The Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), Nardos Bekele-Thomas, has met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, with discussions focusing on continental infrastructure development, regional value chains and the implementation of Agenda 2063.
The engagement highlighted the longstanding relationship between AUDA-NEPAD and South Africa, one of the founding countries of NEPAD and a strong advocate of African-led development.
Nardos Bekele-Thomas Meets President Ramaphosa
Bekele-Thomas described the meeting with President Ramaphosa as a privilege and emphasised the importance of South Africa’s relationship with AUDA-NEPAD.
The discussions reflected the country’s role in advancing continental development priorities and supporting initiatives designed to strengthen economic integration across Africa.
South Africa’s involvement in NEPAD dates back to the initiative’s establishment and continues to play an important role in efforts to advance African-led development.
Focus on Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative
A key focus of the engagement was the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative (PICI), an African Union initiative aimed at accelerating the development of major cross-border infrastructure projects across the continent.
President Ramaphosa’s role as African Union Champion of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative was highlighted during the discussions.
Through PICI, South Africa is supporting efforts to develop cross-border infrastructure capable of connecting African economies, strengthening regional value chains and facilitating greater economic integration.
Infrastructure connectivity is a key component of the continent’s broader development ambitions, particularly as African countries seek to expand intra-African trade and improve the movement of goods, people and services.
Advancing Agenda 2063 Through Infrastructure
The meeting also placed emphasis on the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development framework.
According to Bekele-Thomas, the discussion reaffirmed the importance of translating Africa’s development ambitions into practical projects, investments and measurable outcomes.
The implementation of infrastructure projects is central to this objective, particularly where they can connect economies, unlock regional value chains and contribute to sustainable economic development.
From Continental Priorities to Practical Projects
The engagement underscored the need for Africa’s ambitions to be matched by effective implementation.
AUDA-NEPAD reaffirmed its commitment to working with South Africa and other African Union member states to turn continental priorities into projects that generate investment, employment and long-term economic impact for communities across Africa.
The meeting between Bekele-Thomas and Ramaphosa therefore highlighted the intersection between political leadership, continental infrastructure development and the broader objectives of Agenda 2063.
As Africa continues to pursue deeper regional integration, infrastructure connectivity remains an important part of efforts to build more interconnected and economically resilient economies.
