Africa is a region that will be presenting a number of good investment opportunities over the coming decade, according to JP Consulting director Jonathan Pain.
Specifically, Pain pinpointed South Africa and East Africa as the two areas providing the most promise for investments, while Central Africa and West Africa should probably be best left alone.
"The commodities story will help underwrite some improvement. Do not underestimate the new scramble for Africa," Pain told his audience at the British Chamber of Commerce Financial Market Series briefing.
"The new scramble for Africa is being led by China. They are investing vast amounts of money in infrastructure, which is what Africa needs so dearly," he said.
"So that combination of infrastructure, Chinese dollars, and commodities means 'watch out' because Africa is going to excite us all in the next decade - even Zimbabwe."
Although he acknowledged there is a large amount of political risk associated with Africa, he rejected claims the infrastructure investment being made by China was to support the military needs of the various governments ruling in the region at the moment rather than for real investment purposes.
"China is also developing close ties with Brazil because it has the largest available arable land of any nation in the world. All China is doing is securing its supply markets," Pain said.
