A focus on Universal Access to Immunization by 2020

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicil94daRecvpV7ms8xwpLfPIQzBDs1dbW3WjCloUVk3nn0lRzs8SNfWP3aUqi4Ijfoz_IadZFm_C8tcg8ndQEe3fZxL9O7jfH4rP7ujPAle-1hrSUCLYXumJ13bqANZhCqTzQxi9cXbtc/s1600/ama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicil94daRecvpV7ms8xwpLfPIQzBDs1dbW3WjCloUVk3nn0lRzs8SNfWP3aUqi4Ijfoz_IadZFm_C8tcg8ndQEe3fZxL9O7jfH4rP7ujPAle-1hrSUCLYXumJ13bqANZhCqTzQxi9cXbtc/s400/ama.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In 2012, all African nations made a promise to support children's health by setting a goal of Universal Access to Immunization by 2020. Ahead of the Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa this week in Addis Ababa, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on our common aspiration to achieve our goals. <br /><br />Thanks to immunizations, there has been a 55% reduction in child deaths in the past 25 years. The pneumococcal vaccine and the rotavirus vaccine offer us prevention tools for two of Africa's biggest killers of children: pneumonia and diarrhea. <br /><br />Vaccines are a cost-effective proven investment that spurs national development. Studies show that every dollar spent on immunization programs can provide economic returns up to sixteen times for a given country. Treating vaccine-preventable diseases places an enormous strain on public health systems by redirecting limited human and economic resources towards treatment instead of prevention. This does not even begin to account for the indirect loss of economic productivity output for adults seeking treatment for themselves or their children. <br /><br />Some African nations have made incredible progress towards this universal access to immunization. Rwanda has achieved close to 100% immunization rates; Tanzania has achieved close to 98% coverage. My own country, Senegal, has made good progress, with vaccine coverage rates hovering around 89%. <br /><br />These successes are only possible with strong country ownership and political will. In order to reach our health targets across the continent, we must commit to the most cost-effective child health intervention: immunization. <br /><br />In September 2015, during the 11th meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, alongside the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations, I committed to support the Africa United campaign, a communications platform that catalyzes political and sports leadership to take action on the critical health issues the continent faces. Africa United promotes health systems strengthening and recently launched « Every Shot Counts », a campaign which highlights universal access to immunization as an effective and efficient way to reduce child mortality in Africa. <br /><br />As we move towards the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is essential for us to prioritize health for every child, even in the most remote village. The Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa, the first ever conference of its kind, represents a key moment for us to catalyze support and hold ourselves accountable to ensure we make universal immunization a reality. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Africa United.</span></div> </div>

A focus on Universal Access to Immunization by 2020

In 2012, all African nations made a promise to support children's health by setting a goal of Universal Access to Immunization by 20...

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Africa Mining Vision Compact between business and host governments launched

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5tlWFIjMhqJicuBjex8maJuLpdAiLzPJlOCVe9JoIW1SuDHVCOI1uXZmvjb51B9eTVuj8p8H4n48iuDHZAQAHH5OoFhTP5RG3tJlwVphIJcRjxwQQyq3OVK6FnR-t36Nij9nFOyQbC18/s1600/amac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5tlWFIjMhqJicuBjex8maJuLpdAiLzPJlOCVe9JoIW1SuDHVCOI1uXZmvjb51B9eTVuj8p8H4n48iuDHZAQAHH5OoFhTP5RG3tJlwVphIJcRjxwQQyq3OVK6FnR-t36Nij9nFOyQbC18/s400/amac.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">At Cape Town’s annual Mining Indaba, the launch of an Africa Mining Vision (AMV) <a href="http://www.africaminingvision.org/">Compact</a><a href="http://www.africaminingvision.org/"> between </a>African governments and mining companies has been announced.<br /><br />Frank Dixon Mugyenyi, Senior Trade Advisor of the Department of Trade and Industry in the Africa Union Commission (AUC) delivered the keynote speech on behalf of H.E. Mrs Fatima Acyl at a specially hosted dinner hosted on Tuesday evening.<br /><br />“This Compact is a concrete step forward in aligning key interests around the implementation of Africa Mining Vision with those of the business community,” read the Commissioner’s speech. “The goal of the Compact is to strengthen trust and mutual understanding of challenges as well as opportunities for implementing the Africa Mining Vision.”<br /><br />The Compact outlines a number of commitments and undertakings by host governments and mining companies to realise the benefits outlined in the Africa Mining Vision. Its launch was acknowledged by Mr Simon Tuma Waku on behalf of the Mining Industry Association of South Africa (MIASA), representing Chambers of Mines from across the SADC region, who also addressed the dinner audience.<br /><br />“The Compact which we are launching today contains a set of standards that would serve as a benchmark for companies and governments to assess performance, resulting in robust policies that cover a range of principles,” read Mr Mugyenyi. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of African Mineral Development Centre. </span></div> </div>

Africa Mining Vision Compact between business and host governments launched

At Cape Town’s annual Mining Indaba, the launch of an Africa Mining Vision (AMV) Compact between African governments and mining compani...

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Tagattitude is recognized for its digital banking platform at the Remittance & Mobile Money Expo, in Lagos, Nigeria

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfGC2Vpkz9n4zEagqesVZPCUyCvls4X4QdPNAAorAoU0A6yz-LpJH7HgdQkQUmkwKbtA02JqiSirLumpYEz3HL6NSTubvYfRyC7cgYD2P12Wm0djfocQRrhZJd1kOp8bIK6YyDFR2BZJ/s1600/tan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgftfGC2Vpkz9n4zEagqesVZPCUyCvls4X4QdPNAAorAoU0A6yz-LpJH7HgdQkQUmkwKbtA02JqiSirLumpYEz3HL6NSTubvYfRyC7cgYD2P12Wm0djfocQRrhZJd1kOp8bIK6YyDFR2BZJ/s400/tan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Tagattitude (en.TagPay.fr), the innovative French FinTech, has won a Kalahari Award for its digital banking platform, TagPay at the 6th Remittance and Mobile Money Expo (mobilemonetexpo.org), held in Lagos, Nigeria.<br /><br />The award recognizes TagPay as the best technology enabler platform. With Near Sound Data Transfer Technology at its core, the TagPay platform can turn any mobile device into a payment tool, without changing its hardware or software. Be it a feature phone or a smartphone, the end-client can save, send and spend his money freely, right at his fingertips.<br /><br />Financial service providers use TagPay to offer financial services directly on their clients’ mobile phones, thanks to a wide variety of channels, including IVR, the web and sound. With this specific channel, there is no need to depend on the USSD channel controlled by mobile network operators to process mobile transactions.<br /><br />The TagPay digital banking platform manages all of the transactions that a bank needs: P2P money transfer, salary disbursement, bill payment, and transactions at the point of sale. TagPay also manages the entire branchless banking agent network, making it possible to follow and control all operations in real-time from headquarters.<br /><br />Yves Eonnet, Tagattitude’s CEO, received the award in Lagos, saying that it “was a great honor. The award recognizes the impact that TagPay’s technology can have in building new financial service ecosystems in Africa. We have built TagPay, bringing the best technology to the table, in order to help financial institutions reach their financial inclusion goals.”<br /><br />Yves Eonnet presented the case study of the Trust Merchant Bank, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Trust Merchant Bank’s mobile financial service, Pepele Mobile, powered by TagPay, helps the bank reach the last mile and bank the vast unbanked populations of the country.<br /><br />The Kalahari Awards were presented at the 6th Remittance and MobileMoneyExpo in Lagos, Nigeria. Emmanuel Okoegwale, Principal Associate of Mobile Money Expo, oversaw the awards. “We congratulate all of the award winners today and it is our sincere hope that the honor will inspire better innovation in 2016 and beyond,” he said. “MobileMoneyAfrica is proud to be celebrating the 6th Kalahari awards, which celebrates innovative leaders in e-commerce, payments, remittances and mobile financial services.” <br /><br />The Kalahari awards are dedicated to acknowledging creativity, commitment and excellence in the digital payments and remittance industry across Africa. The awards are given to organizations that have made significant contributions to the remittance and mobile financial services sector by making financial services more affordable and more available, thereby creating impactful developments in Africa.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Tagattitude. <br /></span></div> </div>

Tagattitude is recognized for its digital banking platform at the Remittance & Mobile Money Expo, in Lagos, Nigeria

Tagattitude (en.TagPay.fr), the innovative French FinTech, has won a Kalahari Award for its digital banking platform, TagPay at the 6th ...

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Bahrain Introduces eVisas for Eleven African Countries

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUJ1_nINneotjsQFnKUZmSdA2BVm14ZRNdLXc0cJZ_eMhgcW7EeVK6diBT32aaPHASGMfz5eCOloDaNsQAt2TlKS8J5pIG2HRLpEWxLF6C4urthLDP8ciB_w-m1rbXom7A_ecVQ_WJVBF/s1600/bahareni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUJ1_nINneotjsQFnKUZmSdA2BVm14ZRNdLXc0cJZ_eMhgcW7EeVK6diBT32aaPHASGMfz5eCOloDaNsQAt2TlKS8J5pIG2HRLpEWxLF6C4urthLDP8ciB_w-m1rbXom7A_ecVQ_WJVBF/s400/bahareni.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Bahrain has introduced eVisas to visitors from eleven African countries, marking the third phase of the Kingdom's new visa policy. <br /><br />The new phase allows nationals from Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Cameroon, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritius and Seychelles to obtain their visas online ahead of travel, via the government's <a href="http://www.evisa.gov.bh/">eVisa</a>. <br /><br />The new visa policy was introduced in October 2014 and allowed nationals from over 100 countries to obtain a visa either online ahead of travel, via Bahrain's government eVisa website, or upon arrival. <br /><br />In April 2015, a second phase was introduced enabling both business visitors and tourists to spend longer periods of time in the Kingdom. The new policy dictates that business visas are multi-entry and valid for up to a month, whilst visitor visas are valid for three months and are also multi-entry. <br /><br />GCC residents of any nationality are eligible to receive multi-entry visas on arrival or online making it easier for expatriates living in the region to travel to Bahrain. Furthermore, nationals from countries that are not included in the countries eligible for eVisas or visas on arrival can still apply for eVisas if they have a visit visa for any other GCC country. <br /><br />Commenting on the new phase, Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs at Bahrain's Ministry of Interior, said: <br /><br />"The addition of the African countries to Bahrain's progressive visa policy is a significant step forward to providing easier access into Bahrain for all visitors. The addition of these important African economies will help to support the business and tourism sectors in the Kingdom and hopefully those of the wider GCC region. <br /><br />"Bahrain is home to several expatriate African communities and we look forward to welcoming the friends and families of those living in the Kingdom and to showcasing Bahrain's successful business environment and rich cultural heritage." <br /><br />Mr. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB), added: <br /><br />"Bahrain has been recognised as having the freest economy in the Middle East and North Africa by the Heritage Foundation's 2016 Index of Economic Freedom. The new developments in the visa policy are essential to maintaining this position and play a crucial role in making Bahrain the regional business hub that it is, <br /><br />"With specific strengths in the sectors of Financial Services, ICT, Tourism, Manufacturing and Logistics, Bahrain has much to offer international firms looking to do business in the region. The Kingdom's strategic geographic location and competitive advantages make us an ideal place from which to launch operations in the wider GGC market, currently valued at $1.6 trillion and expected to reach $2 trillion by 2020." <br /><br />In 2015, over 190,000 visitors from the 11 African countries visited the Kingdom, an increase of 16% from 2014. <br /><br />The new policy is also being accompanied by improvements to the individual screening process, ensuring faster and more effective processing of applications. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of The Bahrain EDB.</span></div> </div>

Bahrain Introduces eVisas for Eleven African Countries

Bahrain has introduced eVisas to visitors from eleven African countries, marking the third phase of the Kingdom's new visa policy. T...

