Ahead of COP21, Forevermark CEO, De Beers Group and The World’s Leaders in the Diamond Industry Speak at the Omugongo, International Diamond Conference

<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/-tRiAWK4ENf0/VlwQqVMrpeI/AAAAAAAAGtM/2GuxMcQhEBw/s1600/diamong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRiAWK4ENf0/VlwQqVMrpeI/AAAAAAAAGtM/2GuxMcQhEBw/s400/diamong.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.diamondsnamibia.na/omugongo">Broad</a> expertise in the field of diamond met in the Namibian capital, Windhoek. The second International Diamond Conference (also known as Omugongo: A Cut Above The Rest), this year brought together more than 150 worldwide stakeholders, Honourable Ministers, industry experts, academics, business leaders, manufacturers and the media. Their goal: to discuss challenges facing diamond beneficiation in Southern Africa: How to make this industry viable and sustainable.<br /><br />The two-day successful conference was hosted at the Safari Hotel in the capital Windhoek on November 23rd - 24th. During the conference, the National Earth Science Museum at the Ministry of Mines and Energy showcased some prestigious pieces of the Shining Lights Diamond Design Collection, some crafted by award-winning Namibian designers. At the exhibition, Simeon Niilenge Negumbo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, launched the Diamond Book of Namibia “A Beautiful Journey”.<br /><br />In his speech, themed “Diamond Beneficiation: Think global. Think Local.” Stephen Lussier, Forevermark CEO, De Beers Group – said: “Of course, it’s been a really tough time in the beneficiation sector but let me start by stressing that we absolutely recognise this. We fully understand and appreciate our government partners’ ambitions and desires when it comes to beneficiation and we are committed to playing our role in helping achieve these ambitions. Namibia’s success is our success; that is why achieving sustained beneficiation targets, is as much a key strategic priority for us, as it is for Government. We are also under no illusion concerning our producer partners’ need to earn a return on their capital to be sustainable.”<br /><br />He Continued: “I believe that the fortunes of the Namibian beneficiation sector would be better served via an approach that may sound simple, but is in fact extremely complex: driving polished diamond value growth. This argument was recently made rather eloquently by one of the leading representatives of the diamond-banking sector, Erik Jens of ABN AMRO. Erik noted that the entire midstream would benefit most from looking at how to increased polished prices, rather than lobbying to push down rough prices. Clearly this would also support the prospects of those operating in beneficiation centres, but it is easier said than done.“<br /><br />Industry expert Chaim Even-Zohar, who moderated the panels at the conference, said that despite the downturn, Namibia is still in a strong position. He argued that the country produces some of the best quality diamonds in the world, which often sell for high prices.<br /><br />Namibia is a world leader in marine diamond mining, with an estimated 1.5 billion carats on its seabed. The Namibian government and De Beers Group have 50:50 equal shareholding in the Namibia Diamond Trading Company, with De Beers supporting the domestic cutting and polishing industry in the country.<br /><br /> “I’ve been privileged to come to Namibia since the first elections at Independence over 25 years ago, and am struck always not only by the spirit of continuing friendship, but also by the sense of resolute and responsible leadership—leadership evident in politics and society at large, as well as in governance of the diamond sector in particular. In this country, there is no “resource curse”; and prudent Government action over two decades has resulted in progressively increasing benefits from the nation’s diamond patrimony” said Maurice Tempelsman, Chairman of the board of directors of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. (LKI) “Part of leadership lies of course in recognizing that history provides no reliable trajectory—that past success offers no guarantee of future progress”.<br /><br />He then called for structural shifts: “…beneath the economic storms of the present, which I think we can all assume will at some point give way to clearer weather, I believe that the ground is shifting under our feet—indeed, already has shifted, so that the foundations we used to rely upon not only are no more, but pose active dangers. And it is on these structural shifts that--with your indulgence for my candor--I would like to focus my remaining remarks”. “And here I must register my frank concern at several recent developments: the “gaming” of the polished diamond certification system, which undermines a key pillar of consumer confidence; the fraudulent “salting” of parcels of natural polished diamonds with synthetics; and the relative absence, despite all the good effort invested in the Kimberley Process, of a mine-to-finger chain of custody sufficient to satisfy buyers—particularly those whom Namibia and most of us here should be most concerned with, namely buyers of high-end jewellery where diamonds form the centerpiece.”<br /><br />“We must think of a security agency with no essential stake in the health of our industry, with a power and driven by a purpose that leaves us with no room for complacency”. “The point is not to apportion blame, but to observe that new structures, new relationships, new ways of thinking and operating, have to be forged in an industry which may have its eyes on the future but remains restrained too much by the dead hand of the past”. He then concluded: “I believe this to be a matter not just of political inevitability, but of intellectual and strategic necessity. There are resources which sovereigns can bring to bear that the industry cannot; nor can we in the private sector pretend that we have all the answers, or that matters are best left to ourselves alone.”<br /><br />Burhan Seber, Honorary Consul Republic of Turkey; Managing Director Hard Stone Processing (Pty) Ltd.; Former President of DIAMAN, highlighted the distress experienced by manufacturers: “The industry is in crisis. Manufacturers have been facing crippling challenges since 2011. These and added troubles have brought the complete diamond pipeline under critical strain and to a tipping point.”<br /><br />He continued: “There is very little doubt that the current model has failed. Is ‘beneficiation’ over?” “Take away profit, and there can be no beneficiation. In hard times, when companies regroup and consolidate towards their power base, their foreign investments tend to be the first out. Beneficiation is not an act of charity, but an act of sharing. “<br /><br />The Diamond Commissioner of Namibia, Kennedy Hamutenya, expressed the national sentiment around Beneficiation: “We want to be part of the downstream business, we want to know what happens to the value of our diamonds”.<br /><br />“The opportunity cost for us is the polishing and cutting diamonds elsewhere, losing a major chunk of share on the pipeline”, “We need the bulk of our Namibian diamonds to also work for us, to create job opportunities, to transfer skills, to transfer technology, to bring to Namibia more value added, foreign exchange revenue…”<br /><br />The conference concluded with a prestigious Gala dinner, addressed by RT Hon. Dr Saara Kugongelwa Amadhila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, which hosted over 300 people at the Parliament Gardens of the capital.<br /><br />LucyMay Lubrani, Strategist and Business Development Manager at Ogilvy & Mather Namibia, said: “Overall the conference was an accomplishment, that shows how Namibia can handle world class conventions. On behalf of the Organizing committee we would like to thank once again the Namibian Police and NDTC, for the successful way they secured the conference, allowing all stakeholders to focus on the crucial topic at hand with peace of mind”. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of International Diamond Conference 2015. </span></div> </div>

Ahead of COP21, Forevermark CEO, De Beers Group and The World’s Leaders in the Diamond Industry Speak at the Omugongo, International Diamond Conference

Broad expertise in the field of diamond met in the Namibian capital, Windhoek. The second International Diamond Conference (also known ...

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The e-commerce shopping experience is increasingly becoming a popular option for consumers during the festive season

<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/-1GWgfh_s9vk/VlwPiaoVWMI/AAAAAAAAGtE/s7UG5bDrsg0/s1600/dh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GWgfh_s9vk/VlwPiaoVWMI/AAAAAAAAGtE/s7UG5bDrsg0/s400/dh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The e-commerce shopping experience is increasingly becoming a popular option for consumers during the festive season. Retailers therefore need to pay careful attention to their supply chains during this period, as operations and delivery are key to client satisfaction, maximizing brand exposure and increasing revenue.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dpdhl.com/">Oliver Facey</a>, Vice President of Operations for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa points to the 2015 Benchmark report series: Ecommerce Holiday Trends(1), which shows that November and December drive 30% more e-commerce revenue than non-holiday months. “This surge highlights the impact of holiday season spending habits and why retailers need to optimize their service levels should they want to capitalize on consumers’ increased spending power over this period.”<br /><br />Facey says that while Africa’s e-commerce industry is still relatively small in comparison to more mature markets, it continues to grow steadily each year, especially in light of consumers having increased access to the internet via mobile technology and a fast growing middle class. A McKinsey & Company report(2) revealed that by 2025, e-commerce could account for 10% of retail sales in the continent’s largest economies and translate into $75 billion in annual revenue.<br /><br />In the build up to the traditional festive season shopping rush, retailers – both brick and mortar and e-commerce stores – need to ensure that platforms are effectively managed to manage the influx of business. “Customer service is an area that needs attention. Often, businesses hire temporary staff during this period, so it is vital that adequate training is provided to guarantee that a high level of service delivery is maintained, and that employees are geared to handle any additional enquiries driven by the sudden surge in customers. As a service business, at DHL we ensure that have sufficient Certified International Specialists on duty, not only from an operational and customer service point of view, but also from support functions such as finance that will ensure we can resolve any account queries before the year closes.”<br /><br />Facey says in terms of e-commerce platforms, this period is a highly competitive period, and supply chain management strategies are critical to effectively manage the increased demand. “Many platforms offer free or express shipping options, promotions and discounts. All of these are geared to drive and maximize sales when consumer spending is at its peak. This is a crucial part for retailers, as overselling a product or service and then being unable to deliver has the potential to do far more harm than good.”<br /><br />“Retailers need to ensure their supply chain management is agile enough to handle the increased volume. To maximize profitability, retailers need quick, smart, cost-effective methods to fulfil orders timeously and accurately across multiple sales channels. Effective reverse logistics is also essential for managing returns and keeping the industry moving.”<br /><br />Facey concludes: “Ultimately, it is essential for retail operations to perform optimally during this busy period, as it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities to a larger audience. Short term it will maximize profits, but in the long term, deliver return customers. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL. </span></div> </div>

The e-commerce shopping experience is increasingly becoming a popular option for consumers during the festive season

The e-commerce shopping experience is increasingly becoming a popular option for consumers during the festive season. Retailers therefor...

