As Iran looks to a future free of sanctions, investors sizing up the country’s potential are finding that its years of isolation have left behind an obstacle-laden business environment, meaning that its seven free zones will play an essential role for early investors. But are they up to the job?

The terrorist attacks in the Tunisian resort of Sousse in mid-2015 dealt a bitter blow to the country's image, hitting its all-important tourism income. Such acts, combined with wider regional unrest, make FDI more important than ever to Tunisia, a fact not lost on its politicians, as Natasha Turak discovers.

Lekki Free Zone near Lagos looks to offset some of the difficulties of investing in Nigeria by offering a safe, self-contained environment with varying tax and bureaucracy benefits. Chinese interest has been particularly strong so far, but the zone’s authorities are keen to attract investors from all over the world. 

One of the most important investors in the Lekki Free Zone is urban land developer Rendeavour, whose policy is to only invest in areas set for future growth. Edward Russell-Walling looks at its reasons for choosing Lekki.

Nigerian agrochemical business Candel is intending to use the Lekki Free Zone as a way to move beyond West Africa and become a player on the world stage.