Malawian Hannock Tweya has been named Junior Outstanding African Scientist by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). According to information released on the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease website, the Malawian who is said to be one of the Union's operational research fellows, has been outstanding since he started being involved in the projects. - For winning the award, Tweya won himself an amount of 10,000 euros. The 10,000-euro award recognises an outstanding African scientist working on HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria research and is intended to foster the research activities of the winner. The Malawian was selec…

Malawians continue to battle various challenges with top of it being persistent fuel shortages and many do not have an idea as to when they will have enough fuel back in the filling stations yet government has remained quiet. Life is no longer the same for a country which some years back never experienced the fiasco of seeing people queuing for fuel in filling stations. - Today men and women in the southern African country which has a population of over 13 million people have grounded their vehicles not because the vehicles have problems but because they have no fuel in the tanks. People in the country are sleeping in filling stations simply to get hold of the commodity which is now scar…

There are little investments from African governments in terms of supporting research projects, International Aids Society (IAS 2011) chairman and president Elly Katabira has said. "Of course research done in Africa should be led by Africans but this all comes down to the issue of funding. African governments invest very little on research and the budget line for research is choking," said Katabira. - Katabira, who is a Professor of Medicine and former Deputy Dean for Research, Faculty of Medicine at Makerere University, Kampala, was speaking at the official opening of the sixth IAS conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in Rome, Italy. He cited his own countr…

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is scheduled to visit some selected African countries. They include Malawi, Uganda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He will be visiting the continent after attending a forum in Brazil. - The UN boss would be visiting Malawi for the first time. Malawi's president Bingu Wa Mutharika is the chairman of African Union having taken over from Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi. According to the BBC, he is expected to visit Malawi on May 29 - 30 before proceeding to other countries. Apart from visiting various projects in the listed countries, Ban Ki-Moon will have a round table discussion with Ugandan leaders. Ban Ki-moon was…

The measles outbreak in Malawi is reported to have attacked one of the top prisons - Chichiri in the Commercial City of Blantyre. According to Malawi Prison Services the outbreak is said to have so far attacked 20 inmates. The development has led to Malawi Prison Services to ban visitors and new admissions. - “No visitors are being allowed to see their relatives or friend and we are not taking inmates who have been transferred from other prisons or even those who are new,” Commissioner for Prisons Mc Donald Chaona told the Daily Times. He said the ban on visitors and new inmates was one of the measures to control the outbreak. The affected inmates have since started gettin…

Newly wedded Malawian president Bingu Wa Mutharika who is also the AU boss, has been offered honeymoon in Egypt by the country's leader Hosni Mubarak. The couples have been offered an exclusive international holiday at the Sharma Al Sheikh resort to start their new life. - Mutharika tied the nuptial knot with former minister Callista Chapola Chimombo last Saturday at a colourful ceremony in the country's capital City in Lilongwe. The report quoted State House Press Officer Albert Mungomo saying that Mutharika and the First Lady had been offered a honeymoon at Sharma al Sheikh, one of the tourists destinations in the country. However, Mutharika who is currently on a holiday in…

One of Malawi's renowned veteran politicians and one time media practitioner Aleke Kadonaphani Banda died last week at Morningside Medi Clinic in South Africa after a long battle with cancer. - Banda who died at the age of 70 was the founder of one of the private print media houses - Nation Publications Limited in the southern African country. He was a veteran of Malawi's fight against colonialism as well as single party rule. He spent over 50 years in politics and public service before retiring in 2008. Banda held several ministerial positions in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) era led by late president Hastings Kamuzu and United Democratic Front (UDF) led by ex-president Ba…

The United States of America has congratulated Malawi's president Bingu Wa Mutharika for his appointment as the African Union chairman saying it would support the continental body. President Mutharika was appointed chairman this week and has taken over from Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi. - According to www.america.gov website, USA was committed to help develop Africa and that it will continue to help in various projects. US Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs Phillip Crowley, said: “We share Chairperson Mutharika’s goals of ending child hunger and malnutrition and welcome his interest in promoting the critical goal of agricultural development and food security…

Malawi's president Bingu Wa Mutharika has found a new wife and expected to marry on May 1 this year. The former Minister of Tourism and Wildlife Calista Chapola Chimombo would now become the first lady after the official marriage ceremony. They will have an engagement ceremony on February 14. - Mutharika who is in his 70’s lost his wife Ethel in May 2007 after a long battle with cancer. Chimombo is a high ranking official of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The news of their engagement and wedding comes barely a month after speculations were rife that the two were planning to marry and the two have been seen together at recent functions. The Malawi presiden…

South African president Jacob Zuma has been conferred with the 2009 African President of the Year award. Established by the African Consciousness Media and the Kenneth Kaunda Foundation, the prize recognizes achievements as well as honour African leaders. Zuma hailed the founders of the award. - Zuma, who took over leadership of the rich southern African country in May said: “What is most special about the award is that it is Africans recognizing what they regard as achievement and appreciating their own.” A Sapa report said Zuma received the award in Johannesburg, South Africa and paid a special tribute to African leaders who fought for freedom and independence.

Host nation Zimbabwe on Sunday came from behind to beat Zambia 3-1 to win the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup at Rufaro Stadium in Zimbabwe. The Cosafa Senior Challenge has played a crucial role in uplifting the standards of football in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. - Zambia who are also battling to make it to the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola next year were the first to hit the net through Henry Banda. Banda scored in the 24th minute after he collected a ball on the edge of the 18 yard box and dribbled past a Zimbabwean defender before lifting the ball over the host’s goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda. Zambia popularly known as Chipolopolo could have added another…

African representatives at the U-17 World Cup started on a poor note with Malawi, Algeria, Burkina Faso and Gambia all registering losses. The hosts Nigeria were the only side which managed to hold Germany to a 3-3 draw in the opening game. The young Nigerians played Honduras in their second game on Tuesday. - Malawi Under 17 national football team opened their first game in the World Cup with a 0-2 loss to United Arab Emirates in Group E at San Abacha Stadium in Nigeria on Monday. The Junior Flames’ loss came barely a day after the senior team comprising of mostly local players also lost 0-1 to Mozambique in the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup quarter finals in Zimbabwe. Malawi…

Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state meeting in Kinshasa have proposed to hold another summit for Zimbabwe. This comes after Zimbabwe's PM Tsvangirai requested SADC to discuss the country's problems at the meeting and force president Mugabe to adhere to the power sharing agreement. - However, it is not yet clear as to when the summit will be held. Reports say that the current meeting has no agenda for Zimbabwe and that it has set another special summit on the country as part of efforts to end a row over a power-sharing pact between the two leaders. "Zimbabwe is not on the agenda. It is clearly not on the agenda," Tsvangirai spokesman James Ma…

As South Africa looks ahead to hosting the biggest event on the football calendar, the World Cup in 2010, the country is said to have launched a new bus service. Transportation is one of the biggest problems in the African continent and the new bus service is expected to uplift the transport sector. - But the coming in of the bus service has led to protests from the minibus industry who feels they will be denied of business. Media reports in the country said Tuesday that the National Taxi Council threatened a nationwide strike. South Africa’s Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele said the coming of the bus service will not keep away business from the taxi industry adding they will …

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has lashed out at Western countries and international donors for failing to assist his ailing southern African country. The Pan-Africanist veered off his speech at the funeral procession of his former vice president - late Joseph Msika - and attacked his critics. - President Mugabe who formed a government of national unity with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and other opposition leaders wondered as to why the western countries and donors have rejected Zimbabwe which was in need of help to uplift its crumbled economy. “The Western countries have continued to reject us and so why should we continue to kneel down for their help?” he quest…

Political rivals of Madagascar - President Andry Rajoelina and Marc Ravalomana - are reported to have agreed to form a unity government during a meeting which started last Wednesday in southern Africa's Mozambique. Media reports say Ravalomanana currently in South Africa has agreed to return home. - Ravalomanana has since pledged to help resolve the crisis in the southern African nation. The deal to form the unity government is said to have been brokered on Saturday and that the talks continued on Sunday with the meeting discussing the power sharing administration. AfricaNews reporter said this is expected to be good news for the country as well as the Southern African Development Co…

Zimbabwe's vice president Joseph Msika has passed away on Wednesday morning. Media reports in the southern African country said the veteran leader who was also ZANU-PF party deputy president and second in command to President Robert Mugabe, died at the age of 85. - The reports further said Msika was on life support before his death which is expected to create a political fight over his positions. The late Msika was in critical condition recently and that he had been hospitalized twice in a fortnight. He became ill while attending a regional summit in June 2009, reportedly due to a stroke, and was treated at a South African hospital before his death. Mugabe is said to have announce…

Malawi has increased the marriage age from 15 to 16 years. This came after the country's Parliament amended the Constitution. A Clause 9 in the Constitution (Amendment) Bill in the southern African nation passed in the Malawi Parliament with over two thirds majority voting in support. - But some Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition side are said to have quashed the bill before it went through. The MPs suggested that the marriage age be pegged at 18 or 21 and called on the country’s Minister of Justice to consider that. One of the MPs Lifred Nawena was quoted by the country’s local daily of the Daily Times as saying that marriage at the age of 16 …

A Bank that is aimed at uplifting the living conditions of women has opened in Tanzania's capital city Dar es Salaam. Media reports say it is good news for women who still lag behind in several areas and efforts are being made in the continent to increase the number of women in top positions. - Tanzania’s Minister of Community Development, Gender and Children expressed happiness with the launch of the bank adding that it would empower women. Media reports said the bank only needs applicants to open their accounts with $2 adding that women only are required to bring an ID card and passport as further material to open an account. The Bank’s Managing Director Margareth Ma…

The Under 17 World Cup draw is expected to take place on August 7 ahead of the kick-off in October according to the soccer governing body - FIFA. 24 teams are expected to go into the pot on as the tournament nears kick off. The draw will be led by FIFA vice president Jack Warner. - Media reports say that before the draw, the FIFA team will tour all the venues led by chairman of the local organizing committee on August 3. This is the 13th tournament of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup. The tournament will take place in Nigeria from October 24 to November 15. Meanwhile reports in Nigeria say that most of its top ranking hotels are almost complete in preparation for the tournament. The country th…

A France mobile telecommunications brand Orange has agreed to sponsor Africa's biggest soccer event - the African Cup of Nations - for eight years. Orange, according to media reports, is also sponsoring other African soccer competitions - Africa Champions League and African Confederation Cup. - The telecom giant will be benefiting from the rights for sponsoring the competitions, Reuters reported. The report said Orange signed a contract with the Cairo-based Confederation of African Football (CAF). However it is reported that terms of the deal were not disclosed by CAF. The next Africa Cup will take place in Angola in 2010. The defending champions of the African Cup of Nations are …

