Nigeria – Will they or won’t they?

Nigeria – Will they or won’t they?

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) —  In recent weeks, investors in Nigeria have become increasingly perplexed about whether there will be a naira move before the end of 2015. On one hand the NDF market seems to indicate that there will be a move. And the consensus forecast for the value of the naira at the end of 2015 is NGN215:US$1, so in a rare show of unanimity economists seem to agree with the NDF…

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Nigerian currency is overvalued says Africa Economist, John Ashbourne

Nigerian currency is overvalued says Africa Economist, John Ashbourne

LONDON (Capital Markets in Africa) — I would say that the currency remains overvalued. Nigeria’s balance of payments position has changed quite radically since the price of oil fell so sharply, and the currency has yet to fully adjust to this. Given low oil prices, relatively high inflation, and generalised dollar strength we would have expected that the naira would have weakened over the course of the second quarter. Indeed, almost every other SSA currency…

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Nigerian naira is trading at fair value says Pabina Yinkere

Nigerian naira is trading at fair value says Pabina Yinkere

Lagos, Nigeria (Capital Markets in Nigeria) — Is naira overvalued or undervalued? It depends on which methodology is used; results could point to an overvaluation or undervaluation. Using a relative PPP methodology, the result suggests the currency is trading near its fair value at N199-200/USD and we are somewhat inclined to this conclusion. Practically, it is unlikely to trade around these levels under a floating market arrangement as the market is pricing in economic risks associated…

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RisCura’s Bright Africa report: Africa its own biggest investor

RisCura’s Bright Africa report: Africa its own biggest investor

Johannesburg, South Africa, Capital Markets in Africa — African pension fund capital has reached $340bn and is growing rapidly. In addition, increasing adoption of insurance around the continent is causing insurance company investment portfolios to grow, and they are now estimated to be around $270bn. These figures come from the Bright Africa 2015 report, released today by RisCura, which looks at the drivers, enablers and managers of investment on the continent. Rory Ord, principal at RisCura…

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Tourism in West Africa: an economic, social and cultural opportunity

Tourism in West Africa: an economic, social and cultural opportunity

Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire (Capital Markets in Africa) —- Whereas tourism is acknowledged as a driver of socio-economic development and growth in Africa, as evidenced in the last African Tourism Monitor, the 2015 edition of the annual report on competitiveness in travel and tourism, released in early May by the World Economic Forum (WEF), points out that West Africa lags behind when it comes to the travel sector. The ten West African countries assessed in the report…

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Tackling non-tariff barriers is key to economic growth, says Kaberuka

Tackling non-tariff barriers is key to economic growth, says Kaberuka

Kigali, Rwanda (Capital Markets in Africa) — African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka paid a visit to Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame on June 23 to brief him on progress made since he was elected and re-elected as the Bank’s head in 2005 and 2010, respectively. Kaberuka thanked Kagame, the government, and the people of Rwanda for supporting his candidature for Bank’s presidency. “The mission you sent me to do I have completed in two terms….

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Understanding West Africa’s Infrastructure Potential

Understanding West Africa’s Infrastructure Potential

Lagos, Nigeria (Capital Markets in Africa) — West Africa is increasingly identified as an attractive destination for investors across all economic sectors. Its growing population of over 300 million and abundant resources continue to drive steady economic growth, as seen by a 6% average annual growth rate over the past decade. In addition, improved governance and political stability, institutional reforms, declining trade barriers, adoption of technology, and a re-emerging middle class attributable to an increasingly…

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