AU pushes integrated infrastructure strategy at U.S.–Africa roundtable
Date: 2026-02-16
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
African
Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Lerato Mataboge, has called
for a more integrated approach to Africa’s infrastructure development, urging
closer alignment between transport, energy, and digital systems.
Speaking
on February 16, 2026, at a High-Level Roundtable on Advancing Strategic
Corridors, the Commissioner underscored the evolving role of development
corridors under the African Union’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in
Africa (PIDA). The session was convened by the Corporate Council on Africa in
partnership with the U.S. Department of State on the margins of the AU Summit.
Commissioner
Mataboge stated that strategic corridors must be treated as “integrated
economic lifelines” rather than standalone transport routes. She stressed that
industrial corridors cannot function effectively without reliable electricity
and digital connectivity, highlighting the need for synchronisation between the
Continental Power System Master Plan (CMP) and Africa’s Digital Transformation
Strategy.
The
discussions also focused on strengthening the African Union–United States
partnership, particularly through the operationalisation of the Strategic
Infrastructure and Investment Working Group (SIWG). The mechanism is designed
to facilitate increased United States private sector participation in African
Union-backed priority projects.
Hon.
Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and
International Trade of Mauritius, emphasised that development corridors should
be structured as integrated investment platforms combining transport, digital,
and energy infrastructure. He called for stronger coordination between the
African Union and regional economic blocs.
Mr.
Alain Ebobisse, Chief Executive Officer of Africa50, highlighted growing
investor interest in Africa’s infrastructure sector. He pointed to a shift
toward private capital participation in utility-scale projects, particularly
electricity transmission, noting the existence of a blueprint in Kenya and a
pipeline of similar initiatives across other countries.
The
roundtable reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to advancing the Strategic
Infrastructure and Investment Working Group, launched earlier this year, as
part of broader efforts to de-risk cross-border investments and accelerate the
closure of Africa’s infrastructure gap through public-private partnerships.
