Africa

Global Finance’s annual evaluation of the work of the world’s central bankers found some stellar performances, and some dismal ones. The toughest challenge for many: propping up falling prices.

African Gems | Alexandria Container and Cargo tops Global Finance’s first annual ranking of the 25 Best-Performing Companies in Africa.     

As Africa improves transport and telecommunications links, it’s creating countless opportunities for foreign direct investment.    

Table Of Contents

The real question for Africa now is not so much about past economic performance but about what’s coming next.

Global Finance’s First Annual List Of Who’s Who In African Finance.

The real question for Africa now is not so much about past economic performance but about what’s coming next.

Patrick Njoroge was named governor of the Central Bank of Kenya in June, part of a broader change in leadership at the Central Bank, including a new chairman and second deputy governor.

In a conversation with Global Finance, Mark Kerns, head of investor services at Standard Bank, describes how booming interest in Africa, led by South Africa and Nigeria, is reshaping the continent’s capital markets. 

Country Report | Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, but the recent slump in oil prices has halved government revenues. The new Buhari government must now ensure the country’s economic roller coaster ride does not grind to a complete halt.

Milestones | Zimbabwe
The demonetization of the Zimbabwean dollar began in June and holders of the near worthless currency have until September 30 to exchange it for US dollars.

Country Report | Nigeria
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, but the recent slump in oil prices has halved government revenues. The new Buhari government must now ensure the country’s economic roller coaster ride does not grind to a complete halt.

Country Report | Egypt
Egypt may be on the verge of a major turnaround, as the most populous country in the Arab world looks set for sustained growth, lower unemployment and a manufacturing renaissance under president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Global Finance had a chance to interview Sim Tshabalala in April. The joint chief executive of Standard Bank Group answered questions about Africa’s growth and the substantial demand for banking services on the continent.

Newsmakers | Nigeria
Nigeria’s presidential election proved the bookmakers both right and wrong.

Regional Report | Africa
Africa’s story is no longer that of a continent with great potential.  Increasingly, the leaders and peoples of the continent, in collaboration with outsiders, are translating that potential into concrete achievements.

Launched just three years ago, FCM Bank is the only bank in Malta to specialize solely in savings and fixed-term offerings. During a talk with Global Finance, chief operating officer Vincent Ma explained why FCM Bank has zeroed in on those two products.

Country Report | Morocco
With a diversified economic base and improving fundamentals, Morocco has a sound fiscal strategy and well-thought-out reform program to cut red tape and boost trade. But further reform, says the IMF, is needed.

with Ali Khalpey, Exotix

Newsmakers | Switzerland
Swiss giant Credit Suisse stepped out of the industry’s traditional talent pool in March when it hired Tidjane Thiam as chief executive.