Most commentators are not expecting radical change to result from either of the two key pieces of banking legislation due this year. The planned abolition in July of the state guarantees currently afforded to the Landesbanken – institutional liability (Änstaltslast) and guarantor liability (Gewährträgerhaftung) – is unlikely to bring about major restructuring.

A lot of the groundwork for a German revival is complete. The news remains bad but then the darkest hour is often just before the dawn. Brian Caplen reports.
While the headline news about Germany’s economy remains dire and political battles continue to be fought over reforms and job losses, behind the scenes Europe’s largest economy is showing signs of restoration to at least some of its former glory.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif explains how reforms are shaking up the country, from customs and tax to the public sector.
The problem with technocrats in government is that they often lack the ability to communicate with the people. That is certainly not true of Egyptian prime minister Ahmed Nazif.

Donald Kaberuka’s supporters argue he is the ideal bridge between English and French-speaking Africa.

Joseph Kabila has the world community on his side with debt relief and sustained aidflows in the pipeline.

Kwadwo Baah Wiredu faces significant challenges to implement so-called ‘second generation’ reforms.

Baledzi Gaolathe remains committed to privatisation and has the state telephone firm and banks in his sights.

Polycarpe Abah Abah knows that he will not enjoy the political capital of strong election results forever.

Anyang Nyong’o is credited with behind-the-scenes manoeuvring to get ministers to support reform plans.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala seizes every opportunity to enthusiastically sell Nigeria’s reform story.