AfDB and USTDA Renew Strategic Partnership to Boost Infrastructure Advancement in africa
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have solidified their commitment to Africa’s growth by renewing their strategic partnership for another five years. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to enhance the development of quality infrastructure across the continent while aligning procurement systems with international best practices. The renewed agreement underscores a shared vision for lasting and inclusive development in Africa.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Growth
The partnership focuses on creating a more competitive and clear surroundings for infrastructure projects. By harmonizing procurement systems, the AfDB and USTDA aim to attract investments and ensure the prosperous implementation of projects in critical sectors such as energy, transport, digital, and health. Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the AfDB, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership strengthens our efforts to develop policies and procedures consistent with international best practices, thereby contributing to sustainable economic growth across the African continent.”
Enoh T. Ebong, Director of USTDA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dual benefits of the partnership. “The extension of our partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing quality, sustainable infrastructure while creating opportunities for American businesses. By aligning procurement procedures with fair and transparent standards,we contribute to sustainable economic development in Africa,” she said.
building a Pipeline of Bankable Projects
A key component of the renewed agreement is the development of a pipeline of bankable projects that can leverage project preparation grants offered by USTDA. This initiative is designed to ensure that infrastructure projects are not only viable but also aligned with the long-term development goals of African nations.The partnership also emphasizes capacity building for African institutions in public procurement, aiming to improve efficiency and transparency in project implementation.
This collaboration is part of USTDA’s global Procurement Initiative (GPI), launched in 2013, wich helps countries understand the total cost of ownership for goods and services in infrastructure projects. To date, the GPI has been adopted by 16 partner countries, showcasing its effectiveness in promoting sustainable development.
Strategic Focus on Key Sectors
The renewed partnership places a strong emphasis on sectors critical to Africa’s development, including:
- Energy: Enhancing access to reliable and sustainable energy sources.
- Transport: Improving connectivity and mobility across the continent.
- Digital: Expanding digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide.
- Health: Strengthening healthcare systems to improve public health outcomes.
By focusing on these areas, the AfDB and USTDA aim to create a foundation for long-term economic growth and improved quality of life for millions of Africans.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Duration | Five years |
| Focus Areas | energy, transport, digital, health |
| Key Initiative | Global Procurement Initiative (GPI) |
| Objective | Enhance transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in infrastructure |
| Impact | Strengthened local capacities and increased investment opportunities |
A Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
The renewed partnership between the AfDB and USTDA is a testament to their shared commitment to fostering modern and efficient infrastructure in Africa. By aligning procurement procedures with international standards,the collaboration aims to create a more transparent and competitive environment for infrastructure development. This,in turn,will attract more investments and ensure the successful implementation of projects that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods across the continent.
As Africa continues to navigate its development journey, partnerships like this one between the AfDB and USTDA will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.
