• Representative of the Government of the Republic of South Africa.
• Distinguished delegates from the AU Member Countries.
• Representatives of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).
• Representative of the African Development Bank.
• Representative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
• Representatives of Regional Economic Communities and Regional Institutions.
• Representatives of Continental Institutions and Development partners.
Distinguished Delegates.
Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. On behalf of the African Union Commission, and on my own behalf, I have the honour to warmly welcome all delegations to the Experts’ Session of the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Transport and Energy.

2. Allow me, at the outset, to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa for their continued leadership and commitment to advancing Africa’s infrastructure and energy development agenda, and for graciously hosting this important session here in Johannesburg. We are equally grateful for the excellent arrangements and hospitality extended to all delegations since our arrival.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
3. This Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Transport and Energy is convened at a defining moment for our continent. Across Africa, there is growing recognition that resilient transport systems and sustainable energy infrastructure are the backbone of economic transformation, regional integration, and industrial development. Our gathering over the next four days provides a strategic opportunity to review progress, address emerging challenges, and set clear priorities that will accelerate the delivery of infrastructure across the continent.

4. This meeting builds upon the decisions adopted during previous sessions of the Specialized Technical Committee and reflects our collective commitment to implementing the programmes and initiatives that support the realization of Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development blueprint. In particular, this session will review the implementation of sectoral action plans in transport and energy, assess progress on flagship initiatives, and define the next phase of implementation for the period 2025–2027.
Distinguished Delegates,
5. This session is taking place within the broader global and continental context of infrastructure transformation, energy transition, and economic recovery. Africa is navigating complex challenges, including rising energy demand, infrastructure deficits, climate change impacts, and geopolitical developments affecting global energy and transport systems. In this regard, the discussions during this session will consider the implications of global developments, including ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, on Africa’s infrastructure and energy sectors, and will identify practical measures to strengthen resilience and sustainability across our economies.

6. In particular, this meeting will review the outcomes of the Energy and Infrastructure Working Groups under the G20, under the leadership of the Republic of South Africa. These outcomes provide important insights into global trends in infrastructure financing, energy transition, and sustainable development, and offer valuable guidance for aligning Africa’s infrastructure priorities with international cooperation frameworks.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. A central focus of this session will be the continued implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa, particularly the Second Priority Action Plan (PIDA PAP2). The programme remains the cornerstone of Africa’s infrastructure development agenda and provides a coordinated framework for delivering strategic projects across the energy and transport sectors.

8. We will review progress on the implementation of PIDA PAP2, including the outcomes of the Mid-Term Review process and the recommendations for strengthening project preparation, mobilizing climate finance, and accelerating infrastructure delivery. We will also consider the Action Plan for PIDA 2025–2027, which is expected to guide the implementation of priority projects across Member States and Regional Economic Communities.

9. This session will further examine the outcomes of the Luanda Financing Summit held in 2025, which highlighted innovative approaches to infrastructure financing and underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships with development finance institutions and the private sector. The meeting will also consider proposals for the establishment of a Heads of State Committee and the designation of a Presidential Champion to support the implementation of PIDA, reflecting the importance of high-level political leadership in advancing Africa’s infrastructure agenda.
Distinguished Delegates,
10. In the energy sector, significant progress continues to be made in advancing continental programmes that promote energy security, sustainability, and regional integration. One of the flagship initiatives under implementation is the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), which aims to establish a unified continental electricity market that will optimize energy resources, facilitate cross-border electricity trade, and support industrialization across Africa.

11. The Commission has continued to coordinate the implementation of the AfSEM and the CMP in collaboration with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and regional power pools. The progress achieved so far demonstrates the strong commitment of Member States to strengthening regional cooperation and building integrated electricity markets that enhance reliability and affordability of energy supply.

12. We will also review progress on the development of major strategic energy projects, including the Grand Inga Hydropower Project, which has the potential to transform Africa’s energy landscape through large-scale renewable power generation and regional power integration. The continued advancement of this project remains critical to achieving long-term energy security and supporting economic growth across the continent.

13. Furthermore, this session will consider emerging opportunities in the energy transition, including the development of green hydrogen, expansion of renewable energy technologies, deployment of mini-grid systems to support rural electrification, and strengthening of geothermal energy development programmes. These initiatives are essential for diversifying Africa’s energy mix, reducing carbon emissions, and ensuring universal access to modern energy services.

14. Another important area of discussion during this session will be the development of nuclear energy programmes in Africa. Nuclear energy has the potential to provide reliable baseload power and support industrialization while contributing to climate change mitigation. The meeting will therefore consider progress on nuclear energy development initiatives and explore opportunities for strengthening regulatory frameworks, technical capacity, and regional cooperation in this area.

15. The session will also address the growing importance of the energy-digital nexus, recognizing that digital technologies are transforming the way energy systems are planned, managed, and operated. The integration of digital solutions into energy infrastructure is essential for improving system efficiency, enhancing grid resilience, and supporting the transition to smart and decentralized energy systems across the continent.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
16. In the transport sector, we have continued to make significant progress in advancing policies and programmes that strengthen connectivity and promote safe, efficient, and sustainable transport systems across Africa. This session will review progress in key areas, including aviation, maritime transport, railways, and road transport.

17. In particular, the meeting will consider the final report on the Aviation Infrastructure Gap Analysis, the development of a continental strategy on air cargo services and trade routes, and the advancement of initiatives to strengthen aviation safety and regulatory oversight. These initiatives are essential for enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

18. The session will also consider progress in the maritime sector, including the development of guidelines on green ports and the adoption of strategies for maritime decarbonization. These initiatives support Africa’s commitment to sustainable transport and environmental protection.

19. Equally important is the continued focus on road safety and mobility. Road traffic injuries remain a major public health and economic challenge across the continent, and this session will review progress on the implementation of the African Road Safety Strategy and related initiatives aimed at improving road safety and promoting sustainable mobility.
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

20. The objective of the Experts’ Session is to carefully review the progress made in implementing previous decisions of the Specialized Technical Committee in Zanzibar, examine technical reports and policy proposals, and formulate recommendations that will guide the deliberations of Ministers during the Ministerial Session.

21. Your role as experts is therefore critical. The quality of your deliberations and the clarity of your recommendations will determine the effectiveness of the decisions adopted by Ministers and the success of the programmes that will be implemented across the continent.

22. The success of our collective efforts depends on strong collaboration among Member States, Regional Economic Communities, specialized institutions, development partners, and the private sector. The Commission remains committed to strengthening partnerships and promoting coordinated action to ensure that infrastructure and energy projects are implemented efficiently and sustainably.

23. We must continue to work together to mobilize the resources, expertise, and political commitment required to deliver infrastructure that supports economic growth, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for our citizens.

24. Finally, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to our partners, including the African Development Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African Union Development Agency, and all development partners for their continued support in advancing Africa’s infrastructure and energy agenda.

25. With these remarks, I wish all participants fruitful and productive deliberations, and I look forward to the successful outcomes of this Fifth Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Transport and Energy.

I thank you for your kind attention