Outdated risk narratives still haunt Africa’s investment appeal - experts

Africa’s investment potential is often overshadowed by persistent perceptions of risk, despite strong evidence that the continent offers viable and resilient opportunities for investors, experts said at the just-concluded Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 in Kigali. Industry experts argued that while Africa has made progress in building financial systems and attracting investment, global investors still approach the continent with caution, largely because of outdated narratives that exaggerate the risks of doing business in African markets. ALSO READ: PM Nsengiyumva: Africa must build independent financial systems According to Patrick Njoroge, the former Governor at the Central Bank of Kenya, the real challenge is not the availability of capital, but rather how that capital is perceived and deployed. “The gap between perception and reality continues to affect investor decisions. We have to deal with what I call passive risk, and a lot of that relates to information,” he said. Njoroge noted that available data often contradicts the widespread belief that African investments are inherently riskier than those in developed markets. “The lowest default rates on infrastructure anywhere in the world are in Africa, lower than in Europe or the United States. But that sort of information still does not change the perception.” ALSO READ: FinTech innovation must deliver real economic opportunities, leaders say Experts said this perception gap affects how international investors assess opportunities on the continent, often leading to higher borrowing costs and slower capital flows. Beyond perception, however, there is also a need to strengthen financial systems so that capital can move more efficiently across markets. Jean-Guy Afrika, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said Rwanda has been working to create an environment where businesses can start quickly and investors can deploy capital with fewer barriers. “RDB is the guardian of the business environment, the institution charged with creating a frictionless business environment so that companies can start in a safe and fast manner,” he noted. He pointed to Rwanda’s growing investment commitments as a sign of investor confidence in the country’s economic environment. “In 2024 we registered about $3.2 billion in investments, and in 2025 about $3 billion. Authorities track how quickly registered investments translate into real economic activity.” ALSO READ: How stablecoins, CBDCs could reshape Africa’s digital finance ‘Improve infrastructure’ While progress has been made in attracting investment, experts said Africa must continue strengthening its financial infrastructure to make it easier for investors to enter and exit markets. This includes improving settlement systems, custody services that protect investors’ assets, and deeper capital markets where investors can buy and sell securities. Chen Leiming, the Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Ant International, a financial technology company, emphasised the importance of building financial systems that are not only innovative but also inclusive and sustainable. “As digital finance continues to expand globally, technology can play a critical role in improving transparency, strengthening trust, and widening access to financial services, factors that ultimately make markets more attractive to investors,” Leiming said. “Sustainability must be inclusive to be effective. By integrating sustainability into how we innovate, operate and grow, every business outcome becomes a step toward long-term societal progress.” According to experts, financial innovation should not be measured solely by the speed at which new technologies are introduced, but by how effectively those technologies expand economic opportunity. Digital platforms, Leiming explained, have the potential to connect millions of small businesses and underserved communities to the formal financial system, enabling them to access payments, credit, and cross-border trade opportunities. When these systems are designed to include smaller enterprises and emerging markets, they create stronger and more resilient financial ecosystems that benefit both local economies and global investors. Experts suggested that markets that prioritise inclusive growth and transparent financial infrastructure are often more resilient over time. Strong governance, reliable digital systems, and broad participation in the financial sector help build the kind of confidence that long-term investors seek. Kwan Chi Man, the Group Chief Executive Officer at Raffles Family Office, an independent, Asia-focused multi-family office and asset manager, stressed that long-term investors are increasingly recognising Africa’s economic potential. “Demographic trends alone make Africa impossible to ignore. By 2050, one in four people in the world will be African. Africa will not only be the youngest population but also one of the most important markets for future growth,” said Chi Man. For many global investors, he added, the continent is becoming an essential part of long-term investment strategies. “If you want to do business globally, you will be handicapped if you do not do anything with Africa.”

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Outdated risk narratives still haunt Africa’s investment appeal - experts