<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
“We are committed to a modern Botswana that is not only open to but is also able to compete with the rest of the world” – H.E. Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana
</blockquote>



In less than four decades after its independence, Botswana has quickly climbed the ranks from a poor country to an upper middle-income country, proving to be a development success. Setting out a compelling vision for the nation, the government has now introduced Vision 2036, placing strategies to take Botswana even further from an upper middle-income country to a high-income country. “Our National Vision 2036 is anchored on four pillars of sustainability–economic development, human and social development, sustainable environment and governance, and peace and security,” says His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of Botswana. “If you look at the Standards and Poor rating, I think the short-term rating is A2 and the long-term investment is triple B plus. Botswana has been growing for about 5% per annum over the last 30 years and the employment market has grown by about 10% over the last 30 years,” says Reinette Van der Merwe, CEO of First Capital Bank.



Botswana’s rich mineral resources are often credited for its strong economic performance, with 80% of export earnings coming from diamond mining. “Botswana is significantly endowed with mineral wealth, whether you&#8217;re talking about base metals like nickel or copper, precious metals, coal, not just thermal coal, but also metallurgical coal, which is used in steel making,” notes Matome Tsholetsa Malema, CEO of Minerals Development Company Botswana. The nation has been working on a project that aims at establishing a mineral exploration fund to drive more benefits from mining.



Botswana has made use of its wealth to build a robust social welfare system in the country, providing free education to its citizens and availing reliable health care. The mere existence of diamonds, however, is not the secret to Botswana’s miraculous growth. Oduetse Motshidisi, CEO of Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority says the role of Botswana’s institutions made the definitive difference in the country’s success. “Our institutional strength and legitimacy assures that there is proper governance, rule of law and most importantly, stops corruption and other activities that are harmful. The institutional structure and the resilience of those institutions and their ability to withstand challenges and threats makes a great difference,” he says.



Apart from mining, Botswana also relies on tourism and agriculture. Combining a land of rugged and untamed beauty, pristine landscapes, spectacular wildlife and river deltas, the country is truly a place of enchantment. “We have a strong heritage and culture, not just heritage sites to visit. We have a culture that is inclusive and convenient for investors and tourism. We have a history of prudent management of our natural resources,” says Hon. Philda Kereng, Minister of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism. In terms of the agriculture sector, the government has introduced different programs that are geared at supporting people cultivate their land and promote food security. “Early this year, we imposed a two-year import ban on horticultural products. Now tomatoes, ginger, garlic, potatoes are locally produced and it is encouraging how people have responded to the ban,” states Fidelis Molao, Minister of Minister of Agriculture, Development and Food Security. “The agricultural sector currently contributes 2% to the GDP. The sector is undergoing transformation and there are a lot of opportunities. We are targeting communities who seem to be low on the economic ladder because agriculture is a major employer for these groups of people,” mentions Professor Julius R. Atlhopheng, CEO of National Agricultural Research and Development Institute.



Botswana has a business landscape that is remarkably friendly. The government has been providing incentives for investors with a focus on the export sector. “We allow investors a 99-years land lease. We also allow investors to continuously train their teams with a training rebate of 200%. Any raw materials or machineries we need to start businesses are imported duty free,” notes Lonely Mogara, CEO of Special Economic Zones Authority.



“We&#8217;ve run prudent macroeconomic policies over the years such that we can run deficits that are sustainable in the medium to long term. We have been able to build a buffer of foreign exchange reserves,” says Andrew Maatla Motsom, Managing Director of Debswana Diamond Company, explaining that the government is committed to building a knowledge economy, providing opportunities for investment in digitalization.



Digitalization expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic with the government functioning online, and the education sector delivering much of the curricula and teaching through digital technologies.



“We are working very hard to bring down the cost of data in this country. We are now second after Morocco in terms of reaching the target for 2% of gross national income,” says Hon. Thulagano M. Segokgo, Minister of Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology. This successful practice in digitalization has expanded to the investment sector. “We have set up an online business registration system, which is linked to people’s IDs. We have also ratified the Trade and Industrial Development Act, which established the One Stop Service Centre for all investment authorisations. We’re granting permanent residence to investors who have value. We have decentralised the visa issuance to our embassies across the world, so they can do it instead of us,” states Hon. Mmusi Kgafela, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.



Botswana holds access to international markets through the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the EU and SADC economic partnership agreements and the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. This is one of the many appealing elements of Botswana as a business destination for foreign investors. “As a foreign company, we have easy access to our funds with no restrictions, and the government is the least corrupt government in Africa. The government facilitates everything and things get done in the right manner. We pay our investors dividends with no issues,” says Naseem Lahri, Managing Director of Lucara Diamond. “We have a very good system and structure in place. Everything works in this country. The laws and the systems are much more business friendly in the region,” adds Ramachandran Ottapathu, CEO of Choppies.



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Gaborone, South East, Botswana 27 April 2017 aerial panorama of  Main Mall

Botswana: A Hidden Gem Of Africa

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We are a country where investments are secure and protected under a governance system. Ghana is ready for business and a land of opportunity for private capital and is creating a business-friendly economy.Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana</blockquote>



Located at the centre of the world where longitude zero degrees crosses latitude zero degrees, Ghana is a pleasant country where the sun shines bright and its music, dance and culture please the mind and soul. The country’s recently launched tourism campaign, “Destination Ghana”, invites visitors to explore this spectacular land with rich culture, heritage and welcoming people. Beyond its famed hospitality, Ghana offers a favourable investment climate with a stellar reputation as the largest foreign direct investment recipient in West Africa.&nbsp;“Ghana was the first country to gain independence in Africa,” says Philip Tieku, the Chief Executive Officer of Star Oil, one of the top four market leaders in Ghana’s oil industry. “The various ethnic groups in Ghana coexist peacefully, even when people try to raise ethnic differences. The peaceful environment is favourable for business. Every business wants to be located where they can be sure of the long-term outlook for their growth.”



Ghana has worked towards sustained economic recovery after the pandemic, and ranks as the best investment destination in West Africa and sixth best in Africa. The nation has created a favourable environment for investors to explore the nation’s vast opportunities with a dynamic economy upheld by diverse industries including agriculture, oil and gas and mining. In addition, its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) makes it ideal for investment. “The economy is very good for services, manufacturing, mining, retail, tourism, hospitality and many other sectors. Investors should be strategic and choose a sector that is ideal for them. Besides, Ghana has a high quality of human resources with a lot of local potential,” notes Charles Antwi-Boahen, Chief Executive Officer of Kab Fam.&nbsp;



This sentiment is shared by Roberta Annan, the Chief Executive Officer of Annan Capital Partners, an international firm focused on building new businesses in Africa with its mantra “people, planet and profit.” “We&#8217;re blessed with natural resources and we just recently discovered oil. We have gold, cocoa and other amazing natural resources, but I believe the most important natural resource we have is our human capital. Ghanaians are very educated, very motivated, have morals and are generally more honest when it comes to doing business than other countries,” she says.



The Ghanaian government’s transparent, friendly and less bureaucratic administration is often credited for the successful operations of businesses in the country. Daniel Christopher Hesse-Tetteh, Executive Director of Harlequin, a company engaged in the mining industry and providing engineering services across a range of industries, describes Ghana as one of the easiest places to do business in Africa. “Many internationally renowned companies are setting up facilities in Ghana because it’s convenient for business. We have BMW, Toyota, Isuzu and a few other brands. As a nation, we should focus on developing the industry considering that we have a highly skilled population. We need to try to be less reliant on other people – work with them, but not be reliant,” he says.&nbsp;



While Ghana is boldly pursuing its mission to attract investment, it also recognises the importance of sustainability and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Ghana is mapping its energy transition journey, and companies like Harlequin are pushing its agenda forward. Daniel Christopher Hesse-Tetteh, Executive Director of Harlequin International, states, “Our motivation is to move from oil and gas and enter industries where the future is good, such as renewable energy, where we can add value as a fabrication engineering company.” With the growing demand for energy and the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, the government is eager to tap renewable sources to diversify the energy mix.



From an investment standpoint, it is clear that Ghana has a multitude of natural and legislative endowments that lend to its investment capacity, including its ease of doing business, political stability and safety. Ramesh Sadhwani, Joint Managing Director of Melcom, states, “In terms of peace, Ghana is the place to be. The quality of living is higher compared to other West African countries. Here, everything is available.” On top of it all, Ghana boasts a transparent government that is working to create an enterprising atmosphere to foster innovative ideas that will lead to lucrative enterprises.



