But it is unlikely that anyone will match her tenacity in trying to make the stories come true.

ECONOMIST: Alex the African Grey

In 2013, the beads and bones of my childhood point to firm growth for Mozambique, with investment in the country's natural resources sectors, particularly coal and gas, the major driver while the power problems in Tanzania are unlikely to prevent it becoming one of Africa's economic growth stories.

BBC: African Viewpoint: Predictions for 2013

One of the most unlikely nations to compete at the Winter Games has been Kenya, but there are few stories as compelling as that of former middle-distance runner Philip Boit.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS