Rwanda represents a small market of ten million people. It is Africa's most densely populated country and its economy has been experiencing strong growth for a number of years. Its strong implementation of macroeconomic policies have enabled the country to reach the milestone of completing the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.

Tanzania has an abundance of natural resources, particularly in the field of agriculture. It has made major progress towards transforming itself into a free market economy. The country's policies focus on sustaining macroeconomic stability by supporting strong growth. Tanzania seeks fiscal stability through revenue mobilisation, prudent expenditure and controlling supplies of money to meet inflation and growth targets.

With its abundant agricultural and mineral resources, Uganda has considerable potential for growth. In the decade to 2007, the country saw foreign direct investment increase every year as a result of its continued macroeconomic and political stability. Uganda has continued to press forward with efforts to liberalise its economy and has maintained sound macroeconomic policies. Economic growth has been strong and there has been a dramatic decline in inflation.

Although 2008 proved to be another year in which the Southern Africa region experienced positive growth, it also experienced a slowdown which was indicative of what was to follow in 2009. Growth declined to 5.2% down from a robust 7% in 2007, reflecting the financial and economic turmoil which continues to affect the world. Despite this slowdown, individually, all the countries with the exception of Zimbabwe enjoyed strong, positive growth.

Angola has been enjoying strong economic growth. Over the last three years, real growth has averaged 20% and has placed Angola among the world's fastest growing nations. This robust expansion has been driven by the oil sector which capitalised on high international oil prices. In 2008, Angola became Africa's largest producer of oil, a title that had long been held by Nigeria.

Botswana is representative of the success that African nations can achieve with political stability and good economic policies. Since independence, Botswana has transformed itself from one of the world's poorest countries to a middle income country. During this time it has often ranked as one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The country has an impressive track record of good governance and economic growth, supported by prudent macroeconomic management; however, poverty continues to be one of its greatest challenges.

Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy whose economic fortunes are inextricably linked to South Africa. The country has limited natural resources and a small production and export base. The economy is based mainly around manufacturing, agriculture, livestock and water exports to South Africa. Lesotho's economy is highly open and imports amount to around 90% of GDP.

Madagascar has been on a path of steady growth. The country has embarked upon an ambitious path of transformation that has brought improvements in social and economic conditions. The government has adopted a strategy that is focused on developing productive sectors including manufacturing, and establishing a secure framework for both national and foreign investors.

Malawi has a relatively free investment environment and is potentially a market of 14 million people. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, although interest in the mining industry is growing. The country now has a greater sense of its mineral potential and the number of applications for mineral exploration are increasing. A Uranium mine is now in operation and the mineral is expected to contribute 25% to Malawi's annual export earnings. At present the country's most valuable exports are tobacco and tea.

Mauritius is one of Africa's major development success stories. It is a small open economy that has integrated itself successfully into world markets. The country has achieved remarkable economic and social success underpinned by the exceptional utilisation of trade preferences. The way in which the country has been able to profit from trade opportunities, demonstrates its institutional strengths.

Mozambique has been one of Africa's top economic performers in recent years. It has achieved strong rates of growth as a result of recovering from a civil war, the implementation of macroeconomic reforms and large foreign investment projects. Between 1994 and 2008, Mozambique produced better rates of growth than any economy in sub-Saharan Africa. The economy grew by an average of 8% a year during this period.

Namibia is a politically stable middle income country. Much of the country's success is a product of the multi party parliamentary democracy that has delivered sound economic management and good governance. The country has well functioning physical infrastructure, a market economy and rich mineral resources. The economy depends heavily on the extraction and processing of these minerals. Mining generates 8% of GDP and produces more than half of Namibia's foreign exchange earnings.

The Seychelles is one of the smallest countries in the developing world, however its per capita income is among the highest of the middle income countries. As with many small island economies, the main income generator is services, leaving it highly vulnerable to global shocks.

South Africa is home to a market of 49 million people. Covering only 3% of the African continent, South Africa accounts for a massive 40% of all industrial output, 25% of GDP, more than half of the electricity generated and is, by far, the most advanced and broad based economy in Africa. It is a middle income country that enjoys remarkable macroeconomic stability and a pro business environment. The country is also blessed with an abundance of natural resources and is now home to thriving financial, legal, communications, energy and transport sectors.

Swaziland is one of Africa's smallest and least populated nations. It is a landlocked middle income country that is bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Swaziland's economy is tied heavily to South Africa as it is the destination for around 70% of the country's exports and the source of more than 80% of imports. The economy is relatively diversified with services providing the biggest contribution to GDP.