Germany raises development aid ahead of G8 summit

Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a 750 million-euro increase in German development aid, a week before she is expected to press other countries to honour aid promises to Africa. africa.reuters.com

Bush Outlines U.S. Agenda Before G8 Summit

President Bush has announced new initiatives to strengthen financial markets and boost educational opportunities in Africa. africa.reuters.com

Bush Requests $30 Billion to Fight AIDS

The near doubling of financing is part of an effort to burnish the president’s humanitarian credentials. The New York Times

Stiglitz calls new World Bank boss "protectionist"

The World Bank's former chief economist attacked its proposed new chief Robert Zoellick as a man of protectionism and said his nomination was a "wasted opportunity" for the bank. africa.reuters.com

Slower global growth means new risks - World Bank

Slower global economic growth has increased risks for developing countries, especially if the record levels of private capital that has flowed into these markets is reversed, the World Bank said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

World Bank offers 'vulture' aid

The World Bank is to extend its debt reduction facility to help poorer nations avoid so-called "vulture funds". bbc.co.uk

Companies look outside developing countries  - World Bank

Companies from developing countries are raising vast sums of capital on global markets on an unprecedented scale, which has also increased their exposure to interest rate and currency risks, the World Bank said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

Carbon trading could help Africa's poor - World Bank

A growing market in carbon credits to cut greenhouse gas emissions may become a tool to help Africa's poor, a World Bank official said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

Russia to write off $500 mln more African debt

Russia pledged on Tuesday to write off an additional $500 million of African debt, just days before a Group of Eight summit where Germany will push rich nations to deliver on promises to help Africa. africa.reuters.com

African Leaders Call for Integrated Strategy On Oil

African energy ministers, majority of whose countries are net petroleum importers, are calling for a collective approach in the exploration, production and management of the continent's oil resources.

Zille not surprised by rejection of APRM report

The rejection of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) report by South Africa has come as no surprise as it is consistent with the government's "depressing habit" of shooting the bearer of bad news, says official opposition Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille. Mail & Guardian

Blair hails positive Libya talks

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has praised "positive" talks with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, on the start of his week-long tour of Africa. bbc.co.uk

Zambia: Court Says Ex-Leader Is Fit for Trial

Former President Frederick Chiluba is well enough to stand trial on corruption charges, a judge ruled. The New York Times

Blair backs South Africa's Mbeki on Zimbabwe talks

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Friday he fully supported South Africa's efforts to mediate in Zimbabwe's escalating political crisis, saying a solution to the stand-off must come from within Africa. africa.reuters.com

Uganda: WB Boosts Energy Sector With U.S.$300 Million

The World Bank has signed an agreement with the government for the provision of a $300 million (about Shs500 billion) loan to support the Power Sector Development Operation, which has been set up to deal with the energy constraints the country is currently facing.

US sanctions 'won't help Darfur'

UN adviser Jeffrey Sachs condemns the US decision to impose fresh sanctions on Sudan over Darfur. bbc.co.uk

Ethiopia: Cut Flower Industry Said to Be One of the Biggest Exporters

The Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) said that Ethiopia's flower industry is showing an incredible growth pushing the nation to rank among the biggest exporters in the world for cut flowers over the next decade.

BP, Libya agree $900 million gas exploration deal

British oil and gas company BP Plc has negotiated an agreement with Libya to explore for natural gas in the north African country, a senior Libyan energy official said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

Africa key to Total's oil output targets

African oil will be central to French energy major Total's efforts to hit its output targets this decade, its head of exploration and production told Reuters. africa.reuters.com

Nike releases corporate responsibility report

Today Nike released its fiscal 2005 and 2006 Corporate Responsibility Report, announcing a series of business targets for 2011 that tie corporate responsibility goals to every facet of the company. The targets set benchmarks to improve labor conditions in contract factories, create a climate neutral company, drive sustainable product design and innovation, and give economically excluded youth greater access to the benefits of sport. Nike press release