Africa Forward: Enhancing Africa’s Global Competitiveness

While the global economy thrives on interconnectedness, Africa's participation in both global production and trade remains a mere glimpse on the grand stage. This underrepresentation extends beyond the world arena, with intra-African trade lagging behind every other continent. In this era of strategic alliances driving trade flows and innovation, the crucial question emerges: can Africa leverage unique and innovative partnership models to claim its rightful seat at the global economic table?

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Navigating strategic global alliances within the continent and beyond with China and the US will significantly impact the African business ecosystem. These alliances can give African businesses access to new markets, capital, technology, and expertise. They can also help African businesses to improve their efficiency and competitiveness. How should African businesses position to create jobs, boost trade, promote innovation, and build sustainable global businesses through these alliances?

There have been several iterations of how to adapt the traditional PE fund for Africa's unique challenges. These include permanent capital vehicles, de novo funds and sovereign wealth funds. Are these iterations performing any better? What are the lessons for traditional PE from these experiments? What other iterations are LPs like DFIs willing to invest in next?

Connect with folks that are interested in travel and tourism in Africa over lunch.