pdf version.qxd - Africa Diaspora Investment Week

SPECIAL WELCOME ADDRESS
On behalf of my distinguished team, and myself I bring you warm greetings from Nigeria.
For the second time in a roll, I have the utmost pleasure to welcome you all to Africa Diaspora Investment Forum.
Increasingly we in Africa are beginning to realize the key role Africans in the Diaspora play in the economic growth of
the continent. Indeed being an ex Diaspora who has taken the leap to make my impact back at home I do understand
that there are many African who do not necessarily want to return back to Africa but will still like to engage with Africa
from an investment point of view.
Africa consists of fifty-two countries each with a different landscape for investors. However one common thread runs
across all countries that of improving investment climate The returns on investment in Africa is arguably the highest
in the world. There might be an issue or two about. certainty and consistency but that is being addressed using
international standards. I have traveled across the globe talking to investors and the African Diaspora about the
ongoing changes in Africa this has met great enthusiasm.
The stock market in Africa has seen tremendous growth in the last few years boasting returns higher than the
developed world. As Africa embraces shareholdership while retaining the positive attributes of family owned business,
we are seeing increasing levels of accountability and transparency.
As key stakeholders of Africa’s growth it is our aim that all obstacles and challenges to Diaspora investments are
addressed and that key information that will enable you to become informed investors is provided. It is on that basis
we are happy to welcome you to the second annual Africa Diaspora Investors forum
W e are looking forward to welcoming many of you as investors and key stakeholders in Africa’s economic growth
Dr (Mrs) Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke
Director-General of The Nigerian Stock Exchange
Africa Diaspora Investment Forum