Sixteen priority regional infrastructure projects were recently reviewed for implementation at a high level private and public sector forum in Zimbabwe.

The forum convened last week with the objective to identify concrete steps for fast-tracking the roll-out of the projects which form part of NEPAD’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

Addressing representatives from government, project owners, private sectors and development partners, NEPAD Agency CEO Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, said that the meeting will “feed, trigger and enhance the quality of our implementation process”.

The CEO underscored that all present are accountable for the delivery of PIDA, thus need to ensure that the 2020 targets of the first phase of PIDA will be met.

The technical session was officially opened by Permanent Secretary of Transport and Infrastructure, Zimbabwe, Munesushe Munodawafa, who stressed that “while Africa is one of the richest continents in terms of natural resources, regrettably, we are ranked the lowest in terms of infrastructure.”

He emphasised the need for partnerships with the private sector to boost regional integration and intra-African trade.

Participants were updated on the ongoing feasibility studies of the Ruzizi III project to be finalised in 2016, the construction of 3 berths at the Lamu port in the LAPSSET project to commence in April this year and the need for funding to finalise the feasibility study for the Sambangalou Hydropower and Interconnection project.

Claude Kayitenkore of Ruzizi III project also emphasised that “there is a substantial need for support on legal and regulatory regimes, project finance preparation and capacity building,” he said.

In closing Reiaz Moe Shaik, Group Executive of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), urged project owners to outline their needs and timelines, for implementation, in order to bring on board the private sector.