We gather to debate how best to unlock public and private capital to fund critical projects across the continent. How we do we deal with increasing issue of debt sustainability and disadvantageous lending ratings? Will we see longer tenors, an extended period of 95/5% cover, and more private market activity? The ESG challenge; will it be possible to balance the environmental need for green and the social need for infrastructure?

While electric vehicles, battery storage, energy transition and new grid infrastructure promise a clean and green future, the demand for the metals and rare earths from the African continent brings each tenant of ESG to question. Can mining these resources be environmentally friendly? Are the labour conditions socially acceptable? How do we avoid child labour? How can ensure governance standards are met? In terms of supply is it possible to meet the demand for cobalt and copper at current extraction rates and what does the pipeline look like? How can address and improve supply chain and logistics challenges?

With the Ukraine crisis causing food security concerns and a reshuffling of Agri markets, what is the impact on Africa as both an import and export market? Are logistics and supply chains able to cope with new demand and routes? How can SME and Mid-Size Traders overcome difficulties in accessing finance and insurance?

With renewables dominating the pure project finance market in South Africa, we examine the two main procurement streams, Renewables Energy Independent Power Producer Program (REIPPP) and the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Program (RMIPPPP) for their contrasting successes and shortcomings. With serious questions surrounding Eskom, its indebtedness and possible unbundling what will the IPP market look like? When will the fleet of coal fired plants be phased out, and will COP26 Just Energy Transition Partnership countries stick to their promises to help? Will the new trend of wheeling projects change the landscape? Can international banks compete with local banks lending in rand?

With blended finance and private capital mobilised by DFIs often touted as the answer to funding the huge demand for vital infrastructure across Africa we assess how the effect of the pandemic, Ukraine crisis, food security, supply chain crisis and impending global recession will impact access to private capital. What more can DFIs do to facilitate investment from institutional investors? How effective are products such as unfunded risk transfers? How big a role is the market for impact investing to fill SDG criteria playing?