WHAT: The African Union Commission’s Department for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM), in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is set to convene a high-level session on Investment in Africa. The session, part of the "Fridays of the Commission" platform, will bring together policymakers, investors, and development partners to discuss strategies for mobilizing greater investment across the continent.

WHEN: 12^th September 2025       

TIME: 15:00-17:00 EAT

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This event will provide a crucial platform for dialogue on the current investment landscape in Africa, examining the main drivers, challenges, and opportunities shaping investment flows. A key focus will be the role of the Africa Virtual Investment Platform (AVIP) in addressing information gaps, reducing risk perceptions, and supporting policy reforms to enhance Africa's investment attractiveness. Participants will also discuss urgent policy measures needed to improve investor confidence and facilitate sustainable investment.

Keynote Speakers 

• H.E. Neal Rijkenberg - Minister of Finance, Eswatini
• H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR - Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Nigeria
• H.E. Francisca Belobe - Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission
• Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo - Ag. Director, Economic Development and Integration, ETTIM, African Union Commission
• Ms. Hannah Ryder, Chief Executive Officer, Development Reimagined

Featured Panelists 

• Mr. Audace Niyonzima - Former Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Burundi
• Dr. Mathias Naab - Director, Regional Service Centre for Africa, UNDP
• Mr. Thierno Habib Hann - CEO, Shelter Afrique
• Dr. Hanan Morsy - Deputy Executive Secretary, UNECA
• Pr. Kevin Chika Urama - Chief Economist and Vice-President, AfDB
• Mr. Manuel Moses - CEO, ATIDI
• Ms. Frannie Léautier - Partner and Vice-chair at SouthBridge Group and CEO of SouthBridge Investment

Note to Editor

Fridays of the Commission" are dialogue forums and policy discussions hosted by the African Union Commission to engage various stakeholders on critical issues affecting Africa's socio-economic and political development. These events provide a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges, such as economic integration, climate change, and good governance. Participants include African diplomats, UN officials, students, government representatives, and experts from academia and the private sector.  

For further information, please contact:

Faith Adhiambo| Communication | Directorate of Information and Communication| African Union Commission | E-mail ochiengj@africanunion.org