A Forum to Fill the African Infrastructure Gap - BUILD AFRICA FORUM - February 5th – 7th 2014

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Brazzaville Unites Infrastructure Leaders for Development</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Attending the 8th International Energy Week 2013 in Moscow, Russia, Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouya, Minister at the Presidency for Spatial Planning and Delegate General for Major Public Works has announced that the Republic of the Congo will be hosting the <a href="http://www.buildafricaforum.com/">BUILD AFRICA Forum</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Held under the High Patronage of H. E. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, the premier international business & investment forum focused on infrastructure in Africa, will take place in Brazzaville from February 6th to 7th, 2014.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>The BUILD AFRICA Forum: a global response to the African infrastructure deficit</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Africa’s infrastructure deficit severely hampers the continent’s competitiveness in the world market, decreasing productivity by 40% due to inadequate infrastructure. Despite numerous initiatives across the continent, Africa needs roughly $50 billion USD in annual investments to close its infrastructure gap. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For the first time in Sub -Saharan Africa, the BUILD AFRICA Forum will provide a framework for practical exchange between the global players who are forging Africa’s development. For two days, from February 6th -7th 2013, over 500 leaders and experts from around the globe will gather to craft solutions to a question at the heart of public policy debate: How can we encourage social and economic development through new infrastructure in Africa?</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>A view of the African continent from the Republic of the Congo</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">10 years of intensive, accelerated investment and infrastructure planning, under the leadership of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and coordinated by the General Delegation for Major Public Works, have allowed the Congo to leap forward in terms of development, modernization and industrialization. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As a spearhead for infrastructure development in Central Africa and organizer of the upcoming pan-African games in 2015, the Congo is an ideal springboard for practical reflexion, seeking to unleash the continent’s growth potential through new infrastructure.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fast facts on infrastructure in Africa (Source: Development Research Brief, AfDB, 2009)</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• Less than 10% (in 10 countries) and less than 50% (in 33 countries) of roads in Africa are paved. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 40% of the population lacks access to safe water and 60% of the population lacks basic sanitation. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• Only 30% of the African population have access to electricity. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• Africa has the lowest telephone penetration – 14% (the world average is 52%) and the lowest Internet penetration – 3% (the world average is 14%). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quotes on infrastructure:</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The development of a country is only feasible if it is supported and propelled by appropriate the infrastructure.” Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Basic infrastructure is a prerequisite for the development of the African continent. The Congo has endorsed a continental vision: Pointe-Noire harbour, as well as the road-rail bridge project from Brazzaville to Kinshasa have an undeniable regional orientation.” Jean-Jacques Bouya, Minister at the Presidency for Spatial Planning & the General Delegation for Major Public Works</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Fast facts on the General Delegation for Major Public Works (DGGT):</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Established by Presidential decree in 2002, the General Delegation for Major Public Works (DGGT) is an administrative and technical body responsible for the development of infrastructure in the Congo. It’s mission includes developing, signing, and overseeing government contracts and any public or private project worth more than 2 million dollars, conducting studies, launching calls for bids, and delegating project management.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Richard Attias & Associates.</span></div> </div>

A Forum to Fill the African Infrastructure Gap - BUILD AFRICA FORUM - February 5th – 7th 2014

Brazzaville Unites Infrastructure Leaders for Development Attending the 8th International Energy Week 2013 in Moscow, Russia, Mr. Jean...

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KOKOTA waishukuru SMZ kwa kuwatatulia kero zao

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wakaazi wa kisiwa kidogo cha Kokota katika Wilaya ya Wete kisiwani Pemba, wameishukuru Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kwa kushirikiana na washirika wa maendeleo kuwatatulia kero zilizokuwa zikiwakabili kwa muda mrefu. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wakaazi hao wapatao 370, wametoa shukrani hizo mbele ya Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, alipotembelea kisiwa hicho kwa ajili ya kukagua miradi ya maendeleo inayosimamiwa na Community Forest Pemba. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Katika risala yao iliyosomwa na mwalimu Juma Ali Hamad, wamesema kwa kipindi kirefu walikuwa wakilazimika kufuata huduma za maji na elimu katika mji wa Wete, lakini wamefarijika baada ya kuja kwa miradi hiyo miaka miwili iliyopita. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amefahamisha kuwa kwa sasa wanafaidika na huduma ya umeme wa nguvu za jua (solar power) ambapo kila nyumba imewekewa taa moja ya kuonea, maji safi na salama yanayotokana na uvunaji salama wa maji ya mvua, pamoja na kuwepo skuli mpya ya msingi ambayo tayari watoto wameanza kusoma. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hata hivyo wameiomba serikali na wafadhili kuiendeleza miradi hiyo ili kila nyumba iweze kupata umeme kikamilifu, pamoja na kujenga kituo cha afya pamoja na nyumba za walimu ili kuondosha usumbufu kwa walimu wanaosomesha skuli hiyo ya kisiwa kidogo cha Kokota. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mradi huo unaosimamiwa na Community Forest Pemba kwa mashirikiano na Community Forest International chini ya ufadhili wa Jumuiya ya Ulaya, pia unajishughulisha na utengenezaji wa majiko sanifu, upandaji miti na ufugaji. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kwa upande wake Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, amewapongeza washirika hao wa maendeleo kwa kuamua kupeleka huduma hizo katika kisiwa hicho, jambo ambalo pia limeisaidia serikali katika mipango yake ya maendeleo. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amesema Serikali itaendelea kushirikiana na wafadhili hao ili kuona miradi hiyo inakuwa endelevu na kuwanufaisha wakaazi hao na taifa kwa ujumla. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ameongeza kuwa miradi hiyo ni msaada mkubwa kwa wananchi na serikali, na kwamba ni mkakati imara wa kukabiliana na uchafuzi wa mazingira, ikizingatiwa kuwa majiko sanifu yatapunguza matumizi makubwa ya kuni na ukataji miti ovyo. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mwakilishi wa Community Forest International kutoka Canada DAFMEN HARDIE amesifu ushirikiano walioupata katika utekelezaji wa miradi hiyo, na kwamba dunia inajifunza suala la mashirikiano kutoka Zanzibar. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amesema mafanikio ya miradi hiyo ni mfano wa kuigwa kwa kisiwa kizima cha Pemba, Zanzibar, Tanzania na duniani kwa ujumla, na kueleza kuwa matunda ya miradi hiyo yatawanufaisha wananchi. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nae Mkurugenzi wa mradi wa Community Forest Pemba nd. Mbarouk Mussa Omar amesema lengo la kuu la mradi huo ni kuwasaidia wananchi wa kisiwa cha Kokota kuondokana na matatizo yaliyokuwa yakiwakabili kwa muda mrefu. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amesema katika kipindi cha miaka miwili tangu kuanzishwa kwa mradi huo, wamefanikiwa kujenga tangi la maji kwa ajili ya kuhifadhia maji ya mvua ambayo huyasafisha na kuyaingiza kwenye tangi yakiwa tayari kwa ajili ya matumizi ya kawaida ya kupikia na kunywa. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ameyataja mafanikio mengine waliyoyapata kuwa ni pamoja na ujenzi wa skuli ya msingi, kuweka mitambo na kutumia umeme wa nguvu za jua, kutekeleza mradi wa utengenezaji wa majiko sanifu, kuhamasisha ufugaji wa nyuki pamoja na upandaji wa miti. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mbali na kisiwa cha Kokota, Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais pia alitembelea maeneo mbali mbali kukagua miradi ya maendeleo inayosimamiwa na Community Forest Pemba ikiwemo kituo cha mradi kilichoko Minyenyeni, mradi wa upandaji miti na utengenezaji wa majiko sanifu wa Wingwi Mapofu, pamoja na mradi wa ufugaji nyuki na kilimo cha mboga mboga wa Vijiji vya Hindi na Kambini. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hassan Hamad, OMKR</span></div> </div>

KOKOTA waishukuru SMZ kwa kuwatatulia kero zao

Wakaazi wa kisiwa kidogo cha Kokota katika Wilaya ya Wete kisiwani Pemba, wameishukuru Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kwa kushirikiana ...

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APO content now available on Thomson Reuters professional platform

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.apo-opa.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">APO</a><span style="font-size: large;"> announced today a strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters that will provide APO’s clients with enhanced global visibility, making their Africa-related news releases available on Thomson Reuters Eikon , the professional platform for market analysis and trading </span><a href="http://www.thomsonreuterseikon.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">software</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO’s feed of Africa-related news releases issued by companies, international institutions, international organizations, governments and branches of the United Nations across Africa will be posted on Thomson Reuters’ terminal providing users of the service with unrivalled news release material coming from the world’s fastest growing continent.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth is expected to increase to 5.3 per cent next year, with strong private and public investment underpinning the region’s robust performance, the World Bank said on Monday. The Bank lifted its forecast for 2014 from the 5.1 per cent projected earlier this year”, said Eloine Barry, Executive Director, APO</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">She added: “This means that African economies are a force to be reckoned with for any true multinational business seeking expansion into the next frontier of growth.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For almost 10 years, APO has been the partner of choice for companies operating in Africa and has helped private sector companies, NGOs, UN agencies and other multinational entities reach a much broader audience in every African country. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This unparalleled reach has been made possible thanks to a solid relationship with key media houses across the continent and an investment in technology that allows instant dissemination of news material to all African media.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With such an audience reach now made available at a global level through the partnership with Thomson Reuters, this will build a two way communications highway between Africa and the world at a time when interest in the continent has reached an unprecedented level from Asia Pacific to the Americas, through Europe and the Middle East.</span></div> </div>

APO content now available on Thomson Reuters professional platform

APO announced today a strategic partnership with Thomson Reuters that will provide APO’s clients with enhanced global visibility, making ...

