Thank you for your excellent coverage of the Boston Consulting Group’s study on the 40 African Challengers (July 2010). This has certainly raised eyebrows not only in the West where the traditional view of a ‘hopeless continent’ is becoming more difficult to sustain, but also within Africa itself. Well done.

What was even more interesting was the revelation that the eight African Lions were roughly on a par with the BRIC nations and outperformed them in some aspects, and that investments in one of the top 40 African companies would have yielded three times more than S&P 500 companies. Who would have thought that possible?

This report, and the previous one on the Africa Progress Panel, is heartening evidence that Africa indeed seems to have turned the corner and, God willing, will continue to grow. What I would like to see, in addition to your usual quality analysis of Africa’s various productive sectors, is an in-depth look at the continent’s agricultural potential. I believe that only 5% of the continent’s arable land is being cultivated?


* I am pleased to say that we have been able to grant your wish immediately! This issue contains a very comprehensive report on the state of African agriculture (Page 26) – Editor.