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ENGIE currently supplies 760 MW of power in Africa and aims to become one of the major energy leaders on the continent by 2025

<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/-Cz1y2q3BtkM/VlwOv3GI4CI/AAAAAAAAGs8/a2vE0cC6jW4/s1600/or.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz1y2q3BtkM/VlwOv3GI4CI/AAAAAAAAGs8/a2vE0cC6jW4/s400/or.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Stéphane Richard, CEO of <a href="http://www.orange.com/">Orange</a>, and Isabelle Kocher, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of <a href="http://(www.engie.com/">ENGIE</a>, today signed a partnership covering two projects – the expansion of the rural electricity grid and ENGIE’s optimisation of energy supplied to Orange’s telecoms infrastructure in Africa.<br /><br />The deal between Orange and ENGIE––both official partners of COP21––reasserts the companies’ willingness to use their technological knowledge to achieve sustainable progress and economic and social development in Africa.<br /><br />The strength of the partnership is based on Orange’s expertise as an international telecoms carrier present in 19 countries in Africa and the Middle East, and ENGIE’s know-how as an international player in the the energy sector.<br /><br />Orange is keen to take part in such a major challenge to expand the electricity grid in Africa and encourage responsible power consumption on the continent based on the expertise of ENGIE, one of the world’s leading energy companies.<br /><br />ENGIE currently supplies 760 MW of power in Africa and aims to become one of the major energy leaders on the continent by 2025 with several major projects planned. To reinforce its position as the leading independent producer of electricity in Africa, ENGIE has created a dedicated Business Unit with around a hundred employees.<br /><br />Orange and ENGIE bring electricity to rural Africa<br /><br />Based on Orange’s expertise as a telecoms carrier and ENGIE’s experience in renewable energy production, aggregation and maintenance, the two Groups will trial a range of domestic power supply solutions for rural populations that could then be marketed by Orange.<br /><br />These solutions could, for instance, include individual solar kits and small-scale, local electricity networks. The service could then be billed via mobile using Orange Money.<br /><br />The trials will allow the companies to validate the technical solutions, the sales and distribution models, and the economic feasibility of the service before making it available on a larger scale.<br /><br />Orange and ENGIE are keen to play their role as socially responsible players in Africa, where an estimated 69% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa and 90% of the rural population in the same region have no access to the electricity grid(1).<br /><br />ENGIE helps to optimise the supply of Orange telecoms towers<br /><br />ENGIE supports Orange with its ongoing project to optimise the power supply of its technical infrastructure in Africa. ENGIE will offer its expertise to improve Orange’s energy efficiency.<br /><br />Orange’s objectives are to pursue its stable and secure power supply program, reduce its energy footprint, and contain costs despite rapidly growing energy requirements.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Orange. </span></div> </div>

ENGIE currently supplies 760 MW of power in Africa and aims to become one of the major energy leaders on the continent by 2025

 Stéphane Richard, CEO of Orange , and Isabelle Kocher, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of ENGIE , today signed a partnership cov...

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Migogoro ya ardhi kusababishwa na tamaa ya baadhi ya watendaji

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Tamaa za baadhi ya watu katika kutaka kujimilikisha maeneo ya ardhi kwa nia ya kupata utajiri wa haraka hapo baadaye ndio chanzo kikuu kilichosababisha uchafuzi wa mazingira katika hifadhi ya msitu wa Muyuni Wilaya ya Kusini Mkoa wa Kusini Unguja. .<br /><br />Kauli hiyo ilitolewa na baadhi ya wana Kamati na wananchi wa shehia ya Muyuni “B” ambayo ilionyesha mgongano baina yao wakati wakimueleza Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi aliyefika katika Msitu huo kuangalia maeneo ya Hifadhi ya Msitu ambayo baadhi ya wahusika hao wameamua kuyatumia kwa kuendeleza kilimo.<br /><br />Eneo hilo la ardhi lililokubalika kutumiwa kuwa hifadhi ya Msitu na Wananchi wote wa Shehia Tatu za Muyuni A,B na C kwa takriban miaka 10 limekuwa na mgogoro wa matumizi kwa miaka minane sasa tokea kutolewa uamuzi wa kila shehia iunde Kamati yake ya Uhifadhi badala ya ile ya pamoja ya shehia hizo.<br /><br />Wana Kamati hao pamoja na wananchi ambao mpaka ziara hiyo inamazliza wakihitilafiana walisema baadhi yao wamekuwa na malengo ya kuyatumia maeneo hayo na baadae kuyauza kwa vile tayari yamekuwa rasilmali kubwa katika masuala ya uwekezaji vitege uchumi vya sekta ya Utalii.<br /><br />Walisema tabia ya baadhi ya wananchi wenzao ya kuanza kilimo cha minazi na miti mengine ya matunda na biashara pamoja na kisingizio cha sababu za kushutumiana kwa itikadi za kisiasa imechangia kuvuruga eneo kubwa la hifadhi hiyo muhimu kwa hatma yao na vizazi vijavyo.<br /><br />Akitoa nasaha zake kwa wana Kamati pamoja na Wananchi hao wa Muyuni “ B “ Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif alisema Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar itatoa ushauri kuhusiana na mgogoro huo wa hifadhi ya Msitu wa Muyuni hapo baadaye.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema utaratibu maalum utaandaliwa katika kulitafutia ufumbuzi tatizo hilo kwa kuhusisha Viongozi wa Taasisi za Kilimo, Ardhi na Maingira ambapo wahusika hao watakuwa na uamuzi wa kuwaita watu waliohusika na mgogoro huo katika kuwahoji na kutaka ufafanuzi.<br /><br />Alisema nia ya Serikali Kuu ni kuona hifadhi ya Msitu wa Muyuni inaendelea kubakia kwa maslahi ya Wananchi wa eneo hilo pamoja na Taifa zima kwa vile eneo hilo tayari limeshatangazwa ndani ya Gazeti la Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar.<br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar aliwaeleza Wananchi hao kwamba Zanzibar ikiwa niongoni mwa baadhi ya Mataifa ya Bara la Afrika imebahatika kuwa na rasilmani nzuri za maumbile lakini baadhi ya watu wamekuwa na tabia mbaya ya kuharibu kwa makusudi rasilmali hizo.<br /><br />Mapema Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa Wizara ya Kilimo na Mali asili Zanzibar Dr. Bakar Ased alisema eneo hilo la hifadhi hivi sasa baadhi ya sehemu linatumika kwa shughuli za kilimo kinyume na lengo lililokusudiwa kwa makubaliano ya Wananchi wenyewe na idhini ya Serikali.<br /><br />Dr. Ased aliwatanabahisha Wananchi hao kwamba licha ya eneo hilo kulengwa kuwa hifadhi ya misitu lakini pia wataalamu wa mazingira na hali ya hewa wamefanya utafiti na kutoa ripoti iliyoeleza kwamba Ukanda wa Kusini ni eneo zima lenye Hewa safi.<br /><br />Alisema kuvurugwa kwa hifadhi hiyo kwa shughuli nyengine za kilimo kunaweza kukasababisha kuwa chanzo cha uchafuzi wa hali ya mazingira na matokeo yake ni athari kwa viumbe hapo baadaye.<br /><br />Kuna sehemu kubwa ya Eneo la hifadhi ya misitu la Muyuni ambayo kwa sasa in atumika kwa shughuli za kilimo mchanganyiko kama miembe, Minazi, Mivinje ,Migomba pamoja na mazao madogo madogo ya mizizi.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Migogoro ya ardhi kusababishwa na tamaa ya baadhi ya watendaji

Tamaa za baadhi ya watu katika kutaka kujimilikisha maeneo ya ardhi kwa nia ya kupata utajiri wa haraka hapo baadaye ndio chanzo kikuu kil...

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Alcatel-Lucent to start construction of ACE undersea cable system's next phase to improve broadband connectivity and digital services in Africa

<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/-Op0SLfxl80E/VlQThJrb_aI/AAAAAAAAGss/8kvF5x-KFhM/s1600/Alcatel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Op0SLfxl80E/VlQThJrb_aI/AAAAAAAAGss/8kvF5x-KFhM/s400/Alcatel.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, the undersea cables subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext and NYSE: ALU), is to roll out Phase II of the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable system, a 5,000km extension from the Gulf of Guinea island of Sao Tomé-et-Principe to South Africa, that will further strengthen the role ACE is playing in critical infrastructure development in the continent. <br /><br />Phase II of ACE will support the cost-effective delivery of broadband services and digital applications for education, healthcare and other e-services, reaching an additional 200 million people through this extension. It is notable that 13 of the 16 countries connected by the ACE are in Africa, and of those 13, seven were connected to the global Internet backbone for the first time by the cable system coming on-stream in December 2012. Phase II will link Namibia, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazzaville and South Africa, including an extension to Cameroon. <br /><br />This connectivity is being made possible by Alcatel-Lucent's 100 gigabit-per-second (Gbit/s) submarine technology, and on completion of the Phase II extension, the ACE system will deliver an overall design capacity of 12.8 Tbit/s, significantly speeding up delivery of broadband services and content. <br /><br />Commenting on the project, Yves Ruggeri, Chairman of the ACE Management Committee said: "The extension of the ACE system to South Africa is a significant milestone that confirms our commitment to address the connectivity challenges facing Africa. ASN's know-how and technological innovations, which we have recently tested on our existing network, will support us in further developing direct connectivity within Africa and to the overall objective of ACE to reduce communication costs and drive social and economic growth in the continent." <br /><br />Philippe Dumont, President of Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks said: "We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the ACE consortium, which dates back since the beginning of the project and demonstrates the consortium's trust in our ability to accompany them in their strategic implementations from end to end. This further development of the ACE system underlines the demand for bandwidth, to broaden opportunities in terms of connectivity, data and information sharing." <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Alcatel-Lucent.</span></div> </div>

Alcatel-Lucent to start construction of ACE undersea cable system's next phase to improve broadband connectivity and digital services in Africa

Alcatel-Lucent Submarine Networks, the undersea cables subsidiary of Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext and NYSE: ALU), is to roll out Phase II of...

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EDC aims to grow its total business in Africa to USD 10 billion in 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://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElZxx7g72aE/VjsCEmY160I/AAAAAAAAGsc/fxerJkfTBQ0/s1600/edc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ElZxx7g72aE/VjsCEmY160I/AAAAAAAAGsc/fxerJkfTBQ0/s1600/edc.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s official trade finance agency, today emphasised its commitment to facilitating business in sub-Saharan Africa by opening a permanent representation in Johannesburg. As one of the largest and most progressive export credit agencies in the world, EDC has helped facilitate more than USD 7.4 billion in business between African and Canadian companies over the past five years.<br /><br />EDC’s financing is available to sub-Saharan corporations and project owners that have, or are open to considering, business with Canadian companies, or their affiliates in the region.<br /><br />EDC will be looking to provide commercial financing for sub-Saharan corporates and project owners where Canadian suppliers are involved, or where there is potential for Canadian involvement. In addition, EDC will actively pursue opportunities to partner with South African and European banks within their syndicated financing facilities for select sub-Saharan corporates that have, or are open to, Canadian interests.<br /><br />“With 70 years of international financing experience and annual business volumes nearing USD 100 billion, EDC has the capital and experience necessary to undertake transactions of any size for sub-Saharan companies. EDC is investing in sub-Saharan Africa for the long term, where we intend to become growth partners for the banks and companies with whom we develop relationships,” says Jean-Bernard Ruggieri, EDC’s first Chief Representative, sub-Saharan Africa. “This is what sets EDC apart from other financiers, because we measure our success by the success of our customers. In addition to offering innovative and reliable financing, EDC can also serve as a supply-chain talent scout.”<br /><br />Key sectors of interest for EDC as it expands into the broader African market include commodities, infrastructure, ICT, clean technology, transportation and agriculture. Light manufacturing and healthcare/life sciences are emerging sectors for EDC in the midterm. “Canadian companies have strong capabilities in all of these areas and can provide Africa with the goods, services, and expertise that are needed in developing these critical sectors” says Ruggieri.<br /><br />EDC follows a very flexible model which allows it to deliver maximum value to partners and customers. “We can offer clients in both developed and developing markets access to financial capital that suits their unique circumstances” says Ruggieri “and we are well-equipped to meet the financial needs of sub-Saharan companies wanting to trade with Canada, whether they require single contract financing or funds for capital expenditure. And if African companies do not as yet have Canadian relationships, EDC can assist with sourcing suitable Canadian supply chain partners.”<br /><br />EDC also prides itself on its multi-stakeholder partnership approach. “We work closely with a range of financial institutions such as South African and international banks, in addition to our efforts with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service across Africa, and our model often includes syndication structures with various financial services participants” says Ruggieri. “Africa has massive infrastructure demands and a growing loan market, and in these conditions EDC is looking to grow our total business in the market to USD 10 billion in the next five years.”<br /><br />EDC also has permanent representations in Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Lima, Mexico City, Monterrey, Santiago, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul, and Düsseldorf. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Export Development Canada. </span></div> </div>

EDC aims to grow its total business in Africa to USD 10 billion in the next five years

Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s official trade finance agency, today emphasised its commitment to facilitating business in sub...

