MAAFISA WATENDAJI WA KATA NA VIJIJI WATAKIWA KUSIMAMIA UANZISHWAJI WA MABARAZA YA WAZEE KWENYE MAENEO YAO

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rdITT2T3l7s/V5nUK-actjI/AAAAAAAAHGo/XICAdNYB97kJJWyaktfPl1Rv671J93RWACLcB/s1600/maafisa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rdITT2T3l7s/V5nUK-actjI/AAAAAAAAHGo/XICAdNYB97kJJWyaktfPl1Rv671J93RWACLcB/s400/maafisa.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi </span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">MKUU wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida amewaagiza maafisa watendaji wa kata na vijiji wilayani hapa kusimamia kwa karibu sana uanzishwaji wa mabaraza ya wazee na kuhakikisha mabaraza hayo yanaanzishwa kwenye maeneo yao na hatimaye waweze kuunda baraza la wazee la wilaya hiyo. <br /><br />Akizungumza na wazee maarufu wa wilaya hiyo kwenye ukumbi wa mikutano wa shule ya sekondari ya Ikungi,Mkuu huyo wa wilaya,Miraji Mtaturu alisema kuwepo kwa mabaraza hayo katika ngazi za chini yatasaidia kuzishauri shughuli za serikali. <br /><br />Alibainisha Mtaturu kwamba asilimia kubwa ya wazee hao ni wastaafu na watu wenye taaluma zao na kutoa mfano uwepo wa wataalamu wa kilimo utasaidia kuwawezesha wakulima waliopo kwenye maeneo yao kulima kwa kufuata ushauri wa wataalamu hao. <br /><br />Kufuatia ushauri huo wa kuanzisha kwa mabaraza ya wazee katika ngazi zote,wazee hao alisema baada ya utawala wa mwalimu Julius Nyerere wazee walisahaulika,jambo ambalo limeanza kurudisha heshima katika pande zote mbili. <br /><br />Mkuu wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida ameanzisha utaratibu wa kukutana na wazee maarufu wa wilaya hiyo kwa lengo la kufahamiana na kupeana mikakati ya kujiletea maendeleo yao. <br /></span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

MAAFISA WATENDAJI WA KATA NA VIJIJI WATAKIWA KUSIMAMIA UANZISHWAJI WA MABARAZA YA WAZEE KWENYE MAENEO YAO

Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi MKUU wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida amewaagiza maafisa watendaji wa kata na vijiji wilayani hap...

Read more »

Djibouti joins Africa Finance Corporation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peL5XSO_oaU/V5nTZrXlDMI/AAAAAAAAHGg/TZYSCaVwrIwEIC65zrPZljuQ6TXbwAzrQCLcB/s1600/afc.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-peL5XSO_oaU/V5nTZrXlDMI/AAAAAAAAHGg/TZYSCaVwrIwEIC65zrPZljuQ6TXbwAzrQCLcB/s400/afc.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Djibouti has become the newest member of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an international investment grade multilateral finance institution investing in key infrastructure projects across Africa. <br /><br />Mr Ali Guelleh Aboubaker, Minister of Investments in the Office of the President, commented on his country's membership of AFC: "I am delighted to announce that Djibouti has become a member of Africa Finance Corporation, an international DFI with a proven track record in large-scale infrastructure investment. The government of Djibouti is committed to proactively investing in essential infrastructure to drive economic growth and doing what we can to attract international private investors to infrastructure investment opportunities. We look forward to working with AFC to deliver projects with real and positive economic and social impact across the country." <br /><br />Andrew Alli, President & CEO of Africa Finance Corporation, welcomed Djibouti to the Corporation: "Djibouti is a small but important market, with natural strengths as a transport and logistics hub thanks to the government's successful free trade policies and its location at the gateway to the Red Sea. Djibouti offers some great investment opportunities and AFC is delighted to be assisting Djibouti to meet its full growth potential and to create jobs for its citizens." <br /><br />Djibouti is the 14th country and the third east African country to join the AFC. The Corporation's other members are: Cape Verde; Chad; Ghana; Guinea-Bissau; Guinea; Liberia; Nigeria; Sierra-Leone, The Gambia, Gabon, Côte d'Ivoire, Rwanda, and Uganda. As with all other members, Djibouti's membership enables AFC to receive preferred creditor status within the country, the benefits of which reduce AFC's investment risk, enabling the Corporation to provide more competitive financing solutions. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).</span></div> </div>

Djibouti joins Africa Finance Corporation

Djibouti has become the newest member of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an international investment grade multilateral finance instit...

