AU Commissioner Champions Quality FDI as Tool for Inclusive Growth in Africa
African Union Commissioner H.E. Mr. Moses Vilakati has called for a renewed focus on quality foreign direct investment (FDI) as a transformative driver of inclusive growth, job creation, and sustainable development across Africa.
Speaking at a Ministerial Special Event during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), Commissioner Vilakati underscored the strategic importance of FDI in advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063 — the AU’s blueprint for a prosperous and integrated continent.
He introduced the Africa Virtual Investment Platform (AVIP), a flagship initiative developed under the AU–OECD Partnership, aimed at closing longstanding gaps in investor information and correcting risk misperceptions about the African investment landscape.
“Investment is not an end, but a means to build resilient economies, accelerate industrialisation, and advance our green and digital transitions,” said Commissioner Vilakati.
AVIP is expected to support job creation, skills development, gender equality, climate action, and innovation, aligning directly with the AU’s Ten-Year Implementation Plans and AfCFTA, PIDA, and Climate Resilience strategies.
Commissioner Vilakati urged AU Member States to fully utilize the platform and called on global partners to collaborate on data-sharing and capacity building, to unlock Africa’s true investment potential.
