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2 - 8 July
2016
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From
the CEO OF EMIS
Something I often hear when talking to clients and members of my staff is the growing interest in information for Africa. This is understandable given the region’s size and undeniable potential for growth. But we should be careful not to homogenise a continent comprising of 54 nations that have as many differences as similarities.
Take two of the continent’s largest economies, South Africa and Egypt. |
Once the “S” in BRICS, South Africa’s status has been relegated from emerging market powerhouse to chronic underperformer.
The country has suffered from China’s slowdown and weak commodity prices but also from a failure to implement reforms that might support growth. Last week, the IMF downgraded its growth forecast for South Africa to just 0.1% for 2016. Conversely, Egypt is experiencing something of an economic recovery with growth expected of around 4% this year. This is largely due to the Egyptian government’s willingness to implement economic reform and invest in infrastructure. Such growth is all the more commendable when you consider the degree to which the country’s tourism sector has been crushed by fear of terrorism.
Such divergent economic trajectories are apparent throughout Africa. Countries blessed with an abundance of natural resources are undermined by corruption and political incompetence. Others show more encouraging signs with greater access to investment and improved health and education policies. As always, the fortunes of emerging markets in Africa depend hugely on the good intentions of those who govern them.
Guy Dunn
Chief Executive
Officer
Here are a few articles I came across on the EMIS service that show the different circumstances faced by policy makers across Africa:
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Infographic
of the week
Retailing is a fast growing sector in the Philippines. A confluence of favourable factors contribute to this, including a young population (median age of 23.4 years as of the 2010 census), rising incomes, and an increase in the consumer credit industry, which has been bringing additional consumers into the formal retail sector.
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EMIS
Insights and reports
Here
are two of our own exclusive industry insights from EMIS' team of
highly experienced, locally-based analysts. EMIS Insights deliver the
most relevant industry news, data and research from over 25 sectors in
21 countries.
ARGENTINA CONSTRUCTION: A CHANGE IS GONNA COME
Тhe main factors that will define the performance of the construction sector are the execution of the liberalisation policies of the newly elected government, led by Mauricio Macri, combined with strong government spending on infrastructure projects and social infrastructure.
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POLAND RETAIL: BAG A BARGAIN
Poles have turned to discount stores; super- and hypermarkets (even those focused on premium quality goods) have reacted by trying to imitate discount chains' pricing patterns - the reason is the latter’s popularity: more than two-third of Poles already go to discount shops.
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Weekly
News summary
Below
are the most read articles in the past week on EMIS
Perspectives, our daily blog of
emerging market news and insights.
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