Africa Steps Up Infrastructure Investment with Domestic Capital

The inaugural Africa We Build Summit, hosted by the Africa Finance Corporation and the Kenyan government, marked a pivotal moment in continental development. Aliko Dangote’s announcement of plans to replicate his refinery project in Tanzania signaled how African capital can drive industrial growth.

Addressing a Continent-Wide Need

The summit convened leaders to advance projects that strengthen regional integration and accelerate industrialization—all informed by the comprehensive State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2026. The report highlights significant investment gaps while emphasizing Africa’s potential as an increasingly attractive destination for capital.

Unlocking Domestic Resources

With an estimated $4 trillion in available domestic capital, a key focus was on channeling these resources into productive sectors. Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, noted that “Africa is not capital-poor; it is capital-trapped.” The challenge now lies in unlocking this potential through policy reforms and project preparation.

Institutional Investors Take the Lead

Pension funds, sovereign wealth vehicles, and DFIs are showing greater collaboration. South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is repositioning itself as a catalytic investor that can anchor large-scale projects while attracting additional partners. Rwanda’s Social Security Board is expanding its focus beyond domestic opportunities, investing in pan-African platforms like Africa50.

Policy Clarity Drives Investment

Investors consistently emphasize the importance of well-prepared projects with clear regulatory frameworks. South Africa’s renewable energy sector, which has attracted over $16 billion in private investment, serves as a model for how policy clarity can unlock significant capital flows.