The summit brings together investors, financial institutions, and policymakers to explore ways to fund projects essential for Africa’s growth and integration.

Speaking to Channel Africa on Wednesday, Zipporah Maubane, AUDA-NEPAD’s Head of Communications and Advocacy, highlighted the summit’s focus on key sectors including energy, information, communication and technology, and water.

“We have identified projects that will drive integration and interconnectivity across the continent, enabling goods, services, technology, and people, particularly young people, to move more freely,” she said.

The summit comes as Africa faces a $3 trillion investment deficit needed to realise the AU’s Agenda 2063 vision of world-class infrastructure, including roads, rail, air, power networks, and digital links. Maubane emphasised that previous summits have provided valuable feedback, and this year’s event is focused on presenting innovative projects to potential investors.

Addressing the persistent financing gap, Maubane noted that current funding models are not sufficient to match the pace of development required. She suggested that mainstream banks, including the African Development Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, explore new financing models and partnerships with governments to accelerate infrastructure rollout.

“Infrastructure is costly, and some countries cannot meet the investment requirements on their own,” she said.

“We are prioritising projects that create economic activity across multiple countries. For example, a regional project connecting Zambia and Botswana has already generated ripple effects benefiting South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.”

The summit is expected to further dialogue on sustainable financing strategies and facilitate investment into high-impact projects that advance Africa’s economic integration, competitiveness, and development.

–ChannelAfrica–