Sub-Saharan Africa
Hard policy choices ahead for the Central Bank of Nigeria
With a sliding currency, the Central Bank of Nigeria is faced with a difficult policy choice. Its efforts to stabilise the naira and tame inflationary pressures are likely to be
Will the Southern African Customs Union last?
One of Africa’s flagship customs unions has gone a long way towards achieving regional economic integration. But this has come at a high – perhaps unacceptable – cost to its
New energy bill creates uncertainty for investors in Nigeria
Nigeria tries to develop its stagnating oil reserves by attracting foreign investment through a new Petroleum Industry Bill. But the bill seems more likely to create greater political risk and scare
What does fall of Compaoré mean for Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso’s president Blaise Compaoré was ousted in a coup d’etat after 27 years in office. Still, the next elected head of state faces significant economic hurdles to regaining social
Will TFTA bring free trade from Cape to Cairo?
A new merger of three existing African Free Trade Areas is creating the continent’s largest economic bloc. The tariff reductions and economic harmonization it should bring are welcome news. But
With Ebola held at bay, Ivorian cocoa harvest begins
Although Côte d’Ivoire’s proximity to countries affected by Ebola puts it at risk, the precautionary measures already taken will likely head off any significant outbreak and insulate the cocoa industry from disruption.
Can Burkina Faso’s interim leader salvage investor confidence?
Just a few months ago, KPMG listed Ouagadougou as one of West Africa’s three up-and-coming investment cities. Burkina Faso was seen as a hot new frontier market. But with the
Local policies set back East Africa oil and gas projects
East African countries have recently discovered massive hydrocarbon reserves that could turn the area into a major supply region. Unfortunately, national projects might be held up as outdated or nonexistent
Al-Shabaab still a threat to Kenya’s tourism
One year since the Westgate shopping mall terrorist attack, Al-Shabaab still poses a political risk to Kenya’s tourism industry. On 21 September 2013, militants linked to Harakat Al Shabaab Al
Economic stakes are high in Mozambique’s elections
Low risk of post-electoral violence bodes well for investor confidence in Mozambique. However, potential changes to the regulatory framework and slow infrastructure development are likely to hinder investment in the booming
