Africa Investment Forum Gathers $225 Billion Momentum, Eyes Bigger 2025 Market Days
Africa is fast transitioning from aid dependency to investment leadership, as the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) builds on a remarkable $225 billion in mobilized investment interest since its launch.
During a meeting held on the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, the Forum’s nine founding partners reflected on its success and outlined ambitious plans for the upcoming 2025 Market Days.
Last year’s edition attracted over $29.2 billion in investment interest, bringing together more than 2,300 investors from 83 countries, 40 boardroom sessions, and 15 high-profile sponsors, including global investment banks and export credit agencies. The 2025 edition promises to be even bigger, with more sponsors already expressing interest.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and Chairman of the Forum, emphasized the shift in narrative: “We have elevated Africa. We have showcased Africa. We have changed perceptions. Africa will not be developed by aid. It will be developed by investment.” His remarks underscored AIF’s mission to make Africa a truly bankable continent.
Since 2018, the Forum has facilitated 22 successfully closed deals, with 41% of the financing coming directly from founding partners. A key highlight of the recent meeting was the upcoming Africa Investment Forum Partnership Framework, which will formalize long-term governance and sustainability plans. This framework is expected to be signed during the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings this May in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Leaders of partner institutions echoed the Forum’s significance. Africa50 CEO Alain Ebobissé praised the Forum’s results-driven format: “It focuses not on speeches but on people transacting in boardrooms.”
Africa Finance Corporation’s Samaila Zubairu emphasized African ownership of development, while Development Bank of Southern Africa CEO Boitumelo Mosako stated, “The only way to be certain about the future is by creating it.”
Representatives from newer partners like the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) expressed strong support, with Diab Karrar affirming, “We believe in this initiative.” European Investment Bank’s Andrew McDowell highlighted the value of institutional collaboration in driving investment decisions.
As Adesina nears the end of his tenure this September, he thanked the partners for their unwavering support: “It has been my greatest honor to develop and advance the Africa Investment Forum with you all. Let us continue to fast-track Africa’s development together.”
The Forum’s impact continues to grow, setting the stage for the 2025 Market Days to further position Africa as a dynamic and credible investment destination.
