Kenya suffered a setback in the latter half of 2013, when two major incidents in quick succession dealt a blow to its international reputation. But cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure Michael Kamau tells Barbara Njau that he is confident that the government's effective response to these events, and its commitment to developing the country's infrastructure, will help cement Kenya's position as a leading investment destination in east Africa.

Government efforts to move away from a reliance on hydrocarbons and into manufacturing are paying dividends, writes Barbara Njau, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the way.

For decades, Cape Verde thought about little beyond attracting Portuguese-speaking tourists to the island chain. Now, however, it is widening its tourism appeal and, as the country's finance minister explains, making efforts to establish itself as a key location for shipping, ICT and service centres, among other sectors.

Countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly keen to show off their tourism credentials to international travellers. But while visitor numbers are on the rise, the region's dated infrastructure and poor image are proving to be tough obstacles to overcome.

Falling visitor numbers from Europe demonstrated to Mauritius the importance of diversifying its economy beyond tourism. Enticing film-makers and developing Port Louis as a trade hub are just two of the ways in which the country’s finance minister hopes to achieve this.