Invest Africa Insights

Central Africa enters 2026 with cautious optimism. During this webinar, speakers reflected on an uneven but improving growth outlook, with aggregate GDP expected to rise from around 3.2% in 2025 to approximately 3.4% in 2026, supported by stabilising oil prices, renewed infrastructure investment and gradual diversification beyond extractive sectors.The Central Africa Regional Outlook 2026 Webinar explored how the region can strengthen fiscal stability and build resilience amid ongoing global uncertainty. The discussion focused on several core themes:Natural resources and diversification: Panellists examined how oil-dependent economies such as Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville and Equatorial Guinea are seeking to balance energy exports with investment in agribusiness, timber and manufacturing to reduce exposure to commodity cycles.Infrastructure and regional connectivity: The session highlighted the importance of transport and energy corridors across the Congo Basin and the CEMAC region, including cross-border roads, energy interconnectors and digital infrastructure, in supporting trade and market access.Monetary stability and fiscal reform: Speakers discussed the role of the CFA franc peg in maintaining currency stability, alongside the need for stronger public finance management and improved domestic revenue mobilisation to address persistent fiscal pressures.Private sector and investment climate: The conversation also explored ongoing reforms in markets such as Cameroon, the DRC and Chad, and how better governance, transparency and regional cooperation can help unlock greater investor confidence.Overall, the webinar considered how Central Africa can better leverage its natural resource base, enhance infrastructure integration and deepen structural reform to attract sustainable investment and support more inclusive growth.Speakers:Olga Marysa Akin-Dina, Head of West & Central AfricaRodrigo Manso, Chief Executive Officer, Mitrelli

West Africa is at a strategic inflection point as the region transitions from commodity-led growth toward more diversified investment models. With GDP growth of 4.5% forecast for 2025, the discussion examined how this momentum can be carried into 2026 and beyond.The 2026 West Africa Regional Outlook Webinar explored how value creation can be scaled across key sectors including agriculture, manufacturing and energy. Speakers discussed the implications of new oil and gas producers such as Senegal and Niger coming online, and how upstream and midstream development is reshaping regional supply chains.The conversation also focused on agribusiness and local processing, highlighting the importance of infrastructure, capital and regulatory reform in moving from raw output to higher-value production. Trade integration and logistics were examined through the ECOWAS framework, with emphasis on unlocking regional corridors across ports, rail and digital infrastructure.Finally, panellists addressed currency risk and financing challenges, sharing perspectives on innovative financing structures, de-risking mechanisms and PPP models tailored to West African markets. Throughout the session, experts evaluated how the region’s demographic and resource advantages can be converted into resilient growth and sustainable investment returns.Moderator:Bola Tinubu, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper Africa, NigeriaSpeakers:Oludamilare Adesola, Associate Director, Control RisksRazia Khan, Chief Economist & Head of Research, Africa & Middle East, Standard Chartered

East Africa continues to lead Africa’s growth story. In this webinar, panellists discussed how GDP growth across the region rose from around 4.4% in 2024 to approximately 5.3% in 2025, with projections pointing toward further acceleration to around 6.1% in 2026.The session brought together regional and global perspectives to examine the key structural drivers and risks shaping East Africa’s high-growth outlook. Discussions explored the role of large-scale infrastructure investment in improving regional connectivity and trade flows across markets such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.Panellists also examined the transformation of agribusiness and value chains, the region’s growing appeal for renewable and low-carbon energy investment, and the opportunities and constraints created by East Africa’s youthful population and expanding consumer base. The conversation further addressed debt sustainability, macroeconomic imbalances and governance challenges, highlighting why credible partnerships and strong project structuring remain essential for investors.Overall, the webinar focused on how East Africa can convert its demographic, infrastructure and connectivity advantages into sustained, inclusive growth and long-term investment opportunity.Moderator:Jason van der Poel, Partner, Webber WentzelSpeakers:Robert Hutchinson, Global Head of Corporate Risk, Castor ValiHejilamanee Padachi, Senior Economist, Mauritius Commercial Bank

North Africa remains a critical economic gateway between Europe, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa, with the region’s growth projected to reach 3.9% in 2026, up from 3.6% in 2025.The North Africa Regional Outlook 2026 will convened experts to examine how the region can serve as both an investment frontier and a manufacturing-export hub. Key focus areas:Diversification beyond hydrocarbons: With energy prices volatile and decarbonisation gaining traction, North Africa is accelerating renewables, logistics, manufacturing and digital-services growth.Gateway and trade hub potential: Strategically located, North Africa offers ports, transport infrastructure and industrial zones that can link Europe, Africa and the Middle East.Industrial policy and manufacturing ecosystems: Special economic zones, incentives and regional value-chain strategies (e.g., in automotive, electronics, agro-processing) are gaining momentum.Political & reform risk balance: Though the investment case is strong, challenges around governance, regulatory clarity and fiscal sustainability persist, making structuring and local partnerships vital.This webinar evaluates how North Africa can capitalise on its macro and logistical advantage to host resilient and export-oriented growth stories.

