Africa’s USD 170 Billion Infrastructure Financing Gap Presents Unprecedented Investment Opportunity
Africa continues to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing demand curves for infrastructure, with the African Development Bank estimating an annual financing gap of USD 130–170 billion across energy, transport, water, digital and logistics sectors. Despite this shortfall, the continent’s infrastructure investment landscape is entering a period of transformation, driven by rising private capital flows, pro-investment regulatory reforms, and a surge in project preparation support from development finance institutions (DFIs).
Infrastructure Africa 2026, taking place in Cape Town, will convene the continent’s most influential infrastructure financiers, PPP specialists, governments, and project developers to unlock new investment pathways and take projects from pipeline to bankability.
Africa’s infrastructure needs are expanding rapidly:
- The continent’s population will reach 1.7 billion by 2030, driving exponential demand for energy, transportation, and water security.
- Urbanisation is rising at 4% per year, making Africa home to 5 of the world’s 10 fastest-growing cities.
- Achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) requires more than USD 32 billion annually in transport and logistics infrastructure alone.
- Digital infrastructure investment is projected to grow at over 11% annually, driven by data centres, fibre networks, and mobile connectivity.
These trends are positioning Africa as one of the most attractive and high-growth regions for long-term infrastructure capital. New investment frameworks, blended finance instruments, and multi-country development corridors are opening the door for private investors to participate in sustainable, commercially viable projects.
Infrastructure Africa 2026 will feature:
- Project Investment Showcases highlighting bankable and near-bankable opportunities
- DFI & Private Capital Financing insight sessions
- Country Spotlight Sessions presenting national investment pipelines
- Networking with Ministers, CEOs, project sponsors and global and African financiers
With infrastructure at the heart of industrialisation, energy security, and regional integration, the event will serve as a catalyst for accelerating Africa’s next phase of economic growth.
Infrastructure Africa invites investors, developers, policymakers and financiers to participate in shaping the continent’s future infrastructure landscape.
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