Africa's foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a record $1.65 trillion in 2021, up 77% from 2020.

Africa is a top investment destination, with Egypt being the largest, boasting an 8% growth rate.

Egypt has achieved a balance despite the Corona pandemic, attracting investment due to its available labor and infrastructure projects.

Egypt ranked seventh in foreign direct investment inflows in 2020, receiving $327 million and 43 new projects.

In 2020, FDI created 6,000 jobs in Egypt, contributing to 3.5% economic growth, with the country's GDP reaching $362 billion.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create a single market of 1.3 billion people with a $3.4 trillion GDP, with Egypt leading African countries in foreign investment, receiving $10 billion in 2023.

TotalEnergies and Chinese mining companies are major foreign investors in Africa, with TotalEnergies investing $10 billion in Uganda and Tanzania, and Chinese companies dominating lithium mining with 83% supply.

The Egyptian government has partnered with international companies to localize transport industries and operate ports.

Foreign investments in Africa have caused significant job loss, such as in Kenya where tea harvesting machines have led to over 10,000 locals losing their jobs.

Foreign investments in African private healthcare, totaling $2.4 billion from 2010 to 2022, have led to negative social impacts, including patient imprisonment over unpaid bills.

Foreign investments have had significant environmental impacts, such as lithium mining and the TotalEnergies project in Uganda, which harm local communities and ecosystems.

Foreign investments have had mixed economic impacts, with some, like Egypt's $5.1 billion in 2021, contributing to growth.

African countries risk debt traps with Chinese loans, heading towards over-indebtedness.

Foreign investments in Africa have had complex and multifaceted effects on local communities, with both positive and negative social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Attracting investments, which requires a clear political vision and respect for international law and sovereignty, contributes to economic growth by increasing productive capacity and transferring technology.

National legislations regulate investments to guarantee investor rights, requiring transparency, integrity, and good governance to attract foreign investments.

The judiciary provides guarantees to foreign investors through correct law and procedures, and fighting corruption is necessary to attract them.

Egypt needs sacrifices for development, and laws regulating construction should be issued to promote investment and support small enterprises.

A national strategy and index for foreign direct investment should be established, with the state balancing public and private interests.

Foreign direct investment reached $1.65 trillion in 2021, a 77% increase from 2020, as COMESA countries rely on it to overcome economic conditions.

RIA provides international best practices and crucial services to promote foreign direct investment, which helps improve growth rates in countries.

Dubai ranked first in attracting foreign direct investment in 2021.

Investment promotion efforts are increased and a good governance system is implemented, with the Ministry of Investment established to promote foreign investment.

Investing in local resources and optimizing the investment environment can attract foreign investment, create jobs, and generate secondary income.

Ensuring national treatment and land security, as outlined in Jordan's Investment Environment Law, can promote foreign investment through automatic approval for transactions after 15 days.

The State Council issued "Opinions" to optimize the foreign investment environment, with 29 departments involved, as investment immigration is a common global policy, like Hong Kong's 2003 Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

Singapore and Korea offer investment immigration schemes, including government bonds, that benefit both investors and locals.

There is limited information on foreign investment in Africa, requiring more research for specific figures and trends.

It is essential to promote best practices that benefit both investors and local populations through foreign investments.

Africa's economy has grown 5 percent annually over the past decade, with a large and youthful population of over 1 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Google will invest $1 billion in Africa, targeting Kenya and Nigeria for digital transformation.

Mauritius is the top-ranked economy in sub-Saharan Africa for ease of doing business, and Africa leads in technology-led innovation in sectors like banking and telecoms.

Africa has diverse resources, but political instability and conflicts hinder investment and trade.

Lack of data and poor logistics in Africa hinder investment by making informed decisions difficult and increasing transport costs and risks.

African countries without payment settlement systems face higher investment risks, but investment laws, guarantees, and economic zones can attract investors.

Climate change, poverty, corruption, and lack of legal security hinder Africa's economic growth and deter investors, emphasizing the need for improvement.

Improving access to technology and innovation is crucial for Africa's growth, which can be accelerated by private sector development and global financial architecture reform.

Africa absorbs only 3% of global energy investment, despite 600 million people lacking electricity, due to high capital costs.

International institutions and private sector financing, including solar power, can help reduce Africa's energy gap and emissions.

By 2040, 1 billion people will have access to power, but 500 million will remain off the grid, with Nigeria being a risky African business location, albeit with less risk in offshore areas.

South Africa has a stable government and infrastructure, making it attractive to investors, and Africa Oil has no debt with a conservative debt ratio of 0.4.

Chevron's leases generate cash flow for Africa Oil, but investors should expect irregular distributions.

Liberia's commodity-dependent economy makes investment diversification essential, adding 30 percent value.

Africa's foreign direct investment (FDI) reached a record $1.65 trillion in 2021, up 77% from 2020.

Title:

Content: Monday 17 October 2022
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
Abdurrahim Ali
Editor-in-Chief
Dalia Abdul Rahim
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editorial Board
Abdurrahim Ali
Editor-in-Chief
Dalia Abdul Rahim
ECONOMY
COMESA: Foreign investment needed to help African countries overcome current conditions
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Heba Salameh, CEO of the Regional Investment Agency (RIA) of the Organization of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) member states, stressed that attracting foreign direct investment has become an imperative to help African countries overcome the repercussions of the current global economic situation.
In her speech today at the opening of a workshop organized by the Regional Investment Agency (RIA) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to showcase global best practices in the areas of investor aftercare, investment facilitation services and promotion of investment opportunities in COMESA member countries, Salama said that last year the global economy showed a recovery from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, with foreign direct investment around the world reaching $1.65 trillion in 2021 compared to $929 billion in 2020, up 77%. Report of UNCTAD.
She added that the world then witnessed new developments, which affected economies in various countries and created waves of stagnation and inflation, which highlights the role of promotion agencies and investment bodies in African countries to redouble their efforts to balance the effects of COVID-19 and the global situation on foreign direct investment, and compensate for those effects on the overall economies of countries, through modern practices in attracting direct investments.
The CEO of the Regional Investment Agency (RIA) pointed out that the Regional Investment Agency (RIA) of COMESA has taken it upon itself during the past two years, since the outbreak of the Corona phenomenon, to provide international best practices to the investment promotion agencies in COMESA countries in order to follow up and implement them, which positively reflects on the process of attracting foreign direct investment in the countries of COMESA.
Salama pointed out that the RIA has organized over the past two years 37 regional training programs benefiting more than 1500 trainees from all recreational agencies and investment authorities in the countries of the grouping. These programs included various fields of attracting and promoting foreign direct investment, including e-marketing, mental image enhancement campaigns, investment promotion strategies, statistics of foreign direct investment, and identification and promotion of investment projects.
It is noteworthy that the Regional Investment Agency of the member countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA RIA) is organizing today a three-day workshop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to strengthen the capacities of investment promotion agencies and bodies in the countries of the Community to attract foreign direct investment.
The workshop aims to help investment agencies and bodies in the countries of the Community to increase their competitiveness to attract foreign direct investment, in light of the growing importance of the role played by these investments in improving the growth rates in the countries, especially in Africa, with the increasing repercussions of the global economic situation on emerging countries in particular.
The workshop, presented by international experts from the world ’ s largest companies and think tanks in the field of attracting and promoting direct investments, will be attended by officials of investment promotion bodies and agencies from 17 of the 21 COMESA member countries.
The workshop will discuss the best international practices in the fields of aftercare for investors, investment facilitation services and promotion of investment opportunities, in light of the repercussions of the Corona crisis and the Russian-Ukrainian war, as well as exchange of experiences and best practices in the field of investment in the world, especially the countries of the grouping.
The 21 member countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) are Egypt, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Estuatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Africa is a top investment destination, with Egypt being the largest, boasting an 8% growth rate.

Title:

Content: Egyptian News
MP Hassan Ammar: Egypt is the largest destination in attracting foreign investments with a growth rate of 8%
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MP Hassan Ammar, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, stressed that Egypt's access to the best attractive destination for investment in Africa is natural and expected after the country's great efforts to improve the investment file, pointing out that the Egyptian state has paid great attention to the investment file in the past years and sought to create the appropriate environment and climate to attract investors and increase investments as the main pillar and engine of economy and development.
Al-Khaleej monitors the comment of MP Hassan Ammar on foreign investments during the past period
Coronavirus
MP Hassan Ammar, a member of the House of Representatives, added that Egypt was able to achieve a balance despite the Corona pandemic and this balance played a role in encouraging investment, so that it became the largest destination in terms of attracting foreign direct investments during the past years and achieved a growth rate in the last fiscal year reached 8%. Quick to overcome obstacles faced by investors that they complain about periodically.
Infrastructure Projects
MP Hassan Ammar, a member of the Economic Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives, pointed out that Egypt has promising and attractive opportunities for investment and investors as the infrastructure projects implemented by Egypt have played a great role in attracting investment, as these projects are the backbone of any investment in any country, so the state ’ s interest in this subject was not empty.
Ammar pointed out that one of the most attractive features of investment is the availability of labor and it is not high, in addition to the fact that the Egyptian environment is fertile for the development of industries compared to the rest of the country in the Middle East.
He explained that the investment attractiveness index in the African continent is an annual indicator, which aims to measure the attractiveness of investment in African countries through the analysis of two main factors: the size of economic activity, which consists of the size of the market and its growth, and the operating environment, which consists of the Doing Business Index, the Global Competitiveness Index, the Corruption Perceptions Index and the Economic Freedom Index.
We presented to you our esteemed visitors the most important details about the news of MP Hassan Ammar: Egypt is the largest destination in attracting foreign investments to achieve a growth rate of 8% on the dot of the Gulf in this article and we hope that we have provided you with all the details clearly and more credibility and transparency and if you want to follow more news you can subscribe with us for free through our alerts system on your browser or by joining the mailing list...
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Content: Centurion Law Group Navigates Legal, Regulatory And Tax Frameworks At African Energy Week (AEW) 2023

(MENAFN- African Press Organization)

A Technical Track hosted by pan-African legal and business advisory group, Centurion Law Group, held during the 2023 edition of African Energy Week (AEW) ( ) – taking place in Cape Town from 16-20 October – explored the legal, regulatory, and tax frameworks throughout Africa.

The technical track kicked off with opening remarks by Centurion Law Group Managing Director and Partner, Zion Adeoye, who moderated the session and spoke on Africa's position as one of the world's most attractive destinations for investment and how legal and regulatory frameworks are being put in place to advance local content development in the continent's energy sector.

“Africa remains one of the most attractive destinations for investment,” Adeoye stated, adding,“It is very clear that for the next two to three decades, oil and gas development will be very active. In Africa, local content manifests in several ways – shareholding in the company and utilizing local manpower. In the extractives industry, investors always have the problem of balancing the best hands to work on their projects and adhering to local content laws in terms of getting the right content barriers across the industry.”

Following the presentation, a panel featuring the participation of international legal representatives from Mauritius, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Russia, South Sudan, Ghana, and Nigeria explored the regulatory and legal frameworks throughout the continent and abroad.

“In Mauritius, we allow investors to engage in transactions more easily in Africa,” stated Keseena Chengadu, Head of Investment at Centurion Law Group, adding,“It's good to use us as a hub when internationals want to invest in Africa. We offer assistance to internationals with engaging in transactions, which can be very challenging.”

“South Africa is comparatively significantly industrialized, and it results in a few advantages for potential investors,” stated Gari Matarirano, Energy and Infrastructure Attorney at Centurion Law Group, when speaking on the southern African country, adding,“First off, the reliability of professional service firms, the tax system, is quite sophisticated with a strong source of funding through the financial system.”

“In Ghana, we have a robust regulatory framework,” stated Yorm Ama Abledu, Senior International Attorney at Centurion Law Group, adding,“As lawyers, we are able to guide clients and allow them to speak with the right authorities to deal with so that they are compliant with the law.”

