Africa News Headlines for 15 December 2014

Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss crowned Miss World 2014
Source: Fox2Now/CNN Wires

‘Local knowledge key to Breaking Ground in Sub-Saharan Africa’
Source: This Day Live

How crude oil’s global collapse unfolded
Source: Times Live

Ghana, Kenya sign seven agreements
Source: GhanaWeb

Untapped SME opportunities in Africa
Source: Business Day

Malema says South Africa is in a crisis
Source: The New Age

Life is different in Ghana
Source: Kiwi Traveller

The World’s Kitchen? Thailand’s Lessons for Africa
Source: Ventures Africa

China partners Abuja varsity on human capacity devt, cultural exchange
Source: The Guardian

Boko Haram: Over 800 Schools, 194,664 Students Affected – CSOs’ Report
Source: Leadership

2015 Outlook For Core Africa Markets Positive, Says Malick Badjie
Source: Seeking Alpha

Ethiopia welcomes Korean investors, professors and engineers
Source: Korea Herald

Ebola is no ordinary disease. It changes the way people relate to each other
Source: The Guardian

Africa’s middle class floats between poverty, prosperity
Source: The Sunday Independent

Culture Of Silence In Nigeria And Rising Gender Based Violence
Source: Channels TV

The Central African Republic’s Hidden Conflict
Source: International Crisis Group

Nigerian oil workers to strike from Monday
Source: Sky News Australia

Rights Groups: New Kenya Security Laws Threaten Freedoms
Source: Naharnet

‘Sudan’s economy collapsed, 2015 budget fake’: economist
Source: Radio Dabanga

Kenya needs to win war of ideas to stop militant advance
Source: Daily Times

Ambassador To U.S. Presents Credentials To President Obama
Source: GhanaWeb

Museveni outlines objectives of NRM to NEC
Source: New Vision

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Africa News Headlines for 14 December 2014

S. Sudan couple say inter-marriage a way to restore tribal unity
Source: Sudan Tribune

Bill Gates Says Africa Should Copy Asian Giants’ Economic Development, But Will It Work?
Source: Ventures Africa

Idris Elba backs Mirror fundraiser to save Sierra Leone's Ebola orphans
Source: Sunday Mirror

Robert B. Oakley, Envoy Deft at Tackling Crises, Dies at 83
Source: The New York Times

Khoisan people of South Africa were once the most populous humans on Earth
Source: Ancient Origins

Museveni exits Kenya using a voter’s card
Source: Capital FM

ICC prosecutor halts Darfur war-crimes probe
Source: Aljazeera

Togo internet uptake lags
Source: Biztech Africa

Zuma: Electricity problems apartheid's fault
Source: Mail & Guardian

US, South Africa in a flap over chicken trade
Source: Moneyweb

Mobile phones aid healthcare innovations in Africa
Source: CNBC Africa

Angola Cables and Akamai Join Efforts in West Africa
Source: Productivity Applications @ IT Business Net

Israel’s Fight Against Poverty in Africa; Embassy Inaugurates Farm in Senegal
Source: The Jewish Press

After Barren Years in Somalia, Signs of Growth by the Bunch
Source: The New York Times

Solving Hunger in Ethiopia by Turning to Native Crops
Source: Newsweek

Uganda tops Africa in organic products export
Source: New Vision

Egypt's new regime is cracking down on the gay community
Source: Foreign Policy

DRC makes move to lure S.African private sector
Source: CNBC Africa

Ghana, Kenya bolster historic ties with new pacts
Source: GhanaWeb

Economics dominates Zambian politics
Source: SAPA

Mnangagwa cements his position as Mugabe’s successor
Source: CNBC Africa

Jonathan not afraid of Buhari –FCT minister
Source: The Sun

Ebola And Conflict Threatens Food Security In 38 Countries
Source: Newsroom America

Sudan Government To Invest $213 Million In Wind Energy Project
Source: Clean Technica

Somalia: Tribalism and Extremism Hinder Security
Source: Geeska Afrika

Renewable Energy: The Untold Story of an African Revolution
Source: Independent European Daily Express

Kenya's 'Maasai Olympics' fights dwindling lion numbers
Source: Daily Mail/AFP

In Nebraska, Sudanese immigrants are natural models, dedicated soldiers
Source: Omaha World-Herald

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Africa News Headlines for 11 December 2014

UN Launches International Decade Of People Of African Descent
Source: Bernama

Nigerian Ex-Ruler Buhari Wins Opposition Presidential Ticket
Source: Voice of America

Dissident ‘choirboy’: Rwandan gospel star on trial
Source: Aljazeera

The Radio Battle to Educate Ebola’s Kids
Source: The Daily Beast

Ebola outbreak: Vaccine trial put on hold
Source: The Independent

More Ebola victims found in Sierra Leone
Source: UPI

US Analysts Weigh Nigeria, Russia Arms Deal
Source: This Day Live

Lesotho parties sign electoral pledge
Source: The Citizen

S. Africa pledges to address power outages
Source: Global Post/Xinhua

Uganda launches food aid initiative to South Sudan
Source: New Vision

Sioux Falls group brings relief to South Sudan
Source: Argus Leader

Uhuru to switch on Sh6bn lighting project for Nairobi
Source: Capital FM

Low grid capacity dampens Nigeria’s trans-African power export hope
Source: Business Day

