Africa

A service provider in the oil and gas sector, Century Energy Services Limited has carved a niche for its brand through quality service provision to the big players. Group CEO Ken Etete gives an insight into the business terrain during 2010, and the company’s plans for 2011.

As Just Refrigeration gears up to expand its marketplace across Africa and Australasia, general manager Chris Turner talks to Gay Sutton about setting the company on a firm corporate footing, and implementing strategies for quality, efficiency and innovation.

Chicken is a valuable and popular source of protein; but its production requires a well-oiled machine, as Alan Swaby discovers.

Let’s start with a guessing game: how many chickens do you think are consumed in your country every week? Whether your guess is accurate or not, the numbers will certainly be enormous and probably far greater than you imagined.

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited is determined to take the lead in both delivering shareholder value and implementing a far-reaching corporate social responsibility strategy. Adriaan van Kersen, group executive, operations for Africa, talks to Jayne Flannery.

Gem Diamonds is planning major investments at two diamond mines, buoyed by increasing global demand for the precious stones.

The London-based company, which recently announced its 2010 results, is betting on the price of rough diamonds continuing to rise this year. The increase is partly driven by strong demand from Chinese consumers.

Turkey is close to commencing talks with Ethiopia over signing a free trade agreement (FTA), according to Turkish foreign trade minister Zafer Ça─ƒlayan.

Ça─ƒlayan, who is currently in Ethiopia to participate in talks with the Ethiopian government, said that both countries have already agreed on signing a FTA to ease custom difficulties, according to Turkish newspaper Today’s Zaman.

Turkey currently has FTAs with 13 countries, as well as with members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which consists of four non-EU member states.

Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto has made another increased bid for Riversdale Mining in an effort to convince shareholders to accept its acquisition proposal.

The new bid values the Australian owned coal miner at $4 billion. Rio first offered $3.5 billion last December, before improving the offer slightly later the same month.

The new bid represents an increase from $16 a share to $16.50, but Rio wants more than 50 per cent of shareholders to accept the bid by 23 March.

Taking on aid projects in third world countries can often mean biting off more than you can chew; but as Alan Swaby learns, enlisting the help of local engineers can help avoid the pitfalls.