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Bamboo Finance and Louis Dreyfus Holding Launch Impact Investment Fund NISABA, Focusing on Agribusiness in Sub-Saharan Africa

<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/-VVp2DUvg6Rc/VjsBeddXCvI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/ld10ZFmzSjU/s1600/nisaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVp2DUvg6Rc/VjsBeddXCvI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/ld10ZFmzSjU/s400/nisaba.jpg" width="388" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Bamboo Finance, a private equity firm specializing in investing in business models that benefit low-income communities in developing economies and Louis Dreyfus Holding, which owns a controlling stake in leading global agribusiness Louis Dreyfus Commodities, announced today a partnership to launch and jointly manage NISABA, a US$50 million impact investment fund project with a focus on small- and medium-sized agribusiness enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. As project sponsor, Louis Dreyfus Holding will invest US$10 million to seed NISABA.<br /><br />“We are excited to apply an integrated investment approach with a vast network of local expertise for the benefit of smallholder farmers and their communities, while demonstrating the value of impact investing,” said Bamboo Finance CEO, Jean-Philippe de Schrevel. “This is a pioneer partnership that will merge multinational sector expertise with access to finance and impact investment know-how, in order to actively co-manage investments from pipeline to exit. This type of active collaboration represents an important milestone in the field of impact investing”.<br /><br />“Agribusiness development is at the crossroads of major challenges for Africa. With an estimated population of 2 billion by 2050, and 330 million young Africans expected to enter the labor market by 2025, global agricultural production is not keeping pace with population growth. We believe that through appropriate financing tools like impact investing, the private sector must take an active role in addressing such challenges,” said Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, Chairperson of Louis Dreyfus Holding.<br /></span><a href="http://www.nisabafund.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">NISABA</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> will target a balanced portfolio of countries, activities and commodities, and will invest in financing gaps across the agribusiness value chain in growth markets. The focus will be on SMEs that combine social, environmental and financial returns by improving efficiency through access to data, finance and risk mitigation, training and technology innovation; strengthening market access by linking producers to end-consumers; and building local capacity through post-harvest handling and storage, value-addition or processing solutions, among others. More information is available on.<br /><br />Through its controlling stake in Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Louis Dreyfus Holding has a 164-year-old global presence in the agribusiness sector, with expertise in a wide range of commodities, participation in various diversified businesses and a strong presence in Africa.<br /><br />The SME agribusiness sector in Sub-Saharan Africa represents untapped potential for investors and smallholder farmers alike to foster sustainable and inclusive economic development, while capturing the value of early-stage growth. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Bamboo Finance. </span></div> </div>

Bamboo Finance and Louis Dreyfus Holding Launch Impact Investment Fund NISABA, Focusing on Agribusiness in Sub-Saharan Africa

Bamboo Finance, a private equity firm specializing in investing in business models that benefit low-income communities in developing eco...

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Barclays' 'Banking on Change' disrupts savings model - and encourages others to follow suit

<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/-TM49aakIbpM/VjsA1PlJgcI/AAAAAAAAGsI/YND8jr4hQMU/s1600/barklay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TM49aakIbpM/VjsA1PlJgcI/AAAAAAAAGsI/YND8jr4hQMU/s400/barklay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This World Savings Day Barclays and leading charities CARE International and Plan UK celebrate providing access to informal financial services to nearly 300,000 young people across Africa. The bank now calls on other financial institutions to follow suit and implement innovative savings models, enhanced by the latest technologies. <br /><br />There are currently nearly 2 billion financially excluded adults around the world. Despite the introduction of mobile money and clever smartphone applications, 38 percent of all adults have no access to formal financial products. Working in partnership on a programme called Banking on Change with NGO's CARE International and Plan UK, Barclays has set out to change this. <br /><br />With a focus on supporting young people, the Banking on Change programme works in seven countries to give those in some of the world's poorest communities the skills to save, as well as access to basic financial services. <br /><br />The principle is simple; no-one is too poor to save. By forming community savings groups, individual members, most of whom earn less than US$2 day, save and lend together. Over 11,000 savings groups designed to meet the specific needs of young people have been created by the programme. They are provided with training to develop the skills and knowledge to save, manage their finances, and in most cases to set up a small business. <br /><br />Barclays has developed bespoke products to suit the needs of a growing customer base in Africa, including group bank accounts, mobile banking products, and an overdraft facility. <br /><br />The partnership has worked closely with the Grameen Foundation and Airtel in Uganda to develop innovative new mobile products. These products surmount some of the challenges preventing savings groups and others access from accessing financial services, such as distance to local bank branches and a lack of access to customer data. <br /><br />Stephen Van Coller, Chief Executive, Corporate and Investment Banking, at Barclays Africa, said "Delivering mobile financial solutions in Africa, we are able to bypass traditional modes of banking, as experienced across the rest of the world. Innovation in mobile means we can create solutions that are geared towards the needs of local communities, businesses and savers - meaning we can tap into a much broader customer base across the continent". <br /><br />Smartphone innovations are fostering financial inclusion among the poor and unbanked, increasing financial transparency, and reducing security risks for staff and clients. Less commonly talked about are the wider, positive 'side' effects that these applications have for women in particular. <br /><br />In Uganda, where there is a vast gender gap in finance, evidence has shown that smartphone applications can yield surprising benefits for women, particularly young women. The Kyebakola Kyobona youth savings group is one of the groups using Ledger Link, which helps members build a credit history with the bank by enabling them to submit digital records of their savings and loan activities. <br /><br />These technologies help the women, in particular, better manage their finances, empowering them to take the lead in determining household finances. There have also been improvements in overall financial literacy, increased confidence and even social status as a result of the training and support provided. <br /><br />Using lessons learned from Banking on Change, Barclays, CARE International and Plan UK have established the </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001l49iCWVnsBK0S_TfLVuqe-N_HI1f_mE2HQ8wquwt9WTy6R5VKticVkvOKCHMCsSOHDN5qr5mAeoSN2RdkgGbLO6WP7hkJ2SIlOdjxJcj8q0UU6t7z0JA9zglz3nwfkx7Rv0G1Fd7w3vsKdfF167pzB4FxidfqQm5-Yd7XkRcMPbdaaAa2t09Iudv7zol4r0LLFV2M-Vgm6mOkunqsFg2jw==&c=nm90umjxzXFP04STbeET7bqs-0cQLuUqWxbfuB_s3bDaY0QJuohB8g==&ch=nHFzZVjjL2DtVN1X5V4-QMNluEGwfdadfIQt-r8LcCJYckpTSQ4oCA=="><span style="font-size: large;">Linking for Change Savings Charter</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> to encourage other financial institutions' involvement in this issue. The charter sets out international principles enabling other organisations to effectively link community groups to formal banking products and savings. <br /><br />Banking on Change model demonstrates how grassroots saving and linkage to financial institutions can contribute towards closing the gap on the two billion unbanked people across the world. There are clear opportunities for banks and other formal financial institutions worldwide, with informal savers alone representing a pool of potential customers with the ability to save $116 billion each year <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Barclays Africa<br /></span></div> </div>

Barclays' 'Banking on Change' disrupts savings model - and encourages others to follow suit

This World Savings Day Barclays and leading charities CARE International and Plan UK celebrate providing access to informal financial se...

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Philip Morris International continues to support sustainable agriculture in Tanzania

<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/-w15l1dq_JgU/Vjr_zeubZmI/AAAAAAAAGsA/HgM6kR5DVos/s1600/philps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w15l1dq_JgU/Vjr_zeubZmI/AAAAAAAAGsA/HgM6kR5DVos/s400/philps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Philip Morris </span><a href="http://www.pmi.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">International</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (PMI), the largest buyer of tobacco in Tanzania, is ramping up efforts to implement its Sustainable Tobacco Production model among the nation’s 65 000 contracted tobacco-growing families.<br /><br />PMI purchases tobacco from three suppliers in Tanzania, contributing more than US$150-million annually to the economic development of the country’s rural areas.<br /><br />PMI Director Leaf Africa Ben Jowett said that as part of its tobacco sourcing commitments in Tanzania, PMI supported a number of initiatives to improve the sustainability and efficiency of tobacco farmers.<br /><br />“PMI recognises that with improved agricultural practices, farmers can increase their yield and quality of the leaf thus helping increase their returns,” he said.<br /><br />Jowett said the focus across Africa remained on encouraging sustainable tobacco production. PMI strived to ensure the efficient and competitive production of quality tobacco in conditions that limited as much as possible the impact on the environment and improved the socioeconomic conditions of the people and communities involved.<br /><br />“Sustainable tobacco production is the logical outcome, if farmers consistently apply PMI’s Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) program,” he said. “PMI is working with suppliers and farmers on tangible projects aimed at minimizing the impact tobacco farming has on the environment, such as reforestation programmes, which last year alone saw more than six-million trees planted by smallholder farmers and more than one-million on commercial woodlots.”<br /><br />PMI General Manager Eastern Africa Harjeet Grewal said that in conjunction with Tanzania Leaf Tobacco Company Limited considerable work was being done on agribusiness training and research through the Urambo Seed Farm.<br /><br />“The Urambo seed farm has helped assess the processes on farms from which suppliers source tobacco and to identify opportunities for improvement,” he said. “We are now beginning to see the benefits of this in the quality and quantity of leaf produced by the farmers, many of whom participated in the workshops and have benefited from research conducted in Urambo to improve farmer productivity.” <br /><br />PMI is a leading international tobacco company with an estimated 15.7% share of the total international cigarette market outside of the United States, and owns six of the top 15 international brands including Marlboro, the largest brand worldwide. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Philip Morris International (PMI). </span></div> </div>

Philip Morris International continues to support sustainable agriculture in Tanzania

Philip Morris International (PMI), the largest buyer of tobacco in Tanzania, is ramping up efforts to implement its Sustainable Tobacco...

