Top reforming African countries - Ghana, Kenya and Mauritius - recognized through World Bank-IFC awards

Today Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius were honored for their performance in the World Bank-International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Doing Business 2008 report which ranks 178 economies for the regulatory ease of doing business.

The moral duty to eat African strawberries at Christmas

In his latest Energy and Environment Comment, Dr Benito Müller looks at the recent controversy about discouraging consumers particularly in the UK from buying produce of least developed countries because of their 'food miles', i.e. the transport carbon emissions (especially from air freight), and the effect that such an environmental consumer boycott has on the efforts to eradicate poverty in these countries.

Development aid back in focus at WTO as talks sour

World Trade Organisation (WTO) negotiators have turned their focus to development aid in an attempt to salvage souring talks over a global free trade pact. africa.reuters.com

Wars strip $284 bln from African economies - report

Wars stripped about $284 billion from Africa's economies between 1990 and 2005, roughly equal to the amount of aid money given to the world's poorest continent, according to a report on Thursday by Oxfam International. africa.reuters.com

Growing Africa gets share index

An investment bank launches Sub-Saharan Africa's first financial index, citing "investment potential". bbc.co.uk

In first 100 days, Zoellick renews World Bank focus

In his first 100 days as head of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick has worked quickly to give the poverty-fighting institution a sense of direction after the storm surrounding his predecessor Paul Wolfowitz. africa.reuters.com

Distribution of Nets Splits Malaria Fighters

Mosquito nets have the potential to save lives in malaria-plagued countries. But what is the best way to get them to those who need them most? nytimes.com

As Angola Rebuilds, Most Find Their Poverty Persists

Thanks to surging oil production, Angola’s economy is booming, but most Angolans remain as poor as ever. nytimes.com

Uganda opens first HIV drug plant

A factory making drugs to combat HIV/Aids opens in Uganda - the first of its kind in the country. bbc.co.uk

Southern Africa to meet trade deadline - official

Southern Africa is on track to form a free trade zone by 2008 and is still considering establishment of a customs union, a senior official with an African leadership group said on Tuesday. africa.reuters.com

Mauritius eyes sugar, biofuel "flexi-factories"

Mauritius is restructuring its sugar sector by moving towards flexi-factories that can produce sugar and biofuels and by stepping up exports of premium cane sugars, a senior official said on Friday. africa.reuters.com

Mozambique to revive $1.1 billion Enron steel project

Mozambique's government said on Monday it planned to push ahead with development of a $1.1 billion steel project that was cancelled after the collapse of U.S. energy trading firm Enron. africa.reuters.com

Togo votes under watchful eye of donors

Togolese voted on Sunday in parliamentary elections which leaders of the small West African state hope will convince foreign donors that they have fully embraced multi-party democratic rule. africa.reuters.com

Mine tax may harm new investments in Zambia

The Zambian government's plans to raise mineral royalty to 3.0 percent from 0.6 percent could harm the expansion of the copper industry, the Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) has said. africa.reuters.com

Rights Case Against 50 Companies Is Reinstated

A divided federal appeals court has ruled that a human rights lawsuit filed against corporations that did business in South Africa under apartheid should be revived. nytimes.com

Nokia Siemens signs $130 mln Nigeria deal

Nokia Siemens Networks said on Wednesday it had won a $130 million order to expand Celtel Nigeria's telecom network. africa.reuters.com

Kenya awards internet cable deal

Alcatel-Lucent wins the undersea internet cable project to give Kenya better links with the world. bbc.co.uk

Ethiopia: US Corp to Invest $50 Million in Coffee Sector

B&D Food Corporation, an American-based company, is set to invest USD 50 million in coffee farm and erection of a roasting facility in Ethiopia under its recently established subsidiary, BDFC Ethiopia Industry PLC. The Reporter / http://allafrica.com

World's largest wine firm buys in SA

The largest wine company in the world has bought a second wine maker in South Africa, following its acquisition of Kumala wines last year — serving as a vote of confidence in SA's winemaking. iafrica.com

Microsoft to Partner With Algeria

The PDG of Microsoft, Mr Steve Ballmer has affirmed the company's commitment to a partnership with Algeria. He said, "the policy of Microsoft is to pursue the aid for the development of information and communication technologies in Algeria." Highway Africa News Agency / http://allafrica.com