As we reflect on 2021, we see that despite the pandemic-induced challenges of the last two years, amazing developments have been made in providing infrastructure to those who need it most. In this current global climate, PIDG’s mission is more relevant today than when it was first established. And with 19 projects closed last year, and a continued commitment to the SDGs, progress is not slowing down.In this episode we highlight one aspect of this work - the advancement of gender equality - and how a commitment to SDG5 can improve lives. As part of PIDG’s gender equity plan, we’ve been working with K-Electric, the sole provider of electrical energy in Karachi, Pakistan, helping to launch the Roshni Baji female empowerment project. Hear from the people involved in the project, including a woman who’s become one of Pakistan’s first certified female electricians.Our guests are:Abeera Almas, from the Roshni Baji projectZehra Aniq, K-Electric’s director of sustainabilityLois Davidson, ESG Director at GuarantCoTo find out more about PIDG’s 2021 Annual Review, click here. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many ‘first of its kind’ projects can’t get off the ground, despite their potential to create real impact. Particularly in low and middle income settings, infrastructure projects facing unusually high development costs may not be deemed financially viable. And that’s where PIDG Technical Assistance comes in, to bridge the financing gap and meet a range of needs associated with the infrastructure project development cycle. In this episode members of the PIDG TA team explain why technical assistance is needed and how it works both on the government and project side. And they explore three projects that have benefited from PIDG TA; The Nairobi Streets Lighting Project, Pakistan K-Electric and Bonergie Irrigation Phase II.Our guests are:Luke Foley, Deputy Head of PIDG TATeresa Tam, Regional TA Manager for AsiaJasper Onyango, Region TA Manager for AfricaTo find out more about PIDG’s approach to technical assistance, visit our website. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

As governments come under fire over a lack of action on climate change, it’s becoming increasingly clear that words are not enough. At PIDG we take our role in climate action seriously - it’s a major consideration in every single investment and operation decision we make. Lower income countries, those that PIDG operates in, may produce the least carbon emissions, but they’re the hardest hit by climate change. So how do we ensure investment is directed where it’s needed most? In this special episode we hear from climate change expert Rachel Kyte, committee member for PIDG, Dean of The Fletcher School, and advisor to the UK government for COP26. To find out more about PIDG’s approach to climate action, visit our website. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenya is a crucible of innovation within East Africa. PIDG companies have been based in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, for more than five years, and are helping to pioneer new infrastructure asset classes and private sector investment opportunities. In this episode we discuss Kenya’s clear commitment to embracing change, we explore key projects PIDG has enabled, including the Acorn Affordable Student Accommodation and Kenya credit enhancement facility, and we highlight the opportunities presented by Kenya’s new strategic partnership with the UK. On the show are Sarah Siliya from GuarantCo, Gbemi Adeniyi-Williams from InfraCo Africa, Jasper Onyango from PIDG Technical Assistance, and Alastair Herbertson from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020 was a year like no other, one which could only be navigated with fortitude and quick action. As PIDG launches its annual review, it’s clear that amid this pandemic the company’s work in providing infrastructure to the world’s most fragile communities has never been more critical. In this episode we reflect on everything from the company’s pandemic response, to sustainable development, safeguarding and future challenges. Sharing their views on this special edition of the podcast are the Chair of PIDG, Andy Bainbridge, and the CEO Philippe Valahu. They explore the many ways PIDG has continued to innovate during this time of uncertainty, through the development of multiple ‘first of its kind’ projects, the creation of ground-breaking life-saving rules, and its continued efforts to push the boundaries. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

To deliver meaningful change and improve the lives of people in fragile communities, we must protect those lives as well. One loss of life is unacceptable. This World Day for Safety and Health at Work, we explain why an effective HSES framework is an essential part of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects. With the advent of the global covid-19 pandemic, the world is waking up to the importance of HSES now more than ever, and PIDG is continuously enhancing its protocols to keep pace. In this episode we explore PIDG’s 5 HSES policies, learn about the company’s strategic priorities, and find out how it plans to meet global sustainable development goals. On the show are Cameron Bain, Colin Liu, Brenda Omuombo and Ridouan Lerhrissi. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gender-blind infrastructure projects lead to massive failings across the board, creating problems that last for decades. Ignoring the needs and expertise of women not only puts them at risk, it also puts a strain on business performance. That’s where gender lens investing comes in. The practise is gaining momentum across the globe and showcases the strong business case for gender equality, celebrating the power of female leadership, whilst highlighting issues that affect women and girls around the world, like gender-based violence and harassment. In this episode find out how gender equity is vital in addressing both the climate crisis and global post-covid recovery, and learn about the PIDG Gender Equity Action Plan and HSES Safeguarding Rules. On the show are Celia Carbajosa, development impact analyst at PIDG, and Emily Wood, head of social performance and safeguarding at PIDG. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Infrastructure projects have a long life cycle, so the choices we make today directly impact our future. So as the whole world strives to hit net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, it’s vital that the long-term implications of infrastructure investments are addressed. In this episode we learn about the five dimensions that inform the PIDG approach to climate action, we explore issues of transport, gender and population growth, and we find out how PIDG is demonstrating its commitment to a greener future. On the show are Marco Serena, head of development impact at PIDG, and Emma-Lyn Horvath, senior HSES adviser at PIDG and GuarantCo. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Through affordable and sustainable infrastructure projects, the Private Infrastructure Development Group has opened up vast opportunities for economic growth in some of the world’s poorest countries, changing the lives of millions. Leading the way in conscious investment, PIDG works to serve the communities of Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia. Over the course of this podcast series we’ll be examining its groundbreaking work in areas including gender diversity, health and safety, and renewable energy. In this episode we meet the CEO of PIDG, Philippe Valahu, who gives us an introduction to the company, exploring the scale of the issues it’s trying to address, and the positive impact it’s had over the last 20 years. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.