The United Nations appealed a $35 million bailout to save lives in Madagascar where over 3 million people need help due to political instability and natural disasters.
Southern African leaders were Monday expected to suspend Madagascar from the SADC regional grouping, after its president was forced from office earlier this month.
Madagascar's new president, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power on Wednesday after being appointed by the Indian Ocean island's military in a move that drew international disapproval.
Pope Benedict arrived in Africa on Tuesday, where he said the continent's people were suffering disproportionately due to the global challenges of food shortages, financial crises and climate change.
DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. posted a better than forecasted net income in the first quarter that rose 69 percent, supported by DVD sales of Shrek the Third and Bee Movie.
Global companies extending their networks into Africa will find it a challenge to establish easy telecom links in comparison to the better established systems in the U.S., Europe or Asia. While mobile phone use is growing rapidly across the continent, fixed-line density is low and Internet access is limited.