What We’re Reading: Agriculture ‘next big thing’ in Africa

Aug 31st, 2011 12:17 PM UTC
By Robyn Mitchell

Agriculture ‘next big thing’ in Africa, says World Bank expert – According to the World Bank, reforms to encourage the growth of new agri-businesses “could help tackle food insecurity in the future and help African nations become major food exporters.” Agriculture is the “next big thing on the continent,” said one official, who believes it presents an opportunity for the public and private sector to “really make things happen.” (Robyn Curnow, CNN)

Global study finds newborns struggle to survive – A new global study by the World Health Organization found that fewer newborn babies are dying worldwide, but progress is too slow and Africa is being left behind, particularly in the survival of babies in their first four weeks. According to one WHO export, “Newborn survival is being left behind despite well-documented, cost-effective solutions to prevent these deaths.” (Kate Kelland, Reuters)

Oracle’s Dealings in Africa Investigated – Tech giant, Oracle, is under investigation by the Justice Dept. and the SEC “for violating federal antibribery laws in its business abroad.” Part of the investigation is looking at Oracle’s sales program in Western and Central African countries, “particularly whether Oracle employees or agents made improper payments in order to close sales.” (Tom Loftus, WSJ)

Asian interest means Africa needs new economic vision – Harvard professor, Calestous Juma, argues that “the surge in interest in Africa by China and India requires a different approach that does not view the continent as a helpless victim of foreign influence.” According to Juma, Africa is “seeking to replace classical foreign policy that focuses on access to markets in return for raw materials with a new vision of economic diplomacy.” (CNN)

Cholera outbreaks kill 46 in northern Nigeria over the last month, health officials say – Health officials say at least 46 people have died from cholera-related symptoms in northern Nigeria over the last month. International health officials believe an outbreak of the waterborne infection last year killed more than 1,500 people in Nigeria alone and spread to neighboring countries. (AP)

TAGS: What We're Reading