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Katibu Mkuu wa CUF Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad akihutubia mkutano wa hadhara katika viwanja vya Pwepweu jimbo la Tumbe

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAXjQkWHnNo/Um4P7J39ZKI/AAAAAAAADt8/nhOcvXu-Av0/s1600/tumb1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAXjQkWHnNo/Um4P7J39ZKI/AAAAAAAADt8/nhOcvXu-Av0/s640/tumb1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eifn6nU1sGQ/Um4P3uXwc2I/AAAAAAAADt0/MVqcLlIjBgc/s1600/tumb2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eifn6nU1sGQ/Um4P3uXwc2I/AAAAAAAADt0/MVqcLlIjBgc/s640/tumb2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvdWxLcPx9g/Um4QAgShvvI/AAAAAAAADuE/T5BLPes5S3Q/s1600/tumb3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wvdWxLcPx9g/Um4QAgShvvI/AAAAAAAADuE/T5BLPes5S3Q/s640/tumb3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOa34UOOVxI/Um4QFHQ-1eI/AAAAAAAADuM/w4TO_oePjSQ/s1600/tum4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOa34UOOVxI/Um4QFHQ-1eI/AAAAAAAADuM/w4TO_oePjSQ/s640/tum4.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rcg1D6K0xyw/Um4QG6_EgHI/AAAAAAAADuU/M38IUGUK9vM/s1600/tumb5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rcg1D6K0xyw/Um4QG6_EgHI/AAAAAAAADuU/M38IUGUK9vM/s640/tumb5.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /></div>

Katibu Mkuu wa CUF Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad akihutubia mkutano wa hadhara katika viwanja vya Pwepweu jimbo la Tumbe

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CUF inawas wasi na mwenyekiti wa ZEC

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF) kimeanza kumtilia shaka Mwenyekiti wa Tume ya Uchaguzi Zanzibar (ZEC) Bw. Jecha Salim Jecha na kudai kuwa hana sifa za kuwa Mwenyekiti wa Tume hiyo.<br /><br />Akizungumza na wanachama na wapenzi wa Chama hicho katika mkutano wa hadhara uliofanyika viwanja vya Pwepweu Tumbe, Katibu Mkuu Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad amesema Jecha ni mkereketwa wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), na kwamba kwa mazingira hayo hatoweza kutenda haki katika uchaguzi.<br /><br />Akielezea zaidi kuhusu madai hayo Maalim Seif amedai kuwa katika uchaguzi mkuu wa mwaka 2010, Jecha aliingia katika mchakato wa kugombania nafasi ya Ubunge katika Jimbo la Kwamtipura kupitia CCM, lakini hakuweza kupata nafasi baada ya kushindwa katika mbio za kugombea nafasi hiyo.<br /><br />Maalim Seif ambaye pia ni Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar ameibua hoja hiyo baada ya kuwepo taarifa kuwa takwimu za wapiga kura wapya katika majimbo matano ya Unguja zimepotea kwenye Komputa, na kudai kuwa huo ni mkakati maalum ulioandaliwa na Chama Cha Mapinduzi kwa kushirikiana na Tume ya Uchaguzi Zanzibar.<br /><br />Ameyataja majimbo yanayodaiwa kupoteza Takwimu zake za wapiga kura wapya kuwa ni Bumbwini, Donge, Kitope, Bububu na Mfenesini.<br /><br />Maalim Seif ameenda mbali zaidi kwa kumtaka Mwenyekiti huyo ajiuzulu wadhifa huo na kama akishindwa basi Rais wa Zanzibar achukue jukumu la kumfuta kazi.<br /><br />“Kwa kweli Mwenyekiti huyu hana sifa kabisa za kuwa Mwenyekiti wa ZEC kwa sababu ni mkereketwa wa CCM aliyegombea nafasi ya Ubunge katika uchaguzi mkuu wa 2010, hawezi kabisa kutenda haki katika uchaguzi”, alisema Maalim Seif na kuongeza<br /><br />“Kwa hivyo namuomba sana Mwenyekiti huyu ajiuzulu, na kama akishindwa basi kwa heshima zote namuomba Rais Dokta Shein amuwajibishe kwa kumfuta kazi”, alisisitiza.<br /><br />Katika hatua nyengine Maalim Seif amempongeza Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Rais Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete kwa moyo wake wa kusimamia vyema mchakato wa mabadiliko ya katiba ya Tanzania.<br /><br />Amesema kitendo cha kukubali kukutana na viongozi wa vyama vya upinzani ni hatua muhimu katika kuendeleza mchakato huo ambao ulionekana kuanza kuzorota baada ya vyama vya upinzani kuukataa muswada wa marekebisho ya sheria ya mabadiliko ya katiba.<br /><br />Amewasisitiza wananchi wa Zanzibar kuacha tofauti zao katika kipindi hiki cha mchakato wa mabadiliko ya katiba, na badala yake washirikiane katika kupata katiba iliyo bora, yenye maslahi kwa Zanzibar na vizazi vijavyo.<br /><br />Mapema akizungumza katika mkutano huo, Mwakilishi wa Tumbe Mhe. Rufai Said Rufai amesema atashirikiana na viongozi wengine wa Jimbo hilo pamoja na wa Wilaya ya Micheweni kuhakikisha kuwa vijana wote waliotimiza umri wa miaka 18 katika jimbo hilo wanapata vitambulisho vya Mzanzibari Mkaazi (ZAN ID).<br /><br />Katika Mkutano huo Maalim Seif alikabidhi kadi 1536 kwa wanachama wapya waliojiunga na chama hicho wote wakitokea jimbo la Tumbe, ambapo miongoni mwao wametoka Chama Cha Mapinduzi.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Hassan Hamad (OMKR)</span></div> </div>

CUF inawas wasi na mwenyekiti wa ZEC

Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF) kimeanza kumtilia shaka Mwenyekiti wa Tume ya Uchaguzi Zanzibar (ZEC) Bw. Jecha Salim Jecha na kudai kuwa hana si...

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Regional Integration Key to Transformation and Development - African Economic Conference

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="yiv9324476252MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_20953" style="text-align: center;"> <b id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_20952"><i id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_20951"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_20950" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">Gathering for the African Economic Conference in Johannesburg, leaders call on continent to seize the moment for wide-ranging structural change</span></span></i></b><span class="yiv9324476252Style9"><span lang="EN-US"></span></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"></span></i></b></div> <div class="yiv9324476252MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_20960"> <b><span lang="EN-US">  </span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Heads of State and business and development experts from across the world will gather at the three-day African Economic Conference from Monday, October 28 to Wednesday, October 30 in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss regional integration and its role in boosting economic growth and human well-being on the continent.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.afdb.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">The conference</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> will be opened by Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa; Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) ; and Abdalla Hamdok, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).<br /><br />Africa has seen high levels of economic growth over the last decade, however that growth has had limited impact on boosting competitiveness and increasing the quality of life of ordinary people on the continent.<br /><br />Weaknesses persist in the quality of institutions, infrastructure, macroeconomic policies, education and adoption of new technologies, while there are big gaps between its highest and lowest ranked economies.<br /><br />“This great gathering should do more than restate the case for regional integration: it must examine how to push the African continent to the next level, to become a global growth pole in its own right,” said Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank.<br /><br />“At a time of diminishing multilateral solutions, this is the sure way to build resilience against external shocks. I applaud the steady progress that has been made in areas such as tariff reduction. Robust action is what is now needed on non-tariff barriers, trade facilitation, and the movement of people. Africa has the political will and the strategic vision to make this happen. The time is right.”<br /> <br />In addition, because of its focus on capital-intensive, commodity-based industries, Africa has seen limited economic transformation, with little investment in the manufacturing, services and agricultural sectors. Due to these limitations, the creation of jobs, markets and institutions required to help young women and men build better futures has lagged behind.<br /><br />“There needs to be a much broader definition of regional economic integration. True, regional integration must include investments in regional infrastructure, trade and labour mobility. But countries would also gain by harmonizing regulations and standards, devising common approaches to macroeconomic policy, job creation, and effective management of shared natural resources for sustainable poverty reduction and structural economic transformation,” said Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, Director of UNDP Africa.<br /><br />While the benefits of integration are now well-known and many of the legal frameworks in place, the biggest challenge is how to further that agenda. Among the major hurdles are harmonizing standards and regulations, boosting human resource capacities and mobilizing leadership and political will.<br /><br />The African Economic Conference will look at the political economy of regional integration and examine closely some of the practical solutions to advance it. High-level dialogues will cover integration issues ranging from finance to water resource management, fiscal convergence and harmonization of social policies. Participants will also be exposed to cutting edge research on all aspects of regional integration based on new analysis from African researchers and institutions.<br /><br /><strong>Participants at the conference will look at some of the trends and best practices unfolding across the continent</strong>.<br /><br />“It is undeniable that regional integration will impel Africa to economic transformation and industrialization. Capitalizing on natural resources, industrialization can swiftly add value to the continent’s exports and, therefore, stimulate job creation.” said Abdalla Hamdok, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa.<br /><br />Held every year and sponsored by the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations Development Programme, the African Economic Conference will also provide a unique forum for in-depth presentations of policy-oriented research by both established academics and emerging talents from the continent.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).</span></div> <div class="yiv9324476252MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_21033"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div> </div>

Regional Integration Key to Transformation and Development - African Economic Conference

Gathering for the African Economic Conference in Johannesburg, leaders call on continent to seize the moment for wide-ranging structural c...

