Strengthening Africa’s Future: The Growth and Resilience Platform (GRAf)
An exciting development has recently unfolded in the landscape of African investment as Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the African Development Bank (AfDB), and CDG Invest formalized a landmark agreement to enhance cooperation and economic growth across the continent. This agreement, unveiled in Rabat during the pivotal 2025 Market Days, marks CDG Invest’s official entry into the Growth and Resilience Platform for Africa (GRAf).
What is GRAf?
GRAf is an innovative co-investment platform spearheaded by CDP and the AfDB. This initiative is part of Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, a strategic effort aimed at fostering economic partnerships with African nations. The platform’s mission is to attract investors by creating a collaborative ecosystem focused on the African private sector. The overarching goal is to achieve tangible impacts, driving job creation and improving essential products and services.
Goals and Vision of GRAf
The platform aims to mobilize up to €750 million over five years, targeting key sectors such as food security, sustainable infrastructure, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This initiative seeks not only to pool financial resources but also to share expertise that can help transform the African economic landscape.
Investors are encouraged to contribute indirectly through investment funds, promoting a synergy of interests that can bolster growth while addressing critical challenges facing the continent. With collaborative efforts, GRAf is poised to become a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
The Role of the Mattei Plan
Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa serves as a foundational strategy for enhancing economic collaboration. It emphasizes mutual growth opportunities and supports international investment initiatives that benefit both Italian enterprises and African markets. By partnering with the AfDB, Italy positions itself as a vital strategic partner in Africa’s development journey, showcasing a commitment to fostering real, impactful change.
CDP’s Active Involvement
CDP, Italy’s flagship development finance institution, plays a crucial role in the implementation of the Mattei Plan. Their participation at the Market Days 2025 reflects a proactive stance in promoting the private sector’s role in achieving sustainable development. Discussions centered around financial instruments designed to support private enterprise exemplify CDP’s dedication to nurturing partnerships that yield positive economic outcomes.
Strengthening Collaborations through IDFC
In a related initiative, CDP also participated in the launch of the Cooperation 4 Development Investment Forum, organized by the International Development Finance Club (IDFC). This forum aims to enhance collaboration among development banks worldwide, focusing on co-financing and joint project ventures. By uniting institutions with shared visions, IDFC seeks to consolidate the global financial architecture to accelerate sustainable investments.
Impact on Africa’s Private Sector
The GRAf platform, through its strategic investments, holds immense potential for the African private sector. By channeling funds into essential industries and facilitating SME growth, GRAf can significantly enhance economic resilience and contribute to broader social goals. Investments in areas like food security not only aim to stimulate the economy but also address pressing needs within communities.
The Bigger Picture
The collaborative efforts being made by CDP, AfDB, and CDG Invest signify a noteworthy step toward sustainable development in Africa. As these institutions work together to foster economic partnerships, the potential to create a vibrant ecosystem conducive to investment and growth becomes increasingly tangible. This synergy not only highlights the importance of financial instruments in development but also emphasizes the need for effective collaboration across borders to address complex challenges uniquely faced by the African continent.
Media and Contact Information
For further inquiries or information, interested parties can reach out to:
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Olufemi Terry
Email: media@afdb.org
CDG Invest
Salma Benjalloun
Email: Salma.benjalloun@cdginvest.ma
Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)
CDP Media Relations
Email: ufficio.stampa@cdp.it
Tel: 06 42213990
Website: www.CDP.it
Through initiatives like GRAf, the landscape of investment in Africa is on the cusp of transformation, promising a future of resilience and shared growth.