Africa Digest : Trends and issues in macro environment Vol. 13

• Main Author: Burger, Johan
• Other Authors: Nanyang Business School
• Format: Newsletter
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Business; Business::General; Africa; Macro Environment
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/142779
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The Africa Digest is a fortnightly e-newsletter scanning the key trends in the macro-environment and industry to promote knowledge and raise understanding of business in Africa. This issue explores: 1. Trends in Agriculture - Africa’s agriculture sector remains an important driver of job creation and economic development. This report addresses two growing sub-sectors, i.e. aquaculture and poultry. Both subsectors are currently underdeveloped and both present opportunities to entrepreneurs. Each can also play a meaningful role to address the challenge of food security in a continent that currently imports between US$35 and US$41 billion of food annually. 2. Trends in Infrastructure - Africa’s infrastructure challenges are well known. Financing of infrastructure projects remains a challenge, as does availability of the skills and knowledge required for implementation and operation. 3. Trends in Mini-grids - Installation of renewable energy mini-grids in Africa is growing exponentially. Many governments on the continent support the benefits of mini-grids as faster, cheaper and easier sources of electricity for their (mostly rural) populations. 4. Trends in Renewable Energy - Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular. In addition to its wind, solar and hydro sources, Africa also has the benefit of geothermal sources and LNG. This report addresses instances that illustrate the continuing rise of this trend. 5. The Decline of Jumia Technologies - Jumia has had somewhat of a chequered journey since its listing on the New York Stock Exchange. In July 2019, it partnered with Vivo Energy, owner of Engen and Shell-branded petrol stations across Africa, to deal with delivery challenges (last-mile delivery). Jumia obtained approval to set up pick-up stations at Vivo’s over 2,000 fuel station outlets, allowing customers pick up orders make payments. The partnership was piloted in Kenya, Morocco, Senegal and Ivory Coast before being eventually rolled out to countries where both companies operate. Vivo operates in 23 African markets while Jumia operates in 14.