The wide range of issues involved in the development, management and protection of Africa's water resources together with other development sectors -- transport, energy and ICT -- will on the agenda at the second annual NEPAD Transport and Infrastructure Summit 2010 and Africa Expo to be held on 13-15 October at the Gallagher international  convention centre in Midrand, north of  Johannesburg.

The summit, which is endorsed by the African Union, is a major effort to prioritise and promote infrastructure development across the continent against the backdrop of a recently published World Bank report which blames poor infrastructure for inefficiencies and wastage costing Africa billions of dollars a year.

Government leaders, policymakers and experts from Africa and overseas will come together with top executives from the private sector, industry decision-makers, investment bankers and other stakeholders  to discuss the continent's most urgent infrastructure development issues.

The crucial role of water in these issues will be the focus of presentations by international experts who will not           only be covering the immediate challenges but will also be raising the continent's long-term needs.

A sector-specific parallel session will provide the opportunity for delegates to discuss the issues and exchange ideas and experiences in the search for consensus and solutions.

Among the areas to be covered are: clean water and sanitation; water for industry and agriculture; national policies and strategies; finance and investment; and regional cooperation and integration.
        

The summit will also include the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Projects of Excellence Awards 2010 where projects are recognised and honoured for their contribution to the future of the  continent in line with the objectives of NEPAD and the African Union.

Delegates at the summit regard it as a "must" to visit the adjacent showcase Africa Transport, Trade and Infrastructure Exhibition (ATTIEX), where Africa's latest technologies, products and services are all on display.