Read more »

WAKULIMA WILAYANI IKUNGI WASHAURIWA KULIMA KILIMO CHA KIBIASHARA ZAIDI

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iGedva6zRw/V5nTAEmFDwI/AAAAAAAAHGc/5KNtKOhfTIwx3Q5WHpfDBpNCOozlp92SgCLcB/s1600/wakulima.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iGedva6zRw/V5nTAEmFDwI/AAAAAAAAHGc/5KNtKOhfTIwx3Q5WHpfDBpNCOozlp92SgCLcB/s400/wakulima.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi </span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">WAKULIMA wa mazao aina ya alzeti,karanga pamoja na ufuta katika wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida wameshauriwa kuacha kulima kilimo cha mazoea,na kisicholenga kuwaondoa kwenye umaskini uliokithiri miongoni mwao na badala yake wajenge utamaduni wa kulima mazao aina hiyo kibiashara,kwa lengo la kujiongezea kipato kwenye familia zao. <br /><br />Ushauri huo umetolewa na Mkuu wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Miraji Mtaturu kwenye mkutano maalumu kati yake na wazee maarufu wa wilaya hiyo uliolenga kufahamiana pamoja na kuzungumzia masuala mbali mbali ya shughuli za maendeleo ya wilaya hiyo. <br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa Mtaturu baadhi ya wakulima katika wilaya hiyo wamejenga utamaduni wa kulima kilimo cha mazoea, ambapo kwa kutumia fursa ya mkutano huo wa wazee maarufu amewasisitiza wakulima wa aina hiyo kuondokana na kilimo hicho ili kiweze kuwaondoa kwenye umaskini uliokithiri miongoni mwao. <br /><br />Wakizungumzia sababu zinazochangia wananchi wa jimbo la Singida mashariki kugoma kuchangia michango mbali mbali ya kujiletea maendeleo yao,baadhi ya wawakilishi wa wazee hao walisisitiza kuwa hali hiyo inatokana na kutofahamu fedha zao wanazochangishwa zinatumika kwenye shughuli zipi. <br /><br />Mmoja wa wazee hao ambaye pia ni mkazi wa Kijiji cha Kikio,Raphaeli Mtinda alikanusha kwamba watu wa jimbo la Singida mashariki hawataki kuchangia shughuli za maendeleo,bali kinachosababisha ni kuchukia vitendo vya wizi vinavyofanywa na watendaji wa vijiji na kata zao. <br /><br />Aliweka bayana mzee huyo kuwa amewahi kushuhudia mmoja wa watendaji akipokea fedha za michango lakini cha kushangaza ni kutolewa risiti zisizokuwa halali kisheria na baadhi ya watendaji wanaoshirikiana na wakubwa wao wa Halmashauri. <br /><br />Naye Evaristi Mughanga kutoka Kijiji cha Kikio hakuunga mkono kwamba shughuli za maendeleo zinakwamishwa na viongozi wa kisiasa,kwa kile alichodai kwamba hajawahi kuona barabara zinazojengwa kwa kiwango cha lami wananchi wanalazimishwa kuchangia. <br /><br />“Umeongea vizuri,lakini umeongelea shule,ukaongelea zahanati,kuna vitu vingi vinavyohitajika katika nchi hii,kuna barabara ambayo ni miundombinu,kuna viwanda,kuna reli yote hayo yanahitajika ni mipango ya nchi”aliweka bayana. <br /><br />Hata hivyo mzee huyo alionekana kutokubaliana na ushauri wa mkuu wa wilaya juu ya kuchangia zahanati,shule kwa nini hatukasikia siku hata moja waambiwe juu ya kuchangia ujenzi wa barabara. <br /><br />Mughanga hata hivyo alikiri kuwa aliwahi kusikia kauli za Rais kuzuia michango,lakini hakusita kuhoji ni kwa nini Mkuu huyo wa wilaya anawataka wachangie michango na ushuru mdogo mdogo kwa kutumia ilani ya chama gani. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

WAKULIMA WILAYANI IKUNGI WASHAURIWA KULIMA KILIMO CHA KIBIASHARA ZAIDI

Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi WAKULIMA wa mazao aina ya alzeti,karanga pamoja na ufuta katika wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida wameshaur...