The speakers spoke on local content development laws in Africa, highlighting the benefits and challenges related to investing in the continent while adhering to specific laws that could require as much as between 25% and 40% local participation.

“The markets are not very saturated, but the population is constantly growing, so it's a nice place to invest. But the fear of an investor is that they have to give up an average localization percentage of 25%,” stated Alexey Khromov, Law Intern at Centurion Law Group, adding however that,“The Government should think in the best interest of the communities, but also think about how to make your country more attractive as an investment destination.”

“In South Sudan, the country has given opportunities for foreign investors in terms of employment, but our investment promotion and requirement laws required 80% national workers in any company engaging in the country,” stated Rachel Tanda, Attorney at Centurion Law Group.

Additionally, Tamara Jombai, Attorney at Centurion Law Group touched on the individual requirements for companies seeking to participate in African markets, stating that,“When you are coming into a country, you need to decide on the size of the company and the kind of project you will be doing, which will determine what you will do.”

Furthermore, it was noted during the panel discussion that African countries feature diverse and robust taxation agreements, with Mauritius boasting 46 double taxation agreements across the world, which serves to help entities do business throughout the continent while using Mauritius as a hub. Meanwhile, the determination of doing business in South Africa is made in accordance with common law principles, wherein a foreign company engaging in the southern African country is subject to codified rules for certain types of income such as dividends, royalties, and interest.

Speaking on South Sudan's tax regulations, Grace Yella, Director for the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa at Centurion Law Group stated that,“There is a wide range of options for investors to settle business in the East African region. Each country has particularities when it comes to tax. The similarity is they opt for each investor to have the possibility to have their own declaration – they choose what to pay as tax. The authorities then have to carry out investigations to confirm that what has been submitted correlates to your commitments.”

The panel closed off by noting that Africa is diverse in its legislation and regulatory requirements, highlighting that international investors seeking to do business in the continent are subject to a variety of frameworks. With a burgeoning energy sector and fast-growing population, the panelists noted that Africa's growing industries and economies will continue to serve as a promising investment destination for international firms.

Under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030, AEW 2023 kicks off its strategic program on 17 October, and will unite African energy policymakers and stakeholders with global investors to discuss and maximize opportunities within the continent's entire energy sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Week (AEW).
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What trends are emerging for African startups in 2022?

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

What trends are emerging for African startups in 2022?

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

Egypt has achieved a balance despite the Corona pandemic, attracting investment due to its available labor and infrastructure projects.

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

Egypt ranked seventh in foreign direct investment inflows in 2020, receiving $327 million and 43 new projects.

Title:

Content: Breaking news.
« Arab Investment »: occupies the second place in the Arab world in the rate of investment in 2020
« Arab Investment »: occupies the second place in the Arab world in the rate of investment in 2020
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The Arab Investment Guarantee Corporation (AIGC) revealed that it had acquired 14.6% of the total cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) to Arab countries at a value of $132.5 billion by the end of 2020.
According to the Investment Climate in the Arab Countries Report 2021, Egypt came in second place as the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the Arab countries, according to UNCTAD statistics, with inflows of $5.9 billion, representing 14.5% of the total inflows to the region in 2020.
According to the data of the report issued by a research team headed by Ahmed Al-Dabaa, head of research and publishing at the Foundation, Egypt ranked seventh with foreign direct investment inflows of $327 million in 2020, and ranked eighth in the Arab world in terms of foreign direct investment balances issued with $8.5 billion by the end of 2020.
With regard to the acquisitions and mergers witnessed by the Egyptian market during the year 2020, the report pointed out that the buying and selling operations amounted to a total of 917 million dollars.
In terms of foreign direct investment projects, Egypt received the entry of 43 new projects, representing 7% of the number of projects received by the region during 2020, at an investment cost of $1.4 billion, which provided more than 6,000 jobs representing 11.3% of the Arab total during the year.
With regard to inter-Arab investment, Egypt received 19 projects, representing 17.3% of the Arab total, while 5 Egyptian companies implemented 6 projects in Arab countries.
The Arab Investment Climate Report for 2021 showed that Egypt ’ s ranking improved by 5 places in the Business Performance Environment Index for 2020 as a result of its improved ranking sub-indicators for starting the project, obtaining electricity 21 places, dealing with cases of default 17 places, paying taxes, protecting minority investors 4 centers and trading across borders one center in contrast to the stability and decline of the ranking in the rest of the sub-indicators.
The report attributed this improvement to Egypt ’ s implementation of four basic reforms in the business performance environment, the most important of which is facilitating the start of commercial activity by eliminating the requirement of obtaining a certificate of no ambiguity and improving the work of the single window.
Improving the procedures for obtaining electricity through the application of automated systems to monitor and report power outages, in addition to enhancing the protection of minority investors by requiring the approval of shareholders when issuing new shares, as well as facilitating the payment of taxes through the application of an electronic system for the filing and payment of corporate income tax and value added tax.
Egypt ranked second in the Arab world and 53 globally in the Foreign Direct Investment Regulatory Restrictions Index for 2020, and settled on the Arab average in the Governance Index, which measures the control of corruption, government effectiveness, political stability, absence of violence and terrorism, organizational quality, rules of law, political participation and accountability. 2020.
In terms of risk assessment indicators, Egypt has maintained a better ranking than the Arab average in the Fitch Political, Economic and Operational Risk Index, and around the Arab average in the Coface and EllerHermes Risk Index.
Despite the repercussions of the new pandemic, Egypt achieved the only positive growth in the region at a rate of 3.5%, bringing the gross domestic product (GDP) to $362 billion and the purchasing power parity (PPP) to $1292.5 billion.
Egypt has also achieved a great leap in its Arab ranking in terms of average GDP per capita in terms of purchasing power parity for the year 2020, ranking seventh after the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
At the level of external performance indicators, the ratio of foreign currency reserves coverage for the number of months of imports rose to 7.8 months to rank seventh in the Arab world, and the performance of the current account improved with relative stability in oil and gas production and exports, and the ratio of external debt to GDP stabilized at safe borders by 34.5%.
The report urged Egypt and the countries of the region to give priority to improving the investment climate and business environment in the coming period, especially in light of the political, economic and security challenges and the negative impact of the spread of the new Coronavirus and the accompanying closure measures, especially with the escalation of competition to attract investors on the one hand and the decline of the activity of multinational companies.
The report called on Egypt and the Arab countries to consider the improvement of the investment climate as a dynamic, continuous and multifaceted process linked to competing countries and changes in the factors of attracting investment.
He called for the identification of a higher authority to implement the plan with the participation of various investment related bodies, specialists and regional and international expertise to meet the challenges of investment, political, institutional, economic, legislative and procedural related to infrastructure, facilities and production elements, including land, attached production sites, trained professional cadres, technology and modern management systems.
The report believes that the integrated marketing of the country as a destination for investment, trade, technology transfer, tourism, human resources, knowledge and business in general, is a crucial element in conjunction with direct and continuous communication and interaction with investors, especially multinational companies.
The report stressed the need to evaluate and adjust the results of the plan based on measuring the impact of foreign investments on value added, export, employment and technology transfer, while monitoring the negative effects on the environment, excessive consumption of resources and other repercussions.
The Egyptian Today

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

In 2020, FDI created 6,000 jobs in Egypt, contributing to 3.5% economic growth, with the country's GDP reaching $362 billion.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to create a single market of 1.3 billion people with a $3.4 trillion GDP, with Egypt leading African countries in foreign investment, receiving $10 billion in 2023.

Title:

Content: Global investors waiting to pour in money in Africa to firewall China

By IANS | Published: August 2, 2021 02:09 PM2021-08-02T14:09:05+5:302021-08-02T14:25:34+5:30

New Delhi, Aug 2: After a tepid inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Africa in 2020 amid the ...

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New Delhi, Aug 2: After a tepid inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Africa in 2020 amid the Covid-19, investors are once again warming up to the continent. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), FDI flows into Africa declined by 16 per cent in 2020 to $40 billion, from $47 billion in 2019.

China, the primary investor in the continent, has also slowed down its investments into the continent leaving an opportunity for other investors.

While the UNCTAD projected FDI inflow into Africa to grow this year, it said that the slow vaccine roll-out programme is a cause for concern. According to UNCTAD, FDI to the continent is projected to grow by only 5 per cent in 2021. But analysts said Africa as an investment destination has led to "an unprecedented curiosity" among other countries, which are now aggressively looking to mute China's dominance in the continent.

"Africa is critical in the new geopolitical and geo-economic contours. The continent, with its vast natural resources, offers a ready growth platform," an analyst told India Narrative.

According to a study published by Brookings Institution last week, Africa is home to 17 per cent of the world population. However, by 2050, it will have 26 per cent of the global population 2.53 billion people. "If Africa is not successfully integrated into the global economy, there could be a major threat to global prosperity and stability," the study said, adding that by 2050, the continent will be home to an estimated $16.12 trillion of combined consumer and business spending.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – the mega trade could give a push to intra-continental investment.

Touted as one of the biggest trade deals in the world, the AfCTA aims to create a single market comprising 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of about $3.4 trillion.

Meanwhile, the US may have woken up late in recognising the potential of Africa but is making all attempts to make up for the lost time.

The Group of Seven or G7 has already decided to support US President Joe Biden's proposal of carving out a mega infrastructure plan under the "Build Back Better World" (B3W) initiative, expected to bring in transparency and sustainability. Besides, the initiative will be carried out only in consultation with local communities.

The G7 in its meeting in June also announced that it will increase its support to the Indo Pacific and Africa. "We resolve to collaborate with partners around the world, including in the Indo-Pacific and Africa, to actively promote these shared values for the good of all," said the statement.

India too has pressed the pedal on investments in the region. Sources said that the still-born Asia Africa Growth Corridor—the mega infrastructure project that was launched in 2017 to connect Asia and Africa must be revived.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace noted that Chinese financiers committed $153 billion to African public sector borrowers between 2000 and 2019. "After rapid growth in the 2000s, annual lending commitments to Africa peaked in 2013, the year the BRI was launched. By 2019, though, new Chinese loan commitments amounted to only $7 billion to the continent, down 30 percent from $9.9 billion in 2018," it said.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

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Content: Egypt News
Gulf 365: Egypt leads African countries in attracting $10 billion investment
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Thank you for reading the news about Gulf 365: Egypt leads the African countries in attracting investment of 10 billion dollars and now with the details of the news
Cairo - Samia Sayed - published Gulf 365 in its issue tomorrow, important details about many current events on the internal and external arenas: Egypt tops the African countries in attracting foreign investment with $10 billion
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Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

TotalEnergies and Chinese mining companies are major foreign investors in Africa, with TotalEnergies investing $10 billion in Uganda and Tanzania, and Chinese companies dominating lithium mining with 83% supply.

