OECD publishes Atlas of the Sahara-Sahel: Geography, Economics and Security

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p82cQRj2PO4/VJUlMHo_MHI/AAAAAAAAFFk/v2eSHIYEqi0/s1600/oecd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p82cQRj2PO4/VJUlMHo_MHI/AAAAAAAAFFk/v2eSHIYEqi0/s1600/oecd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The “Sahel” label covers a fluid space that defies classical geographic description and is characterized by the constant movement of people and goods, as well as the instability and violence that has marked recent years. Understanding this mobility and cross-border activity is vital for efforts to stabilize and develop the region.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A new Atlas produced by the Sahel and West Africa Club of the <a href="http://www.oecd.org/csao">OECD</a> offers a different way of reading the Sahara-Sahel by analysis these transnational and regional flows. The Atlas of the Sahara-Sahel: Geography, Economics and Security features 150 maps that chart the complex movements of goods and people and zoom in on migratory movements, terrorist networks and attacks, illegal trafficking routes, as well as regional and international stabilization efforts.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Our aim is to show that the Sahara-Sahel is not empty or without hope,” François-Xavier De Donnea, President of the Sahel and West Africa Club, said during the launch of the Atlas in Brussels. “The region is criss-crossed by roads with populations mostly made up of urban dwellers, whose settlements follow the pattern of trade and transit. With the right set-up and co-ordination of commercial and political incentives, the Sahara-Sahel could flourish.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Sahara-Sahel’s 17,000 km of borders do not so much hamper activity as drive it. Trafficking in gasoline and food capitalizes on variations in exchange rates, taxation levels and national subsidies. Trafficking in black-market cigarettes, illegal drugs and weapons is widespread and developed on a regional scale.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Atlas illustrates how terrorist groups seek to control strategic border areas or roads more than sections of national territories. Many groups have grafted themselves onto historical social networks, enabling them to strike from a distance. For example, many AQIM leaders operate through the extremely mobile Touareg and Arab tribes in the region.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Structurally fragile Sahelian countries face serious difficulties in controlling their vast territories and countering the development of these harmful elements. Their efforts are supported by a number of regional and international initiatives. A lasting peace must also rely on the co-operation of the different shores of the Sahara, North, Central and West Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The Sahara-Sahel area is a top priority for Africans in the Sub-Saharan and northern regions, for Europeans and for international partners,” said EU Special representative for the Sahel, Michel Reveyrand de Menthon. “This comprehensive Atlas makes clear the lengthy and complex timeline implicit in resolving the issues affecting the region.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Co-ordination of the regional and international players working in the Sahel is key to the success of the different initiatives for this region,” said the UN Special Envoy for the Sahel, Hiroute Guebre Sellassie. “The multitude of actors and interventions do not pose an obstacle but constitute an opportunity, on the condition that this surge in generosity be co-ordinated so as to respond to real needs identified by the states and people of this region.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of OECD.</span></div> </div>

OECD publishes Atlas of the Sahara-Sahel: Geography, Economics and Security

The “Sahel” label covers a fluid space that defies classical geographic description and is characterized by the constant movement of peo...

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International Conference on Social Protection in Arusha Government of Tanzania adopts the Arusha Declaration on Social Protection

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCQBDbvEWSs/VJUkHTaeduI/AAAAAAAAFFc/uQ7L6Sfr7JM/s1600/Saada_Salum.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCQBDbvEWSs/VJUkHTaeduI/AAAAAAAAFFc/uQ7L6Sfr7JM/s1600/Saada_Salum.png" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Honorable Minister Saada Mkuya Salum (MP), Ministry of Finance, officiated the closing ceremony of the three-day International Conference on Social Protection at the International Conference Centre in Arusha.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Upon closing of the Conference, the Government of Tanzania adopted the Arusha Declaration on Social Protection which provides a strong foundation for advancing the agenda of social protection in Tanzania and in Africa, with a view to make growth and development a reality for all.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The three-day Conference was a historical event, as it was the first ever such international conference on social protection to take place in Tanzania. The Conference, which was organized by the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with UNICEF, ILO, UNAIDS and the Economic Policy Research Institute (EPRI) based in South Africa – brought together more than 150 senior government officials, policy-makers, researchers and experts on social protection. Delegates had a unique opportunity to attend presentations from distinguished experts in the field of social protection from many countries, includingAfghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hon. Minister Salum said that the Conference has been very interactive and has explored and deliberated on all important pillars for building sustainable social protection systems in Africa and in Tanzania in particular.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The final recommendations and Declaration which we have adopted, provide the required knowledge and basis for future work. I am pleased to say that this consensus is a decisive step in pursuance of the social protection agenda in Tanzania and hopefully will serve as an inspiration for the region as a whole. Additionally these recommendations will certainly inform our next growth and development plans and strategies of the various sectors like education, health and social welfare, nutrition, water and sanitation.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">During the Conference, many papers were presented and discussed in six plenary and parallel sessions. The discussions explored issues related to evolution and key trends of social protection; building comprehensive and integrated social protection systems; and designing effective social protection interventions and social protection sustainability and financing. One of the key messages from the discussions was on the importance of coordination, vertically across the central and local government and horizontally across social protection and social services agencies.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As pointed out by H.E. Seif Ali Iddi, Second Vice President during the opening ceremony of the Conference, Tanzania has its vision set high to graduate to a middle-income country by 2025 and the Government has adopted social protection as a key strategy for achieving Tanzania’s growth and development vision.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In order to achieve this VISION, the Government wants to ensure that its citizens, including the poorest and the weakest develop their capacities to realize their rights and make Tanzania stronger and a more equal society. Addressing the needs of children, especially their nutrition, health and education is critical to helping them grow into happy, productive adults and escape from the inter-generational poverty trap.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In conclusion, Hon. Minister Salum felt encouraged that the Conference was able to achieve its objectives.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“As Tanzania moves towards a mineral and gas-rich economy and aspires to move towards a middle-income country, this Conference has been timely in establishing that social protection stands as a key strategy for ensuring a fairer distribution of the nation’s wealth and contributing to measurable improvements in household economic and social development as well as reducing risks by building a peaceful and cohesive society.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> </div>

International Conference on Social Protection in Arusha Government of Tanzania adopts the Arusha Declaration on Social Protection

Honorable Minister Saada Mkuya Salum (MP), Ministry of Finance, officiated the closing ceremony of the three-day International Conferenc...

