AfDB Group
Strategy
Lack of adequate economic infrastructure remains one of the key constraints to poverty reduction in Africa. The African Development Bank Group gives a high priority to the development of essential infrastructures. It considers the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure as a key factor for economic and social development of the continent and thus sustainable alleviation of poverty in its Regional Member countries Increased market size through regional integration, and lower prices through the exploitation of economies of scale, are just but a few examples of the impact of infrastructure development in enhancing economic growth of the continent. The full support of Bank Group to the NEPAD’s initiatives for Infrastructure clearly follows these objectives.
Focus
Water
Bank’s operations mainly focus on the implementation of the Rural Water and Sanitation Initiative and of the NEPAD Water and Sanitation Program, on the development of an appropriate monitoring and evaluation system for water sector activities, providing a reliable database of such activities in Africa. The Bank also finances urban and peri-urban water supply and sanitation activities
Transport
Road projects represent on average _ of the Bank’s activity in transports. Other operations include air, railways, water and fluvial transport as well as multi-sector transport programs. The Bank focuses on reducing transport costs and transit times and at the regional level on developing corridors to improve national and international trade.
Energy
Main activities involve investments in member countries aimed at developing energy supply and creating wider and affordable access, interconnecting electric networks, strengthening sector institutions, and establishing of conducive environment for private sector participation.
ICT
Focus is on ICT infrastructure roll out especially with respect to the development of Continental broadband transmission infrastructure, utilization of ICT infrastructure in education and health, strengthening sector institutions and establishment of conducive environment for private sector participation.
Major Achievements
The Bank has developed a substantial expertise in the infrastructure sector (Water, Transport, Energy and ICT) and has consistently financed the development of Infrastructure capital in the continent. It has been active through the support of studies, the financing of physical infrastructures and the support given to the National and Regional Institutions to develop capacity, improve their regulatory framework and create an investment friendly environment.
At continental level, The Bank has supported the development and implementation of NEPAD. In conjunction with all key stakeholders, the Bank developed the program of action for infrastructure development under NEPAD – the Short Term Action Plan (STAP) - and presently is developing a Medium-Long Term Strategic Framework (MLTSF) for infrastructure development.