Africa: The launch of the World Investment Summit in Africa in Dubai to transform the investment landscape in Africa
the Global Africa Investment Summit (GAIS)Officially launched today, it is a pioneering platform designed to connect Africa’s untapped sovereign assets to global private capital. Participated in its founding Dr. Akinwumi Adesinaformer President of the African Development Bank Group, W Margery Krausefounder and CEO of APCO, the platform is poised to become a catalyst for Africa’s transition from aid dependence to investment-led growth.
Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Akinwumi AdesinaCo-Founder and CEO of GAIS, highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“In the coming years, Africa will need to unleash its vast sovereign assets to enable global economic growth. The World Investment Summit in Africa platform provides the trusted and structured entity needed to connect Africa’s vast potential to global private capital. Through this platform, we are creating the conditions for mega-deals that will transform opportunities into bankable investments at scale and drive transformative growth across the continent and beyond.”
Margery Krauseco-founder and vice president of GAIS, emphasized the power of holding a summit:
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“Africa’s economic landscape is at a turning point. The World Investment Summit in Africa will serve as the linchpin connecting governments, investors and private sector entities to create transformative partnerships. It is an effort that leverages the knowledge and trust of Dr. Adesina, who has unparalleled experience in driving economic growth in Africa. I am proud to support this initiative as a trusted partner in Africa’s investment journey.”
As Dr. Adesina’s partner in this initiative, APCO is committed to supporting strategic dialogue and catalyzing impactful partnerships that unleash Africa’s full potential. “GAIS represents a bold step forward in reimagining Africa’s economic future,” Kraus said. “Backed by APCO’s global footprint and more than 40 years of experience working at the intersection of business and government, the World Investment Summit in Africa will bring together leaders from around the world to create a platform where ambition meets action and where investment becomes the catalyst for a new era of prosperity across Africa.”
Unlocking Africa’s investment potential
The Global Investment Summit in Africa aims to position Africa as a leading global investment destination by transforming public assets into risk-free investment portfolios ready for investment. The platform will proactively address barriers that have historically hindered Africa’s access to global private capital, including fragmented markets, high transaction costs, and limited transparency.
As the world’s youngest continent, with a population of more than 1.3 billion and 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, Africa is at the center of global economic priorities. The Global Investment Summit in Africa is designed to harness Africa’s strategic sectors, from energy and critical minerals to agriculture, digital innovation and healthcare, and attract global private capital to facilitate long-term sustainable development.
The platform will provide governments, private sector leaders and institutional investors with:
- Risk-free portfolios ready for investment: Helping governments to structure and strengthen sovereign assets.
- Access to transaction support: Facilitating transparent and effective matchmaking between African countries and global investors.
- Collaboration opportunities: Encouraging cross-border investments to unleash regional potential.
Speaking at the launch event, His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves LourençoThe President of Angola and the Chair of the African Union said, “Africa is rich in opportunities, but the perception of risks has kept many investors at bay. The World Investment Summit in Africa represents a reputable and well-organized bridge at the global level connecting Africa to global investors. This is exactly what Africa has been waiting for and what the world needs to unleash Africa’s full potential.”
A new platform for Africa’s future
The Global Investment Summit in Africa is more than just one event, it is a movement to redefine Africa’s place in the global economy. “This summit will change the rules of the game,” he said.Dr. Akinwumi Adesinaformer President of the African Development Bank Group, “will attract global capital to unlock value for Africa’s assets and create opportunities for our people.”
Work on preparing the assets for investment has already begun. The first summit is officially scheduled to be held in Luanda, Angola, in 2027, with the participation of heads of state, global investors, CEOs and development partners.
Leadership Voices: A Shared Vision for Africa
African Heads of State, global leaders and CEOs underscore the urgency and opportunity this moment presents for the continent:
His Excellency Daniel Chapo, President of Mozambique:
“Africa is no longer wondering if capital will come; rather, we are redesigning how it arrives, where it goes, and how it delivers results. Our continent has extraordinary sovereign assets, including energy, infrastructure, land, water, minerals, and human capital. However, many of these assets remain undervalued, poorly regulated, and inadequately supported – not for lack of capacity, but because they are not systematically structured, managed, and risk-mitigated to meet global investment standards. This is the gap highlighted by the Summit Global Investment in Africa seeks to fill.
Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania:
“What investors today are looking for is not just opportunity, but trust – trust in institutions, in policy coherence and in partners who honor their commitments. Tanzania is committed to being such a partner. We value relationships built on credibility, accountability and shared prosperity. In this context, the World Investment Summit in Africa represents a tangible shift – from fragmented engagement to structured cooperation; from aid dependence to investment-led growth; and from isolated projects to bankable investment portfolios aligned with national priorities.”
His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola:
“We are witnessing a major change in the rules of the game in how we attract investment to Africa. Africa needs to unleash the value of its sovereign assets to accelerate its development and growth and achieve the Africa 2063 agenda we want… This is exactly what the World Investment Summit in Africa will help African countries to do. This initiative represents an institutional bridge. We can connect Africa to global investors in a safe, sustainable and mutually beneficial way.”
His Excellency John Dragone, President of Ghana:
“The global landscape is changing rapidly. Geopolitical fragmentation, the realignment of supply chains, the declining role of traditional aid, and intense competition for capital and resources require a new approach. Africa cannot be a passive participant in this new global era. We must shape how the world deals with us and, most importantly, on our terms… The launch of the World Investment Summit in Africa is therefore not symbolic, but an act in itself.”
His Excellency Mr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya:
“The Global Africa Investment Summit is a timely, structured, credible platform that transforms African assets into investment-ready portfolios and connects them to global capital because the next chapter of our development will not be financed by debt but by innovative monetization of African assets.”
His Excellency Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo:
“Africa’s growth trajectory will only remain on an upward trajectory if it can unlock the value of its significant sovereign assets through international investments. The World Investment Summit in Africa is a viable platform that enables win-win agreements for the continent.”
Her Excellency Mrs. Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy:
“Italy believes in the exceptional investment value that Africa offers. The Global Investment Summit in Africa is an initiative that represents a unique platform to build new bridges between African assets and global capital. Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa is ready to create synergies with the Global Investment Summit in Africa to help unlock investment opportunities in Africa for economic growth, jobs and shared prosperity.”
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom:
“The co-founders of the Global Investment Summit in Africa, Akinwumi Adesina and Margery Krause, have global respect and trust. I am confident that the Global Investment Summit in Africa will accelerate the launch of tremendous assets in Africa. It will help transform the continent’s engagement with global investors.”
Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations:
“The world needs Africa, and Africa needs the world. With its rich natural resources, Africa holds the key to global prosperity and security. The Global Investment Summit in Africa will bridge the gap between vision and implementation – connecting governments’ strategic priorities with capital and partnerships that can deliver lasting impact.”
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Aliko Dangote, Founder and Chairman of Dangote Group:
“Africa’s vast resources will determine the future of the global energy revolution. The World Investment Summit in Africa creates the structure and partnerships needed to unlock its full value, turning assets into wealth, and opportunities into bankable investment.”
Robert Gumede, Chairman and Founder of Joma Group:
“Investment opportunities in Africa can generate significant wealth from global capital. The Global Africa Investment Summit platform provides investors and governments with the tools to prepare and deliver investment deals at scale and with confidence.”
Mohamed Dewji, CEO of MeTL Group:
“As an African business leader, I have witnessed first-hand the untapped potential of our continent and the unique challenges that local entrepreneurs – and the vital projects they lead – face in accessing global capital. The Global Investment Summit in Africa is a game-changing initiative that will not only open opportunities for African businesses, but will also ensure that investments contribute to sustainable development, job creation and economic growth. I look forward to driving impact as part of this platform.”
For more information about the Global Investment Summit in Africa and to explore partnership opportunities, visitglobalafricaIS.com.
communication:
Jimmy Coe
Director of External and Internal Relations
jkoo@apcoworldwide.com
+1.202.839.1469
About the Global Investment Summit in Africa
The Global Africa Investment Summit (GAIS) is a transformative platform he co-foundedDr. Akinwumi AdesinaandMargery KrauseTo accelerate Africa’s transition from aid dependence to investment-led growth. By connecting African governments, private sector leaders and institutional investors, GAIS aims to unleash Africa’s vast sovereign assets and drive sustainable development.
About APCO
APCO is a global consulting and advocacy firm that helps leading companies, organizations and governments navigate a complex world. APCO, an independent, majority-women-owned company, brings diverse people and ideas together and works outside traditional boundaries, building the unshared ground on which progress is made.
