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Africa Becoming Magnet for Foreign Investment, But- Deloitte

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Nkosazana Zuma, Chairperson, AU
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Rising consumer demand, aligned with annual growth of around eight per cent, is likely to add around $1.1 trillion to African GDP by 2019, with Ethiopia, Uganda and Mozambique among the fastest expanding markets, and large economies such as Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt continuing to perform strongly, according to statistics contsined in 9th edition of the Deloitte Consumer Review.

In the review, Deloitte said that in recent years a diversifying economy has supported an emerging middle class, driving demand for consumer goods and services, as well as luxury brands.

However, risks remain, including a lack of infrastructure, poor governance, fragile security and unreliable logistics, but conflicts are more localised and democracy is spreading, suggesting the dominant trend is positive.

In Deloitte’s view, the consumer opportunity in Africa rests on five key pillars: the rise of the middle class, exponential population growth, the dominance of youth, rapid urbanisation and fast adoption of digital technologies.

Between 2000 and 2012, Africa’s aggregate household final consumption expenditure grew at an average annual rate of 10.7 per cent, rising by more than $850 billion and reaching nearly $1.3 trillion.

The emerging middle class is more optimistic, brand conscious and connected. In 2013 there were over 375 million middle class people living in Africa, or 34 per cent of the population. By 2030, over half a billion Africans are projected to be middle class.

While the numbers are impressive, it should be noted that 60 per cent of those considered middle class today live on $2 to $4 a day.

More than 200 million Africans, or just over 20 per cent of the total population, are aged between 15 and 24, and that demographic is expected to grow to 321 million by 2030.

Younger Africans form a large share of the rising middle class and will seek to access a wider choice of food, consumer goods and entertainment, and increased connectivity.

Africa’s population is also increasingly clustered in large urban centres, and urbanisation will be a key driver of economic activity.

Many urban areas will cross national boundaries, linking major populations and creating sizable markets and trade opportunities.

The growth of mobile digital technologies meanwhile has also allowed Africans to leapfrog poor landline infrastructure.

Africa is already a world leader in mobile money and mobile is fast becoming the primary channel for accessing the Internet.

The potential for growth is significant, with only 20 per cent of the population online, compared with nearly 75 per cent in Europe and 32 per cent in Asia.

To measure current consumer sentiment, Deloitte surveyed young Africans across four of the fastest growing consumer markets: Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

The research shows that young consumers in the fastest growing markets of Kenya and Nigeria are most optimistic about their personal financial situation, more than in wealthier South Africa and Egypt.

Despite low income levels, young consumers surveyed attach more importance to the quality of products than price.

Across the four markets researched, quality ranks higher than value for money when it comes to deciding where to shop.

Not only are younger African consumers focused on quality, they are also brand conscious. Deloitte research shows that in some categories, such as food and drinks, local brands are preferred by the younger population.

In other areas, such as fashion and cosmetics, quality is linked to international brands.

The results of the survey suggest that Africa is not suffering from a lack of demand, but sometimes from a lack of supply.

However, where there are challenges, there are also opportunities to innovate and given the potential for growth the continent offers, the business opportunities in Africa could outweigh the risks.

Speaking on the review, Nigel Wixcey, lead partner, Consumer Business, Deloitte LLP said, “At a time when many emerging economies are slowing, Africa is now the second fastest-growing economic region behind Asia and is becoming a magnet for international capital. While Africa’s economy is going through an impressive transformation, it remains fragile, as the recent Ebola outbreak reminds us. Still, in the past decade it has seen strong growth, thanks to high commodity prices, a rise in foreign investment, increased political stability and improved economic governance.

“In this report, Deloitte aims to assess how the African market has developed, how perceptions of Africa have changed and how consumers are responding to period of rapid economic growth. What it took to succeed in the past may not be what it takes to succeed in the future. We discuss the importance of developing a 21st century view of the African consumer market and make the case for seizing the opportunity”.

Commenting on the review, Simon Carpenter, chief customer officer, SAP Africa, said the growth and advances in the African consumer market are some of the reasons why SAP is excited to be invested in building Africa’s information infrastructure.

He said, “Getting the right goods to consumers, profitable, requires insight and execution, supply chain optimisation and coordination, efficient ports and harbours feeding responsive hinterland logistics systems and appropriately stocked wholesale and retail outlets, online and on the ground.

“And SAP is there for all of these sectors, enabling each player to be their best and linking them all in responsive business networks – making sure that Deloitte’s prognosis that the ‘dominant trend is positive’ becomes a reality for Africa,” he said.

 


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NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

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Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.

According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.

The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.

Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.

He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.

Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.

In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.


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T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

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T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.

NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.

Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”

The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.

Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.


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Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

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Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Bank

Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.

He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.

According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.

“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.

“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”

He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.


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