Socio-economic developments in Asia and Europe will play a critical role in terms of economic growth in Africa. As a prominent member of this continent, South Africa will be a beneficiary of this projected growth.  Africa’s growing population will soon reach the one billion mark and this growth has led to investors paying a lot of attention to our continent.  Investors love growing numbers and are concerned about the ageing populations in Europe and the Far East.  The one child policy in China has started driving some investors away.  Population growth rates will inevitably drive foreign direct investment to Africa.  Property laws in some East Asian and African countries don’t guarantee ownership and this sends jitters to potential investors.  Investors don’t like uncertainty and it is likely that new investments will migrate to South Africa.  Although new investments are a positive development, financial growth will bring with it new critical challenges.  One of the main challenges will be the lack of appropriate skills in IT and other professions. Does Africa as a continent and South Africa in particular have the necessary skills to take advantage of the anticipated mushrooming of investments? The answer is clearly no.  It is with this premise that the IITPSA will continue to emphasise Continuing Professional Development.  We will continue to work with the government, industry and universities to drive professional’s skills and knowledge development.  I want to take this opportunity and encourage you to equip yourselves with the necessary skills that will open doors for your career advancements.

Rabelani Dagada (PMIITPSA) is the President of IITPSA
His Twitter handle is @Rabelani_Dagada