The Soviet-era connections between Russia and some African states have collapsed into low levels of economic engagement between the former partners.

White House's hostile rhetoric fails to stem flow of exports to regime under sanctions, writes Ewen MacAskill .

"Neither the Constitution nor our people will allow any violation of our sovereignty", says Hussain al-Shahristani, Iraq's Oil Minister.

The slow pace of regional integration and poor infrastructure are hampering trade between countries in Africa, delegates at a World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting said on Friday.