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Possession of huge lithium mines is more like a curse for African countries.
Photo Credit: GettyImages
What we want you to know is
Africa is rich in lithium, but the report released by the NGO Global Witness points out that lithium mining may cause damage to local communities and the environment.
According to the report, “Africa ’ s mining industry has been linked to corruption for decades, and the public has not been able to truly share in the profits, a trend that continues in the lithium sector. ”
Written by Kate Hairsine
Local workers working at a lithium mine in Namibia complain of poor living conditions and unsafe working methods.
The Namibian Miners Union conducted an investigation into the Uyse mine operated by the Chinese mining company Xinfeng Investment and found that the accommodation conditions of the employees were not good, not only the space was narrow, the indoor was hot, and there was not enough ventilation equipment.
The union also criticized the lack of privacy in health facilities and the substandard of safety measures such as protective clothing, compared with the better treatment of working and living conditions of Chinese workers.
However, this is not the only controversy surrounding Xinfeng.
Worrying corruption trends
Global Witness, a non-governmental organization, has filed new charges against Sunfung.
Global Witness pointed out in a report that the use of small-scale mining licenses to develop lithium mines meant that the company paid “ridiculously low ” fees to mine and circumvented some environmental regulations.
The group also added that the lithium mines in the Congo and Zimbabwe violate human rights, corruption and unsafe working conditions.
Colin Robertson, one of the authors of the report, said: “Africa ’ s mining industry has been linked to corruption for decades and the public has not been able to really share in the profits, a trend that continues in the lithium sector, which is very worrying. ”
The Battle of Lithium
Lithium, which has a wide range of important applications in the field of new energy, is known as "platinum".
It is a key component of lithium-ion batteries, from mobile phones to electric vehicles, and it is inseparable from its existence.
At present, the world ’ s lithium suppliers are mainly concentrated in Australia, Chile and China, and 90% of the total lithium raw material mined worldwide in 2022 will come from these three countries. Although Africa ’ s lithium reserves account for only about 5% of the world ’ s total, its huge development potential cannot be underestimated.
Zimbabwe and Namibia currently export lithium ore, and Congo, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda and Ethiopia are developing mining.
The International Energy Agency predicts that demand for lithium ore will grow 40-fold by 2040, and some big countries, as well as commercial giants, are working to mine lithium in Africa, and many African countries are hoping to seize the opportunity.
Zimbabwe has the largest lithium reserves in Africa and ranks sixth in global lithium exports, with lithium exports reaching US $209 million as of September 2023, almost three times as much as last year.
Zimbabwe, like the governments of Namibia and Tanzania, has banned the export of unprocessed lithium ore.
However, the ban is often ignored: the Global Witness survey found that large quantities of lithium ore are still being transported out of the country by truck.
In addition, Zimbabwe Defence Industries, a military-linked company sanctioned by the United States and the European Union, has a special license to export lithium ore to China.
"Lithium is a curse."
Farai Maguwu, director of the Zimbabwe Natural Resources Governance Center, is not optimistic about the benefits of lithium mining to Zimbabwe.
He believes that under the current system, the abundance of lithium deposits is more of a curse for Zimbabwe.
In an interview with Deutsche Welle, he said: "Lithium mining may lead to the collapse of the country."
The communities involved have had to pay for the cost of mines, land loss, biodiversity loss, etc., because there is no guarantee that the state can prioritize income over local systems. ”
The Sandawana mine, known for producing emeralds and other gems, is an example.
In early 2023, the mine was reportedly taken over by companies linked to Zimbabwe ’ s ruling party and the military. Magouu believes there is “no magic cure ” for corruption in Africa ’ s mining industry.
More Western mining companies should invest in lithium mining in Africa, and such companies are often more stringent in environmental management and other standards.
Concerns about Chinese monopolies
China has almost a monopoly on lithium mining in Africa.
According to estimates by consulting firm Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, about 83% of Africa ’ s supply of lithium in 10 years involves China.
In 2022, three Chinese mining giants acquired $678 million worth of lithium mines and projects in Zimbabwe.
According to a recent report published by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, “Single-country leadership in lithium mining can lead to adverse consequences, such as underestimating the value of mineral resources, tax avoidance and human rights violations. ”
Robertson, of Global Witness, called on the European Union and the United States to ensure greater transparency in the mining industry and greater oversight by local activists to combat corruption.
Maguu stressed that the benefits of mining projects should be given back to communities in the form of roads, medical facilities and schools: “We see untapped mineral resources as our natural capital, and local people, as well as children, should benefit from them. ”
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Original title: African lithium mining green energy dark "curse"?
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Title:

Content: In Uganda, the TotalEnergies project is a “disaster” for the population

Food insecurity, children dropping out of school, impoverishment of households… In addition to the “devastating” effects on the environment, the NGO Human Rights Watch warns in a report about the dangers of TotalEnergy’s pipeline megaproject in Uganda and calls for it to stop. She condemns the “inadequate compensation” and late from the French company to the local population.

TotalEnergy’s oil megaproject in Uganda, described as a “disaster” for the population, “has destroyed the livelihoods of thousands of people” and “will contribute to the global climate crisis”, lamented, on Monday, July 10, Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report. The human rights NGO demanded that he be stopped.

Last year, TotalEnergies announced a $10 billion investment deal with Uganda, Tanzania and the Chinese company CNOOC, including the construction of a 1,443 kilometer long oil pipeline (EACOP) linking the fields from Lake Albert in western Uganda to Tanzania’s coast on the Indian Ocean Ocean.

However, the project has faced opposition from environmental activists and groups who believe it threatens the region’s fragile ecosystem and the people who live there.

For the human rights NGO HRW, the project “impoverishes thousands of people” and will displace more than 100,000 people. EACOP “has caused food insecurity and household debt, contributed to children dropping out of school and risks having devastating effects on the environment”, the NGO continues in a report, the result of more than 90 interviews. , including with 75 displaced families in five districts of the East African country.

The debt of the inhabitants after the delays in compensation

The oil project is “a disaster for the tens of thousands of people who lost land, provided food for their families and an income to send their children to school, and who received insufficient compensation from TotalEnergie,” Felix said in the report. Horne, researcher specializing in the environment at HRW, before continuing: “EACOP is also a disaster for the planet and the project should not be terminated”.

Several farmers interviewed by HRW say they had to wait years for compensation and had gone into debt.

“They come here and promise us everything”

Some villagers said they were forced to sign compensation agreements in English, a language they could not read, while others also told researchers that “the presence of government and security at public meetings has helped create an aura of intimidation ,” HRW points out.

“They come here and promise us everything,” one resident told HRW. “We believed them. Now we are landless, the compensation money is gone, the fields we have left are flooded and dust fills the air.”

TotalEnergies says it offered fair compensation

In a response sent to HRW in June, TotalEnergies said it had offered fair compensation to farmers and would “continue to pay particular attention to respecting the rights of affected communities”.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled the country with an iron fist since 1986, has repeatedly described the project as a major economic driver in the landlocked country, despite a non-binding European Parliament resolution last year that found “violations ” of human rights against opponents.

At the end of June, twenty-six Ugandans and five French and Ugandan associations launched a new lawsuit in France to demand “compensation” from the giant TotalEnergies for the “damage” caused, according to them, by its controversial oil megaproject.

In February, the court in Paris dismissed the opponents of the oil megaproject in Uganda and Tanzania, accusing the NGOs of not having sufficiently explored the path of dialogue with the oil giant before going to court.

With AFP

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The Egyptian government has partnered with international companies to localize transport industries and operate ports.

Foreign investments in Africa have caused significant job loss, such as in Kenya where tea harvesting machines have led to over 10,000 locals losing their jobs.

Title:

Content: Download our blog’s APP from Google Playstore using the link here>>>

Sunday, October 23, 2022 – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua came to the rescue of the multinational tea companies after Governors in Kericho, Bomet and Nandi threatened to evict them from the region.

The foreigners were accused of investing heavily in machines on their farms while local workers struggled to secure jobs.

One of the technologies cited was tea harvesting machines which locals lamented rendered them jobless. Area governors thus threatened to chase away the foreign investors and petition the Lands Ministry to cancel 99-year land leases.

However, on Friday, Gachagua announced plans to convene a crisis meeting between the politicians and the investors.

The DP urged the county bosses to embrace mediation to de-escalate the issue.

Gachagua also promised to address the unemployment issue and adoption of technology which triggered the conflict.

“We don’t have issues with foreign investors, but we shall look into the issue of tea plucking machines because they are affecting our youth,” Gachagua stated in Kikuyu dialect.

“But it is an issue that must be discussed amicably. We don’t want to be seen as if we are chasing foreign investors. We are planning to meet with the governors from Nandi, Kericho, Bomet and all other areas using the machines and investors in the multinational tea companies to agree on what we will do so that our youth get jobs,” he added.

Gachagua maintained that President William Ruto’s government was determined to create favourable business conditions for both locals and foreigners.

Kericho Governor Eric Mutai claimed that more than 10,000 locals lost their jobs due to the introduction of the machines.

Mutai sustained the attacks during Mashujaa Day celebrations, where he vowed to protect the residents’ social welfare even if meant chasing away the investors.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.

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Foreign investments in African private healthcare, totaling $2.4 billion from 2010 to 2022, have led to negative social impacts, including patient imprisonment over unpaid bills.

Title:

Content: News

July 6, 2023

CSO accuses European countries of gagging poor Nigerians, others with expensive healthcare services

…calls for stop of direct, indirect funding to private healthcare

By Gabriel Ewepu, ABUJA

It is an old saying that ‘Health is Wealth’, but many Nigerians are in double jeopardy as they do not have good health and also wealth to remedy the situation, which an international Civil Society Organisation, CSO, Oxfam, has accused some European countries of gagging poor Nigerians and other Africans with expensive private healthcare services via direct and indirect investments to some private hospitals.

This was contained in an investigative report released by Oxfam on the negative impact the funding of some private hospitals are having on the poor in Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, and others, which it alleged that countries including United Kingdom, UK, France, Germany, and other rich countries.

According to Oxfam, in Nigeria, nine in 10 of the poorest women give birth with no midwife or skilled birth attendant.

The report reads in part, “ Vulnerable people being bypassed or bankrupted as rich countries pour development billions into Africa’s private healthcare investments of taxpayers’ money into dodgy deals, profiteering and exploitation, health scandals and human rights abuses —all with little or no accountability.

“This includes private hospitals imprisoning patients and retaining deceased relatives until bills are paid.

“Patients living in poverty in Africa are being bankrupted by private healthcare corporations backed by multi-million-dollar investments from development finance institutions (DFIs) run by the UK, French, German and other rich country governments.

“DFIs like the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) invest public funds via the private sector to help foster economic development in the Majority World and tackle poverty.

“However, Oxfam publishes an investigation on DFI funding into private hospital chains and other for profit healthcare corporations operating in low- and middle-income countries, including African countries, and finds cases of them: Extorting and imprisoning patients including newborn babies, even retaining dead bodies, for the non-payment of bills; Profiteering, including during the pandemic, and routinely over-charging patients into bankruptcy and poverty; Denying treatment to those who can’t afford it —even in emergencies— and pricing services and medicines wildly out of reach of most people in local communities; Being involved in tax tricks, price rigging, and medical negligence leading to deaths; Failing to prevent human rights abuses, including organ trafficking by staff and exploitative practices, for example by pressuring patients to have unnecessary and expensive medical procedures.

“African countries covered in the report include Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Mozambique.”

The Director, Oxfam in Africa, Fati N’Zi-Hassane said, “These abuses are profoundly disturbing. And they’re happening while Africa’s woefully underfunded public healthcare crumbles at the feet of a mountain of debt, the result of an unfair global financial system designed by the same Western powers. Once again, this research shows the dishonesty of socalled ‘development partnerships’ between rich countries and those of the Majority World.”

According to Oxfam’s investigation into investments by European DFIs into the private healthcare sectors of Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Mozambique and other Majority World countries finds: 358 health investments between 2010 and 2022, more than half (56 per cent) of which went into private healthcare corporations operating in low- and middle-income countries; At least $2.4 billion channeled into health corporations that can be tracked, but Oxfam found at least another 269 health investments for which the value is not disclosed; Most of these health investments (81 percent) are being “lost from sight” —sub-invested out via a network of financial intermediaries, 80 per cent of them located in tax havens like Mauritius, Jersey and the Cayman Islands; Little to no public accountability of these investments and no evidence as to whether they are improving access to healthcare for people living in poverty, especially women and girls;

Extremes of private hospital chains offering 5-star hotel treatment for politicians, sports stars and celebrities at elite prices, through to people being extorted, exploited or excluded depending on their ability to pay.

The Health Policy Lead, Oxfam International, Anna Marriott, said: “Half the world’s population can’t get essential healthcare. Every second, sixty people are plunged into poverty by medical bills.

“Donor countries and development banks have long promised that they can drive down healthcare costs for people living in poverty by investing taxpayers’ money into the private sector. Instead, costs are rocketing up and causing harm.”

