Africa's largest trading block is attracting attention of global investors and businessmen. The recent 'Africa 2016' investment forum held in Egypt had participation of over 1,500 businessmen and government representatives. Foreign investors have called for more reforms and policy changes among African nations.
Sectors
1955 Capital Firm Raised $200 Million Fund Targeting China
Former Hong Kong music popstar turned venture capitalist Andrew Chung established his own firm 1955 capital. With a $200 million fund, he expects to bring clean technology to China.
Forty Seven Inc Raised $75 Million to Develop Antibodies for Cancer
The Series A round was announced on Wednesday. The company has also licensed the rights for multiple immuno-oncology programs from Stanford University.
NASA Calls Coders to Create New Algorithms to Improve Its Robonaut's Vision
NASA is seeking new algorithms that could enable its Robonaut 2 to see better, despite the worn out sensors due to constant radiation. Coders can participate in a competition held by NASA and submit algorithms that could solve the problem and could also work with the humanoid’s existing central system and machinery.
A350 Increased Sales Boost Airbus Earnings to 1.6%, Equalled A380
Due to the increased sale of Airbus superjumbo A380, the company's earnings rose to 1.6% last year. The aircraft maker is hoping another boost in its earnings this year because of the overwhelming order bookings from different countries.
Latest News
The new budget for South Africa may witness a major focus on government spending, sluggish global economy and inflation. The debt component is also increasing to about 50 percent of GDP. Global rating agencies have downgraded South Africa's sovereign credit rating.
Takata airbag issues face many discrimination aside from fines and lawsuit resulting to sales decline along with other automakers who recalled their vehicles. The automakers formed an independent coalition and hired Utah-based Orbital ATK to conduct the investigation who discovered three factors that cause airbag rupture.
Usher and Robert Downey Jr. join a list of investors to help fund online learning platform MasterClass in its Series B round. In total, the round raised $15 million as the company plan to further expand its area of subjects as well as adding new instructors.
The association of British manufacturers warned that Brexit will bring the country to uncertainty and risk. Meanwhile, poundsterling continue to be under pressure as the debate over U.K. to exit EU continues.
Williams Cos has decided to offload its Canadian operations for $1 billion. It is hoping to put it on the block in next week. In fact, it has already appointed two investment banks to oversee the sale process.
G20 finance minister meeting will be held starting this Friday in Shanghai. Ahead of the meeting, Taro Aso, Japan Finance Minister said that he expect G20 to discuss ways to move global economy.
China has unveiled a series of new initiatives to push its economy growth rate. The government is keen on meeting the increasing demand in small and medium-sized homes. Another set of new rules for accelerating reforms at state-owned enterprises will be announced soon.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is seeking an approval from Union Finance Ministry for easing capital restrictions on Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs). RBI has recommended Union Finance Ministry to raise the cap on sponsor's holding in asset reconstruction companies.
Etsy's shares jumped nearly 10% after the announcement that the online e-commerce site narrowed its net loss in the fourth quarter of 2015. The company expects GMS growth rate to be in the range of 13% to 17% for the three-year period from 2016 - 2018.
