Q&A: “We’re Living in a World of Global Economic Apartheid”

Less than a fortnight remains before the seventh annual World Assembly of CIVICUS - the World Alliance for Citizen Participation. This Johannesburg-based body brings together non-governmental organisations from across the spectrum to strengthen civil society, notably where its activities are under threat.

Q&A: “Farmers Are ‘Doubting Thomases’. What They’ve Not Seen, They Don’t Believe”

More than two decades of work in the agricultural sector have taught Grégoire Comlan Houngnibo that it's not a lack of technology which is preventing Africa from solving problems of poor soil and food insecurity - but rather lack of political will.

TRADE-AFRICA: Where Are the EPA Impact Assessments?

Civil society organisations in southern and eastern Africa have urged John Kaputin, the secretary general of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states, to insist that assessments be done to evaluate the potential effects of the European Union's proposed economic partnership agreements (EPAs).

ECONOMY-KENYA: Buying Airtime to Chat About Poverty

In an election year, it's undoubtedly something that Kenyan officials hoping to regain power will be pointing to: steady economic growth during President Mwai Kibaki's first term in office.

PRESS FREEDOM DAY-SOMALIA: Going Without a Byline

The comment is chilling under the best of circumstances, and on World Press Freedom Day (May 3), even more so: "I often tell people that I am a private English teacher or a computer technician. Being known as a journalist might put one's life on the line...I am forced to lie to defend my life."

MAY DAY-KENYA: Export Processing Zones Still a Bone of Contention

With working conditions around the world set to be placed in the spotlight on May Day (May 1), Emily Mugo has an axe to grind about her place of employment - in one of Kenya's Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

POLITICS-SUDAN: “Do Something Now, Because People Are Dying Every Day”

On a blazing spring day in New York's financial district, as executives hurry past in suits and ties, a handful of protestors position themselves directly in front of the headquarters of Fidelity, one of the leading investment firms in the United States.

UGANDA: Time Is Critical in Peace Talks with LRA Rebels

Negotiations between the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government, which restarted on Apr. 26 in the northern Sudanese town of Juba, have given new hope to a 10-month-old peace process designed to end of one of the longest lasting and most brutal wars in Africa.

FINANCE: Activists Decry Bank’s Loan Approval for Uganda Dam

Brushing aside concerns from environmentalists and rights groups, the World Bank said Thursday it will support the controversial Bujagali dam in Uganda with 360 million dollars in loans and guarantees.

TRADE-MAURITIUS: EPAs Should Be Subjected to Electoral Test

''Here is a free trade agreement between rich and poor countries in which the former are trying to impose a reciprocal system of trade on the latter, with major consequences for poor people.''

TRADE-AFRICA: EPAs Like ”Irrigation for Economic Growth”

African and European negotiators in the economic partnership agreement (EPA) talks for eastern and southern Africa have refuted criticism from local and international civil society organisations about the possible negative effects of the proposed deal.

TRADE: EPA may ”Destroy” Malawi’s Manufacturing Potential

Economic circles in eastern and southern Africa are abuzz with discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) which governments of these countries are negotiating with the European Union (EU).

TRADE-SOUTHERN AFRICA: EU Agreement Has ”Not Been Beneficial”

A senior member of parliament of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Ben Turok, says the existing trade agreement between South Africa and the European Union (EU) has not benefited his country.

DEVELOPMENT-AFRICA: ”Extreme Water Events” Predicted

In Africa, 25 countries are expected to experience water scarcity or water stress in the next 20 to 30 years. This translates into 16 percent or 230 million of Africa's population facing water scarcity by 2025, and 32 percent or 460 million people living in water-stressed countries by that time.

TRADE-KENYA: Farmers Ask Germany to Intervene in EPAs

Fears are high among Kenyan farmers that a new trade regime following a forthcoming deal between developing countries and the European Union (EU) may drive them deeper into poverty.

EAST AFRICA: Tackling the Digital Divide From a Regional Perspective

The digital divide between urban and rural areas in East Africa - and between rich and poor - continues to loom large, highlighting the need for initiatives that will enable all to benefit from information and communication technologies (ICTs).

DEVELOPMENT-AFRICA: The Arrival of ”Homo Urbanus”

The year 2007 marks the birth of a new ''species'': Homo Urbanus. For the first time in history there will be as many city dwellers as rural inhabitants in the world.

DEVELOPMENT-AFRICA: UN Habitat Fund to Finance Slum Housing

Some relief for the pressing housing needs of slum dwellers may be in sight. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat) is planning a revolving fund to assist poor people with credit to build houses in slum areas.

HEALTH-AFRICA: Beef up Budget Allocations to Achieve MDGs

African states should put in place sufficient budget allocations and the right policies if the continent is to meet the global and regional health care targets that governments have committed themselves to, say campaigners.

KENYA: New Health Rules a Challenge to Implement – More Costly to Ignore

Just two months remain before the international community is scheduled to take a critical step forward in addressing global health threats, marked by the entry into force of the updated 'International Health Regulations'.

POLITICS-SOMALIA: Bullets Fly Around Plans for Reconciliation

Prospects for a national reconciliation conference planned for Somalia appeared increasingly dim this week, as the capital - Mogadishu - was left reeling after clashes said to be the fiercest in 15 years.