This year’s forum takes place against a challenging global economic backdrop marked by rising protectionism, diminishing development aid, and mounting debt servicing costs for many African nations.

Amina Khaled El Zayat, Principal Officer for South Africa (SA) at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), spoke to Channel Africa about the forum's objectives and the critical need for a “new deal” for Africa.

“With increasing fiscal constraints and global shifts, we must rethink our development models to focus on private sector-driven job creation and the empowerment of local champions,” she said.

The forum will centre on key themes including improving governance, refining public policy, and accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

El Zayat emphasised that the event is not only a platform for strategic dialogue but also a powerful tool to connect African businesses with global investors, thereby facilitating investment flows across the continent.

IFC’s partnership with the forum, which began in 2018, reflects its broader commitment to sustainable development. In SA, the IFC’s investment portfolio stands at $4.1 billion, its largest in Africa and the fifth-largest globally. The organisation has prioritised sectors such as infrastructure, green buildings, affordable housing, and inclusive finance, especially for women.

One notable investment includes green affordable housing through Balwin Properties. El Zayat highlighted that IFC’s green certification programme has now certified 10 million square metres of green floor space across Africa, with SA leading the way.

The IFC is also deeply involved with SA’s G20 Presidency, collaborating on working groups focused on infrastructure, sustainable finance, and Small-Medium Enterprise development.

“There’s a strong emphasis on creating bankable projects and using blended finance to attract private sector investment in high-impact areas like jobs and industrial innovation,” said El Zayat.

--ChannelAfrica--