AfCFTA’s strong political backing and the excitement surrounding its rapid progress has led to some claims of its potential benefits going unchallenged, particularly surrounding intra-African trade gains. Most commentators appear reluctant to interrogate publicly a popular pan-African project, even when this analysis might be constructive.

This brief seeks to address the evident need for sensitisation on the most fundamental AfCFTA and TFTA issues, giving clarity on what each agreement might entail.

Botho Emerging Markets Group, in partnership with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Consulate of the Republic of Rwanda hosted the Rwanda Investment Showcase on 23rd April 2019. This event introduced the GCC investors and private sector to exciting investment opportunities and prospects in Rwanda, one of the top 10 fastest growing economies in the world.

Given Kenya's current budget deficit, it is critical that efforts to attract FDI do not cannibalize local efforts to improve tax revenue.

Botho is proud to have supported on Mercy Corps and Moringa School’s latest study, “Competing in the Digital Age: The Development of IT Skills and Jobs in Kenya and Uganda,” which was recently debuted as a part of Nairobi Tech Week.

A successful restructuring is not only one that restores the company back to solvency, but also ensures high returns to creditors.This brief examines the emerging practices in resolving insolvency in Kenya.

As Kenya contends with volatility among some of its most influential external partners, notably the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, the country will soon chart new waters with these long-term partners while deepening those with promising new and unconventional partners amongst its African and emerging market peers.

Amidst the hope and enthusiasm surrounding the potential Continental Free Trade Area, we are neglecting one of the most important offices behind practical regional economic integration.

The essential oils industry in Rwanda offers investors a niche and high-value opportunity in an underdeveloped and high growth market.

Over two-thirds of Africa’s vast population, an estimated 600 million people, lack access to energy. But Africa’s energy poverty masks the wealth of natural resources that can be used to light up the continent. With significant geothermal, hydro, wind and solar resources, investments in green energy could yield significant returns. Morocco, Kenya, and Rwanda are three countries with particularly compelling prospects for UAE green investments.

As Saudi Arabia aims to become a global investment powerhouse, the ambitious plan is likely to drive more Saudi investment towards Africa.

For the past decade, the UAE has been the leader in African investment within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). With investments in all four corners of the continent, the UAE is the largest investor in Africa, second only to China.

This report explains current trends in Chinese trade and investment in the UAE, and identifies emerging opportunities for China in the Emirates and broader Gulf region.

This report examines the state of Chinese trade and investment in Egypt in various sectors including stone material processing, textiles, manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy. The report draws on data collected from interviews with 20+ Chinese business leaders in the country.

As the titans of Western democracy are slowly eclipsed by emerging markets, the G20 appears a better equipped forum than the G7 to navigate the challenges of the global economy. But to succeed where the G7 has failed, the G20 must redefine its membership and broaden its mandate.

The countries of East Africa and the Gulf, bordering the 2,200km length of the Red Sea, share close geographical, historical, cultural, and political links. Recent developments, however, point to a revival of this relations.

As Africa’s oldest trading partner, the Gulf has culture and capital on its side—and it is leveraging both to expand investment. Although Middle East investments have traditionally concentrated on North Africa, today’s investors are moving further south, with countries like the U.A.E. leading the charge.

The dominant narrative remains that China’s interest in Africa is confined to natural resources. While there is some merit to this viewpoint, African governments need to respond with actionable policies that leverage economic development. In other words, can China serve as a catalytic force in a nation’s industrialisation journey?

Africa will not, however, exist in a vacuum. Its nations must be willing and able to transform with the changing tides. Such transformation should be grounded in a shrewd and effective leadership devoid of traditional ways of thinking.