The New York Times published on 16 March 2018 an article titled "He Owns Much of Ethiopia. The Saudis Won't Say Where They're Hiding Him" by Danny Hakim and Ben Hubbard.
Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi is a well known businessman with significant assets in Ethiopia. His mother is Ethiopian and his father Saudi. He was recently swept up in a Saudi anti-corruption campaign and reportedly being held in a hotel in Saudi Arabia.
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label business. Show all posts
Monday, March 19, 2018
How Many Chinese Businesses Are in Africa?
Asia Times published on 16 March 2018 an article titled "How Many 'Chinese' Businesses Are in Africa?" by Doug Tsuruoka.
The article notes the comment in the June 2017 McKinsey & Company report titled "Dance of the Lions and Dragons" that "there are more than 10,000 Chinese-owned firms operating in Africa today." China-Africa expert Thierry Pairault rightly points out that the authors of the McKinsey & Company report do not define what is a Chinese firm. He offers the example of small Chinese-owned businesses in Africa that are locally incorporated, which makes them local and not Chinese enterprises. Does the McKinsey report count the mom and pop Chinese restaurant owner or acupuncturist? We don't know.
The problem is that no one knows for certain how many Chinese companies there are even if there is an agreed upon definition. The Secretary-General of the China-Africa Business Council, which represents Chinese companies in Africa, told me in Beijing in June 2017 there are an estimated 8,000 Chinese companies in Africa while the Ministry of Commerce has 4,000 registered companies. Again, there is no definition and there may be double counting as some companies have multiple branches. So take your pick: 4,000, 8,000, 10,000 or something else.
The article notes the comment in the June 2017 McKinsey & Company report titled "Dance of the Lions and Dragons" that "there are more than 10,000 Chinese-owned firms operating in Africa today." China-Africa expert Thierry Pairault rightly points out that the authors of the McKinsey & Company report do not define what is a Chinese firm. He offers the example of small Chinese-owned businesses in Africa that are locally incorporated, which makes them local and not Chinese enterprises. Does the McKinsey report count the mom and pop Chinese restaurant owner or acupuncturist? We don't know.
The problem is that no one knows for certain how many Chinese companies there are even if there is an agreed upon definition. The Secretary-General of the China-Africa Business Council, which represents Chinese companies in Africa, told me in Beijing in June 2017 there are an estimated 8,000 Chinese companies in Africa while the Ministry of Commerce has 4,000 registered companies. Again, there is no definition and there may be double counting as some companies have multiple branches. So take your pick: 4,000, 8,000, 10,000 or something else.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
African Migrants in China
The Africa Studies Quarterly published by the University of Florida devoted its February 2018 issue to "China-Africa Relations: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on African 'Migrants' in China."
The issue contains the following articles:
--Introduction - China-Africa Relations: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on African "Migrants" in China by Agnes Ngoma Leslie
--African Students in China: Research, Reality, and Reflection by Li Anshan
--From Pioneers to Professionals: African Brokers in a Maturing Chinese Marketplace by Heidi Ostbo Haugen
--The Bridge Is Not Burning Down: Transformation and Resilience within China's African Diaspora Communities by Adams Bodomo
--Transient: A Descriptive Concept for Understanding Africans in Guangzhou by Dong Niu
The issue contains the following articles:
--Introduction - China-Africa Relations: Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on African "Migrants" in China by Agnes Ngoma Leslie
--African Students in China: Research, Reality, and Reflection by Li Anshan
--From Pioneers to Professionals: African Brokers in a Maturing Chinese Marketplace by Heidi Ostbo Haugen
--The Bridge Is Not Burning Down: Transformation and Resilience within China's African Diaspora Communities by Adams Bodomo
--Transient: A Descriptive Concept for Understanding Africans in Guangzhou by Dong Niu
Friday, March 9, 2018
Some African Traders Leaving China
Pambazuka News published on 9 March 2018 a commentary titled "African Traders in China: Is the Honeymoon Over?" by Daouda Cisse, independent researcher based in Canada.
