• To harmonise policies and strategies for the expansion, improvement and modernisation of infrastructure and energy facilities and services;
• To advise Member States through formulation of continental policies and strategies
• To coordinate and facilitate the formulation and implementation of regional and continental infrastructure and energy programmes;
• To promote joint improvement of technical, technological and managerial capacities;
• To facilitate the improvement of safety, security and environmental protection in relation to infrastructure and energy activities; and
• To promote development of tourism in the continent.
  

Programme Orientation

The programme pursued by the Directorate is focused on achieving a set of priorities relating to the outlined objectives and realities on the ground. The current period is marked by accelerated change of roles in matters of ownership, management, regulation, resource mobilisation and operational modalities in infrastructure and energy activities. In that regard, commercial interests and, in particular, the private sector are gradually being accorded an enhanced role alongside the public sector in the management of the economic and social infrastructure with the major aim of accelerating sustained growth in those areas. The complexity brought about by the role adjustment is posing a great challenge to the Member States of the African union and their regional economic communities (RECs) economically, socially and politically.

In cognisance of the aforementioned situation, the Directorate is endeavouring to formulate and implement programmes that would enable the AU member States to adapt to the emerging challenges and employ the most current strategies and state-of-the-art technologies to bring about sustainable development in their infrastructure and energy networks. To that effect, the following issues are on the priority programme of the Directorate:

• Liberalisation of infrastructure and energy markets;
• Utilisation of dynamic financing schemes for infrastructure development;
• Privatisation of infrastructure and energy undertakings like the railway networks, airports, ports, telecommunications networks, pipeline networks, etc.;
• Promotion of ICT development and utilisation;
• Capacity building in terms of acquisition of skills and technologies; and
• Promotion of sound and responsible policies regarding the environment, safety and security matters as they relate to infrastructure and energy activities.
• Promotion of a unified telecommunications numbering area in Africa.
  

Among the programmes which are currently being pursued in collaboration with partner organisations, is the liberalisation of the air transport services in Africa on the basis of the Yamoussoukro Decision which was adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in 2000. This programme is primarily aimed at raising the level of efficiency in air transport in Africa in terms of liberalisation of traffic rights, capacity, frequency and price as well as in minimising both capital and operating costs of African Airlines.

As well, the Directorate is cooperating with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and other relevant African and international organisations in implementing a project for the promotion of the telecommunications industry in Africa (INDAFTEL) with a view to ensuring the continent’s effective participation in the global ICT revolution. Furthermore, preparations are being made to study and implement a project for the creation a unified telephone numbering area for Africa. This is expected to facilitate enhanced interconnection of telecommunications services among African countries.

In the pipeline, there are a number of activities that have been on hold for sometime due to the ongoing operationalisation of the Union. On top of the agenda, is a project for the promotion of the use of new and innovative schemes for meeting the huge financial requirements for the underdeveloped physical infrastructure in Africa. Alongside this undertaking, is the endeavour to assist in the formulation and implementation of the most appropriate strategies and modalities for privatising capital intensive infrastructure and energy enterprises like the railways, ports, airport, telecommunications, etc. The aim is to encourage the private sector to undertake long-term investments in the infrastructure utilities and, hence, improve the capitalisation and management of those key assets to Africa’s development.

Also, the Directorate is looking into ways of assisting in strengthening the ailing air transport industry in the continent following a succession of misfortunes that have plagued it since the early 80s economic downturn to the devastations of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US and the SARS threat that is still hovering around. Besides the operational improvements expected as a result of successful implementation of the market liberalisation programme of the Yamoussoukro Decision, the issue of cost-effective fleet expansion is being explored. The Directorate is in the process of exploring ways and means of introducing a mechanism for leasing and purchasing aircraft and associated equipment with better terms to African airlines.

It is further worth noting the idea and effort of the Directorate to carry out a comprehensive study on the creation of a centre for overhaul, repair and manufacture of containers as a means to contribute to the promotion of the sea born trade of the continent.

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