Amid intensifying global geopolitical competition and economic realignment, US - Africa relations, and the continent’s importance to Washington’s foreign policy and American investment is becoming a key focus. This is underlined by the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS), which calls for a “transition from an aid-focused relationship with Africa to a trade- and investment-focused relationship”, highlighting opportunities in strategically vital sectors such as energy and critical minerals development. As capital increasingly aligns with strategic priorities, join Invest Africa for a timely webinar, convening leading experts to examine the key drivers behind Washington’s evolving approach to the continent, and the implications of a shifting world order for trade, investment, and commercial opportunity across Africa.Featuring Aubrey Hruby, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and Co-Founder of Tofino Capital, Bethany Aquilina Brez, Acting Vice President of the Office of Foreign Policy at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Fanta Conde, Partner at CrossBoundary, Scott Eisner, Senior Vice President of BGR Group and Admassu Tadesse, Group President & Managing Director at the Trade & Development Bank, the discussion explored the U.S.–Africa intersection of geopolitics, capital flows, key sectors and opportunities, and private-sector engagement.Our panel offered practical insights on navigating Washington and beyond, helped unpack evolving risk and opportunity, and identified effective strategies for U.S. investors and companies to engage Africa and drive sustainable partnerships for growth and economic development.

Southern Africa entered 2026 in a complex terrain: while growth remained modest, regional GDP was projected to rise from 3.0% in 2025 to approximately 3.1% by 2026.The 2026 Southern Africa Regional Outlook Webinar brought together Lydia Shadrach-Razzino, Partner & Head of Corporate M&A Practice at Baker McKenzie, Rufaro Mapanda, Head of Equity Trading at Absa, and Mulenga Mutati, CEO & Head Actuary at Gralix Holdings, to explore how the region could break through structural constraints and elevate its growth trajectory.Key themes discussed included:Mining, manufacturing and industrial hubs: Against the backdrop of the global shift to clean energy, the discussion highlighted how rising demand for critical minerals, localised manufacturing and downstream processing presented new opportunities, particularly in South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.Energy reform and transition: The webinar examined how chronic power and infrastructure bottlenecks had constrained growth, and emphasised the importance of utility reform, renewable energy deployment and unlocking cross-border energy trade.Regional integration and trade corridors: Panellists explored how improved transport, port and logistics infrastructure could unlock growth by linking landlocked countries to key trade gateways and strengthening regional value chains.Governance, fiscal and currency risk: The session addressed persistent challenges such as high public debt, policy uncertainty and currency depreciation, focusing on building resilience, improving investor confidence and managing risk.The webinar focused on how Southern Africa could convert reform momentum and private-sector engagement into tangible investment outcomes.

Africa Face to Face brings together Sanjeev Gupta, Invest Africa Advisory Board Member, and Lanre Akinola, Programme & Content Lead Consultant at Invest Africa, for candid conversations with the leaders shaping Africa’s investment and policy landscape. Produced by our media partner, CNBC Africa, the series explores the continent’s most pressing opportunities and challenges, offering clear, informed perspectives that cut through outdated narratives.

One hundred days into Donald Trump’s second term, U.S.-Africa relations stand at a critical juncture. Early signals point to a blend of unpredictability, transactional diplomacy, and shifting strategic priorities—raising pressing questions about the future of trade and investment between the two regions. While the administration has yet to articulate a coherent Africa strategy, several key developments were already shaping the landscape.Uncertainty looms over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), while diplomatic tensions with key partners such as South Africa threatens to disrupt longstanding ties. At the same time, there were early signs of a more sustained U.S. focus on the continent. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) appeared poised for an expanded mandate, and senior appointments suggested a growing emphasis on African expertise within key government agencies.This timely webinar brought together experts from the worlds of policy, business, and diplomacy to examine the administration’s early moves and what they signal for Africa’s investment climate. Speakers explored whether the U.S. was likely to adopt a more strategic, long-term approach—or whether Africa would remain on the margins of American foreign policy. The discussion also addressed investor expectations around trade policy, financing mechanisms, and broader geopolitical engagement.This conversation offers an in-depth look at the evolving direction of U.S.-Africa relations, and the opportunities—and risks—that lie ahead.Speakers:- Jonny Gass, Research & Strategic Planning Manager, Invest Africa- Aubrey Hruby, Senior Fellow, Africa Centre, Atlantic Council- Cameron Hudson, Former White House Director for African Affairs; Senior Fellow, Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS)- Gyude Moore, Former Minster of Public Works, Liberia; Senior Fellow, Centre for Global Development

