Often when the business world turns its attention to Africa, the conversation revolves around challenges and obstacles.
I believe that the conversation should start from a much more productive vantage point: Africa’s opportunities.
The stories in this inaugural edition of IFC Insights Africa, published for the 2022 Africa CEO Forum in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, offer readers some of our most thoughtful reported articles on private sector investment opportunities around the continent.
In these pages you’ll find stories that transcend borders and sectors. We have included articles on the Sahel’s agribusiness economy, the potential of solar mini-grids, and African manufacturers’ green expansion. There also are stories about the potential for investments in the creative industry, pharmaceutical production, and even baby food. And we’ve included interviews with leaders such as Andrew Alli (SouthBridge Group Partner and Group CEO) and Catherine Adeya (World Wide Web Foundation Director of Research).
As you delve into this edition of IFC Insights Africa, we hope that you become inspired to play a role in Africa’s future ― one with opportunities everywhere you turn.
Sérgio Pimenta
IFC Vice President for Africa
Africa CEO Forum
ABIDJAN | June 13-14, 2022
1,500 business leaders, investors and policy makers from Africa and around the world: the annual summit of the AFRICA CEO FORUM is the largest international meeting of the African private sector. Two days of conferences, debates and high-level meetings dedicated to highlighting the driving role of the private sector in the development of the continent.
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Lowering Barriers for Agribusiness in the Sahel
Targeted investments and sustained support can strengthen farmers’ prospects as well as regional food security.
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For Africa’s Manufacturers, Going Green May Offer Profits
Climate change may cause shifts in business that unlock new opportunities.
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Rethinking Mini-Grids in Africa
Groups explore approaches to remove barriers that could spur greater energy access.
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The Creative Economy Takes Center Stage
Digital platforms connect artists, artisans, musicians, and filmmakers with a global audience—driving growth in emerging economies.
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Africa’s Shot at Local Pharma Production
Imbalances between supply and demand in the pharmaceutical sector have captured investors’ attention. Locally-manufactured medicines could bridge the gap.
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In Africa, Investment Opportunities Beckon
SouthBridge Group’s Andrew Alli on post-pandemic investment prospects, and the “real challenge” that all African leaders face.
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Toward a Wider Web
The World Wide Web Foundation’s Director of Research, Catherine Adeya, on the importance of building an inclusive Web.
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For the Mouths of Babes
Discovering locally-made baby food, and local entrepreneurship, in Senegal.
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