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Invest Africa Insights

Invest Africa Insights

By Invest Africa

Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. In this podcast series we will explore Africa's key economic trends and the issues facing businesses and investors across the continent.
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Meet the Entrepreneur with Michael Moreland, CEO & Co-Founder Field Intelligence

Invest Africa InsightsJul 08, 2021

00:00
33:31
Driving Gender Equality Forward: A Conversation with Africa Specialty Risks & Alitheia Capital

Driving Gender Equality Forward: A Conversation with Africa Specialty Risks & Alitheia Capital

In this podcast, we explore the evolving risk landscape in Africa and its impact on trade, investment, and gender. Genevieve Ahinful, Head of Political Risk and Trade Credit at Africa Specialty Risks, and Tokunboh Ishmael, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Alitheia Capital, discuss changing perceptions, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges for investors, and the need for companies to implement a gender-focused approach to their overall strategy.

Mar 08, 202438:20
Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlook Series - Lusophone Africa

Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlook Series - Lusophone Africa

In 2024, Africa grapples with a complex landscape, encompassing supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the persistent impact of COVID-19, rising inflation, and conflicts in the Middle East. Amidst these challenges, African nations are urged to leverage industrialisation opportunities, potentially catapulting the continent's GDP by 20%. Anticipating economic growth, countries like Angola and Mozambique are poised for a 6.2% expansion in 2024, surpassing the previous year's trajectory. Mozambique stands as the 16th fastest-growing economy, engaging in ongoing debt restructuring talks. While most African nations expect a relief from inflationary pressures, Angola and São Tomé and Principe may continue grappling with double-digit inflation, primarily driven by elevated oil prices. Lusophone countries, navigating the delicate balance between revenue generation from fossil fuels and the imperative to transition to clean energy, spotlight Mozambique's focus on Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) projects. Mozambique positions itself as a significant player in the global LNG market, seizing heightened demand amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Africa's second-largest oil producer, Angola aspires to achieve 80% renewable power by 2025. Recent market reforms attract a diverse spectrum of investors, marking a departure from Chinese dominance to include Japanese, Middle Eastern, and European stakeholders. Even in island jurisdictions like Cape Verde and São Tomé and Principe, the imperative to transition to clean energy is evident. São Tomé sets an ambitious target of increasing the proportion of renewable energy to 50% by 2023, focusing on solar and hydro projects. Overcoming the current dependence on imported diesel for 90% of its energy, São Tomé and Principe envisions a sustainable energy future that yields inclusive growth. The investment landscape in Lusophone countries is encouraging, with international investors increasingly showing a willingness to support pivotal projects. This growing confidence within the investment community bodes well for the energy transition and overall economic development in these strategic markets.

Feb 19, 202444:57
Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlooks Series - East Africa

Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlooks Series - East Africa

In 2024, Africa is set to be the second-fastest growing major region, with most countries experiencing accelerated economic growth compared to 2023. East Africa, led by Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, is poised to be at the forefront, contributing to Africa's real GDP increase from 2.6% in 2023 to 3.2%. However, political risks may rise due to elections in some major African economies.

Following prominent multilateral events in 2023, including the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, Africa's vulnerability to climate change has gained greater attention. East Africa lags in meeting its $739.4 billion regional target for climate-resilient development by 2030, impacted by factors like drought and conflicts affecting growth in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Although renewable energy investments have driven recent growth, more efforts are needed to meet the region's escalating energy access demands, and build climate-resilient infrastructure to support the region’s growing population.

Intra-African trade stands at 13%, significantly lower than the EU’s 60%. As a key member of the East African Community, Tanzania, strategically located on the Indian Ocean, aims to enhance regional integration, boosting intra-African trade. The moderinisation of the Port of Dar es Salaam will play a crucial role in facilitating trade with landlocked countries in the region like Uganda and Rwanda, ensuring that they are “land-linked”.

Despite numerous tailwinds, including sustained economic growth, economic diversification, increased regional integration, and favourable demographics, East Africa’s promising growth potential calls for continued investment in the region’s infrastructure. Addressing the current challenges of poor infrastructure, which adds between 30% to 40% to the costs of goods traded among African countries, will further enhance the region’s positive trajectory and capitalise on the favourable conditions to yield inclusive growth.

Feb 05, 202444:15
Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlook Series - North Africa

Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlook Series - North Africa

The economic dynamics and political landscape within the framework of Africa’s North markets for the 2024 fiscal year present a nuanced scenario. 

The growth in North Africa is estimated to have decreased by 1.3 percentage points to 4.1 percent in 2022. This decline was attributed to the sharp contraction in Libya, accounting for 6 percent of the region’s GDP, and the impact of drought in Morocco, constituting 13 percent of the region’s GDP. A more robust growth trajectory is anticipated in 2023–24, averaging 4.5 percent. This resurgence is underpinned by a strong recovery in both Libya and Morocco, along with the consolidation of gains in other countries. 

