At New Alamein, African leaders are banking on a new investment platform to accelerate financing for the continent’s development. Backed by a market estimated at USD 3.6 trillion, the initiative aims to connect capital with strategic development projects. However, the current Chairperson of the African Union, Évariste Ndayishimiye, stresses that security stability remains essential to attracting investors.
The Alamein Investment Platform aims to turn political commitments into concrete financing. Its rollout is subject to specific deadlines: a continental mechanism dedicated to SMEs and value chains is expected by mid-2027, while a risk-mitigation instrument is to be designed and operationalised within 18 months. The Business Forum is also to be held every two years to monitor progress.
“It shouldn’t just be selling and buying amongst Africans, but there should be a production that is marketed outside Africa. The Africa Common Market is one where we find that the value-added comes from outside our borders. And at this moment, we should be asking this question.”
Evariste Ndayishimiye, Chairperson of the African Union – Burundi
The expected impact extends to an African market valued at $3.6 trillion. With intra-African trade accounting for approximately 14.4% of the continent’s total trade, the platform aims to channel capital more effectively towards regional projects, particularly the 69 priority projects under the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa. The goal is to strengthen value chains, support SMEs and boost trade between African countries.
“AFCFTA should not remain only a legal framework, but should be translated into a functioning market, which is why you should accelerate and expedite the infrastructure like trade corridors, and the harmonisation of customs, and the standards, and the logistics, and the trade financing, and value chains.”
Evariste Ndayishimiye, Chairperson of the African Union – Burundi
At the heart of this initiative, Afreximbank plays a central role in facilitating capital mobilisation and reducing the risks borne by investors. Blended finance mechanisms are expected to help reassure sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and private investors. The challenge remains to turn Africa’s financial potential into infrastructure, jobs and sustainable growth, despite security and economic risks.
