In recent years many African countries have made a concerted effort to create capital markets to enable businesses to raise long-term funding and promote domestic savings among both retail and institutional investors. With the continuing support of the international financial community, in little more than a decade Africa’s debt markets should be able, among other things, to provide access to funds for much-needed capital intensive infrastructure projects across the continent, a pre-requisite for developing a stronger regional economy. Moin Siddiqi examines the implications. More...

Because of historical and cultural reasons, French speaking African countries have traditionally been tied to financial institutions in France. As a result, many excellent investment opportunities have gone begging. Now a new bank with African shareholding has been set up in London to correct the imbalance. Anver Versi reports. More...

The Africa Investment and Finance Conference 2008, held at the London Stock Exchange in February was charged with enthusiasm for the continent’s opportunities. Speaker after speaker told delegates that Africa’s time had come. As the CEO of Ecobank, Arnold Ekpe, commented; “The future of Africa is now”. Who could disagree? Here are comments and chosen extracts from some of the addresses made to this well attended conference. Stephen Williams reports. More...