Browse Ford, Neil

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Title	Type	Date	Words
ICT: Plugging Africa into the world: great progress but still a long way to go.	Conference news	Nov 1, 2009	1679
Constructing the African future: Africa is the site of choice for construction companies from around the world as new projects, from airports to large-scale affordable housing proliferate - despite the economic crunch. Neil Ford presents an overview of the sector around Africa.		Jul 1, 2009	3418
African ports thrive despite economic gloom: almost every sector in every country is suffering from the ongoing global economic crisis. Factories are being closed, GDP forecasts downgraded and belts tightened. Yet the African port sector is one of the few genuine examples of optimism, growth and new investment. Neil Ford reports.		Jun 1, 2009	1444
Low valuations hide true worth of Africa's best.	Survey	Apr 1, 2009	2120
African oil and gas 2009 review.		Apr 1, 2009	1338
Waiting for the storm to pass.		Feb 1, 2009	1785
Junta uncertainty clouds Guinea mining sector: the death of one of Africa's longest-reigning heads of state, Guinea's Lansana Conte, has cast a pall of uncertainty over the country's mining sector. In terms of mineral wealth, Guinea is one of the most richly endowed countries in the world.		Feb 1, 2009	1008
The energy sector.		Jan 1, 2009	1806
Seeds of hope for African power.		Jan 1, 2009	1541
A joined-up transport strategy.		Dec 1, 2008	1698
Credit crunch threat looms over African boom.	Report	Nov 1, 2008	687
Jumping the technology gap: Africa can bypass the cumbersome process of intensive industrialisation deemed essential to its sustained growth by leapfrogging technology - as it has done in the telecoms sector. Neil Ford argues that many other sectors are equally ripe for this treatment.		Nov 1, 2008	1438
Nigeria now Africa's biggest market.		Aug 1, 2008	892
Southern Africa: MTN's fate in the balanc.		Aug 1, 2008	506
East Africa: Safaricom sale a success.		Aug 1, 2008	518
North Africa: Libyan market saturated.	Brief article	Aug 1, 2008	251
Boom time for African construction: Chinese and Arabs lead construction charge.		Jul 1, 2008	1633
Wave of support for concessions: while the debate between state ownership of key enterprises and wholesale privatisation rages across the continent, a very workable compromise seems to have been found by the ports and harbours sector. Neil Ford has the details.	Discussion	Jun 1, 2008	1480
Mauritania bounces back: Mauritania's history of oil and gas development has been a chequered one. but the Sahelian country now appears to be enjoying a renaissance. Neil Ford investigates Mauritania's huge potential and the companies that are beginning to realise it.		May 1, 2008	1438
South African dominance slipping.		Apr 1, 2008	1730
Capital markets: Rwanda's new securities exchange will boost economic diversification; Rwanda's economic development has taken another step in the right direction with the launch of a securities exchange by the Central Bank of Rwanda, as the first stage on the path towards creating a full blown stock exchange. Report by Neil Ford.		Apr 1, 2008	945
Yar'Adua juggles political and economic woes: although it seems that the challenges in court against President Yar'Adua have no chance of success, they perhaps limit his ability to force through reforms, particularly in the vital energy sector. Neil Ford explains.		Apr 1, 2008	1606
Exporters will fund port rehabilitation: at long last, it seems that Liberia's ports, all of which are in a general state of disrepair, will be given a new lease of life to ensure the smooth export of rubber and iron ore. Neil Ford reports.		Apr 1, 2008	1484
Kikwete stronger after scandals: Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete's quick and decisive action following a spate of political scandals has burnished his image both in the continent and beyond. Report by Neil Ford.		Apr 1, 2008	1356
Is aluminium the new gold?		Apr 1, 2008	1516
S Africa joins elite FDI destinations: for the first time, an African country, South Africa, has made the list of the top 25 most attractive destinations for global foreign direct investment. It now ranks 18th in the world from a very low base 14 years ago. Neil Ford explains this remarkable achievement.		Mar 1, 2008	1085
Gazprom to signal end of Western domination? Nigeria's growing importance as an international gas supplier has been highlighted by talks between Abuja and gas giant Gazprom. The Russian company is the biggest gas exporter in the world. What lies behind Gazprom's foray into Africa?		Mar 1, 2008	1450
Black firms move into manganese: some of the world's biggest mining companies have signed deals with empowerment firms to further develop the South African manganese sector. But, as Neil Ford argues, the country's critical shortage of power could undermine the deals.		Mar 1, 2008	1497
