Barely a month in the job, new Central Bank of Nigeria governor Charles Soludo has thrown down the gauntlet to the country’s banks. By demanding a huge hike in minimum capital requirements, Mr Soludo is forcing the weak and fragmented industry to consolidate, in a move that he insists will result in a stronger banking system that plays a more active role in economic development.

Under finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Nigerian ministry of finance is pressing ahead with fiscal reform, reigning in and cleaning up public expenditure. James Eedes reports.

Nigeria has put in place a reform strategy that aims not only to improve economic performance but to change people’s negative perceptions of the country.

South African banking is on the right path for achieving its economic efficiency and consumer protection targets. South Africa’s banking sector is in good health, with banks well-capitalised and the total balance sheet growing markedly during 2003, according to a report released in July by the bank supervision department of the South African Reserve Bank.

A revival in corporate activity and several major project financings give Egypt reasons to be positive, write Jon Marks and Kevin Godier.

Finance minster Yaw Osafo-Maafo tells James Eedes how Ghana has managed to shake off financial chaos in the past four years and take the lead in establishing new benchmarks of governance in Africa.

Mozambique’s prime minister, Luisa Diogo, tells James Eedes about the country’s immense progress in the past decade and its plans for future reforms.

Tanzania’s finance minister Basil Mramba talks to Steven Timewell about moves to secure natural resources and update land legislation to free up domestic financing.

James Eedes finds that Nigeria’s finance minister is determined to put the country back on track.

Top African bankers have been told they have to reduce costs, satisfy clients and become compliant. Parveen Bansal reports.