A round-up of news from around Africa, including:

According to the South African Government, the country stands a "fair chance" of halving poverty and unemployment by 2014. Read more

UNDP Makes US$32 Million Available for Development

In 2008, the United Nations’ Development Program (UNDP) will invest US$32 million in economic and social development programs in Angola. This year the agency plans to promote the growth of micro-entrepreneurs as a way of empowering a large part of the population. The program is relying on the support of business centers, incubators, and private institutions. Under a public and private partnership with Chevron, the Banco Nacional de Angola, and the NGO Development Workshop, the program will provide young people working in the informal market with economic information and skills that will enable them to acquire credit and create their own businesses. The program began two years ago and has already benefited approximately 23,000 people to date.

Second Angolan International Mining Fair Scheduled for June

The second International Mining Fair of Angola (FIMA) will be held from June 18 to 22, 2008, at Luanda’s Expo-Angola facility. The event will focus on the challenges of the mining industry in accordance with sustainable development. The event will also aim to create opportunities and facilitate business between national and foreign companies involved in the mining sector. FIMA is expected to attract a high number of experts in the following extraction industries: diamonds, minerals, precious metals, ornamental stones, and basic metals.

Uganda and Rwanda Sign Oil Agreement

Uganda and Rwanda have signed an agreement in Kampala to build an oil pipeline that connects their capitals. The pipeline had originally been planned to carry oil from Eldoret in Kenya to Kampala but will now extend to Kigali. Source: Databank

The UPS Foundation Partners with Africare in Chad

The UPS Foundation has announced a $100,000 grant to Africare to fund improvements at Gaga Camp, located 60 km from eastern Chad's main city of Abeche. For many, Gaga camp has become a new home away from home over the past three years. The camp opened in 2005; more refugees arrive every day. Funding from The UPS Foundation will complement Africare's current assistance in improving the living conditions of the refugee population and surrounding villages with a focus on children with food deficiencies. Families under the grant are given plots of land to plant gardens using irrigation systems in order to produce an assortment of vegetables and crops to feed their own families, selling the excess crops at nearby markets. Badly needed agricultural inputs such as seeds and pesticides will be distributed, and light agricultural tools such as ploughs will be provided to facilitate the transportation of harvested products. Farmers will also be trained in vegetable production techniques, improvement of agricultural perimeters and consumption of crops to insure a well-balanced diet. Gaga Camp is the 12th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camp in eastern Chad, managed by Africare, a U.S.-based organization with a mission to improve the quality of life in Africa.

Endiama to Produce Ten Million Carats of Diamonds

Angola’s state-owned National Company of Diamonds, Endiama, plans to increase its annual production from nine million to ten million carats of diamonds in 2008. The country’s diamond production in 2007 reached 9.7 million carats, estimated at USD 1.3 million. The most productive province in terms of volume was Lunda Sul, due to the creation of the Catoca Project, which represents more than 60 percent of the country’s diamond production.

Global Employment Trends for Women 2008

More women are working than ever before, but they are also more likely than men to get low-productivity, low-paid and vulnerable jobs, with no social protection, basic rights nor voice at work according to a new report by the International Labour Office (ILO) issued for International Women’s Day. http://tinyurl.com/2fp8s9

Second Annual Pan African Youth Leadership Forum - Egypt

The Pan African Youth Leadership Forum II will be a one-week program to be held in Egypt in June 2008.The Pan African Youth Leadership Forum II is a follow up to the first Pan African Youth Leadership Forum (PAYLF), "Democracy in Africa: Renewing the Vision," which was held in Accra, Ghana, June 18 – 25, 2007. The PAYLF will be held annually to take stock of achievements, analyze the current political and economic situation in Africa, make recommendations and develop an agenda which will be presented to leaders present at the African Union Heads of State summit. http://www.fafrica.org/youthleadership2008.htm

Elsevier Foundation Announces Grants for Innovative Libraries and New Scholars

The Elsevier Foundation has announced that it has committed a total of $594,000 in grants to thirteen institutions from around the world in support of initiatives that promote the work of libraries and scholars in science, technology and medicine. The recipient programs were selected from over 150 applicants worldwide for their innovation and potential for impact in the developing world and the academic workplace. Six grants have been awarded under the Elsevier Foundation's program for Innovative Libraries in Developing Countries, which helps libraries build their capacity to use scientific, technical and medical information to promote health and economic advancement in the developing world. This year's awardees include institutions working in Africa, Latin America and Asia to improve access to scientific information, develop information resources, and train librarians and researchers on how to use and deploy information for patient care, health research, HIV/AIDS, disaster preparedness, and agricultural development. Under its New Scholars program, the Elsevier Foundation has awarded seven grants in support of initiatives that help scholars balance childcare and family responsibilities during the early stages of their demanding careers in science and technology. The awardees represent a range of institutions that are pioneering new approaches to childcare, mentoring, networking and participation in scholarly meetings. The Elsevier Foundation provides grants to institutions around the world, with a focus on support for the world's libraries and for scholars in the early stages of their careers.

Evaluating Africa’s Seven ‘Success Stories’

This paper evaluates the seven presumed African success stories: Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique and Uganda. It gives a detailed analysis of the economic, political, governance and human development scenarios in each country, and identifies the emerging challenges. http://www.eldis.org/go/country-profiles&id=35528&type=Document

South Africa’s Gautrain Project is Boosting Development

South Africa's Gautrain Rapid Rail Link has been making steady progress since construction began in September 2006, with the billions already spent on the project leading to increased employment and skills development in Gauteng province. The 80-kilometre rail link, one of the largest projects of its kind currently underway in the world, will run between central Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport, with a separate line linking the system to Pretoria. Travelling at speeds of between 160 and 180 kilometres per hour, the Gautrain will take commuters from Johannesburg to Pretoria in about 40 minutes, while a dedicated air passenger service will take commuters between Sandton and the airport in about 15 minutes. The project has also been a key driver of black economic empowerment, with 25% of the concession company, the turnkey contractor and the operating company being in black hands. In addition, empowerment partners also account for a 10% shareholding in the civil contractor and the electrical and mechanical contractor. On-the-job skills transfer and coaching has also formed an integral part of training using further education and training institutions to develop scarce skills in construction and civil engineering.

Women in Business – South African Women Entrepreneurs receive Funding Boost

Three women entrepreneurs in the hospitality and tourism industries have received a cash injection from the South African Breweries (SAB) Ltd totalling R95 000. This was enabled by a pilot initiative called the Women in Business recently unveiled by the company. The initiative aims at shaping a culture of entrepreneurship among previously disadvantaged women. For the pilot project, nine women - all over the age of 35, and all of whom already have established businesses - were chosen to participate in the initiative which includes training workshops and mentoring. According to the company, the prevalence of women in larger and more established businesses is minimal in South Africa and through this programme we will be providing much needed support to women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. By providing established entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and mentorship, say SAB, they will be empowered to let their businesses be elevated to the next level. The candidates of the programme were put through an intensive 10 week course at the School of Tourism and Hospitality in Johannesburg and then mentored by restaurateurs and successful entrepreneurs within their industry. Once training and mentoring was completed the women were asked to draw up a business plan, which was then presented to the judges who awarded grants to the top three. Based on the success of this year's event, SAB aims to roll out the programme nationally.

Starbucks Foundation Awards US$2 Million to Improve Water-Stressed African Communities

The Starbucks Foundation is making two new grant commitments to help support water, sanitation and hygiene education programs in water-stressed African communities. Over a three-year period, CARE and Project Concern International will each receive US$1 million from the foundation’s Ethos Water Fund. Collectively, the organizations' efforts are expected to benefit an estimated 54,000 people who currently lack access to clean water and sanitation services. CARE and Project Concern International were selected to receive the grants due to their emphasis on sustainability. In addition to providing access to clean water, both organizations will help empower local residents to become part of the long-term solution. CARE will introduce transformative sanitation and hygiene practices in Rwanda's Musanze District while Project Concern International will work to implement participatory methods and low-cost, easy-to-maintain technologies in Tanzania's Babati District.

