NIGERIA

ACCRA (Reuters) - African bank Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) (ETI.GH) raised $566 million in its share and rights issue late last year, far short of the $2.5 billion targeted, a broker involved in the operation said on Wednesday.

SINGAPORE - U.S. oil prices fell toward $36 a barrel on Tuesday as bleak economic indicators in Asia returned focus to the worldwide oil demand slump. Following Monday's news that Japan's economy shrank by the most in 35 years, a Reuters poll showed confidence among manufacturers remained mired near record lows and service sector sentiment fell to its poorest ever. Concerns over weak oil co...

On Tuesday two oil flowstations operated by Royal Dutch Shell Nigeria's Niger Delta were attacked by gunmen three security sources said, Reuters reported.

GENEVA - Mobile telephones are seen as a basic necessity around the world and should enjoy persistent strong demand throughout an economic downturn, a United Nations agency said in a report published on Monday. With or without a recession, millions of people in India, China, Nigeria, and other emerging markets will seek out mobile phones, according to the International Telecommunication ...

GENEVA - Mobile telephones are seen as a basic necessity around the world and should enjoy persistent strong demand throughout an economic downturn, a United Nations agency said in a report published on Monday. With or without a recession, millions of people in India, China, Nigeria, and other emerging markets will seek out mobile phones, according to the International Telecommunication ...

In 2008, piracy off the coast of Somalia rose nearly 200 percent compared to the previous year.

Africa has seen its worse outbreak in nearly a decade with more than 2,000 people dead from Cholera and 40,000 others suffering from this normally preventable illness.

Rebels in Congo fought pro-government militiamen in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday in a gunbattle that left six people dead.

Crude oil futures ended with gains on Thursday as speculation rose that a renewed strike in Nigeria may curb supplies.

Crude oil fell on Monday from a record over $126 a barrel as slumping crude imports from China concerned investors that recent high prices may be weighing on demand.

Crude futures fell slightly on Wednesday after a report showed U.S. crude inventories rose more than analysts expected the week ended May 2.

Gold futures rose for a third straight session after the dollar fell against the euro and oil surged to a new record above $122 a barrel, boosting the appeal of the precious metal as a hedge against inflation.

Crude futures reached $122 a barrel inTuesday's trading as supply disruptions, overseas growing demand outlook and a falling dollar sent the prices to new all time records.

Crude oil futures rose on Monday to $120 a barrel after another attack in Nigeria rose concerns on tight supplies from the country while the dollar fell and U.S. economic data showed demand may not be as weak as expected.

Crude prices declined to $111 a barrel on Thursday as the dollar gained strength against the euro, easing demand for commodities.

Crude futures fell more than $3 a barrel on Tuesday as the North Sea pipeline restarted operations and the dollar gained strength versus the euro.

Nigeria's oil output was cut by around half on Monday after Exxon Mobil said all of its oil production in the country has been shut due to a workers' strike, while recent attacks by Niger Delta rebels affected Royal Dutch Shell output.

Gold futures rose on Monday after crude-oil contract hit a new record, raising the appeal of precious metals as a hedge against inflation.

Crude prices were steady on Monday retreating from a new record high near $120 a barrel in overnight trading, as concerns on supply disruptions appeared after a major pipeline in the U.K. was closed and an oil terminal was attacked in Nigeria.

U.S. stocks rose on Monday for the fourth day after billionaire Warren Buffett financed the $23 billion takeover of Wm. Wrigley Jr. by privately held mars, and investor Kirk Kerkorian bought a stake in Ford Motor Co.

Natural Gas gained on Friday boosted by oil gains that spurred prices of the heating industrial fuel.