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NEPAD–IPPF’s mandate is achieved by providing technical and financial assistance to African countries, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Specialized Regional Infrastructure Development Agencies (SRIDIs) to prepare viable, bankable, and investment-ready projects for regional projects in the areas of energy, transport, information and communication technology (ICT), and transboundary water resources. NEPAD-IPPF also provides assistance in specific sub-sectors within the broad sector definitions such as bridges, roads, rails, and ports under transport; generation, transmission, and renewables under energy; telecommunications and broadband under ICT; water resources management, water supply and sanitation. The development of regional infrastructure is critical for regional economic integration.
In addition, the Fund’s resources are utilized for purposes of strengthening the capacity of African institutions and governments to formulate viable regional infrastructure development projects and programs, so as to attract more public and private investments for the development of infrastructure to the benefit of African countries. In fulfilling its purpose, the NEPAD-IPPF plays a catalytic post-preparation role in enabling projects achieve financial close and implementation. The activities eligible for financing under the Fund are: (i) prefeasibility studies; (ii) feasibility studies; (iii) detailed engineering design and preparation of tender documents (iv) project structuring; (v) project linked capacity building; and (v) facilitation and creation of an enabling environment for regional infrastructure development. All Regional Member Countries of the AfDB, RECs, Power Pools, River Basin Organizations, Corridor Authorities, and specialized regional/continental institutions for infrastructure development are eligible for the NEPAD – IPPF Special Fund resources. The financial instruments deployed by the Special Fund includes:
Grants. This instrument is primarily used to provide non-reimbursable technical assistance to support public sector projects and projects with weak commercial viability but with substantive economic impact and geared toward regional integration. Reimbursable Grants. This instrument is primarily used to support projects with strong commercial viability and PPP projects likely to mobilize downstream private sector financing. Support is provided in the form of a grant with the obligation to be reimbursed contingent on the achievement of financial close.
These instruments are complemented by a Technical Assistance Funding Window whose objectives are to strengthen the Fund’s capacity and allows it to undertake high value-added operational activities that enhance its operational effectiveness, its knowledge base and its capacity to deliver its mandate. This includes generating analytical work to understand the requirements of investors, sector governance, project operational performance post-implementation, countries PPP environment and record of accomplishment. 
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