Five decades of neglect left Africa's agricultural sector in a parlous state, but last year's food crisis galvanised global opinion that something must be done - and soon - to transform the continent's vast potential into reality. Financing small farmers is the first step. Writer Charlie Corbett
Ian Johnston, chief executive of Swift in the Asia-Pacific regionThe chief executive of Swift in the Asia-Pacific region talks to The Banker about the impact of the financial crisis on business, the co-operative's strategy in Asia and how the company is changing to meet the needs of an ever-more diverse client base. Writer Charlie Corbett
After years of easy finance, companies across the world have had to face up to some harsh realities since the onset of the financial crisis. As credit dried out at the end of last year, they were forced to diversify their financing options and squeeze liquidity from within. Writer Charlie Corbett
Rob Mandeno, global head of FX spot and e-commerce at Deutsche Bank in LondonAs the credit crisis took hold, foreign exchange trading, regarded as a reliable source of profit, surged in popularity among investors. Now, as trading volumes begin to return to pre-crisis levels, the inference is that confidence is slowly returning to the global economy. Writer Charlie Corbett
In these straitened times, effective cash management has rapidly become the priority for both banks and their customers, but this return to so-called back-to-basics banking is anything but basic. This guide charts the changing cash management landscape and how banks can navigate it in order to come out on top when the global economic downturn subsides. Writer Charlie Corbett
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's new presidentSome of the world's most powerful leaders and investors met in Cape Town last month for the World Economic Forum. They discussed the impact of the global downturn on Africa and how the continent could use it as an opportunity to build a platform for growth. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town
The chief executive of South Africa's Standard Bank, Jacko Maree, talks about his international aspirations and how he is taking advantage of the relationship with Chinese state-owned banking giant ICBC to expand Standard Bank's global presence. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town
In the fourth of The Banker's Masterclass series, Deutsche Bank's head of cash management, financial institutions, for Germany, Austria and central Europe, Dean Sposito, and Deutsche Bank's head of cash management, financial institutions, for northern Europe, Matt Tuck, talk about how they are helping their clients to navigate the crisis and position themselves for a potential upturn. Writer Charlie CorbettDean Sposito, Head of cash management, financial institutions, for Germany, Austria, Central Europe, Deutsche Bank
A collapsed stock market and a plummeting oil price would normally be good reason for investors to steer clear of Nigeria. But the country is weathering the financial storm and its reformed bank sector, while unsteady, looks set to survive the crisis intact. Charlie Corbett reports from Lagos.
The time for recriminations is over. Iceland’s political and financial system must be rebuilt, and fast, if it is to maintain the quality of life to which its people has become accustomed. EU membership is increasingly regarded as the only viable option but it will be hotly contested. Writer Charlie Corbett in Reykjavik.