China is chasing energy and mineral resources in Africa, attracting criticism for its apparent willingness to deal with ‘despotic’ regimes. James Eedes examines whether this deepening relationship will prove a saviour or curse for the continent.
African governments and institutions are becoming increasingly professional, underpinned by an understanding of what is required to thrive in a globalised marketplace, says Patrick Cescau.
With 84% of money in circulation outside the banking system, banks have little impact on Nigeria’s population, providing few consumer retail services and virtually no consumer lending.
Nigerian banks are improving their corporate and investment banking capabilities but there is still some way to go, writes Stuart Theobald.
In the post-consolidation era, stronger capitalisation of the banks will result in stiffer competition. Stuart Theobald sizes up the players, old and new.
Bigger banks need skilled staff as well as good governance and regulation in the tougher competitive environment. James Eedes reports on the challenges.
Nigeria’s domestic banks share regional ambitions, which could be facilitated by regional integration. But they are making little headway and the political forces for union are moving at a snail’s pace, says Stuart Theobald.
Nigeria suffers from severely underdeveloped capital markets, which must grow and deepen if its financial market as a whole is to become more efficient and banks are to thrive.
James Eedes examines how the younger, more dynamic banks line up competitively against their well-established, but antiquated, peers and finds much talk but a lack of clear strategy.
Only a handful of foreign banks have a presence in Nigeria but as the its economy grows rapidly, more international banks are considering the opportunities the country offers.
Nigerian banks are ignoring small businesses and, without a formal microlending industry, the prospects of this changing are bleak. Stuart Theobald reports.
Central bank governor Charles Soludo has overseen a massive consolidation of the banking sector but that is only the start of his reform plan, says James Eedes.
The overhaul of the banking system is the latest reform milestone crossed by the Obasanjo government. Although many challenges lie ahead, the momentum of reform is gathering pace, promising long-lasting transformation, writes James Eedes.
The Banker invites CEOs from around the world to discuss the economic climate in their country and institution, and their hopes for the future.
The Banker invites CEOs from around the world to discuss the economic climate in their country and institution, and their hopes for the future
IMF prescriptions have been discarded, making way for an African-owned plan, based on good governance, infrastructure investment and intra-regional trade. James Eedes explains.