In an economy that is highly dollarised and in which the local currency has gone through a bout of devaluation, Georgia's central bank governor, Giorgi Kadagidze, has his work cut out. However, in taking a long-term approach, rather than looking for any quick fixes, he is confident that the country can achieve its currency goals.
The stand-off between Russia and Ukraine, and the subsequent sanctions imposed on Russia and fall in the value of its currency, has negatively impacted upon the economies of almost all former Soviet republics. In Georgia, however, the country's banks are faring well, in no small part because of the central bank's conservative approach.
In his spacious office high above Tbilisi, Georgia’s newly elected prime minister – and wealthiest citizen – Bidzina Ivanishvili talks about his plans to boost investment, to mend the relationship with Russia and to manage a difficult political cohabitation.
As the political stand-off in Georgia between the new prime minister and president shows no sign of abating, the country’s economy is showing resilience and its banks are eyeing opportunities to strengthen growth by tapping into the country's unbanked population.
Abraao Gourgel was parachuted into the job of governor of Angola's central bank in April 2009 at a difficult time. The country's currency, the kwanza, had suffered a sharp devaluation on account of plummeting oil prices and the global economic downturn, which was having an adverse impact on foreign direct investment.