The Finance Forward series aims to collect and present key findings on recent trends, driving forces, and relevant issues impacting upon the financial sector in Africa. The series intends to help leaders scan the larger, interlocking environments from which trends and themes emerge and interpret the contents based on the context of their own institutions, projects and aims.

The Finance Forward series aims to collect and present key findings on recent trends, driving forces, and relevant issues impacting upon the financial sector in Africa. The series intends to help leaders scan the larger, interlocking environments from which trends and themes emerge and interpret the contents based on the context of their own institutions, projects and aims.

This issue focuses on the impact of cheap oil and low commodity prices on African trade, investment and economic growth; discusses the implications for the emerging African middle class; and contemplates how disruptive technology and innovation can and will reshape industry, government, and society.