Platform Capital looking at changing investment narrative

In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Akintoye Akindele, Chairman of Platform Capital, discussed the importance of shaping investment narratives to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) to Africa. Akindele highlighted the need for Africa to tell its own story and showcase the diverse opportunities the continent offers. Despite misconceptions about Africa being a risky investment destination, Akindele emphasized that Africa has been delivering significant returns to investors and presents attractive opportunities for growth and returns. He stressed the importance of portraying Africa as a secure and evolving market to encourage increased interest from global investors and partners. Akindele also emphasized the significance of building an ecosystem of partnership and collaboration to create the Africa of the future. One key point Akindele made was about the diversity of investment opportunities across the continent. While countries like South Africa, East Africa, and West Africa have traditionally attracted more FDI inflows, he pointed out that other African regions such as North Africa and emerging markets like Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia are also experiencing growth and innovation. Akindele underscored the need to showcase the growth and initiatives beyond the well-known markets to provide a more comprehensive view of investment prospects in Africa. He highlighted cross-border collaborations and programs like the Unicorn Programme, which incubates startups across multiple African markets simultaneously, as examples of the continent's evolving investment landscape. Furthermore, Akindele addressed the importance of attracting investment in emerging sectors like green financing. While acknowledging that there is still room for growth in this area, he noted a growing interest in sectors beyond traditional industries, such as healthcare, energy, and agriculture. Akindele highlighted the increasing funding support for startups in these sectors as a positive sign of opportunity and potential for attracting more significant investments. He emphasized the role of successful businesses and government policies in driving foreign investment, stressing the need for partnerships between governments and the private sector to create a conducive environment for attracting capital. Overall, Akindele's optimistic outlook on Africa's investment landscape and the continent's potential for growth and innovation underscored the importance of shaping the narrative around investment opportunities in Africa. By showcasing the diverse opportunities, fostering partnerships, and attracting investments in emerging sectors, Africa can position itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global investors.