As the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative concludes in Riyadh, a powerful message is clear: Africa is no longer on the sidelines of major global economic decisions. Artificial intelligence, energy transition, sustainable finance… the continent is now establishing itself as a strategic player in global prosperity. Between local innovations, demographic potential, and new ambitions, Africa wants to weigh in on the transformation of the world. This is a vision that the FII now fully embraces, by connecting capital with African solutions to build tomorrow’s economy.
As the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh concludes, the discussions have far exceeded the traditional framework of investment. From artificial intelligence to the energy transition, the talks highlighted Africa’s strategic role in global prosperity. The continent is becoming a land of opportunity for innovation, sustainable finance, and digital transformation.
“During FII9, everyone was quite unanimous in saying once again that Africa must have its share in the concert of nations when it comes to sharing prosperity, investments, and opportunities. There is a critical and fundamental sector where Africa should have always played a major role. But it took non-Africans to put this back on the table; these are the critical and fundamental minerals.”
Driven by the Chairman of the Executive Committee and Interim CEO of the FII Institute, this edition, held under the theme “The Key to Prosperity,” brought together more than 8,000 leaders from all continents. It was reiterated that the forum’s mission is to connect capital with innovation and public policy. Africa appears as an essential partner, with its start-ups and local initiatives capable of transforming finance into a lever for human and sustainable prosperity.
“What is important today is to implement this clear strategy on investments in Africa, by creating win-win partnerships based on genuine mining strategies, particularly genuine strategies on natural resources that are inclusive, so that transformation and research benefit the entire population. Then, to find the right agreements so that investors can also get a return on investment, and so that Africa can contribute to this major demand for minerals that are essential for artificial intelligence, for data centers, for the technology that is exploding today and that needs rare materials.”
For Africa, the message is clear: it is no longer a mere beneficiary, but a central actor in building the future. With over 60% of its arable land still unused and a population set to reach 2.5 billion, the continent offers unique potential for investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital technology. The FII underscores that tomorrow’s prosperity must be inclusive, sustainable, and driven by Africa.