 In contrast, Egypt’s growth almost doubled from 3.3% in 2021 to 6.1% in 2022 due to greater investments in infrastructure, higher gas production and increased vessel traffic through the Suez Canal.  

Among the major North African markets, Morocco is poised to experience one of the most substantial rates of growth acceleration after a pronounced slowdown resulting from drought, escalating energy prices, and a deceleration of growth in the EU, its primary trading partner. Morocco's GDP is projected to expand by over 3.1% this year, a significant improvement from the 0.8% recorded in 2022. North Africa holds immense potential to meet its energy needs and act as an alternative source for the EU’s oil and gas requirements particularly in Libya and Algeria, given its proximity to Europe and the EU’s shift away from Russia’s oil and gas.  

However, concerns persist regarding the quality of growth and its sustainability in the future. Sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed an upsurge in attempts to destabilise governments through unconstitutional or violent means in recent years. Coups, violent extremism, riots, and social unrest have become more prevalent. The region remains susceptible to significant challenges, including climate shocks and the volatile political situation in Libya. 

While pockets of economic resilience exist, the region confronts notable challenges related to political stability and the long-term sustainability of economic growth. Addressing these challenges will be pivotal in fostering a more stable and prosperous future in North Africa’s markets. 

Jan 25, 202450:15
Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlooks Series - Southern Africa

Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlooks Series - Southern Africa

Southern Africa’s regional economic performance in 2023 compares unfavourably to that of other sub-regions, with growth slowing to 3.3% from 4% in 2022. The outlook for 2024 is uncertain due to the Southern Africa region remaining subject to significant downside risks. Over the 2023-2024 period, six Southern African countries (Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) will hold presidential and/or parliamentary elections. These elections could exert upward pressure on wages and public spending, challenging fiscal discipline and the implementation of bold structural reforms.  

Nevertheless, the continent has shown resilience despite significant shocks. Southern Africa’s overall outlook for 2024 remains cautiously optimistic, with growth expected to rebound to 4%. This growth is set to be broad-based, with top performers for the fiscal year likely to include Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Zambia.  

Despite grappling with high debt distress, exceeding 104% of GDP, Zambia’s GDP has consistently grown over the last two years. Zambia is poised to experience an improved macroeconomic environment, driven by a strengthened mining policy and a more reliable electricity supply. The Mauritian economy is projected to grow by 5% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024, spearheaded by the tourism sector. Nevertheless, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, coupled with higher living costs in Europe, will lead to greater monetary tightening. Struggles with a power, logistics, and growth crisis have impacted South Africa’s public finances. South Africa’s medium-term outlook remains dim, but vital reforms are gaining traction.  

Jan 23, 202450:17
Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlooks - Francophone Africa

Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlooks - Francophone Africa

The economic dynamics and political landscape in the context of Africa’s Francophone markets for the 2024 fiscal year paint a complex picture.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the largest intra-African trading nation; its share of total African trade increased by 35.7% from $12.19 bn in 2021 to $16.53 bn in 2022. This is largely a result of government commitments to regional integration and strengthening cooperation across the continent. Cote d’Ivoire also stands out as a critical contributor to intra-African trade, with the country’s short and medium-term economic outlook remaining positive, albeit slightly below pre-COVID-19 levels.

Among the major Francophone markets, Morocco is expected to enjoy one of the strongest rates of growth acceleration following a sharp slowdown caused by drought, rising energy prices and growth deceleration in the EU, its main trading partner. Morocco’s GDP is forecast to expand by more than 3.1% this year, up significantly from the 0.8% recorded in 2022.

Still, the quality of growth and its sustainability in the future remains a matter of concern. Sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed an increased incidence of attempts to destabilize governments by unconstitutional or violent means in recent years. Coups, violent extremism, riots, and social unrest have become more commonplace. Ongoing conflicts, contested elections, and economic challenges have caused instability in countries like Chad and Burkina Faso. The upcoming presidential election scheduled for the DRC on December 20th 2023 will be a flashpoint for instability.

While there are pockets of economic resilience, the region faces notable challenges related to political stability and the long-term sustainability of economic growth. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for fostering a more stable and prosperous future in Africa’s Francophone markets.

Jan 18, 202446:44
Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlook Series - West Africa

Invest Africa 2024 Regional Outlook Series - West Africa

From supply chain disruptions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the lingering effects of COVID-19 to increased inflation and interest rates, and recent conflicts in the Middle East,  2024 is sure to bring a multitude of challenges and opportunities to Africa. However, against this backdrop of polycrisis, African countries have been urged to seize the opportunity presented with industrialisation which could see the continent’s GDP grow by 20%.

While growth in West Africa slowed to 3.6% in 2022 from 4.4% in 2021, it is projected to pick up in the medium term, reaching 4.1% in 2023 and accelerating to 4.3% in 2024. Senegal stands out as an exemplary economy, with IMF projecting the West African republic to grow at a record rate of 10.6% in 2024, the highest rate since independence.

