Biggest opportunities in value chain creation

Africa's economic opportunities are often viewed through the lens of its abundant natural resources. However, Paulo Gomes, Chairman of Orango Investment Corporation, believes that the continent's true potential lies in building full value chains across various sectors such as construction, real estate, agriculture, and global market integration. Gomes highlighted the importance of urbanization as a key driver of growth, with millions of people migrating to cities annually. This trend not only presents a national security issue but also an opportunity for investment in housing to cater to the growing urban population. Gomes emphasized the need for Africa to control the value chain in critical sectors like construction and housing to stimulate economic growth and stability. While critical minerals and green energy remain essential, Gomes underscored the significance of expanding into new markets, particularly in Asia, to drive growth and achieve economic sovereignty. Agriculture was also identified as a sector primed for growth, with Gomes advocating for value chain control in key products like cocoa to capture markets beyond Europe. As Africa navigates the complexities of global trade partnerships, Gomes stressed the importance of prioritizing the continent's interests and building equitable relationships. He emphasized the need for African countries to seize control of the entire value chain in industries like mining and foster a more entrepreneurial mindset to drive job creation and ownership of key industries. Gomes acknowledged the diverse readiness of African countries for investment and policy harmonization, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to foster economic growth. In conclusion, Gomes called for greater collaboration between sovereign wealth funds and private capital to build sustainable value chains that benefit the continent as a whole, moving away from a model focused solely on resource extraction to one driven by value addition and long-term growth.