Olivia
Online
AUDA-NEPAD
@NEPAD_Agency
The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD
Transforming Africa through #Agenda2063
Johannesburg, South Africa
Joined January 2010
1.1K Following
79.5K Followers
16.3K Posts
Moving Beyond Borders: The Future of African Sovereignty
For decades, we have spoken about “corridors” across Africa. But for too long, many of these paths were designed for extraction—moving raw materials out, rather than building value within.
Today, at the CEO Forum in Johannesburg, our CEO, H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, @nardosbthomas, delivered a powerful call to action that shifts this narrative. Infrastructure is no longer just about asphalt and steel; it is the very foundation of our economic sovereignty.
As we work to make the African Continental Free Trade Area (#AfCFTA - @AfCFTA) a lived reality, we must transition from projects to systems, and from declarations to delivery.
“Africa does not only need more infrastructure — it needs infrastructure that changes the structure of our economies, carrying us from projects to systems, from corridors of extraction to corridors of production, and from declarations to delivery.”
— H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas
Key Takeaways from the Keynote:
Industrial Ecosystems: Corridors must do more than move goods; they must anchor factories, farms, and digital platforms.
The 5% Agenda: We are calling for a shift in African institutional capital, moving pension and sovereign wealth assets into the infrastructure that will build our future.
Soft Infrastructure: Harmonized customs and digital trade systems are just as vital as the roads themselves to ensure our competitiveness.
The cost of delay is too high. Africa’s future will be built by a “coalition of the serious”—those ready to move from conversation to transaction.
Let’s build the corridors that produce. Let’s finance the projects that transform. 🌍🏗️
@_AfricanUnion @afreximbank @AfDB_Group @WorldBankGroup @amibiaka
#AUDANEPAD #Agenda2063 #AfricaTrade #Infrastructure #EconomicSovereignty #AfCFTA2026 #Leadership #AfricaRising
We are in Windhoek with the National Planning Commission of Namibia and @jica_direct_en to launch the outcomes of the AIDA/AfCFTA Impact Assessment Pilot.
Namibia joins Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Seychelles in shaping a practical framework for AfCFTA implementation across Africa. Priority opportunities in mining, fisheries, and agro-processing are on the table. Now comes the work of turning findings into action.
#AfCFTA #AIDA #Namibia
𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
Stakeholders from government, the private sector, civil society and development partners are meeting in Swakopmund this week (8–11 June) to translate the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-food Sector (STAS) into practical programmes, investment-ready initiatives and coordinated implementation pathways, with technical support from AUDA-NEPAD.
The workshop is producing a draft programme framework that translates strategic priorities into thematic workstreams, implementation arrangements and investment pathways. Stakeholders are also developing a results and mutual accountability framework aligned with the CAADP Kampala Declaration, which will strengthen monitoring, reporting and evidence-based decision-making across the agri-food sector.
This builds on AUDA-NEPAD's scoping mission, implementation support and governance strengthening work conducted since 2025, contributing to a national framework that aligns stakeholders around shared priorities, resource mobilisation and long-term food systems transformation.
#CAADP #KampalaDeclaration #FoodSystems #Agenda2063
On 4–5 June 2026, AUDA-NEPAD undertook a high-level mission to Burkina Faso, led by the Director of Operations, Mr. Ola Ehinmoro (@olaehinmoro )to engage with the Government of Burkina Faso on strategic and technical matters related to the strengthening of their collaboration. Discussions were around enhancing collaboration mechanisms to support national development priorities. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E Karamoko Jean-Marie TRAORE, strongly reiterated Burkina Faso's expectation for the establishment of an AUDA-NEPAD country office, which he underscored as an important consideration in the light of Burkina Faso's development priorities and support needs. #Agenda2063
Who to follow
African Union 
@_AfricanUnion
Official account of the African Union Commission. For an integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa
Mo Ibrahim Foundation
@Mo_IbrahimFdn
Strengthening the African voice on global challenges.
Official account. #IGW #FinancingAfrica
RT ≠ endorsement
African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security
@AUC_PAPS
The PAPS Department of the African Union Commission promotes good governance, peace, security and stability in Africa and advances African positions globally
À l’issue de deux jours de consultations techniques intensives à Libreville, l’AUDA‑NEPAD et la @CEEAC_ECCAS ont signé un aide‑mémoire structurant pour accélérer leur coopération en Afrique centrale.
