By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on investors to take advantage of ongoing policy and legal reforms across Africa, particularly in energy, infrastructure and finance.
Speaking on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the inaugural Africa Forward Summit held under the theme Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth, Hichilema said reforms being implemented by African governments were aimed at improving the investment climate.
He highlighted the energy sector as a key priority, noting that reforms have opened opportunities for investment in power generation and transmission projects across the continent.
“There is a strong need for investment in regional power interconnectors, including a system linking Southern Africa to North Africa, to support long-term economic development,” the President said.
Read more: President Hichilema to attend Africa–France partnerships summit in Nairobi
He stressed that Africa must better utilise its own resources and strengthen domestic capacity to finance infrastructure such as roads, energy systems and transport corridors.
With declining official development assistance, Hichilema called for African governments to explore innovative financing models, particularly to support sectors like education and skills development for young people.
During a session on reforming the international financial system and improving access to sustainable financing, he said high borrowing costs remained a major challenge for many African countries.
He also noted that climate-related shocks and geopolitical instability continued to affect economic performance, calling for stronger and more resilient financial systems.
Hichilema said attracting investment and reducing perceived risk were key to unlocking multilateral guarantees that support development financing.
He further pointed to energy transition and green industrialisation as areas where Africa and countries such as France could deepen cooperation.
The President encouraged French investors to expand their presence in Africa and contribute to job creation and innovation, while also suggesting that investors should help shape policy reforms that support investment.
He emphasised that investment models should benefit both investors and African populations, while reiterating that Africa’s development must be driven primarily by Africans themselves.
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