Oxfam also maintained that aid and other forms of government spending are essential in order to save lives and drive development.

It pointed out that Ethiopia successfully used aid to achieve most of the health-related Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, by 2015, including the reduction of maternal deaths by more than 70 per cent.

In lower-income countries doing the most to stop women dying in childbirth, 90 per cent of their healthcare comes from the public sector. COVID-19 has demonstrated how health security is dependent on delivering healthcare for all goals everywhere as soon as possible.

However, Oxfam called for a stop to all future direct and indirect DFI funding to private healthcare and an urgent, independent investigation into all current and historical investments.

“It is more urgent than ever that governments stop this dangerous diversion of public funds to private healthcare and instead deliver on aid and other public funding promises in order to strengthen public healthcare systems that can deliver for everybody. Majority of World governments should also step up and be more assertive in directing foreign public investments into better health outcomes for their people,” Marriott pointed.

“African governments must purge their health sectors of these injustices and inequalities.’ They must stand strong in the face of pressures to privatize public goods and services like healthcare to preventable deaths, especially those of women and children”, said N’Zi-Hassane.

Foreign investments have had significant environmental impacts, such as lithium mining and the TotalEnergies project in Uganda, which harm local communities and ecosystems.

Foreign investments have had mixed economic impacts, with some, like Egypt's $5.1 billion in 2021, contributing to growth.

Title:

Content: AFED: EGYPT RECEIVED $5.1 BILLION INVESTMENTS IN 2021
GDP growth is expected to rise to 4.4% this year
Abdulrahman Abu Al-Enein
6: 52 AM, Wednesday, 31 May 23
Recent data issued by the African Development Bank (AfDB) revealed that Egypt ranked second in terms of foreign direct investment flows in the continent in 2021 and attracted nearly $5.1 billion.
According to the Africa Economies Outlook 2023, South Africa was the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in 2021 with investments of more than $40.9 billion, nearly half of the total inflows to the continent in that year, followed by Egypt and Mozambique, which each attracted nearly $5.1 billion, representing about 6.2% of the total volume.
In the same context, the report expected Egypt ’ s GDP growth rate to decline to 4.4% this year from 6.6% estimated last year, and to rise to 5.1% next year.
The report pointed out that the inflation rate rose from 4.5% in the fiscal year 2020 / 2021 to 8.5% in the fiscal year 2021 / 2022 due to the rise in food and energy prices globally and the devaluation of the pound against the dollar.
He said that the current account deficit shrank to 3.5% of GDP in the fiscal year 2021 / 2022 compared to 4.4% in the previous fiscal year 2020 / 2021 due to the rise of tourism revenues to 10.7 billion dollars against 4.9 billion dollars, respectively.
The African Development Bank pointed out that the banking sector remains profitable and well capitalized, noting that the rate of non-performing loans reached 3.2% in June 2022, explaining that subsidies and social protection programs have reduced the impact of high food and energy prices on vulnerable families.
The Minister of Planning Hala Al-Said said in previous statements that despite the current effects of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which is likely to spread over the next year, the Egyptian economy is expected to grow by 4.2% by the end of the current fiscal year 2023-2022.
Al-Saeed said that with the development of inflationary trends in the Egyptian economy and despite the success of the state in curbing it and reducing it from very high levels (25% in 2017-2016) to less than 5% in 2021-2020, the rate increased to about 15% in 2022, and continued to rise, especially after the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
Foreign direct investment in Mozambique increased by 68% in 2021, the report said, noting that these investments were largely directed to green projects in the energy sector.
Nigeria accounted for 5.8% of FDI inflows to Africa and Ethiopia 5.1% despite economic challenges.
The bulk of foreign direct investment in these countries is increasingly going to clean energy resource projects.
Mauritius and South Africa recorded the largest outflows in 2021, but a few countries recorded net inflows, including Egypt ($18 billion) and Nigeria ($5.9 billion).
The Bank estimates that capital flight through net investment outflows continued in 2022 at around $28 billion, which is close to the 2021 level due to higher interest rates linked to deflationary monetary policies in developed countries.
Official development assistance (ODA) to Africa stabilized at $65 billion in 2021 after the previous 28 percent jump in 2020.
The significant increase in such assistance since 2020 reflected the support provided by the international community to help African governments address the humanitarian, social and economic impacts of the coronavirus epidemic and the difficult global economic conditions.
The African countries that saw the largest increase in ODA in 2021 included Egypt (428%), Equatorial Guinea (115%), Angola (109%), Gabon (82%) and Sudan (60%).
The report pointed out that official development assistance to Egypt during 2021 amounted to about 8.2 billion dollars, Ethiopia 4 billion dollars, Sudan 3.8 billion dollars, the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3.5 billion dollars, Nigeria 3.4 billion dollars, and Kenya 3.1 billion dollars.
African countries need to leverage this external support to address existing vulnerabilities and build more resilient economies, given the risks that advanced economies are reallocating resources for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance in Ukraine at the expense of meeting the continent ’ s official development assistance commitments.
Ukraine received $16.1 billion in net official development assistance (ODA), equivalent to 7.8 percent of the total aid resources provided last year.
It is noteworthy that the report was launched in light of the annual meetings of the African Development Bank Group held under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in Sharm El Sheikh from 22 to 26 May.

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

African countries risk debt traps with Chinese loans, heading towards over-indebtedness.

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By multiplying the heavy infrastructure projects in Africa, China, and Russia aim to establish their influence in the countries of the continent, which risk their part to find themselves "trapped", warn experts.

Railway lines, and civil infrastructure: China is multiplying gigantic projects in cooperation with African states, of which it is becoming one of the main donors.

"One in three major infrastructure projects in Africa is built by Chinese state-owned companies, one in five is financed by a Chinese institutional bank," says Paul Nantulya, of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, who report of the US Department of Defense.

Beijing is taking advantage of the void left by the withdrawal of Western countries, which are more hesitant to finance these projects. "The Chinese saw this void and decided to invest in infrastructure," remarks Mr. Nantulya.

But at what cost? Anna Borshchevskaya , of the Washington Institute, think tank, points to a "debt trap" for African countries. “China offers loans for expensive infrastructure projects” and “when a country cannot repay its loan, China takes control of its strategic assets,” she says.

During her visit to Senegal in January, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen called on African countries to _"be careful about tempting deals."_These can "be opaque and ultimately fail to help the people they were meant to help," she said, referring to deals China has made in Africa.

Many of the poorest states are heading towards over-indebtedness, or even default, UN agencies said at the conference of least developed countries organized by the United Nations in Qatar in early March.

“China should be the last to be accused (of using) the debt trap,” Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang retorted on March 7 at a press conference. "China has worked hard to help troubled countries and is the main contributor to the G20 debt service suspension initiative," he added.

In Kenya, one of the gigantic projects carried out by China is the railway line linking the city of Mombasa to the Rift Valley, at a cost of five billion dollars, 90% financed by Beijing. China is Kenya's second-largest donor, after the World Bank.

Tanzania has signed a $2.2 billion contract with a Chinese company for a rail line linking the country's main port to its neighbors.

While some projects turn out to be profitable, the real benefit so far lies with Beijing, with maintenance contracts that can last up to 99 years, according to Mr Nantulya, who adds that the local impact is low because the employees are overwhelmingly Chinese.

The expert also recalls that the debt crisis of the 1990s in Africa was caused by the West and not by China or Russia.

The main country exporting arms to Africa, Russia, for its part, is strengthening its presence on the continent thanks in particular to mining projects granted to the private paramilitary group Wagner, suspected of abuses in Moscow's war against Ukraine.

In January, the United States accused Wagner of "widespread human rights violations and natural resource extortion" in Africa. Accusations reiterated by the European Union, which took sanctions against the group in February.

Mr Nantulya notes that the group operates in Mali, Sudan, and the Central African Republic, but not "in democratic environments", citing Ghana, Namibia, and Senegal. Experts have also denounced the environmental impact of Chinese and Russian projects on the continent.

Both countries are "notorious for greater negligence when carrying out their projects, compared to their Western counterparts" , underlines Ms. Borshchevskaya. "China is the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases" and finances "coal power plants abroad", she adds.

And "Russia's mining projects ... have reportedly resulted in high levels of toxic metal compounds, pollution of groundwater resources, soils and vegetation."

In Liberia, these impacts are "serious", points out Davestus James, of the Liberia Center for Peacebuilding and Democracy. “Citizens are victims of their own resources,” he says. "The erosion caused by the mines pollutes drinking water (...), the resources are also monopolized and exported to the detriment of the citizens."

Foreign investments in Africa have had complex and multifaceted effects on local communities, with both positive and negative social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Title:

Content: FDI flows to North Africa down 5% in 2021
Foreign direct investment to North Africa fell 5 percent to $9.3 billion for the whole of 2021, according to a report on “Investing in the World ” released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on June 9, 2022.
These investments, towards Tunisia, improved slightly from $652 million in 2020 to $660 million in 2021.
The same investment to Morocco increased by 52 percent to 2.2 billion dollars in 2021, compared with a 12 percent drop to 1.5 billion dollars in Egypt.
Despite the decline in these investments in Egypt, it remains the second country to benefit from the inflow of foreign direct investment in Africa.
According to the same report, the flow of foreign direct investment in Africa reached a record level of $83 billion for the whole of 2021, more than double the investment achieved for the whole of 2020.
Despite this significant growth, the flow of investment to Africa in 2021 represented only 5.2 percent of the global total, compared to 4.1 percent in 2020.
Most African countries saw a slight increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2021.
These investments developed in South, East and West Africa, while they maintained their previous levels in Central Africa, while declining in North Africa.
Europeans remain the most important investors in Africa, led by investors from the United Kingdom ($65 billion) and France ($60 billion).
Increased investments in renewable energy
Despite the overall positive trend of foreign direct investment towards Africa, the announcement of new projects remained weak at $39 billion and shows only a weak recovery compared to $32 billion recorded in 2020 and less than $77 billion recorded in 2019.
In parallel, the number of international projects in the field of renewable energies in Africa increased to an estimated 71 projects, almost double the 36 projects completed in 2011.
Among these projects is a $20 billion project that aims to export wind energy to the UK from Morocco.
By laying 3,800 km of submarine cables.

Attracting investments, which requires a clear political vision and respect for international law and sovereignty, contributes to economic growth by increasing productive capacity and transferring technology.

Title:

Content: - A plus A.
Maged Qaroub
Development is the goal of governments and a desired goal for them, developed plans, mobilized funds and energies, but went beyond the renewal of the concept of development to the right of future generations to benefit from the resources and energies of the current country, which is known as sustainable development, and stressed by Vision 2030 to attract and localize local and foreign investments.
All countries of the world seek to attract investments and try to enact new legislation and legal systems that allow for the investment of foreign capital; in order to increase their productive capacity in some industries or create a new industry and transfer technology and modern technologies and advanced administrative systems.
In the forefront and priorities of attracting investment is the clear political vision of countries rooted in cooperation with the regional and international neighborhood through respect for international law and respect for the sovereignty of countries and non-interference in their internal affairs, this is the declared policy applied in Saudi Arabia that helps and contributes to attracting Arab, regional and global investments.
This guidance comes through national legislations that regulate investment in a way that guarantees the rights of investors and investment projects. The Saudi Investment Law is one of the best international laws that attract various types of investments.
The Executive Authority has an obligation and duty to apply the law and work on the principle of transparency and integrity, support competitiveness and fight corruption away from bias, and this needs to establish a culture of good governance for the work of government departments dealing with national and foreign investors alike. Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Sports and Entertainment Authority with great success and remarkable for what has been done during the past periods.
It is one of the most important guarantees provided by the judiciary to foreign investors and others before all human rights bodies, including police, prosecution and judiciary, based on the correct law and procedures, with the availability of alternative means to resolve disputes in an impartial and independent manner, away from any suspicions, corruption or bias against the foreign investor.

