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New website keeps investors in the know
Generally, predictions for economic growth and investment opportunities on the African continent remain upbeat in the medium to longer term, once the global economy turns around. In the present information age, Africa is by far no longer regarded as the ‘dark continent’. Piet Coetzer takes a look at a new website that should add greatly to the knowledge on Africa and assist with informed decisions regarding contemplated investments.
A new resource for monitoring African economies online by would-be investors and/or advisers, was launched in May by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Development Centre, the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Profiles on 47 of the 53 African countries are carried on the site. Comoros, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia and Zimbabwe are the only countries on which there are presently no profiles available.
AfricanEconomicOutlook.org aggregates rigorous analysis and data on African economies, on a country-by-country basis, into one comprehensive profile.
Each summary comprises a review of the macro-economic situation, structural issues, the political context, human development and a complete statistical overview, including growth estimates and short-
term projections.
Olivier Puech, head of the OECD Development Centre’s Publications and New Media Department, said at the time of the launch that, “As this economic crisis deepens, it becomes more critical to put first-rate economic data and expertise at the disposal of average citizens for free.”
A high-tech knowledge platform, AfricanEconomicOutlook.org’s content is produced by top economists from African institutions, international organisations and the continent’s leading national think tanks.
It is the only resource on Africa that employs a cross-country, macro-economic framework, allowing for comparative analysis over time and across countries.
“Between the country analyses and contributions from leading African think tanks, this website is helping to fill information gaps as well as letting African voices be heard around the world,” Puech said.
AfricanEconomicOutlook.org data, analysis and forecasts are displayed in a user-friendly manner, while remaining accessible through lower bandwidth connections. Developed using Open Source software, the databases of AfricanEconomicOutlook.org can be searched, GIS-mapped, downloaded, plotted and printed. Data and analyses are updated frequently.
In addition to country profiles, AfricanEconomicOutlook.org provides ongoing research by partner institutions and African think tanks, trends, analysis of sectors critical for development, news and events.
An essential reference for investors, governments and academics, AfricanEconomicOutlook.org is the only website of its kind produced in co-operation between African institutions and international organisations.
The site offers more than simply raw information. It also provides very useful business intelligence.
It seems to fulfil the promise it makes upfront that: “This is the only place where African countries are examined through a common analytical framework, allowing you to compare economic prospects at the regional, sub-regional and country levels.
“Beyond numbers and stats you will find news, events, resources and in-depth analyses of sectors critical to the continent’s advancement. Whether you are interested in macro-economic developments, structural issues, governance, human development or just the raw figures, it is all here,” it states.
With its holistic approach and user-friendly accessibility, this website is an extremely handy tool for those who have to make investment decisions with regard to Africa.
The website offers more than simply raw information. It also provides very useful business intelligence
Articles 
Investments Opening up Africa
Investments Opening up Africa
