Angola Hosts Southern Africa Focal Group Meeting on Road Network Maintenance

Luanda: The Angolan capital is currently hosting the 2nd meeting of the Southern Africa Focal Group (ASAFG), an event taking place from the 21st to the 24th of the current month. The gathering presents a significant opportunity for the Republic of Angola to enhance its regional cooperation efforts and delve into discussions around sustainable financing and maintenance models for road networks across Africa. According to Angola Press News Agency, the event in Luanda underscores the Angolan Government's commitment to reinforcing African cooperation and advocating for sustainable solutions that aim to boost connectivity and mobility within the Southern African region. The Ministry of Public Works, Urbanism and Housing (MINOPUH) has reiterated this commitment through its active involvement in hosting the event. A press release from the ministerial department highlights that the meeting forms part of international exchange and cooperation activities spearheaded by the Road Fund Finances Emergency Works, a member of the African Road Maintenance Funds Association (ARMFA). ARMFA is a continental organization that unites Road Funds from several African nations to address the pressing issue of road infrastructure maintenance. The note further elaborates that the event is organized by the Government of Angola through the Road Fund Finances Emergency Works, following the most recent ARMFA meeting. The ASAFG meeting, held on a rotational basis among member countries, serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and consultation, aiming to bolster regional cooperation. The African Road Maintenance Funds Association prioritizes the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and information concerning best practices in financing the preservation and maintenance of road infrastructures across Africa. It also seeks to foster public-private partnerships to fund the construction, rehabilitation, preservation, and maintenance of road networks. To streamline its operations, ARMFA is divided into regional focal groups, with the Southern Afri ca region being represented by ASAFG. This group includes ten countries: Angola, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.