In energy, technology, supply chain design and other areas, Africa is able to look at what works elsewhere then fashion its own answers.
“Africa can openly embrace new technology and ideas, with no historical imprint from which to break free.”
It can develop flexible fuel grids that generate power with a mix of abundant wind, solar, hydro and bio energy, alongside conventional fuels such as oil and gas, which are also abundant.
Nowhere on Earth is there as much unused or poorly used arable land, so look for big agricultural breakthroughs and productivity gains in food production in Africa.
Business leaders are hungry for vibrant new markets and consumers know the reality: globalisation means there are too few remaining frontiers. As the developed world matures, and becomes increasingly difficult to trade in as a result of factors from legislation to terrorism, opportunities for corporate growth are limited.
There are too few places where entrepreneurs and businesses with ideas and an appetite for risk can bring value and find long-term growth if they are persistent, creative and determined. But there’s something else they know: Africa is still such a place.
This article is part of the World Economic Forum on Africa.Top of Form