J.-M. Severino and J. Hajdenberg publish a new book: "Enterprising Africa"

Paris, September 28, 2016: In their last book*, published by Odile Jacob, Jean-Michel Severino and Jérémy Hajdenberg demonstrate how the economic growth and the development of the African continent is building upon a booming private sector, and most specifically upon emerging startups and small growing businesses.

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About the Book 

Sub-Saharan Africa is evolving very rapidly, experiencing an average 5% annual growth rate since 2000. By 2050 the GDP of the continent (+611% since 2010) could reach EU’s current GDP, while its population will rise to more than 2 billion inhabitants, representing 20% of the world’s population, as recalled by Jean-Michel Severino and Jérémy Hajdenberg in their book “Enterprising Africa” (Odile Jacob, 2016).

According to the authors, this expansion is driven by a booming private sector, a range of dynamic SMEs and a new generation of entrepreneurs; often young, well trained and qualified, and frequently coming from the diaspora.

From agro-industry to telecommunications, from the construction sector to health, tourism or energy, a new economy is emerging in Sub-Saharan Africa. While acknowledging its weaknesses and the challenges ahead, Jean-Michel Severino and Jérémy Hajdenberg explain in their book how the African growth engaged in a virtuous circle where challenges become opportunities. Building up on its strong and booming domestic market, this Africa offers promising perspectives as a key contributor to global growth.

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The Authors

Jean-Michel Severino is the CEO of Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), an impact investment group dedicated to African SMEs. He previously held the position of Vice-President for East Asia at the World Bank (1996-2000) and Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD) from 2001 to 2010. He co-authored with Olivier Ray the book “Africa’s Moment” (Odile Jacob, 2011).

Jérémy Hajdenberg, Chief Investment Officer at I&P, is a microfinance specialist. He has been working with African entrepreneurs for several years, accompanying them in their management and development strategies.