Infrastructure Africa to Showcase Development in SADC

The event will serve as a launchpad for new infrastructure partnerships that can reshape the future of development in the region. Supplied by Infrastructure Africa

The 2026 Infrastructure Africa Business Forum will convene industry stakeholders to spotlight infrastructure progress and attract investment across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Scheduled for 2–3 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the Forum aims to accelerate bankable, cross‑border projects that boost regional trade, energy access, transport links and industrialisation.

Regional need and momentum

The African Development Bank estimates Africa’s annual infrastructure financing shortfall at USD 130–170 billion, with southern Africa representing almost 30% of that gap. Despite the scale of the need, SADC countries are making headway: governments, investors and development finance institutions are prioritising projects that strengthen connectivity and economic integration.

Why the Forum matters

“Infrastructure is the backbone of Africa’s economic transformation,” says Liz Hart, managing director of the Infrastructure Africa Business Forum. The event is designed to be a launchpad for new partnerships and to connect project sponsors with the capital and technical expertise required to move projects from concept to delivery.

Examples of regional progress

Recent initiatives illustrate the region’s potential: the modernisation of the Beitbridge Border Post, the Kazungula Bridge, and energy transmission projects under the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) are reshaping trade routes, lowering logistics costs and expanding power availability across borders.

Agenda and priorities

The Forum will gather government officials, investors, DFIs, EPCs and private developers to focus on:

• Financing structures for regional, bankable projects
• Public‑private partnerships (PPPs) to speed delivery
• Energy, water, transport and ICT infrastructure priorities across SADC
• Climate‑resilient infrastructure and green investment opportunities

With Africa’s urban population projected to double by 2050, demand for sustainable, resilient infrastructure will rise—creating long‑term opportunities for project sponsors, financiers and service providers.

Expected outcomes and participation

Organisers expect the Forum to facilitate deal‑making, pipeline development and investor‑sponsor matchmaking that can unlock capital flows and deliver measurable impact across the region. For participation, exhibition and sponsorship information, visit www.infrastructure-africa.com.