The government of South Sudan has finally approved a budget for the 2012/13 fiscal year, which began in July, but of greater significance is the newly formed country's negotiations with Sudan over how to transport its vast oil reserves.
Africa
Latest articles from Africa
Top Arab banks ranking, 2012
October 1, 2012Arab banks offset the turmoil of the Arab Spring and offered a robust performance in 2011 with impressive growth across the key financial indicators. And with minimal exposure to the eurozone crisis, the region's banks are expected to continue their recovery from the global financial crisis.
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South Africa’s stuttering recovery
October 1, 2012In the past three years, South Africa’s economy has struggled. Its growth is slower than that of many other African countries, and the shooting of 34 miners in August exposed a simmering tension that exists within its boundaries. Yet while there is no quick fix, investors remain attracted by the strength of the country's institutions.
World
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/ South Africa
South Africa finance minister looks to move country forwards
October 1, 2012South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has come under increasing pressure in the wake of police shooting 34 striking miners in August. But finance minister Pravin Gordhan says his party’s record in government is impressive and that it has done much to develop the country since 1994.
Cause for optimism in Lebanon's banking sector
September 3, 2012After performing admirably in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the growth of Lebanon's banks dramatically slowed. The Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East and north Africa last year further unsettled the country's financial sector, but, as leading figures from its banks explain, there is still a great deal of room for optimism.
After the Arab Spring: the revival of north Africa's capital markets
September 3, 2012North African capital markets were hit hard in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings that cut through the region in 2011. Economic activity was left disjointed and north African bourses experienced sharp declines in trading. The Banker looks at whether the increased liberalisation of these countries' economies can encourage foreign investment and benefit their respective exchanges.
African central banks should invest in Africa's development
September 3, 2012Africa’s central banks have amassed huge foreign reserves over the last decade, but they typically invest the majority of them in low-yielding developed world assets. They should look to put them to work in Africa instead.
Masterminding Côte d'Ivoire’s renaissance
September 3, 2012Much has improved in Côte d'Ivoire since president Alassane Ouattara came to power last year, ending months of post-election turmoil. Although some parts of the country remain volatile, most of it is peaceful. And the economy is expanding quickly. The president even thinks its will soon attain double-digit growth.
Mozambique oils the wheels of economic growth
September 3, 2012While the recent discovery of natural gas will certainly boost Mozambique's economy, the country's president, Armando Guebuza, recognises that it will not be enough to pull the country out of poverty and end its reliance on aid. To achieve this, it will be necessary to promote growth in other areas, such as agriculture and tourism, in order to create a more diverse and sustainable economy.
Gas find helps Tanzania step out of the shadows
August 1, 2012Tanzania's recent discovery of huge natural gas fields has put it firmly in the sight of foreign investors. But Benno Ndulu, its central bank governor, warns that the east African country should not become reliant on hydrocarbons. Instead, it should use them to diversify its economy.