Malawi is set to send about 36 police officers to the Darfur region in Sudan to help maintain peace. The southern African country which is one of the most peaceful countries has played various roles in helping maintain peace in war ravaged countries among them the Democratic Republic of Congo. - The new Inspector General of Police Peter Mukhito said the officers main tax is to protect civilians. He could not say the exact date as to when the police officers will leave for Sudan. According to the Police boss, the peace keeping police officers will spend 12 months in the region. Media reports in the country quoted Mukhito as saying that this will be the second group of police officers to be…

South Africa's soccer team Orlando Pirates on Saturday made history when they beat English Premiership heavy spending side Manchester City 2-0. Man City is in Africa as part of its pre-season preparations ahead of the league kickoff next month and is participating in the Vodacom Challenge. - Man City lost their first game on Saturday to Pirates who scored through Lucas Thwala and Phenyo Mongalo. The English side which has been in the news of late for big signings of players like Carlos Tevez from Manchester United, Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers and Gareth Barry from Aston Villa failed to shine in the game. But they played without some key players among them Tevez and Brazili…

Malawi's Reserve Bank governor Victor Mbewe has suddenly resigned his post on Tuesday before the expiry of his contract. Before his resignation, speculations in the media have been rife in the southern African country over the future of his job which was to expire in seven months time. - The country’s Central Bank Secretary Samuel Malitoni confirmed Mbewe’s resignation saying it was a mutual agreement between him and his employers. “I can’t say it is a firing or resignation. It is just a mutual agreement between Mbewe and his employers,” said Malitoni. Media reports in the southern African country however, say Mbewe might have resigned amid a foreign exc…

China has offered Zimbabwe the biggest credit lines of $950 million set to help the southern African country build its economy. The country's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai who recently was on a European tour to seek for aid, confirmed the credit lines saying it came through its Ministry of Finance. - The good news has come at a time as the country is struggling to lift its economy. "The government through the minister of finance, secured credit lines of almost $950 million from China," Tsvangirai said on Tuesday. China is one of the countries which have taken a strong interest to invest and assist African countries. Reports say that Chinese companies have pledged t…

Angola has signed an agreement with Russia that will see the country developing its telecommunication sector among others. Telecommunication is one of the sectors which have failed to improve in the Africa continent. The agreement will also look into strengthening the areas of aviation and mining. - Angola is one of the largest producers of oil which is its economic lifeblood. However, the country experienced a civil war which led to destruction of its important infrastructure. A Reuters report as said that in one of the six agreements, signed between ministers of the two countries, Russia said that it would help place in orbit the southern African country’s first satellite. T…

South Africa national football team met the country's first black president Nelson Mandela ahead of their Confederation Cup semi-final clash with Brazil on Thursday. Bafana Bafana, as they are known, moved into the semi finals after losing 0-2 to Spain but went through after Iraq drew with New Zealand. - Brazil has not lost a game since the tournament kicked off. The team’s meeting with Mandela who is respected world over is expected to inspire them according to South Africa’s coach Joel Santana. Santana who wished his country all the best during the final said their meeting with Mandela will rejuvenate them to fight the Copa American side. "We got goose-bumps …

Britain has promised to give Zimbabwe eight million US dollars in aid. The country is in dire need of more funds to uplift its economy. Despite the aid, Britain urged Zimbabwe to improve in its many ways and reform. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged the aid when he met Zimbabwe's PM Tsvangirai. - Tsvangirai has also visited United States of America where President Barrack Obama also pledged support for the country. Brown announced four million pounds of food aid and one million pounds for school textbooks, bringing total British "transitional support" for the Zimbabwean government this year to 60 million pounds. "We are prepared to go further in offering …

The host South Africa progressed into the Confederations Cup semi-finals in Group A alongside Spain despite their loss on Saturday. SA lost to Spain 2-0 in front of a big crowd. Spain who set a new record of 15 successive international wins, scored through David Villa and substitute Fernando Llorente. - However, South Africa made it to the semi –finals after Iraq failed to beat New Zealand in another Group A match on Saturday which ended 0-0. South Africa made it as group A runners up with four points having drawn with Iraq and defeated New Zealand 2-0. Spain won all their three games accumulating nine points. The Confederations Cup is part of a warm up for South Africa as they …

A 43-member cabinet with fresh breeds has been announced by Malawi's President Bingu Wa Mutharika on Wednesday since his re-election last month. Conspicuously missing in the list are known names who served in the previous cabinet - Henry Mussa, Henry Phoya, Ken Lipenga and Symon Vuwa Kaunda. - In line with his pronouncement to the media recently that they would see a different cabinet, Mutharika introduced new faces which include his brother Professor Peter Mutharika who is the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Other new names are Ken Kandodo –Minister of Finance, Abbie Shaba –Minister of Development, Planning and Cooperation, Richie Muheya –Minister o…

As the Confederations Cup continues in South Africa, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has bemoaned the low turnout in the opening games. The FIFA boss has therefore suggested that unsold tickets for Confederations Cup matches should be given away rather than have empty seats at games. The games will run for two weeks. - During the two opening games for Group A involving South Africa and Iraq, and Spain against New Zealand the stadiums did not attract an impressive crowd. The Spain and New Zealand game is said to have attracted about 21,649 people, just over half the stadium’s capacity of 42,000. The Fifa president is reported to have held a meeting with organisers over the issue in t…

Zimbabwe owes unpaid electricity debt of $57 million from regional electricity suppliers. The State firm ZESA owes Mozambique's Hydroelectrica Cahora Bassa $40.3 million, the DRC's SNEL $9.8 million, Zambia's ZESCO $1.7 million, while power distribution company EDM of Mozambique is owed $5.1 million. - Zimbabwe imports 500 MW from the region and spends about $5.5 million per month. The country is said to have a peak demand of 2.200 megawatts, but generates a maximum of 1,000 MW due to ageing equipment and coal shortages for its hydrothermal plants. Mines, factories and industries are said to have been hit hard by power shortages in the once mighty nation. Zimbabwe imports …

Botswana and Malawi have been ranked as the most peaceful countries in Africa, a recent report from Global Peace Index (GPI) revealed. The report ranked Botswana, the diamond rich county as the first out of 31 countries followed by Malawi which was applauded by observers during its recent elections. - New Zealand is the number one peaceful country in the world out of 114 countries. Other countries that are said to be peaceful in Africa include Gabon, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia and Tanzania. Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan recently also described Malawi, Rwanda and Ghana as countries that have demonstrated that a determined leadership can bring about impressive results even in tough …

Two Germans are going on a tour in some selected Africa countries to raise funds as well as create awareness for HIV/AIDS. Immanuel Schulz, 29, and Geert Schroeder, 31, hope to make a 9,000km journey in South Africa, Kenya and Malawi among others. - They are now in Malawi after a cycling expedition from Cape Town in South Africa. The two hope to raise funds for an orphanage in Kenya. They said they want to raise about USD 50,000 to assist Salama Malaika Self Help Group, an orphanage based in Kenya, according to the Daily Times of Malawi. The orphanage provides food, shelter and education to children who lost their parents due to the HIV/Aids pandemic. The report further said that the two…

Zimbabwe's Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is in Europe on a four-nation tour before leaving to the United States of America. Tsvangirai who left on Saturday is visiting The Netherlands, Britain, France, United States and Sweden to solicit for financial assistance for his ailing country. - Media reports say that the prime minister is also set to visit Brussels. He is also scheduled to meet U.S. President Barack Obama during a four-day trip to Washington. The southern African country is in dire need of help to lift its economy which is still in tatters. "I am meeting all the heads of government of the countries I am visiting ... I hope that we will be able to put our case ac…

Malawi national football team - the Flames - on Saturday lost their impressive home record which has seen them beat football heavyweights when they lost 0-1 to Burkina Faso in the 2010 World and Africa Cup qualifiers. - Played in their commercial city, Blantyre, the southern African side was shocked with a 70th minute goal scored by Burkina Faso’s striker Moumouni Dagano. It was a painful loss for Malawi seeking to gain a place in the 2010 World and Africa Cups, AfricaNews reporter said. At their backyard Malawi has humiliated football giants like Egypt and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The team is at the bottom of Group E with no point and no goal having also lost 0-5 to I…

Zambia has suspended intended power imports from neighbouring South Africa and Namibia after power shortage hit it due to overgrown weeds in the Kafue River that supplies electricity. The State utility firm Zesco said it has raised generation capacity to 710 megawatts after removing the dead weeds. - "As at now our generation capacity is 710 MW and we have suspended imports of power from within the Southern Africa Power Pool," said Christopher Nthala, Zesco Ltd's Director for Generation and Transmission. Earlier, Zesco said it had lost about 300 megawatts of electricity leading to power interruptions in the rich copper country. The power blackouts affected the mines in part…

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba scored for his Chelsea side to come from behind to beat Everton 2-1 and lift the FA Cup. Whilst the win was good news for Drogba and his African colleagues like Kalou, Essien and Nigeria's Mikel Obi who lifted the FA Cup it was bad news for their Everton African players. - South Africa’s Steven Pienaar who had a grand game ended in the losing team alongside Nigeria’s Joseph Yobo. The FA Cup win for Chelsea gave departing coach Guus Hiddink the perfect leaving as he goes to pick up his Russian national team job. Everton were the first to through striker Louis Saha just 26 seconds -- the fastest goal ever scored in the FA Cup final. The …

Malawi's Electoral Commission officially declared Bingu Wa Mutharika as the country's president having won in Tuesday's presidential elections. The chairperson Anastanzia Msosa said Mutharika had 2, 730, 630 and his strongest contender John Tembo of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) got 1, 270, 057 votes. - The other presidential candidates were James Nyondo who got 25, 171 votes, Dindi Gowa Nyasulu 19, 024 votes, Kamuzu Chibambo 31, 960 votes, Stanley Masauli 31,303 votes and Loveness Gondwe 29, 705 votes. Msosa declared Mutharika after only 93.2 percent of the vote count however, she said that the remaining votes which were yet to be counted would not change anything. …

Malawi's former president Bakili Muluzi has congratulated president Bingu Wa Mutharika for coming out victor in Tuesday's general elections before the official announcement of the results. But the Malawi Congress Party has since rejected the elections results and is taking the matter to court. - Muluzi who was dealt a big blow prior to the elections as the electoral body rejected his bid to contest saying he had already served two terms, said it was clear through the results that Mutharika had won the elections. “I say congratulations to Bingu Wa Mutharika for winning the elections. I phoned him wishing him all the best even if the electoral body has not announced the offi…

Turn out in Tuesday's presidential and parliamentary elections in Malawi has been described as generally high as compared to previous polls. The process has been fairly peaceful and long queues experienced in the early hours of today at most polling centres in the country have virtually vanished. - According to one of the country’s public affairs committee officers Maurice Munthali, many Malawians voted this time round and that the turnout was impressive compared to the previous election. Media reports in the country said thousands turned up in polling stations in all the three regions of Malawi. President Bingu Wa Mutharika who is seeking a second term in office is battlin…

