Where you should’ve put you money in 2011. It’s never easy to predict which business sectors are going to perform in a year, even more so given the volatile global economy that we’re faced with these days. Let’s take a look at some of the key performers from the year that’s been, and maybe they’ll help you to make a decision on where to invest in the new year…
By Craig Falck for Africa Report
Photograph: © Solarseven | Dreamstime.com
As usual, telecommunications and IT infrastructure has been a massive performer. It’s no wonder, given how much of Africa isn’t connected digitally. With the rest of the world already miles ahead, Africa has had to play catch-up, but instead of going at a snail’s pace, many countries have gone at solving their ITC problems like a bull in a china shop. This has meant that instead of installing a handful of small infrastructures, some countries and cities have installed large networks and technologies right off the bat. A lot of money has to be spent, and if you’re involved in this industry, you could find yourself making a pretty penny or 12 from this upsurge in demand. There’s also the need for maintenance and upgrades, so it’s likely that this sector will continue to perform for some time.
Agriculture has always been a strong sector for Africa, given its natural resources and the diversity of the industry, and this was a trend that carried through in 2011 with farming becoming a key performer for the continent. It’s no secret that Africa produces some of the best agricultural produce in the world, and that’s why so many farmers see their produce being exported to other countries. Even the smaller farmers, who’re producing on a far smaller scale but a product that is in demand, have managed to break through into the international market.
With all of the infrastructure that’s needed around Africa, construction has also become a key sector over the last year. New buildings are popping up left, right and centre, and it’s cause for great rejoice as 2012 can only improve. The need for building and construction will never die down… people need houses, businesses need offices and warehouses and other buildings… where old buildings stand, new buildings will go up… where nothing stands, buildings will go up – and best of all, whatever is constructed is bigger than the first.
Africa has been one of the world’s best performing economies during the last few years and hasn’t been hit as hard by the economic slowdown as others. It’s becoming a big player in a number of sectors and even leaders in some, so now is the right time to invest your money in this growing economy. It might just make you a fortune in the future.
