Opening Press Briefing

Accredited media only

Breakfast Session: AIF Bankability Series

By adopting a transactional approach, this AIF series aims to demonstrate proven pathways for tackling project bankability challenges in Africa. During the session, speakers will showcase deals introduced at the 2023 Market Days and share how their respective efforts are enhancing project bankability considerations. Particular focus will be given to project preparation, and climate action and peace-building efforts in Africa. By partnering with trust funds, impact investors, private foundations, other MDBs, and bilateral aid agencies, the AIF’s objective is to accelerate bankability across a growing pipeline of deals, that achieve unprecedented impact at scale across Africa.

Mukwandi Chibesakunda, CEO, Zambia National Commercial Bank
Naziha Belkeziz, CEO, Banque Populaire Centrale
Heather K. Lanigan, Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, US Trade and Development Agency
Olivier Eweck, Managing Director Head of Sub-Saharan Africa, Public Sector, Global Corporate Bank, JPMorgan Chase
Carol Volk, Counselor for Economic Affairs, US Embassy to the Kingdom of Morocco

Moderated by Godfrey Mutizwa, Chief Editor, CNBC Africa

Official Opening Session

MCs for the Market Days: Marie-Angèle Touré, Journalist and Managing Director, MAT-Media Advice Training, and Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, African Development Bank Group

• Introductory video from the Africa Investment Forum
• Opening remarks from Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group

Keynote remarks from H.E. Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance, on behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco

Leveraging Innovative Partnerships for Scale

The founding partners of the Africa Investment Forum explain how collaboration with the private and public sectors – and other MDBs – has led to shared resources, expertise and powerful synergies resulting in transformative growth.

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors, African Development Bank Group
Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank (TDB)
Alain Ebobissé, CEO, Africa50
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)
Boitumelo Mosako, CEO, Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA)
Eng. Hani Sonbol, CEO, ITFC and acting CEO, ICD (representing H.E. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman, Islamic Development Bank Group)
Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President, European Investment Bank (EIB) (representing Nadia Calviño, President, European Investment Bank (EIB)
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra African Trade and Export Development, representing Prof. Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank

before welcoming as a founding partner:
Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

Fireside Chat

Introductory video – Kingdom of Morocco – 3 mins

Dr. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Kingdom of Morocco
and Odile Renaud-Basso, President, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development

Moderator: Melissa Bell, Senior Paris Correspondent, CNN

PERFORMANCE

Followed by family photo (outside)

Coffee and Networking

Sponsored by African Guarantee Fund (AGF)

High-level Panel Developing New Investment Flows into Africa

Host: Japan
Recent years have witnessed increased investment flows into Africa from traditional Western sources and emerging players, particularly from the Far East. Japan has become a major investor, focusing on infrastructure projects and natural resource extraction, including in critical minerals for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. China, South Korea, and India are also expanding their economic presence on the continent. These investments span several sectors including energy, natural resources, telecommunications, and manufacturing. A number of African nations are leveraging this keen interest to drive economic growth and job creation. However, concerns persist about debt sustainability, resource exploitation, and the need for more transparent deal structures to ensure long-term benefits for local economies.

With surging demand for critical minerals due to renewable energy and EV production particularly in Asia, Africa, rich in mineral resources, is well-positioned to benefit. However, the continent faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits and regulatory hurdles. Developing a robust manufacturing sector for batteries and EVs is essential for adding value to its resources. Therefore, Africa must fast-track its green minerals strategy to address infrastructure gaps and maximize benefits from the energy transition.

12:00 – 12:15 Special conversation
Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Kingdom of Morocco
Moderator: Melissa Bell, Senior Paris Correspondent, CNN

Panel discussion
Tatsushi Amano, Managing Executive Officer, Global Head of Energy and Natural Resources Finance Group, Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Ambrish Bhandari, General Manager, India Exim Bank
Dr Kodjo Busia, Executive Director, Green Africa Minerals
Junting (Catherine) Zhang, Vice Chairman, China Africa Business Council and President, Rockcheck Group
Samuel Olu Faleye, Group CEO, SAGLEV Inc & Prime Investment Resources LLC
Kyeong (Catherine) Kim, Director of Corporate Relations, South African Chamber of Commerce in Korea

