Almost One-Third of Enterprises Found Lacking Basic Wireless Security

<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/-Ftxu_wWBQ6Q/VnJtNVdJntI/AAAAAAAAGw4/hXUv_MFgGGQ/s1600/f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ftxu_wWBQ6Q/VnJtNVdJntI/AAAAAAAAGw4/hXUv_MFgGGQ/s400/f4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The new survey from Fortinet® (<a href="http://www.fortinet.com/">NASDAQ</a>: FTNT) , the global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, reveals that insufficient wireless security is a concern for 71% of the Information Technology Decision Makers (ITDMs); hardly surprising given that 29% of the enterprise wireless networks put in place for internal employees, do not have the basic security function of authentication in place.<br /><br />A significant 16% and 21% of enterprises respectively, overlook firewall and anti-virus security functions when it comes to wireless strategies. Other security measures deemed critical to core infrastructure protection, such as IPS (deployed by 39%), application control (35%) and URL filtering (41%), play a part in even fewer wireless deployments.<br /><br />When considering the future direction of their wireless security strategies, 56% of ITDMs said they would maintain focus on the most common security features – firewall and authentication while demand for more security is emerging with 22% prioritizing complementary technologies – IPS, anti-virus, application control and URL filtering – to guard against the full extent of the threat landscape.<br /><br />Other survey highlights include:<br /><br />• South African ITDMs said the biggest risk to their organisations of operating an unsecured wireless network is the loss of sensitive corporate and/or customer data, with 69% citing this as a concern (vs 48% of global respondents). <br /><br />The next highest risk, service interruption, was cited by 16% of ITDMs, followed by industrial espionage (7%), non-compliance to industry regulations (5%) and damage to corporate reputation (4%).<br /><br />• 7% of ITDMs polled said their corporate wireless networks have no controls whatsoever for their guest or visitors access.<br /><br />The most common form of guest security access on corporate wireless networks is a unique and temporary username and password (68%), ahead of a shared username/password (20%), a captive portal with credentials (13%).<br /><br />• Wireless infrastructure governed by a premise-based controller is a thing of the present according to the findings (56%) but this trend will change to cloud-based management asonly 12% of enterprise ITDMs refusing to trust the cloud for such critical management in the future.<br /><br />Of the cloud-ready respondents, 47% would want to use a private cloud infrastructure for wireless management and 53% would outsource to a third party managed services provider. 20% of those considering outsourcing would only do so provided it is hosted in the same country, leaving 33% happy to embrace wireless management as a public cloud service regardless of geography.<br /><br />Perry Hutton, Regional Director for Africa at Fortinet, said: “South African IT decision makers are aware of the risks facing their businesses through unsecured wireless networks, and most feel they have taken steps to mitigate these. However, the threat landscape is evolving and attacks such as advanced persistent attacks will target multiple entry points, including the wireless network. There is no room for complacency when it comes to securing the enterprise.”<br /><br />The findings come from an independent survey of over 100 South African ITDMs at 250+ employee organizations in different sectors including financial services, public sector, health, retail, travel & leisure, manufacturing & construction, FMCG, telecoms & technology. All respondents were sourced from independent market research company Lightspeed GMI’s online panel. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Fortinet. </span></div> </div>

Almost One-Third of Enterprises Found Lacking Basic Wireless Security

The new survey from Fortinet® ( NASDAQ : FTNT) , the global leader in high-performance cyber security solutions, reveals that insufficie...

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INTL FCStone’s Stuart Ponder Addresses Africa Breakfast Club

<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/-KNepLzgXVX4/VnJsmk1kiYI/AAAAAAAAGws/ZIWFfjpbVY0/s1600/inte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KNepLzgXVX4/VnJsmk1kiYI/AAAAAAAAGws/ZIWFfjpbVY0/s400/inte.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">INTL FCStone Inc. (<a href="https://www.intlfcstone.com/">NASDAQ:INTL</a>) , a leader in the development of specialized financial services in commodities, securities, global payments, foreign exchange and other markets, today announced that Stuart Ponder, Senior Vice President, EMEA of its subsidiary INTL FCStone Ltd., addressed the Africa Breakfast Club on Thursday, November 26, 2015 on the topic of “Evolution of Structured Markets: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa’s Agricultural Development.” The event was hosted by the Planet Earth Institute.<br /><br />“The lack of structured markets and investment in Africa’s agricultural sector has seen Africa’s maize yields stagnate for the last five decades the where the yields now are only 20% of developed economies,” commented Ponder. “Structured markets provide farmers with a financial infrastructure to encourage lending to the agricultural sector, a price discovery method that can see a 20% increase in prices to farmers and the potential to manage farmer risk through derivative products.”<br /><br />Ponder continued, “Currently there are 28 countries taking initiatives to develop commodity exchanges and both the public and private sectors play an important role in developing these structured markets. The private sector needs to provide for product aggregation, including grading, storage and warehouse receipts, and for market infrastructure elements like trading platforms and clearing and settlements. The public sector needs to provide a fair and consistent legal and regulatory framework, outreach programs and storage, transport and communications infrastructure.”<br /><br />INTL FCStone is committed to developing Africa’s agricultural sector by providing capacity building support including educational opportunities on the topic of risk management and commodity trading. There are three such opportunities being developed in 2016 in Abuja, Nairobi, and Lusaka. INTL FCStone also sponsors work experience placements and study visits as well as actively seeking partners to extend these initiatives. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of INTL FCStone Inc.. </span></div> </div>

INTL FCStone’s Stuart Ponder Addresses Africa Breakfast Club

INTL FCStone Inc. ( NASDAQ:INTL ) , a leader in the development of specialized financial services in commodities, securities, global pay...

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Quantum Global Advisory Board hosts Symposium of Female Entrepreneurism in Africa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpbvYh9twO8/VnJr_mEmc8I/AAAAAAAAGwk/R6mmg7npQ1Y/s1600/glob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="64" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpbvYh9twO8/VnJr_mEmc8I/AAAAAAAAGwk/R6mmg7npQ1Y/s400/glob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.quantumglobal.ch/">Quantum</a> Global played host to the group’s second Advisory Board Symposium during an event which reflected recent work conducted by both the African Union and G7 in looking at female empowerment. The high level moderated panel discussion addressed the impact, health and likely trajectory of female entrepreneurship in Africa and its impact on markets, civic society and the Continent’s overall leadership narrative.<br /><br />The event, an important component of Quantum Global’s fledgling thought leadership programme, brought together an authoritative, all African female panel comprising Bineta Diop, the African Union Chairpersons special envoy for Women, Peace and Security and Executive Director of International NGO-Femmes Africa Solidarité-an organisation committed to promoting gender parity within 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;">Joining her on the panel was Sophia Bekele, successful international entrepreneur and named in New Africa Magazine as ``one of Top 50 African Trailblazers” and by Bloomberg as ‘’one of the two leading ladies in Africa’s ICT sector.” Accompanying them on the panel was Andia Chakava, a decorated and African female fund manager (one of the first in Kenya) and awarded one Africa’s Most Influential Women 2014 (Financial Services Category) by CEO Magazine.<br /><br />The Symposium, expertly moderated by Rolake Akinkugbe, VP and Head Energy & Natural Resources of Lagos based investment bank, FBN Capital and a successful entrepreneur in her own right, tackled a raft of issues associated with the influence of female leadership at both micro and macro levels in African business and society as well as highlighting the challenges and the hurdles which remain in place for inspirational female leaders in African societies.<br /><br />The Quantum Global thought leadership platform, characterised by the Advisory Board Symposia and other planned activities and events, reflects the group’s desire to engage with real life issues confronting its African partners, friends and clients. Under the auspices of Founder, Jean-Claude Bastos De Morais, the thought leadership platform will seek to make constructive and significant contributions to Africa’s developing success narrative through the provision of informed, expert and sympathetic discussion and debate associated with contemporary African narratives.<br /><br />With planning already underway for the 3rd Advisory Board Symposium to take place in June 2016, the twice yearly Advisory Board Symposia will adopt a variety of formats each seeking to reach diverse professional and expert audiences tackling a variety of key contemporary African issues. <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Quantum Global Group. </span></div> </div>

Quantum Global Advisory Board hosts Symposium of Female Entrepreneurism in Africa

Quantum Global played host to the group’s second Advisory Board Symposium during an event which reflected recent work conducted by bot...

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Agri-tech is the future of farming: The German Ministry of International Cooperation and Development supports the creation of agriculture startups in Southern 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/-PXZv8u0xDhc/VnJpBpLwZ2I/AAAAAAAAGwY/V21G7GMbsfA/s1600/amp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXZv8u0xDhc/VnJpBpLwZ2I/AAAAAAAAGwY/V21G7GMbsfA/s400/amp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The German Ministry for International Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports the AMPION <a href="http://www.ampion.com/">Venture</a> Bus, a seven days startup bootcamp with 40 participants from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, France and Germany. The bus tour started on 13 November in Windhoek (Namibia) and led through Ghanzi and Gaborone (both Botswana), Johannesburg, Bloemfontein to Cape Town (all South 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;">In Cape Town, the 10 resulting startup teams presented their agri-tech solutions to an international jury of investors during AfricaCom, Africa’s largest ICT conference. During the Venture Bus tour the participating entrepreneurs have been mentored by experienced serial entrepreneurs and investors, including training in design thinking and lean startup methodologies. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Site visits on the route included commercial and communal farms as well as local technology hubs and innovation centers in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Ideas and business model developments have been shared and exchanged with the local startup communities during several stopovers.<br /><br />Africa’s economy is strongly dependent on the agricultural sector. 60 percent of all working Africans work in agriculture. However, the productivity is limited: up to 60 percent of all African farmers produce few or no products for trade. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">New technologies and digitization are crucial to sustainably develop the agricultural sector and to improve lives in Africa. The African technology startup ecosystem significantly contributes to this technology advancement by developing and implementing innovative solutions. AMPION, in partnership with the BMZ, fosters the African startup ecosystem by supporting young African entrepreneurs and building agri-tech startups in Southern Africa.<br /><br />The following startups created on the Venture Bus Southern Africa have selected as the winners by the investor jury:<br /><br />e.Mkuyu: A digital education platform that closes the gap between unemployed African youth and career opportunities in the agricultural sector<br />Agri2Go: A digital platform that provides transparent, real-time pricing information for agricultural products in Africa<br />SheFarms: An investment platform for female African farmers that aims to reduce food scarcity and gender inequality in agriculture<br /><br />These three winning startups receive access to the AMPION Fellowship program 2016; a six month incubation program that supports startups with small seed funding and business know-how provided by entrepreneurship experts.<br /><br />Fabian-Carlos Guhl, AMPION CEO, said: “Thanks to the partnership with BMZ we can build up the startup ecosystem in Africa with our local partners. Innovative solutions for the African agricultural sector improve the productivity and lives of millions of people. With our initiatives we want to contribute to the successful creation and implementation of these solutions.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of AMPION.org. </span></div> </div>

Agri-tech is the future of farming: The German Ministry of International Cooperation and Development supports the creation of agriculture startups in Southern Africa

The German Ministry for International Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports the AMPION Venture Bus, a seven days startup bootcamp ...

