China will loan nearly $700 million to Zimbabwe in a deal that will provide a major boost to the struggling southern African nation.

The loans awarded by China’s Export-Import Bank include $342 million for agricultural equipment and machinery, $99.5 million for health equipment and supplies, and $144 million for the renovation of Harare’s water and sewerage system.

China also provided $102 million to Zimbabwe’s government and two grants worth $14 million.

Zambia-based oil and gas exploration company Mafula Energy has attracted $60,000 of investment from London-based investment company Hot Rocks Investments.

Mafula is currently focused on establishing a portfolio of oil and gas exploration assets in Zambia. Nearby countries including Angola, Uganda, DRC and Tanzania have all made significant oil discoveries—thought to be due to their position within the oil-rich East Africa Rift System, from which Zambia could also benefit.

The latest chapter in a fascinating tale of industry diversification emerged today with the announcement by Senetek Plc of a rather unusual acquisition.

California-based Senetek is best known as a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of technologies connected with the science of healthy aging.

The Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB) has applied for a permit to construct a final repository and encapsulation facility for spent nuclear fuel.

SKB is applying for permission to build the encapsulation facility in Oskarshamn municipality and the final repository at Forsmark in Östhammar municipality.

Motor vehicles are becoming ever more reliable, but manufacturers do suffer teething problems with new technology features, according to the 2011 US Vehicle Dependability Study released today by JD Power and Associates.

The study measures problems experienced over the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

Customer defaults are an unfortunate fact of life. David Taylor, Chairman & CEO of OnGuard explores how intelligent software can help credit managers spot and interpret the ‘red flags’ that indicate a customer is in financial difficulty, and how monitoring these can help businesses protect their own cash flow.

UAE-based Polarcus has signed a letter of intent with Lansdowne Oil & Gas for a 3D seismic project in the Celtic Sea off southern Ireland.

The survey will commence immediately after completion of another 3D seismic acquisition contract over the Barryroe oilfield, operated by Providence Resources, in which Dublin-based Lansdowne has a 20 per cent interest.

The survey area will cover approximately 300 square kilometres and will take in the Rosscarbery, Amergin, and Middleton prospects. The survey is expected to run for 20 days.

When implementing a lean programme, business leaders should not overlook the significant role that an organised and streamlined workplace could play in its success. Chris Hargreaves, sales manager at storage manufacturer Lista, outlines the various ways in which this can be achieved.

The Markit/CIPS manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) indicated that UK manufacturing maintained its recent record pace of growth in February, by posting 59 points. Anything above 50 is regarded as expansion.

Sustainability means more than corporate responsibility; it is now a bottom line issue that big business needs to integrate into its strategy. Adrian Kirby offers expert advice on how to maximise your returns by leading the green revolution.

The green issue is at the forefront of both the corporate and public mind. Big business has recognized the importance and commercial expediency of sustainable business practices. Green strategies now feature in boardroom discussions across the world.

Getting ready for future competition from companies in China and other emerging markets is not an optional activity, say George F. Brown, Jr. and David G. Hartman. The day is coming when such organizations will change your business landscape.