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COVER IMAGE Ghana

Ghana: A Land Of Opportunity

“This is the time to stand together and get connected. It’s time to bury our differences, show love to one another and look forward with confidence.” H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania&nbsp;



Located on the east coast of Africa and south of the equator, Tanzania is home to some of the world’s first human settlements, with fossils dating back as far as 3.6 million years. Today, the country has set further precedence and given Africa its first Muslim female president, further cementing Tanzania’s positive legacy on the world stage. &nbsp;



Today, Tanzania is thriving; the country’s GDP in 2021 demonstrated an increase of over five million dollars compared to 2020. Strategically designed and flexible policies that pay heed to the importance of the private sector are contributing to the country’s economic growth. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership is marking a positive new beginning for the country and a brighter future. “Her Excellency strongly believes in the private sector and understands that for this country to prosper, the government must be able to work very closely with them. She has been very clear that all policies which are limiting or hindering investors must be reviewed. She&#8217;s pushing the agenda of creating a one-stop centre for investments in Tanzania, to get everything in one place,” says Abdulmajid Nsekela, Group CEO &amp; Managing Director of CRDB Bank.&nbsp;



The most notable impact of H.E Hassan’s administration is the change in investment parameters that have made Tanzania an appealing investment destination. Hosea Kashimba, Director General of Public Service Social Security Fund states, “Madam Samia has been advocating to unlock barriers to investment like getting working permits. The government’s initiative to review the country’s policies is providing reassurance to investors.”&nbsp;



The President has also done a remarkable job in finishing projects which were started by the late President Magufuli, one of which is the Tanzanite Bridge which has quickly become symbolic of Tanzania’s growth and prosperity. Ruth Zaipuna, Chief Executive Officer of NMB Bank, describes the President’s first year in office as impressive, “Her Excellency is completing key and strategic infrastructure projects that were started by her predecessor, but she is commissioning new projects as well. She is attracting new foreign direct investments. The recent one, almost US$1.3 trillion from IMF, has transformed the country in terms of infrastructure development.” &nbsp;



H.E Hassan has also worked hard to rebrand Tanzania, opening up the country to attract foreign investment and tourism. In 2021, the country attracted a total of US$4.144 billion in foreign direct investments with 237 new projects. Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba states, “Her Excellency is marketing Tanzania abroad; you can easily access land for investment in Tanzania and at a relatively low cost compared to most African countries.” In terms of the tourism sector, in 2021, Tanzania was voted Africa’s most beautiful tourist destination by the World Travel Awards.&nbsp;



The Tanzanian President has brought together and unified neighbouring nations, securing political stability and economic growth. She ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area in 2021, enabling Tanzania to tap into a market of 1.2 billion potential customers. In addition, she has actively taken part in many worldwide conferences to help put Tanzania back on the map. CEO of Stanbic Bank, Kevin Wingfield says, “The energy and passion that she has shown in terms of the number of visits she&#8217;s done in a very short period of time to unlock and open doors for the country is hugely positive.” The President has reportedly secured a record TSh 18.75 trillion in MoUs at the Dubai Expo in 2021.&nbsp;



In just one year, the President has become an iconic figure in Tanzania’s history, particularly for driving positive changes in the country. Managing Director and CEO of NCBA Bank Tanzania Limited, Margaret Karume says, “As the first female head of state in Tanzania, the president has been an inspiration for women. For the first time, Tanzania has women in many strategic government positions, ministry of foreign affairs and East African cooperation, minister of defence and national service, among others. This has great implications, especially for young women who are looking up to our beloved president.”&nbsp;



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Dar es Salaam city scape

Tanzania: Changing Perspective To Create Unity And Opportunity 

“As President of Nigeria and the Pan African Great Green Wall, my commitment to working assiduously towards addressing land degradation, food security, desertification, climate change, depletion of the forest ecosystems and biodiversity in Nigeria, Africa and the world remains a top priority.” H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria&nbsp;



According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Nigeria is predicted to replace the USA as the third most populated country on the planet by 2050, an important factor driving its national policy on climate change and its focus on guaranteeing national food security while fostering a low-carbon, high growth economic development. Indeed, it is with this in mind that the largest oil and gas producer in Africa is currently on a mission to fortify its prosperity through diversity, inclusion, sustainability and a shift towards the inexhaustible potential of renewable energy. H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari states, “As we walk along the path of revival, recovery, resilience, recycling and restoration, the importance of protecting our resources is key to guaranteeing the peace, security and prosperity of our nation for present and future generations. Only by protecting our planet and its biodiversity can we effectively secure our collective survival.” &nbsp;



President Buhari’s vision for sustainability was set in motion through Nigeria’s Agriculture Promotion Policy which has worked relentlessly to revive the nation’s agricultural sector’s capacity for self-sufficiency. Nigeria’s Green Alternative works to consolidate partnerships with key stakeholders in order to build a long-term agribusiness economy that not only meets Nigeria’s domestic food security demands but boosts exports and promotes sustainable income and job growth.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Population growth is also a major factor driving the nation’s digitalisation agenda, ensuring Nigeria’s thriving growth trajectory remains on track and its enabling economic transformation is in full compliance with climate-friendly policies while boosting job creation. In February 2022, the EU announced its plan to invest €820 million in support of the country’s digital economy over the next three years to nurture Nigeria’s enormous potential for digitalisation. At the same time, the effects of the pandemic have acted as a catalyst in accelerating the push for digital services offered, particularly in public administration, healthcare, financial services and education. “Nowadays, everything has gone digital,” declares Mofid Karameh, Chairman and CEO of Mikano International. “This is the future and, for an organisation to survive, it needs to keep up with the trend. At Mikano, we are continually improving our processes and digitisation is how we are setting the pace.” &nbsp;



Furthermore, Nigeria has made innovative progress with the repositioning of Lagos State as a smart city, and in November 2021, Nigeria became Africa’s first nation to introduce a digital currency when it launched the eNaira, an electronic version of the paper naira currency, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. “We are trying to promote an African Silicon Valley in Lagos in the hope that a lot of investment happens,” explains Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of the African Finance Corporation. “We think there&#8217;s a massive opportunity for digital infrastructure and we are driving that significantly.” The government’s Strategic Economic Roadmap and Action Plan 2021-2024, which is contained in the Nigerian National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, is facilitating digitisation through the promotion of digital literacy, cybersecurity, digital innovation and entrepreneurship. Emerging technologies and services such as cloud solutions, Intelligent Connectivity and IoT are in place while Nigeria is set to become Africa’s highest 5G subscriber by the end of 2022. The Nigerian administration also plans to migrate all government paper activities to paperless by 2030. Paperless activities concentrate the focus and impact of digitalisation in all sectors, including power-generation operations and real estate, where an online electronic conveyance system is currently underway. “The whole idea in Nigeria and for us, as a Group, is to keep abreast with global trends,” declares Chairman and CEO of Cosgrove, Umar Abdullahi. “We are leveraging technology and the internet to improve our lives, and this is what Cosgrove is all about; we have already started venturing into full automation.”&nbsp;



Determined to reset Nigeria’s economy and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020 President Buhari’s government has additionally approved the US$5.9 billion Nigeria Economic Sustainability Plan (NESP). The plan’s main objective lies in revitalising and diversifying the economy while securing employment and boosting job creation through the implementation of strategic investments in sectors that guarantee longstanding economic growth. With a focus on renewable energy and its potential to electrify and guarantee off-grid sources, the plan pivots upon 10 key projects, two of which focus on the energy sector. The first of its energy projects is a US$619 million commitment to Solar Homes Systems Project which aims to install solar home systems for up to five million households while serving 25 million individual Nigerians who are currently unconnected to the national grid. The second project is a ₦113 billion scheme that looks to advance the implementation of gas (CNG and LPG) in order to bridge the passage from fossil fuels to a cleaner source of energy. The plan aims to create 250,000 new jobs in the energy sector, empowering communities and stimulating the domestic manufacturing industry.&nbsp;



Thirty-seven million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria contribute to 48% of the country’s GDP, the definitive confirmation of the role MSMEs play in stimulating Nigeria’s economy. With this in mind, the Economic Sustainability Plan has also incorporated a national MSME Survival Fund to provide support following the repercussions caused by the pandemic, while guaranteeing the ideal environment for independent ventures to flourish. &nbsp;



Nigeria’s response to the world’s environmental emergency combined with its drive for diversity, promotion of inclusion and commitment to poverty reduction, is both powering and empowering the nation. The Giant of Africa is taking huge strides along the path of sustainability to reach prosperity while harnessing health, opportunity and a new economic model for the world to admire.&nbsp;



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LAGOS-nigeria

Nigeria: The Giant Of Africa’s Huge Strides Towards Sustainability 

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-large">“The time has come to renew the founding values of our beautiful Ivory Coast, and to reunite&nbsp;Ivorians. Let us celebrate peace, without which there can be no development.” H.E.&nbsp;Alassane&nbsp;Ouattara, President of Côte d&#8217;Ivoire&nbsp;</blockquote>



Host to UNESCO sites such as the Biosphere Reserve, the&nbsp;Comoé&nbsp;National Park, the Grand&nbsp;Bassam&nbsp;historic town, the breathtakingly beautiful Mount&nbsp;Nimba&nbsp;Strict Natural Reserve and the richly bio diverse Tai National Park, Côte d&#8217;Ivoire is a nation&nbsp;brimming with&nbsp;&nbsp;variety&nbsp;in its&nbsp;beach resorts, rainforests and quirky architectural landmarks such as La&nbsp;Pyramide&nbsp;and St. Paul’s Cathedral.&nbsp;“Côte d&#8217;Ivoire&nbsp;is a tourist and business destination,” explains&nbsp;Daniel&nbsp;Karbownik, Regional Director West &amp; Central Africa, Accor. “Developing a&nbsp;tourist&nbsp;destination creates direct and indirect jobs and promotes&nbsp;economic development and prosperity of the country.”&nbsp;With a view to this, in 2018, the government launched its ‘Sublime Côte d&#8217;Ivoire’&nbsp;flagship tourism project. Due for completion in 2025, Sublime’s initial phase looks to transform the tourism landscape via a number of projects and schemes and the creation of 700,000 new jobs aimed at its youths.&nbsp;&nbsp;