Moderator: Désiré Vencatachellum, Senior Director, Country Economics, African Development Bank Group

Closing remarks: Solomon Quaynor, Vice President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, African Development Bank Group

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by Casablanca Financial City

Impact and Returns: How to Unlock Institutional Capital for Infrastructure

Host: Africa50

This focused session will consist of two panels. The first panel will explore opportunities to unlock greater allocations of institutional capital for Africa globally, and to accelerate shares from African institutional investors to drive infrastructure development. The session will spotlight de-risking and value creation strategies to foster, attract, and build institutional investor confidence. The strategic role of progressive capital partnerships that combine philanthropic, concessional and private capital to build larger pipelines of bankable projects, will also be explored.

The second panel, in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) will discuss how progressive partnerships, technology transfers and local capacity building can drive the growth of hydro, solar, wind, and other renewable energy sectors across the continent. Global panelists involved in the creation of these new structures, platforms and vehicles will share critical insights into new possibilities, following more strategic approaches to capital mobilization.

Panel 1: Unlock Greater Allocations for Africa: De-risking and Value Creation Strategies

Boitumelo Mosako, Chief Executive Officer, Development Bank of Southern Africa
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, President of the Board of Governors, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
Dr Armando Manuel, Chairman, Fundos Berano de Angola

Moderator: Imane Alami, Director, Fundraising and Investor Relations, Africa50

Panel 2: Accelerating Sustainable Energy Access: Investing in Innovative Partnerships
in collaboration with International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Anita Marangoly George, CEO ProsperETE and Independent Director, International Solar Alliance
Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President, European Investment Bank
Joaquim Enrique Ou-Chim, Chairman and CEO, EDM-Electricidade de Mozambique
Rouissi Youssef, Delegate General Manager, Corporate and Investment Banking, Attijariwafa Bank
Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, African Development Bank Group

Moderator: Jon-Pierre Fourie, Senior Director, Strategy and Investor Relations, Africa50

Closing remarks, Alain Ebobissé, CEO, Africa50

INFRA-AFRICAN EPC WORKSHOP

Host: Afreximbank
The Intra-African EPC Contract Promotion Initiative was launched by Afreximbank in 2023 to address the limited participation of African contractors in the continent's annual US$60 billion infrastructure spend. This workshop aims to enhance financial support through innovative instruments, improve governance by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and build local capacity to make African contractors more competitive. It also promotes labour mobility under AfCFTA and focuses on regional rollout through workshops and the EPC platform to connect African contractors with infrastructure projects. The workshop will include presentations on the EPC survey results and industry outlook, a demo video of the EPC Contracting Platform, and a presentation on the Afreximbank EPC Financing Framework.

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

COFFEE AND NETWORKING

Sponsored by Matha Capital

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

Official Dinner

Host: Kingdom of Morocco

BREAKFAST CONVERSATION SPORTS AS A BUSINESS CATALYST

The transformative power of sports in Africa has most recently been illustrated by Cóte d’Ivoire’s hosting of the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. This event showcased world-class African talent and significantly boosted the country’s economy through substantial revenue generation, the development of new infrastructure, and a surge in tourism. The successful hosting of the tournament left a lasting legacy of improved world class stadiums, transportation networks, and hospitality facilities, underscoring the potential of sports to drive economic growth.
Looking ahead, the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup in Morocco promises to be another landmark event. This workshop will explore sport’s potential as an investment and development driver. Experts will discuss how sporting events and infrastructure projects can attract foreign capital, create jobs, and boost tourism; examine successful case studies, and debate strategies for sustainable growth. The AIF will leverage its unique platform to attract international and regional investments into the African sports ecosystem that have tremendous potential to benefit multiple sectors and provide inclusive opportunities.
Confirmed
Will Mbiakop, Executive Chairman, African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI)
Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa

Moderator: Godfrey Mutizwa, Chief Editor, CNBC Africa

High-Level Panel Mobilising Finance for Urban Development and Planning : Plenary Session

Host: Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

In order to meet the challenge of a predicted tripling of Africa’s urban population in the next 25 years, African countries will need to invest about 5.5 per cent of their annual GDPs into the development of their cities. The AfDB’s 2023 report, From Millions to Billions, identified the importance of investment and policies to address Africa’s urbanization megatrend, in particular: the power of vision, creating enabling environments; increasing revenue flows to cities; and improving fiscal autonomy and credit worthiness. The panel will also include success stories from across the continent and identify best practice growth strategies.

