Africa insulated from financial crisis.

As contended in our Financial Crisis 2008 notes, it is likely that Africa will not suffer the same fate as Western economies in this implosion of the financial markets. In this report the BBC asks Can Africa gain in the credit crisis? I see a number of issues in Africa’s favour: It is coming from …
Continue reading Africa insulated from financial crisis.

IBM report explores sustainable economic development in Africa

The Global Innovation Outlook 3.0 report explores sustainable economic development in Africa. GIO is sponsored by IBM. It attempts to synthesise a consensus from more than 150 business, government, academic and NGO leaders across nine deep dive sessions. Read the summary here or download the report here (3.8mb pdf).

China to invest in Africa’s biggest bank

China’s largest bank, the state-run Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, announced plans to acquire a 20% stake in Africa’s biggest bank, Standard Bank, for US$5.5 billion. If approved by South African regulators and ICBC shareholders, the deal would lead to the creation of a US$1 billion private equity fund that will be established by …
Continue reading China to invest in Africa’s biggest bank

Africa growing with China or the west

This Jamestown Institute article African Perspectives on China offers a summary of the growing relationship of Africa with the rest of the world, especially China.  Two main conclusions are apparent: China deals with Africa in a straightforward way (eg access to oil for a railway or factory) which is difficult for western businesses, particularly American …
Continue reading Africa growing with China or the west

Invest in Kenya: Focus Kisumu

A new African investment guide, Invest in Kenya: Focus Kisumu, was launched by the Millennium Cities Initiative and the Columbia Program on International Investment in Nairobi on September 26. MCI’s first investor’s guide focuses on Kisumu, the first city named a Millennium City. Kisumu, located on Lake Victoria, is Kenya’s third largest city and an …
Continue reading Invest in Kenya: Focus Kisumu