Accountants have a central role to play in confronting obstacles to investment and growth in Africa. With global growth slowing, the continent is on the radar of investors seeking opportunities. But the International Monetary Fund suggests that although medium-term growth prospects in Africa remain favourable, substantial improvement is required in the recalibration of fiscal policy (including the efficient use of national budgets), better domestic revenue mobilisation, and improving and prioritising the quality and efficiency of public investment. Corruption — real or perceived — is a threat to development in SA and the rest of Africa. Additionally, unemployment in SA continues to be unacceptably high, not for lack of jobs but rather a skills shortage in specific sectors from which accounting is not exempt. As for poverty and inequality, financial and human resources must be effectively deployed to address these challenges, intimately linked to both conditions: optimising Africa’s ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.