National legislations regulate investments to guarantee investor rights, requiring transparency, integrity, and good governance to attract foreign investments.

The judiciary provides guarantees to foreign investors through correct law and procedures, and fighting corruption is necessary to attract them.

Egypt needs sacrifices for development, and laws regulating construction should be issued to promote investment and support small enterprises.

Title:

Content: Tuesday 23 May 2023
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
Abdurrahim Ali
Editor-in-Chief
Dalia Abdul Rahim
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editorial Board
Abdurrahim Ali
Editor-in-Chief
Dalia Abdul Rahim
POLICY
Mohamed Moharram: Development Needs Sacrifices
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Mohamed Moharram Ahmed, a representative of the Nour Party, stressed that Egypt is the land of opportunities that all of us need to do more, as development needs sacrifices, saying that "daily saving is very important when talking about development, as it represents 3% of GDP, a gap that should be improved because saving is closely related to attracting investments."
This came during the second session of the private investment committee (local and foreign) held during the second week of the national dialogue on Tuesday under the title "Analysis of the trends of domestic and foreign investment in reality, opportunities and challenges."
He suggested that laws regulating construction and construction should be issued quickly in the form of a unified law, in order to revive the sector, and that small and micro enterprises should be promoted and provided with the necessary tools.
He called for the establishment of financial tools to mobilize savings and increase daily savings by adopting initiatives to change the consumption culture of citizens because they have an important role in improving the economy, such as launching a comprehensive initiative under the umbrella of the Investment Authority to develop an investment map for Egyptian families to better deal with their sources of income and savings and to develop training programs for executives.
And on his side...
Mustafa Abu Zeid, member of the Youth Parties Coordination Committee, said that the state ’ s efforts in recent years to create an investment environment and its role in attracting foreign direct investments should not be denied, suggesting that a national strategy to attract foreign direct investment should be defined by the sectors to be developed and the mechanisms to implement this strategy with all relevant parties.
He proposed the establishment of a national index to measure the rate of attracting foreign direct investments through which to follow up the decisions issued by the SAI, implement a package of training programs to understand the laws and incentive packages to respond to investors' inquiries, speed up the implementation of digitization plans for the investment environment, promote efforts in the investment sector, regulate incentives granted and provide direct and indirect jobs.
In turn.
Yomna Hamaki, professor of economics at Ain Shams University, said that the role of the state is essential in achieving a balance between the public and private interest and the interests of investors and citizens, proposing to develop a vision to achieve the optimal benefit of the presence of foreign investors in Egypt to achieve the target.
She called for attention to investment in varying degrees, from small workshops to large projects, the promotion of industrial incubators, the exploitation of huge potential in the untapped public business sector, as well as the development of a follow-up mechanism and evaluation of the majority of investment, and the development of a unified vision to deal between the investor and the various authorities of customs, judiciary and taxes.
Mohamed Nasht, a member of the House of Representatives, said that the file of mining in Egypt is important because it enjoys the presence of most mining ores, and we still lack a lot in this sector, calling for the need to close the file of the export of mining ores in its natural form, and stressed that interest in this file will generate many hard currency.
He recommended the need for a ministry of investment, stressing the interest in the facilities and their presence near the industrial areas so that the investor does not incur excess funds in order to obtain the facilities located far from his project.
Ahmed Abu al-Khair, a representative of the Democratic Generation Party, said that we are presenting a proposal to strengthen mechanisms to attract domestic and foreign investment, develop quick solutions to the crisis associated with supply chains, look at small and medium enterprises in another sense, increase exports by obtaining support for exported goods, and separate banking and investment activities, to create a virtual barrier between the financial assets of an individual or company to reduce tax burdens.
He added that the proposal also included benefiting from the wealth of Africa by strengthening cooperation with African countries, making radical changes in the performance and thinking of the Egyptian worker, developing education and training related to labor markets, developing the insurance industry, and developing the accounting and auditing profession and related services.
He added that everyone should deal with the Egyptian government as the largest investor for the benefit of the citizen, so it is necessary to limit all available economic resources and direct investment to them, so that the state can exploit its economic resources best.
He pointed out that the government should seek to implement a system of governance for foreign and domestic investments, and understand that decision-making requires taking the right decision at the right time to get out of successive economic crises.
He stressed that the state's interest in local and foreign investment will contribute to the creation of more jobs, which results in a decrease in unemployment rates, improving infrastructure of all kinds, in addition to the technology environment, increasing exports, which will positively reflect on the balance of payments, revitalizing the local economy, and improving human capital.
And from his side...
Ahmed Sabra, representative of the Justice Party and the Civil Movement, praised the efforts of the national dialogue to reach a real common ground on investment, saying: "Small and medium enterprises are qualified to be the backbone of the economy, as Egypt has 2.5 million small, medium and micro enterprises."
He proposed a solution to the various challenges facing these projects, by unifying the body responsible for imposing and increasing fees and taxes on these projects to overcome the conflict of collecting fees and taxes, as well as the need for any funding entity for these projects to be subject to monetary policies and the Central Bank to overcome the disparity of interest and prevent the emergence of a parallel lending market.
Mohamed Hassanein, representative of the Dostour Party, said that the software and information technology industry holds promising opportunities and has grown rapidly in Egypt and the world, as Egypt is seen as qualified to be the hub of the software and information technology sector in the region with its trained human qualifications in the sector, which was the main driver of the software industry in the Gulf and other foreign countries.
He recommended focusing on investment in this sector, solving the obstacles to the growth of software and technology companies, directing the government, represented by the Ministry of Manpower, to recognize this category, developing telecommunications infrastructure to attract investors, setting clear financial and monetary policies in this regard, as well as providing clear government support that makes the government give priority in its contracts with Egyptian companies to this sector.
Ahmed Omar Mohammed Ali, a representative of the Reform and Renaissance Party and a member of the Coordination of Youth Parties, praised the decisions issued by the Supreme Council for Investment during the past period, demanding the speed of implementation.
He pointed out that the investment map represents a national identity, so it must be updated periodically taking into account the priorities of each stage, and called for the map to include the information technology and services sectors.
He called for directing investments towards those that will lead to positive effects in the balance of payments, with the focus of investment incentives on the sector to attract investments; not to disperse in all sectors, as well as providing the necessary data on all investment opportunities.

A national strategy and index for foreign direct investment should be established, with the state balancing public and private interests.

Foreign direct investment reached $1.65 trillion in 2021, a 77% increase from 2020, as COMESA countries rely on it to overcome economic conditions.

RIA provides international best practices and crucial services to promote foreign direct investment, which helps improve growth rates in countries.

Dubai ranked first in attracting foreign direct investment in 2021.

Title:

Content: International recognition of the institution after the emirate achieved the first position in the world in attracting direct investment
Dubai Investment Development Company is the best in the world by monitoring and evaluation
T + T - normal size
Dubai FDI, a subsidiary of the Department of Economy and Tourism, has received international recognition for its successful efforts to identify trends and patterns of foreign direct investment (FDI), as part of the city ’ s position as a global investment destination.
DFM ’ s Dubai FDI Monitor – Open Data Initiative – has been selected as the best practice among investment promotion agencies (IPAs) for monitoring and evaluation by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The Dubai FDI Monitor is the world ’ s first FDI monitoring, analysis and reporting system that tracks and processes flows of five different types of FDI, including newly established FDI and new forms of investment, using a sophisticated methodology and smart features.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific presented the Dubai FDI Observatory in its special guide on FDI policies, promotion and facilitation for sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific, which highlights FDI best practices and case studies on attracting, promoting and facilitating foreign investment.
Dubai FDI ’ s new achievement comes just a few months after its annual results and rankings were announced, with Dubai ranked first in the world in terms of attracting foreign direct investment in 2021, surpassing London and Singapore for the first time.
Fahad Al Gergawi, Executive Director of Dubai FDI, said: “The exceptional performance and global recognition of FDI in Dubai is testament to its efficiency, resilience, stability and sustainability.
Thanks to the directives of the wise leadership, the emirate has been able to provide a model for international best practices in attracting foreign direct investment and providing promotional services and facilities.
This recognition by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific reinforces Dubai ’ s ambitious journey to foster close cooperation with global investors and partnerships with foreign direct investment (FDI) exporting countries. ”
Dubai FDI is the first investment promotion institution in the world to publish real-time FDI data, using innovative and cost-effective technologies to promote Dubai.
The Dubai FDI Monitor (www.dubaifdimonitor.ae) enables Dubai FDI to provide investors with accurate and timely FDI data and analysis, as well as clarity on the investment environment to support effective and fact-based decision-making.
Investors can take advantage of the open data platform to assess Dubai ’ s competitiveness as an investment destination and identify promising and emerging sectors.
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Content: People 's Daily Online > > Economy and Technology
Ministry of Commerce: Actively promote the construction of a unified national market to attract and use foreign capital
June 05, 2023 13: 32 | Source: People's Daily Online
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Beijing, June 5 (Reporter Yang Xi) The Information Office of the State Council held a routine briefing on the policies of the State Council today to introduce the relevant situation of the construction of a unified national market.
Zhou Qiang, director of the Department of Market System Construction of the Ministry of Commerce, said that China's unified market, which is open to the world, will provide a better environment and a bigger stage for all kinds of market players, including foreign-funded enterprises.
The Ministry of Commerce will, in accordance with the requirements of the Central Economic Work Conference of the Communist Party of China (CPC), promote a high level of opening up to the outside world and rely on China's super-large market advantages to attract global resource elements through domestic circulation.
In the next step, the Ministry of Commerce will actively promote the construction of a unified large market throughout the country, make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign capital, and focus on doing a good job in four aspects:
One is the continuous expansion of market access.
Reasonably reduce the negative list of foreign investment access, and further eliminate or relax the restrictions on foreign investment access.
Give play to the free trade pilot zone, Hainan free trade port, national service industry expansion pilot demonstration, state-level economic and technological development zones and other open platforms to test first and lead, deepen reforms in related fields in accordance with international high standards of economic and trade rules, and steadily promote institutional opening.
The second is to increase investment promotion efforts.
Carry out the "Year of Investment in China" investment promotion activities, coordinate resources of all parties, and promote accurate investment.
Relying on major economic and trade exhibitions and various investment promotion mechanisms, we will support the combination of "going out" and "inviting in" in various places to carry out investment promotion activities.
By building a platform and unblocked channels, fully display the potential of the Chinese market and investment opportunities, and create more opportunities for domestic and foreign investment docking.
The third is to continue to do foreign business services.
Give full play to the role of special working classes for key foreign-funded projects, improve the coordination and guarantee mechanism, deepen normal exchanges with foreign-funded enterprises and foreign business associations, and improve the timeliness and accuracy of service for key foreign-funded enterprises and projects.
Timely coordination to solve the "personalized" problems in enterprise operation and project construction, promote the construction of landmark foreign capital projects to speed up the landing, and support the good development of existing foreign-funded enterprises.
The fourth is to create an international first-class foreign investment environment.
We will further implement the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing regulations, implement the national treatment of foreign-funded enterprises with high standards, focus on government procurement, bidding and standard setting, and work with relevant departments to study and introduce policies and measures to ensure that foreign-funded enterprises participate on an equal footing.
Establish and improve inter-departmental complaint coordination mechanisms at all levels, improve the level of complaint handling, increase the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of foreign investment, and create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized first-class business environment.
(Edited by: Yang Xi, Lu Qian)
Public Number ： People 's Network Finance
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Investment promotion efforts are increased and a good governance system is implemented, with the Ministry of Investment established to promote foreign investment.

Investing in local resources and optimizing the investment environment can attract foreign investment, create jobs, and generate secondary income.

