RMB's Emrie Brown Calls for Viable Projects to Attract Chinese Investment

Emrie Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), stated that African countries must create commercially viable projects, strengthen local partnerships, and establish sound financing structures to attract Chinese investment in infrastructure and manufacturing. He noted a shift in Chinese business interest in Africa from traditional trade to establishing and operating businesses on the continent.

This shift is occurring against the backdrop of growing China-Africa economic relations, with bilateral trade exceeding $350 billion. Bayo Ajayi, CEO of RMB Nigeria, highlighted Nigeria's market size and growth potential as opportunities for deeper investment partnerships with Chinese businesses.

To facilitate this, RMB has opened an advisory business in Beijing, Rand Merchant Advisory (Beijing) Co. Ltd., aimed at connecting Chinese companies with trade and investment opportunities in Africa.

The advisory service will assist in navigating regulatory requirements and local operating environments. Mary Vilakazi, CEO of FirstRand, emphasized the importance of translating the partnership into investments that create local jobs and expand productive capacity.