The government’s&nbsp;National Development Plan&nbsp;2021-2025&nbsp;is intent&nbsp;in maintaining a stable socio-political environment while&nbsp;mobilising its domestic resources following the&nbsp;ramifications&nbsp;of the pandemic.&nbsp;It targets the private-sector&nbsp;investment&nbsp;and construction&nbsp;needed to spur productivity, advance diversification and inclusive growth while boosting job creation, in particular regarding the nation’s youth.&nbsp;With&nbsp;solid relations with international institutions and bilateral partners,&nbsp;Côte d’Ivoire&nbsp;is committed to making its&nbsp;business environment ever more attractive and&nbsp;its economy more competitive by relaxing&nbsp;economic policies&nbsp;in a bid to&nbsp;attract foreign companies and promote business creation, especially in the digital,&nbsp;information&nbsp;and&nbsp;technology sector.&nbsp;Paul-Harry&nbsp;Aithnard,&nbsp;CEO of&nbsp;Ecobank&nbsp;Côte d’Ivoire&nbsp;says, “The private sector&nbsp;is a&nbsp;driving force because all ideas&nbsp;not only&nbsp;come from the state but also come from the private sector.&nbsp;At&nbsp;Ecobank, we believe that digitisation and the digital economy make it possible to have an inclusive economy and that&nbsp;with technology we are capable of anything today.&nbsp;Technology allows for a true inclusive economy and true inclusive development.”&nbsp;



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Another important driver to the nation’s development,&nbsp;and indeed its economic backbone,&nbsp;is its natural resources,&nbsp;such as fossil fuels and ores and agriculture. The government has&nbsp;expanded its vision&nbsp;to the&nbsp;encompass the&nbsp;enormous&nbsp;potential&nbsp;inherent in the production of&nbsp;added-value&nbsp;solutions, thereby increasing its&nbsp;manufacturing and processing industries.&nbsp;With a focus upon Green Tourism and carbon neutrality,&nbsp;Côte d&#8217;Ivoire’s government is well aware of the importance of boosting sustainability and creating supply chains.&nbsp;Over the last two decades, the world’s largest cocoa bean producer and exporter, has&nbsp;expanded its range to the cultivation of cashew nuts with impressive results.&nbsp;As part of the government’s National Development Plan, the nation is now&nbsp;looking&nbsp;to process its crops&nbsp;so as&nbsp;to harness a new source of income&nbsp;and promote the&nbsp;‘Made in Côte d’Ivoire’&nbsp;label. “We have great agricultural potential in the country.” declares&nbsp;&nbsp;Issiaka&nbsp;Savane, Interim Administrator of UNACOOPEC-CI. “If we want&nbsp;a&nbsp;dynamic and strong growth, we must participate&nbsp;in the transformation of agricultural products.”&nbsp;



In 2014, the Ivorian government&nbsp;also&nbsp;implemented one of the most favourable mining codes on the continent, which introduced greater transparency, the extension of exploration permits to ten years, strengthened local development and enhanced mining investment, particularly in the gold sector. As a result, mining activities increased 43% in 2019, generating a revenue of US$1.3 billion and creating almost 55,000 jobs. To this effect, training the local workforce is critical to the continued growth of the mining sector.&nbsp;Abdoulaye&nbsp;Diallo, General Manager of SFTP Mining, is proud to be a part of this initiative that improves the lives of&nbsp;Ivorians.&nbsp;Diallo&nbsp;says, “SFTP mining operations are sustainable and provide a position between the communities and the stakeholders. We train the local community in order to have international standards skills.”&nbsp;



True confirmation of&nbsp;Côte d&#8217;Ivoire’s stable outlook and the promise of its strong economic development occurred when&nbsp;Fitch&nbsp;assigned&nbsp;Côte d&#8217;Ivoire with a&nbsp;BB rating&nbsp;in July 2021, forecasting&nbsp;GDP growth to average 6.2% in 2021-2022.&nbsp;Léonce&nbsp;Yace, Managing Director of NSIA&nbsp;Banque&nbsp;CI, believes the nation’s multiple achievements is due to a number of factors. “Côte d&#8217;Ivoire&nbsp;has&nbsp;a dynamic economic fabric, players, opportunities, well-trained young people and booming banking sector. The&nbsp;government&nbsp;is&nbsp;made up of experts and competent people who understand the issues well and who manage to take the initiatives that drive development under the leadership of His Excellency President&nbsp;Alassane&nbsp;Ouattara.&nbsp;Investors&nbsp;who come to Côte d’Ivoire&nbsp;will find a business hub where their&nbsp;interests&nbsp;will be&nbsp;preserved.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



A gateway to West Africa,&nbsp;Côte d’Ivoire is well positioned as a hub for international trade&nbsp;and a story of success as one of Africa’s most resilient economies promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within a peaceful environment. As&nbsp;Côte d’Ivoire’s record results guarantee its trajectory towards economic recovery, the nation is also firmly moving forward towards a new era of growth, opportunity and a bright and shining future.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yamoussoukro

Côte d’Ivoire: Unlocking The Potential Within

Do African Infrastructure Developers Hold The Key To Solving The Continent’s Infrastructure Paradox?



Insights from those with experience suggest that technology might make projects more successful.&nbsp;David Pilling, writing in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/58536842-4856-4476-bdb1-58bb2d629486" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Financial Times</a>&nbsp;last month, notes that investment into African infrastructure projects was steadily rising prior to COVID-19.&nbsp;



According to research published by the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa, average annual funding between 2013 and 2017 stood at&nbsp;US$77 billion – double the annual average between 2000-06. Yet these impressive figures still fall short of closing a funding gap of some&nbsp;US$70 billion, which many countries may find difficult to fill given surging debt levels and COVID-pressed public finances. But could an uptick in investor appetite provide the answer? As the African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM) note, the misperception of risks can create attractive returns for the more discerning investor.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Should investors be willing to deploy capital in search of higher yields, Africa may present a more compelling investment case than many “safer” markets back home. A report by McKinsey &amp; Company from 2020 referred to an African “infrastructure paradox”, where although funding&nbsp;a large pipeline and a need for spending exist in equal measure,&nbsp;not enough money is being spent to close the gap. The consultancy says that most infrastructure projects fail to reach financial close, with fewer than 10% of projects achieving this milestone and 80% failing at the feasibility and business-plan stage. It concludes that although there is significant scope for governments to collaborate with local development-finance institutions and international financial institutions, there remain significant challenges for the long-term economic potential of the continent.&nbsp;&nbsp;



But there are many who appear to take a different view.&nbsp;<a href="https://qz.com/africa/2018764/africas-telecom-sector-is-seeing-a-boom-in-investment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US-owned Africell</a>, the telecommunications company which has 12 million mobile subscribers across Africa, has just secured a&nbsp;US$105 million loan facility from a group of financiers to build a new mobile network in Angola. The investment is likely to catalyse Angola’s fintech sector. Similarly, the G7 and American administration announced a new global infrastructure initiative&nbsp;this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/a-hidden-key-to-the-g7s-infrastructure-ambitions-blue-dot-network/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Blue Dot Network</a>, which aims to encourage development by certifying public-private investments into global infrastructure.&nbsp;It is hoped that the initiative will incentivise emerging countries to enact regulatory reforms to attract global private capital.&nbsp;



Another supporter is Mirco Martins, an Angolan entrepreneur and founder of Mavah SGPS, who is also involved in a number of privately held companies and entrepreneurial ventures&nbsp;across the continent. Martins believes that the right interventions could unlock up to&nbsp;US$550 billion to be invested in African infrastructure. Martins, who started his career as an engineer at BP, has worked across the continent for several decades. His projects today focus mainly on infrastructure,&nbsp;agro-processing, energy&nbsp;and health. He argues that rapid infrastructure development will drive and sustain economic transformation in Africa, leading to lower transport and communication costs, enabling countries with suitable&nbsp;agro-ecological conditions to produce high-value products. This will be achieved in tandem with closing the internet connectivity and access gap with advanced economies, allowing more African countries to enter service export markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Martins, who has been working on an infrastructure project in Uganda for the last four years, has first-hand experience of large-scale infrastructure in Africa. As a result, he cautions against the conventional wisdom that feasibility studies for projects in Africa would&nbsp;be cumbersome to complete. “I’ve been working on an infrastructure project in Uganda for the past three and a half,&nbsp;almost four years, and it’s unbelievable what you can do. We managed to do all the feasibility studies over 92&nbsp;kilometres&nbsp;of road by using or deploying drones. A study that could take you six months you reduce to three&nbsp;months, just by using technology. This means you’re reducing costs in communication, in transport, etc.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



Given that McKinsey highlights weak feasibility studies and business plans as root causes of the African infrastructure paradox, Martins’ insights might just persuade sceptical investors to change their minds. As one African finance ministry notes in the McKinsey report, “private sector players generally do not invest sufficient time and effort in developing a strong feasibility study” and that capacity inadequacies and limited dedicated funding often stop the projects at this crucial phase. If technological innovations were rolled out more broadly, could many of the 80% of projects that fall at the feasibility stage flourish further down the line? With institutions such as Qatar’s investment fund recently announcing a US$2 billion infrastructure pot for sub-Saharan Africa, there are many who appear to believe that the opportunities outweigh the risks when it comes to African infrastructure. Investor confidence certainly holds the key to closing Africa’s funding gap, but it is the success stories from the continent itself that will be integral to generating that confidence in the first place.

