From Forbes

The African continent has averaged 5 percent economic growth over the last decade with some countries reaching 7 percent annual rates. Rising commodity prices have benefited this resource-rich region with commodities like oil, gold and precious metals among the top exports. Poverty rates are down, while secondary education enrollments rose from 59 percent to 77 percent in sub-Saharan Africa over the past decade.

Despite the strides Africa has made in recent years, problems are still rampant. The commodity export boom has aided a small pocket of politically connected individuals fueling vast income inequalities. Poverty is still widespread and political instability remains a problem in many parts.

Africa’s economic issues are reflected in Forbes’ ninth annual Best Countries for Business. The continent is high on potential, but it is home to 60  percent of the bottom 10 with excessive levels of corruption, red tape and taxes registering as major issues.

Written by Kurt Badenhausen /Read more at Forbes