Is private equity the easy way to the sub-Sahara?

Investors are repeatedly bombarded with figures produced by sub-Saharan Africa enthusiasts eager to promote the region as the world’s next big investment destination.

Africa has a population of more than 1 billion. Some 15% of people globally are African. The median age in sub-Saharan Africa is just over 18. According to the IMF, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria will be among the 10 fastest-growing economies over the next five years.