Friday, October 19, 2007

South Africa an Economic Primer

In summary South Africa is an economic powerhouse of the southern hemisphere. In comparison to the other economies on the continent South Africa is the undisputed leader. This is excellent info for anyone considering an international business destination!

Chart from South Africa's official state information site:

South Africa: Selected economic indicators

"South Africa is the economic powerhouse of Africa, with a gross domestic product (GDP) four times that of its southern African neighbours and comprising around 25% of the entire continent's GDP.

The country leads the continent in industrial output (40% of total output) and mineral production (45%) and generates most of Africa's electricity (over 50%).

Its major strengths include its physical and economic infrastructure, natural mineral and metal resources, a growing manufacturing sector, and strong growth potential in the tourism, higher value-added manufacturing and service industries.

South African banking regulations rank with the best in the world. The sector has long been rated among the top 10 globally. There are 55 locally controlled banks, 12 foreign-controlled banks and five mutual banks. Some of the world's leading institutions have announced their intention to enter the local banking sector through mergers and acquisitions."

Read More......

allAfrica.com: Africa: Zimbabwe's Mugabe Splitting the EU And Uniting Africa (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Africa: Zimbabwe's Mugabe Splitting the EU And Uniting Africa (Page 1 of 1): "All eyes are, however, on the opposition in Zimbabwe. And here lies another tragedy. By identifying with the former colonial masters in the otherwise noble 'project Mugabe out', Zim's opposition fails to sufficiently excite the discerning 'Afrikanists' who have learned to despise neo-colonialism. The idea of African opposition politicians taking their cases to western capitals, receiving red carpet welcomes, taking care not to sound incorrect, in the anticipated exchange for future patronage is steadily going out of fashion. It is this, that is perhaps making Africa rather stand with her worst: men like Mugabe who have no respect for human rights and who think they are more important than the very nations they claim to lead. While Mugabe has split the EU, he has united Africa's spirit for true economic independence."

Read More......

Monday, October 15, 2007

Economy of Tanzania - Wikipedia

Economy of Tanzania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Beginning in 1986, the Government of Tanzania embarked on an adjustment program to dismantle socialist economic controls and encourage more active participation of the private sector in the economy. The program included a comprehensive package of policies which reduced the budget deficit and improved monetary control, substantially depreciated the overvalued exchange rate, liberalized the trade regime, removed most price controls, eased restrictions on the marketing of food crops, freed interest rates, and initiated a restructuring of the financial sector. Current GDP per capita of Tanzania grew 59% in the Nineties."

Read More......

Economy of Liberia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Economy of Liberia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "Timber and rubber are Liberia's main export items since the end of the war. Liberia earns more than $100 million and more than $70 million annually from timber and rubber exports, respectively. Alluvial diamond and gold mining activities also account for some economic activity. Being the second-largest maritime licenser in the world with more than 1,700 vessels registered under its flag, including 35% of the world's tanker fleet, Liberia earned more than $18 million from its maritime program in 2000. The Liberian Government has declared in recent months that it has discovered sizable amounts of crude oil along its Atlantic coast.

Read More......

allAfrica.com: Kenya: Kenyans Will Wait Until '09 to Get Faster Internet (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Kenya: Kenyans Will Wait Until '09 to Get Faster Internet (Page 1 of 1): "Kenyans will have to wait until mid 2009 to access more affordable and faster Internet connection, it has emerged. Alcatel-Lucent, the French company that was picked to build the country's first connection to the global network of high speed Internet, said it needs at least 16 months to do the job, which pushes the date for completion of the government-backed the East Africa Marine cable system (TEAMs) from the end of April next year to mid 2009."

Read More......

allAfrica.com: Namibia: New Border Post Opened in South-East (Page 1 of 1)

allAfrica.com: Namibia: New Border Post Opened in South-East (Page 1 of 1): "A New border post in south-eastern Namibia, which will facilitate cross-border tourism between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, was officially opened on Friday. The Mata-Mata border post, which was opened by the presidents of the three countries, will serve as tourist entry point from the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana. The Kgalagadi Park, which was opened seven years ago, incorporates the Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and the Kalahari National Park in South Africa."

Read More......