Countries in Africa to Live, Work or Start a Business

Do you want to migrate to a new country to live and work? If YES, here is a list of countries in Africa plus 1000+ jobs and business opportunities.

Africa is the world’s second largest and second most-populous continent in the world, coming behind Asia in both categories. Surrounded by water from all directions, Africa is a continent with clearly defined borders. In the north, it is separated from Europe by the Mediterranean Sea, in the northeast, it is separated from Asia by the Suez Canal and farther by the Red Sea. From the east and southeast, it is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, from the west by the Atlantic Ocean.

At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth’s total surface area and 20% of its land area. It contains 54 fully recognized sovereign states (countries), nine territories and two de facto independent states with limited or no recognition. The majority of the continent and its countries are in the Northern Hemisphere, with a substantial portion and number of countries in the Southern Hemisphere.

Among the African countries, the biggest one is Algeria, occupying around 7% of the continent’s territory. And the smallest nation is Seychelles, the worldwide famous luxurious beach holiday destination, and it occupies 115 islands stretching along the mainland’s eastern coast.

Both rich and poor countries thrive in this continent called Africa, and we are going to bring you a brief report on each of the countries in this continent, stating their currencies, population, language, cities and what the countries are known for.

Countries in Africa to Live, Work or Start a Business

Algeria

Official Currency: Algerian dinar
Major Language: Algerian Arabic and Berber
Other Languages Spoken: French
Population: 41.32 million (2017)
Capital: Algiers
Major Cities: Oran, Boumerdas, Blida, Tébessa

Algeria is a key producer of hydrocarbons in Africa, ranking first in gas output and among the top three for oil. It depends on the sector for the majority of government revenue and nearly all exports. In 2014, the Algerian economy expanded by 4%, up from 2.8% in 2013.

Growth was driven mainly by the recovering oil and gas sector, and further economic expansion of 3.9% is forecast in 2015 and 4.0% in 2016. The economy is projected to grow by 3.2% in 2013 and by 4.0% in 2014. The country’s external position remained comfortable in 2012, with a trade surplus of about US$27.18 billion.

The industrial sector is seen as having potential to drive economic diversification and reduce import bill. In addition, heavy industrial subsectors such as steel and cement, pharmaceuticals, agri-business and automotive manufacturing hold promise in becoming key exporters.

Algeria has enormous possibilities to boost its economic growth, including huge foreign-exchange reserves derived from oil and gas. These are indeed good reasons why an investor should consider investing in Algeria.

Angola

Official Currency: Angolan kwanza
Major Language: Portuguese
Other Languages Spoken: Umbundu, Kimbundu, Kikongo, Chokwe, Kwanyama and Ngangela
Population: 29.78 million (2017)
Capital: Luanda
Major Cities: Huambo, Lobito, Lubango

Subsistence agriculture provides the main livelihood for 85% of the population. Oil production and the supporting activities are vital to the economy, contributing about 45% to GDP and 90% of exports. The product for which it is best known, however, is its oil, which has given it the nickname, “the Kuwait of Africa”. Cabinda’s petroleum production from its considerable offshore reserves now accounts for more than half of Angola’s output.

Rich in hydrocarbons, minerals, fisheries and agriculture land, Angola also has a significant hydroelectric potential. The National Agency for Investment Promotion and Export (APIEX) aims to stimulate economic growth, diversify the economy, and expand private sector participation in Angola’s economy.

The government is trying to improve the business climate. A new private investment law was approved in June 2018, which reduces the minimum capital requirement, facilitates repatriating capital, and eliminates a requirement that local investors should have a 35% stake. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Benin

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Fon, Yoruba
Population: 11.18 million (2017)
Capital: Porto-Novo
Major Cities: Cotonou, Parakou, Djougou

Benin’s economy is largely underdeveloped and mainly dependent on subsistence small-scale agriculture, regional trade, and cotton production. Cotton is the major contributor to the economy, accounting for approximately 40% of the country’s GDP and 80% of the export earnings.

Officially, Benin has a mixed economic system, however, subsistence farming and underdeveloped industries are indicative of a traditional economy in which the allocation of available resources is based on inheritance and primitive methods.

Its economic zones (free-trade, industrial, and special), its road network, and the Port of Cotonou are central to the region’s commerce, offering sea access to Benin’s neighbours (Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Chad) and benefitting from close proximity to Nigeria.

Over the past few years, Benin has implemented major reforms to improve economic competitiveness, which led to the country being ranked among the top ten reformers in the World Bank’s “Doing Business” reports in 2015 and 2016. In terms of the time it takes to set up a business, the country rose 60 places, going from 117th to 57th position, in the 2017 edition. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Botswana

Official Currency: Botswana pula
Major Language: English and Tswana
Other Languages Spoken: Sekalanga
Population: 2.292 million (2017)
Capital: Gaborone
Major Cities: Francistown, Molepolole, Selebi-Phikwe

Mining, cattle rearing and tourism are what the economy thrives on. Nowadays, Botswana boasts of a GDP per capita of $18,825 a year, as of a 2015 statistic, making it one of the highest in all of Africa. The main manufacturing processes include diamond processing, food processing (predominantly beef), textiles and mining.

The processing of diamonds has become an increasingly important industry, since the De Beers diamond corporation opened a plant in Botswana in 2008. Botswana is one of the best performing economies of Africa. It does not have foreign exchange controls and it is a low tax regime. These are strong reasons that should motivate investors to invest in Botswana.

Burkina Faso

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Mossi, Dioula, Peul, Fulfuldé and Gourmantché
Population: 19.19 million (2017)
Capital: Ouagadougou
Major Cities: Bobo-Dioulasso, Ouahigouya, Banfora

Burkina Faso has an average income purchasing-power-parity per capita of $1,666 and nominal per capita of $790 in 2014. More than 80% of the population relies on subsistence agriculture, with only a small fraction directly involved in industry and services. Important sectors are food processing, textiles, and leather, although small-scale operations manufacture cigarettes, bricks, and light metal goods such as beds and agricultural implements.