African Infrastructure 2

Driving Economic Transformation In Africa Through Infrastructure Development

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-large">“It is from this human capital that the genius of tomorrow will emerge capable of inventing solutions adapted to the equations of our own future. I ask them to become aware of their irreplaceable role in the construction of Africa, of its regional communities and of each of its States.” AU Chairperson, H.E. President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo</blockquote>



Africa’s achievements throughout its history are indicative of the impenetrable spirit of the African people from all corners of the continent and beyond. Founded in 2002, the African Union is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states of the African continent with the main objectives of eliminating remaining remnants of colonization from the continent; promoting a unified Africa; coordinating socioeconomic development; safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Member States and promoting international cooperation. With these missions at the forefront of the AU’s development plans, the continent is approaching a future ripe with opportunity in the social, economic, political, and equality spheres.



<a href="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PENRESA_FORBES-AU_32pags-2021_v02.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Download full report</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/PENRESA_FORBES-AU_32pags-2021_v02.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="591" height="591" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AU-MPU-NEW-01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53333" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AU-MPU-NEW-01.jpg 591w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AU-MPU-NEW-01-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/AU-MPU-NEW-01-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px" /></a></figure>



Since the establishment of the AU, Africa has been working collectively toward its potential in an ever-changing world economy. A large part of this journey is represented through Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint for economic development, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which will create the world’s largest free trade area and connect 1.3 billion people across 55 countries. These two monumental plans will further Africa’s collective economic development, regional integration, innovation, security, political and cultural influence across the world.



Agenda 2063 is designed to deliver sustainable development for Africa through wealth creation, collective progress, gender equality, opportunities for Africa’s youth, and a high standard of living for all. On the national level, many countries have developed similar visions that are catered to their local economies that still push forward Agenda 2063 and continue to transform Africa into an empowered world player. AU Chairperson, H.E. President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo, recently emphasized the Agenda and its role in the rebirth of the continent and the potential it brings to Africa’s children. H.E. Tshisekedi says, “It is from this human capital that the genius of tomorrow will emerge capable of inventing solutions adapted to the equations of our own future. I ask them to become aware of their irreplaceable role in the construction of Africa, of its regional communities and of each of its States.&#8221;



In conjunction with the AU’s Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA agreement is accelerating intra-African trade, expanding Africa’s trading position in the global market, and strengthening Africa’s common voice. The AfCFTA will create a combined GDP of about US$3.4 trillion for the benefit of African nations, inspire a 7% increase in African income by 2035, create an increase in exports to US$560 billion, and increase wages that will lift millions of Africans out of poverty. Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, adds, “The recovery from COVID- 19 will come from the implementation of the AfCFTA. We will work very aggressively to make sure that we implement the agreement to the best of our abilities. It will be difficult and challenging, but we owe it to millions of Africans who are expecting that, in these positions, we make a difference in their lives.”



Over the years, Africa’s historic steps in equality have set the global standard in gender inclusion. In 2018, Ethiopia proudly welcomed Sahle-Work Zewde, the country’s first female



president. This year on March 1, Nigerian-born Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala became the first female and first African Director-General of the World Trade Organisation in a monumental appointment that demonstrates to the world that Africa is more than prepared to lead the world economy. While we mourn the untimely passing of His Excellency President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, Tanzania made history this year with the inauguration of Tanzania’s first female president, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu. These advancements in inequality are a signal to the collective African spirit and pursuit of the Africa that future generations deserve. H.E. Suluhu says, “If your children will be touched by the coming changes, you should understand that we have done so for the good of the country, and not otherwise.”



Other notable examples of gender inclusion and women empowerment are inspiring all and inciting change on national and local levels. In Nigeria, philanthropist and businesswoman Apostle Folorunso Alakija founded the Rose of Sharon Foundation, a non-profit, faith-based, non-governmental Organisation focused on easing the burdens of existence for widows and orphans. In Madagascar, Pure Vanilla is a female-run company founded by two sisters, Naomy and Rosemine Rasolofonirina, who understand the importance of highlighting the invaluable role that women play in the African and global economies. Naomy Rasolofonirina says, “Our company is 99% women, and in our context, where women are usually not that self-reliant, this is incredible. We want to achieve equal pay; our women are already paid over 50% more than they would be in other companies. We aim to continue to grow their salaries alongside the company’s own development. In this way, our women can be financially independent and programme their future as well as those of their children.”



Equipped with a young and skilled labour force to make the production hub for the world, Africa remains an important resource and is key to global economic progression. “We have a tremendous workforce that is going to be the base of the future of Mozambique,” explains José Parayanken, Founder and CEO of Mozambique Holdings Limited. The advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution presents numerous opportunities for Africa; investing in skilling her youthful population and leveraging home-grown and external technological advancements will position Africa on a sustainable development trajectory. H.R.H. Prince Lonkhokhela, CEO of the Eswatini National Provident Fund, says, “Africa is diversifying and can lead in sustainable development. Africa has the ability to look at what works elsewhere then fashion its own answers. It can openly embrace new technology and ideas, with no historical imprint from which to break free.”Through the strength of the African Union and the dedicated guidance of the continent’s leaders, Africa represents a beacon of possibilities that have emerged from perseverance, unity and African pride.

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The Africa We Want, The Future We Deserve

<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-large">“Let us rather see Africa not as a land of humanitarian emergencies and a recipient of public aid for development but as a continent on the build, a pole on the cusp of progress. Such is the Africa of roads and highways, of bridges and railways, an Africa of dams and power plants, of industrial parks and agricultural farms. We will realize this ambition not through aid but by massive and urgent investments in those sectors that bring growth and development” <cite>President Macky Sall</cite></blockquote>



Senegal has been described as one of the most welcoming, peaceful, tolerant and friendly countries on the continent, with the World Economic Forum ranking it sixth most welcoming country in the world. Driven by its philosophy of teranga, the Wolof word for hospitality, Senegal has focused on boosting trade and investment opportunities on the West African regional market while prioritising a consistent improvement of its business climate.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FORBES-SENEGAL_2021_26pags_v09_online-1-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="591" height="591" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SENEGAL-MPU-NEW-01-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51707" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SENEGAL-MPU-NEW-01-1.jpg 591w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SENEGAL-MPU-NEW-01-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SENEGAL-MPU-NEW-01-1-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FORBES-SENEGAL_2021_26pags_v09_online-1-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Download the report here</a></figcaption></figure>



<h3 id="h-plan-s-n-gal-mergent-pse">Plan Sénégal Émergent (PSE)</h3>



The nation’s high level of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) is irrevocably linked to President Macky Sall’s Emerging Senegal Plan (Plan Sénégal Émergent, PSE) launched in 2014. The Plan aims to drive the national economy with a new impetus and direction, growing the GDP 8%, creating 600,000 formal jobs and becoming a middle-income nation by 2035. In order to do this, the PSE has focused on boosting four key sectors of its economy: agriculture, ICT, transport and energy. Indeed, regarding the latter, Senelec’s MD, Pape Mademba Biteye, states: “Senegal&#8217;s energy sector is currently a booming sector and is an essential engine for improving the country&#8217;s economic performance, as seen in the PSE.”



In April 2021, President Macky Sall launched a US$ 827 million youth employment scheme as part of the government’s emergency programme for the socioeconomic integration of the nation’s youths. Spread over a time period of three years, it includes initiatives such as: the recruitment of 5,000 youths in the education sector, recruitments in the road maintenance and paving sectors, 15,000 jobs for subsidised jobs through the state-employer agreement with the private sector, the injection of CFAF 15 billion into the agribusiness, the creation of 25,950 jobs as part of the National Agency for Integration and Agricultural Development (ANIDA)’s numerous projects, training of 30,000 young people and a further 40,000 youths targeted for vocational training, amongst others.



<h3 id="h-a-technological-hub">A Technological Hub</h3>



With Dakar placed amongst the top 10 digital cities in Africa with incubators for start-ups, Senegal is well placed to become a technological hub for the whole of West Africa as its business landscape flourishes under its digitalised telecommunications network. “If this is the century of Big Data, Africa is the place to be because we have a population that is mostly made of young people,” affirms Samba Bathily, Chairman of ADS Group. “It is up to us, the business people and government, to come together to prepare the ground for these innovators to innovate.” The government has also launched a plan to create 35,000 new jobs in the field of technology by 2025, with the nation’s youths and women playing a key role in driving the technological revolution.



In June 2021, President Macky Sall also announced governmental intention to move all government data and digital platforms from foreign servers to a new national data centre in a bid to strengthen digital sovereignty. The state-of-the-art data centre will be built in Senegal’s Digital Technology Park in the city of Diamniadio and will tap into global networks through an undersea cable and Senegal’s existent 6,000 kilometre fibre optic network.



