Rabat, Morocco, Dec. 1, – The 2025 African Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days wrapped up in Rabat, securing a historic US$15.263 billion in investment commitments across 39 bankable projects spanning 19 countries, designed to fast-track Africa’s economic transformation.
Organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its founding partners, the three-day event from November 26-28 drew over 2,000 delegates—including ministers, institutional investors, commercial banks, insurers, and development partners—under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, speaking at the closing ceremony, called the forum “a catalyst for Africa’s economic trajectory,” highlighting the shift “from exploring possibilities to securing definitive commitments” with projects in energy, transport, agribusiness, industrial transformation, and digital innovation. Two-thirds of boardroom sessions targeted energy and transport, sectors where Morocco and AfDB demonstrate expertise.
A new annual scorecard will track project implementation and conversion from interest to deployment. “What matters is not just announcing figures but ensuring these commitments translate into projects on the ground,” Dr. Tah stressed.
Morocco’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Nadia Fettah, described AIF as “an engine room” for Africa’s development, declaring: “Africa is ready. The question now is: what are you ready to do with us?” She emphasized equal partnerships over untapped potential.
The event doubled private sector sponsors to 32 from 2024, signaling rising investor confidence. Commitments focus on energy transition, fintech, and productive sovereignty with sustainability and inclusive growth priorities.
AIF reaffirmed AfDB’s four priorities: improving capital access continent-wide, reforming Africa’s financial architecture for global influence, harnessing demographic dividends via education/skills/SME support, and building resilient infrastructure while adding value to natural resources.
Participants from nearly 80 countries, including Japan’s near-100 delegates, joined major sponsors like the African Guarantee Fund, Algest Investment Fund, Ashurst LLP, European Investment Bank, and Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector.
Launched in 2018, AIF connects investors and developers, supporting projects to bankability and financial closure. Founding partners include AfDB Group, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Africa50, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Trade and Development Bank, and Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
The next edition will review 2025 project progress, sustaining momentum toward a prosperous Africa.
GHBUSS
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