Trade-enabling infrastructure across Africa is showing steady improvement, alongside rising business confidence and stronger macroeconomic stability in key markets. This is according to Standard Bank’s latest Africa Trade Barometer, which surveyed 10 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana.
The report highlights gains across major infrastructure areas such as power supply, transport networks, ports, and digital trade systems. Businesses in the surveyed markets also reported improved logistics, stronger turnover, and expanding opportunities for regional trade.
Executive Director of the Democracy Development Programme, Paul Kariuki, said the findings reflect a growing effort across the continent to create a more business-friendly environment.
“It’s interesting because there has been progress towards making the continent more business-friendly and investor-friendly,” said Kariuki. “Reports like this really reassure the global investing community and encourage them to see Africa in a new light.”
He added that for many years, the continent had been unfairly portrayed negatively on the global stage.
“For a long time, the continent has been positioned as a dark continent — a place full of wars, conflict, and death that would not attract investors,” he said.
However, Kariuki believes the latest findings highlight the opportunities that exist across Africa.
“Reports like this show that there is life and enormous opportunities to be exploited,” he explained. “It also shows a willingness from African people and the continent collectively to do business better and become a competitive global trade player.”
Kariuki added that stronger infrastructure and improved trade systems could help Africa shape its own economic future while offering value to international investors seeking to partner with the continent.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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