Surge in Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals on the African continent set to rise

Standard Bank Wealth and Investment Global CE, Margaret Nienaber says we are foreseeing positive future growth in key African countries like Nigeria, which has one of the strongest forecast growth rates in high-net-worth individuals over the next 10 years

The number of Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals in Africa is expected to increase by 59% over the next 10 years, the Wealth Report 2015 compiled by Knight Frank with support from Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, released on Tuesday has asserted.

The report confirms that those with at least $30 million in assets – in Africa will increase by a staggering 59% over the next 10 years, stronger than the 34% projected global growth.

Andrew Shirley, Editor of The Wealth Report says “The edition highlights the increasing influence of global and African wealth flows on prime property and investment markets”.

It will be a case of the MINT of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey trumping the BRICS of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the report says. The average expected uplift for Mint countries is 76% over the next decade, which narrowly defeats the 72% for BRICS nations, according to research which includes the Global Cities and Global Attitudes annual surveys. The global average is just 34% and the average increase expected across the G8 developed nations is 28%.

Margaret Nienaber, Global Chief Executive of Standard Bank Wealth and Investment says ‘the market is evolving and we are foreseeing positive future growth in key African countries like Nigeria, which has one of the strongest forecast growth rates in high-net-worth individuals over the coming decade.

The research findings put the growth of Nigeria’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals by 2024 at 90%, but the top spot for Africa is reserved for the Ivory Coast at 119%.
                                                        
 “Africa is one of the regions of the world with huge potential to grow its wealth, driven by a rising middle class and the increased success of many businesses. Importantly, reforms in many countries are being expedited, infrastructure is happening at a startling pace and foreign investors are noticing,” says Nienaber.

“The countries mentioned in this report have certainly built credibility among foreign investors and it is little surprise economic activity in the region is growing at a faster pace than anywhere else in the world,” she says.

“At Wealth and Investment we are well positioned to take advantage of the growth potential on the continent. We have offices throughout South Africa, and in Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritius, Jersey and London. With the Group’s footprint in 20 countries on the African continent we are also able to service high net worth clients in these other markets,” explains Nienaber.

“Johannesburg stands out as the most important African city after ranking as the 28th most important city for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and Cape Town, the 36th,” says Shirley.

The total number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals rose by almost 5,200, or 3%, in 2014. While so-called investments of passion, such as art, wine and classic cars continue to attract interest, property remains the cornerstone of many investment strategies as it accounts for almost a third of all ultra-high-net-worth individuals’ portfolios.

“UHNWIs are adopting increasingly sophisticated investment strategies, and sometimes this approach involves the kind of active management previously restricted to institutions and funds”, says Shirley.

Despite concerns about the global economy, 80% of the almost 500 private bankers that participated in the annual Attitudes Survey, expect their clients’ wealth to grow further in 2015.

While less than half the respondents said their clients were concerned about the impact of the Chinese economy dipping, family succession issues were the number one worry. The survey showed that 85% of respondents said their clients were concerned about the handover of family wealth to the next generation.

‘Our Wealth and Investment Leadership Academies were established specifically to address these concerns from our clients. The Junior Leaders’ (10-12yrs), Young Leaders’ (13 -17yrs), Future Leaders’(18-24 yrs.) and Women’s Wealth Academies are aimed at equipping families with the financial skills to ensure the successful management and transfer of wealth from generation to generation ‘says Nienaber 

“The wealth space in Africa is going to be extremely exciting over the next decade. It is a reflection of the ongoing interest in the continent as a destination for investors and businesses and the pace of wealth generation will increase exponentially as this trend continues,” concludes Nienaber.