Investors receive a stark warning on risks posed by Nigeria’s instability, though some commentators maintain Nigeria is still on the right economic path.

With the emergence of cost-effective and easy-to-use communications technology, many companies are finding financial solutions in more flexible working arrangements, avoiding long-term real estate commitments. But what does this mean for property markets?

Its high growth and relative stability in such times of economic uncertainty has seen myriad countries trying to position themselves as Islamic finance hubs. Ireland is the latest country to do this, and the early signs – including a $2bn sukuk issued on its stock exchange by Goldman Sachs last year – are promising.

Pro-democracy protests in Yemen have derailed the progress that the country was making in attracting FDI, with a 50% decrease in the number of foreign businesses obtaining investment licences in the country in 2011. Until the political situation is resolved, it is likely that this downward trend will continue, despite the abundant investment opportunities in the country.

As the EU imposes an oil embargo on Iran and the screws tighten on neighbouring Syria, foreign companies doing business with the affected countries are scrambling to stay on the right side of the law while hedging against their losses. 

Mauritius' vice-prime minister tells fDi how he is concerned about the impact of the eurozone crisis on the country's exports and tourism sector, but is positive over the country's business environment, which, he says, is an ideal starting point for any investor looking to enter Africa.