Seychelles accepted as a member of the World Trade Organisation
Source: Seychelles News Agency

Ethiopian voted as The Best Airline to Africa by Premier Traveler Magazine Survey
Source: Ethiosports

Museveni in Kenya for Northern Corridor Summit
Source: New Vision

South Korea avails US$25m loan for Mozambican hospital
Source: StarAfrica

South African president begins state visit to China
Source: Capital FM

Kenya, Ethiopia sign border security agreement
Source: StarAfrica

What we can learn from Tanzania’s hidden socialist history
Source: The Guardian

Security Council voices concern over security in Central Africa
Source: Business Standard

Gov’t, stakeholders debate cyber security, internet freedom
Source: New Vision

Capital FM video was among most watched in Kenya
Source: Capital FM

African Universities or Universities in Africa
Source: Inside Higher Ed

Governance is a key tool for MCC in changing Africa
Source: The Hill

IMF warns on South African economy
Source: Financial Times

Dr. Dan Leads $139 Billion Fund in South Africa’s Frail Economy
Source: Bloomberg

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Africa News Headlines for 14 October 2014

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Donates $25 Million to Fight Ebola Outbreak
Source: The Wrap

"Africa Week" kicks off with top UN officials calling for integrated, peaceful continent
Source: Shanghai Daily

Ebola threatens chocolate
Source: Politico

Uganda to honour Ebola, Marburg medics
Source: New Vision

Frequently unanswered questions about Ebola
Source: Houston Chronicle

The rise of the "baksheesh state" in Ethiopia
Source: Somalilandpress

Uganda to Take Mineral Ownership from Landowners
Source: Voice of America

New film inspires with story about Zambian soccer
Source: Daily Trojan

Oscar Pistorius trial: Athlete would be 'vulnerable in jail'
Source: BBC News

10,000 new Ebola cases per week could be seen, WHO warns
Source: WABC-TV

Appraising Gains Of US-Africa Leaders’ Summit
Source: The Nigerian Observer

Tanzania to grant citizenship to 200,000 Burundi refugees
Source: eNCA

Church leaders arrested over noise pollution in Rwanda
Source: StarAfrica

Most hectares of organic land in Africa found in Uganda
Source: Fresh Plaza

Kenyan Ali Mazrui Remembered as Great Pan-Africanist
Source: Voice of America

Process to eject Mbabazi from secretary general job starts
Source: New Vision

Prepare for a stronger Africa at UN climate talks, says Congo envoy
Source: RTCC

Somaliland: Our Country is Open for Business” President Silanyo
Source: Somaliland Sun

ISU is playing an inspiring role in impoverished areas of Uganda
Source: The Des Moines Register

Maroc Telecom CEO granted audience with Ali Bongo ahead of Gabon Telecom 4G launch
Source: TeleGeography

Seven ways you know you're an African, according to Jacob Zuma
Source: Mail & Guardian

Cameroon joint venture expands Woodside international exploration
Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Uganda, Rwanda to promote East Africa as single Tourism destination
Source: New Vision

South African judge who fought against apartheid defends 'activist judges'
Source: Columbia Missourian

Porn decision on hold
Source: IT Web

Porn plot thickens after Icasa slip-up
Source: IOL/Cape Times

Africa Week underway at UN HQ
Source: defenceWeb

Controversy dogs Tanzania's draft constitution‏
Source: World Bulletin

Mbabazi tells youth that ambition is not bad
Source: NTV Uganda

Africa News Headlines - Special Ebola Edition - 13 October 2014
Source: Sub-Saharan Monitor

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African Heads of State Speak at 2014 UN General Assembly - Part II

Nearly every sitting African head of state has spoken during the opening debate of the 69th United Nations General Assembly, or is scheduled to do so.

Here are brief excerpts from the speeches delivered on Thursday, September 25, with links to the full reported remarks, in chronological order.

For the speeches by African leaders that were delivered on  Wednesday, September 24, see this previous post.


His Excellency Mahamadou Issoufou
President, Republic of Niger

[UN summary] "The fight against inequality must be made a priority and placed at the centre of the post-2015 development agenda, he said. With its high economic growth rate, Africa was the continent of the twentieth century. Indeed, it would be the continent of the twenty-first century when it converted its own raw materials into manufactured goods and took its place in global industrial production, when its relations with other nations were governed by fair trade, not by Official Development Assistance (ODA), and when a broad middle class would arise thanks to good political and economic governance. The vision contained in the African Union’s 2063 agenda indicated that Africa was on the right path. It was in the international community’s interest to mainstream the continent’s priorities."

