The North Africa event will be led by core members of Hogan Lovells Africa practice and feature leading private sector players and investors to discuss the latest industry and economic developments.

Data from the African Development Bank (ADB) states that Africa’s Gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow by 3.4% in 2021, after shrinking by 2.1% in 2020. The recovery is said to be driven by the effective deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, continued implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and increased private sector investment and participation in the economy. As African economies rebound in 2021, North Africa is expected to bounce back strongly.

Despite the pandemic, the World Bank has projected that North Africa will experience robust recovery of four percent in 2021 and six percent in 2022. A recovery will depend on strengthening the region’s manufacturing capabilities, bringing debt levels under control and supporting burgeoning growth sectors. As a result, the North Africa regional event will deep-dive into the key industries driving growth in the region and invite the business community and investors to participate in a dynamic discussion and debate on the future of North Africa and what this means for its links with the Middle East and Sub Saharan Africa. In particular, the series will discuss the booming manufacturing ecosystem in the region in addition to the automotive, gas and power sectors, and invite leading industrialists and investors for discussion and debate on the future of the region.

The final event in the series will focus on Southern Africa in November, 2021. Through the Business Leaders Series, Hogan Lovells unpacks key economic and investment trends and provides an insight platform for businesses and investors alike to expand investment opportunities across Africa and sustain economic growth.

Speaking on the regional Business Leaders Series, Head of Africa Practice at Hogan Lovells, Andrew Skipper said, “Hogan Lovells is excited to champion the journey to economic recovery and sustainable growth in Africa. We have been operating in Africa for over 40 years and are committed to understanding, operating in, investing in, and respecting the continent. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on economies around the world, it is pertinent that discussions are held, and actions taken to restore Africa to its booming economy. Through combining our vast experience and in-depth knowledge with insights from major industry leaders in Africa to explore the different sectors that are relevant to Africa’s prospects, the regional Business Leaders Series reiterates our commitment to supporting and fostering investment across the entire continent.”