Opening conversation:
Mohan Vivekanandan, Group Executive, Client Coverage, DBSA

Discussion 1: How do we use funds to support essential services and the development of our cities?
Eng. Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director, LAMATA
Mohan Vivekanandan, Group Executive, Client Coverage, DBSA
Hastings Chikoko, Senior Director for Cities, Big Win Philanthropy
Ednick Muswell - HoD Water Sanitation, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality

Discussion 2: How do we raise capital for Africa’s urbanization projects?
Nezha Hayat, Chairperson and President, Moroccan Capital Market Authority
Thierno Habib-Hann, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, ShafDB
Abdouraman Diallo, Managing Director, Fonds de solidarité africain (FSA)
Eric Gumbo, Managing Partner of G & A Advocates LLP, Kenya

Closing comments:
Solomon Quaynor, Vice President, Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, African Development Bank Group

Moderator: Eleni Giokos, Anchor and Correspondent, CNN

High-Level Panel Scaling Up Infrastructure Financing in Africa Through Partnerships Between DFIS, Insurers and ECAS: Plenary Session

Host: African Development Bank Group
There are tremendous collaboration and partnership opportunities for development finance institutions, insurance companies and export credit agencies to scale up infrastructure financing in Africa that supports sustainable economic growth. The panel will explore and discuss the impact of political, economic and regulatory stability across Africa; balancing high-growth opportunities with exposures to risk; and identify innovative mechanisms for collectively leveraging their respective instruments to minimize risk while increasing the lending capacity of DFIs.

Scene Setter:
Yuichiro Akita, President, Berne Union

Panel discussion:
Admassu Tadesse, Group President and Managing Director, Trade and Development Bank (TDB)
Eng. Hani Sonbol, CEO, ITFC and acting CEO, ICD
Matteo Patrone, Vice President of Banking, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development
Lila Granda, Head of Political Risk and Credit, Vantage Risk
Manuel Moses, CEO, African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI)
Michal Ron, Chief International Officer, SACE

Moderator: Simon Bessant, Board Director and Global Head of Insurance, Texel Group

Coffee and Networking

Sponsored by MM Finance – Services SA

Innovative Funding Structures for Africa’s Energy Transition

Host: SEFA
This special session will look at high-impact projects that offer both development impact and prospect for risk-adjusted returns, by virtue of their blended finance capital structures. The session will bring together - opportunities and pipeline projects by the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), and the AfDB’s complementary blended finance facility to catalyze private investments in clean energy across the African continent. SEFA is backed by 10 donors representing over $500 million in cumulative contributions and was scaled-up at the end of 2019 to better align with the needs of a fast-changing energy market in Africa.

The urgency of climate compatible investments and the challenges inherent with capital mobilization at scale for Africa’s just energy transition necessitate platforms such as SEFA. This session will showcase examples of how more flexible and sophisticated financial instruments can provide technical assistance and concessional finance. Also under discussion and focus will be three thematic areas: green baseload, green mini-grids, and energy efficiency.

Opening remarks:
Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice-President, Power, Energy, Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank Group

Confirmed speakers:
Richard Nelson, Power Africa Coordinator, USAID
Clemens Calice, CEO, Cygnum Capital
Kenyon Weaver, Senior Counsel, US Department of Commerce – CLDP
Maude Vallée, Division Manager and Head of Operations, ALSF, African Development Bank Group
Rachel More-Oshidi, CEO, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment
Christopher Flavin, Co-CEO, Gridworks
Meredith Muthoni, Head of Electric Finance, BURN Clean Cooking Manufacturing

Moderated by Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director, Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency, African Development Bank Group

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank

Agricultural Innovation and Green Growth: Transforming Africa’s Investment Landscape

Host: Japan
Africa is at a crucial juncture in its development journey, with digitalization and green growth emerging as vital pathways for sustainable progress. This side event will showcase innovative Japanese technologies, business practices, and financing solutions that contribute to these objectives, by major Japanese companies and start-ups. With a focus on the integration of digital solutions in agriculture and the promotion of a green transition, the event will explore strategies to drive environmental sustainability and economic growth across the continent. The agenda is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, investment opportunities, and collaboration among stakeholders, as well as emphasize the role and suitability of Japanese innovations to address Africa's unique challenges.

