Algeria looks beyond hydrocarbons for job growth

2010-08-20 Algeria plans to create 3 million non-energy sector jobs by 2014, Labour Minister Tayeb Louh said Thursday (August 19th) in Algiers. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Commission for Employment Promotion, the minister said agriculture, services, construction, public works and industry would create employment opportunities outside the hydrocarbons sector.

Tunisia boosts tech sector funding

2010-08-19 Tunisia plans to spend 830 million dinars (436 million euros) on scientific research over the next four years, Tunisia Online reported on Wednesday (August 18th). The programme aims to boost research in the IT, biotechnology, electronics, renewable energy and agriculture sectors. Plans also call for expanding co-operation with scientifically advanced countries.

Newcastle bid for Rafik Halliche

2010-08-16 Newcastle made a late bid for Algerian international defender Rafik Halliche, 23, The Daily Mail reported on Monday (August 16th). They are not expected to succeed, as Halliche will reportedly undergo medical tests with Fulham on Monday before finalising his 1.3 million GBP transfer deal from Benfica.

WB grant supports Mauritania urban development

2010-08-13 The World Bank granted a $25 million loan to Mauritania, PANA reported on Thursday (August 12th). The funds aim to improve access to basic infrastructure for both urban and rural residents. Better electricity distribution, potable water access and job creation are among the goals of the development plan.

Libya, China create joint business council

2010-08-11 Business and government officials from Libya and China signed an agreement Wednesday (August 11th) in Tripoli establishing the Libyan-Chinese Business Council, Tripoli Post reported. According to Jan Lee, the chairman of the Chinese Business Council, the new body aims to boost trade between the two countries and improve the exchange of commercial and economic information.

VfB Stuttgart eye M'bark Boussoufa

2010-08-10 Budesliga club VfB Stuttgart are interested in signing Moroccan international and Anderlecht midfielder M'bark Boussoufa, MAP reported on Monday (August 9th). The German side are expected to offer between 8 and 10 million euros for the player.

In other mercato news, Arsenal's recruitment of Moroccan international Marouane Chamakh from French club Bordeaux is considered one of the top 10 transfers this summer, The Independent reported. Chamakh's contract is estimated at 10.4 million GBP.

Algeria, Italy to sign largest-ever military equipment deal

2010-08-09 Algeria will soon pay 4 billion euros for 124 Italian-made helicopters, Echorouk reported on Sunday (August 8th). The largest-ever military equipment deal between the two countries is expected to be signed next October during Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's visit to Algiers for the Algerian-Italian summit. Negotiations are also reportedly under way for Algeria to purchase naval equipment.

Algeria considers BlackBerry ban

2010-08-06 Algeria is considering suspending access to BlackBerry "smart" phones, El Khabar reported on Friday (August 6th). According to Minister of Post and Communication Technologies Moussa Ben Hammadi, Algeria would seriously consider ending BlackBerry service now offered by Mobilis and Djezzy if, after "consultation and co-ordination with relevant agencies", it was found that the device posed a risk to Algeria's security or economy. UAE, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon have recently expressed concerns about the BlackBerry.

Mauritania destroys anti-personnel mines

2010-08-06 An engineering unit of the Mauritanian army this week destroyed some 200 anti-personnel mines, PANA quoted Lieutenant-Colonel Aly Ould Mohamed El Hacen as saying on Thursday (August 5th). The operation was aimed at securing the area around the railway line linking Nouadhibou and Zouerate, which annually transports 10 million tonnes of iron ore produced by national mining company SNIM.

Morocco to expand railway investment

2010-08-06 The Moroccan national railway office announced a large expansion plan for the next five years, MAP reported on Thursday (August 5th). The programme targets transporting 50 million travellers and 50 million tonnes of goods by 2015.