Economy
Investors May Soon Dump Nigeria, SA, Egypt for Kenya, Ethiopia—Report
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
According to the newly released Africa Risk-Reward Index developed by Control Risks and Oxford Economics, Kenya and Ethiopia may soon outshine Africa’s economic giants; Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt, in the competition for investments.
It was only this month that Nigeria and South Africa exited recession, but rising security risks and political instability in Egypt, economic downturn and militancy in Nigeria and escalating political risks in South Africa led to doubts whether the balance between risks and opportunities in these markets is still favourable for businesses.
In the report made available to Business Post, Senior Analyst for Africa at Control Risks and lead-author of the report, Mr Paul Gabriel, commented that, “Experienced investors – not only in Africa, but around the world – know that risk and reward are close companions.
“While no serious investor should overlook the economic giants of the continent, real competitive edge can only be achieved when investors manage to stay ahead of the pack in knowing what’s next.
“The Africa Risk-Reward Index helps investors to identify some of the more hidden investment opportunities in times where the heavy-hitters are struggling.”
Key findings of the report showed that Nigeria and its energy sector are too big to lose their appeal because the country’s reward score is 6.0 (out of 10), ahead of South Africa and Egypt.
Nigeria’s charms, however, fade against a risk score of 7.3 (out of 10), as President Muhammadu Buhari’s government struggles through its first term.
A fall in oil prices and lower production due to insurgent attacks in the Niger Delta have slashed growth from 6.3 percent in 2014 to 2.7 percent in 2015 followed by a sharp contraction of 1.6 percent last year.
Economic indicators for this year are more favourable, but still the report forecasts a real GDP growth of only 1.1 percent in 2017.
On the part of South Africa, its risk score of 5.0 remains below the region’s average, but the reward score of 4.6 is also low.
Whilst the country enjoys a deserved reputation as Africa’s pre-eminent constitutional democracy, several of its key institutions have gradually weakened over the past decade.
Economic prospects are closely linked to the outcomes of the ANC’s national conference in December.
The forecasted real GDP growth of 0.5 percent for 2017 is below population growth and certainly insufficient to reduce South Africa’s staggering 27.7 percent unemployment rate.
The report also said Egypt will test the most ardent optimist. President Abdul Fatah al-Sisi’s political position is stable, despite a series of economic and security challenges, reflected in the country’s risk score of 6.0.
Socio-economic grievances, a government crackdown on opposition and Islamist groups and persistent militancy will continue to have an impact on the business environment. The tourism sector remains depressed.
The country’s reward score of 5.5 reflects the measures the government has taken since mid-2016 to address its fiscal problems.
Real GDP growth is expected to slow in 2017 (to 3.8 percent, from 4.3 percent in 2016) owing to a slowdown in government and private consumption.
Ethiopia outperforms every African peer with its high reward score of 8.0. Notably, it attracted $3.2 billion of foreign direct investment in 2016 – more even than Nigeria, and double the figure for Morocco.
The East African nation is one of Africa’s fastest growing economies and continues to offer strong prospects.
Growth averaged 10 percent from 2010 to 2015 and although 2016 growth was slower at 6.5 percent the expansion remains impressive.
However, the omnipresent role of government in the economy raises concerns relating to public sector efficiency and financial management.
External debt is expected to increase to 38.7 percent of GDP by the end of this year, leading to a risk score of 5.8.
Kenya has achieved a period of strong GDP growth amid relative political stability: real GDP growth averaged at 6.0 percent in 2010-16. The 2017 growth forecast is at 5.4 percent. The country’s reward score is 6.7.
A well-educated workforce and an innovative service sector, the government’s continued investments in upgrading critical national infrastructure, and deepening integration with its neighbours through the East African Community (EAC) all allow the country to act as a gateway into the larger East Africa region.
Current fiscal concerns and a political system that remains closely tied to ethnic affiliation contribute to a risk score of 5.6 and reflects considerable room for improvements.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has said its Naira-for-crude initiative remains in effect and will continue despite its recent suspension by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, the scheme is still in effect and will continue immediately, overruling the decision of the NNPC Limited under its immediate past chief executive, Mr Mele Kyari, which tenured the programme.
It affirmed that the crude and refined product sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary or time-bound intervention, but a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining, bolster energy security, and reduce reliance on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum market.
The statement followed a meeting led by the Minister of Finance Wale Edun, with stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee and Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji and the Chief Financial Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr Dapo Segun; the Coordinator of NNPC Refineries; Management of NNPC Trading.
Others included the representatives of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals; and senior officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), representative of Afreximbank, as well as the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs Hauwa Ibrahim.
The statement noted that the stakeholders reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to the full implementation of this strategic initiative, as directed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“As with any major policy shift, the Committee acknowledges that implementation challenges may arise from time to time. However, such issues are being actively addressed through coordinated efforts among all parties.
“The initiative remains in effect and will continue for as long as it aligns with the public interest and supports national economic objectives,” the statement concluded.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange fell further by 0.79 per cent on Tuesday, April 8, triggered by decline in the prices of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc.
The loss happened despite the share price of First Trust Microfinance Bank Plc going up by 4 Kobo to close the day at 62 Kobo per unit compared with Monday’s closing price of 58 Kobo per unit.
