Over the past two decades, Malaysia has established itself as one of the world's leading low-cost electrical component manufacturers. However, thanks to academic institutions such as Kuala Lumpur's Mimos ICT centre of innovation, the country is looking to rise up the value chain in this sector.

The availability and connectivity of mobile phones in Africa has resulted in a hike in telecommunications investment in the continent in recent years, coupled with an explosion in innovation. But, asks Barbara Njau, is this boom sustainable? 

While Johannesburg remains way out in front when it comes to African international finance centres, competition is emerging in Casablanca, Lagos and Rwanda. And though reputational issues may dog much of the continent, it would seem that South Africa will not have everything its own way in the coming years.

While civil unrest in the Middle East and north Africa is making many businesses operating in the area decidedly twitchy, the CEO of Zain Group tells Barbara Njau that the telecommunications company's view that the region holds great long-term potential remains unshaken.

Facing challenges ranging from security threats to economic instability, ministers from Kenya, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe explain how they are working to remove barriers to future economic growth in their countries and implementing positive changes for future generations.

A diaspora has long been an invaluable source of income to those in developing countries. But channelling this capital into public projects that will benefit the country in the long term is a difficult task, and one which only a few are experiencing notable success in.

Africa's notoriously inadequate infrastructure is widely considered to have long been holding the region back from realising its economic potential. Hope is on the horizon, however, as national governments increasingly embrace private sector projects and regional developments.