Africa Investment Forum 2018: Powering a New Era of Deals and Development

Investors commit over US$32 billion across 45 transformative projects

Africa’s first-ever transaction-focused investment forum concluded on Friday, unveiling major results from its high-stakes boardroom sessions. The event drew over 1,000 participants, including government leaders, private sector executives, development finance institutions, commercial banks, and institutional investors such as sovereign wealth and pension funds.

The Forum centered on driving concrete investments across a wide range of sectors — including energy, infrastructure, transport, industry, agriculture, ICT and telecoms, water and sanitation, financial services, health, education, hospitality, tourism, housing, and aviation.

By midday Friday, of the 61 transactions valued at US$40.4 billion presented during the boardroom sessions, 45 deals worth over US$32 billion had already secured investor interest. Final figures were to be confirmed following the close of the Forum.

Presiding over the session titled “Unveiling the Boardroom Deals,” African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina declared:

“Today is an incredible day. You are here because you have faith. Africa has come of age. We saw partnerships in action and commitments to make deals. We witnessed resounding confidence in Africa. Africa is bold.”

His remarks followed an engaging panel discussion with prominent project sponsors, including Frank Nweke (Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical), Jack Van Der Merwe (Gauteng Rail Infrastructure), Solomon Asamoah (CEO, Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and promoter of Accra Skytrain), Akim Daouda (Ngoulmendjim Hydropower), Basil El Baz (Chairman & CEO, Carbon Holdings, Tahrir Petrochemical Plant and Port), and Tahane Mahaole (IHS Kenya Affordable Housing Fund).

Panelists praised the Forum as an unprecedented platform where African-led institutions leveraged capital effectively. One participant even reported receiving US$500 million in investor interest within 24 hours of boardroom discussions.

Key Highlights and Major Agreements

• US$2.6 billion Memorandum of Understanding between Ghana and South Africa for the Accra Ai Skytrain Project, witnessed by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo. This elevated light rail system will utilize air propulsion technology to move high-capacity lightweight vehicles efficiently.

• US$400 million Cooperation Agreement between Africa50 and the Government of Rwanda to develop and finance Kigali Innovation City, a project designed to strengthen the innovation ecosystem in one of Africa’s leading knowledge hubs.

• US$800 million Deal Agreement involving the African Development Bank, Africa50, and the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo to develop the first road-rail bridge linking Kinshasa and Brazzaville — a major step toward boosting cross-border infrastructure, trade, and regional integration.

• A strategic partnership between Thelo SA (South Africa) and Deutsche Bahn (Germany), forming Thelo-DB, a joint venture aimed at transforming Africa’s railway and logistics sectors — which currently face an annual deficit of US$62 billion.

The Forum also marked the signing of a landmark bridge construction project connecting Kinshasa and Brazzaville, reinforcing economic cooperation and enhancing regional transport networks.

Global Participation

The event attracted 350 investors from 53 countries, including 30 African and 23 non-African nations such as the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, France, United States, China, Japan, India, Switzerland, Argentina, Austria, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Portugal, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, and Malta.

Leading African delegations came from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Angola, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Gabon, Mauritius, and Mozambique.

The Africa Investment Forum 2018 not only showcased Africa’s growing investment appeal but also underscored the continent’s readiness to transform its economic potential into actionable partnerships and tangible growth.