– Textile and fashion is the world’s second-largest industrial polluter, behind oil and gas – Concerted efforts are being made to create more sustainable business models – Two solar-powered, sustainable textile plants under construction in Togo and Benin – Increased cotton processing could mean value-added textile earnings stay in West Africa With textiles and fashion expected to…
On the industry’s role in the GCC’s economic diversification How has the GCC petrochemical industry been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic? ABDULWAHAB AL SADOUN: The health crisis had a significant effect on the petrochemical industry. In the first half of 2020 demand collapsed and prices plunged, a challenge compounded by supply chain disruptions related to the closure of…
The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are bringing emerging markets improved productivity, as well as risks – namely, reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as…
The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are bringing emerging markets improved productivity, as well as risks – namely, reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as…
What do you consider to be the main challenges faced by industry players in Djibouti? DAWALEH: The problem of industrialisation has always been at the heart of discussions when it comes to the economic development of Djibouti, as well as its dependence on other countries in meeting industry demands. If we consider the distribution of value added by sector, industry represents only a small percentage.…
Economic activity in the country is dominated by the tertiary sector – representing roughly 80% of GDP – while the primary sector remains underdeveloped due to an unfavourable natural climate and geography. However, while industry accounts for less than one-fifth of GDP, investment in free trade zones and port facilities is expected to lead to more robust growth in the sector in the coming years.…
Having long enjoyed relative security and stability – avoiding many of the conflicts that have beset its neighbours – Djibouti has gained a valuable reputation as a safe haven in an often-troubled region, and is a key entryway to the Horn of Africa, with access to the Red Sea. Furthermore, the country is continuing to progress its long-term development policy, Djibouti Vision 2035. The plan fo
As Djibouti’s economy evolves and the number of modern shopping outlets grows, grocers and the distribution channels that supply them have proven to be key drivers of the country’s retail industry. The retail foodstuff segment had traditionally been dominated by independently run, small-scale grocery stores called mercatos, but consumer habits have changed in recent times with the expansion…
Djibouti, a small East African country of about 900,000 people that has few natural resources, relies heavily on international trade for both basic needs and industry inputs. Economic activity in the country is dominated by the tertiary sector – representing roughly 80% of GDP – while the primary sector remains underdeveloped due to an unfavourable natural climate and geography. However,…
So much has happened over the past decade in the African markets we cover: Ghana discovered oil, Nigeria re-based its economy, Kenya developed mobile money, Côte d’Ivoire recovered from a civil war, Egypt underwent a peaceful revolution, and Morocco created an aeronautics industry. State assets were privatised, dictators were ousted, and new cities were built. Of course, there have been plenty…