Experts are beginning to talk about prices of several commodities reaching the bottom, with the potential for a period of either stability or modest price increases going forward. These trends should support growth going forward in subSaharan Africa, particularly given the significant discoveries of oil and gas.
I hope that the interaction with the University will lead to the emergence of an internationally competitive centre of excellence here in Frankfurt. It should set trends and introduce new ideas not only in the academic sphere, but also in giving policy advice. Two of three professors have already been appointed.