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MainOne, Microsoft present Data Center, Cloud Solutions at Business Seminar

<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/-1csLEqxBXuQ/Vjr-UFjONWI/AAAAAAAAGr0/lN_Rw-k93JU/s1600/micro.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1csLEqxBXuQ/Vjr-UFjONWI/AAAAAAAAGr0/lN_Rw-k93JU/s400/micro.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In light of the current economic challenges facing businesses in emerging markets, </span><a href="http://www.mainone.net/"><span style="font-size: large;">MainOne</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and Microsoft have called for the adoption of data center colocation and enterprise cloud solutions, stressing benefits that include cost savings and high availability.<br /><br />Speaking during a presentation at the MainOne/Microsoft Enterprise Seminar on “Innovative Business Models: Achieving Improved Efficiency with Data Center Services”, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne, Funke Opeke urged CIOs and other IT decision-makers to take advantage of MDX-i’s services, leveraging the Cloud expertise of Microsoft on the Azure platform and the high availability of the MDX-i data center, owned by MainOne. She noted that Tier III rated MDX-i is the only data center colocation facility in Nigeria that has received the PCI DSS and ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications, which are critical to ensuring data security for customers.<br /><br />In her comments, Ms. Opeke said “Our Cloud Infrastructure as a Services ensures quick provisioning of ICT solutions for businesses, thus improving their time to deploy new applications and services. This affords our customers lower deployment costs and streamlined expenses to enable them focus more on their core business”.<br /><br />In his comments, Business Group Director (Cloud & Enterprise) Microsoft Nigeria, Oluyomi Alarape said “MainOne is a member of an elite list of Cloud OS Network partners who deliver Microsoft-validated solutions and geographic specialization. Together, Microsoft and MainOne have partnered to implement an Enterprise ready infrastructure platform in Nigeria that includes Azure-enabled scenarios. You gain the peace of mind knowing that solutions deployed with MainOne are supported by Microsoft, thus minimizing risk and simplifying your move to the cloud with data domiciliation in Nigeria. As trusted advisors, the partners are also available locally to lend their technology expertise to you while providing other services such as connectivity that improve the quality of your solution.” <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of MainOne</span></div> </div>

MainOne, Microsoft present Data Center, Cloud Solutions at Business Seminar

In light of the current economic challenges facing businesses in emerging markets, MainOne and Microsoft have called for the adoption o...

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Polisi wapiga marufuku maandamano

<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/-aHJ1hrDPObo/Vjr9jPDPC9I/AAAAAAAAGro/ETbRAWKxUA0/s1600/SAM_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHJ1hrDPObo/Vjr9jPDPC9I/AAAAAAAAGro/ETbRAWKxUA0/s400/SAM_0042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Singida <br />JESHI la polisi Mkoani Singida limepiga marufuku maandamano yaliyopangwa na vyama vya siasa vilivyosimamisha mgombea wa Urais chini ya mwavuli wa UKAWA,kufanyika nov,03,mwaka huu kwa nchi nzima kupinga matokeo ya uchaguzi yaliyotangazwa na Tume ya uchaguzi nchini (NEC).<br /> <br />Kamanda wa polisi Mkoa wa Singida,Kamishna Msaidizi wa polisi (ACP) Thobias Sedoyeka aliyasema hayo jana alipokuwa akiongea na waandishi wa habari ofisini kwake kuhusiana na taarifa za kiintelejensia kuwa jumanne (leo) vyama vya siasa vilivyosimamisha mgombea wa Urais chini ya mwavuli wa UKAWA katika uchaguzi mkuu uliofanyika nchini nzima Okt,25,mwaka huu vinatarajia kufanya maandamano ya kupinga matokeo.<br /> <br />Aidha kamanda Sedoyeka alifafanua pia kwamba pamoja na kupinga matokeo hayo yaliyotangazwa,vyama hivyo vinaitaka pia mamlaka husika kumtangaza mgombea wao katika Uchaguzi,Bwana Edward Lowasa wakiamini kuwa ndiye mshindi wa kiti cha Urais.<br /> <br />“Sisi jeshi la polisi Mkoani Singida tunasema kuwa maandamano hayo ni batili na hatuyaruhusu kwa namna yoyote ile huku tukiwataka viongozi wa vyama hivyo kutofanya hivyo kamwe na badala yake watumie njia stahiki za Utawala wa kisheria ikiwemo kwenda kwenye vyombo ambavyo vinawajibika kushughulikia malalamiko yao”alisisitiza kamanda Sedoyeka.<br /> <br />Hata hivyo Kamishna Msaidizi wa polisi huyo alifafanua kwamba uchunguzi unaonyesha kuwa maandamano hayo yatashirikisha makundi mbalimbali ya watu,hususani vijana zaidi na kupita sehemu mbalimbali za Mji kabla ya kuhitimisha katika Ofisi walizolenga.<br /> <br />Kwa mujibu wa msemaji huyo wa jeshi maandamano hayo yanatarajiwa kufanyika kesho(leo jumanne) kuanzia majira ya saa nne asubuhi ambapo yanaweza kuanzia sehemu yeyote itakayopangwa na kuishia katika Ofisi za viongozi wakuu wa serikali ya Mkoa au wilaya.<br /> <br />Aidha Kamishna huyo msaidizi hata hivyo alitumia fursa hiyo kuwaonya vijana kutojihusisha na maandamano hayo na badala yake linawataka waendelee na kazi zao za uzalishaji mali kwani halitasita kutumia nguvu za ziada pale itakapobidi kitendo ambacho huenda kikaathiri utendaji kazi wao pamoja na watu wengine ambao hawatahusika na maandamano. <br /> <br />Kwa upande wake Mwenyekiti wa Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA ) Mkoa wa Singida,Shabani Limu alikiri kupokea maagizo kutoka ngazi za juu za chama hicho,na kuongeza kuwa mpaka sasa bado hakuna mafanikio ya kufanyika kwa maandamano hayo kutokana na makamanda wa polisi wa wilaya zote kutoyaruhusu kwa kuhofia uvunjifu wa amani.<br /> <br />“Ni kweli tumepokea taarifa kutoka kamati kuu ya chama kwamba maamuzi ya kamati kuu ni kufanya maandamano nchi nzima kupinga matokeo ya Urais ambayo yametangazwa na Tume ya uchaguzi,nimesambaza taarifa zote kwa viongozi wangu wa wilaya wakawa wamepekela taarifa hizi kwa maafisa <br />wa polisi wa wilaya zao lakini mpaka leo (jana) na mpaka sasa wakati nikiendelea kuzungumza na nyie maafisa wa polisi wa wilaya wamekataa maandamano haya kwa kudai kuwa maandamano haya hayatakuwa ya amani”alisisitiza.<br /> <br />Kwa mujibu wa mwenyekiti huyo anashangazwa na kauli za jeshi la polisi kwa kujihusiaha na utabiri kama waganga wa tiba mbadala kuwa maandamano hayatakuwa ya amani na kuongeza kwamba kazi ya jeshi la polisi ni kulinda maandamano na wala siyo kazi ya jeshi hilo kukataa maandamano.</span></div> </div>

Polisi wapiga marufuku maandamano

Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Singida JESHI la polisi Mkoani Singida limepiga marufuku maandamano yaliyopangwa na vyama vya siasa vilivyosimamisha m...

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Real energy access and improved product safety

<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/-TqaudFn7zSk/Vjr88JaTBAI/AAAAAAAAGrg/W5JGUnGvyXc/s1600/iec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqaudFn7zSk/Vjr88JaTBAI/AAAAAAAAGrg/W5JGUnGvyXc/s400/iec.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Today, a major step has been taken towards greater access to electric power, safer electric and electronic products and overall better conditions for economic development, with the official opening of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Africa Regional </span><a href="http://www.iec.ch/"><span style="font-size: large;">Centre</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (IEC-AFRC).<br /><br />The official opening ceremony took place in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday 2 November 2015, in the presence of highest level government officials of Kenya, the IEC Vice President, IEC General Secretary, industry experts, IEC Members and Affiliate Countries.<br /><br />Access to energy<br /><br />The link between energy and poverty reduction is well established. Electricity permits study after sunset, foods and medicines to be refrigerated and drives millions of devices, electric motors and pumps in hospitals, manufacturing and agriculture. A reliable electricity supply improves basic services such as healthcare and increases access to clean drinking water, safer food, computing or mobile charging. With it companies are able to produce better products and individuals have greater income potential. <br /><br />In September, the United Nations adopted an expansive set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that aim to “end poverty in all its forms” by 2030. The United Nations has recognized Energy as the cornerstone: “no other SDG is more important for Africa” said Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. <br /><br />“IEC work directly underpins SDG 7, which aims to close the energy gap and to ensure access to affordable, sustainable, reliable and modern energy services for all. Energy is the key to the economic development of all countries in Africa,” said Frans Vreeswijk, IEC General Secretary & CEO. “Today only 24% of the population of sub-Saharan countries have reliable access to electric energy. The IEC together with its Regional Centre for Africa is there to provide the technical foundation and support all African countries in building universal access to sustainable electric power faster.”<br /><br />Innovation and a level playing field<br /><br />As the regional focal point for Africa, the IEC Africa Regional Centre (IEC-AFRC) will provide training and mentoring to assist countries in the region in the adoption and use of IEC International Standards and Conformity Assessment Systems. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">It will cooperate closely with the African Electrotechnical Standardization Commission (AFSEC) to promote participation in and contribution to IEC work. The Centre will be run under the joint-leadership of Evah Oduor, a well-known Kenyan with extensive know-how and expertise in standardization work, who has been IEC Coordinator for Africa since 2008, and Francois Yapo Ahoti who is joining the IEC from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) where he worked as a Chief Technical Adviser in Standardization and Quality. <br /><br />Africa part of the global platform<br /><br />Through the IEC global platform thousands of experts from around the world contribute to the broad roll-out of new electric, electronic and Renewable Energy technologies, including mini- and Microgrids* in developing countries. Examples of IEC work include Renewable Energy generation from wind, ocean and solar power both for off-grid and on-grid use. This work enables the large-scale adoption and use of related technologies.<br /><br />The IEC is a partner of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All Programme. It provides, for example, a series of Technical Specifications with a focus on off-grid energy access and, in particular, off-grid pico-solar products such as solar lanterns or small solar modules. In this context the IEC provides the standardized methods for testing and verifying light output and other quality measures that will ultimately build trust with consumers and contribute to the broad adoption of these technologies. <br /><br />* Minigrids, small clusters of loads and generators linked together represent an entirely new way of powering remote or rural communities. It’s not uncommon to find microgrids operating with more than 50 % of the electrical load being supplied from renewable generation. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).</span></div> </div>

Real energy access and improved product safety

Today, a major step has been taken towards greater access to electric power, safer electric and electronic products and overall better c...