In the last couple of years small numbers of African traders living in China have been leaving. The author argues that those who are leaving are concerned about overstaying their visas compounded by a more difficult business climate following the drop in world commodity prices. China's economic restructuring reportedly is not a significant factor.
In the last couple of years small numbers of African traders living in China have been leaving. The author argues that those who are leaving are concerned about overstaying their visas compounded by a more difficult business climate following the drop in world commodity prices. China's economic restructuring reportedly is not a significant factor.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Chinese Companies in Africa
Thierry Pairault, research director at France's Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, posted on 22 February 2018 part 3 of "China in Africa: Much Ado about Investment."
This posting looks at the confusion concerning the number of Chinese companies operating in Africa. While estimates are as high as 10,000 Chinese companies in Africa today, Pairault argues that most of them are small and micro businesses that are locally incorporated.
This posting looks at the confusion concerning the number of Chinese companies operating in Africa. While estimates are as high as 10,000 Chinese companies in Africa today, Pairault argues that most of them are small and micro businesses that are locally incorporated.
Monday, February 5, 2018
Chinese Community in South Africa and Corporate Social Responsibility
The University of Witwatersrand Africa-China Reporting Project posted on 23 January 2018 a story titled "Using CSR to Influence Positive Perceptions of the Chinese by South Africans: Hit or Miss?" by Sharon Tshipa, journalist from Botswana.
The author concluded that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by Chinese companies in South Africa are failing to achieve a positive perception of China and the Chinese community by South Africans. On the contrary, CSR by Chinese companies seems to be fueling the disdain and distance between China and South Africa.
The author concluded that the corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts by Chinese companies in South Africa are failing to achieve a positive perception of China and the Chinese community by South Africans. On the contrary, CSR by Chinese companies seems to be fueling the disdain and distance between China and South Africa.
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Djibouti's Economy in 2017 (in English and French)
The Oxford Business Group published on 26 January 2018 an article titled "Djibouti: Year in Review."
The article said Djibouti experienced impressive growth of about 7 percent in 2017, up from 6.5 percent in 2016, driven by new infrastructure. Inflation was moderate at about 3 percent, but there was a sharp increase in public external debt.
The article said Djibouti experienced impressive growth of about 7 percent in 2017, up from 6.5 percent in 2016, driven by new infrastructure. Inflation was moderate at about 3 percent, but there was a sharp increase in public external debt.
Monday, January 29, 2018
Sino-Japanese Competition in Africa
The Stockholm-based Institute for Security and Development Policy posted on 19 January 2018 an analysis titled "More Than Just for Profit: Sino-Japanese Interests Clash in Africa" by Liam Palmbach.
The author argues that Japan is stepping up its engagement in Africa and encountering more frequent competition with China.
The author argues that Japan is stepping up its engagement in Africa and encountering more frequent competition with China.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Doing Business in Kenya 2018
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. Kenya ranked a respectable 80, a modest improvement compared to the 2017 report. By comparison, Rwanda ranked 41 and Uganda 122.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
Doing Business in Somalia
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. Somalia ranked dead last at 190, its score down slightly compared to the 2017 report.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Doing Business in South Sudan 2018
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. South Sudan ranked 187, a slight reduction compared to the 2017 report. By comparison, Sudan ranked 170 and Somalia ranked 190.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
Doing Business in Sudan 2018
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. Sudan ranked 170, a slight improvement compared to the 2017 report. By comparison, Ethiopia ranked 161 and South Sudan ranked 187.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulations.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulations.
Doing Business in Djibouti 2018
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. Djibouti ranked 154, an improvement compared to the 2017 report. By comparison, Ethiopia ranked 160 and Kenya ranked 80.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
Doing Business in Eritrea 2018
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. Eritrea ranked 189, a slight improvement compared to the 2017 report. By comparison, Somalia ranked 190 and Ethiopia ranked 161.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
Doing Business in Ethiopia 2018
The World Bank has just released its annual Doing Business 2018 report. It evaluated 190 countries. Ethiopia ranked 161, a modest improvement compared to the 2017 report. By comparison, Eritrea ranked 189 and Kenya ranked 80.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
The World Bank ranking takes into account the following eleven factors: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency, and labor market regulation.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Deciphering Chinese Investment in Nigeria
China-Africa Focus published on 6 October 2017 my brief analysis titled "Deciphering Chinese Investment in Nigeria."
