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The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone, Alpha Kanu, will host an online press conference Thursday, December 11, at 15 GMT

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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUHQ7Y9ANsk/VIiR86pX5PI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/3Xz4y2ASnUo/s1600/ebola.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUHQ7Y9ANsk/VIiR86pX5PI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/3Xz4y2ASnUo/s1600/ebola.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is now seven months since Sierra Leone recorded the first case of Ebola and, in spite local and international efforts in the fight against the virus, the numbers continue to spike, particularly in the Western areas of the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has himself been touring the length and breadth of the country mobilizing paramount chiefs and other stakeholders for community involvement in the fight against the Ebola virus disease.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The message of the President has been very clear: Sierra Leone can get the best of treatment centers, the best of clinicians and doctors but unless and until the chain of transmission is broken at the community level by respecting the health measures being put in place of avoiding body contacts, not to touch or bury corpses, and above all, to always call the national Ebola response toll free number of 117, the fight against the virus can still be a herculean challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone Alpha Kanu will host an international press conference to dilate on this and several other issues, including concerns over the spike of cases particularly in the western areas of the country, on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 3pm Sierra Leone time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of The Republic of Sierra Leone.</span></div>
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The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone, Alpha Kanu, will host an online press conference Thursday, December 11, at 15 GMT

The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone, Alpha Kanu, will host an online press conference Thursday, December 11, at 15 GMT

It is now seven months since Sierra Leone recorded the first case of Ebola and, in spite local and international efforts in the fight ag...

21:33

Powering Africa: Summit set to advance deals and partnerships for Africa’s power industries in Washington D.C. this January

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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Raj0JoGSV8/VIdAbLJEfbI/AAAAAAAAFCA/ikSoGl3NnnM/s1600/Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Raj0JoGSV8/VIdAbLJEfbI/AAAAAAAAFCA/ikSoGl3NnnM/s1600/Africa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last 20 years EnergyNet has co-ordinated investor meetings with some of the most reliable and successful power developers operating on the continent of Africa.  Symbion Power, GE, Siemens, Copperbelt, Goldwind, Azura Power, Aldwych, Karpowership, Globeleq, Schneider Electric, ESBi, Transcorp, Chint, China State Grid, Hanergy and others have all been companies that have made long term commitments to the sector and invested in sustainable solutions. These are powerful companies with strong balance sheets backed by some of the biggest banks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Despite all this interest, knowledge and experience, billions of dollars has been spent on development over the last 20 years and many projects have not reached financial closure.  Therefore, one key question is how sustainable is the current way of doing things?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How can investors take greater responsibility for the success and speed of the development of long standing projects? Ultimately, African governments and the public sector are the ‘power in Africa’ and it is their responsibility to build power stations and distribute power for the people. Electrification could lead to increased wealth for all, but equally importantly it could lead to increased stability in order to promote further private sector investment, creating more jobs and even more wealth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It all sounds so simple…. Of course it does, but when a potential investor works across the continent with ministries that lack IT infrastructure and any real depth of international experience across all departments, one starts to understand the challenge that governments and developers face when trying to reach agreements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the last year we’ve seen a change in conversation and indeed a change in the right direction focused on capacity building and infrastructure support for public sector entities. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Symbion Power, Schneider, GE, Aggreko, and Norton Rose Fulbright among others have been investing in long term capacity building including providing grass roots level training.   These companies, along with PwC and Deloitte are working with public sector corporations on additional development projects to support capacity development. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the game change actions has of course been the launch of President Obama’s “Power Africa” initiative designed to increase access to electricity in all of sub-Saharan Africa.  Power Africa seeks to strengthen the institutional and human capacity needed to attract investment on a long-term, sustainable basis, and to effectively manage a growing power sector.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since its launch in late June 2013, Power Africa has helped facilitate the financial close of private sector transactions which expect to produce over 3,100 Megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity.  In addition, Power Africa has already mobilized more than $20 billion in commitments from more than 80 private sector partners.  Power Africa has also forged strategic partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank and the Government of Sweden, which together have committed an additional $9 billion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the ‘Powering Africa: Summit’ in <a href="http://www.poweringafrica-summit.com/">Washington</a> next month many of the challenges and opportunities will be discussed, with many of the investors in the initiative present including those from the AfDB, World Bank, the United States Government and private sector partners.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With such powerful cooperation among international investors in play, we’re sure that it’s not so much an ‘if’ this will create opportunities, as ‘when’ those opportunities will impact the lives of those on the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Having focused solely on Africa’s power sector and frontier market power generation for 20 years, EnergyNet has had the privilege to witness the passion and long term commitment it takes to ‘turn the lights on in Africa.’  Today there is more enthusiasm and more ‘expectation’ about the potential of Africa’s electricity market, and we’re delighted to play [even] such a small role within such an important and exciting sector.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">From 28-30th January 2015, EnergyNet will welcome a high powered delegation of Ministers and officials from utilities and regulatory bodies from Africa to meet with US private and public sector stakeholders at the Powering Africa: Summit where they will continue the crucial conversation on how to maintain the momentum behind building up Africa’s power sector.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd.</span></div>
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Powering Africa: Summit set to advance deals and partnerships for Africa’s power industries in Washington D.C. this January

Powering Africa: Summit set to advance deals and partnerships for Africa’s power industries in Washington D.C. this January

Over the last 20 years EnergyNet has co-ordinated investor meetings with some of the most reliable and successful power developers opera...

21:33

DAMAC Properties Announce Tiger Woods Design to Create Golf Course for ‘AKOYA Oxygen’

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<span style="font-size: large;">Golfing superstar <a href="http://www.damacproperties.com/">Tiger</a> Woods will design the new 18-hole championship golf course in Dubai to be built by luxury real estate developers, DAMAC Properties</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and operated by The Trump Organization.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Set within the 55 million sq ft master community of AKOYA Oxygen, the ‘Trump World Golf Club, Dubai’ will include a state-of-the-art clubhouse, world-class restaurant and pro shop. The course will be situated at the heart of the development, with some of the highest premium, residential developments in Dubai overlooking the course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Tiger Woods is one of the most famous and iconic sportsmen in the world who will bring his design expertise and worldwide playing experience to this amazing development,” said Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties. “Add to that the golfing prowess and skills of The Trump Organisation, our leadership position in luxury real estate development, with the global appeal of Dubai, we believe The Trump World Golf Club Dubai, designed by Tiger Woods, will be a market leader, judged against the best golf courses in the world.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Bringing Tiger Woods to Dubai is a testament to the luxury and quality that can be anticipated at AKOYA Oxygen – where fashion meets the outdoors, and green really is the new black.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Woods has already gained a strong reputation for golf course design, with projects underway in Mexico and the United States. His first course to open for play will be El Cardonal in Mexico, which is scheduled to open before the end of the year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In reference to the style of course that he is creating, Woods said: “I’ve been fortunate to play great golf courses all over the globe, from the original links courses in Scotland to the famous parkland courses in America and the distinctive layouts on the sandbelt of Australia. I hope to bring elements of those great courses and others to the Trump World Golf Club Dubai with the end result being a course that golfers will want to play again and again.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Woods has won 14 Majors in golf, second only to Jack Nicklaus, and is one of the most iconic sportsmen ever to grace the game. The two-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic (2006 & 2008), who had previously looked at the opportunity to design a course in Dubai, is now returning to realize that dream.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He has won a total of 105 tournaments, 79 of those on the PGA TOUR, including four Masters Tournaments, four PGA Championships, three U.S. Open Championships, and three British Open Championships. With his second Masters victory in 2001, Woods became the first player ever to hold all four professional major championships at the same time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“I can’t wait to see this stunning project come to life,” added Woods. “Dubai is fast becoming one of the most influential golfing destinations in the world, both for the professional game and for amateurs looking to enjoy the great weather, great courses and amazing lifestyle.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“We plan to create a distinct and memorable golf course that players of all abilities find enjoyable,” he added. “I am very much looking forward to adding to the great courses of Dubai.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Site preparation work on the Trump World Golf Club Dubai is already underway, with the course due to open by the end of 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This will be the Trump Organization’s 18th golf property in the world and marks the second world-class course in Dubai with DAMAC Properties.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Tiger Woods is the biggest name in professional golf,” said Mr. Donald J. Trump, Chairman & President of The Trump Organization. “His expertise comes from winning on every great course in the world, including his win at the WGC - Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral, Miami. Tiger will be a tremendous asset in developing the course at the Trump World Golf Club, Dubai - and together, with DAMAC Properties, we will be doing something very special.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Trump World Golf Club, Dubai will anchor the AKOYA Oxygen master community that is located just off the Umm Suqeim road extension and less than 15 minutes from AKOYA by DAMAC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AKOYA Oxygen will showcase the greenest living spaces in Dubai with parklands, green open spaces and private gardens. The development will include luxury living experiences in a lush, peaceful environment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Established in 2002, DAMAC has delivered almost 12,000 units to date and currently has a development portfolio of over 39,000 units at various stages of progress and planning as of September 30th 2014, which includes over 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel apartments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of DAMAC Group.</span></div>
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DAMAC Properties Announce Tiger Woods Design to Create Golf Course for ‘AKOYA Oxygen’