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Mkuu wa Kikosi cha Zima moto na Uokozi Kisiwani Pemba Msaidizi Kamishna wa Zima moto Shaaban Zidi Kheir akimfahamisha Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi mazingira halisi ya kituo cha Kikosi hicho kiliopo Bandarini Kisiwani Pemba alipofanya ziara fupi ya kukagua eneo hilo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wa4u8luJ8g/Um4L1ZOoQXI/AAAAAAAADtY/dr3iw1IXfjI/s1600/899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Wa4u8luJ8g/Um4L1ZOoQXI/AAAAAAAADtY/dr3iw1IXfjI/s640/899.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4a3TPGD3mI8/Um4L3yx1bzI/AAAAAAAADtg/AKPfOeoI5QU/s1600/904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4a3TPGD3mI8/Um4L3yx1bzI/AAAAAAAADtg/AKPfOeoI5QU/s640/904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yE9Ue92tv3M/Um4L6NLsD2I/AAAAAAAADto/F9Y-uODAY_Y/s1600/906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yE9Ue92tv3M/Um4L6NLsD2I/AAAAAAAADto/F9Y-uODAY_Y/s640/906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div>

Mkuu wa Kikosi cha Zima moto na Uokozi Kisiwani Pemba Msaidizi Kamishna wa Zima moto Shaaban Zidi Kheir akimfahamisha Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi mazingira halisi ya kituo cha Kikosi hicho kiliopo Bandarini Kisiwani Pemba alipofanya ziara fupi ya kukagua eneo hilo

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Masheha watakiwa kusimamia sheria na taritibu zilizopo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi amewahimiza Masheha Nchini kuhakikisha kwamba sheria na taratibu zilizowekwa katika zoezi la uandikishaji wa Wananchi kwenye Daftari la Kudumu la wapiga kura zinafuatwa kikamilifu.<br /><br />Alisema hatua hiyo ndio njia pekee itakayowezesha kila mwananchi aliyefikia umri au kukamilisha taratibu za kujiandikisha anapata haki hiyo bila ya kunyanyaswa kwa sababu tu ya itikadi za kisiasa.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alitoa himizo hilo wakati akizungumza na Masheha wa Wilaya ya Mkoani na baadhi ya Masheha wa Wilaya ya Chake chake mkoa wa Kusini Pemba katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Umoja na ni Nguvu Mkoani Kisiwani Pemba.<br /><br />Alisema zipo changamoto zilizojitokeza kwa baadhi ya Masheha Nchini ndani ya mchakato unaoendelea wa zoezi la uandikishaji wa Daftari la Kudumu la Wapiga kura za kulazimishwa na baadhi ya Viongozi wa Kisiasa kutoa uthibitisho kwa wafuasi wao wa kupatiwa barua itayomruhusu kuandikishwa hata kama mfuasi huyo si mkaazi wa shehia husika.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema tabia ya baadhi ya viongozi hao wa kisiasa ya kwenda kwa sheha na karatasi ya kuzaliwa za wafuasi wao zionawapa mashaka Masheha na kushindwa kuthibitisha kwamba wananchi hao kweli ni wakaazi halisi wa shehia hizo.<br /><br />Alifahamisha kwamba utaratibu wa mpiga kura unampa haki Yule mwananchi ambae tayari ameshaishi katika eneo husika kwa kipindi cha miezi 36 sawa na Miaka Mitatu ukizingatia uhamiaji halali uliothibitishwa na shehia aliyohamia na ile aliyohama.<br /><br />“ Hichi kitendo cha kulazimishwa sheha kutoa idhini ya kupatiwa kibali mtu aliyehama kwenye shehia hiyo kwa zaidi ya miaka mitatu na kulazimishwa apewe fursa hiyo kwa kisingizio cha kwamba yeye mzaliwa na shehia hiyo kinakaribisha vurugu zisizo na msingi wa kidemokrasia”. Alisisitiza Balozi Seif.<br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar ametahadharia wananchi kwamba mfumo wa baadhi ya watu kutafuta vyeti wa kuzaliwa kwa njia ya magendo ni kwenda kinyume na sheria na taratibu za Nchi.<br /><br />Alifahamisha kwamba watu wenye tabia ya kutaka kuingia kwenye daftari la wapiga kura kwa ajili ya kujiandaa kuwachagulia Wazanzibari Viongozi wao kwenye uchaguzi Mkuu ujao si halali na itaendelea kubeba dhima dhidi yao.<br /><br />Hata hivyo Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar amewasisitiza Masheha wa Mkoa wa Kusini Pemba ambao zoezi la Uandikishaji wa Daftari la wapiga kura unaendelea kwamba Mwananchi mwenye sifa za kujiandikisha kwenye daftari hilo lazima anapatiwa haki yake hiyo.<br /><br />Akizungumzia harakati za uchumaji wa zao la Karafuu Balozi Seif alisema jitihada za wananachi, Wakulima na Wafanyabiashara katika kuimarisha zao hilo ndizo zinazoipa nguvu Serikali katika utekelezaji wa majukumy yake.<br /><br />Alisema miundo mbinu inayotekelezwa na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar wakati wote inatokana na nguvu za Uchumi zinazotokana na zao la Karafuu pamoja na washirika wa maendeleo.<br /><br /> Balozi Seif alifahamisha kwamba wapo watu wachache ambao bado wana tabia ya kutumia fursa walizonazo katika kulihujumu zao la Karafuu kitendo ambacho wananchi wanapaswa kupambana nacho kwa hali yo yote ile.<br /><br />Alieleza kwamba umefika wakati kwa Wananchi kufikia pahala wakaelewa kuwa uchumi wao wa Karafuu ndio tegemeo pekee litakalowezesha nguvu za uimarishaji wa miundo mbinu mbali mbali kwa faida ya jamii yote kwa ujumkla.<br /><br />“ Nimeiona Bara bara niliyoipita kutoka Chake chake hadi hapa Mkoani imeshaanza kuharibika. Wakuitengeneza ni sisi wenyewe kwa kutumia Mtaaji wetu. Sasa anapotokea Mtu kujinufaisha pekee kwa kutumia Uchumi wetu wa Karafuu ni hatari kwa Nchi”. Alitahadharisha Balozi Seif.<br /><br />“ Nimefarajika ziara yangu niliyoifanya hivi karibuni nimeshuhudia na kuona jinsi Wananchi walivyohamasika kuuza karafuu zao kwenye Shirika la Taifa la Biashara Zanzibar { ZSTC }”. Alisisitiza Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar.<br /><br />Mapema baadhi ya Masheha hao wa Mkoa wa Kusini Pemba walielezea changa moto wanazopambana nazo katika harakati zao za utekelezaji wa majukumu yao ya kila siku.<br /><br />Masheha hao waliishauri Serikali na taasisi zinazohusika na masuala ya uandikishaji wa Daftari la Kudumu la wapiga kura kuelewa kwamba wao ndio wahusika wakuu wanaoelewa na kutambua wakaazi waliomo kwenye shehia zao.<br /><br />Walitahadharisha kwamba kitendo cha kupewa maamuzi wakuu wa Vituo vya uandikishaji unaweza kutoa fursa kwa watu wasiohusika wala haki za uandikishaji kwenye shehia zao kupata nafasi hizo jambo ambalo litakwenda kinyume na sheria za kidemokrasia zilizowekwa na kukubalika Nchini.<br /><br />Wakati huo huo Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alifanya ziara ya kukagua Kituo cha Zimamoto na Uokozi Kilichopo Bandari na Mkoani Mkoa wa Kusini Pemba.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliuagiza Uongozi wa Kikosi hicho Kisiwani Pemba kulitumia eneo walilopewa na Shirika la Bandari kwa shughuli zao za kupambana na majanga na maafa wakati yanapotokea.<br /><br />Aliueleza Uongozi wa Zima moto na Uokozi Pemba kwamba atafanya juhudi za kukutana na Uongozi unaohusika na eneo hilo kuangalia taratibu zitakazotoa fursa kwa kikosi hicho kubakia eneo hilo ili kitekeleze majukumu yake kwa utulivu na uhakika.<br /><br />Mapema Mkuu wa Idara ya Zimamoto na Uokozi Kisiwani Pemba Msaidizi Kamishna Shaaban Zidi Kheir alimueleza Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar kwamba Kituo hicho kipo eneo hilo kwa lengo la kutoa huduma Bandari ya Mkoani pamoja na Wilaya nzima ya Mkoani.<br /><br />Msaidizi Kamishna Shaaban alisema kikosi hicho kinaendelea kujipanga kutekeleza Sera za Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar za kuwa na kituo cha Zima moto na Uokozi kila Wilaya hapa Zanzibar.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame <br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Masheha watakiwa kusimamia sheria na taritibu zilizopo

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi amewahimiza Masheha Nchini kuhakikisha kwamba sheria na taratibu zilizowekwa katik...

