About the Environment, Energy and Infrastructure Sector.

Infrastructure Development is another vital sector of practice for AEFID, as it reflects the organization’s commitment to promote progress, productivity, and sustainable economic growth for Africa and its people. AEFID recognizes that infrastructure development is a key driver for human development, poverty reduction, and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). AEFID also acknowledges the challenges and opportunities that Africa faces in the infrastructure sector, such as the gaps in access, quality, and affordability of infrastructure services, the impacts of climate change and environmental sustainability, the need for financing and governance, and the potential for innovation and partnership.

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Africa has made significant progress in infrastructure development in recent years, but still lags behind other regions in terms of coverage and performance. The continent needs to invest about $130-170 billion a year to bridge its infrastructure gap, but faces a financing shortfall of $68-108 billion a year. The main infrastructure sectors that require attention are energy, water and sanitation, transport, and information and communication technology (ICT). These sectors are essential for enhancing the living standards, health, education, and economic opportunities of the African people, as well as for facilitating regional integration and trade

However, Africa also has many opportunities and potentials to transform its infrastructure sector and achieve the SDGs related to infrastructure development. The continent has a large and diverse market, with a population of 1.3 billion people and a GDP of $2.6 trillion. Africa also has the potential to harness the power of innovation and technology, such as renewable energy, smart grids, green buildings, and digital platforms, to improve its infrastructure systems and create solutions that are adapted to its context and needs. Furthermore, Africa can benefit from the increased collaboration and partnership among its countries, regions, and stakeholders, as well as with the international community, to share best practices, mobilize resources, and coordinate actions.

AEFID aims to support and complement these efforts by conducting and promoting research, education, and advocacy on infrastructure development issues in Africa. AEFID also strives to foster a dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, including state authorities, civil society, private sector, media, academia, and international and regional organizations. AEFID believes that by working together, we can enhance the infrastructure development, productivity, and sustainable growth of Africa and its people.