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Teresa Clarke Joins Cim Financial Services' Board of Directors

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YJ3SOEA27S9HHYSKJcmqzSgw_bu__rBxQ-6GFXBqSE8h4yje-088QzHfpxG1N9xsuI5u9gMePkJdY1blYxg0627bDu63bBfAmtv5NsqbS2YZefHKBju3IxsdTekaITyXTtot-t6dqxpM/s1600/tesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YJ3SOEA27S9HHYSKJcmqzSgw_bu__rBxQ-6GFXBqSE8h4yje-088QzHfpxG1N9xsuI5u9gMePkJdY1blYxg0627bDu63bBfAmtv5NsqbS2YZefHKBju3IxsdTekaITyXTtot-t6dqxpM/s400/tesa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Cim Financial Services Ltd (Group) today announced that Teresa Clarke, founding chairman and CEO of Africa.com, has been elected to Cim Financial Services' board of directors.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Clarke founded Africa.com in 2010, and has driven it to be one of the world's largest Africa-related websites providing news and information on all 54 countries in Africa. Previously she served as a managing director in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs, where she led corporate finance and merger transactions for Fortune 500 companies. She was the first black woman to serve as a managing director in investment banking at Goldman Sachs. She continues to serve on President Obama's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa, and the boards of the Student Sponsorship Programme of South Africa, Friends of the Legal Resources Centre (South Africa), and the African Leadership Network. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. <br /><br />"Teresa is one of today's pioneers in doing business in Africa with over 20 years of experience on the continent. We are excited to welcome her to Cim's board of directors," said Tim Taylor, Cim Financial Services' chairman. "We believe her strong experience in financial services and vast set of relationships will be extremely valuable as CIm continues to expand its businesses on the African continent." <br /><br />"I am very impressed with the Cim Group's global standards of service and adoption of international best practices. The leadership team, on both the board and management levels, are dynamic, well seasoned, and demonstrate integrity as a core corporate value," said Clarke. "I am honored to be joining this board, and look forward to working with this team for whom I have so much respect." <br /><br />Clarke graduated from Harvard College with a BA in Economics cum laude, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a JD from Harvard Law School. She has been recognized as one of the Network Journal's 25 Most Influential Women in Business and has been honored twice by the government of South Africa for her contributions in the field of education as the founder of the Student Sponsorship Programme of South Africa. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Africa.com.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Teresa Clarke Joins Cim Financial Services' Board of Directors

Cim Financial Services Ltd (Group) today announced that Teresa Clarke, founding chairman and CEO of Africa.com, has been elected to Cim ...

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Mobile Devices Become a New Target for Spam and Malware Attacks

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0RoiAr3XewaBQSHGsLpmK1hvJ_NzcvXTFYSVxEu6X6RFJvYjMSHfz3rxEv6FOFnABSzuNj0R28ts6bV-ori1Xg5ueG9VXpNhRQyD8flgSEy3nv1CFVZJeGc-ibKF_rJK9vsoEcGtimRC/s1600/kes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0RoiAr3XewaBQSHGsLpmK1hvJ_NzcvXTFYSVxEu6X6RFJvYjMSHfz3rxEv6FOFnABSzuNj0R28ts6bV-ori1Xg5ueG9VXpNhRQyD8flgSEy3nv1CFVZJeGc-ibKF_rJK9vsoEcGtimRC/s400/kes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">According to the latest Kaspersky Lab Security <a href="http://www.kaspersky.co.za/">Bulletin</a>, the volume of spam emails in 2015 decreased to 55.28% of overall email traffic – a fall of 11.48% on the previous year. The significant slump in spam emails can be attributed to the increasing popularity of legal advertising platforms on social networks, coupon clipping service and etc.<br /><br />Among other trends identified in the Kaspersky Lab spam report are the following. Over three quarters (79%) of all emails sent were less than 2kb, which shows a steady decrease in email size for spam campaigns over the past few years. Financial institutions such as banks, payment systems and online shops were attacked most often with phishing emails (34.33%, a rise of 5.59%).<br /><br />In 2015, cybercriminals continued to send out fake emails from mobile devices and notifications from mobile apps containing malware or advertising messages. New tactics included fraudsters spreading malware in the form of .apk (Android executive files) and .jar (ZIP archives containing a programme in Java). In addition, cybercriminals masked a mobile encryption Trojan behind a file containing updates for Flash Player. After launching, the malware encrypted images, documents and video files stored on the device with users receiving a message telling them to pay a fee in order to decrypt the files.<br /><br />“The increased use of mobile devices in our everyday life to exchange messages and data, as well as access and control bank accounts, has also resulted in increased exploitation opportunities for cybercriminals. Mobile malware and fraudulent spam is becoming more popular and efforts to dupe victims are becoming more sophisticated year on year, with the emergence of apps that can be used by cybercriminals both directly (for sending out spam, including malicious spam) and indirectly (via phishing emails).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Mobile device users therefore need to be on their guard and remain vigilant, as cybercriminal activities in this area are only likely to increase, along with our reliance on devices”, warns Daria Loseva, Spam Analysis Expert at Kaspersky Lab.<br /><br />The US remained the biggest source of spam (15.2%), with second place taken by Russia (6.15%) and China making way for Vietnam in third spot (6.12%). Germany was the biggest victim with 19.06% of spam attacks – a 9.84% increase on 2014, followed by Brazil at 7.64% which posted a 4.09% increase and moved up from sixth place in 2014. Russia moved up to third place from eighth, an increase of 3.06% to 6.03% of all spam attacks in 2015.<br /><br />Hot spam topics of the year:<br /><br />“Nigerian” fraud used the Ukrainian political situation, the Syrian civil war, the election in Nigeria and the earthquake in Nepal to exploit the kindness and empathy of recipients with believable email content. These emails contained content calling for material support for a person in need.<br /><br />Although the Olympic games in Brazil has yet to take place, fraudsters have already started to exploit the event, sending emails announcing false lottery wins and asking the recipient to fill in a form with their personal details. In these attacks, emails with pdf attachments, pictures and other graphical elements were designed to fool the <a href="http://www.apo.af/jRCIol">spam</a> filters. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Kaspersky. </span></div> </div>

Mobile Devices Become a New Target for Spam and Malware Attacks

According to the latest Kaspersky Lab Security Bulletin , the volume of spam emails in 2015 decreased to 55.28% of overall email traffic...

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Gobal Crowdfunding Portal Launches Call For Applications To Entrepreneurs In Africa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-L-HYN0fjqj5J0aUoyGhIXTOw1v47V8k7cEtRlcVrfhX9aNy2AmQEBOZ0ctZY8eMwVgRewShV_BAl0yTpmY3TGnV_euNWCKv6u52oUcugP51pYAxGkyVGQbcTtBSTcbBp4N2Qt4Ak1zH/s1600/neku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-L-HYN0fjqj5J0aUoyGhIXTOw1v47V8k7cEtRlcVrfhX9aNy2AmQEBOZ0ctZY8eMwVgRewShV_BAl0yTpmY3TGnV_euNWCKv6u52oUcugP51pYAxGkyVGQbcTtBSTcbBp4N2Qt4Ak1zH/s400/neku.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Access to finance is a challenge for entrepreneurs across the world. In Africa, entrepreneurship and innovation are said to be the key to development. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) are the primary job creation engine in Africa, accounting for over 95% of firms and 60%-70% of employment. However, SME's on the continent report access to finance as the biggest obstacle to growth. There is no lack of good ideas. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Yet, young African entrepreneurs struggle to access the funds needed to bring their ideas and businesses to scale. Malaik, a global portal for high impact investing in African businesses, today launched a call for applications to African entrepreneurs with impact focused businesses. The portal offers opportunities for the global crowd to invest in Africa's growth story. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />"Africa is brimming with entrepreneurs with growing high impact businesses that could not only positively impact Africa, but the world, "said Neku Atawodi, founder and CEO OF Malaik. Access to finance has always been a tough challenge to overcome and people have typically not wanted to invest in African businesses as they have historically been considered too risky. However, the African narrative is changing for the better and the continent's exponential growth in the last decade shows that an investment in impact focused African businesses can yield high returns." <br /><br />Since the launch of the portal, Malaik has fully funded its first company i-Drop water to the tune of over a quarter of a million dollars and has been chosen to demo its unique innovation on stage at one of Europe's largest technology in finance conferences FinovateEurope 2016 in London from the 9th-10th of February. FinovateEurope is one of the biggest financial conferences in Europe and attracts the most notable players in financial services technology from across the world. Malaik will be the only African company demo'ing at the conference. <br /><br />"Young companies all over Africa face a scarcity of funds to fuel their growth," said Atawodi. "Apart from banks and occasional angel investors, there is often nowhere to turn. Malaik is turning this crisis into an opportunity for start-ups and investors alike by offering stakes in young African companies to the crowd. Our unique impact tracker means that investors can track their investments' impact on the platform." <br /><br />Entrepreneurs across Africa are encouraged to submit their applications to join the Malaik platform as an opportunity to raise funds for their businesses. Open to start-ups with high impact, innovative, original and diverse ideas ready for potential investment. On passing Malaik's due diligence, start ups now have the opportunity to attract a diverse crowd of investors and supporters via equity finance. Details on how to apply can be found at: www.malaik.com. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Africa United.</span></div> </div>

Gobal Crowdfunding Portal Launches Call For Applications To Entrepreneurs In Africa

Access to finance is a challenge for entrepreneurs across the world. In Africa, entrepreneurship and innovation are said to be the key t...

