Trends Identified

Private Sector

For the private sector to play its full role as engine of growth in Africa and poverty reduction, African countries will need to create an enabling environment for a vibrant private sector in which micro, small, and medium size enterprises (MSMEs) and labour-intensive activities thrive alongside large firms in both traditional and new areas. This will require improving the legal and regulatory environment for doing business, increasing access to finance, improving corporate governance, strengthening human capital and skills development and fostering entrepreneurship.

2011

Africa in 50 Years’ Time

African Development Bank

Democratisation

Democracy has become increasingly prevalent across Africa over the last two decades. In 2011, 18 countries in Africa are considered electoral democracies, compared to only four in 1991.32 Electoral democracy is becoming institutionalised in several African countries, acting as a powerful force for economic growth and development.

2011

Africa in 50 Years’ Time

African Development Bank

Talent shortages/talent management challenges

55% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Trade protectionism; deglobalization; economic populism

36% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Restrictive environment (e.g., protectionism/nationalism, regulatory, limits to access to funding) for M&A efforts

32% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Political/government gridlock

31% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Emerging market and/or nontraditional competitors

27% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Trump administration

25% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Brexit, break-up of the Eurozone; ongoing EU economic weaknesses and debt problems

23% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG

Geopolitical event; terrorism; war on terror, ISIS, potential North Korea, Russia, and/or China conflicts

20% of the respondents view this as a negative trend

2017

Adoption of intelligent automation does not equal success. 4Q 2017 KPMG Global Insights Pulse Survey Report.

KPMG