africapractice Daily Media Monitor

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor and Intelligence Update

Friday 26th March 2010

QUOTE OF DAY

"The positive response by South Africans to the 'Fly the Flag' and the 'Football Friday' campaigns was welcomed as a clear sign that the country is getting ready to welcome and host the world," South African government spokesperson Themba Maseko conveys his excitement at the launch of international road shows aimed at building up football fever ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup

AFRICAN POLITICS

Rwanda, Ethiopia strengthen defence ties – The New Times (RW)

26 March 2010

Rwanda and Ethiopia yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two countries strengthen their defence and military cooperation. Full Story

Danjuma, militants in crucial talks – Vanguard (NG)

26 March 2010

As part of deliberate plans to rejuvenate the entire Amnesty programme and make it more people-oriented, key militants leaders from the oil-rich Niger-Delta yesterday met behind closed doors with the Presidential Advisory Council, PAC, led by Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma. Full Story

UN chief calls for eradication of modern forms of slavery – Afrique En Ligne (FR)

26 March 2010

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday in New York called for renewed international commitment to ensure that all forms of slavery are finally eradicated. Full Story

Angolan government authorised by parliament to negotiation sea border with Congo – Macau Hub (MAC)

26 March 2010

The Angolan government plans to reach a deal with its neighbour the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) before making a request to the United Nations (UN) to increase its sea border, the Minister for Justice said in Luanda. Full Story

Sudanese president reiterates adherence to elections' timetable – Xinhua News (CHN)

26 March 2010

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Thursday reiterated his government's commitment to organize the general elections in the country as scheduled in April. Full Story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

Marcus Says S. African Growth No Threat to Inflation – Bloomberg (US)

26 March 2010

South Africa’s central bank unexpectedly cut its benchmark interest rate to the lowest in at least 12 years yesterday, saying that “subdued” economic growth posed little threat to an improved inflation outlook. Full Story

Tunisia: Services sector to reach 64 % of GDP – African Manager (TUN)

26 March 2010

The Tunisian-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFTCI), Chokri Mamagholi, Secretary of State for Foreign Trade and representatives of companies operating in the service sector, held on Wednesday in Tunis a debate on the upgrading program of services. Full Story

Huge Windfalls Crown State House-China Talks- Cameroon Tribune (CAM)

26 March 2010

A CFA 3,200 million gift, an interest-free loan of the same amount and several agreements were signed after Mr Jia met President Biya at State House yesterday. Full Story

EAC-EU trade deal set for December – The New Times (RW)

26 March 2010

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the East African Community (EAC) and the European Union (EU) will be signed in December this year, John Bosco Kanyangoga, Rwanda’s trade expert has said. Full Story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

EIB, DBSA to jointly fund projects in Africa – Afrique En Ligne (FR)

26 March 2010

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) have agreed to jointly fund, to the tune of 6 million euros, a technical assistance programme on infrastructural development, an official source told PANA here. Full Story

Mozambique’s Moza Banco posts profits of US$2.2 million in 2009 – Macau Hub (2010)

26 March 2010

Mozambican bank Moza Banco, a financial institution with Mozambican capital and part-owned by Macau casino magnate Stanley Ho, posted profit of US$2.2 million in 2009, the bank’s chief executive said Thursday in Maputo. Full Story

Oil and Energy

South Africa eyes Uganda’s oilfields – Daily Monitor (UG)

26 March 2010

President Jacob Zuma said yesterday that Uganda’s recent discoveries of commercial oil reserves present new investment opportunities for South African companies already playing a key role in the country’s telecom, banking and beverages sector. Full Story

British corporation says equipment now ready for Tanzania offshore oil search – IPP Media (TZ)

26 March 2010

Dominion Petroleum Limited, the London listed oil company among foreign firms highly active in the East African search for hydrocarbons, says it is now ready for its deep sea oil search in Tanzanian territorial waters. Full Story

Metals and Mining

AngloGold Sets Up Venture With State-Run Congo Miner – Bloomberg (US)

26 March 2010

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd., Africa’s biggest producer of the metal, set up a joint venture with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s state-owned mining company to develop its Ashanti Goldfields Kilo project. Full Story

RB’s promise paying off – Times of Zambia (ZAM)

26 March 2010

President Rupiah Banda is today expected to re-open the Munali Nickel Mine, which was closed last year as a result of the global financial crisis, which led to the collapse of metal prices on the foreign market. Full Story

Itochu’s Africa Uranium Project to Get JOGMEC Financing - Bloomberg (US)

26 March 2010

Itochu Corp.’s project to mine for uranium in Namibia, Africa, will receive 4 billion yen ($43 million) in financing from the state-owned Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp. Full Story

Technology and Communications

Kagame to chair ITU commission - New Times (RW)

26 March 2010

President Paul Kagame is set to chair the new global broadband commission, an initiative that will be put in place by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to implement broadband initiatives. Full Story

Zain gives nod to Bharti to buy African unit – Vanguard (NG)

26 March 2010

African and Middle East telecommunications operator, Zain, yesterday, confirmed that its board has met in consideration of selling its African unit, Zain Africa BV to Bharti Airtel of India for $8.3 billion. Full Story

Comoros to get high speed internet connection Speed internet connection – Afrique En Ligne (FR)

26 March 2010

The operation to connect Comoros to the world optic fibber network will start on Saturday, the day after the arrival in Moroni of the boat to connect the submarine cable, Ahmed Abdou, Technical Manager of the Comoros telecommunication company, Comores Telecoms, said on Thursday. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

IRST to launch Biodiesel bus – The New Times (RW)

26 March 2010

The Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (IRST) will today launch the Rwanda Biodiesel Express Bus. Full Story

Signing of Rusumo border pact today – IPP Media (TZ)

26 March 2010

Tanzania and Rwanda are expected to sign today a bilateral agreement to make Rusumo border crossing a one-stop border post. Full Story

Agriculture

Australia eyes COMESA partnership to link farmers with export markets – The Post (ZAM)

26 March 2010

The Australian government has expressed interest in partnering with COMESA's Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) in linking small-scale farmers to export markets. Full Story

FRA urges DACOs to advise farmers on maize drying – The Post (ZAM)

26 March 2010

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has urged District Agriculture Coordinators (DACOs) to sensitise farmers on how to effectively dry their maize because the agency shall not purchase a crop which has high moist content. Full Story

Other

Heineken, Diageo brewery in South Africa malt plant deal – Reuters (US)

25 March 2010

The facility is part of the two beverage giants' efforts to step up their competition with SABMiller (SAB.L) (SABJ.J) on its home turf. The two brewers are not investing any money in the malting plant, but the funds for its construction will come from Fabcos, the company said. Full Story

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

World deforestation decreased over the past 10 years, FAO report – Afrique En Ligne (FR)

26 March 2010

World deforestation, mainly the conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land, has decreased over the past 10 years but continues at an alarmingly high rate in many countries, FAO announced Thursday. Full Story

Ethiopia calls for common stand from developing countries at climate change negotiations in Mexico – Xinhua News (CHN)

26 March 2010

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said on Thursday that developing countries should have common stand at the climate change negotiations expected to be held in Cancun, Mexico. Full Story

The Green Revolution's new avatar – IRIN (US)

25 March 2010

The Green Revolution has a new avatar: transformed Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D), and food experts hope it will provide the panacea for hunger. Full Story

Ethiopia's rush to build mega dams sparks protests – The Guardian (UK)

24 March 2010

At the foot of a towering gorge slicing through southern Ethiopia the Omo river suddenly disappears into a tunnel bored into the rockface. Full Story

AFRICAN EDUCATION

Zambia fights poverty with schooling – BBC (UK)

26 March 2010

In the dark, cramped room she shares with her three younger siblings, 15-year-old Christine Makiya rises from her bed on the floor and kneels to say her prayers. Full Story

Japan provides equipment worth 445,555 USD to National Museum of Ethiopia – Walta Info (ETH)

25 March 2010

Japanese ambassador to Ethiopia, Kinichi Komano here on Thursday handed over equipment for hominid fossil related facilities in donation to the National Museum of Ethiopia. Full Story

Education crucial to lowering prevalence – IRIN News

25 March 2010

HIV prevalence among Tanzanians who attended secondary school fell sharply between 2004 and 2008, while remaining stable among the country's least educated people, a new study has revealed. Full Story

AFRICAN BLOGOSPHERE

StreetSpark coming to South Africa – South African Tech (SA)

26 March 2010

StreetSpark is an iPhone app that has taken the UK by storm, and now it is coming to South Africa. The developer of the application popped a comment on my blog with the press release quoted below. Full Story

Can Ghana avoid the oil curse – Reuters Blog (US)

25 March 2010

With a democratic touch rare in a region better known for dictators, Ghana is asking its citizens what it should do with the windfall from oil production due to start later this year. Full Story

The Best Smart Phones for Global Development – Appfrica (UG)

20 March 2010

The growing needs for workers heading into the field are becoming far more high-tech than in years past. Full Story

Is Africa underpopulated? – Katine Chronicles Blog, The Guardian (UK)

26 March 2010

It was not absolutely clear whether it was a moment to cheer or cry. In December, shortly after the participants in a UN conference on family planning had broken up in Kampala, Africa's billionth baby was born. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor and Intelligence Update

Thursday 25th March 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“…Partnerships – whether with local farmers’ associations or international institutions such as the World Bank and African Development Bank – are the key to ensuring the Green Revolution takes root across the continent and unlocking Africa’s enormous agricultural potential.” Kofi Annan, Chair of the Board Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and former Secretary General to the UN speaking to the Daily Monitor

AFRICAN POLITICS

Constitution: Senate set to pass 35 Amendments – This Day (NG)

