Jacques Taylor, the managing director of John Deere for Southern Africa stated that according to the World Bank, Namibia ranks as the fifth safest country regarding risk profiles out of 54 countries in Africa. Namibia has a small but stable economy that ranks 31st place on the World Bank’s list of marketing opportunities. In 2013 eight of the world’s fastest growing economies came from Africa. And the middle class in sub Saharan Africa is forecast to double in just eight years – increasing consumer spending by 5.4% this year – higher than the world average of 3.5%. Population considered to be middle class in Africa is set to reach 626 million by 2020 and 1.232 billion by 2030. Mr. Taylor goes on to state that now is the time for Namibia to join forces with foreign investors and partners to drive the ‘economic revolution of the agricultural industry’.
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