Banging at Boni’s door

President Thomas Yayi Boni's anti-corruption platform has only found victims within his own government. Benin's economic performance is dampened by unpredictable weather and a downturn in trade.

Awaiting a golden boom

With the opening of four new mines, Burkina Faso is entering the ranks of Africa's top gold producers. November elections look certain to return President Blaise Compaoré to power for his 23rd consecutive year. 

Harnessing the winds of change

Eager to reduce economic inequalities between the country's many islands, the government is using a new spending package to expand infrastructure and develop new tourist sites. 

To the victor goes a long to-do list
The government desperately needs international debt relief in order to bankroll the restructuring of the coffee and cocoa sectors, which are the lifeblood of the Ivorian economy. 

Small is not always beautiful
President Jammeh shows no signs of softening his grip on power; the only thing that seems to change is the target of his vituperative speeches, be it the media, the army or the NGOs. 

Accra’s oil anticipation

Ghana is set to join the exclusive club of commercial oil and gas producers by the end of 2010 and is gearing up for production. Both the government and opposition need to regroup after a year of factionalism. 

Dadis brings destruction
Captain Dadis's regime was wholly tarnished by the slaughter of civilians in September. The chaos of 2009 has hardly helped revive an economy desperately in need of direction. 

New president, new chances

President Sanha was brought to power with a large majority, but problems are likely to come from a military distrustful of civilian rule and the drug traffickers who help entrench corruption.

An easy re-election in doubt

Guardians of traditional values

Unfinished business

Tussles for the helm

The year ahead will be taken up with finding a leader to take Nigeria beyond its next election, due in 2011. Energy reforms and regional integration are also on the agenda.  

Where there’s a Wade there’s a way
The political tone in 2010 will be shaped by parties jockeying for position ahead of the national elections in 2012 as relations between the government and the opposition continue to sour. 

Koroma seeks a virtuous circle
The President will be looking to impress in 2010 ahead of polls in 2012. The battle against corruption, escaping donor-dependency and providing power are the biggest challenges. 

Faure finds his bearings