WTO talks must succeed - Mbeki

The Doha round of talks at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) must succeed, but not at the expense of developed nations, President Thabo Mbeki said on Sunday. iAfrica.com

New Bid for Trade Breakthrough As Blair Warns of 'Critical Stage'

Faced with a possible collapse of world trade talks, world leaders meeting at a game lodge outside Pretoria at the weekend said a summit of select leaders could soon be convened to overcome logjams. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

The cost of corruption in Africa

African countries lose about 25% of their income each year to corruption, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo says. BBC

Geldof moves to tackle corruption

Bob Geldof joins forces with pressure group Transparency International to increase efforts to tackle aid corruption. BBC

How Continent Can Succeed, Explains British Foreign Secretary

United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, Right Honourable Jack Straw has listed ten conditions, which he urged African countries to confront if they must succeed. This Day / http://allafrica.com

African Economies Vulnerable - Says European Commission

The European Commission has stated that most African economies often relied on a narrow range of exports, making them highly vulnerable to long-term price decline and fluctuations in the world prices of such commodities. Ghanaian Chronicle / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Thumbs-up for Manuel's 10th Budget

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel's 10th Budget has received a general thumbs-up from politicians and civil society, albeit with some concerns. iAfrica.com

Nigeria oil 'total war' warning

A Nigerian militant commander in the oil-rich south threatens "total war" unless foreign oil companies leave by midnight. BBC

Nigeria: Goldman Sachs, S&P, Fitch Rating Boosts Nigeria's Economic Prospect

Favourable rating by three renowned international bodies is boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, while increasing access to low-term external credit for local businesses. Nigeria First / http://allafrica.com

Zimbabwe settles $9m of IMF debt

Zimbabwe avoids expulsion from the IMF by paying $9m of its debt, but still owes $120m. BBC

Zimbabwe: 2006 Economic Blueprint Out

Government has released the 2006 economic outlook. The Herald / http://allafrica.com

Southern Africa: Remittances - Curse Or Blessing?

The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects (GEP) 2006 report highlights the importance of migration and remittances to development, noting that officially recorded money sent home by migrant workers worldwide exceeded $232 billion in 2005. Of this, developing countries received $167 billion, more than twice the level of development aid from all sources. UN Integrated Regional Information Networks / http://allafrica.com

Mozambique: External Factors Undermine Country's Economy

The African Development Bank (ADB) has found that last year's drought and the increase in the international oil price are affecting the economic performance of Mozambique, but the government's efforts to counter these obstacles are very encouraging. Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Sasol windfall tax 'horrifying'

A windfall tax on Sasol could open the door to other taxes of this nature being imposed on other large and successful corporate entities, says Federal Alliance leader Louis Luyt. iAfrica.com

South Africa: African firm seals HIV drug deal

South Africa's Aspen Pharmacare secures a deal to produce a generic HIV treatment for Africa. BBC

Nigeria: Microsoft to Support Local IT Companies

In a bid to partner and support local IT companies, Microsoft Nigeria has launched a System Builders Club (SBC) in the country. The club would afford members the advantage of being exposed to online and hands-on technical and sales training facilities and receive latest information on product development. This Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: AngloGold 2005 output up 6%

Gold miner AngloGold Ashanti has reported a three percent decline in gold production to 1.494 million troy ounces in the December quarter and a six percent rise in production to 6.166 million oz for the year ended December 2005. iAfrica.com

South Africa: BHP Billiton to Spend $400m On Middelburg Coal Mines

BHP Billiton planned to spend about $400m on extending the life of its Douglas-Middelburg energy coal operation, the company said yesterday. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: SAA Pulls Out of Air Tanzania

South African Airways (SAA) is set to dispose of its 49% stake in money-losing Air Tanzania. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: SABMiller Extends Its Reach in the Chinese Market

SABMiller's announcement that its Chinese associate, China Resources Snow Breweries, had purchased an 85% stake in Quanzhou Qingyuan Brewery indicates that the brewer is continuing to extend its reach in the country through acquisitions. Business Day / http://allafrica.com