Foreign investment in the gold mining sector has boosted Burkina Faso to become the fourth-largest gold producer in Africa. Burkina Faso welcomes foreign investment and actively seeks to attract foreign partners to aid in its development. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Burundi

Official Currency: Burundian franc
Major Language: Kirundi and French
Other Languages Spoken: English
Population: 10.86 million (2017)
Capital: Gitega
Major Cities: Bujumbura, Muyinga, Ruyigi

Agriculture is the backbone of Burundi’s economy. It contributes about 46% of the GDP of Burundi. About 90% of the population is employed either directly or indirectly under the agricultural sector. Coffee and tea are the two major exported cash crops accounting for almost 86% of foreign exchange earnings.

Burundi could represent a strategic position for foreign investors wishing to invest in the region and to penetrate neighbouring markets. The country has untapped opportunities and a young population, actually one of the youngest in the region and in addition to this, they have access to a wider regional market. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Cape Verde

Official Currency: Cape Verdean escudo
Major Language: Portuguese
Other Languages Spoken: Cape Verdean Creole
Population: 546,388 (2017)
Capital: Praia
Major Cities: Mindelo, Espargos, Assomada

The economy of Cape Verde is service-oriented, with commerce, transport, and public services accounting for more than 70% of GDP. Although nearly 70% of the population lives in rural areas, agriculture and fishing contribute only about 9% of GDP.

In 2017, 37,500 jobs were directly supported by the travel and tourism industry, which accounts for 15.8% of total employment. This direct contribution is expected to rise by 2.8% in 2018 and by 4.5% per year by 2028 (to 60,000 jobs and 21.2% of total employment).

The country has political and social stability, a good climate and qualified personnel. Cape Verde is currently one of the best locations worldwide to purchase property when looking for a good ROI. An increasing number of Investors from European and Middle East are being drawn to the tourism and real estate market; they find that Cape Verde offers them a genuine alternative to the volatility and insecurity of equity markets.

Santiago Island, which is situated in the Cape Verde Islands, just south of the Canaries is set to become the world’s new luxury tourism destination. These I believe are good reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Cameroon

Official Currency: Central African CFA franc
Major Language: ‎French, English
Other Languages Spoken: Cameroonian Pidgin English, Fulfulde, Bantu
Population: 24.05 million (2017)
Capital: Yaounde
Major Cities: Douala, Bameda, Bafoussam

Cameroon’s market-based, diversified economy features oil and gas, timber, aluminum, agriculture, mining and the service sector. Oil remains Cameroon’s main export commodity, and despite falling global oil prices, it still accounts for nearly 40% of exports.

Manufacturing contributes 17.3% of Cameroon’s GDP (2008). The manufacturing industry depends on the processing of agricultural products which include sugar refining, tobacco processing, cotton spinning, textiles, ship repair, light consumer goods manufacturing, and food processing.

Cameroon ranks 166th out of 190 economies in the world in the Doing Business Index for 2017. However, this does not mean that the economy lacks potentials for investors to come in. Many changes have been made in the taxation sector and company creation that it is now very encouraging for investors to invest in the various sectors.

Central African Republic (CAR)

Official Currency: Central African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Sangho
Population: 4.659 million (2017)
Capital: Bangui
Major Cities: Bangui, Bimbo, Mbaïki

The Central African Republic has a traditional economic system in which subsistence agriculture and forestry remain the backbone of the economy. The Central African Republic (CAR) is classified as one of the world’s least developed countries, with an estimated annual per capita income of $547 PPP (2014). Sparsely populated and landlocked, the nation is overwhelmingly agrarian.

The industrial sector is focused on diamond mining, in which 80,000 members of the labor force are employed, and which accounts for most of Central Africa’s export revenue. The country has rich natural resources in the form of diamond, gold, uranium, and other minerals.

Diamonds constitute one of the most important exports of the CAR, frequently accounting for 20-30% of export revenues. There are potentials for new businesses in this country for an investor that has an interest.

Chad

Official Currency: Central African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Modern Standard Arabic
Population: 14.9 million (2017)
Capital: N’Djamena
Major Cities: Moundou, Sarh, Abéché, Am Timan

Chad’s primary non-oil exports include cotton, gum arabic, and livestock. By most estimates, 80 percent of Chad’s population relies on agriculture, livestock, or fishing. The market is primarily domestic. The processing of cotton and cottonseed oil and the manufacturing of peanut oil are major industries in Chad.

Modern meat-packing plants have been established in N’Djamena and Sarh. The fishing industry furnishes fresh, dried, and smoked fish for domestic use and export. The Government of Chad’s Investment Charter offers investment incentives to foreign companies establishing operations in Chad, including tax-free status for up to five years.

Chad’s ongoing development presents opportunities for medium and large-scale projects in oil exploration, mining, road and building construction, livestock, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and electric power generation and distribution. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Comoros

Official Currency: Comorian franc
Major Language: Comorian
Other Languages Spoken: French and Arabic
Population: 813,912 (2017)
Capital: Moroni
Major Cities: Moutsamoudou, Fomboni, Domoni, Tsimbeo

Agriculture, including fishing, hunting, and forestry, is the leading sector of the economy. It contributes 40% to GDP, employs 80% of the labor force, and provides most of the exports. The country is not self-sufficient in food production; rice, the main staple, accounts for the bulk of imports. Welcoming and honest inhabitants and a sense of real security make the Comoros an exceptional place to live and work.

