Positioning African projects for investment interests

A major initiative aimed at attracting investment and support for critical infrastructure projects in Africa, the African Investment Forum (AIF), is making significant progress in ensuring that investment interests translate into actual commitments for projects across the continent. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, the AIF's Senior Director, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, highlighted the ongoing efforts to curate projects, work with project sponsors, and raise capital to make projects bankable and attractive to investors. Despite challenges such as the postponement of market days and boardroom sessions, the AIF is determined to continue its mission of transforming Africa's infrastructure landscape. One of the key achievements of the AIF is the ability to raise $32.2 billion in investment interests during virtual boardroom sessions. The focus has been on critical sectors such as human infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, gas infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, FinTech, and creative industries. Projects on the AIF platform cover a wide range of sectors and are geared towards addressing the continent's infrastructure gaps and driving sustainable growth. The AIF's unique approach lies in its commitment to preparing projects for investment readiness. Rather than turning away projects that are not yet bankable, the AIF works closely with project sponsors to structure projects, address governance issues, and ensure they meet the standards required to attract investments. This collaborative effort between the AIF and its funding members, including the African Development Bank, Africa 50, AfriExim, and others, plays a crucial role in mobilizing investments and driving project development. The AIF is also dedicated to promoting gender equality and local content in project investments. Through initiatives like 'Women as Investment Champions,' the AIF shines a spotlight on women-led businesses and supports their projects across various sectors. With nine women-led deals worth $9 billion on the platform, the AIF is committed to empowering women entrepreneurs and ensuring their meaningful participation in Africa's economic growth. Going forward, the AIF remains focused on building sustainable projects, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for women in the investment landscape. By harnessing the potential of critical infrastructure projects and promoting inclusivity and innovation, the AIF is poised to drive positive change and economic development across Africa.