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BOAD intends to provide medium and long-term loans involving XOF1,100 billion over the next five years

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vOnyP3QkJlA/VJCEQw2ybII/AAAAAAAAFFM/qfG7Vd5GqKE/s1600/cot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vOnyP3QkJlA/VJCEQw2ybII/AAAAAAAAFFM/qfG7Vd5GqKE/s1600/cot.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Board of Directors of the West African Development Bank (<a href="http://www.boad.org/">BOAD</a>) held its 95th ordinary meeting on 15 December 2014 in Cotonou, under the chairmanship of Mr. Christian Adovelande, President, Chairman of the Board of Directors.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Following the adoption of the minutes of its 94th Board meeting held on 24 September 2014 in Lomé, the Board considered and approved the 2014-2018 financial outlook update as well as the 2015-2017 programme-budgeting.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The financial outlook update sets out the volume of activities per sector, estimates the financial resources required to cover commitments, and defines the intervention conditions of the Bank.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Over the 2015-2018 period, BOAD intends to approve long or medium-term loans in an amount of XOF1,100 billion, excluding the Energy Development Fund (FDE), established by the WAEMU and managed by BOAD.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The business volume projected during this five-year period includes XOF217 billion for short-term credit facilities, XOF48.9 billion for equity investments and XOF20 billion for guarantees. A special focus will be placed on the search for co-funding, financing arrangements and promotion of public-private partnerships.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Resource mobilization will be one of the key priorities in order for the institution to better support member countries in their development drive.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">By 2018, the Bank should mobilize borrowings and own resources involving at least XOF1,500 billion. In this connection, BOAD plans to resort to the regional capital market to raise about XOF725 billion over the next four years, as well as a borrowing involving XOF250 billion in the international capital market.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The preparation of this financial outlook update took place in a context marked by the adoption in last September of a new strategic plan for 2015-2019, with the objective of making BOAD “a solid development bank for economic integration and transformation in West Africa”. This vision is outlined in four major directions :</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Accelerating regional integration through continued infrastructure financing;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Supporting inclusive growth, food security and sustainable development;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Supporting businesses and governments and developing financial engineering and services;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Deepening the resource mobilization process. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The 2015-2017 programme-budgeting adopted by the Board was prepared in line with the guidelines set forth in the strategic plan and the financial outlook update. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Besides, the Board approved four loan proposals involving a total amount of XOF44 billion:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Development of 8,000 ha of land at Kandara in the Djenné area (Mali). This project is part of the irrigation scheme implemented in the Bani Basin area and at Sélingué. Amount: XOF10 billion.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Sewage treatment and drainage of storm waters in the township of Fatick (Senegal). Amount: XOF9 billion.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Planning and asphalting of the Adzopé-Yakassé Attobrou road (Côte d’Ivoire). Amount: XOF10 billion.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Street paving and sanitation in the townships of Bembéréké, Bonou, Bopa, Dogbo, Ifangni, Kalalé, Karimama, Tanguiéta, Zakpota and Zè (Benin). Amount: XOF15 billion.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">These new loans brought the aggregate amount of loans granted by BOAD to XOF3,181.12 billion, excluding short-term credit facilities and equity investments, equating to 726 projects.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Board also approved proposals in connection with the following items:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Equity investment by BOAD in the capital increase of ORABANK Côte d’Ivoire. Involving XOF10.395 billion, this operation brought the Bank’s interests in the share capital to XOF16.995 billion, representing 45.32% of the capital of the Ivorian bank;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">-Granting of a second line of credit to BOAD by China Development Bank (CDB). In a total amount of €100 million, this facility will be split into two tranches.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Thereafter, the Board of Directors delivered a favourable opinion on the situational report and prospects for the reorganization of BRS Group and the statement of recovery of BOAD loans as at 30 November 2014. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Furthermore, it took cognizance of the following items: the minutes of the 19th meeting of BOAD Audit Committee; the progress report on the implementation of BOAD’s IT blueprint; the summary note on ex-post performance evaluations; the implementation of the Council of Ministers’ decision on providing resources to BOAD as part of the initial appropriation to the Energy Development Fund (FDE); the summary of lessons drawn and recommendations of the qualitative socio-economic impact assessment of seven irrigation schemes; the minutes of the ordinary meeting of the WAMU Council of Ministers held on 24-25 September 2014 in Lomé.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In closing the meeting, Chairman Christian Adovelande thanked, on behalf of the Board, the Beninese authorities for the warm and fraternal welcome extended to Directors and the material and organizational arrangements that facilitated the organization of this meeting under congenial conditions. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the West African Development Bank (BOAD).</span></div> </div>

BOAD intends to provide medium and long-term loans involving XOF1,100 billion over the next five years

The Board of Directors of the West African Development Bank ( BOAD ) held its 95th ordinary meeting on 15 December 2014 in Cotonou, unde...

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Investors are seeking opportunities in new sectors and geographic locations with Dubai and the UAE a well-placed hub to drive and facilitate growth

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGD2td3YN6s/VJARn4W4Q1I/AAAAAAAAFE8/NVxsuakK8aQ/s1600/falcon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sGD2td3YN6s/VJARn4W4Q1I/AAAAAAAAFE8/NVxsuakK8aQ/s1600/falcon.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are placing more attention on new markets in east, west and southern Africa as their trade flows with the continent expand, according to a report released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (<a href="http://www.falconandassociates.ae/">EIU</a>) in conjunction with Falcon and Associates.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The EIU study, entitled GCC Trade and Investment Flows, explores the GCC’s economic ties with each world region and identifies major growth drivers. Key findings show the GCC’s push into Africa is broadening by sector and geographical location. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">From telecommunications and private equity in West Africa to energy projects in South Africa and Mozambique, investment flows are diversifying. Opportunities in infrastructure are a primary growth driver, where, according to World Bank estimates, US$96bn a year is required to bridge the gap, while fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) is one of the fastest-emerging opportunities on the continent, driven by increased spending power and rising consumer needs.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Findings show Dubai and the UAE as a major trade and investment partner across the African continent. This year, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) signed a US$300M agreement with Dangote Cement in West Africa and bought a significant stake in Kerzner International. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2014 also saw Dubai-based Jumeirah Group expand operations into North Africa with a management agreement in Mauritius and the recent deal between Emirates Airline (which already operates more than 160 flights a week to Africa) and TAAG Angola Airlines will improve connections to Central and South Africa. In addition, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts has signed its first Memorandum of Guidance with their counterparts in the High Court of Kenya advancing legal structures and enabling more confident investing.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With robust infrastructure, geographic location and global connectivity, Dubai acts as a strategic and world-class hub for doing business with Africa. The emirate not only facilitates trade and investment flows into and out of the continent, it provides a stable and secure base from which global firms can operate. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The findings follow the success of the 2nd Africa Global Business Forum (AGBF), held in Dubai earlier this year and organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which was attended by more than 1000 delegates from 62 countries where discussions focused on encouraging investment opportunities and promoting sustainable development across Africa. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Falcon and Associates.</span></div> </div>

Investors are seeking opportunities in new sectors and geographic locations with Dubai and the UAE a well-placed hub to drive and facilitate growth

Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are placing more attention on new markets in east, west and southern Africa as their trade flo...

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An innovative African initiative to strengthen food systems while combating Ebola