Read more »

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQtB76yQzhg/V5nSKx79VpI/AAAAAAAAHGM/gVR1HQntwwkZ-su9x2DYeLDbctqQDS4qQCLcB/s1600/PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQtB76yQzhg/V5nSKx79VpI/AAAAAAAAHGM/gVR1HQntwwkZ-su9x2DYeLDbctqQDS4qQCLcB/s400/PW.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">South Africa’s hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years driven by an increase in the number of foreign visitors into the African continent.<br /><br />Pietro Calicchio, Industry leader of Hospitality & Gambling, PwC <a href="http://www.pwc.com/">Southern</a> Africa, says: “Although the South African economy has weakened considerably, the overall outlook for hotels in South Africa is expected to remain positive.”<br /><br />According to PwC’s 6th edition Hotels Outlook 2016 – 2020, revenue from hotel room accommodation in South Africa rose 8.1% in 2015 to R14.2 billion, reflecting an increase in stay unit nights and a 6.5% rise in the average room rate. Overall, hotel room revenue is projected to expand at a 7.8% compound annual rate to R20.6 billion in 2020. PwC’s report features information about hotel accommodation in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya, and Tanzania.<br /><br />“The devaluation of the rand and the relaxation of certain visa regulations has had a positive impact on the tourism industry in South Africa, making the country a more attractive tourism destination. This has also had a positive impact on the number of foreign visitors to South Africa over the past six months,” says Calicchio.<br /><br />The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry. After growing at an 8% compound annual rate between 2009 and 2013, the number of foreign overnight visitors rose only 0.2% in 2014 before falling 6.8% in 2015 – the biggest decline in six years, according to official statistics. China had the largest decrease of 46% in 2014, while the decrease from India was 23.5%. Visits from China edged up 2.2% in 2015, but remained 45% lower than the peak in 2013, while visits from India fell an additional 8.5% in 2015 for a cumulative 30% decline over the past two years.<br /><br />A key factor cited as contributing to the decline was the requirement that foreign travellers appear in person at South African embassies to have their biometric information taken. However, some countries such as India, Russia and China have very few South African visa processing centres.<br /><br />In October 2015, some of these regulations were eased and the Department of Home Affairs is considering introducing further amendments.<br /><br />Overall, in 2015 there was a decline in the number of foreign travellers to South Africa from every region except the Middle East and North Africa. Of non-African countries, the UK is still the largest source of visitors to South Africa at 407 486 in 2015, an increase of 1.4%. It was one of the few countries from where visitors increased in 2015, but that gain did not offset the overall 6.8% decline from 2014. Visits from the US dipped below 300 000 in 2015, down 3.9% from 2014. Germany was down 6.5% in 2015, while Australia fell 10.8%.<br /><br />Of African countries, the largest numbers of foreign visitors to South Africa in 2015 came from Zimbabwe (2.1 million), followed by Lesotho (1.5 million) and Mozambique (1.3 million) but all were lower than in 2014.<br /><br />On a more positive note, the number of monthly overnight tourist visitors to South Africa started picking up towards the end of 2015 and rose above the one million mark for the first time in January 2016, with international visitor numbers up by 16.8% for the months of January to April 2016 when compared to the same period in 2015. Visitor numbers from Europe have increased by 13.6%, China 38.0% and North America 16.4% through to April 2016 when compared to the first four months of 2015. For 2016 as a whole, a 12.4% increase in foreign visitors is anticipated.<br /><br />Hotel accommodation: South Africa – Nigeria – Mauritius – Kenya - Tanzania<br /><br />The number of hotel rooms planned in Africa has increased from prior years in the wake of a number of developments across the continent.<br /><br />Overall, room revenue in South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, Kenya and Tanzania rose 6.7% in 2015, the largest gain since 2011. Tanzania had the largest increase with a 14.4% gain, the result of a large increase in the average room rate that offset a drop in stay unit nights.<br /><br />“It is promising to see a growing number of new hotels that are planned for the South African market over the next five years. We are forecasting an additional 2 600 hotel rooms to be added over the next five years,” says Calicchio. “We forecast that hotel room revenue will grow by 11.9% in 2016 to R15.8 billion.” The interest in new hotel developments in Cape Town reflects its strong growth rates and its appeal as a tourist attraction.<br /><br />Five-star hotels had the highest occupancy rates in the market at 79.5% in 2015, up from 70.7% in 2014 as stay unit nights increased by 12.5%.<br /><br />The hotel sector in Mauritius experienced an increase in stay unit nights in 2015, but a drop in the average room rate that resulted in a 6.7% increase in room revenue. Nigeria’s long-term prospects for the hospitality sector remain positive, though the impact of its current weaker economy is likely to reflect in near-term hotel performance. Kenya’s economic growth has been strong and a number of initiatives have contributed to a recent increase in the tourism industry.<br /><br />South Africa: The Outlook (2016 – 2020)<br /><br />With occupancy rates and visitor numbers on the rise, there is renewed activity in the hotel sector. There are a number of major hotels expected to open in the next five years and several others in the planning stage. The number of available hotel rooms are projected to rise at a 0.8% compound annual rate to 63 700 in 2020 from 61 100 in 2015.<br /><br />Stay unit nights are expected to increase at a 1.9% compound annual rate to 14.6 million in 2020 from 13.3 million in 2015. With stay unit nights growing faster than room supply, the occupancy rate for hotels is forecast to rise from 59.6% in 2015 to 62.6% in 2020.<br /><br />Nigeria – Mauritius – Kenya –Tanzania: The Outlook (2016 – 2020)<br /><br />The hotel market in Nigeria has not fared as well as South Africa with stay unit nights dropping 12% and room revenue down by 3.6% over the past two years. There are a number of new hotels planned or under construction and we forecast an additional 4 700 rooms to be added in Nigeria during the next five years. Hotel room revenue is expected to grow to US$ 507 million in 2020 from the US$321 million achieved in 2015, due to increases in both stay unit nights and average room rates. The number of tourist arrivals to Mauritius increased by 10.9% in 2015, the largest increase during the past five years. The number of available hotel rooms is expected to increase at a 2.8% compound annual rate, rising to 15 600 in 2020 with hotel room revenue forecast to grow at a 10.6% compound annual rate to Euro 920 million in 2020 .<br /><br />Kenya’s hotel market is recovering, with growth being achieved for the first time in four years due to an increase in the average room rate even though stay units fell 2.8% in 2015. Revenue is projected to grow at 6.1% compounded annually to 2020. Tanzania’s hotel room revenue amounted to US$222 million in 2015 and is expected to grow by 10.8% compounded annually to US$371 million in 2020.<br /><br />“The hotel market in each country is affected by both the local and global economy, with some countries being more dependent on foreign visitors than others. The growth forecast is therefore dependent on how well both the local and global economy performs and grows over the next five years.”<br /><br />“The tourism industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of Africa’s economy. In spite of recent challenges, including the change in visa regulations in South Africa and the contraction of the global economy, the sector has significant potential to create jobs and uplift inclusive economic growth across the continent”, concludes Calicchio.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). </span></div> </div>

