Nairobi Stock Exchange Best Performer in Africa for Last 12 Months

The Nairobi Stock Exchange has outperformed other bourses in Africa for the last 12 months, yielding 20 percent dollar adjusted returns. While the Nairobi Stock Exchange has performed admirably, its performance was boosted by currency volatility and the recent appreciation of the Kenyan shilling. Read More »
Source: The Daily Nation - Kenya

Actis Sees Bright Future in Nigerian Retail Real Estate

On the backdrop of their successful investments in the Palms Mall in Lekki and the Ikeja City Mall, Actis believes that the retail real estate market in Nigeria has a bright future. With the proper collaboration between property developers, financiers, retailers, and government, opportunities in the property market are compelling. Read More »
Source: Business Day

Ethiopia Sells off Seven State Firms, to Offer More

Ethiopia has auctioned seven state-owned firms to private investors, accepting bids worth $121m, and intends to sell 40 more firms as part of a privatization push. Government officials have stated, however, that the auction of airlines, telecoms, and banks remains off the table for the time being. Read More »
Source: Reuters

Tanzania Signs $100 Million Loan to Boost Investments

The World Bank has extended a $100m loan to Tanzania to support private sector development in the country. According to a World Bank study, Tanzania, East Africa’s second-largest economy, still ranks 127th out of 183 countries when measured in terms of the cost of doing business. Read More »
Source: Reuters Africa

Slow But Steady Growth on the Cards for South Africa

According to consulting and research firm Frost & Sullivan, South Africa is unlikely to grow at the projected seven percent rate of countries like Mozambique, Ghana, and Angola. The country is still likely to grow at a stable 2-4 percent for the next five years. This stability, coupled with reduced inflation and significant infrastructure investment, are helping to solidify South Africa’s status as a gateway into Africa. Read More »
Source: MarketWatch

Steady Start to 2012 for South African Hedge Funds

The Blue Ink All South African Hedge Fund Composite, which tracks the performance of around 100 hedge funds in South Africa, has recorded a 0.86 percent increase in February and 2.34 percent increase for the year with low volatility. Read More »
Source: Business Live - South Africa

Nigeria to Raise Pension Fund Stock Market Limit

The Nigerian pension system will be reformed in order to allow up to 50 percent of pension funds to be invested in the stock market, up from 25 percent. In addition, investors will now be able to establish a portfolio compliant with sharia law. These measures are part of a push for regulatory reform intended to establish Nigeria firmly as a regional hub for Islamic banking, as well as pulling domestic investors back to the stock market, in reaction to the loss of confidence of 2008. Read More »
Source: CNBC