Future

This year saw the Third Investing in Africa Forum (IAF) take place in Dakar, capital of Senegal on September 25-27. The annual gathering brings together the cream of the world’s economic experts and the 2017 event embraced the theme “Leapfrogging Through Innovation.” Focusing on ramping up the level of innovation in Africa’s economic sectors, the forum was hosted by the Government of Senegal, Chinese Ministry of Finance, China Development Bank, and the World Bank Group. economist at the Standard Bank Group, spoke to about the challenges and opportunities Chinese and other investors face when considering Africa as a destination and how innovation is essential to overcoming issues like high rates of urbanization, and poor infrastructure as it relates to Africa’s vast youthful population

Chinafrica: What impressed you most at this year’s forum? Jeremy Stevens: As one would expect, the event was absolutely impeccable. Also as expected, the presentations and panel discussions were on point. However, what impressed me most about this year’s forum was the quality of the delegates in attendance - some of the largest and most consequential business leaders in the region were present and focused on stimulating economic growth, creating jobs and developing the African region. Reflecting this, the Standard Bank Group had a

number of very positive meetings on the sideline of the forum where a host of opportunities were discussed. Simply put, the framework has been set, the partnerships are being made, and this forum is proving to be effective and successful.

What sectors do you think Africa needs investment most? Why? While this is not an incredibly ground-breaking point to make, it still holds true that Africa has a serious infrastructure deficit - estimated to be to the tune of around