Latest articles from Africa

south sudan scramble teaser

Kenyan banks in scramble for South Sudan

March 1, 2012

Kenya’s banks have been quick to move into newly independent South Sudan. Although the country is one of the world’s poorest and its infrastructure dire, the opportunities for banking over the next decade are immense, many Kenyan bankers believe, and their efforts are already paying off. 

Kenya braced for a momentous year

Kenya braced for a momentous year

March 1, 2012

The next 12 months will be crucial for Kenya as it holds its first elections since its tumultuous 2007 polls. It will also try to recover quickly from last year’s spike in inflation, which sent interest rates soaring. Nonetheless, the country's economy remains strong and many are optimistic Kenya can reach middle-income status by 2030. 

Charles Koffi Diby

Finance minister Diby looks to revitalise Côte d’Ivoire

March 1, 2012

Côte d’Ivoire’s economy was battered by the near civil war that broke out following elections in late 2010. The new government has made a good start in trying to repair the damage, but its finance minister knows it has more to do to regain the trust of foreign investors. 

Libya hopes for privatisation boost

Libyan Stock Market chief looks to privatisation drive

March 1, 2012

The general manager of Libya's stock market says the recently reopened exchange will help to quicken the country's recovery from its revolution last year by reigniting its privatisation process.

libya banking

Libya: what now?

March 1, 2012

As Libya emerges from 42 years of state domination under former leader Muammar Gaddafi and an eight-month civil war, the country’s banking sector faces opportunities and challenges in almost equal measure. 

Ecobank expansion calls for core systems upgrade

Ecobank expansion calls for core systems upgrade

March 1, 2012

Ecobank's CEO Arnold Ekpe explains how the bank upgraded and centralised its core system across operations in 32 countries, boosting efficiency and saving money along the way.

The funds to fix Libya

Will Libya's state-run financial institutions lead its revival?

March 1, 2012

After years of economic mismanagement, Libya's two key state financial institutions – the Libyan Foreign Bank and the country's sovereign wealth fund, the Libyan Investment Authority – are restructuring and carving out new strategies as the country wakes up to a new economic dawn.

Building work in Kigali, Rwanda

Rwandan banks seek to boost profitability amid high growth

March 1, 2012

Rwanda’s banks have benefited from the country’s rapid development since its genocide less than 20 years ago. With a high unbanked population and expectations of continued near double-digit economic growth, their rise is unlikely to slow soon. But the banks will have to boost their efficiency quickly if they want their profitability to match that of other east African lenders. 

Libyans play economic waiting game

March 1, 2012

Amid the celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Libya's revolution, strong economic leadership of the country is yet to emerge.

Kenyan mobile banks

Tech-savvy Kenyan banks set the template for financial inclusion

February 1, 2012

Kenya’s banks have proved themselves to be among Africa’s savviest and most innovative when it comes to tapping the unbanked market, which has helped them and their profits expand quickly in the past few years. And with a significant proportion of the market still unbanked, not to mention a relatively small number of mortgages in the country, there is still room for further growth.