Ghana has developed a reputation as a robust and stable democracy, and with a storied legacy of pan-African initiatives it has long punched above its weight diplomatically. While the recent oil boom following the discovery of the offshore Jubilee field in 2007 has helped to fuel GDP growth as much as 14% over recent years, it is now projected to slow to a more modest 4.5% in 2014.

In 2014 Jordan’s population reached 6.64m, as regional turbulence saw an influx of refugees from neighbouring countries. Jordan, however, remains stable as it pushes ahead with the political reforms announced in 2011. The economy continues to revive following the global economic downturn, while government commitments to tackle structural issues in the economy bode well for future growth.

With just 1.63m people, Gabon is the second-smallest member of the six-country Central African Economic and Monetary Community in terms of population, after Equatorial Guinea. However, the country’s well-developed hydrocarbons sector has made Gabon the second-largest economy in the sub-region.

Kuwait accounts for approximately 6.1% of the world’s proven oil reserves, with hydrocarbons revenues comprising more than 65% of the country’s GDP and 95% of total exports in 2013. Cautious budgetary decisions have resulted in large surpluses, creating a solid base for public expenditure programmes such as the National Development Plan, which is set to diversify the economy and boost employment.

Papua New Guinea is poised for change, as the country’s mineral riches are providing a major opportunity for economic development through the exploitation of natural resources. The government’s five-year strategic plan focuses on key development enablers such as free education, improvements to health services, the strengthening of law and order, rural development projects and infrastructure construction.