25 March 2010

The Senate voted yesterday, by two-thirds majority, to approve independent candidature to liberalise the political space. It also approved the removal of panel indictment as basis for disqualifying candidates from election. Full story

China wants to evolve military cooperation with Angola - ANGOP (ANG)

24 March 2010

A high rank delegation from the chinese defense ministry arrived wednesday on a four day official visit to identify possible fields of cooperation with the angolan government. Full story

EU forces frees ‘Somali’ pirates - BBC (UK)

25 March 2010

The EU's naval force has freed six Somali pirate suspects, a day after they were captured trying to hijack a vessel off the East African coast. Full story

Botswana ruling party dissidents to form new party – AFP (FR)

24 March 2010

Three top members of Botswana's ruling party are set to form a rival faction, officials said Tuesday, accusing President Ian Khama of undermining democracy with his heavy-handed leadership. Full story

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan Arrives in Kenya – AHN (US)

25 March 2010

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan arrived in Kenya on Tuesday for a four-day visit during which he is expected to chair a meeting of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), of which he is chairman of the board of directors. Full story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

Parliament receives policy on budget – The Standard (KEN)

24 March 2010.

The annual rate of inflation fell from 14.6 per cent in February 2009 to 4.7 per cent in January. This is contained in the Budget Policy Statement tabled in Parliament yesterday which also shows annual inflation during the review period dropping to 8.5 per cent, down from 16.8 per cent. Full story

Red-tape blamed for delay in release of Sh17bn stimulus – Business Daily (KEN)

25 March 2010

The economic stimulus package will not be fully disbursed this financial year, a development which casts doubt on the government’s plan to kick-start the economy through targeted funding. Full story

China, Cameroon Sign Accords on Road, Postal, Energy Projects – Bloomberg (US)

25 March 2010

China and Cameroon signed eight cooperation agreements on projects in the agriculture, energy, road, postal, and information and communications technology industries in the Central African country. Full story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

Kenya drops interest rate to enhance access to credit – Business Report (SA)

25 March 2010

A Kenyan central bank rate cut caught the market unawares and would lead to a drop in short-term rates, but there could be a transmission delay to long-term credit, traders and analysts said yesterday. Full story

Oil and Energy

Zuma in Kampala, eyes Ugandan oil – Times Live (SA)

25 March 2010

President Jacob Zuma arrived in Kampala for a two-day state visit, heading a large delegation expected to explore investment opportunities in Uganda's new-found oil wealth. Full story

S.Africa Oil Companies May Collude for World Cup, Bus. Day Says. – Bloomberg (US)

25 March 2010

South African oil companies have been exempted from some competition law provisions to allow cooperation during the soccer World Cup tournament, Business Day said, citing Sou
th African Petroleum Industry Association Executive Director Avhapfani Tshifularo. Full story

Govt shares $4.8bn from excess crude oil account – Vanguard (NG)

25 March 2010

The amount saved from oil windfall in the country’s excess crude revenue account has been further depleted with the sharing of $4.8 billion among the three tiers of government in the country in March. Full story

Metals and Mining

Sinosteel plans to Expand Zimbabwe Ferrochrome Output by 30%

25 March 2010

Sinosteel Corp China’s biggest iron-ore trader, plans to expand capacity at its ferrochrome plant in Zimbabwe by as much as 30 percent, an executive at the company’s African unit said. Full story

Technology and Communications

Nu-World: earning to rise at least 160%– Business Report (SA)

25 March 2010

Nu-World expected an increase in earnings a share of between 160 percent and 170 percent for the six months to February on the back of a restructuring programme, the electronics and appliances company said yesterday. Full story

Bharti Airtel buys Zain’s African assets for Sh693 billion – The Standard (KEN)

24 March 2010

Zain’s ill-fated adventure in Africa is virtually over after its board approved the sale of most of its assets on the continent to India’s Bharti Airtel for $9 billion (Sh693 billion under current exchange rates), sources said. Full story

Transport and Infrastructure

Citadel wins battle for railway firm – Business Daily (KEN)

24 March 2010

A boardroom deal struck with the help of the World Bank has left Rift Valley Railways, the company that runs the Kenya-Uganda railway, in the hands of three shareholders and an Egyptian private equity firm, Citadel Capital as majority shareholder. Full story

Agriculture

Old Mutual, Futuregrowth to Raise 6 Billion Rand Funds for Farms – Bloomberg (US)

25 March 2010

Old Mutual Plc and Futuregrowth Asset Management plan to each raise 3 billion rand for two funds that will buy farmland in Africa. Full story

S.Africa firms launch $408 mln farmland fund – Reuters (SA)

25 March 2010

Two South African asset management firms launched a 3 billion rand farmland investment fund on Wednesday that is expected to help boost agricultural development in Africa's biggest economy. Full story

Africa is capable of feeding itself – Daily Monitor (UG)

23 March 2010

African scientists are developing new and improved crop varieties. The continent’s farmers are enthusiastically putting into practice techniques like drip irrigation to make the best of every drop of water. African governments are making transforming agriculture a top priority. Full story.

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

Central African gorillas may disappear via illicit trade– Guardian News (NG)

25 March 2010

A new report of the United Nations (UN) and INTERPOL, the world's largest international police organization has found that gorillas may largely disappear from large parts of the Greater Congo Basin by the mid 2020s unless urgent action is taken to safeguard habitats and counter poaching. Full story

Ivory Stockpile Sale Rejected by U.N. – Epoch Times (US)

24 March 2010

Zambia and Tanzania’s request to hold a one-off sale for their ivory stockpile, valued of approximately $15 million, were rejected during the U.N.'s Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) annual meeting in Doha. Full story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor and Intelligence Update

Wednesday 24th March 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

”We believe that North Africa is ideal for renewable energy technologies,” Pia Alina Lange, First Solar spokeswoman speaking about prospects for solar and other renewable energy projects in Africa.

AFRICAN POLITICS

Kenya Goes E-Voting In 2012, As Ghana Dithers – Ghana Web (GH)

24 March 2010

Kenya, keen on preventing the kind of violence that followed the general election of December 2007, has resorted to the introduction of electronic voting for the 2012 general election. Full Story

Nigeria leader Goodluck Jonathan 'chooses cabinet' – BBC (UK)

24 March 2010

Nigeria's acting President Goodluck Jonathan has nominated a list of ministers, sources say, a week after he sacked his entire cabinet. Full Story

Voting whether Namibia is a ‘shining example’ – The Namibian (NA)

24 March 2010

Is the score ten out of ten for democracy, as Namibia emerges from its teens? Since free speech and exchanging ideas are core to a strong and durable democracy, a good way to check Namibia’s progress was a debate last Thursday night in the historic chambers of Britain’s Houses of Parliament. Full Story

Somali Backlash May Be Militants’ Worst Foe – New York Times (US)

24 March 2010

For the past three years, the Shabab, one of Africa’s most fearsome militant Islamist groups, have been terrorizing the Somali public, chopping off hands, stoning people to death and banning TV, music and even bras in their quest to turn Somalia into a seventh-century-style Islamic state. Full Story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

Hyundai mulls local assembly; establishing commercial vehicle dealerships – Engineering News (SA)

22 March 2010

Hyundai Automotive South Africa is mulling local assembly at the proposed multi-brand East London vehicle assembly plant, says CEO Alan Ross. Full Story

South African Inflation Rate Drops to Three-Year Low – Bloomberg (US)

24 March 2010

South Africa’s inflation rate fell to a three-year low of 5.7 percent in February, easing into the central bank’s target range for the first time in three months as a stronger rand helped to curb import costs. Full Story

Angolan imports from Argentina hit US$200 million - African Manager (TUN)

24 March 2010

Angolan imports from Argentina amounted to US$200 million in the last two years, the Argentine ambassador in Angola, Juan Agustin Caballero said in Luanda on Tuesday. Full Story

Angola is strong trading partner for US in sub-Saharan Africa – Macau Hub (MAC)

24 March 2010

Angola continues to be one of the United States’ main trading partners in sub-Saharan Africa according to a study from the US Congress Research Center. Full Story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

Bourse: Regional bourse rises higher - Afrique en Ligne (FR)

24 March 2010

The Regional Bourse for the French West Africa (BRVM) in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, closed trading on Tuesday slightly higher than it did Monday. Full Story

Authority collects close to 18 bln birr revenue in half budget year - Walta Info (ETH)

23 March 2010

The Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) said it has collected close to 18 billion birr revenue in the first half of this budget year. Full Story

De Beers Renews Loan Facilities, Cuts Debt – Wall Street Journal (US)

24 March 2010

The world's largest producer of rough diamonds said it has refinanced its banking facilities and successfully tapped its shareholders for $1 billion to repay debt. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Mozambique Electricity to Spend $289 Million by 2013 - Bloomberg (US)

24 March 2010

Electricidade de Mocambique, the state-owned power utility, plans to spend $289 million on an electrification program in the southern African country by 2013, Chief Executive Officer Manuel Cuambe said. Full Story

Tullow Oil Eyes East Africa – Wall Street Journal (US)

24 March 2010

Tullow Oil PLC is looking for more opportunities in East Africa following exploration successes in Uganda. Full Story

Metals and Mining

Australian explorer buys stake in Namibia uranium project - Mining Weekly (SA)

24 March 2010

Australian resources company Oklo Uranium has acquired a 70% interest in the Hoasib uranium project, in Namibia, in a A$20-million cash-and-share deal. Full Story

Technology and Communications

Boeing ‘Maintenance Tool’ attracts key African airlines - African Manager (TUN)

