LATimes: A poor African woman’s journey to home and security – Although millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa still live in dire poverty, the African Development Bank reports that the continent’s middle class has tripled in the last 30 years, now accounting for one-third of the total population. The “growing middle class has a massive transformative effect on Africa and fuels future growth,” while also promoting “better governance, economic growth and poverty reduction.” Samkeliso Moyo, a young woman from Zimbabwe who was born into the poorest family in her village, is one of the many inspirational women who has made this transition out of poverty. (Robyn Dixon)
Reuters: S.Africa wakes up to neighbours as Europe struggles – As European turmoil persists, South Africa has begun to envy its neighboring states for trade. While its economic relations with the rest of the continent still lags behind Asian giants, South Africans realize the importance of bolstering their own growth. “We need to be prepared if there is either a serious downturn or stagnation,” Lionel October, director-general of the Department of Trade and Industry in South Africa, said. “We must have a coherent response this time.” (Stella Mapenzauswa)
Devex: 3 prerequisites for an AIDS-free generation – In an address at the Brookings Institution on Monday, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Eric Goosby “defended PEPFAR as a key ingredient for success in stemming the pandemic, and making country health systems stronger overall.” He explained that the benefits of PEPFAR reach beyond AIDS alone by funding clinics, laboratories, technicians, doctors and nurses who are critical in dealing with numerous other health concerns. Goosby also highlighted the need for increased country ownership in delivering health services as the only way to achieve sustainability. (Jennifer Brookland)
Bloomberg: South Africa Keeps Corn-Crop Estimate Unchanged, Cuts Sorghum – Based on “early indications of the pace of deliveries” registered with the South African Grain Information Service, South Africa forecasts this season’s corn harvest unchanged and the soy bean and sorghum crops production lowered. As the continent’s largest corn producer, the estimates were unexpected, but Marda Scheepers, an official at the Pretoria-based Crop Estimates Committee, said, “Next month, the majority of the crop will be harvested, which will give us a better idea.” (Vernon Wessels)
Reuters: Uganda: Several Villages Are Buried by Landslide – At least 18 people were killed in eastern Uganda on Monday in a landslide that buried several villages on the slopes of Mount Elgon, according to the Uganda Red Cross. A local member of Parliament reported that as many as 100 people could be buried and the devastation to the area is continuing.