Nigeria remains the most populous country on the continent, emphasising the continued need to diversify its economy and maximise renewable energy strategies. With regards to technology, Mobile Money services have made more inroads in Africa than in any other region, with West African countries, namely Senegal, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire leading the way, indicating the need and desire to leapfrog traditional financial infrastructure. 

Nevertheless, despite increased efforts to boost trade between countries on the continent, Africa trades far more with other countries than with itself. Increasing intra-Africa trade in 2024 will be critical to accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the sub-region and continent as a whole. Building partnerships that enable joint ventures and ensure local buy-in will be a priority for both the public and private sectors looking to further unlock Africa’s value-chain.

Jan 16, 202444:40
#WinningWomenInAfrica Dr Ngozi Erondu, Technical Director, Global Institute for Disease Elimination

#WinningWomenInAfrica Dr Ngozi Erondu, Technical Director, Global Institute for Disease Elimination

To celebrate International Women’s Day throughout the month of March, Invest Africa has been hosting a podcast series #WinningWomenInAfrica to promote inspirational African female industry leaders.

#WinningWomeninAfrica will feature a weekly podcast, where our selected female industry leaders will reveal their path to establishing success, the challenges they encountered, and how women’s empowerment in Africa can be enhanced. Africa and the Middle East are the leading regions for the proportion of female CEOs, with Africa having the highest proportion of female board members globally at nearly 15%. Africa ranks second for the share of women-founded companies. Although global prosperity is more evenly distributed now than at any other point in history, there remains a staggering imbalance between men and women in the financial sector. According to the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, women-owned businesses face an estimated $1.7 trillion shortfall in access to finance.


Dr Ngozi Erondu is a trained infectious disease epidemiologist with 15 years of experience working to improve health systems and global health governance. Her policy expertise includes strengthening regional leadership in pandemic preparedness and health security governance reform.

Apr 05, 202329:09
#WinningWomeninAfrica Yemi Keri, Founder & CEO, Heckerbella

#WinningWomeninAfrica Yemi Keri, Founder & CEO, Heckerbella

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Invest Africa hosts a podcast series throughout March #WinningWomeninAfrica to recognise inspirational African females.

#WinningWomeninAfrica will feature a weekly podcast, where our selected female industry leaders will reveal their path to establishing success, the challenges they encountered, and how women’s empowerment in Africa can be enhanced.

Africa and the Middle East are the leading regions for the proportion of female CEOs, with Africa having the highest proportion of female board members globally at nearly 15%. Africa ranks second for the share of women-founded companies. Although global prosperity is more evenly distributed now than at any other point in history, there remains a staggering imbalance between men and women in the financial sector. According to the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, women-owned businesses face an estimated $1.7 trillion shortfall in access to finance.

Yemi is at the forefront of digital transformation to tackle business and social problems and is recognised as one of the leading Women in Technology in Nigeria and an inspiration for many

Mar 17, 202319:31
#WinningWomeninAfrica - Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founder & CEO, Aruwa Capital Management

#WinningWomeninAfrica - Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founder & CEO, Aruwa Capital Management

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Invest Africa is hosting a podcast series throughout March #WinningWomeninAfrica to recognise inspirational African females. #WinningWomeninAfrica will feature a weekly podcast, where our selected female industry leaders will reveal their path to establishing success, the challenges they encountered, and how women’s empowerment in Africa can be enhanced.

Africa and the Middle East are the leading regions for the proportion of female CEOs, with Africa having the highest proportion of female board members globally at nearly 15%. Although global prosperity is more evenly distributed now than at any other point in history, there remains a staggering imbalance between men and women in the financial sector. Women-owned businesses face an estimated $1.7 trillion shortfall in access to finance according to the World Bank and International Finance Corporation

Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes founded Aruwa Capital Management in 2019 to bridge the investment gap for female-led businesses in Africa. Aruwa is one of the few women-owned and led private equity funds in Africa investing in untapped investment opportunities in Nigeria and Ghana. Aruwa has recently raised its first institutional fund in Nigeria, making Adesuwa the youngest general partner to raise US$ 20 million in Nigeria, with leading investments from the Visa foundation and Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund.  

Mar 08, 202318:47
East Africa Outlook 2023

East Africa Outlook 2023

Spearheaded by the increased strength of Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda’s national economies, East Africa has become the fastest growing region of the continent in recent years. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the Russian invasion of Ukraine has derailed the region’s growth trajectory. Rising food prices have become a key area of concern regarding food security, especially as the region is grappling with drought. An estimated 55 million people in East Africa are expected to be food insecure, up from 42 million in 2021 (World Bank, 2022).

Nevertheless, the agriculture, construction, and energy sectors in East Africa offer the potential to yield inclusive growth. The rise in global oil prices has resulted in greater interest in Africa’s gas reserves as sources of energy alternatives; the liquified natural gas project in Tanzania has sparked renewed investor interest. Equally, Kenya’s underdeveloped mining sector is experiencing growth from 10.9% of GDP in 2021 to 22.6% in 2022.