As part of The Payments Exchange series in collaboration with Crown Agents Bank, this episode brings you a critical discussion adapted from a recent webinar. On July 29, 2024, the Ethiopian Central Bank made a historic decision to float the Birr. This episode explores the potential impacts on Ethiopia’s trade and investment landscape, foreign exchange dynamics, and how businesses and international organisations can navigate these significant changes and capitalise on this transformative moment for Ethiopia. Featuring: Barkot Tekle, Head of Central & Development Banks, Emerging Market Financial Institutions at Crown Agents Bank Duncan Keil, Chief Executive Officer at ICAP Africa Zemedeneh Negatu, Global Chairman at Fairfax Africa Fund & Invest Africa Advisory Board Member Patricia Rodrigues, Associate Director at Control Risks

At the end of May, South Africans went to the polls for national and provincial elections that marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. After more than two decades of waning voter support, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the National Assembly. This historic change for a party that has held unitary control over the executive branch since the first racially inclusive post-apartheid elections in 1994. In this recent vote, however, the ANC secured just 40% of the national vote and 159 out of 400 seats in the National Assembly. This necessitated the formation of a coalition government, wherein the ANC retains 20 out of 32 cabinet posts, the Democratic Alliance holds 6, and the remaining portfolios are shared among smaller parties (click here to see the new National Executive). To delve into what this historic election and the new coalition government mean for investors and businesses operating in and around South Africa, Ipeleng Selele, Chairperson of Brand South Africa; Seamus Duggan, Director for Global Risk Analysis at Control Risks; and Jeff Gable, Chief Economist at Absa, share their insights on the election results, new cabinet, and the challenges and opportunities for investors and businesses created by this new political landscape in South Africa.

Welcome to the first episode of The Payments Exchange mini-series. Over the course of four episodes, we will explore the payments ecosystem across the African continent with Crown Agents Bank and a guest expert. In this episode, Chris Partridge, VP & Head of Bank and Non-Bank Financial institutions at Crown Agents Bank, and Mark O'Sullivan, CEO of IPT Africa dive into the dynamic landscape of payment systems in Africa, highlighting the current trends and challenges shaping the industry and its prospects. From mobile money to digital wallets, they uncover the key factors driving change and discuss the implications for businesses, consumers, and policymakers.

In this podcast, we explore the evolving risk landscape in Africa and its impact on trade, investment, and gender. Genevieve Ahinful, Head of Political Risk and Trade Credit at Africa Specialty Risks, and Tokunboh Ishmael, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Alitheia Capital, discuss changing perceptions, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges for investors, and the need for companies to implement a gender-focused approach to their overall strategy.

In 2024, Africa grapples with a complex landscape, encompassing supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the persistent impact of COVID-19, rising inflation, and conflicts in the Middle East. Amidst these challenges, African nations are urged to leverage industrialisation opportunities, potentially catapulting the continent's GDP by 20%. Anticipating economic growth, countries like Angola and Mozambique are poised for a 6.2% expansion in 2024, surpassing the previous year's trajectory. Mozambique stands as the 16th fastest-growing economy, engaging in ongoing debt restructuring talks. While most African nations expect a relief from inflationary pressures, Angola and São Tomé and Principe may continue grappling with double-digit inflation, primarily driven by elevated oil prices. Lusophone countries, navigating the delicate balance between revenue generation from fossil fuels and the imperative to transition to clean energy, spotlight Mozambique's focus on Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) projects. Mozambique positions itself as a significant player in the global LNG market, seizing heightened demand amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Africa's second-largest oil producer, Angola aspires to achieve 80% renewable power by 2025. Recent market reforms attract a diverse spectrum of investors, marking a departure from Chinese dominance to include Japanese, Middle Eastern, and European stakeholders. Even in island jurisdictions like Cape Verde and São Tomé and Principe, the imperative to transition to clean energy is evident. São Tomé sets an ambitious target of increasing the proportion of renewable energy to 50% by 2023, focusing on solar and hydro projects. Overcoming the current dependence on imported diesel for 90% of its energy, São Tomé and Principe envisions a sustainable energy future that yields inclusive growth. The investment landscape in Lusophone countries is encouraging, with international investors increasingly showing a willingness to support pivotal projects. This growing confidence within the investment community bodes well for the energy transition and overall economic development in these strategic markets.

