A round-up of public finance news stories from the Middle East & Africa you might have missed this week (August 26-30).
Zimbabwean councils plunge into financial crisis
A directive issued by the government last month ordering municipalities to cancel all debts owed by residents backdating to February 2009 has thrown local authorities into financial turmoil. (allAfrica.com)
Saudi Arabia invests $15bn to meet growing food demand
Saudi Arabia's food consumption is expected to grow by 4.2% between 2011 and 2015, driven by factors such as rising income levels, population growth, lifestyle shifts, and a thriving domestic economy. (Middle East Online)
Resentment results in low turnout in Jordan municipal elections
Jordan's municipal elections drew a poor turnout, blamed on voter resentment and apathy due to a struggling economy and the impact of a huge refugee influx from neighbouring Syria. (Middle East Online)
Bartenders and welders apply for South African AG job
Bartenders, welders, petrol attendants and labourers are among the hopefuls who want to succeed Auditor General Terence Nombembe when he leaves in a few months. (iol.com, South Africa)
Mazars, the seventh largest accountancy firm operating in Africa, has officially launched in Ghana, following a successful merger with a local private company. (The Africa Report)
