Africa Investment Forum Solidifies Collaboration Through New Partnership Framework.

Thursday 5th June 2025

Par inAfrika Reporter

A strengthened partnership format was unveiled among founding entities of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) during the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan. This development reflects a renewed commitment to scaling transformative investments across Africa and enhancing the Forum’s strategic impact.

Since its inception in 2018, the AIF has established itself as the continent’s premier investment marketplace for global investors. It has attracted close to US $225 billion in investment interest, underlining its growing influence. The newly adopted Partnership Framework Agreement clearly defines roles, responsibilities, and benefits for founding partners and lays the groundwork for new participants to join the initiative.

The signatories include Africa’s leading development financiers: the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Trade and Development Bank, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank, and Afreximbank.

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of AfDB and AIF chair, emphasized that “Africa will not be developed by aid, but by investment,” noting that the Forum has shifted global perceptions by demonstrating the continent’s bankability.

Dr. Fahad Aldossari, Chair of BADEA, highlighted efficiency and financial sustainability as objectives critical to “AIF 2.0,” a strategic phase aimed at advancing more projects to financial close.

Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50, welcomed the formalization of partnership roles. He affirmed that the Forum is “a much-needed deal-making platform” employing innovative models to attract private capital for significant continental infrastructure projects.

Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, celebrated the Forum’s success in demonstrating what African collaboration can achieve mobilizing capital for high-impact, bankable initiatives.

DBSA CEO Boitumelo Mosako stressed the Forum’s role in “bridging Africa’s infrastructure funding gap,” noting that leveraging AIF remains essential to meeting the continent’s needs.

An expanded Market Days event is scheduled for 26–28 November 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. This marquee gathering will bring together investors, deal sponsors, and heads of state to fast-track major projects toward financial closure.

As Africa charts a trajectory toward sustainable, investment-driven development, a cohesive, well defined partnership structure like this one is key. Beyond signaling unity among leading development institutions, it presents a compelling invitation to new partners to join Africa’s inclusive economic progress.