African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) have formalised a bold partnership to unlock US$1 billion in investment. The agreement establishes a Joint Project Preparation Facility (JPPF), designed to bridge the gap between conceptual planning and bankable projects.
Signed on the sidelines of the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) by Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director for Export Development at Afreximbank, and Mr. Thierno-Habib Hann, Managing Director and CEO of ShafDB, the agreement marks a critical step in scaling up investment in strategic sectors across the continent.
At the heart of the JPPF is the intention to provide early-stage project preparation financing, enabling projects in housing, construction, healthcare, tourism, manufacturing, commercial infrastructure, and logistics to move from concept to bankability with efficiency and rigour.
Ms. Doherty emphasised the potential for transformational impact: “By combining ShafDB’s expertise in housing and urban development and Afreximbank’s extensive experience in project preparation, we are poised to unlock new opportunities… deliver transformative projects in critical sectors that will … promote trade and tradeable services.” The partnership is positioned as a catalyst for private-sector investment and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hann pointed to systemic structural challenges, especially inadequate data and insufficient project preparation as key constraints. To meet these, ShafDB has developed the “VIRAL” model, a data-driven framework intended to bolster evidence-based decision-making in urban development. The new collaboration will additionally include a robust capacity-building programme to equip ShafDB staff with skills required to produce high-quality, investible programs.
“Our sector faces two major structural challenges: the lack of reliable data and the insufficient preparation of projects. At ShafDB, we have already taken bold steps to address the first challenge through our VIRAL model — a data-driven framework designed to provide actionable insights and support evidence-based decision-making in housing and urban development” he said.
The agreement reflects a growing recognition of infrastructure, housing, and urban development as essential components of sustainable growth. With Africa expanding rapidly, the demand for affordable housing and resilient infrastructure is rising, and this partnership aims to respond effectively. According to both institutions, sectors such as building materials manufacturing, residential housing, industrial zones, special economic zones, and healthcare are priorities.
As members of the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), both Afreximbank and ShafDB bring institutional strengths and a shared commitment to innovation and collaboration. The partnership also aligns with larger continental frameworks, including infrastructure modernization and urban resilience strategies under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The deal was inked during IATF 2025, a platform organised by Afreximbank together with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The fair, held from 4 to 10 September, has been projected to generate trade and investment deals in excess of US$44 billion. It serves as a critical juncture for unveiling initiatives, fostering partnerships such as this, and driving intra-African trade and investment.
With US$1 billion in catalytic investment, this JPPF partnership is poised to support projects in diverse regions and sectors, drive improved data systems, and enhance project pipelines. It aims to serve not just cities undergoing rapid urbanisation but also vulnerable communities in need of housing, infrastructure, and essential services. The capacity-building component is essential for ensuring sustainability and quality across project lifecycles.
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