More than 30 U.S pension fund managers, private sector CEOs and institutional investors have signaled their strong interest in participating in the second Africa Investment Forum, scheduled to take place from 11-13 November 2019, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Africa Investment Forum is an innovative investment marketplace spearheaded by the African Development Bank to attract capital for investment on the African continent.
At a roadshow event held in New York on 27 September 2019, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, investors, from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington and across the United States, heard about investment opportunities on the continent and the pipeline of projects curated for the upcoming Forum.
Reflecting on the 2018 Africa Investment Forum, Peter Sullivan, Managing Director, Public Sector Head, Africa at Citi Group, shared his enthusiasm with the gathering: “There had to be over 100 interested and keen investors. Lots of great content, feedback and excitement throughout the program.”
He was echoed by Lerry Knox, CEO of the Sovereign Infrastructure Group, who said: “ It is truly an honor to be the Africa Investment Forum’s first U.S. private sector partner, and I’m sure there will be many more to come. We see this as only the beginning of a long-term commitment to investing in Africa, and we think this year’s event will be even more impactful for our firm’s future.”
Paul Hinks, CEO Symbion Power and Chairman of Invest in Africa, USA, highlighted the importance of the event and stated: “Invest in Africa is committed to working with the Africa Investment Forum and also to supporting its efforts to addressing the infrastructure challenges to achieve sustainable development.”
With over US$38.7 billion investment interest secured in less than 72 hours, the 2018 Africa Investment Forum exceeded all expectations.
Chinelo Anohu, Head and Senior Director of the Africa Investment Forum, stated: “We have drastically reduced the number of plenaries, from 13 to 5, to focus more on business discussions and deal making sessions. As a result, the 2019 Africa Investment Forum is gaining more momentum and we have more partners willing to join this year’s edition.”
The 2018 Forum contributed significantly to reshaping the narrative about Africa. “For decades, the risk or at least the perception of risk has hindered Africa’s efforts to attract foreign investment. The Africa Investment Forum is tackling this problem head-on,” commented the President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi A. Adesina.