British International Investment, the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with African infrastructure investor Africa50 to scale up funding for critical infrastructure projects across the continent.
Announced at the Infra for Africa Forum 2026, the alliance aims to bridge Africa’s infrastructure financing gap by channelling both public and private capital into economic development, job creation, and essential services like transport, water, digital connectivity, and power.
To mark the strategic partnership, British International Investment committed $20 million to the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, managed by Africa Infrastructure Investment Partners. This financial injection elevates the fund’s fourth close to roughly $330 million, joining contributions from the African Development Bank, the International Finance Corporation, and over 20 African institutional investors.
The fund directs capital toward key sectors, including logistics, power, water sanitation, and social infrastructure.
Leadership from both institutions highlighted the role of private capital in closing the continent’s funding gap.
British International Investment Chief Executive Officer Leslie Maasdorp emphasised that combining capital, networks, and technical expertise will strengthen the pipeline of bankable infrastructure projects. Echoing these sentiments, Africa50 Chief Executive Officer Alain Ebobissé noted that meeting the scale and speed of Africa’s development goals requires strong institutional partnerships to mobilise long-term private investment alongside public funds.
AP
