Afri-ID, an initiative of the NEPAD Business Foundation, continues to play a crucial role in supporting regional integration and infrastructure development in Africa by mobilising private sector participation in key initiatives.

As a multi-stakeholder platform, Afri-ID champions and implements projects through private sector intervention, facilitating early-stage engagement in infrastructure project preparation across transport, energy, digital, water, and climate change sectors.

Highlights from the past year include:

North-South Rail Corridor (NSC)

• Successfully managed the execution of the NSC pre-feasibility study funded by the World Bank.
• Completed the NSC Feasibility study in Q4 2021 and commenced implementing recommended transactions.
• Collected, analysed, and disseminated transit time operational performance reports for the NSC.
• Conducted multiple stakeholder alignment workshops on operational, pricing, and governance issues.
• Led private sector dialogues on establishing a multi-sectoral rail customer group.

Digital Transformation

• Established a new digital transformation working group aimed at addressing issues of digital infrastructure, connectivity, and overall digital readiness within the SADC region.

SADC Regional Gas Masterplan (SRGM)

• Continued supporting the SADC Secretariat with Phase II of the Regional Gas Master Plan, which was completed.

Climate Change

• Commenced a dedicated focus area on climate change, contributing to helping South Africa meet its decarbonisation targets.
• Supported RERA and SAPP with initiatives around transmission projects and regional power-wheeling policy frameworks.

Water Technologies Platform

• Established a new platform aimed at mirroring efforts by major water users to reduce the water gap by tackling issues such as non-revenue water.

Through these initiatives, Afri-ID serves as a neutral facilitator, driving infrastructure optimisation, rehabilitation, and upgrades, promoting digital transformation for economic productivity and growth, supporting decarbonisation efforts, and enhancing natural resource management in the region.

For more information, please contact Kudzanayi Bangure at Kudzanayi.Bangure@thenbf.co.za