Economic development

Editor’s Note: This article was featured in Ventures Africa magazine April/May edition   VENTURES AFRICA – As the old saying goes, the only thing that is constant in life is change. This has never been more true than in the world of business today. Over the past 12 months, the United Kingdom has witnessed the [...]

This article was first featured on the October/November 2012 issue of Ventures Africa Magazine   VENTURES AFRICA – The last quarter is upon us and this year has seen the introduction of a plethora of new, networked technology devices. The endless streams of new models cater to the different demographics at far-reaching corners of our [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – The political instability in Egypt and neighbouring countries has hindered the influx of investment. Businesses’ are nervous about the political outlook and this has aggravated worries about Egypt’s infrastructure and regulation. Nevertheless, Egypt offers longstanding benefits for both local and international companies. And it is possible to cut through or minimise the [...]

VENTURES AFRICA - Capitalism with skewed economic empowerment policies is like modernising socialism. Depending on perspective, most economic empowerment policies on the continent are not only an obstacle to investment from beyond a nation’s borders; they are only beneficial to some individuals. Africa’s problem might be internal. The continent will continue to suffer if authorities keep [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – World renowned Zambian-born economist Dambisa Moyo has commended China’s economic bilateral relations with Africa, stating that Chinese economy is important to her continent. “I am a big Sinophile because I recognize we need China’s investment and we need jobs and trade and we need something to happen,” China Daily quotes her as saying. “Americans are not prepared to write bigchecks to drive trade and job creation in Africa anymore,” she added. According to report, Moyo, a former Director with Barrick Gold, made the statement after speaking at the 20th annual African [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – Capital to every entity has always been an essential factor for establishment and growth. Without it entities struggle for sustenance. This may include not being able to meet the demands of the market and not thriving in a competitive world. Insight of the subject of capital as a factor for growth particularly [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – For Paulvie, a western educated doctor, moving back to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was one of the best decision she ever made. While studying in the U.S., she missed her friends and family. A few months back home, she remains excited but slowly senses the pessimism growing each day. [...]

Solar power has the potential to bring a new era of ‘sunlight-based’ services to remote African settlements and provide children with the educational opportunities they desperately need if they are to play a role in Africa’s burgeoning economies. Samsung’s Thierry Boulanger, Director: IT Solutions and Business to Business in Africa, discusses just what harvesting the [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – A new report by the African Development Bank (http://www.afdb.org) explores how structured finance techniques can mobilize African domestic capital to support economic infrastructure projects and economic growth. The report, “Structured Finance – Conditions for infrastructure project bonds in African markets”, will be launched by AfDB Vice President Finance Charles Boamah next 19th [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – The single greatest crime of any government is deliberately undermining the future. More heinous than that is a deliberate step by the government to ensure that today’s generations of citizens are raised for yesterday’s challenges as opposed to equipping them to handle the challenges of tomorrow. Unequivocally, African governments have taken it [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – Africa is duty bound to realise it needs to put across its specific conditions when striking transactions with China, Zimbabwe’s deputy prime minister said on Wednesday. Arthur Mutambara urged the continent to cease to always accuse Beijing, apartheid or colonialism for its distresses. Mutambara said it is about time that Africa puts [...]

Editor’s note: This piece was originally posted on Harvard Business Review By Justin Fox, author of The Myth of the Rational Market   VENTURES AFRICA – In Western business circles, Rwandan President Paul Kagame is widely regarded as a hero. The leader of the rebel army that put a halt to the massacre of the country’s Tutsi minority [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – The Mozambican coastline and accompanying beaches, appearing like pictures from a honeymoon advertisement, still attract tourists from all over the globe. But these coastlines are no longer just the interest of fishermen, divers, and lovers. An energy boom is underway in Mozambique. If the recent discoveries of natural gas are confirmed, Mozambique [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – The EU recently announced a $10 billion deal with the Cypriot Government to avert a bank meltdown that may have spread to the EU and potentially began the collapse of the 17 country European Union. Whether that deal is a means to an end or just another paper in the cracks will be [...]

VENTURES AFRICA – By its understood description, national governments have a social and political responsibility of providing basic services to its nation and citizens. In practice and through time, African governments have developed and successfully maintained a reputation for reneging on this responsibility with aplomb. Such skills pale in comparison to their ever-reliable ability to [...]