The restored political stability, a better governance of public policies and the resumption of international cooperation have created an environment that is favourable to foreign investments. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Official Currency: Congolese franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Kituba, Swahili, Tshiluba, and Lingala
Population: 81.34 million (2017)
Capital: Kinshasa
Major Cities: Lubumbashi, Mbuji-Mayi, Kisangani

Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in natural resources. It boasts of vast deposits of industrial diamonds, cobalt, and copper; one of the largest forest reserves in Africa; and about half of the hydroelectric potential of the continent. The Democratic Republic of Congo is widely considered to be the richest country in the world regarding natural resources; its untapped deposits of raw minerals are estimated to be worth in excess of U.S. $24 trillion.

The recent peaceful presidential power transition develops the trend for a political stability at least for the next 4-5 years. DRC’s potential to become the most economically successful country in Africa is undoubtful. The growth is to be fuelled by investments in infrastructure and government attempts to improve the business climate.

As of 2017 the Democratic Republic of the Congo had a positive trade balance of $2.59B in net exports. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Republic of the Congo

Official Currency: Congolese franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Kituba (called “Kikongo”), Lingala, Swahili and Tshiluba
Population: 5.261 million (2017)
Capital: Brazzaville
Major Cities: Dolisie, Madingou, and Nkayi

Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, accounting for 57.9% of the GDP in 1997. Main cash crops include coffee, palm oil, rubber, cotton, sugar, tea, and cocoa. Sparsely populated in relation to its area, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to a vast potential of natural resources and mineral wealth. Republic of the Congo has the 31st-highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) among African countries (29.749 million International dollars).

The growth of this country is fuelled by investments in infrastructure. As of 2017, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had a positive trade balance of $2.59B in net exports. This is a good reason why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Cote d’Ivoire

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Yacouba, Senoufo, Baoulé, Betie, Attie, Agni and Dioula
Population: 24.29 million (2017)
Capital: Yamoussoukro
Major Cities: Abidjan, Abobo, Bouaké, Daloa

The world’s largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and cashew nuts and a significant producer of coffee and palm oil, Côte d’Ivoire has enjoyed remarkable economic success since 2012 and is a major economic power in the West African subregion.

The economy of Ivory Coast is stable and currently growing in the aftermath of political instability in recent decades. The Ivory Coast is largely market-based and depends heavily on the agricultural sector. Almost 70% of the Ivorian people are engaged in some form of agricultural activity.

Côte d’Ivoire’s economic growth can be attributed to its thriving agriculture, services, industry, and the influx of foreign direct investment attracted by the improved business climate, structural reform and fiscal policies. It also has an expanding gold mining industry and 51 oil blocks. This is indeed some of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Djibouti

Official Currency: Djiboutian franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Afar, Arabic, Somali
Population: 956,985 (2017)
Capital: Djibouti
Major Cities: ‘Ali Sabieh, Tadjourah, Obock, Dikhil, Arta, Holhol

The country’s most important economic asset is its strategic location connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. As such, Djibouti’s economy is commanded by the services sector, providing services as both a transit port for the region and as an international transshipment and refueling centre.

Djibouti has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Djibouti is a member of the League of Arab States (Arab League) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

Djibouti encourages foreign investment by ensuring 100% foreign ownership in the private sector. Aside from some limited natural resources, Djibouti’s economy is largely dependent on trade. The country attracted $286 million in FDI in 2013, bringing its total FDI to $1.3 billion. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Egypt

Official Currency: Egyptian pound
Major Language: Egyptian Colloquial Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: Coptic, ‎English, French
Population: 97.55 million (2017)
Capital: Cairo
Major Cities: Alexandria, Giza, Shubra El-Kheima, Port Said, Suez

The clothing and textiles sector is the largest industrial employer. Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and Helwan are Egypt’s main industrial centers, producing iron and steel, textiles, refined petroleum products, plastics, building materials, electronics, paper, trucks and automobiles, and chemicals.

Egypt also provides competitively prices and reliable supply of power, water and gas. Egypt possesses an abundance in natural resources that can easily meet the needs of agricultural, industrial and mining activities. These are reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Equatorial Guinea

Official Currency: Central African CFA franc
Major Language: Spanish
Other Languages Spoken: French, and Portuguese
Population: 1.268 million (2017)
Capital: Malabo
Major Cities: Bata, Ebebiyin, Aconibe

Prime agricultural products of Equatorial Guinea are coffee, timber, rice, livestock, cassava (tapioca), manioc, bananas, oil nuts and palm. Petroleum, lumber, natural gas and fishing are major industries in Equatorial Guinea. The Service sector accounted for 4.5% of national GDP.

Equatorial Guinea’s balance-of-payments situation has improved substantially since the mid-1990s because of new oil and gas production and favorable world energy prices. The country opened wide its doors to foreign investment and there are many companies that are currently operating in Equatorial Guinea.

Investment in agriculture, fishing, livestock, and tourism are among sectors the government would like targeted. New investors are currently welcome in the country.

Eritrea

Official Currency: Eritrean nakfa
Major Language: Tigrigna
Other Languages Spoken: Afar, Tigre, Arabic, Saho, English, Bega
Population: 4.475 million (2011)
Capital: Asmara
Major Cities: Keren, Massawa, Assab

Eritrea has an extensive amount of resources such as copper, gold, granite, marble, and potash. Real GDP growth was an estimated 4.2% in 2018, down slightly from 5.0% in 2017, driven mainly by increased investment in the mining and housing construction sectors. The service sector’s growth was estimated at 2.3% in 2018, down slightly from 2.7% in 2017, while industry grew by 1.0% in 2018 and agriculture by 0.9%.

