The BRICS of China, India, Brazil, Russia and South Africa – and China in particular – are at the forefront of a new scramble for projects and deals in Africa. Each one brings to the continent its own distinct business nous, yet collectively the BRICS are instrumental in transforming Africa's business fortunes. Leaving aside China's dominant position in Africa, this article focuses on the activities of the other BRICS nations on the continent. By guest contributor Charlie Pistorius

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Inflation in China reached a peak of 6.5% in July, before dipping slightly to 6.2% in August - possibly heralding a receding of high inflation. Yet high inflation remains a key theme in 2011, and this edition looks at the Chinese government's monetary and fiscal policy options for fighting a scourge for which China's central planners have a legendary fear. By Dirk Kotze

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Inflation has remained a thorny issue in China, even amid intense monetary tightening measures. An uncertain global economic outlook due to the ongoing debt crisis in the Euro zone and the recent downgrade of the US debt rating, along with a large scale power crisis during the busy summer season are threatening to slow China's growth in the second half of 2011. However, looking to diversify its export destinations and build upon its status as the world's second-largest economy, China has continued to increase its footprint around the world, with Premier Wen Jiabao signing USD 15 billion worth of deals in Germany in June along with an additional USD 4.3 billion worth in the UK.

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