Coalitions were always the most likely scenario for a country that selects political representatives using a system based on proportional representation. Nevertheless, actually moving from a majority government to one based on coalitions or cooperation is still unsettling. Doubly so, given the less-than-satisfactory performance of such coalitions at several local governments. It requires a degree of political levelheadedness difficult to achieve in a society and world that is increasingly polarised.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which is headquartered in Beijing, plans to invest $1-billion in projects across Africa, where only 4% of the $52-billion it has financed since its inception eight years ago has been directed. AIIB president Jin Liqun reports it has a pipeline of seven projects in Africa, which it is seeking to build further, while there is also interest from African members to issue Panda bonds.