Guinea's austerity measures have not proven popular with the country's army and civil service, but have impressed the IMF and other international observers. Its president and finance minister explain the challenges they have met in rebuilding the newly democratic country, and how they intend to turn it into a resource-based African powerhouse.

Somalia’s central bank governor has to create a financial system virtually from scratch. But, as Paul Wallace writes, there is no shortage of foreign and local investors wanting to establish banks in the country, which seems to be on the mend for the first time in two decades.

Africa’s underdeveloped economies and financial sectors have proved a barrier for central banks implementing monetary policy and prudential regulation. But recent years have seen significant progress, thanks in no small part to central banks’ growing independence from governments.

As Dubai has grown, so has its role in the global transaction services industry, with the emirate now serving as the nerve centre of all trade taking place across the Middle East and north Africa. And as Dubai sets out its stall to become the next renminbi hub, this role only looks set to grow.

Sim Tshabalala, the recently appointed co-chief executive of South Africa’s Standard Bank, tells Paul Wallace about his plans to grow in Africa and connect the region to the world’s investors. He also explains why replacing Jacko Maree with joint CEOs was the right decision. 

In the past three years, international equity issuance from African companies has outpaced listings on the continent. This trend looks set to continue for the time being, thanks to the small size of most African exchanges and global investors’ increasing appetite for exposure to the continent.

Africa might still account for only a small amount of investment banking activity globally, but the business it generates is only set to rise, according to Citi’s Miguel Azevedo. He talks to Paul Wallace about the continent’s exciting prospects and which sectors hold the most promise.

Ghana’s banking industry is buoyant, benefiting handsomely from huge leaps in the country’s economic growth. But with fears the economy is overheating and competition for business fierce, what is the longer-term outlook for Ghana's banks?