BY JLL

Introduction

“We all know what makes Africa such an extraordinary opportunity. Some of the fastest-growing economies in the world. A growing middle class. Expanding sectors like manufacturing and retail. One of the fastest-growing telecommunications markets in the world. More governments are reforming, attracting a record level of foreign investment. It is the youngest and fastest-growing continent, with young people that are full of dreams and ambition.” US President Barack Obama, 2014 Africa Leaders summit.

Africa has seen a surge of corporate interest and investment in recent years. Total FDI inflows into the region more than doubled since 2003 as international companies have sought to benefit from the sustained economic growth, rapid pace of urbanisation, emerging middle class and the myriad of other growth opportunities the African continent presents for international business.

Corporate growth on the African continent has become the business of CEOs. President Obama’s 3 day Africa leaders’ summit in 2014 represented one of the latest in an increasing line of international summits, WEF sessions and top level business and government initiatives focused on boosting business growth and investment in the region. Africa’s growth is now firmly on the
agenda at the highest level.

With continued economic volatility in many developed economies, and significant growth downgrades in many BRIC markets, Africa’s growth story has become even more compelling. With a number of economies including Mozambique, Zambia and Ethiopia, forecast to grow at a faster rate than many other emerging economies in the next 5 years, corporate growth strategies will need to be sustained. However many obstacles still remain in front of those international companies seeking to grow in Africa

Read the full report: Corporate Entry into Africa: A New Chapter
Source: JLL