African Heads of State have launched a major continent-wide financing initiative aimed at unlocking over $2.5 trillion in domestic capital to fast-track cross-border infrastructure and economic growth.
The newly unveiled Africa Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIFF) is designed to support the preparation and funding of priority infrastructure projects aligned with Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development framework.
The platform was announced during the Third Presidential High-Level Dialogue of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, held on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit. The event focused on strengthening Africa’s financial systems to drive sustainable development.
$2.5tn Capital Pool Ready for Deployment
Speaking at the launch, John Mahama, President of Ghana and African Union Champion on financial institutions, said Africa is not short of capital but must improve how it is utilised.
According to him, the continent holds over $2.5 trillion in domestic capital, but strategic deployment remains the key challenge.
“The issue is not availability of capital, but how intentionally we channel it into infrastructure, industrialisation, and job creation to realise Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
Bridging Africa’s Infrastructure Gap
Despite its vast resources, Africa continues to face a significant infrastructure deficit due to fragmented capital markets, high borrowing costs, and limited access to long-term financing.
Officials say the AIFF will help address these challenges by strengthening coordination among African financial institutions and reducing dependence on external funding systems that often fail to reflect the continent’s realities.
Francisca Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals at the African Union Commission, described the initiative as a major step forward.
“The launch of the AIFF shows what is possible when political will meets institutional coordination. It will help close Africa’s infrastructure financing gap, estimated at $221 billion annually between 2023 and 2030,” she said.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
Also speaking, Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation and outgoing chairman of AAMFI, emphasised the importance of coordinated investment across the continent.
He noted that aligning African capital with development priorities is critical to delivering large-scale infrastructure, boosting regional trade, and driving economic transformation.
Driving Continental Integration
The AIFF is expected to play a central role in advancing cross-border projects that support the African Continental Free Trade Area, improve connectivity, and enhance intra-African trade.
With stronger financial coordination and political backing, African leaders say the initiative marks a turning point in the continent’s efforts to build resilient infrastructure and achieve long-term economic independence.
