Joburg hosts investment forum
Johannesburg – The second edition of the Africa Investment Forum will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre from between November 11 and 13, according to the organisers.
In a statement they said the event, organised by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its partners, is the largest multi-disciplinary marketplace aimed at raising capital, advancing projects to the bankable stage and accelerating financial closure of deals.
The AfDB indicated that there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between Africa’s available capital and bankable projects. “Although brimming with investment opportunities, financing Africa’s development needs will require between $200 billion and $1.2 trillion yearly. Of this, about $130-$170 billion a year is needed for infrastructure.”
The bank is working with other stakeholders to ensure that the forum becomes the continent’s key springboard for investment to meet the massive infrastructure and development needs.
Similar to the first edition, the 2019 forum will bring together project sponsors, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, private investors, policymakers, private equity firms, and heads of government to advance Africa’s economic transformation agenda, the organisers said.
The inaugural event in 2018 featured some 63 projects from across 24 countries and seven sectors valued at $46.9 billion.
African Development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina said: “We want investments in Africa to land on a smooth investment runway. No bumps.The forum has positioned itself as an honest broker between governments and private sector stakeholders including project sponsors, investors and transaction facilitators.”
Preparations for the 2019 edition are well underway. Roadshows have been held across the continent and further roadshows are scheduled for investors in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
For more about the forum visit https://africainvestmentforum.com/
