The growing influence of Japan in the African continent is a trend which will have long-term implications, according to John Maxwell, managing partner of Linklaters in Japan. 'This underpins why many in the market are expecting African countries to remain significant investment destinations for Japanese capital over the next decade,' he told CNBC Africa. 'The investment appetite is huge, with opportunities and a level of return on investment across the energy and infrastructure sectors to match.' 

Mozambique and Kenya

Like Allen & Overy and some other law firms, Linklaters appears to be collecting financial data that used to be seen as being more in the realm of accountants or bankers. Nigeria has been the top African recipient of Asian project finance investment over the last decade, according to the firm (receiving US$22.8b). South Africa comes next - but a long way behind ($6.8b), followed by Mozambique, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Andrew Jones, head of the Linklaters Africa group, said: 'We expect countries such as Nigeria, Mozambique and Kenya to continue to be attractive investment destinations.' Source: CNBC Africa