After three days of back-to-back boardroom discussions and deal-making sessions, the African Investment Forum recorded a fresh influx of 29.2 billion dollars in new investor interest, exceeding earlier expectations.

Akinwumi A. Adesina (PhD), president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and chair of the investment forum, called the number “truly outstanding.” According to him, the final total could rise even higher, as several others were still being refined and negotiated beyond the 37 investment-ready deals presented.

The atmosphere in Rabat was one of measured optimism, a sentiment that organisers attributed to the Forum’s gradual evolution from a single event into what Adesina described as a global investment movement for Africa. Organisers and participants of the investment summit held in Rabat, Morocco, last week praised the Forum’s growing ability to unite capital and opportunity across a range of sectors. This year’s "Market Days" attracted 2,300 investors and delegates, from 83 countries, an increase of roughly 60pc over last year’s turnout, a notable feat considering the complexities still surrounding global capital flows.

AfDB's President said the Forum had secured commitments from 15 new sponsors, including banks, insurers, and export credit agencies, while several others had expressed interest.

Adesina reflected on his legacy as his 10-year tenure at the helm of the AfDB draws to a close next year. He said he was proud of what had been achieved, viewing it as the "greatest honour of his life" to serve the continent. He pledged to continue advocating for Africa, promising to keep “cheering and pitching for investments” and to "remain deeply engaged in the continent’s advancement."

The investment forum launched during his tenure has core activities in its investment boardrooms. This year, the rooms hosted discussions over 37 proposed projects that spanned multiple sectors, from transport, power and energy to agribusiness, industry, mining, pharmaceuticals and tourism. While many expected strong interest, several projects attracted investment beyond initial targets. One was Nigeria's special agro-processing zone, whose representatives wanted to mobilise 975 million dollars. They walked away with expressions of interest worth 4.8 billion dollars.