Agriculture
Agriculture remains central to Africa’s economic development, livelihoods, and food security. Across the continent, the sector supports employment for a large share of the population and plays a critical role in rural incomes, resilience, and inclusive growth. Investment in agriculture presents opportunities to strengthen productivity, improve market access, support climate-resilient farming systems, and enhance value chains in ways that deliver both environmental and social returns. Targeted financing can help scale interventions that improve land use, water efficiency, soil health, and smallholder resilience, while contributing to broader national priorities around food systems transformation, economic inclusion, and sustainable development.
Climate and Energy
​
From powering homes and schools to fuelling industries and healthcare facilities, access to a reliable energy supply is crucial for development across all sectors. A large proportion of Africa’s population currently lacks this access, representing a significant challenge to accelerating economic growth and social advancement. Expanding the availability of clean and affordable energy solutions such as solar and wind can help communities overcome this obstacle while also reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. Renewable energy projects also create jobs and drive technological innovation. Investing in sustainable energy infrastructure can improve living standards and lay a foundation for inclusive, low-carbon economic growth in nations across Africa.
Gender
Advancing gender equality is fundamental to achieving sustainable and inclusive development. Persistent gender disparities continue to limit economic participation, access to services, educational attainment, health outcomes, and broader life opportunities for women and girls. Investment in gender-focused initiatives can help address structural barriers while generating long-term social and economic benefits for households, communities, and national development. This includes supporting programmes and financing models that expand girls’ education, improve access to health and protection services, strengthen women’s economic empowerment, and address harmful practices such as child marriage. Targeted investment in this area can contribute to stronger human capital, greater social inclusion, and more equitable development outcomes.
Education
Education is a transformative tool that empowers individuals, reduces poverty, improves civic engagement, and supports sustainable economic growth over the longer term. Investing in education, particularly for women and rural populations, promotes social equity and gender equality. Greater access to education that emphasizes STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects and vocational training can close skills gaps to improve employment prospects and equip people with the knowledge and tools needed to drive a modern economy while promoting sustainable development.
Health
A robust healthcare system is essential for supporting social development as part of a productive and resilient society. Many African countries face the challenges of high disease burdens, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate health-related infrastructure. Investments in preventive care, maternal health, and disease control are critical for addressing systemic disparities. Improved healthcare can help lower mortality rates, boost life expectancy, and support the growth in economic activity and increased productivity that leads to better long-term development outcomes for all.
WASH
Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene in education settings is essential for improving learning outcomes, protecting health, and creating inclusive school environments. Inadequate WASH infrastructure remains a major barrier to attendance, retention, dignity, and well-being, particularly for girls and other vulnerable learners. Investment in WASH education can support the delivery of safe, resilient, and gender-responsive school environments that strengthen both educational participation and broader social outcomes. This includes financing for water and sanitation infrastructure, hygiene services, and integrated delivery models that improve health, attendance, and learning while supporting governments to meet education and public health priorities more effectively.