South Africa's anti-foreigner violence may deter investors already concerned about its politics and economy, but the rest of Africa is attracting growing flows and is seen as almost immune to a Western recession. (Reuters)

Transport quality in sub-Saharan Africa is weak and trucks are not utilised to their full potential, according to a new study. This pushes up the costs of transport and raises consumer prices, while hurting the competitiveness of landlocked countries.

Tax cuts and export bans are not a sustainable strategy against rising food prices in Africa and could instead hinder the fight against poverty, say delegates at a West African regional summit. (Reuters)

Global demand for natural resources will bring benefits to Africa - increased FDI and improved balance of trade figures - but one of the main concerns is that the scramble for Africa is fuelling corruption, environmental degradation, and internal dissent, writes Ravinder Rena.

Private equity funds in Africa are soaring, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) said on Tuesday, describing the development as the "African investment story to watch". (Reuters)

For four consecutive years, Africa has experienced record economic growth. Overall in 2007 the continent registered 5.7 per cent GDP growth and a per capita increase of 3.7 per cent. Indications are that growth will only accelerate in 2008 and remain buoyant in 2009. (OECD)

Though painful for consumers, soaring oil prices - along with increasing grain and metal prices - are not universally bad news. (BBC)

The slave trade was a crucial part of the development of international capitalism. The role of African ruling classes in the trade was not very different from the position of contemporary African elites. They both traded the resources of their people for self-gratification, argues Tunde Obadina.

Ethiopia needs to invest more on manufacturing its own goods. The country has the resources to achieve this. What is lacking is the political will, argues Eleni Agiz.

Blaming Africa's woes on colonialism and neo-colonialism strikes a cord with many educated Africans, but the focus on external forces has drawn attention away from internal factors crucial to an understanding of Africa's condition. With or without colonialisation, African societies would still today be faced with fundamental economic dilemmas, argues Tunde Obadina