Key points

• Africa’s population will double to 2.4 billion by 2050. This demographic boom is driving domestic demand and creating great supply-side opportunities.
   
• Sub-Saharan Africa needs to create 18 million new jobs a year. Investing in SMEs and entrepreneurs is the key to success.
   
• Banks and investors need to re-evaluate their perceptions of risk in Africa and make working capital more easily available to entrepreneurs. Angel investment is currently non-existent.
   
• Education is vital, not only in schools, but lifelong learning in technical, managerial and financial skills. Africa should make use of online learning tools, focusing on women and girls.
   
• Governments must reduce the risks for investment through better infrastructure, legal certainty, fair rules, anti-corruption measures, tax breaks and blended finance.