Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, attracting high levels of investment and creating millions of jobs. But what does it take to become a tourist hub, and is big investment alone enough to attract a mass influx of visitors?

The rise of smart cities in sub-Saharan Africa is causing ripples of excitement in technology circles, but while so much of the region remains cut off from power supplies and the most basic of infrastructure, just who will benefit from this smartening up?

Kenya suffered a setback in the latter half of 2013, when two major incidents in quick succession dealt a blow to its international reputation. But cabinet secretary for transport and infrastructure Michael Kamau tells Barbara Njau that he is confident that the government's effective response to these events, and its commitment to developing the country's infrastructure, will help cement Kenya's position as a leading investment destination in east Africa.

Government efforts to move away from a reliance on hydrocarbons and into manufacturing are paying dividends, writes Barbara Njau, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the way.