DFS-1 (2014, Dakar): Dakar ignited PIDA PAP1: 16 projects showcased and the Service Delivery Mechanism (SDM) launched to strengthen early-stage preparation and bankability.

The first Dakar summit marked a turning point by rallying political will around the initial PIDA Priority Action Plan (PAP 1) and presenting a coordinated set of projects to investors. Sixteen projects were showcased, and several advanced significantly thanks to the momentum generated. For instance, the Ruzizi III Hydropower Project reached financial close and the Dar es Salaam Port Expansion entered construction.

A key legacy of DFS-1 was the recognition that many projects required stronger preparation support. In response, the Service Delivery Mechanism (SDM) [Link 1] was created to provide early-stage technical assistance and help projects move toward bankability. This became one of the most important tools for advancing Africa’s infrastructure agenda in the years that followed.