Recovery paths across East Africa have been uneven. Tanzania has been an anomaly through these ongoing crises as its GDP is forecast to reach 5% in 2022 up from 2% in 2020 (AfDB, 2022). Kenya’s agriculture sector, which accounts for 20% of its economic output has demonstrated considerable volatility and remains vulnerable to climate change. Additionally, political fragility and instability such as the escalation of fighting in northern Ethiopia and the political uncertainty accompanying regional elections could hinder private sector business activity. In Rwanda, the inflation rate is forecast to be pushed up to 16% in response to rising food prices causing hurt to consumers’ pockets. The road to recovery for economies across the region will be long and uncertain.

Feb 02, 202357:24
West Africa Outlook 2023

West Africa Outlook 2023

West Africa will be striving for economic growth against the backdrop of a major pair of twin shocks: the lingering COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While GDP is set to decline by 1.2% in Burkina Faso, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal, Niger’s GDP is forecast to increase (AfDB,2022). As most West African countries are import dependent, the soaring inflation rates both within the sub-region and globally will undoubtedly lead to higher import bills and thus risk eclipsing the level of exports (WADO,2022). The challenge for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which forms the financial backbone of the sub-region, will be to try to contain inflation rates low without suppressing inclusive growth.

These global crises have increased the potential for a food crisis, with West Africa positioning itself at the centre of it given the possibility of social unrest. Higher prices for fertiliser have led to shortages, leading to less agricultural yields in the sub-region. However, this presents policymakers and ECOWAS with the opportunity to re-orientate economic and social policies to enhance intra-regional trade and strengthen the resilience of food systems in West Africa to better cope with future international market shocks. The unpredictable character of the global energy sector as an upshot of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has signalled for West African countries to achieve greater energy self-sufficiency. Petroleum producers in the sub-region such as Nigeria and Ghana have the potential to attract wider investment from the private sector. They will need to increase their refining capacity to promote further intra-regional trade and provide an avenue for West African countries to source cheaper products at a competitive rate.

Security concerns and domestic political turmoil remain of paramount importance for achieving inclusive growth in the sub-region. Cross-border attacks in Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Benin will fail to aid both public and private investment. The volatile political circumstances in Mali and Burkina Faso and their increased ties to Russia’s paramilitary organisation, Wagner Group, will also prevent ECOWAS’ ability to achieve project growth and development targets. The result and impact of the upcoming Nigeria election in February will also be critical for the region as Benin’s President warned in 2016 “if Nigeria sneezes, the whole of West Africa catches a cold.”

Feb 01, 202301:01:18
North Africa Outlook 2023

North Africa Outlook 2023

The theme across the African continent for national economies in 2023 is uncertainty. North Africa’s regional growth is forecast to slow down in terms of real GDP growth, from an average of 4.2% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2023. The course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains highly unpredictable, resulting in unstable inflation rates consequently pushing up food and fuel prices for large sections of societies across North Africa. Economic recovery will be uneven as oil and gas producers in the region such as Algeria and Egypt have the potential to benefit from elevated energy prices and an international mood to wean Europe off Russian hydrocarbon exports, placing a sharper focus on Africa. Despite being the 3rd largest natural gas supplier to Europe, Algeria lacks the infrastructure to meet its own domestic and Europe’s rising demand. Yet this is also an area that could benefit from Algeria’s new investment laws passed in July 2022 that aim to stimulate the development of the country’s natural resources, technology transfer, job creation, and export capacity.

On the political front, much of the region remains marred by political unrest which could further harm national economies. In combination with higher food prices, President Kais Saied’s power grab in Tunisia and subsequent policies have pushed the economy into dire straits, threatening increased poverty rates which could lead to violent social unrest.  However, a preliminary agreement secured with the IMF in 2022 concerning a $1.9 billion loan could aid in alleviating the Tunisian economy which has been plagued by food and fuel shortages.

These challenges present the opportunity to build new social contracts and transform existing economic models to prioritise inclusive growth. With COVID-19 restrictions easing, the tourism industry particularly in Egypt and Morocco has seen an uptick in demand. As the host of COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, there is greater potential for Egypt’s tourism sector to develop along sustainable lines to become a model for the global tourism industry. This shift toward normalising eco-tourism will be crucial as droughts and rising sea levels, both impacts of climate change, pose a great threat to the social stability and economic growth trajectories for all North African countries. Nevertheless, there is a desperate need to increase the availability and distribution of climate finance to all countries across the region, particularly Mauritania. North Africa has an abundance of renewable energy resources, notably wind and solar. Morocco has one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plants, providing energy for just under 2 million Moroccans saving 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Both Morocco and Egypt are betting big on green hydrogen as producers and exporters to capitalise on the international interest in hydrogen energy.

