Spotlight: Analysis
Deep dives into the companies, deals, and markets shaping Africa’s economy. We go beyond the headlines to examine how businesses actually work, what drives industry trends, and why certain strategies succeed or fail. Data-driven investigations that help you understand the mechanics behind Africa’s most important business stories.
Emerging Business Models Help Smartphone Affordability & Africa’s Digital Pioneers
For many mass-market consumers in Africa, smartphones are out of reach, thus limiting the ability of digital businesses in sub-Saharan Africa to grow and achieve scale. New business models are emerging to help.
July 2017
Ethiopia is the World’s Fastest Growing Economy
Three of the world's fastest growing economies in 2017 are African, and Ethiopia leads the pack with a GDP growth rate 2.4x faster than the global average.
July 2017
Sub-Saharan Africa is the World’s Fastest Growing Mobile Market
By 2020, sub-Saharan Africa will have more than half a billion unique mobile subscribers (around half of its population), offering great opportunities for social & commercial innovation.
July 2017
U.S. Entrepreneurs Target Africa’s Solar Opportunity
A slew of VC-funded, American solar energy startups seek to profit by electrifying African communities, per Bill McKibben in the latest issue of the New Yorker.
June 2017
Cairo, Johannesburg, & Lagos are Africa’s Three Biggest ‘Markets’
According to Fraym's Urban Markets Index which estimates economic activity, consumer size, & connectivity to determine ultimate "market size."
June 2017
No African Companies Among World’s Most Valuable Brands
African companies are scarce amongst the world’s 100 most valuable brands, and US tech companies dominate the top 5. Read why data & brand value matter.
June 2017