Emerging markets 'have excellent fundamental growth drivers'

Companies involved in executive recruitment for their operations in Africa and the Middle East have been advised there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the prospects for the region.

According to Dr Ahmed Heikal, the chairman of private equity firm Citadel Capital, the "excellent fundamental growth drivers" in these areas include growing populations, low national debt levels and large growth in productivity levels.

Writing on the New Vision website, Dr Heikal forecast that emerging markets will continue to outperform more established economies for the foreseeable future.

"The coming two years present unparalleled opportunities for private equity in emerging markets, particularly those in Africa and the Middle East," he added.

Earlier this month, Citadel Capital managing director Karim Sadek stated his belief that Africa is ready to record strong economic growth in the coming years, as numerous infrastructure development projects take place.

He stated that the continent's population is due to continue growing at the fastest pace on the planet, helping to drive such growth.