IFC sub-Saharan Africa investments up a third

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) noted a "palpable improvement" in the investment climate on the continent rich in natural resources and increasingly eyed by investors, but dogged by corruption and red-tape.

Jean Philippe Prosper, IFC director for Eastern and Southern Africa, said the body's investments in the region during the 2011 fiscal year, from July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011, would be higher than 2010, but the increase might be more subdued.