Africa, China SMEs Launch Trade Forum

A plan to boost trade between small businesses in Africa and China has been launched. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: EAC, COMESA to Harmonise Transport

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) are discussing a strategy to harmonise transport procedures to facilitate smooth flow of trade within member countries. East African Business Week / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: 16 Heads of State for ACP Summit

At least 16 heads of state are expected to attend opening session of the Summit of African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP) Heads of State, titled "United For Peace, Solidarity and Sustainable Development," which holds today in Sudan. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Launch of a new study: 'The State of Business Coalitions in sub-Saharan Africa'

The Global Health Initiative and the World Bank in cooperation with Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), UNAIDS, Corporate Council on Africa and PharmAccess Foundation conducted and launched a new study: "The State of Business Coalitions in sub-Saharan Africa", on 1 November 2006. This study shows how 27 African countries are supporting business in addressing HIV/AIDS. Click here to download the full study.

Southern Africa: SA to Aid Regional Industrial Growth

SA is set to assist in the development of an industrial development framework for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) along the lines of its own industrial strategy, which is under the cabinet's consideration. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: London Club - FG Makes Progress

Significant progress has been made by Nigeria in its efforts to redeem about $5 billion debts to London Club of creditors, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Mansur Muktar, said in London weekend. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria announces monetary policy changes

Disappointed by the efficiency of its previous monetary policy framework, Nigeria has announced sweeping changes to the future conduct of monetary policy. The previous benchmark rate, the Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) currently set at 14%, will be replaced by a Monetary Policy Rate – or MPR – initially set at 10%. The changes to the monetary policy framework take effect from December 11th. For more information, click here.

Kenya: ADB Grants EA Govts $13.6 Million For Trade and Transport

African Development Bank (ADB) has given East African governments $13.6 million (Sh952m) to improve trade and transport. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Angola: Nam, Angola Form Trade Body

In an effort to ensure increased and smoother trade between Namibia and its northern neighbour, Angola, the two countries this week set up a Joint Trade Committee. The Namibian / http://allafrica.com

West Africa: ECOWAS Seeks Extension on EU Trade Deal

The realisation of a balanced trade between West Africa and Europe is gradually becoming distant as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is seeking an extension of the deadline to establish a free trade area between the European Union (EU) and the West African body. Daily Trust / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Rwanda, Burundi Boost EAC

Rwanda on Friday officially welcomed the decision by East African Community (EAC) member states to allow her and neighbouring Burundi as new members of the bloc. EAC is an economic grouping comprising Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. East African Business Week / http://allafrica.com

Zimbabwe: $16bn Facility to Benefit Export-Oriented SMEs

The Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises Development will give priority to primary production, value addition and export-oriented projects in assessing beneficiaries from the $16 billion facility availed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe last month. The Herald / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Anglo Leads Mixed JSE to Record High

The JSE recorded its third consecutive record closing high yesterday after resources giant Anglo American -- the bourse's heaviest weighted stock -- was boosted by renewed buyout rumours. Overall, the JSE was very mixed and largely order driven, dealers said. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Minister - Mombasa Port Expansion to Cost Sh15b

The Mombasa Port will be expanded at a cost of Sh15 billion to accommodate more cargo and ships. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

China phone firm targets Africa

China's largest telecoms equipment firm, ZTE, plans to expand globally by targeting the markets of Africa and India. bbc.co.uk

East Africa: Mumias in New Strategy On Comesa

Mumias Sugar Company (MSC) shareholders have approved a five-fold increase in the firm's authorised capital as the company prepares to battle sugar imports from Comesa region in 2008. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

GFields offers expires end December

Gold Fields' offer to Western Areas shareholders to acquire their shares would close on 29 December, with Gold Fields hoping to control some 76 percent of Western Areas shares by today. iafrica.com

Mittal plans new R600m steel plant

Mittal Steel South Africa officially opened its new R110-million Galvinising Line No 5 on Tuesday, to meet heightened demand for the beneficiated steel, and said its contemplating opening a R600-million plant in Vanderbijlpark. iafrica.com

Zimbabwe: Microsoft Re-Enters Zimbabwe

Microsoft, the world's largest software company, has re-entered Zimbabwe after a few years' absence, appointing local company MS Solutions as sole distributor of its software in the local market. Financial Gazette / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Eskom to Build R26B Power Station in Limpopo

Southern African electricity supplier Eskom has set aside R26 billion to build the Matimba B Power station in Limpopo's Lephalale Municipality, a move which will invigorate the local economy. BuaNews/ http://allafrica.com