<h3 id="h-a-regional-business-hub">A Regional Business Hub</h3>



Over recent years, Senegal has significantly invested in the upgrade of all of its transport infrastructure in order to further promote its potential as regional business hub for logistics, services and industries, providing Africa with the link to the rest of the world. With the Autonomous Port of Dakar at the crossroads of three key trade routes, Senegal serves major shipping lines as well as a transhipment centre for landlocked counties in West Africa. Major modernisation and extension plans are currently underway while a US$ 1 billion investment is developing a colossal new deep-water port at Ndayane. Alongside large-scale road construction and rehabilitation projects, Senegal is also looking into improving connectivity through rail with work on the Regional Express Train (TER) currently underhand. “This is the flagship project for the PSE and will connect the city centre of Dakar to the Blaise Diagne International Airport in 45 minutes,” explains Mountaga Sy, CEO of APIX. “This train will be operational at the end of 2021.”



<h3 id="h-economic-diversity-sustainability-and-inclusion">Economic Diversity, Sustainability And Inclusion</h3>



Senegal’s large range of economic drivers, including mining, renewable energy and agriculture, are of great attraction to investors and the PSE Priority Action Plan has identified a funding gap of US$ five billion spread across several diverse projects. “The private sector is pivotal for the industrial development of the country,” says Youssef Omaïs, CEO of Patisen. “We have gold, gas and oil, which will increase the purchasing power of our young population and contribute to our targeted growth.”



Senegal is a land of opportunity and abundance offering ideal living and working conditions, access to advanced technology, ease of doing business, modern infrastructure interlocked in an ambitious vision that has proved successful in unlatching economic transformation and growth while enhancing prosperity to both Senegal and West Africa. “I am convinced that the PSE will secure Senegal as one of the pillars of Africa,” declares Omar Cissé, CEO of InTouch. “It will be key to our operations, development and future.” There is no doubt that Senegal is a nation burgeoning with opportunity for all, while driving economic growth and development in the region.”

african-renaissance-monument-de-la-renaissance-africaine-senegal

FOCUS ON SENEGAL: Welcoming Opportunity And Promoting Emergence

Celebrating its two-year anniversary, the Lusaka-based Medland Hospital continues to deliver affordable, accessible and patient-centred healthcare throughout the pandemic.



Access is still the greatest challenge to health care delivery in Africa. Fewer than 50% of Africans have access to modern health facilities. Many African countries spend less than 10% of their GDP on health care. As a land-linked country with a young population, Zambia’s need to increase and improve its medical services have amplified with the rise of non-communicable diseases, lifestyle changes and rapid urbanisation.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-09-at-4.49.20-PM-1024x768.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-51172" width="665" height="499" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-09-at-4.49.20-PM-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-09-at-4.49.20-PM-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-09-at-4.49.20-PM-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-09-at-4.49.20-PM-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/WhatsApp-Image-2021-05-09-at-4.49.20-PM-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 665px) 100vw, 665px" /></figure></div>



Medland Hospital was launched in June 2019 to provide highly specialised medical services for Zambians and citizens within the region. Medland is the first private facility to introduce a full time operational cardiovascular surgery department in addition to advanced surgical oncology and orthopaedic services. Other medical, surgical and anti-aging specialties are also available using cutting edge technology.



By providing a sustainable infrastructure that delivers international standards across all levels of the healthcare system, Medland ensures that the patient experience in their facilities can match any facility outside the continent. “The International Standards and the National guidelines are key drivers in our daily operations,” states Dr Mohamed El Sahili, CEO of Medland Health Services. “However, what differentiates our facility is the fact that we deliver affordable, accessible and high quality healthcare to everyone in Zambia and the region.”



While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected every facet of the economy, Medland was affected just eight months after its opening. Nevertheless, the hospital responded swiftly setting up a COVID-19 response committee well before the World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a pandemic. They immediately moved into putting together an anticipated list of challenges; looking closely at the areas of supply chain, human resources and other details which would affect the overall day-to-day running of the hospital. With the guidance of public authorities, Medland became one of the first accredited hospitals in Zambia to conduct PCR screening tests through its existing PCR laboratory.



With the advent of international travel bans, Medland Hospital quickly became the facility of choice for services that patients used to seek abroad, fulfilling one of their chief objectives. The hospital benefitted from the increased contact with locals, cultivating a solid bond built on trust and accountability with patients and the community. To strengthen this communal bond, in May 2021, Medland sent its Q-Medland Units to decentralise access to COVID-19 related services. “In two years, these units may be serving our communities, specifically those in rural areas, by



addressing health issues and assisting in raising awareness among the general population,” points out Dr El Sahili.



Dr El Sahili believes strongly in partnerships and teamwork to provide the highest patient-centred care. The School of Mental Health at Johns Hopkins University now implements a programme to support people with mental health issues while other relationships have been developed with oncology research institutions to provide updated protocols when it comes to chemotherapy. Medland Hospital is also a member at the International Hospital Federation and one of the first 100 signatories to Ethical Principles in Healthcare (EPIHC) worldwide. Dr. El Sahili himself sits on the board of the Africa Healthcare Federation and the Corporate Council on Africa, lending further credibility to Medland’s prestige.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/medland-health-1024x493.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-51173" width="671" height="323" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/medland-health-1024x493.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/medland-health-300x144.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/medland-health-768x370.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/medland-health-1536x739.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/medland-health.jpeg 2001w" sizes="(max-width: 671px) 100vw, 671px" /></figure></div>



As Medland Hospital looks forward to its two-year anniversary on June 29, it is proud to have raised the bar for healthcare services in the country and region, especially during this unprecedented and tumultuous period. Never settling for ordinary, the hospital has just launched its education programme, improving its capacity building and allowing a more technical transfer of skills across its team. “After two years, we have stayed true to our mission and vision,” states Dr. El Sahili. “Today, through our partnerships with the Ministry of Health and the multiple local and foreign insurers, Medland Hospital is giving affordable access to quality medical services to everyone.”



As the world slowly charts its exit from the COVID-19 pandemic, attention has been turned towards enhanced global collaboration to ensure health systems emerge from it stronger, more prepared and more people-centred. Within its two short years, Medland Hospital has utilised its partnerships and innovative services to become a benchmark for patient-centred healthcare on the continent. Through its visionary leadership, the Lusaka-based facility has demonstrated it is well-suited to answer to the many healthcare needs of the Zambian people, and those in neighbouring countries. “We have learned that a clear, futuristic and innovative vision must always be put in place for the organisation to succeed,” states Dr El Sahili. “At Medland Hospital, we know how to listen and fulfil our patients’ needs and expectations.”



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PK_5000-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51170" width="510" height="339" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PK_5000-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PK_5000-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PK_5000-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PK_5000-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PK_5000-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px" /></figure></div>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">&#8220;What differentiates our facility is the fact that we deliver affordable, accessible and high-quality healthcare to everyone in Zambia and the region.” -Dr Mohamed El Sahili, CEO of Medland Health Services</blockquote>

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Medland Hospital: Fit-for-Future Healthcare in Africa

The pandemic has wrought a huge gap in conservation funding across Africa. A British philanthropist is taking up the challenge. 



The pandemic&nbsp;has&nbsp;had severe&nbsp;repercussions&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;resources&nbsp;available to&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;conservation efforts&nbsp;across the globe, though the problem is particularly acute in Africa.&nbsp;In&nbsp;March, the&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">BBC&nbsp;reported&nbsp;</a>that&nbsp;conservation efforts have been reduced in&nbsp;a quarter of protected areas in&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;but in&nbsp;over half of&nbsp;protected areas in Africa.&nbsp;



Funding gaps have overwhelmingly arisen from declining tourism, which has had a drastic impact on African conservation efforts. The collapse of the international tourism industry in South Africa has effectively shut down conservation activities and caused a full-blown “conservation crisis” in the country.



The&nbsp;dearth in&nbsp;funding&nbsp;also&nbsp;stems&nbsp;from the closures of zoological and safari parks across&nbsp;the continent,&nbsp;traditionally&nbsp;substantive&nbsp;donors&nbsp;to conservation initiatives. The problem is compounded by the fact that Africa is also hit by closures across the globe.&nbsp;



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“We want to understand the relationship between animals and the climate, and fund projects which can protect both simultaneously.”  <cite>Nick Maughan, Founder of the Nick Maughan Foundation</cite></blockquote>







The UK’s The Independent newspaper <a href="about:blank">reported</a> that losses of upwards of £200 million for UK zoos, aquariums and safari parks have forced cuts to budgets that would otherwise have been allocated to African projects. 



To add insult to injury, those usually dependent on eco-tourism have been forced into illegal poaching,&nbsp;hurting populations of already threatened species.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">Charles Mayhew</a>, the co-founder and CEO of the&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">Tusk Trust</a> –&nbsp;a&nbsp;UK&nbsp;non-profit advancing wildlife conservation in Africa&nbsp;–&nbsp;the economic decline across the continent has created a “significant upsurge” in poaching for people “simply trying to put food on the table”.



Some&nbsp;conservationists are aiming&nbsp;to&nbsp;take up the challenge. One is Nick Maughan, whose foundation (the Nick Maughan Foundation, or ‘NMF’) works to promote progressive conservation efforts across Africa and is one of Tusk’s major donors.



