Wolfowitz urges greater aid to Africa

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, ending a weeklong trip through Africa, has urged developed nations to increase aid or face serious security implications for the region. Humanitarian Development Program

Donors Commit $120m to Africa

Donor funding to the Investment Climate Facility for Africa has increased to $120m (sh211.2b) from $80m (sh140b) since June 2006, a statement has said. New Vision / http://allafrica.com

EU Official Says Continent Committed to Trade Deals

Europe's highest-ranking trade official has claimed that the entire African, Pacific and Caribbean (ACP) bloc is committed to reaching controversial free trade deals with the EU by the end of this year. Not everyone from the ACP group thinks so. Inter Press Service / http://allafrica.com

African nations fear US cotton subsidy backslide

Washington's proposed farm policy overhaul threatens to worsen the plight of Africa's cotton farmers by providing fresh assistance to U.S. producers, African ministers said on Friday. africa.reuters.com

East Africa: EAC Membership Slowing Comesa Customs Union, Says World Bank

Overlapping regional blocs pose major hindrance to the proposed customs union under Comesa. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Africa: Beware EU Pressure to Open Markets -Oxfam

Oxfam International has warned African countries negotiating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with the EU that Europe intends to be the only beneficiary of the agreement. The East African / http://allafrica.com

Call for extra Zimbabwe sanctions

The US and UK urge wider sanctions against Zimbabwe after the violent break-up of an opposition rally. bbc.co.uk

Angola calls a halt to IMF talks

Angola cancels all talks with the IMF, saying it can maintain economic stability on its own. bbc.co.uk

Zambia: Vulture Funds Saga Needs Solutions

The call by World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz for the international community to come up with solutions which can address the vulture funds saga currently threatening Zambia's macro-economic aspirations is certainly very timely. The Times of Zambia / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: New Aids Plan 'Needs Business Help'

Government and civil society groups yesterday appealed to business to help finance the country's most ambitious HIV/AIDS plan yet, following warnings that government may not have enough money to fund the five-year programme. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Southern Africa: SADC Sets Deadline for Zero Tarrif Rates Introduction

SADC has set 2008 as the deadline for the introduction of zero tariff rates in accordance with the minimum conditions of a Free Trade Area (FTA). The Voice / http://allafrica.com

Disinvestment in SA rockets

Disinvestment in South Africa grew sevenfold last year to more than R34-billion, exceeding the levels of inward investment, with analysts fearing that government interference in mining is scaring investors away. iafrica.com

Ethiopia: IMF Commends Nation's Economic Growth

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Takatoshi Kato said after a significant drought related contraction in 2002/03, the Ethiopian economy rebounded with an annual average growth rate of nearly 11 per cent in 2003/04-2005/06 which is above the average of less than 6 per cent realized in sub Saharan Africa. The Ethiopian Herald / http://allafrica.com

Namibia: Country Praised for Putting Up Strong Proposal

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has praised Namibia for putting up a strong proposal that is focused and results-oriented. New Era / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Country Maintains Fitch's Rating On Economy

Global economic rating agency, Fitch, has rated Nigeria BB- (BB minus) for the second consecutive year, there by placing the economy at par with those of Venezuela, Brazil and a number of other countries. Daily Trust / http://allafrica.com

UNIDO/AU High Level Consultative Meeting on Productive and Decent Work for Youth in West Africa

A joint United Nations Industrial Development Organization and African Union High-Level Consultative Meeting was convened in Accra, Ghana in February.  This was done in close cooperation with the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Secretary-General’s Youth Employment Network.

Namibia: Amstel Lager: Casualty of Brewing Giants' War

The fierce competition between the two brewing giants, Heineken and SABMiller, is turning into a real catfight, with Heineken deciding to revoke SABMiller's right to continue producing its Amstel brand under licence. New Era / http://allafrica.com

Helping Hand for Business in Africa

Standard Bank has committed $2,5m to a fund dedicated to improving business conditions in Africa as the bank strengthens its footprint on the continent. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Unilever Cuts Back Operations

Unilever South East Africa has scaled down its operations in Zimbabwe in a move that is set to worsen the availability of edible oils and detergents. Financial Gazette / http://allafrica.com

Shell Says No Plans to Leave Nigeria

Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell said yesterday it has no plans to leave Nigeria's oil-rich but volatile Niger Delta despite incessant attacks on its facilities and personnel by militants. The Namibian / http://allafrica.com