- US President George Bush and his wife Laura will next month embark on a five-nation tour in Africa. The one week tour, which takes the couple to Ghana, Liberia, Benin, Tanzania and Rwanda on 15 February.
According to White House, Bush would talk with leaders about how the US can help promote democratic reform, respect for human rights, free trade, open investment regimes and economic opportunity across the continent.
Bush would also engage African leaders on the fight against HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.
The visit will be President Bush's first visit to Africa since 2003. It is also the first to be taken by an American President in 30 years, the last being that of Jimmy Carter on 3 April 1978.
"This trip will also be an opportunity for the President to review firsthand the significant progress since his last visit in 2003 in efforts to increase economic development and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and other treatable diseases, as a result of the United States robust programs in these areas," the White House said.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.