Feb 01, 202359:54
Southern Africa Outlook 2023

Southern Africa Outlook 2023

Southern Africa was the hardest-hit sub-region during the COVID-19 pandemic causing regional GDP growth to contract significantly. Thus, these diverse economies are entering 2023 at various stages of economic recovery and development. A central theme for this year will be how countries in the sub-region can become less reliant on fossil fuels and investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

South Africa is the largest emitter of greenhouse gas annually owing to its substantial coal industry but will be performing an increasingly delicate balancing act between transitioning to a green economy and trying to ensure job security for those working with fossil fuels. This shift has the potential to achieve decarbonisation commitments at a quicker pace while promoting sustainable development. Increased investments in enabling infrastructure, particularly in Namibia’s high-profile green hydrogen projects, are set to support economic diversification as the Government pursues its plans to boost value-added processing and achieve export-driven growth. Equally significant is the discovery of liquified natural gas (LNG) in Mozambique. While LNG has been identified as the “cleanest” fossil fuel it is one, nevertheless.

African countries are being hit the hardest by disruptions in global supply chains as an upshot of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, increasing the need to diversify exports. In Zambia where food accounts for 50% of household consumer price baskets, higher prices for foodstuffs will significantly hurt the livelihoods of a sizeable portion of the population. Moreover, considering the move toward clean energy technologies there is a growing appetite for developments in Agri-Tech industries in Southern African countries such as Namibia to develop greater agricultural productivity. The reliance on European grain imports is only highlighting the necessity for African countries to become much more self-sufficient and to engage in intra-African trade to a greater extent, the African Continental Free Trade Area has the potential to deepen this. Low vaccination rates against COVID-19 in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Angola, and Lesotho will continue to constrain economic recovery.

Feb 01, 202356:03
The Year Ahead: In conversation with Amir Hussain and Robert Besseling

The Year Ahead: In conversation with Amir Hussain and Robert Besseling

As 2022 draws to a close, Invest Africa's CEO, Karen Taylor, speaks with Amir Hussain, Senior Underwriter - Political Risk and Trade Credit of Africa Speciality Risks, and Robert Besseling, Founder and CEO of PANGEA-RISK, to discuss what lies ahead for the countries on the African continent in 2023. Despite the uncertainty surrounding upcoming elections, the growing opportunities to implement successful debt restructuring initiatives and investment in Africa's renewable energy sector leave enough room for an optimistic outlook. 

Dec 15, 202232:09
Transforming Africa's informal retail sector with Daniel Yu, CEO & Co-Founder, Wasoko

Transforming Africa's informal retail sector with Daniel Yu, CEO & Co-Founder, Wasoko

On this episode of Invest Africa Insights we speak with Daniel Yu, CEO and Co-Founder of Wasoko, transforming informal retail across Africa. The sector accounts for up to 80% of employment and 50% of GDP on the continent and Daniel explains how Wasoko is empowering traders across Africa.

Aug 16, 202225:40
Making sense of Africa's geopolitical landscape with Africa Specialty Risks
Jul 27, 202231:59
Opportunities for UK-Africa Trade & Investment in a Time of Geopolitical Flux with Standard Chartered Bank
May 26, 202224:22
 Transforming Cross-Border Payments through Digitalisation with Bhairav Trivedi, CEO, Crown Agents Bank

Transforming Cross-Border Payments through Digitalisation with Bhairav Trivedi, CEO, Crown Agents Bank

This week on Invest Africa Insights we spoke to Bhairav Trivedi, CEO of Crown Agents Bank, about how fintech is disrupting banking in Africa and the role of digital currencies in enabling cross-border payments as the continent looks to boost regional trade.

More information about Crown Agents Bank: https://www.crownagentsbank.com/

More information about Invest Africa: www.investafrica.com

Feb 07, 202223:58
Africa's Tech Opportunity with Fred Steiner, Managing Director, BCCM Advisors

Africa's Tech Opportunity with Fred Steiner, Managing Director, BCCM Advisors

This week on Invest Africa Insights we speak to Fred Steiner, Managing Director, BCCM Advisors about why we have only seen the start of tech's potential in Africa, Egypt's rapid rise as a tech hub and his approach to investing in high-growth businesses. 

For more information about BCCM Advisors: https://bccmadvisors.com/

For more information about Invest Africa: www.investafrica.com

Jan 28, 202221:30
How African Businesses Can Confront the Climate Crisis with Dr. Rufaro Mucheka, Jersey Finance

How African Businesses Can Confront the Climate Crisis with Dr. Rufaro Mucheka, Jersey Finance

This time on Invest Africa Insights, we looked back on COP26 and how Africa fared at the talks with Dr. Rufaro Mucheka, Business Development Consultant - Africa, Jersey Finance. With environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards moving up the agenda for global investors and businesses, we ask how Africa better access sustainable finance and what more needs to be done to ensure that stakeholders come back to to COP27 with renewed commitments. 

Jan 18, 202224:09
The Digital Revolution in Trade Finance with Thabo Makoko, Absa Group
Nov 23, 202139:16
Investing in Climate Resilience in Africa with Marco Serena, Head of Sustainable Development Impact, Private Infrastructure Development Group
Oct 29, 202134:54
Stimulating private investment in West Africa with Karl Littlejohn, Acting Chief of Party, USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub

Stimulating private investment in West Africa with Karl Littlejohn, Acting Chief of Party, USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub

The US market remains an untapped source of capital for Africa while Africa is an untapped opportunity for American investors.

