Imara publishes sugar sector investment book

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Imara, the pan-African financial services group, has published an investment analysis of the sugar industry. The sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Sugar Industry Report by analyst Nontando Sibanda is part of a series of Imara books on key sectors and SSA national markets.

Publication of the series began earlier this year when the Imara 'banking book' refocused international investment interest on SSA financial services. This was followed by a national market appraisal of Angola and its investment potential. Imara's 'sugar book' is nearing completion.

"We believe sugar sector data will fill a big need among South African and international fund managers and institutions," says Imara group CEO Mark Tunmer.

Sugar - major contributor

"Sugar is important in its own right as a major contributor to the agricultural industry, but developments here have wider ramifications for any analyst looking at investment into Africa.

"Listed sugar businesses are major employers. Wages pumped into the economy have knock-on effects in the retail and banking sectors. Infrastructure spending on roads, schools and clinics is also linked in some countries to sugar industry developments. It is therefore important for investors to monitor industry prospects."

The latest Imara report gives an overview of both the global and SSA sugar industry, with in-depth analysis of listed sugar businesses in countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Zambia, Nigeria, Mauritius, Malawi and Kenya. Research considers operational and climatic factors, financial performance, prospects, company valuations and recommendations.

Imara plans to regularly update its sugar sector reports.