This year’s Africa Finance & Investment Forum (AFIF2015) will focus on “Access to Finance & Entrepreneurship” and will be organized in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB) between the 24 and 26 November 2015.
In addition, the forum will take place in Cape Town, which is a first for the annual financial gathering, bringing together different regions of the world with a common drive to fulfil Sub-Sahara Africa’s potential.
EIB’s presence, which is the largest multilateral borrower and lender by volume providing finance and expertise, will provide a North & South perspective to the discussions and policy evaluations. “In line with the EU’s Agenda for Change, in the coming years the Bank will have a renewed focus on private sector development (70% of its annual activity in Sub-Saharan Africa), recognised as a key driver of sustainable growth,” highlights Patrick Walsh, European Investment Bank’s Director of the ACP Lending Department.
Confirmed keynote speaker Honourable Lord Boateng, formerly Chief Secretary of the UK and Britain’s High Commissioner to RSA (2005-2009), views the upcoming forum as a significant event. “The AFIF 2015 Conference provides an exciting opportunity for policy makers, academics, and practitioners, to come together to explore best practice and chart the way forward, in this critical year in which sustainable development takes centre stage. I look forward to joining in the discussions,” he says.
Partnering with the likes of DEG, Afreximbank, EIB, IFC, Rabobank Foundation, Islamic Corporation of the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), Bank of Development of Brazil (BNDES), AFIF has become over the years the annual meeting which offers pro-active, goal driven sessions with a focus on establishing tangible results for speakers, partners and most importantly participants.
With an expected 300 people from all over the world, the three days will see policymakers, financiers, bankers and private sector entrepreneurs discuss and find practical business solutions. AFIF is a pragmatic and business oriented experience, which rewards participants with substantial business contacts, especially those who have come prepared and identified their key needs. AFIF regroups three key target groups: Entrepreneurs (project owners, CEO etc..), financial institutions (Banks) and investors interested in investing directly in banks or projects (DFIs/IFIs/Foundations).
“AFIF is addressed to all those from North & South that never stopped believing in the potential of Africa and truly see it as a continent of countless opportunities, of challenges, of fearless entrepreneurs where many good things can happen”, explains Ines Bastos, EMRC Senior Project Manager.
This philosophy is put into practice through the B2B meetings, which are tailor-made to ensure maximum business partnership success and which involve participants, speakers and partners. Last year’s forum saw over 500 such meetings taking place. In addition, there will be information stands where delegates can hold one-on-one discussions with investors, foundation representatives etc.
The forum will provide simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Portuguese.
Ines Bastos (Sr Project Manager)
Email: ib@emrc.be
Tel: +32. 26 26 15 15
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Jessica Frommer (Media and Communication Manager)
Email : jf@emrc.be
Tel : +32 2 626 1510