Poll Shows Africans Wary, but Hopeful About Future

A plurality of Africans are optimistic about their future, according to a poll conducted in 10 sub-Saharan nations. nytimes.com

Toiling in the Dark: Africa’s Power Crisis

Crippling electricity shortages in sub-Saharan Africa have begun to hamper the region’s development. nytimes.com

Divisions likely to cloud WTO push for trade deal

Deep divisions between rich and poor countries, and within the developing world itself, are likely to cloud a September push for a long-sought global free trade pact, diplomats said on Wednesday. africa.reuters.com

Developing nations' fears over China hobbling WTO

Developing countries' largely unspoken fears about being exposed to Chinese competition are undermining the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) drive for a new global trade pact, trade experts say. africa.reuters.com

Annan urges Africa on governance, G8 on aid pledge

Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan urged African leaders on Sunday to practise good governance and democracy to rebuild the continent, and told the world's rich nations to keep their promises of aid. africa.reuters.com

Sarkozy preens, ruffles feathers on African tour

Nicolas Sarkozy has cut France's once cosy ties with leaders of its African ex-colonies, backing the torture trial of Chad's ex-ruler Hissene Habre and Africa's case for a Security Council seat, and his tone has upset some. africa.reuters.com

Liberia lifts diamond mining ban

Liberia lifts a moratorium on the mining, sale and export of diamonds, imposed at the height of the civil war. bbc.co.uk

Libya and EU seek improved ties

Libya and the EU say relations can improve after the release of six Bulgarian medics, as the French head prepares to visit. bbc.co.uk

Mugabe to pursue nationalisation

Zimbabwe's president is set to introduce a new nationalisation bill, as economic troubles escalate. bbc.co.uk

Ghana: Country's Energy Sector to Receive US$210 Million from World Bank and Other Development Partners

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors and the Global Environment Facility today approved US$95.5 million in financing of the Energy Development and Access project to increase electricity access, supply, and reliability in Ghana, where rolling blackouts and inaccessibility continue to impede economic growth. World Bank / http://allafrica.com

Zambia: Levy Promises Private Sector-Driven Economy

President Mwanawasa has reiterated Government's commitment to work at achieving a private sector-driven economy through the full implementation of the Private Sector Reform Programme (PSRP). The Times of Zambia / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Small Business Manufactures, Exports Apparel

On the wall of the Sleek Garments factory in Ghana, overlooking a bustling assembly line of 300 workers, is a sign that says "Quality First, Quantity Second." United States Department of State / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Country Gets 'Stable' Credit Rating

Fitch Ratings has raised its outlook for SA's sovereign credit ratings to "positive" from "stable", citing faster economic growth and prospects of even more rapid expansion in the economy, spurred by a surge in investment from both the public and private sectors. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Tanzania, Uganda Keen to Link With Malaysia

Tanzania is keen to tap Malaysian expertise to help develop its palm oil industry, especially for the production of biofuels. BuaNews / http://allafrica.com      

Uganda: Agoa Exports Decline

Uganda’s exports to the US under the African Growth Opportunities Act (Agoa) have declined by about a half, according to the annual report submitted to the US Congress report recently. The Monitor / http://allafrica.com

Mali: Mobile Service Helps Bring Down Infant Mortality

In Coura, a district of Mali's capital Bamako, it's now possible to monitor the health of local infants closely in real time with the launch of a new pilot project dubbed Pesinet. Initiated and funded by Alcatel-Lucent, Fondation Orange Mali, Afrique Initiatives, Medicament Export (Medex) and Kafo Yeredeme, the project aims to provide a preventative medical diagnostic service for infants between 0-5 years, based on regular checks on the childrens' weight gain. Balancing Act / http://allafrica.com

World Bank's IFC looks off the beaten track

The World Bank's private sector lending arm is boosting its equity investments in homegrown second-rank companies where it sees opportunity and growth but wary investors may still see risk. africa.reuters.com

Low-Key Recall of AIDS Drug Hits World’s Poor

Roche Pharmaceuticals has come under fire over its recall of an AIDS drug heavily used in the developing world. nytimes.com

S.Africa government to sell shares in MTN to black investors

A fund controlled by the South African government will sell about 11.7 million shares in mobile phone operator MTN to black investors for 931 million rand, the fund and MTN said on Monday. africa.reuters.com

'$100 laptop' production begins

A low-cost laptop, designed for children in developing countries, finally goes into mass production. bbc.co.uk