By Adedapo Adesanya
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a $20 million equity investment in the African Infrastructure Investment Fund 4 (AIIF4).
The deal was approved by AfDB’s Board of Directors on June 19, 2024, and was signed on Wednesday (July 31, 2024.
According to the lender, it reinforces the bank’s commitment to fostering private sector development and boosting infrastructure across the continent. The investment will be financed from the Bank’s ordinary capital resources designated for private-sector operations.
Africa’s infrastructure sector remains a significant investment opportunity, driven by substantial demand deficits and a scarcity of capital. With rapid urbanization and increasing local purchasing power, the continent requires between $130 and $170 billion annually in infrastructure spending. However, there’s currently a substantial yearly financing gap of $68 to $108 billion.
AIIF4, with a 13-year term and a 5-year investment period, has completed its first closing at circa $230 million, attracting international investors. To date, the Fund has raised more than the $500 million target, with the final close expected to be concluded in Q3 2024.
The Fund is projected to deliver significant development outcomes, particularly in private sector growth and household income improvement. The bank assesses the likelihood of achieving these outcomes on time as “High.”
The investment also complements the lender’s ‘High 5’ operational priorities, along with its Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033) relating to accelerating and scaling up its operations. Additionally, the Fund pipeline aligns with the Private Sector Development Strategy (2021-2025), the Climate Change and Green Growth Framework, and the Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience (2022-2026).
Speaking on this, Mr Mike Salawou, AfDB’s Director for Infrastructure, Cities and Urban Development said, “By providing this scarce private equity investment to AIIM to bridge the infrastructure financing gap in Africa, the Bank is reinforcing its commitment and support to developing infrastructure in Africa to private sector participation.
“Therefore, our confidence in AIIM as a fund manager is renewed and strong, given its proven expertise and track record in driving impactful investments.”
The African Infrastructure Investment Managers have transacted an initial portfolio and identified a robust pipeline of investment opportunities in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and ports and logistics assets in South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco. They are also actively screening deals in Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, among others.