In 2024, Africa is set to be the second-fastest growing major region, with most countries experiencing accelerated economic growth compared to 2023. East Africa, led by Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, is poised to be at the forefront, contributing to Africa's real GDP increase from 2.6% in 2023 to 3.2%. However, political risks may rise due to elections in some major African economies. Following prominent multilateral events in 2023, including the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, Africa's vulnerability to climate change has gained greater attention. East Africa lags in meeting its $739.4 billion regional target for climate-resilient development by 2030, impacted by factors like drought and conflicts affecting growth in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Although renewable energy investments have driven recent growth, more efforts are needed to meet the region's escalating energy access demands, and build climate-resilient infrastructure to support the region’s growing population. Intra-African trade stands at 13%, significantly lower than the EU’s 60%. As a key member of the East African Community, Tanzania, strategically located on the Indian Ocean, aims to enhance regional integration, boosting intra-African trade. The moderinisation of the Port of Dar es Salaam will play a crucial role in facilitating trade with landlocked countries in the region like Uganda and Rwanda, ensuring that they are “land-linked”. Despite numerous tailwinds, including sustained economic growth, economic diversification, increased regional integration, and favourable demographics, East Africa’s promising growth potential calls for continued investment in the region’s infrastructure. Addressing the current challenges of poor infrastructure, which adds between 30% to 40% to the costs of goods traded among African countries, will further enhance the region’s positive trajectory and capitalise on the favourable conditions to yield inclusive growth.

The economic dynamics and political landscape within the framework of Africa’s North markets for the 2024 fiscal year present a nuanced scenario.  The growth in North Africa is estimated to have decreased by 1.3 percentage points to 4.1 percent in 2022. This decline was attributed to the sharp contraction in Libya, accounting for 6 percent of the region’s GDP, and the impact of drought in Morocco, constituting 13 percent of the region’s GDP. A more robust growth trajectory is anticipated in 2023–24, averaging 4.5 percent. This resurgence is underpinned by a strong recovery in both Libya and Morocco, along with the consolidation of gains in other countries.   In contrast, Egypt’s growth almost doubled from 3.3% in 2021 to 6.1% in 2022 due to greater investments in infrastructure, higher gas production and increased vessel traffic through the Suez Canal.   Among the major North African markets, Morocco is poised to experience one of the most substantial rates of growth acceleration after a pronounced slowdown resulting from drought, escalating energy prices, and a deceleration of growth in the EU, its primary trading partner. Morocco's GDP is projected to expand by over 3.1% this year, a significant improvement from the 0.8% recorded in 2022. North Africa holds immense potential to meet its energy needs and act as an alternative source for the EU’s oil and gas requirements particularly in Libya and Algeria, given its proximity to Europe and the EU’s shift away from Russia’s oil and gas.   However, concerns persist regarding the quality of growth and its sustainability in the future. Sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed an upsurge in attempts to destabilise governments through unconstitutional or violent means in recent years. Coups, violent extremism, riots, and social unrest have become more prevalent. The region remains susceptible to significant challenges, including climate shocks and the volatile political situation in Libya.  While pockets of economic resilience exist, the region confronts notable challenges related to political stability and the long-term sustainability of economic growth. Addressing these challenges will be pivotal in fostering a more stable and prosperous future in North Africa’s markets. 

Southern Africa’s regional economic performance in 2023 compares unfavourably to that of other sub-regions, with growth slowing to 3.3% from 4% in 2022. The outlook for 2024 is uncertain due to the Southern Africa region remaining subject to significant downside risks. Over the 2023-2024 period, six Southern African countries (Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) will hold presidential and/or parliamentary elections. These elections could exert upward pressure on wages and public spending, challenging fiscal discipline and the implementation of bold structural reforms.   Nevertheless, the continent has shown resilience despite significant shocks. Southern Africa’s overall outlook for 2024 remains cautiously optimistic, with growth expected to rebound to 4%. This growth is set to be broad-based, with top performers for the fiscal year likely to include Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Zambia.   Despite grappling with high debt distress, exceeding 104% of GDP, Zambia’s GDP has consistently grown over the last two years. Zambia is poised to experience an improved macroeconomic environment, driven by a strengthened mining policy and a more reliable electricity supply. The Mauritian economy is projected to grow by 5% in 2023 and 4.2% in 2024, spearheaded by the tourism sector. Nevertheless, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, coupled with higher living costs in Europe, will lead to greater monetary tightening. Struggles with a power, logistics, and growth crisis have impacted South Africa’s public finances. South Africa’s medium-term outlook remains dim, but vital reforms are gaining traction.  

