Karim Anjarwalla

MI Summit 2013 - London: Investment Opportunities and Risks in Africa

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Karim Anjarwalla, Ade Ayeyemi, Sara Menker, James Mwangi, Staci Warden, Paul Hinks

Panelists and experts highlighted Africa's robust economic fundamentals, including a 6% annual growth rate, a median age of 20, and a projected middle class exceeding one billion people by 2060. While historical stereotypes have often led to inflated risk assessments and costly capital pricing, the presence of major multinationals and the rise of local champions in banking, legal, and telecom sectors demonstrate that governance improvements and regional integration are driving tangible market maturation. Successful investment strategies now emphasize informed courage, deep local partnerships, and the realization that corruption is an increasing barrier rather than an inevitable operational cost.