DAMAC Properties Announce Tiger Woods Design to Create Golf Course for ‘AKOYA Oxygen’

Golfing superstar Tiger Woods will design the new 18-hole championship golf course in Dubai to be built by luxury real estate developer...

21:24

Government affirms commitment to send capitation grant directly to schools

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<span style="font-size: large;">Government officials have confirmed the government’s intention to send capitation grant money directly to primary and secondary schools, in order to boost quality of learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was said by the Minister of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) and the Minister of Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) at an event on 5 December releasing preliminary results for KiuFunza (thirst to learn), Tanzania’s largest randomized control trial in education. KiuFunza, run by Twaweza and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) with support from the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), has demonstrated that when funds are sent directly to schools they reach there in full and on time, and in a predictable manner, increasing the ability of schools to plan better and purchase essential learning materials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Minister of Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) said “…the process of sending money directly to schools is being reviewed to plan for effective implementation. The government will work with stakeholders , including Twaweza, to see how best to implement the program successfully.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sara Mlaki, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education and Vocational Training (MOEVT) and Kassim Majaliwa (MP), Deputy Minister PMO-RALG responsible for education, both emphasized how the Twaweza project had shown how the capitation grant could be administered more effectively. Congratulating Twaweza, the ministers noted that the civil society organization’s approach increased reliability, transparency and accountability. They assured the participants that the government is open to ideas and evidence, and that these measures will be taken up without further delay, including strengthening auditing of use of funds at school level.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Twaweza presented its first year preliminary results at a special event held in Mbweni and Kiumbageni Primary Schools in Dar es Salaam Region the presence of a number of key government personnel and members of parliament. KiuFunza tests the impact on learning outcomes of two ideas – sending capitation grant directly to schools and providing teachers bonuses based on how many of their students pass basic literacy and numeracy tests. The two are also being tested in combination. The project operates in 156 schools in 11 districts of the country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Initial findings show that after one year, children in schools where the interventions were tested together show significantly better learning outcomes than schools in which no interventions were carried out. In addition, the capitation grant was received in full by all the schools and this has led to reports of fewer shortages of essential materials. However, the capitation grant alone did not lead to improved learning results, at least in the first year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The bonus only scheme has had some result evidenced by teachers spending more time teaching (extra classes and additional test taking) but has not yet shown significant impact on learning outcomes. However, in early 2014 teachers have responded positively to receiving the bonus for 2013. Many teachers confirmed that in 2013 they lacked trust in the bonus offer, but, having seen Twaweza deliver the bonus as promised, they have expressed belief in the incentive offer in the second year of the project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the event, there was broad support for the Twaweza initiative with government officials expressing interest in implementing the local cash on delivery (bonuses for teachers whose children learn) intervention. On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer Of the President's Delivery Bureau (PDB), Omari Issa, Dr Linda Ezekiel stressed discipline and accountability, as well as teamwork in implementing Initiatives, in conjunction with KiuFunza’s incentive payments experiments, which is also a BRN initiative that PDB oversees. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dr Hassan Mshinda, Director General of COSTECH, emphasized the need for policy to be informed by this type of rigorous scientific research and called for similar initiatives in other sectors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All participants at the event, which included MPs and donors, were able to observe school premises and KiuFunzatesting methodology. The tests determine teachers’ bonus payments and are based on the national curriculum and developed in collaboration with experts from the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and endorsed by the Tanzania’s Teachers’ Union (TTU). The tests are for Grades 1, 2, and 3 in Kiswahili, English and Mathematics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All schools and districts in the trial were chosen randomly and the methodology for KiuFunza conforms to the highest scientific standards. The work of the research team is overseen by Professor Isaac Mbiti of the University of Virginia and Professor Karthik Muralidharan of the University of California in San Diego, international leaders in education research. The entire trial takes place over two years and final results are due mid-2015.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rakesh Rajani, Head of Twaweza, said “Everyone agrees that we have a quality of education problem in our country. The challenge now is how to improve learning. A lot of things are done with good intentions, but they are not as effective. The fact that the budget for education has tripled in the last decade while quality has gone down shows we need to do something different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">KiuFunza employs scientifically rigorous research methods to generate new ideas and evidence for what works. Although we are only half-way through the trial, we are already seeing positive results in the combination schools. We are pleased that the government is following developments closely and has already acted swiftly to change the way in which capitation grants are disbursed. In mid-2015 we will have new data on what works, and in particular whether the bonus scheme increases teacher motivation and accountability. In the 21st century, the government needs to use evidence and thoughtful ideas to improve education.”</span></div>
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Government affirms commitment to send capitation grant directly to schools

Government affirms commitment to send capitation grant directly to schools

Government officials have confirmed the government’s intention to send capitation grant money directly to primary and secondary schools,...

21:19

Gemalto Launches Enhanced Visual and Tactile Security Features for Official Identity Documents

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<span style="font-size: large;">Gemalto (Euronext <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/">NL0000400653</a>)</span><span style="font-size: large;">, the world leader in digital security, launches Sealys Secure <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/govt/sealys/sealys-secure-surface-feature">Surface</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">, a new family of cost-effective security features for polycarbonate identity documents that strengthens protection against fraud by combining three different effects: light reflection, movement and tactile elements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sealys Secure Surface can be applied on the polycarbonate bodies of documents such as passport datapages, ID cards, healthcare cards, driver licenses, vehicle registrations, and resident permits.  It offers visual and tactile effects that allow fast and efficient document authenticity checks, while legitimate document holders benefit from greater security and swift identification procedures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sealys Secure Surface is designed to enhance the security of existing features such as the changeable or multiple laser image, which enables several pieces of information - typically a portrait and a number - to be seen depending on the viewing angle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•          Sealys Lens Surface incorporates complex shapes and combinations of elements inside the changeable or multiple laser image, further strengthening the security of this graphical feature</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•          Sealys Optically Variable Surface provides brand-new optical elements with light reflective and animation effects, revealed by tilting a document at different angles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">•          Sealys 3D Surface offers perceptible features for a polycarbonate document, such as surface embossing or Braille, with unmatched accuracy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“The three new innovative features can be elegantly combined to keep our customers one step ahead in the fight against fraud. They have already been implemented in a European national program since mid-November,” said Youzec Kurp, Vice President of Marketing & Products, Government Programs at Gemalto. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“By combining Sealys Surface with Sealys Color in <a href="http://www.gemalto.com/govt/sealys/sealys-color-in-polycarbonate.html">Polycarbonate</a>, a remarkable innovation that allows color photographs to be permanently embedded into polycarbonate documents, Gemalto brings to the market a unique combination of graphical security features.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Gemalto.</span></div>
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Gemalto Launches Enhanced Visual and Tactile Security Features for Official Identity Documents

Gemalto Launches Enhanced Visual and Tactile Security Features for Official Identity Documents

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 ) , the world leader in digital security, launches Sealys Secure Surface , a new family of cost-effective...

