Invest Africa Insights

Africa’s industrial growth story is accelerating — but water may be its most overlooked constraint.From mining and manufacturing to agro-processing and urban expansion, water availability, reliability, and governance increasingly determine which projects scale and which stall. Yet water is still too often treated as a utility issue rather than core economic infrastructure.Hosted in partnership with Mitrelli, this session convened industry, investors, and policymakers to examine how water systems can enable — rather than limit — Africa’s industrial future.Speakers:Jennifer Zabasajja, Chief Africa Correspondent & Anchor at Bloomberg Television (moderator)Mtchera Chirwa, Director, Water Development & Sanitation Department, African Development BankRodrigo Manso, CEO, MitrelliRamesh Moochikal, CEO, Africa Improved Foods

Southern Africa has a significant clean energy opportunity, underpinned by world-class renewable resources and growing demand from energy-intensive sectors such as mining and minerals processing.Renewable energy is now essential to unlocking critical minerals; however, many projects continue to stall due to coordination challenges between mining and power developments, infrastructure constraints, market and regulatory friction, and financing approaches that work for individual transactions but are difficult to replicate at scale.This session, as part of Invest Africa's Mining Series 2026 and hosted in partnership with Growth Gateway, brough together senior leaders from government, mining, energy development and finance to focus on what actually unlocks delivery. Panellists discussed where projects break down in practice, what has helped projects move forward, and how different actors can work together to support repeatable, investable outcomes. Speakers:- Hon. Dean Macpherson, Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, Republic of South Africa - H.E. Antony Phillipson CMG, High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland- Dalu Ajene, CEO & Head of Coverage, Africa, Standard Chartered- Lucas Chaumontet, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG- Jed Goldstein, Infrastructure Lead, First Quantum Minerals- Isabel Fick, Group Head of Trading and Operations, Africa GreenCo- Lisa Pinsley, Fund Head: African Transition Acceleration Fund | African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)- Kesh Mudaly, Managing Director & Partner, BCG (moderator)

In 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) moved firmly into the global spotlight — both for its central role in supplying critical minerals essential to the global energy transition and for renewed geopolitical engagement, including U.S.-backed efforts to address longstanding conflict in the country’s east. These dynamics have driven increased international attention across mining, energy, infrastructure and broader economic opportunities.This Invest Africa webinar examined the political economy of the DRC, recent geopolitical developments, and what they mean in practice for investors and operators on the ground. Panellists explored the gap between international narratives and commercial realities, offering practical insights into risk management, capital deployment and execution across complex operating environments.The discussion focused on what matters most for establishing and scaling business in the DRC — from navigating political and security dynamics to unlocking long-term, sustainable value in mining, energy and infrastructure. The session also provided an early look at Invest Africa’s planned 2026 DRC engagement, including investor-focused dialogues and a prospective investor mission.SpeakersWelcome remarks:• Shannon Stroud, Chief Executive Officer, Invest Africa U.S.Moderator:• Joshua Walker, Program Director, Congo Research Group, New York UniversityPanellists:• Paul Hinks, Chief Executive Officer, Symbion Power & Chairman, Invest Africa (US)• Michel Losembe, Managing Director, Tshinu Consulting• Nabil Saimi, Senior Investment Director, Africa50

Central Africa enters 2026 with cautious optimism. During this webinar, speakers reflected on an uneven but improving growth outlook, with aggregate GDP expected to rise from around 3.2% in 2025 to approximately 3.4% in 2026, supported by stabilising oil prices, renewed infrastructure investment and gradual diversification beyond extractive sectors.The Central Africa Regional Outlook 2026 Webinar explored how the region can strengthen fiscal stability and build resilience amid ongoing global uncertainty. The discussion focused on several core themes:Natural resources and diversification: Panellists examined how oil-dependent economies such as Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville and Equatorial Guinea are seeking to balance energy exports with investment in agribusiness, timber and manufacturing to reduce exposure to commodity cycles.Infrastructure and regional connectivity: The session highlighted the importance of transport and energy corridors across the Congo Basin and the CEMAC region, including cross-border roads, energy interconnectors and digital infrastructure, in supporting trade and market access.Monetary stability and fiscal reform: Speakers discussed the role of the CFA franc peg in maintaining currency stability, alongside the need for stronger public finance management and improved domestic revenue mobilisation to address persistent fiscal pressures.Private sector and investment climate: The conversation also explored ongoing reforms in markets such as Cameroon, the DRC and Chad, and how better governance, transparency and regional cooperation can help unlock greater investor confidence.Overall, the webinar considered how Central Africa can better leverage its natural resource base, enhance infrastructure integration and deepen structural reform to attract sustainable investment and support more inclusive growth.Speakers:Olga Marysa Akin-Dina, Head of West & Central AfricaRodrigo Manso, Chief Executive Officer, Mitrelli

