Marketplace

Cheap test opens markets to African farmers

For decades, African farmers haven't been able to export some corn and nuts to the U.S., because of a naturally-occurring chemical called Aflatoxin. It's produced by a fungus — and it's toxic. The U.S. and Europe often reject foods with traces of the chemical. But a new kit is turning things around. Crops such as cassava and peanuts are vulnerable to the chemical during hot weather and droughts. The traditional way of sending samples to test for it costs $25 dollars a pop — far too expensive for most rural farmers. The new test costs just $1. Scientists say this test can open markets for millions of African farmers, and create safer products for local consumers.

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Customer service headed to Kenya?

Kenyan entrepreneurs are talking about talking. The first fiber optic cable will be laid in east Africa by the middle of next year and the region hopes it'll be direct a line to opportunities in the $130 billion call center industry. They're banking on being able to offer cheaper labor and easier-to-understand accents as consumers become increasingly frustrated with Indian call centers.

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Violence in Nigeria threatens oil exports

Oil prices are on the upswing again following reports of another attack on an oil pipeline in the Niger River Delta. Nigerian militants say they sabotaged a pipeline belonging to Royal Dutch Shell. The company has not commented on the report.

The rebels claim to have blown up three other pipelines in the past week. Shell says the violence might decrease the amount of oil it can ship out of the country. And Shell is not alone. There are reports today that American oil giant Exxon Mobil might have to delay oil shipments from Nigeria because of a workers strike.

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