How (and How Not) to Jumpstart an Economy
The polarized rhetoric of the 2012 election cycle presents voters with a false choice of whether the government can create jobs or should just get out of the way. The real debate should be about which policies work and which don’t.
Madagascar’s Oil Fortunes Evolving Slowly
Madagascar Oil Ltd., Houston, said it is encouraged by brightening prospects for the blocks that contain its Tsimiroro and Bemolanga giant heavy oil deposits in nonproducing Madagascar.
Nigeria: Eni SpA Pipeline Set Ablaze by Militants, MEND Claims Responsibility
A statement purportedly from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta(MEND), one of Nigeria’s largest militant groups, claims to have “attacked and destroyed” a pipeline owned by a Nigerian subsidiary of Eni SpA. Eni has since stated that an incident disrupted its Nigeria output by some 4000 barrels a day, but has yet to officially confirm the attack. In a statement released to media outlets, MEND said that “this relatively insignificant attack is a reminder of our presence in the creeks of the Niger Delta and a sign of things to come.”
Zimbabwe: New Diamond Find Raises Stakes, Prospects
Gillian Sithole, mine manager at Mbada Diamonds, one of the firms mining in the area, said government has discovered a further 53 000 hectares of diamond deposits.
For Botswana, Coal is the New Gold: Rising coal prices bring hope to CIC Energy, Aviva
An average 40 percent increase in the price of thermal coal in 2010 and projections for even further growth this year have come as a godsend to the development of Botswana’s Mmamabula and Mmamantswe projects whose prospects were dented late last year.
Namibia seal harvesting proceeds against wave of protests
Namibia’s seal harvesting exercise is entering its second week despite widespread protests from animal rights groups that have threatened to boycott the south west African country’s tourism industry and exports.
Trustco sues Zimbabwean Telecoms Giant Over Life Insurance Deal
Namibian insurance investor Trustco Group International is suing Zimbabwean telecoms giant Econet Wireless over the collapse of a life insurance deal it accuses Econet of terminating unilaterally. Trustco runs a cell-phone based life insurance model, through which mobile subscribers earn insurance cover through the credit they spend on mobile calling.
Mozambique coal deal: Rio Tinto’s moment of truth
There was always going to be a moment of truth for Rio Tinto in its quest to gain control of Riversdale Mining and its giant coal project in Mozambique. It appears that moment is now.
Oil Companies That Gave ‘Bonuses’ to Libya Also Lobbied Against Disclosure Rules
Multinational companies operating in Libya have had to deal with many obstacles, including a government rife with corruption that often asked for what amounted to bribes [1].
Air Zimbabwe Buys New Airbus A340-600 Jets
UPDATE: Zimbabwe’s national airline, Air Zimbabwe, has reportedly secured a deal with French aviation giant Airbus for the supply of two Airbus A340-600 long haul passenger jets and one Airbus A319 jet to replace its aging fleet of Boeing 737 jets scheduled to retire in 2011.
Zimbabwe Ministers Accused of Corruptly Aiding Chinese Firms
ZIMBABWEAN Government ministers have been accused of corruptly aiding Chinese companies to buy cotton off local farmers contracted by local investors. Court documents show that cotton producers are taking steps to stop a Chinese firm from using political muscle to clandestinely purchase cotton from farmers contracted by local industry. Zimbabwe Independent.
Canadian Copper Mining Firm Dundee To Invest $32m In Namibia
CANADIAN mining firm, Dandee Precious Metals (DPM), will pour at least US$ 32 million into the Tsumeb Copper Smelter (TCS) following its acquisition of the company, which has been experiencing financial woes.