Taking the initiative

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, tells James Eedes of a bold plan to raise $1bn for his brainchild – the Africa Financing Corporation.

The need for progress in africa is urgent

Donald Kaberuka, president of African Development Bank, admits that it is folly to expect rich countries to honour their financial commitments to Africa and that investment must be courted if the continent is to move forwards. Interview by James Eedes.

Strong mandate fuels efforts for credit rating

With the election passed, and the incumbent President Levy Mwanawasa re-elected, Zambia eyes a possible international bond debut. James Eedes reports.

Blemishes on Africa’s gem

Bank of Botswana governor Linah Mohohlo does not duck tough questions about the economy. James Eedes reports.

National needs again usurped by political diktat

The departure of a leading reformer has left question marks over further good governance progress and is adding uncertainty to the chaotic preparations for Nigeria’s presidential elections next year. James Eedes writes.

Offshore, on target

Boasting top institutional and physical infrastructures the Cayman Islands has grown to become the world’s fifth largest financial centre. James Eedes reports.

An appetite for African assets

Portfolio investors are turning their attention to Africa, a sign that the continent’s economic prospects are improving. James Eedes reports.

Funds flourish

The Cayman Islands leads in offshore hedge fund registrations. Now it must respond to changing investment strategies. James Eedes reports.

Safe haven for world’s wealth

The number of banks in the Cayman Islands may have dropped after recent rationalisation but their combined assets are flourishing, writes James Eedes.

Regulation respite

Having seen off threats from onshore regulators, the Cayman Islands is wary of the next onslaught. James Eedes reports.

Cameroon’s award winner

Cameroon’s minister of economy and finance Polycarpe Abah Abah receives the Finance Minister of the Year 2006Africa award from The Banker’s economics editorJames Eedes. The presentation was made in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, during the annual meeting of the African Development Bank. (Photo: Augustin G. Zevounou)

Reasons to be cheerful

Were it not for the genocide, Rwanda would barely register. Small, landlocked and poor, the country’s prospects have never been good. But in Kigali, James Eedes finds some cause for optimism.

Prudent powermonger

Does Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni’s ballot victory in a contested election forebode a creeping reversal of Uganda’s progress or is he still the best man for the job? James Eedes reports.

Tanzania sets a small example

James Eedes reports from Dar es Salaam on the factors fuelling Tanzania’s recent vigorous growth.

Chinks of light amid the chaos

Kenya’s politics are as turbulent as ever. Despite this, the private sector, and banks in particular, are doing well. James Eedes reports from Nairobi.

Trader with rogues, or force for progress?

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.