Cameroon is a one party socialist state on the West African Atlantic Coast and its capital is Yaounde. The currency of the country is CFA Franc pegged to the euro at €1 = CFAF 665.957.
Economy
About 49% Cameroorians live below the poverty line. The Cameroon suffered a loss of about US$650 million due to lack of demand in the foreign market. Cameroon is expecting a growth rate of around 4-5 % however growth of real GDP to about 2% in 2009.
Per capita income and expenditure of the consumer has increased over the years, however the per capita income and expenditure of the majority fall slightly above the international poverty line of US$2 per day. Since the Cameroons' is broadly based on exports, the growth of its economy is largely dependent on the global economic scenario.
Economic Structure and Industry
Inspite of the fact that more than 70% population engaged in agriculture, the Cameroon is a food importer. The main cash crops have seen growth in the recent past due to the foreign investment and government efforts. Huge bauxite reserves have resulted in huge investments in mineral related projects along with projects involving iron ore and uranium. Diamond production can be seen in the near future.
Business Risk
With the lack of environment conducive to private sector, the lack of development in the country is visible. The public sector in the country is not in good shape which has led to the privatisation of the various sectors. Corruption, irregulated and inadequate infrastructure is seen as the one of the main hinders to the development.
International Risk
High Dependence on commodity exports esp. Oil as a major source for foreign exchange and government revenues makes the commodity prices highly vulnerable.
Kenya
Kenya with a area of 582,645 Sq. Km lies on the Indian Ocean Coast of Central East Africa. Its Capital is Nairobi and its currency is Kenya Shilling.
Economy
Kenya is the member of the newly formed common market with its GDP expected to rise at about 4.1% per annum. Kenya's income is highly undistributed with the inflation in double figures.
Economic Structure and Industry
Due to the drought and water supply issues, agriculture has not been performing well. More than 80% of population is employed in agriculture. Demand for the cash crops have been falling which has also leaded to higher input costs in agriculture. Though the manufacturing sector is mostly agro based, Kenya also has significant industry along with glass, clothing and textiles.
Tourism has been the main source of earning for Kenya with nearly 50% GDP earning comes from it. However, footfalls have decreasing over the last couple of years owing to the political instability in the country.
Business Risk
The public sector is large and inefficient. It absorbs a large portion of the govt expenditure. With 47% percent of the population living in poverty and 20% living in extreme poverty, does not make it easier for either the government or the private players. Kenya has a serious HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Corruption and inefficient infrastructure have been one of the major issues amongst both the public and private sector.
International Risk
The Kenya has been accused by the govt of Sudan for supporting the rebels. There is a fear that Somalia problem might get infected into Kenya. In the International Criminal Court in the Hague has charged the Political Leaders of Kenya. With the political divide and the riots surfaced after elections has led to the shipments of fuels and goods from Kenyan port Mombasa.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a land locked country in east-central southern Africa. The capital is Harare and the currency is Zimbabwe Dollar.
Economy
The unemployment has been increasing with currently as 50%. The government estimates of poverty rate is 75% with 70% of the population needing food and health support. The economy in the last decade has contracted by almost 40% with pricing increasing by 25,000% in mid 2008.
Economic Structure and Industry
With fertile lands and rivers, agriculture was once the main stay of Zimbabwe's economy with 20% of GDP coming from it. Due to Magabe's policy of land confiscation has eliminated the commercial farming in the country. Exports and the manufacturing industry which is almost insignificant have been badly affected due to the falling of Zimbabwe Dollar.
Business Risk
Due to unstable macro-economic conditions, more than 800 companies closed down during 2004. Owing to magabe's land policies, commercial agriculture has been ruined making the Zimbabweans' dependent on foreign aid. More than 2000 people have been estimated to be leaving country every day.
International Risk
Country relations with almost all the foreign countries have deteriorated owing to the Mugabe's erratic policies. South Africa tried to negotiate with the Mugabe pursuing him to revert back some of its land policies but found no success.
