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After decades of turbulence, the Ivoirian banking sector is experiencing something of a renaissance. Like the economy, Côte d’Ivoire’s banking sector was growing robustly until a crisis brought on by enthusiastic lending struck in the early 1980s. Bank defaults during this period cast a long shadow, paving the way for a steady increase over the years in cash transactions. The subsequent unrest of the early millennium slowed banking growth, and in the beginning of 2011, during the most acute period of upheaval, banks closed for several months, with a number of banks temporarily nationalised by the government at the time. This was compounded by financial complications, with balance sheets deteriorating as the economy contracted.

OBG introduces the reader to the different aspects of the legal system in South Africa, in partnership with WEBBER WENTZEL. David Lancaster, Senior Partner, Webber Wentzel, talks to OBG.

In conjunction with KPMG South Africa Tax and Legal, OBG explores the taxation system, examining South Africa’s investor-friendly environment. OBG talks to Alan Field, Chairman of Tax and Legal, KPMG South Africa, on mitigating tax avoidance in the new digital age.

The government has made it clear that education is a priority, with more public resources going to the education system than any other sector. The 2013 budget allocates $28bn to education expenditure: $121m for teacher recruitment and up to $975m on facilities upgrades. The budget also includes $85m for developing technical secondary schools. Raising the country’s schools to international standards is an ongoing process with the construction, upgrading and maintenance of schools to improve infrastructure and broaden access. International organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector are all taking part in developing schooling in South Africa, from buildings through curricula and assessment to technology. This chapter contains an interview with Kgosi Leruo Molotlegi, King of the Royal Bafokeng Nation.

With the continent’s largest health care sector, South Africa’s government has focused heavy investment in the industry, and its thriving private sector is keeping pace, accounting for about half of overall spending. Indeed, spending on health care in South Africa exceeds the WHO’s recommended levels, with 8.3% of GDP spent in 2011 compared to the suggested 5%. While resources are relatively ample, the country faces serious challenges, both in terms of public health and in the structure of the health care system, which provides very unequal outcomes. Nevertheless, the proposed NHI scheme is set to radically reform the South African health system and aims to ensure that all citizens have access to high-quality health care services. This chapter contains interviews with Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health; and Richard Friedland, CEO, Netcare.