The International Finance Corporation committed $5.593 billion in long-term own-account funding to Africa in fiscal 2026 and mobilized $8.556 billion in private capital, as it expands financing options for businesses.
The IFC report lists $105.56 billion in global investment commitments for the fiscal year ended June 30, including $31.977 billion from its own account and $73.583 billion mobilized from private investors. Africa represented 26% of IFC’s global long-term own-account commitments and 12% of its long-term private-capital mobilization.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that the continent’s annual development-financing gap exceeds $400 billion, while domestic capital pools exceed $4 trillion. The bank says structural barriers can prevent those resources from reaching projects and businesses.
At the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) 2026 in Luanda, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop described hurdles facing businesses. BusinessDay reported Nov. 3 that he pointed to shortages of long-term finance and equity, exchange-rate exposure and shallow capital markets, as well as unpredictable policy and limited government support for private enterprise.
BusinessDay also reported that IFC plans to reach smaller firms through fintech companies and other nonbank lenders. The outlet said the institution intends to give cash-flow and data signals more weight in lending decisions and rely less on collateral.
The approach forms part of a strategy the World Bank Group says began in fiscal 2025. IFC’s priorities include drawing in more private investment, expanding equity financing and widening access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through financial intermediaries, alternative channels and direct financing. The strategy aims to support job creation and closer coordination with the World Bank.
The World Bank Group’s Private Sector Investment Lab said local currency accounted for about one-third of IFC’s long-term debt commitments. The share was 20% in 2020 and 28% in 2023; the World Bank Group’s target is 40% by 2030.
The Government of Angola is hosting the summit, with IFC and Jeune Afrique Media Group as co-hosts. IFC said the event is expected to bring together more than 1,250 financial leaders and regulators and is scheduled to run through Nov. 4.