24 March 2010

Moving to enhance maintenance efficiency, Kenya Airways and TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola have signed up for the Boeing Maintenance Performance Toolbox, as part of each airline’s programme to improve dispatch reliability through the use of e-enabled technologies. Full Story

DABRA 2010 beckons at journalists – The Guardian (NG)

23 March 2010

The closing date for the participation by Nigerian business journalists in the 2010 edition of Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards (DABRA) is fast approaching. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

European Union provides funding to Guinea Bissau to rebuild roads and bridges - Macau Hub (MAC)

24 March 2010

The European Union (EU) plans to provide Guinea Bissau with a total of 3 million Euros for the rebuilding of some bridges and roads and to help set up the legal framework for management of the road sector, under the terms of a document signed Tuesday in Bissau. Full Story

Israeli group proposes to build 100,000 houses in Angola - Macau Hub (MAC)

24 March 2010

Israeli construction company LR Group plans to build 100,000 social houses in Angola as part of the government programme to build 1 million homes by 2012, the group’s director for Angola said in Luanda. Full Story

Agriculture

Rice growing: Mali gets 7.5 billion CFAF loan from Kuwait – Afrique en Ligne (FR)

24 March 2010

The Kuwait Fund has granted a loan of 7.5 billion CFAF to Mali for an Irrigation Development Programme in Bani and Selingue basins, under an agreement signed Monday in the Malian capital, Bamako. Full Story

Kenyan Coffee Prices Fall by 3.5% as Quality Declines – Bloomberg (US)

24 March 2010

Kenyan coffee prices fell 3.5 percent at an auction yesterday as the quality of the beans declined, the Nairobi Coffee Exchange said. Full Story

Other

SA identified as a partner country in new Brazilian aviation programme – Engineering News (SA)

24 March 2010

The commander of the Brazilian Air Force, General Juniti Saito, has told the media in his country that South Africa has been “confirmed” as a partner in the $1,3-billion Embraer KC-390 military transport and tanker aircraft programme. Full Story

Nujoma drives Nam-China trade promotion – The Namibian (NA)

24 March 2010

“We want to charter Air Namibia and fill it up with Namibian products,” the Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, yesterday quoted former President Sam Nujoma promoting trade between the two countries. Full Story

Ghana's Biometric Passport Launched – Ghana Web (GH)

23 March 2010

Ghana is today joining eight of her colleague ECOWAS States to issue Biometric passports to its citizens. It’s expected that the new passport which has high security features will significantly reduce challenges such as theft and other fraudulent activities associated the old passport. Full Story

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

Gorillas in danger from hunters, timber trade, warfare in central Africa, UN report says – Winnipeg Free Press (CAN)

24 March 2010

Gorillas in central Africa are in danger from illegal logging, mining and from hunters who are killing great apes for meat, said a joint report from the United Nations and Interpol released Wednesday. Full Story

Rare animals are being 'eaten to extinction' – Telegraph (UK)

24 March 2010

Research in the Congo Basin in Africa found more than three million tonnes of 'bush meat' is being extracted from the area every year, the equivalent of butchering 740,000 bull elephants. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor and Intelligence Update

Tuesday 23rd March 2010

Quote of the Day:

“Africa’s dependence on rice imports is no longer sustainable. The time has come to transform rice production into an engine for economic growth across the continent.” Dr. Papa A. Seck, director general of AfricaRice, speaking at the Africa Rice Congress 2010 in Mali

AFRICAN POLITICS

Sudan threat to expel poll monitors – Al Jazeera (QA)

23 March 2010

Sudan's president has threatened to expel international election monitors after they called for a delay in the country's first multi-party elections in 24 years. Full Story

Niger's ruling junta leader receives AU special envoy – Afrique En Ligne (FR)

23 March 2010

Niger ruling junta leader, Squadron Leader Djibo Salou, on Monday received the special envoy of the chairman of the African Union Commission, Professor Albert Tevoedjre. Full Story

DRC: UN may withdraw 2 000 troops – News 24 (SA)

23 March 2010

The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Monuc) is planning the withdrawal of 2 000 troops at the end of June, the UN sources said on Monday. Full Story

El Baradei returns to Egypt - News 24 (SA)

23 March 2010

Mohammed ElBaradei, who has campaigned for political reform in Egypt since leaving his post at the top of the UN nuclear agency, has quietly returned to Cairo. Full Story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

Italy ups support for Mozambique's state budget – Macau Hub (MAC)

23 March 2010

The Italian government will provide 12 million euros to support the Mozambican state budget during the three-year period 2010-12, per the terms of an agreement signed on Monday in Maputo. Full Story

Low deficit fuels rand strength – News 24 (SA)

23 March 2010

SA's current account deficit - often described as the Achilles' heel of the economy - narrowed to only 2.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter of last year from 3.1% in the third, explaining why the rand has been so strong. Full Story

Int'l donors raise 841 mln USD for Darfur reconstruction – Xinhua News (CHN)

22 March 2010

The International Donors Conference for the Reconstruction of Darfur wrapped up here on Sunday with pledges to provide 841 million U.S. dollars for development and reconstruction projects in the war-torn Sudanese region. Full Story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

Investrust Bank anticipates growth in lending capacity – The Post (ZAM)

23 March 2010

Investrust Bank plc has stated that the successful closure of lines of credit with international financial institutions (IFI) will enable the bank to grow its lending capacity. Full Story

BoN raps banks over the knuckles – The Namibian (NAM)

23 March 2010

The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has lashed out against the public reaction to the proposed amendments on the Banking Institutions Act and Payments Systems Management Act tabled in Parliament recently, saying the statements ... Full Story

Stanbic Uganda Says Its Full-Year Profit Jumped 21% - Bloomberg (US)

23 March 2010

Stanbic Bank Uganda Ltd., the country’s biggest lender, said full-year profit jumped 21 percent after deposits, loans and advances to customers grew. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Dunavant oil plant cheers State – Times of Zambia (ZAM)

23 March 2010

Government has commended Dunavant Zambia Limited (DZL) for setting up an oil plant in Katete.The move is a good example of creating employment for the Zambian people both on permanent and seasonal arrangements. Full Story

FG to flood domestic market with gas – Vanguard (NG)

23 March 2010

The former Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, has assured Nigerians of adequate gas supply for domestic use as efforts are intensified to get Brass NLG and other gas plants in the country on stream. Full Story

Metals and Mining

Temasek Seeks Mining Investments in Africa, Mongolia – Bloomberg (US)

23 March 2010

Temasek Holdings Pte., Singapore’s state-owned investment company, is “fairly bullish” about mining investments and is seeking opportunities in Africa, Mongolia and the rest of the world. Full Story

Equinox reaches settlement with ZESCO – The Post (ZAM)

22 March 2010

Equinox Minerals Limited, the holding company of Lumwana mine and ZESCO have signed a settlement for the payment of US $4 million electrical charges incurred during the construction phase of the mine. Full Story

Technology and Communications

Rwandatel introduces high speed internet modem – The New Times (RW)

23 March 2010

Rwanda’s largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) by market share, Rwandatel, has introduced a new internet modem. Full Story

African telecoms to Rival Middle East – IT News Africa (SA)

23 March 2010

Since 2001, Investment into the African telecommunications sector has hit $18bn, however Africa has missed many opportunities to deploy cable infrastructure to the same extent as its competitive continents such as the Middle East and Asia. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

Mozambican cities of Inhambane and Maxixe to have permanent drinking water supply – Macau Hub (MAC)

23 March 2010

The cities of Inhambane and Maxixe will have a permanent 24-hour supply of potable water following completion of the project to restore and expand the respective systems, Mozambique’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing has indicated. Full Story

Rehabilitation of Eastern and Western Rail line to start soon – Ghana Web (GH)

23 March 2010

Rehabilitation of the Eastern and Central rail lines will soon begin at the cost of 2 billion dollars, Mrs. Peace Aku Attivor, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, has disclosed. Similarly, government had invested 25 million dollars in the Western rail lines mainly to help the mining industry. Full Story

Airlines Swoop In on Growing African Market – Wall Street Journal (US)

23 March 2010

Airlines world-wide have been slashing flights to match dropping demand amid the economic crisis, but one unlikely region is bucking the trend: Africa. Full Story

Agriculture

Mozambique may become cereal exporter after 2015 – Macau Hub (MAC)

23 March 2010

Mozambique may become a cereal exporter starting in 2015, when its government hopes to achieve food self-sufficiency with the help of technical and financial aid from Japan and Brazil, an official from the Mozambican Agriculture Ministry ... Full Story

Let's create a brand for the local rice - Ghana Web (GH)

22 March 2010

The General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) of GTUC is leading a campaign that aims at branding the locally produced rice. Full Story

Other

Tanzania-Chinese company to manufacture construction equipment beginning Saturday – IPP Media (TZ)

22 March 2010

A Tanzanian company, Complete International, in collaboration with a Chinese firm, Changlin Company, plan to spend USD3m in a period of five months in a project to produce construction equipment beginning Saturday. Full Story

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

Flood victims to get long-term help – Times of Zambia (ZAM)

23 March 2010

Vice-President George Kunda has assured people affected by foods that Government will work hard to ensure that a lasting solution to the problem is found. Full Story

10,000 people at risk as new cracks emerge on Mt. Elgon – Daily Monitor (UG)

23 March 2010

The government last night ordered settlers on Mt. Elgon slopes to evacuate following discovery of 5-kilometre uphill fissure likely to trigger landslides that could kill some 10,000 people. Full Story

Gabon: SEEG provides educational kit on rational use of water – Afrique En Ligne (FR)

23 March 2010

The Gabonese Energy and Water Supply Company (SEEG) has offered educational kits to the "Association generation eau claire" with a view to raising awareness among pupils, aged between nine and 11 years, on the rational use of water. Full Story

40 hurt in Niger bee attack – News 24 (SA)

23 March 2010

Angry bees attacked villagers in southwestern Niger after being disturbed on Monday, putting more than 40 badly-stung residents in hospital and killing some of their animals, private radio Anfani reported. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor and Intelligence Update

Friday 22nd March 2010

Quote of the Day:

"There is a need for us to have vibrant, positive relations with political leadership and the civil society, and a free media would play a crucial role in promoting national cohesion and development" The Nation Media Chief Executive, Linus Gitahi speaking at the closing ceremonies of the Africa Media Conference in Nairobi.

