Africa’s GDP is expected to reach USD 29 trillion by 2050 and will exceed the combined GDP of the U. S. and Eurozone for 2012. Africa does not only consist of raw materials and agricultural resources, but also has rapid population growth as well as huge untapped opportunities for industrialization, electrification, and the development of logistics. These are all growth points, but they also have risk components, especially at the initial stage. In addition, the education industry is booming in Africa, while the share of the middle class and the availability of financial and telecommunication services is relatively high. Many countries have already been down this path, but whose experience will be the most applicable and effective, and for whom?

The discussion will include the following panellists: President of the Republic of Seychelles Danny Faure, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Kenya Monica Juma, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco Mohcine Jazouli, Minister of Investment Promotion, Public and Private Partnership Responsible for Improving the Business Climate of the Gabonese Republic Jean-Fidele Otandault, Qalaa Holdings Founder and Chairman of the Executive Board Ahmed Heikal, CalBank Limited CEO and Managing Director Frank Adu Jr., Naspers Group CEO Bob van Dijk, and Rwanda Mines Petroleum and Gas Board CEO Francis Gatare. The session will be moderated by Renaissance Capital Global Chief Economist Charles Robertson.

Interest in investing in regions with rapidly growing economies is especially acute given the slowing production growth around the world. “North Africa is geographically and historically close to Europe and is now ready for industrial development. East Africa is close to the developed countries of Asia and is also steadily trying to catch up with them. We are all well aware of South Africa’s strong positions, and West African countries feature a higher average literacy rate. Economic growth as a result of the industrialization of East Asia has been explosive and swept over the region for many decades – in fact, it has yet to end. And a lot of people regret that they did not get in on the ground floor. Egypt is vying for the title holder in terms of industrialization for the coming decade. You need to seize the moment and see who will be next,” Robertson said.

The Russia–Africa Summit and Economic Forum will take place on 23–24 October in Sochi at the Sirius Park of Science and Art. The events are being organized by the Roscongress Foundation, and the co-organizers of the Russia–Africa Economic Forum are Russian Export Center and Afreximbank.

Reference:

The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of international conventions, exhibitions, and public events.

The Roscongress Foundation was founded in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, and helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.

Each year, the Foundation’s events draw participants from 206 countries and territories, with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by more than 2,500 people working in Russia and abroad. In addition, it works in close cooperation with economic partners from 94 countries worldwide.

www.roscongress.org