Africa is seen by many in the international investor community as being something of a last frontier, with untapped opportunities that make it the dark continent of global commerce and trade. After all, Africa has a significant population and untapped natural resources that would make it a prime choice for investment. Are you among the growing number interested in investing in Africa? Heres how.

First, though, it should be noted that, given all its potential for profits, Africa still presents a large potential for losses, as well. Many multinational companies that ordinarily would be first in line have stayed away from the region because of its multiple wars and regime changes that have been extremely devastating. While some areas of the continent are fairly established markets, with oil in the north and diamonds in the south being major attractions, much of the central portion remains outside the reach of public markets.

However, investing in Africa, where available, has been made simple with the advent of Africa-centric exchange traded funds (EZA) and mutual funds. These systems, which are traded on U.S. stock exchanges, typically come with built-in diversity for stability and they are much less costly than building a portfolio manually.

South Africa, with its gold, chromium, and platinum production and its growing banking and agriculture sectors, is seen as a viable region to begin investing in Africa. The easiest way to make such an investment is through the MSCI South Africa Index Fund, which is the most popular EFT in the country. It trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, EFT. Another, which has an 80 percent exposure in the country and is more diversified, is the SPDR S&P Middle East and Africa exchange traded fund, or GAF on the New York Stock Exchange.

There are ways of investing in regions of the continent that have not gained the notoriety and popularity of South Africa. These areas have their own vast natural resources, such as gold and copper, which can be invested in through the purchase of commodity EFTs that have an African exposure. Another investment method would be to buy Frontier Market EFTs and Middle Eastern shares that have the specific African national exposure you want. Other popular EFTs include MENA Frontier Countries Portfolio and Market Vectors Africa Index EFT.

Investing in Africa carries with it extremes of benefit and risk. The continent boasts the highest return in the world on direct foreign investments. The lack of infrastructure and people in many regions means that much of its wealth of natural resources remains to be tapped and exploited. Because it is relatively undeveloped, Africa represents the possibility of huge growth in the future.

At the same time, it is this lack of development in so much of Africa that poses increased risk and cost to investors. Often, corrupt governments or regional conflicts can combine to make it difficult and costly for companies to obtain the roads and electricity they need to proceed with resource development plans. Given these factors, are you still interested in investing in Africa? Heres how having a positive outlook can mean as much to your plans as having the money to invest.