Africa drinks expensive champagne

The champagne and expensive liquor market is booming.

ANC lauds HIV/Aids successes

The government should be congratulated on successes in the fight against HIV/Aids mentioned in a United Nations report, the ANC said.

• HIV/Aids a problem for Africa: Zuma
• US backed HIV vaccine fails
• Global Aids programme looks ahead

Africa records lowest meningitis cases

Case numbers in Africa's meningitis season this year are the lowest in 10 years, thanks to a cheap new vaccine designed to treat a type of the disease common in the so-called meningitis belt, WHO says.

• Africa gets new meningitis vaccine
• West Africa tests new meningitis shots
• Deadly meningitis outbreak in Guinea

'Africa's economy will grow steadily'

The annual Economic Outlook programme predicts that Africa's economy will grow by 4.8% this year and accelerate to 5.3% in 2014.

• Gordhan: An African revolution looms
• Africa ready to add to global growth
• Zuma: Over 100 SA firms in Nigeria

AU's efforts to tackle problems 'strained'

The AU's efforts to tackle the continent's problems, especially conflict, are strained by a shortage of cash, poor organisation, lack of capacity and often reluctance to get involved, analysts warn.

• AU: memories of hope 50 years ago
• Up to 3 000 AU troops killed in Somalia
• Not quite the USA

Chad emerges as African power broker

Chad’s president, a survivor of countless rebellions, has stepped into a void left by Africa’s traditional heavyweights and turned his desert nation into a powerbroker as France disengages from its former colonies.

• Several dead in foiled Chad coup plot
• Ousted CAR leader 'says Chad aided rebels'
• Chad to withdraw troops from Mali

Africa’s attitude to domestic violence changing

Research shows a dramatic change in global attitudes toward domestic violence.

• Gallery of abuseview
• 6 tactics used to control women
• Women abused as kids may have autistic children

WB: Africans pay most to send money home

African migrants around the world pay more than other groups to send money back home, costing them and their families a hefty $4bn a year, the World Bank says.

• World Bank offers Malawi turnaround plan
• Bank: Africa making business easier
• World Bank pledges support for I Coast

No winner of African governance prize

The Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership - the world's biggest individual prize- has not been awarded for a third time in four years as no suitable candidates were found.

• No prize for African leadership
• Tutu wins one-off R8.5m prize
• SA can't rest on its laurels - Madonsela

Davies calls for Africa growth policies

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies has called for Africa to develop industrial policies to drive growth and up the demand for skilled workers and scientists.

• Economy needs stability - Zuma
• Africa's chance to shine
• Transport vital for growth, says Sacci

African farmers 'must do more'

African farmers are finding new ways to cope with ravages of climate change but need to develop even more techniques to thrive in an increasingly uncertain environment, scientists say.

• Cassava will thrive in climate change
• Climate change threatens rooibos
• African farmers can't go green

2 African boat migrants dead off Malta

Malta's navy has recovered two bodies and rescued about 160 African migrants from two boats which got into trouble on the Mediterranean Sea, an armed forces spokesperson says.

• Migrants die of thirst off N African coast
• Netanyahu: Action on African migrants
• Africans' home torched in Jerusalem

Clinton to visit S Sudan on Africa trip

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to visit troubled South Sudan on an 11-day Africa trip aimed at spurring economic growth, peace and security, a US official says.

• Clinton to tackle hot spots
• Clinton calls for renewed Sudan talks
• Sudan hits back at Clinton

Fears as Africa faces new 'arc of terror'

From east to west Africa, a rise in Islamic extremism has led to a surge in deadly attacks and kidnappings by groups linked to al-Qaeda, sparking fears of a new "arc of terror" on the continent.

• Nigeria arrests Christmas bombing suspect
• Kenya facing 'possible terror threat'
• Algerian man gets 20 years for spying

Hunger: Africa must have a voice, says Annan

Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan has called for African countries to have a voice in the ongoing global food security dialogue, according to a statement.

• Massive West Africa hunger in 2012
• Africa must end hunger, says UN
• Africa must stop begging for food - UN

Gigaba: SAA will get support into Africa

The government will give financial support to South African Airways as it expands into Africa, says Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba.

• SAA gives millions in sports sponsorships
• SAA sued for R155m in damages - report
• SAA, Singapore fined for price-fixing

Africa must end hunger, says UN

Africa needs to boost agricultural productivity and address the debilitating hunger that affects 27% of its population if it is to sustain its economic boom the UN says.

• Obama invites African leaders to G8 summit
• $3.9bn to prevent East Africa famines
• Millions face hunger in Sahel

Japan holds development conference in Africa

Japan is giving $1.3bn in aid to African nations to help combat the effects of climate change, says Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister Koichiro Gemba.

• SA, Japan enter tea contract
• Japan unaware of Hitachi/ANC drama
• Japan may affect Africa's debt access

IMF: SA sputters, African growth robust

SA's growth will continue to lag while high commodity prices will boost the rest of the continent, says the International Monetary Fund.

• Global economy in uneasy calm - IMF
• Japan pledges $60bn to IMF
• Japan mulls $60bn contribution to IMF

Africa must decide, says UK's Hague

African countries must decide who will represent them as a possible permanent member of the UN Security Council, British Foreign Secretary William Hague says.

• Zuma calls for better AU, UN ties
• SA to assume Security Council presidency
• SA's UN diplomat wants Libya Nato probe

Peace still elusive in Africa – pope

Pope Benedict XVI says peace and reconciliation in Africa remains a "distant" goal, pointing to anti-Christian attacks in northern Nigeria that have killed dozens of people in recent years.

• Fires burn as Nigerians strike over fuel
• Nigeria lawmakers turn against Jonathan
• Nigeria set for nationwide strike

'Financing available for mining in Africa'

While the macro-economic environment is looking uncertain, evidence suggests that financing for mining projects in Africa is available, says Standard Bank.

• Kumba granted full rights to Sishen mine
• ICT loses in Sishen court challenge
• Nedbank and AECI conclude R1bn deal

Foschini ups profit, eyes Africa expansion

Clothing retailer Foschini reported a 26% rise in first-half profit as consumer spending improved, and says it will open 57 more stores in Africa.

• Foschini buys luxury brand Fabiani
• Foschini reports increase in earnings
• Mr Price profit grows 48%

Regional organisations fail to reach targets

Few of the objectives set by economic regional organisations in Africa with regard to the free movement of goods, people and capital are being realised.

• SA banks on boost from trade deal
• FTA will benefit weaker states: Expert
• Zuma launches free trade bloc