Long considered Africa's leading economy, South Africa has struggled to maintain momentum in recent years, leading to rising unemployment and a contracting economy. A renewed emphasis on industrial development zones is seen as one way to preserve the country's regional FDI crown.

China is keen to tap into Africa’s fast-growing economy, increasingly using Mauritian vehicles to structure investment into the region. 

Oman has traditionally been one of the quieter Middle Eastern countries when it comes to attracting foreign investment, particularly when compared to the neighbouring United Arab Emirates. However, a new development on the sultanate's Arabic Sea coast looks set to change this sleepy reputation.

Political stability and thriving minerals and metals sectors have made Botswana stand out over the past few decades when compared to its southern African neighbours. And while an over-reliance on its diamond trade and worries over power shortages loom large, the country's attractiveness to investors remains strong.

Angola's rapid economic growth has caught the attention of investors, but if the government wants to turn this interest into investment, it must work to improve the country's notoriously difficult business environment.

South Africa has been crowned as the African Country of the Future for 2013/14 by fDi Magazine, with Morocco in second position and Mauritius in third. New entries into the top 10 include Nigeria and Botswana. Jacqueline Walls reports.