WTO to attempt to salvage talks

The world's largest trading powers will meet in Australia next month in a bid to salvage failed global free trade talks, the government said on Wednesday. iAfrica.com

Nigeria replaces economy chief

Nigerian ex-Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is removed from her post as head of the economic reform team.  BBC

Nigeria: Obasanjo Slams WTO Over Policies

President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday criticized the trade liberalization policies of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which had forced many developing countries to open up their borders to expensive foreign goods in exchange for lowly priced locally produced raw materials.  This Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria to boost oil production

Nigeria expects its oil production to be close to three million barrels per day by the end of this ryear, resources minister Edmund Daukoru said in a document seen on Tuesday by AFP, signalling a rise in output. iAfrica.com

South Africa: At least no rate 'bombshell'

The expected 'bombshell' by Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni did not materialise after interest rates were hiked by the forecast 50 basis points on Thursday. iAfrica.com

South Africa: Business confidence slips; Rand key

Business confidence slipped in July as the economy reached a 'wait-and-see' mode, the South African Chamber of Business (Sacob) said on Thursday. iAfrica.com

Kenya: Trade Barriers Impeding Growth, Says Bank

Kenya's economy can grow by eight per cent if barriers hindering trade are removed, the World Bank says.  The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Inflation Eases to 10.1 Percent

Despite high oil prices in July, inflation rate declined to 10.1 per cent from 10.9 per cent in June.  The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Capital Gain Tax Exemption Extension to Deepen Market

The Securities and Exchange Commission has said that the extension of the exemption of the capital gain tax (CGT) by the government would go a long way to deepen the capital market in Ghana.  Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

Southern Africa: Infrastructure Development Crucial

SADC Executive Secretary, Dr Tomaz Salomao says the development of infrastructure is critical to promoting economic integration.  Mmegi / The Reporter / http://allafrica.com

Cape Town signs wind power deal

The city of Cape Town agrees to buy wind-generated power, in what is set to be South Africa's first such project.  BBC

South Africa: EU Links Up With Standard Bank to Fund Entrepreneurs

Standard Bank, the European Commission and the economic development department signed a memorandum of understanding to fund entrepreneurial business projects in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.  Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Zimbabwe: Fresh Crisis Grips Banks

A fresh crisis gripped the banking sector this week following the re-denomination of local notes under currency reform measures announced by the central bank on Monday.  Zimbabwe Independent / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Companies Given Standards Break

Companies globally will not be required to apply new international financial reporting standards until January 1 2009, according to new guidelines released by the International Accounting Standards Board.  Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Angola: Oil Firm Reaches 100,000 Barrels/Day

Angola's national oil company (Sonangol) has reached this year a daily production of 100,000 barrels, against its 7,000 daily output of 1976, when it started activity. Angola Press Agency / http://allafrica.com

Absa earnings growth 'solid'

Absa on Thursday announced solid earnings growth for the six months ended 30 June. iAfrica.com

Thirsty Africa boosts SAB's volumes

Global brewing giant SABMiller plc's first quarter organic lager volumes for the group grew by 7.0 percent, CE Graham Mackay told the group's AGM on Friday. iAfrica.com

South Africa: Angloplat Costs Still Rising But Earnings Double, Dividend Trebles

Costs have continued to climb well above management targets at the world's biggest platinum miner, Anglo Platinum (Angloplat), but soaring platinum group metals prices helped it to deliver strong growth in profits.  Business Day / http://allafrica.com

BHP gives R1m to fight crime

BHP Billiton SA on Monday donated R1-million towards the fight against aggravated robberies, bulk syndicated theft, commercial crime and corruption. iAfrica.com

Southern Africa: Microsoft Brings Setswana Software to Southern Africa

To enable access to computer technology via a local language interface, Microsoft has made its Setswana Language Interface Pack (LIP) for Windows XP available.  Mmegi/The Reporter / http://allafrica.com