Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS

Chief Executive Officer for the Africa Union Development Agency- New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA- NEPAD) @NEPAD_Agency

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

Africa’s path to lasting peace requires us to move beyond responding to conflict to addressing the conditions that allow it to take root. Peace, security and development must be strengthened together.

In Luanda, Angola, I attended the 26th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council on the Strengthening of Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa. The session underscored the importance of a stronger continental approach centred on early action for conflict prevention and African-led solutions for sustained peace.

For @NEPAD_Agency, development is an essential pillar of conflict prevention and lasting peace. Through our Programme on Socio-Economic Development in Post-Conflict States: The Triple Nexus on Peace, Security and Development, we will continue to support Member States in strengthening resilience, advancing socio-economic recovery and addressing the structural drivers of conflict.

Our task is to ensure that peace creates the conditions for development, and that development strengthens the foundations for lasting peace.

#AUDA_NEPAD #AfricanUnion #TripleNexus #PeaceAndSecurity #ConflictPrevention #Agenda2063

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

During my mission to Luanda, I held a bilateral engagement with H.E. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and Chair of the AUDA-NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC).

We discussed AUDA-NEPAD’s progress and strategic priorities, preparations for upcoming governance engagements, strengthening Member State support, and opportunities to further deepen AUDA-NEPAD’s footprint in Angola.

Our partnership with Angola continues to grow across infrastructure and regional connectivity, agriculture and food systems, health, trade and industrialisation, and science, technology and innovation. This includes a portfolio of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) projects across transport, energy, ICT and water, with strategic initiatives such as the Lobito Corridor and Baynes Hydropower Project contributing to stronger regional integration and connectivity.

I deeply appreciate President Lourenço’s continued commitment and steadfast support for AUDA-NEPAD as we work together to accelerate sustainable development, regional integration, and the implementation of Agenda 2063.

#Agenda2063 #Angola #Africa #AUDANEPAD #RegionalIntegration #InfrastructureDevelopment #AfricanDevelopment

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

It was a privilege to meet His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa at Mahlamba Ndlopfu. Our engagement reflected the depth of AUDA-NEPAD’s relationship with South Africa—one of the founding countries of NEPAD and a steadfast advocate of African-led development.

President Ramaphosa’s leadership as African Union Champion of the Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative carries that legacy forward. Through PICI, South Africa continues to advance the cross-border infrastructure needed to connect our economies, unlock regional value chains and accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063.

Our discussion reaffirmed that Africa’s ambitions must be matched by execution. AUDA-NEPAD remains committed to working with South Africa and all Member States to turn continental priorities into projects, investment and lasting impact for Africa’s people.

#Agenda2063 #PICI #NEPAD25 #AUDA_NEPAD

[Infrastructure South Africa @infraSA_]

Among the distinguished leaders contributing to the SIDSSA26 Leaders Forum was H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, who delivered a speech highlighting the importance of infrastructure in advancing Africa’s development agenda.

Her contribution brought an important continental perspective to the discussions, highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in advancing Africa’s economic integration, regional connectivity and sustainable development. Her participation reinforced the need for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector and development institutions to mobilise investment, strengthen project delivery and turn Africa’s infrastructure priorities into tangible outcomes.

#SIDSSA26 #MunicipalInfrastructure #InfrastructureSA

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

From Infrastructure to Integration

Africa has demonstrated that it can deliver bold infrastructure at scale. Across PIDA projects, approximately 25,000 kilometres of critical infrastructure have been developed through investments of around US$10 billion—connecting roads, railways, energy networks and communities across the continent.

But a new chapter now begins.

Over the past 25 years, Africa has built many of the physical links required for growth. Yet too often, the full economic promise of these assets remains unrealised—not because the bridge, railway or interconnector is incomplete, but because the systems around it are still fragmented.

The Kazungula Bridge is a powerful example. It improved physical connectivity, yet unintegrated customs systems can still slow the movement of people and goods. Regional power interconnectors have been completed, while unresolved tariffs and transmission rules delay the energy they were built to share. And although the Single African Air Transport Market has 38 signatories, intra-African air connectivity has yet to reach its potential.

“Africa’s next transformation will not be defined only by the infrastructure we build, but by how effectively we enable it to work across borders. We must build the rules, institutions and trust that turn physical connections into shared prosperity.” — @nardosbthomas, CEO

The lesson is clear: a bridge is not a corridor, and infrastructure is not integration.

The next productivity gains will come from aligning customs systems, regulations, tariffs, standards and decision-making authorities. Legal and regulatory work must be treated as core infrastructure—funded, coordinated and completed alongside construction.

