Transnet and the NEPAD Business Foundation will launch the Africa Infrastructure Desk on Monday 3 June 2013 in Sandton, Johannesburg. Infrastructure continues to be Africa’s missing link to developing integrated regional markets.
With less than 10% intra-African trade, increased infrastructure availability is a critical means to promote trade and investment. However, it is noted that Africa’s infrastructure projects have not been financed or implemented quickly enough. Lack of information, inconsistent cross-border policy and poor project packaging has limited the pursuit of commercial and investment interests in infrastructure.
In order to tackle these issues, Transnet SOC Ltd and other blue chip companies have partnered with the NEPAD Business Foundation (NBF) to establish an Africa Infrastructure Desk (Afri-ID). This desk will contribute to researching projects, linking private and public sectors in deals across Africa and managing relationships that ensure implementation. This innovative research, linkage and relationship platform will contribute to the development of investment and commercial opportunities for participating companies, allow coordination on pursuing projects, provide leading information on developments in infrastructure and allow engagement between public and private sector. The Africa Infrastructure Desk will have meaningful impact for spatial development and regional integration in SADC and the North South Corridor.
