Africa's greatest economic opportunity: trading with itself

Jan 16, 2018

A woman counts Ethiopian birr notes, after selling a cabbage at the Mercato market in Addis Ababa November 14, 2015. Addis Ababa's 'Mercato' - Italian for 'market' - is reputedly the biggest open-air market in Africa, lying in the west of the capital. Supermarkets have sprouted across the city as the metropolis has expanded with Ethiopia's booming economy, but Mercato remains a popular destination for shoppers seeking clothing, electronics and a huge range of other items. It has been around for as long as the city, which was founded at the end of the 19th century, but it took its current form, and its name, from the Italians who invaded Ethiopia in 1935. The Italian occupation ended in 1941. Picture taken November 14, 2015. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri - GF10000267960

Africa’s ability to trade and do business with itself is its greatest opportunity for economic growth. Image: REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri

Kingsley Makhubela

Chief Executive Officer, Brand South Africa

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