27–30 April 2026 | Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of South Africa, is organising the 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy.
Convened under the theme, “The Africa We Build: Transport and Energy as Catalysts for Africa’s Prosperity,” the Session will bring together Ministers and experts to advance Africa’s infrastructure, transport, and energy agenda, serving as a high-level platform to review progress, address emerging challenges, and accelerate the implementation of key continental programmes, including the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).
By strengthening policy direction, coordination, and investment, the Session will contribute to enhancing regional connectivity, advancing sustainable infrastructure, and supporting Africa’s transition to modern and resilient energy systems.
Background and Context
The Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy is the African Union’s ministerial decision-making organ responsible for providing policy guidance and strategic oversight on continental integration in the infrastructure sectors of transport and energy.
Since its establishment under the African Economic Community Treaty and subsequent reconfiguration under the African Union, the Committee has played a central role in shaping continental policy and advancing priority programmes across transport and energy.
In accordance with its Rules of Procedure, the Committee meets in ordinary session every two years. The 5th Ordinary Session will review progress in implementing the Decisions of the 4th Ordinary Session held in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania, in September 2023, and consider new strategic initiatives under transport, energy, and PIDA.
Objectives
This Session will advance the following priorities:
- Review progress in the implementation of previous decisions, with a focus on key continental programmes and projects across transport, energy, and PIDA, including the second phase of PIDA (PIDA PAP2) and its Mid-Term Review process.
- Provide strategic policy direction on priority continental initiatives, including:
- Advancement of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), and the Continental Power Systems Master Plan (CMP)
- Development of integrated transport systems across air, rail, maritime, and road sectors
- Acceleration of flagship energy and infrastructure projects, including Grand Inga, geothermal, green hydrogen, and regional interconnectors
- Deliberate on and endorse key frameworks, strategies, and action plans, including sectoral action plans (2026–2027) and regulatory instruments aimed at harmonisation and efficiency across Member States.
- Strengthen coordination and alignment among AU institutions, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Member States, and partners to support effective implementation.
- Promote sustainable and resilient infrastructure development, including energy transition, transport decarbonisation, digitalisation, and energy efficiency.
- Consider and adopt the Experts’ Report and Ministerial Declaration, providing strategic direction for the next phase of implementation.
Participants
The Session will bring together:
- Ministers responsible for Transport and Energy, as well as senior technical experts from AU Member States
- Officials of the African Union Commission, including the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy
- Representatives of Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
- AU organs and specialised agencies
- Development finance institutions and international partners
- Experts from international and regional organisations
SESSION STRUCTURE
The Session will be conducted in two segments:
- Experts’ Meeting (27–28 April 2026)
Technical experts and senior officials will review progress, deliberate on sectoral priorities, and prepare the draft Experts’ Report and Ministerial Declaration.
- Ministerial Session (30 April 2026)
Ministers will consider and adopt the Experts’ Report and Ministerial Declaration, provide policy guidance, and take key decisions, including the election of a new Bureau.
Expected Results
The Session is expected to deliver:
- Validated progress in the implementation of previous decisions, including identification of priority actions
- Election of a new Bureau to guide the work of the Committee
- Strategic policy direction on priority programmes and flagship initiatives
- Endorsement of key continental frameworks, strategies, and action plans
- Strengthened coordination among Member States, RECs, and partners
- Adoption of the Experts’ Report and Ministerial Declaration outlining agreed commitments and next steps
Key Thematic Areas
The Session will focus on the following priority areas:
Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA)
- Infrastructure financing and governance
- Implementation of PIDA PAP2
- Climate finance mobilisation
- Outcomes of the Luanda Financing Summit
Transport and Mobility
- Aviation infrastructure and air cargo development
- Railway integration and connectivity
- Maritime transport and port digitalisation
- Green ports and sector decarbonisation
- E-mobility and sustainable transport systems
Energy
- African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM) and power integration
- Renewable energy development, including solar, nuclear, and green hydrogen
- Energy transition and efficiency
- Energy data systems and governance
Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Mr Eric Ntagengerwa, Head of Transport & Mobility Division, Infrastructure and Energy Department, Email: ntagengerwae@africanunion.org
Ms Bezayit Eyoel, Programme Officer – Information Analyst, Infrastructure and Energy Department, Email: bezayite@africanunion.org
Ms Fiorella Di Pede, Administrative Assistant, Infrastructure and Energy Department, Email: fiorellap@africanunion.org
