Browsing: investing in Africa

It is hard to remember any decision that has ever harmed Kenya as much as the recommendation now before parliament that it adopts the European Union’s (EU) policies on agricultural inputs and phase them out. In fact, as the latest and most disastrous move yet by health policy-makers to take over the country’s agricultural policy, it is an overreach where ignorance could cost us 20 per cent of our entire GDP, as well as countless lives. 

 Also read: East African Trends: A focus on East Africa’s agribusiness investments

For there is nothing about the recommendation from the Parliamentary Health Committee to indicate it has examined the policies it wants introduced, or understood them, or assessed the impact on Kenya. Nor has it mentioned why the rest of the world – including Kenya itself – has moved into WTO disputes seeking the overturning of the very same policies, or why the …

The shareholders of Equity Group Holdings Plc have passed resolutions that will reinforce the governance structures of the Group, continue to diversify the Board composition, and also assure investors of dividend pay-out every year as long as the Company posts profits.

In a statement, the Group says shareholders voted for the Amendment of Articles 1 and 79 of the Articles of Association of the Company thereby reinforcing its governance structure and signaling the growing significance of Equity Group Foundation as the social impact investment arm and custodian of the purpose of the Group.

Speaking after the AGM, the Group Board Chairman Equity Group Holdings Plc (EGH Plc), Professor Isaac Macharia said the move will further strengthen the structures to ensure the Board is reinforced through diversified representation for effective oversight.

“In so doing, the shareholders have passed a resolution enabling shareholders with more than 12.5 percent shareholding to participate directly …

Africa has abundant natural resources and holds immense opportunities for investors to unlock its full potential.

According to the International Monitory Fund (IMF), Africa’s hardwon economic gains for the last two decades which are critical in improving living standards can be reversed from the impacts of the pandemic.

The scope for growth through large public investment programs is limited by the uncertain outlook for international aid and the high public debts levels. In its statement, the IMF notes that if countries in the region are to enjoy a strong recovery and avoid stagnation, Africa’s private sector will have to be more involved in economic development.

According to IMF, the private sector should be involved in both social (health and education) and physical (roads and electricity) infrastructure.

“Africa’s infrastructure development needs are huge—in the order of 20 per cent of GDP on average by the end of the decade. How can …

So…..one of the longest bull markets in history; the Covid-19 pandemic; two trillion dollars invested in a digital pyramid scheme (Bitcoin et al); government borrowing on an unprecedented level to deal with the pandemic; real trade tensions between China and the West; post-quantitative easing unemployment set to rocket; the stock markets being manipulated by large groups of retail investors; a new market dynamic caused by digitalisation; markets back to pre-Covid-19 levels……..what is an investor to do?! 

The only thing that is certain is that, in the words of Chinua Achebe, “Things Fall Apart”. It is not a matter of “if” but “when”. Most commentators would suggest that the “when” will be within a maximum of 24 months and many think much earlier.  

So if there is a global recession/depression on its way and if markets are …