Africa in 2007: Multifaceted Growth

Africa grew by 5.5 per cent in 2006 – well above the long-term trend and for the fourth consecutive year. GDP per capita grew by about 3.5 per cent. Growth also appears set to accelerate somewhat on average in 2007, and to remain buoyant in 2008. oecd.org

Wolfowitz row seen hurting Africa anti-graft drive

The World Bank has roared against corruption in Africa for years but its credibility has been badly mauled by the favouritism scandal that sent the bank's U.S. chief Paul Wolfowitz limping off into retirement. africa.reuters.com

German G8 plan urges better governance in Africa

Germany has put forward an action plan for the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrial nations for targeting better financial governance in Africa in order to raise those countries' long-term sustainability. africa.reuters.com

G8 ministers put Africa in focus

G8 finance ministers caution against choking Africa with debt that it cannot repay by giving cheap loans. bbc.co.uk

Trade talks fail to get Doha plan

Trade and farming ministers fail to find an agreement that would have revived World Trade Organization talks. bbc.co.uk

EU agrees to open markets to ex-colonies

European Union countries agreed on Tuesday to open up their wealthy markets fully to imports from former colonies with phased-in access for rice and sugar, but put off a decision on when to open the banana market. africa.reuters.com

China factor changes rules of Africa aid game

China's rapid rise into an economic powerhouse offering aid and soft loans is changing the aid picture in Africa -- winning China its share of critics but also the gratitude of governments who say its engagement makes a difference. africa.reuters.com

Africa still lacks safe water despite strong growth

Access to safe drinking water has not improved in Africa, especially the sub-Saharan region, despite several years of strong economic growth, the African Development Bank said on Sunday. africa.reuters.com

134 Groups Urge Rich Countries to Pull the Plug on World Bank’s Push for  Water Privatization

Over 134 groups from 48 countries today called on donor governments to abandon support for a  highly controversial agency of the World Bank focused on privatization called the 'Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility' (PPIAF). Friends of the Earth / http://allafrica.com

Africa's COMESA agrees common external tariffs

Trade ministers of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), whose members comprise 20 African nations, have agreed on a common external tariff system, a senior trade bloc official said on Friday. africa.reuters.com

Huge rise in Zimbabwe inflation

Zimbabwe's annual rate of inflation surges to a new record high of 3,731.9%, official figures show. bbc.co.uk

Britain will work with next Nigerian leader - Blair

Former colonial power Britain will work with the next government of Nigeria, Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a letter to President Olusegun Obasanjo released on Thursday, despite rigging in last month's elections. africa.reuters.com

Nigeria: US: Nigeria Still Strategic Partner, Despite Election Flaws

The United States of America (USA) views Nigeria as a very important and strategic partner and would continue to work with her in spite of the fact that the recent elections in the country fell short of expectations. This Day / http://allafrica.com

'Invest in SA', foreigners told

International investors should consider South Africa as an investment destination, Forbes.com has said, and not just as a commodities play, with its banking standards of the best in the world. iafrica.com

Ethiopia Among 'Fastest Growing Economies'

In what is seen as contradictory to the World Bank report which painted a gloomy picture of the country's overall economic performance, the African Development Bank (AfDB) said Ethiopia was among the three countries in the sub-Saharan with fastest growing economy. The Daily Monitor / http://allafrica.com

Malawi: South Africa Agreement 'Will Attract Investors'

The Malawian government is optimistic that its new economic and technical cooperation agreement with South Africa will finally draw investors from its mighty neighbour. Inter Press Service / http://allafrica.com

Arusha to host historic EAC tax seminar

High profile talks on effective customs reform methods within the East African Community (EAC) will be held in Arusha next Monday. The meeting would be attended by private sector stakeholders and revenue experts from the EAC. ippmedia.com

Tanzania: Starbucks Signs Agreement with Kili Growers

The Association of Kilimanjaro Speciality Coffee Growers (KILICAFE) has entered into an agreement with Starbuck of the United States, the world's largest coffee retailer, that may lead in an increase in coffee production in the country. Arusha Times / http://allafrica.com

IFC Launches a New Handbook on Stakeholder Engagement

IFC launches a new IFC publication, "Stakeholder Engagement: A Good Practice Handbook for Companies Doing Business in Emerging Markets." Over thirty case examples from private sector operations across regions and sectors illustrate various aspects of the engagement process. business-humanrights.org

Kenya: Microsoft in Partnership With State

Microsoft has partnered with the Government in the provision of computer technology to teachers, students and digital villages. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com