Standard Chartered, an international banking group, has published a study that looks at the most impactful opportunities for investing in three infrastructure-focused Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.

The study, titled Opportunity2030, reveals a $197 billion opportunity for private investors in five high-growth markets on the continent: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. Improving digital access makes up $74.5 billion of that total.

The study highlights opportunities for investors to contribute to SDG 6, ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all’; SDG 7, ‘Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all’; SDG 9, ‘Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation’.

The Regional Chief Executive Officer, Africa and the Middle East, Standard Chartered, Sunil Kaushal, said, ‘The UN Sustainable Development Goals are amongst the most ambitious projects humanity has ever attempted. As well as offering our best hope yet of tackling the world’s most serious challenges, they also offer a unique opportunity for the private sector. For the goals to be met in Africa, the private sector must play a central role in deploying capital to get projects off the ground. Opportunity2030 provides a map of these opportunities, revealing the sectors and markets where investors can best contribute to the SDGs whilst achieving sustainable returns. Currently, not enough capital is reaching the countries that need it the most. With the UN’s 2030 deadline for achieving SDGs just 10 years away, the time to act is now’.

Source: ESI Africa

Photo source: Can Pac Swire