The NEPAD-Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF), a multi-donor special fund hosted by the African Development Bank, held its 39th Oversight Committee Meeting virtually with the participation of over thirty institutions including donors, partners, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and implementing agencies.

In his remarks, African Development Bank Vice President for the Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization Solomon Quaynor, noted that the Bank's Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033) emphasizes mobilizing funds through project preparation facilities, including NEPAD-IPPF. This will be critical to meet growing demand for project preparation, particularly for projects under the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa Priority Action Plan 2 (PIDA PAP2).

"The NEPAD-IPPF continues to play a leading role in supporting the continental infrastructure agenda," Quaynor stated. He highlighted the critical role of both the NEPAD-IPPF Special Fund and the PIDA Service Delivery Mechanism (SDM) in accelerating the bankability and financial closure of regional infrastructure projects across Africa.

Michael Andres, Principal Project Manager at German development bank KfW and Chair of the Oversight Committee, emphasized the importance of maintaining synergies among various infrastructure initiatives and stakeholders across Africa. He welcomed the establishment of the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) Project Preparation Window in April 2024 as complementary to NEPAD-IPPF. Andres also noted the significant increase in NEPAD-IPPF's funding base following substantial contributions from Canada and Germany, which will accelerate the Fund's operations.

Maria Lladosa, deputy head of division in Spain's Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, acknowledged the challenging operational environment and encouraged the NEPAD-IPPF team to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in project execution through improved tools, indicators, and measures for stakeholder decision-making.

First Secretary Daphne Levasseur, representing the Embassy of Canada in Côte d'Ivoire, confirmed Canada's continued commitment to NEPAD-IPPF following a recent replenishment through Global Affairs Canada, a department of the Government of Canada that manages diplomatic and consular relations.

The meeting covered several key topics including the NEPAD-IPPF Special Fund 2024 Mid-Year report, technical assistance fund activities, a progress review of continental initiatives for PIDA PAP2, and an assessment of the Fund's financial performance from January through October 2024.

About NEPAD-IPPF:

The facility provides critical financial and technical assistance to African countries, Regional Economic Communities, and Specialized Agencies for preparing viable and bankable projects. Focus areas include energy, transport, information technology and communication (ICT), and trans-boundary water resources. By pooling donor resources, NEPAD-IPPF supports project development for both public and private sector financing. The Oversight Committee provides general policy direction and ensures effective governance of these initiatives.