EMERGING SECTORS

Many investors have long seen the continent as a risky proposition which means they will often want to see larger returns to compensate for the uncertainty

But it is this very high performance that is getting the continent noticed on the world stage for global investors

As technology and communication continues to improve more information is available on conditions in each country, making it easier for investors to carry out due diligence

This new era of communication also helps challenge perceptions investors may have helping them to make decisions based on actual risks, rather than their pre-existing ideas

This is better for everyone, as investors can make more informed decisions, and African economies can thrive and attract greater amounts of foreign investment in future

While agriculture remains the continent’s dominant market there are various interesting emerging sectors in the continent

Sixty percent of the region s population relies on crops - yields have risen steadily over the last 15 years as both governments and businesses have invested

The continent still contains huge areas of unused farmable land so with the right investment, the sector could grow even further

As economies grow stronger this would see a rise in demand for goods and services

Many rural areas would be served by the recent rise in mobile phone coverage - making it easier for them to access consumer goods

Consumer businesses will be able to meet increasing demand by improved infrastructure In addition to large, macro investment, cities such as Lagos and Nairobi have also seen the emergence of fast-moving business start-up communities providing services as varied as e-commerce, recruitment and education

Increased mobile phone use can also act as a catalyst for a growth in various areas of the service sector, such as banking, insurance and entertainment providers

As the region’s political climates continue to stabilise, the tourism industry is also expected to grow

Many lower-tech manufacturing sectors such as textiles and agricultural processing are less exposed to technological shifts, meaning many countries in Africa are well placed