Africa is a continent with a checkered history. From ruthless dictators such as the infamous Idi Amin in Uganda, to the shocking apartheid regime that ruled South Africa for decades, Africa has been considered a country ravaged with corruption, despair and poverty. The new image of Africa is radically different. Rich in a diverse range of commodities, Africa has attracted many foreigners who are making strong returns on their African investments.

Of the 53 countries that make up Africa, excellent growth is being experienced by 50 of these countries. This is in stark contrast to the western economies which are presently flat. With more than half the population of Africa being under 20 years of age, the economy in this vast continent is creating many opportunities. It would be impossible to discuss all prospering countries in Africa, so we will look at just a few.

The country of Morocco is showing itself as a leader in the real estate market. Situated in northern Africa, Morocco is close to Europe and the Middle East. Therefore its culture is tinged with a little of three different continents. With its stunning coastline and breathtaking natural beauty, it is not surprising that Morocco is attracting real estate investors from all over the globe.

Investors from Mauritius, China, India, Portugal and the United Kingdom have taken advantage of the many profitable opportunities in Botswana. These include the tourism industry, coal mining, leather goods, glass products, and the diamond and semi-precious stones industry. All these sectors of Botswana’s economy are enjoying prosperity.

When it comes to foreign investment earnings in Africa, Kenya enjoys third position, after South Africa and Morocco. The Kenyan government introduced several policies to benefit foreign investors. These efforts have paid off and many investments have been made in Kenya’s flourishing tourism industry as well as in its film industry. Kenya has a very stable government which is another encouraging factor.

South Africa foreign investment figures have soared in recent years. Having survived decades of isolation because of its infamous apartheid regime, South Africa and its new democratic government have attracted millions of dollars in foreign investment. Of course much of the world’s new image of South Africa was created by Nelson Mandela. Opportunities are plentiful in many sectors of commerce and industry.

Nigeria is another country that has made a concerted effort to bring in foreign earnings. Nigeria generates most of its wealth through its involvement in the oil industry. Foreign investors are now confident about the potential profitability in Nigeria. The most popular choices are investments in oil companies, as well as investment trusts and unit trusts.

Investors are focusing on Malawi as a country that is proving to have much potential. Known as ‘the warm heart of Africa’, Malawi has a flourishing farming industry and the government has realized that it has the resources to become a leading food producer. Malawi is blessed with plenty of sunshine and water, as well as fertile land.

Uganda is an African country that welcomes foreign investments in almost all of its economic sectors. With a steady economy and a government with vision, more and more investors are seeing Uganda as a secure investment opportunity. Investors are permitted to retain a 100 percent shareholding in their investments. This is a big factor for potential investors.

Want to find out more about african investment, then visit the African Infrastructure and Global Connection’s (AI&GC) site on how to choose begin investing in this economy.