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Washington, D.C. to welcome African Ministers of Energy to international investment conference on African Power

<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/-IMjAgGSO7DU/VnJoF9_zimI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/gOVGkckMDkg/s1600/washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IMjAgGSO7DU/VnJoF9_zimI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/gOVGkckMDkg/s400/washington.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.poweringafrica-summit.com/">EnergyNet</a> is to host the second annual Powering Africa: Summit at the Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C. from 27-29th January 2016.<br /><br />Industry leaders from the USA and Africa who have confirmed to attend include H.E. Hon Minister Jeannot Matadi Atadi Nenga Gamanda, Minister of Energy and Water Resources, DRC, H.E. Hon Minister Obeth Kandjoze, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Namibia, Andy Herscowitz, Co-ordinator, Power Africa and Trade Africa, Anita Marangoly George, Senior Director, Energy and Extractives, The World Bank Group and Karen Breytenbach, Head of IPP Office, Department of Energy, South Africa.<br /><br />The Powering Africa: Summit (PA:S) is an investment conference where African ministers of finance and energy and US government agencies behind the Power Africa initiative meet with private sector investors and power developers from across North America and Africa. The first meeting, held in January 2015, saw 17 African countries represented with 57% of attendees originating from North America.<br /><br />Programme Manager Veronica Bolton-Smith commented, “PA:S is a valuable platform as it enables dialogue between key stakeholders and developers, chiefly heads of African utilities, US-based private equity houses and wealth management establishments.”<br /><br />The aim of the meeting is to drive forward strategic partnerships between investors, project developers, governments, utilities and regulators to achieve the goal of bringing power to Africa.<br /><br />Following a surge of private equity interest across Sub-Saharan Africa, PA:S will explore the power & infrastructure projects currently piquing the interest of investors, including the gas to power supply chain. Attendees will also receive an update on the South African Gas IPP programme and the opportunity this presents to investors. Industry and agriculture will feature on the 2016 agenda, examining the role transmission plays in the success of these industries.<br /><br />Targeted workshops will examine the landscape for investment in Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria, as well as exploring industry-specific themes such as Public Private Partnerships and "Innovation time"- a workshop for innovators to meet with private equity investors.<br /><br />The 2016 Summit will launch a networking app to enhance participants’ experience by allowing them to set up private meetings and meet with the right contacts more easily.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd.. </span></div> </div>

Washington, D.C. to welcome African Ministers of Energy to international investment conference on African Power

EnergyNet is to host the second annual Powering Africa: Summit at the Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C. from 27-29th January 2016. In...

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Tigo Tanzania in partnership with a local NGO, Reach For Change, have once again announced two winners of the Tigo Digital Changemakers competition

<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/-eJhGtwmzd40/VnJjgP5YbiI/AAAAAAAAGwE/aOQZVoYQs-o/s1600/tigo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJhGtwmzd40/VnJjgP5YbiI/AAAAAAAAGwE/aOQZVoYQs-o/s400/tigo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Tigo <a href="http://www.tigo.co.tz/">Tanzania</a>  in partnership with a local NGO, Reach For Change, have once again announced two winners of the Tigo Digital Changemakers competition. The competition is a social entrepreneurship programme aimed at identifying and empowering young Tanzanians with innovative digital solutions that can help to solve some of the country’s most pressing community needs.<br /><br />The winners of 2015 bring to nine the total number of social entrepreneurs that have received funding from Tigo Tanzania through digital program in the past four years – each winner is given US $ 20,000 to implement their project idea. The seven existing Changemakers had until end of 2014 impacted the lives of over 10,000 children of the East African country, according to Tigo Tanzania Chief Commercial Officer, Shavkat Berdiev.<br /><br />This year’s winners announced in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, December 16th are Neema Shosho and Bihaga Edward. They were among the 15 finalists who in 2015 made the cut in a grueling duel that usually pits hundreds of applicants with project ideas to improve the lives of children and the larger society using digital toolkit.<br /><br />Each of the two winners benefit from a grant of $ 20,000 and a business management mentorship from Tigo to enable them achieve their dreams of putting their innovative solutions and technology into practice as change agents for the under-privileged in the society. <br /><br />Renown as Tanzania’s leading digital lifestyle telecom operator, Tigo has been investing heavily in corporate social responsibility initiatives, the Digital Changemakers program being of them. The telecom, which has over 10 million subscribers, also supports programs in the health sector, education and sports.<br /><br />“Our support for community development projects demonstrates our commitment to drive digital transformation not just for our customers but to the larger Tanzanian community as well. We are proud that by helping these social entrepreneurs, our organization is helping to solve some of the community’s challenges through digital solutions,” says Berdiev. <br /><br />What the Digital Changemakers have done<br /><br />The seven past winners of the Tigo Tanzania Digital Changemakers program are: Tadei Msumaje, Joan Avit, Leka Tingitana, Debora Shuma, Faraja Nyalandu and Carolyne Ekyarisiima.<br /><br />Tadei Msumaje, who hails from the picturesque, Tanzanian northern city of Moshi that’s located on slopes of the panoramic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest mountain, has pioneered Majengo Kids and Youth Technological School that integrates the use of ICT with other learning structures such as nursery education and entrepreneurship to ensure that the benefits of ICT spur learning processes to children in Tanzania.<br /><br />For Joan Avit, hers is, ‘to assist in improving the quality of early childhood education for children through an easy-to-learn child-friendly and interactive technology literacy tool-kit’ called GraphoGame. GraphoGame is a Kiswahili-Finnish game-based, child-friendly innovation designed to help children read more easily and effectively by themselves. Her initiative has impacted more than 900 children. Through Tigo’s US $ 20,000 award, Avit was able to purchase GraphoGame devices and circulate them to more than 4,200 children in more than 20 schools in Moshi and Rombo in northern Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region.<br /><br />“Looking back”, says Avit; “Tigo’s support has helped a great deal in realizing the dreams of the children especially those with slow-learning abilities”.<br /><br /> It’s an innovation that conforms to Jean Piageat’s models of cognitive learning that conclude that children learn best if allowed to discover things for themselves.<br /><br />In a country whose maternal mortality rate stands at a not-very-inspiring 454 per 100,000 live births and an infant mortality rate of 44 in 1,000 live births (according to Tanzania Demographic Health Survey, TDHS-2012), any intervention aimed at mitigating the situation is highly welcome.<br /><br /> That is why, thanks to Tigo’s support, Leka Tingitana’s mobile communications platform, eAFYA is providing a life-line to expectant mothers in Mwanza, a beautiful lake-shore city overlooking the world’s second largest fresh-water body, Lake Victoria.<br /><br />With his budding digital company, LXT Technological Solutions for Africa, Tingitana’s innovation aims to ‘support the emerging network of community health workers (CHWs) who are at the fore-front in providing health-care support to expectant and new mothers in the Lake Zone’. <br /><br />Tingitana proudly says of his life-saving digital project: “eAfya connects physicians and health-care providers by allowing the transformation of electronic data across a wide network of systems bringing about an organized way of diagnosis and creating sustainable dissemination of information on health matters thus allowing doctors and health workers to get access to important medical tests and results in a centralized registry!”. The project could be a game-changer in the health sector if the government through the relevant ministry leverages on it and spreads it all over the country.<br /><br />Gabriella Rehabilitation Centre, another program by the Tigo Changemakers program, provides on-site occupational therapy in which therapists and teachers provide assessment, education and disability awareness to parents, care-givers, mentors and the community at large. The centre founder Debora-Shuma conceived the idea that rehabilitates disabled children as well as working towards eliminating stigma against them and integrating them with their abled-bodied counterparts through vocational training.<br /><br />Computer literacy in Tanzanian primary schools is its nascent stages. This is the area that another Tigo Digital Changemakers, Faraja Nyalandu, has ventured into. Nyalandu has developed a digital toolkit that creates digital educational content that empowers youth and children via desktop and mobile learning services.<br /><br />“Through my company Shule Direct, mobile learning services have impacted over 7,300 children within one year, thanks to support from Tigo,”Nyalandu says.<br /><br />Similarly, Carolyne Ekyarisiima’s project of teaching basic and complex computer skills to young girls aged 10-18 years had by the end of 2014, impacted over 700 pupils.<br /><br />Tigo Tanzania social investment is happening in parallel with the company’s investment on its infrastructure. In 2015, according to Berdiev, the telecom has invested US$ 120 million on its network expansion and improvement which include scaling up its 3G sites and fibre network as well as launching Tanzania’s biggest and fastest Tigo 4G LTE network.<br /><br />Tigo Tanzania is the biggest commercial brand of Millicom, an international company developing the digital lifestyle in 12 countries with commercial operations in Africa and Latin America and corporate offices in Europe and the USA. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Tigo. </span></div> </div>

Tigo Tanzania in partnership with a local NGO, Reach For Change, have once again announced two winners of the Tigo Digital Changemakers competition

Tigo Tanzania   in partnership with a local NGO, Reach For Change, have once again announced two winners of the Tigo Digital Changemaker...

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Malaik offers the global community clear and well-documented opportunities

<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/-P6hu_ocNLxk/VnJhltoG6JI/AAAAAAAAGv0/yzAz82wS_3U/s1600/mala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P6hu_ocNLxk/VnJhltoG6JI/AAAAAAAAGv0/yzAz82wS_3U/s400/mala.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) are the primary job creation engine in Africa, accounting for over 95% of firms and 60%-70% of employment. Yet, SME's on the continent report access to finance as the biggest obstacle to growth. Malaik, an impact-focused equity crowdfunding portal, test launched today, to connect investors interested in impact investment opportunities and entrepreneurs raising equity finance. Malaik offers the global community clear and well-documented opportunities for high impact investing in African businesses, a chance to participate in Africa's growth story. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />"Young companies all over Africa face a scarcity of funds to fuel their growth," said Neku Atawodi, Founder of Malaik. "Apart from banks and occasional angel investors, there is often nowhere to turn. Malaik is turning this crisis into an opportunity for startups and investors alike by offering stakes in young African companies to the crowd. Our unique impact tracker means that investors can track their investments impact on the platform."<br /><br />Malaik is targetted at sophisticated investors, who understand the risks of investing in start ups. The platform uses a unique system of first identifying a lead investor before putting a company on the platform. The lead investor sets the terms and valuations of the deal, and personally invests a minimum of 25% of the companies' asking round. The lead investor negotiates a fair valuation and is required to conduct their own due diligence before putting their money in. A lead investor may be an individual investing alone, or a representative for an investing group or institution. The crowd receives the same class of share, and the same price per share, as the lead investor, except indicated otherwise. Companies listed on Malaik decide how much money they want to raise in exchange for a certain percentage of equity, and each investor's equity interest is proportionate to the size of their investment.<br /><br />Malaik will focus on high-impact companies that provide jobs and solve social and infrastructural issues in African nations while maintaining profitability. The global portal will fund seed stage businesses requiring funding between $200,000 to $2,000,000. Malaik has identified local partners in key regions around Africa that will source for high impact start ups locally, entrepreneurs can also apply to be listed on www.malaik.com.<br /><br />"We believe that business with an impact should be profitable," added Atawodi, "and that innovative entrepreneurs are the key to developing a more prosperous and equitable Africa. Malaik's unique job index will allow investors to view how many jobs are created by investing in the startups' scale up plans."<br /><br />Malaik is the first platform in the world to track impact as well as financial reports. Malaik tracks a company's impact using its unique impact tracker that tracks the company's progress using measurable Sustainable Development Goals and reports it in an easy to understand dial system. <br /><br />"The needs of our age are building a more sustainable world, fighting global poverty, global health issues and climate change, among others. The innovation in finance that responds to this need in Africa is Malaik: democratising impact investing into impact-driven African startups," said Issam Chleuh, Malaik Impact Advisor and CEO Africa Impact Group.<br /><br />Malaik charges no upfront or ongoing charges to investors, and receives nothing if a company does not make a profitable return. Malaik is showcasing its first fully funded company, I-drop water, a data powered innovative vending water machine that addresses the challenges of clean drinkable water in Africa. Press may request invites to private events in Lagos and Ghana this December. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Malaik.</span></div>

Malaik offers the global community clear and well-documented opportunities

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) are the primary job creation engine in Africa, accounting for over 95% of firms and 60%-70...