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SMZ: yaridhishwa na kazi za UN

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wakati Umoja wa Mataifa ukiadhimisha miaka 68 tangu kuasisiwa kwake, Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imeelezea kuridhishwa na jitihada za Umoja huo katika kuiunga mkono Zanzibar kupitia nyanja tofauti zikiwemo kuwajengea uwezo vijana pamoja na elimu ya afya hasa kwa akinamama na watoto.<br /><br />Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad ameeleza hayo katika hafla maalum ya kuadhimisha siku siku ya Umoja wa Mataifa iliyofanyika hoteli ya Serena Mjini Zanzibar.<br /><br />Amesema Umoja wa Mataifa umekuwa mstari mbele kuchangia juhudi za maendeleo nchini kupitia mashirika yake yakiwemo Shirika la Mpango wa Maendeleo (UNDP), Shirika la kuhudumia watoto (UNICEF), Shirika la Kazi (ILO) na Shirika la Afya duniani (WHO).<br /><br />Amesema mafanikio makubwa yamepatikana kutokana na kuwepo kwa mashirika ya Umoja huo, na kwamba Serikali inathamini mchango wa Umoja wa Mataifa katika maendeleo ya nchi.<br /><br />Amehamisha kuwa Serikali itaendeleza uhusiano mwema uliopo kati yake na Umoja wa Mataifa, na kuahidi kufanya juhudi za makusudi kuona kuwa malengo ya millennium yaliyoanzishwa na Umoja huo yanafikiwa ifikapo mwaka 2015.<br /><br />Amesema pamoja na mambo mengine Umoja wa Mataifa umekuwa mstari wa mbele katika kuhimiza umoja na mshikamano duniani, sambamba na kusimamia masuala ya amani, utawala bora na haki za binadamu.<br /><br />Maalim Seif ametaja baadhi ya michango muhimu iliyotolewa na Umoja huo kwa Zanzibar kuwa ni pamoja na kuunga mkono juhudi za vijana hasa wa vijijini katika kukabiliana na tatizo la ajira, kusaidia mpango mkakati wa vijana Zanzibar, elimu, pamoja kusaidia juhudi za serikali katika kupunguza vifo vitokanavyo na uzazi.<br /><br />Hata hivyo ameuomba Umoja huo kuongeza misaada yake kwa Zanzibar, hasa katika kuwawezesha vijana kuweza kukabiliana na ukosefu wa ajira na kupunguza umaskini.<br /><br />Nae Mwakilishi Mkaazi wa Umoja wa Mataifa nchini Tanzania, Alberic Kacou amesema wanaadhimisha siku hiyo kutathmini hatua zilizofikiwa na Umoja huo katika kutunza amani na maendeleo duniani.<br /><br />Amesema katika tathmini yake kwa mwaka 2013, Umoja huo unakabiliwa na changamoto ya kiusalama kutokana na mapigano yanayoendelea nchini Syria.<br /><br />Amesema mamilioni ya watu wamekuwa wakiutegemea Umoja huo kwa misaada ya kibinadamu ikiwa ni pamoja na janga la njaa, na kwamba hautosita kutoa misaada hiyo kwa kadri itavyohijatika katika nchi mbali mbali.<br /><br />Kuhusu malengo ya millennium, Kacou amezitaka nchi wanachama kuendeleza juhudi ili kuona kuwa zinafikia malengo hayo ifikapo mwaka 2015, huku akilenga zaidi suala la kupunguza umaskini.<br /><br />Maadhimisho hayo yalihudhuriwa na vingozi mbali mbali wakiwemo mabalozi wadogo waliopo Zanzibar, Spika wa Baraza la Wawakilishi Mhe. Pandu Ameir Kificho na Katibu Mkuu Kiongozi Mhe. Abdulhamid Yahya Mzee.<br /><br />Hassan Hamad (OMKR).</span></div> </div>

SMZ: yaridhishwa na kazi za UN

Wakati Umoja wa Mataifa ukiadhimisha miaka 68 tangu kuasisiwa kwake, Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imeelezea kuridhishwa na jitihada z...

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Ruto and Sang case: ICC Appeals Chamber sets criteria for the absence of an accused from trial

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.icc-cpi.int/"><span style="font-size: large;">The Appeals</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) , seized for the first time of a question on the interpretation of article 63(1) of the Court’s Statute, ruled that the absence of an accused person from trial is permissible under exceptional circumstances if the accused has explicitly waived his right to be present at trial. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Appeals Chamber concluded that a Trial Chamber enjoys discretion under article 63(1), which states that “[t]he accused shall be present during the trial”, but that such discretion is limited and must be exercised with caution.<br /><br />Holding that the excusal of an accused from physical presence at trial should not become the rule, the Appeals Chamber unanimously reversed the </span><a href="http://bit.ly/19fnvZG"><span style="font-size: large;">Trial Chamber</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> V(a) decision of 18 June 2013 , which granted a conditional excusal for William Samoei Ruto from continuous presence at his trial. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Appeals Chamber concluded that the Trial Chamber had interpreted the scope of its discretion too broadly. Trial Chamber V(a) may make a new decision on the matter in light of the criteria set in the Appeals Chamber decision. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />The Appeals Chamber held that before granting an accused excusal from physical presence at trial, the possibility of alternative measures must be considered, including but not limited to changes to the trial schedule or temporary adjournment. Furthermore, any absence should be considered on a case-by-case basis and be limited to that which is strictly necessary. Finally, the rights of the accused must be fully ensured in his or her absence, in particular through representation by counsel.<br /><br />A summary of the judgment was read out in open court today by the Presiding Judge in this appeal, Judge Sang-Hyun Song. In its judgment, the Appeals Chamber considered arguments made by the Prosecutor and Mr Ruto’s Defence, as well as the joint observations by the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of Burundi, the State of Eritrea and the Republic of Uganda. Judge Kourula and Judge Ušacka appended a separate opinion to the judgment. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />Background </div> </span><div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/1bl0nc8"><span style="font-size: large;">On 18 June 2013</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, Trial Chamber V(a) had conditionally granted , by majority, William Samoei Ruto’s request to be excused from being physically present continuously throughout the trial, with the exception of a number of sessions including the opening and closing statements of all parties and participants; when victims present their views and concerns in person during the trial; the delivery of judgment in the case and, if applicable, sentencing and reparations; and any other attendance that may be ordered by the Chamber. After authorization by the Trial Chamber, the </span><a href="http://bit.ly/Hj0rAR"><span style="font-size: large;">Prosecutor</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> filed its appeal against this decision on 29 July 2013. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">On 20 August 2013, the Appeals </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1ePaDMA"><span style="font-size: large;">Chamber granted</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> suspensive effect to the Prosecutor’s appeal against Trial Chamber V(a)’s decision, pending a final determination on Mr Ruto’s presence at trial. Consequently, Mr Ruto was requested to be present during all trial hearings pending the Appeals Chamber judgment delivered today.<br /><br />The trial in the case The Prosecutor v. William Samoei Ruto and Joshua Arap Sang opened on 10 September 2013 in the presence of the accused. For further information on the trial, click here.<br /></span><a href="http://bit.ly/1cgZCGr"><span style="font-size: large;">Judgment </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">on the appeal of the Prosecutor against the decision of Trial Chamber V(a) of 18 June 2013 entitled “Decision on Mr Ruto's Request for Excusal from Continuous Presence at Trial”:</span></div> <div class="yiv1482973040MsoNoSpacing"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">  </span></div> </div>

Ruto and Sang case: ICC Appeals Chamber sets criteria for the absence of an accused from trial

The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) , seized for the first time of a question on the interpretation of...

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Climate Change in Africa: AfDB Advocates Gradual Transition to Green Growth

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="yiv3440273286MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_14465" style="text-align: center;"> <b id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_14468"><i id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_14467"><span id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_14466" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Third Annual “Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa” took place from 21-23 October 2013 in Ethiopia</span></span></i></b><span class="yiv3440273286Style9"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></i></b></div> <div class="yiv3440273286MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_13_0_1_1382941601610_14464"> <b><span lang="EN-US">  </span></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Africa needs to change its development trajectory in order in order to win its fight against both poverty and climate change,” said the African Development Bank (AfDB) Vice President Aly Abou-Sabaa </span><span style="font-size: large;"> at the opening session of the Third Annual “Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa” (CCDA-III) that took place from 21-23 October 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.<br /><br /><a href="http://j.mp/1h8BeWU">Addressing</a> some 500 participants </span><span style="font-size: large;"> including government officials, policymakers, academia, scientists, researchers, civil society groups, the media and farmers, Abou-Sabaa declared that the African Development Bank remains fully committed to supporting projects and strategic partnerships to achieve climate resilience on the continent. “Africa has the opportunity to leapfrog rather than re-invent,” he said.<br /><br />In order to address the various challenges it is facing (energy needs of a growing population, greenhouse gas reduction agenda, growing cities and the need for adequate and sustainable urban services like water, housing, waste management, transport, food…), “the continent should take this opportunity to use proven cost-efficient and effective technologies in addressing them,” said Abou-Sabaa.<br /><br />Focusing on the theme " Africa on the rise: Can the opportunities from climate change spring the continent to transformative development?”, the Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA) seeks ways of strengthening Africa’s ability to seize opportunities from climate change to better prepare the continent for transformative development.<br /><br />The conference was organized under the auspices of the Climate for Development in Africa (ClimDev-Africa) Programme, a joint initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).<br /><br />Clim-Dev Africa seeks to strengthen the capacities of Africa’s climate institutions to be able to generate and widely disseminate appropriate, useful and useable climate information. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance the capacity of Africa’s policy makers to be able to use such data routinely in development planning. The AfDB expects to channel a total amount of USD 800 Million for the ten coming years to address climate resilience issues in Africa through the ClimDev Africa Program.<br /><br />The AfDB is playing a key role as financier, partner, and advisor to African countries to assist them enhance access to available resources as well as capitalize on future financing opportunities.<br /><br />In that regard, the AfDB, under its Climate Change Action Plan, is investing up to USD 10 billion between 2011 and 2015. These resources will be drawn from the AfDB’s own internal funding, bilateral trust funds and climate finance instruments. The AfDB’s current Investment represents USD 4.3 billion (2011-2012).<br /><br />The opening session of the conference was also addressed by Alemayehu Tegenu, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, of Ethiopia, Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission Carlos Lopes, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of the <a href="http://www.afdb.org/">Economic Commission for Africa</a>.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).<br /><br /> </span></div> </div>

Climate Change in Africa: AfDB Advocates Gradual Transition to Green Growth

The Third Annual “Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa” took place from 21-23 October 2013 in Ethiopia   “Africa ne...

