A glance at sustainable development in Africa

Morocco

Over past years, Morocco has become an eldorado for foreign nationals, the French in particular. Endowed with a rich historical and cultural heritage, the country offers an unparalleled quality of life to its inhabitants and a low cost of living. It comes as no surprise that Morocco is an attractive destination for foreign retirees as much as entrepreneurs. Morocco has made significant progress regarding poverty eradication and hunger while improving its population's well-being thanks to a developed healthcare system. Morocco is also a stable and safe country who can rely on the efficiency of its institutions in spite of a slow administration. With a diversified economy, the country provides a range of opportunities for foreign professionals and entrepreneurs looking to set up a business there. This year, Morocco also topped the ranking of best African countries to invest in. Today, real estate is one of the key strengths of Morocco thanks to attractive prices. However, Morocco still has a long way to go to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially regarding gender equality, action against climate change and infrastructure.

Tunisia

Reasons for moving to Tunisia are many. Following the industrial revival and the rise of finance, banking, telecommunications and services sectors during the past few years, Tunisia has experienced a slight economic growth – which now makes it one of the most attractive African countries. Tunisia performs well in many fields including poverty eradication, quality education and the affordability of clean energy. The country is also improving in the areas of reduced inequality and action against climate change. Even though Tunisia is far from being the safest country in Africa, it has been making significant efforts to attract foreign professionals and investors looking to benefit from various facilities provided. In 2016, the World Bank's Doing Business report ranked Tunisia among the best Maghreb countries to start a business in. On moving to Tunisia, you will also enjoy a pleasant climate almost all year round and affordable cost of living alongside a warm and welcoming population.

Mauritius

A small island State in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius stands out regarding reducing inequalities and action against climate change. Significant effort has also been made in the fields of poverty eradication and hunger. However, much still needs to be done in the areas of gender equality, decent work and affordable and clean energy. Offering an unparalleled quality of life to its inhabitants, Mauritius is, therefore, one of the most promising African countries. Since it's an island, Mauritius can rely on its turquoise lagoons, pleasant climate all year round and its warm, multicultural and skilled population. Foreign professionals and investors are eligible for a range of incentives and tax benefits within a favourable business environment thanks to its economic dynamism, its developing infrastructure and its openness towards global markets. Mauritius is often referred to as the gateway to Africa. The island has a relatively small economy compared to the rest of the continent. However, it has been experiencing rapid growth thanks to efforts made to ensure transparency at all levels.

Algeria

Algeria is performing well in many areas, including poverty eradication, quality education, reducing inequality, and action against climate change. However, much has to be done regarding gender equality. Algeria stands out for many reasons in spite of political and social instability. The country can boast of an immense historical and cultural heritage along with a warm and welcoming population and a pleasant climate. Opportunities are available for foreign professionals, and for investors, especially in the hydrocarbon sector. Algeria can also rely on a qualified and skilled workforce thanks to the quality of its education system. During recent years, the government has initiated a series of tax reforms aiming at boosting the economy. In spite of efforts made in the field of clean water and sanitation, most cities face a ration as a result of drought – which has an impact on the health and well being of the Algerians.

Cape Verde

Cape Verde is often referred to as a new democracy with reliable political and judicial systems. The country is continuously renewing itself and modernising as evidenced by its actions against climate change and efforts regarding clean water supply and sanitation, and responsible production and consumption. On the other hands, there's still room for improvement in the fields of gender equality, the use of affordable and clean energy, decent work and infrastructure. Offering an affordable cost of living, no wonder why Cape Verde has become an attractive destination for foreign retirees and professionals. Those looking for a job there can get away with a tourist visa. If you're considering an extended stay, you must have sufficient funds and a clean criminal record which make you eligible for a 5-year renewable resident permit. However, the administration is quite slow so you will have to be patient and be aware of local particularities.