The
Initiative for Global Development (IGD), working with its partners, has launched
a new series of videos featuring experts and senior executives from top African
and American businesses and addressing
misperceptions of investing in Africa. The video series covers important topics
on the subject of investing in Africa such as, “Why misperceptions exist,” “Real
risks vs. perceived risks,” “Dealing with corruption in Africa,” and “Leveraging
African entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).” To watch the
trailer of the video series, visit: http://www.nli
Africa
presents a wealth of opportunities, boasting valuable resources and a growing
population. However, as IGD promotes and encourages investments in Africa, it recognizes
and must confront commonly-held misperceptions and assumptions regarding the
investment environment in Africa. These misperceptions dissuade new companies’ market
entry ,resulting in stifled economic growth, stagnated community, and social
development. IGD’s President and CEO, Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, channels his four
decades of experience working in business across most of Africa’s 54 countries
when he explains, “IGD understands that to drive poverty reduction through
business investment, it is critical that we directly address and help to
overcome these misperceptions, focusing instead on Africa’s lesser-known
success stories as a continent with considerable economic and human potential.”
The campaign to change perceptions is especially timely, as Washington D.C prepares
to welcome African Leaders to the U.S-Africa Leaders Summit this August 5 and 6.
The
video series features top CEO and senior executives and experts like Yinka
Oyinlola, CEO of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), Thad Simons, Former
President & CEO of Novus International Inc. and current President of IFAMA,
and Austin Okere, Founder &CEO of Computer Warehouse Group,
an African ICT company with the potential to become the next Google. The videos
highlight perspectives of various voices from African businesses, investors, the
public sector, capital advisors, and media representatives. “The concerns of
corruption are usually overblown. Investors can actually find local partners to
engage in productive business,” said Mel Okudo, an investor advisor focusing on
Africa, in his interview for the videos. He continued, “Investors who are
seeking high uncorrelated returns are well advised to look at investments in
Africa to find those that best fit their portfolio.”
Starting
July 15 and working with: partners like Devex
and Business Fights Poverty; organizations
as the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, International Republican Institute, and The Moroccan American Trade and Investment
Center; and companies including Accenture Nigeria, Cartica Capital, Computer Warehouse Group, Pricewaterhouse Coopers Nigeria, Media Insight; IGD will release the
videos on a weekly basis. Throughout the campaign, the videos will be shared
widely across various social media channels. The public is encouraged to join
the conversation online using the hashtag#AfricaEmerging or visit
http://www.nli-global.org/media/
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Society