Why FISA?

Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 remains seriously at risk in many countries due to persistent structural challenges. Governance weaknesses, investment gaps, insufficient resilient infrastructure, unequal access to education, finance and technology, and the growing impacts of climate change are limiting countries' ability to accelerate inclusive and sustainable growth. These systemic constraints slow social, economic and environmental progress and heighten the vulnerability of populations.

In response, international economic cooperation must evolve towards partnerships more strongly focused on investment, skills transfer and shared value creation. Africa is one of the world's most dynamic regions, with a population projected to reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050, more than 60% of whom will be under 25. Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is gradually creating an integrated market of over 1.4 billion consumers, representing a combined GDP exceeding USD 3.4 trillion. Infrastructure needs are estimated at USD 130–170 billion annually, while the financing gap remains between USD 68 billion and USD 108 billion each year.

These developments also present a strategic opportunity for Switzerland. Globally recognized for its expertise in engineering, clean technology, sustainable finance, vocational training, health, innovation and infrastructure, Switzerland has a comparative advantage in developing high-value economic partnerships. According to several international projections, African household consumption could exceed USD 2.5 trillion by 2030, while investment in energy, digital technology, logistics, agribusiness and sustainable cities is expected to continue growing strongly.

In this context, the Swiss–Africa International Forum (FISA 2026) aims to serve as a strategic platform for turning these challenges into concrete opportunities for cooperation. By bringing together public decision-makers, companies, investors, academic institutions and technical partners, the Forum seeks to foster lasting partnerships, facilitate investment mobilization and accelerate innovative solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals, while strengthening economic ties between Switzerland and African countries.