Have you ever wondered why, despite the obstacles that the African continent faces in comparison to other continents, it continues to be an appealing investment destination for countries, organizations, and individuals?
The explanation is not far-fetched; as a developing economy aiming to become developed, Africa offers the world numerous prospects and benefits that entice investors.
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This article will provide you with an overview of some of the numerous benefits that await investors on the African continent both now and in the near future.
Natural Resources are readily available
From the north to the east and the west to the south of Africa, immense deposits of human resources such as arable land, minerals, oil, and gas can be investigated for industrial and commercialization reasons in massive quantities in the mining, energy, and agricultural sectors.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, Africa is home to 40% of the world’s gold deposits and 30% of its mineral reserves, which include large supply of uranium, diamonds, and iron.
Furthermore, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that Africa will become a key source of green energy, producing the equivalent of 67% of the world’s electricity by 2030. Solar and wind sources, among others, are abundant in other locations that can be harnessed for renewable energy as the globe turns green and addresses climate change challenges.
In terms of agriculture, Africa offers vast tracts of fertile land with the potential for as many food and cash crops to be cultivated, which would not only help to food security in Africa but also boost investor trust due to the continent’s essential need for food security.
Overall, the availability of these tools provides an opportunity for investors to plan, prepare, and establish a strategy for the success of their investments.
The population of Young People
When we say Africa is endowed with resources, we don’t simply mean natural resources; the continent is also endowed with vast and skilled people resources, particularly among its young population.
Africa is expected to have a population of roughly 2.5 billion people by 2050, implying a large consumer base for various investments and services in numerous areas. The demography is advantageous to investors since it is thought to serve as a motivator to help deploy the best of hands needed for specific investments due to the availability of human resources.
With almost 60% of the African population in their youth, the continent can boast of the best abilities required to fuel progress, as a youthful population results in an excess of labor.
Because of their effect on products and services, the young demographics also constitute a type of economic power capable of influencing corporate growth and creating profits for investors.
Exceptional Return on Investment
The primary goal of any investor in the world is to make money, and this is one of the benefits of investing in Africa.
According to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the African continent could become the most profitable region in the world for foreign direct investment (FDI), with a rate of return of 14%, compared to a global average of 7.1%, just as the International Monetary Fund, IMF, predicted that Africa’s growth prospects will be among the highest in the world in the near future.
These only serve to demonstrate that, despite the hazards of investing on the continent, investors may expect profit and growth in their firms.
Trade treaties and incentives
African governments have trade agreements and incentives in place to encourage foreign investment and help businesses develop, both collectively and individually.
Tax holidays, tax credits, investment allowances, tax exemptions, subsidies, export expansion grants, export development funds, double taxation reliefs, and investment promotion and protection agreements, for example, are some of the available investment incentives with guided terms and conditions in Nigeria.
The incentives, in conjunction with numerous economic treaties and agreements, assist in decreasing trade barriers and create a more hospitable investment environment, which has previously helped grow businesses and provide higher profits.
Digitization and technological advancements
Though the African tech industry is not at its peak, it is experiencing sustained digital growth and improved penetration. As technology becomes more prevalent in many aspects of life, investors will have more options to invest in industries such as telecommunications, fintech, healthcare, and, indeed, any other sector.
If there is one thing that every African country is currently advocating, it is the digitization of their economy, the realization of which is expected to open up new development potential for investors.
Status as an Emerging Market
As previously indicated, Africa is an emerging continent aiming to achieve developed status. In doing so, African governments have developed a number of agendas and policies that have resulted in recent economic progress.
Investors that enter the continent at this time are projected to benefit greatly because emerging markets are strategic in terms of boosting trade volumes and profitability opportunities, as well as improving the opportunity for diversification for investors in a stable environment.
Due to the growing structure of the economy, there is also the prospect that Africa’s rising middle-class population would lead to increased demand for consumer products and services, which investors might capitalize on to reap the potential advantages inherent in consumer spending.
Furthermore, because the economy is still in its early stages, investors stand to profit from lower overall portfolio risk because African markets are less connected with developed markets.
Infrastructure Improvement
It is well recognized that Africa has a significant infrastructure gap that requires immediate attention. According to the African Development Bank, Africa will require up to $170 billion a year starting in 2025 to modernize its infrastructure, with two-thirds of that going toward new infrastructure and the other one-third going toward upkeep.
As the demand for enhanced infrastructure grows, the industry offers a feasible investment opportunity. While the continent’s infrastructure deficit may appear to be a challenge, it actually benefits investors with large resources who can invest in the continent’s infrastructure because investing in Africa’s infrastructure provides stable, low-risk predictable cash flows as well as competitive long-term returns.
Without a doubt, Africa is strategically positioned to be a game-changer in the world, with widespread support. While it strives to be a front-runner, investors from all over the world, both private and public, must look beyond the immediate issues facing the continent to the inherent potentials and long-term advantages of constructing a wealthy continent where all may prosper.