Summit DayTuesday, 3 December 2024

In light of recent election results on the continent, what implications do these have for current and future interest in infrastructure development? What initiatives need to be encouraged to address concerns around project timelines and quality standards? What new strategies are investors and fund managers adopting to navigate the evolving infra needs and challenges of the continent?

How are high interest rates impacting infrastructure debt funding and what methods can address the challenge? As China shifts its focus to domestic financing, what alternative financing mechanisms could African regions consider for infrastructure projects? Integrating foreign exchange risk management into infrastructure debt financing to improve investor perception. What refinancing strategies can help to ensure long-term financial viability amidst fluctuating market conditions?

How can private investors and DFIs work together to accelerate the deployment of capital for climate tech investment in Africa? With a significant shift towards consumer level energy upgrades due to frustration with poor grid supply, what are the key infra opportunities emerging in this space? How can decentralised energy systems contribute to Africa’s goal of energy independence? What role can fund managers play in driving innovation and international capital deployment into the energy universe?

This workshop offers investment insights across themes including:

• Broadband connectivity and internet penetration
• Mobile telecommunications
• Data centres and cloud computing
• 5G

Take part in brainstorming and interactive activities to explore the most promising areas for investment in Africa’s digital infra. Discuss how to improve regulatory environments to attract more capital and explore the best financing and funding options and risk mitigation strategies. Join this session to network with industry leaders and collaborate on driving Africa’s digital transformation.

In what ways can LPs and GPs maximise investment potential in real assets to drive job creation and improve societal well-being in Africa? How are investors in real estate addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in Africa’s rapidly urbanising cities? What are the greatest challenges when it comes to investing in tangible assets?

With significant developments in automotive industries across Kenya, Morocco and Nigeria, how can investment in automotive infrastructure be strategically aligned with evolving trends such as new energy and battery technologies? What implications does this have for regulatory incentives and policy frameworks? Addressing the financing gaps to ensue the long term viability of transport infrastructure. What are the key steps in fostering more inter-country systems such as rail networks between African nations?

What are the key factors in determining whether a project is more suitable for a PPP or full privatisation in the African context? How can partnerships be structured to balance risk and reward effectively in smaller and large-scale infra projects? What strategies can be employed to successfully implement PPPs in sectors like water and agriculture, which traditionally see less of this involvement compared to energy and roads?

How are multi-country renewable energy projects reshaping the traditional infrastructure landscape in Africa? Ignoring the lines of the map: how are regional governments, regulatory bodies and private sectors collaborating to develop strategic infrastructure like satellite landing stations, energy grids and more across borders? In what ways can investors maximise climate impact beyond natural boundaries, particularly in oceanic environments?

These insightful presentations will highlight transformative projects within social, digital and energy infrastructure across Africa. What real-world projects have significantly impacted local communities and economies? An extraordinary insight into project backgrounds, financing structures, challenges and outcomes.

8 mins presentations followed by 10 mins Q&A once all are concluded

With the rise of batteries and solar panels, how can investment in recycling initiatives mitigate the environmental impacts posed by their disposal? How can investors address challenges in waste management infrastructure across Africa? How can governments, industries and civil society collaborate to establish comprehensive frameworks and policies that promote sustainable solutions? What technologies can improve eco-efficiency, transparency and traceability in battery recycling and waste management on the continent?

Do the economic benefits outweigh the environmental risks? Should African nations have greater control over their mineral resources, including imposing stricter regulations and taxation on mining activities? Do resource extraction operations help or hinder local communities in a social context?

Run under the Chatham House Rule. Open to all.