Eritrea’s GDP grew by 8.7 percent making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2019, FDI flows to Eritrea amounted to USD 61 million in 2018, a slight increase compared to 2017 (USD 55 million). The total stock of FDI was estimated at 15.7% of GDP for 2018, totalling to USD 1 billion. These are reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

Official Currency: Swazi lilangeni
Major Language: Swazi and English
Other Languages Spoken: Afrikaans, Tsonga, Zulu
Population: 1.367 million (2017)
Capital: Mbabane and Lobamba
Major Cities: Manzini, Big Bend

Swaziland has a traditional economy in which a majority of the population engages in subsistence agriculture. Swaziland is a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The economy of Eswatini is fairly diversified, with agriculture, forestry and mining accounting for about 13 percent of GDP, manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) representing 37 percent of GDP and services – with government services in the lead – constituting 50 percent of GDP.

Eswatini (Swaziland) has the 43rd-highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) among African countries (11.496 million International dollars). This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Ethiopia

Official Currency: Ethiopian birr
Major Language: Amharic
Other Languages Spoken: Semitic, Cushitic, Omotic, and Nilo-Saharan
Population: 105 million (2017)
Capital: Addis Ababa
Major Cities: Dire Dawa, Mekele, Nazrēt, Bahir Dar

Ethiopia’s exports are almost entirely agricultural. Coffee is the primary foreign-exchange earner; other exported products include khat, hides and skins, live animals, oilseeds, and gold. This economic sector makes up 46.6% of the GDP and provides opportunities for other economic activities such as marketing and processing. Other industries in the country include food processing, leather, cement, beverages, chemicals, textiles, and metals processing.

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa, and is among the most stable countries in the region. Ethiopia has grown at an average rate of 10% since 2010. Through a co-ordinated, prudent fiscal policy and a tight monetary policy, combined with a slowdown in global commodity prices, the Government has brought down inflation to single digits. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Gabon

Official Currency: CFA franc, Central African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Fang, Eshira, Bapounou, Miene and Bateke
Population: 2.025 million (2017)
Capital: Libreville
Major Cities: Port-Gentil, Franceville, Oyem, Moanda

Gabon has a mixed economic system with a heavy reliance on oil, combined with relatively weak centralized economic planning and government regulation. Gabon’s industry is centered on petroleum, manganese mining, and timber processing. Most industrial establishments are located near Libreville and Port-Gentil. Gabon is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

Gabon has key infrastructure to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of its economy. This dynamic has allowed the outbreak of several streams, engines of growth, helping to transform the country into a high value added, diverse and sustainable economy. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Gambia

Official Currency: Gambian dalasi
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Wolof, Serer-Sine, Sarahole, Pulaar, Maninkakan, Mandjaque, Mandingo, Jola-Fonyi and the Aku’s Creole
Population: 2.101 million (2017)
Capital: Banjul
Major Cities: Serekunda, Brikama, Bakau, Farafenni

Economic growth in The Gambia is mainly driven by the agricultural sector (22.5% of GDP in 2016) and the tertiary sector (66% of GDP), including tourism (30.3% of GDP). The Gambia has a mixed economic system with a heavy reliance on agriculture, combined with relatively weak centralized economic planning and government regulation.

The Gambia is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Gambia main exports are: peanuts, fish and cotton. Gambia main export partners are Senegal and Guinea followed by the United Kingdom and China.

The Gambia have vast area of agricultural lands and land acquisitions is governed in a way that it can be beneficial for all stakeholders—companies, startups, governments, and farmers.The Government and FAO Gambia office are promoting responsible investment in agriculture through empirical research and by supporting. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Ghana

Official Currency: Ghanaian cedi
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Akan, French
Population: 28.83 million (2017)
Capital: Accra
Major Cities: Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, Sunyani, Tamale, Obuasi, and Cape Coast

Gold, oil, and cocoa exports, and individual remittances, are major sources of foreign exchange in Ghana. Expansion of Ghana’s nascent oil industry has boosted economic growth, but the fall in oil prices since 2015 reduced by half Ghana’s oil revenue. Major manufacturing industries in the country include automotives and ship building, as well as oil refineries, plastics, and textile.

Ghana has one of the largest stock exchanges in Africa; in 2014, its exchange had an estimated market capitalisation of over US$20 billion2 (S$27 billion). Ghana’s economy accelerated to 8%1 in 2017, driven by the mining and oil sectors, making it the second-fastest growing African economy, trailing only Ethiopia. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Guinea

Official Currency: Guinean franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Fula (or Pular); Malinké (or Maninka); Susu; Kissi; Kpelle (known in French as Guerzé) and Toma
Population: 12.72 million (2017)
Capital: Conakry
Major Cities: Nzérékoré, Guéckédou

Guinea is a poor country of approximately 12.9 million people that possesses the world’s largest reserves of bauxite and largest untapped high-grade iron ore reserves, as well as gold and diamonds. Guinea has exceptional mining potential, including two-thirds of the world’s known bauxite reserves, as well as gold, iron, and diamonds.

Although the mining sector produces more than 90% of Guinea’s exports, it accounts for only 17% of tax revenue, 12% of GDP, and 2.6% of employment.

Owing to Guinea’s favorable climate and geography, there is also considerable potential for growth in its agricultural and fishing sectors.The government hopes to attract foreign investors to agriculture, construction, education, finance, and communication.

Guinea-Bissau

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: Portuguese
Other Languages Spoken: French
Population: 1.861 million (2017)
Capital: Bissau
Major Cities: Bafatá, Gabú, Bissorã

The manufacturing industry constitutes a small part of the economy of Guinea-Bissau, contributing about 15% of the country’s GDP. The main manufacturing industry is the food processing industry, including rice and groundnut processing plant and a sugar refinery. Guinea Bissau main export is cashew nuts (90 percent of total exports) followed by fish and shrimp.

