Investment is the key to unlocking Africa’s growth potential, realising its demographic dividend and meeting the ambitions of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. As an example, investing USD 155 billion annually in infrastructure until 2040 could boost the continent’s economic growth by 4.5 percentage points per year, and double its gross domestic product (GDP).
Yet, most African countries are facing tightening financing conditions that constrain their ability to fund these investments.
For one thing, the mobilisation of domestic resources is progressing slowly: in 2023, the average tax to GDP ratio in Africa stood at 16.1%, below average levels in Asia and the Pacific (19.6%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (21.3%). Bilateral official development assistance (ODA), on which several economies continue to depend for their investment in social and economic sectors, has fallen by 23.9% in 2025, and the outlook remains uncertain. Foreign direct investment (FDI) flows remain highly volatile: after surging to a record high in 2024, they sharply contracted in 2025, reflecting continued dependence on a small number of large-scale projects. Finally, dwindling debt sustainability is forcing several African countries to make tough choices: in 2023, average debt service payments were equivalent to 10% of government revenues, up from 4% in 2010, above spending on health, social protection, environment and housing.
At the 25th edition of the International Economic Forum on Africa, public-sector decision makers, private investors, representatives from development finance institutions, and philanthropic actors will discuss policy options for:
- Securing affordable and sustainable debt access for Africa in times of global crises.
- Improving risk perceptions to accelerate foreign investment flows in Africa’s development.
The Forum will showcase innovative solutions, partnerships and strategies to secure financing that generates inclusive growth, jobs and sustainable development in African economies, reviewing the progress of key initiatives such as the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI) and the New Africa Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD).
Please note that all speakers are to be confirmed and may be subject to change. Jointly organised by the OECD Development Centre and the African Union Commission, the International Economic Forum on Africa invites the continent’s leaders, partners and key stakeholders to imagine its economic future.