Change is in the air.	Report	Mar 1, 2008	1424
Mittal wrapping up Africa? As the pace of Asian investment in African raw materials begins to pick up, India's Arcelor Mittal, the world's largest steel producer, has announced new investment in West African iron ore mining. What are the implications for Africa? Report by Neil Ford.		Mar 1, 2008	1480
Delta aims to become industrial power: an ambitious industrial project, based on the presence of liquefied natural gas, is one the drawing board in the states of Ogun and Ondo. It will involve developing a new shipping hub and a large scale industrial zone. Report by Neil Ford.		Mar 1, 2008	1503
Timber exports banned to save forests: Sierra Leone is losing its rainforests to uncontrolled logging by Chinese and other companies. The situation has become so bad that President Koroma has slapped a ban on all timber exports. Neil Ford reports.		Mar 1, 2008	1451
Growth will not suffer says Central Bank governor: the violence that followed the December polls not only shocked the population at large, but also threw out careful calculations by some of the world's major credit rating agencies. Neil Ford describes how polls wrongfooted the experts.		Feb 1, 2008	1571
Investors queue up for Nigerian LNG.		Feb 1, 2008	1550
Why Africa rejected 'divide & rule' EU trade deal: during the Lisbon AU-EU summit, the majority of African nations refused to sign the new trade agreements put forward by the EU. They said the deals brought them no new benefits but left their industries threatened by European imports. Neil Ford explains why Africa took this stance.		Feb 1, 2008	1493
A man of the people? Tanzania's President Kikwete has now been in power for two years, during which his country has continued to show robust growth. What has been his personal impact on the nation? Analysis by Neil Ford.		Feb 1, 2008	1537
How safe are African miners? While mining is crucial to Africa's economic wellbeing, just how safe are African miners compared to others in the rest of the world? Neil Ford investigates.		Jan 1, 2008	1605
Record FDI for Africa; The stream of good news about Africa's economic performance continues with the release of the UN's The World Investment Report 2007: Foreign direct investment has doubled both as a result of growing interest in the continent and a friendlier climate for investors. Neil Ford reports.	Report	Jan 1, 2008	1502
Seeking water solutions for Africa.	Report	Jan 1, 2008	1590
Europe, Asia flock to Tripoli: Given its geographic position and the enormous potential of its oil and gas reserves, the world's energy companies are beating a path to Libya's door. Neil Ford has the details.		Jan 1, 2008	1553
Russians to restart aluminium smelter: the mothballed Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria plant is due to reopen this month on the back of investment by Russia's United Company, the world's largest aluminium producer. Neil Ford reports.		Jan 1, 2008	1528
The long haul to normality: slowly but surely, Liberia is hauling itself back to normality. A deal with an Israeli diamond company, debt cancellation and a brave attempt to come to terms with the trauma of the war all point to a brighter future for the country. Report by Neil Ford.		Jan 1, 2008	1550
Tackling the dark side of oil deals: with the trend moving towards greater accountability by African governments and the multinational companies that operate in Africa, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative is acquiring greater relevance. But questions about its effectiveness remain.		Dec 1, 2007	1492
Nigerian award winners set IPO trend: a spate of IPOs within Nigeria's banking sector has realised over $10bn in new money over a relatively short period. Most of the IPOs were oversubscribed, reflecting the solid confidence the industry has now established. Neil Ford reports.		Dec 1, 2007	1270
Investment, not rebranding, is the key: South Africa's recent economic success, with growth rates registering over 5% per annum, has placed enormous strains on the country's logistics, especially its road linkages. New investment is designed to take some of the load off roads onto rail. Will this work, asks Neil Ford.		Dec 1, 2007	1478
New funding for Mozambique roads, rail: Mozambique is continuing the process of turning one of the world's most dilapidated transport systems into one fit to support a rapidly growing economy. Report by Neil Ford.		Dec 1, 2007	1458
Doubts over Africom.		Dec 1, 2007	1581
Step up for telecoms promises widespread benefits: two separate fibre optic cable systems will vastly improve Kenya's international telecoms connections and hopefully open up a fresh window of economic opportunity. Neil Ford has the story.		Dec 1, 2007	1507
