Nepad to Set Up Infrastucture Fund

The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) has confirmed that plans are in top gear to set up a NEPAD Infrastructure Facilitation Fund (NIFF) as part of efforts towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)and implementing the G8 recommendations. This Day / http://allafrica.com

New Chemical Law Blocks Africa's Reach to Europe

Africa's mining industry and other exporters to the European Union could soon find it difficult to sell their products in the EU following the passing of a new law governing the use of chemicals in products. South African News Features / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Reality Check for Economy As Growth Figures Show Disappointing Return

The economy's disappointing growth performance in the fourth quarter of last year helps to cut through some of the euphoria and excessive expectation that has built up around the issue. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Manuel resignation rumours 'rubbish'

Rumours circulating in the London foreign exchange market that Finance Minister Trevor Manuel had resigned were "utter rubbish", National Treasury spokesperson Thoraya Pandy told I-Net Bridge on Tuesday. iAfrica.com

Nigeria: Trade With China Hits $3bn Mark

Trade between Nigeria and China has hit the $3 Billion mark, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Wang Yongqiu has said. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Oil Companies Not On Trial, Says Obasanjo

President Olusegun Obasanjo has admonished chief executives of oil companies not to see the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) as an inquisition or a judicial enquiry. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Angola: Fast Economic Growth Opens Up Vast Opportunities

With government forecasts of 27.9 percent economic growth for 2006, Angola is looking more and more attractive to foreign investors, especially from Portugal, who are flocking to the former Portuguese colony. Inter Press Service / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: WB Blames Slow Growth On Poor Policies

The World Bank has said the country's continued slow economic growth resulted from poor policy choices and implementation, but not lack of finances. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Uganda: IMF Calls for Improved Growth and Tax Collection

Stronger economic growth underlined by a sustained 7 percent Gross Domestic Product and higher revenue collections have been cited as most important priorities to reduce poverty in Uganda. The Monitor / http://allafrica.com

Sudan: Kenya And Sudan Set to Sign Trade Accord

Kenya and Sudan will sign a bilateral trade agreement that will open up the vast Sudanese market to Kenyan entrepreneurs. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Tanzania: Research Institute Develops New Disease Resistant Coffee Varieties

The Tanzania Coffee Research Institute in Moshi has developed coffee varieties that are resistant to coffee berry disease and leaf rust. The East African / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: Coffee Farmers Lose Despite Higher Prices

A tidy heap of building stones lies by the gate of Mzee Stanley Munene's small farm. The Nation / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Private-Public Partnership Could Accelerate Economic Growth - IDEG Roundtable

A public policy round table discussion in Accra yesterday concluded that for Ghana to realize the 8% economic growth on sustainable basis, it needed to promote the concept of Private Public Partnership (PPP) in all sectors of the economy. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

Old Mutual's 2005 profits leap

Anglo-South African insurer Old Mutual said on Monday that operating profits rose by 30.0 percent to £1.244-billion (€1.826-billion, $2.163-billion) in 2005. iAfrica.com

Kenya: Celtel Kenya Posts Sh1.3 Billion Profit

Celtel Kenya has announced it had posted an after tax profit of Sh1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2005. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Closure of Shell's Units Pose Long-Term Threat

Oil production cuts forced by the shutting down of Royal Dutch Shell's production units in the Niger Delta have so far had a limited effect on stability, revenue and possibly ratings of Nigeria, says a recent report published by investment bank Merrill Lynch. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Botswana: De Beers Seeks New Deal

The move of De Beers, the world's top diamond producer, to establish a sales and marketing division in Botswana may be realised in the next three years. New Era / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: BHP Billiton Denies Power Cuts May Halt Investment

Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin has warned BHP Billiton not to "negotiate its contracts with Eskom through the media", but the largest global resources company yesterday quashed suggestions that unreliable power supply may cause it to delay its investment plans in southern Africa. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Daimler Uncertain of SA Role If MIDP Goes

DaimlerChrysler has warned that it will be "very difficult" to continue making cars in SA in the absence of the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP), whose future hangs in the balance.   Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Rwanda: Starbucks to Sell Rwandan Specialty Coffee

Starbucks in the United States is planning to sell a special Rwandan coffee brew in it's over 5000 outlets. Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com