Title:

Content: Economic Page
Investment, Sustainable Development, Iraq
76 2022-12-14
The improved light.
Financial and Economic Researcher
Investment is an important detail in revitalizing economies, especially those that have many of the ingredients of success from raw materials to labor capable of working in various conditions, but in return lack the technology that can adapt these capabilities to serve the economy, not to mention the funds necessary to stimulate the economy, in addition to the lack of access to international markets to market their local products.
Here comes the role of foreign investments and transcontinental companies that have all the possibilities, so they invest in this or that country to produce goods and services through which they can promote the economy of that country, and train workers on the technology used in these factories.
Foreign investments may be blamed for their interference in the political decision of the country, because of their knowledge of the need of these countries for the presence of companies in their countries, however, it is possible to get rid of this problem, which may affect the sovereignty and security of the country, by agreeing with companies whose only concern is profit and presence in such markets.
Many countries have opened departments for this type of development in the faculties of management and economics to teach and specialize in it, as it specializes in how to sustain resources that have a bearing on the lives of citizens, especially with the high population compared to those resources, which needs specialists to sustain these resources to cover the needs of individuals no matter how many. Excess and laxity during use.
In Iraq, the subject of investment is almost a joke palatable to the recipient to laugh, as much as sadness and pain it, with the existence of an investment law and the amendment that has been made to it, but in reality we hardly see real investment in this country, if we take into account the existence of this huge amount of natural wealth in the ground and above, on the one hand, on the other hand it is known that investment The core of the investor funds, expertise and technology pumped in the country where the investment is intended; except in Iraq, where the Iraqi banks (government and private) grant the investor large loans may exceed the cost of the investment project (and often be malls and residential complexes can not buy a housing unit in them) because their prices are unacceptably high.
Sustainable development in Iraq is also not on offer to be included in the thinking of officials in the Investment Authority, with the huge amount of these wealth still the Investment Authority is slow to refer many areas in the provinces to invest the wealth found in them, glass, alabaster, lime, phosphate, natural gas, and all these if invested correctly, the oil revenues on which the Iraqi economy depends by 95% represents a secondary income of money In addition, they withdraw the bulk of the labor that does not find work for them.
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Ensuring national treatment and land security, as outlined in Jordan's Investment Environment Law, can promote foreign investment through automatic approval for transactions after 15 days.

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Content: In order to further expand the inflow of foreign investment, stabilize the scale of foreign investment, improve the quality of foreign investment, and better play the positive role of foreign investment in promoting the development of high quality of Chinese manufacturing industry and deeper integration into the global industrial chain supply chain, the State Council of China agreed to put forward, Facilitating the exchange of international business personnel and other 15 policies and measures to support foreign investment.
1. Optimize the investment environment and expand the inflow of foreign investment
(A) in-depth implementation of the negative list of foreign investment access.
Do a good job in the implementation of the 2021 version of the negative list of foreign investment access.
(B) the implementation of high standards of foreign investment after the national treatment.
We will ensure that foreign-invested enterprises enjoy the support policies of national industrial development and regional development on an equal footing in accordance with the law and regulations.
(3) Promote the signing of foreign investment projects.
Give play to the role of leading foreign investment projects, and give policy support to projects such as land use, environmental assessment, planning, and energy consumption.
(4) Strengthen land factor security.
All localities should promote the project to follow the planning, land elements to follow the project, and guide the land elements to the rapid construction, good development, and high unit output of the project allocation.
(5) Carry out a series of international industrial investment cooperation activities.
Organize and implement a series of international industrial investment cooperation activities.
(6) Improve the effectiveness of the international investment public service platform.
Organize major exhibitions such as the China International Investment and Trade Fair and the Central China Investment and Trade Fair, and strengthen the function of the exhibition's investment promotion service.
Second, strengthen investment services and support the development of foreign-invested enterprises
(7) Facilitate the movement of international business personnel.
To facilitate the entry and exit of executives, technicians and their families of multinational companies and foreign-invested enterprises under the premise of preventing and controlling the COVID-19 epidemic.
(8) To enhance the smooth flow of freight and logistics.
Give full play to the role of the State Council's logistics maintenance and smooth work leadership group.
(9) Strengthen financial support for foreign-invested enterprises.
Support qualified foreign-invested enterprises through listing on the Main Board, Science and Technology Board, GEM Board, and Beijing Stock Exchange.
(10) Encourage foreign investment enterprises to reinvest profits.
Implement the policy that foreign investors will not levy withholding income tax on direct investment for the time being by distributing profits.
(11) Support the import and export of foreign-invested enterprises in the manufacturing industry.
High quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP).
Third, guide the direction of investment and improve the quality of foreign investment
(12) Optimize the structure of foreign investment.
According to the requirements of the "Outline" of the "14th Five-Year Plan", in terms of advanced manufacturing and high-tech technology, foreign investment in high-end equipment, basic components, key components and other fields is encouraged.
(13) Support the innovative development of foreign investment.
Further simplify the approval list process, optimize the workflow, encourage foreign investors to set up R & D centers in China, and deepen open cooperation in science and technology.
(14) Accelerate the green low-carbon upgrade of foreign investment.
Leading foreign investors to actively participate in the carbon neutral strategy.
(15) Guide domestic gradient transfer of foreign-invested enterprises in manufacturing industries.
Co-ordinating activities such as “Multinational Company Local Tour ”, focusing on promoting the development of the Midwest and Northeast regions, which invite multinational companies in the manufacturing sector to give priority to industrial development.
# Foreign Investment # Foreign Investment # Development # Enterprise # Manufacturing

Title:

Content: Government: Iraqi investments in Jordan contributed to economic development
20 June 2023
Minister of Investment Kholoud al-Saqqaf said that the Iraqi investments in Jordan, which amount to about $32 billion.
He added that the Iraqi investments, contributed to economic development and distributed to many economic sectors such as the real estate, financial, industrial, tourism and others.
During her participation on Tuesday in the session of the investment environment available and the laws and facilities provided to Iraqi and Jordanian investors, within the sessions of the Jordanian-Iraqi Business Forum, organized by the Iraqi Business Council in Amman, under the slogan "Building Bridges of Shared Prosperity", the minister said that Jordan is looking forward to more Iraqi investments in the Kingdom, and expanding existing ones to build fruitful partnerships that benefit both countries.
She pointed out that the new investment environment law equates the local and foreign investor with rights and duties.
She stressed that the law, which was prepared in accordance with international best practices, also provided additional benefits and incentives for enterprises within specific criteria linked to elements such as employment, women's employment, the introduction of technology and high value added.
Al-Saggaf pointed out that the completion of investors' transactions and the response to their requests are completed within a period not exceeding 15 working days from the date of receipt of the completed application of the requirements, and in the event of delay by the official entity to respond before the end of this period, this is an automatic approval to complete the transaction.
She stressed that the Ministry of Investment has recently been established to be concerned with the investment file and the main reference for investment in the Kingdom, and to achieve the objectives of the economic vision, the ministry is working on several initiatives, the most important of which are: Saudi Arabia as an investment destination in the Middle East.
The Minister of Investment reviewed the most important advantages and incentives included in the Investment Environment Law and the regulations and instructions issued under it, in addition to the most important investment opportunities in many sectors, which are attractive and competitive to the Iraqi investor, such as information technology, tourism and therapeutic tourism, pharmaceutical and life sciences, health care services, food industries, clothing and textiles, agriculture and related agricultural labor, logistics, chemicals and fertilizers.

The State Council issued "Opinions" to optimize the foreign investment environment, with 29 departments involved, as investment immigration is a common global policy, like Hong Kong's 2003 Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.

Title:

Content: People 's Daily Online > > Economy and Technology
How to ensure that stable foreign investment measures are implemented as soon as possible?
August 14, 2023 15: 50 | Source: People's Daily Online
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People's Daily Beijing, August 14 (Reporter Sun Hongli) On August 14, the State Council's new office held a routine briefing on the policies of the State Council, introducing the relevant situation of continuously deepening reform and opening up and effectively optimizing the business environment.
Recently, the State Council issued the "Opinions on Further Optimizing the Foreign Investment Environment and Increasing the Attraction of Foreign Investment" (hereinafter referred to as the "Opinions"), focusing on prominent issues in the field of business environment for foreign-funded enterprises.
Chen Chunjiang, assistant minister of commerce, told the meeting that the opinions include 24 measures in six aspects, involving 29 departments and various localities.
The Ministry of Commerce will, in accordance with the requirements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, give full play to its coordinating role and promote the implementation of the Opinions in four aspects.
One is to refine the division of tasks.
The Ministry of Commerce will work with relevant departments and localities in accordance with the division of responsibilities, carefully sort out and refine the work tasks proposed in the Opinions, and clarify specific implementation measures, time progress, and results.
Conduct policy interpretation training in a timely manner, guide all localities to formulate specific implementation plans in light of actual conditions, and ensure that the measures of the Opinions are implemented early and effective.
The second is to strengthen policy advocacy.
The Ministry of Commerce will further play the role of the round table and other mechanisms for foreign-funded enterprises, continue to carry out comprehensive and in-depth publicity, and guide local business departments to organize policy briefings in a timely manner to publicize and interpret foreign-funded enterprises in the region.
It will also push the Opinions "point-to-point" to key foreign-funded enterprises and foreign business associations through special work classes on key foreign-funded projects at all levels, so as to strive to realize "what you should know" and "what you should enjoy."
The third is to enhance the tracking effect.
The Ministry of Commerce will work with relevant departments to conduct dynamic tracking of the implementation of the policy, combined with field research and enterprise discussion, to find and unblock obstacles and difficulties in time, to ensure that the policy achieves the expected results, and to enhance the real sense of gain of foreign-funded enterprises.
In the process of implementation, foreign-funded enterprises can report to the special working class of the Ministry of Commerce's key foreign-funded projects and commercial departments at all levels if they have any doubts, and the Ministry of Commerce will promptly promote the resolution.
Fourth, make a summary assessment.
The Ministry of Commerce will review and evaluate the implementation of the policy in a timely manner, on the one hand, collate and analyze the common problems encountered in the implementation of the policy, and on the other hand, promote and copy the good experience and good practices of various departments and localities in a timely manner, so as to create a predictable and better investment environment for foreign enterprises to operate in China.
(Editor: Sun Hongli, Lu Qian)
Public Number ： People 's Network Finance
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Content: Point of view
Su Zhiqi
Reforming the Investment Immigration Scheme to Create Development Opportunities in Hong Kong
Investment immigration is a fairly common investment policy around the world.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government introduced the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in 2003 and subsequently suspended it. The Financial Secretary announced the resumption of the Scheme earlier.
In this regard, I would like to suggest that the HKSAR Government launch the “Investment Immigration Scheme 2.0 ” scheme to promote mutual promotion of overseas funds and social development, and create a win-win situation between Hong Kong and foreign investment.
The threshold of the old plan is set at HK $10 million, and the funds need only be invested in designated financial assets.
In order to promote the diversified development of society and share foreign investment with the public, the author suggests that the new “Investment Immigration Scheme 2.0 ” scheme can open up options other than financial assets, allowing applicants to choose freely, and set ladder thresholds according to different options to increase the flexibility of the scheme.
Join emerging industries and infrastructure investment options
As society enters the post-pandemic phase, it is the focus of this term of government to explore new economic growth points.
There are also many examples in the world of using investment migration funds to drive economic transformation. For example, Singapore has attracted foreign capital through the Global Business Investor Programme (GIP-select Fund), some of which will become venture capital funds for Singaporean enterprises.
The “Investment Immigration Scheme 2.0 ” can refer to Sing Chau to introduce global investors to become venture capital fund managers, thereby enhancing the attractiveness of the scheme. At the same time, the fund must have more than half of the funds invested in designated local industries.
As for the application threshold, due to the uncertainty of the investment risk and return of the fund, the proposed threshold is set at HK $10 million or even lower, which will bring more foreign capital to emerging industries in Hong Kong.
According to the information released by the SAR Government (Note), the old version of the Investment Immigration Scheme has absorbed more than HK $310 billion in assets in eight financial years, indicating that financial asset investment options are attractive.
In view of this, the new plan should continue to retain the old options. However, considering the high investment flexibility and return rate of financial assets such as stocks, funds and bonds, the financial asset threshold under the new plan can be appropriately raised to a medium level, bringing more “living water ” to the international financial center.
Around the world, many countries have the practice of including government bonds in investment immigration programs. For example, Korea has a principal protected interest-free bond fund investment program.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government has announced the establishment of an infrastructure bond scheme to better manage the cash flow of major infrastructure projects, which shows that the Government has a need to issue bonds to a certain extent.
In order to alleviate the financial pressure caused by the concentration of major infrastructure projects, the SAR Government can allocate a certain proportion of the quota of the Infrastructure Bond Scheme to applicants, which can bring new funds to capital investment financing to allay doubts about the financial pressure caused by infrastructure expenditure. Government financial pressure.
Given the low risk and stable returns of government infrastructure bonds, the option of government bonds under the new scheme could be raised to the highest threshold.
"Capital Investor Sharing Fund" to enhance public sense of gain
In addition, due to the trend of aging population and declining fertility rate, social welfare expenditure will continue to increase, and the “Investment Immigration Scheme 2.0 ” can consider introducing public welfare donations for social welfare projects.
In Ireland, for example, a donation of 400,000 euros (about HK $3.38 million) can obtain residency status, which shows that the investment immigration program with the donation element is not without precedent.
In order to strengthen support for the grassroots and follow the goal of common prosperity advocated by the state, the SAR Government may ask successful applicants to donate 5% of their total investment to the Capital Investor Sharing Fund established by the SAR Government for the construction of residential care homes for the elderly and subsidized housing, so that all sectors of the community can share the dividends of the new scheme and increase the public's sense of gain.
In conclusion, the reform of the Investment Immigration Scheme can promote the long-term development of Hong Kong through overseas funds, and at the same time solve the current pain points of people's livelihood.
It is true that reform is only the first step; bringing development opportunities to migrants is the most important factor in successfully attracting foreign “people ” and“ money ”.
The author believes that with the strong support of the state, the SAR Government will be able to seize the opportunities brought about by the national development strategy and give full play to the unique advantages of Hong Kong ’ s “relying on the motherland and connecting the world ”, so that foreign investors and the public can cast a vote of confidence in the new plan.
Note: “Re-push the threshold of 10 million investment immigrants“ greatly increased ” Scholars worry about the attractiveness of Chen Maobo: Research requirements for investment in start-up science ”, Ming Pao, 23 February 2023
The author is the President of Political Intelligence.
(Criticism of current affairs articles published by this website is aimed at pointing out errors or deficiencies in relevant systems, policies or measures, with the aim of correcting or eliminating such errors or deficiencies, and improving them through lawful means, with no intention of inciting hatred, dissatisfaction or hostility towards the Government or other communities)
[Su Zhiqi]
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Singapore and Korea offer investment immigration schemes, including government bonds, that benefit both investors and locals.

