Executives are weirdly optimistic heading into next year. A new McKinsey survey shows global business leaders feeling better about the economy and their own company performance. Their main worry shifted from trade policy to geopolitical instability. Despite that, leaders are focusing more on customer engagement and tech investments. Profit expectations are up, even though fewer people predict rising demand than at any point since 2020.
In Africa, the story is about tough resilience. The African Development Bank projects continent-wide growth at three point nine percent for the year, with twenty-one economies expanding over five percent. Their report calls for a major paradigm shift, stating that Africa must invest in itself and govern resources wisely to break external dependence. It claims deep reforms could unlock an extra one point four three trillion dollars annually from domestic resources, covering a key sustainable development funding gap. The World Economic Forum's jobs report highlights intense labor market changes for the region. Sixty-four percent of Sub-Saharan African businesses see a bigger focus on labor and social issues as a key trend. Major barriers include big skills gaps and a lack of investment capital. High-demand skills globally, like AI and cybersecurity, face mismatches with local education systems. Groups like the AVANA Center of Excellence at Africa Business School are trying to bridge this divide with projects on digital transformation in sectors like agrifood.
In Africa, the story is about tough resilience. The African Development Bank projects continent-wide growth at three point nine percent for the year, with twenty-one economies expanding over five percent. Their report calls for a major paradigm shift, stating that Africa must invest in itself and govern resources wisely to break external dependence. It claims deep reforms could unlock an extra one point four three trillion dollars annually from domestic resources, covering a key sustainable development funding gap. The World Economic Forum's jobs report highlights intense labor market changes for the region. Sixty-four percent of Sub-Saharan African businesses see a bigger focus on labor and social issues as a key trend. Major barriers include big skills gaps and a lack of investment capital. High-demand skills globally, like AI and cybersecurity, face mismatches with local education systems. Groups like the AVANA Center of Excellence at Africa Business School are trying to bridge this divide with projects on digital transformation in sectors like agrifood.
