Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Africa50 and other shareholders to accelerate infrastructure development across the continent, underscoring the importance of strategic investments in supporting economic growth and regional integration.
Speaking at the closing of the Africa50 General Shareholders’ Meeting (GSM) at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar said the institution remains a key partner in mobilising capital for infrastructure projects in Africa.
The meeting brought together shareholder countries, financial institutions and development partners to discuss financing models and strategies for delivering critical infrastructure projects across the continent.
Mr Omar, who co-chaired the meeting, said Tanzania views Africa50 as an important platform that connects governments, investors and financiers, helping transform infrastructure priorities into commercially viable projects capable of attracting investment.
“Africa50 has demonstrated its ability to bridge the gap between infrastructure needs and investment opportunities, making it a valuable partner for African countries seeking sustainable development,” he said.
The minister noted that Africa50’s objectives align with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which seeks to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy and expand its economic output to $1 trillion by 2050.
He said infrastructure development remains central to achieving that ambition, particularly through investments in energy, transport and logistics networks that support industrialisation, trade and job creation.
According to Mr Omar, improved infrastructure is also critical in strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness in the global economy.
“Tanzania remains committed to working with Africa50 and fellow shareholders to attract long-term investment, develop strategic projects and promote regional integration that delivers tangible benefits to African citizens,” he said.
The minister also welcomed delegates from across Africa and beyond, saying Tanzania was honoured to host the gathering as Africa50 marks a decade of operations.
Over the past ten years, Africa50 has played an increasingly important role in structuring, financing and delivering infrastructure projects across the continent, helping address financing gaps that have long constrained Africa’s development ambitions.
Mr Omar expressed confidence that the discussions and resolutions adopted during the meeting would strengthen the institution’s capacity to support the next generation of infrastructure investments.
The Dar es Salaam meeting comes at a time when African governments are seeking innovative financing solutions to meet growing infrastructure demands, with the African Development Bank estimating that the continent requires billions of dollars annually to close its infrastructure financing gap.
Participants at the meeting emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between governments, development finance institutions and private investors to accelerate the delivery of transformative projects that can boost economic growth and improve livelihoods across Africa.