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Mvua zaharibu Singida

<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/-c5c6QHsqsSA/VnJgxJuQZlI/AAAAAAAAGvs/i996LUGgAOk/s1600/SAM_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c5c6QHsqsSA/VnJgxJuQZlI/AAAAAAAAGvs/i996LUGgAOk/s400/SAM_0052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Singida</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">MVUA kubwa zinazoendelea kunyesha Mkoani Singida zimeharibu zaidi ya ekari kumi za mashamba ya wakulima 30 wa Kijiji cha Mtipa,Manispaa ya Singida kufuatia maji kuanza kujaa kwenye mashamba hayo,hali inayoashiria kutishia maisha ya wakulima hao kukosa maeneo ya kulima.<br /><br />Baadhi ya wananchi hao ambao maeneo ya mashamba yao yamechukuliwa na Halmashauri ya Manispaa ya Singida kwa ajili ya kupisha mradi wa maji unaofadhiliwa na Benki ya dunia,ulioanza kujengwa tangu mwaka 2013.<br /><br />Hata hivyo baadhi ya wamiliki wa mashamba hayo,Justina Jacobo Ntandu alifafanua kuwa pamoja na maeneo ya mashamba yao kuchukuliwa na serikali,lakini cha kushangaza hawajaanza kunufaika na mradi wa maji safi na salama kama ilivyokusudiwa na serikali.<br /><br />“Wamekuja wakandarasi wetu wametuwekea mifereji,lakini mifereji hiyo sasa hivi wametuharibia na mashamba,maji hawajatengeneza sijui wamepotelea wapi”alihoji Justina.<br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa mkazi huyo wa Mtaa wa Mwaghumpi,Kijiji cha Mtipa,eneo ilipowekwa mashine ya maji alikuwa akilitegemea kwa kilimo cha mazao ya chakula licha ya kuchukuliwa na serikali,hakuna kiasi chochote cha fedha alicholipwa kwa ajili ya fidia,zaidi ya kumharibia eneo lake ambalo kwa sasa linajaa maji kupita kiasi.<br /><br />Naye Athumani Iddi ambaye pia ni mkazi wa Kijiji cha Mtipa alibainisha kuwa kutokana na mashamba yao kuchukuliwa kupisha mradi kuanzia mwaka jana hawakuwa na maeneo ya kulima na hata mwaka huu hawatakuwa na maeneo mazuri ya kuendeleza kilimo cha mazao ya chakula.<br /><br />“Na mashamba hapa kama mwaka jana hatujalima,tulishindwa kulima kwa sababu maji yakija,mto huu umekatwa kwa sababu ile mito iliyokuwa inapita kuteremka kupita huko chini ukazuia yale maji yaliyokuwa yanafuata sehemu nyingine,yakafuata sehemu moja”alisisitiza mwananchi huyo.<br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa mwanachi huyo awali maji hayo hayakuwa yakipitishwa kwenye mashamba lakini baada ya mitaro kuwekwa na kuelekezwa kwenye maeneo ya mashamba yao ndipo maji yalipoanza kusomba udongo kwenye mashamba na kuharibu utaratibu mzima wa kuendelea na kilimo cha mwaka uliopita.<br /><br /> Kwa upande wake mwenyekiti wa Mtaa wa Mtipa mashariki Maulidi Selemani Mwangu alionyesha masikitiko yake kutokana na mashamba ya wananchi wa mtaa wake kuharibiwa na mafuriko ya maji yanayopita kwenye mashamba yao.<br /><br />Hata hivyo mwenyekiti wa mradi wa maji wa Kijiji hicho,Msafiri Athumani Halimoja aliweka wazi kuwa mfereji uliowekwa bila kufukiwa na mkandarasi wa maji ulianza kutiririsha maji kwenye mashamba na kisha mashamba hayo kuanza kufukiwa na mchanga.<br /><br />Kwa upande wake Mkurugenzi wa Manispaa ya Singida,Joseph Mchina alipotakiwa kuzungumzia malalamiko ya wananchi wa Kijiji cha Mtipa,aliahidi kwamba katika kipindi kisichozidi wiki mbili atakuwa ameshughulikia kwa vitendo matatizo hayo na kuyamaliza kabisa badala ya kuongea kwa maneno tu.<br /><br />“Kwa kweli naomba muda wa wiki mbili tu mje kuniona nitakuwa nimeshughulikia kwa vitendo malalamiko yote ya wananchi katika Manispaa,hususani ya miradi ya maji maana karibu yote ina matatizo,ikiongozwa na mradi wa Kijiji cha Kisaki”alisisitiza Mchina.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Mvua zaharibu Singida

Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Singida MVUA kubwa zinazoendelea kunyesha Mkoani Singida zimeharibu zaidi ya ekari kumi za mashamba ya wakulima 30 w...

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Positive Action for Children Fund (PACF) latest grantees and new call for proposals underscores far reaching success and impact of programme to date

<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/-nZXJhrkL84o/VmZfuKsR2QI/AAAAAAAAGvU/RXb4D94By1M/s1600/vii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZXJhrkL84o/VmZfuKsR2QI/AAAAAAAAGvU/RXb4D94By1M/s400/vii.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">ViiV <a href="http://www.viivhealthcare.com/">Healthcare</a>, through its Positive Action for Children Fund (PACF), announces today the 34 new community-based organisations from 16 countries that will receive funding in 2015/16 to support local responses to help eliminate mother to child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV in affected communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. The news was highlighted at the PACF Summit which coincides with the 18th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), as the company issued a new call for proposals to support the continued delivery of crucial services to improve the wellbeing of women and children affected by HIV.<br /><br />Dr. Dominique Limet, CEO, ViiV Healthcare commented: “For the past five years, our Positive Action for Children Fund has supported projects that drive real change for women and children in communities most affected by HIV. Since ViiV Healthcare was first established, we have taken a meaningful approach to partnering with grass-roots organisations to deliver interventions that have made a difference to communities where the need is greatest.”<br /><br />Since 2009, PACF has partnered with local organisations working to improve the health and wellbeing of women and children affected by HIV and the communities in which they live by strengthening ties between these communities, local health systems and governments. Following the launch of PACF, the programme has evolved significantly to enable more families to have access to information, prevention measures, testing and care for HIV.<br /><br />Through our partners, the PACF programme has reached around 1.6 million people in communities most affected by HIV directly, delivering results on the ground as reported by our grantees over the past five years. These include enabling nearly 250,000 women to be tested for HIV, thus identifying nearly 24,500 infected with the virus.(1) Importantly, the work of our partner organisations has led to more than 135,000 babies born from mothers who are infected with HIV, were delivered in facilities that can provide the most appropriate support and care for both mother and child.<br /><br />During the conference taking place this week in Harare, more than 80 PACF network and grantee organisations will meet to share their successes and learnings with their peers and to further progress community interventions related to eMTCT. These include promoting women and girls’ access to education and health services, testing infants early for HIV and improving retention of mothers in local HIV services.<br /><br />Call for proposals 2016<br /><br />In addition, PACF announced a new call for proposals seeking community partnerships that are aligned with eMTCT. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) wanting to apply for a proportion of this funding must register their interest before March 30th 2016.<br /><br />“The PACF welcomes applications from organisations to support HIV communities where the need is greatest,” said Peter McDermott, Chairman of the Board, Positive Action for Children Fund. “At the core of PACF’s effort is a unique focus on grassroots change, ensuring our grantees are enabled to achieve the <a href="http://www.viivhealthcare.com/community-partnerships/positive-action-for-children-fund/applications">greatest</a> impact possible to help end mother to child transmission of HIV.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of ViiV Healthcare. </span></div> </div>

Positive Action for Children Fund (PACF) latest grantees and new call for proposals underscores far reaching success and impact of programme to date

ViiV Healthcare , through its Positive Action for Children Fund (PACF), announces today the 34 new community-based organisations from 16...

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Thomson Reuters and ICD launch the Islamic Finance Development Indicator