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bYLAw9WLMI/VI_FnuwmQ-I/AAAAAAAAFEs/-5JyYTheLgQ/s1600/AG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8bYLAw9WLMI/VI_FnuwmQ-I/AAAAAAAAFEs/-5JyYTheLgQ/s1600/AG.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Thousands of smallholder farmers in Liberia are set to benefit from an innovative seed distribution initiative that seeks to combine food security and Ebola containment strategies in Liberia. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The initiative, led by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (<a href="http://www.agra.org/">AGRA</a>) in partnership with the government and other stakeholders, seeks to strengthen the fragile food system by providing quality seed paired with Ebola prevention messages to farmers – many of whom cannot access critical inputs, particularly seeds.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The 50MT of high yielding yellow maize seed donated today will go a long way in ensuring that smallholder farmers and their families remain food secure during this difficult period of the Ebola epidemic,” says AGRA President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata. “We do not want the Ebola epidemic to spiral into a food crisis.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Ebola has the potential to disrupt our food systems, since it affects the most productive parts of our economies – much like the HIV pandemic did in the past. AGRA has built a platform that can help deliver not only agricultural inputs but health messages and awareness” said Strive Masiyiwa, Board Chair of AGRA and Chief Executive Officer of Econet Wireless. “I am excited to see AGRA shoring up support for small-holder agriculture in Liberia in partnership with the government and private sector, while combating Ebola,” he added that the AGRA platform is one of the most effective delivery mechanisms in Africa, led by Africans.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Though Liberia as a country is largely dependent on agriculture, the sector has suffered severe setbacks with many of its smallholder farmers unable to produce at an optimal level. This situation has been worsened by the negative impact of the Ebola epidemic, where farmers have left their fields for fear of Ebola. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> The new initiative by AGRA is targeting smallholder farmers in four counties, starting in Liberia. The high yielding maize seed has the potential to increase harvests by a factor of two to three, mitigating food supply pressure, while Ebola awareness messages and simple tools like buckets and soaps will provide farmers the first line of defense against the disease.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">AGRA worked with the governments of Liberia and Ivory Coast, the African Development Bank and the private sector in Mali in this effort. “AGRA is grateful to the African Development Bank President, Dr. Donald Kaberuka and the Ivory Coast government for assisting us to get the seeds across the border in good time,” said Dr Kalibata. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“With this support from the Econet Development Foundation, and in response to the looming food crisis in the country, our Program for African Seed Systems (PASS) will intensify its work by increasing access to high quality seed to improve agricultural practice and food availability for Liberian smallholder farmers, ” says PASS Director, Joe DeVries. “We will work in partnership with the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, private seed companies, national farmer organizations and other local partners to ensure that the support provided gets to the targeted farmers.” </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">While this round of seeds is distributed freely, given the financial pressures faced by farmers, this initiative is part of the comprehensive approach that AGRA takes to ensure better food systems by creating seed companies and training agro-dealers to create the proper market incentives to ensure long-term economic sustainability.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Through previous support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, PASS has worked to build a sustainable seed system based on farmer demand for quality seed. The organization is currently supporting three local seed companies to produce, multiply, and make quality seeds available to farmers. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">PASS has also provided funding to the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) to research on staples such as rice, cassava, and maize in order to improve agriculture productivity and has trained eight Liberian seed specialists at the Kwame Nkrumah University for Science and Technology, Ghana, all in the bid to ensure smallholder farmers in the country break away from using low-yielding seeds to high-yielding ones.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).</span></div> </div>

An innovative African initiative to strengthen food systems while combating Ebola

Thousands of smallholder farmers in Liberia are set to benefit from an innovative seed distribution initiative that seeks to combine foo...

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Enhance your customers’ experience this joyous season

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUTKmZ0V6vg/VI_E1BkxWKI/AAAAAAAAFEk/6zN9PG7qpHM/s1600/DHL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tUTKmZ0V6vg/VI_E1BkxWKI/AAAAAAAAFEk/6zN9PG7qpHM/s1600/DHL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The traditional mad holiday rush is upon us and businesses - especially those in retail – need to ensure that a high level of service delivery is maintained and that they are geared to handle the additional enquiries driven by the sudden upsurge in customers.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.dpdhl.com/">This</a> is according to Sumesh Rahavendra, Head of Marketing for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa, who says that the holiday season puts added pressure on businesses to deliver consistent service quality, and, if not managed correctly, could consume valuable time that could have been spent on maximising sales.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rahavendra points to recent findings from the business consulting firm Lee Resources, which indicated that one of the main reasons for customer unhappiness is bad service delivery. Findings also indicated that 91% of unhappy customers will also not willingly make use of the service provider again. He says that to ensure a positive customer experience with a brand, a robust customer service platform is needed. “Not only will this ensure that customer needs are met across all touch points but it will also empower brand representatives to be able to deal with difficult situations, in an effective manner.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rahavendra points to a few key tips to accelerate the customer service experience during the busy holiday period:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Make sure that your employees are emotionally engaged:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The festive season is not only stressful for consumers, but also for the employees who are providing the service. An employee who simply smiles at a customer (face to face or even while interacting telephonically) can have a significant impact on the customer’s perception of their experience. This is especially important for businesses that have sizeable contact centres – A customer should receive friendly and consistent service quality, irrespective of the representative that they are dealing with.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Embrace new media:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With the rise of social media, the customer service experience can either be amplified or hindered. Business should ensure they have allocated sufficient time and resources to ensure that social media channels are monitored throughout the day and response times and query resolutions should be closely managed. Should a negative issue arise, where possible, the query should be dealt with offline and with the client directly. All social queries should however be acknowledged online.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A number of brands choose to disable posts to their Facebook pages as there is no control as to what is posted. We believe in transparency and immediate feedback, so the only content that would be removed is defamatory or explicit content. Having an active social media presence is a fantastic way to keep in touch with customers, in real-time, as they spend much of their time online. It keeps the lines of communication open and is, most importantly, convenient for customers to make contact with your brand.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Transparent escalation procedures:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As the end of the year nears, it adds pressure to the turn-around time expected for query resolution. Customers should be able to access various escalation channels easily. In a traditional bricks and mortar retail space, senior and empowered managers should be on the floor at all times to diffuse difficult situations immediately. In the online or corporate space, access to senior managers should be clearly defined so that customers do not have the added frustration of trying to track down someone who can assist them.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For example, we introduced a best in class feature to our website which we refer to as Straight to the Top (STTT) – This allows the customer to have access to the whole DHL Express Senior management team up to and including the Africa regional team that is the Africa Management Board. It’s all about accessibility and speed of query resolutions.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Being insanely customer centric is our mantra as we believe that a customer’s experience and perception of a brand has significant influence not only on whether they will become a loyal, repeat customer, but also on how they promote the company to other potential customers. Great service quality therefore plays a significant role in a business’s bottom line,” says Rahavendra.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.</span></div> <div class="yiv6726754095MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418707961688_6541" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> </div>

Enhance your customers’ experience this joyous season

The traditional mad holiday rush is upon us and businesses - especially those in retail – need to ensure that a high level of service de...

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Vantage’s Fund II commits $10 million to the Simba Properties Investment Company in Uganda

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZMgxXdsOto/VI_Dx9MtwLI/AAAAAAAAFEc/OHGlQhIXVVM/s1600/VAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GZMgxXdsOto/VI_Dx9MtwLI/AAAAAAAAFEc/OHGlQhIXVVM/s1600/VAC.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Vantage Capital (“<a href="http://www.vantagecapital.co.za/">Vantage</a>”)</span><span style="font-size: large;">, Africa’s leading mezzanine debt provider, today announced it has provided $10m of funding to Simba Properties Investment Company (“Simba Properties”), the property investment arm of Simba Group in Uganda which houses five prime property developments in Uganda, three of which are operating and two of which are under development.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In addition to property, the Simba Group has business interests in telecom (Simba Telecom), energy (Electro-Maxx and True North Power), agriculture (Simba Farms), mining (gold) and other industries (such as Simba Electronics, Simba Travel Care and Zuku TV). Simba Group was started by the husband and wife team of Patrick and Carol Bitature in 1998 and has grown into one of the leading domestic investment groups in Uganda.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Patrick Bitature, the Founder and Chairman of Simba Group said, “Vantage brings an important and exciting new model of financing to the East African region. Simba Group is pleased to have found a strong mezzanine financing partner who provides medium-term growth capital but does not want to take our hard earned equity.” </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mokgome Mogoba, Associate Partner at Vantage, said “We are proud to have invested with the Simba Group, a leading and influential group of companies in Uganda with a strong commitment to the country and to the East African region.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Warren van der Merwe, Chief Operating Officer at Vantage, added “Simba has managed to build an impressive and successful group of businesses, through a combination of entrepreneurial flair and highly professional management. Theirs is the kind of story that underpins our Pan African investment strategy of supporting mid-market family-owned businesses that are seeking to raise growth capital without having to dilute their shareholding. This is the kind of Group we would like to back in future transactions.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The investment in Simba Properties follows Vantage’s pan-African strategy of focusing on high-growth African markets such as the East African Community members, Ghana, Nigeria, and some of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Simba Properties is Vantage’s first investment in Uganda and the twelfth mezzanine transaction in Vantage’s second fund, which is now more than 85% invested. Vantage has commenced the raising of its third mezzanine fund, which is targeted to close by the first quarter of 2015 at $250 million.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Vantage Capital.</span></div> </div>

Vantage’s Fund II commits $10 million to the Simba Properties Investment Company in Uganda

Vantage Capital (“ Vantage ”) , Africa’s leading mezzanine debt provider, today announced it has provided $10m of funding to Simba Propert...

