EY Nigeria has announced a major roundtable discussion that will focus on how private capital can be used to speed up Africa’s development plans. The event, which will hold next Tuesday, is titled “Enabling Private Capital for Africa’s Development Goals: What Next for Multilateral Development Banks and Regional Institutions?” and it is expected to bring together important figures from government, financial institutions, the private sector, and international organisations.
According to the organisers, the goal of the roundtable is to find practical ways that private investment and partnerships can help bridge the gap in financing for critical sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, power, and industry. The meeting is expected to highlight the role of multilateral development banks (MDBs) and regional institutions in supporting these efforts.
EY Nigeria, one of the leading global professional services firms, said the platform will allow for frank conversations on how to connect available capital with impactful projects. In a statement, the company said the discussions will explore how Africa can unlock more funds for development by creating strong partnerships, smart policies, and using financial tools like blended finance and risk guarantees.
The Partner for Strategy and Transactions at EY West Africa, Mr Damilola Aloba, said the roundtable is part of the company’s larger effort to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth on the continent. He noted that capital alone is not enough, and what is needed is a good mix of purpose, capability, and strong institutions.
“This platform connects capital, capability, and purpose, encouraging collaboration that drives long-term impact across energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors,” Aloba said.
The roundtable will be opened with a keynote speech from Senator John Enoh, who is the Minister of State for Industry. His address is expected to set the tone for deeper conversations about how government can work closely with local and international investors to make real progress on development goals.
According to the agenda, the discussions will focus on four main areas. These include how to raise private capital for major development projects, how MDBs and regional institutions can work better together, how government can make policies that support investment, and how to use creative finance methods to reduce the risks of investing in African markets.
A long list of speakers have been confirmed for the event. Some of them are Mr Wale Shonibare, who is Director of Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the African Development Bank (AfDB); Mr Chinua Azubike, CEO of InfraCredit; Ms Angelika Goliger, Chief Economist for EY Africa; and Mr Farouk Gume, Vice-Chairman of TGI Group.
Others are Mr John Uwajumogu, who serves as Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Industry, Trade and Investment; Prof Banji Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation to the President of the AfDB; Mr Amit Agrawal, Chief Operating Officer of Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms; Ms Priyanka Kher, a Senior Private Sector Specialist from the World Bank; Mr Femi Adeyemo, CEO of Arnergy; and Mr Somesh Kumar, Power and Utilities Leader at EY India.
With rising debt levels, low government revenues, and growing inflation in many African countries, experts say the time has come for the private sector to play a bigger role in driving development. Development experts believe multilateral development banks such as the AfDB and World Bank must support private investors by providing credit guarantees, favourable policies, and co-investment opportunities.
The upcoming roundtable is also expected to support regional goals like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the shift to clean energy, and efforts to deal with the impact of climate change. By bringing together policymakers and business leaders, the event aims to strengthen collaboration and spark new ideas that will unlock funds for projects that improve lives across the continent.
EY Nigeria says it hopes the meeting will lead to real outcomes and form the foundation for long-term partnerships that can help meet Africa’s growing needs. The firm believes that by linking available money to good projects, the continent can create jobs, boost local industries, and reduce poverty.
The event will also serve as an opportunity for public and private sector leaders to build trust, share knowledge, and discuss the next steps to attract more private investment into key sectors that are vital for Africa’s progress.
