China is chasing energy and mineral resources in Africa, attracting criticism for its apparent willingness to deal with ‘despotic’ regimes. James Eedes examines whether this deepening relationship will prove a saviour or curse for the continent.

African governments and institutions are becoming increasingly professional, underpinned by an understanding of what is required to thrive in a globalised marketplace, says Patrick Cescau.

Nigeria suffers from severely underdeveloped capital markets, which must grow and deepen if its financial market as a whole is to become more efficient and banks are to thrive.

Bigger banks need skilled staff as well as good governance and regulation in the tougher competitive environment. James Eedes reports on the challenges.

Nigeria’s domestic banks share regional ambitions, which could be facilitated by regional integration. But they are making little headway and the political forces for union are moving at a snail’s pace, says Stuart Theobald.

James Eedes examines how the younger, more dynamic banks line up competitively against their well-established, but antiquated, peers and finds much talk but a lack of clear strategy.

Only a handful of foreign banks have a presence in Nigeria but as the its economy grows rapidly, more international banks are considering the opportunities the country offers.

Nigerian banks are ignoring small businesses and, without a formal microlending industry, the prospects of this changing are bleak. Stuart Theobald reports.

With 84% of money in circulation outside the banking system, banks have little impact on Nigeria’s population, providing few consumer retail services and virtually no consumer lending.

Nigerian banks are improving their corporate and investment banking capabilities but there is still some way to go, writes Stuart Theobald.