Africa PPP 2024 Unlocking Multi-Billion Dollar Infrastructure Investments
Africa’s premier infrastructure investment summit, the 14th Africa PPP Infrastructure Investment Summit, is set to return to Morocco from 22 to 24 October 2024.
With Morocco’s strategic position as one of Africa’s most dynamic investment hubs, the event will serve as a crucial gateway to explore public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities and innovative investment strategies across the continent.
This year’s summit arrives at a pivotal moment, aligning with Morocco’s ambitious infrastructure projects ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, offering a vibrant backdrop for discussions on scaling up investments.
Morocco the Ideal Host for Africa’s Leading Infrastructure Summit
Morocco stands out not just as a dynamic investment destination but as a leader in strategic infrastructure development. The choice of Casablanca’s iconic Hyatt Regency Hotel as the venue underscores the country’s readiness to showcase its role in Africa’s infrastructure transformation. With Morocco preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the summit will take place amid a flurry of multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects, including significant investments in the 2040 Rail Strategy, the Noor Ouarzazate solar initiative, and the 2030 National Port Strategy.
Over three days, the summit will bring together key players in the infrastructure ecosystem—project developers, investors, financiers, EPCs, consultants, government officials, and business leaders—to discuss the theme “Scaling up PPPs to Address Infrastructure Investment Gaps.” Attendees will explore how increased private sector involvement through PPPs can bridge Africa’s estimated USD 100 billion infrastructure funding gap.
Mike Hansford, Chief Executive of the RSTA, captures the spirit of the event: “Highlighting the solutions available to local highway authorities and other road operators in preventing potholes from forming. By taking a proactive approach and effecting timely interventions to road surfaces, local highway authorities can prevent cracks and potholes from forming in the first place.”
Bridging the Infrastructure Funding Gap with PPPs
The 2024 edition of Africa PPP aims to outshine last year’s event, which drew nearly 200 professionals from 14 countries for two days of productive debate and high-level networking. This year, delegates will delve into innovative financing models and strategies to enhance private sector participation in infrastructure projects. Showcases of bankable African projects will facilitate connections between developers, investors, financiers, and contractors, driving discussions that could shape the continent’s future infrastructure landscape.
Among the key highlights, Morocco’s infrastructure plans will be front and centre, with over USD 5 billion earmarked for FIFA World Cup preparations, alongside crucial projects like the 400 MW Nassim Nord Wind Power PPP and the Nador Desalination Facility. Côte d’Ivoire will share updates on its World Bank Scaling Solar Projects and the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project. Meanwhile, Kenya will highlight its major highway initiatives, including the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway, while Zambia provides insights into its road infrastructure efforts amidst a challenging drought.
Other countries, including South Africa, will discuss engaging the private sector to revitalise the freight rail network and improve border posts, showcasing a continent-wide commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
A Deep Dive into Infrastructure Solutions
The event kicks off with a full-day masterclass on project preparation, featuring practical case studies on project selection, funding, risk management, contract structuring, and tendering. This hands-on session is designed to equip delegates with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of PPPs, providing a solid foundation before diving into the main conference.
Throughout the summit, discussions will focus on sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, governance frameworks that foster PPPs, and innovative finance and risk mitigation. Sessions will explore how PPPs can support Africa’s Just Energy Transition, smart corridor development, cross-border PPPs, and viable water, wastewater, power, and digital technology initiatives. A curated tour of the Port of Casablanca will conclude the programme, offering delegates a chance to witness first-hand the advancements in key infrastructure projects.
Showcasing Africa’s Infrastructure Potential
One of the summit’s key strengths is its ability to bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from global best practices shared by leading experts in PPP and infrastructure development, with the aim of closing skills gaps and improving project outcomes.
The event boasts an impressive line-up of speakers, including industry leaders like Tarik Hamane, Director General of Morocco’s National Electricity and Water Office (ONEE), Dr Jobson Ewalefou, Director General of Nigeria’s ICRC, and Meriem Bennani, Country Head at UK Export Finance. Experts from various sectors will share insights, strategies, and success stories, offering attendees valuable perspectives on how to drive infrastructure development across the continent.