Power from the winds of Atlas: Morocco does not possess the oil and gas reserves of other North African states but it is finally making the most of the one energy source that it does possess in abundance--wind power potential. Neil Ford reports.		Dec 1, 2007	1392
Avoiding the 'curse' of oil: the news that oil has been discovered in the Lake Albert Basin has been widely welcomed in Kampala. Even modest oil production could provide a much needed injection of finance into the government's coffers. Can Uganda avoid the 'curse of oil' asks Neil Ford.		Dec 1, 2007	1534
All change for the NNPC: President Yar'Adua's decision to replace, or restructure the lumbering Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has been enthusiastically welcomed both by oil sector players and the public at large. But how deep will the reforms go?		Nov 1, 2007	1752
Vodafone seeks control in South Africa: market activity in the African telecoms sector is as frenzied as ever. Recent speculation that Vodafone, the world's largest mobile operator, would increase its stake in South Africa's Vodacom sent share prices spiralling upwards. Neil Ford reports.		Nov 1, 2007	1523
Kibaki front-runner in December polls: the Kenya presidential and general elections are scheduled for December this year. The incumbent, Mwai Kibaki's popularity has been rising steadily on the back of an economic growth spurt and with the main opposition divided, appears set to win another term of office. Neil Ford reports.		Nov 1, 2007	1383
Accra seeks power supply solutions: Ghana's chronic shortage of power will adversely affect its growth targets this year and for the near future. However, a spate of new undertakings, some with Chinese assistance, should ease the situation over the next three to four years. Neil Ford reports.		Nov 1, 2007	1133
Brazil, Nigeria links to boost gas exports: Algeria has been pushed into fourth place as a global gas exporter but new pipeline developments and a possible deal with Brazil could see this North African country regaining its top world export position over the next decade. Neil Ford has the details.		Nov 1, 2007	1522
Chinese boost Kenya geothermal ambitions: geothermal power is clean and cheap, and Kenya has plenty of it in the Great Rift Valley. But new investment in this source has been hard to come by--until recently with the entry of the Chinese.		Oct 1, 2007	1484
Mercedes to make new 'C' class in S Africa: Mercedes-Benz will start manufacturing its new 'C' class vehicles in East London by the end of the year. The vehicles are destined for both the local and export markets. Report by Neil Ford.		Oct 1, 2007	788
The battle for Durban's expansion begins.		Oct 1, 2007	1524
African growth will hit 6% this year, says report: this year's African Economic Outlook, compiled by the African Development Bank and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, paints a positive picture of the continent's overall performance over the past year. Neil Ford reviews the report.		Oct 1, 2007	1501
Flaring ban deadline to stay: the deadline for the end of associated gas flaring in Nigeria is to stand, despite protests from some operators. At current prices, Nigeria is losing billions of dollars and also adding to climate change by flaring most of its gas. Report by Neil Ford.		Oct 1, 2007	1524
Brazil, India will spur coal output: Mozambique, blessed with plentiful natural resources, will soon be able to exploit its large coal reserves through a deal with a Brazilian company. India's Tata Steel is also poised to follow suit. Neil Ford reports.		Oct 1, 2007	1563
End of the 'blood diamond' syndrome? Liberia has now resumed the diamond trade and licences are being issued. However, the government must entrench policies to prevent a recurrence of the 'blood diamonds' syndrome. Report by Neil Ford.		Oct 1, 2007	1583
Economy set to grow--if calm prevails: Congo-Brazzaville could be entering a new phase of political calm as well as a spurt in economic growth following a rise in the production of oil. Analysis by Neil Ford.		Oct 1, 2007	971
Pros and cons of the Bujagali scheme: in this month's column, Neil Ford re-examines the controversial Bujagali HEP scheme in light of Uganda's chronic shortage of power.	Column	Aug 1, 2007	1521
East African waterways offer cheap and easy transport: the transport potential of East Africa's waterway systems, comprising lakes and rivers, has been neglected but could offer easy and cheap access to and from ocean ports. Neil Ford discusses the recent decision to revive inland waterway transport in the sub region.		Aug 1, 2007	1388