21:08

The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemaryr

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<span style="font-size: large;">ReVision project is also looking into areas such as assistance and support to the defence, field operations and field presence, outreach, state co-operation and external relations, information management, and internal communication.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemary Tollo about proposed change for the better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Q: You are undertaking a major reorganisation of the ICC Registry. Explain the need for change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A: Change is desperately needed in order to make a more effective and efficient Registry, especially in dealing with victims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the past 12 years of the court’s existence, we have learned many lessons and we need to ask ourselves whether the current organisational design, policies and practices of the Registry meet the needs of those that we serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the feedback from Registry staff, clients and partners indicates that things could be organised in a better way. There is just too much fragmentation and overlaps in some areas while we need to reinforce the Registry’s operations in others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the main things we are looking at is the assistance and support to victims and their representatives. Victims are often confused and frustrated by the numerous actors from different parts of the court who contact them or seek to represent them — VPRS, OPCV, CSS, PIDS (Outreach), TFV.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Even as ICC Registrar, I am sometimes completely lost as to who does what, when and where. How can we then expect the victims to understand this complex system? Clearly, we must create a more coherent, consolidated and effective structure to support victims and facilitate their legal representation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ReVision project is also looking into areas such as assistance and support to the defence, field operations and field presence, outreach, state co-operation and external relations, information management, and internal communication. The goal is to make the Registry more dynamic, effective and efficient in order to service our clients to the best of our ability.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Q: How will the changes you are contemplating affect the victims?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A: The changes will strengthen the support that the Registry provides to victims and provide a better support structure for their participation in the proceedings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a first step, I am proposing to consolidate functions performed in several Registry offices into a Victims Office. There are just too many different parts of the court that often work independently in their contact with the victims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This has to change, and we have received support from a number of parties, including common legal representatives who have direct substantive experience in representing victims before the court. Victims are confused and frustrated with the multiple actors. We need to organise these actors. A single Victims Office is the best way to achieve that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This office will handle the entire victim participation — from the collection of applications to the provision of information and updates on the cases in the field to the actual representation in court.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There will be a pool of independent lawyers within the office available for assignment to groups of victims at all times, much like a Public Defender’s Office.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There will also be a second counsel assigned to every case for the duration of that case. That counsel would typically be based in the situation country to ensure closer ties and communication with the victims but will be an integral part of the team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also foresee a reinforcement of our field offices, which will play a central role in the provision of assistance and support to victims and their legal representatives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are addressing reorganisation from a number of important angles. I am convinced that this system, if adopted, would enable a more robust and better support structure for the participation of victims.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Q: Concerns are being raised about the proposed changes, including the possibility that they could leave defendants and victims insufficiently represented given the budget cuts. Are the concerns valid?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A: The proposal to establish a single Victims Office is not intended to save money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, victims are the primary beneficiary of the proposed changes. The consolidation of functions will simply enable us to pool existing resources in support of victims, thereby rendering their participation in proceedings more effective and meaningful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is my responsibility to ensure the Registry supports victim participation, as well as the defence and other functions, in the best possible way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If we do not create such an office, the problems being created now will only accumulate and make this an even more pressing issue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Q: What can be done to increase field autonomy for the common legal representatives, given the budget cuts challenges? For instance, a legal representative’s complaints point to micromanagement by the Registry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A: The structure that I am proposing will address this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The perception of micromanagement is due to the fact that common legal representatives are often assigned under the court’s legal aid scheme. This means all their fees and expenses are vetted by the Registry to ensure that they are reasonable and necessary, including the approval of field missions and other activities. This is rather frustrating to counsel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Counsel would become more independent operationally as they would no longer be remunerated under the legal aid scheme, which requires an hourly accounting of work. The pool of in-house counsel, functioning as a Public Defender’s Office, will be joined by “external” counsel for each new case.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The external counsel would be retained either as a temporary staff member or a consultant for the duration of the case. That way, counsel’s remuneration would not depend on the approval by the Registry of counsel’s activities. Counsel would be fully independent and their performance subject only to the Code of Professional Conduct.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All the support that counsel requires in the performance of their representation duties will be available within the Registry. There will be a coherent support structure — including legal assistants, case managers, field assistants and other support staff — who will be at the disposal of counsel, including field staff to support counsel’s activities on the ground.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Q: When will the proposed changes come into effect and what effect are they likely to have on the ongoing cases?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A: We have started implementing some of the structural changes. However, the changes in the areas of victims and defence, in particular the creation of a Victims Office and a Defence Office, require an amendment of the Regulations of the Court and, therefore, the approval of the court’s judges. This, inevitably, takes some time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have already briefed the judges on the proposals and I am preparing a proposal for amendments to the regulations of the court.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Q: How does the Registry respond to the political onslaught against the Kenyan cases that might affect the victims?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A: The ICC is a court of law and cannot get involved in politics.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of The EastAfrican.</span></div>
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The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemaryr

The Registrar of the International Criminal Court, Herman Von Hebel spoke to Rosemaryr

ReVision project is also looking into areas such as assistance and support to the defence, field operations and field presence, outreach...

21:24

Management Changes at BancABC

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<span style="font-size: large;">ABC Holdings Limited ("<a href="http://www.bancabc.com/">BancABC</a>")</span><span style="font-size: large;"> announces that Doug T. Munatsi, Group CEO, Beki Moyo, Group CFO, and Francis M. Dzanya, Group COO, will be stepping down from their roles at BancABC at the end of the year. This follows Atlas Mara Co-Nvest Ltd's ("Atlas Mara") successful completion of its acquisition of BancABC in August 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since the completion of the transaction, the executive management of Atlas Mara and BancABC have been collaborating on identifying opportunities for enhancing BancABC's operations and executing its strategy. As the group embarks on the next phase of its development, it was determined, together with the Board of Directors of BancABC, that now is the right time for Mr. Munatsi, Mr. Moyo and Mr. Dzanya to stand down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Atlas Mara, in consultation with the Board of Directors of BancABC, has identified a highly-qualified team led by Simbarashe Ronald Pfende, as CEO, who, following appropriate vetting and approvals by relevant regulators, will, together with the Atlas Mara team, be focused on leading BancABC's future growth and development. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ronald will be supported by Makhosi Boyede and Amelia Reynecke, who have been appointed as Co-COOs, and Christine Bronkhorst, who has been appointed as CFO. Mr. Munatsi, Mr. Moyo and Mr. Dzanya are working closely with Atlas Mara and the new management team to ensure a carefully managed transition.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Additionally, Howard Buttery has stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of BancABC and will be leaving the Board at year-end, as will fellow director, Ngoni Kudenga. John Vitalo, CEO of Atlas Mara, has been appointed as Interim Chairman, subject to regulatory approval, and Bradford Gibbs, a member of the Atlas Mara Executive Committee, has also joined the Board of BancABC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doug Munatsi, Group CEO of BancABC, said: "Beki, Francis and I have decided that, following the completion of Atlas Mara's acquisition and the recent closing of Atlas Mara's mandatory offer, it is an opportune time to leave the group. We are particularly confident in BancABC's future knowing that the majority shareholder has the access to capital, expertise and experience to continue to grow the institution. I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished during the past two decades and would like to thank BancABC's employees, customers and our Board, particularly two of our long-standing directors, Howard Buttery and Ngoni Kudenga, for their support during the past several years."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">John Vitalo, CEO of Atlas Mara, said: "I want to thank Doug, Beki and Francis for their significant contributions in establishing and growing BancABC and assisting Atlas Mara since the acquisition. Were it not for their dedication and hard work, BancABC would not be in the position it is today. I look forward to continuing to work with them as we effect a smooth management transition. I also wish them all the best for the future. Furthermore, I am delighted that Ronald, Makhosi, Amelia and Christine are joining BancABC. They represent an exceptional leadership team with deep experience in African banking. The Board of Atlas Mara is confident that they will continue the hard work already started at BancABC."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mr. Munatsi, Mr. Moyo and Mr. Dzanya received a total of 1,743,888 Atlas Mara shares in consideration for the transfer of their shares in ABC Holdings at the time of the completion of the BancABC acquisition. In connection with their separation, Atlas Mara has agreed to purchase these shares at a price of $10 per share. The repurchased shares will be held in treasury. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In addition, the departing management team has been granted options over a total of 1,521,838 ordinary shares. The options have a strike price of $12 per share and are also subject to certain repurchase obligations. These options were previously agreed with the management team at the time of the initial acquisition of BancABC. In connection with the management team's departure, BancABC expects to incur a one-time net charge to income of approximately $5.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of ABC Holdings Limited ("BancABC").</span></div>
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Management Changes at BancABC

Management Changes at BancABC

ABC Holdings Limited (" BancABC ") announces that Doug T. Munatsi, Group CEO, Beki Moyo, Group CFO, and Francis M. Dzanya, Gr...

