April 2013

We published the first part of our Special Focus on Nigeria, title 'Has Nigeria's Time Come?' in the March 2013 issue. This is the second part and focuses on the country's politics, and the manufacturing, transport, construction and IT sectors. There has never been a better platform for Nigeria to finally fulfil its vast potential than now. Will the country grasp the nettle and rise to its full height or will the opportunity slip away? Report by Associate Editor Neil Ford and Frederick Mordi.

May 2013

As in other sectors, Africa is slowly but surely winning the war against disease and ill health but there is still a very long way to go. While scourges like malaria have declined by about a third and the battle against HI V/Aids is gradually being won, too many people continue to die from preventable illnesses and new threats, such as high blood pressure, are making their mark. The most encouraging trend has been that the cost of drugs has been declining as Africa turns increasingly towards generic drugs and local production. Pharmaceutical spending is expected to reach $40bn by 2020, making Africa an attractive proposition for both local and foreign investment. The question is: how can local producers carve out a larger slice of the growing pharmaceutical market as the continent continues its march towards a healthier Africa? Report by Neil Ford.