This week on Invest Africa Insights we spoke to Karl Littlejohn, Acting Chief of Party of the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub, about how the the Hub plans to support up to $400 million of new private investment in the West Africa region.

For more information about the West Africa Trade & Investment Hub: 

Web: https://westafricatradehub.com/ 

Twitter: @WestAfricaHub

Linkedin: West Africa Trade & Investment Hub

For more information about Invest Africa:

Web: www.investafrica.com

Twitter: @InvestAfrica1 

Linkedin: Invest Africa Ltd. 

Oct 14, 202128:53
From seed to speed – key factors to prepare your business for growth with Alan Barr, Partner, KPMG

From seed to speed – key factors to prepare your business for growth with Alan Barr, Partner, KPMG

All businesses, regardless of size or market, have been profoundly impacted by the pandemic. The business world is changing rapidly with the uptake of new technologies creating both disruptions and opportunities. This episode on Invest Africa Insights, we spoke to Alan Barr, Partner, KPMG, about how businesses in Africa can navigate this challenging landscape and capitalise on new opportunities.

Alan will join us at the Next Generation Africa Forum next week to lead a workshop about how African MSMEs can prepare for growth. The day is part of Invest Africa's drive to address the barriers to growth that MSMEs face. All the workshops, discussions and pitch sessions are free to attend for MSMEs! Follow the links below to find out more: 

For more information about the Next Generation Africa Forum: https://theafricadebate.com/next-generation-africa-msme-financing

For more information about KPMG Private Enterprise: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/services/enterprise.html

Sep 09, 202118:24
Getting North Africa's tourism boom back on track with Radisson Hotel Group
Sep 03, 202126:45
Investing in Local Currency Bonds with MCB Capital Markets

Investing in Local Currency Bonds with MCB Capital Markets

This week on Invest Africa Insights, we spoke to Abhimanyu Yadav, Head of Fixed Income and Currencies, MCB Capital Markets, about investing in the African bond market. Developing local capital markets offers a clear avenue to leverage global capital for underserved African markets. MCB Capital Market's African Domestic Bond Fund presents a means for investors to tap into the growth in Africa's capital markets. Listen to find out more. 

For more information about the African Domestic Bond Fund: https://www.mcbcapitalmarkets.mu/en/investment-products/exchange-traded-funds/african-domestic-bond-fund

For more information about Invest Africa: www.investafrica.com

Aug 27, 202118:22
Connectivity and collaboration in Africa's MSME ecosystems with Absa's Group Digital Partnerships team

Connectivity and collaboration in Africa's MSME ecosystems with Absa's Group Digital Partnerships team

MSMEs form the backbone of Africa’s economies and are essential to the Continent’s ambition to drive job creation for its young people. MSMEs account for 38% of Africa’s GDP and account for 70% of the region’s employment. Whilst MSMEs face numerous barriers to growth including low private capital and equity availability, limited small-scale financial products, market access and technical capacity, the opportunities for growth are immense. We spoke with Michelle Anderson, Head of Strategy, Information & Technology Office & Group Digital Partnerships and Andrew Davies, Ecosystem Lead, Group Digital Partnerships at Absa about how Africa's leading corporate and retail bank has been collaborating with start-ups across the continent to support the recovery of the MSME ecosystems in Africa.

For more information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/

Jul 30, 202142:43
Meet the Entrepreneur with Michael Moreland, CEO & Co-Founder Field Intelligence

Meet the Entrepreneur with Michael Moreland, CEO & Co-Founder Field Intelligence

This week on Meet the Entrepreneur, we spoke to Michael Moreland, Co-Founder & CEO of Field Intelligence, a health-tech start-up looking to radically simplify Africa's pharma supply chains. We discussed the need to consolidate Africa's supply chains, the role of the private sector in healthcare and how to maintain momentum towards investment and reform beyond the pandemic.

For more information about Field Intelligence: https://field.inc/

For more information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/


Jul 08, 202133:31
Shaping Africa's Future Leaders with Katy Montgomery, Associate Dean, Degree Programmes, INSEAD

Shaping Africa's Future Leaders with Katy Montgomery, Associate Dean, Degree Programmes, INSEAD

Economic growth in Asia-Pacific has gone hand in hand with an explosion in the region's business schools. Africa, meanwhile, has lagged behind other developing regions with only a handful of globally recognised business schools. We spoke to Katy Montgomery, Associate Dean of INSEAD about why global business schools are looking to Africa and what priorities are shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. 

For more information about ISEAD: https://www.insead.edu/

For more information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/

Jun 10, 202123:08
Meet the Entrepreneur with Nwabisa Mayema, Strategic Partnerships Director, Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship

Meet the Entrepreneur with Nwabisa Mayema, Strategic Partnerships Director, Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship

This week on Meet the Entrepreneur we spoke to Nwabisa Mayema, Strategic Partnerships Director at the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship, about her advice to entrepreneurs, supporting impactful businesses and the importance of patient capital in emerging markets.