<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/-zJcTm26SMwA/VmXaNUEdgeI/AAAAAAAAGvE/xZR-f-86qEo/s1600/thom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJcTm26SMwA/VmXaNUEdgeI/AAAAAAAAGvE/xZR-f-86qEo/s400/thom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thomsonreuters.com/">Thomson</a> Reuters, the world's leading provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, and Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private <a href="http://www.icd-idb.org/">Sector</a> (ICD) , the private sector development arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), today released the key findings of the Islamic Finance Development Indicator (IFDI) Report 2015.<br /><br />The report was launched at the World Islamic Banking conference (WIBC) held in Bahrain under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.<br /><br />The report, which was released for the third consecutive year, examines the key statistics and trends across five indicators that are deemed to be significant for measuring the development of the US$1.8 trillion Islamic finance industry. These include Quantitative Development, Knowledge, Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility and Awareness. These indicators are tracked across 108 countries, which had contributions in all or some of these indicators.<br /><br />According to the report, Malaysia leads IFDI again while GCC countries continue to dominate the top of the rankings for a third year in a row. Among the GCC countries, Bahrain maintained its second position globally, while UAE switched positions with Oman to come 3rd, with the latter dropping to 4th. Saudi Arabia, which is the world’s 2nd biggest jurisdiction in terms of Islamic finance assets, jumped to 6th from 9th overall, largely due to improvement in its CSR activities.<br /><br />Pakistan, Jordan, Hong Kong, India, Botswana and Ivory Coast are some of the countries that have demonstrated positive movements in the IFDI 2015 ranking.<br /><br />Khaled Al Aboodi, CEO of ICD said: “As the leading Islamic finance institution supporting private sector development across the Islamic world, we recognize that the industry requires effective holistic measures to focus our efforts to facilitate and ensure inclusive financial sector development. The ICD-Thomson Reuters Islamic Finance Development Indicator (IFDI) is one of our key initiatives to assess the current states of the overall health of the Islamic finance industry and measure growth potential for each country. The indicator is the leading global reference for Islamic finance development for all users including Policy Makers & Regulators, Investors & Financial institutions, Sharia scholars, research and training departments interested in Islamic Finance.”<br /><br />Islamic Finance Assets grew by 9.4 percent to reach $1.814 trillion in 2014<br /><br />In 2014, global Islamic finance assets climbed to $1.814 trillion, representing a 9.4 percent rise from $1.66 trillion in 2013. This increase was driven by strong growth in all sectors -- Islamic banking, takaful, sukuk and Islamic funds. The value of assets in the Islamic finance sector is expected to increase by 10 percent per annum over the next five years, reaching $3.24 trillion by 2020.<br /><br />“The Islamic finance industry has demonstrated tremendous growth over the last few year. We have seen the industry develop a conducive eco-system that made it possible for many countries to enter this space. Currently, there are more than 1,000 Islamic financial institutions most of which are located in the GCC and Southeast Asiaad we expect this number to increase significantly in the next decade,” said Nadim Najjar, Managing Director, Middle East & North Africa, Thomson Reuters<br /><br />378 institutions provided Islamic finance education in 2014<br /><br />The number of Islamic finance degrees and courses as well as research papers increased in 2014, with 2013 leaders Malaysia, Bahrain, and Jordan retaining their leadership positions on the Knowledge Indicator for 2014.<br /><br />378 institutions offered Islamic finance education in 2014. Malaysia and UK co lead 36 countries that offer Islamic finance degrees, with 141 institutions offering Islamic finance courses.<br /><br />On the Research sub-indicator, there were 1,490 Islamic finance research papers published in the past 3 years (2012-2014). There is a substantial gap between Malaysia’s research output and that of the other countries.<br /><br />Governance indicator highlights more transparent and secure financial markets<br /><br />Bahrain and Malaysia maintained their respective 1st and 2nd positions on the overall Governance indicator, which considers three factors: Regulations, Corporate Governance, and Shariah Governance. There remains a huge gap between the two leaders and the rest of the countries.<br /><br />Bahrain, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Indonesia are the jurisdictions with the most complete set of Islamic finance regulations. These are the jurisdictions providing best practice models for Islamic finance governance, and which are considered as models by new markets such as France, Germany, Ghana, and Russia.<br /><br />In 2014, there were 953 Shariah scholars practising in the global Islamic finance industry. 75 percent of the 953 scholars practise primarily in the top 10 countries of the IFDI.<br /><br />On Corporate Governance, Oman, Maldives and Kuwait are the strongest, with South Africa and Malaysia not far behind by the number of corporate governance items disclosed and the composition of Board, and Risk Management and Audit committees.<br /><br />Saudi Arabia outright leader on CSR indicator with highest amount of zakat disbursed<br /><br />There is a serious lack of disclosure of CSR activities and funds disbursed. Only 25 out of 108 countries that make up the IFDI universe contributed to the CSR indicator. Of the 25 countries that had any CSR Disclosure, not all institutions disclosed the amount of zakat, charity or qard al hasan funds. As per available data, total CSR funds disbursed in 2014 amounts to US$ 526 million, which we know is significantly lower than the actual funds disbursed.<br /><br />Palestine was the only jurisdiction whose financial institutions all disclosed CSR activities and funds disbursed. Saudi Arabia disbursed the most CSR funds (driven by mandatory zakat payments), resulting in its leadership on the CSR Funds sub-indicator. There is a very big gap between Saudi Arabia and 2nd placed Jordan. All other GCC states are in the top ten save Qatar, which was in 14th place. <br /><br />Top-line Islamic finance issues still central themes at seminars and conferences <br /><br />Islamic finance continued to make headlines in 2014 through news, conferences and seminars. The number of seminars grow to 142 in 2014. Conferences also grew to reach 122 in 2014 from only 76 in 2012.<br /><br />There was also 19,000 exclusive news and 131,000 regional news on Islamic finance globally. This increased from 14,000 exclusive news and 83,000 regional news in 2013, which is unsurprising as many countries are becoming increasingly interested in Islamic finance.<br /><br />Malaysia rose to lead the Awareness indicator while Oman dropped to 4th from 1st in 2013. Likewise, Bahrain and UAE each moved up a notch to 2nd and 3rd respectively, while Pakistan over performed, particularly in seminars compared to last year. By regions, the GCC made the most headlines, but Southeast Asia and Europe hosted more Islamic finance-related events.<br /><br />ICD Thomson Reuters Islamic Finance Development Report 2015 is also sponsored by Tawreeq Holdings, the only Sharia-complaint SCF provider.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Thomson Reuters. </span></div> </div>

Thomson Reuters and ICD launch the Islamic Finance Development Indicator

Thomson Reuters, the world's leading provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, and Islamic Corporation ...

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Africa Oil & Power Breaks the Mold of Traditional Energy Conferences

<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/-uCa-WOuQ9cY/VmXZhIaAZmI/AAAAAAAAGu4/1_sDj8vF8zM/s1600/oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCa-WOuQ9cY/VmXZhIaAZmI/AAAAAAAAGu4/1_sDj8vF8zM/s400/oil.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The inaugural edition of the Africa Oil & Power conference  will be held June 6-7, 2016 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. Endorsed by the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea and Hosted by Centurion Law Firm, Africa Oil & Power is an invitation-only event that strives to redefine energy conferences. It draws a premier crowd of ministers and senior level government officials and top executives of private sector companies spanning the entire value chain, including upstream, downstream, power generation and legal and finance.<br /><br />The goal of Africa Oil & Power will be to maximize networking and transaction-making opportunities. The event will provide sponsors and delegates with Deal Rooms and speed networking and matchmaking sessions based on common interests.<br /><br />“Africa Oil & Power will be a game changer for B2B oil and gas events,” said NJ Ayuk, CEO of Centurion Law Group, the event’s Host Sponsor. “It offers an engaging content experience and a true opportunity for business executives to make deals. Centurion is proud to support this landmark event.”<br /><br />The debate panel format will draw together key decision makers from select countries in an unscripted setting. Much of the content will be framed around what the industry has done to adjust to a sustained climate of low oil prices and keeping projects on track. Africa Oil & Power will be the first energy conference with panels made up exclusively of African oil and gas ministers and heads of national companies. The June 6 program will feature a Market Spotlight on Equatorial Guinea with project and investment opportunities presented by government and industry leadership.<br /><br />Already confirmed as speakers are H.E Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea; H.E. Etienne Dieudonné Ngoubou, Minister of Petroleum and Hydrocarbons of Gabon; Alex Mould, CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation; and Nick Cooper, CEO of Ophir Energy.<br /><br /> “The idea for this event was to create an immersive content experience built around the most authoritative speakers in their field,” said Guillaume Doane, CEO of the Africa Branding Corporation, the event organizer. “The invitation-only format allows us to hand-pick like-minded people with a great potential to strike agreements on the spot.” <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Africa Oil & Power conference. </span></div> </div>

Africa Oil & Power Breaks the Mold of Traditional Energy Conferences

The inaugural edition of the Africa Oil & Power conference  will be held June 6-7, 2016 at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town, South Afri...

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The 4G LTE technology is about five times faster than the 3G technology currently available in the Tanzanian market

<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/-F4Yrs5RR5QA/VmXYTVg9MZI/AAAAAAAAGuw/LLD0ohD--Y8/s1600/tigo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4Yrs5RR5QA/VmXYTVg9MZI/AAAAAAAAGuw/LLD0ohD--Y8/s400/tigo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tigo.co.tz/">Tigo </a>subscribers in Tanzania can now enjoy the fastest internet connection following the unveiling of the company’s 4G LTE service in the country. The 4G LTE technology is about five times faster than the 3G technology currently available in the Tanzanian market.<br /><br />The 4G LTE network offers faster and higher speeds of data transfer, faster response times from the network and increased overall network capacity. It significantly enhances the customer experience for video streaming or conferencing and can accommodate more applications such as high definition content, video blogs, interactive games and video downloads on social networking sites. <br /><br />Commenting on the launch in a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Tigo Tanzania General Manager, Diego Gutierrez, lauded the 4G LTE as ‘the first of its kind in Africa’ and reiterated the telecom’s commitment in improving the quality and coverage of its network and bring world-class digital products and services to Tanzania.<br /><br />In this East African country where digital infrastructure is steadily taking shape, the news on Tigo Tanzania’s 4G launch is sweet music to the ears of the country’s 67% of the population that, according to the Tanzania Communication Regulation Authority (TCRA), has mobile phones. <br /><br />The Tigo Tanzania 4G LTE means that Tigo customers will, unlike with the currently available 3G network, be able to surf at faster speeds, download content from the internet and make skype calls from their mobile phones and laptops. It will further enable Tigo customers to wade through high-data connection because it ensures real-time sharing of large files and media streaming. More so, it has a near-immediate delivery of time-sensitive data such as real-time interaction or transactions. <br /><br />“The Tigo 4G has been a God-sent to me because, unlike the 3G that I have been using before, I can now do video streaming without the video getting stuck; the network access has no buffering and the skype calls are much better and clearer”, says Isaac Ernest, a Social Communications Consultant based in Dar es Salaam.<br /><br />His comments were echoed by Hellen Elibariki, a Tour Guide based at the Northern Tanzanian tourism city of Arusha, popularly known as ‘the Geneva of Africa’; which has been the latest beneficiary of the Tigo 4G services.<br /><br />Says Ms Elibariki: “working in the tourism industry means I have local and international contacts that need fast and efficient communication. The Tigo 4G has really simplified my communication with my contacts because now am able to transfer large data faster, conduct clearer and seamless skype calls and give my contacts, especially prospective tourists, large amounts of up-to-the-minute information about our services and this has started boosting our business”. <br /><br />On his part, Gutierrez assured Tigo subscribers whose customer base currently stands at 10 million, that the telecom will continue offering more innovative and tailor-made digital services. <br /><br />Gutierrez said: “Tigo once again demonstrates its commitment to promote digital lifestyle transformation and its leadership in delivering cutting-edge technology and innovations in its market”. Early this year, the company announced an increased annual investment of US $ 120 million per year on infrastructure improvement and expansion which is 20% higher that Tigo’s annual spend in the past three years.<br /><br />Besides pioneering the 4G LTE, Tigo Tanzania boasts of several “firsts” in digital innovation technology. They include the first Facebook in Kiswahili (the country’s national language), Tigo-Pesa (mobile money) App for Adroid and iOs users, Tigo Music (Deezer), Tigo Back up and East Africa’s first cross-border money transfer with currency conversion.<br /><br />With a burgeoning middle-class that constitutes over two-thirds of the population and a GDP growth rate of 7.6%, the Tanzanian economy promises bright prospects for continued growth of the communications sector which at 20% annual growth rate is ranked as the fastest in the country’s economy. <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Tigo. </span></div> </div>

The 4G LTE technology is about five times faster than the 3G technology currently available in the Tanzanian market

Tigo subscribers in Tanzania can now enjoy the fastest internet connection following the unveiling of the company’s 4G LTE service in th...

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Sage brings new Human Resources Management solution for mid-size and large enterprises to Kenya

<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/-R8Xeih1W_aI/VmXXFBzgBkI/AAAAAAAAGuo/yQAV3bD7CgI/s1600/sage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R8Xeih1W_aI/VmXXFBzgBkI/AAAAAAAAGuo/yQAV3bD7CgI/s400/sage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sage.com/">Sage</a> today announced the launch of Sage HR Management (HRM) to the Kenyan market at Villa Rosa Kempinski, bringing mid-size and large enterprises a powerful, simple and flexible solution that helps them to gain efficiency in their HR processes.<br /><br />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 Kenyan 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: “Kenyan organisations are among some of Africa’s most enthusiastic adopters of cloud-based solutions and mobile technology. We are delighted to support them with an automated HR and payroll solution designed for today’s digital world. We are looking forward to working with our business partners to deliver the Sage HRM platform to enable Kenyan enterprises to thrive in a changing regulatory and business environment.”<br /><br />“Whether you’re an existing Sage X3 customer or an enterprise looking for a standalone HR solution, Sage HRM offers you a future-proof platform that increases collaboration and eases regulatory compliance,” said Jeremy Waterman, Managing Director, Sage Northern Africa & Middle East.<br /><br />“Sage HRM, together with Sage X3, give you an integrated view of HR and financial data to help you keep your costs under control. Sage HRM is fully localised for Kenya and complies with all tax regulations and labour laws. The package helps organisations to stay on top of a dynamic and changing HR landscape.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Sage. </span></div> </div>

Sage brings new Human Resources Management solution for mid-size and large enterprises to Kenya

Sage today announced the launch of Sage HR Management (HRM) to the Kenyan market at Villa Rosa Kempinski, bringing mid-size and large e...

