Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino
Zimpapers Politics Hub
The Fifth Session of the African Union Commission’s Specialised Technical Committee on Transport and Energy is currently underway in Johannesburg, South Africa, to intensify continental efforts to develop resilient and interconnected infrastructure systems that support sustainable growth, regional integration, and structural transformation.
The meeting, which concludes on Thursday, is taking place as the continent strengthens internal capacity, reduces external vulnerabilities, and positions itself more strategically within global value chains.
Ahead of the meeting, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Ms Lerato Mataboge said noted that the Commission seeks to present a focused and forward-looking agenda that responds to the continent’s most pressing infrastructure priorities.
“In an increasingly complex global environment, we must strengthen ownership of our development agenda, deepen intra-African trade, and advance infrastructure systems that are interconnected, efficient, and future-ready. This requires stronger alignment, accelerated implementation, and a deliberate focus on projects that generate real economic impact across the continent,” Ms Mataboge said.
The session also seeks to provide for the AU a strategic direction and policy guidance to accelerate implementation across sectors that underpin Africa’s economic transformation.
“This session provides a timely opportunity for member states to collectively steer this agenda by reinforcing alignment, unlocking implementation constraints, and advancing priority projects that deliver tangible results for the continent,” added Ms Mataboge.
Building on the outcomes of the Fourth Ordinary Session held in Zanzibar in 2023, where ministers called for accelerated delivery and stronger alignment between continental priorities and national implementation, the session also advances a results-driven agenda, with measurable progress already recorded across key flagship initiatives.