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AIMS and ADEA partner to strengthen inclusive STEAM higher education in Africa

<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/-TZ-74bCnyJM/Vjr8WfhgYaI/AAAAAAAAGrY/KTBNLXmmcuY/s1600/adb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ-74bCnyJM/Vjr8WfhgYaI/AAAAAAAAGrY/KTBNLXmmcuY/s400/adb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) today announced the beginning of a partnership for the promotion of appropriate education sector policies that support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This partnership was cemented with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the margins of the African Union (AU) Specialized Technician Committee on Education, Science and Technology being held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and in presence of Hon Professor Mary Teuw Niane of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, Republic of Senegal.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Partner representatives from AAU, AfDB, Commonwealth Secretariat, Education International, FAWE, UNESCO and UNESCO-IICBA were also in attendance. This partnership constitutes a framework for strengthening collaboration between the two organizations, to better fulfill their missions at country and regional levels. <br /><br />In a globalizing world, education models and their ability to produce innovators and leaders across all sectors is a critical imperative. For Africa in particular, the question is closely linked to the continent's ability to develop inclusively. The AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 name education, particularly in STEAM, as a key catalyst for sustainable development. This AIMS-ADEA partnership will support African countries in areas that include policy development and implementation of the integration of STEAM into teacher training and learning programs, skills development, public engagement, and research and innovation with the goal of transforming Africa through applied skills relevant for the continent's labour market and research developmental needs.<br /><br />"Education training, research and innovation are key factors that will propel Africa's transformation. The collaboration between AIMS and ADEA will address policy issues with a focus on the Ministries of Education, Gender and other relevant ministries, to promote the integration of STEAM into the respective policy initiatives. We are especially determined to create an enabling environment that will encourage the engagement of women and girls", said Ms. Oley Dibba-Wadda, Executive Secretary of ADEA. Some specific areas of collaboration will include working with the ADEA Inter-Country Quality Node on Mathematics and Science Education (ICQN-MSE) for the purpose of providing strategy level support to relevant Ministries in Africa in leveraging inclusive higher education and STEAM. <br /><br />"AIMS looks forward to working with ADEA in close collaboration to ensure the implementation of this partnership which we believe will lead to a climate for increased investment in science and innovation in Africa. We expect strong development outcomes that will impact higher education in Africa while contributing tangibly to SDGs. We are also happy to announce that ADEA will join the Next Einstein Forum (NEF), Africa's global forum for science, as a member," said Thierry Zomahoun, President and CEO of AIMS. <br /><br />The NEF, an AIMS initiative in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, is a platform that will bring together leading thinkers in science, policy, industry and civil society in Africa to leverage science to solve global challenges. The first NEF Global Gathering will be held in Dakar, Senegal on 8th -10th March 2016 under the patronage of H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of AIMS. </span></div> </div>

AIMS and ADEA partner to strengthen inclusive STEAM higher education in Africa

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) today annou...

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SMZ itawachukulia hatua walioharibu uchaguzi

<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/-KBFsPz_gcDQ/Vjr7TjySElI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/pYTZMHyNSXY/s1600/680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBFsPz_gcDQ/Vjr7TjySElI/AAAAAAAAGrQ/pYTZMHyNSXY/s400/680.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar inakamilisha taratibu zilizobakia na tayari inajiandaa kuwachukulia hatua za Kisheria watu wote waliohusika kuharibu kwa makusudi zoezi zima la Uchaguzi Mkuu wa Zanzibar uliofanyika Tarehe 25 Mwezi Oktoba mwaka huu.<br /><br />Kauli hiyo imetolewa na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi wakati akizungumza na Viongozi wa Dini mbali mbali Nchini aliokutana nao Ofisini kwake Vuga Mjini Zanzibar kutafakari na kutafuta mbinu za kuendelea kujaribu kudumisha amani ya Nchi iliyotetereka na kuleta mtafaruku katika kipindi hicho cha Uchaguzi.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema ina uthibitisho kamili wa vielelezo vya ushahidi wa udanganyifu kwa maeneo yote ya Zanzibar hasa katika Majimbo ya Uchaguzi ya Kisiwa cha Pemba.<br /><br />Alisema Afisa wa Tume ya Uchaguzi au Mtu yoyote aliyehusika na udanganyifu huo aelewe kwamba mkondo wa sheria utamkumba kwa vile vitendo walivyofanya wameisababishia hasara kubwa Serikali pamoja wa washirika wa maendeleo walioamua kusaidia uchaguzi huo.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alibainisha kwamba wakati wahusika hao wanapandishwa katika vyombo vya kisheria kujibu shutuma zinazowakabili Serikali kwa upande wake itaweka hadharani uthibitisho kamili wa vielelezo vya ushahidi wa udanganyifu huo ili Wananchi wapate fursa ya kuelewa dhambi hiyo mbaya waliyofanyiwa na watu wachache kwa tamaa binafsi.<br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar aliwahakikishia Viongozi hao wa Dini kwamba Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imejipanga vizuri kupitia vyombo vyake vya ulinzi kwa kupiga Doria maeneo yote katika kuona amani ya nchi inaendelea kudumu.<br /><br />Aliwapongeza Viongozi hao wa Dini kwa jitihada zao wanazochukuwa za kutumia busara zao kwa kukutana na Viongozi wa pande mbali mbali za Kisiasa wakilenga kusaidia kutuliza mumkari na machungu ya waumini wao ambao takriban wote ni wafuasi wa vyama vya Kisiasa vilivyopo hapa Nchini.<br /><br />Alivilaumu baadhi ya vyombo vya Habari hasa vile vya Nchi za Magharibi jinsi vilivyoonyesha wazi Taarifa zao nyingi wanazotowa za zoezi zima la uchaguzi Mkuu wa Zanzibar zikionyesha kuegemea upande mmoja tu.<br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alielezea masikitiko yake juu ya wangalizi wa Kimataifa walioamua kufuatilia uchaguzi Mkuu wa Zanzibar kwamba hawakwenda Kisiwani Pemba muda wote wa zoezi la kupiga kura kufuatilia changamoto zilizojitokeza katika majimbo ya Pemba.<br /><br />" Nimesikitishwa na waangalizi wa Kimataifa waliokuwepo Zanzibar kwa karibu mwezi mmoja kufuatilia kampeni na uchaguzi wake wameshindwa kwenda Pemba wakati wa zoezi la kupiga kura na kuonekana zaidi katika majimbo ya Kisiwa cha Unguja.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliishauri Idara ya Habari Maelezo kuendelea kufuatilia Taarifa zinazotolewa na vyombo mbali mbali vya Habari ndani na nje ya Nchini na kukemea au kutoa Taarifa dhidi ya uchochezi unaotolewa na vyombo hivyo.<br /><br />Nao Viongozi hao wa Dini mbali mbali Nchini wameishukuru na kuipongeza Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na ile ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kwa hatua iliyochukuwa katika kusimamia amani ya Nchi.<br /><br />Wananchi wa Zanzibar wamerejea katika harakati zao za kawaida za kimaisha baada ya kutokea hitilafu tofauti ndani ya zoezi zima la upigaji kura kwenye uchaguzi Mkuu wa Tarehe 25 Mwezi uliopita na kupelekea kuibuka kwa mtafaruku uliotikisa amani ya Taifa.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

SMZ itawachukulia hatua walioharibu uchaguzi

Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar inakamilisha taratibu zilizobakia na tayari inajiandaa kuwachukulia hatua za Kisheria watu wote walioh...

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Anzisha Prize announces esteemed judging panel for 2015 African youth entrepreneurship award

<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/-redjL6SzNAE/Vjr6ieh5-CI/AAAAAAAAGrI/VH_j-2a2scQ/s1600/card.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-redjL6SzNAE/Vjr6ieh5-CI/AAAAAAAAGrI/VH_j-2a2scQ/s400/card.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Anzisha </span><a href="http://www.anzishaprize.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">Prize</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> is pleased to announce a diverse, experienced and representative judging panel for the 2015 Anzisha Prize award for African youth entrepreneurs. The Prize has invited a panel of four experienced professionals from the both the business and social sectors who represent a holistic view of contributors to the dialogue around youth entrepreneurship in Africa. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The judges’ experience stems from a diverse knowledge and experience base. The panel includes entrepreneurs at both an established and scaling stage, leaders from social and business sectors, contributors to the African business dialogue through media, and represents a cultural diversity that is relevant to and mirrors the youth entrepreneurs that they will be assessing. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The finalists for the Anzisha Prize will pitch their ventures to the judges on Monday 16 November. The panel will consider each project on its own merits in responsiveness to a market opportunity or social need, ingenuity, scalability and impact. The grand prize-winner will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Tuesday 17 November at Room Five in Rivonia, Johannesburg, South Africa.<br /><br />“It is essential that we encourage conversation and deliberation on the potential for youth to impact African economies through entrepreneurship in a multifaceted dialogue with cross-sector, cross-continent, cross-cultural contribution,” says Grace Kalisha, Senior Manager for the Anzisha Prize. “We are pleased and encouraged that such an esteemed panel would engage critically with our finalists for the Anzisha Prize this year.”<br /><br />The 2015 Anzisha Prize Awards Judges are:<br /><br />Heba Gamal, based in Egypt, an entrepreneurship and technology expert. She is the Managing Director of Endeavor Egypt, a non-profit organization focused on supporting high-impact entrepreneurs. Prior to Endeavor, Heba was managing search quality for the Middle East & North Africa at Google, Inc. Her international expertise spans Silicon Valley, India, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Heba has been a speaker at various conferences and summits about entrepreneurship, technology and women in leadership. The Anzisha prize welcomes her contribution to this year’s panel due to her social entrepreneurship focus, strong advocacy for the role of women in business, and North Africa experience.<br /><br />Willy Mukiny Yav, Congolese, Co-founder and Director of Pygma Group. He has 21 years’ experience in communications specialising in African Markets. Having developed excellent high-level contacts within Africa, over the past 22 years, Willy has used these to become involved in developing numerous ventures in Africa. As a consequence he has expertise in modus operandi and business practice in both French and English speaking Africa and further developed a network of contacts in the upper political, business and social echelons. Willy served as a judge for Anzisha in 2014 and enabled clear understanding of the francophone ventures for fair assessment.<br /><br />Sangu Delle, Ghanaian, will be contributing to the Anzisha judging conversation as an established entrepreneur who dedicates his time and energies to enabling other entrepreneurs. Sangu is an entrepreneur, author, clean water activist, Soros Fellow and TEDGlobal Fellow. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Palm Investments (GPI); an investment holding and advisory company focused on building world class companies in Africa. GPI operates companies in high growth industries and funds promising start-ups that can have social impact and generate jobs. GPI has backed startups such as SOLO Mobile in Nigeria, mPharma in Ghana and Stawi Foods in Kenya.<br /><br />George Bakka, Ugandan, is an Anzisha Fellow, inducted into the inaugural cohort of the Fellowship in 2011. As a scaling and widely celebrated youth entrepreneur, he epitomizes the journey that the finalists are embarking on.<br /><br />George is the Founder & CEO of Angels Initiatives. He is a serial pan-African entrepreneur passionate about building solutions and companies that catalyze growth in Africa. Some of the companies he has started include Angels Hub and Unreasonable EastAfrica. In addition to being an Anzisha Fellow, he is also an Acumen and Educate Fellow.<br /><br />The 12 finalists for Anzisha Prize were selected from an impressive initial pool of 494 young entrepreneurs, up from 339 applications in 2014. The Anzisha Prize is proud to have attracted applicants from 33 African countries, with finalists from Zimbabwe and Ethiopia identified for the first time this year. Applications were also received from a diversity of sectors, with agriculture having the most applicants. Now in its fifth year, The Anzisha Prize will be celebrating these outstanding young people during Global Entrepreneurship Week joining the worldwide festivities. Finalists for the Anzisha Prize win a share of US$75,000 and access to ongoing support to scale their enterprises and expand their impact.<br /><br />The Anzisha Prize team is running a social media campaign where members of the public can vote for their favourite entrepreneur and offer words of support and encouragement on the Anzisha website (anzishaprize.org) and on Facebook. An award will be given to the finalist receiving the largest number of votes. The goal is to support them on their Anzisha journey and share their success stories with other youth.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of African Leadership Academy (ALA).</span></div> </div>