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Universal SIM-based digital identity solution will improve security and convenience in the online economy

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIl8gBB5rDMzKAX3lcsfPdLWqjDMzEcXJQDePZSFYb7BoVA9p2Dxu1473AUJOAWpQr1dL2vKIYcg6oL7tO4P31Fhf20e-ITISDqwfADwtaGTpuznJNb6PSlH3PbDRPLD5A2X34_iVwvLjZ/s1600/mtn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIl8gBB5rDMzKAX3lcsfPdLWqjDMzEcXJQDePZSFYb7BoVA9p2Dxu1473AUJOAWpQr1dL2vKIYcg6oL7tO4P31Fhf20e-ITISDqwfADwtaGTpuznJNb6PSlH3PbDRPLD5A2X34_iVwvLjZ/s400/mtn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, has been selected to provide its LinqUs Mobile ID platform to <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/">MTN</a> Nigeria. This new project, operated for MTN in SaaS mode by Gemalto Allynis Services, marks the first commercial rollout of SIM based services delivering convenient mobile authentication for all mobile users. Compliant with the latest GSMA standards, Mobile Connect, ‘MTN Token’ is available immediately to MTN Nigeria’s 70 million subscribers and positions the operator as the country’s foremost provider of secure digital identification and authentication.<br /><br />MTN Token offers their users a universal digital ID combined with a mobile-based second factor authentication, for easy and secure web service access, payments and financial transactions validation. When using MTN Token for eCommerce, banking, insurance, ePublic and corporate networks services, the user’s mobile phone number is employed as the username. Depending on the level of protection required by the service provider, the process is completed by simply pressing OK on the handset, or entering a unique user-selected PIN code.<br /><br />Any service provider in Nigeria can now easily adopt MTN Token services to dramatically strengthen protection of online services against identity theft and cybercrime. It also enables the operator to offer a convenient digital journey to its customers, removing complex registration and log-in processes, while sparing them the hassle of remembering new username/password combinations.<br /><br />MTN Token leverages the secure SIM vault, creating a trusted environment for sensitive data and transactions, without the initial infrastructure investment required by in-house implementations.<br /><br />“With the launch of MTN Token, we are the first private provider of secure online identity and positioned as a warrant of digital ID and authentication in Nigeria,” said A'isha Umar Mumuni, General Manager, Products & Innovation at MTN Nigeria. “As our network of service providers adopting MTN Token grows, the solution will deliver significant reductions in fraud whilst easing the frustration often experienced by consumers on their digital journeys.”<br /><br />“The long-established partnership between MTN Nigeria and Gemalto is the perfect foundation for this ground-breaking project,” said Eric Claudel, President for Middle East & Africa at Gemalto. “Bridging the gap between security and convenience, Mobile Connect represents the future of user authentication. It also fully supports operators in monetizing new value added services”. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Gemalto. <br /></span></div> </div>

Universal SIM-based digital identity solution will improve security and convenience in the online economy

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, has been selected to provide its LinqUs Mobile ID platform to...

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The Entrepreneur Club for start-ups in Africa and the Middle East

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9TwuV9RNLHNLlOIYrUcX8299xjI3znsXzEkqYy86T7UOwoct3DLMCKJWX6v6uCjVG4YrPEc4Oe8u2VgW6ampT3UxLecUFL0E3_MehOdzZ_0SbtYWxCAvWOTxnZJXy_W4zFWSh792cMKO/s1600/orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9TwuV9RNLHNLlOIYrUcX8299xjI3znsXzEkqYy86T7UOwoct3DLMCKJWX6v6uCjVG4YrPEc4Oe8u2VgW6ampT3UxLecUFL0E3_MehOdzZ_0SbtYWxCAvWOTxnZJXy_W4zFWSh792cMKO/s400/orange.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.orange.com/">Orange</a> is launching the Entrepreneur Club, a new space for information in French and English devoted to entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East. <a href="http://entrepreneurclub.orange/">The</a> website is a source of information for entrepreneurs that puts them in touch with a variety of instruments from Orange that support entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneur Club also provides practical information and tools for company creation.<br /><br />Orange supports start-ups in Africa and the Middle East<br /><br />Entrepreneurs in Africa and the Middle East are contributing to their countries’ development and reputation. Orange collaborates with them on a daily basis by giving them access to quality voice and data services. Orange also supports small and medium companies in the region as part of its policy of corporate social responsibility, for example through the Orange Prize for the social entrepreneur in Africa and by working with a number of local incubators (CTIC in Senegal, CIPMEN in Niger, etc.).<br /><br />A single window towards support by Orange<br /><br />The Entrepreneur Club redirects the entrepreneur towards ecosystem instruments suited to his or her situation. For example, the entrepreneur can find pertinent information on numerous aspects of his or her business, including the legal environment, how-to sheets, best practices, tips and video verbatims.<br /><br />Some entrepreneurs need the support, hosting and coaching that incubators provide, others want to improve their payment options with Orange’s APIs, still others are looking for financing. In addition to Orange’s local B2B services, the Net surfer is introduced to Imagine with Orange, Orange Partner, Orange Developer, Orange Fab and Orange Digital Ventures.<br /><br />A survival kit for entrepreneurs<br /><br />The business entrepreneur has to respond to a variety of questions, depending on the maturity of his or her start-up. At Entrepreneur Club, experienced entrepreneurs from Africa and the Middle East talk about the problems they have encountered and what they do to overcome them. Specialized journalists and lawyers contribute technical articles and practical advice in easy-to-understand language. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange. </span></div> </div>

The Entrepreneur Club for start-ups in Africa and the Middle East

Orange is launching the Entrepreneur Club, a new space for information in French and English devoted to entrepreneurs in Africa and the...

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Jumia and AXA partner to provide insurance products and services to African customers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-phJrDge8w6y93ld29XdPvKv2wddApefc1kOJqQdELHrOY2m8pKKENlChbGds9Q99RgCdYgB4qCuweMH7VUAX8PGuLfHgT1e4lPpxvPsWjgG1AUpcmrkn-9i__X66_mp-PCDdMXKTsl4R/s1600/jua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-phJrDge8w6y93ld29XdPvKv2wddApefc1kOJqQdELHrOY2m8pKKENlChbGds9Q99RgCdYgB4qCuweMH7VUAX8PGuLfHgT1e4lPpxvPsWjgG1AUpcmrkn-9i__X66_mp-PCDdMXKTsl4R/s400/jua.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Africa Internet Group (<a href="http://africainternetgroup.com/">“AIG</a>”) , a leading e-commerce group in Africa, and <a href="http://www.axa.com/">AXA</a>, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, today announced a partnership whereby AXA will become the exclusive provider of insurance products and services through Jumia and other AIG online and mobile platforms in Africa. Going forward, AXA’s African insurance companies plan to propose custom-made insurance products to <a href="http://www.jumia.com/">Jumia </a> and AIG’s e-commerce client base through its ecosystem of marketplaces and classifieds services.<br /><br />As part of the partnership, AXA will also become a shareholder of AIG, along with MTN, Rocket Internet and Millicom. AXA and Jumia view Africa as a fast developing market for financial services and insurance products, benefitting from strong fundamentals such as low penetration rates, rise in middle class, urbanization as well as the youth of its population. “Internet is creating unparalleled opportunities for consumers and businesses in Africa to connect and do business in a new way. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We continue to be very excited about the growth prospects of Jumia and this new partnership will enable us to capture them,” said Sacha Poignonnec and Jeremy Hodara, founders and co-CEOs of Jumia and AIG. “We expect Africa’s e-commerce and online businesses to develop rapidly as a result of the strong growth of the middle class coupled with the increasing mobile phone and internet penetration.<br /><br />With Rocket Internet’s extensive background in online business models, MTN as leading mobile carrier with its broad African presence, and now the partnership with AXA in insurance products and services, we are in a great position to continue to innovate and connect businesses to the fast growing consumer demand.” "This transaction confirms AXA's long-term commitment towards the African markets and represents another step in our development on the continent. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Africa is home to some of the most dynamic and promising insurance markets in the world and our partnership with Africa Internet Group will enable us to accelerate materially our development by having access to their rich customer base and to their state-of-the-art e-commerce technology. Going forward, we aim to enable African consumers to better access insurance solutions to create sustainable financial well-being throughout their lives and those of their dependants", added Denis Duverne, Deputy CEO of AXA. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As a result of the transaction, AXA will invest Euro 75 million and own approximately 8% of the capital of AIG. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the closing of the previous investment round, and is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2016<br /><br />The additional capital contributed by AXA will further strengthen the balance sheet and support AIG’s continued growth. Jumia, AIG’s main subsidiary, is currently present in 11 African markets and grew its transaction volume (GMV) by 265% during first 9 months of 2015 to reach Euro 206 million. Jumia is part of broader ecosystem of services providing opportunities for local African businesses to do business with the fast-growing African consumers and middle class.<br /><br />Other services include Kaymu, a leading online shopping community, as well as leading marketplaces in food delivery (Hellofood), travel (Jovago) and leading classifieds in real estate (Lamudi), jobs (Everjobs) and cars (Carmudi). <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Jumia. </span></div> </div>

Jumia and AXA partner to provide insurance products and services to African customers

Africa Internet Group ( “AIG ”) , a leading e-commerce group in Africa, and AXA , a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, ...

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International Forum on Islamic Finance (IFIF) gathers powerhouses from across global Islamic finance industry

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffXQSz5Zuh0V-XAA2X0MwLJU46-rJp2L6yz__P_qaCroK_dCuQmxac_txE1N-JDVf0GNKq86wuRrwGa2BmR6o1cxWNCDbzElfureRPXZoGxputTpk0b0-6yzMqb9kekUtJ_Q_ttotBRh6/s1600/suad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffXQSz5Zuh0V-XAA2X0MwLJU46-rJp2L6yz__P_qaCroK_dCuQmxac_txE1N-JDVf0GNKq86wuRrwGa2BmR6o1cxWNCDbzElfureRPXZoGxputTpk0b0-6yzMqb9kekUtJ_Q_ttotBRh6/s400/suad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Islamic banking leaders and dignitaries from across Africa and the Middle East gathered today at the 2nd annual International Forum on Islamic Finance (IFIF 2016). Held under the patronage of the Government of the Republic of the Sudan, the Central Bank of Sudan and the Ministry of Finance & Economic Planning - and in strategic partnership with the Bank of Khartoum - IFIF 2016 hosted 200 dignitaries, central bank representatives, Ministers, C-level bankers, thought leaders and experts who gathered at the Al Salam Rotana Hotel in Khartoum to deliberate on strategies to enable Islamic finance gain prominence and spur economic growth across Africa. <br /><br />Delivering keynote addresses to a packed audience were Fadi Al Faqih (CEO of Bank of Khartoum), Musaed Mohammed Ahmed (Head of Sudan's Banks Union), H.E. Abdelrahman Hassan Abdelrahman Hashim (Governor of the Central Bank of Sudan), H.E. Badr El-Din Mahmoud Abbas (Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Republic of the Sudan) and H.E. Bakri Hassan Salih (First Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan). <br /><br />The conveners of IFIF, Middle East Global Advisors - a renowned intelligence platform serving the Middle East North Africa Southeast Asia (MENASEA) region for 22 years - gathered a powerful line-up of speakers including Dr. Anindya Ghose, Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, who was named Business Week's "Top 40 Professors Under 40 Worldwide". <br /><br />Dr. Ghose will speak on the impact of social media on banking and shared that: "Industries and markets are being transformed by a growing shared technology infrastructure. Indeed, Africa is emerging as an inspiring hub of innovation for social media in the banking sector, enabling unbanked individuals in Africa to access risk averse financing through Islamic banking." <br /><br />Dr. Ghose continued: "The International Forum on Islamic Finance (IFIF) is an outstanding platform to help build awareness of Africa's digital media proposition in the context of Islamic finance's push for financial inclusion across the continent." <br /><br />Another key highlight of Day 1 of IFIF was the exclusive launch of the much-awaited Sudan Islamic Finance report. The report was produced by the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) and the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI), in collaboration with the Bank of Khartoum. The ground-breaking report provides substantive due diligence on the opportunities for Islamic financial and non-financial services in Sudan. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of The International Forum on Islamic Finance (IFIF).</span></div> </div>

International Forum on Islamic Finance (IFIF) gathers powerhouses from across global Islamic finance industry

Islamic banking leaders and dignitaries from across Africa and the Middle East gathered today at the 2nd annual International Forum on I...

