ADB Chief Tips On Economic Growth, Poverty

African leaders have been urged to ensure sustained economic growth in their countries to reduce the poverty level on the continent. The Monitor / http://allafrica.com

Continent to Benefit As World Shifts From Petrol to Biofuels

Under pressure from soaring oil prices and growing environmental constraints, momentum is gathering for a major international switch from fossil fuels to renewable bioenergy sources such as sugar cane or sunflower seeds, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. The East African / http://allafrica.com

Botswana to Host Pan African Commodities Exchange

Botswana is set to host the first ever Pan African commodities and derivatives exchange (PACDEX Africa) in what is likely to further boost its position as an international financial services hub. Discussions on the formation of an African-owned commodities exchange to stimulate the economies of African countries were concluded after a three-day forum in Gaborone on Wednesday.  Mmegi / The Reporter  / http://allafrica.com

Central Africa: Oil Production to Drop 15 Percent by 2009

Central Africa oil production is expected to fall by 15 percent by 2009, said the Bank of Central African States (BEAC). Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: China to Build Free Trade Zone

China has plans to invest $267mn to establish a free trade zone in Lagos, said a Chinese official. Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria Can Beat China in 5 Yrs - W/Bank Chief

The World Bank has said Nigeria has the potentials to match or overtake China's current 10 per cent economic growth rate in the next five years if the current economic reforms and the war against corruption are seriously prosecuted and sustained. Daily Champion / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Regional Economies See Slow Growth in First Quarter

RISING inflation, high oil prices, prolonged drought and hydroelectric power crisis that has hit rEast Africa since the beginning of 2006 have been cited as factors that slowed down economic growth in the region in the first quarter of 2006. The Monitor  / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: On Track in Achieving Economic Targets

Much progress has been made in efforts to grow South Africa's economy to six percent by 2014, since government announced its economic growth strategy in February. iAfrica.com

South Africa: 'Speed up black empowerment'

Black business called on Friday for "radical measures" to speed up black economic empowerment across South Africa's economy. iAfrica.com

Kenya: European Investment Bank to Increase Funding of Business

The European Investment Bank will this year increase funding to small scale investments in Kenya. The Nation / http://allafrica.com

Swaziland: Looking for Local Solutions to Job-Creation

Landlocked Swaziland's economy may be small, but it has the potential to generate millions of dollars for aspiring local entrepreneurs, according to a report by the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA). UN Integrated Regional Information Networks / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Tax Reform Will Reduce Overdependence On Oil –Obasanjo

President Olusegun Obasanjo said yesterday in Abuja that the on-going tax reform 'll in the country will help reduce her overdependence on oil revenue as the government would have more money coming from other sectors of the economy. Daily Trust / http://allafrica.com

$1 Billion Computer Boost for Developing Nations

Intel, the multinational manufacturer of computer parts, announced last week (1 May) that it would spend US$1 billion to increase access to computers and the Internet in developing countries. SciDev.Net / http://allafrica.com

Celtel's Kuwaiti Owner Has $2 Billion to Go Phone Shopping

The Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) of Kuwait is looking for new investments in Africa and has $2 billion to invest in the right opportunity. The East African / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: NSE Market Turnover Drops By 41.9%

The Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) equity market turnover on Tuesday declined by 41.9 per cent to close at 85.6 million shares worth N1.2 billion exchanged in 4,976 deals from 147.5 million shares worth N1.3 billion exchanged in 5,410 deals. Vanguard / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Vodacom Nets 20 Millionth Subscriber

South Africa's Vodacom mobile network has said that it connected its 20 millionth subscriber on Wednesday morning. Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Nitel Signs $33 Million Deal with Motorola

Nigeria's troubled Nigeria Telecommunication Limited (Nitel) has signed a deal with Motorola in an effort to increase its customer base. Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com

Investec issues R4bn in bonds

Specialist banker Investec will this week launch one of two funding platforms, with a combined size of R4-billion, to fund a significant portion of the growth in advances expected by Investec Private Bank. iAfrica.com

Uganda: Private Sector Rapped On Poor Governance

The Ugandan government is pushing for good corporate governance in both public and private enterprises. The East African / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Booming Tourism Industry Proves Worth to Economy

Tourism outperformed all other sectors of SA's economy last year and the market was by no means saturated, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said at the weekend. Business Day / http://allafrica.com