THE government is considering measures to limit the export of scrap metal to ease input costs on downstream manufacturing. They are likely to include the introduction of export taxes.

A team of local entrepreneurs and company executives will visit the Democratic Republic of Congo's Katanga province later this week to explore investment opportunities and to negotiate softer tax regimes in the area.

When government leaders from sub-Saharan Africa meet in Washington July 14-16 at an annual economic forum, the focus will be on mobilizing private investment to expand trade and growth across the continent, say senior U.S. officials.