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AfrAsia Bank attracts significant shareholding from National Bank of Canada (NBC)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAH7QRac6l4/VI_CNbNR1nI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/-jdHxV-sy7c/s1600/NBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oAH7QRac6l4/VI_CNbNR1nI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/-jdHxV-sy7c/s1600/NBC.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.afrasiabank.com/en">AfrAsia</a> Bank Limited today announced the addition of an important world-class strategic partner, National Bank of Canada, to its shareholding structure. This represents a major vote of confidence in its business model, financial standing and unique positioning in regional and international markets. National Bank of Canada will immediately acquire a 9.5% stake in AfrAsia Bank, with the aim of further increasing its shareholding in the near future.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">National Bank of Canada, the sixth largest bank in Canada, is an integrated provider of financial services to retail, commercial, corporate and institutional clients. It has some 20,000 employees and 2.4 million clients and offers a complete range of services, including banking and investment solutions, securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management. Clients in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world are served through a network of representative offices, subsidiaries and partnerships.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“We are pleased to partner with AfrAsia Bank and have the opportunity to use our expertise and resources to contribute to its development,” said Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Canada. “This investment will be the first by National Bank of Canada in Africa. We believe its fast-growing and emerging economies offer attractive market opportunities.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As of today, AfrAsia Bank’s growth plans and strategic vision, led by the founder shareholder – GML, have been clearly validated by favourable responses from investors, including Singaporean private equity firm, Intrasia Capital, French partner PROPARCO and now National Bank of Canada.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Since inception, AfrAsia Bank’s vision has been to bring change and innovation to Mauritius banking, and to grow regionally as well as internationally. Over the past seven years, we have been consolidating our presence locally while reinforcing our footprint through our representative offices in South Africa and in London, and our associate company in Zimbabwe. With numerous representative offices, subsidiaries and partnerships, through which it can serve clients in the United States, Europe and other parts of the world, National Bank of Canada is a valuable shareholder that can further help with US connections as well as relations with European markets,” added Arnaud Lagesse, Chairman of AfrAsia Bank.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">AfrAsia Bank’s total assets at the end of June 2014 were recorded at USD 1.56 billion. By offering tailor-made and innovative banking and investment solutions, with expertise in the local and international financial sectors, AfrAsia Bank aims to grow from having clients in 104 countries to becoming one of the biggest players in Africa and expanding in European as well as American markets.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"We have continuously invested in developing our bank to become a significant player in the region, Africa as well as internationally. We are honoured to partner with such a renowned financial institution as National Bank of Canada. This partnership will give us an impetus for further growth and reinforce the position of AfrAsia Bank in international markets,” said James Benoit, CEO of AfrAsia Bank.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“AfrAsia Bank’s business model, broad diversification of activities and growth potential are key assets that contributed to our decision to invest,” said Karen Leggett, Executive Vice-President – Marketing and Corporate Strategy at National Bank of Canada. “Growing trade between Africa and the rest of the world, notably Asia, is fuelling investments across the African continent and AfrAsia Bank is well positioned to benefit from this trend. We look forward to being a part of its future.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">CEO of AfrAsia Bank added that “Despite difficult prevailing market conditions and challenges, the bank’s strong performance has been truly encouraging, which has attracted world-class shareholders. With National Bank of Canada, we will continue to deliver on our corporate philosophy to build bridges between Africa, Asia and the rest of the world while using Mauritius as an International financial centre.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of AfrAsia.</span></div> </div>

AfrAsia Bank attracts significant shareholding from National Bank of Canada (NBC)

AfrAsia Bank Limited today announced the addition of an important world-class strategic partner, National Bank of Canada, to its sharehol...

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Mwaalim Seif akabidhi gari Pemba

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b09CDg3ai_k/VI24nvjj02I/AAAAAAAAFEA/5GjiKW5JY58/s1600/maalin-seif2_1324472515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b09CDg3ai_k/VI24nvjj02I/AAAAAAAAFEA/5GjiKW5JY58/s1600/maalin-seif2_1324472515.jpg" width="273" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Mhe. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, amekabidhi gari la kubebea wagonjwa kwa wananchi wa jimbo la Ole katika Wilaya ya Wete kisiwani Pemba.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akikabidhi gari hilo kabla ya kuhutubia mkutano wa hadhara ulioandaliwa na Chama cha Wananchi CUF katika viwanja vya Kangagani, Maalim Seif ambaye pia ni Katibu Mkuu wa Chama hicho ametaka gari hilo litumike kwa kuwahudumia wananchi wote wa jimbo hilo bila ya ubaguzi wa aina yoyote.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Gari hilo lenye thamani ya shilingi milioni 30 limetolewa na Mbunge wa jimbo la Ole Mhe. Rajab Mbarouk Mohamed.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mapema akizungumza katika mkutano huo, Maalim Seif, amewapongeza wanachama wa chama hicho katika kijiji cha Kangagani kwa ujasiri walionao katika kukabiliana na changamoto za kisiasa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amesema kijiji hicho, kimekuwa kikikabiliwa na upinzani mkali kutoka chama cha mapinduzi huku kikiungwa mkono na baadhi ya vyombo vya dola, lakini wanachama wa CUF wamekuwa wavumilivu na wajasiri katika kutetea haki yao ya kisiasa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amesema kila mwananchi ana haki ya kikatiba ya kujiunga na chama anachotaka, na kwamba kitendo cha kuwanyanyasa wananchi kwa sababu ya maamuzi yao ya kujiunga na vyama vya upinzani sio sahihi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amewataka wanachama hao kuendelea kusimamia maamuzi yao, na kuwataka kufanya maamuzi sahihi ya kukichagua CUF katika uchaguzi mkuu ujao, ili kuondokana na madhila ya kisiasa na kiuchumi yaliyowakabili kwa muda mrefu sasa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amesema wakati wa CUF kuongoza serikali ya umoja wa kitaifa Zanzibar umefika, na kwamba hakuna mtu au chombo kinachoweza kukizuia chama hicho kushika dola katika uchaguzi mkuu wa mwakani.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amewahamasisha wanachama hao kuendelea kuunga mkono hoja ya mamlaka kamili ya Zanzibar, kwani bila ya kufanya hivyo hakutakuwa na maendeleo wala uhuru wa Zanzibar wa kuweza kufanya na kusimamia maamuzi yake kitaifa na kimataifa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amefahamisha kuwa Zanzibar imepoteza umaarufu wake duniani baada ya kuungana na Tanzganyika, na kwamba wakati umefika sasa wa kuirejeshea heshima na umaarufu wake katika Jumuiya za Kimataifa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Katika hatua nyengine wanachama ishirini wa chama cha ADC katika jimbo la Ole wamejitoa kwenye chama hicho na kujiunga na CUF.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sambamba na hilo Maalim Seif alikabidhi kadi mia tano na hamsini na tano kwa wanachama wapya waliojiunga na chama hicho katika jimbo hilo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ametoa wito kwa wanachama hao kuhakikisha kuwa wanapata vitambulisho vya Mzanzibari mkaazi (ZAN ID) na kujiandikisha kwenye daftari la kudumu la wapiga kura, ili waweze kushiriki katika uchaguzi mkuu ujao.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nae mwakilishi wa Jimbo hilo Mhe. Hamad Massoud Hamad amesema zaidi ya vijana mia nne na hamsini wenye sifa za kupewa ZAN ID katika jimbo hilo bado hawajapatiwa, na kwamba wamekuwa wakizungushwa bila ya kupatiwa haki hiyo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amewataka masheha wa jimbo hilo kutenda haki kwa kuwapatia ZAN ID vijana hao ambao wametimiza masharti yote ya kuweza kupata vitambulisho hivyo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kabla ya mkutano huo Maalim Seif alifanya ziara ya kukagua maendeleo ya CUF katika kijiji cha Kangagani, iliyokwenda sambamba na uwekaji wa jiwe la msingi katika tawi la Kosovo pamoja na kuzindua Barza ya Ukawa (Ukawa Centre) katika kijiji hicho.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mapema akisoma risala ya wanachama wa barza ya Ukawa Centre, katibu wa barza hiyo nd. Ali Abdallah, amesema wameamua kuanzisha barza hiyo ili kuunga mkono maamuzi ya viongozi wa vyama vinavyounda umoja wa katiba ya wanachi, ulioanzishwa wakati wa mchakato wa katiba mpya.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hassan Hamad (OMKR)</span></div> <div class="yiv4653107247" id="yiv4653107247yui_3_16_0_1_1418499997228_6125" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"> <span class="yiv4653107247" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span></div> </div>