Writers’ Conference in Ghana

The Pan African Literary Forum has announced that it is to hold a writers' conference in Ghana from July 3rd-18th. SABLE in London, U.K. and KwaniTrust in Nairobi, Kenya are two of many organizations that they are partnering with internationally. They will be based at the New York University Campus in Accra, Ghana and will waive the conference for any applicant based on the African continent or charge a nominal amount, depending on a given applicant's financial circumstances and need. The organization wants to encourage any writer interested in coming to the conference to apply for travel funds and monies to cover the airfare. They are especially anxious to get the word out to writers in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Information about the organization and the 2008 conference is available at http://www.panafricanliteraryforum.com

Mandela 90th Birthday Events Announced

Nelson Mandela will be 90 on 18 July and year-long celebrations will include exhibitions, dialogues, book launches and 46664 concerts as well as the sixth annual Nelson Mandela Lecture. While Mandela traditionally celebrates his actual birthday with his family in the Eastern Cape, major international events are planned every year in the run-up to the day and after. Announcing the birthday programme in Johannesburg, 46664 spokesperson Chantal Cuddumbey said people all around the globe would have the opportunity to send their personal birthday messages to Mandela by SMS, MMS and via the web. The major international 90th birthday event - the latest 46664 concert - will be held at Hyde Park in London on 27 June, while the annual 46664 World Aids Day concert will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 29 November. The 46664 campaign, in conjunction with Coutts Incorporated, will also unveil its new range of silver, gold and platinum 46664-branded bangles in June, with 500 special edition 90th birthday bangles to be introduced at a special fundraising event in London.

US$100 Million for Water Projects in Angola

In the next five years, the Angolan Government will invest approximately USD$106.5 million, with US$ 56.6 million being funded by the World Bank. The investment will support the Industrial Development Project of the Water Sector (PDISA), which will be implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Waters (MINEA) in nine provinces of the country. The program will benefit approximately 1.46 million Angolan citizens in the cities of Lubango, Mbanza Congo, Menongue, Luena, Kuito, Malanje, N`dalatanto, Huambo and Uíge. The program includes he development of institutions in the water sector estimated at US$ 36.7 million, the management of water resources estimated at US$ 10 million, the rehabilitation of water supply systems estimated at US$ 36.8 million and institutional upgrades and changes estimated at US$ 11 million.

Nigerian Refinery to Create Jobs

Nigeria's first Bio-fuel Refinery, Global Biofuels Limited, a subsidiary of NeGSt Global Integrated Company Limited, has concluded plans to create 406,000 jobs for Nigerians. The Company said that seven states including Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Kaduna, Ekiti and Oyo will benefit from the project. 58,000 jobs would be created in each participating state of the federation, adding that the project would gulp $560million to set up seven plants in the participating states, with each plant costing about $80million to complete. The biofuel industry is becoming a reality and developed economies such as United States of America and Europe are already stepping up their target usage of biofuels to significant levels. Source: Databank

Malawi Promoting ICT Services in Rural Areas

Malawi Information and Civic Education Minister Patricia Kaliati has said that the country will have a booming information and communication technology services after successfully piloting ICT telecentres in some districts of the country. To be regulated by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), the telecentres will be run by women as a way of involving them in ICT activities, the minister said. Source: One World

Okavango-Zambezi Project Receives US$ 12.6 Million

The Okavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Project recently received a grant of US$ 12.6 million from the German non-governmental organization, KHW, for the implementation of the project. This project is expected to become the biggest Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) tourist initiative, and is estimated at US$ 24 million. In Angola, the project will benefit the province of Kuando Kubango; specifically the districts of Rivungo, Mavinga, Dirico and Cuangar.

Unitel Invests US$500 Million in Angola

Unitel, a cellular telephone company, has invested nearly US$500 million throughout the country over the past three years. The investments have helped increase the number of cell phone stores and buildings in Angola, as well as the purchase of the most recent equipment to improve and expand the long-distance transmission lines and increase technological innovation.

South African Government approves Empowerment for Agriculture Sector

The South African Government has approved the application for the AgriBEE (black economic empowerment) sector transformation charter, which is aimed at ensuring greater participation by black people in the country's agricultural sector. The framework aims to eliminate racial discrimination in the agricultural sector through implementing initiatives that encourage more black citizens to take part in agricultural activity and enterprises along the entire sector value chain. The government believes the through the charter, it will be able to address the imbalances of the past with an integrated plan that is also aimed at generating equitable access to land and creating a profitable and sustainable agricultural sector for the previously disadvantaged. The charter is one method through which the government believes it can achieve its objective of ensuring that previously disadvantaged communities own at least 30% of the agricultural land in the country by the end of 2014.

