Bridgewater, Others Unveil Research on Economic Potential of Sub-Saharan Africa’s Growing Population
Oluchi Chibuzor
Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s most renowned hedge funds and macroeconomic researchers, together with the international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, and the leading Pan-African investor and developer across the continent, Harith General Partners, have partnered to produce brand new research highlighting the economic potential of Sub-Saharan Africa’s rapidly expanding population.
The collaboration brings together decades of expertise in global economic analysis and advocacy to shed light on the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future global economy.
“With nearly fifty years of experience in mapping the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that drive global economies and markets, Bridgewater Associates has long been at the forefront of economic forecasting. Their partnership with Global Citizen, the world’s leading advocacy organization known for its cultural and advocacy work partnering with entertainers and world leaders to call on governments and the private sector to take necessary action to end global extreme poverty, and Harith General Partners, one of the largest investors in African infrastructure, aims to provide insights that will inspire collective action from the world’s richest nations, the global private sector, and local governments in sub-Saharan Africa,” it said in a statement.
The new research identified that Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing a significant demographic transformation that will have profound effects on regional and global economies and geopolitics in the coming decades. It also stated thatSub-Saharan Africa is not a monolithic entity, “There is substantial variation among countries, each with unique development needs requiring tailored solutions.
“To change the region’s growth trajectory, it is essential to address infrastructure and human capital gaps. Increasing investment in these areas can create a virtuous cycle that drives further investment and growth. MDBs are crucial in supporting infrastructure and human development projects that the private sector may find too risky to finance. Private investment must play a more significant role in closing the financing gap. However, challenges such as high-perceived risks and underdeveloped capital markets currently hinder this potential.”