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Cape Town to Welcome International Private Equity Investors at the 7th Annual Powering Africa: Finance Options Meeting

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /><a href="http://www.poweringafrica-finance.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">The 7th</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Annual Powering Africa Finance Options Meeting (PA:FO) will take place from 14-15th November at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa in Cape Town, designed to help investors identify the most profitable future opportunities in Africa’s power sector.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Karen Breytenbach, Senior Project Advisor for the National Treasury’s PPP Unit in South Africa, will be joined by senior representatives from Kenya Electricity Generating Company, Eskom, China-Africa Development Fund, Schneider Electric, Globeleq, Webber Wentzel, Odebrecht, Aggreko and Standard Bank among others to discuss and debate the future of the market, share ideas on investments and question peers and competitors on their plans over the coming year.<br /><br />With Africa’s industrial economies booming and liquidity among banks struggling to keep up with demand, can private equity fill the gap in getting mid-cap projects off the ground? We have seen a reflection of South Africa’s successful power investment programmes in many parts of Africa driven by resource investment and government engagement - specifically in the power sector. Notably, Nigeria’s economy has transformed in the last 12 months with a wash of projects coming online and investors falling over themselves to participate.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />At the recent EnergyNet Power Investors Summit: Nigeria, one major international investor commented that testing their planned entrance strategy at the meeting had “highlighted considerable misgivings- the round table discussions provided enough valuable content to potentially save the business a US$100mln investment error.”<br /><br />As a consequence of such rapid growth, within the gold rush there will be casualties. As is clear, working in Africa requires specific knowledge and understanding that will give a project the best opportunity for success; this will be the difference between US$100mln and US$1bln of investment from private equity firms.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  This new format of investor meeting will see stalwarts of the African power sector on both sides of the developer and structured finance value chain trading knowledge with relatively new investors to make sure early mistakes are missed.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Clarion Events</div> </span><div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> </div>

Cape Town to Welcome International Private Equity Investors at the 7th Annual Powering Africa: Finance Options Meeting

The 7th Annual Powering Africa Finance Options Meeting (PA:FO) will take place from 14-15th November at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa in C...

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Experts to chart the way forward for a stronger banana sub-sector at inaugural Banana Conference

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>More than 300 experts will convene in Nairobi to discuss key issues affecting the banana sector</b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">More than 300 experts including top leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural research institutes, non-governmental organizations, regional bilateral institutions, development partners, financial institutions and farmer organizations will convene at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Headquarters, in Nairobi to discuss key issues affecting the banana sector. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The conference is themed: “Fostering Partnerships for an Improved <a href="http://www.agra.org/">Banana</a> Subsector in Kenya” and is jointly convened by the Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP), the Banana Growers Association of Kenya (BGAK) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Highlighting the government’s increasing recognition of the banana sub-sector’s contribution to food security and income generation, Hon. Felix Koskei, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Development will officially launch the Banana Sector Development Strategy during the conference.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The government is proud to launch Banana Sector Development Strategy and participate in today’s conference. We look forward to increased incomes and food security for growers from a strengthened banana sub-sector,” says Hon. Koskei.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Delegates will focus on how best to address issues hampering the growth of the banana sub-sector and jointly identify practical solutions that will facilitate a more coordinated banana sub-sector. Specifically, the delegates will evaluate the value chain from production to post harvest management, marketing and value addition through processing.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“AGRA is proud to be associated with the Banana Growers Association of Kenya as it is providing an important platform to making a real difference in the productivity and profitability of smallholder banana growers in Kenya. AGRA will continue working with the BGAK and other stakeholders to improve the banana value chain – from supporting the production and uptake of improved planting materials to promoting better postharvest management practices such as quality grading, storage and collective marketing,” says Jane Karuku, AGRA President.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Through its Farmer Organizations Support Center in Africa (FOSCA) and Market Access Programs, AGRA is supporting 23 produce aggregation centers across Kenya, owned and managed by farmer groups where they come together to learn about the need to start with quality planting materials and good soil fertility, effective postharvest management and collective marketing. </span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">These groups have been connected to the mobile money network and this has greatly increased their access to real-time price information and convenience in transacting with buyers. This initiative has seen both the productivity and profitability of banana farmers rise.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The BGAK aspires to grow from strength to strength as the voice of the banana smallholder farmer in Kenya. This conference is just the beginning in encouraging networking and collaboration among all stakeholders to improve the banana value chain for the growers and various consumers, including processors,” says Thomas Mwangi, Chair, BGAK.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).</span></div> </div>

Experts to chart the way forward for a stronger banana sub-sector at inaugural Banana Conference

More than 300 experts will convene in Nairobi to discuss key issues affecting the banana sector More than 300 experts including top le...

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Watendaji watakiwa kufanya kzai kwa mujibu wa sheria:Balozi Seif

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi amewasihi watendaji wote wa Taasisi za umma kufanya kazi kwa mujibu wa sheria za nchi pamoja na kuzingatia maadili ya kazi kwa lengo la kujiepusha na tabia ya ubadhirifu wa aina yoyote wa mali za Serikali. <br /><br />Amesema Serikali kamwe haitasita kumchukulia hatua za kisheria mtendaji ye yote atakayebainika kufanya vitendo vyovyote vitakavyokwenda kinyume na sheria na taratibu za nchi. <br /><br />Balozi Seif alitoa nasaha hizo wakati akiufunga mkutano wa kumi na tatu wa Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar uliokuwa ukifanyika katika ukumbi wa Baraza hilo uliopo Mbweni nje kidogo ya Mji wa Zanzibar.<br /><br />Alisisitiza kwamba Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar yenye muundo wa Umoja wa Kitaifa ina nia thabiti ya kuondosha maovu ya aina zote katika utumishi wa umma, kuimarisha utendaji na uwajibikaji na kuleta ufanisi na tija katika kazi. <br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif aliwaomba Waheshimiwa Wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar kuipa nafasi Serikali kutekeleza mapendekezo waliyoyatoa kwa misingi ya kuaminiana na kushirikiana katika kupiga vita maovu ndani ya utumishi wa umma.<br /><br />Alieleza kwamba Serikali imepokea mapendekezo ya Kamati Teule kwa moyo mkunjufu na kushukuru Wajumbe wa Kamati zote kwa kuibua hoja ambazo ni muhimu kufanyiwa kazi katika kuimarisha utendaji wa vyombo vinavyohusika.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliwaahidi Wajumbe wa Baraza hilo kwamba Serikali itayatekeleza mapendekezo yote waliyoyatoa kwa misingi ya haki na kwa nia ya kuongeza kasi ya uwajibikaji na kuondoa ubadhirifu wa mali za umma.<br /><br />“ Naamini Wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi wana imani kubwa na Serikali yao na wanaitakia mema nchi yetu katika kuiletea maendeleo kwa faida ya wananchi ambao ndio wanaowawakilisha katika Baraza hili “. Alifafanua Balozi Seif.<br /><br />Hata hivyo Balozi Seif alisema Wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi wanaelewa kuwa hatua zozote zinazohitajika kuchukuliwa dhidi ya watendaji wanaotuhumiwa kufanya makosa ya jinai ni lazima tuhuma hizo kwanza kufikishwa katika Jeshi la Polisi kwa ajili ya kufanyiwa uchunguzi.<br /><br />Alisisitiza kwamba uchunguzi huo unapokamilika taarifa za wahusika na wahujumu au wabadhirifu hufikishwa kwa Mkurugenzi wa Mashtaka kwa ajili ya kufunguliwa mashtaka mahakamani. <br /><br />Balozi Seif aliwahakikishia Wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi kwamba Serikali itachukuwa kila juhudi katika kuimarisha utendaji na uwajibikaji katika Taasisi za umma na kamwe haitowavumilia watendaji wazembe, wababaishaji, wezi na wabadhirifu kuchafua hatua za kuliletea maendeleo Taifa katika kufikia azma ya kuwa na maisha bora kwa wananchi wote ya kuwaondolea umasikini. <br /><br />Akizungumzia mradi wa Mkonga wa mawasiliano Nchini Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif alisema Serikali inakusudia kuendelea kutoa taaluma kwa watumishi wa umma na jamii kuhusu matumizi ya ICT ili kujenga jamii yenye muamko na uelewa wa masuala ya mtandao wa mawasiliano kwa maendeleo ya jamii na uchumi wa Taifa. <br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema kukamilika kwa mradi huo kutapunguza gharama kwa kiasi kikubwa za huduma za mtandao na mawasiliano na hivyo kuongeza ufanisi katika utoaji huduma na uzalishaji.<br /><br />Alisema hatua ya kuweka miundombinu ya Mkonga wa Mawasiliano inaendelea vyema na hivi sasa kazi zinazofanyika ni kufikisha miundombinu hiyo katika Wizara na Taasisi nyengine mbali mbali za Serikali. <br /><br />Alieleza kwa upande wa Ksiwa cha Unguja kazi hiyo imekwisha fanyika kwa asilimia 80 ya kazi yote iliyokusudiwa ya kufikisha huduma hiyo muhimu kwa Taasisi 84 zilizochaguliwa katika hatua ya awali wakati kwa upande wa Pemba kazi ya upimaji imeanza na wakati wowote uwekaji wa miundombinu ya mawasiliano itaanza.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alifahamisha kwamba Zanzibar itakuwa imepiga hatua kubwa katika eneo hili la Afrika Mashariki katika masuala ya mawasiliano hatua itakayoiweka Zanzibar katika ramani ya dunia ya kuwa na miundombinu ya ICT yenye uwezo wa kutoa huduma za mawasiliano ya elektroniki katika sekta mbali mbali.<br /><br /> Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alizitaja baadhi ya sekta hizo kuwa ni pamoja na afya, biashara, elimu, kilimo pamoja na uendeshaji wa Serikali (e-Government) na mawasiliano katika jamii (e-community).<br /><br />Akigusia kazi ya uandikishaji wa wapiga kura na uendelezaji wa Daftari la kudumu la wapiga kura inayoendelea hapa Zanzibar Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar amewapongeza wananchi wa Zanzibar kwa kushiriki katika kazi hii inayoendelea kwa amani na utulivu mkubwa, jambo ambalo limeipa nafasi Tume ya Uchaguzi kuendelea na kazi hiyo bila ya usumbufu wowote.<br /><br />Alisema katika awamu ya mwanzo, kazi ya uandikishaji imekamilika kwa Majimbo 32 ya Wilaya sita za Unguja na Majimbo 6 ya Wilaya nne za Pemba ambapo hivi sasa Tume ya uchaguzi Zanzibar inaendelea na kazi hiyo kwa Pemba na inatarajia kukamilisha kazi hiyo tarehe 4 Novemba mwaka 2013.<br /><br />Balozi Seif ametoa wito kwa wananchi wa Majimbo 12 yaliyobakia katika Wilaya ya Wete, Chake Chake na Mkoani Kisiwani Pemba kujitokeza kwa wingi kushiriki katika zoezi la uandikishaji na uendelezaji wa daftari la kudumu la wapiga kura.<br /><br />Wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi walijadili miswaada mine wa Sheria ambayo ni Mswada wa Sheria ya Kurekebisha Sheria mbali mbali za Ardhi na Mambo Mengine Yanayohusiana na hayo pamoja na Mswada wa Sheria wa kuanzisha Sheria ya Marekebisho ya Usimamizi wa Utoaji wa Leseni za Biashara na Mambo yanayohusiana na Hayo. <br /><br />Mengine ni Mswada wa Sheria ya Kufuta Sheria ya Biashara ya Zanzibar Nam. 4 ya 1989 na kuweka Sheria Mpya ya Biashara ili kuimarisha biashara Zanzibar na mambo yanayohusiana nayo pamoja na Mswada wa Sheria ya Kufuta na Kuandikwa Upya Sheria inayohusu Kampuni na Jumuiya nyengine, Kuweka Masharti Madhubuti Zaidi ya Uratibu na Udhibiti wa Kampuni, Jumuiya na Mambo Yanayohusiana na Hayo.<br /><br />Wajumbe hao pia walipokea na kujadili taarifa ya Serikali kuhusu utekelezaji wa mapendekezo ya Kamati Teule ya Baraza la Wawakilishi juu ya utendaji wa Shirika la Umeme (ZECO) na Baraza la Manispaa.<br /><br />Jumla ya maswali ya msingi 17 na maswali mengine 157 ya nyongeza yameulizwa na Waheshimiwa Wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi na kujibiwa na Mawaziri pampja na Manaibu Mawaziri katika Mkutano hujo wa Kumi na Tatu wa Baraqza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar.<br /><br />Kikao cha Baraza la Wawakilishi kimeahirishwa hadi Jumatano ya Tarehe 11 mwezi wa Disemba mwaka 2013 mnamo saa 3.00 za asubuhi.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Watendaji watakiwa kufanya kzai kwa mujibu wa sheria:Balozi Seif