Mwaalim Seif akabidhi gari Pemba

Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Mhe. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, amekabidhi gari la kubebea wagonjwa kwa wananchi wa jimbo la Ole katik...

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Kamati ya sensa yakutana

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKLjpB1D8to/VI23oetV40I/AAAAAAAAFD4/N7kAvA0V7bs/s1600/624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKLjpB1D8to/VI23oetV40I/AAAAAAAAFD4/N7kAvA0V7bs/s1600/624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 imekutana katika Kikao chake cha Kawaida cha 14 chini ya mwenyekiti wake Waziri Mkuu wa Serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mh. Mizengo Pinda.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kikao hicho kilichoshirikisha pia Mwenyekiti Mwenza wa Kamati hiyo Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi, Wajumbe wa Pande zote mbili za Muungano ambao ni baadhi ya Mawaziri na watendaji wa Taasisi za Umma kilifanyika katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu Jijini Dar es salaam.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akiwasilisha utekelezaji wa agizo la Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 la kikao cha 13 Kamishna wa Sensa Tanzania Hajat Amina Mrisho alisema kazi za usambazaji wa chapisho la tatu la Taarifa za msingi la Kidemografia, Kijamii na Kiuchumi unaendelea kusambazwa kwa watumiaji.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Hajat Amina alisema kwamba utaratiubu wa kusambaza taarifa hizo katika ngazi ya Mkoa imeanza katika Mkoa wa Pwani Tanzania Bara ambako warsha iliyohusisha Viongozi na watendaji katika ngazi ya Mkoa na Wilaya imeshafanyika mwezi Oktoba mwaka 2014.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kamishna wa Sensa huyo Tanzania alifahamisha kwamba warsha kama hizo zinatarajiwa kuendelea katika Mikoa mengine hapa Nchini mara uwezeshaji utakapokamilika.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kigusia suala la uhakiki wa mipaka ambayo inastahiki kufanyika kwa uangalifu mkubwa utakaoshirikisha wadau wote wa mikapa Hajat Amina alisema kazi hiyo imepangwa kufanyika nchi nzima kulingana na uwezo wa Kifedha.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema hadi sasa shughuli hiyo hadi sasa imeweza kufanyika katika Wilaya za Gairo na Chemba,Bagamoyo na hivi sasa inaendelea Wilkaya ya Kiteto kwa Tanzania Bara na Wete Visiwani Zanzibar.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akiwasilisha Taarifa za uhakiki wa mipaka katika Wilaya ya Kiteto Afisa Takwimu wa Taifa Bwana Enest Bugambi alisema ipo changamoto nyingi zinazowakwaza wananchi hasa lile suala la kuhama hama kwa wafugaji na wakulima na kuingia ktaika maeneo ha hifadhi ya misitu.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Bwana Enest alisema uimarishaji wa usalama wa umiliki wa ardhi kwa maeneo ya kilimo na mifugo ndilo jambo la msingi litakalopunguza au kuondoa kabisa migogoro ya mipaka pamoja na umiliki wa ardhi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mtaalamu huyo wa Takwimu alifahamisha kwamba timu ya wataalamu wake tayari imesha hakiki vijiji vipatavyo 36 wakibakisha vijiji kumi ndani ya Wilaya ya Kiteto katika mpango mzima wa matumizi ya chapisha la Sensa ya watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wakichangia katika Kikao hicho cha 14 cha Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 baadhi ya Wajumbe wa Kamati hiyo walisema bado suala la migogoro ya wafugaji na wakulima litaendelea kuwepo kwa vile taratibu za umiliki wa ardhi haujawa makini.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Walishauri kutumiwa kwa wataalamu wa taasisi zinazosimamia maendeleo ya jamii ili kutoa taaluma kwa umma katika maeneo mbali mbali hasa zile sehemu za migogoro ili kupunguza matokeo ya ya balaa yakiwemo yale ya mauaji.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Walisema viongozi wa kidini na kisiasa ni vyema wakashirikishwa katika kusaidia migoogoro pale inapotokea katika maeneo wanayoishi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akitoa nasaha zake mwenyekiti wa Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya Mwaka 2012 Waziri Mkuu wa Serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mh. Mizengo Pinda aliipongeza Timu ya wataalamu wanaosimamia uhakiki wa mipaka kwa kazi kuibwa waliyoifanya katika kipindi kifupi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mh. Pinda alisema kitendo cha wataalamu hao kushirikisha watendaji wa taasisi husika katika zoezi hilo imeleta uelewa na kupunguza joto la migogoro ya mipaka ambalo lilikuwa likionekana kuelekea kubaya.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Ni mwanzo mzuri uliofanywa na wataalamu wetu unatoa mwanga mzuri wa muelekeo wa kupunguza migogoro ya mipaka ya ardhi na kustawisha jamii “. Alisema Mh. Pinda.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mwenyekiti huyo wa Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya Mwaka 2012 aliiomba kamati hiyo ya uhakiki wa mipaka kuandaa taarifa yao katika mfumo wa kisasa wa teknolojia utakaowawezesha maafisa wa Sensa na ustawi wa jamii kuzitumia vizuri katika kutoa elimu kwa umma.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Othman Khamis Ame</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Kamati ya sensa yakutana

Kamati Kuu ya Taifa ya Sensa ya Watu na Makazi ya mwaka 2012 imekutana katika Kikao chake cha Kawaida cha 14 chini ya mwenyekiti wake Wa...

