Africa50 forum to unlock infrastructure financing
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is expected to strengthen its position as a regional investment hub, when it hosts the 2026 Infra for Africa Forum and Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting this week, with analysts saying the gathering could unlock new infrastructure financing, strategic partnerships and long-term economic opportunities.
The high-level meeting, hosted by the Tanzanian government, will bring together heads of state, infrastructure investors, project developers, policymakers and development experts in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday and Thursday, to explore ways of accelerating infrastructure development across Africa.
Held under the theme “A Decade of Impact: From Visions to Delivery,” the Africa50 flagship event will provide Tanzania with an opportunity to showcase strategic infrastructure projects, while connecting with investors looking for bankable opportunities across the continent.
In an interview with the ‘Daily News’, Lecturer at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations, Mr Innocent Shoo, said hosting the forum places Tanzania at the centre of conversations, shaping Africa’s infrastructure financing and development agenda.
Mr Shoo described the meeting as more than a diplomatic achievement, saying it presents a strategic opportunity for Tanzania to attract investment and strengthen partnerships that support its long-term development objectives.
“This is more than a diplomatic achievement for Tanzania; it is a strategic opportunity to strengthen the country’s economic future,” he said.
He said the forum would allow Tanzania to highlight investment opportunities in key areas including transport, energy, digital connectivity, water and urban development, while showcasing the country’s strategic location and expanding infrastructure network.
According to Mr Shoo, the gathering will also enable policymakers and private sector players to exchange ideas with global experts on innovative financing models, sustainable infrastructure development and public-private partnerships.
He said the discussions could help Tanzania identify practical financing solutions for projects that support economic transformation.
Beyond investment opportunities, Mr Shoo said the forum would generate immediate economic benefits through increased demand for hospitality, transport, tourism and other local services as international delegates arrive in Dar es Salaam.
He added that successful hosting of the event would further enhance Tanzania’s image as a stable and attractive investment destination.
“The success of the meeting will not only be measured by the number of delegates who attend, but by Tanzania’s ability to transform discussions into lasting investments and partnerships that improve the lives of its people,” he said.
Economic expert Professor Kitojo Wetengere said Tanzania could benefit significantly from the forum if it effectively presents priority infrastructure projects to potential investors.
“Infrastructure is the heart of the economy. Just as blood vessels transport blood throughout the body, infrastructure enables economic activities to flow across the country,” he said.
Prof Wetengere said quality infrastructure is critical for improving productivity, facilitating trade and supporting sustainable economic growth.
He noted that infrastructure challenges, particularly in major urban centres such as Dar es Salaam, continue to constrain economic activities, making investment in transport and other systems essential.
“A forum like this offers an important opportunity to assess our infrastructure needs and identify investments that can stimulate both economic and social development,” he said.
He urged Tanzania to use the forum to present well-prepared priority projects aligned with the country’s long-term development plans, including the implementation of Vision 2050.
“Tanzania should clearly identify the infrastructure projects it considers priorities over the next 25 years and present them to investors. These opportunities should be well packaged and accompanied by clear information on how they contribute to national development,” he said.
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Political analyst Mr Hamiduni Maliseli said the forum provides an important platform for Tanzania to promote its infrastructure ambitions to international investors seeking long-term opportunities in Africa.
He said the government should use the event to demonstrate why Tanzania remains an attractive destination for investment by presenting projects that are commercially viable and capable of delivering economic returns
