Africa. For some of us it is home and, to others, it may seem as foreign as the most distant frontier. Regardless of your familiarity with the continent, it is an inescapable fact that Africa is in the midst of an awakening to its seemingly endless potential. Home to seven of the world’s ten fastest growing economies and nearly 1 billion people whose median age is 18, the region’s economic boom is no small feat in a world of countries still struggling to find their feet after the near-collapse of the global financial system in 2008. More than just economic success, the progress in Africa brings entrepreneurship and innovation to development in ways never before seen. Regardless of whether you were born in, traveled around, or never set foot on the continent, there is no better time than the present to engage with Africa.

Recognizing the significance of the region, in September 2012, Covington launched its Africa Practice which is headed by Dr. Witney Schneidman, a former senior State Department official with more than 30 years of experience on the continent. As part of the initiative, the Cov Africa blog provides commentary and insight on events of the day relevant not only to clients but also to anyone interested in Africa. We hope you will enjoy the blog and find it to be of value.