“Launch of 3rd Edition of African Prosperity Dialogues Calls for Continent-Wide Infrastructure Investment”

The third edition of the African Prosperity Dialogues (APD) was launched in Accra on May 12, with a focus on urging Ghana and other African nations to prioritize investment in critical infrastructure essential for boosting intra-African trade. Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, the Minister of Finance, emphasized the significance of investing in energy, digital platforms, transportation, and logistics to facilitate sustainable development across the continent. With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion in the next 25 years, Dr. Adam highlighted the potential for enhanced trade if targeted investments are made in crucial infrastructure to catalyze growth.

The APD, an initiative of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), aims to provide a platform for political and business leaders to discuss actionable initiatives to enhance trade and prosperity in Africa, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by African nations, including infrastructure deficits and economic disparities, Dr. Adam stressed the need for collective action and partnership on a continental scale. He underscored the importance of supporting Africa’s financial and development finance institutions to mobilize capital effectively and channel investments toward priority sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications. Dr. Adam also advocated for strategic and innovative financing mechanisms, including public-private partnerships, green bonds, and leveraging digital technologies to foster financial inclusion and access to capital.

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the Executive Chairman of APN, described the APD as a timely platform to advance prosperity and development across the continent. He emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, fostering partnerships, and working towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Africans. Highlighting the crucial role of the private sector in the success of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Otchere-Darko reiterated the commitment of APN and its partners to mobilize private capital for development initiatives.

Rosemary Mbabazi, the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, hailed the APD as a progressive initiative with the potential to mobilize resources for sustainable development. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing cross-border infrastructure investment, particularly in robust digital infrastructure, to promote digital trade and support the goals of AfCFTA.