His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
President, Republic of Ghana

"At the root of all of the world's major religions exists the call for compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, peace, and love. Nevertheless, the use of religious dogma and extremism as a weapon of violence persists.

"In this age of terrorism and political turmoil; national, regional and ethnic conflict, it may be tempting to use the actions of a few to justify prejudice toward many. It may be tempting to combine the faithful with the fanatical.

"But those of us who envision a just and peaceful world cannot and should not yield to those temptations. Time and time again, history has shown us that the changing of a world begins with the power that rests in the hands of people, ordinary individuals. Or, in the words of one of the greatest teachers and leaders of nonviolence, Mahatma Gandhi, 'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.'

"Today our Jewish brothers and sisters are celebrating Rosh Hashanah, their New Year. To them, I say, 'L'Ashana Tova.'

"Next week, our Muslim brothers and sisters will be celebrating Eid-al-Adha, Festival of the Sacrifice. To them, I say, 'Eid Mubarrak.'"

His Excellency Hery Martial Rajaonarimampianina Rakotoarimanana
President, Republic of Madagascar

[UN summary] "Five per cent of the world's biodiversity was located in Madagascar, he said. His country had sought to preserve that wealth and to ensure better management of it for future generations. For example, Government authorities were working on a zero-tolerance policy on all kinds of trafficking of natural resources and wildlife. Madagascar’s strategic location meant that it had to protect fishing areas and marine reserves. Due to the increased potential for piracy, terrorism and trafficking, international cooperation was needed to protect such areas."

His Excellency Robert Mugabe
President, Republic of Zimbabwe

"Because Zimbabwe has thus been pre-occupied with the empowerment of its people economically, she has become a victim of the evil machinations of Western countries who continue to apply unilateral and illegal sanctions as a foreign policy tool to achieve short-term political objectives, particularly regime change. Mr President, regime change is a diabolical illegal policy of interference in the domestic affairs of my country and no good can come from undermining our economy, or depriving our citizens of the necessities of life. Why, I ask, should Zimbabweans continue to suffer under the yoke of unjustified and unwarranted illegal sanctions. These evil sanctions violate the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and should be condemned by the international community. We once again call for their immediate and unconditional removal."

His Excellency Hailemariam Dessalegn
Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

"Conflict, Mr. President, is not an exclusively African phenomenon. What is becoming obvious lately is how much the global security situation is becoming a source of concern. Never since the end of the cold war has the global security situation been as fragile as it is today. The threat of terrorism has affected ever greater and wider areas of the world. At no time over the last many decades has the need for effective cooperation at the international and regional levels been as pressing and as urgent as it is today. That the issue of 'Foreign Fighters' has become a source of major concern to many is very obvious. What is required to make progress in addressing the challenge is readiness to forge cooperation which brooks no double standards. We need to be resolute in our determination to work together."

His Excellency Al Hadji Yahya Jammeh
President, Republic of the Gambia

"In the same vein, the UN General Assembly should be commended for the passage two years ago, of the World interfaith Harmony Week urging member states to designate the first week of February each year as the interfaith Week when the messages of goodwill and tolerance are spread through mosques, churches and other places of worship. While this was a good beginning for promoting peace and harmony among religions and peoples of different belief systems, the UN must do more to match the continuing attacks on Islam in particular by people who do not even believe in the existence of a supreme creator CALLED ALLAH. These infidels have no moral high ground to describe any religion worthy of high praise more so one that is as authentic, pure and noble as Islam."

His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba
President, Gabonese Republic

"Never has the terrorist threat been as strong as in recent times, jeopardizing the survival of the institutions of countries affected by this odious phenomenon.

"In Africa, the activism of BOKO HARAM forces a whole population to live far from their original homes in terror, insecurity, and despair.

"In the Middle East, the so-called Islamic State has expanded its disastrous reign to eastern Syria and northern Iraq. This expansion was accompanied by a long procession of rape, summary executions, beheadings, and punishments of all kinds perpetrated against anyone who, in the eyes of these extremists, symbolize resistance to radicalization."

His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange
President, Democratic Republic of the Congo

[UN summary] "He looked back 13 years, when the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was bad, but added that things had improved significantly and the country was now standing tall again. Peace was strengthening every day and the country had a dynamic economy, marked by low inflation, growth above the African average and constantly increasing reserves. The country was being rebuilt at an unprecedented rate, with new roads, schools, and hospitals always under construction. The Government’s priorities were strengthening democracy and national cohesion, and success was apparent. Elections would be held under the auspices of an independent electoral commission and everything had been done to ensure that the country emerged from the balloting more at peace with itself and stronger. Efforts would continue to re-establish peace in the country’s East and to improve relations with neighbours, he said, pointing to an improved business climate and stressing the importance of stability to achieving that."

His Excellency Arthur Peter Mutharika
President, Republic of Malawi

[UN summary] "He said his country had always rendered political support for the disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction. He was disheartened by the continuing violence and loss of life and property in the Middle East, owing to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and believed that the two-State solution was the only viable path to lasting peace in the region. He encouraged both sides to denounce violence, exercise utmost restraint, and employ dialogue to reach a political settlement."