There is limited information on foreign investment in Africa, requiring more research for specific figures and trends.

It is essential to promote best practices that benefit both investors and local populations through foreign investments.

Africa's economy has grown 5 percent annually over the past decade, with a large and youthful population of over 1 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Title:

Content: Optimists talk about Africa as the next economic frontier

By 54m ago

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BY DELIA DE VILLIERS

For years Africa has been shrouded in controversy when it comes to its future potential. The optimists talk about Africa as the next economic frontier, while the sceptics point to a low growth rate, poverty and conflict as key challenges standing in the way of notable development.

Yet, the continent has grown its economy by around 5 percent a year over the past decade, is as urbanised as China and has as many cities as Europe with a population of more than one million, according to Future Agenda.

The World Bank reports that sub-Saharan Africa is “home to more than 1 billion people, half of whom will be under 25 years old by 2050”, suggesting that the workforce of the future is based here. They go on to say that Africa is a “diverse continent offering human and natural resources that have the potential to yield inclusive growth and eradicate poverty”.

While potential is not a measure of performance, what is productive is to consider the motivations of businesses opting either to enter the African market or expand operations on the continent. And that’s notwithstanding the challenges, or as Shaw Mabuto, partner at private equity firm Spear Capital, puts it: “While there are undoubtedly risks in Africa, they are well known and understood. Investors can mitigate for them.”

Spear Capital is particularly excited about the opportunities in the ESG (environmental, social, governance) space in Africa. “There are many businesses that have been able to thrive in spite of the prevailing environment and lack of government support. With the right backing, companies across the continent can grow successfully while at the same time making the world a better place and providing returns to their investors,” Mabuto says.

Google’s recent announcement of plans to invest $1 billion (R15.6bn) to support digital transformation in Africa is another very positive indicator of the potential of the continent. The investment, which was announced in October 2021, will be used to enable affordable internet access and building helpful products, for investments in entrepreneurship and technology, as well as to empower businesses as they continue or embark on their digital transformation.

This positive sentiment about Africa’s potential is echoed by a number of businesses who have chosen to expand their operations on the continent.

Picking your next market is key

When SweepSouth decided to scale their business across the African continent in 2020, they chose Kenya as the first territory to launch their on-demand home services model outside of South Africa’s borders. Three months ago they started operations in Nigeria, and plans are now afoot to expand further into Africa.

“There are so many factors that go into choosing a new market, so we decided to look at countries where people experience the same sort of home-care needs South Africans required when SweepSouth was started,” says Aisha Pandor, SweepSouth chief executive.

Kenya and Nigeria were obvious choices, representing big-market regions with a high growth opportunity, ever-increasing internet penetration and digital literacy, and the potential for positive impact on employment, education and economic growth via smart, scalable technology solutions.

“Kenya appealed to us because it felt like an in-between in terms of culture, market segment and dynamics, and also smartphone and internet penetration when compared with West Africa. And Nigeria is a really exciting new venture that we hope will serve as a base for further expansion into the West African region,” says Pandor.

West Africa, too, is increasingly recognised as an area of economic and growth interest for businesses looking to get a foothold on the continent.

Integrated PR and marketing agency Irvine Partners recently opened an office in Ghana in response to an increasing number of their global clients needing support there. The agency already has wholly owned offices in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, and has realised the potential of this West African country.

“Most of our clients’ interest in the region stems from Ghana’s position as a tech hub within sub-Saharan Africa and its growing financial services industry, but we’re also seeing many other industries looking to invest in and expand into the country. Strategically, it makes a lot of sense for us to have a presence in the country and we’re optimistic about its potential,” says managing director Hayley van der Woude.

Beyond the obvious

Importantly, the interest in Africa extends beyond the traditionally popular economic areas such as Lagos, Nairobi and Accra, with Mauritius serving as a prime example of potential beyond the obvious. It is currently the top-ranked economy in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Index and is recognised for offering a sound political and economic environment that strongly encourages investment thanks to a sophisticated banking system, a favourable tax regime and low inflation.

These are among the main reasons.

The Business Exchange (TBE), a South African-launched serviced office offering, not only expanded operations to Mauritius but also designed an investment opportunity for others with their sectional title shared office investment that offers a safe and affordable way to get into this bustling market.

“Mauritius, in our view, is fast becoming one of the hottest investment hubs on the continent. Major international brands, including Samsung, Broll, Expedia and NBA (North America’s National Basketball Association), are based at our serviced office space there, which speaks to the interest in the location and offers an indication of its dynamism as a business destination,” says David Seinker, the founder and chief executive of TBE.

Embracing innovation

Lastly, but certainly very significantly, when it comes to businesses where customer-centricity is key, such as banking and telecoms, African players compete more effectively than their international counterparts, according to a finding in the Boston Consulting Group’s digital maturity index.

“It’s also hardly surprising that these are two sectors where Africa has led the world when it comes to technology-led innovation,” says Ngadi Job Goshi, the general manager at Liferay Africa. “Ultimately, while Africa may be less digitally mature than other markets, there can be no doubt that businesses on the continent are unafraid to embrace technology and innovation. And, in the customer-centric ways in which they’ve done so, despite facing adversity and strong headwinds, there are lessons for the rest of the world in the tenacity and ingenuity birthed and nurtured in the African soil.”

Delia de Villiers is the senior account manager, Irvine Partners.

BUSINESS REPORT

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Google will invest $1 billion in Africa, targeting Kenya and Nigeria for digital transformation.

What trends are emerging for African startups in 2022?

Which African countries are driving the venture capital ecosystem?

Which countries are preferred FDI destinations in Africa?

Mauritius is the top-ranked economy in sub-Saharan Africa for ease of doing business, and Africa leads in technology-led innovation in sectors like banking and telecoms.

Africa has diverse resources, but political instability and conflicts hinder investment and trade.

Title:

Content: Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
Wajdi Zainuddin
Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
Wajdi Zainuddin
Al-Qusair presents the efforts of the Egyptian state in creating the investment climate in Egypt
The Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation addressed the trade and investment session of the China-Africa Agricultural Forum currently held in the Republic of China.
At the beginning of his speech, Al-Qusayr pointed out that the African continent possesses vast natural and economic resources, including millions of hectares of arable land, huge wealth of mining, natural gas, forests, natural pastures and wildlife, and retains a large proportion of the world ’ s natural resources from renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Coronavirus, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the current situation in the Middle East, as well as climate change
He stressed that investment between countries depends primarily on the availability of data and information on investment opportunities and incentives in each country, as the lack of flow of this information greatly affects the movements of capital, in addition to the fact that there are many investments afraid of the absence of guarantees that allow the exit of funds or investment returns.
He said that political stability and conflicts affect the flow of investment, as the main factor in attracting investments is to ensure stability in any country where projects are established, as well as the differences in customs and tax transactions between countries and therefore it is considered a return of movement in investment transactions....
He said that payment systems, banking services and settlement mechanisms should be developed, especially in countries that do not have a large amount of dollar reserves, as the slowdown in growth and the acceleration of inflation led to stagnation in the movement of trade with high prices of fuel, energy and transport, and those challenges facing emerging markets, weak capital flows, inflationary explosions, political tensions and military escalation.
On the reasons for the weak trade exchange, Al-Qusair said that they are:
· Poor logistics with high transport, handling and insurance costs with increased risks due to wars, disasters and conflicts.
Supply and supply chains are disrupted by successive and interlocking crises and challenges.
Some countries impose restrictions on their exports on some goods due to food security conditions and protection of their internal situation.
· Increasing distances between production and consumption markets, which leads to increased costs.
Conflicts in key areas of production (such as the crisis in Russia and Ukraine) have greatly affected trade.
Many importing countries, especially poor or developing countries, may not have a payment settlement system.
Many do not have the financial means to create adequate reserves to enhance their food security.
· Many of the materials are exported as raw materials without manufacturing processes, which loses the added value and thus affects the volume of trade between countries.
"Al-Qusair" reviewed the efforts of the Egyptian state in stimulating the investment climate and was represented in the amendment of investment laws to allow the existence of guarantees and incentives for investment announced and the approval of one (golden) approval for projects.
The state also ensures that investments and their returns come out at any time without restrictions, in addition to the fact that investors and stakeholders are involved in the manufacture of laws and regulations.
The Egyptian state also expanded in establishing free zones and economic zones.
The Minister of Agriculture put forward the required measures to stimulate and stimulate investment, namely:
-- Improving international trade is a catalyst for economic and social development, has contributed to better living standards and increased investment, and is an important tool for promoting integration among countries.
- The need to increase investment first and second, especially in economic and social infrastructure to enhance employment, increase productivity, improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, within the framework of a coordinated international effort focused on achieving common international goals.
- Improved information flow and accessibility.
Enabling free trade agreements between countries.
- Large countries and development partners should provide concessional and catalytic financing, especially to support the capacity of African countries and emerging economies to finance adaptation and mitigation programmes.
It is worth mentioning that the Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation is currently participating in the Forum on China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation at the invitation of Dr. Tang Ringyan, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of China.
The Minister of Agriculture, during his participation in the forum, was accompanied by dr.
Saad Moussa, Supervisor of Foreign Agricultural Relations at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Lack of data and poor logistics in Africa hinder investment by making informed decisions difficult and increasing transport costs and risks.