For more information about the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship: https://www.bransoncentre.co.za/

For more information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/ 


May 20, 202126:55
Changing the narrative on African debt with Simon Quijano-Evans, Chief Economist, Gemcorp

Changing the narrative on African debt with Simon Quijano-Evans, Chief Economist, Gemcorp

At the IMF Spring Meetings this month Kristalina Georgieva warned of the dangers of a 'multi-speed recovery' and called on the international community to ensure that developing countries have a fair shot at recovery. Amidst mounting concern over African debt we spoke to Simon Quijano-Evans, Chief Economist at Gemcorp, about why he continues to look favourably on African markets and advises investors to focus on the Continent’s fundamentals; a rapidly growing population, instances of genuine reform and an appetite for innovation.  

More information about Gemcorp: https://www.gemcorp.net/ 

More information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/

Apr 29, 202128:49
Navigating Africa's Risk Landscape with Oliver Wesmatcott, COO & President of GardaWorld

Navigating Africa's Risk Landscape with Oliver Wesmatcott, COO & President of GardaWorld

From climate threats to cybersecurity and Covid-19 to insurgencies, navigating the African risk landscape is more complex than ever. This week on Invest Africa Insights we spoke to Oliver Westmacott, President and COO of GardaWorld, the world's largest privately-owned security company, about securing vaccine supply chains in Africa and tackling existing and emerging threats across the Continent. 

Apr 22, 202137:30
Meet the Entrepreneur with Derrick Ashong, Founder of AMP Global

Meet the Entrepreneur with Derrick Ashong, Founder of AMP Global

This week on Meet the Entrepreneur, we met Derrick Ashong, Founder of AMP Global. Having worked with Oprah and Steven Spielberg, Derrick has received Emmy nominations for his work on the interactive competition, Take Back the Mic. We spoke about empowering African creatives, the future of media consumption, and his plans to build big data solutions for big media in Africa.

To register to hear Derrick pitch on The Nest click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nest-one-year-anniversary-ft-amp-global-and-yobante-express-tickets-142513887875?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

For more information about AMP Global click here: https://www.amp.it/

For more information about Invest Africa click here: https://www.investafrica.com/

Apr 14, 202137:39
Meet the Entrepreneur with Mohamed Abdou, Founder of Pravica
Mar 24, 202132:49
Capitalising on the AfCFTA with Jacques Nel, NKC African Economics

Capitalising on the AfCFTA with Jacques Nel, NKC African Economics

This week on Invest Africa Insights we spoke to special guest Jacques Nel, Head of Macro-Economics at NKC African Economics, about the future of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, navigating the challenges of implementation and the potential boom for Africa's service sector. 

Mar 12, 202128:19
Talking Real Estate with Bronwyn Knight, CEO, Grit Real Estate Group

Talking Real Estate with Bronwyn Knight, CEO, Grit Real Estate Group

This week on Invest Africa Insights we spoke to Bronwyn Knight, CEO of Grit Real Estate Income Group, about the resilience of the African real estate market, her advice to investors looking to diversify their portfolios and the asset classes to watch.

For more information about Grit: https://grit.group/

For more information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/

Feb 25, 202124:15
Meet the VC with Jim Chu, Founder of Untapped Global
Feb 17, 202130:14
The Future of ESG in Africa’s Financial Institutions with James Kamau, Chairman of DLA Piper Africa

The Future of ESG in Africa’s Financial Institutions with James Kamau, Chairman of DLA Piper Africa

Before the Covid-19 pandemic took hold, there was significant momentum behind towards increased uptake of ESG policies by Africa’s financial institutions with the number of assets under management following ESG principles crossing the $1 trillion mark for the first time just a few months ago. Invest Africa Insights sat down with James Kamau, Chairman of DLA Piper Africa to discuss the impact of Covid-19 of this growing trend and the future of the Continent’s financial institutions.

Nov 29, 202026:40
Africa's Infrastructure Funding Paradox with Philippe Valahu, CEO, PIDG

Africa's Infrastructure Funding Paradox with Philippe Valahu, CEO, PIDG

This week on Invest Africa Insights we spoke to Philippe Valahu, CEO of PIDG about his view of the appetite for African infrastructure investment in global markets and how to best leverage blended financing solutions to build a more robust pipeline of bankable projects for private sector players.

For more information about PIDG: https://www.pidg.org/

For more information about The Africa Debate: https://theafricadebate.com/

For more information about Invest Africa: www.investafrica.com 

Oct 07, 202030:37
Meet the VC - Andreata Muforo, Partner, TLCom Capital

Meet the VC - Andreata Muforo, Partner, TLCom Capital

This week, in a twist on the Meet the Entrepreneur podcast series, we spoke to a guest from the other side of the tech ecosystem. Andreata Muforo, partner at the Venture Capital Fund TLCom Capital, spoke to us about her view of the investment landscape, how to get more women into tech and where TLCom are looking to invest their latest fund.

