Africa50, an infrastructure investment bank established by African governments, will host its annual General Shareholders Meeting 2024 (GSM) in Antananarivo on 19 September, in partnership with Madagascar. The large international gathering will bring together global leaders, investors, policymakers, and infrastructure experts to collaborate on the action required to finance a sustainable future for Africa. Key themes unpacked throughout the event will include catalytic capital, public-private partnerships, and strategies to stimulate the adoption of clean energy solutions. Policymakers and business leaders are due to discuss how to increase investment and development for renewable energy projects, providing a roadmap to harness the continent’s renewable energy potential. Emerging financial instruments such as carbon credits, green bonds and blended finance will also be assessed to accelerate green growth and scale up the delivery of game-changing infrastructure. “Madagascar’s tremendous solar and hydropower potential positions the Southern African nation as a prime location for infrastructure investment in renewable energy, along with attractive opportunities in agricultural exports, special economic zones and critical minerals such as cobalt and nickel for electric vehicles,” Africa50 said in a statement. “Africa50’s GSM in Antananarivo will be a unique opportunity for Madagascar to leverage its abundant natural resources to global and local investors as the country’s strategic location and rapidly growing population underscore the need for bankable projects across strategic sectors including renewable energy, logistics, agriculture, and sustainable mining.” The event will feature a panel discussion calling for Africa’s shift to the widespread uptake of cleaner cooking solutions, reducing reliance on harmful energy sources such as charcoal, kerosene and wood – which are used by more than 900 million people in Africa. The programme will also make the case for gas being used as a transition fuel for the continent’s journey towards sustainable energy use that significantly reduces carbon emissions, improves public health and lowers the impact of deforestation.