Reporting on Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria (and elsewhere) often intermingles the winning of contracts with FDI, giving the impression of more investment than is actually the case. While China is an important source of FDI in Nigeria, it is not as significant as often reported. According to U.S. State Department Office of Investment Affairs' estimates, Chinese companies have provided only about 6 percent of Nigeria's FDI stock, which is slightly ahead of companies from the United States but well behind those in the UK, Netherlands, and France.
Reporting on Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria (and elsewhere) often intermingles the winning of contracts with FDI, giving the impression of more investment than is actually the case. While China is an important source of FDI in Nigeria, it is not as significant as often reported. According to U.S. State Department Office of Investment Affairs' estimates, Chinese companies have provided only about 6 percent of Nigeria's FDI stock, which is slightly ahead of companies from the United States but well behind those in the UK, Netherlands, and France.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Chinese View of Its Engagement in Africa (in French)
HAL open access archives posted on 2 October 2017 a series of articles titled "La Chine en Afrique vue par elle-meme" by Thierry Pairault.
The articles have been translated from Chinese to French and consist primarily of interviews with Chinese business persons working in Cameroon, Namibia, and the Republic of Congo. The China Harbour Engineering Company is the focus of three of them. While I have previously posted several of the translations, this package brings them all together with an introduction in French and English by Thierry Pairault.
The articles have been translated from Chinese to French and consist primarily of interviews with Chinese business persons working in Cameroon, Namibia, and the Republic of Congo. The China Harbour Engineering Company is the focus of three of them. While I have previously posted several of the translations, this package brings them all together with an introduction in French and English by Thierry Pairault.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Chinatowns or Chinese Business Districts in Africa?
Pambazuka News published on 5 October 2017 a commentary titled "Chinatowns vs 'Chinatowns' or Chinese Business Districts" by Daouda Cisse, an independent researcher based in Montreal, Canada.
The author argues that references to Chinatowns in Africa are misleading. Unlike the Chinatowns found in North America and Australia, those in Africa are not ethnic enclaves but rather a concentration of Chinese businesses.
The author argues that references to Chinatowns in Africa are misleading. Unlike the Chinatowns found in North America and Australia, those in Africa are not ethnic enclaves but rather a concentration of Chinese businesses.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
East Africa and the Global Competitiveness Index
The World Economic Forum has just released its "The Global Competitiveness Report 2017-2018" edited by Klaus Schwab.
The report covers 137 economies and measures national competitiveness defined as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity. The best scoring country in East Africa was Kenya at position 91 (up from 96 last year). Ethiopia scored 108 (up from 109 last year). Tanzania ranked 114 (up from 116 last year). Uganda was in position 115 (down from 113 last year). The study did not include any other country in the Horn of Africa.
The report covers 137 economies and measures national competitiveness defined as the set of institutions, policies and factors that determine the level of productivity. The best scoring country in East Africa was Kenya at position 91 (up from 96 last year). Ethiopia scored 108 (up from 109 last year). Tanzania ranked 114 (up from 116 last year). Uganda was in position 115 (down from 113 last year). The study did not include any other country in the Horn of Africa.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
First Real Statement on Africa by Trump Administration Official
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Thomas A. Shannon, addressed a conference concerning Africa on 13 September 2017 at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington. His remarks were titled "U.S.-African Partnerships: Advancing Common Interests."
These were the first comprehensive remarks about Africa by a senior official in the Trump administration. Shannon is a career Foreign Service Officer and the third highest ranking person in the State Department. What is striking about the remarks is that they could have been given during the Obama administration.
These were the first comprehensive remarks about Africa by a senior official in the Trump administration. Shannon is a career Foreign Service Officer and the third highest ranking person in the State Department. What is striking about the remarks is that they could have been given during the Obama administration.
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