Africa - The Banker

Recognised as the world's top reformer by the World Bank last year, and a member of the East African Community since 2007, the outlook is certainly promising for Rwanda. But the opportunities also come with a high probability for risk. Writer Peter Guest

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Firing the chief executives responsible for mismanaging Nigeria's banks has been the first step to fixing the country's financial problems. Now the system is more transparent, Central Bank of Nigeria governor Lamido Sanusi is spelling out his vision for banking reform and stability. Writer Peter Guest

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After decades of isolation from the global economy, Libya has begun a programme of reforms to reintegrate itself and realise its full potential, which stretches from oil and gas to tourism. Stephen Timewell reports from Tripoli.

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The Libyan government's shift from owner of the economy to regulator has ushered in a period of reform which has seen significant expansion in commercial banking and is gradually transforming the country's outdated banking sector, reports Stephen Timewell.

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From privatisation initiatives, strategic partnerships and foreign investment, the transformation of Libya's banks continues unabated. Stephen Timewell surveys the six biggest players

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Libya's innovative social welfare scheme centres around empowering low-income families to invest in public projects, with the dual goals of improving their wealth and building the nation's economy, writes Stephen Timewell.

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Stephen Timewell talks to Libyan Stock Market chairman Suliman Salem Alshahomy about the arrival of the country's fledgling stock market in 2008 and the plans for its development.

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The recent collapse in the price of oil accentuated the critical need for Angola to diversify its oil-dependent economy. Despite the fall in growth, however, the country has weathered the storm and must now focus on public sector reform. Writer Charlie Corbett

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Without support from the international community, the economic crisis will cause Africa to fall further behind the developed world and plunge millions into poverty.

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Five decades of neglect left Africa's agricultural sector in a parlous state, but last year's food crisis galvanised global opinion that something must be done - and soon - to transform the continent's vast potential into reality. Financing small farmers is the first step. Writer Charlie Corbett

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Rupiah Banda, the new president of Zambia talks about his vision for transforming the southern African state's economy in the light of a severe economic downturn. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town

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Some of the world's most powerful leaders and investors met in Cape Town last month for the World Economic Forum. They discussed the impact of the global downturn on Africa and how the continent could use it as an opportunity to build a platform for growth. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town

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Falling international equity markets have swept Africa’s capital markets along with them. But the world’s poorest continent will continue to improve the sophistication of its exchanges. Writer Stuart Theobald.

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IMF prescriptions have been discarded, making way for an African-owned plan, based on good governance, infrastructure investment and intra-regional trade. James Eedes explains.

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The former UK prime minister turned international envoy talks about his latest initiatives for improving African governance. Interview by Peter Guest.

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Good news from Africa is often drowned out by a tide of negative reporting. The Banker aims to combat this by profiling the achievements of leading young Africans. Writer Charlie Corbett.

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The Central Bank of Egypt’s reform programme has made significant improvements to the sector but a turbulent economic environment is creating challenges. Writer Nadine Marroushi.

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Having had a lucky escape from the global turmoil, Libya’s investment authority is determined to follow a cautious, patient approach. Writer John Hamilton.

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Ghana’s economic rebirth could be under threat in 2008 as inflation soars and the county’s fiscal deficit rises. The country’s minister of finance and economic planning talks about how such challenges will be met. Writer Charlie Corbett.

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A rush of new banks, rapid branch expansion by established banks and an emerging mortgage battle are among developments that are enlivening Uganda’s banking scene. Writer Ian Gill.

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Inflation may be well above target but Uganda’s central bank earns high marks from bankers for emphasising risk management. The Banker talks to David Okiopello, acting deputy governor of the Bank of Uganda. Writer Ian Gill.

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The successful transformation of Egypt’s banking sector has hit trouble. Charlie Corbett reports on how global financial turmoil and soaring inflation have hit the banks’ consolidation efforts.

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Infrastructure should be the cornerstone of Africa’s development partnership, according to the prime minister of Kenya. By The Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

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Staving off food riots means governments must end their love of peasant agriculture, accept GM and stop growing bio-fuels.

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