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The article discusses the highlights of the Second High Level Meeting of Africa-European Union (EU) Energy Partnership (AEEP) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 13, 2014, wherein continued cooperation of stakeholders was discussed to ensure access to energy by Africans across the continent.

The article reports on the highlights of the state visit made by Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in China. The visit to Beijing is the very first state visit made by President Kenyatta, which was able to strike 5 billion U.S. dollars of infrastructure deals. President Kenyatta emphasized that China is Kenya's most important development partner. The president also visited Russia and Great Britain.

The article reports on the approval of the integrated development plan for 2012 by the Eritrean government. The move came following the presentation of a working paper by President Issayas Afewerki that outlined the country's political, socio-economic, and cultural strategy. The country has plans to expand electrification and reinforce power-generating resources.

The article covers economic issues in Somalia as of September 2011. Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit for Somalia (FSNAU) data indicate that famine has reached the Bay region while the United Nations (UN) organization raises concern that international aid efforts cannot address the problem. It discusses the benefits and disadvantages of the establishment of the refugee complex Dadaab in Kenya which accepts Somali refugees. It also notes food prices in the country have increased.

The article reports on the decision of the African Development Bank Group to support the 2015-2019 Country Strategy Paper of Botswana to help the country attain economic growth and mentions the core areas where the financial institution will provide support.

The article reports on economic analysts' predictions that economic growth will decline to less than 1% in South Africa. This has been noted by firms such as Absa Capital, Nedbank, and RMB, while job cuts are expected to increase in the mining, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The motor vehicle and parts sector, and textile, paper production have also noted the slow growth die to the lower demand. Though additional stimulus is being planned, the overall investment is expected to slow.

The article reports on the increasing pressure on foreign companies to disinvest from Zimbabwe due to conflict with the regime. It states that there were closures of some strategically important companies and some were opting to stop their trading in the country. The condition of the country's economy was contributed to the policies of President Robert Mugabe who was been re-elected in June 2008. According to Anne Fruehauf, an analyst at Control Risks, companies need to be prepared that reputational risk and investor risk is likely to increase.

The article reports about the roads and railways in Namibia. This paper focuses on reports from local contractors that the government is unfairly in favor of Chinese companies for road maintenance and construction. They are accusing the government of contravening procedures for foreign companies favoring Chinese firms. Government officials are accused of illegally teaming up with Chinese nationals and giving them more opportunity for their companies especially in the construction business. The Minister of Works, Transport and Communication said that a council for construction will be formed.

The article reports about the regeneration of ports in Liberia. This paper focuses on the significance of ports to ensure smooth flow in exports around the country. The prime export commodity is rubber and iron ore which makes up a big part of the country's development support. After the civil war destroyed most of West African country's infrastructures, redevelopments are now well under way. Rehabilitation is in full swing to fix Port Harper for shipping rubber. Monrovia will be developed to be the main port.

The article reports about the hawala system in remittances in Somalia. This paper discusses the informal money transfer being practiced in Somalia called the hawala system. Remittances allow for the needed boost in economy. Ethnic Somalis operate the system and this is a unique process unlike the Western money transfer agencies, their way of trading is operated based solely on trust. Traders handle millions of dollars in small rooms. Benefits of this unlikely process of remittance helps the economy.

The article reports on the suggested revisions on land policies to address land price escalation in South Africa. Land Affairs Minister Lulu Xingwana promised that her department would amend the 1997 white paper on land policy by March 2009, and the government would begin to move away to the principle of willing buyer, willing seller, one of the cornerstones of the document. The government is also planning to tax underutilized farmland and place a ceiling on the amount of land a single person or entity can own, to curb price escalation and land speculation as well as revise the Expropriation Act to give the Land Affairs greater powers that will force farmers to sell land for redistribution.

The article offers news briefs relating to economic trends in Africa. The International Contact Group has called on the international community for developmental aid and reaffirmation of its support for the African national poverty reduction strategic paper. The French bank BNP Paribas SA has been authorized by the Central Bank of Mauritania (BCM) to open a subsidiary in Nouakchott. Zambia receives donation worth US$97.2 million for economic assistance.

The article reports on the decline of Moroccan textile exports in 2005 after European quotas for African producers were mostly removed. The decline showed Morocco's reliance on Europe. The textile sector represents four percent of the country's gross domestic product. The article reveals that buyers in Great Britain, Spain and France are looking again to Morocco because of its proximity.

The article presents news briefs concerning food retail in Africa as of August 16, 2006. Nakumatt Holdings Ltd. plans to expand to Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. Pick'n Pay, Shoprite and Spar remain the most highly rated shares in the retail sector in South Africa. The article highlights the financial performance of selected food retailers in Africa.