An Indian bank - Export-Import Bank - has offered a new lease of life to Mozambique's economy as it has promised to lend the southern African country $30 million. The money is expected to help the country which is battling to move out of poverty to finance its rural electrification projects. - Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in Africa and suffered a civil war which lasted for years leading to destruction of its infrastructure. Media reports in the country quoted the statement from Export-Import bank, as saying that the $30 million loan will finance electrification projects in such provinces as Gaza, Zambezia and Nampula. "This is the fifth loan credit extended by E…

South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma is expected to be sworn-in as president on Saturday. He will however be elected as president by the country's parliament later on Wednesday. The ANC won last month's elections 65.9 percent but fell short of its previous two-thirds majority. - Zuma takes over the presidency from Kgalema Motlanthe who served for less than a year after former president Thabo Mbeki was removed. The ANC president was dogged by corruption and sex scandals and his party split last year leading to the formation of Congress of the People (Cope). According to reports, the ANC will have 264 seats in parliament. The official opposit…

The Supreme Court of Appeal in Malawi Monday adjourned a case in which US pop singer Madonna is challenging a ruling on her attempt to adopt a second child in the southern African nation. The Court of Appeal however did not give the new date. Madonna saw her bid to adopt a second child stopped last month. - However the singer through her local lawyer Allan Chinula appealed against the ruling in the Supreme Court of Appeal. Media reports in the country said three Supreme Court judges led by Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo presided over the hearing on Monday. During the hearing Madonna was represented by two lawyers Chinula and Mordecai Msisha who are reported to have presented seven ground…

The controversy surrounding the adoption of a four-year-old girl Mercy James in Malawi by US pop singer Madonna resurfaces in an appeal case later today. The hearing would be held in Malawi's Supreme Court of Appeal after the Malawi High Court rejected the popular singer's adoption bid last month. - The pop singer through local lawyer Allan Chinula appealed against the ruling after Judge Esmie Chombo ruled that Madonna could not adopt Mercy James in a case that made international headlines. The High Court ruled that there was no evidence that Mercy was not being looked after well at her current orphanage. Madonna wants to adopt a second child from the southern African country to…

South Africa's road to the 2010 looks positive as their hosting of their first big international tournament - the FIFA Confederations Cup is reported to have sold almost half the tickets. Media reports said about 320,000 tickets out of the 640,000 tickets have been sold. - The development comes at a time as the country recently complained that the Confederation Cup ticket sale would hit a setback due to South Africans reluctance to buy tickets in advance. The Committee is hopeful that they would sell all the tickets adding that most of the tickets were sold via the internet and through the country’s banks. Chief executive Danny Jordaan said ticket sales for the Confederation…

Malawi's top FIFA referee Verson Lwanja has been handed a six months ban from officiating after he messed up a Presidential Cup final game last Saturday. He declared one of the top teams - MTL Wanderers - champions when they had a decisive penalty kick at hand against Escom United. - MTL Wanderers who are known by their supporters as Nomads won the penalty shootouts beating Escom United 2-1 after they tied one all during 90 minutes of play. Wanderers’ goalkeeper Vales Kamzere saved three penalties. In the penalty shootouts, Escom scored one and missed three whereas Wanderers scored two and missed one however they were supposed to take the last penalty to win the match before Lw…

Zambia's President Rupiah Banda has honoured the country's female boxer Esther Phiri with 50 million Kwacha (US 8900) for her success. The president made the pledge on Tuesday during a luncheon he hosted for the boxer after winning a vacant lightweight title in Kenya. - President Banda said Phiri’s victory was a demonstration of the depth of talent among the country’s youth hence the honour. During the bout in Nairobi, the female boxer beat unrated Viparat Lasuwan for the GBC female lightweight crown via a fourth round knockout. Banda was quoted by the Lusakatimes.com of assuring the rich copper nation that his administration will continue being committed to the prom…

Zimbabwe's top club and most popular team Dynamos Football Club is reported to have fired its coach David Mandigora for poor performance. The news comes barely a few weeks after southern African country Angola national football team also fired its coach for the same reasons. - The Zimbabwean club Dynamos fired Coach Mandigora six months after he led the cash-strapped team to the semi-finals of the African Champions League, club officials said. According to Reuters report, the former Zimbabwe international Mandigora was dismissed after a poor start to the 2009 season by the Harare club. Dynamos overcame several logistical hurdles to upset the odds in making it to the final four of the…

US pop singer Madonna's appeal case of adopting a second child in Malawi Mercy Chifundo James will be held on May 4. Three judges of the country's Supreme Court are expected to hear the appeal case on May 4 to overturn a High Court ruling that ruled that she cannot adopt Mercy. Modonna is not expected to appear. - The High Court in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe earlier this month rejected Madonna’s wish to adopt Mercy citing among others that she did not fulfill the requirement in the Adoptions of Children Act of 18 months residency and foster care. The Judge Esmie Chombo also said that there was no evidence that the four year old Mercy was not being looked after well a…

The coach of the Angolan national football side, popularly known as Palancas Negras, Mabi de Almeida, has been sacked after what was described as the national team's recent poor performance. Almeida has been fired after just seven months in charge of the side which hosts the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. - Fans interviewed in the streets of the rich southern African side described the move as positive. “The team has been performing badly oflate and yet we are looking ahead to hosting the 2010 African Cup of Nations. We need another coach,” said one of the fans, according to the BBC. Another fan also said that the sacking of Almeida was a welcome development noting that l…

As Malawi readies itself for elections next month, European Union have earmarked about 80 observers for the country. The country goes to polls on May 19 to elect its president and members of parliament. Spokesperson for the EU, Mathias Eick, said that the observers will jet into the country on May 19. - "On election day, some 80 EU observers will be in the country. This will make the EU the largest international observation mission in the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections," said Eick. Malawi will be going to the polls after South Africa which votes on April 22. A News24.com report said six team members have already arrived in Malawi and long-term observers wil…

Zambia is expected to yield more maize compared to the previous year due to good rains. According to reports, the country will this year surpass a target of 1.2 million tonnes which was for the previous year. This has come as good news to the country that suffered floods which damaged the crop last year. - This year the country has also faced some floods but they are reported to have done less damage to maize which is a staple food for most of the southern African countries. According to media reports the previous year’s maize harvest declined from 1.3 million tonnes in 2006/2007 season to 1.2 million tonnes. This led the country to import about 100,000 tonnes of maize to cut the sh…

Mozambique has won the bid to host one of the biggest sports events, the All-Africa Games. The event will take place at its capital city Maputo. The country takes over the event after Zambia pulled out due to what it termed the global financial crisis. Zambia said it was not ready to host the event. - A Supreme Council sitting in Cameroon is said to have given the bid to Mozambique to host the event saying it was one of the fast developing nations. However some analysts have raised an alarm saying the country has got no enough infrastructures to host the tournament which brings together 24 sporting disciplines including football. But the southern African country’s deputy sports m…

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa has said it will work on the land reform with urgency to end poverty ahead of the April 22 elections. The move by the party would see it acquiring more land under its restitution programme by which ancestral land is being returned to black people. - Media reports in the country said the ANC led by its leader Jacob Zuma plans to speed up the land reform programme among the poor black majority to end poverty. The ANC has since promised that it will not forcibly seize land from white farmers just like in neighbouring Zimbabwe where white farmers were evicted from their farms by President Robert Mugabe. A Reuters report said there …

Zimbabwe has agreed to work together with South Africa aimed at uplifting each others economy, President Robert Mugabe said. Zimbabwe, the once mighty nation of Africa recently saw its economy crumble forcing many of its citizens to trek to other countries. - Media reports in the country quoted President Mugabe as saying that South Africa was a true friend of Zimbabwe hence they would work together. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai has also called upon donors and other well wishers to help the country which is currently paying its people in US dollars. Mugabe who entered into a government of national unity with Tsvangirai recently after a long battle of disagreement over ministerial di…

Ruling South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) is highly tipped to win the upcoming April 22 elections in a special pre-election social-political trends survey, according to Ipsos Markinor. However, the ANC faces some opposition from break away party - Congress of the People (COPE). - The survey indicates that it is most likely that the ANC will win the general election of 2009 by a large majority despite its support decreasing. The ruling party will field its leader Jacob Zuma as the presidential candidate. The parties in the rich country have since been preoccupied with campaign work as well as selling their manifestos. An Sabcnews.com report said ANC, DA and COPE are the th…

A South African court on Thursday slapped three people who killed reggae artist Lucky Dube to life imprisonment. They are Sfiso Mhlanga, Ludwa Gxowa and Mbuti Mabe. Justice Seun Moshidi sentenced Mhlanga to life imprisonment plus 25 years and Gxowa had a life term plus 23 years, local media said. - Mabe also received a life sentence plus 33 years. The trial judge said that the three men’s beastly act has deprived society of an icon. The judge noted that Dube lost his life at the age of 43 in a senseless, callous and unnecessary attempted robbery. He added that culprits showed no mercy to the deceased. The three people are said to have killed the reggae maestro in a carjacking spree …

Malawi's High Court has stopped US sensational pop singer Madonna from adopting a second child, Mercy James. The court said there was no proof that the girl's orphanage -Tikondane - was not keeping her well to warrant her adoption into a foreign country among others. The girl is four years old. - The singer who jetted in the southern African country last Sunday had filed adoption papers to take on board a second child. However Malawi’s local radio Zodiak broke the news that she might return a sad person. Madonna was adopting a second child to be a sister to David Banda whom she adopted in 2006 under controversial circumstances. Human rights organizations dragged Madonn…

Two Chinese firms have invested $52 million which will see them building a textile industrial park in Botswana. They are Daheng Holdings Group and Touch International Holdings Group. According to media reports in the country the project is expected to generate $280 million in foreign revenue. - The groundbreaking ceremony for the industrial site is said to have already taken place and was witnessed by the southern African country’s cabinet ministers. Media reports in the rich diamond country said the Phakalane Industrial Park will be the first phase of the project, which will major in textiles and clothing products. Managing Director of Touch International, He Liehui was quoted …

Three of the people arrested and accused of killing reggae artist Lucky Dube have been found guilty. Media reports from South Africa bedeviled with crime, said judge Seun Moshidi found Sifiso Mhlanga, Mbuti Mabe and Julius Gxowa guilty of murdering one of the world's sensational reggae star. - Dube, who won the hearts of many in the world with his reggae music, was murdered two years ago. The South African musician, 43, was killed in a carjacking in October 2007. Mabe was found guilty on charges related to the aggravated robbery of a VW Polo on October 13, 2007, while his two co-accused were acquitted on this charge. The three men were also found guilty on charges related to the hija…