Unicer to Build Beer Factory in Angola

Unicer, a Portuguese beer manufacturer and distributor, plans to build a factory to produce Super Bock beer in Angola. The company expects to increase sales of the product in Angola, where in 2007 it sold a record 108 million liters of beer.

Endiama to Produce Ten Million Carats of Diamonds

Angola’s state-owned National Company of Diamonds, Endiama, plans to increase its annual production from nine million to ten million carats of diamonds in 2008. The country’s diamond production in 2007 reached 9.7 million carats, estimated at USD 1.3 million. The most productive province in terms of volume was Lunda Sul, due to the creation of the Catoca Project, which represents more than 60 percent of the country’s diamond production.

ECOBANK and ACCION Launch Microfinance Operations in Ghana

EB-ACCION Savings & Loan, a microfinance bank formed through a partnership between ACCION(R) International, a pioneer in microfinance program development, and ECOBANK, the leading pan-African bank, has received its license to begin microfinance operations in Ghana. EB-ACCION will deliver microcredit, savings and micro-insurance products to the Ghanaian market, thus helping small entrepreneurs to expand their businesses and improve their standard of living. EB-ACCION clients will be served by two branches in Accra, located in the marketplace neighborhoods of Tudu and Lapaz. Two more branches are scheduled to open in Accra this year. EB-ACCION expects to be the market leader serving micro entrepreneurs in Ghana by 2010. In 2007, ACCION, in collaboration with ECOBANK and other foreign and local partners, launched one of the largest microfinance banks in Nigeria, ACCION Microfinance Bank (AMfB) Ltd. The birth of EB-ACCION has further brightened the vision of both institutions to build a leading regional network of microfinance banks in Africa.

Nissan Diesel opens new facility in South Africa

Nissan Diesel South Africa has opened its new R10.9-million production and warehouse facilities at Rosslyn outside Pretoria in a ceremony that also marked the completion of the first Quon extra heavy commercial vehicle to be assembled at the plant. Nissan Diesel South Africa vice president Johan Richards said in a statement that the company currently employed a total of more than 330 people, with some 185 of them working on the plant’s assembly line. Nissan Diesel South Africa is currently the third biggest seller of trucks in South Africa, and the facility upgrade will enable the company to increase its production of trucks from the current 4,500 units per year to a possible 9,000 units per year. Nissan Diesel South Africa has retained its number one position as Nissan Diesel's top market and largest export hub outside of Japan in 2007. According to the company, which started South African operations in 1962, it has produced over 59,000 units since its inception, with some 38,000 of them still on the country's roads.

IBM's Corporate Service Corps Heading to Six Emerging Countries

One hundred IBM employees from thirty-three countries have been selected to participate in the company's new Corporate Service Corps program, part of its Global Citizen's Portfolio initiative to develop leadership skills while addressing socio-economic challenges in emerging markets. Twelve teams of employees will be sent to Romania, Turkey, Vietnam, the Philippines, Ghana, and Tanzania in 2008 to work on projects that intersect economic development and information technology. More than 5,000 high-potential employees applied to the program and only 100 employees were selected, making this one of the most competitive employee programs ever created by the company. IBM will select another 100 before the end of year and has committed to enabling 600 of its emerging leaders to participate over the next three years. The program is part of IBM's Global Citizen's Portfolio announced last summer, a suite of investments and programs to help IBM employees enhance their skills and expertise in order to become global leaders, professionals and empowered citizens in the 21st century workforce. Included is a project in Kumasi, Ghana intended to improve business processes and provide training for a network of small and medium enterprises trying to scale up their business models.

