China to double its aid to Africa

Chinese President Hu Jintao pledges to double aid to Africa as he opens a summit in Beijing with African leaders. bbc.co.uk

World Bank sees Africa progress

Seen as the 'Year of Africa', 2005 was a turning point for the region, with less conflict and higher economic growth. bbc.co.uk

Africa: Commonwealth Bid to Revitalise ACP-EU Negotiations

The Commonwealth will throw its weight behind a new diplomatic offensive aimed at breathing new life into trade negotiations between Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European Union (EU). Commonwealth News and Information Service / http://allafrica.com

Africa: Mineral Rich States to Get Backing From AfDB

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has endorsed the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which is expected to enable mineral rich African countries derive greater benefits from oil, gas, mineral and other natural resources. East African Business Week / http://allafrica.com

Namibia: Record Gem Haul Expected

Namibia is set to produce a record one million carats from offshore diamond mining this year, says President Hifikepunye Pohamba. The Namibian / http://allafrica.com

Uganda: Country Opens Up Telecoms Infrastructure Market

Uganda has opened up the telecommunications infrastructure market of the country to full competition, thus ending the exclusivity period that has been enjoyed by MTN Uganda, Uganda telecom and Celtel Uganda over the past six years. Highway African News Agency / http://allafrica.com

Egypt and Russia strengthen ties

The presidents of Russia and Egypt say their relations are blossoming, and expressed hopes for improved trade ties after a meeting in Moscow. bbc.co.uk

China to build Nigerian railway

China is to build a railway line between Nigeria's two main commercial cities, Lagos and Kano. bbc.co.uk

Uganda: U.S. to Boost SMEs With $1.5 Million

The United States African Development Foundation has earmarked $1.5 million (about Shs2.7 billion) for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises. The Monitor / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Oil Exploration Consortium Hopeful of Lamu Deposits

A consortium prospecting for oil off the Kenyan coast says its mapping and seismic surveys have identifi ed more than 30 prospects and leads, a number of which are capable of holding upto to a billion barrels of recoverable oil. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Zambia: EU Gives Zambian Roads 21 Million Euros

The Zambian government has been handed -21mn (about $26mn) by the European Commission to help pay for the maintenance of its roads network. Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Experts in Doubt Over Achieving the Millennium Dev. Goals By 2015

Ever since the UN held its Millennium Summit in 2000 where it pledged its commitment to all governments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, experts remain skeptic about its success. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

Zimbabwe: Country the Only in Africa with Shrinking Economy

Zimbabwe is the only country in Africa recording negative economic growth, a new World Bank report released this week says. Financial Gazette / http://allafrica.com

Uganda: Gen. Museveni Praises Investors

President Yoweri Museveni has praised the role of the private sector in transforming the economy. The Monitor / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Safaricom Makes $12.77 Million Profit, a Record for Region

Mobile company Safaricom has posted the biggest profit ever in East Africa - Ksh 12.77 billion ($174 million) - edging out listed company East African Breweries Ltd from the position of the biggest profit maker in the region. The East African / http://allafrica.com

Uganda: President Museveni Orders Tamoil Investigated

The planned signing of the $100 million Eldoret-Kampala pipeline contract between the Kenya and Uganda governments and Tamoil East Africa Ltd on Monday this week hangs in the balance after President Yoweri Museveni ordered that the firm be investigated. The East African / http://allafrica.com

AngloGold earnings shoot up

AngloGold Ashanti generated headline earnings per share for the quarter to end September of 534 cents compared with a loss of 398 cents in the June quarter, but the group's costs are rising. iafrica.com

Liberia: US$10m Facelift for LPRC

One of Liberia's damaged source of financial income is about to get a facelift. The Liberia Petroleum Refining Company says one of its focuses during the second half of this year is the rehabilitation of the company's facilities at the Product Storage Terminal (PST). The Inquirer / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Total Shareholders Approve Merger

Shareholders of Total Petroleum Ghana Ltd (TOTAL) unanimously approved the merger of the company and Total Ghana Ltd at an Extraordinary General Meeting on October 27, 2006. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Tiomin Commits $39.5 Million to Infrastructure

Tiomin Resources says its titanium mining project at the Kenyan Coast is on track, with extraction expected to commence on time in mid 2008. The East African / http://allafrica.com