Anzisha Prize announces esteemed judging panel for 2015 African youth entrepreneurship award

The Anzisha Prize is pleased to announce a diverse, experienced and representative judging panel for the 2015 Anzisha Prize award for A...

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Sage launches new Human Resources Management solution for Nigerian mid-size and large enterprises

<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/-c61qtRbKbps/Vjr5Ve36EhI/AAAAAAAAGq8/SgLCeXjLJ48/s1600/sage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c61qtRbKbps/Vjr5Ve36EhI/AAAAAAAAGq8/SgLCeXjLJ48/s400/sage.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sage today announced the launch of Sage HR <a href="http://www.sagehrafrica.com/hr-payroll-software/larger-business/sage-hr-management">Management </a>(HRM)  to the Nigerian market at the Southern Sun, Ikoyi Hotel in Lagos, bringing mid-size and large enterprises a powerful, simple and flexible Human Resources Management solution that helps them to gain efficiency in their HR processes. It is available either as a standalone product or as a module that integrates with Sage X3, empowering HR managers to improve overall business performance by gaining better control over their workforce costs and creating stronger engagement with employees.<br /><br />Sage HRM automates processes such as payroll, hiring, on-boarding and talent retention. The solution ensures legal compliance as well as higher employee retention and engagement, with easy self-service HR services. It also helps manage employee development by providing faster and simpler access to skills and performance information. Sage HRM contains all settings, features, statutory calculations and parameters for payroll and global legislations compliance for the Nigerian market.<br /><br />Sage HRM provides a global and accurate view of the HR budget and in real-time. With Sage HRM, HR managers are able to accurately estimate workforce costs and performance and make data driven personnel decisions which translates into more informed decision making. Plus, it includes flexible mobile features that enable employees to access HR services anywhere from any device, thus providing HR managers access to live key performance indicators.<br /><br />The solution is aimed at mid-size and large enterprises in the manufacturing, distribution, services and healthcare industries that are keen to integrate HR with finance, thereby improving efficiency and cost control through back office automation. Sage HRM enables HR departments to improve administrative efficiency and compliance management.<br /><br />Said Ivan Epstein, President of Sage International: “Nigerian companies are eager to embrace automated HR and payroll solutions to assist with increased regulatory demands increase, rapid economic expansion, and growing global trade. We’re delighted to add Sage HRM to our portfolio and look forward to working with our business partners to help Nigerian enterprises thrive.<br /><br />“With more than 93 million Internet users in Nigeria (Nigerian Communications Commission statistics), Sage HRM’s rich cloud and mobile functionality makes it a perfect match for the market. If you want to profit from modern technology that’s not only future-proof, but also helps increase visibility and collaboration in your business, you are in good hands with Sage HRM.”<br /><br />“Whether you’re an existing Sage X3 customer or a growing enterprise looking for a modern, standalone HR solution, Sage HRM offers you a flexible and powerful answer to your HR needs,” said Jeremy Waterman, Managing Director, Sage Northern Africa & Middle East.<br /><br />“Sage HRM, together with Sage X3, gives your organisation more accurate and exhaustive data over your different business units and locations. It supports best practices and can give you an integrated view of HR and financial data to help you keep your costs under control.”<br /><br /> <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Sage.</span></div> </div>

Sage launches new Human Resources Management solution for Nigerian mid-size and large enterprises

Sage today announced the launch of Sage HR Management (HRM)  to the Nigerian market at the Southern Sun, Ikoyi Hotel in Lagos, bringing ...

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African Leaders Launch High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property for an Emerging Continent

<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/-aEsjQ_KZE5U/Vjr42RFpNXI/AAAAAAAAGq0/69vjw-I2TBw/s1600/wipo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEsjQ_KZE5U/Vjr42RFpNXI/AAAAAAAAGq0/69vjw-I2TBw/s400/wipo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and Senegal Prime Minister Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne joined </span><a href="http://www.wipo.int/"><span style="font-size: large;">World Intellectual</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Property Organization (WIPO) Director General Francis Gurry in stressing the importance of intellectual property (IP) in incentivizing innovation and creativity to promote economic and social development across Africa.<br /></span><a href="http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/2015/african_ministerial_conference.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Some </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">50 government ministers from across the continent attended the November 3 opening of the three-day “African Ministerial Conference 2015: Intellectual Property (IP) for an Emerging Africa,” held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar.<br /><br />“Ultimately, the source of all innovation and creativity is human,” said Mr. Gurry in welcoming the delegates. “And Africa is the cradle of humanity, so it is in this sense the origin of all innovation and creativity that characterizes our species as human beings.”<br /><br />Well-developed national intellectual property systems can help African countries unlock their citizens’ creativity and innovation, boosting economic growth, he said.<br /><br />“Intellectual property is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition of a healthy and vibrant innovation ecosystem,” he added. “It is a means of capturing a competitive advantage that is conferred by innovation and it is a means of rewarding investment, human and financial resources, in the generation of new knowledge and innovation.”<br /><br />Mauritius President Gurib-Fakim cited positive economic growth prospects for African countries over the next decade and highlighted the “imperative need for Africa to protect IP rights in order to build sustainable knowledge economies by leveraging the benefits of science, technology and innovation.”<br /><br />“In this globally fiercely competitive international economic landscape, the creation and management including protection of knowledge will be central to building and spearheading wealth creation and integration in the global economy,” said President Gurib-Fakim.<br /><br />She said policies should include IP system tools to unlock and promote the value of assets that are unique to Africa, such as local medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. Africa, she said, should also “strive to prioritize opportunities unleashed by the digital revolution in the areas of science, technology, innovation and creativity.<br /><br />“There is urgency for public policy debate, coordination, integration and the involvement of all stakeholders in order to frame new ways to foster the development of intangibles and to promote innovation and creativity,” she said, “innovation is by construction and not instruction.”<br /><br />Noting that the protection of IP rights should be accompanied by adequate measures of incentives and support, President Gurib-Fakim called for the setting up of a fund for African innovators to access the necessary capital to support start-ups.<br /><br />To applause, President Gurib-Fakim concluded: “Those nations that go all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow.”<br /><br />Senegalese Prime Minister Dionne called the conference timely, due to the challenges facing Africa. He added that intellectual property can help ensure sustainable and inclusive development resulting in poverty reduction and increased economic competitivity. “Innovation is the basis of all development,” he said.<br /><br />Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology of the African Union, a conference organizer, said: “It’s the role of intellectual property organizations in Africa to push African leaders to understand that there is an entire edifice to build that will allow our youth to cross the Rubicon - to break the glass ceiling and partake in the excitement of the of the inventor, to dare to become the first in their country, in the region and even the first in the world to propose a solution to a social ill.”<br /><br />Takashi Kitahara, Ambassador of Japan to Senegal, Embassy of Japan in Senegal, said that “it is essential to assure the appropriate protections via the intellectual property system and guarantee its strategic use. “The government of Japan was a co-organizer of the conference.<br /><br />The opening ceremony was followed by a high level segment on “Africa in a Knowledge-Based Economy-Challenges and Opportunities.”<br /><br />The Dakar meeting brought together over 400 participants, including some 50 ministers responsible for intellectual property, trade and culture as well as private sector groups to chart a plan for boosting the uptake of intellectual property tools to help stimulate economic and social development across Africa.<br /><br />The ministerial meeting was preceded on November 2, 2015 by a workshop bringing together some 50 young African innovators and creators to talk about IP, innovation and creativity. <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). </span></div> </div>

African Leaders Launch High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property for an Emerging Continent

Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim and Senegal Prime Minister Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne joined World Intellectual Property Org...

