Happy New Year, dear readers! Thank you for your trust in our services. Wishing you a successful and prosperous 2024!

In this month’s issue we look at the past year and also the next 12 months.  In our annual outlook feature industry experts share their expectations and investment opportunities, as well as the best strategies for investors in Africa. Read this insightful article on pp 11-13.

In addition, on the private equity front, check the extract from the AVCA report on Investors’ Expectations and Preferences in the Africa Private Capital space on p. 17.

In 2023, private equity firms continued to integrate ESG considerations into their investment processes with LPs and regulators continuing to prioritize the importance of transparency and reporting related to ESG factors, writes Charlie Chipchase of Petra Funds Group. So, what can GPs expect as they look to 2024? Find on p. 20.

In this month's issue, we also hear from Sandile Malinga of M&G Investments. He looks back at the year that was, to some of the outcomes that were widely predicted, and what has actually transpired. Read on p. 14.

On the fundraising front, Africa50 Group has announced the first close of the Africa50 Infrastructure Acceleration Fund, securing $222.5m in commitments (p.4).