Scant Reward for Poor Countries' Efforts At Trade Talks in Hong Kong

SA had gained "a bit more" from the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Hong Kong in December than it expected, said the country's chief negotiator yesterday. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Wolfowitz 'to target corruption'

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz vows to crack down on corruption in nations where the bank operates. BBC

Nigeria: Militants Threaten Fresh Attack in Niger Delta

Another crisis stared at the strategic oil sector yesterday after a militant group responsible for the kidnapped of four foreign oil workers in the Niger Delta last month, threatened to unleash fresh wave of violence next week in the oil producing region. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Mozambique: Govt Praises End to US Cotton Export Subsidies

Mozambique has praised the decision by the US Congress to scrap the export subsidies which the Bush administration had been granting to the US cotton industry, and which helped distort the international cotton market. Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique / http://allafrica.com

South Africa almost there - Anglo

South Africa was on the cusp of rapid and sustainable growth with the country's economy set to accelerate toward six percent growth in gross domestic product per annum, Anglo American South Africa CEO Lazarus Zim said on Tuesday at the Mining Indaba. iAfrica.com

South Africa: R372bn to be spent on infrastructure

The government has set aside R372-billion for infrastructure investment over the current medium-term budget period of April 2005 to March 2008, with about 40 percent earmarked for public enterprises. iAfrica.com

South Africa: Business confidence soars

The South African Chamber of Business (Sacob) Business Confidence Index rose to 131 in January from 129.4 in December. iAfrica.com

South Africa: New Tax Laws Will Streamline Compliance for Companies

SA can look forward to an announcement by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel on the introduction of a group basis of taxation for companies in next week's budget, says Charles de Wet a tax partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Mozambique: Project Launched to Strengthen Financial Sector

The Mozambican government launched in Maputo on Thursday a Technical Assistance Project to help improve efficiency and transparency in the financial sector. Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique / http://allafrica.com

Ghana: Business Confidence in Country High

The first Business Leaders Confidence Index (BLCI), which was carried out in the last quarter of 2005 by Steadman Group, has revealed that business confidence in Ghana is high, at 66-index point. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: $5bn of Foreign Investments in ICT Sector

Nigeria Investment Promotions Commission (NIPC) Tuesday revealed that the investment friendly atmosphere prevalent in the country in the last five years have attracted well over $5 billion worth of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) into the country in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Zimbabwe: Country Faces Meltdown – IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned of further economic decline in Zimbabwe unless the government urgently adopts a rigorous package of economic and social reforms. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Anglo to Spend $6bn On Projects in SA

Anglo American would spend about $6bn over three years on capital projects in SA, said Anglo American SA CE Lazarus Zim yesterday. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Glittering year for De Beers

De Beers, the world's largest diamond producer that is 45 percent owned by mining giant Anglo American, posted record diamond production of 49 million carats in 2005, according to newly appointed group managing director Gareth Penny. iAfrica.com

South Africa: Merrill Lynch Seals Empowerment Deal

US investment bank Merrill Lynch is selling an initial 8,5% stake in its South African business (MLSA) to staff, an education trust and black investors. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Shell Unveils $1bn Developments in Alternative Energy

Royal Dutch Shell Plc has invested over US$1 billion (about N130billion) in alternative energies including Bio-fuels, Wind, Solar and Hydrogen, making it one of the world's leading companies in the sector as the world grapples with spiraling crude oil prices. Vanguard / http://allafrica.com

Sierra Leone: Celtel to Invest $20 Million in S/Leone

Celtel, the leading mobile company in Sierra Leone plans to invest $US20 million in Sierra Leone. The Independent / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Globacom Moves to Acquire NITEL

Nigeria's Second National Operator, Globacom, has expressed interest in acquiring 51 per cent controlling stake in the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), 100 per cent of its mobile subsidiary and Nigeria/NITEL's share of SAT 3. This Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Old Mutual's Skandia Bid Closes Tomorrow

Old Mutual's offer for Skandia closes for final acceptance tomorrow, bringing to an end the group's six-month long bid for the Swedish savings group. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: United Bank for Africa Makes History

United Bank for Africa (UBA) attained a landmark achievement yesterday as it interconnected its 428 branches making it the bank with largest online real time branch network in Nigeria and Africa. This Day / http://allafrica.com