Real GDP growth stabilized at an estimated 5.3% in 2018, slightly below the 5.9% in 2017, supported by robust agriculture (with 6.3% growth) and fisheries (with 8.3% growth). The country relies heavily on agriculture, especially rice and cashew nut production. Agriculture accounts for 45.3% of GDP, almost 85% of total employment, and more than 90% of exports. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Kenya

Official Currency: Kenyan shilling
Major Language: Bantu Swahili language and English
Other Languages Spoken: Aweer, Borana, Bukusu
Population: 49.7 million (2017)
Capital: Nairobi
Major Cities: Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale and Lamu

Kenya has a market-based economy maintaining a liberalized external trade system, while operating a few state enterprises. Major industries include: agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, manufacturing, energy, tourism and financial services.

Industrial sector contributes 29.02% with GVA of Rs. 39.90 lakh crore. Primary Sector of the economy i.e. Agriculture and allied sector contributes 17.32% and its GVA is around Rs. 23.82 lakh crore at the current prices in the FY 2016-17.

Famous for its classic savanna safaris, Kenya is a country of dramatic extremes and classic contrasts. Deserts and alpine snows; forests and open plains; the metropolis of Nairobi and colorful tribal cultures; freshwater lakes and coral reefs.

For many people, Kenya is East Africa in microcosm. Kenya’s strong growth prospects are supported by an emerging middle class and an increasing appetite for high-value good and services. Kenya’s favorable business environment and strong economy has allowed many companies to reduce operation costs and thus growing their profit margin. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Lesotho

Official Currency: Lesotho Loti
Major Language: Sesotho and English
Other Languages Spoken: huthi, Xhosa, Zulu
Population: 2.233 million (2017)
Capital: Maseru
Major Cities: Teyateyaneng, Mafetang, Hlotse

The economy of Lesotho is based on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing, mining, and depends heavily on inflows of workers’ remittances and receipts from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU). The majority of households subsist on farming.

Lesotho main exports are clothing (40 percent of total exports) and diamonds (22 percent). Others include: road vehicles, water, wool and tobacco. Main export partners are: the United States (35 percent) and South Africa (30 percent) followed by Belgium and Canada.

Lesotho has progressed in moving from a predominantly subsistence-oriented economy to an economy exporting natural resources (diamonds and water) and manufactured goods (excelling in textiles and apparel). This has been driven by the country’s duty-free quota-free market access to major international markets and an improving investment climate. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Liberia

Official Currency: Liberian dollar
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Mande, Kru, Mel, and Gola
Population: 4.732 million (2017)
Capital: Monrovia
Major Cities: Gbarnga, Kakata, Bensonville

Liberia is richly endowed with forests, minerals, water, and favorable weather conditions for agriculture. The largest industries in the nation are forestry, mining, energy, and communications. Its principal exports are iron ore, rubber, diamonds, and gold.

Liberia has the 47th-highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) among African countries (6.440 million International dollars). This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Libya

Official Currency: Libyan dinar
Major Language: Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: Berber, Domari, Tedaga, Italian, English, French
Population: 6.375 million (2017)
Capital: Tripoli
Major Cities: Benghazi, Misratah, Tarhuna

Apart from petroleum, Libya’s other natural resources are natural gas and gypsum. Its economy depends primarily on the oil sector, which represents about 69 per cent of export earnings. Moreover, the oil and gas sector accounts for about 60 per cent of total GDP.

The top exports of Libya are Crude Petroleum ($14.1B), Petroleum Gas ($927M), Refined Petroleum ($535M), Scrap Copper ($83.2M) and Scrap Iron ($73.2M), using the 1992 revision of the HS (Harmonized System) classification.

The Lybian Investment Law is designed to encourage the investment of national and foreign capital in Libya. Tax benefits are granted to companies that can contribute to the diversification of the local economy, the development of rural areas, the increase of employment, etc. This can make it favorable for an investor to invest in the country.

Madagascar

Official Currency: Malagasy ariary
Major Language: Malagasy and French
Population: 25.57 million (2017)
Capital: Antananarivo
Major Cities: Toamasina, Antsirabe, Mahajanga

Madagascar has a market economy with agriculture, textile, mining, and tourism industries contributing significantly to the economy. The biggest industries in the country according to their annual output are the seafood industry, glassware, sugar, textiles, cement, tourism, paper, petroleum, and mining.

Madagascar primarily exports agricultural products, coffee, vanilla, shellfish, sugar, and fiber. It is also a producer of cotton textiles, minerals, and gemstones (though it is believed most gems are smuggled out of the country illegally). By taking advantage of large textile markets such as AGOA, Madagascar offers several investment opportunities in the textile sector. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Malawi

Official Currency: Malawian kwacha
Major Language: Chichewa, English
Other Languages Spoken: Yao, Tumbuka, Tonga, Sena, Lomwe, Ngonde, Lambya
Population: 18.62 million (2017)
Capital: Lilongwe
Major Cities: Blantyre, Zomba, Kasungu

The economy of Malawi is predominantly agricultural, with about 80% of the population living in rural areas. The landlocked country in south central Africa ranks among the world’s least developed countries. In 2017, agriculture accounted for about one-third of GDP and about 80% of export revenue.

Presently, the sector contributes about 51.7% of the country GDP. Some of the notable industries in this sector include tourism, health services, the banking sector, telecommunications, and retail. The government of Malawi holds a majority of shares in most of these sectors.

With no history of civil war, Malawi is Africa’s beacon of peace, and it has a stable political climate for doing business. It also has a liberalised economy, political will, market driven rates, exchange rates and government co-investments in strategic areas to promote private sector growth. This can make it easier to invest in the country.

Mali

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Bambara, Arabic, Bomu, ‎Bozo
Population: 18.54 million (2017)
Capital: Bamako
Major Cities: Sikasso, Kalabancoro, Koutiala, Segou

Mali is famous for its salt mines. In the past, Mali was one of the richest countries, home to great emperors whose wealth came mainly from the region’s position in the cross-Sahara trade routes between West Africa and the north. Industry is becoming a significant sector of the economy consisting of mostly minor consumer goods production for local use and food processing, construction, and phosphate and gold mining. Natural resources also include kaolin, salt, limestone, uranium, and hydropower.