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CUF watishia kwenda mahkamani

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na: Hassan Hamad (OMKR)<br />Mgogoro wa uchaguzi visiwani Zanzibar umeingia katika sura nyengine baada Wawakilishi na Madiwani wateule wa Chama Cha Wananchi CUF kufikiria kwenda mahakamani kutetea uongozi wao.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Wamesema tayari Wawakilishi na Madiwani hao wateule walishachaguliwa na kukabidhiwa hati zao za ushindi kufuatia uchaguzi mkuu uliofanyika tarehe 25 Oktoba 2015, na kwamba hadi sasa hakuna mgombea wa nafasi hizo kutoka chama chochote aliyekwenda mahakamani kupinga uteuzi wao.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Msimamo huo wa CUF umetolewa na Katibu Mkuu wa Chama hicho Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, katika mkutano maalum wa Chama hicho uliofanyika viwanja vya “nngoma hazingwa” Chake Chake Pemba.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mkutano huo umewajumuisha viongozi wa Wilaya, Majimbo na Jumuiya za Chama hicho Kisiwani humo ambapo mkutano kama huo ulifanyika jana kwa upande wa Unguja.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Maalim Seif ambaye alikuwa mgombea Urais wa Chama hicho amesema viongozi hao waliochaguliwa na wananchi katika uchaguzi mkuu wa Oktoba 25, 2015 na kupewa shahada zao, watakwenda mahakamani kutetea nafasi zao, na kutoruhusu viongozi wengine wa ngazi hizo kuchaguliwa tena kwa vile wao wanavyo vielelezo vyote vya kuchaguliwa kwao.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kwa mujibu wa matokeo ya uchaguzi yaliyobandikwa katika vituo vya kupigia kura na kuthibitishwa na wasimamizi wa uchaguzi wa majimbo, majimbo yote 18 ya uchaguzi Kisiwani Pemba yalichukuliwa na CUF, sambamba na wadi zote 32 za uchaguzi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Katika hatua nyengine Maalim Seif amewapa matumaini wafuasi wa Chama hicho kwamba atatangazwa kuwa mshindi wa uchaguzi wa Oktoba 25, 2015 na hatimaye kuiongoza Zanzibar.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amerejea kauli yake kuwa wanachokifanya watawala hivi sasa ni kuchelewesha kumtangaza, lakini hakuna namna yoyote ya CCM kuendelea kuongoza Zanzibar baada ya uchaguzi wa 2015 na kwamba uongozi uliopo hivi sasa ni batili kwa mujibu wa katiba ya Zanzibar ya mwaka 1984.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amesema Jumuiya na waangalizi wote wa uchaguzi wa kitaifa na kimataifa wameshuhudia uchaguzi huo na kujiridhisha kuwa ulikuwa huru, haki na wa uwazi na wanaendelea kushikilia msimamo wao kutaka mshindi wa uchaguzi huo atangazwe.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amesisitiza kuwa Chama chake hakitoshiriki uchaguzi wa marudio uliopangwa kufanyika tarehe 20/03/2015, kauli ambayo pia imeungwa mkono na wafuasi wa Chama hicho kisiwani Pemba, kama ilivyokuwa kwa upande wa Unguja.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mapema Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa CUF Zanzibar Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, amemtaja Maalim Seif kuwa kiongozi aliyebobea kisiasa na anayejali maslahi ya Wazanzibari.</span></div>

CUF watishia kwenda mahkamani

Na: Hassan Hamad (OMKR) Mgogoro wa uchaguzi visiwani Zanzibar umeingia katika sura nyengine baada Wawakilishi na Madiwani wateule wa Chama ...

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Ringier Africa and Asia Pacific with new structure and leadership

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG_hJdkd83aGq-n4qQEWO-b5Lj_BL1R0DBdtxIfkK4Pfm0dGOv1KXea3IXfWXmeScE4UEEEr0CxZhrQk5LLU-B3kwRwVE2jVwKBxGRBQK5Dwxc2Xs8uHobb9WAYysRFZfSjD5u14lKfMe/s1600/ringer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitG_hJdkd83aGq-n4qQEWO-b5Lj_BL1R0DBdtxIfkK4Pfm0dGOv1KXea3IXfWXmeScE4UEEEr0CxZhrQk5LLU-B3kwRwVE2jVwKBxGRBQK5Dwxc2Xs8uHobb9WAYysRFZfSjD5u14lKfMe/s400/ringer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ringier.com/">Ringier</a> is restructuring its international market set-up for the beginning of the new year. On the first of January, Ringier Africa and Asia have implemented various changes further supporting the strong growth of its international markets, with additional personnel and international support.<br /><br />After a successful 2015 with strong growth across all core businesses and countries on both continents, the accomplishment of important milestones, including the new market entry in Myanmar, Ringier introduced a new international setup which will ensure further growth in quality and efficiency for future expansions.<br /><br />To facilitate this, Leonard Stiegeler, former General Manager Ringier Nigeria & Head of Ringier West Africa has been appointed to the new position of General Manager Ringier Africa. Former Head of New Business Implementation Ringier AG, Florent de Rocca-Serra will take the new position of General Manager Ringier Asia Pacific. Jessica List, formerly part of Ringiers M&A and Business Development team will take the new position of CFO Africa. Jessica Stiles, former Head of Marketing International Markets becomes CMO Africa & Asia. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">All of these positions will be reporting into the current CEO Asia & Africa, Robin Lingg, who has been elected to the Group Executive Board of Ringier AG in December. Julian Artopé, current Director Ringier Africa will pursue an MBA by the end of March after four years of building Ringiers African business on the continent. Mark Slade, former Head of the Digital Marketing Agency RDM in Nigeria, will take over the position as General Manager Ringier Nigeria.<br /><br />To further support the risen complexity in Ringier’s fast-scaling operations, four dedicated teams were established for each of the African business models Classifieds, Content, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing. Each will consist of a dedicated team supporting their field in Marketing, Business & Operations and Product Development.<br /><br />Robin Lingg, CEO Ringier Africa und Asia: “With the high speed and growth of our digital business in Africa and Asia, we were in need of stronger support structures to facilitate further aggressive scaling of our business. Through this evolution of the organisation I’m convinced we’ll be able to further boost and expand our leading market positions in Classifieds, Content, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing across all our markets. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We have a proven and highly experienced team of which I’m very happy to see so much internally promoted leadership emerge. I also would like to thank Julian Artopé, who has been essential for building this organisation on the ground and has been a key part for the success of Ringier”. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Ringier AG. </span></div>

Ringier Africa and Asia Pacific with new structure and leadership

Ringier is restructuring its international market set-up for the beginning of the new year. On the first of January, Ringier Africa and ...

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Qatar Development Bank (QDB) signs MoU with Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) to bolster development and growth of SMEs in Qatar.

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv4YgXFMZDp-WuhcNMtru95mZib28UVeCvjy12sKWy4FBXL_Km8FiPdzeACODid-c_i3FyPRvM_OQDoyPTJOYI2LPJ5jw18gqEYEJvqeleo79A2umWR-_94A-Ahq3YWLVd5FqG_3pW9_P/s1600/isl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv4YgXFMZDp-WuhcNMtru95mZib28UVeCvjy12sKWy4FBXL_Km8FiPdzeACODid-c_i3FyPRvM_OQDoyPTJOYI2LPJ5jw18gqEYEJvqeleo79A2umWR-_94A-Ahq3YWLVd5FqG_3pW9_P/s400/isl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.qdb.qa/">Qatar Development Bank</a> (QDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (<a href="http://www.icd-idb.com/">ICD</a>) , the private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group. The new agreement is a joint strategic collaboration in examining innovative means and opportunities to support small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar.<br /><br />The MoU commits the two institutions to share knowledge and expertise relating to the SME sector in Qatar. A work group composed of key stakeholders and experts from each party will be formed in order to work on the feasibility of co-developing an investment and financing vehicle that will focus on supporting and developing SMEs and local businesses. The preliminary work to be undertaken by the joint parties will cover, although be not limited to, the following: concept design, market analysis, structure and governance, as well as potential positioning and product development. The MoU will enhance the ability of both organizations to achieve its respective objectives and mandate .<br /><br />The MoU was signed by Mr. Khaled Mohammed Al-Aboodi, the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of the ICD, and Mr. Abdulaziz Nasser Al Khalifa, the Chief Executive Officer of QDB .<br /><br />Mr. Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al-Khalifa, CEO of Qatar Development Bank, said: "We are delighted to partner with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), which includes in its membership a number of countries that strive to offer all assistance to young entrepreneurs. Qatar Development Bank aims to empower local SMEs and entrepreneurs to help achieve Qatar’s National Vision 2030. Through this Memorandum QDB will conduct a compatibility study for The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) programmes, and find the best applicable ways to utilize the findings in supporting the local SMEs, especially in providing funds to this important and vital sector, in order to develop the skills of the Qatari entrepreneurs and empower them to grow and compete successfully in the regional markets, in accordance with international standards."<br /><br />During the signing ceremony, Mr Khaled Al-Aboodi, the CEO of ICD, said: “ICD and QDB share a mission of supporting the private sector, in particular SMEs. We look forward to enhancing our cooperation through this new and innovative initiative as there are great opportunities for local businesses to benefit." <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD). </span></div> </div>

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) signs MoU with Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) to bolster development and growth of SMEs in Qatar.

Qatar Development Bank (QDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Pr...

