Morocco stands out as one of Africa’s most dynamic investment destinations and a leader in strategic infrastructure development. Its status makes it an ideal location to host the 14th edition of the continent’s premier annual infrastructure investment conference, dedicated to advancing Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other innovative investment strategies.

The Africa PPP Infrastructure Investment Summit (Africa PPP) will return to Morocco from 22 to 24 October 2024. This edition promises to be particularly engaging as it coincides with Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The country is already gearing up with a series of multibillion-dollar infrastructure projects in anticipation of this global sporting event.

Over three days, the iconic Hyatt Regency Hotel in Casablanca will serve as the venue where key players in Africa’s infrastructure development ecosystem—including project developers, investors, financiers, EPCs, consultants, and government and business leaders—will gather to explore the theme "Scaling up PPPs to Address Infrastructure Investment Gaps."

Attendees will have the opportunity to chart a course for increasing private sector involvement in infrastructure development through PPPs and innovative financing models. The summit will feature showcases of bankable African infrastructure projects and facilitate connections between project developers, investors, financiers, and contractors, all aimed at bridging the estimated USD 100 billion infrastructure funding gap.

The 2024 edition of Africa PPP is poised to surpass last year’s event, which brought together nearly 200 professionals from 14 countries for two days of productive debate and high-level networking. This year, delegates will receive the latest updates and strategies on planned infrastructure investments and projects across the continent.

Morocco will highlight its significant infrastructure plans, with over USD 5 billion allocated to co-host the FIFA 2030 World Cup, alongside extensive investments in the 2040 Rail Strategy, the Noor Ouarzazate solar initiative, the 2030 National Port Strategy, and the National Water Management Plan 2020-2050. Key projects under discussion include the 400 MW Nassim Nord Wind Power PPP Projects and the 250,000 m3 capacity Nador Desalination Facility. Côte d’Ivoire will share insights into its World Bank Scaling Solar Projects and the progress on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project. Kenya will focus on its major highway projects, including the Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway and the East African Community Multinational Road Project. Zambia will update on its significant road infrastructure initiatives and efforts to diversify its national energy mix amidst its worst drought in years. South Africa will discuss plans to engage the private sector in revitalising the freight rail network and enhancing the country’s border posts.

The event will kick off with a full-day masterclass on project preparation, covering practical case studies on project selection, securing funding, risk management, contract structuring, tendering, and awarding. The main conference will delve into sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure development, governance frameworks for fostering PPPs, innovative finance and risk mitigation, leveraging PPPs for Africa’s Just Energy Transition, smart corridor development, cross-border PPPs, and the promotion of viable water, wastewater, power infrastructure, and digital technology initiatives. The program will conclude with a curated tour of the Port of Casablanca, showcasing advancements in key infrastructure projects.

Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from global best practices, shared by leading experts in PPP and infrastructure development, aiming to close skills gaps and improve project outcomes.

So far, an impressive lineup of expert speakers has been confirmed:

● Tarik Hamane, Director General, National Electricity and Water Office (ONEE)

● Dr Jobson Ewalefou, Director General, ICRC, Nigeria

● Gamal Mesharafa, Board Member, Concord for Engineering and Contracting

● Meriem Bennani, Country Head, UK Export Finance

● Dorcas Kayo, Director, Infrastructure Finance, Department of Finance; National Treasury, South Africa

● Mustapha Farès. Director General, National Ports Agency (ANP)

● Kamal Htoute, Director of Strategy and Planning, Electricity Branch, National Electricity and Water Office, ONEE

● Hiroki Sekine, Managing Executive Officer, Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Group,

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)

● Omar Jabri, Head of Business Development Africa, InfraCo

● Adele Paris, Senior Investment Officer and Hub Leader, North Africa, IFC

● Rauna D Mukumangeni, Director: Public Private Partnership, Ministry of Finance & Public Enterprise, Namibia

● Dr Stefan Liebing, CEO, Conjuncta Gmbh Energy

● Tarik Moufaddal, CEO, MASEN, Morocco

● Hussam Abuseif, Vice President Africa & Iraq, TAQA

● Tshifhiwa Magoro, Head of IPP Office, South Africa

● Felicia Msiza, CEO, Raubex

● Dr Michael Masiapato, Commissioner and CEO: Border Management Authority, South Africa

● Eng Grace Mutembo, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Road Development Agency, Zambia

● Leslie Mlungisi Mpofu, Executive Director, Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat

● Respina Zinyanduko, General Manager, National Railways of Zimbabwe

● Moussa Kouyaté, President of the National PPP Steering Committee, CNP-PPP, Ivory Coast

● Mohamed Serraj, Director of Development Division, Water Branch, National Electricity and Water Office, ONEE

● Akif Ali Khamis, Director General, Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC)

● Atef Majdoub, President of the General Authority for Public Private Partnership, Presidency of the Government of Tunisia

● Russell Baatjies, Chief Executive, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), South Africa

● Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group

● Anouar Harrak, Director, The Port of Casablanca

● Edgar Songanga, CEO, Abba Platforms Inc

● Charles Obuon, Head of Private Public Partnerships, KeNHA

● Fitzpatrick Kapepe, Head of Business Development, ZESCO, Zambia

● Augusto Dembo Director, National Directorate for Public Private Partnerships, Ministry of Planning Angola

The event is also proud to welcome Concord for Engineering and Construction, a leading Egyptian construction company in the Middle East, as a new sponsor.

By saving you both time and travel costs across our vast continent, Africa PPP will unite the African infrastructure development ecosystem, providing a unique opportunity to engage with potential projects and partners all in one place.