Diouf: Financing, securing investments lingering challenges

The Managing Director of FD and Partners, Fabienne Diouf, recently spoke with CNBC Africa about the challenges and opportunities in infrastructure development in Africa. Diouf emphasized that infrastructure is crucial for economic development and regional connectivity on the continent. However, financing and securing investments remain significant challenges. She highlighted the role of governments in facilitating processes to address these concerns while considering local community interests and socio-environmental responsibility. The conversation shed light on the importance of building bridges and connecting various stakeholders to drive impact and foster growth across different sectors. Diouf's firm, FDN Partners, focuses on supporting the implementation of infrastructure projects in sectors such as energy, transport, and telecommunications. They believe that infrastructure serves as a backbone for economic development and can enhance productivity, facilitate business, and help societies flourish. Despite working with multilateral institutions, Diouf noted challenges in financing and securing investments, emphasizing the critical role of governments in these processes. She called for strong leadership, investment in education, and a return to core values to support community thriving in Africa. Diouf also drew inspiration from the journey of resilience and progress in Rwanda, suggesting that investing in education, values, and discipline are essential for sustainable development. Overall, the conversation highlighted the need for collaborative efforts, strong leadership, and strategic investments to drive infrastructure development and economic growth in Africa.