the Fund's achievements, attributing them to good governance, strong partnerships, and tangible outcomes.
NEPAD-IPPF's mission is to empower African countries, Regional Economic Communities, and Specialized Agencies to develop sustainable and financially viable infrastructure projects. By pooling resources from multiple donors, the Facility strengthens Africa's infrastructure investment landscape. Learn more about this transformative initiative and its impact on Africa's future at the provided link.
As NEPAD-IPPF embarks on its next chapter, what are your thoughts on its achievements and future potential? Do you think initiatives like these are crucial for Africa's infrastructure development? Share your insights and let's spark a conversation on this impactful journey.
