12 November 2026 – Daily Review of Infrastructure Financing and Investment in Africa
12 November 2026
The selected news concerns infrastructure governance and financing conditions: support for electricity, freight and water reforms in South Africa; improvements to Mauritania’s water networks; efforts to restart Niger’s Kandadji programme; and parliamentary progress on irrigation financing in Eswatini. A Nigerian proposal also seeks to broaden access to West African capital markets. The announcements distinguish loan approval, signed agreements, legislative steps and financing still to be mobilised.
South Africa AfDB approves USD 503.75 million for electricity freight and water reforms
In a statement dated 11 November, the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced approval of a USD 503.75 million loan for the Infrastructure Governance Reform Program. This budget support backs electricity-market opening, private participation in rail and ports, and the regulation of municipal water suppliers. It finances sector reforms rather than exclusively funding the construction of a new asset; approval does not confirm disbursement.
Sources: African Development Bank
Mauritania EUR 41 million in French financing to improve drinking water in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou
The Mauritanian Information Agency reported the signing of financing agreements with France and the French Development Agency in Nouakchott on 11 November, for an announced amount of EUR 41 million. The project provides for the rehabilitation and creation of 150,000 household connections, with around 1.6 million people expected to benefit. It also aims to reduce technical and commercial losses, improve the networks’ climate resilience and strengthen the capacity of the national water utility, Société nationale de l’eau.
Sources: Mauritanian Information Agency · Sahara Media · Madar
Niger Kandadji partners agree a restart framework with USD 561 million still to be mobilised
Following a round table held in Niamey on 11 November, the government and partners in the Kandadji dam programme adopted a joint declaration on restarting and completing it. According to the Niger Press Agency, partners expressed willingness to contribute towards an estimated USD 561 million funding gap, without announcing that this amount had already been secured. The declaration provides for finalising conditions for restarting work, population resettlement and high-level reviews every two months.
Sources: Niger Press Agency · Madar
Eswatini Senate passes a USD 60 million loan bill for Mkhondvo Ngwavuma irrigation infrastructure
Eswatini Observer reported on 11 November that the Senate had adopted three finance bills, including one for a USD 60 million loan from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. The financing is intended for infield irrigation infrastructure under the first phase of the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma programme, which includes Mpakeni Dam, canals and smaller dams. The reported step is parliamentary; it does not establish that the loan has been disbursed or the infrastructure completed.
Sources: Eswatini Observer
Information notice
This press review is prepared for information purposes using publicly available sources. The information and opinions reported are those of the cited sources and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of the Secretariat of the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA) or its members. The selection of content and references to institutions, companies or projects do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. This review does not claim to be exhaustive; readers are encouraged to consult the original sources before making decisions or using the information.