African Politics

US sees food security as next big Africa push - Mail & Guardian (SA)

22 March 2010

The Obama administration will put food security at the heart of its Africa policy, as it seeks to enhance ongoing US efforts on trade, investment and HIV/Aids on the continent, a top United States diplomat said. Full Story

Zambia, Congo Seek Funds to Mark Border – Wall Street Journal (US)

22 March 2010

Zambia and Congo are seeking funds to resurvey and demarcate their common border in a bid to improve security and end border disputes in the mineral-rich region, the Zambia-Congo joint permanent commission said Monday. Full Story

Djibouti president hints at third term – Reuters (UK)

22 March 2010

The president of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh signalled in an interview that he was prepared to run for a third six-year term if lawmakers amend the constitution in the small Horn of Africa nation. Full Story

African Economy

East Africa: Impatient EU Pushes for Progress on EPA Trade Deal – Inter Press Service (IT)

22 March 2010

The European Commission (EC) is increasing the pressure on the East African Community (EAC) to sign the free trade deal known as an economic partnership agreement with the EU. Full Story

Ethiopia May Start Regular T-Bill Auctions, Capital Reports – Bloomberg (US)

22 March 2010

Ethiopia is considering starting fortnightly treasury bill auctions in an effort to stem monetary growth in the Horn of Africa nation, Capital said. Full Story

Why coal is the best way to power South Africa's growth – Pravin Gordhan, South Africa's Finance Minister -Washington Post (US)

22 March 2010

Today, the South African economy is two-thirds larger than it was in 1994, when Nelson Mandela took office as the country's first democratically elected president. With this growth has come strong new demand for electricity. Millions of previously marginalized South Africans are now on the grid. Unfortunately, as in other major emerging economies, supply has not kept pace. Full Story

African Business

Banking and Finance

Small businesses in Angola to benefit from US$20 million credit – African Manager (TUN)

22 March 2010

Small businesses in Angola will this year benefit from US$20 million micro credit package made available by Sol Bank. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Zanzibar to invest over $150 million in power projects – Africa Investor (SA)

22 March 2010

The semi-autonomous Zanzibar islands will invest more than $150 million over the next two years in power projects to alleviate frequent electricity outages, President Amani Abeid Karume said. Full Story

PIB: How oil communities can enjoy 10% equity, by FG – Vanguard (NG)

22 March 2010

The Federal Government has said the condition for oil communities in the Niger Delta to enjoy the proposed ten percent equity in the Petroleum Industry Bill was for them to ensure safety of oil installations in their areas. Full Story

Metals and Mining

African Barrick Gold raises £581m in London IPO – Mining Weekly (SA)

22 March 2010

African Barrick Gold (ABG), a spin-off company for TSX-listed Barrick Gold’s African assets, on Friday raised £581,2-million in an initial public offering (IPO) on the London-bourse. Full Story

Technology and Communications

Bharti Arranges Zain Financing; Debt May Damp Earnings (Update1) – Bloomberg (US)

22 March 2010

Bharti Airtel Ltd.moved a step closer to its proposed $9 billion acquisition of Zain’s African assets after it arranged funding for 90 percent of the bid, a level of debt that may drag on earnings for the next year. Full Story

East African Undersea Cable Lands in Kenya Ahead of Schedule – Bloomberg (US)

22 March 2010

The East African Submarine System, a fiber-optic cable linking 20 African countries, landed at the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa today, two weeks ahead of schedule, James Wekesa, the chief commercial officer of the West Indian Ocean Cable Co., said. Full Story

Biometric passports, middlemen not needed, GIS Officer - Ghana Web (GH)

22 March 2010

GNA - The services of middlemen are not needed to process the biometric passports, Mr Frank Nunoo, Assistant Superintendent Officer (ASO) of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Sekondi has reiterated. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

New R6,7bn King Shaka airport gets set for takeoff – Engineering News (SA)

22 March 2010

With about six weeks to go, developers of South Africa’s second-largest transport infrastructural project, after the Gautrain, the R6,7-billion greenfield King Shaka International Airport, in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), insist that the project will be ready for ‘takeoff’ on May 1. Full Story

Athi River of Kenya plans bond sale to fund new cement plant – Africa Investor (SA)

19 March 2010

Athi River Mining Ltd., a Kenyan cement manufacturer, plans to sell 1.6 billion shillings ($20.8 million) worth of bonds in April or May to help fund the building of a new cement plant and a clinker unit in Tanzania. Full Story

$18bn African Investment - but can the Middle East take the call? – Africa Investor (SA)

19 March 2010

Since 2001, Investment into the African telecommunications sector has hit $18bn, however Africa has missed many opportunities to deploy cable infrastructure to the same extent as its competitive continents such as the Middle East and Asia. Full Story

Agriculture

Oil tycoon brews up Africa tea project to help poor – Herald Scotland (UK)

22 March 2010

Sir Ian Wood is launching a £6 million project in Tanzania by helping 31,000 smallholders double their tea production. Full Story

Cameroon’s Cocoa Exports Dropped 37% in January, Council Says – Bloomberg (US)

22 March 2010

Cameroon, the world’s fifth-biggest cocoa producer, shipped 37 percent fewer beans in January than a year earlier, the Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council said. Full Story

Other

Angolan government to decree reduction in price of land - Macau Hub (MAC)

22 March 2010

The Angolan government is preparing a decree that will set the cost of land across the country in order to allow real estate promoters to offer lower prices, the Minister for Urbanism and Construction said Saturday in Luanda. Full Story

Rwanda Village at World Cup inaugurated – New Times (RW)

22 March 2010

Prime Minister Bernard Makuza, yesterday officially launched Rwanda Village, an illustration of the country’s past and present cultural heritage. Rwanda Village which contains Rwandan manufactured products, Kigali city Master Plan, ICT, art and craft, cultural dances, as the backbone of the country’s tradition will be showcased in the World Cup hosting cities of Durban and Tswane. Full Story

African Environment

Gabon's green ambition for Africa – President Ali Bongo of Gabon - Guardian (UK)

20 March 2010

This month Gabon holds the presidency of the UN security council. It has given me cause to reflect on the state of peace and security in the world today. The more I have thought about it, the more prominent I view the position of Africa within the global community. Full Story

African nations at loggerheads over auction of ivory stockpiles – Guardian (UK)

20 March 2010

It is the most divisive environmental issue in Africa. Last week the temperature in the already heated debate over whether to allow ivory sales rose sharply as Tanzania and Zambia sought permission to sell their stockpiles to Japan and China. Full Story

Africa can feed itself - Kofi Annan - Business Day (SA)

22 March 2010

Today’s celebration of World Water Day is a call for action over one of the greatest challenges we face – ensuring a growing population has access to clean and sufficient water so that it can feed itself. Increased pressure on already scarce water supplies in many parts of the world is a prime cause of famine, disease and, increasingly, conflict. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor and Intelligence Update

Wednesday 17th March 2010

Quote of the Day:

"China's commodity demand is underpinning Africa's growth performance. As trade supply links become more entrenched, a component of China's growth depends on Africa's ability to supply" Martyn Davies, head of the Frontier Advisory firm, describing Africa's emerging strategic role in the global economy, speaking to delegates at the Oil and Gas Expo Africa in Cape Town

African Politics

Jan 22 for 2011 presidential polls – Vanguard (NG)

17 March 2010

If everything goes as planned, the 2011 polls will begin with the National Assembly elections on January 8, while the Presidential elections will hold on January 22. Full Story

Fresh clashes in central Nigeria kill 11 – Reuters (US)

17 March 2010

At least 11 people have been killed in an attack on a village close to the central Nigerian city of Jos, a region where hundreds have died in sectarian violence this year, state radio said on Wednesday. Full Story

Final results of Togo election expected on Thursday - Xinhua News (CHN)

17 March 2010

Togo's Constitutional Court will on Thursday announce the final results of the March 4 presidential elections, according to state television. Full Story

Gadaffi suggests Nigeria split – BBC Worldwide (UK)

16 March 2010

Libya's Colonel Muammar Quadhafi has suggested Nigeria be split into two states along religious lines to stem the recent upsurge in violence there. Full Story

African Economy

Food Prices Drive Inflation Down To 9.6 Pct In Feb – IPP Media (TZ)

17 March 2010

Tanzania`s inflation rate fell below 10 per cent in February for the first time since August 2008, data showed on Monday, and the government said it was confident it would slow further over the next few months. Full Story

OPDO chairperson urges residents to scale up dev't efforts – Walta Information (ETH)

16 March 2010

Chairperson of the Oromo People's Democratic Organization (OPDO), Abadula Gemeda, said ongoing development endeavors should be scaled up in order to expedite economic growth of the country. Full Story

Ghana’s economy size now $35bn – My Joy Online (GH)

17 March 2010

Ghana's economy appears to be much bigger than the $16 billion that was earlier estimated. Full Sto

African Business

Banking and Finance

BOZ acts to lower interest rates – Times of Zambia (ZAM)

17 March 2010

Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has now started issuing licensing to micro financial institutions (MFIs) to be accepting deposits from customers to push down interest rates. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Norwegians to build power plant in Hoima – Daily Monitor (UG)

17 March 2010

Uganda’s oil and gas looks likely to power a Norwegian-built thermal power plant in Hoima District by the second half of 2011, Tullow Oil confirmed Tuesday. Full Story

Africa should harness Chinese oil-interest: analyst - AFP (FR)
16 March 2010
African states should harness Chinese interest as Beijing's demand for commodities drives growth on the continent and fuels capital investments, an energy conference heard on Tuesday. Full story.