In an effort to improve fuel production, Zimbabwe is said to be planning to use a non-food crop, Jatropha, to produce fuel. According to available data, the crop can be grown on semi-arid land and possess less of a threat to food production than other biofuel feed stocks such as grains and vegetable oils. - Jatropha is said to have oil that can be used to produce biodiesel. The southern African country which is said to be looking for assistance of about $ 10 billion to rebuild its economy, will use Jatropha to produce up to 10 percent of the country’s fuel needs. Zimbabwe’s National Oil Company was quoted by Reuters as saying that they plan to meet a 10 percent national ta…

There is growing anger over a decision by renowned popular singer Madonna to adopt a second child in the southern African country of Malawi. Save the Children, an international charity organization and sections of the public called on the singer to reconsider her decision as she arrived on Sunday. - Media reports in Malawi quoted Madonna’s local lawyer Allan Chinula as saying he has been instructed to file papers at the High Court in the capital, Lilongwe for the exercise on Monday. “We have instructions to file court process for adoption,” said Chinula. The Malawi News quoted Reuters as saying Madonna was clearly undeterred by her adoption of son David with then husband…

A $10 million mobile phone company which is the first ever has been opened in Zambia. According to media reports in the country the multimillion company is known as M-mobile Telecommunications Zambia limited (M-Tech). - M-Tech Chairperson, Seedat Mohamed, said the M-Tech cell phone is a fully registered Zambian brand, which would grow to make the country proud. He noted that the technology used in the cell phone manufacturing was of superior standard, adding that it meets all international requirements. He said the company will be producing about 1,000 phones per day which will cost about $36 (200,000 Zambian Kwacha). The company’s plant which was opened by the country’s presi…

Zimbabwe has received another flicker of hope as Australia has promised to pump in $ 10 million for various developmental operations. Australia's foreign minister Stephen Smith was quoted in a statement as saying that the money will be given to Zimbabwe's PM Tsvangirai to restore various services. - Smith further said that the money will help expand assistance beyond current humanitarian aid. Tsvangirai who was involved in an accident over the weekend where his wife died has appealed for support from well wishers ever since he joined a unity government. He called on people in the country to bury their differences and work together to put Zimbabwe back in shape. Tsvangirai …

Zambia's former vice president Christon Tembo has died. Media reports in the country said Tembo, 65, died in the country's Lusaka hospital on Friday. However Tembo's illness and cause of his death were not disclosed. The former vice president is said to have been admitted to a hospital a month ago. - A Reuters report quoted the hospital’s spokeswoman Pauline Mbangweta confirming the ex-veep’s death. Tembo, who was a former army commander, is said to have led a cabinet revolt against former president Frederick Chiluba in 2001. He mobilised 22 cabinet and junior ministers to block Chiluba from changing the constitution to seek a third term after he had served h…

Zambia is to intensify its corruption fight which is aimed at prosecuting all those who plundered and mismanaged public funds. Vice president George Kunda who is also justice minister said Zambia is governed by tenets of laws and that no person whether in the private or public sector is above the law. - The Justice Minister said the country will spare no efforts in cramping down on corruption. Kunda said Zambia will intensify the fight against blackmail, corruption, crime and abuse of office because it had a moral obligation to protect its people. He was also quoted by Lusakatimes.com as saying investigations into Zambia Airways will continue in order to determine the master minders in th…

South Africa which will be the first country in the African continent to host the World Cup in 2010 is reported to have sold about 170,000 tickets for the incoming Confederations cup in June. This will be the first test as the country looks ahead to the world's football fiesta in 2010. - The Confederations cup to take place from 14-28 June will feature top countries among them Africa Cup of Nations winners Egypt, European champions Spain, Brazil and Italy. Eight teams are expected to participate in this mini event with South Africa participating as the host. The southern African country recently started selling World Cup tickets however analysts advised the country to market itself s…

Six deputy ministers have been fired by Malawi's president Bingu Wa Mutharika from his cabinet. They are said to have opted to stand the May 19 elections as independent parliamentary candidates after losing party primaries in their various constituencies, a statement from the presidency said. - The affected ministers are Richard Msowaya (Education, Science and Technology for Higher Education), Olive Masanza, deputy minister of education responsible for primary education, Gift Mwamondwe, deputy minister of mines and energy, Roy Chizimba, deputy minister of economic planning, Billy Kaunda, deputy minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture and Patricia Mwafulirwa, deputy minister of Women a…

A new cabinet for Zimbabwe is expected to be sworn into office today in a unity government. President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party has 15 posts and the two factions of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) hold 16. The allocation was spelt out in a power-sharing deal signed last year. - The formation of the government is going ahead despite MDC concern about the fate of imprisoned activists. Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe for 28 years, has promised to co-operate in the unity government. The new Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Wednesday said his first task for the southern African country was to put the economy back in shape. Tsvangirai who agreed to enter into …

Togo and Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has been named Glo-Caf Footballer of the Year ahead of Egypt's Mohammed Aboutrika and Ghana's Michael Essien. Adebayor won for helping his English premiership side Arsenal and his national side. He dedicated the award to his mother who was there with him. - Speaking after receiving the award the striker called on Africa to work together as they look forward to hosting the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. West Africa on Tuesday night showed that they were on top of the football world in the African continent when they dominated the Glo-Caf Awards in Lagos, Nigeria. The event which is one of the biggest for the African continent and wa…

Zimbabwe's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai assumes office as prime minister later on Wednesday in a unity government deal with rival Robert Mugabe. The two have been at each others throat for years but agreed on a power-sharing deal sponsored by regional bloc - SADC. - “Expectations are high for Tsvangirai, who will carry the burden of rebuilding the economy, but people will have to be a bit more patient because they will be disappointed," an economist John Robertson told Reuters. The report said Zimbabweans hope the new government will bring policies to revive a country suffering hyper-inflation, unemployment and food shortages. Several m…

Fear continues to grip people in Zimbabwe as the cholera outbreak cases is reported to have neared 70,000, according to latest figures from United Nations. The cholera outbreak has further been prolonged by the rainy season which is currently being experienced by many southern African countries. - The UN said about 69,000 cases have been recorded with over 3, 300 people reported dead. More people have fled the country in search of better living. In Malawi cholera has also killed over 30 people which started last year in December. The cholera outbreak which has mostly hit the capital city is said to have started due to poor hygiene. Cholera camps have since been established in the count…

Malawi has opened a telecentre in the southern region district of Thyolo in a bid to improve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development in rural areas. The Centre was opened at Goliati by the country's minister of Information and Civic Education Patricia Kaliati. - The telecentre among others has computers with fully installed internet, fax machine, telephones and a library fully furnished with modern books. According to the southern African country’s local paper of The Guardian, telecenters establishment is the government’s initiative through Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) to ensure that ICT development is available in rural areas. …

Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change looks set to join the unity government following the party's national executive committee agreement on Friday. The move comes barely a few days after the party said it was disappointed by the outcome of a SADC-member meeting in South Africa. - Media reports in the country quoted sources in the MDC party as saying they have endorsed the decision by its leader – Morgan Tsvangirai - to join the unity government. “The national executive committee has recommended that the party joins the inclusive government; the national council is expected to endorse that decision,” one of the sources said. Zimbabwe's rul…

Zimbabwe's rival factions - President Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai - have finally agreed to form a unity government latest next month, disclosed South Africa President Kgalema Motlanthe. Under the timetable Tsvangirai would hopefully be sworn into office as Prime Minister February 11. - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) brokered the new deal at a meeting in South Africa on Monday. The meeting - second to take place in the country - attracted 15-member SADC countries and lasted for over 14 hours. Despite the agreement which also said President Mugabe and Tsvangirai should share the key ministries which has been the centre of the deadlock, the opposition Movement…

Mozambique is gearing up for the 2010 World Cup to take place in South Africa by improving its infrastructure through the construction of a new stadium. The southern African country has also injected huge sums of money to boost its tourism sector to attract more tourists during the tournament. - The Director of the project Celso Mabjaia said Mozambique wants to take advantage of the world’s football fiesta in neighbouring South Africa to project its image. He said Mozambique would be hosting one of the countries participating hence the construction of a stadium of international repute. It hopes to complete the new stadium March or April next year. The new stadium which is said to be…

South Africa will for the second time host a regional summit for Southern African Development (SADC) which is expected to solve the power sharing deal deadlock in Zimbabwe. The meeting takes place next Monday a few days after talks in Zimbabwe's capital Harare between Mugabe and his rival failed. - The two – Mugabe and Tsvangirai – for several hours in their last crucial meeting failed to agree on the distribution of key cabinet positions with MDC targeting finance and local government ministries among others. South Africa also hosted the summit last year where it said it was going to tighten its belt on President Mugabe and the MDC leader to agree on the deal and form a …

Zambia is in talks with China and India firms to take over Luanshya Copper mines which closed down 2008. It stopped operations and laid off employees due to "low cost of copper and high fuel prices." President Banda said investors from the Asian countries have expressed interest to bail out the mines. - AfricaNews correspondent said President Banda, who succeeded late Levy Mwanawasa last year faces a challenge of uplifting the country which heavily relies on copper for its economic boost. "The Chinese and the Indians are the (only) ones with money left to invest in Zambian mines. They have shown interest in coming to invest in this industry," Banda said. He said th…

Relieved former South African president, Thabo Mbeki, criticized the High Court judge who ruled that he was politically interfering in the case involving his political rival Jacob Zuma. Mbeki said he feels vindicated by an appeal court recent ruling reviving corruption charges against Zuma. - In a statement to the media, Mbeki said the High Court judge made "unjustified findings against persons who were not called upon to defend themselves". The previous ruling led to the sudden resignation of Mbeki following pressure from his own African National Congress (ANC) leadership. Mbeki accused the judge of having failed to distinguish between allegations, facts and suspicions when he …

The African Footballer of the Year announcement has been postponed to February 10 in Lagos, Nigeria, the Confederation of African Football said on Monday. The CAF, who had already set two previous dates for the winner, most recently scheduled the annual awards function for Dakar on January 23, 2009. - They said the change was an attempt to secure the presence of all five nominated players led by former winner Didier Drogba of the Ivory Coast, according to Reuters. Drogba has already said he has no interest in the award after a controversial decision to strip him of the 2007 accolade. The other nominees are his Chelsea club mate Michael Essien of Ghana; Arsenal's Togolese internati…

Hundreds of refugees are said to be entering Zimbabwe illegally. Most of the refugees are also reported to be Somalis and Ethiopians. Despite facing economic problems and the cholera outbreak among others, the Southern African country is rich in other products like fruits which people go and buy. - The country has the best soils which have seen the country triumph in producing such fruits like oranges. Media reports in the southern African country say that at least 100 refugees who enter illegally are surrendering themselves in borders every week. State newspaper The Herald quoted Mashonaland East Province Assistant Commissioner Bobby Murwira as saying that they were concerned with the…