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Bosch Packaging Technology ni kiongozi katika uendelezaji wa sekta ya kahawa nchini Ethiopia

<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/-_5gT_UqZVUY/VmXWNtXV2oI/AAAAAAAAGug/qdb9i9dHjeA/s1600/bossh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_5gT_UqZVUY/VmXWNtXV2oI/AAAAAAAAGug/qdb9i9dHjeA/s400/bossh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kampuni ya ujerumani ya kimataifa Bosch Group imesimamia mkutano wa kwanza wa kimataifa ambao umezindua meza ya majadiliano kuhusu uchakataji na ufungaji wa kahawa siku ya Ijumaa katika Addis Ababa nchini Ethiopia . <br /><br />Mkutano huu umekusanya wawakilishi kutoka Shirika la Maendeleo ya Viwanda la Umoja wa Mataifa (UNIDO), taasisi kadhaa za viwanda na za kilimo, biashara kubwa, kampuni ndogo na za kiwango cha kati, wakulima, vyama vya kiraia pamoja na mashirika ya misaada ya ndani na ya kimataifa katika jitihada za kimkakati kwa ajili ya kuboresha usalama wa chakula. <br /><br />Lengo la mjadala huu limekuwa kuzidisha utambuzi wa maeneo kwa ajili ya kuboresha usalama wa chakula katika kanda na kufikiria wakati huo huo jinsi gani kuongeza ubora wa maisha kwa wananchi kupitia kukuza ukuaji wa kiuchumi katika mojawapo ya sekta muhimu za nchi. Na zaidi mjadala huu umekusudia kukusanya wadau muhimu kwa kuchukua hatua ya kwanza kwa ajili ya kuongeza thamani ya ziada na ujenzi wa viwanda ndani ya nchi. <br /><br />Ethiopia inaaminika kuwa mahali pa kuzaliwa pa kahawa (tafadhali tazama Karatasi ya habari iliyoambatishwa) ambapo sasa hivi mmoja katika kila raia watano anahusika katika sekta hiyo.<br /><br />Baraza hili lilifanyika wakati wa Maonyesho ya tatu ya kila Mwaka ya Addis Agrofood iliyofanyika tarehe 27 hadi 29 Novemba 2015. lilisimamiwa na divisheni ya biashara ya kikundi cha Bosch, Bosch Packaging Technology, ambacho ni kiongozi wa soko la kimataifa. <br /><br />Miongoni mwa mada zilipojadiliwa ni pamoja na njia za kutosha za kuongeza usindikaji na ufungaji kahawa kwa ajili ya masoko ya ndani, ya kikanda na masoko ya nje na ya rejareja. <br /><br />Vitu vingine vilivyojadiliwa ni pamoja na teknolojia ya kisasa kuhusiana na kukaanga na pia kwa ajili ya wakuzaji wa kahawa pamoja na ufumbuzi wa kiufundi kwa ajili ya ufungaji endelevu. <br /><br />Bosch Packaging Technology ina mashine za ufungaji zinazotumia nishati kwa ufanisi karibu laki na thelathini (130 000) ambazo zimesimikwa na kutumika katika viwanda elfu kumi na tatu (13 000) duniani kote. Inapatikana katika nchi mia na sabini (170) pamoja na sifa yake ikiwa ni pamoja na aina mbalimbali za mashine mia mbili hamsini (250) katika sekta ya biashara arubaini (40). <br /><br />Utamaduni wake wa kufanya biashara kwa ufahamu ulisababisha kampuni hiyo kushiriki katika kiupaumbele cha "Kuhifadhi Chakula" cha Umoja wa Mataifa tangu mwaka 2011. Mpango huu unalenga kutafuta ufumbuzi juu ya matumizi mabaya na kupoteza chakula ulimwenguni na kuhakikisha kuwa chakula kidogo kipate kupotea njiani kikielekea kwa wateja na katika mikono ya wateja wao wenyewe. <br /><br />Kama kiongozi wa soko, Bosch Packaging Technology inaruhusu chakula kusafirishwa kwa ubora zaidi kwenye mastafa mrefu kwa watumiaji wa mwisho katika masoko yanayoibukia.<br /><br />Dk Markus Thill, Mkubwa wa Bosch Afrika, alisema mwaka 2013 Bosch Packaging Technology ilipokea maombi elfu sabini na saba (77 000) ya kimataifa peke yake, akielezea: "Kama sehemu ya kikundi cha Bosch tunatoa kiwango bora cha teknolojia ambazo zilibuniwa kwa kudumu katika maana halisi. mashine zetu, ufumbuzi wetu na huduma zetu zinatoa msaada muhimu kwa afya na lishe ya binadamu - hasa katika masoko yanayoibuka kama vile zile katika Afrika".<br /><br />Aliongeza ifwatayo: "Na mashine zetu ni imara, inayodumu kwa mda mrefu, rahisi kutumia na inayojivunia matumizi madogo ya nishati. Ndio maana tunaamini kwamba pamoja na wadau muhimu tunaweza kusaidia na kuwezesha maendeleo ya sekta ya kahawa nchini Ethiopia ."<br /><br />Kama kiongozi wa soko, Bosch Packaging Technology inaruhusu chakula kusafirishwa kwa ubora zaidi kwenye mastafa mrefu kwa watumiaji wa mwisho katika masoko yanayoibukia.<br /><br />Ethiopia ni mhusika kubwa katika soko la kahawa duniani. Kwa sasa ni mzalishaji wa sita mkubwa zaidi duniani, ikisafirisha tani zaidi ya laki na hamsini (150 000) kwa mwaka. Hata hivyo, nchi husafirisha nje zaidi ya asilimia tisini (90%) ya bidhaa zake mbichi na isiyokobolewa, haijasindikwa na haijafungwa. Hii ina maana kwamba idadi kubwa ya faida inatoka nje ya nchi.<br /><br />Sasa Bosch Packaging Technology inachukua mstari wa mbele katika kuendeleza ushirikiano binafsi wa uma ili kujenga mazingira mazuri kwa wajasiriamali na wakulima kushiriki kikamilifu katika viwanda kupitia usindikaji, kukaangwa, utengenezaji,ufungaji na hata kusambaza kahawa mbichi.<br /><br />Bwana Vandan Rughani, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Bosch Afrika Mashariki aliendelea kusema: "Tunaamini kwamba teknolojia ni njia bora ambayo sekta ya kahawa inaweza kupiga hatua mbele huo mlolongo wa thamani nchini Ethiopia na kushindana kimataifa.<br /><br />ndio maana UNIDO inatumika na makampuni kama Bosch ili kuifamya kuwa halisi. Bosch huupitia mpango huu kama muhimu kwa maendeleo ya bara la Afrika pamoja katika suala la maendeleo ya kiuchumi na endelevu kama vile kuimarisha usalama wa chakula. Ushirikiano kama mfano wa biashara yetu inazidishwa kwaa kuunda mda-mrefu, ufumbuzi endelevu wa kujitokeza na kuendeleza masoko. "<br /><br />Alisema kuwa meza ya mazungumzo ni haswa hatua ya kwanza ya kuhakikisha Ethiopia inazidisha rasilimali ya kahawa ya nchi kwa ajili ya maendeleo zaidi ya kiuchumi wa kijamii.<br /><br />"Kilimo kimewekeza kwa karibu nusu ya pato la taifa ya nchi hiyo (GDP). Aidha, Ethiopia ni miongoni mwa nchi za afrika ambayo uchumi wake unaongezeka kwa kasi na sasa ni wakati wa kuchochea tija yake ndogo au pana ya uchumi itakayofaidi watu wake wote. Na teknolojia inasaidia katika suala hili."<br /><br />Bosch ni wasambazaji wa kimataifa wanao ongoza kwa teknolojia na huduma za kazi katika nchi zaidi ya mia na hamsini (150) na kuajiri zaidi ya laki tatu na sitini (360 000) kupitia matawi yake mia nne na arobaini (440) na maslahi ya kikanda. Kinachofanya mtindo wa biashara yake kuwa wa kipekee ni kwamba asilimia tisini na mbili (92%) ya kampuni inamilikiwa na shirika la mhisani. Hii uhakikisha kwamba, bila ya kushinikizwa faida, mtazamo wake ni katika kubuni ufumbuzi endelevu wa kimataifa kwa njia ya uwekezaji mwangalifu.<br /><br />Dr.Thill:.. "Teknolojia inapatikana kwa wajasiriamali wa ndani na wakulima ili kuboresha usalama wa chakula, kutokomeza upotevu na kujenga viwanda vipya. Tayari tumeisha kuanza kusambaza mashine za ufungaji kwa wenyeji wa biashara na wakulima na vyama vya ushirika. Hii inawaruhusu kusindika na kufunga kahawa ndani na hivyo kuinua ukuaji katika mzunguko wa thamani."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.apo-mail.org/Translated_Bosch%20Africa.doc">Bwana</a> Vandan Rughani ametoa kauli kwamba: "Tunaamini mfumo wa jumla itakuza kampuni ndogo na za kiwango cha kati, kuchochea ubunifu wa kazi kama vile fursa za nyongeza na viwanda vya ziada zaidi chini ya mzunguko wa thamani." <br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of The Bosch Group.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Bosch Packaging Technology ni kiongozi katika uendelezaji wa sekta ya kahawa nchini Ethiopia

Kampuni ya ujerumani ya kimataifa Bosch Group imesimamia mkutano wa kwanza wa kimataifa ambao umezindua meza ya majadiliano kuhusu uchak...

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Growing African cities face housing challenge and opportunity

<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/-Ic1eEzhGUE4/VmXVNEe1NJI/AAAAAAAAGuU/KfCvXSHyGIY/s1600/bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ic1eEzhGUE4/VmXVNEe1NJI/AAAAAAAAGuU/KfCvXSHyGIY/s400/bank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Africa faces a major housing crisis due to rapid urbanization and a growing slum population. New, targeted approaches to affordable housing are necessary if countries want to take advantage of the demographic shift to make cities inclusive, spur economic growth and expand job opportunities, according to a new report by the World Bank Group.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />The report, Stocktaking of the Housing Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, projects that Africa could have as many as 1.2 billion urban dwellers by 2050 and 4.5 million new residents in informal settlements each year, most of whom cannot afford basic formal housing or access mortgage loans. <br /><br />“Adequate quality housing is critically important for economic growth and social inclusion,” said Mamta Murthi, the World Bank Group’s Acting Vice President for Africa. “Governments will need to join hands with the private sector to facilitate investments in housing by expanding access to and improving the quality of existing stock, while at the same time making it easier for people to access land and housing finance.” <br /><br />The report looks at trends across the region and identifies opportunities in rapidly growing cities. The recognition of informal housing as the only option available to a large majority of Africans signals a need for new approaches to housing policy. <br /><br />“In many African countries, only the upper 5 to 10 percent of the population can afford the cheapest form of formal housing,” said Ede Jorge Ijjasz Vasquez, Senior Director for the World Bank Group’s Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience Global Practice. “As a result, 90 percent of Africans live in informal housing, where living conditions are often substandard, unsafe and without basic services like water, electricity and sanitation. This report demonstrates that targeted interventions in the informal market can bring rapid improvements in the quality of existing housing stock in a number of African countries.” <br /><br />While many governments in Africa have been directly providing housing to meet the demands of growing urban populations, these programs are extremely costly to government, out of reach for the urban poor, and have not significantly increased the amount of affordable housing. <br /><br />The reports recommends that scarce government resources should instead target informal housing in low-income areas and households -- upgrading infrastructure, improving land administration and planning regulations, and expanding access to finance through microfinance loans, credit groups and credit cooperatives. Only 5 percent of adults in Sub-Saharan obtained a loan from a formal financial institution last year, half the rate of other developing regions such as South Asia or East Asia and the Pacific. <br /><br />“Apart from the immediate and obvious benefits of adequate housing, a well-functioning housing sector leads to economic growth that can improve livelihoods, create jobs and expand the market for goods and services,” says Jonas Parby, World Bank Urban Specialist and one of the authors of the report. <br /><br />Housing construction and ownership not only benefit families, but also create jobs for masons, carpenters, electricians and other trades. For every house built, five jobs are created. While investment in formal housing in Africa is low compared to every other region, a more strategic approach to the housing sector will encourage private investment. <br /><br />The report also notes that while slum populations in other regions are declining, Africa’s is growing. If current trends continue, the majority of people living in slums will be in African cities, making the need for adequate, affordable housing more urgent than ever before. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Growing African cities face housing challenge and opportunity

Africa faces a major housing crisis due to rapid urbanization and a growing slum population. New, targeted approaches to affordable hous...

