Why it matters:
- The summit formalised a new AU–AMFI compact, signalling Africa’s intent to mobilise more of its own capital for infrastructure development.
- Nearly USD 5 billion in mature projects are now positioned for near-term investment mobilisation, including at the Africa Investment Forum and EU–AU Business Forum.
- Strong political endorsements reinforced that Africa’s structural transformation depends on lowering infrastructure costs, unlocking capital and harmonising regulatory environments.
- AUDA-NEPAD’s emphasis on rail within a multimodal framework highlights the sector’s role in reducing emissions and enabling efficient corridor-based mobility.
At the third Financing Summit of Africa’s Infrastructure Development in Luanda, organised by AUDA-NEPAD and the African Union and hosted by the Government of Angola, Railways Africa Magazine spoke with Ibrah Wahabou, Head of Infrastructure and Transport at AUDA-NEPAD, about the most significant outcomes of the event.
The first key outcome was the Declaration of Intent signed between the African Union Development Agency and the Alliance of African Multilateral Financing Institutions on the opening day during the plenary session. Wahabou explained that this agreement was more than a document. It represented the materialisation of long-standing calls for Africa to come together to finance its own development. For the first time, a compact now exists between the African Union and African multilateral financing institutions that recognises the continent cannot continue to rely on external actors for its strategic financing needs. Africa understands its challenges, and this step signals a clear commitment to take ownership and to build the mechanisms required to address them.
He noted that the declaration also reflects progress in implementing AUDA-NEPAD’s expanded mandate. When NEPAD transitioned to AUDA-NEPAD in 2018, member states assigned the agency broader responsibilities, including serving as the interface between the continent and the global finance community, and leading full resource mobilisation for Agenda 2063. Wahabou described the declaration with AMFI as a tangible demonstration of that mandate being put into practice.
The second key point for him was the quality of the projects showcased. These were presented in three categories: mature projects, mid-stage projects and early-stage concepts. Following the wrap-up session, he noted that the mature projects alone represent roughly USD 5 billion in opportunities that can be advanced without delay.
The third major outcome was the strength of political commitment expressed throughout the summit. Wahabou highlighted interventions from the champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area and from the President of the Council of the Togolese Republic, who serves as the AU champion for SAATM. The shared message was clear: the continent’s transformation depends on infrastructure being implemented. Achieving this requires lowering infrastructure costs, reducing the cost of capital, simplifying regulation and harmonising policy.
Turning to transport and rail, Wahabou stressed that rail cannot be treated as a stand-alone sector. It must be developed within an integrated, multimodal infrastructure framework. Along any rail corridor, there will also be highways and electricity transmission lines, and where corridors intersect with waterways, transport infrastructure becomes part of a broader system. He emphasised that rail and road are not competitors but complementary modes. In areas with lower population density, road infrastructure may be more suitable, supported by rail where appropriate.
He added that as African states remain committed to the Paris Agreement and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, rail provides a strong alternative within the transport sector. Rail can deliver significant emissions reductions if it becomes a key mode for moving goods and people across high-density areas of the continent.
