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For several years Ghana was one of the leading lights of the “Africa rising” narrative, with double-digit growth rates that ranked at one point among the highest in the world. The discovery of oil, bumper crops of cocoa and an influx of new investment sus¬tained a robust expansion of GDP. Now, however, though the fundamentals remain attractive, short-term pressures have led to a downturn. External factors – including weakness in key exports like crude oil, gold and cocoa – have contributed, while a depreciating currency, high interest rates, elevated inflation and a ballooning fiscal deficit have exacerbated the declines. To address the structural problems in the econ¬omy and remove the most pressing obstacles to growth, in April 2015 Ghana and the IMF embarked on a three-year, $918m extended credit facility and fiscal consolidation programme aimed at restoring debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability. The programme has already brought measurable macroe¬conomic gains, but there is much to be done still. This chapter contains an interview with Mawuena Trebarh, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.

There is strong potential for growth in the Ghanaian insurance sector. The industry is working to design and market products for uninsured populations, including the emerging middle class and those in the informal sector. For its part, the regulator is making efforts to increase capacity among the more than 50 insurance providers, which would allow underwriters to take on larger, riskier policies. Increasing minimum capital requirements are expected to lead to stronger underwriting capacity across the industry, while the development of microinsurance and m-insurance products for citizens on lower incomes will drive further industry growth. This chapter contains an interview with Lydia Lariba Bawa, Commissioner, National Insurance Commission.

The Ghanaian capital markets have a long road ahead. Expanding equity listings, promoting the languishing bond market and introducing more sophisticated products will remain as significant challenges in the coming years. Still, Ghana is fortunate to have at its disposal all of the tools necessary to meet these challenges head-on. The question remains, however, whether the country is able to develop a comprehensive strategy and build consensus among all stakeholders to see it through to the end. Should it be successful in creating such a strategy, it will reap the benefits both on the exchange as well as in the wider economy. This chapter contains viewpoints from Kweku Bedu-Addo, Chairman, Ghana Stock Exchange; and William Adjovu, Managing Director, Liberty Capital.

This chapter contains an overview of the legal framework in which local and foreign investors operate in Jordan, including an outline of sectors in which foreign ownership is restricted and a look at recently promulgated legislation for public private partnerships. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Khaled Asfour, Managing Partner, Zu’bi Advocates & Legal Consultants.