Africa Investment Forum: We need to translate interests into actual commitments, says AfDB's Pierre Guislain

The three-day-long Africa Investment Forum held in Johannesburg was a resounding success, with over 200 participants and 56 boardrooms engaging in discussions about specific transactions. According to Pierre Guislain, AfDB's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure & Industrialisation, the event attracted investor interest worth up to $40 billion across 52 deals, a significant increase from the previous year's $37.8 billion. While the expressions of interest do not equate to concrete commitments, efforts are underway to translate these interests into actual investments. The forum served as a marketplace for investors, governments, and other stakeholders to explore opportunities and address key issues facing African investment landscape. One of the main themes that emerged from the conversations was the critical need for investment in infrastructure and the eagerness of investors to participate in meeting this need. The dialogue also focused on enhancing the overall attractiveness of African investment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on making the continent more appealing to institutional investors. Creating a politically and regulatory stable environment emerged as crucial factors for progress in implementing Africa's development targets. The African Development Bank, bolstered by a significant capital increase approved recently, is well-positioned to support countries in their reform agendas and infrastructure development efforts. The bank's increased capital will enable it to expand its support for private companies, with 25% of its operations dedicated to direct assistance to the private sector. Leveraging partnerships and resources from co-hosts and co-organizers of the forum will be instrumental in enhancing support for the private sector and driving investment in Africa. While the $40 billion in investor interest marks a promising start, it's important to note that these are expressions of interest and additional work is required to translate them into tangible commitments. The AfDB will continue to follow up on the deals discussed at the forum throughout the year, providing support and facilitating connections between investors and projects. The focus is not only on closing the current deals but also on sourcing new opportunities for the Africa Investment Forum 2020, with the aim of making next year's event an even greater success. In conclusion, the Africa Investment Forum 2019 showcased the immense potential and opportunities for investment in Africa, with significant interest from investors and commitment from stakeholders. By addressing key issues, fostering partnerships, and leveraging resources, the continent is poised to attract more investments and drive sustainable economic growth in the region.