West Africa is at a strategic inflection point as the region transitions from commodity-led growth toward more diversified investment models. With GDP growth of 4.5% forecast for 2025, the discussion examined how this momentum can be carried into 2026 and beyond.The 2026 West Africa Regional Outlook Webinar explored how value creation can be scaled across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and energy. Speakers discussed the implications of new oil and gas producers such as Senegal and Niger coming online, and how upstream and midstream development is reshaping regional supply chains.The conversation also focused on agribusiness and local processing, highlighting the importance of infrastructure, capital and regulatory reform in moving from raw output to higher-value production. Trade integration and logistics were examined through the ECOWAS framework, with emphasis on unlocking regional corridors across ports, rail and digital infrastructure.Finally, panellists addressed currency risk and financing challenges, sharing perspectives on innovative financing structures, de-risking mechanisms and PPP models tailored to West African markets. Throughout the session, experts evaluated how the region’s demographic and resource advantages can be converted into resilient growth and sustainable investment returns.Moderator:Bola Tinubu, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper Africa, NigeriaSpeakers:Oludamilare Adesola, Associate Director, Control RisksRazia Khan, Chief Economist & Head of Research, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered

East Africa continues to lead Africa’s growth story. In this webinar, panellists discussed how GDP growth across the region rose from around 4.4% in 2024 to approximately 5.3% in 2025, with projections pointing toward further acceleration to around 6.1% in 2026.The session brought together regional and global perspectives to examine the key structural drivers and risks shaping East Africa’s high-growth outlook. Discussions explored the role of large-scale infrastructure investment in improving regional connectivity and trade flows across markets such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.Panellists also examined the transformation of agribusiness and value chains, the region’s growing appeal for renewable and low-carbon energy investment, and the opportunities and constraints created by East Africa’s youthful population and expanding consumer base. The conversation further addressed debt sustainability, macroeconomic imbalances and governance challenges, highlighting why credible partnerships and strong project structuring remain essential for investors.Overall, the webinar focused on how East Africa can convert its demographic, infrastructure and connectivity advantages into sustained, inclusive growth and long-term investment opportunity.Moderator:Jason van der Poel, Partner, Webber WentzelSpeakers:Robert Hutchinson, Global Head of Corporate Risk, Castor ValiHejilamanee Padachi, Senior Economist, Mauritius Commercial Bank

North Africa remains a critical economic gateway between Europe, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, with the region’s growth projected to reach 3.9% in 2026, up from 3.6% in 2025.The North Africa Regional Outlook 2026 will convened experts to examine how the region can serve as both an investment frontier and a manufacturing-export hub. Key focus areas:Diversification beyond hydrocarbons: With energy prices volatile and decarbonisation gaining traction, North Africa is accelerating renewables, logistics, manufacturing and digital-services growth.Gateway and trade hub potential: Strategically located, North Africa offers ports, transport infrastructure and industrial zones that can link Europe, Africa and the Middle East.Industrial policy and manufacturing ecosystems: Special economic zones, incentives and regional value-chain strategies (e.g., in automotive, electronics, agro-processing) are gaining momentum.Political & reform risk balance: Though the investment case is strong, challenges around governance, regulatory clarity and fiscal sustainability persist, making structuring and local partnerships vital.This webinar evaluates how North Africa can capitalise on its macro and logistical advantage to host resilient and export-oriented growth stories.

Amid intensifying global geopolitical competition and economic realignment, US - Africa relations, and the continent’s importance to Washington’s foreign policy and American investment is becoming a key focus. This is underlined by the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS), which calls for a “transition from an aid-focused relationship with Africa to a trade- and investment-focused relationship”, highlighting opportunities in strategically vital sectors such as energy and critical minerals development. As capital increasingly aligns with strategic priorities, join Invest Africa for a timely webinar, convening leading experts to examine the key drivers behind Washington’s evolving approach to the continent, and the implications of a shifting world order for trade, investment, and commercial opportunity across Africa.Featuring Aubrey Hruby, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Co-Founder of Tofino Capital, Bethany Aquilina Brez, Acting Vice President of the Office of Foreign Policy at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Fanta Conde, Partner at CrossBoundary, Scott Eisner, Senior Vice President of BGR Group and Admassu Tadesse, Group President & Managing Director at the Trade & Development Bank, the discussion explored the U.S.–Africa intersection of geopolitics, capital flows, key sectors and opportunities, and private-sector engagement.Our panel offered practical insights on navigating Washington and beyond, helped unpack evolving risk and opportunity, and identified effective strategies for U.S. investors and companies to engage Africa and drive sustainable partnerships for growth and economic development.