African countries without payment settlement systems face higher investment risks, but investment laws, guarantees, and economic zones can attract investors.

Climate change, poverty, corruption, and lack of legal security hinder Africa's economic growth and deter investors, emphasizing the need for improvement.

Title:

Content: Menu principal
Menu principal
Development in Africa: adopting innovative mechanisms to attract private capital
Listed on: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 19: 30 Category: Economy
NAIROBI (Reuters) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) ’ s Minister of Finance and Governor of Algeria, Aziz Fayed, called on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya, for the adoption of “innovative ” mechanisms to bring in more private capital in order to unlock the enormous potential of the African continent.
Speaking at the African Development Bank (AfDB) Governors Dialogue, which is taking place within the framework of the African Financial Commission ’ s 2024 Annual Meetings, Fayed said: “We must develop innovative mechanisms for harnessing private capital, which requires the establishment of financial mechanisms and guarantees to encourage private investment, especially in high-risk sectors. ”
He also stressed the importance of Africa ’ s financial needs amid the complex challenges faced by its countries in the context of climate change, poverty and lack of economic diversification, noting that “despite the efforts made, private investment remains weak with investors hesitant because of the potential risks. ”
"Even though Africa is full of potential, it is often seen through the prism of risk rather than opportunity," he said.
Mr. Fayed also stressed that in order to reverse the picture, African countries must adopt several measures by improving the business climate by facilitating administrative procedures, fighting corruption, strengthening legal security, protecting investors, and developing incentive tax systems.
“We must also invest more in enterprises in order to stimulate economic growth and create an atmosphere conducive to the promotion of public-private partnerships by activating cooperation between the two sectors in order to create and embody development projects, ” he said.
The minister also pointed out that "the countries of the continent are also required to enhance their investment opportunities, exchange successful experiences and encourage access to technology and innovation."
Addressing the role of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in this direction, the minister noted that the "unprecedented" challenges facing the world today necessitate "strategic adaptation".
“The African Development Bank is called upon to be a pivotal actor in Africa ’ s economic transformation through the promotion of inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly through the development of a stronger private sector, ” he said.
The annual meetings of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), which began on Monday, record the participation of more than 3,000 delegates who came to discuss the reform of the global financial architecture as necessary to accelerate Africa ’ s economic transformation.
The Algerian delegation to this event, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of this African financial institution, is led by the Minister of Finance, the Governor of Algeria at the African Development Bank, Mr. Laaziz Fayed, in his capacity as the representative of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Development in Africa: adopting innovative mechanisms to attract private capital
Listed on: Tuesday, 28 May 2024 19: 30 Category: Economy Share

Improving access to technology and innovation is crucial for Africa's growth, which can be accelerated by private sector development and global financial architecture reform.

Africa absorbs only 3% of global energy investment, despite 600 million people lacking electricity, due to high capital costs.

Title:

Content: Africa absorbs only 3% of global energy investment
Abdallah Mouloud
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Nouakchott - "Arab Jerusalem":
In its latest report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) confirmed that “the proportion absorbed by the African continent of global investments allocated to energy does not exceed 3%, a proportion considered by the agency to be small, compared to the population of the continent.
“This reality shows two challenges that must be addressed in a continent where 600 million people still have no access to electricity (43% of the continent ’ s total population in 2022).
The International Energy Agency (IEA) presented these conclusions in a report presented at the first Africa Energy Summit, which took place on the 6th of this month in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
The agency explained the weak access of global investment to the continent of Africa mainly because of the high cost of capital from borrowing, which is three times higher in Europe and North America, but also in China.
“Many investors believe that the combined economic and political situation in Africa makes investment in many projects on the African continent very risky, ” said Ama Gordon, co-editor of the report, adding that“ there is a difference between real risk and expected risk. ”
Akinwumi Adsina, President of the African Development Bank, said in the introduction to the report that “capital cost prices must be reduced, ” stressing that“ the solution lies in targeted support and the assistance of international financial institutions and multilateral bodies, through the granting of loans on affordable terms, as there is an urgent need to increase energy investments within the continent, at a time when the public finances of many African countries are facing suffocating pressures. ”
From here to 2030, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has proposed that the private sector finance half of Africa ’ s energy investments, pending the completion of alternative energy projects that are expected to provide a quarter of Africa ’ s energy needs, nearly eight times as much as in 2020, through solar and wind-saving energy.
The International Energy Agency predicts that around 1 billion people in sub-Saharan Africa will have access to power from the public grid by 2040; however, half a billion people will remain off the grid.
Investors believe that solar power can fill this gap, while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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International institutions and private sector financing, including solar power, can help reduce Africa's energy gap and emissions.

By 2040, 1 billion people will have access to power, but 500 million will remain off the grid, with Nigeria being a risky African business location, albeit with less risk in offshore areas.

Title:

Content: Africa Oil: Badly Needed Diversification Is On The Way

Jul. 24, 2022 10:59 AM ETAfrica Oil Corp. (AOIFF)AOI:CA8 Comments5 Likes

Summary

  • The Nigeria leases provide the only source of income.
  • Nigeria is a risky place to do business.
  • The presence of Chevron as an operator and the offshore Nigerian location decrease at least some of the risks.
  • The South African Orange Basin discovery adds considerable future upside potential to the stock but first production is likely years away.
  • Another South African discovery will move to the application process to allow production.
  • This idea was discussed in more depth with members of my private investing community, Oil & Gas Value Research. Learn More »

(Note: This article was in the May 22, 2022, newsletter and has been updated as needed.)

Africa Oil (OTCPK:AOIFF)(AOI:TSX) is a Lundin Group Company with some important interests that will provide some diversification of income from the current source. The company has an income interest in a Chevron operated project offshore Nigeria. Nigeria does support the industry and the country certainly needs the income. But that country has to be regarded as above average risk as a place to do business. Being offshore may eliminate some of the problems that the country is noted for. But it would be a whole lot better if this company had more than this source of income.

The first quarter benefited from the very strong commodity prices. This is a Canadian company that reports in United States dollars. Debt has been repaid. When you do business in a foreign country like Nigeria, there is absolutely no way to "safely" leverage. So, it is very common for companies whose primary business is in countries like this to have no debt or very little debt.

It should be noted that the joint venture, Prime, which is the source of the company's cash flow, does have debt that is not consolidated to the balance sheet of Africa Oil. Prime has been repaying that debt at a decent pace (though some was reborrowed). The Prime debt ratio remains at a conservative 0.4.

South Africa

Management announced a major discovery off the coast of South Africa. That discovery will likely take several years to evaluate and build the structure needed for production. But the possibility of production and income from a far more stable country like South Africa with much better supporting infrastructure and a far more effective government is promising.

A discovery makes a future vision of lots of money far more believable. Exploration offshore is very costly, and it is risky as well. This company has got itself insulated from really bad results through the interest in Impact. On the other hand, the company stands to collect dividends from the hoped-for result. If the worst happens and Impact has to liquidate, the company has plenty of other opportunities. Right now, that discovery, with Total (TTE) as the operator, has way more upside than downside.

It is going to be awhile (as in years) before the operator suggests a production strategy. But a discovery is a big step in the right direction to future income.

In the meantime, another discovery in South Africa is now proceeding to the permit request stage so that the operator can begin future production. The onset of future production is likely to interest Mr. Market. This market tends to respond to cash flow increases as opposed to discovery announcements. The slide above is one of the more recent descriptions with some detail that I could find (even though it is "old").

The age of the slide gives the investor some idea as to how long it takes these discoveries to get to the cash flow stage. Generally, a five-to-seven-year time frame from the initial discovery to production is not unusual. In fact, that time frame can lengthen if there is no supporting infrastructure in the area of the discovery. It is one of the reasons that the market really does not respond much to offshore discovery announcements.

When the production application is approved, then the operator may have a schedule as to when first production is expected.

Nigeria

The Nigeria interest is the source of all of the company's cash flow. The company got a good deal in obtaining this interest because Nigeria is considered a higher risk place to do business and because selling such interests have a limited market. What has made this purchase a "deal" is the rising commodity prices. This is yet another management that was purchasing an interest when oil and gas prices were far lower.

The operators here are all well-established large companies. Chevron (CVX) operates the leases that produce the cash flow to the company. That gives a small company like this a credibility it otherwise would not have. There are a lot of small companies that literally drown offshore because they have no idea about what to do. Here, the advantage of the Lundin family interests is obvious.

Management has obtained a cash flow giant for the size company. The purchase price of the company's interest has already come back (for the most part) and there appears to be a decent amount of cash flow in the future to fund other projects.

The debt needed for the initial purchase has been mostly repaid. Africa Oil itself has no debt left to pay from the original deal. But, the company's dividends come from Prime and there is still a fair amount of debt there that is extremely well covered by the cash flow.

In summary, this cash flow appears to be secure for the time being. The presence of Chevron as an operator and the location offshore appear to offset a lot of my worries about doing business in Nigeria. However, as far as I am concerned, more cash flow from other areas cannot happen fast enough. So, this investment idea has to be classified as above average risk (at least).

The Future

Africa Oil has a lot of interests in other parts of the world both directly and indirectly through holdings in other companies.

Thanks to the acquisition of the interest in Nigeria, the company now has a cash flow source to help fund future requirements. That moves the company from a development stage company to a company with cash flow that the market can evaluate as a going concern.

There are a lot of projects here that have the potential to materially add to the current share price. But this is one very risky company even though it has cash flow. The stock is definitely not for everyone, and positions should probably be part of a well-chosen basket (rather than loading up on a company like this).

Investors should expect that cash flow distributions to the company will be "lumpy" and irregular. That should change as the company grows and diversifies. In the meantime, this company clearly has an above average chance of success.

Management recently announced that another Prime dividend was received. This now meant that total receipts since the 2020 purchase have exceeded the purchase price. This is definitely a good deal for shareholders. But it also points to the riskiness of doing business in Nigeria.

The association with the Lundin family organization provides a lot of resources not available to companies of this size. The experience alone is worth a lot to shareholders in terms of reducing the risks noted above.

In the current environment, the upside potential appears to exceed the downside risk. But investors should expect a lot of volatile price movements in a stock like this "for no reason at all". That too will lessen as the company grows. This idea will take some patience as delays are common and the oil and gas business itself has low visibility.

I analyze oil and gas companies like Africa Oil and related companies in my service, Oil & Gas Value Research, where I look for undervalued names in the oil and gas space. I break down everything you need to know about these companies -- the balance sheet, competitive position and development prospects. This article is an example of what I do. But for Oil & Gas Value Research members, they get it first and they get analysis on some companies that is not published on the free site. Interested? Sign up here for a free two-week trial.

This article was written by

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Occassionally write articles for Rida Morwa''s High Dividend Opportunities https://seekingalpha.com/author/rida-morwa/research

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Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AOIFF either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: Disclaimer: I am not an investment advisor, and this article is not meant to be a recommendation of the purchase or sale of stock. Investors are advised to review all company documents and press releases to see if the company fits their own investment qualifications.

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South Africa has a stable government and infrastructure, making it attractive to investors, and Africa Oil has no debt with a conservative debt ratio of 0.4.

Chevron's leases generate cash flow for Africa Oil, but investors should expect irregular distributions.

Liberia's commodity-dependent economy makes investment diversification essential, adding 30 percent value.

Liberia's commodity-dependent economy makes investment diversification essential, adding 30 percent value.

Liberia's commodity-dependent economy makes investment diversification essential, adding 30 percent value.