NAIROBI, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Newly appointed African Union special envoy Raila Odinga left the country on Sunday for Zimbabwe to open a forum on infrastructure development in the continent.

Odinga, African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, will open a meeting of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), his office said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

It said the former Kenyan prime minister will lay out his vision for project preparation, resource mobilization and financing mechanisms for infrastructure development in Africa.

"He will also share his thoughts on attainment of smart and Integrated Infrastructure Development, among other matters," said Odinga's office. He will jet back into the country on Monday.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission, has said the appointment of Odinga is part of the pan African body's drive to expedite the integration of the continent through infrastructure, in order to promote economic growth and sustainable development.

He said Odinga will work to support and strengthen the efforts of the Commission's relevant departments and those of the planning and coordinating agency of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, within the framework of PIDA.