Africa Matters Limited, a part of J.S. Held

In honor of Africa Day, May 25th, we commemorate the founding of the African Union – a beacon of unity, peace, democracy, and economic advancement for the African continent. As a strategic advisor to corporations, investors, and financial institutions operating in Africa, J.S. Held expert Piers Dawson reflects on the firm’s commitment to fostering sustainable investment throughout the region and internationally. “We have supported foreign investors in Africa for over a quarter of a century. As advocates for sustainable and equitable investment, we foster mutually beneficial outcomes for international companies, host governments, and local communities. Driving increased foreign investment is crucial for Africa's ongoing development, and we take pride in contributing to this mission.” To learn more about our how we serve clients with interests in Africa, visit: https://lnkd.in/gDwJDgSV #50andForward #AfricaDay #Africa

Ethiopia faces tough decisions on currency devaluation and structural reform to secure a program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Talks take place against the backdrop of debt restructuring and post-conflict reconstruction. Providing comment to Reuters, J.S. Held Managing Consultant Connor Vasey suggests that Ethiopia is likely to undergo significant currency adjustments, potentially ranging from 30-50%, to secure an IMF deal. Yet despite the political challenges this poses, Mr. Vasey anticipates that gradual alignment with the IMF and the diplomatic community will pave the way for a deal in the near term. To read the article, visit: https://lnkd.in/ehk3u7Y4 #50andForward #50YearsofInsights #FindYourExpert

Foreign investors continue to monitor Senegal’s delayed election and potential policy shifts, and while investors have typically viewed it as a safe investment destination, they are exercising caution due to the uncertainty surrounding the poll. In this article published by Al Jazeera English, J.S. Held Senior Associate Tiffany Wognaih emphasizes the importance of the electoral process over its outcome, noting that investors, now facing elevated operational and security risks, are primarily focused on stability. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eCGGBvh2 #50andForward #Senegal #WestAfrica

For global businesses in 2024, political and economic trends are increasing the risk of government interference for investors. This means businesses investing abroad will need to stay aware of the prevailing political trends for early signs of a changing business climate – for better or worse. In the 2024 J.S. Held Global Risk Report, we provide insight on the potential risks and opportunities presented by government intervention this year, and examine other influential topics expected to impact the global business landscape. To view the report, visit: https://lnkd.in/eduy62kn #50andForward #50YearsOfInsights #GlobalRisk

United States officials have reiterated concerns over potential human rights abuses in Ethiopia. The criticism coincides with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s upcoming visit to discuss a new program for Ethiopia, which faces a USD 11.5 billion financing gap. Talks with the IMF are set to enter a critical stage later this month. Providing comment to Bloomberg, J.S. Held Managing Consultant Connor Vasey suggests that the eagerness of Western powers to reset relations with Ethiopia will take precedence in IMF decision-making and that creditors could extend a March 31 deadline for restructuring talks. To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/gfG4Jkfx #50andForward #50YearsofInsights #FindYourExpert

A two-year hiatus for African issuers has ended as Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin all successfully issued Eurobonds in early 2024. Factors are finally aligning for more African governments to reconsider Eurobonds as they lay out financing plans for their budgets. While debt service payments continue to crowd out essential development spending, the politics will become more difficult for governments to manage. In this article, Connor Vasey brings further insight into how this year’s Eurobond issuances will play into the continent’s domestic politics and the opportunities that are opening up for new foreign investment. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/endbhTWc #FindYourExpert #50YearsOfInsights #50andForward

On 12 February, the Kenyan government added momentum to Africa’s return to international debt markets by successfully issuing a USD 1.5 billion Eurobond. The issuance followed similar moves by Côte d’Ivoire and Benin which came to market on 23 January and 6 February respectively, together raising USD 3.35 billion. This ended a two-year hiatus for African issuers, which had seen their borrowing costs spike amid compounding shocks: a global pandemic, conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and policy tightening across developed markets. In this month's insight, Managing Consultant Connor Vasey analyses these pressures going into 2024, and looks into how debt offices and their advisors are anticipating a much more conducive backdrop for African sovereigns.  For further insights on investing in Africa, please email Managing Consultant Connor Vasey on connor.vasey@jsheld.com. In the coming months, we will be moving our insights to J.S. Held’s corporate communication channels. To continue receiving email updates on Africa-focused insights and news from across the firm with our latest research, white papers, and perspectives, please subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/eJ7H28Hs.

Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) laws and policies will reach a significant turning point in 2024. Investors, government regulators, and consumers are demanding greater transparency and disclosure of internal ESG policies. At the same time, companies are including ESG factors as business metrics to reflect and mitigate material risks and serve as a business improvement tool. All while adopting and adhering to regulatory mandates, which vary by jurisdiction, and navigating growing political pushback against ESG initiatives. In the 2024 J.S. Held Global Risk Report, we explore the potential risks and opportunities presented by evolving ESG policies and regulations, and examine other influential topics expected to impact the global business landscape. To view the report, visit: https://lnkd.in/eZtuDvsV #50andForward #50YearsOfInsights #GlobalRisk

The rise in frequency and intensity of major weather events and natural disasters underscores ongoing climate change considerations for governments and businesses globally, including: • Potential damage to properties and infrastructure  • Reliability of renewable energy sources • Impacts on global transportation and power grids • National security and economic stability risks • Climate disclosure laws and reporting/mitigation requirements • Insurance industry impacts In the 2024 J.S. Held Global Risk Report, we examine potential risks associated with weather and natural disasters, outline opportunities to mitigate exposure and strengthen resilience, and provide insight on other influential topics expected to impact global business this year. To view the report, visit: https://lnkd.in/ecJuP8dj #50andForward #50YearsOfInsights #GlobalRisk

The race to develop artificial intelligence (AI) continues, as governments and businesses seek to balance the benefits while managing the associated risks. AI holds the promise of dramatic financial and operational improvements through threat detection, anomaly identification, and opportunities for process automation. Yet, AI also brings potential risks to personal privacy, job loss, bioweapons, cyberattacks, intellectual property issues, and the proliferation of misinformation, among other challenges. In the 2024 J.S. Held Global Risk Report, we examine the risks and rewards of AI, with calls for expanded regulations heating up worldwide, and provide insight on other influential topics expected to impact global business this year. To view the report, visit: https://lnkd.in/exrDaZ9S #50andForward #50YearsOfInsights #GlobalRisk