Important role for Africa’s Media in African Development

Africa’s media has an important role to play in the continent’s development, the president of the African Development Bank Donald Kaberuka told an international media summit on rebranding Africa. Opening the summit in Tunisia, he said that the media can assist in the development process by reporting objectively on efforts being made in various domains, and by reporting what works and what is not working in efforts to improve the economy, reduce poverty and improve living standards. The summit, which attracted a cross-section of the media across the world, was organised by the African Communications Agency (ACA) in collaboration with the African Union, ECOWAS, the African Business Roundtable and the Diaspora African Forum. ACA president Erieka Bernett explained that the theme of this year’s summit, “How the youth can help change the image of Africa in the rebranding process” was in line with the AU Declaration of 2008 as the Year of the Youth. The youth of Africa, she said, have a responsibility in the rebranding of the continent by ensuring that they continuously strive to improve the economic and social conditions of Africa and portray the positive face of the continent. Over the three days of the summit the delegates discussed issues relating to the correct and adequate dissemination of information about the “new and emerging Africa” and the rebranding of Africa. The ACA, with headquarters in Accra, focuses on establishing partnerships and developing initiatives to help change negative perceptions of Africa and to introduce African businesses to the global marketplace. Source: Nepad

Sonangol Publishes Spring Edition of Universo Magazine

Sonangol has recently published the spring edition of Universo Magazine, which was launched in 2004. Recently updated with several new features, the magazine will be distributed to an international audience of 15,000 readers interested in Angolan oil, business, politics and cultural topics. To receive a free copy of Universo Magazine please send an email to: circulation@universo-magazine.com.

India Invests US$45 Million for Projects

India’s Eximbank will provide the Angolan Government with US$ 45 million for the construction of the Lukala Industrial Park, in Kwanza-Norte, and for the re-opening of Angola’s largest textile factory, África Têxtil, in Benguela. An additional USD 200 million was presented by the Angolan delegate at a meeting on developmental partnership between India and Africa, held in New Delhi. The allocated funds will be used for various investment projects in Angola. During the first phase, the project will resume cotton production in Kwanza-Sul, under the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Korean firm Samsung. This portion of the project is valued at an estimated USD 15 million.

Omnia enters into Carbon Credit Deal with IFC

South African chemical, mining and agricultural company Omnia has entered into an agreement with the International Finance Corporation to sell up to one million carbon credits over the next five years, in a deal worth some €15-million (about R188.5-million). The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will purchase the carbon credits, known formally as Certified Emission Reductions (CERs), from Omnia Fertilizer and sell these on to international buyers. The Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol has established CERs as an asset that can be traded in global markets and aims to decouple economic growth from greenhouse growth. Omnia Fertilizer will generate approximately 420,000 CERs per annum at its Sasolburg plant, through the installation of a nitrous oxide destruction facility at its nitric acid plant, which will significantly reduce the plant's nitrous oxide emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrous oxide, are believed to be the cause of global climate change.

New Study Shows Women are changing the Face of Migration in Southern Africa

A new study "Gender Remittances and Development: Preliminary Findings from Selected SADC Countries " focuses on female migration from and between six SADC countries, namely Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, principally to South Africa. “In the past, women in Southern Africa were often prohibited from migrating. Today, with an increasing number of African women migrants, traditionally male-dominated patterns of migration are changing. Overall, women now encompass 37.4% of regular migrants from the SADC region to South Africa,” stated Hilary Anderson, Information Officer at UN-INSTRAW. http://topics.developmentgateway.org/microfinance/rc/ItemDetail.do?itemId=1141825

Call for Nominations for the South Africa Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards 2008

Contribute to building South African philanthropy by nominating a philanthropist for the Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards 2008. If you, or anyone you know, has made a remarkable contribution to social change by giving money, time and energy then send in a nomination. Join us in celebrating South African philanthropy and in recognizing individual philanthropists who, through their financial giving, have made a real difference for social change. Deadline for nominations is 16 July 2008. http://www.inyathelo.co.za/

Deutsche Bank Funds South African Youth Financial Literacy Scheme

Deutsche Bank has invested R500 million into a partnership programme to empower young South Africans with skills in financial literacy. Operation HOPE has announced their partnership with Deutsche Bank, whose investment will be ploughed into Banking on Our Future (BOOF) South Africa. BOOF is an innovative financial literacy program designed to promote economic education, entrepreneurship, dignity and a sense of self-reliance for South Africa's youth. Since June 2007, 130 Hope Corps volunteers from the United States have been working in South Africa. They are all professionals in the financial field and have shared their skills with young people in areas of need. International operations have been in place since 1996. The initiative’s partners include Citi, the IFC of the World Bank Group, Standard Bank, and The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. In supporting the award-winning program, the partnership with HOPE solidifies Deutsche Bank's status as a strong global proponent of financial literacy.