L’accord couvre l’alignement du Plan Directeur Énergétique régional du PEAC avec le CMP/AFSEM, l’accélération des interconnexions électriques, la gestion intégrée des corridors, l’actualisation des projets @PIDA_Africa sur le VPIC, l’appui aux projets TIC régionaux, le WASH en RDC, au Burundi et en Angola, ainsi que l’opérationnalisation du CRCGE pour la gestion intégrée des ressources en eau.
Articulé autour d’un chronogramme détaillé, l’aide‑mémoire fixe des actions, livrables et échéances pour la préparation de la 9e Semaine du PIDA, le renforcement des capacités, le déploiement d’experts et la préparation de projets bankables.
Les deux institutions, avec la CUA, organiseront conjointement la 9e Semaine du PIDA à Brazzaville, avec la CEMAC, la BDEAC, les États membres et les partenaires.
Signé par le Dr Maurice Niaty‑Mouamba et @amibiaka, cet accord ouvre une nouvelle séquence d’assistance technique, de formations SDM/VPIC et KAIZEN, et de mobilisation de financements endogènes et internationaux.
Les 3 et 4 juin 2026 à Libreville, une délégation multidisciplinaire d’AUDA‑NEPAD composée d’ingénieurs, d’économistes et de spécialistes de la planification des projets, conduite par son Directeur des Infrastructures, de l’Industrialisation et du Commerce, @amibiaka, a effectué une mission de travail auprès de la @CEEAC_ECCAS.
Reçue en audience par la Vice‑Présidente de la Commission de la CEEAC, S.E. l’Ambassadeur Mariame Mahamat NOUR, la délégation a également tenu plusieurs séances de travail avec le Dr Maurice Niaty‑Mouamba, Commissaire à l’Aménagement du Territoire et aux Infrastructures, le Dr Honoré Tabuna, Commissaire à l’Environnement, aux Ressources Naturelles, à l’Agriculture et au Développement Rural, ainsi qu’avec Mme Nelly Banaken Elel, Commissaire à la Promotion du Genre, au Développement Humain et Social.
Les échanges ont permis d’évaluer la coopération technique entre les deux institutions dans les domaines des infrastructures, de l’énergie, de l’agriculture, du capital humain, du genre et du développement. AUDA‑NEPAD a présenté ses solutions d’appui aux CER, les avancées des projets régionaux ainsi que des propositions concrètes pour accélérer leur mise en œuvre.
L’Agence a réaffirmé son engagement à accompagner la CEEAC à travers le renforcement des capacités techniques et institutionnelles, l’appui à la préparation et à la gestion des projets, ainsi que la mobilisation des ressources.
La CEEAC demeure un acteur central de l’intégration régionale et continentale en Afrique.
🌍 A decade ago, restoring Africa’s degraded landscapes was often seen as an ambitious aspiration. Today, it is a growing movement powered by communities, champions, governments and partners united by a common purpose.
As #AFR100 celebrates 10 years of impact, a new partner is stepping forward to help accelerate the next chapter of restoration across the continent.
The Vumbuzi Impact Africa (VIA) Foundation was established with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between vision and action by providing innovative financing and strategic support to the local restoration champions working tirelessly to revive degraded lands across AFR100 member countries.
From mobilizing resources and forging partnerships to supporting sustainable landscape restoration projects, VIA is committed to strengthening ecosystem resilience, empowering communities, and advancing Africa’s contribution to global climate goals.
With a newly appointed Board and Executive Management Team, the Foundation is laying the groundwork for a future where restored landscapes generate both ecological and economic benefits for generations to come.
As Mamadou Diakhite, @Mamadou_AFR100 reflects on the AFR100 journey:
“10 years of #AFR100! 🌍 From local restoration champions to national pledges, this decade has proven that collective action works. With 129.5 million hectares committed, we’re not just planting trees; we’re also building resilient communities and a sustainable future for Africa. I’ve always stated there’s no competition when it comes to restoration work on the continent, and the AFR100 Technical & Financial Partners and our Land Accelerator alumni are a testament to this.”
The next decade of restoration will require bold partnerships, innovative financing, and unwavering commitment. The VIA Foundation is ready to play its part in ensuring Africa’s restoration champions have the support they need to turn ambition into lasting impact.