His Excellency Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
President, United Republic of Tanzania

"United Nations reforms are long overdue. Reports that consultations and negotiations are not showing encouraging signs of progress are very frustrating, indeed. We should remain steadfast and vigilant not to allow the momentum to be lost. We humbly request you, Mr. President, to use your good offices and longstanding diplomatic skills to revitalize the process. We must keep the flame glowing."

His Excellency Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cameroon

[UN summary] "He cited the deteriorating security situation in the neighbouring Central African Republic, which eliminated any hope of development. In the north, attacks by Boko Haram, more interested in imposing Sharia law than improving the lot of the population, had driven thousands of displaced persons into his country. While Cameroon would like to continue to host them, if the situation were to continue, the country’s means would simply not permit it. He called upon the parties to find a peaceful solution, as Cameroon had done in its conflict with Nigeria over the Bakassi Peninsula. That had enabled the two countries to resolve their disagreement in keeping with international law and to seal a friendship between them."

His Excellency Mankeur Ndiaye
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Republic of Senegal

[UN summary] "He described several international issues, including terrorism in the Sahel and West Africa, and the democratic transition in Guinea-Bissau. Elsewhere in Africa, the Ebola epidemic posed a risk to the entire world. He was reassured by the United Nations response in the form of its emergency mission and urged support for affected countries. For its part, Senegal had established a secure aerial humanitarian corridor. He reaffirmed his commitment to brotherly links between countries of the Maghreb and supported Morocco’s decision to grant a large degree of sovereignty to Western Sahara. Stressing the importance of the International Criminal Court to restoring peace to countries in regular crisis, he noted the honour given to Senegal in the appointment of Sidiki Kaba as President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Court. Senegal continued to contribute troops to peacekeeping operations, and the United Nations needed reform if it was to deal with the severe crises now facing the world. He welcomed the French initiative to suspend the veto in cases of mass atrocities."

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Africa News Headlines for 20 June 2014

Local South Sudanese Plan Protest for President’s Arrival in U.S.
Source: KCRG-TV9

U.S-Africa Summit: Obama Rules Out Meeting With Jonathan, Others
Source: Daily Times

Africa suffers major brain drain
Source: eNCA

The most innovative country in Africa
Source: Business Tech

Rwandan farmers gain from EAX
Source: East African Business Week

Terrorism Insurance In Nigeria?
Source: Ventures Africa

Ebola myths help spread deadly disease
Source: The Independent

How big is Uganda’s drugs problem?
Source: The Independent

Teen Collects Baseball Gear for Children in Africa
Source: WBAY-TV

An American Radio Station That's Saying 'Jambo' To Kenyans
Source: NPR/All Things Considered

Shelter Afrique extends $9m loan to Uganda
Source: KBC

Nigeria Loses $15m To International Airlines Annually
Source: Ventures Africa

'The Other Man' - South Africa: film profiles last apartheid leader
Source: Sentinel & Enterprise/AP

Ford Drives Ahead With African Expansion Plans
Source: AFK Insider

Kenya woos Japanese investors
Source: East African Business Week

Africa ready to get money moving
Source: Financial News

Africa As Biggest Contributor Towards Boosting Global Food Production
Source: Ventures Africa

Africa’s under-development due to un-exploited women potential – ILO
Source: Lusaka Times

We promote Nigerian talents across Africa–John Ugbe, CEO, Multichoice Nigeria
Source: The Sun

How Chinese Urbanism Is Transforming African Cities
Source: Metropolis/ArchDaily

Somalia's al Shabaab claim responsibility for Kenya bus attack
Source: SABC

Pakistan for fulfilling development aid promises made to Africa
Source: Daily Times

Sierra Leone Fashion Company Brings Bitcoin to West Africa
Source: CoinDesk

Africa's Green Wall To Block Terrorism
Source: Forbes

Nigeria loses $3 billion annually to consumption of cattle skin-Expert
Source: StarAfrica

MSMGF: Injustice for Africa’s HIV positive people
Source: Gay News Network

Uganda: African leaders to establish rapid standby force with technical capability
Source: Geeska Africa

ENI signs deal to expand oil, gas exploration in Congo
Source: Reuters

KCA Deutag wins $170 million Sonangol jack-up contract
Source: Petro Global News

Meeting Tororo’s ‘Maggie Thatcher’
Source: The Observer

Nigerians in Uganda told to respect Ugandan laws
Source: New Vision

Uganda applauded for fighting hunger
Source: East African Business Week

African nations: Pakistan stresses need for fulfilling development aid promises
Source: Business Recorder

Ethiopia Determined To Intensify Campaign Against Terrorism, Says PM
Source: Bernama

Djibouti: Ambassador Tom Kelly, the first ambassadorial posting for the career civil servant
Source: Geeska Africa