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UN EMERGENCY FUND RELEASES US$ 11 MILLION TO ASSIST BURUNDIAN REFUGEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES IN TANZANIA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today released US$ 100 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for aid operations in nine severely underfunded emergencies. Tanzania--historically a host to millions of refugees from neighbouring countries over many years--has been allocated US$ 11 million of this amount, to respond to the urgent needs of refugees fleeing from Burundi. <br /><br />More than 126,000 Burundians have sought refuge in Tanzania since April 2015 as a result of political unrest in Burundi. With 64,000 Congolese (DR) refugees already in the country, Tanzania is now home to over 193,000 refugees. At the weekly arrival rate of 1,500 individuals, it is anticipated that the refugee population may increase to 230,000 by the end of 2016. This situation poses significant challenges in providing adequate assistance and protection to refugees. <br /><br />The CERF’s generous contribution will be crucial in the provision of humanitarian assistance to Burundian refugees residing in Nyarugusu, Nduta and Mtendeli refugee camps within Kigoma region, North West Tanzania, as well as to host communities in urgent need of clean water, adequate sanitation, health care, food and shelter. Part of the funding will also be used to address the on-going cholera outbreak that has severely affected 19 regions in the country. The CERF funds will thus help ensure that some of the most critical elements of the emergency response are funded and refugees are provided with protection and essential services. <br /><br />The UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, echoes the remarks made by the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. As noted by the UN Secretary General, “This CERF allocation will help sustain life-saving relief in emergencies where the needs of the most vulnerable communities are alarmingly high while the available resources for response remain critically low.” “Importantly, despite the tremendous generosity of Tanzania in hosting many refugees, additional funding is still required,” added the UN Resident Coordinator. <br /><br /> “UNHCR welcomes the generous contribution from the CERF which comes at a most opportune moment. The operation faced significant funding shortfalls in 2015 which affected our collective response capacity in 2015. We hope that this is the first sign of a more robust funding response in 2016. This contribution will definitely help to fill some of the large gaps in the response to our on-going appeal and respond to the urgent needs of refugees and their host community,” said UNHCR Representative in Tanzania, Ms. Joyce Mends-Cole. <br /><br />As humanitarian needs increase, the contribution by UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), has provided a lifeline to the on-going Burundian refugee emergency. Since 2006, 125 UN Member States and observers, private-sector donors and regional governments have supported the Fund. To date, CERF has allocated almost US$ 4.2 billion for humanitarian operations in 94 countries and territories. CERF receives voluntary contributions year-round to provide immediate funding for life-saving humanitarian action. CERF is funded through many partners with the biggest contributions coming from: United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands and Canada</span></div> </div>

UN EMERGENCY FUND RELEASES US$ 11 MILLION TO ASSIST BURUNDIAN REFUGEES AND HOST COMMUNITIES IN TANZANIA

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today released US$ 100 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for aid ope...

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African women say no to tokenism, demand real power

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPJc16o5yFUXHW90G0nlyQ2HgliPn1echcDBjC-tTIO_WnvGTtOFllcamNOnosV3f3mMbOHxS1ucakv9-2rWQdjhX6s-Bi7UVP231Rfmcsghyphenhyphen8aqboPX0peHS_ZbIXat71g9n2DDDW7NK/s1600/women.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPJc16o5yFUXHW90G0nlyQ2HgliPn1echcDBjC-tTIO_WnvGTtOFllcamNOnosV3f3mMbOHxS1ucakv9-2rWQdjhX6s-Bi7UVP231Rfmcsghyphenhyphen8aqboPX0peHS_ZbIXat71g9n2DDDW7NK/s400/women.jpg" width="310" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">First Ladies, business executives, celebrities in the film and music industries all feature in the February/March edition of New African Woman, dubbed "The Power Issue" as they share their views on who African women are and what they really want in today's world.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Is "empowering women" an overused phrase? Do African women need empowering? What do African women themselves say about their status and needs? To coincide with the magazine's inaugural New African Woman Forum and <a href="http://www. naw-forum.com">Awards</a> which will take place 10 and 11 March, this edition of the New African Woman - dubbed "The Power Issue" and comes with 4 different Covers - gets to the bottom of these issues with the help of diverse voices from a wide section of African women of different fields.<br /><br />Leading the empowerment rallying call - which comes on the heels of the African Union's declaration of 2016 as the African Year of Human Rights, focusing on the rights of women - is Monica Geingos - First lady of Namibia, who is unequivocally frank in an exclusive interview with the magazine. She states: "There are more women at the top in workplaces and this is also increasing in politics...[but] the rate at which these improvements are happening is problematic, and we must find ways to expedite the process of empowering women...African women need real power, not tokenism". <br /><br />Her words are given further weight by others from the celebrity and business worlds including Nigerian actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Ghanaian actress and TV host Jocelyn Dumas, Ivorian businesswoman Swaady Martin, international star Estelle, South African powerhouses Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe and singer Lira, to name some. All of these personalities have shared their views with the magazine on the status of African women and on who a new African woman is or needs to be, in the continent's current political and socio-economic landscape. <br /><br /> The celebrity views kickstart the magazine's #NewAfricanWoman social media campaign, which is asking its readers to join the debate by defining who a New African Woman is, how they define themselves as a New African Woman, and how that contributes to positively shaping the continent. This will be an ongoing year-long campaign for its readers both in Africa and its Diaspora.<br /><br />Until 7 February 2016, readers will also get to vote for their New African Woman 2015 in several categories: Business, Politics and Public Office, Education, Science and Innovation, Finance, Media, Sport, Arts and Culture and Civil Society. Also celebrated will be the New African Woman on the Rise and the New African Woman of the Year, to be announced in London in March.<br /><br />Singing sensation Waje, who graces the cover of Nigerian Edition, exclusively speaks to the magazine about why she has launched the #AfricanWoman while addressing the purported friction among Nigerian female artists: "If you know who you are and you are confident in who you are, it shouldn't be a problem. It is just about your goal and what you represent as an individual and as an artist."<br /><br />New African Woman is out now digitally and on both apple and android apps, with the print edition hitting newsstands in the first week of February.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of New African Woman Magazine.</span></div> </div>

African women say no to tokenism, demand real power

First Ladies, business executives, celebrities in the film and music industries all feature in the February/March edition of New Afric...

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Dina Foundation yaipongeza SMZ

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_uqxW2viF_PRPg_zmiAYpPUD8eq8n3QY2IcbjDHQDTEfS3BrfDGJ4WxJ7LXkCqMFbax7HWJUK4KPJ26YmR8UpPU-7HUZj5ZV_9wLa68DptMRMY2mbpAYhtDZR40_AfTyNzcEXy0iJ-HT/s1600/667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_uqxW2viF_PRPg_zmiAYpPUD8eq8n3QY2IcbjDHQDTEfS3BrfDGJ4WxJ7LXkCqMFbax7HWJUK4KPJ26YmR8UpPU-7HUZj5ZV_9wLa68DptMRMY2mbpAYhtDZR40_AfTyNzcEXy0iJ-HT/s400/667.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rais wa Shirika la Kimataifa lisilo la Kiserikali linalosaidia Wananchi wenye kipato cha chini na wale wanaoishi katika mazingira magumu { Dina Foundation } Bwana Runne Evardsen alisema mchango uliotolewa na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar katika kuunga mkono taasisi hiyo umewawezesha kutoa huduma za kibinaadamu kwa wananchi waliowengi Visiwani Zanzibar.<br /><br />Alisema mchango huo muhimu ulioleta faraja kwa watendaji wa shirika hilo umewaongezea nguvu za kuendelea kutoa huduma hasa za kiafya kwa wananchi wapatao Laki 150,000 kwenye shehia zipatazo 60 Unguja na Pemba.<br /><br />Bwana Runne Evardsen alisema hayo akiuongoza Ujumbe wa Viongozi Watano wa Shirika hilo la Dina wakati wa mazungumzo yake na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi Ofisini Vuga Mjini Zanzibar.<br /><br />Alisema watendaji wa Dina hivi sasa wanaendelea na mradi wa huduma za afya kwa kutumia gari Maalum ambapo kila Jumamosi huzunguuka kwa hutoa huduma za matibabu bure kwa wagonjwa katika maeneo tofauti.<br /><br />Rais huyo wa Shirika la Kimataifa lisilo la Kiserikali linalosaidia Wananchi wenye kipato cha chini na wanaoishi katika mazingira magumu alifahamisha kwamba malengo ya baadaye ya Taasisi hiyo ni kujenga kituo cha kudumu kama walivyofanya katika Nchi za Rwanda na Jamuhuri ya Kidemokrasi ya Congo {DRC}.<br /><br />Alieleza kwamba kazi hiyo imepangwa kwenda sambamba na uimarishaji wa utoaji huduma nyengine za matibabu kama Meno pamoja na kuwapatia msaada wa Baskeli Maalum Watu wenye ulemavu {Wheel Chair }.<br /><br />Akitoa shukrani zake kwa huduma zinazotolewa na Shirika hilo la Dina Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar itaendelea kutoa ushauri na ushirikiano ili kuona huduma zinazotolewa na Taasisi hiyo zinawafikia Wananchi walio wengi hasa Vijijini.<br /><br />Alisema Mpango unaoendelezwa na Shirika la Dina unakwenda sambamba na ile azma ya Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar ya kuwapatia huduma bora za afya Wananchi wake.<br /><br />Katika kuimarisha sekta hiyo Balozi Seif alifahamisha kwamba Sera ya Afya imetoa muongozo unaofahamisha vyema kuwa huduma za afya ya msingi zipatikane katika masafa yasiyozidi Kilomita Tano.<br /><br />Hata hivyo Balozi Seif aliueleza Ujumbe huyo wa Shirika la Dina kuwa zipo baadhi ya changa moto zinazokwaza mpango huo lakini Serikali Kuu imejizatiti katika kuhakikisha miradi iliyoanzishwa kwa ajili ya mpango huo inafanikiwa.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliipongeza Serikali ya Norway kupitia Shirika hilo kwa jitihada inazochukuwa katika kuunga mkono harakati za Maendeleo za Wananchi wa Zanzibar.<br /><br />Shirika la Kimataifa lisilo la Kiserikali linalosaidia Wananchi wenye kipato cha chini na wanaoishi katika mazingira magumu { Dina Foundation }lenye Makao Makuu yake Nchini Norway hutoa huduma zote za afya ya msingi kutegemea mahitaji ya Wananchi wanaohusika.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Dina Foundation yaipongeza SMZ

Rais wa Shirika la Kimataifa lisilo la Kiserikali linalosaidia Wananchi wenye kipato cha chini na wale wanaoishi katika mazingira magumu...

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Gabon selects Gemalto for fully integrated border and visa system

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtvu1RW8acmSslZTTUGtqwoCJpfeWqgy46avv6tv8gAb_Zqg67LgO7fs_eExReAMKtEx6MAgAsWJh1TuORCIZudpjPTu8rVXIG4XrHEXGJXrSgOuZJnOB7oIGwjACOKJ7hDFzqAEfza3e/s1600/gam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtvu1RW8acmSslZTTUGtqwoCJpfeWqgy46avv6tv8gAb_Zqg67LgO7fs_eExReAMKtEx6MAgAsWJh1TuORCIZudpjPTu8rVXIG4XrHEXGJXrSgOuZJnOB7oIGwjACOKJ7hDFzqAEfza3e/s400/gam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.gemalto.com/">Gemalto</a> (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, has been selected as end-to-end solution provider by Gabon’s Department of Homeland Security DGDI* to supply and implement a fully integrated border and visa management <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/govt/coesys/eborder">system</a> . The new scheme will strengthen national security, improve operational efficiency and enhance the traveling experience for people entering and leaving the Central African state.<br /><br />The visa management system simplifies and speeds the issuance of visas, e-Visas and resident’s permits. This suite of applications was used to create Gabon’s e-Visa portal service in<a href="https://evisa.dgdi.ga/"> July</a> enabling visitors to use the Internet to apply for a visa to enter the country. Once the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is delivered, the visa is issued at Libreville International Airport upon arrival.<br /><br />The solution is built around the centralized, back-office Coesys Visa and Border<a href="http://www.apo.af/S7iKN3"> Management</a> System. This supports automation of queries to databases - <a href="http://www.apo.af/y8bbPo">such as</a> Interpol’s that alert authorities to potential threats and risks. In addition, the Automated Border Control kiosks now offer travelers rapid, ‘self-service’ passport checks at the country’s main airport which handles around one million passengers annually.<br /><br />The Border Intelligence module uses the data mined at the border. It offers investigation tools for discovering new risk patterns, with a highly intuitive “clicking” process. Its reporting app also provides valuable information to drive tourism and prioritize national investment efforts.<br /><br />“Gemalto’s solution puts us in control of a secure and adaptable integrated border management system that is field-proven. It also helps expedite the border clearance process, cutting wait times and improving the customs experience for travelers,” said General Celestin Embinga, General Manager of DGDI, Gabon’s Department of Homeland Security. “In addition, Gemalto’s speed and commitment are tangible: our new e-Visa service was defined and implemented within 14 weeks.”<br /><br />“We take pride in helping Gabon’s authorities improve border security and traveler satisfaction,” said Ari Bouzbib, Senior Vice President of Government Programs at Gemalto. “Gemalto is delivering a unique solution which is flexible and fast to implement. We also combine local resources and international expertise in partnership with government bodies. This is precisely what is appreciated by our growing number of customers in Africa.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Gemalto. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Gabon selects Gemalto for fully integrated border and visa system

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), the world leader in digital security, has been selected as end-to-end solution provider by Gabon’s...