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Annan confirmed as keynote speaker at Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa 2016

<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/-MudmkrE7EoY/Vjr4XLDo-mI/AAAAAAAAGqs/U3zuJ1Wtb44/s1600/anna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MudmkrE7EoY/Vjr4XLDo-mI/AAAAAAAAGqs/U3zuJ1Wtb44/s400/anna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Organisers of the Tana High-Level Forum on </span><a href="http://www.tanaforum.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">Security</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in Africa have today announced that the Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan will be the keynote speaker in the fifth anniversary of the event to be held on 16th -17th April 2016.<br /><br />Held every year in the northern Ethiopian city of Bahir Dar, the Tana High-Level Forum is an informal gathering of a wide spectrum of African leaders and citizens: heads of state and government; leaders of regional organisations; civil society; the private sector; eminent scholars and practitioners; students and youth; and representatives of Africa’s global partners. Forum participants are drawn from across the continent and overseas. The Forum’s mission is to further open a vigorous debate on the nature and causes of Africa’s pressing security threats and, over time, to cultivate a distinctively African voice on understanding and confronting the chief peace and security challenges the continent is facing.<br /><br />The theme for the 2016 edition of the Tana Forum is “Africa in the Global Security Agenda”. <br /><br />“Africa is in midst of a rapid social, political, and economic transformation. These transformations and the changing fortunes of its citizens come with added responsibilities. As Africa’s economic importance in the world increases, it must assume its growing importance maturely and conscientiously, including on security related concerns. I look forward to discussing these issues at the 2016 Tana Forum”, said Kofi Annan.<br /><br />Born in Ghana, Annan was the co-recipient of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize with the United Nations for their work for a better organised and more peaceful world. With the Kofi Annan Foundation, Mr Annan mobilises political will to overcome threats to peace, development and human rights. He also chairs the Elders Group founded by the late former South African President Nelson Mandela, and the Africa Progress Panel.<br /><br />“There are few people in the international community that command respect across the board for their tireless work in ensuring a peaceful future for Africa like Kofi Annan”, said H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Tana Board. “He brings a wealth of experience, not just from his time as the UN Secretary General, but also his involvement in peace-making efforts across the continent. We are delighted that he has agreed to join us in Bahir Dar and look forward to an insightful keynote address.” <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa. </span></div> </div>

Annan confirmed as keynote speaker at Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa 2016

Organisers of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa have today announced that the Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation and f...

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This summit of Speakers from across the world is a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation between industry leaders at the highest level

<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/-v6rY2zra-ZE/Vjr35TryL4I/AAAAAAAAGqk/CrKmTnNzJ40/s1600/diamond.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6rY2zra-ZE/Vjr35TryL4I/AAAAAAAAGqk/CrKmTnNzJ40/s400/diamond.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The World’s leaders in the Diamond Industry will come together in Africa’s best-kept secret, </span><a href="http://www.diamondsnamibia.na/omugongo/index.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Namibia</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, for the International Diamond Conference 2015 . The Conference is themed: Omugongo, A Cut above the Rest. This prestigious event will be held at the Safari Conference Centre in the capital Windhoek, Namibia. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This summit of Speakers from across the world is a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation between industry leaders at the highest level. The overall theme of the Conference will focus on the “Challenges facing diamond beneficiation in Southern Africa: How can we make this industry viable and sustainable.” <br /><br />OMUGONGO definition: A great tree under which society comes together to discuss matters affecting the community in a democratic manner.<br /><br />The Namibian government has a 50-50 joint venture partnership with the De Beers Group and together have implemented a long-term economic development plan that aims to build a self-sustainable national gem-cutting industry. This will ensure the sustainability of an industry that accounts for about 30 per cent of Namibia’s annual export revenue, bringing funds into the country to improve infrastructure, childhood education and healthcare in local communities.<br /><br />In order to protect the marine ecology and the coastal areas in which most of Namibia’s diamonds are found, international environmental standards are strictly followed in diamond mining activities. Namibia’s comprehensive environmental management plan has been independently verified as ISO 14001 compliant, ensuring long-term ecological and economical sustainability of mining areas. “Namibia’s Atlantic coast area holds an estimated 80 million carats of gems, which were carried to the sea by the Orange River and could be mined beyond 2050,” Mr. Hamutenya, Diamond Commissioner for the Republic of Namibia.<br /><br />The highest quality diamonds and one of the World’s largest alluvial diamond deposits are found in Namibia. “Namibia’s diamonds fetch the highest prices because they are of high quality, pure carbon, spotless and they don't disintegrate…what we don’t have in quantity is made up in quality,” Kennedy Hamutenya said in 2014.<br /><br />The Ministry of Mines and Energy Hon. Obeth Mbul Kandjoze (MP) will open the two-day Conference. Industry expert Chaim Even-Zohar will be coordinating the conference. Speakers include: Hon. Walter K. Chidakwa, the Minister of Mines and Mining Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe; Shihaleni E Ndjaba, CEO at Namibia Diamond Trading Company (Pty) Ltd; Burhan Seber, President of the Diamond Manufacturers Association of Namibia (DIAMAN); Kombadayedu Kapwanga, President of the Chamber of Mines of Namibia; and many others.<br /><br />During the conference, the National Earth Science Museum at the Ministry of Mines and Energy will showcase some prestigious pieces of the Shining Lights Diamond Design Collection, some crafted by award-winning Namibian designers. Duration: from 24th- 27th of November inclusive.<br /><br />This Exhibition, entitled The Heritage Journey, will illustrate the process that every diamond goes through: starting at the mine and arriving as a finished jewelry piece. The beneficiation chain affecting all layers of the community - will be represented by professionals from the diamond cutters and the manufacturers associations, who during the exhibition, will show how diamonds are being cut and transformed into jewellery.<br /><br />Both Namibians and international delegates will benefit from the Museum, as it promotes knowledge of geosciences and serves as a repository of Namibia’s minerals, rocks, meteorites and fossils through the display of rocks and minerals, Namibian mines, meteorites and fossils. Throughout this time the new edition of “The Diamond Journey” book, realised under the leadership of the Diamond Board of Namibia, will also be launched.<br /><br />At the end of the Conference, participants will be attending a Gala Dinner exclusively hosted at the Parliament Gardens, courtesy of the National Assembly. Her Excellency, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has been invited to open the ceremony. Michelle McLean-Bailey, former Miss Namibia and Miss Universe will be the host of the prestigious evening. Michelle is also a philanthropist and founder of a number of charitable organisations, including the Michelle McLean Primary School and the Michelle McLean Children's Trust, both in Namibia, growing opportunities for children through education.<br /><br />According to Mr Hamutenya, the Diamond Board of Namibia is proud to be hosting this event, to show the world the hidden jewel that is Namibia and the role that the Board plays in this industry. This responsibility includes the Board advisory role to the Minister of Mines and Energy on any matters relating to the diamond industry and the facilitation of the industry’s promotion and protection.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of International Diamond Conference 2015. </span></div> </div>

This summit of Speakers from across the world is a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation between industry leaders at the highest level

The World’s leaders in the Diamond Industry will come together in Africa’s best-kept secret, Namibia , for the International Diamond Con...

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COMESA and Microsoft collaborate to promote access, skills and innovation in 19 African Countries

<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/-ru9v1ag-X_c/Vjr3HqJ1XtI/AAAAAAAAGqc/zo7amHHSLls/s1600/comesa.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ru9v1ag-X_c/Vjr3HqJ1XtI/AAAAAAAAGqc/zo7amHHSLls/s400/comesa.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (</span><a href="http://www.comesa.int/"><span style="font-size: large;">COMESA</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">) through the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) </span><a href="http://www.microsoft.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">have </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">taken a step toward strengthening their working alliance today by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which sets out how they will collaborate in the areas of access to technology, development of relevant skills and the fostering of innovation in COMESA’s 19 member </span><a href="http://www.apo.af/FjYCsU"><span style="font-size: large;">States</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. This is in line with the Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative’s three core focus areas (World-class skills, Access and Innovation).<br /><br />The MoU will promote access to technology to COMESA Member States based on a Trusted Cloud Infrastructure that focuses on the secure deployment of modern IT operations. It is also expected this collaboration will accelerate and promote the adoption of innovative high-speed low-cost connectivity initiatives, including through new policy approaches to spectrum management such as dynamic spectrum access. It will also encourage the use of cloud technologies through the adoption of important enabling policies in the areas of cyber-security, data privacy and data protection. <br /><br />Mr. Sindiso Ngwenya, COMESA’s Secretary General during the signing, said: “Business technology has revolutionized the way countries and firms conduct business. We are in an age where the planning processes of organizations is through instruments and solutions that promote quality management, and respond to age –old constraints of time limitations and high costs of operations.”<br /><br />“Through Microsoft’s 4Afrika Initiative, we have been working to increase regional trade and the growth of the knowledge economy in Africa,” says Antony Cook, Associate General Counsel, Legal and Corporate Affairs Microsoft, Middle East and Africa. “Through influential partnerships, such as the one with COMESA, we aim to scale across the region further to impact not just thousands, but millions.”<br /><br />The collaboration is further expected to focus on fostering innovation across the COMESA region by promoting the value and protection of Intellectual Property. It will also encourage the development of eGovernment solutions that will facilitate, simplify and stimulate investment in and trade across the COMESA region to save on time and the cost of complying with business governance and regulations. This collaboration fits squarely with COMESA’s mandate and demonstrates the commitment to promote common interests for economic development in the region.<br /><br />“Through this collaboration, we will bring policy makers and businesses together and empower them to take advantage of the cloud-first, mobile-first world. With the right policies and regulations in place, people will be encouraged to use cloud technology, develop their own IP and ultimately participate in trade and e-commerce across borders. With innovative eGovernment services, citizens and businesses will additionally benefit from safe online transactions, open borders, efficiency and increased foreign investment,” adds Cook.<br /><br />The implementation of the MoU will be the responsibility of the COMESA Business Council, as the voice of the private sector in the region.  <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). </span></div> </div>

COMESA and Microsoft collaborate to promote access, skills and innovation in 19 African Countries

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa ( COMESA ) through the COMESA Business Council (CBC) and Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) ha...

