Washington DC, USA 14 April 2019: African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid participated in the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund which took place in Washington, DC on April 9-14, 2019.

Speaking on a panel under the theme “All Africa Digital Economy Moonshot”, Commissioner Abou-Zeid underscored the role of the AUC and its capacity to coordinate and catalyze socio-economic and integration agendas and formulate a common vision and framework through a comprehensive and holistic approach for the whole continent.

“The Digital Moonshot Initiative is an eloquent testimony of the leading role of the AUC in setting the right framework to harness the digital revolution,” the Commissioner stated.

The Commissioner ended her address by stating that all stars are aligned for Africa to seize the opportunity of the digital revolution and achieve a more integrated and prosperous continent.

Participants in the panel highlighted the need to act with a sense of urgency to bridge the digital divide and to see Africa flourish in this ambitious journey that requires the commitment of all African member states, regional organizations, development institutions and partners, the private sector and civil society.

Also taking part in another panel discussion on Cyclone Idai Response, convened to examine the impact of tropical cyclone Idai, assess the quality of responses and the urgent needs of the affected countries, H.E. Dr. Abou-Zeid expressed on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mr. Mahamat Moussa Faki, the solidarity of the Commission with the governments and peoples of the three affected countries.

The Commissioner informed the meeting of the immediate response relief provided to the three countries and the advocacy efforts undertaken by the AU Commission to encourage member states and partners to generously contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts. H.E. Dr. Abou-Zeid called the African Risk Capacity Agency to support tropical cyclone and made reference to the key role of ICT and digital solutions in natural crisis management and reconstruction efforts.

Among other important engagements, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid held bilateral meetings with the Vice-President of the World Bank for Africa, Dr. Hafez Ghanem and the World Bank Vice-President in charge of Infrastructure, Mr. Makhtar Diop.

The Commissioner’s meeting with Dr. Ghanem focused on partnership between the AUC and the World Bank on digital economy, the promising possibilities of cooperation on energy and transport and the role of leadership that the AUC plays in the creation of regional public good.

H.E. Dr. Abou-Zeid’s meeting with Mr. Diop revolved around coordination between the two institutions on a programme for rural electrification, policy harmonization on energy and World Bank support to the next phase of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), which is currently under development.

The active participation of H.E Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid provided an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the African Union Commission, engage the World Bank leadership on the transformational initiatives of the AU on infrastructure, energy and maritime and air transport.

H.E. Dr. Abou-Zeid also used her presence at the World Bank/IMF meetings to speak to the international media covering the Spring Meetings, where she highlighted the priorities of the Department and the Commission broadly.

A range of critical global issues pertaining to the world economic outlook, the power of technology, fragility and conflict, growth and poverty, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and investing in human capital were high on the agenda of this year meetings.

The spring meetings brought together central banks governors, ministers of finance and development, representatives from international and regional organizations, private sector executives, and civil society and academia.

Media inquiry Contacts:
Sophia Nesri | PIDA Information Analyst | Department of Infrastructure and Energy | African Union Commission I E-mail: sophian@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia