World Food is investing USD10m into Ghana in the form of equipment, infrastructure and employees to revive lifeless gold mines, according to South Africa Alpha Capital Management.

In an update on the region, SA Alpha also says the IMF’s executive board has completed a review of Zambia’s economic performance under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility arrangement, allowing the immediate distribution of about USD81m.

Drought-affected countries on the Horn of Africa have been allocated EUR50m in humanitarian aid through the Humanitarian Aid department

MTN, one of Africa’s largest mobile phone networks, has signed a deal with local banks to overhaul its Rwandan operations. The deal is estimated at USD18m.

Mali’s rural microfinance networks have been given a USD25m loan from IFAD to help continue its programme.

Kenya has become the second country in Africa to switch to digital television.

Algeria’s state owned energy firm, Sonatrach, has announced an estimated USD15bn joint venture with two Egyptian companies.

SA Alpha’s best performing portfolio in December was 36One Offshore, which returned 3.62 per cent. This was followed by Mazi Visio Offshore (2.63 per cent) and Laurium Offshore (2.01 per cent). The worst performing portfolio was Abante Offshore, which fell 1.72 per cent.