France, May 19 -- Africa remains a priority in terms of what we can achieve outside of Europe. Last year the EIB invested more money in Africa than anywhere else - about 4 billion euros. This accounts for about 40 percent of our investments outside Europe.

Priority sectors include urban mobility, transportation, water, energy - particularly clean and renewable energy - and issues related to economic development.

RFI: How does the EIB finance its operations?

AF: EU member states, including France, are EIB shareholders. We raise funds on the market through borrowing from investors and then finance projects with other partners. There is no taxpayer money involved, but we benefit from the support of Europe, which allows us to borrow unde...