The mobile-phone revolution has hugely helped Africans, especially poor peasants and traders.

ECONOMIST: Africa

Foreign bankers hope for changes after the election, especially if the ex-communists dump their Peasants' Party pals or forge an alliance with the Freedom Union.

ECONOMIST: Poland

Privatisations, especially of banks, are again in swing, though the Peasants' Party continues to trip up foreign investors when it can.

ECONOMIST: Poland