News
Qatar feels the pressure
The football World Cup is coming to Qatar and bringing with it an even greater demographic imbalance. Only around 15% of the roughly 2 million population in Qatar are nationals and the bulk of the rest are foreign males aged between 20-49 years. The build up to the World Cup in 2022 will see major development projects intensify and exacerbate the demographic imbalance, already something of a sore spot for locals. The authorities are not too concerned about rumblings of public discontent in the short-term, and instead are focussed on...
read moreCongo (Dem Rep) can be tempting
The Democratic Republic of Congo is clearly a risky place to do business but companies continue to be attracted by its vast and varied natural resources and are increasingly drawn to growth opportunities beyond the mining sector. The government has ambitious development plans, which would receive a boost if on-going discussions with neighbouring countries can find a way to bring peace to the conflict ridden eastern...
read moreRwanda open for business
The government of Rwanda has a clear focus on turning this small landlocked country into a regional service and trade hub, the Singapore of Africa. There is a long way to go for the government to achieve its Vision 2020 plans, but progress from the internal strife that led to genocide in 1994 has been remarkable. These days the country is amongst the world’s most improved business environments and tops the African rankings in part thanks to political stability, strong institutions and a distinct lack of...
read moreNigeria on the move
The widespread flooding of 2012 highlighted the logistics nightmare that companies can face in shipping goods around the country. Poor infrastructure, seasonal flooding and security concerns create a difficult business environment, but one that is highly attractive to many firms which are drawn to the country’s immense growth potential. Nigeria’s huge population mean that even ‘small’ pockets of wealth are too good to...
read moreSouth African land reforms
The government is treading a fine line in attempting to tackle the contentious issue of land reform and redistribution in South Africa. The government is keen to avoid unsettling investors, whilst trying to correct for the imbalances that arose under apartheid. This situation will get more politically charged as we approach the national elections in 2014, which could see the emergence of more populist policy and land reform will be high up the priority...
read moreMorocco’s renewable future
Morocco has kicked off its renewable energy plans with a lot resting on wind and solar power investments that are financed through foreign capital. In 2013, concrete steps have been taken to shore up project development partners and funding that the country hopes will reduce its dependence on imported fuels and open the way for energy exports to Europe. The government has a tough task to keep its investors happy and wider society engaged to make its long-term plans a...
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