Development finance institution Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) CEO Boitumelo Mosako has attended the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) 2023 alongside origination and coverage group executive Mohan Vivekanandan and transacting group executive Mpho Mokwele.

The AIF, which was held in Marrakech, Morocco, from November 8 to 10, traditionally plays a key role in advancing the continent's growth agenda by crowding in private and development capital into critical infrastructure projects on the continent.

“Given the significant global pressures we currently face, it has never been more important for Africa to drive its own growth agenda. This is symbolised by initiatives such as the AIF, which serves as a crucial platform for project development and financiers in the continent to showcase flagship transformative projects which will help drive Africa's infrastructure development," Mosako said.

She further highlighted the forum's role as a nexus for collaboration, innovation and strategic partnerships between the private sector and development partners, stressing its vital role in the region's development.

“The DBSA has been a founding partner of AIF, and we have sought to play an important role in supporting this important initiative . . . Our investments in the continent have contributed significantly to the advancement of critical infrastructure, both economic and social . . . AIF has been one of the important initiatives which has helped accelerate our development impact."

Mosako asserted that the DBSA's participation in the AIF was not merely a symbolic gesture but that it was the representatives of the bank’s support of transformative development initiatives that drove infrastructure development and economic growth.

Mosako emphasised the DBSA's alignment with the themes of agriculture special economic zones, renewable energy and manufacturing, with a particular focus on sustainable infrastructure.

“The DBSA plays a strategic role in the AIF initiative as the main representative from Southern Africa, thus seeking to not only advance projects from South Africa, but also from the broader Southern African Development Community region. We are looking forward to showcasing projects this year in the renewable energy space, municipal or city financing, as well as port infrastructure,” she said.