The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa Announces Environmental Funding Programme for 2008

The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA) has announced a program of £230,000 in new grants, including a 3-year grant to Peace Parks Foundation and an initial 1-year grant to Birdlife International. The 2008 funding programme also includes continued support to Concern Universal, for a project promoting the economic empowerment of small-scale agricultural producers in Guinea; to Fauna and Flora International, to promote environmental capacity building in Romania; to Earthwatch Institute (Europe), including support of its annual events programme; core funding to ARKive, a centralised free digital library of films and photographs of the world’s endangered species; and core funding to Botanic Gardens Conservation International for the 15th consecutive year. In addition to the above, the MCFEA will also be looking for further partnership opportunities in the African region in 2008, due to increased funding of £60,000 from Mitsubishi Corporation. The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA), a UK registered charity, was established in 1992 to promote environmental conservation, education and research into the environment and poverty alleviation, through funding from Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, and its U.K.-based subsidiary, Mitsubishi Corporation (UK) Plc.

Philips to build CFL plant in Lesotho

Dutch electronics company Philips has entered into a partnership with the state-owned CEF Group and privately owned Karebo Systems to set up a manufacturing facility as well as a recycling plant for energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Lamp integrated (CFLi) light bulbs in Lesotho. In a statement, Royal Philips Electronics said that it would hold a 40% stake, with CEF and Karebo Systems each holding a 30% stake in the venture, which is a result of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's mission to seek new business activities that will fuel economic growth in this region. The market for energy-saving bulbs is growing rapidly globally and is expected to accelerate in the South African region through the efforts of the national government to significantly reduce energy consumption, with an intention to replace 80% of incandescent bulbs with energy-saving bulbs within the next four to six years. The company hopes that the new facility would enable the company to meet the growing demand in energy efficient lighting solutions, stimulate economic development and help reduce electricity costs and cut carbon emissions. According to Philips, lighting accounts for around 19% of worldwide electricity consumption, and if all inefficient conventional lighting were switched to energy-efficient technologies, the potential worldwide saving would be about 40%.

Investec Launches Middle East Fund in Botswana

Investec Asset Management has launched its Africa Middle East Fund, which will build on asset managers' established frontier market capability in Africa and target an international client base. According to a statement released by Bakang Seretse of Investec Botswana, the fund is open-ended and daily traded, and will invest across the entire African continent, including the Middle East and Gulf countries. Its investment will span roughly 25 countries, a population of over a billion people and a market capitalisation of $1.5 trillion.

Call for Papers for 3rd International Conference on e-Learning, South Africa

The International Conference on e-Learning (ICEL-2008) invites researchers, practitioners and academics to present their research findings, work in progress, case studies and conceptual advances in areas of work where education and technology intersect. The conference brings together varied groups of people with different perspectives, experiences and knowledge in one location. It aims to help practitioners find ways of putting research into practice and researchers to gain an understanding of real-world problems, needs and aspirations. http://www.academic-conferences.org/icel/icel2008/icel08-home.htm

NEPAD Completes Further "Train the trainer" programme

A 10-day "training the trainer" workshop organised by NEPAD in collaboration with the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) has ended in the Ghanaian capital Accra. The workshop brought together 12 television and radio personnel from the five English-speaking West African countries -- Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone and the Gambia. The participants were taught the dynamics and the process of training. More than 50 African journalists had been trained so far, he said and the training had begun to bear fruit. Journalists who had participated in the workshops had formed themselves into networks for sharing information. In a resolution adopted at the end of the workshop, the journalists launched the Network of African Broadcast Trainers and agreed to publish an electronic newsletter for sharing information.