Dangote: Africa’s Top Donor Raises New Bar in Philanthropy, Donates N30bn in Two Years
Source: This Day Live

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Africa News Headlines for 18 July 2014

Nelson Mandela: Google Doodle honours former South African president and anti-apartheid revolutionary on the 96 anniversary of his birth
Source: The Independent

Sex-for-fish behaviour escalating HIV in Uganda
Source: New Vision

Bono-led relief no cure as Ghana, Zambia consider IMF aid
Source: Sydney Morning Herald

With oil in Uganda means there is huge deposits in Rwanda too – say experts
Source: Rwanda Eye

The struggling African farmer recast as enterprising entrepreneur
Source: Devex

Bringing Solar Power and Hope to the DRC
Source: Africa in Transition

Tulane hosts young African leaders as part of Obama initiative
Source: The Times-Picayune

DRC launches agri-business park in move to revamp farming
Source: The Africa Report

Ethiopian authorities charge nine journalists with terrorism
Source: Nazret.com

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit: Far from “Bungled”
Source: Brookings/Africa in Focus

'ICC should drop charges against Kenyatta – for now'
Source: The Guardian

Violence in Mali Continues Despite French Efforts
Source: Voice of America

Kidnapped women, kids sex slaves in DRC
Source: News24

US endorses Morocco's plan on Sahara
Source: Business Standard

Five years in hell: Behind the interview
Source: WTOP

Young African leaders visit Texas
Source: KSAT-TV

Where thieves are siphoning off oil
Source: Business Times

Why the U.S. Is Spending Millions to Circumcise African Men
Source: takepart

Zimbabwean prostitutes collecting sperm to sell to South African sangomas
Source: Nehanda Radio

Across Africa, MSM report low access to basic HIV services
Source: San Diego Gay & Lesbian News

Uganda police abuse street children, says HRW
Source: BBC News

Uhuru welcomes Toyota Corporation’s investment
Source: KBC

South Africa: Missions, Transformation, and the Legacy of Apartheid
Source: Africa in Transition

Uganda’s LGBT and HIV/AIDS activists answer your questions
Source: PBS Newshour

Making a living as a Zimbabwean poet
Source: Radio Netherlands Worldwide

It’s time for Africa again as Hollande starts three-nation visit
Source: France24

Ambassador of hope: Home again in Uganda, a doctor sees progress
Source: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Top UN officials call for effective investment in Africa
Source: Shanghai Daily

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Africa News Headlines for 7 July 2014

Pistorius: Last witness testifies for defense
Source: Seacoast Online

Swimming S. Africa Disciplines 2 Athletes For Sex In Front of Minor; Punishment Deemed Lenient.
Source; Swimming World

Bill Gates’ new milk can helps organize Africa’s milk supply
Source: Dairy Herd Management

Zimbabwe: Tsvangirai scoffs at Mugabe’s “failed ideas”
Source: StarAfrica

US Startup Recycling Smartphones To Combat Poaching In Africa
Source: AFK Insider

Beyond the Rhetoric: U.S. Late in Courting African Leaders
Source: Black Press USA/NNPA

Why Saving Africa’s Elephants Matters More Than You Ever Imagined
Source: One Green Planet

World Pension Summit Africa Commits To Shaping The Future
Source: Channels

Risk And Opportunity Analysis for African Countries
Source: Ventures Africa

New thinking needed on food aid for refugees in Africa
Source: IRIN

Africa Rising: Prospects for the Hopeful Continent
Source: Diplomatic Courier

Young philanthropists raise thousands for clean water in Africa
Source: KCTV

Out of Africa: mobile phone banking surges in EM
Source: Financial Times

NBA legend Mutombo, Israelis team up to help Africa
Source: Times of Israel

Big Agriculture Looks to Africa
Source: Triple Pundit

Jill Biden talks women's issues on Africa tour
Source: Politico

US travel warnings, 'Out of Africa' is more a strategy than a summer read
Source: PRI

Nairobi rally criticises Kenyatta government
Source: Aljazeera

Moroccan exports to Sub-Saharan Africa increase
Source: Fresh Plaza

Uganda, Gabon added to MobileRecharge.com’s top up list
Source: IT Web Africa

Marines, sailors partner with task force in Gabon
Source: DVIDS

'40 percent' of Madagascar budget lost to corruption: PM
Source: Yahoo! News/AFP

LRA Defectors Say No One Has Seen Joseph Kony In Years
Source: Huffington Post/AP

Ethiopia’s Juba deployment alters regional dynamics
Source: The East African

Amisom, Somalia army using child soldiers
Source: The East African

Politics and terrorism: Kenya's ticking time bombs
Source: Institute for Security Studies

Can Africa learn from China?
Source: New Vision

Uganda's Anti-Gay Bill 'Misinterpreted' By International Donors, Officials Claim
Source: Huffington Post/Reuters

East African Presidents Support Launch of Regional Exchange
Source: Wall Street Journal

