Congo launches agri-business park in move to revamp farming
KINSHASA (Reuters) – Democratic Republic of Congo has launched its first agricultural business park, the initial step in a plan to use its vast tracts of arable land to produce food, create jobs and wean the economy off its dependence on mining.
China widens anti-corruption drive to officials with family abroad
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s anti-corruption chief pledged on Wednesday to broaden a crackdown on graft by focusing on officials with family abroad and including the province that was the power base of the former powerful head of domestic security.
Starbucks opens in Colombia, home of Juan Valdez
(Reuters) – Starbucks Corp opened its first shop in Colombia on Wednesday, 43 years after the world’s biggest coffee chain first started buying beans from the country famous for its premium arabica coffee named after fictional coffee farmer Juan Valdez…
Nigeria leader wants $1 billion loan to help fight Boko Haram
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday sought approval from parliament to borrow up to $1 billion abroad to help the armed forces tackle the security threat posed by the Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram.
South African union NUMSA says to intensify metals, engineering strike
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) – South Africa’s main manufacturing union, NUMSA, said it has agreed a plan of action to intensify a three-week strike over pay that has hit car makers and construction companies.
Turkish opposition says government stalling on corruption probe
ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey’s opposition accused the government on Wednesday of stalling tactics to avoid potentially damaging revelations from an inquiry into alleged corruption emerging in the run-up to an August presidential election.
Indian states seek easier land sales in reform challenge for Modi
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian states eager to kick-start major infrastructure projects have proposed radical changes to land acquisition laws that are blamed for stalling billions of dollars’ worth of roads, railways, ports and power installations.
Seven Egyptian men sentenced to life for sex attacks, harassment
CAIRO (Reuters) – Seven Egyptian men were jailed for life on Wednesday for attacking and sexually harassing women during rallies and celebrations in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.
Germany’s high-flying Merkel to mark low-key 60th birthday
BERLIN (Reuters) – Angela Merkel, it seems, has had her fill of parties for now.
Refugee survey suggests higher death toll in Central African Republic
DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Fighting in Central African Republic may have claimed more lives than previously thought because many Muslim victims were never taken to state hospitals and families buried their dead at home because of security fea…
