Written by: Karim Hammam
Nabil Saimi, Senior Investment Director of the Project Development Fund at the Africa50 platform, is participating in the events of the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference and Exhibition 2026, scheduled to be held next December in the Senegalese capital, Dakar. This participation highlights the presence of one of the most prominent infrastructure investors on the African continent, focusing on the early and critical stages of the project life cycle, specifically when concepts and ideas transform into bankable investment assets.
An Investment Model to Support Infrastructure
The Africa50 platform relies on an investment model that accompanies projects from the development stage through to actual financing, an approach consistent with the accelerated expansion of gas, energy, and infrastructure projects in the region. The platform was established at the initiative of the African Development Bank and African continent governments, and currently includes dozens of contributing countries. It has successfully mobilized massive investments to support the energy, transport, and modern technology sectors, targeting the financing of major projects exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars in value.
Promising Projects in Senegal and the Continent
Historically, Senegal has played a pivotal role in Africa50's energy portfolio, witnessing successful partnerships such as the development of the 120 MW Malicounda power plant, which entered commercial operation to boost national power generation capacities, with readiness to operate on future local gas. In a related context, the platform continues to expand its investments in liquefied natural gas sectors and transportation networks across the continent, supported by strategic moves to enhance the performance of its Project Development Fund within future expansion plans.
Prospects for Regional Cooperation in the Energy Sector
The convening of the MSGBC 2026 conference brings together an elite group of heads of state, ministers, investors, operators, and development partners from countries in the region, with the aim of reviewing promising opportunities and enhancing prospects for investment cooperation in the energy and gas sectors. The participation of major investment institutions contributes to linking the regional project package with capital capable of driving implementation and development forward during the upcoming phase.
