Angola has recovered quickly from its slump four years ago and regained its position as one of the world’s most buoyant economies. But despite that, the country's ruling party will have to adapt to the changing expectations of Angolans, for many of whom peace is no longer enough. 

Angola’s government has won plaudits for its macroeconomic reforms since the 2009 crisis, but plenty more are needed to lure foreign investment and modernise what is still one of the world’s toughest business environments.

Life for Angola’s banks is getting harder, thanks in no small part to falling interest rates and new taxes. But, as the country's economy continues to perform impressively, growth opportunities will remain. The challenge will be to make sure that this growth is sustainable. 

In the three years since Arunma Oteh was brought in to head Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission and tasked with rebuilding the country's capital markets, much progress has been made. But she still has plenty to do if she wants to fulfil her bold ambitions.

Nigeria’s banking sector has become highly concentrated over the past 10 years, with the biggest five lenders now dominating market share. But executives at smaller firms are not worried. They insist that innovation and nimbleness, not to mention the huge scope for growth in Nigeria, will see them make up for their lack of size.

Analysts are predicting a strong showing from Nigeria’s banks as they announce their 2012 results, perhaps demonstrating once and for all that they are over their 2009 crisis. They cannot rest on their laurels, however, as 2013 could be far tougher for them. 

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Nigeria’s central bank governor, says critics of his tight monetary policy forget how unstable the country’s financial system was just three years ago. He also tells The Banker that he will not stand for a second term, saying the job he was tasked with is almost done.