In 2015, we published a Special Report on 'Deconstructing The African Consumer: Risks & Opportunities', which posited that the optimistic Africa consumer narrative has been more myth than substance so far and that this would continue over the next decade. BMI has consistently advocated a more cautious view on the assumed trajectory of the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) consumer story, dating back to 2010. Rather than the rise of an emerging middle class driving spending in high value and premium goods, we favoured a 'high-volume, low-margin' strategy for consumer-facing companies in the region. Fast-moving consumer goods companies appear to be moving their strategy in this direction. We continue to hold the view that the slow formalisation process will weigh on the idea of an 'African consumer boom' and that consumer-facing companies must adapt their strategies more toward high volumes, low margins, localisation and embracing the informal retail sector (see 'Assessing Our Africa Consumer View', June 26 2017).

BMI Industry View

SWOT

Agribusiness

Industry Forecast

Grains Outlook

Rice Outlook

Livestock Outlook

Dairy Outlook

Sugar Outlook

Commodities Price Analysis

Monthly Commodities Strategy

Upstream Analysis

Africa Machinery Outlook

Africa GM Outlook

Africa Fertiliser Outlook

Downstream Analysis

Food

Regional Overview

Six Key Themes For Middle East And Africa Agribusiness

Competitive Landscape

Demographic Forecast

Demographic Outlook

Agribusiness Methodology