Afser Ebrahim Executive Director KICK Advisory Services

1. Afsar Ebrahim-Executive Director KICK Advisory Services I am the founding partner of KICK Advisory Services. I have over a quarter century of experience in Corporate Restructuring, Litigation Support, Mergers & Acquisitions, Strategy and Financial Consulting and Fund Raising to clients across a wide spectrum of industries both locally and internationally. I previously served as Deputy Group Managing Partner of the largest professional services firm in Sub Saharan Africa- BDO in Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Seychelles. Having been part of the network, I completed the BDO Global Partners Leadership Programmed in 2016.

2. Prior to my tenure at BDO, I served as Manager Corporate & Investment Banking at HSBC Mauritius during which period I was trained in Hong Kong and Singapore by HSBC in Corporate Lending Analysis and Applied Credit lending. I also occupied the post of Group Finance Manager at British American Investment Group (BAI). I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, prize winner in professional exam (PE 1) and was granted the Corporate Finance qualification from ICAEW in December 2006. Obtained training in Operational & Financial Consulting with Arthur Andersen at St Charles, USA, and in London and have attended the Harvard Business School program on Managing Professional Services Firm in 2012. In addition to my professional qualifications, I was a Founding Member of Mauritius Africa Business Club. https://afsarebrahim.com/

3. Africa-Bonfire of Opportunities • Africa’s emergence as a one of the destinations to invest is none less than being invited to the biggest BONFIRE party. Here is an article that is highlights some key aspects for Indian businesses. • If any word that come close to describing what Africa truly is from an untapped potential, its “Bonfire”. Africa’s emergence as one destination for investments is non less that of a Bonfire of opportunities besides that it is not one country but a continent with 54 countries; 54 markets; 54 cultures; 54 Legal Framework; 54 Fiscal Regimes. https://afsarebrahim.com/

4. Africa offers a higher return on investment than any other emerging market • Frankly, Africa will test your patience. If you are a big corporate in India doesn’t necessary will make you a winner in Africa’s time horizons and return models that fit India don’t always work in there. Even the most experienced, sophisticated companies can be forced to recalibrate. India is not Africa, India is 1 country, Africa is 54 countries. • With right local partners and local knowledge and skilled advisory from professionals who know the terrain, the probability of greater prosperity for investors in Africa will be realized. • Whats worthy of noting is Africa had some of world’s fastest-growing economies in 2019 and 2020 is no different. https://afsarebrahim.com/

5. Increasing demand Though in the early stages African economies are finally beginning to diversify beyond commodities. They are beginning to place bets on non-commodity areas where they can be competitive leveraging on their talent pool and efforts are underway to package themselves so as to appeal to a broader set of investors. • Similar to India, Africa is poised to gain from its middle-class population and demographic dividend. We have witnessed steady rise business in Telecommunication, Technology and banking - African consumers have different needs over internet and mobile. Large markets like Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia have increased interest due to digitization and access to distribution channels are being disrupted, FMCG that’s meeting the needs of a growing middle-class population will succeed because competitive advantages in India may not easily be replicated as comparative advantages. https://afsarebrahim.com/

6. Africa can lead in sustainable development • Africa is more ready today and is resilient. Its embracing new technology and ideas. Its readiness to develop flexible fuel grids that generate power with a mix of abundant wind, solar, hydro and bio energy, alongside conventional fuels such as oil and gas, which are also abundant. The spectrum of opportunity has only broadened. For entrepreneurs and businesses with ideas and an appetite for risk can bring value and find long-term growth if they are persistent, creative, and determined. https://afsarebrahim.com/

7. Challenges and counters • After all Africa is 54 countries with diversity in policies, governments, taxes, cultures etc hence selection of a country for investment is necessary to understand. Some of the evaluations must be carried right at the inception stage while penning a strategy to enter Africa are : • Country targeting is essential: • Connectivity for Trade • Country risk • Ease of doing business • Cost of doing business • Size of the market/ market growth/potential export markets • Existing competition • Researching the Market for the Product • In-depth understanding of distribution channel • Laws and regulations • Marketing and channel of sales management https://afsarebrahim.com/

8. Thank You Afsar Ebrahim Visit: https://afsarebrahim.com/ Address - Mauritius