@EstherineF @MathaiWanjira @nardosbthomas @FAO @Sida @SweinEthiopia
#GenerationRestoration #AFR100 #VIAFoundation #LandRestoration #EcosystemRestoration #ClimateAction #LandscapeRestoration #AfricaRising #SustainableDevelopment #RestorationChampions
One year ago, we made a commitment to move faster on African energy infrastructure. This week in Addis Ababa, we are delivering on it.
We’re reviewing pre-feasibility studies for four priority interconnector projects across Southern Africa, work that is cutting project preparation timelines from nearly a decade down to three to four years.
The Botswana–Namibia, DRC–Angola, Angola–Zambia and DRC-South Africa interconnectors represent a new pace for how Africa builds and connects its energy systems.
Read the full story: https://t.co/9jC0IlOET1
This week, AUDA-NEPAD joined @jica_direct_en , the @AfCFTA Secretariat, the @_AfricanUnion Commission, @Kenya_Ports, Kenya Revenue Authority, and the Northern Corridor Authority in Mombasa for the Joint Trade Facilitation Capacity Development Workshop.
The Northern Corridor, being discussed serves Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and beyond. What happens at these borders has consequences far inland, and intra-African trade at roughly 15% of the continent's total reflects how much is still being left on the table.
AUDA-NEPAD and partners have been working to change that for over a decade. The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) provides the continent-wide blueprint for the transport and connectivity infrastructure that makes regional trade possible. One-Stop Border Posts go further, replacing two separate border clearance processes with a single jointly managed facility, cutting waiting times, paperwork, and costs for traders.
The AfCFTA sets the legal foundation. PIDA builds the physical connections. OSBPs reduce the bottlenecks at the crossing point. The work in Mombasa this week is about making sure all three are delivering for the trader on the ground.
It was a distinct honour to welcome Ambassador Reyad Al Akbari, Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, who paid a courtesy call to our office this week.
We were privileged to engage in a cordial and constructive exchange, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and shared purpose that underpins our relationship.
🌍 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐂𝐔𝐏 🤝
As the #2026FIFAWorldCup approaches, a powerful wave of unity sweeps across Africa. We stand together, not just as fans, but as one continent, rallying behind all our teams on the global stage. This moment transcends mere competition; it is a profound expression of honour, shared identity, and continental pride.
When an African nation triumphs, the entire continent celebrates. Our teams carry the hopes and dreams of millions, playing not just for themselves, but for all of us across Africa. This same indomitable spirit of unity and collective success is the very essence of our AUDA-NEPAD African Centre for Sports and Recreation (ACSAR). As a strategic engine for Agenda 2063, ACSAR champions sport as a vital catalyst for development, fostering social cohesion, empowering our youth, and driving deeper African integration.
From the electrifying football pitch to the inspiring athletics track, and within our vibrant communities, sport possesses an unparalleled power to bring Africans together. It inspires a shared vision for a prosperous and integrated continent. ACSAR, as a dynamic working vehicle, is dedicated to channeling capital, innovative ideas, and impactful partnerships into real economic and social development across Africa. ❤️⚽
@AU_ECOSOCC @UNWTO @afreximbank
@AfDB_Group @UNESCO @ssaBritish
@_AfricanUnion @OAFLAD @PBebia @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @CAF_Online @Leaders_Icons @nardosbthomas
@SymerreGrey @Nyiko_Chulu
#OneAfrica #WorldCup2026
#AfricanFootball #ACSAR #AUDA_NEPAD #SportForDevelopment
📣30 DAYS TO GO! ⏳🌍
The countdown is on for the 3rd Presidential African Youth in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Competition 2026. A STISA-2034 aligned initiative advancing Africa’s vision for science, technology, innovation, and sustainable development.
If you’re a young African innovator aged 15–35, this is your opportunity to join a transformative movement that is shaping Africa’s future through Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and innovation-driven solutions.
🚀 Submit your innovation
🌍 Drive transformative change
🏆 Earn continental and global recognition
Don’t miss out! Find out more and participate👇🏾
https://t.co/tgYs9yceVl
Join us in building the Africa we want!
In partnership with @MCITEgypt @Ele_VateAI @BADEA @Afreximbank @SADC @easteco1 @werobotics
#AfricanYouthInnovation #AIforAfrica #RoboticsForAfrica #AUDANEPAD #STISA2034 #AfricaRising #YouthInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics
#AfricanYouthInnovation #AIforAfrica #RoboticsForAfrica #AUDANEPAD #STISA2034 #AfricaRising #YouthInnovation #ArtificialIntelligence #Robotics
I held a productive meeting with the @commonwealthsec Secretary-General, Hon. @AyorkorBotchwey, to advance the growing partnership between our two institutions in service of Africa's development.
