Business & Economics

Regional

01:24 GMT 31st August 2011

The EU's executive will increase funding for victims of the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, the EU's crisis chief said late July after visiting Kenya and Somalia.

A new era begins

01:11 GMT 31st August 2011

One of Africa's foremost banking groups, Guaranty Trust Bank of Nigeria, has a new man at the helm. By Nsineno May Anthony, Lagos

Open for business

01:03 GMT 31st August 2011

The recently elected governor of Kwara State, Nigeria, Alfatah Ahmed, talks with Rosemary Udoh about the investment priorities of his new administration

Fury over Walmart OK

02:30 GMT 18th July 2011

Unions and local retailers up in arms as competition authority gives the world's largest retailer its first foothold on the continent. By Bill Corcoran in Cape Town

Budget Blues

02:27 GMT 18th July 2011

The Ugandan government's attempts to rein in government spending in its latest budget has not impressed those hit by the rising cost of living. By Matthew Stein, Kampala

Maputo

02:25 GMT 18th July 2011

Mozambique's economy grew by 8.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, slightly lower than 8.7 per cent growth in the same period the previous year, the central bank governor said last month.

Gaborone

02:23 GMT 18th July 2011

Botswana's balance of payments swung into a $427 m surplus in the first quarter from a $534m deficit in the previous three months, mainly due to higher mineral exports, the central bank said in June.

DAR ES SALAAM

02:21 GMT 18th July 2011

Tanzania's parliament last month approved a $27.4bnn five-year development plan, backing the proposed introduction of a super-profit tax on mining companies.

The Republic of Congo plans to start activities at four special economic zones (SEZ) by next year, with the aim of diversifyU ing its economy from mainly petroleum exports to manufacturing and other services.

Libreville

02:15 GMT 18th July 2011

Brazilian state oil company Petrobras said last month it would acquire a 50 per cent stake in two exploration blocks off Gabon, without disclosing the value of the purchase.

Accra

02:13 GMT 18th July 2011

Ghana will this month allow mobile phone customers to switch network operators but keep their numbers, a move that will increase competition and quality of service, an industry regulator said in June.

Abidjan

02:10 GMT 18th July 2011

Cocoa farmgate prices in Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa growing regions rose mid-June, according to Coffee and Cocoa Bourse (BCC) figures, amid strong demand from grinders and exporters.

Algiers

02:08 GMT 18th July 2011

Spain's Gas Natural said in mid-June Algerian state energy company Sonatrach will acquire a ~ 3.85 per cent stake in the U firm, the latest step in solving a long-running dispute between them.