The session aims to position Africa's airspace as a key investment opportunity. The focus is on using the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) to create a unified and open airspace, which will significantly boost trade and tourism. The session will gather airline leaders, policymakers, financiers, and regulators to address funding challenges and policy gaps. They will also identify potential investment areas, such as airport upgrades, air traffic systems, and technology, using public -private partnerships (PPPs) and new financing models. The ultimate goal is to create a clear plan to speed up the SAATM and unlock Africa's full aviation potential.

The session aims to spotlight trade-related infrastructure projects vital to unlocking the Lobito Corridor’s economic and integration potential, with a focus on commercially viable initiatives capable of attracting private investment and driving sustainable industrial growth in Angola, Zambia, and the DRC. By engaging African Union representatives, subject-matter experts, and private sector leaders, the discussion will address both hard infrastructure such as logistics hubs, ports, and rail systems, as well as enabling mechanisms including public-private partnerships, regulatory modernization, and blended finance. The goal is to demonstrate the Corridor’s position as a compelling destination for investors, development finance institutions, and project developers.

Technologies and innovation continue to be the cornerstone of transport optimization. SDG 17.8 promotes the development of science, technology, and innovation capacity-building mechanisms, and SDG 17.16, aiming to strengthen global partnership for sustainable development. Transport digitalisation agenda of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) seeks among other things, to work with member States and corridor management institutions to harness innovative technology to improve the efficiency of regional transport corridors. The objective of the session is to stimulate the use of digital technologies to scale up transport efficiency. The meeting will also show case the ECA’s Africa Regional Transport Corridor Management System (ARTCOMS) and a similar tool of the UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization).

Africa’s industrialisation is hindered by low value-add, commodity dependence, and financing gaps. This dialogue will showcase PAIDA as the key framework for green, inclusive industrial growth and explore financing tools, SEZs, and regional value chains. Ministers, DFIs, and investors will share strategies and commit to partnerships for priority projects. Outcomes include reaffirming PAIDA’s role, identifying instruments, securing commitments, and launching a PAIDA Investment Dialogue Platform.

This session will feature African startups, innovators, and companies that are developing and implementing technology-based solutions for infrastructure. These solutions include using AI for project monitoring, drones for construction, and fintech platforms for public-private partnerships. The goal is to showcase scalable innovations that can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase the resilience of infrastructure across various sectors. The event will include panels, pitch sessions, live demonstrations, and opportunities for investors to connect with innovators.

African cities are at the forefront of climate and population challenges, but they lack the funding needed for sustainable infrastructure. A dedicated session will bring together ministers, city mayors, and investors to find ways to increase the flow of climate finance into urban areas. The goal is to address pressing issues like traffic, poor air quality, and climate.

Access to rural areas is key to unlocking Africa's agricultural potential and increasing trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), yet funding for rural infrastructure is often disorganized and slow. This session will explore how to use Digital development finance, blended finance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract private investment and create a sustainable pipeline of projects. The goal is to build a stronger value chain and achieve inclusive growth. Ministers, DFIs, and investors will share their insights on successful projects and identify practical ways forward.

The EU's EUR 150 billion Global Gateway investment package, announced at the 6th EU-AU Summit, is designed to boost connectivity within and between Africa and Europe, focusing on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. A dedicated session will provide updates on the package's implementation, particularly for its twelve priority transport corridors, and will reaffirm the EU's commitment to supporting infrastructure development across Africa. The package aims to strengthen key sectors, facilitate trade, and foster sustainable growth.