The Ivorian government is in the process of consolidating peace within and without its borders to heal from years of civil war. Apart from a disarmament exercise that is on-going, the president of Cote d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo, received the credentials of Angolan diplomat, Gilberto Buta Lutucuta accrediting him as the new extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Ivory Coast. President Gbagbo highlighted the ties of friendship that unite the two countries, and mentioned as a priority the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. The ambassador expressed Angola's readiness to help the people of Cote d'Ivoire to consolidate the peace process.

Rwanda a Step Ahead

With more business people choosing to invest in the country, Rwanda Investment and Exports Promotion Agency (RIEPA) has entered a contract with entrepreneurs promising to serve them better. The performance contract that RIEPA calls 'Client Charter' was launched on Friday during a dinner organized by the government in Kigali. Commerce minister Protais Mitali who graced the function said the vote of confidence in Rwanda is a sign that the country's competitive edge no longer lies primarily on physical endowments, size of markets or proximity to the sea. "Today, more and more competition lies on efficiency in setting businesses, enabling them to thrive and minimizing costs," he added. Rwanda is one of Africa’s fastest recovering economies.

Zuma Receives a Thumbs Up

Former South Africa President, Nelson Mandela, has hailed Jacob Zuma’s election as ANC (Africa National Congress) president. Zuma received the official seal of approval from Mandela who has praised him as a unifier, reconciler and a man committed to collective leadership. In a message of congratulation to the ruling party's new guard, he said: "Our experience of Comrade Zuma is of a person and leader who is inclusive in his approach, a unifier and one who values reconciliation and collective leadership.  Zuma defeated Thabo Mbeki, who is the sitting president.

NSE Stable

The Nairobi Stock Exchange officials have confirmed the bourse’s stability during this year’s election and festive season. Speaking from Nakuru, an NSE official termed the stock market as a mature and independent entity whose business is devoid of political interference. The election period has seen the government postpone an IPO of Kenya’s leading Mobile service provider, Safaricom to early next year.

Akufo Addo Emerges Winner

Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has emerged as the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) defeating 17 other contestants for the post after a long voting process at the ongoing extraordinary congress at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, Legon. He won by a margin of 47.965%. His closest contestant, Alan Kyerematen, who had over 32%, conceded defeat for the "sake of unity." All the other aspirants have also declared their unflinching support for the new flag bearer-elect. He is expected to vie for Ghana’s presidency in the December 2008 election.

Burundi Deploys Peacekeepers to Somalia

Burundi, has impressed many by being among the first African countries to deploy peacekeepers to war-torn Somalia, in an agreement to deploy AU member soldiers to the region. According to AU commander in Somalia, 100 peacekeepers from Burundi arrived in the country to prepare for 750 more that are expected to join them in two week’s time.

Zimbabwe Has Goodies Too

Far from the notion that nothing good can come out of Zimbabwe, the outgoing Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Caroline Marufu has been crowned Miss Tourism World (Africa) and Miss Tourism World SADC (Southern Africa Development Cooperation) at a pre-judging contest ahead of the Miss Tourism World competition. The pre-judging was held at the Adam & Eve Hotel in Antalya, Turkey. The model will hold the continental title for the next one year.