British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, and Africa50 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration and mobilise more investment into infrastructure projects across Africa.

The partnership, announced at the Infra for Africa Forum 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is aimed at addressing the continent’s infrastructure financing gap by increasing public and private capital flows into critical sectors capable of supporting economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods.

As part of the agreement, BII has committed $20 million to the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, managed by Africa Infrastructure Investment Partners, a subsidiary of Africa50.

The investment brings the fund to its fourth close at approximately $330 million, with contributions from the African Development Bank, International Finance Corporation and more than 20 African institutional investors.

The fund targets infrastructure projects and platforms across key sectors, including power and energy, water and sanitation, transport and logistics, as well as digital and social infrastructure.
The MoU provides a framework for BII and Africa50 to collaborate on infrastructure financing and development opportunities, with particular emphasis on co-financing, co-investment and capital mobilisation.

The two institutions also intend to strengthen cooperation in developing a pipeline of bankable infrastructure projects and accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure across the continent.

Reliable infrastructure remains a major requirement for Africa’s economic transformation, with deficits in power, transport, water and digital connectivity continuing to constrain businesses, economic activity and access to essential services.

Chief Executive Officer, BII, Leslie Maasdorp, said the partnership reflected the institution’s commitment to mobilising more capital into infrastructure projects capable of supporting sustainable growth.

“Africa’s infrastructure financing gap remains one of the biggest barriers to sustainable growth and development across the continent,” Maasdorp said.

He added that combining the expertise, networks and capital of both organisations could unlock greater investment in critical sectors while strengthening the pipeline of infrastructure opportunities needed to drive long-term economic development.

Africa50 CEO, Alain Ebobissé, said the scale of Africa’s infrastructure requirements meant public funding alone would not be sufficient to meet the continent’s needs.

According to him, mobilising long-term private and institutional capital through strategic partnerships would be critical to delivering infrastructure at the required scale and speed.

Ebobissé said BII’s investment in the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund demonstrated the shared ambition of both organisations to scale infrastructure investment, strengthen project delivery and accelerate sustainable economic development across Africa.

“As Africa50 continues to expand its role in developing, investing and mobilising capital for transformative infrastructure, we look forward to partnering with BII in the next chapter of that journey,” he said.