21:17

Watanzania wana matarajio mengi kuhusu maisha yao ya baadaye

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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bchQxYMJjV8/VIXHcfjVEUI/AAAAAAAAFAw/flDB1Ejb48g/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bchQxYMJjV8/VIXHcfjVEUI/AAAAAAAAFAw/flDB1Ejb48g/s1600/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Zaidi ya nusu ya wananchi (54%) wanafikiri kuwa maisha yao yatakuwa bora zaidi ifikapo mwaka 2025. Huu ndio mtazamo wa wananchi wakio katika makundi yote- vijana kwa wazee, wanaume kwa wanawake, na wakazi wa vijijini na mijini. Mtazamo huu ni tofauti kabisa na ule wa nchi za Marekani na Ulaya ambapo karibu wananchi saba kati ya kumi (65%) wanafikiri kuwa watoto wao watakuwa na hali mbaya zaidi kifedha kuliko walivyo wao sasa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Matokeo haya yametolewa na Twaweza na Society for International Development (SID) kwenye muhtasari wa utafiti wenye jina laTanzania ifikapo mwaka 2025: Je, Watanzania wana matarajio gani na maisha yao ya baadaye? Muhtasari umetokana na takwimu zaSauti za Wananchi, utafiti wa kwanza barani Afrika wenye uwakilishi wa kitaifa unaofanyika kwa njia ya simu za mkononi. Utafiti huu hufanyika katika maeneo yote Tanzania Bara (Zanzibar haimo kwenye matokeo haya). Matokeo haya yametokana na takwimu zilizokusanywa kutoka kwa wahojiwa 1,408 mwezi Agosti 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wakiangalia nchi kwa ujumla, wananchi wawili kati ya watatu wanaamini kuwa Tanzania itakuwa mahali pazuri pa kuishi mwaka 2025. Wananchi makundi yote bila kujali hali zao za kiuchumi wanaamini hivyo; mathalan, wananchi wenye kipato kikubwa 64% na wananchi maskini 68% wana matumaini na siku zijazo. Watanzania wana matumaini na akiba tuliyonayo kwa ajili ya nchi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hata hivyo, baadhi ya wananchi bado wana wasiwasi. Karibu mwananchi mmoja kati ya watano (18%) wanahofia maisha yako yatakuwa mabaya zaidi mwaka 2025 kuliko yalivyo leo, na wapo wengine wanaodhani nchi itakuwa mahali pabaya pa kuishi mwaka 2025. Hapa kuna baadhi ya tofauti kati ya matajiri na maskini, mwananchi mmoja kati ya wanne katika kundi la matajiri (25%) na mmoja kati ya watano katika kundi la maskini (18%) hawana matumaini kuhusu siku zijazo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Haijalishi mtazamo gani wananchi wanao, bado wanaamini kuwa matokeo na mustakabali wa Tanzania uko mikononi mwa Watanzania. Wananchi tisa kati ya kumi wanaamini kuwa viongozi wa Tanzania (54%) au wananchi (37%) watakuwa na udhibiti zaidi wa maamuzi ya nchi yao. Linapokuja suala la maisha yao wenyewe, wananchi wanaamini jitihada zao wenyewe kuwa ndizo zitazobadilisha maisha yao; wananchi sita kati ya kumi wanafikiri kuwa wao wenyewe ndio wenye ushawishi zaidi juu ya hatma yao ya baadaye. Hata hivyo, wakati mwananchi mmoja kati ya watano anaamini kuwa Serikali itakuwa na ushawishi mkubwa juu ya ustawi wa maisha yao ya baadaye, hakuna mwananchi wa mjini aliyetaja Serikali kama ina ushawishi muhimu. Mbali na wao wenyewe, wahojiwa wa mijini walitaja familia zao (20%) na marafiki au wenzao (19%) kuwa wenye ushawishi juu ya maisha yao ya baadaye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ukiangalia kila jambo moja baada ya jingine, karibu wananchi watatu kati ya wanne (72%) wanaamini kuwa Tanzania itakuwa nchi ya kipato cha kati ifikapo 2025. Wananchi saba kati ya kumi (68%) pia wanafikiri kutakuwa na Rais mwanamke ifikapo mwaka 2025, na wananchi sita kati ya kumi (64%) wanatabiri kukua kwa uzalishaji wa viwanda na kupungua kwa kilimo. Kwa upande mwingine, wananchi wengi wanatabiri kutokea migogoro ya kidini (62%) na nusu yao (51%) wanatarajia kugawanyika kwa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Chochote kitakachotokea huko mbeleni, wananchi wanaona mabadiliko makubwa, wananchi sita kati ya kumi wanatabiri kuwa upinzani utashinda urais, na tembo watapotea kabisa ifikapo 2025. Jambo la kushangaza, matukio mawili yenye uwezekano mdogo kutokea ni Tanzania kufuzu kushiriki mashindano ya Kombe la Dunia (38% ) na kuanzishwa kwa Shirikisho la Afrika Mashariki chini ya Rais mmoja (34%).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mambo muhimu wanayotaka wananchi kwa siku zijazo ni maboresho kwenye huduma za kijamii (28% wanaona ni kipaumbele chao muhimu) na ukuaji wa uchumi (16% wanaona ni kipaumbele muhimu).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aidan Eyakuze, Mkurugenzi wa shirika la Society for International Development, alitoa maoni yake kwenye matokeo haya "Watanzania kwa kiasi kikubwa wana matumaini na maisha yao binafsi ya baadaye, hasa ikilinganishwa na wenzao kutoka nchi zenye maendeleo makubwa kiuchumi, Marekani na Ulaya. Matumaini haya na mtazamo chanya ni mtaji mkubwa. Vinaimarisha uwezo wa nchi kusonga mbele kwa kujiamini na pia inaweka mzigo kwa kila mmoja wetu kuhakikisha kuwa tunafikia malengo ya mafanikio kwa nchi yetu."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rakesh Rajani, Mkuu wa Twaweza, alisema "Katika kipindi cha mabadiliko muhimu ya kitaifa na ya kimataifa, wananchi wa matabaka yote kiuchumi, maeneo na jinsia zote, wana matumaini kuhusu kile kilichopo siku za mbeleni nchini Tanzania. Changamoto kwa Serikali ya Tanzania, wasomi wa ndani pamoja na wananchi wenyewe, ni kuhakikisha kuwa matumaini haya yanaendelezwa kupitia utungaji sera na utekelezaji wenye ufanisi, kuhimiza maendeleo yenye usawa na kujenga mshikamano wa kijamii, ili matarajio ya wananchi ya maisha bora siku zijazo yafikiwe."</span></div>
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Watanzania wana matarajio mengi kuhusu maisha yao ya baadaye

Watanzania wana matarajio mengi kuhusu maisha yao ya baadaye

Zaidi ya nusu ya wananchi (54%) wanafikiri kuwa maisha yao yatakuwa bora zaidi ifikapo mwaka 2025. Huu ndio mtazamo wa wananchi wakio kati...