Seeking Librarians and Information Specialists to Volunteer in Africa

LINK is looking librarians or information scientists with a willingness to support librarians working with limited resources throughout Africa and Asia. LINK was established 20 years ago by a group of librarians in the UK, and runs a newsletter to enable librarians, especially in education institutions and public libraries, to exchange information and learning about their profession. Most of our readers are in libraries with few resources, and few other opportunities for professional support. Most of us are library professionals with a past and a passion for the importance of effective librarianship for people's education and access to information. LINK is run entirely on a voluntary basis, and we are looking for people to write, edit and administer LINK-UP, which has become a valued and respected newsletter in our field. Please contact Richard Bennett (quote ref: ReConnect Africa), 020 8520 8754 or richardbennett9@googlemail.com

Kenya Re Secures Regional Market

The Kenya Reinsurance Corporation is to open offices in West Africa. Although reinsurers do not need to set up shop in an area to secure business, Kenya Re says physical presence would help it win the confidence of insurance companies. West Africa has over 150 insurance companies with an annual turnover of up to Sh88 billion in gross premiums, according to 2006 estimates. The company was considering setting up its regional hub in Cameroon, Senegal or Ivory Coast and will also be responsible for the Central African region. Kenya Re has recruited French-speaking underwriters to steer the business in francophone countries in a familiar language. The company is engaged in marketing efforts in Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland.

ANIP Launches Electronic Magazine

The 2007-2008 issue of In Angola Magazine is now available in an electronic format. The magazine offers readers timely information about Angola’s targeted sectors and development zones, investment potential and growth, a simplified investment process, and more. To view your copy of In Angola Magazine, please visit the ANIP website at www.investinangola.com or Click Here.

Rwandan Exports Going Up Despite Appreciation of Rwandan Franc

Despite the continuous appreciation of the Rwandan franc against the US dollar in 2007, the country has maintained and continues to experience a rising trend in exports. At the end of December 2007 the Rwandan Franc stood at 541.5 RwF per US dollar compared to 546.9 in December 2006, which translates into an appreciation of 1.0% against the dollar in a continued appreciation since the end 2004. However, in apparent defiance of conventional economic activity where a country's exports become expensive when its currency appreciates in value, Rwanda recorded more exports in the same period. The Rwandan exports value rose in 2007 by 24 percent from $142.3 million in 2006 to $176.6 Million in 2007. Underpinning this increase in value of exports was a strong growth in mineral exports. The Rwandan mineral exports rose by 93 percent in value terms. In contrast, the traditional export crops of coffee and tea have underperformed in 2007.

Ethiopia Takes Centre Stage at SCAA Conference

Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee, was in the spotlight at the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition held in May in Minneapolis, USA. The SCAA and Ethiopia, with the support of Starbucks Coffee Company, signed a sponsorship agreement in February at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C. making Ethiopia the SCAA's first-ever African Portrait Country. The SCAA event in Minnesota highlighted Ethiopia through seminars, an exhibit and traditional coffee ceremony featuring Ethiopian music and dance. Ethiopia is Africa's leading Arabica coffee producer and exporter and grows some of the finest coffees in the world, including Sidamo, Harar and Yirgacheffe. Ethiopia has trademarked its fine coffee brands in 28 countries and has signed licensing agreements with more than 70 foreign coffee companies, roasters and distributors and 50 Ethiopian coffee exporters including three coffee farmers’ producers’ unions. Ethiopia produced 330,000 tons of beans in 2007-2008.

South Africa is well placed to ‘Halve’ Poverty

According to the South African Government, the country stands a "fair chance" of halving poverty and unemployment by 2014. According to the 2007 annual report of the accelerated and shared growth initiative for SA (AsgiSA), the country’s successes so far have been striking and the rate of economic growth and investment has exceeded the Government’s most ambitious targets. South Africa has experienced four consecutive years of growth greater than 4.5% and employment has grown strongly, even though unemployment remains high. The more notable achievements include raising the growth rate to an average of over 5% in recent years and increasing the rate of investment to over 20% of gross domestic product from 15%. Other achievements include reducing unnecessary red tape, getting universities to commit to rapidly increasing their output of engineers over the next three years, and developing new ways to more than double the output of artisans. AsgiSA was launched by Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in February 2006 to address six "binding constraints on growth". AsgiSA's objectives could be achieved if the economy grew at an average rate of 4.5 percent in the period to 2009, and by an average of six percent from 2010 to 2014.