Latest articles from Africa

The north Africa attraction

Heading west: why Gulf banks are eyeing north Africa

April 30, 2015

The countries of north Africa have been proving attractive for lenders from the Gulf region for decades, but in recent years this activity has picked up, with Egypt a particularly popular destination. Tom Stevenson looks at the reasons why Gulf banks are heading west. 

Nigeria's election calm: good news for Africa?

April 27, 2015

The smooth transition of power in Nigeria bodes well for better governance across the continent.

Mozambique's CBG targets inclusive growth

March 2, 2015

Mozambique's economy has performed strongly in recent years, and the country's central bank governor, Ernesto Gove, describes how he intends to build on this growth with, among other things, more liberal investment policies, while also ensuring that opportunities are open to local businesses and profits benefit the entire population. 

Mozambique stands on the brink of better times

Mozambique stands on the brink of better times

March 2, 2015

Mozambique's banking market is on the verge of a significant shake up, with new challengers entering the market and the country on the brink of a natural gas boom. 

March 1, 2015

Mozambique's economy has performed strongly in recent years, and the country's central bank governor, Ernesto Gove, describes how he intends to build on this growth with, among other things, more liberal investment policies, while also ensuring that opportunities are open to local businesses and profits benefit the entire population. 

Ashraf Salman

Reform agenda marks start of a new era for Egypt

January 26, 2015

The election of a new government has helped turn around Egypt's economic fortunes and, according to the country's minister of investment, Ashraf Salman, further reforms will see the country's investment environment become even more attractive. 

Alternatives to project finance in Africa

January 5, 2015

Financing an infrastructure project in Africa is not for the faint-hearted, but the continent is looking for alternative ways to fill the shortfall of funding available from global banks, writes Musonda Chibwe Kapotwe of Citigroup.

Eurobonds ride high in Africa

Eurobonds ride high in Africa

January 5, 2015

The market for African Eurobonds is buoyant, but there are fears that its growth will impede the development of liquid, local currency-denominated assets.

Top 100 Banks in Africa ranking: Africa continues to outperform

January 5, 2015

The Banker's 2014 ranking of the top African banks demonstrates why returns in the continent are the highest in the world. Nigeria is realising its potential with average return on capital nearing 25%, while South African banks dominate the top positions in terms of Tier 1 capital. 

Bob Diamond

Bob Diamond's African journey

January 1, 2015

Former Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond wants to shake-up African banking and his investment vehicle Atlas Mara has already bought three banks. Brian Caplen assesses his efforts so far based on an interview at the recent FT Banking Summit in London.