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Africommunications Managing Director Nominated for International African Woman of the Year Award

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeyHOlFTdOicA4EbdYOjYOzZGPZNqsmkZRRqIJeEhFC8xNLVCvvfszhxuD8CieXOPDqpoPD9kjHHn-giCWTBTuRib-EO6V8aVS44DibGVdMoVQCsARUFOD6aZW7nWvCDEdYtB_PvaMFph/s1600/mimi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeyHOlFTdOicA4EbdYOjYOzZGPZNqsmkZRRqIJeEhFC8xNLVCvvfszhxuD8CieXOPDqpoPD9kjHHn-giCWTBTuRib-EO6V8aVS44DibGVdMoVQCsARUFOD6aZW7nWvCDEdYtB_PvaMFph/s400/mimi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Mimi Kalinda, Managing Director and co-founder of Africommunications Group Ltd. (ACG), a pan-African communications agency headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been nominated for the Women4Africa Awards 2016 as a finalist in the International African Woman of the Year category. <br /><br />"African women are the world's untapped talent. With over 520 million women on the continent and more young women entering universities than ever before, African women are the next up and coming workforce. We are as capable as anyone else," said Kalinda. "We have to dream big, work hard and be ambitious." <br /><br />The Rwandan-Congolese communications expert was among eight distinguished finalists to be nominated for the award. The prestigious prize is part of the Women4Africa Awards, held in the United Kingdom (UK) annually to honour a number of women from African countries for their hard work and creativity in various sectors. There are several other awards up for grabs, including Career Woman of the Year, Inspiration Woman of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year and Media Personality of Year, to name a few. <br /><br />"Awards like this remind us that as African, we have made tremendous progress that is worthy of celebration," added Kalinda. "And that is what I have sought to do with my communications and public relations work: to show that not only are African women capable of creative and cutting-edge work that delivers results, but that we are also best placed on the continent to deliver the services. We know Africa, because we were born and raised in the region and we understand how to reach our audiences best." <br /><br />Mimi Kalinda started off her career in television, most notably on popular music television station, MTV, in the UK. She went on to work in advertising and marketing and over the past decade has worked in several public relations powerhouses, including being the Africa Lead for FleishmanHillard. Mimi co-founded ACG, and is now managing several major accounts including the African Innovation Foundation. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Africommunications Group Ltd .<br /></span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Africommunications Managing Director Nominated for International African Woman of the Year Award

Mimi Kalinda, Managing Director and co-founder of Africommunications Group Ltd. (ACG), a pan-African communications agency headquarter...

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Statement of President Kikwete

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9quN0kMTIeOpmzOT6CJV6k1D3609eyhNUG0grQjCOkZoOMqWtFjQF91YaxqSrnJMmbAmlUzTxqL8JuGIZ1munN5jt0u5RkJx2bBMih9XVBuY-tfq9_szc5FwSevCTU7Uixxy10ehVi2Ud/s1600/kikwete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9quN0kMTIeOpmzOT6CJV6k1D3609eyhNUG0grQjCOkZoOMqWtFjQF91YaxqSrnJMmbAmlUzTxqL8JuGIZ1munN5jt0u5RkJx2bBMih9XVBuY-tfq9_szc5FwSevCTU7Uixxy10ehVi2Ud/s400/kikwete.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It is my pleasure to announce today that I have accepted the invitation from the Confederation of African Football and from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance to serve as Champion for Immunization and as Global Ambassador of Africa United. Africa United is a pan-African innovative initiative led by Gavi, the Confederation of African Football, the African Union, the World Bank Group and the CDC Foundation. This initiative leverages sport to catalyze action on critical health issues facing the continent. <br /><br />Africa United was first deployed during the Ebola crisis, enlisting influencers like Kei Kamara of Sierra Leone to spread Ebola prevention messages and to encourage the population to trust and seek care within the health system. Africa United spokespeople also brought increased attention to the crisis through an African Union-led awareness and fundraising campaign called Africa Against Ebola. <br /><br />Under my leadership, Africa United will focus on promoting universal health access, beginning with a focus on Universal Immunization. Immunization is crucial to saving the lives of children across Africa - and the world. Immunization will be key to preventing over 1.5 million deaths each year. Universal vaccination will also play a fundamental role in developing a healthy, resilient population and in ensuring that we develop the economies we need to face the challenges of the next century. <br /><br />Today, as I announce my commitment to the health of the African continent, I call on every Head of State across Africa to prioritize access to vaccination in each and every community. <br /><br />Africa United will formally launch its universal immunization initiative next week in Kigali at the 4th Edition of the Orange African Nations Championship - Rwanda 2016. In Kigali, my esteemed partner in this fight, CAF, will remind everyone that "Every Shot Counts" as we look achieve our goal of Universal Immunization. <br /><br />Please join me and Africa United as we fight for a more secure future through universal access to immunization. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Africa United</span></div> </div>

Statement of President Kikwete

It is my pleasure to announce today that I have accepted the invitation from the Confederation of African Football and from Gavi, the Va...

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Every Breath Counts, is a new campaign to raise awareness of the global burden of Pneumonia, targeting world leaders and policy makers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH24eBbPvrfnYWQO7C4WSUEddhLXPrTJsqXWW4EOj9OPV6a2qYHTEIDxsnqi0cqMjKpGfymM1zDYU5O9oaWylqA9r8d9KP3i8wrp6E0BxxEWQFXldIE350rljpu_K37TtcwFUubJlQWgf/s1600/niger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizH24eBbPvrfnYWQO7C4WSUEddhLXPrTJsqXWW4EOj9OPV6a2qYHTEIDxsnqi0cqMjKpGfymM1zDYU5O9oaWylqA9r8d9KP3i8wrp6E0BxxEWQFXldIE350rljpu_K37TtcwFUubJlQWgf/s400/niger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> EVERY BREATH COUNTS, a global campaign addressing pneumonia, the single biggest child-killer in the world, was launched today by UNICEF and other global partners. This campaign has been initiated in order to raise awareness around the burden of pneumonia and to galvanize the world to eliminate this preventable and treatable disease of the poor and marginalized children of the world. <br /><br />Pneumonia kills nearly 1 million children under the age of five globally every year. More children die from pneumonia than from HIV/AIDS, diarrhea and malaria combined. Despite some reductions in global pneumonia mortality, progress in the highest-burden countries remains slow. Furthermore, progress in the fight against pneumonia has been slow compared to progress in other leading diseases. Over the past 15 years, childhood pneumonia deaths have fallen by 50%. While this signifies impressive progress, it still falls short in comparison to an 85% decline for measles, and 60% for malaria, AIDS and tetanus over the same time period. The issue is partly one of financing relative to disease burden. For every global health dollar spent in 2011, only 2 cents went to pneumonia. <br /><br />Every Breath Counts, was launched by UNICEF during the African Union Summit at the <br /><br /> General Assembly of the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA). The launch features the Campaign's first ambassador, H.E. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, Wife of the President of Nigeria. <br /><br />The two-year Every Breath Counts campaign will bring pneumonia to the attention of world leaders, policy makers and donors. The campaign will highlight the need to mobilize resources to reduce pneumonia mortality. It will also call for specific policies such as prevention through immunization and reduction of household air pollution, protection through exclusive breastfeeding and by facilitating community access to effective, timely diagnosis and treatment with amoxicillin and oxygen. By mobilizing public health professionals, environmental groups and government officials through the Every Breath Counts campaign, the Campaign will build cross sectoral momentum against the disease.<br /><br />The global Every Breath Counts campaign focuses its initial efforts in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia where 84 per cent of childhood pneumonia deaths occur.<br /><br />The newly launched campaign website, EveryBreathCounts.info, highlights the celebrity and thought leaders that are speaking out for pneumonia, such as H.E. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari. <br /><br />During prepared remarks at the launch event, UNICEF officials underscored the importance of tackling pneumonia through a comprehensive approach that includes universal vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, clean water, reduction of household air pollution, and early diagnosis and treatment with amoxicillin and oxygen. <br /><br />With 31,000 childhood pneumonia deaths estimated for 2015, Ethiopia is among the countries in Africa with the highest proportion of childhood deaths caused by pneumonia. To address this, UNICEF works with the Federal Ministry of Health to expand community access to health. A persistent gap seems to be in household awareness of the symptoms of pneumonia, leading to low care-seeking. This campaign will raise household awareness and catalyze action around pneumonia across all walks of life.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Speak Up Africa.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Every Breath Counts, is a new campaign to raise awareness of the global burden of Pneumonia, targeting world leaders and policy makers

EVERY BREATH COUNTS, a global campaign addressing pneumonia, the single biggest child-killer in the world, was launched today by UNICEF...

