AfDB, USTDA Renew Partnership to Boost Africa’s Infrastructure

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have extended their strategic partnership for another five years. The renewed collaboration aims to promote quality infrastructure development across Africa, fostering economic growth and sustainable development on the continent.

Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), Enoh Ebong, has reaffirmed the agency’s shared commitment with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enhancing national procurement systems. Ebong made this statement in a release issued by the AfDB on Saturday.

The USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority infrastructure projects in emerging economies.

According to Ebong, this also aligns with international best practices to create a level playing field for global competition.

He said the renewed MOU formalises ongoing coordination between the two institutions to develop a pipeline of bankable projects that could benefit from USTDA’s project preparation grants.

“The extension of our strategic partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.

“By combining our resources and expertise, we are delivering impactful solutions that promote high-quality, sustainable infrastructure on the continent while increasing opportunities for U.S. companies by promoting fair, transparent, and effective procurement systems.

‘‘A key element of the renewed agreement focuses on enhancing public procurement capabilities and supporting the development of transparent and efficient systems that facilitate economic growth and sustainable development,” he said.

Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the AfDB, commended the collaboration, noting its importance in building capacity and strengthening procurement institutions in member countries.

“This will ensure that we continue to strengthen national procurement institutions, build capacity, and ensure effective implementation of procurement programmes within our regional member countries.

“The partnership also prioritises project preparation, leveraging U.S. expertise in sectors such as energy, transportation, digital, and healthcare infrastructure to integrate innovative solutions and attract investment to African projects,’’ she said.

The original MOU, signed in 2018 under USTDA’s Global Procurement Initiative (GPI), aimed to help public officials in emerging economies better understand the total cost of ownership for infrastructure projects.

Since its launch in 2013, GPI has expanded to include 16 partner countries.

The AfDB and USTDA reiterated their commitment to advancing sustainable development and fostering economic growth across Africa through this partnership.

NAN