How NRM has failed to kill 'Mbabazi 2016'
Source: The Observer

Morocco urged to stop jailing gays
Source: News24

Africa News Headlines for 3 July 2014

Will Ethiopia’s New Sovereign Credit Rating Increase Foreign Investment?
Source: Brookings/Africa in Focus

Arab Spring Largely Ignored in Sub-Saharan Africa
Source; Gallup World

West Africa fertile ground for pharmas
Source: Destiny Connect

Ex-Ugandan intelligence chief warns against military intervention in S. Sudan
Source: Sudan Tribune

Equatorial Guinea disqualified from Africa Cup of Nations
Source: Soccerway

Africa: Four reasons skilled workers leave - and how to keep them
Source: Radio Netherlands

Analysis: Uganda sucked into CAR vortex
Source: Daily Maverick

Africa: On the frontier
Source: Financial Times

E-commerce could challenge bricks and mortar retail in Africa
Source Bizcommunity.com

RED ALERT: Africa's vulture population in danger
Source: The Himalayan

African nations give Rwandan rebels six months to disarm
Source: Ahram Online

John Githongo: corruption in Kenya is poisoning politics
Source The Guardian

Kagame hosts Museveni, Kenyatta for integration meet
Source: New Vision

How fast is Africa really growing?
Source: Business Times

Challenges of transit trade and trade facilitation in West Africa addressed by UNCTAD at workshop
Source: UNCTAD

Central African Republic: “It’s the Economy, Stupid!”
Source; Africa in Transition

China is a force for good in Africa
Source: People's Daily

Camco, Eiser to help run Africa fund
Source: ReCharge

China Continues to Expand Its Influence into Africa
Source: IVN

Thai ivory boom 'fuelling Africa elephant crisis'
Source: New Vision

African-Elephant Poaching Soars as Ivory Prices Triple in China
Source: TIME

Analysis: Understanding organized crime in Africa
Source: IRIN

What are the Chinese up to in Africa?
Source: The Spectator

PSD student to be ‘youth ambassador’ in South Africa
Source: Coloradoan

Tech solutions from Africa: The next big thing?
Source: Deutsche Welle

African wildlife-hunting cheerleader Kendall Jones targeted by critics
Source: Fox News

Ugandans ignorant about the East African Court of Justice
Source: New Vision

Booming economies are not boosting employment in Africa, why?
Source: The Guardian

Africa Must Have Coherent Approach to Trade Negotiations
Source: Ghana Broadcasting Corporation

Africa's number crunchers leave investors in the dark
Source: Reuters

Africa's Richest Man To Build 11 Health Centers in Nigeria To Combat Polio
Source: Forbes

Electrify Africa, Energize Africa and Power Africa: Partnering With Africa for the Long Run
Source: Roll Call

US warns of terror threat at Ugandan airport, nearly 4 decades after deadly hijacking
Source: Fox News

Ugandan president calls Western aid ‘unreligious,’ ‘sinful’
Source: The Washington Times

African Union sponsors AGOA retreat for Washington diplomatic corps

On July 2 and 3, the African Union Mission to the United States will host a retreat for African diplomats based in Washington, D.C., to discuss prospects for renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Held at the Bolger Center in the Washington suburb of Potomac, Maryland, the two-day event will feature several panel discussions, presentations, white papers, and open-ended conversations about AGOA's past successes and failures and what the future holds for U.S.-African trade relations.

The opening panel on the morning of July 2 will be moderated by Tanzanian Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, with remarks by Ambassador Amina S. Ali of the African Union Mission, the AU's commissioner for trade and industry, Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, and Ethiopian Ambassador Girma Birru, who also chairs the AGOA Consultative Group.

The second panel of the day is called "Reauthorization of AGOA: The State of Play, Challenges, and Opportunities." The moderator will be Ambassador Girma, with a presentation by Botswana's Ambassador Tebelelo Mazile Seretse and a white paper read by Jane Karonga, a program management officer at the African Trade Policy Center and the Regional Integration and Trade Division of UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa). The panel will also include a presentation on strategies for the reauthorization of AGOA by South African Ambassador Ibrahim Rasool.

After lunch on Wednesday, there will be a discussion led by Moono Mupotola, division manager for NEPAD Regional Integration & Trade Department at the African Development Bank (AfDB) on the topic, "The African Development Bank: Its Role in Supporting U.S.-African Trade and in Advocating the Renewal of AGOA." The discussion about this paper will be moderated by Zambian Ambassador Palan Mulonda.

That panel will be followed by a discussion with the unwieldy subject "the Implications of the Multilateral Trade Negotiations and Regional Agreements on the Process of AGOA Reauthorization." Professor Molapi Sebatane, ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho, will moderate the conversation, which will include a presentation about the European Union's economic partnership agreements (EPAs) by Namibia's ambassador in Brussels, Hanno Berkhard Rumpf.

The day's events will close with a discussion about the next AGOA Forum, moderated by Senegalese Ambassador Cheikh Niang.