18:45

Football Stars, Celebrities, International Health Organizations and Corporations Join to Launch “Africa United” To Help Stop Spread of Ebola in West Africa

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<span style="font-size: large;">At the Official Draw for the 2015 OrangeTM Africa Cup of Nations today, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) joined football stars, celebrities, international health organizations and corporations to announce the launch of Africa</span><a href="http://www.weareafricaunited.org/" style="font-size: x-large;"> United </a><span style="font-size: large;">, a global health communications campaign aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola in West Africa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The campaign, which is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation and driven creatively by actor Idris Elba, is designed to recognize the vital role of frontline healthcare workers, as well as to provide critical education and resources for the people of West Africa. Educational messages will be delivered on local and national radio and TV, billboards and by SMS to audiences in Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and neighboring countries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a new TV spot titled “We’ve<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af4Ld1jIteE"> Got Your</a> Back,” Elba and a group of football players committed to the fight against Ebola in West Africa, including Yaya Touré, Carlton Cole, Kei Kamara, Patrick Vieira, Fabrice Muamba and Andros Townsend, are voicing their solidarity with the healthcare workers who are risking their lives every day to fight Ebola. In the video, the players acknowledge that, although fans regard them as heroes, healthcare workers tackling Ebola are the true heroes. Each player wears the name of a healthcare worker on his back as a symbol of respect for “the world’s most important team.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“For me the battle against Ebola is a personal one. To see those amazing countries in West Africa where my father grew up and my parents married being ravaged by this disease is painful and horrific,” said Idris Elba, actor and the creative force behind the development of the campaign public service announcements. “Imagine having to sit down and tell your family that you were going to fight this disease. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That conversation is happening across West Africa and around the world every day. I am in awe of the bravery of these health workers, who put their lives at risk day in and out to stop the spread of this terrible disease. My hope is that, in some small way, through the development of these PSAs and the creation of the Africa United campaign, we can ensure that these workers get the support they need and that health messages are delivered to people on the ground to help them in their fight. #wevegotyourback. We will support you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In another campaign video titled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnnU_o010EE">“West Africa vs.</a> Ebola,” Elba stars as a soccer coach giving a rousing and educational team talk to West Africa in preparation for its “life or death” game against Ebola. Elba explains the symptoms of Ebola and tactics for how to beat the virus, which includes spreading the word and working as a team.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"I wanted to support this campaign for so many reasons. I could not sit back without doing something to help fight Ebola. It is important we don't treat this as something we just discuss with work colleagues or simply follow on the news for updates - instead our focus should be to do something,” said Yaya Touré, Ivorian professional football (soccer) player. "I also wanted to get involved with this campaign as it pays tribute to the many, many African heroes who are in the villages, towns and cities using their skills, resourcefulness and intelligence to battle Ebola. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those people on the front line are often forgotten. African mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters are doing everything they can to fight Ebola - we have to support them. #WeveGotYourBack"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The video spots and other multimedia educational materials—including video and radio messages, billboards and posters—will be available on the <a href="http://www.weareafricaunited.org/">campaign</a>, in English, French, Krio and additional local languages. The educational materials are designed to be adapted and distributed by Africa United partners such as ministries of health, health clinics, government and non-governmental organizations, media and sports organizations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These include the CDC Foundation and current partners Africa 24, SuperSport, ONE, UNICEF and Voice of America. CDC staff working in the affected countries contributed to the development and distribution of the health messages, and Africa United will continue to develop and provide messages to CDC and partners in real time based on changing needs in country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To further leverage the power of football to reach Africans, Africa United also will distribute FIFA and CAF’s ‘11 Against Ebola’ messages through Africa United partners. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, infecting nearly 16,000 people with more than 5,600 deaths to date. While the spread of Ebola is a threat to people, health systems and economies around the globe, West African communities in particular are being crippled by the disease as a result of already-strained healthcare systems, mistrust of healthcare workers and fear and stigmatization of those infected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Private and public partnerships like Africa United are critical to aligning organizations fighting Ebola and to ensuring quick, effective responses to changing circumstances and needs,” said Charles Stokes, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation. “The CDC Foundation remains committed to advancing response efforts in West Africa through public education and resources for use on the front lines of the Ebola battle.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Africa United.</span></div>
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Football Stars, Celebrities, International Health Organizations and Corporations Join to Launch “Africa United” To Help Stop Spread of Ebola in West Africa

Football Stars, Celebrities, International Health Organizations and Corporations Join to Launch “Africa United” To Help Stop Spread of Ebola in West Africa

At the Official Draw for the 2015 OrangeTM Africa Cup of Nations today, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) joined football star...

20:41

Vital tips for consumers when purchasing gifts online

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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njN_BxS4OKI/VH9KGtGfU_I/AAAAAAAAFAY/brVuPFZoHL0/s1600/hdl.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-njN_BxS4OKI/VH9KGtGfU_I/AAAAAAAAFAY/brVuPFZoHL0/s1600/hdl.png" width="238" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">In the lead up to the festive season, consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping portals instead of visiting physical stores. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dpdhl.com/">Oliver</a> Facey, VP Operations for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa </span><span style="font-size: large;">, says that shopping online not only offers consumers access to a greater selection of products with easy to compare prices, but also allows individuals to purchase products that may not yet be available in  in their own country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although internet penetration in Sub Saharan Africa is still far below the world average of around 30%, the numbers are increasing as Africans become more familiar and comfortable with online shopping. According to figures from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in South Africa, 51% of individuals with internet access shop online and in Kenya, 18-24% make online purchases and according to a 2014 Phillips Consulting survey, Nigeria’s online shopping sector grew from N68.4 billion in 2011 to N78 billion in 2012, representing a growth of 25%. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">He warns though that while there are many motivators of why to shop online, consumers must be aware of the do’s and don’ts of online shopping to avoid possible drawbacks. Consumers should also be aware of the regulations involved with purchasing from international retailers, in order to avoid incurring additional expenses, thereby making the product less of an attractive buy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Facey offers advice to consumer on what to consider when buying from international e-retailers: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be conscious of Customs’ import duties and taxes: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Consumers are often caught off-guard when their shipments arrive from international retailers with unexpected additional charges. It is therefore imperative for consumers to be aware that they may have to pay customs duty for their online purchases, depending on the country that they are buying the goods from.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All shipments transported across international borders must be cleared through Customs, where, depending on the type of goods being shipped, they may also be subject to additional charges. Import duties and taxes differ in each country and are usually calculated as a percentage of the item value. Import shipments may also be subject to interventions by Customs where the price, contents and country of manufacture are often investigated to mitigate a wide range of risks. This could result in delivery delays as well as additional costs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are also e-retailers that offer Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms which clearly communicates that all costs, inclusive of the duties, taxes and clearance costs, are payable at checkout, to avoid any surprise costs at destination.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Regulations/restrictions on certain products: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some products are prohibited or have certain limitations when imported. These could be aviation restrictions - for example, flammable liquids are categorized as dangerous goods, therefore importing of perfume would be restricted. There may also be country specific restrictions - for example, on certain food or animal by-products.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gifts are not necessarily exempted from duties and taxes: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When purchasing online products as a gift, check on the receiving country’s regulations to avoid the recipient being held liable for additional charges. For example, Customs Bureaus in Angola have legislated tax-free exemptions for gifts to an individual as long as the value is less than USD 350. In Zimbabwe, the limit is USD 50. This shows the varying limits for exemptions and demonstrates the importance of checking local regulations prior to making your online purchases. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check delivery options and costs: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Most websites offer a variety of delivery options, with associated costs. Make your decision by taking into account the cost of shipping, the expected transit times and the value of your order. For peace of mind, it is advisable to select a premium courier delivery option, where the delivery process can be tracked from dispatch to final delivery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Use reputable e-retailer websites: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be sure to only make online purchases from websites that are well-known and reputable. Do not be fooled by websites with offers that may look enticing – if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Online shopping is definitely the way to go, from a convenience and cost saving point of view, so once consumers become familiar with their local regulations, they can really reap the rewards. We have seen a steady increase over the past couple of weeks as consumers took advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals available online.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The build up to the festive season is always peak season for parcel shipments within the express industry, and this year is no different. We recognize and welcome the influx of volumes and our ongoing investment in our people and extensive infrastructure across Africa ensures that we are well positioned to continue to exceed our customers’ service expectations,” concludes Facey.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.</span></div>
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Vital tips for consumers when purchasing gifts online

Vital tips for consumers when purchasing gifts online

In the lead up to the festive season, consumers are increasingly turning to online shopping portals instead of visiting physical stores. ...

