About Japan - Africa Business and Investment Forum

 

With a lot of untamed natural resources in Africa, The Japan –Africa Economic Forum will be an innovative Business and Investment marketplace that will create a business mix, matching opportunities, and as well, attract capital for projects on the continent of Africa.

Africa is the world’s second largest and second most populous continent, comprising more than 54 countries. With a population of over 1 billion, it is attractive for any investor. Being successful in these markets requires insight into the languages, cultures, government bureaucracy, regulations, type of innovative technologies and workforce of each country. Everyone is different, and this makes it very difficult to use the same recipe for any two countries.  There may be similarities in the regions but inside information is still required.

If you consider culture to be an integrated pattern of human knowledge and beliefs, as well as a set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize a group of people, then Africa is a continent with diverse culture. This should be seen as an opportunity for any investor.

 

The best time to invest in Africa is now, However, foreign investors have not moved into the continent as quickly as expected because foreign investment decisions are often methodically over structured. One of the major factors cited is too much risk. But risks and profits are inseparable twins: high-risk ventures are frequently associated with higher profits.

Africa is the most profitable region in the world. A report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development states that between 2006 and 2011, Africa had the highest rate of return on inflows of Foreign Direct Investment: 11.4%.  This is compared to 9.1% in Asia, 8.9% in Latin America and the Caribbean. The global figure is 7.1%

Investing in Africa is good business and a sustainable corporate strategy for foreign investors. Advanced and emerging countries’ governments and the private sector should leverage these profitable, emerging investment opportunities. Using official development assistance to leverage and de-risk the investment climate in Africa is a key component in attracting FDI.

The Japan – Africa Business and Investment Forum is a laudable effort that should be scaled-up and supported by other countries that has the business might.

The Japan – Africa Business and Investment Forum is organized by Globe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), and supported by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan Business Council for Africa and The Ministry of Economic, Trade and Investment of Japan.

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