Key figures such as Tarik Moufaddal, CEO of MASEN, Morocco, and Hussam Abuseif, Vice President Africa & Iraq at TAQA, will shed light on renewable energy projects, while leaders like Felicia Msiza, CEO of Raubex, and Russell Baatjies, Chief Executive of Transnet Freight Rail, will discuss transport and logistics initiatives that are critical to Africa’s economic growth.
An Impressive Roster of Expert Speakers
- Tarik Hamane, Director General, National Electricity and Water Office (ONEE)
- Dr Jobson Ewalefou, Director General, ICRC, Nigeria
- Gamal Mesharafa, Board Member, Concord for Engineering and Contracting
- Meriem Bennani, Country Head, UK Export Finance
- Dorcas Kayo, Director, Infrastructure Finance, Department of Finance; National Treasury, South Africa
- Mustapha Farès. Director General, National Ports Agency (ANP)
- Kamal Htoute, Director of Strategy and Planning, Electricity Branch, National Electricity and Water Office, ONEE
- Hiroki Sekine, Managing Executive Officer, Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Group, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
- Omar Jabri, Head of Business Development Africa, InfraCo
- Adele Paris, Senior Investment Officer and Hub Leader, North Africa, IFC
- Rauna D Mukumangeni, Director: Public Private Partnership, Ministry of Finance & Public Enterprise, Namibia
- Dr Stefan Liebing, CEO, Conjuncta Gmbh Energy
- Tarik Moufaddal, CEO, MASEN, Morocco
- Hussam Abuseif, Vice President Africa & Iraq, TAQA
- Tshifhiwa Magoro, Head of IPP Office, South Africa
- Felicia Msiza, CEO, Raubex
- Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner and CEO: Border Management Authority, South Africa
- Eng Grace Mutembo, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Road Development Agency, Zambia
- Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu, Executive Director, Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat
- Respina Zinyanduko, General Manager, National Railways of Zimbabwe
- Moussa Kouyaté, President of the National PPP Steering Committee, CNP-PPP, Ivory Coast
- Mohamed Serraj, Director of Development Division, Water Branch, National Electricity and Water Office, ONEE
- Akif Ali Khamis, Director General, Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC)
- Atef Majdoub, President of the General Authority for Public Private Partnership, Presidency of the Government of Tunisia
- Russell Baatjies, Chief Executive, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), South Africa
- Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group
- Anouar Harrak, Director, The Port of Casablanca
- Edgar Songanga, CEO, Abba Platforms Inc
- Charles Obuon, Head of Private Public Partnerships, KeNHA
- Fitzpatrick Kapepe, Head of Business Development, ZESCO, Zambia
- Augusto Dembo Director, National Directorate for Public Private Partnerships, Ministry of Planning Angola
A Hub for Strategic Partnerships and Investment Opportunities
Africa PPP 2024 isn’t just a conference—it’s a gateway to tangible opportunities. By uniting the African infrastructure development ecosystem under one roof, the summit saves delegates both time and travel costs, allowing them to engage with potential projects and partners efficiently. The event’s comprehensive agenda is designed to inspire and inform, offering a unique platform for stakeholders to forge strategic partnerships that could transform Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
The addition of new sponsors, such as Concord for Engineering and Construction, a leading Egyptian firm, underscores the summit’s appeal and the growing interest in Africa’s infrastructure market. With the continent’s infrastructure needs only set to grow, the summit provides a timely opportunity for investors, developers, and governments to come together, share ideas, and drive forward the projects that will define Africa’s future.
A Positive Outlook for Africa’s Infrastructure Future
As the 14th Africa PPP Infrastructure Investment Summit approaches, the excitement is palpable. With a focus on scaling up PPPs, the event promises to be a catalyst for unlocking billions in investment, closing funding gaps, and delivering the infrastructure Africa needs to thrive. For delegates, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and contribute to a brighter future for the continent.
For more information about the conference, registration details, and the full agenda, visit Africa PPP’s official website.