Browsing: Africa’s Economy

Because emigrants bring with them more than just economic needs from their home countries, migration is a trade stimulant in and of itself. With this movement, there is increased demand for housing, food, transportation and other services which are beneficial to local economies. 

In addition, migrants can serve as bridges to a wider market because they promote trade and tourism in their home countries, thereby creating demand. 

The diaspora population's needs can be met if the African economy is stimulated by the trade-in African heritage. While there are many reasons for migration, one of the most important is joblessness, both within Africa and to other parts of the world. …

HOW DONORS CAN DRIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA THROUGH A NEW MODEL OF PHILANTHROPY 

Foreign aid has been a key driver for social and economic growth, as well as bridging the domestic development financing gap in Africa. Unfortunately, the continent has not utilized the tremendous value of philanthropy to unlock market shaping and economic growth opportunities as it should. Countries in Africa therefore need to rethink how they approach development financing by exploring philanthropy as a tool for the scale-up of impactful solutions driven by market-based, self-sustaining approaches. 

One of the ways economies in the global south progressively leap out of poverty is by opening up spaces for more innovative use of philanthropic capital to spark up the ecosystem for innovation that delivers sustainable economic and social value. 

Patient capital is an interesting new trend in development that is changing the way the world looks at

Imagine an Africa where farmers can detect parasites in their livestock by a simple scan of a handheld machine. Where road networks allow swift transportation of produce to markets. Where farmers can access finance and be adequately insured against natural disasters by a simple click of a button.  

The reality across the continent is one of  underdeveloped, underserved rural areas. Women dressed in traditional garb carry buckets of water over long distances. There is no electricity or running water and very little internet access. According to World Bank statistics 56% of Africans live in rural communities. Recent trends have shown a high rural to urban migration rate. This migration has resulted in high urban densities, rising crime rates and overcrowding in the urban areas. Neither of these situations is amenable. Which brings into light the need to empower rural communities to support economic resilience in Africa. 

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The African continent takes pride in its rich natural resources. The continent boasts of a wide range of minerals, oil, gas, and wildlife among many other commodities. Most African economies are heavily dependent on these resources. Revenue for most is mainly commodity-driven for example, Botswana’s diamonds make up 90% of the country's total exports. In Nigeria, oil accounts for more than 80% of exports and Zambia is reliant on its copper mines for 70% of its exports.  

In the majority of cases, African countries are net exporters of the raw commodity making them more vulnerable to the price shocks and changes in demand. Facilitating trade within Africa may be the roadmap to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.  

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Two of Africa’s largest trading partners, the US and China, have been dueling for world economic dominance. There