As falling oil prices and rebel activity continue to weaken Nigeria’s economy, the strength of its systemically important larger banks is playing a vital role in keeping the country from a deeper recession, reports James King.
World
/ Africa
/ Mozambique
Resilient Mozambique banks stay on investors' radar
September 1, 2016Healthy growth figures and low NPLs are giving Mozambique's banks optimism that they can weather the country's cooling economic climate. It is a view shared by foreign investors who have an eye on its strong long-term prospects, as James King reports.
World
/ Africa
/ Mozambique
Beyond the bad news: Mozambique maintains investment pull
September 1, 2016A series of worrying headlines regarding Mozambique's bond activity and overall economic performance do not portray a country ripe for investment, but factors such as a huge natural gas discovery mean the mood within Maputo and beyond is one of optimism. James King reports.
World
/ Africa
/ Mozambique
Energy finds fuel hopes of a Mozambique boom
September 1, 2016Boasting major gas discoveries, Mozambique is nursing ambitions to become both a regional energy hub and a key exporter to Asia. But the government must act fast to attract investment in an increasingly competitive market, writes James King.
World
/ Middle East
/ Iran
Iran plays the waiting game as Western banks hold back
August 1, 2016In the immediate aftermath of the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran was looking forward to reaping the benefits of a sanctions-free future. However, major UK and EU banks are holding back on entering the country. James King examines why.
Africa's microfinance revolution
August 1, 2016Technological advances are enabling microfinance providers in Africa to find new ways of doing more business at a lower cost. This, combined with a wave of fintech developments in this sector across the region, is transforming the continent's banking landscape. James King reports.
CIB looks to increase Egypt's financial inclusion
August 1, 2016Commercial International Bank’s digital innovations fit into the Egyptian government’s strategy of financial inclusiveness. James King looks at how the bank is making them work.
Angola faces challenges on road to reform
July 1, 2016Post-conflict Angola is seeking to move away from its dependency on oil revenues and develop its other plentiful resources. However, the route is littered with challenges such as long-standing corruption, burgeoning red tape and social inequality, all of which are likely to hinder the government's progress. James King reports.
Will IMF bailout bring injection of optimism to Angolan economy?
July 1, 2016Falling oil receipts and a foreign exchange crisis have hit Angola’s economy hard. A recent Eurobond issue, a prospective IMF loan and the restructuring of state oil company Sonangol should help the government fund much-needed infrastructure improvements – but any recovery is likely to be slow and hard won. James King reports.
Angola begins slow journey towards a non-oil economy
July 1, 2016Angola has come through a long civil war, enjoyed a relatively brief boom period, and is now encountering a long-term slump in oil prices. This has led the government to instigate economic reform and support infrastructure improvements to draw investors to the country’s other abundant resources. James King reports.