Energy ministry seeks control at KPLC – Daily Nation (KEN)

17 March 2010

The Energy ministry on Tuesday announced it would be seeking to acquire a controlling stake in Kenya’s only electricity distribution company. Full Story

Financiers urge reform to launch Africa power deals - Engineering News (SA)

17 March 2010

Red tape and lack of well-structured projects, rather than external funding crimped by the global downturn, are the main hurdles to boosting capacity in Africa's power sector, financiers said on Tuesday. Full Story

OPEC meeting will be uneventful: Libya – Reuters (US)

17 March 2010

OPEC's meeting on Wednesday will not produce any surprises, the head of Libya's OPEC delegation Shokri Ghanem told Reuters an hour ahead of its scheduled start. Full Story

Chinese companies interested in East Timor’s electricity – Macau Hub (MAC)

17 March 2010

Chinese companies are interested in the electricity sector in East Timor, both in production and distribution, the Chinese ambassador to East Timor, Fu Yancong said in Dili Tuesday. Full Story

Metals and Mining

Australia’s Riversdale Mining plans to bring start of production forward in Mozambique – Macau Hub (MAC)

17 March 2010

Australian company Riversdale Mining plans to start coal production at its mine in Benga,, Mozambique, sooner than had been projected due to a rise in demand, the company’s vice president said Tuesday in Johannesburg. Full Story

Niger junta asked to review mining contracts – Afrique en Ligne (FR)

16 March 2010

Head of Niger's ruling junta Salou Djibo has been asked to review all mining contracts signed by the country's authorities. Full Story

Technology and Communications

NHA to introduce fast track building technology this year – The Post (ZAM)

17 March 2010

The National Housing Authority (NHA) will in the second quarter of this year introduce fast track building technology that will reduce construction costs by 30 per cent. Full Story

TaCRI, Nestle team up to train coffee scientists – IPP Media (TZ)

17 March 2010

Coffee farmers in the country have been urged to practice modern cultivation using quality coffee plants from the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute (TaCRI) for better harvests and income development. Full Story

Bharti Said to Plan Agreement on $8.5 Billion Loan This Week – Bloomberg (US)

17 March 2010

Bharti Airtel Ltd. plans to agree to terms with banks this week for an $8.5 billion loan that would help it buy most of Zain’s African assets, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

More rot exposed at AirNam – The Namibian (NAM)

17 March 2010

Irregular practices related to the employment and licensing of pilots at Air Namibia have been confirmed by a high-ranking Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA) official. Full Story

Agriculture

Tea farmers lobby for high farm gate prices – The New Times (RW)

17 March 2010

Stakeholders in the tea sector will on Thursday, meet the Ministry of Agriculture to negotiate the possible increase of farm gate prices. Full Story

Uganda to Develop Coffee Resistant to Wilt Disease, Agency Says – Bloomberg (US)

17 March 2010

Uganda, Africa’s second-largest coffee producer, plans to develop strains of the plant which are resistant to wilt disease, which has killed half the country’s robusta trees in less than 20 years, Café Africa Uganda said. Full Story

NATSAVE targets farmers in new loan scheme – The Post (ZAM)

16 March 2010

National Savings and Credit Bank (NATSAVE) has launched a hire purchase loan facility with an initial investment of K2 billion targeted at small-scale farmers. Full Story

Other

Fire destroys Kasubi tombs – Daily Monitor (UG)

17 March 2010

The historic Kasubi Tombs last night went up in flames, engulfing the main building housing the mausoleums of four former Buganda kings (Kabakas). Full Story

Zambia, Tanzania in standoff with Kenya over sale of ivory – The Post (ZAM)

17 March 2010

Zambia and Tanzania are embroiled in a standoff with Kenya over the two southern African countries’ application to Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) to allow them to sell their ivory. Full Story

African Environment

Africans 'take blame for climate change' – BBC (UK)

17 March 2010

Many Africans blame themselves for climate change even though fossil fuel emissions there are less than 4% of the global total, a new survey suggests. Full Story

Taiwan to use Africa as back door for carbon credits – Reuters (US)

17 March 2010

Taiwan said on Wednesday it would use countries in Africa to get its first carbon credits for international trade, a move seen as part of the island's long-term bid to participate in the United Nations. Full Story

The overriding importance of water – IPP Media (TZ)

16 March 2010

Today begins world water week, which is a time when the world’s attention is focused on the importance and value of water to our lives. Full Story

France donates over 1mln euro for WFP Ethiopia’s TSF program – Walta Information (ETH)

16 March 2010

The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the government of France signed an agreement on March 15, 2010 for a contribution of more than one million euro to WFP’s targeted supplementary feeding (TSF) program in Ethiopia. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-15T08:10:00.000-07:00

Media Monitor Monday 15th March 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Tanzania has potential to be a logistics hub for non-coastal countries and regions of Central Africa and therefore, our desire, driven by investment needs, is to create one of the best transportation networks in the region.” Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa, Minister for Infrastructure Development of Tanzania at the Enhanced Regional Integration and Economic Growth Conference held in Dar es Salaam.

African Politics

2011: The Race Begins – This Day Online (NG)

15 March 2010

With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) set to unveil the programme for the 2011 general election tomorrow, political activities – both subtle and open – have been revved up, with key actors embarking on consultations across the country in preparation for the presidential poll. Full Story

South Africa’s Zuma to assess Zimbabwe unity govt pact – Reuters (UK)

15 March 2010

South African leader Jacob Zuma will visit Zimbabwe this week to assess the state of a power-sharing agreement set up to end a decade-long political and economic crisis. Full Story

Darfur rebel row jeopardises Sudan peace deal - BBC (UK)

15 March 2010

A row between Darfur rebel groups has thrown into doubt a peace deal between the rebels and Sudan's government. Full Story

Let's pray God Himself becomes President: Mills – Ghana Web (GH)

14 March 2010

President John Evans Atta Mills has called on Ghanaians to combine fervent prayers with positive attitudes and actions and make God the Supreme Ruler of Ghana for His continuous blessings. Full Story

African Economy

ECOWAS, EU to resume EPA negotiations shortly - African Manager (TN)

15 March 2010

West African negotiators expect unequivocal commitment from the European Union (EU) to a proposed Development Fund for West Africa when both regions resume negotiations on 17 March for a new trade regime to create a free trade area, according to a press release from the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja. Full Story

Nigeria approves $1bn disbursal from oil savings – Engineering News (SA)

15 March 2010

Nigeria's Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday approved the disbursal of a further $1-billion from the country's windfall oil savings, leaving about $4,1-billion in the account, government officials said. Full Story

Mozambique Economy to Keep Growing – Club of Mozambique (MZ)

15 March 2010

The Chief Executive Officer of Standard Bank, the third largest commercial bank in Mozambique, Antonio Coutinho, said in Maputo on Thursday that the Mozambican economy will keep growing gradually this year, despite the world financial crisis. Full Story

African Business

Banking and Finance

Politicians fight over city bank – New Vision (UG)

14 March 2010

A row has erupted over the ownership of the National Bank of Commerce involving high-profile NRM politicians. One group of shareholders accuses the other of hijacking the bank and using it for their own benefit. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Kenya geothermal firm on course to supply 280 MW – Reuters (UK)

15 March 2010

Kenya's Geothermal Development Company (GDC) is drilling for steam which will be used to generate an additional 280 MW to the national grid, the east African nation's energy minister said on Monday. Full Story

Scheduled Koeberg maintenance planned ahead of World Cup - Engineering News (SA)

15 March 2010

In line with its plans to ensure security of electricity supply during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Eskom would undertake a short maintenance shutdown at each of th
e two units at the Koeberg nuclear power station in March and April. Full Story

Power purchase agreements are being prioritised - Deputy Minister – Engineering News (SA)

15 March 2010

Public Enterprises Deputy Minister Enoch Godongwana on Monday reaffirmed the South African government's commitment to "put an end to the chapter" of independent power producers (IPPs) struggling to conclude power purchase agreements (PPAs). Full Story

Egypt signs 2 contracts for power plant work – Reuters (UK)

15 March 2010

Egypt has signed two contracts worth a total of 530 million Egyptian pounds to carry out work at its Abu Qir power station, the daily al-Alam al-Youm reported on Monday. Full Story

Metals and Mining

$69m coal mine project awarded in Mozambique – Club of Mozambique (MZ)

13 March 2010

Global engineering firm Kentz Corporation, through its operating unit, Kentz Engineers & Con-structors, of Mozambique, has been awarded a $69-million contract for the Moatize coal project, in Mozambique, which is being developed by Brazillian mining company Vale. Full Story

Stellar Diamonds to increase production at Guinea mines – Mining Weekly (SA)

15 March 2010

Aim-listed Stellar Diamonds was acquiring additional mining equipment to further boost the production and processing capacity at its Mandala and Bomboko diamond mines, in Guinea, the company reported on Monday. Full Story

IMF develops project to help Africa deal with illicit trade – African Manager (TN)

