South African Stocks Rise, Led by Anglo American, BHP Billiton

By Janice Kew

Oct. 21 (Bloomberg) -- South Africa's main stock index rose for a third day, led by Anglo American Plc, the world's fourth- biggest diversified mining company, and BHP Billiton Ltd.

The FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index added 553.75, or 2.7 percent, to 21,267.01. The measure has dropped 36 percent from its May 22 record.

Ship unions accuse govt of apathy in hijack cases

22 Oct 2008, 0045 hrs IST, TNN
MUMBAI: While one more ship, an Indian cargo dhow with 13 crewmembers travelling from Somalia to Asia, was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on Tuesday, I

ndian maritime unions declared a world-wide agitation against the governments inaction in ensuring a safe passage for seafarers in the pirate-infested area and release of the crew aboard hijacked Japanese vessel MT Stolt Valor.

A day after the agitation was launched, shipping minister TR Baalu got in touch with the unions to convene a special meeting to discuss the Japanese vessel. Under guidance from the National Union of Seafarers of India
(NUSI) and the Maritime Union of India (MUI), seafarers aboard four ships, including AB Tarapore, Desh Rakshak, Pratibha Tapi and Puneet that were scheduled to travel through the Gulf of Aden, have indefinitely postponed their departure. It would be postponed until maritime authorities furnish them with details about the action taken by the government, in MT Stolt Valor case, and also about whether it is safe for them to trade in the pirate-infested areas of Somalia.

Seafarers have already indicated that they are awaiting the response from maritime authorities failing which they will not be in a position to sail. This agitation will escalate further unless the government takes concrete steps, said general secretary of NUSI Abdulgani Y Serang.

Organic farming 'could feed Africa'

Traditional practices increase yield by 128 per cent in east Africa, says UN

By Daniel Howden in Nairobi
Wednesday, 22 October 2008

Organic farming offers Africa the best chance of breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition it has been locked in for decades, according to a major study from the United Nations to be presented today.

New evidence suggests that organic practices – derided by some as a Western lifestyle fad – are delivering sharp increases in yields, improvements in the soil and a boost in the income of Africa's small farmers who remain among the poorest people on earth. The head of the UN's Environment Programme, Achim Steiner, said the report "indicates that the potential contribution of organic farming to feeding the world maybe far higher than many had supposed".

The "green revolution" in agriculture in the 1960s – when the production of food caught and surpassed the needs of the global population for the first time – largely bypassed Africa. Whereas each person today has 25 per cent more food on average than they did in 1960, in Africa they have 10 per cent less.

Tapping into business opportunities at airports

By Oyetunji Abioye

Published: Wednesday, 22 Oct 2008

All over the world, airports are where people make good and regular income because they attract people. While many of the people in airports are there for travelling purposes, many come there for sight-seeing, while others come to assist travellers, who are either just going or coming from some places, which may be within or outside the country.

However, it has been discovered that not many are aware of the myriad of business opportunities available in the airport environment.

Airports in Nigeria have become increasingly lucrative following the entrance of new airlines and the development of new routes by existing and new carriers, which has in turn increased the numbers of travellers.

Recently, the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Felix Hyat, expressed the willingness to work with private organisations towards the development of the airports.

South African Equities: Anglo American, Anglo Platinum Shares

By Janice Kew

Oct. 17 (Bloomberg) -- South Africa's FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index lost 37.99, or 0.2 percent, to 20,057.97 at 10:20 p.m. in Johannesburg. The measure has declined 2.7 percent this week, heading for its fifth weekly retreat.

The following are among the most active stocks in the South African market today.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601116&sid=aUvs69pPBSQY&refer=africa

ZIMBABWE: Economic Package Being Crafted For New Government

By Stanley Kwenda

Tomáz Salomão: SADC will determine conditions attached to economic aid for Zimbabwe.

Credit: Stanley Kwenda/IPS

HARARE, Oct 16 (IPS) - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is mobilising economic aid for its troubled member state Zimbabwe. The economic aid package is part of efforts by the region to help bolster the faltering political deal, widely regarded as the initial phase towards the recovery of Zimbabwe's wretched economy.

Southern African leaders, who came to Harare last month to witness the signing of the power sharing agreement, have tasked the SADC Secretariat with the crafting of an economic package for Zimbabwe.

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44288

Zuma to meet Rice in US

17 October 2008, 19:06

By Rebecca Harrison

ANC President Jacob Zuma is due to meet US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the United States next week in his most high-profile foreign visit since he became president of the ruling party in December.

The ANC said on Friday Zuma and top ANC brass would use the October 20-25 visit to focus on crime, HIV and Aids and economic growth, issues which will figure prominently in a general election due next year.

http://www.pretorianews.co.za/?fSectionId=3534&fArticleId=nw20081017184249552C341184