The tariff phase-down has been done on a step-by-step basis with each schedule taking effect every January since 2001. Thus, as of January 2008, the 85 percent target was deemed effective.
The remaining 15 percent, constituting sensitive products, will have tariff barriers removed from 2008 to 2012. [read more]
THE AFRICAN Union has accelerated plans for unification through establishment of a high-level group of heads of state and government, under the leadership of President Jakaya Kikwete of the United Republic of Tanzania, who is the new AU chairperson.
The high-level group, made up of Kikwete and President John Kufuor of Ghana as the outgoing AU chairperson, includes 10 other leaders, two from each of the five regions of Africa.
This group was established at the 10th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the end of January. [read more]
AS THE demand for electricity in southern Africa surpasses generation capacity, massive short-term projects costing US$8 billion need to be fast tracked over the next two years. Electricity shortages have severely affected several SADC Member States leading to scheduled and, in some cases, unscheduled power cuts. See special review [read more]