Two firms, one from Singapore and another one from London are said to have been short listed to run Zambia's largest coal mine. They are Singapore's Nava Bharat Pte Limited and London's Vedanta Resources Plc who were successful after a bid four months ago and were asked to submit their final offers. - The southern African country - one of the largest producers of copper as its mainstay - is said to be planning to purchase copper concentrate from Frontier in Congo. A Reuters report said Thursday the two foreign firms submitted final offers to run the largest coal mine and construct a thermal power station. The report further said that Vedanta and Nava Bharat were shortlisted…

The beleaguered ruling African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has unveiled its election manifesto at a mammoth rally on Saturday. ANC leader Jacob Zuma (photo) promised massive public spending to create jobs and more government intervention in the economy. Elections in South Africa will be hold between April and June. - ANC leader Jacob Zuma said the party would focus on five priorities - jobs creation, education, health, rural development (including land reform), and the fight against crime, the BBC reported. "The most important task of the beginning of the year is to ensure that the ANC returns a decisive election victory," the 66-year-old leader told cheering crowds …

The rainy season which has started in many southern African countries threatens to accelerate the cholera situation in Zimbabwe. The disease has already killed over 1,000 people in the country and the rains could up the situation, the country's minister of health David Parirenyatwa said Monday. - Zimbabwe’s rainy season peaks up in January or February and ends in late March. The cholera outbreak in the southern African country has come about due to poor sanitation and people drinking unsafe water. Rains mostly bring about floods and sweep bad things which could increase the cholera outbreak as well as other water borne diseases. The minister said while more efforts have bee…

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has begun his annual leave, a situation that would delay the formation of a formidable government. Mugabe is going on a month sabbatical in the far East - away from his political tensed and economically weak country. - The southern African country's media reports said Saturday that Mugabe has started preparations to form a government despite opposition objections but with his annual leave it means he would do this next month. According to reports Mugabe who is expected to remain president in the power sharing deal which was brokered by former South African president Thabo Mbeki in September is said to traditionally spend his annual leave in Fa…

Zimbabwe has introduced a $10 billion note aimed at fighting cash shortage in that country. Things are turning from worse to worst in Zimbabwe. The new development also comes at a time when the southern African country is experiencing the cholera outbreak which has already killed over 1,000 people. - Media reports in the country say the country’s central bank has introduced the 10 billion dollar note which is worth $20 on the black market. The unveiling of the new bank note by the central bank on Friday, also comes on the backdrop of the introduction of other notes Z$ 1 billion and Z$ 5 billion. Zimbabwe the once mighty continent of Africa has seen its inflation rise and prices o…

About 978 people have so far been killed by cholera in Zimbabwe according to a UN report. Earlier report put the figure at 700 however it has now gone up to an increase of 25 percent. Several world leaders have called for President Robert Mugabe's resignation to save the lives of people in that country. - This indicates that the situation continues to get worse contrary to Mugabe’s declaration of cholera being controlled in that country. According to a BBC report, the UN's office for humanitarian affairs says 18,413 suspected cases have been reported across the country since the outbreak began in August. Places like the capital Harare has been badly hit by the disease …

Zimbabwe's only player in the English Premier League Benjamin Mwaruwari will be out for some weeks following an injury he picked against Everton on Saturday. The Manchester City United player picked up a hamstring injury on Saturday against Everton and will miss the Christmas schedule games. - Mwaruwari has been out for sometime before he recovered recently. It was also a bad weekend for the Zimbabwean player as his team lost 1-0. A BBC report quoted his club’s manager Mark Hughes as saying he will be out for a number of weeks. "He'll probably be out for a number of weeks. A number of the guys are carrying injuries, so that will have an impact when you've got gam…

The African Union (AU) has made it clear it did not back calls from western leaders and other quarters of taking a hard line on Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe. Mugabe has come under fire from among others Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga saying he should step down to save his people from dying. - The president of Botswana has called for Mugabe’s removal following the collapse of the power sharing deal. However Mugabe's spokesman George Charamba said the West was using the cholera outbreak to try to bring down the veteran leader. "The British and the Americans are dead set on bringing Zimbabwe back to the U.N. Security Council, they are also dead set on…

South Africa has made history by emerging top in the just ended African Swimming Championships at their own backyard. The country scooped 41 medals - 13 gold, 20 silver and nine bronze. This boosts the country's image as its sporting image sunk in the ongoing 2010 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. - According to Sabcnews.com report Tunisia finished second with 31 medals. The competition saw 17 countries participating among them Egypt, Kenya and Ivory Coast. The report further said that South Africa’s Paralympics medalist Natalie du Toit won gold in the 5km open water competition. In an unrelated sporting development, the country’s former cricketer, Garth le Roux, and…

Standard Bank has been adjudged winner of the 2008 Best Banker award in Malawi. The award was given by United Kingdom (UK) based The Banker magazine for Standard Bank Malawi's great financial performance among others. - Standard Bank Malawi managing director Charles Mudiwa said Thursday the award was the third in a row. “The Banker magazine decorated us on November 28 and we have been winning this award since 2006 because the bank performed better financially and achieved substantial growth in the year,” he said. According to the country’s local daily of the Daily Times, Mudiwa pledged that his bank would continue striving to provide better banking services to th…

South Africa's striker Benni McCarthy put up a brave performance on Wednesday scoring twice in Blackburn's 3-5 loss to Manchester United in the Carling Cup quarter final. He scored in the 48th and 90th minute as Blackburn threatened to come back into the game that put pressure on their coach Paul Ince. - Manchester United’s Carlos Tevez was responsible for the damage on Blackburn scoring four times with another goal coming from Portugal’s Nani. According to a BBC report, Tevez headed in from close-range and then set up Nani to fire home, before McCarthy's shot pulled one back. He then struck next from the spot after he was fouled by Martin Olsson, before tappin…

Malawi's president Mutharika is reported to have met Zimbabwe's president Robert Mugabe to discuss the progress of the power sharing deal. He is said to have taken time off from the finance for development heads of state summit in Doha, Qatar to discuss with Mugabe who gave him an update of the deal. - The power sharing deal between Mugabe and Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Tsvangirai has failed to materialise with the two failing to agree on cabinet positions. The power sharing deal which was brokered by former South African president Thabo Mbeki has dragged on with several meetings held for the two to agree but to no avail. The Malawi president was quoted by th…

Malawi has made a tremendous stride by reducing the HIV/AIDS related deaths by 75 percent since 2004, the country's Nutrition, HIV/AIDS official said Thursday. The Southern African country is among the African countries which have been hardly hit by the pandemic which has killed so many people. - The Secretary for Nutrition, HIV/AIDS Mary Shaba said the country was moving forward in the fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic stressing that its deaths have gone down by 75 percent. Shaba also said that the country’s efforts have seen the increase in number of people accessing antiretroviral treatment (ART). “We have dispelled myths that a poor country cannot successfully ad…

Botswana has descended heavily on Robert Mugabe with a call on the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) to throw him out. Botswana's foreign minister Phandu Skelemani said Mugabe's colleagues are pampering him too much and it is about time he is told in the face to put up or be sanctioned. - Skelemani’s comment came in the heels of his president Ian Khama, who pressed SADC to fight Mugabe who has been in power since 1980. He said Mugabe, 84, would not last if his neighbouring countries confronted him and close the borders. "If no petrol went in for a week, he can't last," he said on Wednesday. This is not the first time Botswana has pressurize…

Mobile generators would be the main sources of power to feed the stadiums that would host the 2010 World Cup tournament in South Africa. Reuters quoted Minister of Energy and Minerals Buyelwa Sonjica saying that the government is to provide 3.4 million litres of fuel to run the generator sets. - The state utility firm which has struggled to meet rising electricity demand, according to Reuters, estimates that it will have to import some 700 megawatts of power for the World Cup. Eskom’s head, Johnny Dladla, said the power firm will also establish local command centres which will regulate and supervise the electricity supply. "We have factored more things into our planning and als…

South Africa is set to host the first ever International Gymnastics in Pretoria. Participating countries are the United States of America, Serbia and the host country. The tournament dubbed "South Africa Gymnastics Safari" would be held this weekend. - It would bring together 11 girls from USA, six boys from Serbia and 11 gymnasts from the southern African country. Sabcnews.com report quoted the country’s Commission and Olympic Committee president Gideon Sam saying he was happy that the tournament will take place in South Africa. During the tournament, the gymnasts will take part in six invitational teams showcasing various routines. South Africa would also be hosti…

Malawi Under-17 football team beat Namibia 7:1 on Saturday to book a place in the Africa Youth Championships next year. The Junior Flames qualified for Algeria 2009 on an 8-3 aggregate after they lost to Namibia in the first leg 1-2 in Windhoek. The fans left the Blantyre Stadium so much delighted. - The baby team in need of a 1-0 win stepped into gear from the word go and scored as early as the 5th minute through the hero of the day Andy Simkonda who scored five goals. The other goals were scored by Luka Milanzie and Innocent Jere. Namibia scored their consolation goal through Ryan Ghazeb. Malawi’s coach John Kaputa hailed his boys for the tremendous performance while his counterpa…

Angola's housemate Ricco Vernancio is this year's Big Brother Africa III winner after he overcame Malawi's Hazel Warren in the grand finale on Sunday. For becoming the winner Ricco went away with a cool $100,000 in the show which took place in South Africa. Previous winners are Cherise and Richard. - Ricco and Hazel tied on votes in the finale and the two had to be separated through the percentage calculation which saw the Angolan housemate being declared champion for BBA III. Three housemates remained in the house until Sunday and they were Hazel, Ricco and Zimbabwe’s Munyaradzi Chidzonga. However Munya was the 10th housemate to be evicted leaving two housemates to c…

Ericsson anticipates 20 percent growth of its cell phone usage in Africa by 2009, its South Africa head said. The Swedish company's Managing Director Jan Embro said Friday its market anticipates seeing 50-60 million new cell subscribers especially in West Africa's populous country of Nigeria. - "We think that probably next year we will see another 50-60 million subscribers coming on in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria stands out," said Embro. According to a Reuters report, the company which supplies telecommunication equipment and services to 65 mobile and 20 fixed line operators in Africa, has 235 million existing users. Though the mobile service is slowly taking its shap…

A malaria vaccine trial on children in Africa starts next month researchers have said. The medical trial will take place on about 16,000 children and has come about as the researchers try to create the world's first malaria vaccine. Malaria kills more than one million children yearly in Africa. - The vaccine trials are expected to take place in such countries as Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. Malaria is one of the diseases which is killing more people especially children in Africa and is caused by parasites and spread by mosquitoes. The British drug-maker GlaxoSmithKline PLC is teaming with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative, which is an anti-…