Progressive conservation&nbsp;focuses on&nbsp;the&nbsp;interdependence of disparate parts of the environmental ecosystem and emphasises the potential of&nbsp;technology&nbsp;to&nbsp;protect nature&nbsp;in more sustainable ways,&nbsp;helping&nbsp;to make conservation efforts less reliant on the ebbs and flows of traditional funding cycles.&nbsp;This includes practices such as high-tech carbon sequestration schemes or the monitoring of endangered species populations by remote satellite to help the crackdown on illegal poaching.



Conservation technology has been championed by some of the world’s leading conservation organisations.&nbsp;The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) suggests that camera traps, satellites and drones can help maximise the effectiveness of conservation efforts, ecological research and citizen science. With&nbsp;more&nbsp;traditional conservation efforts hampered&nbsp;by the pandemic,&nbsp;the next decade&nbsp;is likely to see more&nbsp;progressive solutions take centre stage.&nbsp;



Maughan highlights&nbsp;that&nbsp;the protection of endangered species, though of course an end in itself, also has benefits for the environment, such that species protection and the fight against climate change can be seen as two sides of the same coin. &nbsp;



“Elephant populations in Africa&nbsp;are important to the protection of trees and foliage. At the Nick Maughan Foundation, we&nbsp;want to understand the relationship between animals and the climate and fund projects which can protect both simultaneously.”&nbsp;



Research published by&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">Science magazine&nbsp;</a>suggests that&nbsp;one&nbsp;elephant per square kilometre could increase the amount of plant mass in the forest by up to 60 tons per hectare, or&nbsp; <a href="about:blank">“enough to suck up more than 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide across Africa”.</a>&nbsp;For Maughan, the approach must be holistic. ‘Environment’ is just one of NMF’s three pillars, the others being ‘education’ and ‘community’. NMF has committed&nbsp;over&nbsp;£1m to Tusk&nbsp;supporting&nbsp;its&nbsp;wildlife conservation, community development and education efforts across Africa and much more to other conservation initiatives.



Progressive conservation means cultivating the next generation of&nbsp;environmental leaders through inspiration as well as education.&nbsp;Through its sponsorship of Tusk’s annual Wildlife Ranger Award,&nbsp;NMF seeks to&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;the&nbsp;heroes of today&nbsp;as a means of inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.&nbsp;Last year’s winner was&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">Amos Gwema</a>, a&nbsp;wildlife intelligence&nbsp;officer working with local communities throughout Zimbabwe to&nbsp;map and dismantle&nbsp;poaching networks.



NMF&nbsp;has&nbsp;big&nbsp;ambitions to&nbsp;help overcome funding gaps across the continent, and is understood to be in the process of identifying a range of further organisations with whom to collaborate for the most long-term impact.&nbsp;

Nick Maughan

Environmentalism 2.0 – Why We Need Progressive Conservation

Ghana is a prosperous nation whose economic outlook and stable democratic system is powering its way to becoming West Africa’s regional powerhouse. Guiding the nation’s progress and transformation is the nation’s twice-elected President Addo-Akufo and his long-term National Development Plan, a four-decade strategy devised to provide a comprehensive framework to Ghana’s medium-term economic plans which aims to lead the nation to becoming a high-income country by 2057, on its centennial anniversary since its independence. This new development scheme aims to drive industrialisation, diversification and an export-oriented economy and is modelled upon a scenario for the country to achieve a per capita income of over US$60,000 by 2057.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FORBES-GHANA_2021_60pags_v08.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GHANA-MPU-NEW-01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50441" width="248" height="248" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GHANA-MPU-NEW-01.jpg 591w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GHANA-MPU-NEW-01-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GHANA-MPU-NEW-01-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GHANA-MPU-NEW-01-80x80.jpg 80w" sizes="(max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FORBES-GHANA_2021_60pags_v08.pdf">Download the full report here.</a></figcaption></figure></div>



Ghana’s growth trajectory is indeed promising and rooted on realistic ambitions; the country’s GDP has been on the rise since 2015, a trend which continued on into 2019, with an estimated 7.1% growth according to IMF figures. This noteworthy outcome has meant that Ghana is consistently placed amongst Africa’s ten fastest-growing economies. “Ghana is not only the best place for doing business in West Africa but it is also the fastest growing economy in the world according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2019,” explains Hon. John-Peter Amewu, Minister of Energy and Petroleum. “The country has developed into an established business destination for investors seeking a conducive business environment, committed and progressive government-private sector participation, political stability, transparent regulations and a dynamic private sector ready for partnerships.”



Most of Ghana’s recent prodigious results have been due to its exceptional endowment of mineral and natural resources. Ghana’s oil production is expected to double over the next four years, peaking at a rate of over 400,000 barrels per day, while the country’s mining industry in a wide range of minerals such as gold, diamonds, manganese and bauxite accounts for 5% of the GDP. According to &nbsp;Solomon Asamoah, CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), it is “a country with huge growth potential and opportunities.” Industry accounts for 31.5% of its GDP and sits at the very core of Ghana’s governmental plans in its potential to transform the economy from one reliant on its resources to one driven by value-added exports. Key to this shift is President Akufo-Addo industrial agenda and his enterprising ‘One District, One Factory’ (1D1F) flagship initiative which aims to establish a factory in each of the nation’s 216 districts. The initiative has established a widespread network of factories across the nation, secured job creation for Ghana’s abundant and well-qualified human resource base and encouraged fair wealth distribution amongst its people. “In terms of industrial transformation we are looking at bringing together all these efforts in a way that brings about a massive transformation to the economy and puts Ghana onto the path towards growth and transformation in a way which leads to better jobs, livelihoods and overall development,” affirms Michael Ernest Ansah, CEO of Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC). While the 1D1F initiative has increased the nation’s capacity for self-sufficiency, its programme for Planting for Food and Jobs has remodelled the nation into becoming&nbsp; a net exporter of food. Ghana is developing industrial exports and high-value manufacturing and in order to decentralise development the government has created industrial zones across the nation, with the goal of opening a park in each of Ghana’s 10 regions.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“The talents, energies, sense of enterprise and innovation of the Ghanaian can be harnessed to make Ghana the place where dreams come true.” <cite>President Akufo-Addo</cite></blockquote>



Ghana’s implementation of its national single window has also been key in the automation and consolidation of all trade processes through an e-payment system and single paperless system. According to the World Bank, Ghana’s service sector has proved to be the largest player in the economy and comprises 43% of its GDP while employing 48% of the population. The country also has one of the highest financial inclusion rates (58%) and mobile data penetration rates (88.8%) in the whole region. Policies such as the ‘ICT for Accelerated Development’ (ICT4AD) programme have also been launched in order to ensure a friendly regulatory environment for ICT businesses and the development of IT products, propelling Ghana towards becoming an information-rich knowledge based society. Digitalisation is playing a crucial role in driving Ghana’s transformation towards becoming a regional powerhouse while ensuring its youth are active participants. “One of the roles we play is bringing modernity through technology and increased interest from youth,” declares &nbsp;Tucci Goka Ivowi, CEO of GCX.



As global economies around the world pick themselves up and shake themselves free of the challenges imposed by the pandemic, Ghana continues to shine its light upon the continent and show itself to be the beacon of positivity, success and stability for sub-Saharan Africa that it is. President Akufo-Addo confirms this, going further to add: “I am of the firm conviction that this nation, the Black Star of Africa, is on the brink of a decisive step into a brighter future, which will deliver progress and prosperity to all the peoples of our country”

PHOTO-COVER-GHANA REPORT

Ghana: Blazing A Trail For Sub-Saharan Africa

<figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote>“This resilience of our economy is by no means accidental. It has been a deliberate focused effort by the NRM Government to build an independent, integrated and self-sustaining national economy, that is able to feed its people, generate the resources it&nbsp;&nbsp; needs, both human and financial, provide security to its people and their property and&nbsp;&nbsp; develop a prosperous nation.” <cite>H.E. Yoweri Museveni/President of Uganda</cite></blockquote></figure>



Following his visit to Uganda, Winston Churchill famously stated, “For magnificence, for variety of form and colour, for profusion of brilliant life – bird, insect, reptile, beast – for vast scale – Uganda is truly ‘the Pearl of Africa.’ Today, its unique land linked location at the heart of sub-Saharan Africa and its steady economic growth has further added to its shining potential. According to the UNCTAD’s 2020 World Investment Report, Uganda also happens to be one of the countries in East Africa to have attracted the most Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), reaching an unprecedented record of US$1.3 billion in 2019 (a stunning 20% increase from 2018), the result of developing construction, manufacturing and agriculture projects.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FORBES-UGANDA_2021_42pags_vok5-online-1.pdf"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UGANDA-MPU-NEW-01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50238" width="270" height="270" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UGANDA-MPU-NEW-01.jpg 591w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UGANDA-MPU-NEW-01-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UGANDA-MPU-NEW-01-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UGANDA-MPU-NEW-01-80x80.jpg 80w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UGANDA-MPU-NEW-01-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="(max-width: 270px) 100vw, 270px" /></a><figcaption>Download the report <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FORBES-UGANDA_2021_42pags_vok5-online-1.pdf">here</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 id="h-energy">Energy</h2>



Crucial to engaging FDI in Uganda is its focus in expanding major oil fields and in September 2020, a host government agreement was signed with Total for the lucrative East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project. The US$3.5 billion 1,445 kilometre long pipeline will be the longest electrically heated oil export pipeline in the world and the FID is due to be signed during the first quarter of 2021. “The crude oil pipeline will cross 90 kilometres of Ugandan land and more than 100,000 kilometres of Tanzania land to reach the Tanzanian coast,” explains Pierre Jessua, Managing Director of Total CP Uganda. “It is a big landmark and it is the longest pipeline in the world and a big investment for both Tanzania and Uganda and also for the international oil companies who are going to be the shareholders. So, this project, along with the Tilenga and Kingfisher ones are going to develop the economy of both countries and produce indirect effects and jobs through the contractors and subcontractors.” The Minister of&nbsp; Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Mary Goretti Kitutu, has disclosed that the project will create as many as 10,000 jobs and that proceeds will be invested back into the economy in order to promote and develop other key sectors such as infrastructure, education and health. “The FID related to the exploration of oil production is a big deal not only for Uganda but for the continent as well,” declares Mumba Kalifungwa, Managing Director of Absa. “A lot of work has gone into preparing the country to get to a certain point of production.” Proscovia Nabbanja, CEO of Uganda National Oil Company Ltd agrees, “The achievement of FID paves the way for a lot of things: number one, of course, is that &nbsp;it makes our crude hit the international market and gives visibility to our future refinery project.”