This collaboration spans the African Commonwealth member states and reinforces AUDA-NEPAD's mandate to coordinate development across the continent in line with Agenda 2063.
As Africa's premier development agency, we look forward to showcasing this work — and the impact of our partners — directly to Africa's Heads of State and Government.
I am grateful to the Secretary-General for the openness and shared purpose that defined our discussions, and I look forward to formalising this partnership so we can move from intention to delivery.
When it comes to Africa's prosperity and resilience, partnership is not optional — it is the way forward.
#AUDANEPAD #Commonwealth #Agenda2063 #AfricasDevelopment
Yesterday was an inspiring and productive day for the Africa Creatives, Sports and Recreation (ACSAR) Programme in Accra, Ghana! 🇬🇭
We kicked off at the launch of the 2026 Afro Gastro Festival and the National Under-25 Heritage Photo Competition, where @SymerreGrey, our Director of Human Capital and Institutional Development, served as Special Guest of Honour.
In his remarks, @SymerreGrey highlighted that Africa’s cultural and creative sectors are powerful engines for economic transformation, job creation, and enterprise development. Gastronomy is far more than food—it is a gateway to tourism, agriculture, and cultural diplomacy. Through ACSAR, we are reaffirming our commitment to transforming these sectors into strategic drivers of Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Empowerment.
The day continued with a strategic bilateral engagement between Hon. @Dzifa_Gomashie (MP), Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts of Ghana (@MOTACGhana) and Chairperson of the AU STC on Youth, Culture and Sports, and @SymerreGrey. We are particularly encouraged by Ghana’s willingness to explore hosting the 2026 African Festival of Arts, Culture and Creatives (AFESTACC) in Accra—a move that strengthens Ghana’s leadership in the creative economy.
We commend Hon. @Dzifa_Gomashie for her visionary leadership in positioning culture as a strategic asset for continental transformation. This journey, which began in 2025 under the guidance of our CEO H.E. @nardosbthomas, has led to Ghana becoming the 10th African country to domesticate the ACSAR Programme.
Together, we are unlocking opportunities for Africa’s youth and women through creativity, culture, and sports. The message from Accra is clear: Africa’s creative economy is a pathway to empowerment! 🌍✨
@AU_ECOSOCC @UNESCO @UNWTO
@afreximbank @AfDB_Group @UNESCO
@BritishCouncil @ssaBritish
@_AfricanUnion @OAFLAD @PBebia @Leaders_Icons @Nyiko_Chulu
#ACSAR #AUDA_NEPAD #Ghana #CreativeEconomy #Culture #Tourism #Gastronomy #YouthEmpowerment #Africa #Accra #AFESTACC #AfricanUnion
Today in Accra, in partnership with @UNESCO and the @BritishCouncil, we convened the final technical working session on the “Harnessing Africa’s Beauty and Textile Value Chains: The Ghana Case” study.
The initiative seeks to reposition Africa’s beauty and textile sectors as strategic industrial value chains capable of driving manufacturing, enterprise development, jobs and intra-African trade under Agenda 2063.
Speaking during the session, our Africa Creatives, Sports and Recreation (ACSAR) Program, lead, Ms. Nyiko Khoza @Nyiko_Chulu noted:
“The question before Africa is no longer whether we have talent, resources or ideas. The question is whether we are ready to build the ecosystems, industries and institutions that allow us to capture the value ourselves.”
@AU_ECOSOCC @UNWTO @afreximbank @AfDB_Group @UNESCO @ssaBritish
@_AfricanUnion @OAFLAD @PBebia @Leaders_Icons @nardosbthomas
@SymerreGrey
#ACSAR #Agenda2063 #Industrialisation #MadeInAfrica
Building on discussions initiated in February in Addis Ababa between H.E. Muhammad B.S. Jallow @OVP_gm, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, and our CEO H.E. Nardos Bekele-Thomas @nardosbthomas, we are continuing our strategic engagement with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology of The Gambia.
Today’s consultations, led by Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology @Moherst_GMB , together with Mr. Symerre Grey-Johnson @SymerreGrey, our Director of Human Capital and Institutional Development, highlighted the significant progress The Gambia is making in establishing dedicated financing mechanisms to expand universal access to tertiary and higher education, including student loan schemes, research financing and innovation-focused funds.