20:37

APO's market footprint continues to expand in Nigeria

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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DtPCy519i4Y/VH3GAFtjjDI/AAAAAAAAFAI/_QEckVB64kw/s1600/Apo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DtPCy519i4Y/VH3GAFtjjDI/AAAAAAAAFAI/_QEckVB64kw/s1600/Apo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">APO (African <a href="http://www.apo-opa.com/">Press</a> Organization)</span><span style="font-size: large;">, the sole press release newswire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Africa, today announced its renewed and extended contract as exclusive supplier for press release wire distribution in Africa with the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (<a href="http://neximbank.com.ng/">NEXIM</a>)</span><span style="font-size: large;">, an Export Credit Agency (ECA) with a share capital of N50, 000,000,000 (Fifty Billion Naira) held equally by the Federal Ministry of Finance incorporated and the Central Bank of Nigeria.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Nigerian Export-Import Bank was established as an Export Credit Agency with the broad mandate to promoting the diversification of the Nigerian economy and deepening the external sector, particularly the non-oil.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“For the past year, APO has played a substantial role in increasing NEXIM’s visibility, not only in Africa but also on an international scale, by distributing our press releases on Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters. We are Government's Trade Policy Bank committed to the diversification of Nigeria's economy away from oil for creation of Nigerian jobs and foreign exchange generation. We see our relationship with APO as a strategic one and are looking forward to working with them in 2015,” declared Mr Roberts Orya, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">NEXIM’s press releases are distributed via <a href="http://goo.gl/RKc5KV">Africa </a>Wire®, the newswire service for press release distribution and monitoring in Africa. This reaches over 50,000 media outlets, bloggers and social networks, and redistributes content to more than 50 African websites, as well as to Bloomberg Terminal, Thomson Reuters, Lexis Nexis, Dow Jones Factiva, 250 million mobile subscribers in 30 countries, and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Used by some of the world’s largest companies, PR agencies, institutions and organisations, APO Africa Wire® has a potential reach of 600 million and guarantees the most extensive outreach in Africa, acting as a channel that allows APO’s clients to target audiences in all parts of the continent and also the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“We have built a solid relationship with Nigerian organizations that are driving the country's economic growth and we are proud to continue expanding our footprint in Nigeria, supporting media relations for clients ranging from ministries, to companies in the financial sector," said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, APO Founder and CEO. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization).</span></div>
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APO's market footprint continues to expand in Nigeria

APO's market footprint continues to expand in Nigeria

APO (African Press Organization) , the sole press release newswire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Afric...

17:00

Tangazo kwa vyombo vya habari

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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abBXKGJbdgI/VH3FC-pjn0I/AAAAAAAAFAA/EWeZxFpzDww/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-abBXKGJbdgI/VH3FC-pjn0I/AAAAAAAAFAA/EWeZxFpzDww/s1600/image001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tunathamini mchango wako katika kusambaza taarifa za tamasha ulimwengu mzima. Sauti za Busara, tamasha la muziki maarufu Afrika Mashariki na lenye sifa kimataifa, litawaleta wasanii mbalimbali katika toleo la tamasha la 12 mwakani, tarehe 12 – 15 Februari mjini Zanzibar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">katika kusherekea utofauti na uzuri wa muziki wa kiafrika, Sauti za Busara huvutia wageni kutoka sehemu zote za Afrika na kwingineko kusikiliza muziki wa African roots, fusion, pop, soul, Taarab, rap, reggae na aina nyingine nyingi, yote ikipigwa live kwa asilimia 100. Sauti za Busara 2015 itawaleta; Alikiba, Msafiri Zawose,  Leo Mkanyia and the Swahili Blues Band  kutoka Tanzania, Blitz the Ambassador kutoka Ghana/USA, Octopizzo and band na Sarabi kutoka Kenya, Ihhashi Elimhlophe na  The Brother Moves On kutoka South Africa, Tcheka kutoka Cape Verde, Diabel Cissokho kutoka Senegal, Loryzine kutoka Réunion/France naMgodro Group kutoka Zanzibar and more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a dynamic platform that brings global citizens together, Sauti za Busara values and appreciate TanzLikiwa kama jukwaa lenye kubadilika na kuwakutanisha wenyeji na wageni pamoja, Sauti za Busara inathamini na kutambua Tanzania kama nchi yenye amani duniani. Huku 2015 ikiwa ni mwaka wa uchaguzi mkuu Tanzania, tunaamini kwamba ili maendeleo ya taifa yaendelee bila vizuizi, tunahitaji kuimarisha umoja, kuheshimu utofauti wa watu/vitu mbalimbali na kufanya kazi ili kutunza na kulinda amani hii yenye thamani. Tamasha pamoja na wadhamini wamezindua shindano la Nyimbo za Amani ambapo vikundi 19 kutoka Tanzania vitashiriki. Dhima ya tamasha la 12 ni Together as One: Amani ndio Mpango Mzima!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Busara Promotions, NGO inayoratibu tamasha la Sauti za Busara, ingependa kuchukua nafasi hii kutoa ukumbusho kwamba vyombo vya habari vyenye pasi za tamasha kwa waandishi ndio watakaopata ruhusa ya kuingia katika tamasha na kupata nafasi ya kuhudhuria press conferences, mikutano yote na waandishi wa habari, chumba chenye wi-fi katika eneo la tamasha, mahojiano na wasanii wa tamasha pamoja na majadiliano ya Movers & Shakers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kwa waandishi wenye kamera, pasi/vibali vitakuwezesha kupata eneo la mbele la wapiga picha (karibu kabisa na jukwaa) na kufanya shughuli ikiwemo kuweka visimamishi/tripod, visimamishi vya vipaza sauti, taa za ziada, au wafanyakazi zaidi ya mmoja.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baadhi ya wafanyakazi wa tamasha na wasanii watakuwepo kujibu maswali na kukupa taarifa zinazoenda na wakati kuhusu tamasha la 12, katika Press Conference ya Dar es Salaam iliyopangwa kufanyika Alhamisi 29 Januari 2015, saa 3 asubuhi katika Hoteli ya Southern Sun, Dar es Salaam.</span></div>
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Tangazo kwa vyombo vya habari

Tangazo kwa vyombo vya habari

Tunathamini mchango wako katika kusambaza taarifa za tamasha ulimwengu mzima. Sauti za Busara, tamasha la muziki maarufu Afrika Masharik...

16:57

PwC’s ‘Capital Projects & infrastructure in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa,’ report has been issued today

