World to Africa Series - global investors: whitepaper
How global investors are reassessing Africa’s investment opportunity.
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Global investors are increasing exposure to Africa as allocations move from intent to action. This whitepaper examines where capital is growing, which sectors and markets are attracting investment, and what barriers still need to be addressed to support wider participation.
Africa active today
Participation
Investing into Africa has moved from idea to action — participation has risen meaningfully since 2021.
The increase reflects growing confidence in African markets, even as access and infrastructure barriers remain.
Portfolio growth expected
Growth
Half of institutional investors plan to increase allocations, and mid-tier managers expect to add nearly USD 300 million to their African exposure.
The growth expectation is broad-based, spanning both established and emerging market participants.
Digital sector focus
Digital
Capital is increasingly targeting digital infrastructure — including telecoms, fintech and emerging technologies — as the highest-growth opportunity set in the region.
The digital focus reflects both the sector’s commercial momentum and the view that infrastructure investment will support broader economic growth.
The African investment landscape is evolving as more institutional investors move from interest to active allocation. Growth expectations are rising, capital is becoming more targeted and the role of digital infrastructure is becoming more central to the long-term opportunity.
How are global investors increasing exposure to African markets? Which parts of the opportunity set are drawing the strongest interest as allocations continue to rise?
The whitepaper examines how investors are approaching African markets today, where portfolio growth is expected and how sustainability, digital infrastructure and market access are influencing investment decisions across the region.
The research highlights:
Investor participation has risen from 57% in 2021 to 63% in 2024, showing a clear shift from interest to active allocation
African portfolios are expected to grow by 40%, with half of institutional investors planning to increase allocations over the next two years
Africa's digital sector now accounts for 40% of offshore investment, with capital targeting telecoms, fintech and emerging technologies
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