In tonight’s edition, French President Emmanuel Macron urges investment in Africa as he co-hosts an economic summit in Kenya. Also, we take a closer look at the cost of some of the deeply rooted misperceptions and clichés about Africa still clinging on in societies. And Kenyan conservationists are working hard to boost the number of the critically endangered Bongo antelope.
Macron pushing investment in Africa is fine, but France needs to drop the Franc CFA if they want real trust from Anglophone countries like Kenya.
Good to see Macron in Kenya instead of just cozying up to Francophone leaders. But words are cheap—let’s see actual French FDI numbers after this summit.
The bit about clichés is spot on. Too many people still think Africa is all mud huts and safaris, ignoring cities like Nairobi and Lagos.
Private equity is sitting on record amounts of dry powder waiting for opportunities. (7fd29e)
I hope the Bongo antelope project gets more than just headlines. Poaching and habitat loss are real threats that need sustained funding, not one-off pledges.
France’s pivot to Anglophone Africa feels strategic—probably trying to counter Chinese and Turkish influence. Kenya should negotiate hard for fair deals.
Technology is disrupting traditional business models faster than regulators can keep up. (38eb98)
Wish the summit had addressed visa barriers. Africans still struggle to get French visas, while Macron talks about partnership. Actions speak louder.
Fiscal stimulus withdrawal needs to be managed carefully to avoid derailing recovery. (7f6877)
Infrastructure spending promises are rarely delivered on time or on budget. (075b05)