HIV/AIDS Epidemic Costs More Than 1 Million Jobs a Year - ILO

The relentless advance of HIV/AIDS is markedly reducing economic and employment growth in countries hit hardest by the epidemic, jeopardizing their efforts to reduce poverty, create new jobs, especially for youth, and fight child labour, says a new report by the International Labour Office (ILO) released today. International Labour Organization / http://allafrica.com

African And South American Leaders Pledge Cooperation

The first summit of leaders from Africa and South America, held on Thursday in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, approved a declaration and plan of action which are supposed to act as guidelines in strengthening cooperation between the two regions. Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique/ http://allafrica.com

Countries Should Diversify Exports to Meet MDGs

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has advised African countries to diversify their exports in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). BuaNews / http://allafrica.com

AU Group Proposes Bank for African Currency By 2010

African Union (AU) Group of Eminent Persons (GEP) on reparations, has concluded plans to float a bank for all African currency by the year 2010, saying it will boost investment and trade in the continent. Vanguard / http://allafrica.com

EU unveils new immigration plans

The EU announces new measures to attract skilled labour from Africa and curb illegal immigration. bbc.co.uk

UN warning on e-waste 'mountain'

The UN meets to discuss how to tackle the growing problem of dumping of electronic waste in Africa. bbc.co.uk

World Bank Helps Poor Countries on Energy Constraints

The World Bank says it is helping low income countries to check reported poor electricity which has been known to restrict business growth. Daily Trust / http://allafrica.com

SA launches plan to combat Aids

South Africa announces a five-year plan to try to fight Aids and halve infection rates, on World Aids Day. bbc.co.uk

Angola: Cabinet Approves Country's Joining of OPEC

Angolan Government Wednesday in Luanda approved the decision of the country to join the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as a full right member. Angola Press Agency / http://allafrica.com

Angola: Country May Become World's Biggest Producer of Diamonds

The World Bank predicts that the Angolan economy will record in the next twenty years a production boost in the diamonds that can turn the country into the world's biggest producer of this mineral. Angola Press Agency / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Country's Vision is to Be One of World's 20 Largest Economies - Obasanjo

President Olusegun Obasanjo Monday said that the current vision is for Nigeria to emerge as one of the 20 largest economies in the World by 2020. Vanguard / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: UK to Invest Over N24 Billion in Country

Heir Apparent to the British throne, Prince Charles, yesterday said the United Kingdom is to increase its investments in Nigeria to the tune of a hundred million pounds sterling or about N24 billion in the next two years. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Zambia: Germany Assures Zambia of Continued Financial Support

Germany is ready to continue supporting Zambia financially because of the great improvements Government has made in the macro-economic management and performance in the past years. The Times of Zambia / http://allafrica.com

IMF scrutinises Zimbabwe economy

An IMF team is in Zimbabwe as it tries to decide what to do about Harare's outstanding debt to the fund. bbc.co.uk

Rwanda: The Nation's Coffee Captures World Market, Starbucks

President Paul Kagame yesterday held discussions with the leaders of the America's giant coffee company, Starbucks Company, at the State House in Kiyovu, Kigali. The plank of the meeting was the excellent current trade relations between the United States and Rwanda, which have greatly benefited the country. The New Times / http://allafrica.com

Ethiopia: Oxfam Asks Starbucks to Recognize Ethiopia's Coffee Trademark

Oxfam International has asked Starbucks, an international coffee retailer and roaster company, to recognize Ethiopia's coffee trademark, various international media outlets reported. The Ethiopian Herald / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Coca Cola Implements Aids Programme for Its Workers, Families

Coca Cola Ghana Limited (CCGL) over the years has been working hard to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on its workers and their families by providing care and support and also ensuring a healthy and safe working environment. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

Gold Fields gets hands on South Deep

Gold Fields will complete its $1.525-billion purchase of Barrick's half of the South Deep Gold Mine on Thursday, and will then turn its attention to its bid for Western Areas. iafrica.com

Ghana: Gold Fields Approves $175m Expansion At Tarkwa

With Gold Fields receiving approval on Tuesday in South Africa for two expansion projects costing $175million at its Tarkwa mine in Ghana, more jobs and increased revenue from gold are expected next year, Corporate Affairs Manager, Dr. Tony Aubynn has said. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: SAA slashes 1000 jobs on costs

South African Airways will retrench 1000 employees before the end of the year due to high operating costs, the airline has said. iafrica.com