Bank mulls Africa role with China

The head of the World Bank, Robert Zoellick, proposes joint aid projects in Africa with China. bbc.co.uk

IFC to help Africa build private health

The International Finance Corporation, the private-sector arm of the World Bank, is to co-ordinate a $1bn package of debt and equity funding designed to strengthen health across Africa by supporting the private sector. ft.com

EU Has Put Region Between a Rock and a Hard Place

The EU-Africa summit that took place in Lisbon 10 days ago has been criticised for not delivering concrete outcomes. However, it did do one useful thing: it highlighted the massive problems and tensions that exist because of the trade agreements Europe wants to finalise with 76 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries by the end of the year. New Vision / http://allafrica.com

Survivor Is Poised to Lead South Africa

Jacob Zuma, the new chairman of the African National Congress, will almost certainly succeed Thabo Mbeki as the leader of South Africa’s one-party democracy. nytimes.com

Prosecutor Says Zuma Charges Near

South Africa’s chief prosecutor said Thursday there was enough evidence to bring corruption charges against Jacob G. Zuma, who is in line to be the next president. nytimes.com

Mbeki Plans to Stay in Office

South Africa’s president intends remain in office until his term ends in 2009, despite being ousted as leader of the African National Congress by his rival and likely successor, Jacob Zuma. nytimes.com

'Business should not be uneasy'

There was no reason why the business community should be uneasy over ANC economic policy, the new leader of the party Jacob Zuma said on Thursday. iafrica.com

Kibaki, giant of Kenyan politics, in last fight

With a political career as old as his nation, President Mwai Kibaki faces a verdict on his progress leading east Africa's biggest economy and efforts to fix years of corruption at his final election battle this month. africa.reuters.com

West Africa bloc aims for EU trade deal by June '09

West African countries agreed on Monday on an 18-month timetable to negotiate and sign a regional economic partnership agreement with Europe by June 2009, top officials said. africa.reuters.com

EU adds Cameroon to list of new trade deals

The European Commission said on Monday it had struck a new trade agreement with Cameroon, the latest former European colony to do a deal with Brussels and avoid the prospect of higher EU import tariffs from Jan. 1. africa.reuters.com

Zambia lauds China investment, but seeks improvements

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa on Tuesday praised China's role in his country but told investors from the Asian economic giant to improve its treatment of local workers in the key copper mining sector. africa.reuters.com

Mugabe softens on mine ownership

President Robert Mugabe said on Friday that foreign mining firms who invest in Zimbabwe would be allowed to retain majority stakes under controversial ownership regulations. iafrica.com

Ethiopia wins trademark rights for coffee brands

Ethiopia has successfully won trademark rights for its specialty Harar and Sidamo coffee names, it said in a statement on Thursday. africa.reuters.com

Liberia: ADB Cancels Nation's Debt

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has welcomed the cancellation of debt Liberia owes the African Development Bank (ABD). The decision, the President says will go a long way in helping to accelerate national development programs. Liberia Government / http://allafrica.com

Ethiopia: World Bank Finances Health, Power Initiatives

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors on Friday approved a US$215 million International Development Association (IDA) grant to the Government of Ethiopia to continue protecting and promoting the delivery of basic services by sub-national governments while deepening transparency and local accountability in service delivery. The Reporter / http://allafrica.com

Citi sees microfinance growth even in downturn

Microfinance services for the world's very poor will likely continue to grow despite any global downturn, Citigroup says, but said the sector must diversify beyond small loans to saving and insurance schemes. africa.reuters.com

African media group buys Tradus

Africa's largest media firm, Naspers, is to buy UK internet auction firm Tradus, formerly QXL, for £946m. bbc.co.uk

S.Africa's Sun International seeks overseas growth

South Africa's biggest casino operator Sun International plans to expand into Egypt, Nigeria and Chile as part of a global acquisition plan after being locked out of Russia's lucrative casino market. africa.reuters.com

Kenya: State Pushes Safaricom Public Offer to Next Year

The sale of a 25 per cent stake in Safaricom through an initial public offering (IPO) has been moved to next year, the Government has announced. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Cameroon: Microsoft Partners With  Schools for IT Development

The Chairman of Microsoft Africa Zone, Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, has said his company would soon develop and launch a communication satellite for Africa as part of responsibility the outfit shoulders.