Trade Barriers Thwart African Food Production, Warns World Bank

Development experts say large regional markets could boost Africa’s food production and improve efficiency by providing economies of scale.

But a number of trade barriers and restrictions are holding that dream in check.  They keep the cost of food high for consumers and the price of yield-boosting fertilizers and seeds beyond the reach of small farmers.  The World Bank says among those worse affected are landlocked countries like Burundi, Malawi, Zambia and Uganda, where prices may be 20 times higher than coastal states. >>> more

Ghana among countries improving business regulations for local firms - World Bank

A new report has observed that most African economies are making consistent progress in improving business regulations.

The World Bank-IFC report released October 23, 2012 finds that of the 50 economies making the most improvement in business regulation for domestic firms since 2005, 17 are in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana was included in the list despite slipping to 64th position in the global doing business rankings.>>>more