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African Capital Markets continue to reflect strong figures for 2015 – but challenging times may lie ahead

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFEUczLcKg0J92kwaFBkKH0lT55b5QVy4fAF6PuxdYOkSJVkfkJ0DW6PSftbDhqwAVqMyqxiJ0Yxjt_BBBLa-J0RehIL-Ci9m4UtS-AG6YvCmqf0w7fLdijK1R9mGRRBfiqA7pD4iULtC/s1600/pw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvFEUczLcKg0J92kwaFBkKH0lT55b5QVy4fAF6PuxdYOkSJVkfkJ0DW6PSftbDhqwAVqMyqxiJ0Yxjt_BBBLa-J0RehIL-Ci9m4UtS-AG6YvCmqf0w7fLdijK1R9mGRRBfiqA7pD4iULtC/s400/pw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In line with global trends, 2015 was a challenging year for African capital markets in the wake of market volatility and the emergence of renewed global economic uncertainty in the latter part of the year, while the first half resulted in the highest levels of both equity capital markets transactions and proceeds raised in the past five years. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.pwc.com/">PwC</a> released its 2015 Africa Capital Markets Watch publication today, which analyses equity and debt capital markets transactions that took place between 2011 and 2015 on exchanges throughout Africa, as well as transactions by African companies on international exchanges. Equity capital markets (ECM) transactions included in the analysis comprise capital raising activities, whether initial public offerings (IPOs) or further offers (FOs), by African companies on exchanges worldwide, as well as those made by non-African companies on African exchanges. Debt capital markets (DCM) transactions analysed include debt funding raised by African companies and public institutions.<br /><br />Nicholas Ganz, PwC Africa Capital Markets Leader, says: “At 31 December 2015, African exchanges had a market capitalisation of about US$1 trillion, with 23% of this value residing on exchanges outside of South Africa. Though statistics cannot be interpreted in isolation, certain metrics commonly used to analyse global market performance, such as the market capitalisation-to-GDP ratio, suggest that untapped value remains in Africa’s capital markets.”<br /><br />African IPO Market<br /><br />Overall, $12.7bn was raised in 2015 in ECM activity across the continent. Over the past five years, there have been 441 African ECM transactions raising $41.3bn. <br /><br />2015 showed a steady overall increase in IPOs of 12% in terms of transaction volume and 17% in terms of US dollar denominated value, as compared to 2014. However, 72% of 2015 IPO value and 54% of IPO volume was carried out during the first half of the year, reflective of the relatively higher levels of consumer confidence as compared to the second half of 2015.<br /><br />Over the past five years, there have been 105 IPOs raising $6.1bn by African companies on exchanges worldwide and non-African companies on African exchanges. The top 10 African IPOs by value in 2015 took place in South Africa and North Africa, namely Egypt and Morocco.<br /><br />In 2015, capital raised from IPOs by companies on the JSE in US dollar terms decreased by 11% as compared to 2014, largely due to the weakening of the South African rand during the year; noteworthy is that the rand value of IPO capital raised on the JSE in 2015 increased by 11% over 2014 levels. Capital raised from IPOs by companies on other African exchanges in US dollar terms increased slightly by 3% as compared to 2014. In terms of volume, the JSE saw a 33% increase in the number of IPOs as compared to 2014, and listings on the JSE’s AltX more than doubled.<br /><br />Over the past five years, the JSE has led African exchanges in terms of IPO transactions and capital raised, at $2.7bn. In second place in terms of IPO transaction volume after the JSE was the Bourse de Tunis with 23 issuances, while in second place by capital raised was the Egyptian Exchange with $861m. In third place in terms of volume was the Casablanca Stock Exchange with 7 issuances, and third by capital raised was the Nigerian Stock Exchange with $751m, over 70% of which relates to 2014 SEPLAT IPO.<br /><br />Since 2011, capital raised from IPOs by companies on the JSE represented 45% of the total African IPO capital and 33% of the total transaction volume. Coenraad Richardson, PwC South Africa Capital Markets Partner, says: “The JSE remains a significant anchor of African capital markets activity, with a ranking of second in the world for exchange regulation and a leading global ranking for ease of raising debt and equity capital, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016.”<br /><br />On a sector basis, the financial services sector continued to dominate the African IPO market during 2015 at 46% of total value and 50% of total volume, followed by industrial, health care and consumer goods sectors in terms of value.<br /><br />African FO Market<br /><br />Over the past five years, there have been 336 FOs raising $35.2bn by African companies on both African and international exchanges. “Though the growth rate of 2015 FO activity did not match that of the prior year, the trend remained distinctively positive,” adds Andrew Del Boccio, PwC Associate Director, Capital Markets, South Africa. During 2015, FO activity increased by 20% in terms of transaction volume and by 13% in terms of US dollar value as compared to 2014.<br /><br />In 2015, capital raised from FOs by companies on the JSE, specifically, increased by 17% (in US dollar terms), whereas proceeds from FOs on other African exchanges decreased by 30% from $1.2bn in 2014 to $827m.<br /><br />Over the five year period, the vast majority of FO activity was from sub-Saharan African countries, with 76% and 86% of total FOs volume and value, respectively. Between 2011 and 2015, capital raised from FOs by companies on the JSE represented 85% of the total African FO capital raised and 67% of the total transaction value. Over this period, in second place in terms of both FO volume and value was the Egyptian Exchange followed by the Nigerian Stock Exchange.<br /><br />On a sector basis, FOs were slightly lower than the five-year average in the financial sector during 2015. There was a significant increase in the technology sector from 7% on average to 23%, driven largely by a December rights issue by Naspers.<br /><br />African debt markets<br /><br />African DCM activity has declined since its peak in 2013. Over the past five years, 489 debt transactions took place on African debt markets or, more commonly, by African companies on international markets, raising $110.2bn, of which 72% was US dollar-denominated. The average of proceeds raised in 2015 was $411m per transaction, $85m higher than 2014’s average of $326m and 83% higher than the average per transaction over the past five years of $225m.<br /><br />Darrell McGraw, PwC Nigeria Capital Markets Partner, says: “Despite challenging economic times, which are felt heavily in Nigeria, 2016 will be pivotal as companies will be looking to reassess their strategies, which may include divesting of non-core businesses. This will create an opportunity for cash-rich investors, or other corporates to tap into the local debt markets to raise domestic currency bonds. Until relative certainty returns to the currency markets, the popularity of US dollar denominated bonds is likely to taper.”<br /><br />Concludes Richardson: “Growth across the African continent will require continued investment in various sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, financial services, and telecommunications, alongside other industries more traditionally associated with Africa. In 2015, the capital markets reflected this continued need for investment and continued appetite from investors with key portfolio allocations targeted toward emerging and frontier markets.”<br /><br />“Though this upward trend in activity has been observed over the trailing five-year period, we recognize that uncertainties in the market and economic trends may indicate a more challenging 2016 ahead.” <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). </span></div> </div>

African Capital Markets continue to reflect strong figures for 2015 – but challenging times may lie ahead

In line with global trends, 2015 was a challenging year for African capital markets in the wake of market volatility and the emergence o...

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Dkt Shajak akabidhi vifaa

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ofisi ya Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar, imeikabidhi Wizara ya Afya vifaa vya maabara vyenye uwezo wa kubainisha dawa za kulevya.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Akikabidhi vifaa hivyo kwa Naibu Katibu wa Wizara ya Afya, Katibu Mkuu Ofisi ya Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais Dkt. Omar Dadi Shajak, amesema kuna umuhimu wa kuvitunza na kuvitumia vifaa hivyo kwa njia zilizo sahihi, ili viweze kuleta tija katika mapambano dhidi ya dawa za kulevya nchini. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Ametoa wito kwa jamii hasa wadau wakuu wanaohusika na mapambano dhidi ya dawa za kulevya kufanya kazi kwa ushirikiano ili kuhakikisha kuwa mapambano hayo yanafanikiwa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amesema Ofisi ya Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais kupitia Tume ya Kuratibu na Udhibiti wa Dawa za Kulevya Zanzibar, itaendelea kushirikiana na wadau wa maendeleo ili kusaidia upatikanaji wa vifaa vya kisasa katika kufanikisha mapambano hayo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amelishukuru Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la kupambana na dawa za kulevya na uhalifu duniani (UN ODC) kwa kutoa vifaa hivyo vya dawa, na kuwaomba washirika wengine wa maendeleo kusaidia juhudi hizo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mapema akipokea vifaa hivyo katika hafla iliyofanyika Ofisi ya Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Migombani, Naibu Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Afya Bi. Halima Maulid Salum, ameishukuru Ofisi hiyo kwa jitihada zake inazochukua katika kukabiliana na dawa za kulevya, na kuahidi kuvitumia vifaa hivyo kwa uangalifu mkubwa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Nae Mkemia Mkuu wa Serikali Zanzibar Dkt. Slim Rashid Juma, amesema vifaa hivyo vitasaidia na kurahisisha uchunguzi wa dawa za kulevya, na kuweza kutofautisha kwa haraka baina ya dawa hizo na kemikali.<br /><br />Amesema matarajio ya maabara yao ni kuwa na vifaa vya kisasa kwa ajili ya kurahisisha na kuwezesha kufanya uchunguzi wa aina zote za dawa za kulevya, kwa lengo la kuondosha usumbufu wa kusafirisha sampuli kwenda Tanzania Bara. <br /><br />Hassan Hamad (OMKR) </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span>

Dkt Shajak akabidhi vifaa

Ofisi ya Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar, imeikabidhi Wizara ya Afya vifaa vya maabara vyenye uwezo wa kubainisha dawa za kulevya. A...

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Wakulima wa Karafuu waridhishwa na ZSTC

