Infrastructure development is a key driver for progress across the African continent and a critical enabler for productivity and sustainable economic growth. With Africa seen as one of the world’s fastest growing economic hubs, meeting the demand for key infrastructure has been identified as a priority. Therefore, the focus of this month’s issue of Africa Global Funds is on infrastructure. 

We speak with Sameh Shenouda , the new Executive Director and CIO of Africa Finance Corporation, who tells us about his investment philosophy, experience, infrastructure trends and more on pp.15-17.

In addition, we speak with Tariye Gbadegesin, Managing Director & CIO at ARM-Harith. With over 20 years’ experience, Tariye has mobilized over $3bn of capital for infrastructure projects in Africa. She tells us about the current state of African infrastructure, the drivers of successful investing in Africa and more on pp. 12-14.

In this month’s issue, we also hear from Chito Siame, Investment Principal, Mergence Investment Managers, who shares his views on the South African infrastructure space. The government of South Africa has identified that R1.5trn is needed to fund infrastructure projects in the country. Given the country’s current debt burden, can the government alone fund such a large infrastructure plan? Find more on pp. 18-19.

On the news front, Neu Capital Africa partnered with the USAID TradeHub to support businesses’ access to capital. The commitment of the US to support Africa is an enormous opportunity for African growth and development, say Mark Taylor, Gordon Bell and Barry Hawke of Neu Capital Africa (p.11).

Finally, Hasnaine Yavarhoussen, CEO of Groupe Filatex, shares his thoughts on Madagascar, saying that its potential as investment destination stays rather unexploited. Learn more on p. 24.