15 March 2010

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has come up with a project to help 16 Sub-Saharan Africa countries that produce and deal in diamonds, gold, and precious minerals, to strengthen their defences against money laundering, smuggling, and terrorist financing, IMF press statement disclosed Friday. Full Story

Technology and Communications

African developers do battle in Google competition – IT News Africa (SA)

15 March 2010

About 30 African developers are expected to go head-to-head in Google’s annual software programmers competition, set to take place this April in Dublin, Ireland. Full Story

Biso na Biso 88FM, a pioneering local radio station serving communities in the Congo Basin – Guardian (UK)

15 March 2010

Like local radio stations the world over, Biso na Biso 88FM has a menu of programming that includes music and messages from listeners. But unlike other stations, it also features discussions about logging companies, climate change, education, Aids, and when the local doctor is visiting the village. Full Story

Nigeria to Review Telecom-Firm Bid – Wall Street Journal (US)

15 March 2010

The Nigerian government said Friday it will review the potential $2.5 billion sale of the country's telecoms giant, following last month's troubled auction in which one of the top bidders, China Unicom Ltd., initially denied taking part. Full Story

Three suitors remaining in race to buy Zambia's Zamtel - Engineering News (SA)

12 March 2010

Three companies have submitted binding bids to buy a majority stake in Zambia's fixed-line phone operator Zamtel, the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) said on Friday. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

EAC states set to give up sovereignty over railways - IPP Media (TZ)

15 March 2010

Creating supranational structures for administering railways in the East African Community partner states is among key recommendations of a high level conference on the sector which ended in Dar es Salaam on Friday. Full Story

Administration of port of Soyo, Angola, invests in port expansion – Macau Hub (MAC)

15 March 2010

The administration of the port of Soyo in the Angolan enclave of Cabinda is investing in technical and administrative infrastructures in order to meet demand resulting from the region’s economic growth, said the port’s general director, Abel Paulo. Full Story

Cost of stadium reveals tensions in South Africa – New York Times (US)

15 March 2010

Come June, soccer’s World Cup will be hosted by South Africa. Though only 4 of the 64 games are to be played here in Nelspruit, a $137 million stadium was built for the occasion. Full Story

Other

Kagame addresses US Military Academy – New Times (RW)

15 March 2010

President Paul Kagame has said that the international community now shares similar security challenges and urged common understanding and joint pursuit of sustainable solutions. Full Story

Chinese fishing boat, 7 crew hijacked off Cameroon – Reuters (UK)

14 March 2010

A Chinese fishing vessel with seven fishermen aboard was hijacked off the coast of Cameroon in the latest attack in the waters of West Africa's Gulf of Guinea, the Chinese embassy in Cameroon said on Saturday. Full Story

African Environment

Germany keen to assist bamboo sector in Ethiopia: Ambassador Dr. Knoop – Walta Information (ETH)

13 March 2010

German Ambassador to Ethiopia Dr. Claas Dieter Knoop said his government will continue to work with the Ethiopian government to maximize the potential of the bamboo sector in Ethiopia. Full Story

Mozambican Customs Seize Smuggled Abalone – Club of Mozambique (MZ)

15 March 2010

Mozambican customs officers on Monday seized over two tonnes of Abalone, smuggled into the country from South Africa. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Media Monitor Friday 12th March 2010

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Grassroots Soccer delivers HIV/AIDS counselling, as well as more general life skills, to youth. The group bases its work on the devastation wrought by AIDS—and the popularity of football. Over 300,000 kids have graduated from the program. As I watched those children play, I was filled with emotion—and inspiration.”IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn predicts a bright future for Africa following an inspirational visit to South Africa

AFRICAN POLITICS

EU affirms importance of Sudan's elections – Xinhua News (CHN)

12 March 2010

The European Union Election Observation Mission to Sudan (EU EOM) on Thursday affirmed the importance of Sudan's general elections, slated for April this year. Full Story

DR Congo hopes to see UN mission out in 2011 – Xinhua News (CHN)

12 March 2010

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) hopes to see the UN peacekeeping mission pull out in 2011 and shift the duty to its own armed forces, a senior official has said. Full Story

Plateau women storm Abuja, protest killings - Vanguard (NG)

12 March 2010

Hundreds of Plateau women, yesterday, staged peaceful demonstrations in Jos and Abuja against Sunday’s mayhem at Dogon Nahawa where hundreds, mostly women and children, were murdered. Full Story

Accra NPP Wants Early Congress – Modern Ghana (GH)

12 March 2010

The of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Greater Accra Region has demanded that, as a matter of urgency, the party must immediately elect a flag-bearer for the 2012 presidential election. Full Story

EAC to send poll monitors to Burundi – IPP Media (TZ)

12 March 2010

The East African Community (EAC) will send a mission to monitor local and national elections in Burundi later this year to ensure they are conducted peacefully and democratically, EAC Secretary-General Juma Mwapachu has said. Full Story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

SA, UK want trade lift from Zuma trip – Business Day (SA)

12 March 2010

SA and the UK wanted to double the value of their two-way trade over the next five years from the recession-hit low of R40bn last year, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said yesterday. Full Story

Investments to grow by 25-30% by 2012 – The New Times (RW)

12 March 2010

Government says that local and foreign investments to Rwanda should grow by between 25 and 30 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2012 as economic growth is estimated at 7 percent to reduce poverty levels. Full Story

Zambia’s done well-IMF – The Times of Zambia (ZAM)

12 March 2010

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Zambia for the way it managed the economy during the global financial crisis which resulted in the country recording positive growth. Full Story

Japanese groups creep into Africa – Financial Times (UK)

11 March 2010

About 30 Japanese children were getting instructions from a teacher on how to wave their Rising Sun flags when a car with Kenyan security men hanging out of the doors screeched to a halt. Full Story

Burkina pulls water, electricity privatisations – Reuters (US)

12 March 2010

Burkina Faso has suspended plans to privatise national water and electricity utilities, the government said in a statement. Full Story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

Banks throw down the gauntlet – The Namibian (NAM)

12 March 2010

FNB Namibia yesterday claimed that the underlying policy of the Payment Systems Management Bill and the Banking Institutions Amendment Bill is flawed. Full Story

Little South African bank eyes Tanzania - IPP Media (TZ)

12 March 2010

Firstrand Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s little banks says it wants to grow by opening branches in some African countries including Tanzania. Full Story

Oil and Energy

State to extend Aggreko contract due to poor rains – Business Daily (KEN)

12 March 2010

Erratic rains in catchment areas that feed the country’s main dams used for electricity generation have forced the government to extend the services of an expensive emergency power producer - Aggreko - to the end of May for now. Full Story

Kosmos withholds Jubilee sale, goes into drilling – Ghana Web (GH)

12 March 2010

Kosmos Energy has withheld the sale of its 30 percent stake in Jubilee Oilfield. For the first time in its history the energy firm is venturing into the drilling of oil after so many years of exclusively exploring the commodity, sources close to the ... Full Story

EA turns into battle of oil giants – IPP Media (TZ)

12 March 2010

Fifteen locations are confirmed to have proven oil reserves in East Africa, an industry conference was told in Houston, Texas, this week. Full Story

German Investor Interested in Cameroon’s Energy Sector – Cameroon Tribune (CAM)

12 March 2010

Prime Minister, Philemon Yang, yesterday had discussions with the Director of the German Energy Company « EnBW Energy Baden-Wurttemberg AG». Full Story

Gabon oil union threatens strike in gov't dispute – Reuters (US)

12 March 2010

Gabon's main oil union said it may begin a strike as early as Saturday due to a dispute with the government over whether energy should be on a list of sectors required to provide uninterrupted minimal service. Full Story

Perenco Cameroon Signs Production-Sharing Accord With Cameroon – Bloomberg (US)

12 March 2010

Perenco SA’s Cameroonian unit, which plans to explore the Elombo oil block off the coast of the Central African nation, signed a production-sharing agreement with Cameroon’s government Full Story

Metals and Mining

Various miners rumoured to be sniffing ArcelorMittal SA's 'lost' Sishen right – Engineering Nes (SA)

11 March 2010

The Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC) is reportedly not the only mining company to have applied to the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) for the 21,4% undivided share of the Sishen iron-ore mine, which has reportedly been forfeited by ... Full Story

Technology and Communications

Telecoms monopolies a threat to Internet growth – Business Daily (KEN)

12 March 2010

An international meeting on the future of the Internet is under way in Nairobi.Internet has accelerated commerce globally and is at a defining moment. Full Story

Uganda’s mobile companies to get global exposure – Daily Monitor (UG)

12 March 2010

New mobile communication businesses now have a platform to globally show case their innovative products, following the launch of Mobile Monday Kampala (MoMoKla) in Uganda. MoMo, a global network of mobile industry ... Full Story

SingTel says to be part of Bharti/Zain deal funding - Engineering News (SA)

12 March 2010

Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) may help with the funding for Bharti Airtel's $9-billion acquisition of Zain's African assets, a senior SingTel executive said on Friday. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

JK: Let`s fast-track EAC railway linkage – IPP Media (TZ)

12 March 2010

President Jakaya Kikwete yesterday rooted for fast-tracking of railway linkages and connectivity as a prerequisite for the success of the envisaged East African Common market Full Story

Rwandair puts house in order – The New Times (RW)

12 March 2010

Following the departure late last year of the former CEO of Rwandair, Ambassador Gerald Zirimwabagabo, it is reported that the airline is currently undergoing a ‘clean-up process’. Full Story

Uganda and Congo to jointly fight car theft - Daily Monitor (UG)

12 March 2010

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to coordinate military efforts to fight rising car theft across the common border. Full Story

