Features

KINSHASA (Capital Markets in Africa) – The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering whether to open up swathes of two world-famous national parks to oil exploration. A decision to allow a search for crude may threaten Virunga National Park, home to many of the about 1,000 mountain gorillas still alive, and Salonga National Park, the world’s second-biggest tropical rainforest reserve. A committee is being established to debate the proposal as Congo plans to increase crude…

CASABLANCA (Capital Markets in Africa) – French food giant Danone is asking Moroccan cattle farmers and consumers to decide for themselves how much to charge for the fresh milk its Moroccan unit produces, in an effort to defuse a boycott that’s sent dairy prices and sales plunging. Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Faber made the announcement during a quick visit to Morocco, where he said he talked with cattle farmers, bloggers and homemakers, and “listened to the legitimate…

LILONGWE (Capital Markets in Africa) – Malawian President Peter Mutharika had to deal with devastating floods, a famine and a foreign-aid freeze during his first term. Now, he’s seeking re-election to tackle the challenges of attracting billions of dollars in investment and reducing the economy’s reliance on tobacco. Mutharika, 78, is expected to be the sole contender for the leadership of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party when it meets next week. With the opposition fragmented and a…

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – Sibanye Gold Ltd. shares fell after another worker was killed at its Driefontein operation in South Africa, bringing the total deaths at the company’s mines this year to 21. Sibanye accounts for nearly half of the 46 people reported killed at South African mines in 2018 and is already the subject of an investigation by the chief inspector of mines. The company said last week it named a new head of…