This paper comes as dynamic global and regional factors are affecting countries across sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to rising geopolitical and geo-economic frictions, the effects of climate change are becoming dangerously pronounced. These risks have manifested amid significant and ongoing political transition on the continent.

The analysis draws on data from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Perception Survey 2018-2019, which polled experts and decision-makers around the world. The analysis also uses responses from the Forum’s Executive Opinion Survey 2018, which polled business leaders in 34 sub-Saharan countries.

The combined insights are necessary in a time of immense complexity when risks – particularly environmental and macroeconomic – are spanning national and regional boundaries.

Report by the World Economic Forum