The APP Bulletin

Africa is changing and so are we! Welcome to our new look Bulletin, streamlined following feedback from our reader survey. Thank you to all those who shared their thoughts. This month’s Bulletin contains a cross-section of stories from Peter Eigen’s piece in South Africa’s Mail & Guardian for investors in African mining through to welcoming Strive Masiyiwa to the Africa Progress Panel. Best known for his successful challenge to the Zimbabwean state monopoly on telecommunications, Strive’s business achievements – including his telecoms business, Econet Wireless – reach at least 18 countries and several sectors. Besides his energy, Strive brings a profound understanding of both business and governance issues to the Africa Progress Panel. We’re delighted and proud to have him!

Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Friends,On behalf of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) and the Secretariat, I’d like to wish all of you a happy and successful 2013!The past 12 months have seen extraordinary media coverage of Africa as analysts and commentators argue over the significance of Africa's rapid economic growth for its one billion (and rising) population.

Countries rich in mineral wealth have an unprecedented opportunity to make a breakthrough in development – a breakthrough that could transform millions of lives. Rising natural resource revenues could underpin investment in productive infrastructure, decent education and health systems, job creation, smallholder agriculture, and programs to alleviate poverty, vulnerability and insecurity that blight so many lives in Africa.

When you were first elected President of the United States in 2008, your election generated great excitement - and hope -throughout Africa.

Africa has been winning media attention for boosting women's representation in political life. Less noticed by many, it has been saving more maternal lives too.