Southern Africa entered 2026 in a complex terrain: while growth remained modest, regional GDP was projected to rise from 3.0% in 2025 to approximately 3.1% by 2026.The 2026 Southern Africa Regional Outlook Webinar brought together Lydia Shadrach-Razzino, Partner & Head of Corporate M&A Practice at Baker McKenzie, Rufaro Mapanda, Head of Equity Trading at Absa, and Mulenga Mutati, CEO & Head Actuary at Gralix Holdings, to explore how the region could break through structural constraints and elevate its growth trajectory.Key themes discussed included:Mining, manufacturing and industrial hubs: Against the backdrop of the global shift to clean energy, the discussion highlighted how rising demand for critical minerals, localised manufacturing and downstream processing presented new opportunities, particularly in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.Energy reform and transition: The webinar examined how chronic power and infrastructure bottlenecks had constrained growth, and emphasised the importance of utility reform, renewable energy deployment and unlocking cross-border energy trade.Regional integration and trade corridors: Panellists explored how improved transport, port and logistics infrastructure could unlock growth by linking landlocked countries to key trade gateways and strengthening regional value chains.Governance, fiscal and currency risk: The session addressed persistent challenges such as high public debt, policy uncertainty and currency depreciation, focusing on building resilience, improving investor confidence and managing risk.The webinar focused on how Southern Africa could convert reform momentum and private-sector engagement into tangible investment outcomes.

Africa Face to Face brings together Sanjeev Gupta, Invest Africa Advisory Board Member, and Lanre Akinola, Programme & Content Lead Consultant at Invest Africa, for candid conversations with the leaders shaping Africa’s investment and policy landscape. Produced by our media partner, CNBC Africa, the series explores the continent’s most pressing opportunities and challenges, offering clear, informed perspectives that cut through outdated narratives.

One hundred days into Donald Trump’s second term, U.S.-Africa relations stand at a critical juncture. Early signals point to a blend of unpredictability, transactional diplomacy, and shifting strategic priorities—raising pressing questions about the future of trade and investment between the two regions. While the administration has yet to articulate a coherent Africa strategy, several key developments were already shaping the landscape.Uncertainty looms over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), while diplomatic tensions with key partners such as South Africa threatens to disrupt longstanding ties. At the same time, there were early signs of a more sustained U.S. focus on the continent. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) appeared poised for an expanded mandate, and senior appointments suggested a growing emphasis on African expertise within key government agencies.This timely webinar brought together experts from the worlds of policy, business, and diplomacy to examine the administration’s early moves and what they signal for Africa’s investment climate. Speakers explored whether the U.S. was likely to adopt a more strategic, long-term approach—or whether Africa would remain on the margins of American foreign policy. The discussion also addressed investor expectations around trade policy, financing mechanisms, and broader geopolitical engagement.This conversation offers an in-depth look at the evolving direction of U.S.-Africa relations, and the opportunities—and risks—that lie ahead.Speakers:- Jonny Gass, Research & Strategic Planning Manager, Invest Africa- Aubrey Hruby, Senior Fellow, Africa Centre, Atlantic Council- Cameron Hudson, Former White House Director for African Affairs; Senior Fellow, Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)- Gyude Moore, Former Minster of Public Works, Liberia; Senior Fellow, Centre for Global Development

As part of The Payments Exchange series in collaboration with Crown Agents Bank, this episode brings you a critical discussion adapted from a recent webinar. On July 29, 2024, the Ethiopian Central Bank made a historic decision to float the Birr. This episode explores the potential impacts on Ethiopia’s trade and investment landscape, foreign exchange dynamics, and how businesses and international organisations can navigate these significant changes and capitalise on this transformative moment for Ethiopia. Featuring: Barkot Tekle, Head of Central & Development Banks, Emerging Market Financial Institutions at Crown Agents Bank Duncan Keil, Chief Executive Officer at ICAP Africa Zemedeneh Negatu, Global Chairman at Fairfax Africa Fund & Invest Africa Advisory Board Member Patricia Rodrigues, Associate Director at Control Risks

