Political Risk

Ostracised by the West, Mugabe has been trumpeting a 'Look East' foreign policy with countries that he said would help Zimbabwe with no strings attached. Unfortunately for the regime,... 2007-02-23

President Robert Mugabe has let it be known that he would like to retire at the end of his current term in 2008, but only if an orderly succession plan is in place. But the December... 2007-02-23

The rise of the Chinese economy in recent years has affected global commodity markets, much to South Africa's benefit. However, the increasing centrality of Africa to its geopolitical... 2007-02-06

The incumbent African National Congress (ANC) will likely win the 2009 general election comfortably. But as we have commented recently, the road to that victory will be rockier than... 2007-02-05

President Robert Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe uninterrupted since 1980. Now aged 82, he has recently suggested that he would like to retire at the end of his current term in 2008. However,... 2007-01-09

This December the ruling African National Congress will elect a new party president who is likely to be elected as the next South African president in 2009. In the run-up to the event... 2007-01-02

Earlier this year Nobel Peace Laureate, retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu, said that he feared South Africa (SA) was in danger of 'losing its moral direction'. His concerns are numerous,... 2006-11-28

The regime remains suspended from the Commonwealth, has long been on the brink of expulsion from the IMF, and a list of the country's leaders are under international personal travel... 2006-11-28

South Africa (SA) has exceeded expectations during its first decade as a democratic state. But leaving aside for the moment the current political in-fighting within the ruling and... 2006-10-30

BMI View: Following years of mutual admiration between the People's Republic and newly independent African states, China and Africa are establishing a new type of strategic partnership,... 2006-10-10