The outlook for 2012 remains bleak for much of the Middle East and north Africa, with many countries still in the grip of political unrest. But with a narrowing gap between buyers and sellers driving activity in the merger and acquisition sector, and a number of private equity firms looking to exit from their investments as their funds reach maturity, there will be some activity in the region.

With one of the world's highest projected growth rates dictating the need for infrastructure across the board, Ethiopia is looking to meet the needs of investors shopping around for new territories after the West's economic fallout, writes Lucia Dore

In the Middle East, e-commerce ventures are being set-up with a single short-term aim: to be acquired by a larger company writes Lucia Dore.

A rise in religious tourism is stimulating investment opportunities across the Middle East and Africa, despite continuing unrest in some countries, says Lucia Dore

Middle East investors are increasingly looking to Qatar, due to its relative stability and big plans for the 2022 football World Cup

The Middle East and Africa stands to benefit from improved food security and increased tourist flows, writes Lucia Dore

Investors can only adopt and wait-and-see approach to Egypt and Tunisia, and hope for a smooth transition of power to new stable governments, says Lucia Dore

The coming year looks set to strengthen Africa's reputation as the world's greatest untapped market for resource-hungry investors

Mobile health could be the next big opportunity in the Middle East

Middle Eastern countries aiming to strengthen food security are increasingly looking to Africa, and a number of high-profile investors have signed food-related deals in the continent.