Unlocking the economic potential of the continent
📍 Bamako, Republic of Mali – December 2-4, 2025
The Islamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the operational arm of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to promoting trade and investment, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and the Republic of Mali, is organizing the first edition of the OIC Investment Forum in Africa.
This significant event will bring together ministers, investment promotion agency leaders, private investors, and representatives of international institutions, with a clear objective: to transform African potential into concrete opportunities.
Africa, a market of the future
With a young and entrepreneurial population, abundant natural resources, and a strategic geographical location, Africa is increasingly attracting the attention of global investors. OIC African member states are already excelling in key sectors such as:
- agro-industry,
- mining,
- renewable energies,
- infrastructure,
- textiles and tourism,
- financial services and manufacturing.
Despite progress made through structural reforms, immense potential remains untapped. The Bamako Forum aims to accelerate this momentum by bringing together strategic projects and available capital, in a spirit of enhanced regional cooperation.
Strategic objectives
The Forum aims to:
- address barriers hindering investment and propose concrete solutions;
- present high-value and immediately financeable projects;
- facilitate dialogue between governments, the private sector, and funders;
- promote public-private partnerships and stimulate intra-OIC investment flows;
- support SMEs, youth entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment of women;
- mobilize Islamic finance and innovative financial instruments for sustainable growth.
A space for solutions and partnerships
Over three days, participants will have access to:
- high-level panels on the business climate and sectoral opportunities;
- thematic roundtable discussions and a dedicated exhibition;
- networking sessions with decision-makers, investors, and institutions;
- the launch of an OIC Think Tank on Investment in Africa and a database of projects from African OIC member states.
Enhanced cooperation
Organized by the ICDT, in collaboration with the OIC General Secretariat and the IDB Group (ICIEC, ICD, TIQAH), and under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Mali, the Forum is supported by numerous regional institutions and international partners.
Bamako, a point of convergence
More than just an economic gathering, the OIC Investment Forum in Africa aims to act as a catalyst: connecting capital, expertise, and innovation to build shared growth. By paving the way for strategic partnerships, the event aims to strengthen Africa’s position as a driver of trade and investment within the OIC space.
