FEAR FACTOR: Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh resort closes after a shark attack (XINHUA/AFP)

Shark attack

Egypt

Marine experts quizzed witnesses to shark attacks as beaches at Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh remained closed after a woman was torn apart by a shark. A ban on swimming and snorkeling at the popular resort would be extended until experts understood the reasons behind a series of shark attacks.

Foreign firms ultimatum

Sudan

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir threatened to expel any foreign organization that does not respect the country's sovereignty and government regulations, while addressing the second session of the consultative Shura Council of the ruling National Congress Party. He said Sudan is facing great challenges and conspiracies and therefore the country should work together to abort those conspiracies and press ahead with the development.

Jubilee oil

Ghana

Just a week before the start of commercial oil production off its southwestern coast, Ghana and its partners have named the oil and gas field Jubilee. The name was announced in the middle of December of 2010 when the Jubilee Oil Field began commercial production. Industry sources said the naming of the Ghanaian oil would make it easy to market the black gold on the world market.

Space agency launched

South Africa

South Africa has launched its national space agency, aiming to become a leader in earth observation technology across the continent in 10 years. The agency is expected to stimulate investment and the local scientific research sector. The agency, which already has two micro-satellites, will produce timely data imagery to help detect natural disasters and monitor water resources around South Africa and the continent.