Cameroon recently signed an ECA-backed loan for a strategic national road project. The deal has provided a financial blueprint for SME exporters to get involved in future such deals in the country - if they are willing to shoulder complex and lengthy deal timelines.

Every article should have a call to action in the 'standfirst'. It's particularly tough to do that on an obituary for a much loved friend and colleague. Thanks to all those who joined us at Sean's alma mater London watering hole, the Cockpit, to raise a glass in his memory. For those who missed it, please do continue to read about him.

The latest Angolan Ministry of Finance ECA-backed loan to sign to fund the construction of an airport marks the country's ninth such sovereign deal this year, with Angola now accounting for nearly half of Africa's total deal volume.