The rollercoaster continues: in an environment of high inflation, high US interest rates, fiscal tightening, and looming recessions, how are the emerging markets being impacted? The BRICS alliance and a brand new currency: is it all doom and gloom for growth markets or is there opportunity in the midst of uncertainty? Looking at the lasting impacts of the war in Europe, the energy crisis, and rising commodity prices – distant Western problems or still feeling the pressure? Looking ahead: in the context of surging nationalism, influential elections, and fragile trade relations, what will 2024 bring for emerging markets investors, and what does the economic recovery timeline look like?

In what ways will demographic and urbanisation trends provide supportive tail-winds for long term growth in emerging markets? Exploring the regional comparisons and complexities – what kind of cash flow, profitability rates, equity return, and dividend yields are the different continents seeing right now? Is protectionism on the rise, and if so, what are the economic implications for international trade and investor sentiment? Cloudy with a chance of sunshine: how are the biggest players in the market managing the downturns after a strong couple of years?

Given the current climate, are the LPs willing to accept lower hurdle rates? Turning heads: what do different types of LPs want to see from GPs, and how can business models be streamlines to mitigate the negative risk fears? Which geographies and sectors are high on the LP radar for the upcoming year? Are more institutional investors starting to expand into developing markets or is the comfort zone still far too tempting?

What makes India such an attractive investment destination for worldwide markets? Expanding relationships: in what ways is India benefiting from China and Russia’s decoupling from the West? Exploring successful exit strategies – what does the IPO market look like in this region? The next wave of technology: how is India fostering resilience in the context of volatile valuations, and which sectors are top of mind for the new generation of entrepreneurs? What regulatory challenges is India facing, and how are they being confronted?

How can blended finance support the climate transition in emerging markets? Getting public and private on the same page: the importance of a common blended finance language and how to speak it. A/B loan programs, new partnerships, and financial returns – what's next for blended finance?

What does LP appetite look like for smaller cheques? How to provide technical assistance beyond the financial context to support the enterprises that drive employment, growth, and livelihoods in emerging markets? In what ways can local and international capital providers work together to develop financing vehicles, and address the SME gaps in developing markets?

Exploring the advantages of integrating political risk insurance into risk management frameworks. In what ways have some emerging markets currencies exhibited remarkable resilience in comparison to developed markets, and why? It’s not so black and white – is risk in developing markets too often branched into two simple lenses: foreign aid, and high risk/high return? In a world of increased sovereign debt default risk, and political riots in countries that never saw them at this scale before, how are investors shifting their mindsets and strategies?

What are the implications of a volatile geopolitical landscape on portfolio company operations within emerging markets? Evaluating the importance of having boots on the ground. Getting your hands dirty is a good thing – how are fund managers assisting portfolio companies through active financial and technical methods? Resources, connections, and legal aid – what tools and steps are investors undertaking to generate maximum value?

What kind of investment business models have proved most successful in LatAm? With a history of political and market volatility, how is the region positioned for investment in the context of recent and upcoming elections? Exploring the role of government intervention, private infrastructure activity, and technology disruption on deal flow in the region. Why is crypto still a big deal here? The less glossy bits: what are LatAm funds and investors currently struggling with?

What does Lula mean for business and foreign investment in Brazil? A focus on monetary policy and the long-term effects of raising interest rates well in advance of the Fed. Home to the world’s largest rainforest, how is Brazil strengthening its stance on agricultural reform, energy transition, technology, and socioeconomic development? What obstacles are PE and VC firms tackling and what’s on the capital deployment and fundraising forecast for the coming year?

What does global LP appetite look like for the continent? What are the main bottlenecks from a fundraising perspective and how are firms absorbing the costs? Which regions are looking to become the greatest investment hotspots? New partners, and new target markets – in what ways has the progressive shift from raw material exports to services and middle-class based consumption grown African markets and established new trade relations?

Navigating the challenges of financial constraints, high operating costs, and obscure regulations – how is the public and private sector getting more involved and what has evolved? Ports, rail, roads, and beyond – how firms are steering capital into power, transportation, and last mile logistics to enhance business efficiency. Are numerous impact measurement targets disincentivising the flow of capital into infra? Conversely, how is the green transition allowing for reforms in climate infrastructure projects, allowing GPs and LPs to tap into the continent’s natural resources?

How has the continent’s notable track record of VC and tech adoption helped to withstand some of the macro shocks? What are the top trends that could impact the African tech ecosystem in the next few years? Why will fintech never get old? How can the continent retain its young tech talent in an increasingly competitive global landscape?