How the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa aims to change the perception of risk on the continent

The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), owned by 18 Arab countries, is a multilateral development institution focusing on sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, Chairman of the BADEA Group, announced that its shareholders are working to set up a mechanism to increase investment flows into Africa, including sovereign wealth funds, part of which will be dedicated to the continent’s infrastructure. “BADEA’s role is to catalyze resources for Africa, and we will work with all member countries of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) to make this commitment a reality,” he said, according to information published on the BAD website. BAD President Akinwumi Adesina welcomed the partnership, recalling BADEA’s commitment to AIF since 2018 :

Since its inception, BADEA has been a tireless supporter of the Africa Investment Forum, constantly contributing to the growth and success of this platform.

This new partnership, approved at this meeting, is based on a strategic framework adopted by all the founding partners, designed to guide AIF’s future actions.

With the addition of BADEA, the AIF now has nine founding partners, alongside the AfDB, Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Africa50, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, the European Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and the Bank for Trade and Development. The meeting brought together the heads of these institutions, including Admassu Tadesse, CEO of the Bank for Trade and Development, Samaila Zubairu, CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, and Alain Ebobissé, President of Africa50. All were delighted by the dynamism and commitment of the partners to this project, testifying to their confidence in the Forum’s potential.

Through its annual Market Days, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized sovereign and private investors, while changing the perception of risk in Africa. In particular, this platform has promoted access to investment for women-led businesses, such as Mobihealth International Ltd, a Nigerian healthcare company supported under the “Women as investment champions” pillar.