Afribiz: Business & Investment in Africa

While the global economic crisis hit the travel and tourism industry hard, Africa had quite a positive picture. In fact, it was the only region that grew in 2009. And the long-term picture for the market is excellent. Edward Bergman, Executive Director of Africa Travel Association, joins us to share the outlook on tourism in Africa based on the "State of Tourism in Africa" report.

The stories of successful African entrepreneurs are endless, but were not widely told until TV personality, media guru, and entrepreneur - Moky Makura - wrote the book, "Africa's Greatest Entrepreneurs." And now with the launch of a new book, "South Africa's Greatest Entrepreneurs," Moky joins us to share about some of Africa's great entrepreneurs and things she has learned from being an entrepreneur, author, publisher, and media personality.

As we enter the fall season of AfribizTalk, we will be taking a closer look at ecosystems that help businesses succeed in Africa. Today, we will look at an Israeli ICT business delegation's recent experience in Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Their experience can help others learn how to leverage business delegations. Yonathan Sabban of the Israeli Ministry of Industry and Trade, Philipe Mosbacher of Spacecom, and Israel Koffman of Runcom join us for this discussion.

The East African Community became a common market on July 1 this year. It has over 130 million people making it a market size similar to Nigeria. While the integration is ongoing, businesses and investors are beginning to ask where are the opportunities they can tap even now. Economists Adrian Njau and Charles Yegella from the East Africa Business Council (EABC) join us to share insights into this vibrant African region.

Many African countries have vast potential in agriculture, but still significant gaps in the value chain. This show brings up the topic of agricultural growth corridors as a way to catalyze the agricultural sector and provide business and investment opportunities. We are joined by Arne Cartridege of the African Green Revolution Forum and Sean de Cleene of Yara International.

This segment is the third installment of our review of the "State of ICT Markets in Africa." Guy Zibi, President of AfricaNext, joins us again to share some insights.

This segment continues the discussion of the G8/G20 Toronto meetings as they related to business and investment in Africa and emerging markets in general. Nwakego Eyisi, who covered the meetings for Afribiz, will join us again to share her insights.

As the World Cup draws to a close, what's next for South Africa? Actually, more of the same thing - business. As attested to by our guests on the show today, Jose Cusnir of Softex and Robert Janssen of Outsource Brazil, business opportunities and flows are growing between Brazil and South Africa. Jose and Robert will share their experiences with doing business in South Africa from a Brazilian perspective, focusing on the ICT sector.

This segment allows us to take an inside look at how IBM develops its professionals for the global economy. Kevin Thompson and Mat Osicki share their experiences with the Corporate Service Corps program. Mat shares her own personal story in Nigeria and how that created a passion for the country and the people.

The G8/G20 leaders gathered a few weeks ago in Toronto. While the heads of states met, there was a range of business related meetings contributing to the discussion at the G8/G20. Nwakego Eyisi covered both arenas for Afribiz. She is going to share insights from the field, particularly those that impact business and investment in Africa.

Do you know how much wealth potential there is in Africa? Africa is actually a wealth engine not a poverty engine. A certain number of multinationals, entrepreneurs, and investors have known this for years, but this seems to be still a little known fact overall. The Africa Wealth Cheque Report, by Africa investor and The Africa Group, gives a picture of the assets of Africa. Matthew Thompson of The Africa Group joins us to discuss the interesting insights they uncovered in their research.

Join us for another segment of The State of ICT Markets in Africa for a look at West Africa. Guy Zibi, President of AfricaNext, will share insights into the region and key markets in West Africa.

Kenya is known for its travel and tourism industry, but other industries are thriving as well. The cut flower industry in Kenya is an example. It serves almost every region around the world. Michael King-Ori with KNET Flowers in Kenya joins us to share insights into this strong industry.

Even with the FIFA World Cup in South Africa this month, there is business and investment in Africa going on around the world. Private Equity International held the Africa Forum this month in London focused on how to leverage opportunities in the African market over the next 10 years. Toby Mitchenall, Editor-in-Chief, joins us to share some insights coming from the event.

Africa has some particular challenges, including poverty and unemployment. However, there is a huge population close to 1 billion now and projected to reach 2 billion by 2050, surpassing India and China. What a tremendous market opportunity if companies can only get it right. Doing business in a developing region involves a desire to build a business with some rewards today, but bigger sights set for the future. In a context like this, how can a company make profits while strengthening the local economy, which in turn creates more consumers with more income in the future? South Africa has a legislative framework called Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), which requires companies doing business with government to help the country develop its communities and people. Many view this as a negative factor, but the spirit behind the revised codes reveals an approach that is doable and win-win for both companies and the country alike. Jonathan Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of Global Business Solutions in South Africa and a behind-the-scenes advisor on the revised codes, will share the bigger vision and how companies can use the blueprint for profitability and productivity improvements.