When a major global event like Covid-19 occurs, it is almost always followed by the emergence of a new era. Even more so when it coincides with a continental policy shift such as the AfCFTA – it leads to a rapid change in the business ecosystem.
Incidentally, the AfCFTA emerged at a time Africa was bursting with many startups and youth entrepreneurs trending toward technology and the digital revolution. This has pushed the continent in the direction of potentially more cross-border businesses and higher intra-regional trade. Africa is at a threshold of a bold new era.
But many African countries are in debt but businesses which need capital are facing challenges. Of course, many businesses desire to take advantage of opportunities but access to finance may be one of the challenges to overcome. Some start-ups have already raised funds from outside the continent but access to finance still remains the biggest challenge. Though some argue that FinTech may be the bridge needed to ensure financial inclusion, many questions remain unanswered.
- Is it that capital is not available or that capital is available but difficult to access in Africa?
- How do businesses position to attract the finance that will stimulate the growth in Africa in this bold new era?
- What are the strategies for positioning a business to attract funding?
- What do financiers look out for in order to lend or provide equity to businesses?
- What should African businesses know?
- Are there mindset shifts required?
- What will make real capital flow to businesses in Africa?
Join The Africa Business Conversation as we chat with Lucy Quist, the author of ‘The Bold New Normal’ and a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.
Visit www.theabc-abdavid.com to register for the event