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Polisi yapongezi watendanji wa Serikali

<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/-PBai7K-C_4Q/VmXUibVnLDI/AAAAAAAAGuM/UPQIm9gDsBA/s1600/325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PBai7K-C_4Q/VmXUibVnLDI/AAAAAAAAGuM/UPQIm9gDsBA/s400/325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Jeshi la Polisi Nchini limeelezea faraja yake kutokana na mfumo wa Viongozi wa Kitaifa kuonyesha muelekeo wa kuwajali watumishi wao kutoka Taasisi tofauti za Umma na hata binafsi lakini zaidi wake watumishi wa ngazi ya chini.<br /><br />Afisa wa Polisi S.P Zakaria Benard alitoa faraja hizo kwa niaba ya Jeshi la Polisi wakati akitoa shukrani za Jeshi hilo mbele ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi aliyefika katika Kata ya Goba Wilaya ya Kinondoni Mkoa wa Dar es salaam kutoa mkono wa pole pamoja na kuifariji Familia ya Koplo Yesaya Mwakambi aliyefariki Dunia kwa ajali ya Piki pili Ubungo Jijini Dar es salaam.<br /><br />Koplo Yesaya ni miongoni mwa Askari wa Usalama Bara barani wa Jeshi la Polisi Nchini wanaowajibika kuiongoza Misafara ya Viongozi Wakuu wa Kitaifa akiwemo wa Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alipata ajali akiwa kazini mwezi Mmoja na nusu uliopita .<br /><br />S.P Zakaria Benard alisema kitendo cha Viongozi hao wa Kitaifa kuungana na Watumishi wao wa ngazi ya chini kimeonyesha upendo, huruma na moja ya njia itakayotowa mapenzi ya dhati kati ya pande hizo mbili kuendelea kushirikiana katika ujenzi wa Taifa.<br /><br />Kamanda Zakaria alimpongeza Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif kwa uamuzi wake wa kutenga muda kwa lengo la kuifariji Familia ya Koplo Yesaya.<br /><br />Akitoa shukrani kwa niaba ya wanafamilia wa Koplo huyo Mchungaji Isaya Isaleka aliiomba Serikali kuangalia uwezekano wa kuisadia Familia ya Marehemu Koplo Yesaya Mwakambi ili iweze kuwa na nguvu za kukabiliana na maisha yao ya baadaye.<br /><br />Mchungaji Isaleka alisema katika uhai wake tayari alikuwa aameshaanza kujenga hatma ya familia yake ya watoto wawili wadogo kwa kuwawekea vitega uchumi alivyovianzisha kwa nia ya kuwasaidia hapo baadaye lakini kukatika kwa uhai wa Kijana huyo pia umeenda sambamba na kusita kuendelea kwa vitega uchumi hivyo.<br /><br />Mapema Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar akiifariji Familia hiyo inayoongozwa na Mke wa Marehemu Bibi Wema Sanga alisema familia ilikuwa ikimpenda sana Marehemu, lakini Mwenyezi Muungu alimpenda zaidi na ndio maana akaamua kumrejesha katika himaya yake ya milele.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliitaka familia ya marehemu Yesaya hasa Mkewe Mama wa watoto wawili Bibi Wema Sanga kwa kuwa na moyo wa subira katika kipindi hichi kifupi walichoondokewa na Mpendwa wao.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa 9ili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Polisi yapongezi watendanji wa Serikali

Jeshi la Polisi Nchini limeelezea faraja yake kutokana na mfumo wa Viongozi wa Kitaifa kuonyesha muelekeo wa kuwajali watumishi wao kuto...

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Mwenyekiti wa Hubert Kairuki awapongeza viongozi

<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/-F17uxtU4mpE/VmXTPL-l6yI/AAAAAAAAGuE/a-nmxIEczNU/s1600/296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F17uxtU4mpE/VmXTPL-l6yI/AAAAAAAAGuE/a-nmxIEczNU/s400/296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mwenyekiti wa Mtandao wa Afya na Elimu wa Chuo Kikuu cha Kumbukumbu ya Hubert Kairuki Bibi Kokushubila Kairuk alisema kitendo cha baadhi ya Viongozi na washirika wa maendeleo kuendelea kuunga mkono Taasisi za Umma na zile binafsi huleta faraja katika Jamii.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Bibi Kokushubila alieleza hayo wakati akipokea msaada wa vifaa vya michezo vilivyotolewa na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi hapo Ofisini kwake Mtaa wa Mikocheni Mjini Dar es salaam.<br /><br />Vifaa hivyo vikiwa ni pamoja na Seti ya Jezi, Mipira ya kandanda na Vikapu, soksi, Bukta pamoja na sare za mlinda Mlango kwa ajili ya Timu ya Chuo Kikuu hicho viliwasilishwa Chuoni hapo na Daktari wa Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Dr.Juma Mbwana Mambi kwa niaba yake vikiwa na thamani ya zaidi ya shilingi Milioni Moja.<br /><br />Bibi Kokushubila alisema michezo ni moja ya eneo linalounganisha jamii hasa Vijana ambayo linahitaji kupewa msukumo kwa vile huchangamsha Vinjana hao Kiakili na kimawazo.<br /><br />Mwenyekiti huyo wa Mtandao wa Afya na Elimu wa Chuo Kikuu cha Kumbukumbu ya Hubert Kairuki alimpongeza Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi kwa msaada wake huo ambao umeleta faraja kwa Wanafunzi sambamba na Uongozi wa Chuo hicho.<br /><br />Bibi Kokushubila alisisitiza umuhimu wa kuendelezwa kwa ushirikiano baina ya Taasisi husika na washirika wa sekta ya Michezo ili kuona fani hiyo inapata nguvu zaidi kwa vile tayari imeshaonyesha muelekeo wa kutoa ajira kwa kundi kubwa la Vijana.<br /><br />Mapema akiwasilisha msaada huo wa Vifaa vya Michezo Dr. Juma Mbwana Mambi kwa Niaba ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alisema Mh. Balozi Seif aliahidi kuendelea kusaidia sekta ya michezo kutokana na umuhimu wake kwa hivi sasa.<br /><br />Dr. Mambi alisema juhudi zitaendelea kuchukuliwa na Mh. Balozi ili kuona michezo Nchini inadumishwa na kuendelezwa zaidi kwa faida na ustawi wa Jamii yote.<br /><br />Chuo Kikuu cha Kumbukumbu ya Hubert Kairuki kiliopo Mikocheni Mjini Dar es salaam mbali ya kutoa Taaluma ya Elimu ya Afya pia kinadumisha michezo kwa nia ya kuwajenga afya wanafunzi na walimu wake.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Mwenyekiti wa Hubert Kairuki awapongeza viongozi

Mwenyekiti wa Mtandao wa Afya na Elimu wa Chuo Kikuu cha Kumbukumbu ya Hubert Kairuki Bibi Kokushubila Kairuk alisema kitendo cha baadhi...

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Wahitimu watakiwa kuwa tayari kufanya kazi

