Stakeholders seek long-term capital, local partnerships to unlock Africa's investment potential. African and U.S. business leaders, investors and development finance institutions have identified long-term capital, strong local partnerships and knowledge of African markets as critical to converting growing investor interest in the continent into successful and sustainable investments. They spoke in New York recently, at the U.S.-Africa Leadership Dinner organised by Cavista Holdings on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The stakeholders said Africa's investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and critical minerals could not be fully realised through capital alone, stressing the need for investors to understand local markets and to work with credible partners capable of navigating regulatory and operational challenges. President and chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), John Jovanovic, said that investing in Africa requires engaging with markets early and building partnerships with local businesses. "Investing in Africa requires more than recognising the opportunity. It requires showing up early, understanding the market and building the right partnerships," he said. Jovanovic said African markets offered opportunities for American companies to provide capital, technology and equipment, while local partners could contribute market knowledge, relationships and an understanding of the operating environment. He said EXIM's role was to support such partnerships and help attract more private capital into projects that contribute to Africa's industrialisation. Also speaking, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Sameh Shenouda, said that investors needed more than financial capital to operate successfully across Africa. He said deep local knowledge and the ability to navigate different markets were important to turning investment opportunities into bankable and scalable projects. "Africa is increasingly central to the global economy, but capturing its opportunities requires more than capital," Shenouda said. According to him, development finance institutions can help bridge the gap by combining capital with on-the-ground expertise and investment structuring experience. Chairman of Cavista Holdings and Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, Niyi John Olajide, said the next phase of U.S.-Africa investment would depend on the quality of partnerships between international investors and African businesses. He said African businesses could provide local knowledge, resources, talent and access to growing markets, while U.S. companies could contribute capital, technology and expertise. Olajide said stronger governance and a long-term investment approach were also necessary to build businesses capable of delivering sustainable returns. The stakeholders' comments came amid discussions on how to close the gap between investor interest in Africa and actual project execution. The dinner brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers and development finance stakeholders, including former President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi; Nigeria's Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa; the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; and former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi. The discussions focused on investment opportunities and challenges across key sectors of African economies, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and critical minerals. The stakeholders emphasised that differences in regulatory systems and operating environments across African countries make local knowledge and trusted relationships important to investors seeking to establish and scale businesses on the continent. They also stressed the need for partnerships that can connect international capital and expertise with businesses and projects capable of operating effectively within local markets. The discussions were held through two sessions involving Olajide, Jovanovic and Shenouda, with Tom Sheehy, Principal at Quinella Global and Senior Advisor at KRL International, moderating one of the sessions. LEADERSHIP Group has got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don't settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates