- Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has announced the renewal of oil trade deal with Equatorial Guinea.
The renewal followed the expiry of an agreement on the importation of oil from Equatorial Guinea.
“The agreement with Equatorial Guinea which had expired has been renewed and we expect to resume imports soon to alleviate shortages currently being experienced," announced president Mugabe, saying the deal would boost the government's frantic efforts to alleviate short supply of electricity.
Mr. Mugabe's administration signed an agreement with Namibia’s NamPower power company for the refurbishment of the country's Karaiba power station.
In return for its investment in the refurbishment, the Nambian energy giant will control 40% of the power generated from the station.
Zimbabwean government has been concerned about the effect of frequent power cuts on the economy and citizens. It is also trying to acquire alternate energy sources such as solar and methane gas.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.