The African Infrastructure Database (AID) is a comprehensive platform that serves as a central repository of infrastructure project information in Africa. It is designed to facilitate data entry, updates, and analysis for informed decision-making and sustainable development on the continent.
The AID aims to gather and consolidate data on various infrastructure sectors, including transportation, energy, water, and ICT. It allows users to contribute and update project information, ensuring that the database remains current and relevant.
By providing a centralized platform for infrastructure data, the AID enables stakeholders, such as policymakers, investors, and development partners, to access reliable and up-to-date information on infrastructure projects. This information can support evidence-based decision-making, project planning, and resource allocation.
The AID also offers features such as project search and filtering options, allowing users to navigate and explore the database based on their specific needs and interests. Additionally, it provides visual representations of project data through interactive dashboards, enhancing the accessibility and usability of the information.
Historical Background of the AID
The African Infrastructure Database (AID) was established as part of the efforts to support the implementation of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). The PIDA was launched in 2012 by the African Union Commission (AUC), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to promote regional integration and infrastructure development across the continent.
The AID was developed as an online data management tool to capture, validate, and store infrastructure project information in Africa. It was designed to use standard metadata descriptors to ensure consistency and harmonization of data across different projects. The AID allows stakeholders such as Regional Economic Communities (RECs), specialized institutions, project owners, and implementing agencies to manage their infrastructure information using a unified user interface and defined workflows. The AID was launched in 2013 and has since been continuously enhanced to meet emerging needs and incorporate feedback from end-users.