Africa PPP Summit advances bold strategies to accelerate infrastructure transformation across the continent
The 15th instalment of Africa PPP came to an inspiring end on 30 October 2025, having seen a number of speakers tackling discussions from intra-African and global trade routes to building and maintaining infrastructure for industrialisation.
This followed on from a very strong first day of the summit that saw the conference being officially opened by the Namibian Minister of Works and Transport, Hon. Veikko Nekundi, who actively reminded delegates that “The infrastructure we build today will determine the Africa of tomorrow.”
In addition to being treated to a warm welcome by Hon. Veikko Nekundi, other distinguished guests and speakers included Hon. Tertuis Simmers (MEC for Infrastructure, Western Cape Provincial Government, South Africa), Mr Jonas Sheelongo (Deputy Executive Director, Ministry of Works and Transport), Ms Nangula Uaandja (Chief Executive Officer, Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board) and Mr Martin Inkumbi (Chief Executive Officer, The Government Institutions Pension Fund).
The summit is proud to mention that it welcomed over 240 delegates and 62 speakers from 22 countries which is an ideal melting pot to exchange ideas and forge new connections to take the learnings and move forward. Hosted by the Republic of Namibia and endorsed by the republic’s Ministry of Works and Transport, key sponsors of the event include the Namibia Investment Promotion & Development Board (NIPDB), Old Mutual, Infra Gestion, Zutari, Motseng Ideas Infrastructure Group (MIIG) and the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), to name a few.
Some key takeaways involve being mindful not to rush the process but to take the necessary time to get it right at the feasibility stage so as to avoid unnecessary delays down the road of the project. Also just as important is to realise and nurture our human capital – projects aren’t lacking in talent, just the right experience. It is absolutely crucial for junior role-players to be carefully guided by more experienced hands in order to continue the flow of knowledge and ensure project success.
From Dialogue to Strategy: Turning Vision into Investment
Opening the first session of the day, Samira Mensah, Managing Director Africa at S&P Global Ratings, moderated a session that examined how to move from policy dialogue to practical investment. Speakers from across the continent shared models for mobilising capital, strengthening local markets, and ensuring sustainability in Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Tomas Adcock of the International Finance Corporation underscored the value of standardised and replicable PPP transactions to improve efficiency and attract private capital, while Mpho Mutloane of MIIG stressed the central role of green and blended finance in advancing sustainable infrastructure.
Connecting the Continent: Modernising Roads, Rail, and Cross-Border Transport
The second session, moderated by Sara Mezui Engo of Old Mutual Namibia, explored how modern transport systems can unlock the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and drive economic integration.
Speakers including Johny Smith of Grindrod Rail, Sethu Kalili of Otesa Civil Engineering, and Justine Kabela of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) called for renewed investment in rail and road corridors, digital customs systems, and harmonised regional standards.
Infrastructure for Industrialisation: Building Corridors and Green Industrial Ecosystems
Moderated by Nana Amoto Mensah of C-Nergy Global Holdings, the third session delved into how logistics corridors, special economic zones (SEZs), and green infrastructure can accelerate industrialisation.
Speakers such as Julius Nghikevali of Namibia’s Industrial Development Agency (NIDA), Andrew Shaw of Transnet SOC Limited, and Stephen Ikua of Kenya’s LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority highlighted the importance of aligning policy, finance, and infrastructure planning.
Extending Trade Routes: Ports, Airports, and Global Connectivity
In the final session moderated by Andrew Mugambi of Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Matthews, panellists explored how Africa’s ports and airports can anchor global trade competitiveness.
Andrew Kanime of Namport, James Bernard of Liberia’s National Port Authority, Anderson Mtalaki of the Kenya Ports Authority, and Martha Uumati of Tridock Shipyard highlighted how digitalisation, port expansion, and well-structured PPPs are reshaping Africa’s maritime and aviation sectors.
Commitment to Action
The day concluded with an open-floor debate that reinforced a unified call to move from plans to implementation. Stakeholders including pension funds, city authorities, and legal experts committed to expanding investments in renewable energy, digital networks, and social infrastructure.
As Fillemon Iyambo of Ino Harith Capital summed up: “Africa has the resources, expertise, and investors. What we need now is coordination, clarity, and commitment to deliver.”
The next edition of Africa PPP, the continent’s longest running independent annual infrastructure investment and development event on PPPs is scheduled to return in 2026, with final dates to be announced soon.
For more information about the conference please visit https://africappp.com/
