The document discusses the importance of ICT infrastructure for economic development in Africa. It notes that while the global internet economy is over $20 trillion, Africa's share is less than 2% due to insufficient infrastructure. Programs like PIDA and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor aim to expand broadband access and mobile penetration, which can increase GDP. PIDA's goals include developing transport networks, reliable connectivity, and power across Africa to maximize infrastructure value and utilization. The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor specifically works to reduce border crossing times and freight costs along the 1028km coastal route between the cities.

1. NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency
The Internet and Economic Development- The
Case for ICT Infrastructure
Towela Nyirenda Jere, PhD
Africa Internet Summit- Tunis, 2015

2. Why ICT Infrastructure Matters
• Internet economy - US$20 trillion and growing
– Africa’s share less than 2%
• 3billion users globally
– Africa – 167million (6% of global, 16% penetration)
• Broadband improves GDP
– 10% increase in broadband access => 1.35% increase in
GDP growth
– 10% increase in mobile penetration => 4% increase in
productivity
– doubling mobile broadband data use-=> 0.5 percent
increase in GDP per capita growth rate

3. Where ICT Infrastructure Matters
Agriculture
• E-agriculture
Trade and
Industry
• E-commerce
Education
• ICT4E
• MOOCs
Health
• E-health Mining Tourism
Science and
Technology
Governance
• E-governance
• E-government
Socio-cultural
• Communication
• Social networking
ICT

4. The Internet of Things
Source: Article by OPINNO : The Internet of Things.

5. The Programme for Infrastructure
Development in Africa (PIDA)
• Common platform for infrastructure
development in Africa
• Rationalisation of a plethora of
regional/continental initiatives
• Harmonise donor intervention
• Fast tracking Africa development and
integration

6. PIDA Drivers
Population
Growth
Increase in
Trade
Education
Technology
Windfall

7. PIDA Components

8. PIDA Impacts

9. http://www.au-pida.org

10. The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor (ALC)
• SOURCE - ABIDJAN-LAGOS CORRIDOR ORGANIZATION, ABIDJAN-LAGOS TRADE AND TRANSPORT FACILITATION PROJECT
• IDA GRANT N° H549-TG , YEAR 4 REPORT: JULY 2013 – JUNE 2014

11. The ALC Corridor
• 1028 km coastal corridor
• 3 large cities - Lagos, Accra and Abidjan
• population catchment area - 35million
people
• gateway for landlocked countries

12. Objectives
• Increase capacity of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor,
reduce transport time and further reduce
transport and logistics costs.
• Promote trade and economic development
• Enhance movement of persons, vehicles and
goods across land borders.
• Enhance the effectiveness of border controls
• Enhance food security & community
development

13. ALC Components
• One- stop border posts (OSBPs).
• 6-Lane (2x3) dual-carriage Highway from
Abidjan to Lagos
– rail link
– ICT infrastructure
• Transport/Trade facilitation & Corridor
Management
• Spatial Development Initiatives
• Food Security & related community development

14. ALC Expected Outcomes
• Increased regional trade and regional integration
among ECOWAS countries
• Average border crossing time reduced to 3
hours
• Clearance for buses and passengers halved
• Freight times reduced drastically.
• Pre-clearance possible through information &
equipment sharing
• Reduced cost of bandwidth and long distance
tariffs

15. ALC Current Status
• Appraisal & Data Collection Mission completed
• Relevant structures have been identified
• Participating countries have signed a treaty for
the corridor
• An institution called the Corridor Development
Authority (CDA ) will be created.
• Seed Fund Contribution Agreed
• Feasibility and detailed engineering design
studies concluded

16. Conclusion
• Infrastructure is key to driving Africa’s economic
development
– Good quality transport networks (road, rail, air and sea)
– Efficient and reliable network connectivity
– Power generation and transmission
• Holistic approach
– Maximised value and utilisation of infrastructure
– Cost effectiveness
– Fast tracking ICT development
– Promotes collaboration and standardisation

17. Thank you
Merci
Obrigada
Gracias
‫شكر‬
Towela Nyirenda-Jere, PhD.
Programmes Manager
NEPAD e-Africa Programme
Email: towelan@nepad.org
Tel: +27 11 256 3600
Web: http://www.nepad.org/regionalintegrationandinfrastructure/infrastructure/ict