In its collaborative initiatives with Sub-Sahara Africa governments to bridge the huge infrastructure financing gap in the continent, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved US $100 million to the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a Public Private Partnership (PPP) company, to support ongoing projects.
A news report sourced from the bank’s website indicates that through a US $325-365m million debt raise, EAIF intends to develop the fund’s strategy of growing its loan portfolio over the next 3-5 years and to become a sustainable and concrete alternative to development finance institutions and commercial banks.
The news report stated that since inception, the Fund had played a key role in the infrastructure landscape in Africa, investing in structuring and long-term infrastructure projects, to the tune of over US$1.2 billion in about 70 transactions.
According to the development finance institution, working closely with the African Development Bank since its inception, EAIF plans to reinforce investments in 49 eligible countries and fragile states with a clear focus on crucial sectors for the development of the continent including power, telecommunication, transportation, manufacturing, among other sectors.
The Bank projected that the expected outcomes of EAIF business model would be a clear demonstration of how to achieve green and sustainable growth in Africa; it will include the creation of 3,500 permanent jobs, improved or new access to infrastructure services for millions of people in Africa and investments in environmental, social and gender projects.
According to the news report, the Bank’s investment in EAIF is a reflection of its strategic thrust to achieve four of its five operational priorities notably, Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa and Improve the quality of life for people in Africa.
“In addition, EAIF lending strategy is in line with the Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy for developing infrastructure, supporting regional economic integration, and providing a platform for private sector development. Finally, the Fund’s focus on the infrastructure sector is well aligned with both the Bank’s and Regional Member Countries’ (RMCs) priorities”, the bank added.
