Swaziland: Feeling the squeeze
The lever for democratic reform in Africa's last absolute monarchy could be provided in 2012 by the country's mounting economic crisis. 

The big cats jostle ahead of Mangaung
Continuing global uncertainty looks set to impact on Africa's largest economy in 2012, whose economic outlook will largely depend on what happens in Europe and America. Towards the end of the year the key political focus will be on Free State Province's metropolitan municipality of Mangaung, where the ruling ANC came into being exactly 100 years ago.

Contenders Eye Pohamba's Exit
President Hifikepunye Pohamba and the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) will remain the dominant force in Namibian politics. Whoever succeeds Pohamba is likely to maintain his broadly probusiness policies to ensure Namibia continues to attract FDI.

Firing up the coals
Eager mining investors from Asian and southern hemisphere countries are beginning to edge out the aid agencies in defining the agenda for Mozambique's development. 

The search for a perfect partner
An ill-fated attempt to revive a grand coalition between Mauritius' two largest political parties lasted little more than a year before collapsing in recriminations in mid-2011, creating a sense of crisis that seemed to coincide with the country's declining economic indicators towards the end of the year.

From green revolution to red mist
After riding high on the basis of a strong Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) majority in parliament, President Bingu wa Mutharika has subsequently developed fiercely antagonistic relationships with many of those around him.

The DJ and the diplomat
Madagascar's political future is hostage to the extraordinary tension between the two main protagonists. Transitional President Andry Rajoelinais as reluctant to relax his control as the deposed former head of state Marc Ravalomanana is to compromise.

The battle to carry the flag
As it moves towards new national elections, to be held sometime between April and June 2012, Lesotho can only hope for no repeat of the political crisis that followed its previous parliamentary polls in 2007.

Defections put the GDP under pressure
President Ian Khama's ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) faces growing challenges to its traditional dominance of Botswana's politics, raising the possibility of a strong opposition showing at the next election due by the end of 2014.

The Powerhouse Misses a Beat
In April 2012, Angola will be celebrating its first full decade of peace. This comes after more than 30 years of conflict when the battle against Portuguese colonial rule descended into prolonged and bloody civil war fuelled by proxy Cold War allegiances.

Games over, the battles begin
Managing the tripartite alliance in 2011 and beyond will be one of President Zuma's more difficult tasks as the SACP and ANCYL prove to be among the government's harshest critics.

Copper’s lasting shine

The 2011 electoral showdown will be another test of personalities as well as opposition unity, as the PF and UPND can only hope to unseat the ruling MMD through a common candidacy.

Turning towards state intervention
The government is promising to introduce constitutional reforms as well as a review of the electoral system, which highlights ethnic differences, and of state control of the media.

Defections rock the boat

The biggest one-year drop in real GDP growth has concentrated the minds of leaders in Gaborone to focus on value-added projects and the diversification of mineral exports.

Uncertainty on all fronts
The textile indusry has been hit by a global downswing in consumption, so the government is looking to add value to diamond exports and to sell water to its drier neighbours.

Change the music, DJ
Uncertainty hangs over Madagascar's political prospects as the country once again attempts to rebuild stability.

Frazzled hopes and expectations
People's livelihoods would improve fastest if there were a take-off in the agricultural sector, but commercial and small-scale farming remains stagnant and in need of new investment.

No sweetner for absolute monarchy
Foreign investment is sorely needed as customs receipts are falling, mining and agriculture have declined and the sugar industry reels against international prices.

Solid minerals
With growth dependent on uranium and diamond exports, there is a new push to expand copper, natural gas and agricultural production to diversify the economy and increase government revenue.

The potential paradox
The post-conflict boom was barely dampened by the economic crisis and foreign banks and mining companies continue to look for opportunities throughout the country. 

Fertiliser and rubber stamps 
Malawi's prospects have been boosted by the government's agricultural subsidy programme and the beginning of uranium production, but the tobacco industry faces regulation.

Returning to positive growth
Presidential polls have been delayed yet again as the MPLA starts an empty debate about electing the president indirectly, but the ruling party has no real fear of being unseated.