The economic dynamics and political landscape in the context of Africa’s Francophone markets for the 2024 fiscal year paint a complex picture. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the largest intra-African trading nation; its share of total African trade increased by 35.7% from $12.19 bn in 2021 to $16.53 bn in 2022. This is largely a result of government commitments to regional integration and strengthening cooperation across the continent. Cote d’Ivoire also stands out as a critical contributor to intra-African trade, with the country’s short and medium-term economic outlook remaining positive, albeit slightly below pre-COVID-19 levels. Among the major Francophone markets, Morocco is expected to enjoy one of the strongest rates of growth acceleration following a sharp slowdown caused by drought, rising energy prices and growth deceleration in the EU, its main trading partner. Morocco’s GDP is forecast to expand by more than 3.1% this year, up significantly from the 0.8% recorded in 2022. Still, the quality of growth and its sustainability in the future remains a matter of concern. Sub-Saharan Africa has witnessed an increased incidence of attempts to destabilize governments by unconstitutional or violent means in recent years. Coups, violent extremism, riots, and social unrest have become more commonplace. Ongoing conflicts, contested elections, and economic challenges have caused instability in countries like Chad and Burkina Faso. The upcoming presidential election scheduled for the DRC on December 20th 2023 will be a flashpoint for instability. While there are pockets of economic resilience, the region faces notable challenges related to political stability and the long-term sustainability of economic growth. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for fostering a more stable and prosperous future in Africa’s Francophone markets.

From supply chain disruptions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the lingering effects of COVID-19 to increased inflation and interest rates, and recent conflicts in the Middle East,  2024 is sure to bring a multitude of challenges and opportunities to Africa. However, against this backdrop of polycrisis, African countries have been urged to seize the opportunity presented with industrialisation which could see the continent’s GDP grow by 20%. While growth in West Africa slowed to 3.6% in 2022 from 4.4% in 2021, it is projected to pick up in the medium term, reaching 4.1% in 2023 and accelerating to 4.3% in 2024. Senegal stands out as an exemplary economy, with IMF projecting the West African republic to grow at a record rate of 10.6% in 2024, the highest rate since independence. Nigeria remains the most populous country on the continent, emphasising the continued need to diversify its economy and maximise renewable energy strategies. With regards to technology, Mobile Money services have made more inroads in Africa than in any other region, with West African countries, namely Senegal, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire leading the way, indicating the need and desire to leapfrog traditional financial infrastructure.  Nevertheless, despite increased efforts to boost trade between countries on the continent, Africa trades far more with other countries than with itself. Increasing intra-Africa trade in 2024 will be critical to accelerate sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the sub-region and continent as a whole. Building partnerships that enable joint ventures and ensure local buy-in will be a priority for both the public and private sectors looking to further unlock Africa’s value-chain.

To celebrate International Women’s Day throughout the month of March, Invest Africa has been hosting a podcast series #WinningWomenInAfrica to promote inspirational African female industry leaders. #WinningWomeninAfrica will feature a weekly podcast, where our selected female industry leaders will reveal their path to establishing success, the challenges they encountered, and how women’s empowerment in Africa can be enhanced. Africa and the Middle East are the leading regions for the proportion of female CEOs, with Africa having the highest proportion of female board members globally at nearly 15%. Africa ranks second for the share of women-founded companies. Although global prosperity is more evenly distributed now than at any other point in history, there remains a staggering imbalance between men and women in the financial sector. According to the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, women-owned businesses face an estimated $1.7 trillion shortfall in access to finance. Dr Ngozi Erondu is a trained infectious disease epidemiologist with 15 years of experience working to improve health systems and global health governance. Her policy expertise includes strengthening regional leadership in pandemic preparedness and health security governance reform.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Invest Africa hosts a podcast series throughout March #WinningWomeninAfrica to recognise inspirational African females. #WinningWomeninAfrica will feature a weekly podcast, where our selected female industry leaders will reveal their path to establishing success, the challenges they encountered, and how women’s empowerment in Africa can be enhanced. Africa and the Middle East are the leading regions for the proportion of female CEOs, with Africa having the highest proportion of female board members globally at nearly 15%. Africa ranks second for the share of women-founded companies. Although global prosperity is more evenly distributed now than at any other point in history, there remains a staggering imbalance between men and women in the financial sector. According to the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, women-owned businesses face an estimated $1.7 trillion shortfall in access to finance. Yemi is at the forefront of digital transformation to tackle business and social problems and is recognised as one of the leading Women in Technology in Nigeria and an inspiration for many