Now that important issuance and regulation milestones have been passed, Nigeria is well placed to succeed in its aim to become Africa’s Islamic banking hub. Kit Gillet reports.
Africa
Latest articles from Africa
GTBank chief seeks to lead Nigeria in SMEs and digital
November 1, 2017Guaranty Trust Bank chief executive officer and managing director Segun Agbaje tells James King about its expansion plans, with a focus on digital and SME business, and why he backs more relaxed monetary policy in Nigeria.
Côte d’Ivoire prime minister looks to maintain peacetime profitability
October 2, 2017Beset by civil war in recent times, Côte d’Ivoire has now emerged as one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. The country's prime minister and minister of budget and state portfolio, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, tells James King why Côte d’Ivoire can be relied upon in a political sense, and how he plans to maintain its levels of foreign investment.
African microinsurers plant seeds of hope to resist drought
September 1, 2017Natural disasters continually stall the growth of the Africa's poorest communities. While building resilience is vital, solutions are often not cost-effective. Now microinsurers are using simple and advanced technology to establish a new market that helps mitigate losses. James King reports.
Africa's last international banks make their stand
September 1, 2017The rise of Africa’s home-grown financial players has led most international lenders to withdraw from the continent. However, Société Générale and Standard Chartered are not only staying put but marking territory for digital expansion. James King reports.
Letshego chief aims to lead race for African financial inclusion
August 1, 2017Botswana-based Letshego is using years of experience to fulfil its aim of reaching sub-Saharan Africa's unbanked population, as group managing director Chris Low tells James King.
Citi EMEA chief positions for seamless Brexit
July 3, 2017Having established a Dublin headquarters, Citi's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations are well prepared for Brexit. And a strategic overhaul four years ago tightened up its risk management, leaving it leaner and safer, as the US bank's EMEA head, Jim Cowles, tells Stefanie Linhardt.
Angola's banks look to rise to the challenges
July 3, 2017Diminishing oil receipts, a threat of consolidation, a looming Basel II compliance deadline, a loss of US dollar correspondent banking relationships, a shortage of foreign capital... The challenges facing Angola's banks are many, which makes the strong performances of some in the sector all the more impressive, writes James King.
Angola struggles to cut oil ties
July 3, 2017After contracting in 2016, the Angolan economy is expected to make a slight recovery in line with the improvement in oil prices. However, the government has been slow to deliver the diversification that could improve the country’s fortunes further. James King reports.
Benin designs a digital future
June 1, 2017In December 2016, Benin announced its economic transformation plan, including 45 flagship projects addressing the major components of the west African country's economy. Six of the projects are specifically focused on constructing a digital economy. Serge Adjovi, director of Benin’s Digital Economy Agency, speaks to Joy Macknight about the laying the foundations for progress.