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi amewasihi watendaji wote wa Taasisi za umma kufanya kazi kwa mujibu wa sheria za n...

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Kiongozi wa ujumbe wa Serikali ya Sahrjah Mhandisi Rashid Al Leem akizungumza na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi Ofisini kwake Vuga Mjini Zanzibar

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Un3EdNO53k/UmZin1OD-oI/AAAAAAAADsg/xoZNSOxHNIM/s1600/754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Un3EdNO53k/UmZin1OD-oI/AAAAAAAADsg/xoZNSOxHNIM/s640/754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dtdFnWMjrE/UmZiqnakdPI/AAAAAAAADso/f1fIHrAFsaY/s1600/762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8dtdFnWMjrE/UmZiqnakdPI/AAAAAAAADso/f1fIHrAFsaY/s640/762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AsJJWgUmfYY/UmZis7xqIxI/AAAAAAAADsw/vYJm6l6qSAk/s1600/765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AsJJWgUmfYY/UmZis7xqIxI/AAAAAAAADsw/vYJm6l6qSAk/s640/765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HndofQxExNQ/UmZiuQPhN2I/AAAAAAAADs4/f6IZ2Xz9Pyk/s1600/781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HndofQxExNQ/UmZiuQPhN2I/AAAAAAAADs4/f6IZ2Xz9Pyk/s640/781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8d1PAGZqbc/UmZiyGev-6I/AAAAAAAADtA/bPVXm0jRJMQ/s1600/787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8d1PAGZqbc/UmZiyGev-6I/AAAAAAAADtA/bPVXm0jRJMQ/s640/787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9Gu8Lw2VV0/UmZi081-c1I/AAAAAAAADtI/LDkDrspk0EE/s1600/791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9Gu8Lw2VV0/UmZi081-c1I/AAAAAAAADtI/LDkDrspk0EE/s640/791.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </div>

Kiongozi wa ujumbe wa Serikali ya Sahrjah Mhandisi Rashid Al Leem akizungumza na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi Ofisini kwake Vuga Mjini Zanzibar

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SMZ: Yaendelea kukaribisha wawekezaji

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar inaendelea kukaribisha wawekezaji vitega uchumi kutoka mashirika,Taasisi na Mataifa washirika katika mpango wake wa kuimarisha uchumi wake pamoja na kuongeza pato la Taifa sambamba na ustawi wa Wananchi wake.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alieleza hayo wakati akizungumza na Ujumbe wa Serikali ya Sharja ukiongozwa na Mkurugenzi wa Mamlaka ya Bandari Mhandisi Rashid Al Leem ambao upo Zanzibar kwa ziara ya siku mbili kuangalia mazingira ya uwekezaji Vitega Uchumi hapa Nchini.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Balozi Seif alisema Zanzibar imeanza harakati za kuujengea uwezo uchumi wake tokea mwanzoni mwa miaka ya 90 kwa kuimarisha miundo mbinu ili kuuwezesha uchumi wa Visiwa hivi kuacha kutegemea zao moja la karafuu.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema hatua hiyo ya Serikali imelenga kutoa fursa zaidi kwa washirika na Taasisi hizo kuunga mkono mpango huo kwa lengo la kuongeza nafasi za ajira kwa kupunguza umaskini miongoni mwa wananchi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“ Zanzibar ni eneo safi kimazingira katika masuala ya uwekezaji. Ni eneo na amani, likizunguukwa na mandhari nzuri ambazo muwekezaji anaweza kulitumia kwa uwekezaji wa miradi ya kiuchumi na maendeleo “. Alisisitiza Balozi Seif.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar aliueleza Ujumbe huo wa Serikali ya Sharjah kwamba Zanzibar pia ina mtazamo wa kuwa na shirika lake ya Ndege katika muelekeo wa kuongeza mapato zaidi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema Makampuni ya Sharjah kupitia wataalamu wake wana fursa ya kufanya utafiti wa kuingia ubia na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar katika uwekezaji wa sekta ya anga ambayo itasaidia kutoa huduma za usafiri ndani ya ukanda wa Mashariki na kusini mwa Bara la Afrika.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Balozi Seif alifahamisha kwamba Historia ya kibiashara inaonyesha kwamba Zanzibar imekuwa kituo kikuu cha biashara katika karne kadhaa zilizopita hali ambayo inaweza kurejea katika uhalisia wake endapo mipango hiyo itakamilika hapo baadaye.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Aliupongeza Ujumbe huo wa Serikali ya Sharjah kwa uwamuzi wake wa kuangalia mazingira ya uwekezaji hapa Zanzibar suala ambalo linaonyesha ushirikiano na uhusiano uliopo kati ya pande hizo mbili.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mapema Kiongozi wa Ujumbe huo Mkurugenzi wa Mamlaka ya Bandari ya Sharjah Mhandisi Rashid Al Leem alimuhakikishia Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif kwamba Sharjah itaongeza ushirikiano wake na Tanzania na Zanzibar kwa ujumla.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mhandisi Rashid alisema Serikali ya Sharjah iko tayari kutoa mafunzo mbali mbali kwa vijana wa Zanzibar, kuwekeza katika miradi tofauti pamoja na kuangalia uanzishwaji wa miradi ya pamoja kati ya mashirika na makampuni ya pande hizo mbili.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alifahamisha kwamba Zanzibar imefanikiwa vyema katika uimarishaji wa miundo mbali mbali inayotoa kichocheo kwa makampuni mbali mbali Duniani kushawishika kutaka kuwekeza miradi yao Nchini.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“ Zanzibar imeendelea vyema na miundo mbinu iliyojiwekea hasa katika sekta za ardhi na huduma za maji zinazotoa ushawishi kwa wawekezaji wa ndani na nje ya Zanzibar kuwa na hamu ya kutaka kuwekeza Vitega uchumi vyao “. Alifafanua Mhandisi Rashid Al Leem.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mkurugenzi huyo wa Mamlaka ya Bandari ya Sharjah alieleza kwamba Makampuni yapatayo 12,000 ya Nchi hiyo tayari yameshatia saini mikataba ya kuendeleza miradi katika mataifa tofauti Barani, Ulaya, Marekani, Asia ambapo Sudan iliyomo Barani Afrika imebahatika kupata miradi ya mafunzo tofauti.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ujumbe huo wa Viongozi Sita wa Serikali ya Sharjah umekuja Nchini kwa mualiko wa Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Mh. Mohammed Aboud Mohammed alipotembelea nchi hiyo hivi karibuni.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Othman Khamis Ame</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

SMZ: Yaendelea kukaribisha wawekezaji

Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar inaendelea kukaribisha wawekezaji vitega uchumi kutoka mashirika,Taasisi na Mataifa washirika katika mpa...

