Page 4 - Nexia SAB&T Africa Overview 2025

The Continent in Perspective

“Africa is on its way to becoming a preferred investment destination, a potential pole
of global growth, and a place of immense innovation and creativity. But there is also
a long way to go — and Africa’s governments must as a matter of urgency turn their
attention to those who are being left behind. I believe Africa and its leaders can rise to
this challenge. If they do, Africa will become more prosperous, stable and equitable.”
Kofi Annan
Africa: a vast continent, spanning an area of 30.2 million square km (over 20% of
the world’s total land area). A direct flight from London to Cape Town puts this size in
perspective: more than 80% of the flying time is spent over Africa.
Africa is home to about 18.6% of the total world population, an estimated 1.5 billion
people with a multitude of ethnicities, cultures and languages. Africa has the youngest
population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30 years
old. This makes sub-Saharan Africa the region with the youngest population globally,
according to the Economic Commission for Africa. Such a high number of young people
is an opportunity for the continent’s growth – but only if these new generations are fully
empowered to realise their best potential.
Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Suez Canal and the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Atlantic
Ocean and the Sinai Peninsula, climates on the continent range from hot deserts to tropical
rainforests to frozen glaciers. Africa is rich in natural resources such as oil, gold, platinum
and diamonds – many not yet exploited because of lack of infrastructure and financing.
Africa comprises 54 independent countries, including the Indian Ocean islands of
Madagascar, Mauritius, the Comoros and Seychelles. Many regions in Africa have been
devastated by war, disease, corruption and regime changes. Despite facing challenges,
Africa is also experiencing rapid economic growth and, together with a young and growing
population, is a continent of significant global importance. While Africa is the least
wealthy inhabited continent per capita, and second-least wealthy by total wealth, it’s also
experiencing rapid economic expansion. It’s rich in natural resources, including diamonds
and cocoa beans.
The majority of African countries are members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)
and cross border trade and investment in Africa is promoted via about 30 regional trade
agreements.
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