Mali benefits from substantial natural resources such as gold, bauxite and iron, and is Africa’s main cotton supplier. In recent years, the government of Mali has put in place FDI promotion policies aimed at encouraging competitiveness and private sector participation in almost all sectors. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Mauritania

Official Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya
Major Language: Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: French, Wolof, Pulaar, Soninke, and Bambara.
Population: 4.42 million (2017)
Capital: Nouakchott
Major Cities: Nouadhibou, Néma, Kaédi

The economy of Mauritania is heavily dependent on the country’s natural resources that include iron, oil, and gold. In the Sahel region of Mauritania, a traditional subsistence economy composed of livestock raising, agriculture, crafts, and petty trading supports most of the population.

In February 2016, the World Bank granted USD 10 million in aid to the country to support the development of the Nouadhibou duty-free zone, which aims to attract foreign investors. Mauritania will develop its first deep-water port, in an effort to promote Nouadhibou as a multi-purpose service platform in the sub-region. This is can help increase foreign business footprint in the nation.

Mauritius

Official Currency: Mauritian rupee
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: French, Mauritian Creole, French-based Creole, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Urdu
Population: 1.265 million (2017
Capital: Port Louis
Major Cities: Flacq, Grand Port, Moka, Pamplemousses , Plaines Wilhems

Mauritius gained its independence in 1968, and its main economic activity has historically been agriculture. Since independence, Mauritius has managed to transition into a middle-income country. The country’s economy has growing financial, industrial, tourism, and IT industries.

Its other industries include, food processing (largely sugar milling), textiles, clothing; chemicals, metal products, transport equipment, nonelectrical machinery; tourism. Mauritius has one of the strongest economies in Africa, with a GDP of $4.5 billion in 2001 and per capita income close to $3,800.

The country has enjoyed political stability since its birth as an independent nation in 1968. The government is democratically elected every 5 years, and successive powers have all demonstrated their commitment to a market economy that fosters entrepreneurship and foreign investment.

Morocco

Official Currency: Moroccan dirham
Major Language: Modern Standard Arabic and Berber
Other Languages Spoken: French, Darija
Population: 35.74 million (2017)
Capital: Rabat
Major Cities: Casablanca, Fez, Tangier

In a nutshell the main industries in Morocco are phosphate rock mining and processing, food processing, leather goods, textiles, selling of arts and crafts, construction, and tourism.

The country’s stability should attract more investors to invest in Morocco. In addition, a vast project of economic modernization has been launched to boost FDI, mainly in Real Estate, ICT sector, Tourism, Wind Energy and Solar Energy, Logistics, etc.

Mozambique

Official Currency: Mozambican metical
Major Language: Portuguese
Other Languages Spoken: Makhuwa, Tsonga, Chirima and Meeto
Population: 29.67 million (2017)
Capital: Maputo
Major Cities: Matola, Nampula, Beira

Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Mozambique, and the country’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, which has a great potential of even further growth. Agriculture employs about 80% of the country’s labor force, and it is the source of livelihood for most of the population in the country. Tourism is also an important source of inclusive business and poverty reduction in Mozambique.

Mozambique has been one of the ‘fastest-growing economies’ on the continent for the last two-and-a-half decades. It has outperformed both regional and global growth averages, with rich oil and gas reserves that are attracting substantial investment from across the globe. Additionally, the nation looks set to rise up as the ‘new’ Seychelles or Reunion if the optimism and energy continue in its tourism sector. These reasons make this country a ripe place for investment.

Namibia

Official Currency: South African rand, Namibian dollar
Major Language: German, English
Other Languages Spoken: Oshiwambo dialects, Nama/Damara language, Afrikaans, Herero
Population: 2.534 million (2017)
Capital: Windhoek
Major Cities: Rundu, Walvis Bay, Oshakati

Namibia’s agricultural sector is also imperative to the country’s economy with a thriving red meat industry and the cultivation of crops such as maize, wheat, pearl millet, groundnuts, beans and cotton. Namibia’s Tourism sector continues to be a booming industry.

Namibia offers opportunities for investment in infrastructure through public private partnerships (PPPs) or foreign direct investment (FDI). By virtue of its location, it offers access for manufacturers and/ or exporters to 15 SADC countries, with a population of ±280 million. Namibia provides numerous opportunities for international investors seeking a foothold and growth on the African continent.

Niger

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: ‎Hausa, Zarma, Songhay, Fulfulde
Population: 21.48 million (2017)
Capital: Niamey
Major Cities: Zinder, Maradi, Tahoua

Niger has extensive resources of gold, coal, oil and other minerals and its ability to exploit them successfully is important for the country’s future growth. Other major industries in Niger are cement, brick, soap, textiles, food processing, chemicals and slaughterhouses.

The government adopted various measures to attract more investments. These include the reorganisation of the process to obtain building permits, strengthening the settlement system for disputes related to the execution of contracts, etc. Investors are also attracted to the uranium extraction industry in Niger.

Nigeria

Official Currency: Nigerian naira
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Pidgin English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Urhobo, Ibibio, Fulfulde and Kanuri
Population: 190.9 million (2017)
Capital: Abuja
Major Cities: Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Jos

Currently, retail and wholesale sales make up 16% of Nigeria’s GDP, making these sales the third largest contributors, even though most of these sales are conducted through informal markets, such as open markets, street vendors, and kiosks. Manufacturing accounts for 8.7% of Nigeria’s GDP.

Nigeria has introduced a number of incentives to assist foreign investors. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act ensures that investors can repatriate 100% of profits and dividends, and that 100% ownership of companies is allowed in all sectors apart from oil and gas.

Rwanda

Official Currency: Rwandan franc
Major Language: Kinyarwanda
Other Languages Spoken: French, English, and Swahili
Population: 12.21 million (2017)
Capital: Kigali
Major Cities: Butare, Gitarama, Gisenyi

Leading sectors include energy, agriculture, trade and hospitality, and financial services. Rwanda’s economy is overwhelmingly rural and heavily dependent on agriculture. Strong growth in the services sector, particularly construction and tourism, has contributed to overall economic growth.

Rwanda offers an attractive environment to operate in or to run a business from. The country has 7.1% average year-on-year GDP growth since 2004, stable inflation and exchange rate. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Sao Tome and Principe

Official Currency: São Tomé and Príncipe dobra
Major Language: Portuguese
Other Languages Spoken: Portuguese creole, Forro, Angolar and Principense
Population: 204,327 (2017)
Capital: Sao Tome

Floating in the Gulf of Guinea, this two-island nation, Africa’s second-smallest, blends natural wonders with a gripping history. São Tomé & Príncipe (STP) is amazingly safe and welcoming to visitors, particularly ecotourists, for whom the advancing jungle is a delight. São Tomé and Príncipe has the 55th-highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) among African countries (0.726 million International dollars).

Investing in projects like paved roads and other areas encompassed by infrastructure in Sao Tome and Principe has the potential to jumpstart the alleviation of poverty across the country. Improving the country’s infrastructure will open up other doors for Sao Tome and Principe’s economy to grow and flourish.

Senegal

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Wolof, Pulaar, Mandinka, Balanta-Ganja, Mandjak, Hassaniya Arabic, Noon, Jola-Fonyi
Population: 15.85 million (2017)
Capital: Dakar
Major Cities: Pikine, Touba, Thiès

Agriculture is dominated by food crops including cereals and industrial crops such as groundnuts and cotton. The nation’s economy has traditionally revolved around peanut production. The government has increased efforts to diversify to other cash crops such as sugarcane and cotton and other non-agricultural sectors.

Senegalese industries process a range of commodities that includes food, textiles, wood products, chemicals, construction materials, machinery, equipment, electricity, and water. Food ranks as the most important economic contributor, accounting for 43.1 percent of all industrial manufacturing output.

Senegal offers a stable political environment, a favourable geographic position and strong institutions with growing opportunities for foreign investment. With a low inflation rate of only 1% in 2016, this is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Seychelles

Official Currency: Seychellois rupee
Major Language: Seychellois Creole
Other Languages Spoken: English and French
Population: 95,843 (2017)
Capital: Victoria
Major Cities: Anse Boileau, Beau Vallon, Takamaka, Grand Anse Mahe

The economy of Seychelles is based on fishing, tourism, the processing of coconuts and vanilla, coir (coconut fiber) rope, boat building, printing, furniture and beverages. Agricultural products include cinnamon, sweet potatoes, cassava (tapioca), bananas, poultry and tuna. Seychelles’ main industries include tourism, fishing, farming, oil drilling and manufacturing. Most manufacturers are small-scale and consist largely of food processing plants.

As Seychelles is politically and economically stable, it’s considered a tax haven, therefore, foreign owners can benefit from the low rate and financial secrecy. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Sierra Leone

Official Currency: Sierra Leonean leone
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Mende, Temne, Limba and Krio
Population: 7.557 million (2017)
Capital: Freetown
Major Cities: Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Koidu Town

Industries in Sierra Leone cover diamond mining and petroleum refining alongside commercial ship repair. Extractive industries are popular in Sierra Leone due to the country’s wealth of diamonds, gold, bauxite, rutile and iron ore deposits, and mining now accounts for almost a third of GDP.

The country’s substantial mining wealth, the absence of any arbitrary discrimination against foreign companies and restrictions on the repatriation of profits, as well as the sale of assets (guaranteed by the new investment code) make Sierra Leone attractive for investment.

Somalia

Official Currency: Somali shilling, US dollar
Major Language: Somali, Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: ‎Italian, English
Population: 14.74 million (2017)
Capital: Mogadishu
Major Cities: Hargeysa, Berbera, Kismayo

Somalia has diverse livelihood systems: pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, fishing and coastal communities. Agriculture provides 60% of the country’s GDP, 80% of its employment and 90% of its exports. The livestock and crop sectors remain the main sources of current economic activity and employment.

Investing in a country recovering from conflict will reduce the chances of it returning to war, so any funds placed in the country can have a huge social and political impact. Early investors in a post conflict country will encounter fewer competitors and will gain the so called first mover advantage.

A small amount of finance can go a long way in Somalia, thanks to relatively low costs and the country’s relative poverty. These are reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country

South Africa

Official Currency: South African rand
Major Language: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Zulu
Other Languages Spoken: Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and
Population: 56.72 million (2017)
Capital: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
Major Cities: Johannesburg, Soweto, Durban

The primary goods produced by the manufacturing sector of South Africa include: food processing, textiles, electronics, chemicals, technology, and automobiles. Of these specialized goods, the most important to the economy is the automobile industry. Others include agriculture, mining, manufacturing, communications, tourism, textiles, wholesale and retail trade and even real estate, finance, and business services.

One of the main reasons for South Africa becoming one of the most popular trade and investment destinations in the world is due to the country ensuring that it can meet specific trade and investment requirements of prospective investors. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

South Sudan

Official Currency: South Sudanese pound
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Dinka, Nuer, Bari, and Zande
Population: 12.58 million (2017)
Capital: Juba

Sudan’s most important export is gold (70 percent of total exports) followed by livestock (25 percent). Others include: oil, arabic gum and cotton. Main import partner is China (78 percent) followed by UAE, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Italy.

The oil sector had driven much of Sudan’s GDP growth since 1999. For nearly a decade, the economy boomed on the back of rising oil production, high oil prices, and significant inflows of foreign direct investment. The world’s largest exporter of gum Arabic, Sudan produces 75-80% of the world’s total output.

The Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GoSS) is keen to cultivate and nurture a conducive investment environment in the country. Consequently, it has put in place necessary procedures and systems to facilitate rapid business setup in the country through the respective ministries and commissions. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Sudan

Official Currency: Sudanese pound
Major Language: Arabic and English
Other Languages Spoken: Khartoum Arabic
Population: 40.53 million (2017)
Capital: Khartoum
Major Cities: Omdurman, Nyala, Port Sudan

Sudan ranks 171 out of 187 countries in the latest UNDP’s Human Development Report 2013. Agriculture including livestock and fishing is the most important economic sector in Sudan, contributing to about a third of the country’s GDP and providing a livelihood to about two-thirds of the active population.

Sudan has many advantages to attract foreign investment. Sudan is classified among the most attractive countries for investment in Africa the Arab region. Acknowledging the importance of investment to boost the economy and to realize direct development, the government established the Ministry of Investment in 2002. This is done to aid foreign investment in the country.

Tanzania

Official Currency: Tanzanian shilling
Major Language: Swahili and English
Other Languages Spoken: Maasai, Datooga, Digo
Population: 57.31 million (2017)
Capital: Dodoma
Major Cities: Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha

Tanzania’s industrial sector contributes around 25% to the country’s GDP and has experienced an average annual growth of 8% over the past 5 years. The general industrial structure of Tanzania is comprised of manufacturing (53%), processing (43%), and assembling industries (4%). Today, agriculture is the main contributor to the value of Tanzania’s economy, while tourism is the leading sector in terms of foreign exchange earnings.

The overall performance of the Tanzanian economy remains strong with a high rate of growth, and a low rate of inflation over the past five years. Tanzania was ranked number 144 among the 190 economies in the ease of doing business according to the latest World Bank annual rankings. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Togo

Official Currency: West African CFA franc
Major Language: French
Other Languages Spoken: Ewé, Kabiyé
Population: 7.798 million (2017)
Capital: Lome
Major Cities: Sokodé, Kara, Atakpamé

Togo has a mixed economy in which the private sector is emerging, but most of the population relies on traditional subsistence agriculture. Mining is an important industry in Togo, and in 2012 the industry generated 33.9% of the nation’s GDP, while in 2010, it employed about 12% of the total population.

Since 2011, Togo has improved its ranking in the Doing Business report, from rank 165 (in the Doing business 2011 report) to 150 (in the 2016 Doing business report). The creation of a One Stop Shop (Business Formalities Center) has reduced business set up time in the country to 24 hours and it equally reduced startup costs by 40%. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Tunisia

Official Currency: Tunisian dinar
Major Language: Arabic
Other Languages Spoken: French, English and German
Population: 11.53 million (2017)
Capital: Tunis
Major Cities: Sfax, Sousse

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Tunisia’s economy accounting for 12% of the GDP and 16% of the workforce. Close ties with the European Union has influenced agricultural policies in the country including market control and food processing techniques.

In an international context which is gradually recovering from the financial and economic crisis, a new, post-revolution Tunisia is seeking to attract foreign investors based on three main assets: geography, human capital and low wages. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Uganda

Official Currency: Ugandan shilling
Major Language: English, Swahili
Other Languages Spoken: Bantu, Central Sudanic, and Nilotic
Population: 42.86 million (2017)
Capital: Kampala
Major Cities: Gulu, Lira, Mbarara, Jinja

Industry is very limited in Uganda. The most important sectors are the processing of agricultural products (such as coffee curing), the manufacture of light consumer goods and textiles, and the production of beverages, electricity, and cement. The top exports of Uganda are Coffee ($555M), Gold ($416M), Dried Legumes ($98.4M), Fish Fillets ($87.1M) and Cocoa Beans ($74.9M), using the 1992 revision of the HS (Harmonized System) classification.

In the whole African nation, Uganda’s economy is the fastest rising due to its political stability and economic policies. The country’s political and economic environment has been consistently improving and stable since 1986. This is one of the reasons why an investor should consider investing in the country.

Zambia

Official Currency: Zambian kwacha
Major Language: English
Other Languages Spoken: Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Lozi, Lunda, Kaonde, and Luvale
Population: 17.09 million (2017)
Capital: Lusaka
Major Cities: Kitwe, Ndola, Livingstone and Chipata

The GDP composition by sector of origin of Zambia includes the agriculture industry that accounts for 19.8% of the GDP, industry for 33.8% and services for 46.5%. Major industries of Zambia include copper mining and processing, construction, emerald mining, beverages, food, textiles, chemicals, fertilizer and horticulture.

For the first time since 1989, Zambia’s economic growth reached the 6%-7% mark (in 2007) needed to reduce poverty significantly. Copper output has increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and the opening of new mines. The maize harvest was again good in 2005, helping boost GDP and agricultural exports. Cooperation continues with international bodies on programs to reduce poverty, including a new lending arrangement with the IMF in the second quarter of 2004.

Zimbabwe

Official Currency: United States Dollar, RTGS Dollar
Major Language: Chewa, ‎Chibarwe‎, English, Kalanga
Other Languages Spoken: Chewa, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa
Population: 16.53 million (2017)
Capital: Harare
Major Cities: Bulawayo, Chitungwiza, Mutare

Some of the major industries in the country include mining, cement, clothing and footwear, wood products, and a few others. Agriculture is also a significant contributor with a contribution of around 20.3% of the total GDP. The economy of Zimbabwe shrank significantly after 2000, resulting in a desperate situation for the country – widespread poverty and a 95% unemployment rate.

Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe was a major problem from about 2003 to April 2009, when the country suspended its own currency. News media reported recently that Zimbabwe is the poorest country in the world after the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But to help remedy the situation, the government seeks to attract FDI and has implemented the Zimbabwe Investment Authority (ZIA), which is the country’s investment promotion body set up to promote and facilitate both foreign direct investment.