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African leaders, top scholars look at regional integration as key to Africa’s continuing growth and development

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The eighth African Economic Conference will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 28-30, 2013 under the theme “Regional Integration in Africa”. The conference is organized each year by the African Development Bank (AfDB) </span><span style="font-size: large;">, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the United <a href="http://www.afdb.org/">Nations Development</a> Programme (UNDP). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This year’s African Economic Conference will bring together top policy-makers, heads of state, leading researchers and experienced development practitioners from Africa and around the world to discuss issues arising from African countries’ efforts to pool resources and integrate their economies for the development of their regional and individual economies. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The conference will examine the efforts being made in different sectors and areas, including finance, road transport, power pools, water resource management, fiscal convergence and labour mobility. Discussions will focus on issues specific to middle-income countries and those peculiar to fragile states. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The 2013 AEC will also be discussing the constraints effective integration faces – the poorly developed network of regional infrastructure, especially in transport, energy and communications, and the unsuitable array of legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks, all of which cannot be ignored. Finally, delegates will look into solutions to facilitate regional integration.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The AEC will also provide a unique forum for in-depth presentations of policy-oriented research by both established academics and emerging talents from the continent.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).</span></div> </div>

African leaders, top scholars look at regional integration as key to Africa’s continuing growth and development

The eighth African Economic Conference will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 28-30, 2013 under the theme “Regional I...

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World of opportunity for African businesses, but vital to know the complexities, says DHL

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With the growth of the e-commerce industry and the increasing ease of conducting business electronically globally, it isn’t surprising that more businesses are choosing to trade across borders to take advantage of the revenue-generating potential that export and import of goods offers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">While there are numerous exciting business opportunities - as international markets continue to express interest in local African products / services and vice versa - international trade remains a complex process, which if not managed correctly, can create unfavourable situations for businesses and their partners, particularly small to medium enterprises trying to take advantage of the global market.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This is according to Oliver Facey, Vice-President of Operations at DHL Express Sub--Saharan Africa , who says that it is important for businesses to be aware of the diverse trade regulations, and implications of these, when moving shipments across the various borders in Africa and abroad.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Facey points to the latest World Bank Doing Business 2013 report which revealed that Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the largest improvement in the rankings from last year, as business regulatory practices in various countries converge and they narrow the gap with their European counterparts. However, the region is still the worst-performing, highlighting the challenges that local businesses face in terms of understanding document requirements and customs procedures.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As a result, businesses need to have an understanding of customs requirements applicable to their product’s origin and destination, in order to minimise any delay and extra costs at border clearance which could adversely affect their profits and expected transportation service levels.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Facey offers a few pointers to local businesses to assist with a smooth shipment process. “First and foremost, customs usually require the importer or exporter to register as an importer/exporter before transacting internationally. Following this, businesses need to ensure they have the correct paperwork.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Typical documents that are required includes certificates stating the proof of the products origin as some goods could attract preferred rates of duty depending on their country of origin. There are also goods that require inspection and release by other government agencies, such as The Health Department, so it is imperative to enquire whether the goods being shipped from specific countries require additional permits.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Invoices also need to be provided and these need to be in a specific format and include the purpose for the product (commercial or non-commercial) and the proof of their values. “Customs reserves the right to stop, detain and physically inspect any shipment entering or exiting the country. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">During this phase, they subject the clearance of the product to various checks, such as valuation, to determine whether the value paid to the supplier is infact the value declared for Customs purposes. There are legal, financial and service implications if these details do not correspond,” says Facey.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Commodities are coded by means of a tariff number and as a result, a Harmonised Tariff code will be assigned to the product, which is a code that determines the rate of duty payable on that specific commodity.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Another aspect to consider is whether there are any special requirements for the specific country the product is being shipped to, such as temporary imports / exports and restrictions”, says Facey. “There are prohibited and restricted goods that can only be shipped in and out of the country under a permit or license, such as plant products which require a phytosanitary certificate or medicine and scheduled substances which usually need a medical control council certificate.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Facey says that to further guarantee a smooth shipment process, for both the business and customer, it is vital for companies to ensure traceability and transparency in the transportation process.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Not only will this help keep the customer informed, but it will also assist the company prevent delays should there by a stoppage in the process. With the knowledge of a particular stoppage, a business can then help resolve the issue quickly and efficiently, as in some instances, the delay is likely solved by supplying extra data or forms.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The speed of delivery needed for the shipment also needs to be considered when assessing the company’s transportation needs. “Businesses must match the transport need to the needs of the customer, which can be categorised into the size, urgency, cost, speed and complexity of the shipment,” says Facey.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Due to the complexities of the procedures and processes, it is advisable to seek assistance from appropriate service providers that can support and advise according to a business’ individual needs. “This enables good local knowledge and the assistance with the clearance process and procedures. They will also ensure that all requirements are met and understood before shipping, as well as manage expectations and navigate customers through some time very difficult procedures.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“<a href="http://www.dhl.com/">By fully </a>understanding the processes and terminology involved with entering the different markets, African businesses can build a long-term foundation for even more successful international trade,” concludes Facey.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.</span></div> </div>

World of opportunity for African businesses, but vital to know the complexities, says DHL

With the growth of the e-commerce industry and the increasing ease of conducting business electronically globally, it isn’t surprising tha...

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Two Businesses from Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania Win Grants from the Agriculture Fast Track Fund

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A new call for applications for grants will be open in early November<br /><br /> “Two new applicants have been awarded grants under the Agriculture Fast Track Fund,” the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced today. This coincides with the celebration of the 2013 World Food Day.<br /><br /> </span><a href="http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/african-development-bank-2.png"><span style="font-size: large;">According</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> to Chiji Ojukwu, Director, Agriculture and Agro-Industry, “these awards are a demonstration of the extent to which African countries and their development partners are willing to go to propel the African agriculture transformation through enhanced development of agribusinesses in a manner that is more consistent with how business and investors really work.”<br /><br />The Agriculture Fast Track Fund (AFT) is a multilateral fund supported by USAID, the Swedish Agency for International Development (Sida) and the Danish International Development Agency (Danida). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Its aim is to enhance food security by assisting Africa’s agricultural sector to “transform innovative ideas into bankable investments”. Administered by the African Development Bank, the AFT funds the sponsors of public and private sector agriculture infrastructure investment projects to undertake the project preparation studies and analysis necessary to attract investment. The current donors’ pledges amount to US$ 26.8 million.<br /><br />The two new grantees—the National Federation of Food Production Cooperatives (FENACOVICI) of Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania-based Darsh Industries, a tomato processing company—have met all of the AFT grant requirements. They will now work with the AfDB to finalize the paper work that will lead to the release of the resources.<br /><br />FENACOVICI is a national apex organization of 11 food and agricultural cooperatives. The Federation plans to increase its members’ food production through investments in drip irrigation system and improve the marketing of this output with new fresh produce handing and food processing facilities. It will receive a grant of US$ 552,000 to cover the initial preparation.<br /><br />Darsh Industries is planning to set up a new tomato processing plant in Iringa, Tanzania with a daily processing capacity of 150 MT. The factory will purchase tomatoes from local farmers, who often struggle to access markets. In the past, lack of markets resulted in spoilage and market gluts that in turn led to depressed prices. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Darsh Industries will also offer extension services to farmers. The grant award of US$221,000 will enable the company finalize the preparatory work including a feasibility study and Environmental Impact Assessment.<br /></span><a href="http://www.afdb.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">These two new</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> grants follow on the successful completion of AFT’s first grants made to Bobo Dioulasso-based Fruiteq SA of Burkina Faso and Eden Tree Limited of Accra in May 2013, which are now fielding investors.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).</span></div> </div>

Two Businesses from Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania Win Grants from the Agriculture Fast Track Fund

A new call for applications for grants will be open in early November  “Two new applicants have been awarded grants under the Agriculture ...

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Rotary and UNESCO-IHE partnership leads to 16 new water scholars in October 2013, first year class embarks on 6-month research projects