<h2 id="h-vision-2040-and-industrialisation">Vision 2040 and Industrialisation</h2>



Through the implementation of President Museveni’s Vision 2040 strategies and policies, Uganda transformational trajectory towards becoming a competitive upper middle income economy is on track. Ranked 10th best in the world in curbing the spread of COVID-19, H.E Museveni has buffered the blow by activating a focus on import-substitution in a bid to boost job creation, self-sufficiency and local skills. Indeed, in October 2020, President Museveni revealed that Uganda no longer needed to import buses into Uganda due to state enterprise, Kiira Motors Corporation’s (KMC), capacity to assemble and manufacture vehicles locally. “When we speak about securing the future we believe the strategy lies in industrialisation, mechanisation of agriculture to improve productivity and the automotive industry, as well as value addition such as agri-industrialisation,” states Paul Isaac Musasizi, CEO of KMC.



<h2 id="h-ict">ICT</h2>



ICT is Uganda’s fastest growing sector and contributes majorly to its GDP. Its Digital Uganda Vision promotes a unified programme for ICT development and provides an enabling environment for investment. In liberalising communication services and improving the legal and regulatory environment as well as rolling out high-standard ICT infrastructure, such as the national fibre optic network, the government has diligently worked towards expanding the nation’s digitalisation in&nbsp; a number of fields. “Uganda has updated the regulations on telco and fintech in 2019 and 2020, creating the framework and the foundation to attract new investments clarity, transparency and visibility,” states Wim Vanhelleputte, CEO of MTN Uganda. According to the Global National Cyber Security Index, Uganda was also ranked as the most secure cyberspace in Africa while the increased use of digital technologies, such as mobile money, during the COVID-19 lockdown displays how ICT is proving to be a key player in economic recovery and in boosting resilience.



<h2 id="h-tourism">Tourism</h2>



Home to 55% of the world’s gorilla population, 11% of its bird species and Africa’s largest lake, the chief reservoir of the Nile, Lake Victoria, Uganda is a high-value tourist destination. “The diversity of culture in Uganda is vast,” says Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. “Uganda is still very pristine, a territory to discover and we have the best conservation laws in Africa, so although we are developing fast we are very cautious of the impact on the environment, 20% of tourism revenue is being provided to local communities.” Recently, the Uganda Airlines was also rehabilitated. With a fleet comprising of four Bombardier CRJ900 planes, Uganda Airlines has also recently acquired the Airbus A330-800 neo as part of its fleet for international long-haul flights. “It felt important to provide direct access and connectivity intra-Africa and with the rest of the world,” explains Cornwell Muleya, CEO of Uganda Airlines.



Opening up to the immense potential inherent within interregional trade as well as reining in its vast capacity to generate economic growth, Uganda has taken a grain of sand and produced a pearl that reflects hope, solidity, vast opportunity and a shiny bright future.&nbsp;

PHOTO-COVER-UGANDA REPORT

Focus on Uganda: Securing Long Lasting Lustre And Resilience To The Pearl Of Africa

The following is a post from a publishing partner and does not necessarily reflect the views of FORBES AFRICA.



Authored by: Dante Di Iulio



As the Tanzanian election edges closer, President Magufuli’s robust campaign seeks a second term to continue his impressive achievements throughout his first term. In the past five years, his government focused on rebuilding systems, strengthening the economy and setting a good environment of doing business. Just in his first term, the Bulldozer, as he is affectionately known, has guided Tanzania to achieve its middle-income vision five years ahead of schedule.



Known for its cultural and tourist landmarks, Tanzania has been declared ‘COVID-free,’ obtaining a tourism stamp of approval by the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC), an impressive accolade during a global pandemic. While Magufuli is not one to rest on his laurels, his 2020-2025 vision lists some crucial areas for concentration in propelling economic growth which his administration will focus on in his second term. It includes strengthening the financial sector, inclusion of the private sector in economic development, fighting poverty at both individual and national levels, improvement of entrepreneurship and strengthening the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF).



Some of the most impressive work done by the Magufuli administration was its domestic revenue generation. In September 2019, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) collected over US $735 million in taxes, the highest amount ever collected since the entity inception in 1996. This was made possible through various techniques, including fostering supervision of the use of Electronic Tax Stamps (ETS). Of the US $14 billion spent during the 2019-20 financial year, US $8 billion was sourced in the form of domestic tax revenue collection. This plan to raise revenue collections has rapidly created an enabling environment for Tanzania’s industrialization journey.



Tanzania’s industrialization agenda has already managed to create six million jobs in the past five years through various development projects. Looking forward, the Magufuli administration demands the creation of a further eight million jobs, mainly targeting youths in both formal and informal sectors. This massive boom in employment is expected to come from the major ongoing and new projects set for the coming five years. Some of the projects include connecting all remaining villages to electricity, supply of water to both urban and rural areas, construction of roads, bridges, flyovers including 11 flyovers in Dar es Salaam, finishing the construction of Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) and many others. There is also the planned US $30 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Lindi Region.



Moving toward electricity, the Rural Energy Master Plan focuses on connecting all villages to the grid, an important initiative for a middle-income nation. Since coming to power, the number of villages with electricity has risen by 7000 to 9700 total. Currently, less than 2700 villages remain without electricity. The vision is to electrify all villages by June 2021, which will arrive before the final construction of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower project. The total electrification of the country will lead to a tenfold growth in SMEs and overall socio-economic development.



Launched in 2000, the objective of the Tanzania Social Action Fund TASAF is to enable poor households to increase incomes and opportunities while improving consumption. TASAF has recently witnessed 200,000 of the 1.1 million enrolled households graduate from the programme due to the enhancement of their living standards. With 20% of the crop set to move on, new poor households will be enrolled to benefit from the various initiatives aimed to improve their lives. Overall, TASAF has bee effective in fighting poverty while granting citizens a voice to make decisions on local and rural projects.



While the COVID-19 pandemic has not impinged heavily on the economy, the Tanzanian health sector has grown substantially under Magufuli. In the previous 50 years of independence, only 77 District level hospitals were constructed, whereas in the past 4 years alone, 101 such hospitals were constructed and equipped with local funds.



The Magufulization of Tanzania has undoubtedly left the nation far better off than it was in 2015. Whether discussing economic growth, socio-economic prosperity or ease of doing business, the land of the Kilimanjaro has become a beacon to behold for the rest of the continent. In just five years, the nation has achieved middle-income status, is on the verge of becoming fully electrified and generates enough domestic revenue to develop its own projects. This government has shown that it recognizes and values the role of the private sector in building a strong national economy that ultimately benefits all citizens.



The past five years have built tremendous tracks for the path ahead. Tanzanians should remind themselves when entering the voting booth this week, the tremendous progress they have made and the prosperous future that awaits them, should they continue on this path. &nbsp;

roads

Magufuli eyes Exponential Growth Past 2020

In the 1990s, Zuneid Yousuf returned to his native Zambia. It was time to use the skills and knowledge built up through years of hard work in the textile industry and importing and distributing products from around the world.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mugshot.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-48108" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mugshot.jpeg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mugshot-300x450.jpeg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mugshot-600x900.jpeg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/mugshot-200x300.jpeg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption>Zuneid Yousuf</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Zuneid Yousuf is working to transform the agribusiness industry in Africa from within – here’s how</h2>



Almost 30 years since Zuneid Yousuf returned to Zambia, he has become chairman of African Green Resources (AGR), a world-class agribusiness company transforming Southern Africa’s agriculture sector. From textiles to African agricultural pioneer, Zuneid Yousuf has had quite the journey.



Yousuf’s business interests are varied, and have encompassed everything from fast moving consumer goods to the provision of soft drinks to the Zambian market and beyond. His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in each venture, placing the highest value on upholding integrity and a core belief that African businesses can outperform international rivals.



