Sub-Saharan Africa

South Africa real estate M&A boosts corporate activity

Though South Africa is on the brink of recession and mergers and acquisition volumes have tumbled, a report by information provider Mergermarker says there have been a string of real estate deals in the first quarter of the year.

Emerging markets see ‘voracious appetite’ for office space

Despite the credit crunch, the global office markets are still on an “upward trend,” according to a report by real estate services firm, Colliers International. The emerging markets continued to record strong growth in the sector.

ACA holds $200m first close on West African fund

CAPE III is already larger than Lagos-based African Capital Alliance’s previous private equity vehicles, thanks in part to commitments from DFIs and Nigerian institutions. Up to 40 percent of the fund, which is targeting as much as $500m, may be invested in the energy sector.

Ripplewood syndicate sells Actis Egyptian bank stake for $244m

The investment in Commercial International Bank marks the largest MENA deal done in 2009.

Actis appoints West Africa head

The emerging markets giant has hired Ngozi Edozien, who last year founded the Equity Vehicle for Health in Africa.

West African fund targets up to $500m

African Capital Alliance has attracted a $50m commitment from UK government-owned fund of funds CDC Group.

The PEI 300

<p> The PEI 300 2009-05-02 Staff Writer &lt;strong&gt;CAPITAL RAISED OVER&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2008&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RANK&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NAME OF FIRM&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HEADQUARTERS&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;LAST FIVE YEARS ($BN)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;RANK&lt;/stro</p>

GUEST FEATURE:&lt;br/&gt;CHINA&#039;S COAL SECTOR

Albert Mclelland and Simon Mak share their insights into the implications for China of the soaring global demand for coal - and offer some tips on how to invest in the sector successfully.

When small steps become giant leaps

Big plans do not necessarily produce the best results. One organisation is seeking to improve Africa's investment climate through a series of achievable initiatives. Andy Thomson reports

Small is beautiful

Micro-finance institutions throughout Sub-Saharan Africa have exploded in popularity as a destination for private equity capital. Can the love affair survive a rocky road ahead? Matt Levin investigates