The second day will begin with presentations by U.S. government officials, moderated by South African Ambassador Rasool, followed by presentations by U.S. congressional staff members from the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee. That second panel will be moderated by Malawian Ambassador Steve Matenje.

The post-lunch panel will include presentations from various private sector organizations, including think tanks and representatives of the African diaspora. Cameroonian Ambassador Joseph B.C. Foe-Atangana will moderate.

The day will close with a summing-up conversation moderated by the Ambassador of Mozambique, Mrs. Amelia Matos Sumbana, and farewell remarks by Commissioner Fatima Haram Acyl.

New Africa Book of the Day - 26 June 2014

Education in East and Central Africa, by Charl Wolhuter

Release Date: June 26, 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic [Kindle Edition]

Education in East and Central Africa is a comprehensive critical reference guide to education in the region. With chapters written by an international team of leading regional education experts, the book explores the education systems of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The book critically examines the regional development of education provision in each country as well as recent reforms and global contexts. Including a comparative introduction to the issues facing education in the region as a whole and guides to available online datasets, this handbook will be an essential reference for researchers, scholars, international agencies and policy-makers at all levels.

Charl C. Wolhuter is co-editor (with Alexander W. Wiseman) of The Development of Higher Education in Africa: Prospects and Challenges (2013) and (with K.G. Karras) of the two-volume International Handbook on Teachers Education Worldwide (2010). He also edited South Africa in Focus: Economic, Political and Social Issues (2013). Wolhuter teaches in the School of Education of North-West University, South Africa.

Africa News Headlines for 9 June 2014

Gabonese Swimming Federation Holds First National Championship Meet
Source: Swim Swam

The 10 Hottest Travel Destinations Of The Future
Source: Business Insider

Doing business with Africa: Potential and challenge
Source: Dynamic Business

Oscar winner Nyong'o named MTV Africa 2014 personality
Source: Ahram Online/AFP

The legacy of an African web pioneer
Source: Financial Times

Airtel targets Africa’s ‘unphoned’ market
Source: IT Web Africa

Africa: Frontier of the ‘Golden Age of Gas’?
Source:  Energy Global

Public-Private Partnerships: Way to go for Africa
Source: The Southern Times

Boko Haram may expand reach: expert
Source: SAPA

Mobile internet usage on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa—Report
Source: Nigerian Tribune

Africa’s sports bars, TV shacks step up security for World Cup
Source: First Post

Nature Is Talking And Africa’s Legislators Are Listening
Source: Inter Press Service

Man Sentenced For Shipping Stolen Cars To Africa At Port Of Baltimore
Source: WJZ13/AP

Africa’s betrayal by African leaders
Source: San Francisco Bay View

Lawyers Discuss Illicit Flow of Money from Africa
Source: Voice of America

Supporting Women Farmers Is The Key To Africa's Continued Progress
Source: Forbes

Report: Nigeria Has Largest Displaced Population in Africa
Source: Voice of America

2014 World Cup Moment of Truth for Africa
Source: The Southern Times

Obama's High-Risk Africa Summit
Source: U.S. News & World Report

Somalia: UN Special Envoy commended Regional Anti-Piracy Authorities
Source: Geeska Africa

Cameroon and Chad to study 700km rail link
Source: International Railway Journal

China adopts a more hands-on approach to the conflict in South Sudan
Source: South China Morning Post

Regional Heads of State to Meet in Ethiopia
Source: Voice of America

Lamido Sanusi named as new emir of Kano in Nigeria
Source: BBC News

Kenya upbeat on ocean deal with Somalia
Source: Midnimo

Why Are Africa's Militaries So Disappointingly Bad?
Source: Foreign Policy

Africa News Headlines for 5 May 2014

Gabon expects output boost
Source: Upstream

China vows to avoid 'colonial' path in Africa. What will it do instead?
Source: Christian Science Monitor

An Unholy Alliance in East Africa
Source: POLITICO

Trade with Africa will double by 2020, Li Keqiang tells Ethiopia conference
Source: South China Morning Post

China, Ethiopia PMs launch Ethiopia's 1st-ever expressway
Source: Turkish Press

Kenya’s Polygamy Problem
Source: Slate

Microfinance: A little goes a long way
Source: The Daily Progress

Japan, African nations renew vow to join hands in developing Africa
Source: Kyodo News International

The Green War on Africans
Source: National Review Online

Thousands gather for Africa Bike Week
Source: IOL

Beer, banks and cement: Global companies tapping into Africa’s emerging growth pole
Source: Business Day

Inventor battles unsafe drinking water in Africa
Source: USA Today

Africa and Europe need a stable Libya, seminar told
Source: The Irish Times

What role for US in efforts to rescue Nigeria's kidnapped girls?
Source: Alaska Dispatch

African nations assured of continued flow of aid
Source: The Japan Times

US Signs Long-Term Lease for Military Base in Djibouti
Source: Voice of America

DHL optimistic about Africa's retail industry future
Source: New Business Ethiopia

