Africa's worthwhile challenges Arnold Ekpe

摘要

Banking in Africa faces major challenges but the outlook is compellingly positive for players who are committed to investing in the continent's growth.rnThere is a fashionable belief, that is half right, that banking in Africa is challenging. Where it is wrong is that the African banking scene holds much opportunity for the committed player who realises and accepts those challenges.rnThe challenges of banking in Africa are diverse and unique to the continent. Africa is a land mass with populations in dispersed regions and this renders banking expensive. On a continent with an underdeveloped technology platform, the cost of physical infrastructure for banks and financial institutions is very high, especially away from towns. As a result, the ability of banks to deploy efficient and accessible banking services has been greatly inhibited. This is made worse by a low savings culture on the continent that in turn limits deposit mobilisation and asset growth.