Why Brazil Still Is a No-Go for IKEA

In the first episode of the year, we talked about emerging markets in 2025, exploring key trends and investment opportunities. With sources curated by Ana Paula Picasso and analysis/voices from Google's NotebookLM, we examined accelerating digital transformation in Southeast Asia, Africa, and India, and the crucial role of sustainability and green investments in driving growth, citing examples from India, Brazil, and Africa. We also analyzed the impact of evolving geopolitics and trade patterns, including the US-China dynamic and its effect on global supply chains. Ana Paula Picasso will be back very soon with in-person interviews - in the meantime, don't forget to check out www.emergingmarkets.today for more articles.

In this episode, we explore India’s Semiconductor Surge: Driving Force of “Make in India”, highlighting the country’s ambition to become a global manufacturing leader through semiconductor growth and the strategic U.S.-India Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership. We also revisit India’s Golden Decade Has Already Begun, an interview with Ian Herbison, CEO of Speyside group discussing India’s evolving role in the global supply chain and the shift away from China.

Why hasn’t IKEA entered Brazil yet? In this episode, we explore the reasons behind IKEA’s absence in Brazil’s market, including tough competition from local brands and logistical challenges. Tune in for insights! This episode was made with NotebookLM. Read more: No IKEA in Brazil: Local Furniture Brands Pose Fierce Competition

In this episode, powered by Google’s NotebookLM AI Tool, we dive into how Showmax has overtaken Netflix in Africa by focusing on local content, language diversity, and flexible payment options. We also explore Africa's booming music streaming industry, where platforms like Boomplay and Spotify are reshaping the music scene despite challenges like piracy and data costs. Want to learn more? Check out the full articles: Africa Prefers Showmax: Subscription Numbers Surpass Netflix Digital Beats of Africa: How Music Streaming is Transforming the Continent

Walmart's "Everyday Low Prices" strategy may have succeeded in the US, but it faced a surprising defeat in Brazil. Despite a super fast expansion through acquisitions in the early 2000s, Walmart failed to connect with Brazilian shoppers who preferred promotional deals and local stores over the giant’s hypermarkets. The company struggled against strong competitors like Carrefour and GPA, and its poor brand positioning left it unable to capture both low-income and middle-class consumers. By 2021, Walmart exited Brazil entirely, selling its stake to Carrefour Brasil. Tune in to learn what went wrong, or read more here. ** This episode, created using Google’s NotebookLM AI Tool

In this episode, I’m doing something completely different. I invited two AI voices from Google’s new NotebookLM tool to join me for a conversation about one of my latest articles—how Chinese automaker BYD is investing in Brazil’s electric vehicle market! We dive into why a country famous for its ethanol cars is now a battleground for the EV revolution, and how BYD’s strategy to build local (instead of importing pricey models like Tesla) could be a game-changer. You can read the full article here. Follow me on X @a_picasso Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠.

In the meantime, visit emergingmarkets.today Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠⁠. Follow us on Twitter⁠ ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠⁠ 

This is the last encore episode of 2023! In the face of the possible border dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, I decided to repost the episode I recorded with Steven Jasmin, the Managing Director of SC3. Stephen has been deeply involved in Guyana since 2017 and has some fascinating insights about this rapidly growing nation. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Guyana's Transformation: Since the discovery of oil in 2015, Guyana has been on a remarkable journey of growth. It's projected to have a real GDP growth rate of 4346%. The Qatar of South America: Steven believes that Guyana has the potential to become the "Qatar of South America" and the world's fastest-growing economy. This bold claim is backed by the country's massive oil reserves and its strategic location. Investment Opportunities: Guyana's growth isn't just about oil. There are significant opportunities in infrastructure development, eco-tourism, and real estate. Plans are underway for a massive deepwater harbor and a road or rail network connecting Guyana to Brazil. The Future of Guyana: Despite its small population, Steven predicts an influx of people due to its status as the fastest-growing economy. For more on Smart City Clearing Company Ltd.(Sc3) click here Follow Steven Jasmin on Linkedin and Twitter Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

Another encore from one of my favorite episodes! We talked about the little known country of Suriname. Our guest, Monique Pool, founder and director of the Green Heritage Fund Suriname, shares her insights and experiences with her journey into the wildlife conservation. Here are my three biggest takeaways from the episode: Urbanization is having a significant impact on Suriname's wildlife, particularly the sloths. Monique and her team are working tirelessly to save these animals and their habitats. The Green Heritage Fund Suriname is exploring innovative funding models, such as tree sponsorships and land purchases, to support their conservation efforts. They are also open to collaborations with individuals and organizations who have the necessary skills and resources to help them achieve their goals. Monique envisions a future where Suriname's economic development is balanced with the preservation of its natural resources and wildlife. This requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and local communities. Learn more about Monique and the Green Heritage Fund Suriname here You can contact them here Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠ 

This is an encore episode! In 2021, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vinh Ho, an American entrepreneur and host of the podcast "Focus Asia Pacific". We talked about Vietnam's economic growth and its emergence as a rising star in Southeast Asia. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation: Vietnam's Tech-Savvy Youth: Vinh shared his admiration for the young generation in Vietnam. Their tech-savviness is driving the country's startup ecosystem and the rise of mobile payments. Opportunities Amidst Chaos: Vinh believes that where there is chaos, there is potential for improvement and better offerings. He sees Vietnam as the "wild west" of opportunities, a stark contrast to the complacency often found in the West. China vs Vietnam: We discussed the differences between China and Vietnam in terms of technology and mobile payments. Interestingly, Vietnam's reasonable wages, which are one-third the price of China, make it an attractive place for businesses. Vihn's Journey: He shared his personal journey of moving to Vietnam and his passion for the country's business and manufacturing opportunities. As a sourcing agent, he's helping companies navigate this vibrant landscape. Let’s keep Emerging Markets Today ad-free: Help us by donating any amount via Ko-fi ⁠https://ko-fi.com/apicasso⁠. Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠@todayemerging⁠⁠