On adapting strategies to the current global environment What are your expectations for global investment flows in the next year, and what more can investment agencies do to accelerate economic recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic? ISMAIL ERSAHIN: It is clear that the pandemic had a significant impact on global investment flows, particularly in greenfield investments. Consequently,…
La pandémie a créé un besoin urgent de plus de capital patient en Afrique. Les gouvernements de tout le continent étant confrontés à des contraintes budgétaires tout en reconnaissant l'importance des investissements dans les infrastructures et les services essentiels, le PE et le VC offrent une voie intéressante pour le soutien financier. La pandémie a également accéléré la numérisation…
Financial technology (fintech) is advancing rapidly in emerging markets and Morocco is no exception: the country has embraced its efficiency and low costs as a way to bolster financial inclusion and catalyse innovation across various sectors, with both the government and private firms deploying fintech tools for payments. The development of a fully digital financial environment is an important objective…
On fuelling economic growth in Africa through insurance penetration In what ways did the Covid-19 pandemic impact the insurance sector in Africa? FARID CHEDID: Government measures to reduce the spread of Covid-19 such as national lockdowns have translated into slow economic growth, and in some cases recession. The performance of the insurance sector is traditionally closely linked to that of the…
The pandemic has created an urgent need for more patient capital in Africa. With governments across the continent facing budgetary constraints while recognising the importance of investment in essential infrastructure and services, private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) offer an attractive avenue for financial support. Covid-19 has also accelerated digitalisation in key African markets, which…
With the world digitalising at an increasing rate, the threat of cybercrime has risen dramatically in recent years, and emerging markets are no exception. While the shift towards online platforms – along with the development of the internet of things, smart cities and blockchain technology – is generating significant opportunities for wealth creation and helping to raise efficiency, it…
The three decades before the 2007-08 global financial crisis were marked by the world’s financial networks becoming increasingly interconnected. Financial system regulatory convergence, the growing penetration of World Trade Organisation rules and the creation of currency unions, such as the euro, resulted in a surge in cross-border capital flows. Global banks began to see the emergence of…
Interview:Abdeslam Ababou How can the CSE boost its liquidity? ABDESLAM ABABOU: The CSE is working towards easier access for foreign investors and hopes to regain liquidity through the privatisation of state-owned companies. In order to make the exchange more attractive and garner more liquidity, the government has already launched a major privatisation policy, and was allocated Dh6bn ($625m)…
In recent years Morocco’s banking sector has experienced a period of consolidation at home and expansion abroad following a surge in lending in the decade leading to 2012. The country’s leading banks are now among the largest in Africa, with extensive continent-wide holdings. Despite GDP growth trending lower and the associated slowdown in lending and spike in non-performing loans (NPLs),…
Interview:Karim Hajji What changes will the CSE undergo following the passage of its new articles of association? KARIM HAJJI: The new articles of association, part of our Ambition 2021 development plan, will boost the attractiveness of our marketplace by diversifying the product offering. The implementation of real estate investment trusts will make the exchange particularly attractive, as…