‘Africa needs to negotiate best deals for itself’ Published by Staff Writer on 1 September 2010 Africa has plenty to gain from the growing involvement of China and other BRIC nations in trade and investment on the continent, says Sim Tshabalala, chief executive of Standard Bank South Africa.
Mali to introduce new mining code Published by Staff Writer on 1 September 2010 Mali’s mines minister, Abou Bakar Traore, has revealed that the country will introduce a new mining code in October to encourage more investment in the minerals industry.
M-PESA launched in South Africa Published by Staff Writer on 1 September 2010 South African mobile operator, Vodacom, and the country’s fourth largest bank, Nedbank, have announced the launch of the M-PESA money transfer service, utilising technology developed by the Vodafone Group.
Portuguese firm flourishing in Mozambique Published by Staff Writer on 31 August 2010 “Mozambique is a true case of success and has developed rather positively over the past two years,” says Jorge Coelho, chairman of the executive committee of the Mota-Engil Group.
Increased African regulation has important consequences for M&A Published by Claude Harding on 30 August 2010 As Africa opens itself up to international businesses, many of its countries are introducing increased regulation to provide improved corporate governance and providing a more stable business environment.
Olam to set up new cocoa processing facility in Cote d’Ivoire Published by Claude Harding on 29 August 2010 Olam International has announced that it will invest US$43.5 million in Cote d’Ivoire to set up a cocoa processing facility in Abidjan.
Burundi making progress; challenges remain Published by Zack Baddorf on 29 August 2010 Burundi’s President Pierre Nkurunziza has been sworn into office for another term. He was re-elected in the country’s first presidential direct-vote election in late June, while the opposition boycotted the poll, claiming massive fraud and intimidation by the government in previous legislative and local-government elections.
Spar opens shop in Nigeria; Shoprite not fazed Published by Claude Harding on 25 August 2010 International retail network, Spar, has opened its first outlet in Nigeria according to a report in Business Day. Spar has partnered with Nigerian retail chain Park ‘n’ Shop, owned by the Artee Group.
Rwanda strives to move beyond the ghosts of the past Published by Imara Africa Securities team on 25 August 2010 Unfortunately best known for the brutal genocide that occurred between April and June 1994, Rwanda has slowly but surely dragged itself out of that dark past.
Bright spots in South African economy despite growth slowdown Published by Arthur Kamp on 25 August 2010 South Africa experienced a material slowdown in growth to 3.2% in the second quarter from 4.6% in the first quarter. Gross domestic product (GDP) excluding agriculture advanced just 2.7%.
Shoprite’s African expansion hit by lack of investment in property Published by Jaco Maritz on 24 August 2010 South Africa-based retailer Shoprite Holdings’ expansion into the rest of Africa was over the past year hampered by a lack of investment in retail space.
Chinese firm in talks to build high-speed rail project in South Africa Published by Staff Writer on 24 August 2010 China Railway Group is in talks with South Africa’s government to build a US$30 billion high-speed rail project.
ICT entrepreneur looking to conquer Africa Published by Dinfin Mulupi on 23 August 2010 At 35, Ken Njoroge is running one of the most respected mid-sized companies in Kenya.
Lower interconnection fees to impact Kenya’s mobile market Published by Imara Africa Securities team on 20 August 2010 The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) has cut mobile interconnection fees by 50% to encourage telecommunications companies to lower the cost of calls.