The next 25 years must be about more than mobilising capital and delivering assets. They must be about creating the seamless systems that allow those assets to serve people, businesses and industries across borders.

That is how Africa moves from physical connectivity to genuine economic integration—and from infrastructure projects to thriving industrial ecosystems.

#AfricaIntegration #PIDA #Infrastructure #AfCFTA #RegionalIntegration #TradeFacilitation #EconomicTransformation

@infraSA_ @DepartmentPWI

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

BADEA has and remains to be one of the loyal friends of and a true believer in AUDA-NEPAD’s capacity and untapped potential to deliver on the promises of Agenda 2063. Thank you President for your encouragement and for building the bridge between the Gulf countries and our continent.

[ABDULLAH ALMUSAIBEEH @BADEAPRESIDENT]

I was pleased to meet my friend, @nardosbthomas, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency – @NEPAD_Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), on the sidelines of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, Republic of South Africa.

We look forward to this dialogue paving the way for a new phase of cooperation, advancing priority areas, initiatives and projects, enhancing the impact of our joint efforts and opening broader horizons for an effective and sustainable partnership in support of Africa.

#BADEA #AUDA_NEPAD #SADC #Africa #Development

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

Later today in Cape Town, I look forward to joining H.E. Thabo Mbeki, Hon. @DeanMacpherson, Hon. @sziks and leaders from across our continent at the SIDSSA 2026 Leaders Forum.

Africa’s next infrastructure frontier is not simply to build more assets. It is to connect our corridors, power systems, markets and productive centres so that they function as one continental economic system.

Through PIDA, PICI and the Continental Power System Master Plan, we must move decisively from ambition to bankable projects, investment and measurable impact.

The infrastructure choices we make today will determine whether Africa continues to pay the cost of fragmentation—or begins to collect the dividend of integration.

#SIDSSA2026 #AUDANEPAD #PIDA #PICI #Agenda2063 #AfricanInfrastructure

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

A conversation today can become a partnership that delivers tomorrow.

Our Chief Executive Officer, H.E. @nardosbthomas, met with H.E. K. Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç @DaramaNilvana, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to South Africa, to deepen an AUDA-NEPAD–Türkiye partnership anchored in implementation, shared priorities and measurable results.

Their discussion reflected a clear common purpose: building African resilience and opportunity through climate-smart agriculture and water systems; skills development, employment, and the empowerment of women and young people; science, technology and innovation; industrialisation and local manufacturing; and greater private-sector investment.

Both sides expressed interest in advancing the AUDA-NEPAD–TİKA cooperation framework through a focused set of initiatives designed to create tangible impact for communities across Africa.

With the Fourth Africa–Türkiye Partnership Summit and COP31 in Türkiye ahead, this engagement sets the stage for turning dialogue into delivery and for demonstrating meaningful progress towards Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

#AUDA_NEPA #AfricaTürkiyePartnership #Agenda2063 #ClimateResilience #YouthEmpowerment #WomenEmpowerment #Innovation #Industrialisation #PartnershipForImpact

[K. Nilvana Darama Yıldırımgeç @DaramaNilvana]

We had a very productive meeting with H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO of the African Union Development Agency, and her team on how Türkiye and AUDA-NEPAD can further strengthen partnership.

We share a strong commitment to turning cooperation into concrete initiatives, particularly through climate action, empowerment of women and youth, technology and innovation, as well as industrialisation.

Looking forward to taking this partnership forward and delivering tangible results for Africa.

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Afrika Birliği Kalkınma Ajansı CEO’su Nardos Bekele-Thomas ile Türkiye'nin AUDA-NEPAD'la ortaklığını daha da güçlendirmeye yönelik verimli bir görüşme gerçekleştirdik.

Diğerleri meyanında, iklim değişikliği, tarım ve sanayileşme, kadınların ve gençlerin güçlendirilmesi, teknoloji ve yenilikçilik alanlarında işbirliğimizi somut girişimlere dönüştürme konusunda ortak bir iradeye sahibiz.

Bu güçlü ortaklığı daha da ileri taşımayı ve Afrika için somut sonuçlar üretmeyi diliyorum.

@nardosbthomas
@Tika_Turkiye

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

In her latest op-ed in African Business, our CEO @nardosbthomas explores why Africa’s food agenda must move beyond agriculture to markets, finance, agro-industrialisation, regional trade and execution.
Click on the link to access the full article: https://t.co/tSaTyRAgzi

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

It was an honour to meet H.E. President @duma_boko of the Republic of Botswana on the sidelines of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban.