Beyond access to education, the discussions focused strongly on innovation, digital transformation and productive use of the internet as drivers of jobs, skills and economic opportunity for young people.
Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez also shared the country’s ambition to position The Gambia as a continental reference point for innovation and technology-enabled learning.
This aligns closely with our Programme for Inclusive and Productive use of the Internet in Africa (PIPIA) initiative, which seeks to support productive internet use for learning, entrepreneurship, employability and innovation across Africa. The Minister expressed strong interest in supporting this work and exploring how The Gambia can serve as one of the pilot countries under the initiative.
The mission provided an important opportunity to jointly explore practical next steps for advancing collaboration and implementation.
@SpixFoundation @badeabank @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @WorldBankAfrica @isdb_group @SaudiFund_Dev @TheOPECFund @Presidency_GMB @BarbsGlover
#TheGambia #PIPIA #Innovation #HigherEducation #DigitalTransformation #SkillsDevelopment #Agenda2063
🌍 Strengthening Africa’s Future: Our Strategic Mission in The Gambia
At @AUDA_NEPAD, we are committed to building resilient, innovation-driven, and future-ready education systems across the continent. We are currently on a strategic mission in The Gambia, focused on deepening collaboration in higher education, science, technology, innovation, and skills development.
Our delegation is engaging in high-level consultations to explore opportunities for implementation support and continental alignment. We are proud to be working closely with:
🔹 The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (@Moherst_GMB)
🔹 The University of The Gambia (@UniOfGambia)
🔹 University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (@USET2022)
🔹 National research and innovation institutions
🔹 STI directorates and national policymakers
A landmark moment of this mission is The Gambia’s expressed interest in becoming a pilot country for our Programme for Inclusive and Productive use of the Internet in Africa (PIPIA)—our flagship education and skills programme. PIPIA is designed to transform lives through three critical windows:
🟢 Foundational Learning: Strengthening digital fluency and teacher development.
🟢 Secondary & Higher Education: Building digital-economy curricula and innovation labs.
🟢 TVET & Entrepreneurship: Creating pathways to dignified work for youth and women.
Reflecting on the mission’s vision, our Director of HCID Symerre Grey-Johnson @SymerreGrey, remarked:
“We remain committed to supporting AU Member States in building resilient, innovation-driven, and future-ready education systems that unlock opportunities for Africa’s youth and accelerate sustainable development. Our discussions are centered on youth empowerment, STEM capacity building, and alignment with #Agenda2063 and #STISA2034. By bridging the gap between education and the workforce, we are unlocking the potential of Africa’s greatest asset: its youth.”
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of The Gambia and all our partners for the warm collaboration. Together, we are shaping practical pathways for impact.
@SpixFoundation @badeabank @gatesfoundation @GatesAfrica @WorldBankAfrica @isdb_group @SaudiFund_Dev @TheOPECFund @Presidency_GMB
#AUDA_NEPAD #TheGambia #PIPIA #Education #Innovation #HigherEducation #TVET #DigitalTransformation #Africa #YouthEmpowerment
Africa’s education transformation requires more than conversations. It requires coordinated action, trusted partnerships, and scalable ecosystems that place learning outcomes at the center of digital transformation.
AUDA-NEPAD is proud to collaborate with partners across governments, academia, development cooperation, industry, and innovation ecosystems at the upcoming eLearning Africa in Accra, Ghana from 3-5 June 2026
This growing coalition reflects a shared continental commitment to:
🔹 Advancing inclusive and future-ready education systems
🔹 Strengthening digital public infrastructure for education
🔹 Expanding equitable access to quality learning opportunities
🔹 Supporting AI, STEM, TVET, and digital skills development
🔹 Building Africa-led innovation ecosystems aligned with Agenda 2063
Through initiatives such as the African EdTech 2030 Vision & Plan, PIPIA and RESPECT, AUDA-NEPAD continues to work with strategic partners to ensure that technology serves as an enabler of learning, opportunity, resilience, and sustainable development across Africa.
We look forward to engaging with policymakers, innovators, educators, youth, development partners, and the private sector as we collectively shape the future of education on the continent.
#eLearningAfrica #AUDA_NEPAD #Education #EdTech #DigitalTransformation #AI #STEM #TVET #Agenda2063 #Africa #Innovation #DigitalSkills
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