The political situation in South Africa would negatively affect the preparations of the 2010 World Cup, FIFA football leaders and the media in US said last week. According to Sabcnews.com, the concerns were raised during a meeting which was hosted by the country's World Cup chief Danny Jordaan. - The Southern African country would host the 2010 World Cup which also happens to be the first in Africa. However internal wrangling within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is seen as a possible threat to a successful event. The squabbles have led to other members resigning from the ruling party to form their own break away party. The concern also comes at a time when another issue…

Singer Miriam Makeba's music was powerful and gave hope to many in Africa, said South Africa's first black president Nelson Mandela. He hailed the renowned artist who died over the weekend after a concert in Italy. Popularly known as "Mama Africa" she took African music to international pedestal. - Mandela, who is respected world over for his humbleness was quoted on Sabcnews.com to have said that Makeba continued to make the country proud. He said that the musician had used her worldwide fame to focus attention on apartheid. He added that it was fitting that her last moments were spent on stage. South Africa’s Arts Culture and Tourism body head, Kwazulu-Natal sa…

Britain has said that it is worried with the situation in Zimbabwe adding that there was the need for Mugabe and Tsvangirai to agree this time around. The two have failed to agree on cabinet positions to form a government of national unity following a deal that was brokered by Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. - Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in the House of Commons that they were concerned with the situation in Zimbabwe hence for something to be done. “We are monitoring the situation in Zimbabwe and we have sent food aid but our appeal is for the two parties to agree for the country to move forward,” said Brown adding Britain was ready to support the Southern Afr…

South African directory inquiries company Brabys becomes the first firm in Africa to be appointed as an authorized reseller of Google Ad Words. Director Mark Buwalda said it was a significant deal for small businesses to afford to advertise on some of the best sites in South Africa as well as on Google. - Ad Words are online advertisements that display when people run a Google search for specific products and services. It helps businesses to target people with a definite interest in that product. South Africa’s media reported last week Friday that Braby’s runs the Ananzi.c.za search engine for South African pages. According to the reports, the company’s staff that place …

South Africa's richest club - Sundowns - is chasing two European managers with Champions League experience. The premier league side is going after former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard and Ruud Gullit to transform the fortunes of the sinking team. - The South African club which has bought expensive players among them Sibusiso Zuma, Zambia’s Collins Mbesuma and Benedict Vilakazi is struggling to make a mark in the league under local coach Trott Moloto. Sundowns president Patrice Motsepe last week Friday said negotiations were at an advanced stage and that Gullit or Rijkard are believed to be on the run. “We are close to finalizing the deal and I can tell you that these p…

Three Africans have been shortlisted for this year's FIFA Player of the Year Award. They are Ivory Coast's captain and Chelsea's striker Didier Drogba, Togo's and Arsenal's striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Cameroon and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. Africa prepares to host the rest of the world in 2010. - Despite being sidelined for a longtime with injuries, Drogba has been outstanding for his country scoring vital goals and has also played a role for his Premier League side Chelsea who are currently second on the log. Adebayor has also been in scintillating form at Arsenal and just last weekend, he scored two goals against West ham after coming in as a substit…

Mozambique is to shut door on foreign firms, which fail to exploit minerals in the country. The southeastern country, which is one of the poorest, wants progress in the mining industry hence taking this stance, Skysports has reported. It has taken onboard 125 foreign companies to exploit minerals. - However, the report said many of the companies are failing to bring the needed results. It has gone on a serious drive to improve its economy with mining being one of the major areas. It has also invested much in tourism and wants to attract more people ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Trade imbalance Imports remain almost 40% greater than exports, but this is a significant impr…

South Africa's netball team has clinched the Spar Challenge when they beat Barbados 72-35 in South Africa. The team which is among the heavyweights in Africa is set to tour Jamaica next month and this was a good mark. They also beat Barbados 52-44 with their shooter Sparkle Mbewe doing all the damage. - In rugby, two top teams in South Africa Sharks and Blue Bulls met in Durban on Saturday in the Absa Currie Cup and at the end of it all it was the Sharks who triumphed. The two teams contribute more players to the country’s team the Springbok who are the current rugby champions. Sharks led by J Peterson beat Blue Bulls 14-9 to lift the Absa Currie Cup for the first time since…

This coming Thursday would be a political showdown between Zambia`s acting president Rupiah Banda and Michael Sata. The poll is to find a suitable replacement for the late former president Levy Mwanawasa. Sata 71, who lost against Mwanawasa in the 2006 elections, has been tipped the favourite. - According to Zambian newspapers, Sata who is running for the Patriotic Front (PF) has been campaigning alongside Banda with both promising to lower taxes and increase farm subsidies. Banda, 71 was Mwanawasa’s deputy. He was sworn in late June after the former president suffered stroke during an African Union summit in Egypt. Now a leader of Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Banda who…

A 12 year-old school girl in South Africa is said to have invented a 2010 soccer mania board game which has already caught the interest of Supersport. The girl Fatima Docrat, a grade six pupil at Rustenburg Girls Junior, has already received interest from Supersport who wants to patent the game she designed. - The girl has designed a slick-looking board game, using Microsoft Word adding that she spent three months working on the rules and technique of the game, according to a local newspaper Saturday Star. “I wanted to make something that adults and kids would enjoy. We often play board games as a family and it is lots of fun. I also wanted to find a way, with the game to make peopl…

A state-of-the-art medical laboratory aimed at finding universal cure to the deadly HIV/AIDS disease has opened in South Africa. The centre would preserve infected cells for decades to give researchers time to study strains of the virus as it mutates. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funds it. - The Aids Vaccine Discovery laboratory, according to the country’s local paper - Sunday Times - the laboratory is part of a network across countries where samples of recently transmitted strains of the virus are collected. It is based at the University of Stellenbosch’s Virology Department in Cape Town. Head of the local project Corena de Beer said: “We will collect infected bloo…

Prosecutors have filed an appeal against a ruling that quashed a graft case against Jacob Zuma, African National Congress leader of South Africa. A spokesman from South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority Tlali Tlali said on Tuesday that everything was ready and that the papers were ready. - "We have filed our papers today in the High Court," the spokesman told Reuters. Recently the South African media also reported that Mbeki had joined the prosecutors in Zuma’s corruption case. A Judge at Pietermaritzburg High court ruled early this month that there had been political interference in Zuma’s case and this led to the ANC removing Thabo Mbeki. The Zuma case h…

The Zimbabwe Central Bank has given the go ahead to about 600 shops to start selling their goods in foreign currency in an effort to fight the black market trade and shortage of basic commodities. The Bank believes that the move would stop its citizens from shopping in neighbouring countries. - Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank top boss Gideon Gono stressed that the Zimbabwe dollar remained the official currency adding that basic commodities like maize flour would be sold in the local currency only. The country which is in an economic crisis and is struggling with the highest inflation ever at 11 million percent, has been hit by migration of its people in search of greener pastures. …

South Africa's president, Motlanthe, said he will strive to maintain growth and create more jobs. He said he would ensure that the benefits of growth are equally shared by all people. "We will remain true to the policies that have kept South Africa steady and that have ensured sustained growth," he added. - The new president who faces the task of winning donor support and reassure investors of prudent leadership further said that he would keep the pro-business policies and continue from where his predecessor Mbeki had left. Motlanthe, a quiet spoken leftist intellectual and an ally of ANC president Jacob Zuma, faces huge challenges including slowing economic growth and high…

This year's winner of the United Nations Global Creative Leadership Award is Malawi's President, Bingu Wa Mutharika. He was awarded for consistently addressing national issues with a goal of developing actionable solutions and new partnerships, according to The Daily Times on Tuesday. - Mutharika who also scooped another award for the first ever Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Network (Fanrpan) food security policy leadership award for reviving the country’s fertilizer subsidy programme recently, received his award in New York. The Malawian president who is attending the UN General Assembly said the award would act as a motivation for the Southern African co…

A US giant firm, the Trump Organization, is injecting R5 billion an equivalent of 626,786,041 USD into the South Africa economy. The property group is partnering with another local company, Devland, to create developments in three major areas - hotel, natural resources and development. - According to an official of the US group, Donald Trump Junior, the deal should be seen as a major boost for South Africa as it looks forward to host the World Cup 2010 fiesta. “Naturally, Johannesburg is a business centre for a hotel hub, Cape Town for its natural beauty and these are the areas we are focused in,” said Trump Junior. The Sabcnews.com quoted Trump Junior during a press briefing …

Africa media must take advantage of the current digital revolution to catch up with the rest of the world, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Communication, Radhakrishna Padayachie said. He noted that the use of mobile phones in reporting helps engage the local people in the development of ICT. - Padayachie said that the media need to educate the people in the continent on the use of Information and Communication Technology. He spoke at the just ended 12th Highway Africa conference in Grahamstown, South Africa. “We in Africa run the risk of missing out on the digital revolution in the world. If we look at an underground map of cables, we will find one cable that links Africa to …

An oil deal has been reached between South Africa and Venezuela. The South Americans are to supply crude oil to the Southern African country as part of a new agreement to strengthen their cooperation. Petro SA based in South Africa will process the supply for consumption. - When Hugo Chavez of Venezuela visited Thabo Mbeki of South Africa this week he signed the deal. According to an e-news report, Chavez said the agreement was important for the two countries as it would boost their economies adding that this was an example of Southern nations partnering in a new strategic. “It will be a wonderful day when the first Venezuelan tanker will stop by and leave oil for South Africa,&…

Owing to the lack of adequate infrastructure and high costs, Malawi still lags behind in the use of internet. Malawi's minister of labour Davis Katsonga was speaking in the country's capital Lilongwe during the opening of the 3rd annual connecting Rural Communities Africa Forum. - Katsonga said few people use the internet in the country due to high costs. Internet users diffusion in Malawi is the lowest among countries in the region and that has made the access to internet very high, he said. Recently during a meeting of Librarians and Information experts in Southern African region in Zambia, it was observed that Africa still lags behind in the use of computers especially the i…

The succession battle in Zambia opposing vice president Rupiah Banda and finance minister Ngandu Magande is becoming a fierce one. According to the country's constitution, an election must be called within 90 days of the presidential office being vacant and the elections are likely to be held in November. - The Southern African country which is the largest producer of copper in Africa lost Mwanawasa on August 19 leaving Banda the task of acting president. The vice president who has also been running the country during Mwanawasa's illness according to a ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) official, is expected to contest alongside Magande as well as two other candidat…