<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/-e-vOa9QVdLc/VmXSZnSqFyI/AAAAAAAAGt8/PasbngLekXs/s1600/442.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/-e-vOa9QVdLc/VmXSZnSqFyI/AAAAAAAAGt8/PasbngLekXs/s400/442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Wahitimu wa Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar wamehimizwa kuwa tayari kufanya kazi popote watakapopangiwa ambapo watakuwa na wajibu wa kuthamini na kuchangia jitihada zinazoendelea kuchukuliwa na Serikali katika kupambana na maradhi mbali mbali yanayoisumbua jamii Nchini.<br /><br />Himizo hilo limetolewa na Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein kwenye Mahafali ya 22 ya Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar yaliyofanyika kwenye Kampas ya chuo hicho yaliyopo Mbweni nje kidogo ya Mji wa Zanzibar.<br /><br />Jumla ya wahitimu 440 wa kada saba walihitimu na kufanikiwa kupata stashahada mwaka huu wa masomo kukiwa na ongezeko kubwa mara mbili ikilinganishwa na wahitimu 280 wa mwaka 2014.<br /><br />Rais wa Zanzibar Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein ambae Hotuba yake ilisomwa kwa niaba yake na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Idii alisema wapo baadhi ya baadhi ya wahitimu wanaoajiriwa na Wizara ya Afya wanapiga chenga kufanya kazi Kisiwani Pemba wakisahau kwamba Wananchi wa kisiwa hicho wanahitaji kupata huduma zao.<br /><br />Alisema watumishi wa Umma wakiwemo wa sekta ya afya wanapaswa kutekeleza majukumu yao kwa kuzingatia sheria na taratibu za kazi na miongozo ya sehemu wanazoajiriwa na inapendeza zaidi wawe mfano wa tabia njema kwa kushikamana katika kutekeleza maadili ya kazi zao.<br /><br />“ Nimefurahi kusikia kuwa katika orodha ya wahitimu wetu wa fani za afya chuoni hapa wapo waliotoka Tumbatu, Kojani, Fundo, Mtende, na Maeneo mengine ambayo watu wengi huwa wanaona tabu kwenda kufanya kazi kutokana na mazingira ya Kijiografia yaliyopo “. Alisema Dr. Shein.<br /><br />Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi aliiagiza Wizara ya Afya kufanya tathmini ya mahitaji ya wataalamu wa afya katika maeneo hayo ili kujua changamoto zilizopo na hatua za haraka zichukuliwe zitakazowezesha vijana kutoka maeneo hayo wanaajiriwa.<br /><br />Alisisitiza kwamba Wizara ya Afya ihakikishe inaweka utaratibu kwa lengo la kuwawezesha Vijana wanaopangiwa katika maeneo hayo wanafanya kazi kwa kipindi ambacho Wizara itaona kinafaa bila ya kukiuka sheria za mikataba ya kazi.<br /><br />Akizungumzia suala la uwekezaji katika sekta ya Afya Nchini Rais wa Zanzibar alisema Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imekuwa ikishajiisha wawekezaji wa ndani na nje ya nchi kuja kuwekeza katika sekta hiyo muhimu jambo ambalo limekuwa likisaidia sana katika kuimarisha huduma za afya Nchini.<br /><br />Alisema juhudi zinazochukuliwa na Serikali katika kuimarisha huduma za afya kwa kushirikiana na wawekezaji na washirika wa maendeleo zimekuwa na mchango mkubwa katika kukuza pia soko la ajira hasa kwa wahitimu wa Chuo hicho.<br /><br />“ Mwezi Machi mwaka huu nilialikwa kuifungua Hospitali ya Tasakhtaa inayoendeshwa na Global Hospitals ya India katika Mtaa wa Vuga. Hii ni Hospitali ya kisasa yenye uwezo mkubwa wa kutibu maradhi mbali mbali “. Alisisitiza Dr. Shein.<br /><br />Rais wa Zanzibar aliwasisitiza wahitimu wa Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar kuchangamkia ajira zinazotolewa na Serikali na Sekta Binafsi wakitambua kwamba Hospitali zote zina lengo la kuimarisha huduma za afya kwa faida ya Wananchi.<br /><br />Kuhusu upatikanaji wa ruzuku zinazotolewa na Serikali kwa taasisi za umma Rais Shein alisema changamoto kubwa ya mahitaji ya Serikali zinasababisha ruzuku hizo kutofikia kiwango halisi kinachoweza kuridhisha taasisi hizo.<br /><br />Hata hivyo Rais wa Zanzibar aliiagiza Wizara ya afya pamoja na Wizara ya Fedha Zanzibar kufanya mapitio ya ruzuku inayopewa Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar.<br /><br />Alieleza kwamba endapo ikithibitika kuwa kiwango kinachotolewa ni kidogo, uwe9o mjadala na kuangaliwa utaratibu wa namna ya kuweza kuwaongezea ili chuo hichi muhimu kiweze kuendesha mipango ya maendeleo kinachijipangia.<br /><br />Aliupongeza Uongozi wa Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar kwa kutoa mchango mkubwa katika utekelezaji wa mipango ya Serikali tokea kilipoanzishwa katika kuimarisha sekta ya afya kwa misingi iliyowekwa na waasisi wa Afro Shirazy Party wakati wa kupigania uhuru wa Nchi hii.<br /><br />Alisema chuo hicho hivi sasa kimekuwa chem chem ya kutoa wataalamu mbali mbali wanaohitajika katika Hospitali na Vituo tofauti vya Afya hapa Nchini kwa lengo la kuwapatia Wananchi huduma bora za Afya.<br /><br />Alieleza kwamba Taifa kwa sasa limepiga hatua kubwa kwa kusomesha wataalamu wazalendo wenyewe jambo ambalo limesaidia kuokoa fedha nyingi ambazo zingelazimu kulipa kwa ajili ya kuwasomesha wataalamu hao nje ya Nchi kama ilivyokuwa ikifanywa hapo zamani.<br /><br /> Mmoja wa wahitimu hao Faika Karim Zam kwa niaba ya wenzake wameuomba Uongozi wa Chuo hicho kuanzisha mafunzo ya ngazi ya Shahada { Diploma } kwa nia ya kuwapunguzia gharama za kutafuta elimu hiyo nje ya nchi.<br /><br />Faika Karim alisema uanzishwaji wa mafunzo hayo ni vyema ukaenda sambamba na upatikanaji wa vifaa vya kufundishia, huduma za Maktaba,kukabiliana na upungufu wa Walimu wa kudumu na watakuwa tayari kuusaidia Uongozi huo ili wanafunzi wanaofuatia wafaidike na Mpango huo. <br /><br />Alifahamisha kwamba hatua hiyo itawawezesha wanafunzi wanaoingia kwenye Chuo hicho muhimu kupata taaluma ya kisasa inayokwenda sambamba na mabadiliko ya dunia yaliyopo hivi sasa ya sayansi na Teknolojia.<br /><br />Mapema Mkuu wa Chuo cha Taalum za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar Dr. Haji Mwita Haji alisema Uongozi wa Chuo hicho kupitia Baraza lake umeamua kuongeza majengo zaidi ili kuwahudumia vyema wanafunzi wanaoamua kujiunga na chuo hicho sambamba na mahitaji ya ongezeko la Hospitali na vituo vya Afya Nchini.<br /><br />Dr. Mwita alisema hatua hiyo inalenga kukijengea hadhi na sifa chuo hicho kilichoanzishwa mwaka 1938 kikiwa miongoni mwa vyuo vichache barani Afrika vilivyokuwa vikitoa elimu ya Afya licha ya kwamba hakikuwa na makaazi ya Kudumu.<br /><br />Aliipongeza Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kwa kushirikiana na Serikali ya Oman kwa muono wao wa kuenga majengo ya kudumu ya chuo hicho ambayo yanatoa fursa kwa Chuo hicho katika muelekeo wake wa matayarisho ya kuwa kitengo cha Chuo Kikuu cha Taifa Zanzibar { SUZA }.<br /><br />Akimkaribisha Mgeni rasmi katika ufungaji wa Mahafali hayo ya 22 ya Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar, Naibu Waziri wa Afya Zanzibar Mh. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo aliwaomba wauguzi kufuata maadili ya kazi zao ili kupunguza au kuondosha kabisa malalamiko yanayotolewa na wananchi.<br /><br />Mh. Mahmoud alisema lugha zao kwa wagonjwa ndio kitendo kilichompa wakati mgumu alipokuwa akijibu maswala ya wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi katika Vikao vya Baraza hilo vilivyokuwa vikiendelea kwa muda wote wa miaka mitano iliyopita.<br /><br />Naibu Waziri wa Afya pia aliwapongeza Wafanyakazi wa Sekta ya Afya wa muda mrefu walioamua kujisajili na kupata taaluma na hatimae kufanikiwa kuwa miongoni mwa wahitimu wa mkupuo wa 22 wa Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar.<br /><br />Alisema Watendaji wote kwa sasa wanapaswa kubadilika kwenda na wakati unaokwenda sambamba na teknolojia ya kisasa ya sayansi iliyopo ulimwenguni ambayo humuwezesha mfanyakazi kufanya kazi mahali popote Duniani.<br /><br />Wahitimu 440 wamefanikiwa kupata stashahada katika fani saba za sekta ya afya ambazo ni pamoja na Afisa Tabibu wa Afya ya Kinywa na Meno, Afisa Tabibu, Afya ya Mazingira, Uuguzi na Ukunga, Utabibu wa Maabara,Madawa pamoja na Ufundi Sanifu wa Vifaa vya Hospitali.<br /><br />Katika Mahafali hayo ya 22 ya Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Mgeni rasmi pia alifanikiwa kutoa vyeti Maalum kwa Wanafunzi bora zaidi wa kila fani katika mafunzo hayo.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Wahitimu watakiwa kuwa tayari kufanya kazi

Wahitimu wa Chuo cha Taaluma za Sayansi za Afya Zanzibar wamehimizwa kuwa tayari kufanya kazi popote watakapopangiwa ambapo watakuwa na...

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Kaya 19 zalalamika

<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/-L5krx9Go1zs/VmXQ6_3mTQI/AAAAAAAAGt0/_jwLzSEG2Ug/s1600/SAM_0215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5krx9Go1zs/VmXQ6_3mTQI/AAAAAAAAGt0/_jwLzSEG2Ug/s400/SAM_0215.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Na,Jumbe Ismailly,Manyoni </span><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">KAYA 19 za Kijiji cha Sukamahela,tarafa ya Kilimatinde,wilayani Manyoni,Mkoani Singida zilizopo katika mpango wa kunusuru kaya maskini TASAF awamu ya tatu zimemlalamikia afisa mtendaji wa Kijiji cha hicho,Ernesti Gyunda Kitundu kwa kile walichodai kuwa amewakata shilingi 2,000/= kwa kila kaya kwenye malipo yao. <br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa wanufaika hao wa mpango wa kunusuru kaya maskini,kiasi hicho cha fedha walichokatwa kinagharamia malipo ya posho ya askari wa jeshi la mgambo aliyekwenda kuwapa taarifa za kwenda kupokea malipo yao ya mwezi julai na augusti,mwaka huu. <br /><br />Wanakaya hao 19 walibainisha hayo wakati wa kupokea malipo yao waliyopewa taarifa za kwenda bila kukosa kuhudhuria kwenye ofisi za afisa mtendaji wa Kijiji hicho kupokea malipo ya mwezi Nov na Dis,mwaka huu. <br /><br />Hata hivyo baada ya majina yao kutoonekana kwenye orodha ya majina ya walipwaji kwa mwezi huo wa nov na dis,hawakusita kuelekeza shutuma zao kwa afisa mtendaji huyo kuwa ndiye aliyechangia wao kutopata malipo yao ya mwezi nov na dis,mwaka huu. <br /><br />Wanufaika hao kwa masikitiko makubwa walisema watendaji wa mfuko huo wamekuwa wakiwachezea sana bila wao kufahamu ni sababu au kigezo kipi kinachowafanya mara wawepo kwenye mpango huo wa kunusuru kaya maskini na wakati mwingine kujikuta majina yao hayapo kwenye orodha ya walipwaji. <br /><br />Walifafanua kwamba mchezo huo ulianza wakati wa malipo ya mwezi julai,mwaka jana,ambapo licha ya kualikwa kuhudhuria siku hiyo kwa lengo la kupokea fedha hizo,lakini walipokwenda majina yao hayakuweza kuonekana kwenye orodha ya walipwaji,na walipohoji hapakuwa na majibu yanayoeleweka kutoka kwa watendaji kutoka wilayani. <br /><br />Pamoja na malalamiko yao hayo,lakini hali hiyo iliendelea mpaka mwezi saba na wa nane mwaka huu ambapo walijulishwa tena kufika katika ofisi za mtendaji huyo wakati wa malipo ya muda huo na kukuta majina yao yapo katika orodha ya walipwaji hali iliyowafanya waondoke katika eneo hilo wakiwa na furaha isiyokuwa na kifani. <br /><br />Lakini cha kushangaza hali hiyo ilijirudian tena katika malipo yaliyolipwa jumamosi ya nov,28 baada ya kutangaziwa kufika saa mbili asubuhi ambapo walikaa mpaka watendaji waliokuwa wamefuatana na wanakamati walipofika kati ya saa sita na saa saba mchana,kitendo kilichowafanya waridhike kwa kuamini malipo yao yatakuwepo. <br /><br />“Hivi kweli mtakuwa mmetutendea haki kwa kutotupatia malipo yetu kwani tangu tuanze kuwasubiri saa mbili asubuhi mpaka saa hizi saa kumi jioni halafu mnasema majina yetu hayopo kwenye orodha ya walipwaji,je ni halali hiyo?walihoji wanakaya hao <br /><br />Kutokana na kutoridhishwa na tukio hilo ndipo wawakilishi hao wa kaya 19 waliamua kurudisha fomu walizokuwa wamekabidhiwa kwa ajili ya kupokelea malipo na kuwataka watendaji hao kutoendelea kuwatapeli na badala yake wasijulishwe chochote juu ya malipo hayo zaidi ya kuwaruhusu wao waendelee kupokea malipo hayo kama walivyoamua kuwatoa wao. <br /><br />“Hivi ninyi mnatuonaje sisi tuliokaa hapa tangu asubuhi kuwasubiri halafu mnatuambia majina yetu hayapo ni sababu zipi zilizowafanya msitupatie taarifa hizo mara tu mlipofika ili tuondoke tukajitafutie riziki kwa njia zingine,maana tumeshinda na njaa na sasa tutakwenda kulala na njaa”walisisitiza huku wakielekeza shutuma zao kwa afisa mtendaji wa kijiji hicho. <br /><br />Alipotakiwa kuzungumzia kuhusu malalamiko ya wananchi wa kijiji hicho kuhusu kuwakata shilingi 2,000/= kwa kila kaya,afisa mtendaji wa Kijiji cha Sukamahela,Ernest Gyunda Kitundu alikanusha kuwa kaya 19 zilikatwa fedha zao kwa ajili ya kumlipa mgambo na kwamba ni kaya tano tu ndizo waliomuahidi mgambo aliyewafuata kuwajulisha taarifa ya malipo hayo na wala siyo kaya zote. <br /><br />Hata hivyo Kitundu alisisitiza kwamba baada ya malalamiko hayo amefuatilia na kuwabaini watu wote walioahidi kumpatia askari wa jeshi la mgambo kiasi hicho cha fedha na kwamba hata hivyo siyo watu wote waliolipa 2,000/-= kwani kuna baadhi yao walitoa shilingi 1,000/=tu. <br /><br />Akizungumzia malalamiko ya wananchi waliokatwa fedha kwa ajili ya kumlipa mgambo,Mratibu wa TASAF wilaya ya Manyoni,Labani Sagali alisema hakuna sheria inayoruhusu wananchi kukatwa fedha kwenye malipo yao kumlipa mgambo,bali malipo ya mgambo yatatokana na fedha wanazopatiwa serikali ya kijiji. <br /><br />“Mimi sina taarifa hizo lakini kuanzia sasa nitafuatilia na kwa kuanzia nitamjulisha afisa mtendaji huyo ili aweze kuwarudishia fedha zote wananchi waliochangia malipo ya gharama za mgambo”alifafanua Sagali <br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa mratibu huyo katika kuondoa shaka kwa wananchi hao ataan daa mkutano wa hadhara kwa wananchi wa kijiji hicho na kumtaka mtendaji kurejesha kiasi cha fedha zote alizowakata wananchi mbele yao kwa lengo la kujenga imani kati ya wananchi na uongozi wa TASAF wilaya ya Manyoni. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Kaya 19 zalalamika

