President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania attends the opening session of the Infra for Africa Forum in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 6 August 2026. Photo Credit: Africa50

NNA News - Africa’s efforts to close its multibillion-dollar infrastructure financing gap took centre stage on Wednesday, as more than 1,200 policymakers, investors and business leaders gathered for the Infra for Africa Forum and the Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting. The two-day forum, held under the theme “A Decade of Impact: From Ambition to Delivery” at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, focused on mobilising investment and accelerating infrastructure delivery across the continent.

Africa requires between $130 billion and $170 billion in infrastructure investment each year but faces an annual financing shortfall of between $68 billion and $100 billion, said Dr Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Chair of the Africa50 Board of Directors. “The African Development Bank Group estimates that Africa requires between 130 billion and 170 billion US dollars annually for infrastructure, leaving a financing gap of between 68 billion and 100 billion US dollars every year,” Tah explained. “Closing that gap will require more than external capital. It will require Africa to mobilise its own resources more effectively.”

Opening the forum, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan told delegates that the forum’s main aim was to convert investment opportunities into tangible projects to support Africa’s long-term development. “It is indeed bringing together leaders, investors, financiers, and development partners with a common purpose,” Hassan added. “The purpose is to transform ideas into bankable projects, partnerships into investments, and Africa’s mass potential into lasting prosperity for our people.”

African heads of state, government officials, investors and development partners pose for a group photograph during the Infra for Africa Forum and Africa50 General Shareholders' Meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 6 August 2026. Photo Credit: Africa50

Hassan also explained in her address that the discussions were taking place at a time of deep geopolitical tensions, conflict, climate change, supply chain disruptions and financial pressures that continue to affect African economies despite originating beyond the continent. “Although many of the challenges originated beyond Africa, their impact sends ripple effects across our continent,” she added. 

She also identified energy security as a critical priority for the continent, saying stronger regional cooperation would be vital to meeting Africa’s growing electricity needs. “We also recognise that Africa’s energy future depends on stronger regional cooperation, cross-border transmission networks and regional power posts that will enhance energy security, reduce costs and provide reliable power to support our growing economies."

Tanzania joined Africa50 in 2023 during Hassan’s first term and was later selected to host this year’s forum. Hassan told delegates that Tanzania was inviting international investors to consider opportunities in the country, citing its political stability, natural resources and business-friendly environment. “The government is committed to strengthening the investment climate through policy reforms and strategic initiatives aimed at attracting greater domestic and foreign investment, accelerating economic growth, and creating employment opportunities.”

The Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, hosts the 2026 Infra for Africa Forum and Africa50 General Shareholders' Meeting on 6 August 2026. Photo Credit: Africa50

Africa50 was established by African governments and the African Development Bank following a 2012 declaration by African heads of state to accelerate infrastructure development across the continent. Group Chief Executive Officer Alain Ebobissé told delegates that Africa’s infrastructure deficit required more than increased funding and depended on stronger project preparation, implementation, and partnerships. “Ten years ago, Africa50 began its operations with the conviction that Africa’s infrastructure challenge was not only one of financing but also one of project preparation, project development, execution, and partnership,” Ebobissé said.

Tanzania’s Minister of Finance, Khamis Mussa Omar, detailed how the forum would provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between governments, investors, and development finance institutions while identifying practical financing solutions. “The forum will provide an important platform for governments, investors, development finance institutions, infrastructure developers, and business leaders to exchange ideas, forge strategic partnerships, and identify practical solutions to Africa’s infrastructure financing needs,” Omar said.

Gaudence Mmassy, Head of Planning, Research and Innovation at the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority, highlighted investment opportunities available through the One Stop Facilitation Centre and the country’s Special Economic Zones. The forum brought together heads of state and government, representatives of international financial institutions, development partners and business leaders.