Focuses on the poor state of Eritrea's economy. Socioeconomic impact of the 1998-2000 border war with Ethiopia; Government officials' issuance of an Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and a national food security strategy; Country's domestic food production for 2004; Growth of macroeconomic imbalances; Progress made in reducing the overall fiscal deficit.

Reports on the economic program of Gabon with the aid of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Priorities outlined in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper; Reduction in the public sector wage bill; Stand-by loan from the IMF; Macroeconomic performance in 2003; Performance of economic indicators, including gross domestic product, consumer price inflation, exports and imports.

Reports on a December 10, 2003, article in the French newspaper “Canard Enchaine” that revealed Angolan president Jose Eduardo Dos Santos is holding 37.1 million dollars in an account of the Banque Internationale in Luxembourg. Paper's claim that the account was credited with funds originating from the renegotiation of Angolan external debt to Russia orchestrated by arms dealer Pierre Falcone; Details about funds Falcone distributed to a number of Angolan officials to ensure the deal.

Discusses the findings of the paper “Water privatization in Africa: lessons from three case studies,” by Kate Bayliss for the Public Services International Research Unit at the University of Greenwich in London, England. Countries included in Bayliss' study; Outcomes of privatization of water with a lease contract; Impact of the privatization process on the poorest segments of society; Private Services International's call for an end to the privatization of water supplies.

Information about the papers discussed at the "United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change," held in Nairobi, Kenya is presented. The meeting has focused on the issues related to climatic changes. A solid timetable for cuts in greenhouse gas emissions after the Kyoto Protocol which is speculated to expire in 2012 has been established. It is stated that the attendees had agreed to discuss the reviewing of the protocol in 2008.

B Diamonds, Angola: b KGK Angola, a diamond-cutting company with the capacity to process 100,000 gross carats of diamonds per year, was inaugurated on November 4th in Luanda, bringing the total number of these units in the country to four, the Angolan media reported. B Media, Algeria: b The influential Algerian privately owned media conglomerate I Echorouk i announced the death of its chairman and director general Ali Fodil on its website on October 24th. I Echourouk i newspaper, founded in 1991, claims to be Algeria's top newspaper in terms of circulation and readership. [Extracted from the article]

This section offers news briefs in Africa. A campaign targeting to help 3,000 graduates find information technology (IT) work in South Africa was launched by software company Microsoft, where it will act as a link between universities and IT companies. A 190 million U.S. dollars cash and paper offer from International Mining & Infrastructure Corporation plc was received by West African iron-ore explorer Affero Mining Inc.

The article reports that the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank has approved a loan for Ghana's third Poverty Reduction Budget Support program. The fund will be used to support the government's objectives of growth, development, income generation, good governance and civic responsibility as contained in the 2005-2009 Country Strategy Paper linked to the government's Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy.

The article discusses the World Bank loans in Central African Republic in Africa. The author mentions that International Developmeny Association will provide a grants-in-aid amounting to $7.9 million. He explains that the main purpose of the grant is to provide support to the implementation of the country's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. The author also mentions that the grant focuses on strengthening public finance management. He explains that the grant also aims to improve public sector and economic governance.

The article reports that the European Union will give U.S.$197 million within the framework of the Country Strategy Paper and the National Indicative Program in Togo.

The article reports on the increase in Madagascar's ilmenite development project costs, which is said to be associated with the rising global construction prices. Guy Larin, vice president and country director of QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), explains that the country's ilmenite project costs have increased to about $1 billion. Ilmenite is a mineral source of titanium dioxide, which is used in paint and other coatings, paper and plastics. Details of the construction of a mine, roads and infrastructure in the country are discussed.

The article reports about the bank profits in Rwanda. This paper discusses the economic growth in the country which forms a strong backdrop in commercial banks. The second-biggest bank in Rwanda, Rwanda Commercial Bank has had a steady growth in its customer base and this boosted growth in performance. Pre-tax profits are reported. Competition in rolling out new products has improved and customers are more attracted to invest. Profits has improved and continuously rose. The bank is owned by Actis but the government still owns a part.

The article reports about the foreign reserves in Nigeria. This paper discusses the rise in the foreign reserves brought by the rise of crude oil price. Central Bank of Nigeria reported a significant jump in reserves totaling in over 59 billion U. S. -dollars. It is widely attributed to high prices of crude oil in international markets. Continuous price increase has crossed the threshold per barrel in the market. But analysts have warned that denomination of foreign reserves in U. S. dollars will soon reduce in value. More stable currencies are suggested to convert the reserves.

The article offers information on the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, or PRGF. According to the author, the PRGF is a concessional facility by the International Monetary Fund for low-income countries. The programs by the PRGF are centered on poverty reduction strategies, which involve civil society, and development partners by the Poverty reduction Strategy Paper, or PRSP. Loans credited by the PRFG has an annual interest of 0.5 percent, which are payable for ten years with a grace period of 5.5 on principal payments.