Zain, one of the top mobile firms in Africa is said to have invested about US$ 12 billion this month for its re-branding campaign in Africa. The firm is among the fastest growing on the continent. It also changed its name early this month from Celtel to Zain and also adapted new colours. - According to Zain's chief executive officer, Saad Al Barrack, the firm's investment in its African operations beats direct aid from United States, China and European Union respectively. According to a report from Malawi's local daily of the Nation, the rebranding of Zain from Celtel is part of bringing together their African and Middle East operations under a single and unique identity. …

Rupiah Banda, 72 vice president and a prominent businessman has taken over the leadership mantle, announced Zambian cabinet Secretary Joshua Kaganja on Wednesday . Kaganja added that vice president Banda was now running the country following the death of president Levy Mwanawasa on Tuesday and he is expected to call for early elections. - The vice president has been looking after the affairs of the country since Mwanawasa suffered stroke in June before his death on Tuesday. The former foreign minister, who has a degree in economics, was appointed as Mwanawasa's deputy two years ago. A Reuters report quoted Attorney-General Mumba Malila Wednesday as saying Zambia's government …

The country's minister of finance Ngandu Magande has said on Tuesday that Zambia was saddened by the death of Mwanawasa who had put the country's economy back on track. He however added that it will maintain the prudent macroeconomic policies following the death of the country's President Levy Mwanawasa. - Mwanawasa, 59 was well respected among donors for policies that have helped boost growth and for clamping down on corruption in Zambia. It's indeed a tragedy because he was a good captain, but I am sure another captain will be found to steer the ship," Magande said adding that the country will maintain its prudent macroeconomic policies. He said the Souther…

Zambia's vice president Rupiah Banda said in a statement that president Levy Mwanawasa who is currently in France is in dire need of more medical attention since his health was deteriorating. After making steady progress, Dr Mwanawasa's health worsened since Sunday night. - The Southern African country which has been without their president since June. The country has been in prayers calling for the quick recovery of Mwanawasa. The Zambian president suffered stroke in June whilst attending an African Union (AU) Summit in Egypt. He was later flown to France. It was later reported that he had died before the Zambian government put the record straight that the information was w…

African basketball champion Angola continues to disappoint in the ongoing Olympic Games in Beijing. The Southern African side lost to the host China 68-85 in a scintillating game which saw China winning for the first time in the men's event. Angola has won no game so far. - The host’s best player 7ft 6 in Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming scored 30 points in his side's victory over Angola as he dominated under the basket and took advantage of sloppy play by the African champions to score on turnovers. However Angola’s Joaquim Gome scored 17 points whereas China’s Sun Yue, who has joined the Los Angeles Lakers, added 11 points. A BBC report Thursday said Chi…

As a count down to the 2010 World Cup gets closer in South Africa, the country's deputy finance Minister Jabu Moleketi has revealed that its preparations would shoot above budget. This according to the minister is due to the rising costs of building materials especially cement. - The country recently saw the prices of fuel and foods go up forcing citizens to go on strike. Moleketi cited inflation is one of the driving forces to the overshooting of the budget to the preparations adding that the country will invest more than US$ 256 million. "We are talking about something that is north of 2 billion rand (US$ 256 million) as we speak. That is the figure," said the deputy m…

According to a statement from the Norwegian Embassy, US$56million will be provided to Zanzibar for the new cable which will ensure that Pemba gets reliable and stable power to its people. - Zanzibar is one of the regions which has been struggling with electricity and the Norway fund is set to wipe out the problem. According to a statement from the Norwegian Embassy quoted by Reuters, the new cable will ensure that Pemba gets reliable and stable power to its people. It is anticipated that the cable will be operational towards the end of 2010, said the statement. A 73 km line will connect Pemba to Tanga in north east Tanzania and replace three old diesel generators currently providing th…

The pipeline project to link Mozambique's capital Maputo and South Africa's city of Nelspruit will carry 3, 5 billion litres of petroleum products per year and is expected to be operational in 2011. Work is set to start in November. - A 450km pipeline connecting the two southern African countries is expected to see an investment of about US$ 537 million. “Work would begin in November, a month after earlier projections”, spokesperson for Petroline Holdings Mariana Nieuwoudt said. Despite the good news that the construction will start in November, work has delayed by a month since it was supposed to kickoff in October. The SABC report further disclosed that the …

As more and more countries are coming to Africa to invest and benefit on its rich mineral resources, China is already working in African countries to invest more in agriculture. Farming is one of the key things Africa depends on to generate its income however this sector has faced problems due to changes in climate and lack of resources. - China’s Governor Chen Yuan told African finance ministers and bankers Friday that China Development Bank plans further African farming investments as the continent tries to raise output to curb food inflation and shortages. Chen said China Development Bank was eager to work in the area of agriculture adding that with the current food shortage and …

Nelson Mandela has called on the country to unite and work together. South Africa's first black president who turned 90 last month also called for unity among members in the ruling African National Congress (ANC). - The former president who is respected world over for his humbleness and leading in the fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic, was speaking on Saturday when tens of thousands ANC gathered at a stadium in Pretoria to pay birthday tributes to him. "Our nation comes from a history of deep division and strife; let us never through our deeds or words take our people back down that road again. Let’s work together and celebrate the promotion of unity, within the organis…

Former Manchester United player Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that he will build about 30 schools in three Southern African countries. The player who was forced to retire from active football two years ago plans to build 10 schools in Malawi, Mozambique and Angola through UNICEF's worldwide children's charity. - Malawi’s local daily of the Daily Times said Tuesday that the money for the school’s projects would come from a testimonial match involving Manchester United and Spanish club Espanyol set to take place at Old Trafford. Solskajaer who scored more goals for Manchester United including a dramatic stoppage time winner in Manchester’s first ever European Cha…

As African countries continue to battle the deadly HIV/Aids epidemic,Tanzania has announced plans to triple the number of patients on Antiretroviral drugs(ARV's) to 440,000 by the year 2010. - The country made the announcement last Monday through its minister of health and social welfare David Mwakyusa saying they would want to have more patients on these free life-extending drugs. "We plan on providing anti-retroviral therapies to 250,000 people by the end of this year, 350,000 by the end of 2009 and 440,000 by the end of 2010," said Mwakyusa. According to a Reuters report last week about 2 million people out of a population of nearly 40 million are said to be infected…

Malawi's Mzuzu Coffee Association is set to start exporting its coffee to the United Kingdom from next month, the association's chief executive officer Harrison Kalua said Wednesday. Kalua says this is good news for the country which is battling to improve its export base. - Kalua said next year they are geared up for the exportation of coffee following a deal that they secured with a UK based company during the 20th International trade fair that took place in Malawi’s commercial city of Blantyre two months ago. Recently another Malawian company also brokered a deal to export tea to Japan. Kalua disclosed that they had four objectives for attending the recent fair one o…

Italy has announced that it would invest in Mozambique particularly in areas of agriculture, tourism and energy among others. The news comes in when the country which is among the poorest in Africa aims at improving its economy, in an effort to recover from years of war. - Several developments went down in the country and the coming in of Italy would help uplift Mozambique. Italian deputy economic development minister Adolfo Urso said their ecomomic interests will expand to Mozambique and that they would work in various areas. "We want to help build Mozambique and we hope to identify potential co-operation areas with business partners. We are looking at investing in areas such li…

Mozambique has ordered gas-powered public transport buses from China in a bid to reduce its dependence on imported fuel and reduce its soaring oil bill. The country's environmental minister Alcinda Abreu said Tuesday that natural gas could play a bigger role in achieving that goal. - And just as this is not enough the country has also floated an international tender to issue more gas exploration licences. She said the country which is striving to improve its economy having been ravaged by war which ended in 1992, will invest in gas powered vehicles to reduce its dependence on imported fuel and cut down its soaring oil bill. The move also comes after another Southern African cou…

Malawi lightweight boxer Nginjale Ben Chitenje on Sunday knocked out Tanzanian boxer Hassan Muhammad in round six of a 10 round non-title bout. Nginjale's triumph comes barely a month after Malawi's top boxer Wilson Masamba defeated another Tanzanian Mataslim Mwakabyabya who surrendered in the fifth round. - The Malawian boxer, who recently was in South Africa for training, fulfilled what he promised at Lilongwe Community Centre in the country’s capital by knocking him out in the sixth round. According to the Malawi boxer, the Tanzanian was a tough opponent and that his tactics made him win the fight. “He floored me in round five after his strong punches and I had…

Zambia has raised its maize prices with a 50kg bag of maize now to cost US$ 14 up from the previous price of US$ 8 per bag. The country's food security authorities further announced that maize exports were still banned following the shortage of the cereal. - Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency (FRA) announced Wednesday that white maize flour has gone up. However despite farmers being happy with the price consumers will now have to dig deeper in their pockets. Maize is one of the major foods for several African countries. An FRA Spokesperson Mwamwa Siame said the new price was now at 45,000 Zambian Kwacha (US$ 14) adding that so far farmers were happy with the price and that there w…

In an effort to boost potato production, Mozambique has imported about 200 tonnes of seed potatoes from France. Maputo Provincial Director of Agriculture Setina Titosse said the seeds had already been planted and that they were expected to be harvested next month. - An allAfrica.com report Friday said the importation of the seeds potato forms part of a strategy to reduce the country’s dependence on South Africa, by increasing potato production in the southern provinces. Apart from Tanzania which uses more potatoes for food unlike Maize, Mozambique also takes potatoes as its staple food. Potato is produced in Boane and Moamba districts of Mozambique essentially to supply consumer…

Portugal's firm Escom has announced its plans to build a $ 200 million cement factory in Angola in partnership with a local company, Gema. The aim is to increase supplies to respond to the considerably growing demand by the country's construction sector. - The Palanca Cimentos factory is expected to be built in three years and is set to create 600 new jobs. According to a Reuters report on Tuesday, Escom said it expects the factory to produce up to 1.2 million tonnes of cement per year and provide 25 percent of Angola's cement needs. The report further said that the cement factory will be in the port city of Benguela, about 700 km south of Angola's capital Luanda.…

Malawi soccer team popularly known as the Flames on Sunday failed to maintain their win on Africa Cup of Nations defending champions Egypt when they lost 0-2 in a game played at Cairo International Stadium. The Flames had surprisingly defeated Egypt 1-0 a week before. - It was payback time for the Flames who put up a spirited performance in Cairo and conceded two goals in each half due to poor goal keeping. Egypt scored in the 16 and 51 minutes through their striker Emad Moteab. Infact they could have been the first to open the score shit in the first half when their midfielder Hellings Mwakasungula who plays his professional football in South Africa connected home a penalty only to se…

In a dramatic count down to Zimbabwe's the 27 June presidential run off elections, opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pulled out of the race. The decision comes following a meeting of the party's executive council in Harare. - Tsvangirai has accused the government of President Robert Mugabe and the ruling Zanu-PF of intensifying an onslaught against the opposition ahead of the poll. An Sabcnews.com reported Sunday that Tsvangirai said that Mugabe plans war on the people of the Southern African country on Friday further adding that he will not be part of it. The report further said Tsvangirai who won the first elections beating Mugabe…

