World financial turmoil may slow African economic growth due to dampened demand and tougher access to finance, Donald Kaberuka, says the head of the African Development Bank. Although relatively protected from first round effects of the crisis, Africa could be seriously affected by a weakening of global growth and a reduction in demand for products from emerging countries, he told reporters at its Tunis headquarters.(Reuters)

The world's poorest states, facing a "disastrous" cut in aid and capital flows due to the global banking crisis, must not be made to suffer for the mistakes of rich, developed countries (Reuters).

South Africa's anti-foreigner violence may deter investors already concerned about its politics and economy, but the rest of Africa is attracting growing flows and is seen as almost immune to a Western recession. (Reuters)

Transport quality in sub-Saharan Africa is weak and trucks are not utilised to their full potential, according to a new study. This pushes up the costs of transport and raises consumer prices, while hurting the competitiveness of landlocked countries.

Tax cuts and export bans are not a sustainable strategy against rising food prices in Africa and could instead hinder the fight against poverty, say delegates at a West African regional summit. (Reuters)

Global demand for natural resources will bring benefits to Africa - increased FDI and improved balance of trade figures - but one of the main concerns is that the scramble for Africa is fuelling corruption, environmental degradation, and internal dissent, writes Ravinder Rena.

Private equity funds in Africa are soaring, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) said on Tuesday, describing the development as the "African investment story to watch". (Reuters)

For four consecutive years, Africa has experienced record economic growth. Overall in 2007 the continent registered 5.7 per cent GDP growth and a per capita increase of 3.7 per cent. Indications are that growth will only accelerate in 2008 and remain buoyant in 2009. (OECD)

Though painful for consumers, soaring oil prices - along with increasing grain and metal prices - are not universally bad news. (BBC)

The slave trade was a crucial part of the development of international capitalism. The role of African ruling classes in the trade was not very different from the position of contemporary African elites. They both traded the resources of their people for self-gratification, argues Tunde Obadina.