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The Future of European Investment in Africa

September 4, 2026
Related topics: 
Europe
Africa
Economy
Energy transition and Renewables
International Cooperation
Climate change and biodiversity
Agriculture
Trade

Why is Africa becoming a strategic destination for European investment? What opportunities are emerging, and what will determine their success? In this conversation, Ahmed Ouhnini from the Policy Center for the New South speaks with Christoph Weiss, Economist and Principal Advisor at the European Investment Bank (EIB), about the future of Europe-Africa investment relations. They discuss how shifting global supply chains, the green and digital transitions, and Africa's growing consumer market are creating new opportunities for investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare and digital innovation. The conversation also explores what is needed to attract more long-term, high-quality investment: a stronger business environment, reduced investment risks, effective institutions and a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth. What will it take to unlock the next generation of European investment in Africa, and what could both continents gain from it?

Speakers
Ahmed Ouhnini
Senior Program Officer, Policy Center for the New South
Ahmed Ouhnini is an Economist at the Policy Center for the New South. His research area covers agricultural economics, human and social development. Previously, he has worked as a researcher at the Paris School of Economics (PSE) and has also a record of working in consulting services in Morocco. Ahmed holds an engineering Diploma in Agriculture and Rural Development from the National School of Agriculture of Meknes and a Master’s Degree in Law, Economics and Management from the Paris 1 Pantheon Sorbonne Institute of Development. ...
Christoph Weiss
Economist and Principal Advisor at the European Investment Bank (EIB)
...

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