Sep 23, 202040:50
Meet the Entrepreneur - Emeka Ajene, Co-Founder, Gozem

Meet the Entrepreneur - Emeka Ajene, Co-Founder, Gozem

Are Asian markets the best model for African tech companies? Is the Super App the future of tech? And what exactly is a Super App? This week on Meet the Entrepreneur we speak to Emeka Ajene, Co-Founder of Gozem, the company aiming to be Francophone Africa's Super App, to answer these questions and more. 

Sep 11, 202047:60
Meet the Entrepreneur - Vivian Nwakah, Founder & CEO, Medsaf
Aug 26, 202033:25
Invest Africa Insights with Kirsty Chadwick, Group CEO, TTRO

Invest Africa Insights with Kirsty Chadwick, Group CEO, TTRO

This week on Invest Africa Insights, we speak to Kirsty Chadwick, Group CEO of TTRO, on the digitalisation of Africa's education services, the impact of COVID-19 on traditional teaching models and how TTRO is beating the curve to become Africa's leading education provider.

Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. In this podcast series we will explore Africa's key economic trends and the issues facing businesses and investors across the continent.

Aug 07, 202036:20
Meet the Entrepreneur - Chijioke Dozie, Co-Founder & CEO, Carbon

Meet the Entrepreneur - Chijioke Dozie, Co-Founder & CEO, Carbon

This week on Meet the Entrepreneur we speak to Chijioke Dozie, Co-Founder & CEO of Carbon, on the digitalisation of Africa's financial services,  the launch of Carbon Express and the future of Africa's fintech sector.

Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. In this podcast series we will explore Africa's key economic trends and the issues facing businesses and investors across the continent.

Jul 31, 202042:46
Creative & Cultural Industries in East Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Creative & Cultural Industries in East Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Following the success of Invest Africa Insights' webinar examining the Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) across Africa, we took a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities affecting the East Africa region, touching on importance of regional integration and community-led projects, investment opportunities within the sector and the role of the CCI sector in East Africa as a catalyst for female employment and empowerment. Thank you to all our participants for sharing their expertise: Roberta Annan, Managing Partner, Annan Capital Partners & UNEP Goodwill Ambassador for The Creative Economy, Eugene Kavuma, CEO and Co-Founder, Kampala Design Week and Wakiuru Njuguna, Partner, HEVA Fund.

Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. In this podcast series we will explore Africa's key economic trends and the issues facing businesses and investors across the continent.

Jul 24, 202053:37
Mapping Africa's post-Covid resilience with NKC African Economics
Jul 17, 202032:06
Meet the Entrepreneur - Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder, Plentywaka

Meet the Entrepreneur - Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder, Plentywaka

This week on Meet the Entrepreneur we speak to Onyeka Akumah, Co-Founder of Plentywaka, about the future of mobility in Nigeria, how to unlock savings for investment and the tech-driven projects to watch in 2020. 

Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. In this podcast series we will explore Africa's key economic trends and the issues facing businesses and investors across the continent.

Jul 10, 202001:07:43
Meet the Mover - Gonçalo Neves-Correia, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, ThirdWay Africa

Meet the Mover - Gonçalo Neves-Correia, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, ThirdWay Africa

Invest Africa is a leading pan-African business platform that promotes trade and investment in Africa. In this podcast series we will explore Africa's key economic trends and the issues facing businesses and investors across the continent.

In our next episode of Meet the Mover, Invest Africa Insights speaks Gonçalo Neves-Correia, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, ThirdWay Africa about securing Africa's supply chains and the future of agriculture post-Covid. 

Jun 26, 202046:54
Episode 2: Africa’s Funding Conundrum

Episode 2: Africa’s Funding Conundrum

COVID-19 has not only brought the financial challenges facing the world to the forefront of everyone’s minds, but has shed a particular lens to the dire situation many African economies and companies face. Already we have seen high debt levels, now exacerbated by commodity price declines, currency woes and investor flight to safe haven assets; Africa perhaps faces a credit crisis of epic proportions.

In the first instalment, Invest Africa Insight’s ‘Africa’s Funding Conundrum?’ webinar series provided the view from the international investment community. In this webinar we will continue the conversation but feature industry leaders from African institutions on how they will address the financing requirements, liquidity support and credit available to the continent. Globally we see central banks and governments alike flooding their economies with unprecedented levels of support and stimulus; will Africa benefit or be left to its own designs?

Thank you to to our moderator, Sanjeev Gupta, Executive Director, Africa Finance Corporation and to our panellists: Edward Marlow, Managing Director, Global Markets, Credit Suisse, Lesley Ndlovu, CEO, African Risk Capacity, Mervyn Shanmugam, CEO Alternatives, Sanlam Investments and Anita Yadav, Partner, Aspire Cap and Founding Board Member of The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association.

Jun 16, 202057:06