By 2063, Africa could radically transform its economic and energy landscape through modernized and sustainable infrastructure. Confronted with fragmented networks and limited electricity access for over 60% of its population, African leaders and their financial partners explored in Washington on October 16, 2025, new financing mechanisms and green strategies capable of generating billions of dollars and millions of jobs, while driving the continent toward sustainable and integrated economic growth.
To accelerate the construction of reliable, sustainable transport and energy infrastructure suited to Africa’s realities, continental leaders, financial institution officials, and development partners met in Washington from October 13 to 18, 2025, to rethink development financing mechanisms. The situation is clear: less than 40% of Africans have stable access to electricity, road and rail networks remain fragmented, and logistics costs between neighboring countries are among the highest in the world. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the continent loses about 2% of its GDP each year due to these deficiencies.
I believe one of the key takeaways from these discussions is the need to mobilize both domestic and international capital to finance Africa’s transformation and prosperity. We also gathered several interesting ideas, and we are ready to work together, and with President Obasanjo, to strengthen our advocacy efforts.
Samaila Zubairu, President of Africa Finance Corporation
Discussions focused on creating new financing instruments, such as African sovereign funds and public-private partnerships, within the framework of Agenda 2063, which aims for an integrated and resilient Africa. African authorities emphasized that the voluntary carbon market could generate $10 to $40 billion by 2030 and create up to 190 million jobs if the carbon price reaches $80 per ton, while also advocating a transition to green infrastructure: climate-resilient roads and ports, renewable electricity networks, and smart urban planning.
The discussions mainly focused on the idea that Africa must take ownership of its financing needs, especially in key sectors such as infrastructure, and create a favorable environment for foreign investors. Our continent has 54 countries, each with different systems.
Wale Tinubu, Chief Executive Officer of Oando PLC Group
If Africa’s infrastructure challenges are addressed by 2063, the economic gains could be substantial. A study by the African Union estimates that an annual investment of $155 billion in infrastructure could increase the continent’s total GDP by $2.83 trillion by 2040, more than double the 2024 GDP. Furthermore, implementing Agenda 2063 could drive economic growth of 233% over two decades, compared to 139% under a business-as-usual scenario, and raise Africa’s share of the global economy from 2.8% in 2023 to 5.3% in 2043.
