SMEs are the lifeblood of any economy, but, as demonstrated in the UAE, even the most well-meaning of policies to encourage their growth can miss the target.

Poland is keen to tap investment opportunities in Algeria’s growing economy and foster bilateral trade, although limitations remain. 

Over the last two years, Egypt has made efforts to rehabilitate its political image as an African rather than a solely Arab state. That sales pitch appears be working to deepen economic ties with its sub-Saharan neighbours.

Mauritius is promoting investment in healthcare in an attempt to position itself as a medical hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. 

China lowered its 2015 growth projections to “around 7 percent” on 5 March - the slowest rate in 24 years - amid fears that a slowdown in the Asian powerhouse could dampen economic ties with Africa.

Egypt’s iconic Suez Canal is getting an upgrade - and the Egyptian people are footing the bill. The canal, which cuts from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and is one of the great axes of global trade, and is a point of national pride for Egyptians. Egypt’s cash strapped government is capitalising on this sense of national ownership in order to fund the first stage of the project through the sale of investment certificates. 

As the 3D printing industry gains traction across the world, entrepreneurs all over Africa are coming up with 3D printers and 3D printed innovations of their own.

SAB Miller, the world’s second largest brewing company, will adopt a new strategy targeting low income consumers in Africa.