S.Africa waiting for $391 million Airbus repayment – Reuters (US)

12 March 2010

South Africa is still waiting for a 2.9 billion rand repayment from European planemaker Airbus, which has not acknowledged a cancelled deal, a minister said on Friday. Full Story

Agriculture

AfDB earmarks $2b for agric in Africa for 5 years – Vanguard (NG)

11 March 2010

The African Development Bank (AfDB) said on Wednesday in Abuja that it had earmarked $2 billion for the development of agriculture in Africa in the next five years. Full Story

Other

Gordhan warns on World Cup price spiral – Business Day (SA)

12 March 2010

Greedy service providers who were “unduly” inflating their prices in anticipation of a World Cup bonanza were sending a signal of exploitation to the wider world and doing long-term damage to the country ... Full Story

Mohammed Al Amoudi #64 on Forbes world's billionaires list – Walta Information (ETH)

12 March 2010

Ethiopian born Mohammed Al Amoudi is once again the richest black person in the world with an estimated net worth of a cool 10 billion USD in the latest Forbes' World's Billionaires List. Full Story

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

UN Aid Agencies on Alert for Potential Floods in Region – All Africa (UK)

11 March 2010

The United Nations is gathering supplies for some 130,000 people in southern Africa on alert for potential evacuation from flood-risk zones following weeks of torrential rains in northern Mozambique and neighbouring Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Full Story

African universities should step up climate research – Engineering News (SA)

10 March 2010

It was essential to strengthen the capacity of African universities to embrace and be involved in global climate change research, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica said on Wednesday. Full Story

AFRICAN BLOGOSPHERE

Foreign Farming in Ethiopia – nazret.com (ETH)

12 March 2010

Horn of Africa reporters have been tracing the aggressive entry of foreign investors who have leased from Ethiopian government large tracts of arable land. Reporter Tizita Belachew gives an overview of what some critics have called the "new colonialism." Full Story

Something New Out of Africa: A Global Player – IMF Direct Blog - Dominique Strauss-Kahn

10 March 2010

The sense of African energy and dynamism that I recently described during my visit to Kenya is reinforced strongly here. And it's not just World Cup fever -- though there are plenty of signs of that too. Full Story

Peacekeepers still needed in Central African Republic – openDemocracy (UK)

10 March 2010

Last weekend, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres visited the Central African Republic. Just three weeks ago, the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights came too, and the country was also discussed when the UN’s chief of … Full Story

AFRICAN EDUCATION

Gender Loses Out in Basic Education Crisis – IPS

11 March 2010

With the 15th-year review of the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women taking place at the ongoing Commission on the Status of Women in New York, South African teachers and education experts say they fear that a special focus on the advancement of girls is getting lost amidst the growing levels of poverty in the country. Full story

UNESCO Wants G-20 to Discuss Education for African Children – Korea Times (KR)

12 March 2010

Chun Taeck-soo, secretary general of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), urged the government to address the issue of education in developing countries during the G-20 Summit, a meeting of the 20 leading economies which will take place in Seoul in November. Full story.

Coca-Cola runs football-themed fundraising campaign on Coke Zone – Marketing Week (UK)

12 March 2010

Coca-Cola Great Britain is running a new football-themed corporate social responsibility campaign called “Water for Schools”, calling on consumers to help provide safe drinking water for schools in Africa. Full story.

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-11T03:42:00.000-08:00

Media Monitor Thursday 11th March 2010

“Agribusiness in Africa needs to undergo a profound structural transformation and technological upgrading during the next 20 years to generate jobs and income urgently needed by Africa’s growing population,” UNIDO Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella on plan to generate employment, income and food security across the continent through agribusiness.

AFRICAN POLITICS

Jos: 49 face murder charge – The Vanguard (NG)

11 March 2010

The police said, yesterday, that 49 people are to be charged with murder after communal violence left scores of villagers dead. Full Story

Rwanda to send 140 peacekeepers to Haiti – The New Times (RW)

11 March 2010

A group of Rwanda National Police officers are currently being trained prior to deployment to Haiti, the Central American island that was recently devastated by an earthquake. Full Story

Libya accepts U.S. apology over comments on Libyan leader – Xinhua News (CHN)

11 March 2010

The Libyan Foreign Ministry on Wednesday accepted an apology from the U.S. State Department over its spokesman's comments on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Full Story

Sudan and Jem talks set to begin - Al Jazeera (QA)

10 March 2010

Direct peace talks between the Sudanese government and the opposition Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) are set to begin in Qatar, according to Jem. Full Story

Somalia Food Aid Bypasses Needy, U.N. Study Says – NY Times (US)

10 March 2010

As much as half the food aid sent to Somalia is diverted from needy people to a web of corrupt contractors, radical Islamist militants and local United Nations staff members, according to a new Security Council report. Full Story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

Chinese visit pays off for Zambia – Times of Zambia (ZAM)

11 March 2010

Zamia has secured a concessional loan of US$ 1 billion from the government of China for investment in development projects in hydro power, housing, road infrastructure and other sectors. Full Story

SA has some leeway on inflation – Strauss-Kahn – Engineering News (SA)

10 March 2010

South Africa's government is right to set inflation targets but has leeway for some flexibility as the country looks to emerge from recession, International Monetary Fund head Dominique Strauss-Kahn said. Full Story

Zone designates over 300, 000 sqm land for investment – Walta Information (ETH)

10 March 2010

The South Wollo Zone Investment Coordination Office disclosed that it has designated more than 300, 000 square meters of land for investment in eight woredas of the zone. Full Story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

Afriland buys IBC stake – Times of Zambia (ZAM)

11 March 2010

Cameroun bank, Afriland First Bank Group has acquired 80 per cent stake in Intermarket Banking Corporation (IBC) and taken over control from Sabre Capital, which bought the bank two years. Full Story

Local banks face stiff penalties – The Namibian (NAM)

11 March 2010

Commercial banks could be fined up to N$100 000 by the Bank of Namibia (BoN) if they don’t comply with the proposed laws in the Payment Systems’ Management Bill which, amongst others, will regulate banking fees and charges. Full Story

Cooperative Bank of Kenya Full-Year Profit Climbs 24% - Bloomberg (US)

11 March 2010

Cooperative Bank of Kenya Ltd., the country’s fourth-biggest lender by assets, posted a 24 percent increase in full-year profit as its customer base nearly doubled, Chief Executive Officer Gideon Muriuki said. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Tullow Oil loses control over Kudu – The Namibian (NAM)

11 March 2010

Russian gas giant Gazprom and Namcor have partnered up to muscle out Tullow Oil as the main shareholder in the Kudu gas field, securing 54 per cent of the interest in the multibillion-dollar offshore energy project. Full Story

Finnish investors eye Nigeria's energy sector – The Guardian (NG)

11 March 2010

Investors from the Republic of Finland are to invest in the energy sector in Nigeria, as part of efforts to assist the country boost its power base and jumpstart industrialisation in the country, according to the Finnish Minister of Foreign Trade … Full Story

Angola-China project in Luanda to improve electricity supply – Macau Hub (MAC)

11 March 2010

Three new electricity sub-stations are due to be built this year in the municipality of Viana, in Luanda, as part of the fourth phase of the Angola-China project said Carlos Ferreira from electricity distribution company, EDEL. Full Story

More homes set to access power as KPLC steps up grid – Business Daily (KEN)

11 March 2010

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company plans to massively scale up electricity transmission and distribution to wire up a larger proportion of the country to the national power grid. Full Story

Metals and Mining

State will not grant winelands mining approval – Business Day (SA)

11 March 2010

The Department of Mineral Resources would not approve the controversial application by state-owned mining company African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation to prospect and possibly mine in the Western Cape winelands. Full Story

Tanzania for greater openness in mining – IPP Media (TZ)

11 March 2010

Tanzania has officially joined the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI), which seeks to ensure that all government revenue from mining and natural gas exploitation and all payments made by mining companies are made public. Full Story

Technology and Communications

MTN reports 28% increase in subscribers – Business Day (SA)

11 March 2010

Local Mobile Phone Company MTN reports it’s increased it’s subscription base by 28% to 116 million users at the end of December 2009. Full Story

Zain Africa sale raises stakes for India’s Bharti – Business Daily (KEN)

10 March 2010

For several months, the principal shareholders of the Zain Group of Kuwait, one of the region’s largest telecom service providers, have been looking for a buyer for the company’s assets in Africa. Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

Mozambican airline LAM starts flights to Portugal in October – Macau Hub (MAC)

11 March 2010

Mozambique’s flagship airline, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) is due to launch a scheduled flight from Maputo to Lisbon in the last week of October, a source from the company told Macauhub Wednesday in Berlin. Full Story

Japan grants loan to Mozambique to repair Nampula-Cuamba road – Macau Hub (MAC)

11 March 2010

Japan has granted Mozambique a loan of US$60 million to fund work to repair the Nampula-Cuamba road, which links the provinces of Nampula and Niassa, with the respective contract signed Wednesday in Maputo, according to a report in Mozambican newspaper, Notícias. Full Story

Agriculture

NSE to launch farm produce market by June - Business Daily (KEN)

11 March 2010

The Nairobi bourse is set to launch a commodities exchange by mid this year, offering farmers a new safety net against the price turbulence that has diminished their earnings and left tonnes of agricultural produce to go waste. Full Story

Grains body pleads for Rukwa farmers – IPP Media (TZ)

11 March 2010

The Eastern Africa Grain Council has urged regional leaders to persuade Tanzania to allow Rukwa Region to sell its surplus food to the neighbouring countries. Full Story

African leaders support agribusiness plan at UN-backed conference – UN News Centre

10 March 2010

High-level representatives from 44 African countries wrapped up a United Nations-backed conference in Nigeria today with the approval of an ambitious plan to generate employment, income and food security across the continent through agribusiness. Full story.

