According to a study commissioned by Diageo, and published yesterday, 17 February, coverage of business in Africa has proliferated during the last five years, growing in quantity, quality and frequency. Thirty six investors across four continents with a combined portfolio of around US$20bn under management in Africa were surveyed. They supplied their views about the media and how it informs their investment decisions.
Although there is still a disparity between perceptions of Africa in the West and the reality on the ground in Africa, the study also revealed that African business reporting is more important now than ever before, because investors into Africa are increasing in number and in type. This is driving the interest in business related information.
Nick Blazquez, MD, Diageo Africa commented: "What this study shows is that African Business media has increased over the past five years, and that perceptions about Africa as an investment destination have changed. The economic and social development taking place in many African economies is attracting new types of investors; and greater and better flows of information are catalysing new flows of investment."
It is in this climate of more sophisticated economic development that Diageo is launching the Africa Business Reporting Awards 2009. These awards aims to recognise journalists, photographers, broadcasters, and editors worldwide who have excelled in reporting accurate and unbiased information about the region and have helped shape opinions and create an enabling environment for business in Africa to succeed.
The awards categories are:
The closing date for entry is 15 April 2009. No entry fee applies. The awards ceremony will be held on 2 July 2009 in Central London.
For more details and entry guidelines, or to download a copy of the African business media and investment study visit www.africabusinessreportingawards.com or contact africapractice, the awards secretariat on +44 (0)7551 525 773 or Isabelle Thomas, Diageo on 00 44 (0) 20 7927 5967 or Kim Polley, Africa Practice on 00 27 (0) 11 782 6468.