With oil, we are going to fly--Kufuor: the discovery of economically viable oil reserves off shore Ghana is in danger of raising too many expectations. It will take quite some time before the oil can be commercially exploited. In the meanwhile, the economy has been performing well and, as Neil Ford points out, it might be best not to pay too much heed to the newly discovered oil.		Aug 1, 2007	1392
Pouring oil on Delta's troubled waters? The kidnappings and violence in Nigeria's main oil producing region, the Delta, remains a running sore in the country's body politic. New president, Umaru Yar'Adua, has called for talks to try and end the stalemate. Will he succeed? Report by Neil Ford.		Aug 1, 2007	1406
S Africa looks to gas to fill power vacuum.		Jul 1, 2007	1529
Yar'Adua rolls up his sleeves: as the controversy over his election victory continues to dominate national life, Nigeria's president Umaru Yar'Adua is seeking to get on with the job of running the country. Neil Ford discusses his economic options.		Jul 1, 2007	1855
Hardwoods under threat as illegal logging escalates: one of Mozambique's important natural resources, its hardwood forests, is being seriously denuded by a spate of illegal logging despite government attempts to regulate the industry and add value to timber before export. Neil Ford reports.		Jul 1, 2007	1344
Myopic 'greens' threaten exports: as Kenya begins to gear up for the December elections, analysts are beginning to take stock of President Mwai Kibaki's record on the economy during his first term of office. The raw statistics, so far, are positive, despite threats to the country's horticulture exports from foreign environmentalists. Report by Neil Ford.		Jul 1, 2007	1356
Islamic banking strides across Africa: Islamic banking, already a significant factor around the world, is now making substantial inroads in Africa. New sharia compliant banks have opened in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa and more are on the way, says Neil Ford.		Jun 1, 2007	1481
Innovation brings success.	Brief article	Jun 1, 2007	128
Tripoli set to push gas development: while investment in Libya's oil sector has been growing steadily, the country now wants to capitalise on its vast gas reserves to further develop its export potential, particularly to nearby Europe.		Jun 1, 2007	1415
Trevor Manuel's financial Holy Grail.		Jun 1, 2007	1510
Fair trade movement gathers strength: the fair trade movement, which seeks to provide actual producers and growers with a better slice of the returns from their labour, is expanding rapidly and Africa appears poised to benefit from this ethical stance. Neil Ford reports.		Jun 1, 2007	958
Toure wins second terms with ease: Mali's presidential elections have been settled at the first time of asking, as the incumbent, Amadou Toumani Toure, won his second and final five-year term by a wide margin. Environmental issues will form a major challenge of his administration, says Neil Ford.		Jun 1, 2007	1457
Dreaming the dream: although Sao Tome and Principe is not yet producing any oil, hopes are high that the current exploration activity will soon discover substantial commercially exploitable reserves. What will the oil windfall mean to the ordinary citizens? Neil Ford discusses.		Jun 1, 2007	1471
Lifting of gems ban raises spirits: the announcement that the UN Security Council has lifted a ban on the export of diamonds came as a shot in the arm of an economy that is slowly but surely edging towards recovery. Neil Ford reports.		Jun 1, 2007	1516
King coal ponders renewables: South Africa's energy sector has long been dominated by coal-fired generation. Government insists that it wants more renewables in the mix, but little progress has been made so far. Neil Ford reports.		May 1, 2007	1679
The family silver for hire: one of the most heated debates in Africa has been over the issue of the privatisation of state-owned organisations. Some countries have gone for a middle way by appointing private management to run state assets. Will this approach do the trick? Neil Ford discusses.		May 1, 2007	1513
Different captain, same chart? In Nigerian the question is whether the country's economic direction will alter according to which party wins the elections. Neil Ford ponders the matter.		May 1, 2007	1513
A steady hand on the tiller: after one year in office, Tanzania's new president, Jakaya Kikwete's main role appears to be to maintain the momentum of the country's economic transformation, but, Neil Ford reports, the country will look to him to lead the charge in increasing inward investments.		May 1, 2007	1545
Nigeria to double power capacity this year: at long last, it appears that Nigeria's power sector is about to undergo a revolution. If all goes according to plan, capacity is expected to double by the end of this year and triple within the next two.		Apr 1, 2007	1394
