48 S.A. business delegates visit the DRC with an eye toward investing in post-conflict development.Africa,Agriculture,Democratic Republic of the Congo,Investment and Trade Initiative,Operation Thebe,Samsung Electronics Africa,Solar energy,South Africa,Sub-Saharan Africa,United Nations,Michael Lerner

President Muhammadu Buhari's trip to Paris pays off with more French defense assistance and investment.Africa,Europe,Boko Haram,economy,France,Francois Hollande,MEDEF,Muhammadu Buhari,Nigeria,Michael Lerner

The country has identified 24 "development poles" for agriculture projects that may turn into SEZs.Africa,Agriculture,agro-business,food security,Mozambique,natural gas,special economic zones,Michael Lerner

A moratorium on marine phosphate mining expired, but more environmental research still needs to be done.Africa,Lev Leviev,LL Namibia Phosphates,Namibia,seabed phosphate mining,Michael Lerner

The Tobruk-based government seeks to one-up its Tripoli-based rival for total control over the country's oil.Africa,Abdullah al-Thinni,Libya,Libyan civil war,National Oil Corporation,oil,Ras Lanuf,Michael Lerner

New projects aim to improve the industry’s stagnant productivity by empowering women.Africa,African Development Bank,Cargill,Chocolate,Cocoa,Côte d'Ivoire,Ghana,ICCO,women empowerment,Michael Lerner

The automaker plans to build new factories in low-wage, politically-stable Morocco and Algeria. Africa,Europe,Abdelaziz Bouteflika,Algeria,car manufacturing,FDI,France,Francois Hollande,Morocco,Peugeot,Renault,Michael Lerner

26 nations will be linked in a single market, which is expected to boost low intra-African trade.Africa,African Union,South Africa,Tripartite free Trade Area,Michael Lerner

The country nominally banned the use of plastic bags in 2013 but business continued as usual.Africa,plastic bags,plastic manufacturing industry,South Africa,Tanzania,United States,Zanzibar,Michael Lerner