AU summit - all talk, no action

This year's African Union summit in Banjul, Gambia, was a relatively low-key affair BBC Africa analyst Elizabeth Blunt writes. BBC

Leaders Want Nepad, AU Integrated

African leaders who were meeting in Banjul, The Gambia, say efforts would be deployed to integrate the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) into the African Union. The leaders of the NEPAD executive committee member countries made the announcement during the 7th AU Summit after having heard a report presented to them by the Secretariat a day ahead of the launching of the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government on July 1-2. The New Times / http://allafrica.com

Africa has 'huge problems': Manuel

Africa needs a fairer financial deal and more involvement in international economic decision-making, said Minister of Finance Trevor Manuel on Friday, but added the continent had "huge problems". iAfrica.com

Africa has 'enormous' growth prospects

Africa has enormous growth opportunities and global resource group BHP Billiton estimates that 30 percent of global resources are on the continent. iAfrica.com

Business 'can solve poverty'

The boss of mining giant Anglo American, Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, tells the BBC why big business is vital for Africa's struggle against poverty. BBC

Developing Countries Shaping Future of World Agriculture Trade

Production and consumption of farm products are expanding faster in developing countries than in developed economies. But a new joint report by the OECD and FAO says productivity growth in the world's poorest nations is not keeping pace with the food needs of their rising populations. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / http://allafrica.com

Helping Developing Countries Make Better Use of Biotechnology Tools -- New FAO Publication On Agricultural Genetic Resources

Developing countries should be enabled to fully exploit biotechnology tools, when appropriate, in order to stop the decline of agricultural biodiversity and to use their wealth of genetic rresources in a sustainable way, according to FAO. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations / http://allafrica.com

Peers Say Kenya Has Done Well, But It's Not Immune to Civil Strife

The African Peer Review on Kenya that was presented last week in The Gambia has many good things to say about Kenya, but it warns that the country faces serious challenges that are undermining its quest for development. Othello Gruduah looks at the verdict. The Nation / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Country Has Lost the War On Graft, Says World Bank Boss

Kenya's fight against corruption has stagnated, the World Bank has said. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Economy Chills As It Hits Iceberg

After about three years of smooth sailing, the local economy seems to have hit an iceberg. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Zimbabwe: IMF Paints Gloomy Picture

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has painted a gloomy picture for embattled Zimbabwe's economic situation forecasting that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be in negative territory in 2006 and 2007. Zimbabwe Standard / http://allafrica.com

SAA profit tumbles 90%

South African Airways' profits fell by 90 percent from R648-million to R65-million in the financial year to March 31, the company said on Thursday. iAfrica.com

Virgin launch 'highlights SA problems'

The launch of more competitive products such as Virgin has highlighted some major challenges to the SA economy, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana said. iAfrica.com

Nigeria: Nine Banks Make List of World's Best

The just concluded consolidation exercise in the Nigerian banking sector has again reaped another benefit as nine Nigerian banks have made it into the listing of Top 1000 World Banks, up from four in 2005. This Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: MTN Ploughs More Into Africa

MTN has splashed out another 172m euros -- about R1,55bn -- to increase its stake in its networks in Côte d'Ivoire and Uganda. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: London Court Refuses EWL's Request on Celtel

A High Court in London, has discharged an order of injunction which it granted on May 15, in favour of Econet Wireless Limited (EWL), to halt the sale of shares of Vee Network's (Vmobile's) shareholders to Celtel Nigeria BV. This Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Vodafone Sizes Up Telkom

Vodafone head Arun Sarin and Telkom chief Papi Molotsane are in talks that could lead to the UK telecommunications giant buying Telkom. Sunday Times / http://allafrica.com

SABMiller buys 2 'leading' US brands

Global brewing giant SABMiller said on Monday it has agreed to acquire the Sparks (R) and Steel Reserve (R) brands and related trademarks from US contract brewing partner McKenzie River Corporation for a cash consideration of $215-million. iAfrica.com

Kenya: Low-Cost Infrared Device May Save Farmers Millions

For the last four years, Karuma Mbugua, a small-scale farmer in Ng'ethu, Thika District, has been growing passion fruit for the lucrative European markets. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Uganda: Coffee Wins Top Award

Uganda's aromatic coffee has won the competitive international best-packaging award. The coffee is marketed by a Sweden-based company OneCafe. New Vision / http://allafrica.com