Africa Reader 2018: A continent full of potential

Africa is transforming itself. The continent stands ready to seize the opportunities arising from its young population, new technologies, new trade agreements and potential for productivity gains. However, the region needs a lot of help to fight deteriorating infrastructure, climate change, extreme weather events, social and political strife, persistent poverty, and the rising numbers of people leaving their homes to escape conflict or seek a better life. The European Investment Bank has been active in Africa for more than half a century, carrying out thousands of complex projects in all corners of the continent. We are concentrating even more on activities that create jobs and growth. We also are working hard on sustainable urbanisation, digital connectivity and gender equality.

About European Investment Bank The European Investment Bank is the world's biggest multilateral lender. The only bank owned by and representing the interests of the EU countries, the EIB finances Europe's economic growth. Over six decades the Bank has backed start-ups like Skype and massive schemes like the Øresund Bridge linking Sweden and Denmark. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the EIB Group includes the European Investment Fund, a specialist financer of small and medium-sized enterprises.