Event Aims to Mobilize Capital for Africa’s Economic Development and Investment Opportunities

RABAT, Morocco (BG) – The 2024 Africa Investment Forum Market Days officially began on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco, gathering global investors, business leaders, and government representatives to drive investment opportunities across the continent.

The three-day event, from Dec. 4 to Dec. 6, is Africa’s premier investment marketplace to close investment gaps and mobilize resources for critical projects. Moroccan Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah inaugurated the fifth edition of the forum, emphasizing the need for collaboration to address Africa’s challenges.

“Today, more than ever, development partners are called upon to strengthen strategic collaboration and work as a system to address the growing challenges of African countries: rising debt risks, youth unemployment, food insecurity, and climate change,” Fettah said.

Proven Success in Mobilizing Investments

Since its inception in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $180 billion in investment interest and closed $30 billion in transactions.

Organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its partners, the forum advances bankable projects, accelerates deals, and channels resources toward transformative sectors.

This is Africa’s investment marketplace to accelerate the closure of the continent’s investment gaps, according to the forum.

Africa’s Strategic Role

Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, mentioned Africa’s growing importance in the global energy transition, highlighting the continent’s vast reserves of critical minerals needed for renewable technologies.

“Africa has become the prime destination for investors in the race for returns in the global energy transition boom,” Adesina said.

He also pointed to Africa’s economic growth potential in consumer goods, digital services, and housing, representing an investment opportunity of $1.4 trillion.

The Africa Investment Forum aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

This year’s theme, “Leveraging Innovative Partnerships for Scale,” underscores the commitment by partners to drive transformative investments across Africa through strategic collaborations.