African
Opportunities
Investing in development
BY BRONWYN CORBETT
To those who have never visited , the African continent is usually viewed as one plagued by famine , poverty , and crime . Not to mention lions roaming the streets . Speak to a tourist and they ’ ll most probably tell you about the warmth and friendliness of the people , the spectacular sunrise , and diverse natural beauty .
Ask an African and be prepared to hear at least 54 different perspectives ‒ each distinctly influenced by the 54 diverse nations that call the continent home . Each of these nations is at some stage of the process of figuring out how democracy in Africa is supposed to work . How do we balance the tensions between the haves and the have nots , between the countless cultures , customs , and religions ? How do we find a happy medium between tradition and modernisation ?
Africa at a glance Most countries on the continent only gained independence from the 1960 ’ s onwards . That ’ s less than 60 years ago . And this is the first perspective that ’ s lost when one views the continent through “ first world ” eyes : it ’ s not western . It ’ s African . And Africa is not a country – it has countless facets and overlays forged by its tumultuous history .
Despite its splendour and resources , Africa remains a harsh continent . But from adversity , ingenuity is born . In a complex and dynamic environment , opportunity abounds for those with the insight and tenacity to spot and pursue prospects .
But what does this mean for real estate investment and property development on the continent ? It means considering 54 different investment jurisdictions ,
54 AUGUST 2017 SA Real Estate Investor www . reimag . co . za