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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.pwc.com/">The African</a> continent continues to attract the interest of global investors, developers and operators searching for growth. While there are short term concerns in some of Africa’s regions, the opportunities abound for infrastructure investment and development. Infrastructure spend in the region is projected to reach $180bn per annum by 2025, according to PwC’s ‘Capital Projects & infrastructure in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa,’ report issued today </span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More than half of respondents indicated that their planned spending on infrastructure – both new projects and refurbishment of assets – would increase by more than 25% from the previous year. They said much of their spending would be focused on new development, with 51% of all respondents planning to spend more than half of their budgets on new assets. Respondents from West Africa were especially bullish, with 58% planning an increase of more than 25% in spending, followed by those in East Africa (53%) and Southern Africa (40%). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jonathan Cawood, Capital Projects & Infrastructure Leader for PwC Africa, says: “The shallow economic recovery in most developed markets has shifted the focus to faster-growing regions. This is also true for the infrastructure development sector.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“With an abundance of natural resources and recent mineral, oil and gas discoveries, demographic and political shifts and a more investor-friendly environment, the investor spotlight shines brightly on Africa.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Interviews were conducted among 95 key players in the infrastructure sector, including development finance institutions, private financiers, government organisations and private construction and operations companies across East, West and Southern Africa. The sectors surveyed included water, transport and logistics, energy, mining, telecoms, and real estate, with the main focus being on economic infrastructure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Highlighting the different stages of development and uniqueness of each country, the report provides insights into the world of infrastructure delivery across African countries and regions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It showcases the drivers for success, the current thinking and challenges stakeholders are experiencing within the region.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“While respondents are clearly committed and optimistic about the continent’s infrastructure development, there are a number of obstacles they recognise must be dealt with. Resolving these quickly and creatively will not only positively affect their current projects, but more importantly, will attract other project developers, owners and investors to enter the African market,” says Cawood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Despite its slow growth, South Africa remains the powerhouse of the SSA region with the most sophisticated infrastructure, state-owned entities, financial services, telecommunications, regulation and greater industrial and sector capacity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Overall the top three challenges in delivering capital projects across Southern Africa are: the availability of skills (47%), a lack of internal capacity among state organisations to plan, procure, manage and implement capital infrastructure projects (43%), and the impact of political risk and government interference during project lifecycles (40%). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“With a number of concessions having been cancelled by governments in the region, an improvement in transparency, regulation and procurement is needed to help restore the confidence of foreign investors in partnership models,” adds Cawood. Access to funding was raised as a concern (33%), as was policy and the inhibiting regulatory environment (27%).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many projects across SSA have been affected by the lack of funding or insufficient funding. Funding from sources such as sovereign wealth funds, bonds and pensions funds is becoming increasingly important, but these types of investors are typically more interested in projects that are fully operational and tend to shy away from greenfield projects and their construction risks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">China has made numerous investments across SSA to support its need for resources. Japan, India and other Asian countries are also investing in infrastructure often linked to resources on the continent. Funding from local players is also increasing significantly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With many governments and heir agencies reaching debt ceilings, funding models are gradually changing in Africa and respondents expect public-private partnerships (PPPs) to become more prevalent. More respondents in Southern Africa than other regions expect projects to be fully funded internally or through government funding. On the other hand, respondents in East and West Africa are counting on a mix of private-sector and government financing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Stability coupled with greater regional integration and cross-border cooperation is essential for the successful economic development of Southern Africa. The region is clearly on a strong growth trajectory but better project selection and preparation, tighter collaboration and improvement in trust are required to ensure sustained development,” says Cawood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Managing the construction process with the right level of control, oversight and commercial skill is critical. The PwC report indicates that more than 80% of project delivery failure is due to non-technical issues caused by poor communication, lack of clear roles and accountability and a weak paper trail of decisions, variation orders and reporting.  “We talk of three lines of defence that boards and management should ensure are in place for all large construction projects. These are, project controls, project reporting and independent oversight,” says Mark Ally, PwC Capital Projects & Infrastructure Partner. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">While all projects are susceptible to going off track and experiencing costly delays, some are more vulnerable, such as those involving new technologies, dependent on regulatory and environmental approvals and those in remote or politically unstable regions or where skills are in short supply. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Nearly half (47%) of survey respondents said they experienced delays of more than six months on capital projects. Those in East Africa suffered the most delays of greater than six months, while those in Southern Africa said the largest number of delays were between one and six months.   There are many examples in the world and few in South Africa where projects have come in more than two years late and more than double original budget estimates.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mohale Masithela, PwC Partner in Capital Projects & Infrastructure Financing says: “The need to improve infrastructure to drive economic development is undisputed. The survey makes it clear that the availability of funding is a common and critical challenge. However, private capital does not track needs, it tracks opportunities. To ensure the need for infrastructure is viewed as an opportunity to provide capital by funders, some of the other challenges identified in the survey such as political risk, policy and regulatory clarity and the availability of appropriately skilled resources must be addressed.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">South Africa and Nigeria have the most ambitious infrastructure programmes and together make up almost 60% of the spend across SSA.  Kenya follows as the third largest in planned spend.  Transport and Utilities (including power/energy and water) will account for approximately 70% of this spend in Southern Africa.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cawood concludes: “Infrastructure plays a key role in economic growth and reducing poverty having a 5-25% per annum return on investment as an economic multiplier.  Those countries that have been most successful in developing and maintaining infrastructure have established programmes of prioritised investment opportunities with a number of features, including clear political support, a proper legal and regulatory structure, a procurement framework that can be understood by both procurers and bidders, and credible project timetables.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“These country programmes eliminate key frictions such as long project lead times, clarity around funding and procurement strategies and to some extent reduce the risks of political term of office changes.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).</span></div>
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PwC’s ‘Capital Projects & infrastructure in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa,’ report has been issued today

PwC’s ‘Capital Projects & infrastructure in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa,’ report has been issued today

The African continent continues to attract the interest of global investors, developers and operators searching for growth. While the...

16:52

Balozi Seifa asikitishwa na jimbo la Mtoni

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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DRFOBNu2Wc/VH3CjkAGDPI/AAAAAAAAE_s/Af7FYcmN6qc/s1600/870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1DRFOBNu2Wc/VH3CjkAGDPI/AAAAAAAAE_s/Af7FYcmN6qc/s1600/870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mlezi Chama cha Mapinduzi Mkoa wa Magharibi akiwa pia mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu ya Halmashauri kuu ya Taifa ya CCM Balozi Seif Ali Iddi  ni jambo la kusikitisha kuona Uongozi wa Jimbo la Mtoni unashindwa kuliendeleza jengo la Kituo cha Afya cha Mtoni kutokana na itikadi za kisiasa.</span></div>
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Alisema jengo hilo lililoanzishwa kwa ushirikiano wa pamoja kati ya wananchi wa Viongozi waliopita wa Jimbo hilo kwa lengo la kuwaondoshea usumbufu wa huduma za Afya wananchi wote wa jimbo la Mtoni.</div>
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Balozi Seif alisema hayo akiwa katika ziara ya siku mbili kukagua uhai wa chama cha mapinduzi katika Mkoa wa Magharibi akiwa mlezi ziara iliyompa fursa kukaguwa maendeleo ya matawi yaliyomo Wilaya ya Mfenesini pamoja na kuzindua Shina la UVCC Nambari moja la Tawila CCM Mwakaje.</div>
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Alisema wazo lililoanzishwa na viongozi na wananachi hao la kujenga kituo hicho linafaa kuungwa mkono kwa vile wananachi watakaopata huduma za afya baada ya kukamilika kwake hawategemei itikadi yoyote ile ya kisiasa.</div>
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Balozi Seif ambae pia ni Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar aliwaahidi wana CCM hao pamoja na wananachi  wa Mtoni sambamba na Wilaya ya Mfenesini kwamba  Serikali itaimaliza Hospitali hiyo ili lengo lililokusudiwa na wananachi hao linanze kutekelezwa mara moja.</div>
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Alifahamisha kwamba atashauriana na Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein kuona namna Serikali itakavyoongeza nguvu katika kuona jengo hilo linakamilika kama llivyopangwa.</div>
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Akigusia suala la kisiasa Balozi Seif  aliwatahadharisha vijana kuwa makini na makundi ya watu wanaotumia vipindi vinavyokaribia wakati wa  uchaguzi kuwatumia vijana katika kuwagawa wanachama wa chama hicho.</div>
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Alisema Vijana ni vyema wakaelewa kwamba wao ndio muhimili wa chama katika kukiongezea nguvu za kuendelea kushinda changuzi zote na akawapongeza Vijana wa Shina nambari moja la Mwakaje kwa uamuzi wao wa kuanzisha shina hilo.</div>
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Alieleza kwamba chama cha Mapinduzi kinaamini kwamba uanzishwaji wa mashina ya chama katika matawi mbali mbali hapa nchini ndio njia kuu ya kuu ya kuimarisha nguvu na uhai wa chama chenyewe.</div>
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Mlezi huyo wa Mkoa wa Maghribi aliwakumbusha Viongozi wa Matawi na Majimbo la Mkoa huo kuendelea kuwahamasisha wanachama wao kulipa ada za uanachama pamoja na kufanya vikao vya chama ili kuondosha wanachama magarasa.</div>
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Alifahamisha kwamba Tawi au Jimbo lisilofanya vikao vyake kama kawaida kwa mujibu wa kalenda ya chama cha Mapinduzi ni kukaribisha fitna na majungu ambayo hatimae husababisha mgawanyiko  na kuleta makundi ndani ya chama.</div>
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Aliwaeleza wanachama hao wa CCM  na Wananchi wa Wilaya ya Mfenesini kwamba CCM ndio yenye dhamana ya kulinda na kusimamia amani na utulivu kwa wakati huu nchini Tanzania.</div>
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Mjumbe huyo wa Kamati Kuu ya Halmashauri Kuu ya Taifa ya Chama cha Mapinduzi aliwapongeza Viongozi na wanachama wa CCM Wilaya ya Mfenesini kwa juhudi zao za kutekeleza nsera na ilani ya Chama.</div>
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Akizungumzia suala la Katiba Mpya iliyopendekezwa na bunge Maalum la Katiba Balozi Seif aliwashauri Wananchi hasa Vijana kuendelea kuhamasishana katika dhana nzima ya kujiandaa kuipigia kura katiba hiyo wakati wa kura ya maoni.</div>
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Alisema Katiba iliyopendekezwa na Bunge Maalum imekidhi mahitaji kamili ya kila kundi jambo ambalo inaonyesha kuungwa mkono pia na baadhi ya wanachama wa vyama vya upinzani hapa nchini.</div>
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Katika kuunga mkono juhudi za wanachama hao wa CCM Balozi Seif ameahidi kusaidia ukamilishaji wa mlango wa Duka la Shina ya Umoja wa Vijana wa CCM nambari moja la Tawi la Mwakaje.</div>
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Katika risala na taarifa zao tofauti wana CCM Hao wa Matawi yaliyomo ndani ya Wilaya ya Mfenesini Kichama wamelipongeza Bunge Maalum la Katiba kwa uwamuzi wao wa kupendekeza Katiba inayokubalika na wananachi walio wengi Nchini Tanzania.</div>
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Walisema Katiba hiyo imeweka wazi haki na maslahi ya kila kundi wakiwemo walemavu, vijana watoto na wanawake.</div>
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Mapema Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Mapinduzi Mkoa wa Magharibi Nd. Yussuf Mohd Yussuf alisema Uongozi wa CCM Mkoa huo umejipanga vyema tayari ukijianda na maandalizi ya uchaguzi mkuu unaotarajiwa kufanyika mwakani.</div>
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Mlezi huyo wa Mkoa wa Magharibi Balozi Seif Ali Iddi mapema asubuhi alizindua shina nambari moja la Umoja wa Vijana wa CCM Tawi la CCM Mwakaje, kutembelea Matawi ya CCM Sharifumsa, Mtoni pamoja na Kukikagua Kituo cha Afya kinachojengwa pembezoni mwa Msuli ya Msingi ya Mtoni.</div>
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Othman Khamis Ame</div>
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Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</div>
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Balozi Seifa asikitishwa na jimbo la Mtoni

