Comrade Bob Comes Out on Top Again

What's the difference between cronies of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and those of Robert Mugabe?

Well, to the best of our knowledge, no one connected with Fannie or Freddie has murdered anyone.

But like ZANU-PF thugs under Comrade Bob, they've got the plunder-and-enrich-yourself thing down pat.

And Africa Confidential reports on the latest power-sharing agreement that is a disservice to the Zimbabweans who have endured so much since 1980. From an investor's perspective, this sticks out:

Experts say it will take at least three years before the economy starts to recover, and that hyperinflation could last another two years. That is under the best conditions – good weather and foreign aid that comes fast and generously.  Donors and investors will be watching to see that change is real and the government competent.

A pure play is LonZim PLC, trading in London under symbol LZM. It is an investment arm of Lonrho PLC, which is an African-wide conglomerate, also trading in London. I think the current market will offer up loads of bargains without taking on the risks of the African Continent -- though the African story is appealing. It's just the these are speculations. And not for the faint of heart.

Then again, shareholders may fare better than those of Fannie and Freddie.