Pacific And African Leaders At SIF-WIC 2025 Call For Rethinking Investor Perspectives On Risk And Reward

At the Sharjah Investment Forum–World Investment Conference (SIF–WIC 2025), representatives from Pacific and African regions advocated for a new global perspective on investment risk and reward. They highlighted the untapped potential in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The focus was on recognising opportunities in these areas.

The session, titled "Looking at the Glass Half Full – The Comparative Advantage of SIDS, LLDCs, and LDCs," was moderated by Dushyant Thakor, Deputy Executive Director of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). Panellists discussed how inclusive policies, digital transformation, and sustainable resource management can drive growth in smaller economies.

Joe Phillips, Managing Director of Beyond Borders Development Group, emphasised the need for investors to shift their focus from risk aversion to opportunity recognition. He noted that smaller economies often reform faster and are more agile in implementing changes. These regions offer first-mover advantages in renewable energy, blue economy, and digital transformation.

Tebantaake Keariki, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kiribati, shared her country's efforts to attract responsible foreign investment. Kiribati has implemented transparent legislation and a structured approval process under the Foreign Investment Act 2018. In 2023, Kiribati recorded foreign direct investment worth US$5.11 million (AED19 million), marking a 19.68 percent increase from 2022.

Saleh Saad Mohamed, Executive Director of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), presented Zanzibar’s sustainable investment approach based on the triple bottom line — people, planet, and prosperity. He highlighted a US$10 billion strategic partnership with Qatar as a milestone in Zanzibar's economic transformation. Efforts are ongoing to diversify beyond tourism, which currently contributes about 30 percent of GDP and employs over half of the youth.

The two-day SIF–WIC 2025 event was held under the theme "Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future." It gathered over 10,000 participants from 142 countries to discuss inclusive, sustainable, and forward-looking investment strategies.

With inputs from WAM