Economist: Going to town – Sometime in 2013, Lagos will surpass Cairo to become the largest city in Africa. This marks a decisive shift “away from the ends of the continent and towards its tropical middle.” Within a decade, Lagos will be home to 16 million people; Kinshasa, in Congo, will have 15 million. To become livable, cities must improve public transportation, address rising violent crime and generate opportunities for young Africans. (Jonathan Ledgard)
Daily Beast: Africa is Rising – While most of the world’s economies are still reeling from the ‘great recession, Africa’s economy is still booming. Africa’s growth is attracting record levels of global investment, “including China’s largest sum to anywhere in the world.” With Africans expected to number 2 billion by 2050, the continent will have a new consumer class that will rival those of India and Russia. (Jake Bright)
Reuters: South African Farm Workers to Revive Wine Region Strikes – Thousands of South Africa farm workers will go on strike in the Western Cape wine region, “reviving labor action for higher wages.” Africa’s largest economy was crippled by several violent strikes last year, and South Africa’s global reputation tarnished. Farm workers are among the lowest paid in the country, at a minimum daily wage of 69 rand ($8), yet their labor during the harvest season is vital to producing wine that is increasingly popular around the world.
VOA: Ailing Nelson Mandela Continues ‘Steady’ Recovery – Doctors report that former South African President Nelson Mandela has recovered from his recent lung infection and surgery to remove gallstones. Mandela is still being carefully observed and is continuing to receive ‘high care’ at his home in Johannesburg.