Richards Bay, rail expansion will boost exports: coal is one of the main pillars of South Africa's export strategy but limited capacity at the Richards Bay Coal Terminal has placed an artificial cap on production expansion. Neil Ford reports on plans to increase capacity at the port and to improve the country's rail infrastructure.		Apr 1, 2007	1487
Can the Grameen experience work in Africa? Can Africa learn from the revolutionary micro-finance solutions pioneered by the Grameen Bank experience in Bangladesh? The bank's founder and the bank itself were awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. Neil Ford discusses the philosophy behind the system.		Apr 1, 2007	1565
Can Conte hold it together? Protests and riots rocked the usually placid country of Guinea indicating that the people may be losing patience with the government of Lansana Conte. Guinea has the world's largest reserves of bauxite and a new aluminium smelter will add considerable value to its main export--if stability can be maintained. Report by Neil Ford.		Apr 1, 2007	1481
Rwanda, Burundi to join East African Community: Rwanda and Burundi look set to join the East African Community (EAC) in July this year, boosting the organisation's membership to five countries. This will be a radical departure for the francophone countries as they seek to integrate their economies with the English/Kiswahili-speaking Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Report by Neil Ford.		Apr 1, 2007	1511
Good business, bad policy: South Africa's Sasol is the world's largest producer of synthetic fuels from the country's vast reserves of coal. But as carbon emisssions regulations tighten, is there a future for this industry?		Mar 1, 2007	1449
Full steam ahead for Coega: with Canadian company Alcan finally agreeing to develop an aluminium smelter at the industrialised zone surrounding the new Eastern Cape port of Coega, it is all systems go for the province. Neil Ford describes the impact of the new developments on the province's economic future.		Mar 1, 2007	1146
Tenders invited for Dar general cargo terminal.		Mar 1, 2007	1541
The long haul back to normality: it has been little over a year since Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf became the first female head of state in Africa when she was elected to the leadership of a collapsed economy and a failed state that Liberia had become. What is her track record a year later? Neil Ford provides some answers.		Mar 1, 2007	1529
Riding the copper rollercoaster: Zambia's economic fortunes have traditionally fluctuated with the international price of copper, which by the middle of last year had risen dramatically but has now seen a decline. Can China help Zambia to escape the cycle of boom and bust, asks Neil Ford.		Mar 1, 2007	1565
Second LNG train planned for Eq. Guinea: although Equatorial Guinea's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) train is not yet complete, plans are already afoot to add another one. In the near future, the Gulf of Guinea could become one of the world's most important suppliers of natural gas.		Feb 1, 2007	1402
A good time to celebrate: the Ghanaian economy continues to go from strength to strength as the West African state approaches its 50th independence anniversary. Neil Ford looks at the roots of Ghana's success.		Feb 1, 2007	1468
No fuss as the Milkman wins again: this time around, there were no dramas following the island nation's presidential elections and Marc Ravalomanana was sworn in for a second term. His main task will be regaining the economic momentum that was lost following political crises in 2002. Neil Ford reports.		Feb 1, 2007	1484
Power is the key: Namiba's ambitions to diversify its economic base from dependence on mining and agriculture will depend on its ability to increase its power supply. Neil Ford reports on the latest projects that will help this southern African country do just that.		Feb 1, 2007	1529
Angola joins Opec: the decision by oil producers' organisation, Opec, to admit Angola as its 12th member has finally set the seal on the country's emergence as a major international oil producer. Neil Ford discusses the impact on the country's economy.		Feb 1, 2007	1481
Breaking down mobile boundaries: Africa is the fastest growing telecoms market in the world as network operators extend their areas of coverage and prices tumble. The growth curve is predicted to continue for the next five years, reports Neil Ford.		Jan 1, 2007	843
Paying for the sins of others: Africa is virtually blameless in creating global warming yet the impact of climate change is likely to fall most heavily on the continent. Africa must act--but do what exactly? Neil Ford offers some suggestions.		Jan 1, 2007	1548