East Africa's top 10 investments revealed

East Africa has emerged as a key player in infrastructure development, with Kenya leading the charge by hosting 25.6% of the total infrastructure projects in the region according to a recent report by Deloitte titled 'Africa Construction Trends 2016'. The report highlighted Ethiopia's Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as the largest infrastructure project in the region, valued at an impressive $4.1 billion. With these developments in mind, Craig Kiggen, Incoming Regional Chair for YPO Africa and Regional Head and Partner at Citadel Investment Services, shared his insights on the investment landscape in East Africa and beyond. Kiggen emphasized the significance of infrastructure projects in driving economic growth and attracting investment in the region. He noted that the opportunities in Africa, particularly in the infrastructure sector, are critical for the continent's development. Despite facing challenges such as volatility in investment environments, East Africa remains a hub of development and innovation. Kiggen highlighted the importance of mobile telecommunications companies and their role in driving economic progress. Moving to West Africa, Kiggen shed light on the region's economic landscape, particularly in Nigeria, where the oil industry plays a significant role. Despite challenges posed by fluctuating oil prices and cash flow constraints, there are still ample opportunities for growth, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, training, and education. Kiggen stressed the importance of businesses preparing themselves for international opportunities and partnerships to drive growth and sustainability. The report also highlighted the dominance of governments in owning infrastructure projects in Africa, with private domestic companies accounting for only 2.3% of investments. Kiggen expressed concerns about protectionism and the need for increased collaboration between governments and the private sector to foster a more conducive investment environment. He underscored the importance of transparency in investment projects, citing examples in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana where transparency issues have impacted public perception and investor confidence. Kiggen emphasized the need for African countries to address transparency concerns to attract foreign direct investment and promote sustainable economic growth. In conclusion, Kiggen expressed optimism about Africa's economic future and the opportunities that lie ahead. He highlighted the role of organizations like YPO in facilitating dialogue and partnerships to drive investment and innovation in Africa. With a focus on infrastructure development, transparency, and collaboration between governments and the private sector, East Africa and the continent as a whole are poised to unlock their economic potential and pave the way for sustainable growth and development.