Africa Economy

South Africa’s economic performance is a mixed bag, depending on what sectors and what indicators are under scrutiny. The country, which accounts for roughly a quarter of Africa’s total GDP, has seen a rise in select industries, a drop in inflation, increased government spending and modest improvements in consumer sentiment, but is still grappling with labour unrest and underwhelming export demand.

Les recettes provenant du tourisme, et des investissements directs à l'étranger (IDE), reprennent en Tunisie. Dans le même temps, plusieurs indicateurs économiques se sont améliorés au cours de la deuxième moitié de l’année 2012. En dépit de la pression sur les finances publiques due au niveau élevé de dépenses et d’investissements à l’heure actuelle, les autorités sont optimistes quant au retour de la croissance économique en 2012.

Although Ghana has an unusually high loans-to-deposits ratio and household lending rates in excess of 20%, the banking sector has been enjoying strong growth of late, on the back of the country’s macroeconomic success. Due in part to a mix of both rising capital inflows and a large unbanked population, the potential for long-term profitability, both in corporate and in retail, continues to attract international attention and investment.

Dans un contexte de ralentissement de la demande d’exportations en provenance des marchés européens, l’Algérie multiplie ses relations commerciales avec un certain nombre d’économies émergentes, notamment le Brésil, la Russie, l’Inde et la Chine (BRIC).

These may be tough times for the Egyptian economy, but healthy long-term fundamentals and sound monetary policy bode well for the future. Indeed, the decision by Egypt’s central bank to keep rates on hold is a clear sign of its policy of prioritising growth in 2012.

A smooth transition from former President John Atta Mills, who unexpectedly passed away last month, to new President John Dramani Mahama will help reassure investors about the continued steady performance of the country’s economy, but mild pressure from short-term risks may necessitate some adept changes to monetary and fiscal policy.