Direct investment by post-apartheid South Africa in other countries of Africa has so altered the economic landscape it has been likened to a tsunami. From traditional areas of engagement such as mining and mineral processing to newer areas, including banking, insurance, retail, tourism, telecoms and transport, the strength of South African capital is penetrating deeply and broadly—and having a significant impact socially and politically as well.

This new series will examine specific examples of South African investment in several countries and shed light on the dynamic between "sub-imperialism" and "local subversion", which Richard Saunders presents in his editorial, and possible future directions.