The article presents the proceedings of a meeting between Senegal and its economic development partners in Paris, France. Development partners have pledged economic assistance to address Senegal's budget deficits. The meeting focused on the developing country's economic competitiveness, the Second Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP II), and the Accelerated Growth Strategy (AGS) program.

The article underscores the plan to create the world's largest park which will span the borders of Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The proposed conservation zone will boost tourism in the region ahead of the 2012 World Cup to be held in South Africa. This is also projected to increase employment in these countries. Moreover, Botswana's Tourism Minister Kitso Mokaila underlined how sustainable tourism can be an essential source of revenue. This $100 million project was finalized at a gathering of various leaders in Botswana.

The article offers information on the progress of the tourism industry in Mauritius. It is posed that tourist arrivals in this country increased 17.8% to 77,225 in July 2007, in comparison with 65,540 for the same month in 2006. Moreover, this country's top markets France and Reunion grew by 49.2% and 17.6% in July 2007 to 20,961 and 12,158 foreign visitors respectively. This country expects to receive 875,000 tourists in 2007. Lastly, tourist arrivals for the first seven months in 2007 increased 19.7% to 509,338 against 425,677 for the same period in 2006.

The article offers information on economic aid given by the nation overseas to Africa. It includes the donation of $14m from Great Britain to support the sectors of education, health, and good governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Another is the financing of $330m from the government of Japan to fund the anti-HIV/AIDS programs in Kenya. And the grant agreement worth $31.56m from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria donated to Rwanda.

The article reports on South African Judge Herbert Msimang's decision to postpone the fraud trial of former deputy president Jacob Zuma. The defense lawyers are demanding that the trial be dismissed. Msimang intends to study the prosecution papers in support of their call for a delay of several months and defense papers calling for a dismissal if the trial does not proceed quickly.

The article reports on the Group of Eight summit held July 15 to 17, 2006 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. President Vladimir Putin hosted the summit. On the final day of the summit, the G8 leaders had a meeting with the "strategic outreach partners," including South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki and African Union Chairman Denis Sassou N'Guesso. The British and Russian delegations presented a joint paper assessing the progress on Africa policy made since the 2005 summit.

The article highlights the efforts of African leaders to expand the continent's aquaculture. Overall fish production rose from 80,000 tons in 1990 to more than $30,000 tons in 2003. Top aquaculture producers include Egypt, Nigeria and Madagascar. Senegalese Prime Minister Macky Sall stocked three large fish basins near the town of Tivaouane with about 70,000 fingerlings. African leaders launched the NEPAD Action Plan for the Development of African Fisheries and Aquaculture in 2005.

The article reports that African leaders who attended the Fertiliser Summit held in June 2006 in Abuja, Nigeria, has agreed to establish a fertilizer financing fund in 2007. The Regional Fertiliser Procurement and Distribution Facilities will be based at the African Development Bank and will meet the financing of all issues agreed at the one-day summit.

Reports on Kenyan finance minister David Mwiraria's budget proposals. Budget theme; Focus of the budget on poverty reduction; Abolition of the value-added tax (VAT) on kerosene, cooking gas, flour, milk and paper used in education; Reduction on duty on imports of second-hand clothing.

Reports that the Kenya government has allocated $170 million to revamp the ailing National Bank of Kenya (NBK) and prepare it for privatization. Scheduled completion of the restructuring in June 2004; World Bank's warning that it may discontinue giving Kenya budgetary support unless the money is used for NBK restructuring; Requirement for the government expenditure to match the Poverty Recovery Strategy Paper.

I (RFI Portuguese website 24/3) i B South Africa: b The government on April 5th terminated the State of Disaster it implemented just two months previously to deal with the country's rolling power blackouts energy crisis. B Benin: b The World Bank Group on March 24th approved US$100m in financing from the International Development Association ( B IDA b ) to strengthen the social protection system and expand the coverage of poor households in the productive social safety net. The government noted that after the state of disaster was declared, a range of regulations were put in place to support the Energy Action Plan and ensure an integrated response across government. It is rare for such a senior official to face prosecution for graft and Kitutu is the highest-profile government figure hauled before the corruption court in years. [Extracted from the article]

B The Gulf state stands accused of "non-cooperation" in the affair. b A Dubai court has dismissed a request to extradite Atul and Rajesh Gupta who were arrested in June 2022 in connection with money laundering, fraud and corruption charges in South Africa. SOUTH AFRICA - UAE: Gupta Extradition Refused I (© AFP 7/4 2023) i IN BRIEF B Algeria - Uganda: b The two countries signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and five bilateral agreements on March 12th during a state visit by Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni to Algeria, state news agency I APS i reported. [Extracted from the article]