Hi!
Does anyone know a forum, group or space where can discuss PE ideas. I believe the Emerging market space have a ton of opportunities to explore from tech to special services to infrastructure. Haven't found a space where this is openly discussed and ideas are exchanged.
Bump
Hey there!
Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems like Wall Street Oasis itself could be a great place to discuss PE ideas, especially in emerging markets. The platform has a wide range of professionals who share insights and experiences.
In the context provided, there's a discussion about the potential of Africa as an emerging market, with its countries growing by an average of 4.9% per year since 2000. There's also mention of the MENA Frontier Countries ETF (NASDAQ: PMNA) which is up 14% over the trailing 12 months.
There's also a mention of the PE scene in regions outside of US/Europe, including Africa, the Middle East, and India. It seems like there's a fair amount of activity in sectors like Education, Healthcare, Energy, and Financials in these regions.
So, I'd recommend starting a new thread on WSO about this topic. You might be surprised by the wealth of knowledge and insights you'll receive from the community.
Remember, the best way to get good responses is to ask specific, well-thought-out questions. Happy networking!
Sources: Non US/Europe IB/PE Overview, The Allure of Africa: Why I am Passionate about Opportunities on the Continent, PE Investment Activity Amidst Spiraling Markets
Interested
Starts with one!
I have ideas on the classic European expansion plays into the African market. Across FMCG product, software services and space businesses.
Looked a bit into it and the main issue is the regulatory and political investing landscape in many of the African countries that make investments of any sort very difficult and instable
Yes but can have an advantage through partnerships. I have seen FMCG brands in Europe do this. You can gain exposure to the market without being fully involved in the regulatory risk. Being African as well helps in understanding the nuances. We all start a discussion and exchange ideas. For now I think the play would be seeking companies with potential or existing exposure to African market and finding ways to maximise revenue through partnerships.
Well, commercial partnerships aren't PE
I understand, however by taking over European companies with exposure to Africa, investors can leverage the established infrastructure, relationships, and market knowledge of these companies. This can potentially reduce the learning curve and operational risks associated with entering a new market directly. Many FMCG brands in the UK have used this approach. Their approach allowed them to tap into local expertise while maintaining control over key strategic decisions, as they are still in control of marketing/BD and limit FX risk.
Do you think there are other ways to mitigate the risks associated with investing in Africa? How do you view the potential rewards in comparison to the risks? I'd love to hear thoughts from others who have experience in this area. How have you navigated the challenges of investing in Africa? I appreciate the insights shared here, and I'm always looking to learn and understand different perspectives. Let's keep the conversation constructive and informative
This is my passion area and where I want to end up in my career. I’ve worked in Africa on the political side for several years and from my perspective politics can be a problem but the biggest problem is the stereotypes and higher perceived risk of Africa by the west. The other issue is distrust between Africans and the West. China has largely exploited this by their own heavy finance colonialism plays in the last couple decades. You can’t or rather shouldnt go into Africa as a PE firm to do effectively finance colonialism which does still happen. Value is really going to be added by partnering with African business and political leaders and letting them take the wheel on operations. In short I don’t know of many westerners investing in Africa right now especially in a positive way or forums that are discussing it. Most of the people I met were defense or political circles not finance. If you know of some groups I’d love to be apart of the conversation.
Definitely understand where you're coming from. The West's perception of Africa has been skewed for way too long(maybe deserved maybe not deserved), and it's about time we look past those stereotypes. And yeah, China's been making moves, but I think there's a way to engage without going down that colonialism route. I think we've got to work with the locals, let them lead, and be genuine partners.
Speaking from what I've seen in West Africa, there's so much going on. Think about the potential in things like Cold Storage, warehousing, and Data Centres. And don't get me started on Software Services, especially with internet banking and B2B. There's also a ton of room for consolidation and tapping into the remittance game. Sure, there'll be hurdles, politics, and all that, but with the right mindset, we can tackle them.
The big question: Are the returns worth it? Even if they're just matching other markets, I say why not? It's not just about the money; it's an adventure not a lot of people are willing to undertake. Plus, Africa's story is just getting started.
Maybe we can use this forum, or even start something new, to throw around ideas and see what sticks. I'm all in for some brainstorming and action.
You really don’t have to look into segmented markets like that. Commodity market alone from Africa’s deposits and specific minerals that are limiting factors in modern supply chains make these countries highly strategic investment opportunities.
The minerals in Africa can bring conflict or they can usher in stability and wealth. I hope to help bring the latter for Africa
How does one get involved in this type of growth equity? What do these firms look for in newcomers? You say you don't know of many westerners investing in Africa, do you mean you know of any at all? This is an incredibly interesting field for me and is where I will be taking my career, though I admit I hold very little knowledge on the state of the investment firms currently there. I have a short list of some that make some investments, so my plan will be to fly to Africa and door-knock until one takes me in.
If you have any more information do tell, I scour the entire internet for this and this is the closest I've found to any tangible information. Thank you.
To OP, don’t know a place to discuss but check out Black Ivy. They are a firm focused on deals in Africa and seem to recruit on-/off-cycle.
Great thanks!
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