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July 20, 2020
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  • Africa Integrity insights
  • Central Africa
  • East Africa
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What Next for Africa?

Notes from the Managing Director’s Desk

As for the rest of the world, 2020 has been a torrid year for Africa.  Africa Integrity has closely tracked the impact of Covid-19 in different parts of the continent and we have been deeply saddened by the pain and losses it has caused.  We have also been impressed by the responses of many cash-strapped governments, who have dug deep to lessen the public health, social and economic damage wrought by the virus.  As we have observed in previous newsletters, the response has been heavy-handed in some cases and the crisis may have afforded cover to certain regimes for actions designed to narrow the democratic space.  But, on the whole, Africa’s leaders have reacted sensibly, swiftly and effectively to the threat, in trying circumstances.

Recently, the success of measures imposed early on has been reflected in an easing of restrictions in many economies.  Put simply, Africa is getting back to work.  Key sectors, such as mining, are beginning to thrive once again.  And, as my colleague Michael Kearsey writes below, Africa’s ever vibrant political scene has continued to surprise, both on the upside and the downside, proving that the virus has not quelled the peoples’ spirits.  So, there is a quiet confidence emerging that Africa is entering a new phase, of economic, social and political recovery.

For our clients, the new phase represents opportunities and risks in equal measure.  We believe that, globally, the pandemic-induced pause has changed forever the way consumers think about the corporate world.  Now, more than ever, corporate behaviour will come under close scrutiny.  Recent events in the UK have illustrated a renewed interest in the integrity of companies’ supply chains, across sectors.  In Africa, it will be particularly important to ensure that resource inputs do not carry with them the risk of political exposure, use of child-labour, or infiltration of conflict minerals, to mention but a few concerns.

Against this backdrop, Africa Integrity is delighted to announce a focused strategic co-operation with Kleos Advisory (https://kleosadvisory.uk/), led by the highly distinguished Dr Tedd George, a polyglot Africanist and author of the seminal work “The Cuban Intervention in Angola, 1965-1991”.  With over a decade of experience in the continent’s banking system, Tedd has built a specialism in value-chains in Africa, with particular focus on fintech and agritech.

In the coming weeks, we shall be unveiling a joint Africa Integrity/Kleos Advisory Value-Chain Integrity Monitoring Service for Africa-focussed clients.  We believe it will provide significant added value for clients, by enhancing their Environment, Social and Governance agendas in the new, and very different, world that we are about to enter.

Watch this space…

Julian Fisher

This article originally featured in Africa Integrity’s July 2020 Newsletter. To join our newsletter mailing list, please contact us.

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AFRICA INTEGRITY INSIGHTS

Twitter

#SouthSudan: President Salva Kiir makes a second unilateral decision this month regarding the defence ministry - following the removal of Vice President Riek Machar's wife - by appointing an ally to the key ministry, jeopardising the faltering peace agreement made in 2018

Reuters Africa @ReutersAfrica

South Sudan president appoints own defence minister, breaching peace deal https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudan-president-appoints-own-defence-minister-breaching-peace-deal-2023-03-30/

#Kenya: Tensions continue to increase in Kenya, as opposition-led protests show little sign of abating, and government supporters have turned to attacking properties owned by political figures, including former President Kenyatta.

BBC News (World) @BBCWorld

Hundreds of protesters storm property of former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta https://bbc.in/3JRl5Zg

#Russia is seeking to use the Black Sea grain deal to strengthen its position/influence in #Africa. Given the levels of food inflation in Africa and that it only received 17% of shipments from the original deal, this is likely to gain notable traction on the continent

The EastAfrican @The_EastAfrican

Russia laid out conditions on Monday for agreeing to any further extension of the Black Sea grain deal, and President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow could send free grain to African countries if those conditions were not met.
https://bit.ly/3lrkjtW

#Nigeria: A significant result for both #Tinubu and #Obi, ensuring that the president-elect maintains his influence over Lagos, whilst indicating that the Labour Party is struggling to covert Obi's popularity into votes for its governorship candidates #NigerianElections2023

Reuters Africa @ReutersAfrica

The governor of Lagos easily won re-election in low turn-out local voting, a victory for Nigeria's ruling party just weeks after the commercial capital backed the opposition in a disputed presidential election. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/lagos-governor-re-elected-victory-nigeria-ruling-party-2023-03-19/

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