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: center;"> <span id="yui_3_13_0_rc_1_1_1382168926939_29582" lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">After graduation in April 2014, the scholars’ expertise will be put to work improving water and sanitation conditions in Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana</span></em></strong></span></div> <div align="left" style="text-align: center;"> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif";"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.rotary.org/">Building</a> on the success of the Rotary </span><span style="font-size: large;">and UNESCO-IHE </span><span style="font-size: large;"> partnership to train future water leaders, the second class of students – 16 in total – began graduate studies this month at <a href="http://www.unesco-ihe.org/">UNESCO</a>-IHE Institute for Water Education, the premier postgraduate water education institution in the world. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The first class of Rotary sponsored scholars, who began their studies in October 2012, successfully completed their first year of an 18-month Masters of Science degree program at UNESCO-IHE, a United Nations Institute in Delft, The Netherlands. They are now embarking on a six-month thesis period. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">After graduation in April 2014, the scholars’ expertise will be put to work improving water and sanitation conditions in their own communities with projects the scholars and sponsoring Rotary members will design and implement together in their respective countries of Argentina, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Ghana.<br /><br />“Students finished a year of challenging class work and are beginning their 6-month research component on issues of water management,” said Michael McClain, professor at UNESCO-IHE. “After completion of their thesis projects, students will be ready to enter into the broader water management area and focus on the more important issues of bringing people, water, and economic development together,” said Dr. Michael McClain.<br /><br />“I will work at the National University as a lecturer and consultant, training future water professionals and contributing to public interests,” said Gonzalo Duró from Argentina, a student from the first Rotary/UNESCO-IHE class. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Based on the idea that the future generation is key to start a change in how humanity uses water in an increasingly challenging world, our plan is to build a traveling educational program to educate kids on water care.”</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />Through this unique partnership, Rotary is providing more than funds for scholarships. Rotary clubs and Rotary members are mentoring students both in their home country as well as during their stay at UNESCO-IHE in The Netherlands. These relationships and networks will enable the students to effectively implement their skills upon return to their home country.<br /><br />“These highly motivated individuals are fully committed to raising the standards of water sanitation in their home country,” said Henk Jaap Kloosterman, member of the Rotary Club of Voorburg-Vliet, The Netherlands. “With their dedication and with the support of the local and sponsoring Rotary clubs - they will deliver tangible results and save lives.”<br /><br />According to a joint report by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, about 2.5 billion people worldwide do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> About 884 million obtain water for drinking, cooking, and washing from unprotected sources. Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery, claim nearly two million lives a year, most of them children under age five. The continuous task of fetching water keeps millions of people, especially women and girls, from going to school and holding productive jobs. Improved water and sanitation is key to reversing this trend.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />"I am proud of the partnership between Rotary International and UNESCO-IHE in developing the capacities of young professionals in countries and regions where they are needed the most,” said András Szöllösi-Nagy, Rector of UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education. “Safe drinking water and appropriate sanitation are vital factors in human health and quality of life. But much knowledge and capacities are needed to build strong local and regional education and research environments and adequate institutions to enable sustainable change.”<br /> <br />“In Uganda, a number of water supply systems have collapsed due to poor design, poor operation and maintenance structure,” said Hilary Muhereza, one of the 16 scholars to start in October who plans to tackle the issue in her home country of Uganda. “There is a lack of technical expertise especially in flood risk management to mitigate the problem. Uganda lacks professionals in the water industry to work with new technologies and tools such as web based information and knowledge networks.”<br /><br />The Rotary Scholarships for Water and Sanitation Professionals was established in 2011 to address the world’s water and sanitation crisis and promote long-term productive relationships between Rotary members and highly skilled water and sanitation professionals in their communities. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Through this strategic partnership, The Rotary Foundation – the charitable arm of Rotary International – provides grants to Rotary clubs and districts to select and sponsor students each year for scholarships to any of three 18-month Master of Science degree programs at UNESCO-IHE including: MSc in Urban Water and Sanitation, MSc in Water Management, MSc in Water Science and Engineering.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Rotary International.</div> </span><div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> </div>

Rotary and UNESCO-IHE partnership leads to 16 new water scholars in October 2013, first year class embarks on 6-month research projects

After graduation in April 2014, the scholars’ expertise will be put to work improving water and sanitation conditions in Uganda, Nigeria, ...

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AfDB reports significant opportunities of shale gas production in Africa in a new publication

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">New shale gas extraction techniques could hold economic promise   for Africa - AfDB<br /><br />Several African countries have potentially viable shale gas deposits, which, if developed, could lead to lower gas prices, increased consumption of natural gas, reduced greenhouse gas emissions from power generation and substantial economic benefits to producer countries, finds a report launched today by the African Development Bank (AfDB) .<br /><br />Shale Gas and its Implications for Africa and the African Development Bank, examines both the positive and cautionary lessons that Africa can learn from the “shale gas revolution” – the recent explosion of shale gas production in the United States.<br /><br />The authors also conclude that the development and production of shale gas can present substantial environmental challenges. These include the large amounts of water required for extraction, water contamination, increased seismic activity and the venting and flaring of associated gas. Governments and the public must consider the most advantageous way to proceed before embarking on the full development of the resource, they stressed.<br /><br />“The African Development Bank is encouraged by the study’s findings in terms of the economic promise that new shale gas extraction techniques could hold for the region. At the same time, we cannot stress enough how important it is that production is accompanied by good environmental planning and management,” said Kurt Lonsway, AfDB manager of environment and climate change in the Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department.<br /><br />Shale Gas and its Implications reviews estimates that have been made for shale gas deposits in Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Mauritania, South Africa and the Western Sahara and highlights the challenges to their development. In a foreword to the report, AfDB President Donald Kaberuka, affirms the Bank’s willingness to support these and any other member countries and sub-regions that have shale gas prospects.<br /><br />Indeed, the study’s authors call for an “honest broker” role for the AfDB moving forward. The AfDB should work to ensure that governments with possible shale reserves are well informed and have access to reliable information on possible environmental consequences. This includes understanding possible solutions to these challenges, as well as grasping the legislative and regulatory actions needed to minimize risk.<br /></span><a href="http://www.afdb.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">AfDB </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">support could also come in the form of technical assistance loans and, in some cases, through the financing of infrastructure associated with shale gas development.<br /><br />To better understand the shale gas revolution’s relevance for African countries, the study also looks at the experience in the United States, where by 2012 production amounted to one-third of the country’s total gas output and where increased supplies of gas from shale have cut spot gas prices by more than half.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).</span></div> </div>

AfDB reports significant opportunities of shale gas production in Africa in a new publication

New shale gas extraction techniques could hold economic promise   for Africa - AfDB Several African countries have potentially viable shal...

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GENERAL MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This year’s observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty comes as the international community is pursuing twin objectives: intensifying efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals, and formulating the next set of goals to guide our efforts after we reach the MDG target date of 2015.  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This post-2015 agenda must have poverty eradication as its highest priority and sustainable development at its core. After all, the only way to make poverty eradication irreversible is by putting the world on a sustainable development path.<br /><br /> We have much work ahead. While poverty levels have declined significantly, progress has been uneven. Our impressive achievement in cutting poverty by half should not blind us to the fact that more than 1.2 billion people still live in extreme poverty worldwide. Too many, especially women and girls, continue to be denied access to adequate health care and sanitation, quality education and decent housing.  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Too many young people lack jobs and the skills that respond to market demands. Rising inequality in many countries -- both rich and poor -- is fueling exclusion from economic, social and political spheres, and we know that the impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity hit the poorest the hardest. All of this underpins the need for strong and responsive institutions.<br /><br />We need to do more to listen and act for those whose voices often go unheard – people living in poverty, and in particular among them indigenous people, the older persons and those living with disabilities, the unemployed, migrants and minorities. We need to support them in their struggle to escape poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families. <br /> <br />If we are to realize the future we want for all, we must hear and heed the calls of the marginalized. For the last year, the UN has been doing just that by spearheading an unprecedented global conversation on the world people want.  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">That dialogue must continue – and lead to the active and meaningful inclusion of people living in poverty -- as we chart a course to ending poverty everywhere. </span></div> </div>

GENERAL MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY

This year’s observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty comes as the international community is pursuing twin objec...

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Women for Change Award: two humanitarian projects in Africa led by women recognized

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Two projects to effect change for African women and girls received the Women for Change Award, which was created this year for the 9th Women’s Forum Global Meeting by Orange Foundation and the Women’s Forum, in partnership with Marie-Claire magazine. The award was created to train the spotlight on women who have effected change and driven growth, and to enable them to develop their humanitarian projects on behalf of women and girls.<br /><br />Following a selection process that included both Internet participation and live voting during the opening dinner of the Women’s Forum Global Meeting honouring the initiative, the Women for Change Award was given to Maria Raharinarivonirina, Madagascar, and Marie Nomo Messina, Cameroon, who were chosen from among the five women who presented their projects:</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />- Maria Raharinarivonirina / Madagascar: women working to improve and modernize rural life.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />The “SOS Children’s Villages of Madagascar” association aims to make the women of the Grand Sud of Madagascar independent through four new women’s homes.<br /><br />- Marie Nomo Messina / Cameroon: “hand in hand” in Cameroon.<br /><br />The “Hand in Hand” association takes in children who have been abandoned or who are in great distress at the Romulus & Remus centre, where they receive health care, education and the training they need for their social reintegration.<br /><br />- Anta Mbow / Senegal: hope for the girls of Dakar.<br /><br />The “Empire of Children” association, which is already working for the reintegration of disadvantaged Senegalese boys, is creating a centre for girls in serious social and familial difficulty.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />- Brigitte Michel / Mauritius: reinstilling confidence in vulnerable women.<br /><br />The “A.I.L.E.S.” association (aid, information, freedom, hope and solidarity) wants to broaden its activities on behalf of women who are former addicts and outlawed from society after drug withdrawal to build and strengthen their ability to work by helping them to create micro-enterprises in their homes.<br /><br />- Sarah Toumi / Tunisia: Tunisian women rebuilding their country </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br />“Acacialma”, a women’s cooperative in the village of Bir Salah, wants to strengthen women’s abilities and independence by developing economic activities led solely by women in a rural environment.<br /><br />These projects were presented on the <a href="http://www.fondationorange.com/">website</a> </div> </span><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />On Wednesday 16 October, during the opening dinner of the Women’s Forum Global Meeting in Deauville, attendees were given a presentation of the projects and were able to vote for their favourite one using a live, interactive NFC service (near field communication) set up at each table. Marie Nomo Messina (Cameroon) won the vote.<br /><br />Maria Raharinarivonirina and Marie Nomo Messina each received a grant of 25,000 euros for their projects. The Net users’ award was presented by Christine Albanel, Deputy Chairwoman of Orange Foundation, and Christine Leiritz, Editorial Director of Marie Claire magazine, while the “interactive opening dinner by Orange and the Woman’s Forum” award was presented by Véronique Morali, Chairwoman of the Women’s Forum for the Economy and Society.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange.</span></div> </div>

Women for Change Award: two humanitarian projects in Africa led by women recognized

Two projects to effect change for African women and girls received the Women for Change Award, which was created this year for the 9th Wom...

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