The Banker heralds the world’s best central bank governors who have stuck to their guns when under fire, whether it be encouraging diversification, controlling inflation or fighting off the governmental propensity for meddling.

The International Union for Housing Finance has an important role to play in Asia and Africa, where there’s little penetration by formal sources of funding for housing, says its president, Renu Karnad.

Africa is a real banking market with real potential and there is nothing philanthropic about Barclays’ activities there, writes John Varley. He outlines particular areas that his banking group is committed to developing and region-specific issues that must be addressed.

Donald Kaberuka, president of African Development Bank, admits that it is folly to expect rich countries to honour their financial commitments to Africa and that investment must be courted if the continent is to move forwards. Interview by James Eedes.

South Africa’s ‘big five’ lead The Banker’s Top 100 African banks listing while the impact of Nigeria’s new regulations on bank capitalisation has yet to filter through.

With banks in nine countries across sub-Saharan Africa, Standard Chartered Bank has a formidable network that produced a number of strong performances in 2005. Of the continent’s 23 country awards, Standard Chartered managed to win a record five in Botswana, Cote D’Ivoire, The Gambia, Kenya and Sierra Leone.

Bank of Botswana governor Linah Mohohlo does not duck tough questions about the economy. James Eedes reports.

Banks in South Africa are being forced to open up the payments system to newcomers and slash transaction charges, writes Michael Imeson.

With the election passed, and the incumbent President Levy Mwanawasa re-elected, Zambia eyes a possible international bond debut. James Eedes reports.

Deutsche Bank is a clear winner for Investment Bank of the Year: EMEA. The scale of its business in Europe is pretty unique, with a particularly powerful franchise across equity and debt capital markets, and FX and derivatives.