AU Adopts Nairobi Trade Declaration

After a two-day of extensive debate amongst the African Union trade experts, the continent's trade ministers have finally agreed to a declaration. The Monitor / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria to settle Paris Club debt

Nigeria is to repay $6.4bn in debt, becoming the first African nation to settle with its official lenders. BBC

Nigeria: Obasanjo Pledges Rapid Economic Growth

President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday pledged that his administration would remain focused on achieving rapid economic growth and development in Nigeria. This Day / http://allafrica.com

Southern Africa: US, SACU Trade Talks Proves Far-Fetched

The United States hoped to seal a range of deals with southern African countries to boost investment in the region this week but would not budge on key issues that had previously stalled talks. Namibia Economist / http://allafrica.com

Kenya: U.S. to Help Make Goods Competitive

The US is ready to help Kenya reduce the cost of production, which makes the country's exports unable to compete in the international markets. The East African Standard / http://allafrica.com

Angola: China Entrenches Position in Booming Economy

The announcement earlier this month that Angola had overtaken Saudi Arabia as China's premier supplier of crude oil underlined the deepening ties between the two red-hot economies. UN Integrated Regional Information Networks / http://allafrica.com

Ethiopia: Research Confirms High Growth

Independent research has confirmed that Ethiopia's growth recent growth activity has been remarkable. Business in Africa / http://allafrica.com

SA growth will fall, says IMF

South African economic growth will dip to 4.3 percent in 2006 from 4.9 percent in 2005 "as output reaches potential," the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday. iAfrica.com

Nigeria: Govt Hopes to Raise $20 Billion from Oil Bloc Concessioning

Federal Government targets a gross earning of about $20.55 billion (or N2.672 trillion) from concession of 10 oil blocs in the 2006 mini bid round to hold on Thursday. Daily Champion / http://allafrica.com

Nigeria: Chinese Investment in C-River to Hit $50bn

Chinese investment in Cross River State is set to rise to $50 billion from the current $10 billion as five new Chinese companies have concluded plans to move into the State and explore the opportunities thrown up by the state tourist industry and the Calabar Free Trade Zone. Vanguard / http://allafrica.com

SA phone charges 'too high'

Telecommunications costs in South Africa are too high, reducing economic growth, a report says. BBC

South Africa: Business Feels Heat of Asian Rivalry

Business confidence in SA is declining as the strong rand continues to plague local businesses and negatively affects exporters, says Philip Reynolds, a partner in the reorganisation services division at Deloitte. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Econet Braces for Combat in Nigeria

South Africa-based Econet Wireless Group this week sprung into combat, claiming the right of first refusal for a 65% controlling stake in Nigeria's Vee Mobile offered to Kuwaiti firm MTC under a US$1 billion deal. Zimbabwe Independent / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Construction Boom Adds Bloom to East African Cables Earnings

East African Cables has announced a 96 per cent increase in pretax profit for the first quarter of 2006. Profit before tax was Sh96.5 million compared to Sh49 million reported the previous period.  The Nation / http://allafrica.com

SAB sells 40% of unit in BEE deal

The South African Breweries Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of SABMiller plc, on Thursday announced it has finalised the sale of 40 percent of its crown manufacturer to a BEE group. iAfrica.com

Uganda: Production of Malaria Drug to Begin Soon

Kampala Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (KPI) will soon begin manufacturing the new Artemesinin combination drug under the brand name DUACT. New Vision / http://allafrica.com

East Africa: Ranbaxy Registers 10 New Drugs Within 3 Months

Giant Indian drugs maker, Ranbaxy, is making a determined push into the East African market in what appears to be part of a global effort to become the pre-eminent generic maker in the world. The East African / http://allafrica.com

South Africa: Microsoft Translates Windows Into Three Local Languages

First-time computer users who are daunted by a barrage of alien terms and technologies will find the learning process far easier as Microsoft finally converts its most popular software to Zulu, Setswana and Afrikaans. Business Day / http://allafrica.com

Malawi's police tear-gas traders

Malawi says it will use soldiers to enforce Tuesday's deadline for all traders to leave the streets. BBC

Nigeria: Nigerian-Made Computer Keyboard On Sale in U.S.

The multi-lingual computer keyboard, invented by a Nigerian engineer, Mr. Walter Oluwole, has started selling in the United States. This Day / http://allafrica.com