Page 5 - AI MAG NEW TEST EXPORT

MESSAGE FROM THE
BOARDROOM

This is a great time to reflect on all that has happened in the past year and
to look forward to all those things that this year might bring about. This
year seems to have some optimism for Africa’s economy as growth in sub-
Saharan Africa is projected to increase between 3.3% and 3.5%.

MR HUBERT Despite tepid near-term growth prospects, FocusEconomics analysts expect the economy
DANSO to emerge from recession. Last-ditch fiscal stimulus is likely to lift economic sentiment ahead

MANAGING EDITOR & CEO of this year’s elections and should serve to stoke household spending and fixed investment.
Amid worsening economic and political anxieties, however, the possibility of additional credit-
AFRICA INVESTOR GROUP
rating downgrades will remain a key downside risk. Medium-term growth prospects are being
weighed down by concerns over fiscal slippage and the inadequate pace of structural reforms.
FocusEconomics analysts expect growth of 1.7% in 2019, down 0.1 percentage points from last
month’s forecast, and 2.1% in 2020.

Growth is seen strengthening this year against the backdrop of rising oil production following
The Africa Investor a significant ramp-up in infrastructure investment in recent years. Moreover, softer inflation
Advisory Board and improved exchange rate liquidity should sustain domestic demand dynamics in 2019.
Political uncertainty and downside risks related to the 2019 election cloud the outlook, however,
FocusEconomics panelists see GDP increasing 2.6% in 2019, down 0.1 percentage points
DR ALHAJI BAMANGA TUKUR from last month’s estimate, and 3.0% in 2020. Looking into trade, East Africa will strengthen
Chair, NEPAD Business Group and regional integration through AfCFTA. The implementation of AfCFTA will create opportunities
Executive President, African Business
Roundtable (ABR) to consolidate domestic markets, strengthen regional value chains and enhance export
MR HUBERT DANSO competitiveness.
Chief Executive Officer &
Chairman, Africa Investor
MR ARNOLD EKPE
Former Group CEO, Ecobank Group
MR MARK MOBIUS
Executive Chairman, Franklin
Templeton Investments, Templeton
Emerging Markets Group

MR JIM O’NEILL
Former Chairman, Goldman Sachs,
Asset Management

MR JEAN-LOUIS EKRA
Former President, African
Export-Import Bank
MR GEOFFREY LIPMAN
Former Assistant Secretary General,
UNWTO
DR KEN KWAKU
Special Advisor to Former
President Mkapa
MS ARUNMA OTEH
Former Vice President and Tresurer,
The World Bank
MR YAW SARPONG
Associate Director of Investment
Banking, Ai Capital
MR RAFAEL STONE
Partner, Foster Pepper PLLC Subscribe to Africa’s leading source of investment reports on
markets, latest news and sector updates to ensure you’re an
DR THABANE informed Africa investor.
VINCENT MAPHAI
Former Chairman, BHP Billiton Enhance your investment knowledge, performance,
DR EDWARD ODUNDO competitiveness and market fact base, for
operational decision-making at a continental level.
Former President, International
Organization of Pensions Supervisors
(IOPS)