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Significant opportunities for retail-focused businesses on the continent

<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/-KIRhaD-wdZM/Vjb4SLzD6YI/AAAAAAAAGqM/lrg9iKm0RZQ/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KIRhaD-wdZM/Vjb4SLzD6YI/AAAAAAAAGqM/lrg9iKm0RZQ/s400/D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The African continent is experiencing rapid retail expansion, and is being compared to China in 1987 when it was predicated to be the next big thing(1). <br /><br />A.T. Kearney’s 2015 Global Retail Development Index has listed Sub-Saharan Africa as the ‘big story’ for 2040, similar to that of China 30 years ago, where today, retailers are expanding four to five times faster than retailers in the United States and Europe.<br /><br />Recognizing this potential, <a href="http://www.dpdhl.com/">DHL</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> is playing a key role in growing retail on the continent via its current footprint of 5 800 retail outlets across Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), not by building its own bricks and mortar branches but by partnering with local business owners who act as DHL resellers. Steve Burd, Acting Vice President of Sales for DHL SSA, says, “Thousands of vendors – such as electronics stores, travel agents and stationery stores – now offer DHL Express services, alongside their existing product offerings. These small businesses benefit from commission on all DHL sales, an increase in foot traffic as well as being associated with a global brand. We believe that the rising middle class, coupled with market and infrastructure development will continue to drive demand in the retail space in the years to come.”<br /><br />He points to the 2015 A.T. Kearney 2015 Global Retail Development Index™ which listed three Sub-Saharan Africa countries – Botswana, Nigeria and Angola – in the top 30 developing countries for retail investment globally. “Zambia, Namibia and Ghana were outlined as fast emerging and likely to be included on the list in the coming years.”<br /><br />When looking at the local 2015 African Retail Development Index™, Burd says that it is refreshing to see that smaller markets are emerging and rivaling Nigeria and South Africa, historically considered the continent’s powerhouses. Gabon, Botswana and Angola were listed as the top three countries respectively in the African index, followed by Nigeria, Tanzania and South Africa(2).<br /><br />“Developing countries, as well as early stage markets with little to no formal shopping culture, are increasingly becoming viable markets for retailers. However, while there are increasingly more opportunities, businesses and investors need to look at each market individually before expanding, as there is no one size fits all strategy for the African market,” says Burd.<br /><br />“According to market intelligence agency WARC, West Africans have an outlook closely aligned to the US, whereas East Africans tend to find Asian brands more appealing. Understanding the differing cultures and brand preferences is therefore important when considering a retail expansion strategy,” adds Burd.<br /><br />Burd says that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are well positioned to capitalise on the expanding retail sector given their agility and ability to adapt to changing market conditions. He cautions that while opportunities are on the rise, challenges remain ranging from varying customs regulations to supply chain management. “Supply chains in Africa are more challenging than many other markets in the world, and the key to success is understanding these in order to offset the risks versus the opportunity which the continent offers.”<br /><br />“We work with thousands and thousands of SMEs across Africa and are committed to supporting them to seize opportunities and advance Sub-Saharan Africa to a thriving economy,” says Burd. <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL. </span></div> </div>

Significant opportunities for retail-focused businesses on the continent

The African continent is experiencing rapid retail expansion, and is being compared to China in 1987 when it was predicated to be the ne...

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Equatorial Guinea Expands Scope of Major Crude Oil and Petroleum Tank Farm Project

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqrb8cSQhng/Vjb3zyHY-HI/AAAAAAAAGqE/kRzu_z30MwI/s1600/250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yqrb8cSQhng/Vjb3zyHY-HI/AAAAAAAAGqE/kRzu_z30MwI/s400/250.jpg" width="336" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, representing the Government of Equatorial Guinea, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with three companies to build a crude oil and petroleum products storage tank farm on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.<br /><br />In an expansion of the previous project plan, the Bioko Oil Terminal will incorporate a significant amount of crude oil storage space, as well as storage for associated petroleum products. It will serve the Gulf of Guinea region and facilitate processing and export to consumers regionally and globally. The MoU establishes the terms of cooperation among the Ministry and the three companies.<br /><br />The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea, Taleveras Group, Gunvor Group and the Strategic Fuel Fund will jointly participate in the Bioko Oil Terminal development. The tank farm will be operated by the Strategic Fuel Fund, which operates Saldanha Bay in South Africa, one of the world’s largest petroleum storage facilities. <br /><br />Upon announcing the new MoU, Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima stated: “The Bioko Oil Terminal will serve the enormous demand for storage in the currently underserved Gulf of Guinea region. This is a definitive step forward for our nation’s petroleum industry and economic diversification agenda. We are proud to announce that the national bank of Equatorial Guinea, BANGE, will be involved in the financing of the project.” <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy Equatorial Guinea. </span></div> </div>

Equatorial Guinea Expands Scope of Major Crude Oil and Petroleum Tank Farm Project

The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy, representing the Government of Equatorial Guinea, announced today that it has signed a Memoran...

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Dk.Shein bado ni Rais

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmw-XWYIjFg/Vjb3LiXPvLI/AAAAAAAAGp8/pCNDO7FxBCo/s1600/665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmw-XWYIjFg/Vjb3LiXPvLI/AAAAAAAAGp8/pCNDO7FxBCo/s400/665.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imewahakikishia Wananchi wa Zanzibar na Tanzania kwa ujumla kwamba Rais aliyepo madarakani hivi sasa ataendelea kushika madaraka ya Urais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi mpaka pale utaratibu wa Kikatiba na Kisheria wa kumpata Rais utakapokamilika.<br /><br />Kauli hiyo imetolewa na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi wakati akitoa Taarifa ya Serikali akisisitiza Taarifa ya awali ya Serikali iliyotolewa na Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar kuhusiana na kauli za kupotosha zinazotolewa na baadhi ya Viongozi wa vyama vya Kisiasa kuhusu uhalali wa kuendelea kuwepo kwa Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi aliyopo madarakani pamoja na Serikali yake.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliwaomba Wananchi wazipuuze kauli za upotoshaji zinazotolewa zikiashira zaidi uvunjifu wa amani na kuwataka waendee kuwa watulivu na kudumisha amani iliyopo Nchini.<br /><br />Alisema Kifungu cha 28 Mbili {a} cha Katiba ambacho kimekuwa kikitumika katika kutoa tafrisi potofu kwa Wananchi kwamba Rais aliyopo madarakani atamaliza muda wake wa miaka mitano kuanzia Tarehe ambayo alipokula kiapo cha uaminifu na kiapo cha kuwa Rais.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alieleza kwamba ni dhahiri kwamba dhamira ya kifungu hicho cha Katiba ilikuwa kuweka bayana kuwa kama uchaguzi Mkuu utafanyika na msindi wa kiti chja Urais atatangazwa rasmi na Tumen ys Uchaguzi, hivyo muda wake wa kuendelea Mtu kuwa Rais ungemalizika kwa kufuatana na masharti ya Kifungu hicho.<br /><br />Alifafanua kwa kuwa Tume ya Uchaguzi haikumtangaza mshindi wa kiti cha nafasi ya Urais ni dhahiri masharti ya kifungu hicho hayataweza kusimama na hivyo masharti ya Kifungu cha 28 {1} {a} cha Katiba kitakuwa na nguvu za Kikatiba kumpa uwezo wa Rais aliyopo madarakani kuendelea na madaraka ya Urais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi.<br /><br />Alisema Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi anapatikana kwa mujibu wa masharti ya Kifungu cha 27 cha Katiba ambacho Rais anachaguliwa kufuatana na Katiba Hiyo na kwa mujibu wa Sheria yoyote itakayotungwa na Baraza la Wawakilishi hukusu Uchaguzi wa Rais na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alifahamisha kuwa ili Rais wa Zanzibar apatikane kwa mujibu wa Katiba na sheria ya Uchaguzi nambari 11 ya Mwaka 1984, Tume ya Uchaguzi ya Zanzibar inapaswa kuendesha uchaguzi na hatimae kumtangaza mshindi wa nafasi ya Urais ambae atashika madaraka hayo pale ambapo atakuwa ameapishwa rasmi kwa mujibu wa kifungu cha 31 cha Katiba ya Zanzibar.<br /><br />Alisema Kifungu cha 28 {1} {a} cha Katiba kinaweka utaratibu kuhusu muda wa kuendelea kuwa kuwa Rais, na kwamba kwa kufuatana na kifungu hicho, mtu aliyechaguliwa kuwa Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi ataendelea na dhamana hiyo mpaka pale ambapo Rais anayefuata ale kiapo cha kuwa Rais.<br /><br />Alieleza kwamba kwa msingi huo wa Kikatiba ni vyema Wananchi wakafahamu na kuelewa kuwa Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Braza la Mapinduzi ataendelea kuwepo madarakani mkapa pale Tume ya Uchaguzi ya Zanzibar itakapomtangaza mshindi wa kiti cha Urais na Rais Mteule atashika madaraka hayo baada ya kuapishwa rasmi kwa mujibu wa kifungu cha 31 cha Katiba.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmw-XWYIjFg/Vjb3LiXPvLI/AAAAAAAAGp8/pCNDO7FxBCo/s1600/665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div> <br /></div> </span><div style="text-align: justify;">  </div> </div>

Dk.Shein bado ni Rais

Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imewahakikishia Wananchi wa Zanzibar na Tanzania kwa ujumla kwamba Rais aliyepo madarakani hivi sasa a...

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Ufumbuzi wa tatizo

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na: Hassan Hamad (OMKR)<br />Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Mhe. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, amesema jitihada za kuutafutia ufumbuzi mkwamo wa kisiasa Zanzibar uliotokana na tamko la Mwenyekiti wa Tume ya Uchaguzi Zanzibar Bw. Jecha Salim Jecha baada ya kutangaza kufuta uchaguzi uliofanyika tarehe 25 Oktoba 2015, zinaendelea vizuri.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari katika ofisi za CUF Mtendeni mjini Zanzibar, Maalim Seif ambaye pia ni mgombea Urais kupitia Chama hicho amesema ana matumaini kuwa suala hilo litapatiwa ufumbuzi wa haki unaoheshimu maamuzi ya wapiga wa Zanzibar waliyoyafanya tarehe 25 mwezi uliopita.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amefahamisha kuwa jitihada hizo zimekuwa zikifanywa na taasisi mbali mbali za ndani na nje ya nchi zikiwemo Umoja wa Mataifa pamoja na nchi kadhaa ambazo ni marafiki wa Tanzania zikiwemo zilizoleta waangalizi wa kimataifa katika uchaguzi huo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amesema jitihada pia zimekuwa zikifanywa na viongozi wakuu wastaafu, viongozi wa dini na Msajili wa vyama vya siasa Tanzania Jaji Francis Mutungi.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Ameeleza kuwa Chama Cha Wananchi CUF kimetiwa moyo na imani kutokana na jitihada hizo, na kwamba ufumbuzi wa haki wa suala hilo utapatikana katika kipindi kifupi kijacho.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Maalim Seif ametumia firsa hiyo kuwataka Wazanzibari waendelee kubaki watulivu na kuitunza amani ya nchi, na kuwaaachia viongozi wao kulifanyia kazi suala hilo kwa kushirikiana na watu mashuhuri pamoja na Taasisi za kitaifa na kimataifa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Amewaomba wakuu wa vyombo vya ulinzi na usalama kufanya juhudi kuhakikisha Zanzibar inabaki katika hali ya amani na utulivu, na kutokubali kutumiwa na wanasiasa kufanikisha mbinu chafu ambazo zinaleta taharuki na hofu miongoni mwa raia.<br /><br />Maalim Seif amewahakikishia viongozi na wanachama wa CCM na Wazanzibari wote kwamba iwapo atatangazwa mshindi wa uchaguzi huo hakutokuwa na ulipizaji wa kisasi, na kwamba atafanya kazi kwa ushirikiano chini ya muundo wa Serikali ya Umoja wa Kitaifa kwa maslahi ya Zanzibar.</span></div> </div>

Ufumbuzi wa tatizo

Na: Hassan Hamad (OMKR) Makamu wa Kwanza wa Rais wa Zanzibar Mhe. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, amesema jitihada za kuutafutia ufumbuzi mkwamo...

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