Etisalat to sell African business for $650m
Source: The Peninsula

Apollo signs farm-in over Gabon gold project
Source: Creamer Media's Mining Weekly

Bomb attacks: Kenya deputy president blames judges
Source: Washington Post/AP

New Africa Book of the Day - 4 May 2014

Agricultural Land Redistribution and Land Administration in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Studies of Recent Reforms edited by Frank F. K. Byamugisha

Release Date: May 5, 2014
Publisher: World Bank Publications [Kindle Edition]

Agricultural Land Redistribution and Land Administration in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Studies of Recent Reforms focuses on “how” to undertake land reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa, but with relevant lessons for other developing countries. It provides details, with case studies, on how reforms were undertaken to address a pressing and controversial development challenge in Africa – land ownership inequality – and an intransigent development issue – inefficiency and corruption in land administration. An equally important contribution of the book is assessing reforms and highlighting valuable lessons for other countries contemplating reforms.

The six case studies collectively cover two main areas of land governance: reforms in redistributing agricultural land and reforms in land administration. The first two case studies discuss reforms in redistributing agricultural land in Malawi and South Africa, part of the southern Africa region where land ownership inequalities rival those in Latin America. The remaining case studies, four in number, are focused on addressing corruption and inefficiency in land administration in a variety of contexts of governance including stable and post-conflict countries. The case studies cover:

• Decentralizing land administration with demonstrations from Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Ghana;
• Developing post-conflict land administration systems with examples from Liberia and Rwanda;
• Re-engineering and computerizing land information systems with examples from Ghana and Uganda; and
• Improving management of government land through land inventories with examples drawn from Ghana and Uganda.

The common elements between sometimes disparate experiences provide lessons of relevance to African and other developing countries contemplating similar reforms. The rigorous analysis and yet down-to-earth lessons of experience are a reflection of the authors’ deep global experience underpinned by personal participation in the reforms covered by the book. This volume will be of interest to a wide audience including land specialists and practitioners, African policy makers, experts and managers in the international development community, and the academia.

Frank F. K. Byamugisha is author of Securing Africa's Land for Shared Prosperity: A Program to Scale Up Reforms and Investments (2013) and The effects of land registration on financial development and economic growth: A theoretical and conceptual framework (1999).

Africa News Headlines for 30 April 2014

Chinese premier to visit Africa in May
Source: Xinhua

Ethiopia's Investments in Family Planning
Source: U.S. Department of State

Nigeria’s quest for new markets for crude oil yielding result
Source: Business Day

Assmang to buy Gabon iron ore stake
Source: BDLive

2014 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship
Source: The African Executive

A “Soft Approach” to Nigeria’s Boko Haram
Source: Africa in Transition

Stop Muzzling the Press in East Africa
Source: Huffington Post Canada

East African states adopt common anti-terrorism strategy
Source: Standard Digital

Famine fears in S. Sudan; but leaders unconcerned
Source: Washington Post/AP

Gabon regulator to raid markets for illicit phones
Source: Telecompaper

Africa News Headlines for 24 April 2014

Explosion targets journalist’s car in Cameroon
Source: Washington Post

Ethiopia thwarts Egypt by paying for Nile dam itself
Source: Al Arabiya

China's African Adventure
Source: Foreign Policy

U.N. Security Council members mulling South Sudan sanctions
Source: Reuters

GDP growth in Sub-Saharan Africa to reach 5.5 pct in 2014: IMF
Source: Shanghai Daily

AU pushes efforts to end conflicts on African continent
Source: Xinhua

Sub-Saharan Africa faces heightened risk of capital outflows: IMF
Source: Reuters

Africa's Richest Woman Plans To Increase Stake in Unitel
Source: Forbes

Africa’s Path to Prosperity
Source: New York Times

Handheld lab could diagnose malaria in 15 minutes
Source: mHealth News

Born Free USA publishes Africa's poaching list of shame
Source: eTurboNews

World Bank Approves $150m Grant For Education In Africa
Source: Ventures Africa

Uganda to deploy Suprema Live Scanners for 2016 Voter Registration
Source: PC Tech Magazine

A.N.C.’s Stature Wanes as Disenchantment Grows in South Africa
Source: New York Times

IGD appoints Africa expert as new president and CEO
Source: Devex

Africa World Documentary Film Festival screens at Missouri History Museum
Source: St. Louis American

Fighting rages in South Sudan, days after discovery of hundreds of bodies
Source: Washington Post

Oil and Gas: Ophir energy's exciting African campaign
Source: The Africa Report

Exclusive: Russia, China block Central African Republic blacklist at U.N.
Source: Reuters

NASA Catches Deforestation in the Act
Source: The Weather Channel

IMF: Sluggish South Africa Economy Slowing Region's Growth
Source: Wall Street Journal

‘Technology exists to lower Kenya’s money transfer costs'
Source: IT Web Africa

South Africa's Central Bank Warns of Capital Flight Risk
Source: Wall Street Journal