<h2>African Green Resources</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="273" height="111" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/logo-in-low-res.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-48107"/></figure>



Today, Yousuf is leading AGR, connecting farmers to suppliers and producers with access to markets, value addition and finance. This year the organisation <a href="https://theexchange.africa/countries/african-green-resources-launches-81-million-farming-scheme-in-zambia/">launched</a> an US$81 million financing programme and has extensive plans to invest US$150 million in Zambia for projects including a 50-megawatt solar farm and irrigation dam.&nbsp;



The scale of AGR’s projects seem a long way from Yousuf’s humble beginnings, yet his passion for African business development and the role that African businesses can play in delivering sustained economic growth has long been central to Yousuf’s outlook. These issues have become even more central to Yousuf’s vision as Zambia and the wider region is impacted by serious droughts, compounded by COVID-19, which has fuelled <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/0b744d46-46b1-48c3-81cd-be0d78d99262">worrying forecasts</a> for Zambia’s economy.&nbsp;



Zambian farmers are therefore not only finding it increasingly harder to produce their crops, but they are also facing difficulties in selling and marketing their products. This is especially the case for the production of maize, of which 90% is carried out by small scale subsistence farmers. AGR’s <a href="https://www.afap-partnership.org/a-partnership-for-growth-african-green-resources-and-the-african-fertilizer-agribusiness-combine-forces-to-boost-crop-yields-in-zambia/">new</a> partnership with U.S-based African Fertiliser and Agribusiness Partnership in June 2020 is therefore all the more important. Not only is this a realisation of Yousuf’s central ambition, to help promote business growth and entrepreneurship, but it is actively creating jobs across Southern African during unprecedented and challenging times.&nbsp;



<h2>The Journey&nbsp;</h2>



Upon his return to Zambia, Yousuf didn’t choose the easiest sector to start a new business. Tangy Drinks started as a backyard project for the family, yet rapidly grew following shrewd investments in bottling machinery and expanded into the third most-popular soft drinks company in Zambia. The lessons from Yousuf’s time in the textile industry were highly influential: to deliver affordable prices at speed without compromising quality, efficiency and reliability.



Within a few remarkable years, Yousuf and his family went from selling and producing soft drinks, to creating and consolidating a vast network of import and export goods across the region.



By 2015, Yousuf had spotted an opportunity in the fertiliser market. At the time, Zambia and the entire Southern African region were dealing with serious food shortages due to the El Niño climate phenomenon. The sector was in desperate need of fertiliser to bolster agricultural production. Thanks to Yousuf’s business in partnership with other regional enterprisers, Zambia eventually produced a surplus of food and became a key export partner to neighbouring countries.



<h2>The Next Chapter</h2>



Yousuf’s determination to develop new approaches to tackle the challenges the world faces in producing food for an ever-growing population has led to extensive collaboration with academics and independent specialists around the world.



Zambia’s current unemployment rate is <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/zambia/unemployment-rate">estimated</a> at 13.20%. Alongside his commitment to agribusiness, Yousuf is actively seeking to face this issue head on, supporting the <a href="https://cedp-app.herokuapp.com/">Citizens’ Entrepreneur Development Program</a>me to promote entrepreneurship at every level of Zambian society. The programme hopes to create 1.2 million jobs over the next two years, creating jobs in the mining, agriculture and urban business sectors.



At the heart of Yousuf’s extensive business career and achievements lies a simple yet important belief, that local knowledge and resources are keys to maximise business growth and successes. Yousuf is seeking to transform the agriculture and agribusiness sector from within, looking inwards rather than outwards for opportunity.

I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved here

Sowing The Seeds Of Possibility

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FORBES-2020-NIGERIA_60TH_ANNIVERSARY_68pags_vok_low.pdf"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="591" height="591" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIGERIA-MPU-NEW-01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47945" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIGERIA-MPU-NEW-01.jpg 591w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIGERIA-MPU-NEW-01-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIGERIA-MPU-NEW-01-100x100.jpg 100w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIGERIA-MPU-NEW-01-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/NIGERIA-MPU-NEW-01-80x80.jpg 80w" sizes="(max-width: 591px) 100vw, 591px" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FORBES-2020-NIGERIA_60TH_ANNIVERSARY_68pags_vok_low.pdf">Download the full report here</a></figcaption></figure>



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<h2>60th anniversary since independence</h2>



On October 1st 2020, Nigeria celebrates its 60th anniversary since independence and, as it looks back at its triumphant journey to becoming Africa’s largest economy, it also looks positively ahead to the promise of increased prosperity and growth. “We have seen our challenges and learnt our lessons,” explains Adetokunbo Ogundeyin, GMD and CEO of Proforce Defence Limited. “We realised that if we do not work together as a team, there is no way that we can be a success story.” As His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari has been re-elected for a second term, Nigeria finds itself on a path of unity and integrity, with the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 index witnessing it make a breathtaking leap of 15 places. “Over the years, we have provided a very enabling environment,” affirms Alhaji Garba Abubakar, Registrar General of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). “We have made the process of registration easy, cheaper and accessible to everybody.” This has had the chain effect of providing foreign direct investment a reliable space in which it can comfortably unfold within the economy. “Nigeria is a credible investment destination for international investors and providers of FDI,” declares Alex Okoh, Director General and CEO of BPE. “As far as the investment destinations of Africa are concerned, Nigeria stands above all the other economies.” The AfCFTA will also open enormous opportunities for local and international investors. “The AfCFTA for me is a revolutionary decision of African leaders,” explains Adesola Adeduntan, CEO of First Bank. “Africa as a continent cannot develop without Nigeria. Roughly 20% of Africans are here. It&#8217;s a critical mass of people, with resources.” Indeed, opening trading borders will improve productivity, result in job creation and power Nigeria’s commitment to diversification.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“This year marks the 60th year of Independence of our country. It is a time of hope, optimism and fresh possibilities. We look forward as a nation to the opportunity to build on the foundations we have laid together on security, diversification of our economy and taking on the curse of corruption.” <cite>President Muhammadu Buhari</cite></blockquote>



As Africa’s largest oil exporter and home to the largest natural gas resources, Nigeria looks to boost its economy further by tapping into this great well of potential. Indeed, natural gas has the capacity to diversify and power industries and homes, create wealth and jobs and develop petrochemical industries. “Gas is a transition fuel for the whole world,” explains Mele Kolo Kyari, GMD of NNPC. “For our country, the quickest way to prosperity in industrial growth is through investment with gas. That will give us the cash we need to build the domestic market and allow the country to prosper.” The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) US$2.8 billion natural gas pipeline project is the single biggest gas pipeline project in Nigeria’s history and will boost domestic gas consumption, power generation and industrialisation by unlocking 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas to the domestic market while adding 3,600MW of power to the national grid.“We are very excited about AKK. Once the gas is here, we have plans to build more power stations and fertiliser production plants,” explains Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State. “It will open up great opportunities for industrialisation and the provision of electricity that is necessary for development.” In December 2019, with a view to diversify its power input, Nigeria also allocated N61 billion for the Nigeria Electrification Roadmap developed in partnership with Siemens AG.



President Buhari’s bold policies has placed diversification at centre stage with Nigeria expanding its economic reach through investment and involvement in a number of different sectors such as mining, agriculture, ICT and banking. “I keep telling people that Nigeria is going to be a centre for solutions for the continent,” declares Habeeb Okunola, CEO of TILT Group of companies. “It is going to be a hub.” Indeed, the potential of Nigeria’s abundant untapped mineral reserves has led President Buhari’s administration to set a target for the mining sector to contribute 3% of the nation’s GDP by 2025. “Nigeria has invested N50 billion to generate mining data, which is beginning to generate interest, and we are seeing the results,” declares Hon. Olamilekan Adegbite, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development. The government has also provided numerous initiatives to add value to the entire chain within the agricultural sector. “From every angle you look at it, Nigerian economy is an agriculture economy,” claims Hon. Sabo Nanono, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Agriculture employs about 70% of the population.”



The initiatives implemented blend sectors in a way that combine and evolve the sectors so that the next generation of young, tech-savvy entrepreneurs can become involved in the agriculture sector to create a better and sustainable future for Nigeria. &nbsp;With one of the fastest-growing population of youths in the world where the number of people aged between 18 and 40 years forms 65% of the Nigerian population, Nigeria’s youth population is indeed proving to be its most valuable asset. “Looking ahead, we shall consolidate on the gains in the agribusiness, capitalising on the growing profile in the sector, whilst also focusing on the youth market with increased investment in technology,” claims Oluwatomi Somefun, CEO and MD of Unity Bank Plc. “We have the talent in Nigeria,” affirms Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General and CEO of National Information Technology Agency (NITDA). “We are building the infrastructure in terms of the digital infrastructure and the recent ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area will open up the market. Nigeria&#8217;s startups will capture Africa.” The role women are playing is also shaping Nigeria’s future as they take on important leadership roles in the country. “I am conscious of the fact that my actions are not just limited to me “but affect the perception and opportunity of any young woman.” explains Hadiza Bala Usman, MD of NPA.



Diversification solidifies an economy, and this proves to be true as Nigeria has again surpassed South Africa as an economic power. “Nigeria is the biggest market on the continent,” declares Hon. Babtunde Raji Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing. “She is the diamond of the continent and the best kept secret from investors. Today, Africa’s diamond is not only celebrating its Diamond Jubilee but the consolidation of a legacy of hope and prosperity for all future generations.

Author: Penresa

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA