Kenya

The African PE industry has become increasingly complex and diverse, with the arrival of global institutional investors in recent years paving the way for some of the world’s largest firms to enter the market. Between 2014 and 2019 the total value of the 1053 PE deals reported in Africa reached $25.4bn. While deal volumes have maintained an upward trend, their value has gradually eased, suggesting growing investor interest but smaller deal sizes. Moreover, in addition to consumer-driven industries, PE fund managers have diversified their strategies to invest across a variety of sectors such as IT, renewable energy, infrastructure and real estate.

For many countries across Africa, agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of the economy. Agriculture accounts for 14% of total GDP in sub-Saharan Africa, and a majority of the continent’s population is employed in the sector.

This Growth & Recovery Video highlights the important aspects of the recently launched Agriculture in Africa 2021: Focus Report, published in partnership with OCP Group

Kenya’s farmers are currently facing two distinct crises: coronavirus and a locust invasion. However, the ongoing uptake of digital solutions is helping to strengthen resilience in the agriculture sector and ensure that fresh produce can still reach consumers.

While the Kenyan authorities have remained in a heightened state of vigilance against Covid-19 since the first local case was recorded on March 13, private sector manufacturers have been adjusting operations to ensure supplies of much-needed medical equipment are available.

Ongoing expansion in key sectors fuelled solid growth in Kenya in 2019, although rising debt continues to challenge economic performance.