The forum attracted a remarkable attendance, bringing together economic and institutional operators from more than 30 countries.
The seventh edition of the International Africa Development Forum (FIAD) opened Thursday in Casablanca, marking the beginning of a key event for the economic development of the African continent.
Organized by the Attijariwafa bank group through its Club Afrique Développement and driven by the pan-African investment fund Al Mada, this year’s forum is taking place under the slogan: “Here, we invest”. More than 2,000 business leaders and policy makers from 30 African and partner countries are expected to debate and exchange on investment opportunities in Africa.
The opening ceremony was punctuated by speeches by Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade of Morocco, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Leisure of Côte d’Ivoire, in the presence of many eminent personalities.
The first plenary, entitled “Investing Africa: the new paradigms”, saw the participation of figures such as Antoine Thomas Nicephore Fylla De Saint-Eudes, Minister of Industrial Development and Promotion of the Private Sector of Congo, and Mr. Babacar Gning, Director General of the Sovereign Fund for Strategic Investments (FONSIS) of Senegal, who explored new global dynamics and their potential for the reinvention of Africa.
Since its opening, the forum attracted a remarkable turnout, bringing together economic and institutional operators from more than 30 countries. This participation demonstrates the growing interest in intracontinental collaborations.
The “Business to Business” (Be to Be) space saw intense activity, with a record number of business meetings planned, highlighting the importance of these exchanges for the development and creation of strategic partnerships.
The inauguration ceremony of the Investment Market brought together leading personalities, including Mr. Wankele Mene and Mr. Téné Birahima Ouattara, Minister of State of Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the commitment of African leaders to continental investment.
The Investment Market featured delegations from 11 African countries, presenting their national development plans and strategic investment sectors, with the aim of stimulating economic growth and attracting foreign direct investment.
FIAD 2024 confirms the commitment of the Attijariwafa bank group to a united and prosperous Africa, by promoting South-South cooperation and supporting pan-African initiatives.
The forum also highlights the importance of intra-African trust and economic partnerships, with the Attijariwafa bank group playing a leading role in 27 countries, contributing to the inclusive political and economic development of the continent.
MN/ac/APA
