African countries raised the largest amount of debt from international markets ever this year. The amount has reached a record high of approximately $8 billion.

International Issuance trend expected to continue and here is significant potential in Africa for increasing the use of international capital market finance in the medium to long term, with the first-time entry of six African countries into the international debt markets being anticipated within the next few years, says Moody's Investors Service in a new Special Comment published on 10 October 2013. In 2013 alone, primary issuance by African sovereigns has already reached $8 billion year to date, its highest level ever.

Economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) remains strong with growth forecasted to be 4.9% in 2013. Almost a third of countries in the region are growing at 6% and more, and African countries are now routinely among the fastest-growing countries in the world, according to the World Bank’s new Africa’s Pulse, a twice-yearly analysis of the issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects.

Africa investor (Ai), a leading international investment and communications group, yesterday announced the winners of the 2013 Africa investor Index Series Awards, which were held on 24th September 2013 at the New York Stock Exchange.