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CCM yazoa maelfu ya viti bila kupingwa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUR5cXeYjWg/VI21zh34MKI/AAAAAAAAFDs/2P4M_Pp59Xs/s1600/nape%2Bakitambulisha%2Bmgombea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUR5cXeYjWg/VI21zh34MKI/AAAAAAAAFDs/2P4M_Pp59Xs/s1600/nape%2Bakitambulisha%2Bmgombea.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Bashir Nkoromo</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) kinaingia katika uchaguzi wa serikali za mitaa kesho, kikiwa kimeshajizolea maelfu ya nafasi ambazo wagombea wake wamepita bila kupingwa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Akihutubia kwenye mkutano wa kufunga kampeni za uchaguzi huo, </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">katika Mtaa wa Mtambani B, Kata ya Jangwani, jimbo la Ilala jijini Dar es Salaam, Katibu wa NEC, Itikadi na Uenezi Nape Nnauye alisema, kulingana na takwimu CCM imepita bila kupingwa katika vijiji 2708, mitaa 644, na vitongoji zaidi ya 26,300.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema, CCM imeweza kupita bila kupigwa baada ya vyama vya upinzani kushindwa kusimamisha kabisa wagombea na maeneo mengine kuweka wagombea ambao walionekana kukosa sifa za kugombea baada ya kuwekewa pingamizi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape alisema, hatua hiyo ya CCM kuingia kwenye uchaguzi huo ikiwa na mtaji mkubwa wa nafasi ambazo wagombea wake amepita bila kupingwa ni dalili tosha kwamba chama kitavibwaga vibaya vyama vya upinzani kuliko uchaguzi uliopita mwaka 2009.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Uchaguzi uliopita wa serikali za mitaa CCM iliibuka na ushindi wa asilimia 96, sasa kutokana na dalili za mapema, uchaguzi wa safari hii sina shaka kabisa kwamba wapinzani tutawapiga kwa ushindi wa asilimia mia moja", alisema Nape.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape aliupongeza uongozi wa CCM katika jimbo la Ilala, baada ya kumthibitibishia kwamba katika kipindi chote cha kampeni jimbo hilo </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">wamekuwa wakifanya kampeni za kistaarabu na wanao uhakika wa </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">kuibuka na ushindi kwa asilimia mia moja baada ya uchaguzi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Sina shaka kabisa kwamba hapa Ilala tutashinda kwa kishindo, mnastahili kupata pongezi kutoka makao makuu kutokana na mlivyoendesha kampeni, hongereni sana.". alisema Nape.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alisema, pamoja na CCM kuwa na uhakika wa kushinda lakini itafanya kazi ya ziada ya kuhakikisha wapigakura waliojiandikisha wanapata fursa ya kwenda kupiga kura bila kubughudhiwa na watu ambao huandaliwa na vyama vya upinzani kufanya fujo ili kuzuia watu wasijitokeze kupiga kura.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Nasema bila kificho, vijana wa CCM kama mtamuona mtu yeyote anajaribu kufanya fujo wakati wa upigaji kura mshughulikieni kidogo kabla ya kumpeleka polisi, maana watu wa aina hii wanabaka demokrasia, lazima waadabishwe". alisema Nape na kuongeza.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Vijana wa CCM lazima tuwe shupavu, maana kujifanya wanyonge unyonge huu hautatusaidia chochote, na hili mimi sihamasishi fujo na si wa kwanza kulisema hata Mwenyekiti wetu wa CCM alishasema kwamba unyonge basi. Sasa mimi hapa napigilia msumari tu".</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape aliwataka wananchi wa Ilala na Watanzania kwa jumla kuchagua wagombea wa CCM, kwa kuwa ana uhakika ndio watakao watumikia vizuri.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Aliwataka viongozi watakaochaguliwa katika uchaguzi huo wa serikali za mitaa kuhakikisha wanawatumikia wananchi, hasa kwa kusimamia kuondoa kero zao na kusimamia misingi ya kuboresha mazingira ya shughuli mbalimbali zikiwemo za biashara kama za mamalishe na machinga.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nape alisema, CCM, itaendelea kusimamia na kutetea haki za wananchi hasa walio wanyonge na si kwa sababu ya kutaka kura ila kwa sababu ni wajibu wake kama chama kilichopewa ridhaa ya kutawala nchi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Katika mkutano huo, Nape aliwanadi wagombea wa nafasi mbalimbali katika Mtaa huo wa Mtambani B, akiwemo mgombea wa nafsi ya Ueneyekiti wa mtaa huo, Gungu Tambaza.</span></div> </div>

CCM yazoa maelfu ya viti bila kupingwa

Na Bashir Nkoromo Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) kinaingia katika uchaguzi wa serikali za mitaa kesho, kikiwa kimeshajizolea maelfu ya na...

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Orange and USAID join forces to boost mHealth innovations across Africa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqn-4oFGdHA/VI20xsXnBUI/AAAAAAAAFDk/DVXSaL2uIno/s1600/us%2Ba.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqn-4oFGdHA/VI20xsXnBUI/AAAAAAAAFDk/DVXSaL2uIno/s1600/us%2Ba.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The U.S. Agency for International Development (<a href="http://www.usaid.gov/">USAID</a>)</span><span style="font-size: large;"> and global telecommunications operator <a href="http://www.orange.com/">Orange</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> announced a new alliance to develop innovations in mobile health (mHealth) at the Global mHealth Forum</span><span style="font-size: large;"> in <a href="http://www.mhealthsummit.org/globalmhealthforum">Washington</a>, DC. These mHealth innovations will help treat and care for individuals in developing countries across Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“With the increasing use and decreasing cost of mobile phones, leveraging mobile phone technology to accelerate acces to health information and services is a game changer,” said Dr. Ariel Pablos-Méndez, USAID’s Assistant Administrator for Global Health. “USAID’s partnerships with private companies, such as Orange, enable us to have a larger impact in a cost-effective manner.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The first phase of these health system-strengthening programs will leverage the expertise, technology and local resources of both organizations to improve quality of care and ensure that health services are readily accessible to the public at large. Niger and other countries are currently under exploration.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Future services will use integrated mHealth platforms and Orange mobile networks to communicate alerts and share resources around family planning and maternal health. Healthcare workers will be able to use the technology to share medical expertise, collaborate with specialists regardless of location, and improve patient care. In addition, the public will be able to access health information via the mHealth platforms. Orange’s global fooprint, with mobile and fixed networks in 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East, will provide seamless and reliable access to these services.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A maternal mHealth solution will provide medical practitioners access to the latest tools and medical information allowing them to monitor a mother’s pregnancy from a distance. This is particularly useful in some parts of Africa where much of the population lives in rural areas without easy access to healthcare or readily available means of transport. By using mHealth solutions, medical professionals would be able to flag potential problems early and provide the necessary care that reduces risks to mother and child.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“There is a tremendous amount of good that mobile technology and digital innovations can bring to improve the quality of healthcare to those less fortunate,” said Thierry Zylberberg, Director, Orange Healthcare. “Together with USAID, we are creating innovative mHealth platforms that open up the opportunities for remote patient monitoring or healthcare workers to make better-informed decisions and facilitate quality care for all citizens.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The goal of the USAID/Orange alliance is to create a framework for easily replicating these important mobile services in a number of African countries throughout the region. In West Africa, USAID and Orange are starting to develop a regional platform with a menu of mobile applications that ministries of health, donors and NGOs could use for consumer education, health worker tools, mobile money, and data collection.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Orange’s expertise in interoperability and scalability will ensure that such platforms adhere to local regulatory and structural organizations. Orange has been at the forefront of realizing Africa’s digital transformation, connecting people, entrepreneurs, towns and cities, and delivering innovative services such as mobile payment.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange.</span></div> <div class="yiv4978515646MsoNoSpacing" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1418572708308_3333" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; padding: 0px;"> <br /></div> </div>

Orange and USAID join forces to boost mHealth innovations across Africa

The U.S. Agency for International Development ( USAID )  and global telecommunications operator Orange  announced a new alliance to deve...

