2008 will long be remembered as the year that first raised the global economy to peaks of achievement then brought it crashing to the ground. While the world struggles to shore up crumbling economies, Africa has not been immune, although its distance from the global business centres has cushioned the shock somewhat. This month’s cover story looks at the most significant economic signposts over 2008 by highlighting events and developments in the continent’s three main sectors – commodities (which includes agriculture and mining), energy and telecommunications. More...

After years of dashed hopes and failed privatisation promises, the shoots of a power sector renaissance can finally be seen across Africa. Investors are at last beginning to tap into the continent’s renewable energy resources, while many long-delayed hydroelectric schemes are being developed on the back of Chinese investment. Some progress is still being made on cross-border power sector integration, but perhaps the most heartening development is that African natural gas reserves are now being tapped to supply African power plants. Report by Neil Ford. More...

A number of African currencies have depreciated against the dollar but the South African rand has taken a real tumble. This means that while the country’s exports will become cheaper, its imports will become very expensive. This will severely impact projects such as the infrastructure development for the World Cup, says Tom Nevin. More...