‘Investors must think long-term’

Investors in Africa need to take a long-term view and should be prepared to invest in more than Africa's mineral and agricultural resources, says Safmarine’s Africa regional executive Jonathan Horn. “Investors should also have an interest in developing Africa's vast human resources by creating meaningful employment, education and skills development, as well as beneficiation or value add to vast natural resources rather than having the beneficiation done in other countries. "Africa is at present not unlike the raw materials it exports. Unlocking true value and potential lies, as it does in raw materials, in adding value through beneficiation in the general sense. Africa needs investors that can recognise the continent's vast underdeveloped potential and invest in its development; it needs companies that are prepared to commit for the long run and add value both for their shareholders and the African communities within which they operate."