Economic Data Consultancy Service

Coverage

Africa

Customization

In-depth knowledge of different African markets with over 20 years of experience working in markets all over the continent and a network of contacts in most key cities.

In many situations, businesses often struggle to process the data into actionable format and insights due to a lack of resources, time, and proper understanding. Building on our existing Economic Data service, the consultancy service has the capability to conduct research, collect, analyse and report on data that can be useful for problem-solving and decision making.

Economics is the discipline of business and it shapes the world we live in every day. In today’s world, we find a number of different platforms that provide economic data. Macroeconomic data is crucially important for understanding the current economic conditions of and forecasting future trends for a country, region, or sector. They are indispensable tools for policymakers to perform macroeconomic surveillance, and for analysts or fund managers to detect headwinds facing industries or firms while spotting valuable opportunities for their clients. However, one can have the best data in the world but if you do not know how to use or interpret the data to your best advantage, it means nothing.

EDI gathers all the data, translates documents where necessary, and more importantly puts everything together in a standardized format to provide clients with direct access to the data they need. Compiled by Emerging Market and Global Market Data Experts, the information can be used for:
  • Research and Analytics
  • Thought Leadership and Opinion
  • Risk Assessment
  • Due Diligence
  • Strategy and Capability Building
  • Collaborative and Outreach Projects
  • Fund Management
  • Commercial Investment

As part of our many data solutions, we can help to conduct research and gather information on any specific topic, sector, or market. We have the capability to collect, analyze, and report data that can be used for problem-solving and decision-making. Not only do we gather the data in a usable format, but we can also put the results in a logical descriptive manner.

Ilze Gouws, Head of Economics at EDIIlze Gouws is EDI’s Head of Economic Data. She has more than 20 years of experience in Economic Data and passionate about working with clients to provide data solutions that best fits their business.
Get in touch with Ilze via [email protected] or call +27 (0) 82 782 3750

In the case study below, our client wanted to know more about Ethiopia and its challenges. Our client specifically asked for a short analysis (2 pages) as they do not have time to read long, drawn-out descriptions of each economic section of Ethiopia.

Case Study: Ethiopia Overview

The Ethiopian economy is seen as one of the fastest growing in East Africa in 2019, backed by strong government infrastructure spending. The robust economic growth over the past decade, helped to reduce poverty headcount significantly, from 30% in 2011 to about 24% in 2016, while low levels of inequality have been maintained with the Gini coefficient remaining stable at 0.30. Ethiopia has an estimated population of 112 million people (2019 est.) which makes it the second most populous country in Africa. The Agricultural sector has been an important driver of economic growth but has been overtaken by the services sector in recent years. Unfortunately, the travel and tourism sectors suffered tremendously from near-complete shutdowns of tourism-related activity due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The populous nation experienced strong growth of about 9.8% between 2008/09 to 2018/19. For 2020, however, the economy is expected to slow to an estimated 6.1% growth (World Bank Global Economic Prospect report released in January 2021), 2.9% lower than the June 2020 forecast. The Bank expects a growth of zero percent (0.0%) this year. Not only has East Africa just suffered from the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, but also the worst locust plague in decades. Ethiopia and Somalia were hit hard by the worst locust outbreak in 25 years and the worst in 70 years for Kenya. The swarms are expected to return this month, which might lead to an even worse food security in the region. It is expected that the country’s real GDP growth will pick up up again to 8.7% in 2022.

EDI - Case Study - Ethiopia Overview - Consultancy Service

EDI – Case Study – Ethiopia Overview – Consultancy Service

Other challenges which Ethiopia are facing is the ongoing conflict in the north. In November, long-rising tensions between the federal government and the leadership of the northern Tigray region exploded into military confrontation. A political crisis, COVID-19, and the onset of conflict between the federal government and the government of the Tigray region has resulted in significant deterioration of humanitarian access. Aid agencies have recently estimated that 4.5 million people are in need of food aid – more than 60% of Tigray’s population, but the Ethiopian government said only 2.5 million people need food.

Although Ethiopia’s outlook looks dire, all eyes will be on the government’s reform agenda and how they will seek a broadly inclusive negotiation about the way forward. After all, it remains the second largest market in Africa, the industry sector is set to become the largest GDP contributor in 2025, Ethiopia has maintained strong investor interest as one of the top investor destinations in Africa.