Oprah Winfrey is no longer the wealthiest person from the black community. Ok, that’s news! What’s better is that the leader, in terms of fortune, is someone from the African continent. Mr Aliko Dangote, cement-king, from Nigera is sitting comfortably at this position. His wealth is the result of long years of sweating. He now weights USD10 billion.
From a small cement trading company created in 1977, Mr Dangote has worked his way to a multinational pan-African enterprise. No, it’s got nothing to do with corruption, fraud or whatever other illegal money-making instruments we know of. Yes, it is proof that people can also succeed in Africa. By the way, why is it that when a US citizen makes money, we assume he’s good in business and when it’s an African... we assume its money from bad deeds? Maybe because of the not-too-glorious past of Africa, ok I’ll satisfy myself with this one.
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Well, the performance of Mr Dangote is not a exceptional or spectacular at every level. Africa has activated its stealth system and is progressing at constant speed without catching anybody’s attention. While the world is focussed on Asia (and China) – mama Africa is moving peacefully to success. There is a confirmed economic growth winding prevailing from the west (Ghana) up to the south (Mozambique). This is the highest growth rate so far on the globe! Take Ethiopia, for example. It has a growth rate of 7.5%. From a crouching and kneeling country, devastated by an endless famine to one of ten largest livestock producer of the world, Ethiopia has done supernatural progress.
Severe income disparities persist through much of the continent; but a genuine middle class is emerging. Things are changing now. Banks operating on the African continent are unanimous on this point. This market is growing at a respectable pace, better than in certain ‘emerging nations’. At this stage we can’t say that Africa has rid off its old habits and problems. But the fact remains, and I insist, that Africa is progressing in a spectacular fashion. Just a note to say that international trade between Africa and the rest of the world has known a 200% increase since year 2000. External debt was reduced by 25%, budget deficit by 66%. Overall, Africa is doing better than Asia (excluding Japan). I’m not an expert in economics but I trust The Economist Magazine and his published materials.
So why I am talking about Africa? Well, firstly I feel proud to see the black continent standing on its feet and not on its knees. I feel proud whenever I see such efforts deployed and the willingness to succeed take form. I was once on my knees and now jumping… The second point is (and it is the most important point of this article) – Mauritius is playing an important role in the new Africa economic dynamism. Cast a glance at the picture, the figures say it all! Only Botswana is doing better than Mauritius. Again, I trust The Economist Magazine !
In the wake of the financial crisis hitting Europe, Mauritius proposes a safe business and holiday destination. We are able, today, to propose cutting-edge & low-risk solution as compared to what is available in Europe. We have solid banks, some boasting a profit of over Rs4 billion. Our banks do not gamble and blame traders – we all mean business, we always did…. Africans always did but did not have the gas pedal under their feet. They have it now. We have had our trouble times and unpopular measures taken by Governments. Thank God! We are better now while Europe is facing Austerity measures.
I cannot put myself in the shoes of the European investor or entrepreneur, but he is surely in a bad ‘financial or emotional trip’ right now. I’m wondering what’s in the mind of those youngsters full of capabilities who want to launch their business! Sure, the Nicolas and Angela couple can give birth to a super-economic-baby, but when ? Is it in the making? Not sure. And when it’s born, will it be able to survive the financial tsunamis ? And when will it be able to talk and walk ? I know that my European friends have many more questions like that.
That brings me to a clear observation: Mauritius is now doing better than Europe! We are progressing and I don’t see anything stopping that progress, except the impact of the European crisis. We are able to cater for free education, free health services, exceptional quality of life, climatic and political stability (with its folkloric gossips), free transport for students and senior citizens, top class to-be road network, free WIFI all over the island… the list can become quite long. Many projects are in the pipeline, many needs improvement…but globally we know what we want, and we are doing everything to reach our target.
To invest in Mauritius no longer needs convincing. It’s now more than an simple ‘interesting’ option, it is a serious option. Doing business in Mauritius is such a pleasure. Streamlined legal framework, modern business laws, competent people… the finest international trade treaties, what else? Can you really wait for the Merk-ozy couple to come up with that superpower economic child, will they be able to give birth to it? Can you afford waiting, can your family afford it, and what about your own children?
European should start finding other ways to protect their wealth. And I’m not talking about creating that wealth, could be something out-of-this-world right now. But let me tell you it is possible to create wealth from Mauritius, oh yes it is. If you want to know more, visit our website at. http://www.gibsonandhills.com or contact us by email. We will be glad to see how Mauritius can accommodate you for a brighter future.
Don’t forget to send a ‘Congratulations’ card to the Merk-ozy couple if they happen to get that baby walking.
