Back to boom times
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. 

Diamond economy loses its lustre
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.

Thunder on the mountain
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. 

Unfinished business
Uncertainty hangs over Madagascar's political prospects as the country once again attempts to rebuild stability. 

The second coming
In May 2009, voters gave President Mutharika the strongest mandate he has had in years and he is using it to demand that cotton and tobacco companies pay more for Malawi's crops.

Hopes for the economic upside
If the economy does not show more positive signs in the lead-up to elections in 2010, Premier Ramgoolam could face the wrath of unhappy voters and take punishment at the polls.

Helping oneself to an election
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.

Ideology meets uranium
Namibia is already the world's fourth-biggest uranium producer and output should treble from 2011-12.

Aftershocks of the upheaval
The ruling party may face an electoral backlash in 2011 if its IMF-backed fiscal fitness programme does not yield quick results and the islands' tourism industry continues to lag. 

Putting the nation to work
After 2010 brings the World Cup party to the rainbow nation in June, the focus will move to jobs and how to create employment opportunities. 

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.

Digging out of trouble
With elections now several years away, these should be key reform years for the Banda government, but the President is currently preoccupied with shoring up his political base.

Waiting for the peace dividend
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.