Having survived a regional liquidity squeeze, the United Arab Emirates’ larger banks are eyeing opportunities further afield. Meanwhile, an overbanked market means consolidation is likely for the rest of the sector. James King reports.

Beset by civil war in recent times, Côte d’Ivoire has now emerged as one of Africa’s fastest growing economies. The country's prime minister and minister of budget and state portfolio, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, tells James King why Côte d’Ivoire can be relied upon in a political sense, and how he plans to maintain its levels of foreign investment.

Only Al Rajhi Bank has reported a rise in profits among Saudi’s banks. Now the country's government is hoping its National Transformation Plan will bring the reforms necessary to inject new life into a stagnating economy. James King reports.

While Africa comprises diverse countries with disparate fortunes, its most successful economies typically rely on a strong private sector. But as the G20 launches a 'compact' with Africa to accelerate private sector growth, it is crucial that this consists of a long-term partnership with the continent that promotes local entrepreneurship, writes the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Natural disasters continually stall the growth of the Africa's poorest communities. While building resilience is vital, solutions are often not cost-effective. Now microinsurers are using simple and advanced technology to establish a new market that helps mitigate losses. James King reports.

Banks in the Gulf region have scored some notable successes in the digital field, such as Liv, a UAE bank run by and for millennials. However, the longer-term threat from fintechs still looms large, writes James King.

The rise of Africa’s home-grown financial players has led most international lenders to withdraw from the continent. However, Société Générale and Standard Chartered are not only staying put but marking territory for digital expansion. James King reports.

While enjoying massive success, Islamic finance has developed in a piecemeal fashion, with many warning that global standardisation is needed if it is to avoid fragmentation and successfully push into frontier markets. James King reports.

Botswana-based Letshego is using years of experience to fulfil its aim of reaching sub-Saharan Africa's unbanked population, as group managing director Chris Low tells James King.

Diminishing oil receipts, a threat of consolidation, a looming Basel II compliance deadline, a loss of US dollar correspondent banking relationships, a shortage of foreign capital... The challenges facing Angola's banks are many, which makes the strong performances of some in the sector all the more impressive, writes James King.