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APO now offers embargoed press release distribution as a complimentary service

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9BvGdjB4MY/VIneLZoKqTI/AAAAAAAAFDU/fmjy5UAg6iw/s1600/apo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9BvGdjB4MY/VIneLZoKqTI/AAAAAAAAFDU/fmjy5UAg6iw/s1600/apo.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO (African Press </span><a href="http://www.apo-opa.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Organization</a><span style="font-size: large;">) , the sole press release newswire in Africa and the global leader in media relations relating to Africa, today announced that it will offer distribution for embargoed press releases as a complimentary service.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Embargoes play an important role in disseminating news to the media in Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Journalists in Africa are often bombarded with information coming from all types of sources and qualifying them can sometimes be a challenge.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">An embargoed news release allows the journalist to prioritise on the news of the day, research and produce a story.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO is the African leader in news distribution and is viewed by the media as a valuable source for legitimate and accurate information. In fact, APO content is republished on a regular basis by respected global news media.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Journalists, freelancers and bloggers who are registered with APO are eligible to receive advance, embargoed press releases distributed by APO. Eligible individuals are screened and must agree to follow the terms of the APO embargo policy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"APO has extensive contacts with influential news editors specialised in Africa, allowing targeted and effective news distribution of embargoed material. Embargoed press release distribution in Africa will now be included as a complimentary service in response to client requests," said Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, Founder and CEO of APO (African Press Organization).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO is the creator of <a href="http://www.apo-opa.com/press_release_distribution.php">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> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">APO Africa Wire® has a potential reach of 600 million and guarantees the most efficient media influence in Africa ; in turn, this is how APO’s clients can directly target audiences in all corners of the continent and the world.</span></div> </div>

APO now offers embargoed press release distribution as a complimentary service

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

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USD 35 Million grant The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SfO5iRaVXQ/VIndS-VyBdI/AAAAAAAAFDM/-bOazsCBf1o/s1600/isalamic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SfO5iRaVXQ/VIndS-VyBdI/AAAAAAAAFDM/-bOazsCBf1o/s1600/isalamic.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has extended a grant of US$35 million to help fight Ebola in West Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In a statement to the media on this occasion, Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank (<a href="http://www.isdb.org/">IDB</a>) said that the Ebola fighting programme, initiated by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and implemented by IDB, comprises the following elements:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">1- Providing schools with thermal sensors and medical examination equipment designed to diagnose the disease, thereby facilitating its treatment and preventing its spread. The equipment will allow governments to open schools for the current academic year. Pupils will be examined at entry to ensure they have not contracted the disease, thus reassuring parents about the safety of their children at school.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">2- Providing thermal sensors and medical examination equipment at airports, railway stations and bus stations to diagnose the disease and ensure early treatment.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">3- Establishing a specialized treatment centre in each of the three endemic countries, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, designed to serve suspected cases in schools, hospitals and public transport, and wherever contamination is likely to occur in crowded conditions. Suspected cases will be received in these centres for further medical tests before they are referred for specialized treatment if necessary.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">4- Establishing a specialized treatment centre in Mali where Ebola appears to have broken out but is not widespread. The centre will help the country’s health authorities cope with potential epidemics in the future.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The IDB President emphasized that the kind donation made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques will further boost the Islamic world efforts in supporting the international fight against Ebola. He added that the equipment financed by this donation will speed up the opening of schools in the countries concerned, reinforce the institutional and health infrastructure to fight the current epidemic and any potential epidemics in the future, Allah forbids, thus saving thousands of lives and ensuring the safety of those at risk of contamination.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali implored Allah to preserve the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdallah Bin Abdulaziz for his kind deeds to save the lives of people in line with Allah’s saying in the Quran "and that whoever saves one life should be regarded as though he had saved all mankind". He also prayed the Almighty to cure the sick and to protect humanity from all evils and disease.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).</span></div> </div>

USD 35 Million grant The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud of Saudi Arabia

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Arabia’s King Abdallah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud has extended a grant of US$35 million to help ...

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Flydubai will become the first carrier to operate to Hargeisa, Somaliland from Dubai with four weekly flights

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIIRbV-pntY/VIiYafhZWYI/AAAAAAAAFC8/O8wUYNuqVaM/s1600/dubai.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wIIRbV-pntY/VIiYafhZWYI/AAAAAAAAFC8/O8wUYNuqVaM/s1600/dubai.png" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dubai-based <a href="http://www.flydubai.com/">flydubai</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.flydubai.com/"> </a>announced the addition of three new routes to its growing network. Flights to Hargeisa (Somaliland), Chennai (India), and Nejran (Saudi Arabia) will commence in the first quarter of 2015, further expanding the carrier’s footprint to 89 destinations in 46 countries.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">From 05 March 2015, flydubai will become the first carrier to operate to Hargeisa, Somaliland from Dubai with four weekly flights. flydubai has expanded its network in Africa in 2014 to 13 points served by 60 weekly flights.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Commenting on the new announcements, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “2014 continues to be a very busy year for flydubai. We have announced 26 new routes since January and took delivery of eight new aircraft to support the phenomenal growth plans. We are very excited about the untapped opportunities in the emerging African markets, the progress the UAE has made on the bilateral front in India and the ongoing strong ties with Saudi.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The new announced routes underline flydubai’s commitment to connecting the UAE to previously underserved markets. The carrier has linked Dubai to 56 underserved destinations since it started its operations in 2009.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) for flydubai, said: “We are committed to bringing flydubai’s high quality and reliable services to underserved markets like Hargeisa and giving passengers more options to travel to the UAE and beyond through Dubai’s aviation hub. We are sure that both our Economy Class and Business Class will exceed the passengers’ expectations and live up to the Dubai brand we proudly carry in our name.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">flydubai has a brand new fleet of 43 new Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft and operates more than 1,200 flights a week across the Middle East, GCC, Africa, Caucasus, Central Asia, Europe and the Indian Subcontinent.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of flydubai.</span></div> </div>

Flydubai will become the first carrier to operate to Hargeisa, Somaliland from Dubai with four weekly flights

Dubai-based flydubai   announced the addition of three new routes to its growing network. Flights to Hargeisa (Somaliland), Chennai (Ind...

