The Financial Times: Congress Threatens Plans to Boost IMF Funds
President Barack Obama’s plan to give an extra $108bn to the International Monetary Fund was in danger of falling apart on Thursday as Republican lawmakers opposed the extra funding and Democrat leaders scrambled to win enough votes without them. They have characterized it as a “global bail-out” for foreign countries, part of a broader Republican strategy to pin responsibility for government bail-outs on to the Democrats. They have also said the funds could ultimately go to IMF members associated with terrorism such as Syria and Iran.

Reuters: IFC, Gates to Invest in Africa Healthcare
The World Bank’s investment arm has joined with the Gates Foundation and other groups to form a fund aimed to increase healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa by investing in private healthcare companies.

CNN: Zimbabwe Faces New Cholera Crisis
The worst cholera outbreak in Africa in 15 years has hit Zimbabwe. This preventable disease has spread in the country because of faulty sewage systems and a lack of clean water, according to UNICEF.

The New Vision: Africa Should Stop Begging – VP Bukenya
The Vice President of Uganda is advising African countries to “desist from begging for aid” from international organizations and concentrate on open trade.

-Grace Lamb-Atkinson