Given Djibouti’s economic reliance on international trade and the scarcity of natural resources, manufacturing industries have always played a secondary role in the country’s economic development. However, authorities are now looking to boost their development as a means to cut unemployment and foster more sustained and inclusive economic...
Djibouti’s foodstuff retail sector has traditionally been characterised by the presence of myriad small-scale, neighbourhood grocery stores, called mercato, which are frequented by the vast majority of Djibouti’s citizens. However, modern trade has started to become more significant over the past decade, with the development of...
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) are often considered a recession-proof segment. Although margins are relatively thin, demand for basic items such as processed food, cosmetics and alcoholic drinks tends to rise steadily, especially in emerging markets with growing middle classes. According to a September 2015 report by the National...
Largely cut off from foreign investment during the 1980s and 1990s due to security concerns, Colombia developed a wide variety of local manufacturing businesses and brands. Companies such as drink maker Postobón, cement firm Cementos Argos or burger chain El Corral are household names in Colombia.
The drop in commodity prices, particularly gold, has created challenges for both the government and private players in Colombia’s mining industry. In 2015 Goldman Sachs ended its brief foray into the natural resources sector, selling its coal-mining division to Murray Energy. The US investment bank had paid around $200m for Coalcorp’s La...
While its Pacific Alliance partners Chile, Peru and Mexico have developed large formal mining sectors, Colombia’s internal conflict has prevented it from following suit. Although the country was home to prolific gold mines during the colonial era, at present only 10-15% of the 57 tonnes of gold produced each year comes from registered, tax-paying mining companies. The rest...
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×