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Aidan Eyakuze Appointed as new Executive Director of Twaweza

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfy4paTH2dI/VIiXPVt-K_I/AAAAAAAAFCw/fIgbmVv0GKA/s1600/AEyakuze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nfy4paTH2dI/VIiXPVt-K_I/AAAAAAAAFCw/fIgbmVv0GKA/s1600/AEyakuze.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Twaweza East Africa today announced the appointment of Aidan Eyakuze as its new Executive Director. Eyakuze, who was selected after an extensive international search, will take up his new post on 1 March, 2015. He will replace Twaweza’s founder and current head, Rakesh Rajani.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Educated as an economist, Eyakuze has been a thought leader on issues of development in East Africa for the past 15 years. He currently serves as Associate Regional Director of the Society for International Development (SID) and head of the SID Tanzania office. He is a scenario practitioner who has participated in national scenario-building projects in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria and elsewhere. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">As Director of the SID’s Futures Programme since 2006, Eyakuze has led the publication of the State of East Africa Reports and facilitates futures thinking for private sector, civil society and public organisations. He is an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow and is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN). He serves on the Governing Board of the Millennium Challenge Account (Tanzania), ICEA Lion General Insurance Company (Tanzania) and NIC Bank Tanzania Limited. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Eyakuze is a co-founding director of Serengeti Advisers Limited, a regional advisory firm in economic and public policy analysis, corporate finance and media analysis. He maintains a keen intellectual and professional interest in economic policy, financial markets and trends in information and communications technologies and their impact on society.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A citizen of Tanzania, Eyakuze graduated with a BSc in Economics from Trent University and a MA in Economics from Simon Fraser University, both in Canada.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Aidan brings vision, intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills and a track record of effective public and policy engagement”, said Ben Witjes, Program Director at Hivos and Chair of Twaweza’s Governance Board, “we are excited to support him to lead the second phase of our work.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rajani noted that, “We were looking for a bold leader, who uses data and evidence for policy engagement; who is thoughtful, creative and independent; who is able to straddle different worlds and connect global engagement with on-the-ground realities; and who can inspire and manage a strong team. Aidan is a wonderful embodiment of these characteristics.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">On learning of his appointment Eyakuze remarked, “I am honoured to serve as Twaweza’s Executive Director. The opportunity to lead such a high quality East African organization with a global reputation is a unique privilege. I have collaborated with Twaweza on several occasions, and admire the organization’s vision of ordinary East Africans confidently acting to make a positive difference in their lives and communities. Twaweza’s dedication to fresh thinking and new ways of weaving evidence, citizen action and responsive authorities to transform basic education and open government is inspiring. I am eager to start learning from the whole team and our partners across East Africa and beyond. In turn I look forward to sharing my experience from the corporate world, policy research and public interest scenarios as we move into the second leg of our journey.” </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Rakesh Rajani will step down on 31 December and relocate to New York to take up a new position as Director of Democratic Participation and Governance with the Ford Foundation. Kees de Graaf, Twaweza’s Director of Programs and Services, will serve as the Acting Head until Eyakuze takes over.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Twaweza works on enabling children to learn, citizens to exercise agency and governments to be more open and responsive in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. It has programs, staff and offices across all three countries, and a globally respected practice of learning, monitoring and evaluation. Its flagship programs include Uwezo, Africa’s largest annual citizen assessment to assess children’s learning levels across hundreds of thousands of households, and Sauti za Wananchi, Africa’s first nationally representative mobile phone survey. The organization is also well known for effective public and policy engagement, through powerful media partnerships and its global leadership of initiatives such as the Open Government Partnership. For its first phase Twaweza was housed within Hivos, an independent Dutch development organization with over 30 years’ experience in East Africa.</span></div> </div>

Aidan Eyakuze Appointed as new Executive Director of Twaweza

Twaweza East Africa today announced the appointment of Aidan Eyakuze as its new Executive Director. Eyakuze, who was selected after an...

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Only 15% of countries in Africa have mental health services

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1KTsJJkGnUk/VIiT2mIXK5I/AAAAAAAAFCc/azakFHa6iPI/s1600/Un.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/-1KTsJJkGnUk/VIiT2mIXK5I/AAAAAAAAFCc/azakFHa6iPI/s1600/Un.png" width="226" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 reveals that 475 000 people were murdered in 2012, and homicide is the third leading cause of death globally for males aged 15-44 years, highlighting the urgent need for more decisive action to prevent violence.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Despite indications that homicide rates decreased by 16% globally between 2000 and 2012, violence remains widespread. Non-fatal acts of violence take a particular toll on women and children. One in four children has been physically abused; one in five girls has been sexually abused; and one in three women has been a victim of physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence at some point in her lifetime.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 and related <a href="http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/status_report/2014">materials</a>. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Jointly published today by the World Health Organization</span><span style="font-size: large;">, the United Nations Development <a href="http://www.who.int/">Programme</a>, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the report indicates that.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• only one third of the 133 countries surveyed are implementing large-scale initiatives to prevent violence, such as bullying prevention programmes, visits by nurses to families at risk, and support to those who care for older people;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• just over half the countries are fully enforcing a set of 12 laws generally acknowledged to prevent violence, although 80% countries have enacted them;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• only half of all countries have services in place to protect and support victims of violence.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The consequences of violence on physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health often last a lifetime. Violence also contributes to leading causes of death such as cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, because victims are at an increased risk of adopting behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and drug misuse, and unsafe sex.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“The consequences of violence on families and communities are profound, and can result in lifelong ill health for those affected,” states Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “Yet we know what works to prevent violence in our homes, schools and workplaces and on our streets and playgrounds. We should take inspiration from governments which have demonstrated success in reducing violence by taking the steps needed. They have shown us that indeed violence is preventable.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 is the first report of its kind to assess national efforts to address interpersonal violence, namely child maltreatment, youth violence, intimate partner and sexual violence, and elder abuse. Individual country profiles reflect the extent to which key violence prevention programmes and laws and selected services for victims of violence are being implemented.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The report assessed the scale of implementation of 18 “best buy” violence prevention programmes. It shows, for example, that:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• one half of countries are implementing school-based programmes to teach children and adolescents “life-skills” such as non-violent conflict resolution;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• one half of countries are promoting efforts to change gender norms supportive of violence against women;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• one third of countries are putting in place programmes to improve parenting in families at risk of violence</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• less than one quarter of countries are developing public information campaigns to prevent elder abuse.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"High levels of family and community violence cripple both people’s ability to sustain their individual livelihoods, as well as a nation’s options for political, social, and economic development”, said Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"This report takes stock of the measures countries are taking to prevent and respond to interpersonal violence, but the report also reveals gaps in global violence prevention which must be filled, such as the quality and reach of prevention programmes, the access to services for victims, particularly for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by violence, and the enforcement of existing laws."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The report also reviewed 12 laws which are relevant for violence prevention. It shows, for example, that:</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 98% of countries have laws against rape;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 87% of countries have laws against domestic violence;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 84% of countries have laws against carrying weapons in schools;</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">• 40% of countries have laws against abuse in institutions for older people.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">On average 80% of countries have enacted each of these 12 laws relevant for violence prevention. However, only just over half of countries report that these laws are fully enforced.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Laws protecting citizens against violent crime send a clear message to society about what is acceptable,” said Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. “With this Global status report on violence prevention 2014, we have a useful tool for identifying the gaps in legislation and enforcement in countries, which can help to indicate what further action is needed to ensure reductions in violent crime.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Providing care and support to victims of violence is important for reducing psychological trauma, helping victims heal, and preventing further involvement in violence. Despite strong evidence linking experiences of violence to mental health problems, under half of countries have mental health services to address victim needs, with only 15% of countries in Africa offering such services. Over two thirds of countries make available child protection services and medico-legal services for victims of sexual violence.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 calls for a scaling up of violence prevention programmes in all countries; stronger legislation and enforcement of laws relevant for violence prevention; strengthened justice and security institutions to uphold the rule of law; and enhanced services for victims of violence. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It also advocates for better and more effective use of data to inform violence prevention programming and to measure progress. The report is intended for use by governments to help identify gaps and encourage and guide actions, and by nongovernmental organizations and experts to assist governments in their efforts.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO).</span></div> </div>

Only 15% of countries in Africa have mental health services

The Global status report on violence prevention 2014 reveals that 475 000 people were murdered in 2012, and homicide is the third leading ...

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