At the end of May, South Africans went to the polls for national and provincial elections that marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. After more than two decades of waning voter support, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the National Assembly. This historic change for a party that has held unitary control over the executive branch since the first racially inclusive post-apartheid elections in 1994. In this recent vote, however, the ANC secured just 40% of the national vote and 159 out of 400 seats in the National Assembly. This necessitated the formation of a coalition government, wherein the ANC retains 20 out of 32 cabinet posts, the Democratic Alliance holds 6, and the remaining portfolios are shared among smaller parties (click here to see the new National Executive). To delve into what this historic election and the new coalition government mean for investors and businesses operating in and around South Africa, Ipeleng Selele, Chairperson of Brand South Africa; Seamus Duggan, Director for Global Risk Analysis at Control Risks; and Jeff Gable, Chief Economist at Absa, share their insights on the election results, new cabinet, and the challenges and opportunities for investors and businesses created by this new political landscape in South Africa.

Welcome to the first episode of The Payments Exchange mini-series. Over the course of four episodes, we will explore the payments ecosystem across the African continent with Crown Agents Bank and a guest expert. In this episode, Chris Partridge, VP & Head of Bank and Non-Bank Financial institutions at Crown Agents Bank, and Mark O'Sullivan, CEO of IPT Africa dive into the dynamic landscape of payment systems in Africa, highlighting the current trends and challenges shaping the industry and its prospects. From mobile money to digital wallets, they uncover the key factors driving change and discuss the implications for businesses, consumers, and policymakers.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

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.  

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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. 

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.

External headwinds influencing Africa's cost of living crisis is transforming the geopolitical landscape across the continent. Genevieve Ahinful, Head of Political Risk Insurance and Amir Hussain, Senior Underwriter, at Africa Specialty Risks, outline how businesses are navigating these uncertainties, amidst three major upcoming elections. For more information on Africa Specialty Risks, visit their website: www.asr-re.com

Africa's importance as a strategic partner of the UK, premised on geopolitical realignments and advancing the sustainable development agenda, is growing. Oliver Phillips, Director, Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered Bank explains where the natural synergies between the two jurisdictions lie and how to regenerate the relationship based on strategic investments of mutual benefit. Access Invest Africa and Standard Chartered Bank's joint report here. 

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

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

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. 

On Invest Africa Insights today, we spoke with Thabo Makoko, Managing Director, Transactional Banking African Regional Operations at Absa Group on the changing trends in Africa's transaction banking landscape. With the flood of digital banking solutions across the continent, we discuss how banks can partner with local and regional fintech players to become the enablers to the unbanked and how central banks across Africa will look to regulate new digital currencies.  For more information on Absa and their work, please visit: https://www.absa.africa/absaafrica/ For more information on Invest Africa, please visit: https://www.investafrica.com/

On Invest Africa Insights we spoke to Marco Serena, Head of Sustainable Development Impact at the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) about investing in climate resilient infrastructure in Africa. The Continent faces the triple challenge of meeting its socio-economic development goals, building climate resilience and responding to the challenge of Covid-19. Infrastructure sits at the heart of these challenges and it is essential that the Continent is not locked in to high emissions model. For more information about PIDG: www.pidg.org For more information about the PIDG Climate Strategy: https://www.pidg.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PIDG-climate-change-strategy-paper-2021-dev-18.pdf For more information about Invest Africa: www.investafrica.com

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. 

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

Despite Covid-19 cases rising in North Africa, Radisson Hotel Group has continued to expand in leaps and bounds across the region over the last 18 months, most recently with the announcement of seven new Hotels in Morocco. On today's episode of Invest Africa Insights, we sit down with Alban Mabille, Director, Development - North Africa for Radisson Hotel Group as we discuss the importance of the tourism sector in North Africa and the Group's future expansion plans in the region. For more information about Radisson Hotel Group: https://www.radissonhotelgroup.com/ For more information about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/

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

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/

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/

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/

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/ 

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/

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. 

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/

This week on Meet the Entrepreneur, we spoke to Mohamed Abdou, founder of Pravica, the first blockchain email service provider in the MENA region. We discussed the disruptive potential of the technology to solve some of Africa's most pressing challenges including trust in institutions, financial inclusion and underreported data.  To hear Mohamed's pitch to Invest Africa and Untapped Global's The Nest click here. More about Pravica: https://pravica.io/ More about Invest Africa: https://www.investafrica.com/

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.