French guitarist Thibault Cauvin on Saturday night produced a scintillating performance showing the power of the guitar during his concert held at French Cultural Centre (FCC) in Malawi's commercial city of Blantyre. - Cauvin who is on a world tour sponsored by Cultures French showed as to why he is among the best guitarist as he played Jazz songs using his guitar. He plucked his guitar so well attracting applause from the French Cultural Centre auditorium. Thibault’s show was spiced up by Malawi’s Kaligo Melodies led by Collen Ali who also won the hearts of many as he plucked his guitar playing local tracks. “This is my first time to play alongside an interna…

Malawi's well known reggae musician Gift Fumulani died on Wednesday died at Mlambe Hospital in Blantyre.. The artist who made his name with his reggae hits which mostly exalted the name of God and authenticated many biblical tales. He also played love tracks - The artist who made his name with his reggae hits which mostly exalted the name of God and authenticated many biblical tales as well as played love tracks died at Mlambe Hospital in Blantyre. The musician was born on August 22, 1981 and hailed from Chileka in the Southern part of Malawi. Through his music career he travelled extensively and released his first Chichewa album Ndikuyimba (I will sing) in 2002. Fumulani creat…

South Africa is on the brink of experiencing fuel shortage ahead of the 2010 World Cup due to take place in that country, a senior government official said Wednesday. This also comes amidst the problem of blackout in the country which has slowed down production. - This also comes amidst the problem of blackout in the country which has slowed down production. The country was also last month hit by xenophobic violence which killed about 62 people and left several foreigners mainly Malawians, Zimbabweans and Mozambicans injured. The violence a little bit damaged the country’s image and slowed down its economy. Nhlanhla Gumede, deputy director-general of hydrocarbons and energy pl…

French guitarist Thibault Cauvin is expected in Malawi's commercial capital Blantyre the coming weekend. The talented guitarist who has travelled extensively is on a world tour sponsored by French Cultures. His first performance in due on Saturday. - On Tuesday the artist who will be curtain raised by Malawi’s Jazz band Kaligo Melodies led by guitarists Collen Ali and Peter Likhomo perform in the country’s capital of Lilongwe at Umunthu Theatre. The show which will see people paying Malawi Kwacha 1500(US$ 17) adults and Malawi Kwacha 500(US$ 3.4) promises thrills. Malawi’s FCC official Nadine Ndabemeye said this was a must not miss show for Malawians adding tha…

Zimbabwe's Zesa Holdings which owes Mozambique's power utility Hidro-electrica Cahorra Bassa (HCB) a staggering $417M has now been bailed out by the country's Reserve Bank which has started repaying the loan. Zesa is said to have failed to settle the debt. - Zesa is said to have failed to settle the debt which had accumulated for years forcing Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank (RBZ) to adopt the debt and start making payments. Zesa Holdings chief executive Ben Rafemoyo confirmed that RBZ had inherited the debt and that they were financing the money repayments directly to HCB. "They are now financing it. We are not aware how much they have paid so far but we know that th…

Malawi's top boxer Wilson Masamba on Sunday made another remarkable point in the country's boxing industry when he defeated Tanzanian boxer Mataslim Mwakabyabya. Mwakabyabya surrendered in the fifth round a non-title bout held in Malawi's capital Lilongwe. - The country’s local daily of the Daily Times reported Tuesday that the Tanzanian boxer gave his fans false hopes in the first two rounds before surrendering in the fifth round. The local daily further said Mwakabanga failed to match the Malawi boxer in both skill and intelligence and that at one time he resorted to holding. Masamba is one of the best boxers in the Warm Heart of Africa. Malawi’s Boxing …

South African national football team popularly known as Bafana Bafana, which is set to host the 2010 World Cup, is in danger of missing out of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola following their 0-1 loss to Sierra Leone on Saturday at their own backyard. - The Southern African country is in Group 4 which is led by Nigeria with nine points after they beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 on Sunday. Bafana Bafana is on second position with three points apiece with Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea but South Africa has a better goal aggregate. South Africa has only won one game which they beat Equatorial Guinea 4-1 at home however they have lost to Nigeria 0-2 and Sierra Leone 0-1. Nigeria is looki…

Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) has announced an increase of 25 percent for petrol, diesel and paraffin as fuel prices on Sunday went up due to pressure from the international market. Analysts have said this is bound to increase the cost of living. - According to a press statement from the country’s fuel regulator, the price of petrol is now selling at 251.20 Malawi kwacha ($1.79) a litre from 200.90 Malawi kwacha (US$1.43) whereas the diesel price goes up to 234.50 Malawi kwacha (US$ 1.65) a litre from 187.20 Malawi Kwacha(US$ 1.33). The price of paraffin is now at 165.30 Malawi Kwacha (US$ 1.18). As of Friday Crude oil was trading at US$ 138 per barrel on the internati…

African countries which are facing several challenges among them the global rise in food prices are expected to receive a boost as the African Development Bank (AfDB) plans to spend US$ 1 billion to help in food production and agricultural research. - The bank’s senior official said AfDB will spend $1 billion to help African nations boost food production and agricultural research in response to rising global food prices. The bank said it will mainly focus on accelerating food output by among others facilitating the purchase of fertilizers and farming inputs and developing infrastructure to help counter a food crisis. AfDB is already supporting several projects in African countri…

Malawi national soccer team aka the Flames who stunned African Cup of Nations defending champions Egypt 1-0 in Blantyre on Saturday have been highly rewarded by its president Bingu Wa Mutharika and companies for their historical victory. - The country’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Development Symon Kaunda said Saturday that the president was impressed with the team’s performance adding that he has invited the soccer team to his residence for dinner. The teams’ win has also sparked some of the country’s companies to splash money to the Flames. Some of the pledges have come from companies like Mapeto David Whitehead and Sons, HTD, Mike Appel and Gatto, Xerograph…

In an effort to fight various diseases and increase treatment, Southern African country Mozambique plans to build a US$ 23 million drug plant that will manufactures drugs to treat various diseases among them the HIV/Aids epidemic which continues to kill more people in the African continent. - The country’s deputy health minister Aida Libombo said on Friday Mozambique has approved the construction of a US$ 23 million pharmaceutical plant. "We are in a process of organizing the operational process for the installation of the ARV drug factory. Everything has already been agreed upon," said Libombo. The offer to build the plant was first raised by Brazilian President Luiz …

Malawi is currently registering a higher output in fish production after years of decline. According to estimates made by the country's government, about 60,000 tonnes were produced last year compared to 45,000 two years ago thanks to better fishing methods. - 1.6 million People in the Southern African country depend on the fishing industry which provides over 70 percent of national dietary animal protein and 40 percent of the country’s total protein supply. The country’s local daily of the Daily Times reported Thursday that fish production has been registering low output since 1990’s and that good fishing methods are now being practiced. Malawi’s deputy di…

Egypt looks to secure a third consecutive victory in World Cup qualifying this Saturday when they face Malawi team at their backyard. The Pharaohs will have to make do with a patched up strike force to beat the Flames who lost to DR Congo(DRC) 1-0 in Kinshasa last Sunday. - African champions Egypt look to secure a third consecutive victory in World Cup qualifying this Saturday when they face Malawi national football team aka the Flames at their backyard. The Pharaohs will have to make do with a patched up strike force to beat the Southern African country who lost to Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) 1-0 in Kinshasa last Sunday. Egypt who are in Group 12 lead a list of heavyweight con…

A United Arab Emirates-based property developer Rakeen has launched its first real estate venture in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Africa as a whole. With $540 million Rakeen Congo Ltd will invest in the construction sector in the capital, Kinshasa. - Among other, the firm will build a 4,000 square metre, 310 room luxury hotel, a conference centre, and a 23 floor residential tower in Kinshasa. Construction is due to be finished by mid 2010. The firm, promoted by the government of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), part of the oil-exporting UAE federation, has projects underway or planned in the UAE, Iran and Georgia and in December formed a joint venture with a company in India to enter t…

Africa is suffering savage deforestation which is twice the world rate. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed that the continent is losing more than four million hectares of forest every year and that the continent's few glaciers are shrinking fast. - Satellite pictures, often taken three decades apart, showed expanding cities, pollution, deforestation and climate change were damaging the African environment despite glimmers of improvement in some areas. "Africa is losing more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres) of forest every year -- twice the world's average deforestation rate," according to a statement by the UN Environment Programme…

Multichoice, a digital TV provider in Malawi has slashed the prices of some of its products to allow more people watch the ongoing Euro 2008 soccer fiesta in Austria and Switzerland. The DSTV which comprises the Dish, Decoder and card is now at $ 135.71 from $ 321.42 whereas the decoders only is at $ 71.42 from $ 178.57 - The Daily Times reported on Tuesday that the promotion, which started on June 5, has already courted about 400 subscribers and the company says more people are thronging its Lilongwe and Blantyre offices to be connected. Malawi’s Multichoice Sales and Marketing Manager Chimwemwe Nyirenda said on Sunday the promotion is receiving a very good response and the compa…

Kuwait-based Mobile Telecommunications Co (Zain) is keen to acquire a licence to become South Africa's fourth mobile operator, which the government has said could become available next year. Chris Gabriel, Zain Africa Chief Executive confirmed this on Friday. - "We are interested in the South African market and we heard reports about a fourth mobile licence coming up," Chris Gabriel, Zain said. "There were two to three reports being mooted in the past months about this license, but to date we haven't heard any more. If there is an opportunity we will definitely consider it." Gabriel said the firm was eager to enter the Southern African nation’s mark…

A South African government official said Wednesday migrants who fled the deadly xenophobic attacks in the country last month will return to their communities or be repatriated within two months. "By end of July we shouldn't have tents in Gauteng," Dorothy Mahlangu from the government of the Gauteng province, said. - Mahlangu said those who did not want to be reintegrated into the community would be sent home to their respective countries and that the government was working with its African neighbours on arrangements to smooth repatriation. An estimated 30,000 Zimbabweans, Mozambicans, M Malawians and other African migrants have been living in refugee camps and shelters sinc…

Zambian radio DJs are coming under attack for not playing the most popular music, but the most lucrative. The claim is made amongst others by Zambian artist Maiko Zulu, also known as St Michael, who says many musicians have their music blacklisted because they refuse to pay bribes. - Michael is best known in Zambia for a controversial song entitled Mad President. It prompted several FM stations to ban it when it was released earlier this year, describing the song as "too radical" for the air waves. Insulting the president is a criminal offence in the Southern African country, and carries a prison sentence of up to two years. In Mad President, St Michael sings: "I am …