MC: Marie-Angèle Touré, Journalist and Managing Director, MAT-Media Advice Training

Opening remarks: Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors, African Development Bank Group

14:30 – 15:45 Digitalization and Agriculture for Sustainable Development

Tamao Tada, Chief Business Officer, Space Shift, Inc.
Ryo Harada, Manager, Global Sourcing, Green Carbon Inc.
Koya Matsuno, COO, VunaPay
Hiroki Ishida, Director, AAIC Partners Africa Limited
Jin Wakabayashi, Deputy Director General, Private Sector Partnership and Finance Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Moderator: Takaaki Nomoto, Executive Director for Japan, African Development Bank Group


15:45 – 17:00 Green Transition and Digital Solutions for Future Business and Markets
Takuma Terakubo, CEO, Uncovered Fund
Bekim Tahiri, Executive & Global Sales Manager, Non-System Product Packaging (NSPP), Hitachi Energy
Junaid Belo-Osagle, Executive Director, Investment Banking Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mizuho Bank
Yuri Uchida, Deputy General Manager, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC)
Yuichiro Akita, General Manager, International and Strategic Policy, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI)
Moderator: Ken Shibusawa, Chairman, Japan-Middle East/Africa Relations Committee, Keizai Doyukai

Closing remarks:
Daiho Fujii, Deputy Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Japan

WOMEN AS INVESTMENT CHAMPIONS

Host: Affirmative Finance for Women in Action (AFAWA)
Women entrepreneurs and investors represent a significant, yet underutilized driver of economic growth in Africa. Despite the demonstrated resilience and impact of women-led enterprises, they continue to face disproportionate barriers in accessing finance and investment opportunities. The AFAWA initiative seeks to address these challenges by increasing access to financial services for women entrepreneurs and creating a supportive ecosystem for their growth.

The AFAWA event will amplify the conversation around gender-inclusive finance, showcase successful women-led ventures, and facilitate connections between investment-ready women entrepreneurs, investors, and financial institutions. This session, which will include keynotes, interactive panel discussions with AFAWA-supported bank leaders, AFAWA ambassadors, female global financial industry leaders, women-led investment funds and banks, and key public, private and multilateral stakeholders, will also identify strategic constraints and recommendations.

Opening remarks: Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors, African Development Bank Group

Fireside chat: Boitumelo Mosako, Chief Executive Officer, DBSA and Eric Gumbo, Managing Partner of G & A Advocates LLP, Kenya

Bola Bardet, Founder and CEO, SUSU
Dipuo Phakathi, Chief Executive Officer, Denic Cabinets
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founder & Managing Partner, Aruwa Capital Management
Wendy Teleki, Head of We-Fi Secretariat, World Bank
Jules Ngankam, Chief Executive Officer, African Guarantee Fund (AGF)
George Ogbonnaya, Senior Vice President and Divisional Head, Business Banking Group of
First City Monument Bank Ltd (FCMB)
Kennedy Komba, Director of Financial Deepening and Inclusion of the Central Bank of Tanzania
H.E. Dirk Jan Nieuwenhuis, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Kingdom of Morocco
Melissa Basque-Roux, Affirmative Finance for Women in Africa (AFAWA) Coordinator, African Development Bank Group

Moderators: Melissa Bell, Senior International Correspondent, CNN
Eleni Giokos, News Anchor and Correspondent, CNN

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

COFFEE AND NETWORKING

Sponsored by African Guarantee Fund (AGF)

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

Registration

Breakfast Session Private Sector Investment Opportunities in Forced Displacement Settings

In partnership with UNHCR
This session presents a unique opportunity to showcase untapped investment opportunities in refugee-hosting areas across Africa. With refugee communities contributing significantly to local economies—such as 3% of Uganda's GDP and driving a 6% boost in per capita income in Kenya's Turkana County—these markets represent a compelling investment frontier. Frontier markets offer concrete opportunities to create deep, lasting impact while tapping into strong growth potential and an emerging consumer class. Recent large-scale investments by IFC, Equity Bank, and others validate market potential. Building on the successful implementation of AfDB's Regional Investment Climate Program and growing private sector interest, AfDB and UNHCR are co-hosting an exclusive executive breakfast to spotlight these dynamic market opportunities.

Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, African Development Bank Group
Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR
Dagmawit Bekele, Director, AU Peace Fund
Cheick-Oumar Sylla, Regional Director for North Africa, IFC
Douglas Cox, Director of African Project Development, Renewvia Solar Africa
Jonathan Bellish, Director of Policy and Strategy, One Earth Future

Moderator: Dr. Julie Gichuru, President and CEO, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute

6 Concurrent Investment Board Rooms

High-Level Panel Investing in Africa’s Green Energy Future

Africa stands at a critical crossroad in its energy development. While the continent has vast potential for renewable energy, it faces significant challenges in attracting investment and implementing large-scale green projects. This panel will explore the opportunities and obstacles in Africa's transition to clean energy, examine successful case studies, innovative financing models, and policies to accelerate sustainable development. Speakers will discuss how international partnerships, technology transfer, and local capacity building can innovatively drive the growth of solar, wind, and other renewable sectors across the continent at scale.

Opening remarks: Alain Ebobissé, CEO, Africa50

Confirmed:
Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Africa Chair, Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
Richard L. Nelson, Power Africa Coordinator, USAID
Tas Anvaripour, CEO, Neo Themis
Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, African Development Bank Group
Angela Homsi, President and Founder, Ignite

Moderator: Dr. Kevin Kariuki, Vice President, Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, African Development Bank Group

High-Level Panel Innovative Financing Models

Sponsored by White & Case
To date, traditional financing sources have fallen short of meeting Africa's development needs. Innovative financing models are emerging to fill the gap and to tap new capital streams. These include blended finance that matches commercial return-seeking capital with development finance, projects and diaspora bonds that channel funds from expatriate communities, and social/green impact bonds where investors are repaid based on measured development outcomes. In addition, multilateral initiatives are exploring mechanisms like SDR rechannelling, asset securitization, crowdfunding and cryptocurrency to finance innovation in Africa. The panel will discuss the opportunities for new forms of investment, and debate their merits.

Hassatou N’Sele, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, African Development Bank Group
Lamia Merzouki, Chief Operating Officer, Casablanca Finance City
Faruq Muhammad, Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank
Akinsowon Dawodu, Cluster Head – Sub-Sahara, Citi

Moderator: Jean Paul Djemba Abessolo, Chairman and CEO Matha Capital

Coffee and Networking

Sponsored by Goldman Sachs and DLA Piper

Official Closing Plenary Session

MCs for the Market Days: Marie-Angèle Touré, Journalist and Managing Director, MAT-Media Advice Training, and Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, African Development Bank Group

11:30 – 12:45 REGIONAL CORRIDORS
Salle Royale Ballroom

Regional economic corridors - a key priority for infrastructure investment in Africa – will enhance connectivity and trade flows across multiple countries by developing integrated networks of roads, railways, pipelines, and ports. The Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) has prioritized vital corridor projects such as the North-South Multimodal Corridor spanning eight nations. Implementing large-scale, cross-border initiatives, however, require harmonized policies, regulatory frameworks, and financing mechanisms between participating states. Leaders will also discuss the wider investment environment, and address the impact of demographic trends on the changing population and they are leading the diversification of their economies.

11:30 – 11:37 Remarks: Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO, AUDA-NEPAD

11:37 – 11:45 Remarks: Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

11:45 – 12:45 CONVERSATION WITH HEADS OF STATE
Moderator: Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, African Development Bank Group

12:45 – 13:45 OFFICIAL CLOSING CEREMONY

MCs: Marie-Angele Toure and Dr. Victor Oladokun


Special interlude: CNBC Africa (10 mins)

Closing remarks from Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, Kingdom of Morocco

Musical interlude

Announcement of projects and boardroom outcomes
Closing statement from Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group

Best of video

13:45 END

Closing Networking Lunch

Sponsored by DLA Piper and Goldman Sachs

Closing Partner Press Conference

Lusophone Compact Meeting - Boardroom