British International Investment has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at mobilising \u00a39 billion in investment into Africa, with a focus on strengthening businesses, expanding infrastructure, and driving job creation across the continent.\n<\/p>\n
The initiative positions investment as a tool for economic empowerment, targeting sectors critical to growth, including financial services, power, transport, trade, digital infrastructure, and sustainable industries.\n<\/p>\n
Under the plan, BII will commit nearly \u00a35 billion directly, while the remaining capital is expected to be mobilised from private investors within Africa and globally. A key objective is to unlock private sector participation in markets where access to capital remains limited.\n<\/p>\n
Drawing on decades of experience, the institution said it would leverage its capital, partnerships, and risk-bearing capacity to attract investment into underserved sectors and economies, particularly in frontier markets.\n<\/p>\n
At least 25 per cent of new investments will be directed toward countries classified by the United Nations as Least Developed Countries, including targeted engagement in African markets such as Sierra Leone and Zambia. These markets, home to over one billion people, continue to face structural barriers to investment despite significant growth potential.<\/p>\n
Speaking on the strategy, Jenny Chapman said the approach reflects a shift from traditional aid models to long-term economic partnerships.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means moving beyond aid to investment-led development\u2014bringing together finance, expertise, and policy support to help businesses grow, create jobs, and strengthen local economies,\u201d she said.\n<\/p>\n
BII\u2019s Managing Director and Head of Africa, Chris Chijiutomi, noted that the strategy builds on the organisation\u2019s long-standing presence on the continent.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cBy focusing on frontier markets, high-impact sectors, and mobilising both domestic and international capital, we are directing our resources where they can deliver the greatest economic impact,\u201d he said.\n<\/p>\n
The strategy also places strong emphasis on climate and inclusive development. About 40 per cent of new investments will be channelled into climate finance, supporting renewable energy projects and expanding electricity access across the continent, where nearly 600 million people still lack power.<\/p>\n
In addition, BII plans to deepen its commitment to gender inclusion, with a target of 30 per cent of investments qualifying under the 2X Challenge, a global initiative focused on advancing women\u2019s economic participation.\n<\/p>\n
Beyond individual projects, the institution said it would pursue broader \u201cmarket-level\u201d investments designed to develop entire sectors, improve business environments, and strengthen capital markets.\n<\/p>\n
Analysts say the strategy signals a growing shift toward investment-driven empowerment in Africa, where sustainable economic growth increasingly depends on strengthening private enterprises, expanding access to finance, and building resilient infrastructure systems.\n<\/p>\n