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JOHANNESBURG – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has set November 11 to 13 this year as the dates for the second edition of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) following huge successes scored at the inaugural event.
The AIF brings together top decision-makers on the continent and is aimed at linking investors mainly interested in tackling the continent’s infrastructure gap, estimated at between US$130 billion and US$170 billion.
Investment estimated at $43 to $55 billion per year is required until 2030 to 2040 to meet demand for power alone.
The inaugural event, attended by eight Heads of State and Government, connected investors for 63 projects across the continent, worth nearly US$47 billion.
At least 1 943 participants representing 87 countries and an estimated 400 investors participated at the inaugural forum.
“When we laid out our vision to tilt the flow of capital into Africa by convening the first transaction-based investment forum, many thought it would all amount to building castles in the air.
One year down the road, the verdict is undisputed. Africa’s investment opportunities are proving to be seriously attractive,” said AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina.
The AfDB recently held a roadshow in the United States where more than 30 pension fund managers, private sector chief executive officers and institutional investors signaled strong interest to attend this year’s edition, once again set for Johannesburg, South Africa.
Zimbabwe was also represented at the inaugural forum. – New Ziana
Online Reporter