AfDB, WEF Launch Africa Roadmap to Mobilize $10 Billion for 1,000 Frontier Businesses by 2030
Updated
Updated · World Economic Forum · May 25
AfDB, WEF Launch Africa Roadmap to Mobilize $10 Billion for 1,000 Frontier Businesses by 2030
5 articles · Updated · World Economic Forum · May 25
$10 billion is the target behind a new Humanitarian and Resilience Investing roadmap that AfDB and the World Economic Forum launched to channel commercial and catalytic capital into Africa’s frontier markets.
The framework is designed to connect governments, civil society, humanitarian and development groups, and private companies so underserved communities, local economies and purpose-driven businesses can attract scalable investment.
By 2027, the partners aim to launch as many as five country alliances, using those pilots to refine the model before expanding it to 10 markets by 2030.
Africa drew $97 billion in foreign direct investment in 2024—about 6% of global flows—giving the initiative a backdrop of rising investor confidence as the continent seeks to unlock more of its untapped market potential.
As $10 billion flows in, how will Africa ensure this investment builds local wealth instead of repeating a history of extraction?
Can this new roadmap finally solve the currency risks that have long deterred investors from Africa's most promising markets?
Will Africa's new credit agency finally end the biased ratings that cost the continent billions in unfair interest rates?
The HRI Roadmap for Africa: Driving $10 Billion in Impact Investment to 1,000 Frontier Businesses by 2030
Overview
Launched in May 2026, the Humanitarian and Resilience Investing (HRI) Roadmap for Africa is a major initiative designed to unlock Africa’s investment potential by mobilizing $10 billion in commercial and catalytic capital by 2030. This capital will help scale up 1,000 purpose-driven businesses, focusing on strengthening local economies and driving sustainable development across the continent. The HRI Roadmap brings together cross-sector partnerships to ensure that investment reaches Africa’s underserved markets, aiming to create jobs and reduce reliance on aid. Its collaborative approach is central to building a more resilient and prosperous Africa.