Search

Begin New Search Political Geography Africa Publishing Institution Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment

11. Foreign Direct Investment in Blantyre, Malawi: Opportunities and Challenges

Author:
Sawa Nakagawa, Abhinav Bahl, Meron Demisse, Megumi Ishizuka, Francisco Miranda, and Kwi Young Sung
Publication Date:
04-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
The Earth Institute at Columbia University launched the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI), an urban counterpart to the Millennium Villages Project (MVP), to assist nine mid-sized cities across sub-Saharan Africa in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). MCI provides research and policy analysis to the cities in order to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Increased FDI flows create employment opportunities by fostering local enterprise development and sustainable economic growth. In addition, MCI is helping the Millennium Cities to carry out needs assessments in a number of social sectors. The data from these assessments will enable MCI to generate integrated City Development Strategies to help each city meet the MDGs.
Topic:
Agriculture, Development, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Africa, United States, and United Kingdom

12. Assessing Infrastructure Constraints on Business Activity in Blantyre, Malawi

Author:
Zaki Raheem
Publication Date:
04-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
In Blantyre, Malawi , population and economic growth are placing great stress on the city's infrastructure systems. As Malawi's industrial capital, long-term improvements to Blantyre's infrastructure are necessary to generate employment, strengthen rural-urban market linkage s, and improve the regional and global competitiveness of the city's industries.
Topic:
Development, Infrastructure, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Africa

13. Investment Opportuntities in Mekelle, Tigray State, Ethiopia

Author:
Bryant Cannon
Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
Mekelle, a rapidly developing city in northern Ethiopia, is located about 780 km from the capital, Addis Ababa. Established nearly 150 years ago by Emperor Yohannes, the city is nestled in Ethiopia's temperate highlands, in the heart of a region that traces its origins back to the ancient Axum Empire that once controlled Red Sea trade (4th century BC – 10th century AD). The city maintains aproud history of many religions, particularly Orthodox Christianity, dating back to the 4th century AD. Mekelle was largely ignored in the latter half of the 20th century by Ethiopia's ruling feudal and socialist governments, but began to experience an economic and cultural rejuvenation with the election of a democratic government in Ethiopia in the early 1990s.
Topic:
Development, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Africa and Ethiopia

14. Bamboo Bikes in Kisumu, Kenya

Author:
Katherine Athanasiades, Michelle Eames, Riham Hussein, and Young Rhee
Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
This study was undertaken by Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) with support from the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI) at The Earth Institute. The MCI was launched in 2006 to assist selected midsized cities across sub-Saharan Africa in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
Topic:
Development
Political Geography:
Africa and AustralAsia

15. Land grab or development opportunity? International farmland deals in Africa

Author:
Lorenzo Cotula
Publication Date:
06-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
Over the past 12 months, large-scale acquisitions of farmland in Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and Southeast Asia have made headlines in a flurry of media reports across the world. Lands that only a short time ago seemed of little outside interest are now being sought by international investors to the tune of hundreds of thousands of hectares.
Topic:
Agriculture, International Trade and Finance, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Africa and Latin America

16. Kumasi Marketing Strategy: Tourism

Author:
Dario Cacciatore, Andre Le, Nicholas Levi-Gardes, Antonio Lopez Reus, and Kenny Sai-Kin Hsu
Publication Date:
09-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
Kumasi needs to position itself strategically as a cultural destination, communicate its attributes more effectively to tourists already in Ghana and differentiate itself from other cities and attractions Position should entail marketing a larger cultural region than just Kumasi Several positioning statements can transmit Kumasi's new marketing strategy: Kumasi - Heart of the Kingdom of Ashanti. Ashanti - The Hidden Kingdom. Kumasi - Come and See! Kumasi is well placed to capitalize on the growth of tourism in Ghana due to its status as a cultural capital The financial impact of tourism growth is potentially significant for the city and its surrounding districts The creation of the Ashanti Region Marketing Corporation is fundamental to proper coordination among stakeholders.
Topic:
Development, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Markets
Political Geography:
Africa

17. Assessing Infrastructure Constraints on Business Activity in Kumasi, Ghana

Author:
Ginger Baker
Publication Date:
09-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
The development of urban infrastructure is intimately connected with the process of economic growth. Businesses depend on reliable water and electricity sources, affordable and plentiful land for expansion and modern transportation networks to reach the markets they serve. Inadequate infrastructure can deter investments and lead to a general climate of economic decline.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Markets, and Infrastructure
Political Geography:
Africa and Ghana

18. Bamboo Bicycles in Kumasi, Ghana

Publication Date:
04-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and investment opportunity of implementing a bamboo bicycle production facility in Kumasi, Ghana, in conjunction with the Millennium Cities Initiative (MCI) at Columbia University. For this assessment, desk-based research and interviews with industry and regional subject matter specialists were completed to assist with the following objectives: Understand the current transportation modes and bicycle market in Ghana Assess customer needs in Ghana to determine the suitability of a bamboo bicycle for rural use Identify the potential market size and demand Understand the operational considerations and costs associated with implementing a production facility Estimate the financial returns from investing in this opportunity.
Topic:
Development and Markets
Political Geography:
Africa and Ghana

19. Assessing Infrastructure Constraints on Business Activity in Kisumu, Kenya

Author:
Jacob Winiecki
Publication Date:
10-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
The success of commercial activities in any city depends in great part upon the quality of infrastructure services available to businesses including (but not limited to) reliable electricity and liquid fuel supplies to power engines, sufficient supplies of clean water for irrigation and industrial processes, and reliable roads for obtaining raw materials and transporting finished goods in a timely and cost efficient manner. Poor quality infrastructure can drive up the cost of doing business and constrain economic growth in any city.
Topic:
Development, Infrastructure, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Kenya and Africa

20. Sugar in Kisumu,kenya

Publication Date:
11-2008
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
Abstract:
An investor, seeking to financially benefit from producing sugar as a commodity in Kisumu, Kenya, needs to consider the entire investment environment before making a decision. Since Kenya is a net importer of sugar, domestic demand cannot be satisfied by domestic production, which creates a potential opportunity for an investor looking to bridge the gap. As a result, an opportunity may exist for an investor who wants to play a significant role in the future of the industry. Sugar, produced as a commodity within Kisumu, may have the ability to compete on a global scale if time, investment, and governmental support align.
Topic:
Agriculture, Development, Globalization, Markets, and Foreign Direct Investment
Political Geography:
Kenya and Africa