Thousands of global finance leaders, tech executives, and investors are gathering in Riyadh for the eighth annual Future Investment Initiative (FII) scheduled for October 29-31. The economic conference is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, an ambitious project to modernize and diversify its oil-dependent economy. 

The FII’s agenda underscores a focus on technology and infrastructure investment, especially in emerging markets like Africa, which Saudi Arabia views as crucial to its regional strategy. Key executives expected at the event include Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon, BlackRock’s Larry Fink, Citigroup’s Jane Fraser, and London Stock Exchange’s Julia Hoggett. 

On Monday, ahead of the FII, the New Africa Summit convened in Riyadh to explore development opportunities in electricity, minerals, and technology in Africa, where high youth unemployment and infrastructure gaps hinder growth. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih emphasized Africa’s potential to become a key resource provider, particularly in minerals critical for future energy markets, positioning Africa as a “breadbasket” for nearby Gulf countries.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the kingdom is encouraging foreign investments that foster domestic economic growth beyond simple capital injections. As part of this strategy, Saudi Arabia has tightened requirements for international investors seeking capital within its borders, reflecting a broader mandate for investments that contribute to local job creation, tech development, and capital market expansion. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has led this shift, seeing its assets grow to $765.2 billion in 2023 largely due to increased domestic investments, which align with Vision 2030’s objective of attracting $100 billion annually in foreign direct investment by 2030.

Investment into African infrastructure remains central to Saudi and Gulf priorities. Saudi Arabia’s tech sector growth and the recent allowance from the U.S. to import Nvidia’s advanced AI chips exemplify the kingdom’s broader technological ambitions. Moreover, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are expanding their African investments, with projects such as Abu Dhabi’s G42 and Microsoft committing $1 billion to a data center and AI lab in Kenya, reinforcing the Gulf’s role in Africa’s digital and infrastructural development.

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