North Africa

North Africa’s economies have long been a disparate grouping, and that is evermore the case following the Arab Spring. The region contains one of the largest oil and gas exporters in the world alongside countries that are almost wholly dependent on energy imports. Two of Africa’s largest stock exchanges are based there, alongside some of the continent’s biggest banks, but financial inclusion still lags. Europe, the region’s largest trading bloc, relies heavily on North Africa for energy, agricultural and manufactured products, yet trade between Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt is limited. 

OBG has been conducting research in North Africa for more than a decade, tracking the economies as they have become increasingly robust and open. Even amidst the uncertainty of the past few years, North Africa’s prospects over the long-term remain very encouraging with favourable demographics, a strong trade profile and a competitive industrial base – leaving plenty of opportunities for investors.