We reflected on Botswana’s important role in advancing Africa’s development agenda and discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation around our shared continental and regional priorities.

I look forward to building a strong and comprehensive partnership that translates our common ambition into meaningful action and lasting impact for the people of Botswana, the SADC region and Africa.

@BWPresidency

#AUDA_NEPAD #Botswana #SADC #Agenda2063 #AfricaWeWant

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

It was a pleasure to meet my friend, H.E. Mr Abdullah Almusaibeeh, @BADEAPRESIDENT, @badeabank BADEA, on the sidelines of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban.

BADEA is an important partner to AUDA-NEPAD. Our discussion focused on opening a new phase of cooperation that translates our shared priorities into concrete, bankable initiatives—particularly across infrastructure and industrialisation, agrifood systems, MSMEs and skills, and capacity development.

We look forward to building a comprehensive strategic partnership that combines AUDA-NEPAD’s continental mandate with BADEA’s financing capacity, strengthens the bridge between African and Arab financing institutions, and delivers lasting impact for our Member States.

#BADEA #AUDA_NEPAD #SADC #Agenda2063 #Africa #Development

[ABDULLAH ALMUSAIBEEH @BADEAPRESIDENT]

I was pleased to meet my friend, @nardosbthomas, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Development Agency – @NEPAD_Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), on the sidelines of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban, Republic of South Africa.

We look forward to this dialogue paving the way for a new phase of cooperation, advancing priority areas, initiatives and projects, enhancing the impact of our joint efforts and opening broader horizons for an effective and sustainable partnership in support of Africa.

#BADEA #AUDA_NEPAD #SADC #Africa #Development

[BADEA Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa @badeabank]

On the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC in Durban, South Africa, H.E. Mr. Abdullah ALMUSAIBEEH, @BADEAPRESIDENT , met with H.E. Ms. @nardosbthomas , CEO of the African Union Development Agency– @NEPAD_Agency (AUDA-NEPAD).

The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between BADEA and AUDA-NEPAD and explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in support of Africa’s sustainable development priorities.

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

FROM SHARED PURPOSE TO CONTINENTAL SCALE

I had a productive meeting with Dr @pbasinga, Director for Africa at the @gatesfoundation, and his team, on deepening our partnership in support of Africa’s development priorities.

Our discussion focused on strengthening health systems, advancing medicines regulation, harnessing science and innovation, and taking proven solutions to scale.

Africa needs partnerships that align behind continental priorities and translate shared ambition into lasting impact.

#AUDA_NEPAD #Agenda2063 #Partnerships #HealthInnovation

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

FROM PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVERY: SHAPING AFRICA’S NEXT DECADE

Africa’s development ambitions will be realised through partnerships that convert ideas into investment and commitments into impact.

In Nairobi, I convened AUDA-NEPAD’s partners to reflect on what we have built together—and the future we must now shape.

As we advance the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 and our Strategy 2025–2029, we are building a strong pipeline of programmes ready for investment, scale and delivery.

#AUDA_NEPAD #Agenda2063 #Partnerships

[Min. Commerce Exterieur Officiel @MinComex_RDC]

●#RÉTRO

Signature de l’accord entre la RDC et le @NEPAD_Agency

Un partenariat stratégique qui place la RDC au cœur de la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union Africaine, explique le Ministre du Commerce Extérieur, Julien Paluku Kahongya @julienpalukucom , Représentant personnel du Chef de l’État auprès de l’Agence africaine de développement.

@Presidence_RDC
@fatshi13 @FelixUdps
@SuminwaJudith
@nardosbthomas
#AUDANEPAD #RDC #RDC #Agenda2063

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

I had the opportunity to brief the Group of African Ambassadors in Nairobi on AUDA-NEPAD’s work and the priorities shaping its next phase.

Our exchange reflected a shared understanding that Africa’s ambitions must be matched by stronger implementation, sustained investment and closer coordination between continental and national institutions. Our diplomatic community remains an important partner in advancing this agenda.

[Nardos BEKELE-THOMAS @nardosbthomas]

Africa’s development landscape is rich with ideas, institutions and committed partners. The opportunity is to align these strengths around priorities defined by the continent itself.

I appreciated my exchange with Margaret Mliwa, Ford Foundation’s Regional Director for East Africa, on building more coherent partnerships—anchored in Agenda 2063, complementary in action and focused on lasting results.

One African agenda. Greater collective impact.

#AUDA_NEPAD #Agenda2063 #Partnerships