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Dubai’s economy is among the most diversified in the region, thanks to factors such as a highly attractive business environment that has brought in large amounts of foreign investment. Despite producing little oil, growth has been affected in recent years by the knock-on effects of the fall in international oil prices and a consequent slowdown in neighbouring hydrocarbons-dependent territories. However, this has benefitted other sectors, such as transport, tourism and other indirectly related activities. A moderate oil price recovery in 2016, plans to step up infrastructure investment ahead of Expo 2020 and further diversification of the economy by boosting manufacturing output mean the emir- ate has one of the most dynamic short- and medium-term growth prospects in the region. This chapter contains interviews with Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber; Abdul Latif Al Zayani, Secretary-General, GCC; Liam Fox, UK Secretary of State for International Trade; and Raja Easa Al Gurg, President, Dubai Business Women Council, and Managing Director, Al Gurg Group.

In conjunction with AB & David Africa, this chapter contains an overview of the legal framework in which local and foreign investors operate in Ghana, covering an overview of the regulations governing different sectors, the rules for investment and expatriate employment and recently introduced legislation on trade and financial services. This chapter contains a viewpoint from David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner, AB & David.

In conjunction with Deloitte Ghana, this chapter contains an introduction to Ghana’s taxation system, including a breakdown of rates imposed on corporate income, regulations governing capital gains and double taxation, and a list of goods and services exempted from value-added tax. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Charles Larbi-Odam, Country Executive, Deloitte Ghana.

Facing a growing population and an urban middle class underserved by health care providers, the government has made considerable strides in a number of important areas, including the expansion of primary care coverage. Expanded infrastructure, increased numbers of health care professionals, and a renewed emphasis on sanitation and prevention should help improve health indicators. Furthermore, economic development is increasing demand for health care services, from both public and private providers. With a young and growing population, an expanding job market in a dynamic economy, and funding and support from a range of sources, the education sector is witnessing rapid growth. The system features a mix of public and private institutions, and the past decade has established a solid base of schooling for the vast majority of citizens. This chapter contains interviews with Dr Elikem Tamaklo, Managing Director, Nyaho Medical Centre; and Amardeep Singh Hari, CEO, IPMC.

Ghana’s new administration is looking to further capitalise on tourism as a source of foreign exchange. The 2017 budget set specific goals for the sector, including ensuring sustainable tourism development, increasing participation in international conferences and developing standards for new tourism enterprises. With a number of promotion initiatives under way, the sector is making a dedicated push to turn the country into a leisure tourism destination. At the same time, ongoing projects, including airports and road upgrades, are expected to generate a further boost. This chapter contains an interview with Akwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority.