Prateek Suri optimistic about Africa’s currency outlook

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Tech billionaire and investor, Prateek Suri, has urged investors to look beyond short-term currency fluctuations and focus on Africa’s long-term economic potential, saying exchange rate volatility should not discourage investment across the continent.

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Speaking against the backdrop of forecasts indicating continued pressure on several African currencies, Suri argued that currency depreciation is a familiar feature of emerging markets and should be viewed as part of broader economic cycles rather than a reason to withdraw investments.

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He said, “Successful investors don’t build strategies around temporary currency movements alone. They focus on economic fundamentals, productive assets and long-term value creation.”

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According to Suri, Africa should not be viewed as a single market, noting that while some countries may experience currency pressures arising from external debt, commodity prices and global financial conditions, others continue to record stronger fiscal management, export growth and increased foreign investment.

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He identified infrastructure, logistics, mining, technology and industrial development as sectors that remain well-positioned for sustained growth despite periodic foreign exchange volatility.

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Suri said demand for transport networks, energy infrastructure, digital connectivity and industrial capacity continues to rise across much of the continent, driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth.

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He also urged investors to adopt a long-term approach rather than reacting to short-term market sentiment.

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“Every investment cycle creates uncertainty. History has shown that some of the strongest businesses are built during periods when others hesitate,” he said.

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The investor further highlighted Africa’s youthful population and expanding consumer market as key advantages that continue to attract international capital despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.

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He advised investors to pay greater attention to government reforms, regulatory stability, infrastructure development and the strength of local industries when assessing investment opportunities.

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“Currency volatility is a factor that must be managed, It should not become the only factor driving investment decisions,” he added.

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Suri maintained that Africa’s long-term economic fundamentals remain strong, adding that disciplined capital deployment, strategic local partnerships and a multi-year investment horizon are more likely to deliver sustainable returns than decisions driven solely by exchange rate movements.

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Suri, who is the Chairman of Maser Group and founder of MDR Investments, has invested in infrastructure, technology, mining and industrial development projects across Africa. He was recently named among Gulf Business magazine’s Top 50 CEOs and Leaders of 2026.

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