During the trading session, CSSC Plc lost N2.51 to settle at N22.70 per share compared with the previous day’s N25.21 per share, and FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc went down by N1.43 to sell at N36.59 per unit, in contrast to the previous day’s N38.02 per unit.
As a result, the market capitalisation of the trading platform depleted by N15.15 billion to close at N1.894 trillion versus N1.909 trillion and the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) decreased by 26.24 points to 3,280.63 points from Monday’s 3,306 87 points.
Trading data showed a decrease of 53.8 per cent in the volume of securities transacted to 259,092 units from the 560,253 units traded in the previous trading day, the value of securities bought and sold by the market participants contracted by 36.9 per cent to N10.5 million from N16.7 million, and the number of deals fell by 5.6 per cent to 17 deals from the 18 deals recorded a day earlier.
At the close of transactions, Impresit Bakolori Plc remained the most active stock by volume on a year-to-date basis with 533.9 million units valued at N520.9 million, followed by Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc with 71.2 million units sold for N24.2 million, and Geo Fluids Plc with 44.4 million units worth N89.8 million.
Also, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc remained as most traded stock by value on a year-to-date basis with the sale of 14.4 million units worth N557.6 million, trailed by Impresit Bakolori Plc with 533.9.million units worth N520.9 million, and Afriland Properties Plc with 17.8 million units sold for N364.2 million.
If you’ve been exploring the world of trading—whether you’re just starting out or already have experience—you’ve probably come across the concept of funded trading programs. These programs are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. They offer traders a chance to prove their skills and trade with someone else’s capital, rather than risking their own money. But is it the right path for you? Let’s dive into why funded trading programs might be the smartest move for your trading journey.
What Is a Funded Trading Program?
A funded trading program is a type of partnership between a trader and a proprietary trading firm. The trader usually goes through an evaluation phase to prove their skills and discipline. Once they pass, they receive a funded trading account with a set amount of capital provided by the firm. The trader then earns a share of the profits they make, while the firm handles the losses.
Why Beginners Should Consider Funded Trading
One of the biggest hurdles for new traders is risk. When you’re still learning the ropes, it’s easy to blow through your personal savings trying to figure out what works. Funded programs allow beginners to develop and test their trading strategies with significantly less financial risk. Here are a few key benefits:
1. Learn Without Risking Your Own Capital
Most funded programs require you to pay a small fee to take an evaluation, but after that, you’re trading with the firm’s money. This can take a lot of the emotional stress out of trading and help beginners stay more focused and disciplined.
2. Structured Environment
Funded programs often have rules in place for things like drawdowns, daily losses, and risk management. For beginners, this structure is incredibly helpful in developing good habits from the start.
3. Faster Learning Curve
With real-time market exposure and feedback, new traders can learn more quickly. Instead of being stuck in demo accounts or risking too much too soon, they get a guided experience with real consequences and real rewards.
Why Experienced Traders Can Benefit Too
Even seasoned traders often face the challenge of limited capital. Funded programs offer an attractive way to scale their strategies without having to put more of their own money on the line. Here’s how:
1. Access to Larger Capital
Many traders have a winning system, but not enough capital to see meaningful returns. Funded programs can provide accounts ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 or more, giving traders the power to earn bigger profits.
2. No Need to Risk Personal Funds
Risk is always present in trading, but with a funded account, experienced traders can focus on execution without worrying about personal losses. This freedom can improve decision-making and reduce emotional trading.
3. Earn a Professional Income
With profit splits often ranging from 70% to 90%, consistent traders can earn a significant income. Many funded traders eventually turn it into a full-time career.
Things to Look for in a Funded Program
Before jumping into a funded trading program, it’s important to choose the right one. Look for:
- Transparent Rules: Make sure the program clearly outlines its rules, fees, and profit split.
- Reasonable Challenge Conditions: Some firms have evaluation phases that are too difficult or unrealistic. Find one that balances challenge with opportunity.
- Good Customer Support: A responsive support team is crucial when you need answers quickly.
- Fast Payouts: Check reviews or testimonials about how fast and consistently they pay traders.
Why TenTrade Is a Great Place to Start
If you’re looking for a trustworthy and beginner-friendly funded trading program, TenTrade is a fantastic choice. Their platform is easy to use, and their challenge structure is fair and accessible. TenTrade also offers fast payouts and excellent support, making them a favorite among new and seasoned traders alike.
Common Myths About Funded Trading
Let’s bust a few myths that might be holding you back:
- “Only pros can pass the challenge.” Not true. Many beginners have passed on their first or second try. If you have discipline and follow the rules, you’ve got a solid shot.
- “They never pay out.” Reputable programs like TenTrade have a long track record of timely and fair payouts.
- “It’s just a scam to collect fees.” While there are bad actors in any industry, funded trading as a whole is a legitimate and fast-growing field. Do your research and choose a trusted provider.
Final Thoughts
Funded trading programs offer a rare opportunity: trade with someone else’s money, keep most of the profits, and limit your personal risk. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale up, they can be a game-changer. With the right mindset, discipline, and a good platform like TenTrade, you can take your trading skills to the next level without taking on the financial stress that usually comes with it.
So, should you get started with funded trading? If you’re serious about becoming a better trader and want to accelerate your progress, the answer is a definite yes.
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