Kidnappings, explosions, rigged elections - these daily facts of life in Nigeria should be enough to scare off any foreign company.
But as fast-growing nations like China hunger for resources global conglomerates are seeing Nigeria and other volatile regions in Africa as irresistible growth opportunities.
Just today, oil prices jumped on militant threats to pipelines in Nigeria. But big oil behemoths like Chevron (CVX) and Royal Dutch Shell (AMS: RDSA) can't afford to ignore the world's eighth biggest exporter of crude.
Meanwhile, mining giants like Australia's BHP Billiton (BHP) and Britain's Anglo American (AAUK) have descended upon South Africa, competing with local companies like gold fields for the area's vast wealth of precious metals.
And as South Africa enjoys surging economic growth, cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg are cementing their positions as global money centers.
Africa...that's the Fast Money World.
Tim Strazzini likes the iShares MSCI South Africa Index (EZA). He adds the wireless story in Africa is huge.
Eric Bolling says AAUK is the best name in South Africa.
Dylan Ratigan explains Africa isn’t entirely accessible to investors yet, but financial products might rise around Nigeria and Egypt as soon as next year.
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Trader disclosure: On May 14, 2007, the following stocks and commodities mentioned or intended to be mentioned on CNBC’s Fast Money were owned by the Fast Money traders
Strazzini Owns (HLT), (MER);Bolling Owns (ICE), (NMX), (XOM), Gold, Silver, Coffee, Sugar Bolling Is Short S&P Futures Bolling Is Short Nasdaq Futures
