Africa is projected to record one of the highest GDP growth rates globally, averaging about four percent annually over the next four years, as leaders and financial experts shift focus from aid-driven development to investment-led growth.

Speaking at the World Governments Summit (WGS 2026), at a session titled “Government and the Future of Investment: An African Perspective,” leaders emphasized that Africa’s growth trajectory presents a significant opportunity for global investors, provided capital flows are aligned with the continent’s development priorities.

“Africa does not need aid; it needs investment,” said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, arguing that the continent is entering a sustained phase of economic expansion

According to International Monetary Fund projections cited during the session, Africa is expected to maintain real GDP growth of about four percent annually, positioning it among the fastest-growing regions globally over the next four years.

Dr. Adesina described this as “structural momentum, not a temporary blip,” driven by improving macroeconomic management, expanding markets and rising infrastructure investment.

The discussion brought together Tanzania’s President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Delfina Levi, and Dr. Adesina, and was moderated by John Defterios, former CNN anchor and Strategic Advisor at APCO Worldwide.

Defterios described Africa as standing at a historic inflection point, citing its young population, abundant natural resources and rapidly expanding digital economy.

However, he noted that the continent continues to attract a disproportionately small share of global foreign direct investment, receiving only about $60 billion out of the $1.6 trillion in global FDI recorded in 2025, between 4-5 percent.

Dr. Adesina pointed to Africa’s estimated $6 trillion in critical minerals and natural assets as a major opportunity, stressing the need to convert these resources into structured, revenue-generating investments capable of attracting long-term capital.

President Hassan highlighted Tanzania’s reforms aimed at improving investor confidence, including regulatory changes and large-scale infrastructure projects designed to enhance regional connectivity.

“These reforms have created a more predictable and attractive investment environment,” President Hassan said, noting that registered investment projects in Tanzania have increased from about 250 in 2018 to nearly 970 today, while investment values have grown from $3.8 billion to nearly $12 billion.

Mozambique’s Prime Minister Levi said Africa’s main challenge is not the absence of resources but the need to better structure projects to attract global capital.

She cited progress in Mozambique’s energy sector, including the resumption of the Mozambique LNG project led by TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil’s Rovuma LNG project, ENI-operated floating LNG platforms and a new $5 billion hydroelectric partnership involving EDF and Sumitomo.