AFRICA – The African Development Bank has officially announced a significant boost to the NEPAD – Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF) with a new agreement for a contribution of €18.4 million from Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), the German state-owned investment and development bank. This funding increases KfW’s total contributions to NEPAD-IPPF to $58.14 million, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing infrastructure projects across Africa.
The new funding will focus on advancing the second Priority Action Plan under the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP2) through 2030. NEPAD-IPPF, a multi-donor Special Fund hosted by the African Development Bank, is recognized as a leading project preparation facility within Africa. It plays a crucial role by providing both technical and financial assistance to facilitate the development of regional infrastructure projects and programs.
The agreement was formally signed in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marking a notable step in international cooperation for infrastructure enhancement. Christoph Tiskens, KfW’s Director for Eastern Africa, emphasized the impressive achievements of NEPAD-IPPF, stating, "This replenishment aims to support infrastructure development with a focus on climate change, gender, Agenda 2063, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while reinforcing efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals."
Mike Salawou, the African Development Bank Director for Infrastructure and Urban Development, remarked on the partnership with Germany, noting, "This replenishment marks a significant milestone in advancing infrastructure development and financing in Africa. With this support, NEPAD-IPPF will be better positioned to expedite the preparation of transformative cross-border and climate-smart infrastructure projects, ensuring they are bankable and ready for investment."
This partnership aims to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhance regional integration, and foster economic growth across the continent.
