The Gauteng Province is one of the most popular trade and investment destinations in South Africa

Influenced by the growing centrality of cities in modern economies such as London, New York, Paris and Tokyo, the Gauteng city region has positioned itself as a major metropolitan conurbation, predicted to be the 12th largest city in the world by 2015.

Read more: Among Giants

Creating a South African legacy

With South Africa mere months away from hosting the most important sporting event in its history, the country is abuzz with the hopes and expectations of millions. The finishing touches rapidly are being made to stadiums, guest houses, highways and transportation links in the hope that the country may, as never before, grab the attention of international tourists and investors.

Read more: Investing in our future

Traditionally, Malawi is not recognised as having much investment potential, but that perception is changing radically

Malawi promotes itself as “The Warm Heart of Africa”. It sees its greatest asset as its people, who are friendly, kind and ready with a smile.

A tourist attests to this, saying, “I have never felt so welcome anywhere. I thought I’d come home to a place I had always known.”

Read more: Treasure trove of assets

Investors focus on southern Africa’s agri-corridors

For Africa’s landlocked territories, transport corridors through neighbouring states are essential. The importing of food, fuel, and commodities vital to the makeup of foreign export earnings occur through these channels.

Read more: A corridor of opportunity

When diamonds lose their sparkle

This time it was not Leonardo DiCaprio portraying a muscular and fearless ex-mercenary dealing in blood diamonds which irked the DeBeers establishment, but a report compiled by a bearded and bespectacled academic, David van Wyk. The report came at a time when the diamond industry is struggling to come to terms with the global economic meltdown.

Read more: De Beers

Land of big opportunities and huge challenges

The hype and excitement around the recent official state visit by President Jacob Zuma to Angola was remarkable but also understandable. President Zuma's spin doctors and the South African Department of International Relations and Co-operation were at pains to explain that the aim of the visit was to thank the Angolans for their support during the liberation struggle and to mend the broken fences that former president Thabo Mbeki left behind as a result of his less than cordial relationship with Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos.

Read more: Angola report