Other

Nakumatt in an expansion drive in Rwanda – The New Times (RW)

11 March 2010

Having made its foray into Rwanda through the buyout of another operator, City Supermarket, through a $3 million deal, Nakumatt Rwanda is set to consolidate it presence in Rwanda by opening three other branches. Full Story

Unilever donates to Bududa victims – Daily Monitor (UG)

11 March 2010

Budada District landslide victims have received relief worth Shs10 million from Unilever Uganda. The products that included blue band, soap and loaves of bread were handed over to Uganda Red Cross yesterday at Unilever offices in Kampala. Full Story

NFF to set up $8m World Cup Village in Durban – The Guardian (NG)

10 March 2010

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans to set up Nigerian fans' village in Durban, South Africa, where the Super Eagles would camp for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. Full Story

Final call for entries for Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards – NEXT (NG)

11 March 2010

Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks business, is closing its annual Africa Business Reporting Awards in less than three weeks, on March 26. Initiated by Diageo in 2004, the awards encourage better business reporting about Africa. Full story.

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

Japan gives Gabon 1.2 billion FCFA to protect coast – Afrique en Ligne (FR)

11 March 2010

Gabon and Japan on Wednesday signed an agreement for 1.2 billion FCFA (US$2.465 million) in Libreville for the protection of Gabon's 8 00 km long coastal region. Full Story

Another landslide disaster looms in Bududa – Daily Monitor (UG)

11 March 2010

Another landslide is reportedly looming in Bududda as the crack in one of the hills overlooking Nametsi village, where more than 300 people died last week continues to widen, an official has said. Full Story

Film about Gorongosa Park in Mozambique expected to receive prize at Berlin tourism fair - Macau Hub (MAC)

11 March 2010

The film entitled, “Africa’s Lost Eden” produced by National Geographic is expected to be announced Friday in Berlin as one of the winners of a competition with 102 participating films from 32 countries, Macauhub learned Wednesday in Berlin. Full Story

DR Congo ring may be giant 'impact crater' – BBC (UK)

10 March 2010

Deforestation has revealed what could be a giant impact crater in Central Africa, scientists say. Full Story

Media Monitor & Intelligence Update

2010-03-10T04:18:00.000-08:00

Media Monitor Wednesday 10th March 2010

Quote of the Day:

"We live in a very competitive world and the sub-region needs to be improved to be able to join the world in the areas of information technology," Mr Ousmane Mahamane, Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament and former President of Niger, stresses the importance of ICT education for community development as part of plans outlined by the regional body to raise ICT awareness.

AFRICAN POLITICS

Togo's opposition leader not to seek recourse from constitutional court – Xinhua News (CHN)

10 March 2010

Togo's main opposition party leader Jean-Pierre Fabre says he will not seek justice from the constitutional court in fight against the elections results which he fears rigged. Full Story

Nigerians march to demand ailing leader's appearance - Reuters (US)

10 March 2010

Hundreds of Nigerians gathered in the capital Abuja on Wednesday for a march to the presidency to demand the appearance of ailing leader Umaru Yar'Adua, two weeks after he returned from a Saudi hospital. Full Story

Gabon president ties UN peace costs to climate – eTaiwan News (TW)

10 March 2010

Gabon's president is urging world leaders to reduce the costs of U.N. peacekeeping by doing more to prevent armed conflicts in the first place including adopting long-range plans on climate change. Full Story

AFRICAN ECONOMY

Africa is back from the crisis, IMF – The Namibian (NAM)

9 March 2010

Africa is recovering from the global economic crisis and could see growth of 4,5 per cent in 2010, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said yesterday. Full Story

Weakening rand would be 'very short-sighted' – IMF – Business Day (SA)

9 March 2010

Devaluing the rand would be a "very short-sighted" move for South Africa to make, International Monetary Fund (IMF) MD Dominique Strauss-Kahn said on Tuesday. Full Story

SA looks at reinstating aluminimim import duties – Business Day (SA)

9 March 2010

South Africa would consider reinstating import duties for aluminium on economic grounds, but industry would need to apply formally for the measure, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said on Tuesday. Full Story

AFRICAN BUSINESS

Banking and Finance

Angolan bank BCI launches micro-credit programme – Macau Hub (MAC)

10 March 2010

Angolan bank Banco de Comércio e Indústria (BCI) has launched a micro-credit programme that is expected to benefit 50,000 people across the country by 2012, the bank’s chairman, Adriano Silva said in Sumbe. Full Story

Stanbic gets Shs60b to lend to small business – Daily Monitor (UG)

10 March 2010

The French government has given $30 million (about Shs60 billion) to Stanbic Bank Uganda, to enable it offer credit to the private sector. Full Story

Oil and Energy

Kenyan Electricity Costs to Fall on Increased Rains – Bloomberg (US)

10 March 2010

Power costs in Kenya, East Africa’s largest economy, may fall as seasonal rains raise water levels at the nation’s hydroelectric plants, Kenya Power and Lighting Co., the country’s only distributor of electricity, said. Full Story

Tullow Says Gazprom, Namcor to Help Develop Namibian Gas Field - Bloomberg (US)

10 March 2010

Tullow Oil Plc, the U.K. explorer with the most drilling licenses in Africa, said OAO Gazprom may join its Namibian Kudu project. Full Story

Namibia considers its nuclear options – Business Day (SA)

9 March 2010

Namibia plans to adopt nuclear power as a source of energy over the next 15 to 20 years. "We have made a decision to build a nuclear power plant," confirmed Namibian Mines and Energy Minister Erkki Nghimtina to Engineering News Online at the International Conference on Access to Civil Nuclear Energy in Paris on Tuesday. Full Story

Transnet confirms R2,75bn rise in pipeline cost, year delay – Engineering News (SA)

9 March 2010

State-owned transport utility Transnet has confirmed that the cost of its new multiproduct petroleum pipeline (NMPP) from Durban to Gauteng has escalated by R2,75-billion to R15,42-billion, and that the project will be completed a full year later than initially scheduled. Full Story

Metals and Mining

Matola coal terminal in Mozambique doubles processing capacity to 4 million tons per year – Macau Hub (MAC)

10 March 2010

The Matola coal terminal has doubled its processing capacity from 2 to 4 million tons per year, with a new expansion project underway to take capacity to 6 million tons, according to Mozambican newspaper Notícias. Full Story

Ghana Planning to Sell Diamond Mine, Timber Plantation, Sawmill – Bloomberg (US)

10 March 2010

Ghana plans to sell a diamond mine, a plantation and a sawmill as part of a sale of state assets, the Divestiture Implementation Committee said. Full Story

Keangnam Sells Madagascar Nickel Mine Stake for 35.1 Billion Won – Bloomberg (US)

10 March 2010

Keangnam Enterprises Ltd., a South Korean builder, agreed to sell stake in a Madagascar nickel mine to state-run Korea Resources Corp. for 35.1 billion won ($31 million). Full Story

Technology and Communications

GNA ECOWAS parliament to create awareness relevance of ICT in schools – Ghana Web (GH)

10 March 2010

The ECOWAS Parliament has set an agenda to create awareness in the sub- region on the importance of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) in education. Full Story

Microsoft SA partners local government in IT skills development– IT News (SA)

9 March 2010

Microsoft South Africa, The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the Local Government Sector Education Training Authority (LG SETA) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) have signed a public-private partnership aimed at improving the use of technology and injecting IT skills into the local … Full Story

Transport and Infrastructure

FG to site new towns in oil producing areas – The Vanguard (NG)

10 March 2010

Chairman, Infrastructure Sub-Committee of the Amnesty programme and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Ufot Ekaette, said, yesterday, the proposed new towns would be sited in selected oil producing communities in the nine states which make up the Niger Delta region. Full Story

Transport Operators Whine about Inspections - Club of Mozambique (MZ)

10 March 2010

The Mozambican authorities have refused to surrender to pressure from transport operators who want the government to abandon or modify the compulsory inspection for all motor vehicles that was introduced on 1 February. Full Story

Agriculture

Bakhresa commits Rwf13.7 bn to wheat milling – The New Times (RW)

10 March 2010

Bakhresa Group, a regional grain milling company has invested $24 million (Rwf13.7 billion) in Rwanda as part of its expansion drive. Full Story

Other

China's CFPA donates medical equipment to Sudan's BTO – Xinhua News (CHN)

10 March 2010

China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) on Tuesday handed over 110,000 U.S. dollars' worth of medical equipment to Sudan's Al Birr and Al-Tawasul Organization (BTO). Full Story

AFRICAN ENVIRONMENT

Illegal Elephant Dealer Arrested – Cameroon Tribune (CAM)

10 March 2010

On February 19, 2010, an ivory dealer was ordered to serve a prison term of 8 months and to pay as damages and court charges the sum of about FCFA 1.2 Million by the Yaounde Court of first instance. Full Story

Denmark to help Africa fight bio-piracy – The Copenhagen Post (DEN)

9 March 2010

Environment minister Karen Ellemann was the opening speaker on Monday for an international ministerial conference on bio-piracy in Windhoek, Namibia, aimed at stopping companies from obtaining genetic resources from countries without providing reciprocal economic benefits. Full Story

Price discrimination suggested to save Ngorongoro Crater – IPP Media (TZ)

9 March 2010

Analysts have began to view price discrimination as one of the ways to save Ngorongoro Crater from environmental destruction in the rising wave of tourist arrivals into the world heritage wildlife sanctuary. Full Story