Na,Jumbe Ismailly,Manyoni KAYA 19 za Kijiji cha Sukamahela,tarafa ya Kilimatinde,wilayani Manyoni,Mkoani Singida zilizopo katika mpango ...

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Human Factors International (HFI) Certifies 6,000 Usability Analysts Worldwide

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1-LypTKTdA/VmXPvZ4QzCI/AAAAAAAAGts/Syr6dn3Dr4M/s1600/human.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1-LypTKTdA/VmXPvZ4QzCI/AAAAAAAAGts/Syr6dn3Dr4M/s400/human.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Human Factors <a href="http://www.humanfactors.com/">International</a> (HFI) announced today it has just certified its 6000th Certified Usability Analyst (CUA). HFI first offered its CUA designation in 2002 and has now certified UX practitioners from 58 countries.<br /><br />The CUA credential validates mastery of the basic principles of user-centered design. These core skills in designing for ease of use apply to websites, applications on devices, and various forms of mobility. Attaining this certification helps someone<br /><br />-get started in a UX career<br />-switch careers to the UX field<br />-build UX skills for a more robust career<br /><br />CUAs serve in a variety of industries including financial services, insurance, telecommunications, medical, government, media, automotive, healthcare, travel, hospitality, energy, software, aerospace, and education.<br /><br />According to HFI founder and CEO Eric Schaffer: “When we started the CUA certification program, I thought it would be important to the industry. I knew there would be a time when UX would be growing fast, and there would be a need to efficiently credential practitioners. I wanted something that was not a test of participation in our training. Instead, I wanted a canonical view of UX capabilities. We built that program, and it has succeeded — as a benchmark in hiring and as a benchmark in promoting and forming UX teams. We are delighted to see it helping thousands of people move their careers ahead.”<br /><br />Many individuals report that attaining the CUA credential has given them an increased level of respect from colleagues. “Becoming a CUA is undoubtedly the single most important decision I made to help my career,” said Art Zippel, UX Information Architect at Word and Brown Companies. “Within six months, my certification had paid for itself.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Human Factors International (HFI). </span></div> </div>

Human Factors International (HFI) Certifies 6,000 Usability Analysts Worldwide

Human Factors International (HFI) announced today it has just certified its 6000th Certified Usability Analyst (CUA). HFI first offered...

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Ingenico Group supports the retail sector growth in Angola

<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/-m9vkGVeL6YA/VmXO6AsOJmI/AAAAAAAAGtk/k8zEUUqhrAc/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9vkGVeL6YA/VmXO6AsOJmI/AAAAAAAAGtk/k8zEUUqhrAc/s400/group.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ingenico Group (<a href="http://www.ingenico.com/">Euronext: FR0000125346-ING</a>), the global leader in seamless payment, today announced that Kero, the largest retailer in Angola, is equipping its major stores with Ingenico smart terminals.<br /><br />“The retail sector in Angola is growing exponentially and so is becoming the demand.” commented Isabel Capacho, Marketing Director at KERO. “We are aiming at an irreproachable quality. From good offering to check-out, we must offer the best at every level, including payment experience. We chose Ingenico Group solution as it was able to adapt to our environment and deliver precisely what we needed”.<br /><br />All of Kero stores are equipped with a network of Ingenico PIN Pads IPP320, each of them connected to the electronic cashier register. With this solution, error management decreased and check-out time got simplified and shortened. Besides, this centralized integration allows Kero to benefits from transaction reconciliation and business inputs. The mid-term objective is to enhance the consumers’ experience by adding loyalty program & promotional offering.<br /><br />“Ingenico Group, through its partner PLANAD, has been the leading player of the Payment Industry in Angola for almost 10 years”, commented Luciano Cavazzana, Eastern Europe & Africa Managing Director at Ingenico Group. “With the emergence of the retail sector, we are pleased to support Kero to enhance the consumer experience through a seamless payment flow. Speed, security and reliability have been our main focus to ensure the success of this project”.<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Ingenico Group. </span></div> </div>

Ingenico Group supports the retail sector growth in Angola

Ingenico Group ( Euronext: FR0000125346-ING ), the global leader in seamless payment, today announced that Kero, the largest retailer in...

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Africa Finance & Investment Forum 2015

<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/-WMP4r---h1w/VmXOKdW_smI/AAAAAAAAGtc/meInsWl8U7A/s1600/2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMP4r---h1w/VmXOKdW_smI/AAAAAAAAGtc/meInsWl8U7A/s400/2015.jpg" width="377" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The African continent is the second fastest growing area in the world behind south and east Asia, with GDP growth projected to reach 3.6% in 2016. Over the past decade, the continent has attracted ever increasing amounts of foreign direct investment, reaching an aggregate amount of US$470 billion between 2005 and 2014, according to the African Development Bank. But it is not only the volume of investment that has increased: The diversity of investment flows and deals has also seen significant improvement. Where almost all investment went to extractive industries two decades ago, Africa now attracts ever more significant flows in the sectors of energy, telecoms, infrastructure, health and of course agriculture, as well as retail and financial services.<br /><br />Indeed, in 2015, Africa’s biggest economic challenge is arguably no longer to attract investment, but rather, it is to ensure that investment flows benefit everyone, and to ensure that economic growth is inclusive. <br /><br />EMRC’s decision to host the 2015 Africa Finance & Investment Forum in Africa for the first time is fully aligned with this trend, and had been a key driver in the decision to host AFIF in the South African city of Cape Town, one of Africa’s emerging global centres of business and finance.<br /><br />The Forum brought together around 200 key players and decision-makers in the African finance and investment sector, as well as stakeholders from government and civil society from across the continent. The conference has become one of the most important annual international finance and investment gatherings on the African continent. AFIF 2015 included a Pre-Forum training on "Entrepreneurship/ Presenting a Business Plan” in partnership with Eric Kacou, Founder and Managing Director of the Entrepreneurial Solution Partners.<br /><br />The theme of this year’s Forum was “Access to Finance and Enterpreneurship”. Over a three day period, the Forum focused specifically on innovative financial solutions to foster the growth of Africa’s businesses, and showcased opportunities of the African continent in the key sectors of agriculture, health, infrastructure, water and energy.<br /><br />One of the key events of the Forum was the initiation of a far-reaching Public-Private Dialogue on Impact Investment in Africa, a joint initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the African Union Commission (AUC). The concept of impact investment is becoming increasingly well known in Africa and around the world: It refers to investments driven by social and environmental purpose, rather than only by financial imperatives; in other words, investing with the goal to achieve measurable social and environmental impact beyond financial return. Impact investment is a growing asset class, with some US$60 billion currently under management worldwide. Considering that the demand for SME finance in Africa is estimated at US$140 billion, there is very significant market potential for further growth.<br /><br />The dialogue provided a platform through which representatives of the public and private sectors discussed concrete interventions to catalyze the impact investment sector and contribute towards the achievement of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the recently ratified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It was intended to initiate a continental discussion around the concept of impact investment, how to attract investors and how to foster enterprise, and specifically social enterprise, to the benefit of all Africans.<br /><br />AFIF’s traditional plenary sessions were complemented this year with several lively panel discussions involving key global experts on such topics as improving access to finance for SMEs, financing agriculture and agribusiness, financing infrastructure and energy projects, and financing Africa’s health care sector.<br /><br />The Forum also hosted the AFIF 2015 Entrepreneurship Award, sponsored by the Rabobank Foundation, which saw four selected projects (out of 49 applications) presented to the audience and selection committee. The pitches were made by Mary Cherop Maritim representing Cherebut Foods (Kenya), Lazaro Mwakipesile managing director of Raphael Group (Tanzania), Adewumi Sule Owolabi from Aerobic Foods (Nigeria) and Wachira Kariuki of Classic Foods (Kenya). Lazaro Mwakipesile was named the overall winner and received a US$5000 cash prize as well as the commitment by the EMRC team to develop a one-year communication strategy. <br /><br />For the first time, AFIF also included a special session on “Access to Finance on Health”, and presented the “Pfizer Health Entrepreneurship Award” as well as a pitching session by The Innovation Hub (South Africa), which culminated in the nomination of Markus Labuschagne from Altis Biologics, South Africa.<br /><br />Behind the scenes, over 600 Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings were organized over two afternoons, allowing delegates to establish partnerships, close deals and translate the work at the Forum into tangible reality on the ground.<br /><br />The Forum was concluded with the Cape Town Declaration on Impact Investment. The Declaration, a UNDP initiative, is the result of the comprehensive dialogue held throughout the Forum and represents a reference for private sector, government and civil society to take action and leverage Africa’s economic potential. The Declaration calls on investors, governments and the private sector to catalyze and strengthen impact investment in Africa, notably by establishing an impact investment convening organ, by developing conducive and relevant regulatory frameworks, by establishing impact measurement standards, and by creating a dedicated African Impact Investment Fund.<br /><br />AFIF 2015 was organized by Brussels-based EMRC, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Investment Bank (EIB); German Development Finance Institution DEG/KfW, along with Old Mutual Investments Group, Agri Academy, Pfizer, Rabobank Foundation, BlueCloud, ICD and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).<br /><br />Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of EMRC. </span></div> </div>

Africa Finance & Investment Forum 2015

The African continent is the second fastest growing area in the world behind south and east Asia, with GDP growth projected to reach 3.6...

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