A high-level consultative meeting co-hosted by South Africa’s National Treasury and the African Development Bank Group marked a pivotal milestone in the continent’s quest to accelerate cross-border infrastructure development.
Held in hybrid format in Pretoria, the session brought together senior officials from 15 African nations, the African Union Commission, all 8 AU-recognized Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and AUDA-NEPAD.
The event spotlighted “South Africa’s Legacy Initiative” the Ubuntu Approach anchored in a G20-endorsed toolkit jointly developed with the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
This toolkit is designed to dismantle planning and financing barriers that obstruct transformative infrastructure across African borders.
“We need infrastructure that links do not divide our nations,” said a representative from AUDA-NEPAD, applauding the Initiative’s four pillars: robust data systems, investable project pipelines, expert governance support, and innovative financing mechanisms.
A key priority discussed was updating post-COVID-19 assessments of infrastructure gaps and climate vulnerabilities vital for responsive and evidence-based planning.
Participants expressed overwhelming support and urged the consolidation of existing instruments such as the NEPAD Project Preparation Facility and the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa, emphasizing the importance of avoiding duplication.
“It’s about doing more with what we have, and doing it smarter,” noted a treasury delegate.
Fair commentary from analysts suggests the Initiative could fast-track regional integration and spur long-term economic growth if execution stays coherent and inclusive.
Its emphasis on capacity building and advocacy for replenishing African development finance signals a strong pivot toward sustainability and self-determination.
If successfully operationalized, the Ubuntu Initiative could reshape Africa’s infrastructure narrative from fragmented efforts to a unified force fueled by solidarity, strategy, and sovereign strength.
The next engagement is scheduled alongside the September 2025 G20 Infrastructure Working Group meeting, opening the door to broader participation and partnership.
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