Balozi Seifa asikitishwa na jimbo la Mtoni

Mlezi Chama cha Mapinduzi Mkoa wa Magharibi akiwa pia mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu ya Halmashauri kuu ya Taifa ya CCM Balozi Seif Ali Iddi ni j...

16:46

The government of United Republic of Tanzania has never had any plan to evict the Maasai people from their ancestral land

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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="goog_434505581"></span><span id="goog_434505582"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>The government of United Republic of Tanzania has never had any plan to evict the Maasai people from their ancestral land as falsely reported by the media in recent days. The information circulated through the media outlets globally was misleading, malicious and meant to tarnish the image of our country and her international standing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mnrt.go.tz/">The Minister</a> of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Lazaro Nyalandu said that the claims that 40,000 Maasai were being evicted are false unfounded and baseless. The argument that the land in question is being sold to a wealthy Middle Eastern family are a total fabrication and in contrary to the Tanzanian law.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Members of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Land, Natural Resource, and Environment are due to visit the Loliondo area to bear witness to the government position and speak directly to the Maasai people. The Minister, Lazaro Nyalandu will also be leading a team of government officials and Media Houses to visit Ngorongoro in the next few days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Ministry for Natural Resources and Tourism of The United Republic of Tanzania.</span></div>
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The government of United Republic of Tanzania has never had any plan to evict the Maasai people from their ancestral land

The government of United Republic of Tanzania has never had any plan to evict the Maasai people from their ancestral land

The government of United Republic of Tanzania has never had any plan to evict the Maasai people from their ancestral land as falsely rep...

13:03

IOM Voluntarily Returns 253 Ethiopian Migrants

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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1aCBx9beOI/VHg-npwrW1I/AAAAAAAAE_M/xdyOM5wWb-4/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1aCBx9beOI/VHg-npwrW1I/AAAAAAAAE_M/xdyOM5wWb-4/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The International Organization (IOM) will voluntarily repatriate  </span><span style="font-size: large;">253 Ethiopian migrants back to their country of origin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The migrants had been detained at </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ruanda (Mbeya), Ubena (Bagamoyo) and Kigongoni (Pwani) prisons.  This effort is made </span><span style="font-size: large;">possible through close collaboration between IOM, the Tanzania Ministry of Home Affairs </span><span style="font-size: large;">(Prison and Immigration Department), as well as the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The migrant group includes a total of 39 children, who will be provided with in-kind grants to </span><span style="font-size: large;">allow them to continue their education, once they have returned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This assisted voluntary return operation is funded by the Government of Japan, as part of </span><span style="font-size: large;">the ‘Voluntary Return Assistance to Migrants in Tanzania’ Project. Through this project IOM </span><span style="font-size: large;">Tanzania has voluntarily returned more than 220 Ethiopian migrants this year alone, and is </span><span style="font-size: large;">planning to return a total of up to 800 Ethiopian migrants by the end of the year. Since 2009, </span><span style="font-size: large;">more than 2,500 Ethiopian detainees have been assisted by IOM to return home through </span><span style="font-size: large;">generous funding from the Government of Japan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The assisted voluntary return (AVR) of the migrants follows a verification mission IOM </span><span style="font-size: large;">conducted from 9 to 21 October 2014 in response to the heavy caseload of 453 Ethiopian </span><span style="font-size: large;">migrants detained in Tanzanian prisons. During this period, a team composed of </span><span style="font-size: large;">representatives of IOM Dar es Salaam and IOM Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian ConsulateGeneral, and the Prisons and Immigrations Departments visited 11 different prisons in five </span><span style="font-size: large;">different regions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> All 453 migrants were verified to have the Ethiopian nationality. The </span><span style="font-size: large;">remaining caseload is expected to be voluntarily returned next week on a charter flight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Background </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tanzania is a transit country for migrants seeking to make the journey to South Africa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reports of migrants being intercepted by the authorities in Mbeya, Coast region and Tanga </span><span style="font-size: large;">are common. Tanzania has virtually no reception facilities and as a consequence migrants </span><span style="font-size: large;">are often locked up in overcrowded prisons with common criminals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thousands of (mainly) young Ethiopian men embark on the perilous journey to South Africa </span><span style="font-size: large;">each year. Migrants sacrifice their and their families’ savings to pay smugglers amounts of up </span><span style="font-size: large;">to 4,000 USD to facilitate the journey. Human smuggling has become a thriving multi-billion </span><span style="font-size: large;">dollar industry, which feeds off people’s desperation to establish a better livelihood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“The risks are enormous – injuries, disease, exploitation and detention are just some of the </span><span style="font-size: large;">hazards that these migrants face when they leave home without proper travel documents,” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">said IOM Chief of Mission Mr. Damien Thuriaux. “We are happy that, at least for this group, </span><span style="font-size: large;">the suffering is over and they can return to their families.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">IOM’s voluntary return operation includes medical screening, flights to Ethiopia with escorts </span><span style="font-size: large;">provided for minors, reception in Addis Ababa, onward transport to their places of origin and reintegration assistance.</span></div>
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IOM Voluntarily Returns 253 Ethiopian Migrants

IOM Voluntarily Returns 253 Ethiopian Migrants

The International Organization (IOM) will voluntarily repatriate 253 Ethiopian migrants back to their country of origin. The migran...

12:22

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