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Majid Omar Najim <br />Wakulima wa zao la karafuu visiwani Zanzibar wameelezea kuridhishwa na huduma wanazozipata kutoka Shirika la Biashara la Taifa Zanzibar (ZSTC) katika vituo vya ununuzi wa karafuu, ikiwemo kulipwa fedha taslimu pale wanapouza karafuu zao. <br /><br />Wakizungumza kwa nyakati tofauti na Watendaji Wakuu wa Shirika hilo waliofanya ziara maalum kuangalia namna zoezi la ununuzi wa karafuu linavyoendelea katika msimu wa 2015/2016, Wakulima hao wamesema wamekuwa wakilipwa fedha zao taslimu bila kukopwa. <br /><br />Salum Sleiman Said ambae ni Mkulima maarufu wa zao hilo Wilaya ya Mkoani- Mkoa wa Kusini Pemba alisema tangu aanze kuuza karafuu katika Shirika hilo amekuwa akilipwa fedha zake zote hapo hapo na hajawahi kukopwa jambo ambalo linamuwezesha kuifanya vyema biashara hiyo. <br /><br /> “Leo hapa nimeleta gunia 80, nimelipwa fedha zangu taslimu, wiki mbili nyuma nilileta gunia 70, pia nililipwa fedha zangu zote,” Alisema Mkulima huyo huku akionyesha risiti ya malipo yake. <br /><br />Nae Mkulima kutoka Finya, Wilaya ya Wete, Ramadhan Hamad Yussuf alisema hakufikiria kama Shirika lingeweza kununua karafuu zote za msimu kwa fedha taslim kutoka kwa Wakulima kutokana na msimu kuwa mkubwa. <br /><br />“Leo nimeleta gunia 40 hapa, nimelipwa fedha zangu zote, nashukuru sana, naona Shirika lilijiandaa vizuri kunua karafuu zetu. Alifahamisha Mkuliama huyo wa Wete. <br /><br />Nadhani kuna watu wana malengo yao wenyewe. Hivyo kufikia malengo yao huamua kulipaka matope shirika”,alibainisha. <br /><br />Alisema katika kituo chao cha Wete wanachouza karafuu hajawahi kumsikia mkulima yoyote akilalamika kuhusu malipo ama karafuu zake kukopwa na Shirika la ZSTC. <br /><br />Akizungumzia huduma nyengine wanazopata kutoka Shirika la ZSTC Zuhura Ali Nassor Mkulima kutoka Wilaya ya Chake Chake alisema wamekuwa wakipata ushirikiano mzuri kutoka kwa Watendaji wa Shirika jambo ambalo limepelekea Wakulima kuuza karafuu nyingi msimu huu. <br /><br />“Sio tu kutulipa kwa wakati, lakini pia tumekuwa tukipatiwa huduma za mikopo, usafiri na ulinzi. Shirika pia limetukatia bima kwa wanaopata ajali wakati wa uchumaji wa karafuu.” Alibainisha Bi. Zuhura. <br /><br /> Akizungumza kwa niaba ya Mkurugenzi Mwendeshaji wa Shirika la ZSTC, Afisa Mdhamini wa Shirika hilo Abdalla Ali Ussi amewashukuru na kuwapongeza wakulima wa karafuu kwa namna wanavyoshirikiana na Shirika katika kuuza karafuu zao. <br /><br />“Serikali inafahamu kazi mnayofanya ya kuimarisha zao la karafuu na kuuza Serikalini, inawathamini sana ndio maana ipo karibu sana na nyinyi, niinawaomba musiwe na wasi wasi wowote Serikali kupitia Shirika la ZSTC ipo pamoja na nyinyi.” Alifahamisha Afisa Mdhamin. <br /><br />Alisema kuwa suala la Shirika kuwakopa Wakulima halipo na wala halitokuwepo na wala halina mpango wa kushusha bei ya karafuu katika katika ya msimu. <br /><br />Mdhamin aliwahakikishia Wakulima na wafanyabiashara wa zao la karafuu kuwa Shirika lina uwezo na nguvu za kutosha za kununua karafuu zote kwa fedha taslim. <br /><br />Ameongeza kuwa kutokana na mazingira mazuri yaliyowekwa na shirika kwa wakulima, suala la magendo limepungua kwa kiasi kikubwa ambapo ni gunia 47 tu za magendo ndizo zilizokamatwa mpaka sasa. <br /><br />Kwa upande wake Mkurugenzi Fedha wa Shirika hilo, Ismail Omar Bai alisema Shirika lina fedha za kutosha kununulia karafuu zote pamoja na kutoa huduma nyengine kwa wakulima, hivyo amewataka wakulima kupeleka karafuu zao katika vituo bila ya wasi wasi wowote. <br /><br /> Alisema hadi tarehe 26/01/2016 Shirika limenunua jumla ya tani 5,100.3500 kwa fedha taslim 71, 482,010,500.00, Pemba tani 4,841,810.00 kwa fedha taslim 67,878,290,500.00 na Unguja tani 258,540.00 kwa fedha taslim 3,603, 720,000.00 na hakuna mtu aliyokopwa au kucheleweshewa malipo. <br /><br />“Hakuna Mkulima anaelidai Shirika na wala aliyepewa risiti akaambiwa aje baada ya wiki mbili kama yupo ajitokeze. Tunajua biashara ya karafuu inahitaji fedha za uchumishaji na huduma nyengine hivyo hatuwezi kumkopa mkulima kwani kumkopa ni kumrudisha nyuma”. Alisema Mkurugenzi Fedha wa ZSTC. <br /><br />Ameongeza kuwa ili kuwawezesha wakulima kufikia malengo yao Shirika limekuwa likitoa mikopo isiyo na riba kwa wakulima wa zao hilo la karafuu muhimu awe ametimiza masharti ya mkopo.</span></div>

Wakulima wa Karafuu waridhishwa na ZSTC

Na Majid Omar Najim Wakulima wa zao la karafuu visiwani Zanzibar wameelezea kuridhishwa na huduma wanazozipata kutoka Shirika la Biashara ...

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Ugandan conservationist will be a vocal visible voice for wildlife in a modern Africa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPRudbGf1hIlNfQwlxmcackFu9E-vZqwiyUI2sFbl0-YMbQ9ZIHjNKYPjmC9a6x1ZPRJHAySXPjgdA70h85ww8GT9ZCpO40VPBvvu7ojtPLNZTEctoBdcHCto5dsgDvoRBzOTs-4T_-V-/s1600/tembo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPRudbGf1hIlNfQwlxmcackFu9E-vZqwiyUI2sFbl0-YMbQ9ZIHjNKYPjmC9a6x1ZPRJHAySXPjgdA70h85ww8GT9ZCpO40VPBvvu7ojtPLNZTEctoBdcHCto5dsgDvoRBzOTs-4T_-V-/s400/tembo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The African <a href="http://www.awf.org/">Wildlife Foundation</a> (AWF) announced today it has elected Ugandan native Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya to serve as its new President. Sebunya will focus on advancing a clear policy agenda for wildlife as part of Africa’s future, ensuring the continent’s blueprint for development and growth includes space and protections for Africa’s natural heritage.<br /><br />“I am excited to be stepping into the role of president at a time when Africa’s economies are surging, and when important decisions are being made as to how Africa should manage its natural resources responsibly and with accountability,” said Sebunya. “The continent is undergoing a profound change, and we must help to guide this change so it benefits Africa’s people and wildlife.”<br /><br />Sebunya began his career serving as a project manager with WaterAid and as a relief program officer with Oxfam UK. Beginning with his post as the Associate Director for the United States Peace Corps in Uganda, Sebunya’s career began to focus more on conservation. He later served as a country program coordinator with the World Conservation Union—now the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN—and as a senior policy and planning advisor for Conservation International.<br /><br />In 2006, Sebunya moved to Washington, DC and became AWF’s Director of Programs. He developed and implemented a legislative program to engage U.S. lawmakers on issues affecting conservation and development in Africa. In 2013, he became Chief of Party for the USAID/Uganda Biodiversity Program before transitioning to AWF’s president.<br /><br />Sebunya received his Bachelor’s degree in Social and Political Science from Uganda’s Makerere University and a Masters of Science degree in Sustainable Resource Management and Policy from London’s Imperial College. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Law, Policy and Diplomacy from Tufts University’s The Fletcher School. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). </span></div>

Ugandan conservationist will be a vocal visible voice for wildlife in a modern Africa

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) announced today it has elected Ugandan native Kaddu Kiwe Sebunya to serve as its new President. S...

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More than 700 delegates gathered at Sage’s first African Business Partner Conference in South Africa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgSJhFId_J7hdy3ZpST5Aqc-uyy5ZaVcRn5D3IQikdMVxsWNzH8rZezAWinGPs2Qzb3HQrzkkKyc3pI79K5wRzmHEPJeRVpRRALp-9cyl4DiDVsbbsHXzMSn8MehnpTrbM1oXTE4Kxmdm/s1600/sage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgSJhFId_J7hdy3ZpST5Aqc-uyy5ZaVcRn5D3IQikdMVxsWNzH8rZezAWinGPs2Qzb3HQrzkkKyc3pI79K5wRzmHEPJeRVpRRALp-9cyl4DiDVsbbsHXzMSn8MehnpTrbM1oXTE4Kxmdm/s400/sage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">More than 700 Sage Business Partners across Africa gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg for the Sage Business Partner Conference 2016.<br /><br />The conference, featuring keynote presentations from <a href="http://www.sage.com/">Sage</a> CEO Stephen Kelly and Sage International President Ivan Epstein, took place from 26 to 28 January. It brought together Sage’s African business partners representing all of its major software solutions and brands at one venue for the first time.<br /><br />It marked a significant milestone in Sage’s vision of becoming a true global market leader for an integrated portfolio of accounting, payroll and payment systems that address the needs of businesses of all sizes. Other speakers at the conference included Allon Raiz, CEO of Raizcorp and a pioneer and maverick in the business incubation industry, social media law expert Emma Sadleir and Gilan Gork, South Africa’s Mentalist.<br /><br />“Thousands of business leaders, business owners and financial professionals trust us to help them to focus on their business and leapfrog to the future. In turn, we depend on our vibrant, motivated and professional network of business partners to help our customers use our solutions to drive their growth,” said Ivan Epstein, President of Sage International and Chairman of Sage Foundation.<br /><br />“We’re excited to be able to bring so many members of our business ecosystem together to share the latest news about our technology and solutions over the past three days. Together with our business partners we can help entrepreneurs and enterprises that create jobs and prosperity to turn their business dreams into reality.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation">Stephen</a> Kelly, CEO of Sage, was in South Africa to present at the conference, meet with African business partners, and support the African launch of Sage Foundation . The Sage Foundation sets a new benchmark for corporate partnerships with charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations through its innovative 2+2+2 model for working with the community.<br /><br />“Sage is inventing the future for the world’s small and medium businesses, those true heroes of the global economy. Africa is central to that vision, and we want to build closer links with our network of business partners as they embrace the cloud, and so that they can continue to help their customers contribute to the growth this region is seeing,” said Kelly. “It is an honour to be here to meet some of these partners, and to launch our global philanthropic initiative, Sage Foundation.” <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Sage. <br /></span></div>

More than 700 delegates gathered at Sage’s first African Business Partner Conference in South Africa

More than 700 Sage Business Partners across Africa gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg for the Sage Business Partne...

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Presidential Candidate Says FIFA Can do More for African Football

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittnF2JajOcu41mEOSS3Pmqj7qkpXjc9NNbelJqb9ll2Kfnsm50jWs5WQxbcnBYJMPWUMcEbvsPU8_h-cwYkkUQTIANw8nfn-0Z2z0In-5jdaGtq3WEtNCbbWIzESuh79lz1YSzt8DwtqI/s1600/ali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittnF2JajOcu41mEOSS3Pmqj7qkpXjc9NNbelJqb9ll2Kfnsm50jWs5WQxbcnBYJMPWUMcEbvsPU8_h-cwYkkUQTIANw8nfn-0Z2z0In-5jdaGtq3WEtNCbbWIzESuh79lz1YSzt8DwtqI/s400/ali.jpg" width="265" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> FIFA Presidential Candidate Prince Ali Al Hussein insists he will pursue a tailored approach to African football if he is elected to the top spot of the world football body. "I will assess the needs of each nation on the continent, from travel funds to coaching standards and medical assistance and I will help them accordingly. No longer will there be a 'one size fits all' approach. The needs of the different African nations are as diverse as the land itself," he says in an opinion piece, entitled My Goal For Africa.<br /><br />He says the FIFA of old could have done more for Africa. "I will continue to support the good work FIFA has done in terms of "hardware", such as investing in stadiums, artificial pitches and infrastructure across the continent. But I will also ensure that the "software" of rules, practices and ethics are of the highest standard." He cited travel times and European driven schedules as an impediment to African teams and vowed to make changes.<br /><br />Prince Ali evokes his personal ties to Africa and offers specific ways to develop a new generation of African talent. "I will raise the Financial Assistance Programme from $250,000 to $1m a year, introduce FIFA regional development offices staffed by FIFA-employed professionals who can travel to National Associations to assess their development needs, assist with funding applications and support in the delivery of development projects and simplifying the development fund application process." <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Prince Ali Al Hussein.</span></div>

Presidential Candidate Says FIFA Can do More for African Football

FIFA Presidential Candidate Prince Ali Al Hussein insists he will pursue a tailored approach to African football if he is elected to th...

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