Africa's infrastructure deficit remains one of the greatest barriers to unlocking the continent's full economic potential. The African Development Bank estimates that Africa requires between US$130 billion and US$170 billion in infrastructure investment annually, yet faces a financing gap of up to US$108 billion each year. As urbanisation accelerates, populations grow and trade integration deepens through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), demand for modern transport, energy, water and digital infrastructure continues to rise.

Addressing this challenge will require significantly greater mobilisation of both public and private capital. While governments and development finance institutions continue to play a critical role, increasing pressure is being placed on institutional investors, pension funds and the private sector to support the delivery of large-scale, bankable infrastructure projects. At the same time, project preparation, regulatory certainty and innovative financing mechanisms remain essential to attracting long-term investment.

This session will bring together policymakers, investors, financiers and infrastructure leaders to explore how Africa can bridge its infrastructure financing gap and accelerate project delivery. Panellists will discuss the role of public-private partnerships, blended finance, capital markets and risk mitigation tools in unlocking investment, while examining how strategic infrastructure development can strengthen regional integration, improve competitiveness and lay the foundations for sustainable economic growth.