Private equity investors have always celebrated the investment opportunities in consumer goods, financial services and telecommunications – obvious strategic plays on Africa’s growth and emerging middle class. But, investors are growingly turning their interest to sectors once perceived as ‘the leftovers’ (or better left to government officials and donors). Investors look at the continent’s need […]
Shifting Capital Flows
Lagarde Urges Africa to Act on Poverty
Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has warned that despite “showing a remarkable resilience in the face of the global financial crisis”, poverty levels in Africa are still “unacceptably high”. Lagarde said that poverty affects 45% of Sub-Saharan African households and that inequality is high, with some countries struggling to recover from […]
Africa maintains growth momentum despite security challenges
Africa is surging ahead with positive economic growth and macro-economic development across the continent. New funds flowing in, innovative financing and ever-increasing foreign direct investment are all evidence of a dramatic transformation. But instability and persistent security problems could impact on this impressive progress. How to maximise Africa’s potential while grappling with its security issues […]
Business As Usual For Multinationals Like GE In Nigeria, Despite Boko Haram Violence
Nigerian markets remain resilient despite much media attention on the violent actions of Boko Haram, the militant group responsible for killing more than 30 people in attacks on two villages on Wednesday and bombing in the city of Jos that killed 118 people on Tuesday. Foreign direct investment has been driving economic growth in Nigeria, […]
Kerry Calls for U.S. Investment in Africa, Warns on Corruption
Secretary of State John Kerry today urged greater U.S. investment in Africa to help develop a U.S.- Africa relationship focused more on shared opportunity and economic growth than on crisis management. “For too long, ties between the United States and Africa were largely rooted in meeting the challenges and crises of the moment,” Kerry told […]
Transforming the U.S.-Africa Commercial Relationship
The U.S. can’t afford to ignore investment and trade with Africa now that countries like China and India are increasingly investing in African countries. Witney Schneidman argues that the U.S. must extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act beyond its 2015 expiration and proposes some new initiatives to help American firms do more business across […]
Rwanda reaches for new economic model
KIGALI, Rwanda — On the 12th floor of the Kigali City Tower, a modern blue-glass office building on the side of one of this capital’s famous hills, the latest endeavor in the effort to transform a tiny rural economy into a financial and high-tech hub is trying to find its footing. New York Times