Nepad’s scope is broad and ambitious and places accountability firmly on the shoulders of African leaders. Jonathan Katzenellenbogen looks at progress.

A study of governance by the UN Economic Commission for Africa demonstrates how much progress has been made across the continent and exposes areas that are still weak. James Eedes reports.
The complex relationship between forms of government, the effectiveness of state and economic development has been the subject of scholarly research for more than a hundred years. Though political scientists and philosophers have yet to arrive at the definitive conclusion, a rough blueprint is emerging.

Botswana and Mauritius have bucked the African trend and achieved long-term strong economic performance. Institution building plays a part.

Africa remains on the margins of world trade. Regional trade agreements and domestic pro-poor policies could be the keys to trade growth, reports Jacqui Pile.

Despite relief initiatives, nothing is being done to address the root cause of unsustainable debt.

Too little aid is flowing into Africa from the developed world to make agreed poverty reduction targets a reality. James Eedes assesses the state of capital inflows.

A small but definite trend has begun in attracting private capital to Africa as countries take more responsibility for finding the resources to achieve their poverty reduction targets.

The African Development Bank Group’s mission is to promote economic and social development. James Eedes reports on some of the projects it is helping to fund and finds the bank has developed a solid financial standing.

Matthew Curran and Ronan Donohue of ABN AMRO explore the increasing appetite for hybrid capital among corporates attracted by the increased financial flexibilityit provides.

Corporates are looking to securitisation to lift the value of their real estate investments, reduce debt costs and optimise financing.