EU offers full market access to Africa, Caribbean and Pacific regions in EPAs negotiations

The EU has today proposed to remove all remaining quota and tariff limitations on access to the EU market for all African, Caribbean and Pacific regions as part of the Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations. The offer covers all products, including agricultural goods like beef, dairy, cereals and all fruit and vegetables. Click here for questions and answers. British Chamber of Business in South Africa

Biofuels in Africa: investment boon or food threat?

Africa's vast arable lands have the potential to rival top agricultural nations like the United States in supplying biofuels to a world seeking cleaner energy sources. africa.reuters.com

Most African Countries Short of Meeting MDGs Despite Growth - Report

Despite registering good economic performance, many of African countries are unlikely to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which aims to halve poverty by half by 2015 in the continent, according to Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2007. The Reporter / http://allafrica.com

African growth 'steady but frail'

African economic growth will accelerate in 2007, though its foundations are "very fragile", a UN report says. bbc.co.uk

Development aid shrinks from record in 2006 - OECD

Official development aid supplied by the world's wealthiest donor countries slid 5.1 percent last year from a record in 2005, the peak year for write-offs of debt owed by Iraq and Nigeria, the OECD said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

Emerging Markets

While still a comparatively small player compared to China, India's hunt for African commodities is attracting interest on the continent. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Africa children 'Easter slaves'

African children are working as slaves to produce chocolate for British Easter eggs, campaigners warn. bbc.co.uk

Shell Expects Full Output From Nigeria

Shell expects to resume oil production in Nigeria within five to six months after shutting down operations because of militant violence. The New York Times

Zambia to double copper output by 2011 - president

Zambia is set to double its annual copper output to 1 million tonnes by 2011 following the discovery of additional reserves, President Levy Mwanawasa said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

Namibia: Country, China Strengthen Trade Ties

The second joint economic and trade commission between China and Namibia culminated in the conclusion of bilateral agreements being sealed on Monday this week valued at US$30million (N$216million). New Era / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Chinese Imports' Red Tape May Not Be Worth Effort

In spite of last week's news that the trade and industry department had eased its restrictions on textile and clothing imports from China, industry experts say the quotas may result in extra administration costs and business risks for importers. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Ethiopia: Coffee Brings Its Own Aroma

Ethiopia is looking to trademark coffees in the EU to benefit its poor farmers, in the face of opposition from Starbucks in the U.S. Inter Press Service / http://allafrica.com

High-speed web boost for Africa

Kenya, Burundi and Madagascar secure $164.5m from the World Bank to set-up high-speed internet networks. bbc.co.uk

South Africa: All Systems Go As Doha is Resurrected

As the stalled Doha Round gets under way again in Geneva, the South African government has indicated that it will consult the private sector on SA's obligations before making an industrial offer to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Business confidence falls further

Business confidence in South Africa edged down for the second consecutive month, with growing global concerns as well as uncertainty over Zimbabwe contributing to the decline in confidence. iafrica.com

Uganda's Economic Freedom Ranked Fifth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Uganda has been named among the top five economically-free nations in sub-Saharan Africa, a report has shown. New Vision / http://allafrica.com

Ethiopia: Meles Happy With Economic Performance

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told parliament on Thursday that Ethiopia's economy showed sutained growth for four consecutive years but also warned about the impact of inflation. The Reporter / http://allafrica.com

Mozambique: Country Prepares for Negotiation of EPAs

The Mozambican government is preparing its position for negotiations with the European Union, scheduled to begin in May, on the controversial Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Country Takes Carbon Emission Debate to UK

A team of five senior government officers and private sector players will next week meet executives of the UK-based Tesco supermarket chain over the raging food miles controversy. The controversy that threatens to reduce horticultural produce is hinged on carbon emissions by planes flying the exports to UK. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Lonmin shares snapped up by IFC

The International Finance Corporation will invest in new shares in platinum miner Lonmin, with an initial investment of $15-million in buying some 250 000 shares. iafrica.com