African Investment Forum to accelerate development in Africa

Adesina was speaking the forum's launch in Sandton on Tuesday. 

"It's a unique platform for investment, finance, transparent transactions and a genuine African market place for closing deals, to accelerate the economic development for Africa.

"The African Investment Forum will be an Africa investment marketplace, where the African Development Bank and its partners swill screen and enhance  bankable projects, attract core investors and facilitate transactions to close Africa's investment gap", Adesina said. 

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The forum was launched at the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday morning where it was also announced that the African Development Bank and the Gauteng government will jointly host the forum later this year in Johannesburg.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura said the country is looking forward to to hosting the forum.

"We, as South Africans say South Africa is open for business again, and as Gauteng province we are ready to host the forum on behalf of not only South Africa, but for Africa as well.

Makhura believes the forum comes at a crucial time as it coincides with President Cyril Ramaphosa's target of attracting billions of dollars into the South African economy.

"The Africa Investment Forum comes to South Africa at a very interesting era in the period of our country and that is a period of renewed hope and optimism.

"President Ramaphosa has made investment, inclusive economy and good governance the cornerstones of his Presidency. He has set a target of attracting $100 billion dollars into the South African economy over a short space of time. Looking at the Africa Investment Forum he can realise his goal just before completing one year in November."

Last month, President Ramaphosa appointed special envoys to attract investment into the country, including former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and former Deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas.