African Finance Leaders Call for Stronger Intra-Continental Investment Frameworks as Kenya Opens Africa Investment Conference (AfIC) 2025

Top finance and policy leaders from across Africa today urged the continent to accelerate cross-border investment frameworks, strengthen capital market cooperation, and unlock Africa-driven funding models to fuel long-term economic growth. This collective call to action was issued in Nairobi during the official opening of the Africa Investment Conference (AfIC) 2025, a premier gathering that convenes the continent’s most influential investors, policymakers, financial professionals, institutional leaders, and private-sector executives.

Hosted by CFA Society East Africa, the annual forum held under the theme “Africa Investing in Africa: Solutions to Challenges”, provides a platform for African and global decision-makers to develop strategies capable of transforming the continent’s investment landscape over the coming decade. This year’s convening arrives at a pivotal moment, as Africa faces evolving global economic dynamics, rising capital needs, and growing urgency to harness the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the chief Guest, Mr. Abubakar Hassan Abubakar – Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, delivered a powerful keynote calling for renewed commitment to regional investment integration and the strengthening of Africa’s financial systems.

“Africa is at a turning point and for us to compete globally, we must unlock capital within our borders, accelerate the growth of both our private and public capital markets, and build deeper financial market linkages. AfIC 2025 provides the collaborative platform to move from ideas to coordinated action,” said Mr. Abubakar

He noted that with Africa’s demographic growth, expanding urban centers, and increased appetite for infrastructure and technology investment, the continent can no longer rely solely on external capital. Instead, he emphasized the need for African nations to work together to mobilize domestic resources, streamline investment regulations, and create predictable market environments that attract long-term capital.

“The Government of Kenya is committed to enhancing the country’s position as a gateway for investment into East Africa and across the continent. This includes improving the ease of doing business, strengthening investor protections, and supporting initiatives that unlock capital for enterprise growth, innovation, and sustainable development.”

Also present at the event was Francis Nasyomba, President, CFA Society East Africa, who highlighted AfIC’s role in promoting world-class professional standards, fostering market integrity, and supporting data-driven policy dialogue.

“AfIC is designed to not only spark the conversations Africa urgently needs to have but to push for action. By bringing together policymakers, capital providers, and market practitioners, we are creating a foundation for stronger financial markets and better-aligned investment flows that drive shared prosperity.” Said Nasyomba

“This year’s conference is centered around three interconnected themes that reflect the continent’s current investment priorities. First is the need to dismantle long-standing barriers to intra-African capital flows, which continue to limit the movement of funds across the continent despite the shared ambitions of AfCFTA. Second is the importance of scaling infrastructure and innovation using African-designed models that are tailored to the continent’s realities and capable of producing long-term impact. Third is the strengthening of strategic alliances among Africa’s financial markets to improve liquidity, connectivity, and investor confidence.” He added

The two-day high-level conference will see delegates engage in expert-led panel discussions, policy dialogues, and a practical case study that unpacks emerging opportunities across infrastructure financing, sustainable finance, capital markets development, technology ecosystems, and regional trade.

With Africa’s rapidly growing young population, increased digital adoption, and rising demand for modern infrastructure, the continent is uniquely positioned to shape new investment frontiers, provided its financial systems evolve to facilitate long-term growth.

The conference will also provide a platform for diverse stakeholders- including government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and technology experts- to exchange insights and forge meaningful partnerships that advance digital inclusion. By bringing together influential voices shaping the continent’s digital future, the event aims to strengthen collaboration and inspire forward-looking solutions.

As Africa continues its rapid digital evolution, the AfIC 2025 Conference stands as a powerful catalyst for dialogue, innovation, and collective action. The discussions, ideas, and commitments emerging from this two-day engagement are expected to contribute significantly to the continent’s progress toward a digitally empowered future.

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