Nicholas Bray

Africa’s murky image deters some investors, but those already there say the prospects are bright and there is money to be made.

Lack of trust, lack of confidence, lack of visibility. Which way out of the world economic recession? Cut back or spend more or…?

Despite its electoral promises, France’s new left-wing government is unlikely to have much leeway for spending the country’s way out of its economic doldrums. Instead, what France needs is a dose of more positive thinking at every level of society, according to French business consultant Emmanuel Bonnet.

Fledgling markets where investors and donors can fund enterprises with a social mission exist or are being launched in Brazil, South Africa and Mauritius. But a fully regulated stock exchange where investors can trade in the shares of social enterprises has yet to get off the ground. Stephen Brenninkmeijer, founder of social investment fund Willows Investments, explains why he is backing a London-based project along these lines.

The economic crisis has put most governments on an austerity programme, cutting social benefits at a time when demand for such services is skyrocketing. Enlightened businesspeople can make a difference as social entrepreneurs.

Sadaffe Abid spent much of the last 14 years building what is now one of Pakistan’s leading micro-finance institutions. Drawing on her experience, she offers tips for social entrepreneurs worldwide.

One social entrepreneur seeks to elevate those at the bottom of the pyramid in Bangladesh. But can she navigate the straits between government, the private sector and Mother Nature?

Bribes, payola, threats…do they have to be part of the Russian business landscape? One group is trying to find the political will to change that.

The maker of one of the world’s leading brands is targeting tech-savvy younger consumers. It’s not your usual marketing campaign.

Innovation makes millionaires and undermines monopolies. It raises the profitability of companies and puts a premium on the shares of the most successful. But how can companies foster it? New research sheds light on the innovation process and how firms can tap into it to raise their performance and their share price.

Africa is turning the page on 50 years of over-reliance on Western economies, thanks to strengthening trade and investment links with emerging countries like China, India, Turkey and oil-rich countries in the Middle East. And although the continent’s economic growth will be hit this year by the turmoil in North Africa, analysts say prospects for sub-Saharan Africa are brighter than they have been for some time.