WEF 2025: Financing infrastructure to accelerate global growth

Global firm Meridiam is looking to expand infrastructure investments into Africa as government officials showcased key investment opportunities at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos. CNBC Africa's Editor-in-Chief Godfrey Mutizwa sat down with Thierry Deau, the Chief Executive Officer of Meridiam, to discuss the company's current initiatives and future plans in the African continent. Over the past decade, Meridiam has invested a total of 5 billion euros in essential infrastructure across Africa, focusing on areas such as transportation, digital services, energy production, and social infrastructure. Deau highlighted their investments in airports, roads, data centers, and digital access initiatives in various African countries. The company is also committed to clean energy production, with projects in Senegal, Kenya, and Tanzania, aimed at sustainable energy solutions for the region. However, Deau pointed out that the process of building infrastructure projects in Africa can be time-consuming due to the extensive analysis required for environmental, social, and governance factors. He noted that institutional capacity constraints in public utilities and government ministries often hinder the progress of these projects. Despite these challenges, Meridiam is actively seeking new opportunities in urban mobility and climate adaptation. The company is looking to replicate the electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) model in several African cities to improve urban mobility and reduce commute times for residents. Additionally, Meridiam has partnered with the Rockefeller Foundation and various development finance institutions to address climate adaptation projects, such as protecting the coastal line in Nouakchott, Mauritania. This long-term investment aims to not only enhance environmental resilience but also foster economic development by creating new marketplaces and economic zones in the region.