Latest articles from Africa

Arunma Oteh

SEC chief continues Nigerian capital markets clean-up job

April 2, 2013

In the three years since Arunma Oteh was brought in to head Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission and tasked with rebuilding the country's capital markets, much progress has been made. But she still has plenty to do if she wants to fulfil her bold ambitions.

Small change, big difference: Nigeria’s small and medium-sized lenders are targeting the lower end of the market, offering products and services aimed at the country’s large unbanked population

Nigeria’s small banks pack a punch

April 2, 2013

Nigeria’s banking sector has become highly concentrated over the past 10 years, with the biggest five lenders now dominating market share. But executives at smaller firms are not worried. They insist that innovation and nimbleness, not to mention the huge scope for growth in Nigeria, will see them make up for their lack of size.

African debt markets come of age

March 1, 2013

Eurobond issuance from sub-Saharan Africa is still dwarfed by that from elsewhere in the world. But more and more African sovereigns are tapping the market as investors clamour for exposure to the rapidly growing region, where local bond markets are also developing quickly.

Tough year looms for Nigerias rejuvenated banks

Tough year looms for Nigeria's rejuvenated banks

March 1, 2013

Analysts are predicting a strong showing from Nigeria’s banks as they announce their 2012 results, perhaps demonstrating once and for all that they are over their 2009 crisis. They cannot rest on their laurels, however, as 2013 could be far tougher for them. 

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Nigeria's central bank governor looks to finish the job he started

March 1, 2013

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Nigeria’s central bank governor, says critics of his tight monetary policy forget how unstable the country’s financial system was just three years ago. He also tells The Banker that he will not stand for a second term, saying the job he was tasked with is almost done. 

Africa needn’t be scared of bond investors

February 25, 2013

Africa's upturn in fortunes in the past few years shows the advantages of having an open economy.

Banks to watch in 2013, Capitec

February 1, 2013

The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. South Africa-based Capitec has been selected for the exponential growth it has achieved in its lending portfolio over the past few years.

Banks to watch in 2013, Banco Único

February 1, 2013

The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. Opened in mid-2011, Mozambique-based Banco Único is already close to breaking even and its bold ambitions for the future make it one to watch in 2013.

Banks to watch in 2013, EFG Hermes

February 1, 2013

The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. Following its 2012 merger with Qatari investment bank QInvest, Egypt-based EFG Hermes will be a bank to watch in 2013.

TEASER-Angola CBG looks to use oil wealth wisely

Angola CBG looks to use oil wealth wisely

February 1, 2013

The head of Angola’s central bank – The Banker’s central bank governor of the year for Africa – discusses the development of the oil-rich country’s rapidly growing financial sector and whether the government plans to open up to foreign portfolio investors.