The African Financial Review July-August 2014 | Page 7

FROM THE EDITOR

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Africa in 2014

e at The African Financial Review would like to take this
opportunity to wish you all a very happy new year. We believe
that many exciting things lie ahead for all in 2014 and that
with the New Year, we can pursue new and old goals to newer and further
heights.

We’d like to thank all of our contributors, past, present and those
to come, as well as our fantastic team. In this issue of The African Financial
Review, we review the current business climate in Africa, and in keeping
with true TAFR style, provide in-depth analysis and opinion on the
markets, industry sectors and topical issues.

This issue provides a general review of Africa’s outlook in 2014, to
encourage our readers through the provision of crucial information that
can aid them in doing business with and within African markets. We
aim to present a different point of view from both inside and outside of
Africa, drawing attention to strengths and weaknesses inherent to many
economies within the continent.

Especially encouraging is Gregory De Paepe’s special report, an
extract from 2013’s African Economic Outlook report that was launched
at the AfDB’s annual meetings in Marrakech last year. Our brief report
highlights the rise of external financial flows into Africa and studies the
significance and opportunity of this trend for the year ahead.

Our interview with Cyrille Nkontchou of Enko capital gives a
much-needed insight into African stock exchanges, showing the value
and importance of developing beyond their current nascent stages. Stock
exchanges are important for transactional order and accountability, but
above all, they will encourage a rise in the entrepreneurial classes, who
have much to contribute to economic growth.

Tom Delay’s article is an interesting piece that explores the need
and relevance of incorporating sustainability into business practice. It
may seem that is a taxing requisite for V