In a global context marked by geopolitical instability and economic reconfigurations, the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) appears more than ever as a tool of continental sovereignty. An initiative that places Africa at the heart of its economic decisions, fully assuming its role as a player and no longer a spectator of globalization, observers emphasize. Furthermore, as he prepares to leave his post as President of the Bank Group next September, Mr. Adesina expressed his deep gratitude to the partners for their support and commitment to the Africa Investment Forum.
Since its creation in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) has established itself as a strategic catalyst for investment on the African continent. In seven years, the Forum has not only demonstrated its ability to mobilize capital on a large scale, but has also helped transform the perception of Africa in international markets. After seven years, the AIF has mobilized more than $225 billion in investment interest. To date, 41% of the financing mobilized comes from the founding partners themselves. This dynamic of regional ownership has been praised by observers.
“We have to be able to realize that to develop the continent, it will take a huge amount of private capital. There are about $145 trillion in assets under management globally and only about 1.1 percent of that goes to infrastructure and we know that Africa needs a huge amount of infrastructure and we are particularly the ones starting in terms of infrastructure. We have an annual investment gap of almost $170 trillion a year.”
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank – Nigeria
Unlike other economic events, the AIF stands out for its « Deal Room » approach, a space where mature projects meet directly with investors in a structured setting. This method has notably enabled the rapid release of financing for bankable and strategic projects for the continent’s development. The AIF has also enabled more than $140 billion in investment projects to be presented across its various editions. These meetings also help stimulate African industrialization through large-scale projects.
“As a partner of the African Investment Forum, we believe we have been able to ensure that your investments, once injected, can grow and that you can get your capital back. And that is the power of this, and that is why the African Investment Forum is today the leading investment platform in Africa, bringing confidence in investing in Africa.”
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank – Nigeria
Furthermore, the 2025 edition, currently in preparation, will be marked by the official signing of a new governance and long-term sustainability framework, according to official sources. This text, whose adoption is scheduled during the AfDB Annual Meetings in Abidjan from May 26 to 30, 2025, aims to strengthen the platform’s effectiveness and ensure its sustainability.