The new visa regulations had a sharp impact on the South African tourism industry

South Africa’s hotel industry is set for steady growth in the next five years driven by an increase in the number of foreign visitors in...

Read more »

KANISA LA TAG LAKABIDHI PIKIPIKI 400 KWA WAANGALIZI WA MAKANISA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFbYh8Wp1_s/V5nRtK3i4JI/AAAAAAAAHGE/GlWhSEmgWUY7ZwZvV2x0IrM2rVxH3CW4ACLcB/s1600/kanisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFbYh8Wp1_s/V5nRtK3i4JI/AAAAAAAAHGE/GlWhSEmgWUY7ZwZvV2x0IrM2rVxH3CW4ACLcB/s400/kanisa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Singida </span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">KANISA la Assemblies of God Tanzania (TAG) limewapatia waangalizi wa majimbo 33 nchini ya Kanisa hilo,ili kuwawezesha kufanikisha utekelezaji wa malengo makuu kumi ya dira ya maendeleo ya kanisa hilo,ili ifikapo mwaka 2018, utekelezaji wa malengo hayo yote yawe yamekamilika. <br /><br />Msaada huo wa usafiri wa pikipiki 400 kwa nchi nzima umegharimu kati ya shilingi milioni 12 na milioni 16 kutokana na pikipiki moja kununuliwa kwa bei ya wastani wa kati ya shilingi milioni tatu na milioni nne. <br /><br />Askofu Mkuu wa Kanisa la TAG,John Mtokambali aliyasema hayo kwenye halfa ya kukabidhi pikipiki 400 kwa waangalizi wa makanisa ya TAG Tanzania,hafla ambayo ilifanyika katika kanisa la TAG Mandewa,mjini Singida. <br /><br />“Na tumetoa pikipiki hizi kwa makusudi makubwa matatu,kwanza kila mwangalizi ambaye ni kama mkuu wa wilaya wa kanisa letu anao wajibu wa kikanisa anao wajibu wa kikatiba,kutambua kwamba pikipiki hizi zitaharakisha kuwapa wepesi wa kuharakisha utekelezaji wa majukumu yao”alifafanua. <br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa Askofu huyo jukumu la pili ni kuwezesha utekelezaji wa diya ya maendeleo ya kanisa letu,kanisa letu lina dira ya maendeleo yenye malengo makuu kumi ambayo yanalenga ifikapo mwaka 2018 malengo hayo yote yawe yamekamilika. <br /><br />Mapema akizuzngumza na waumini wa madhehebu ya Kanisa hilo la TAG Mkoani Singida,Katibu Tawala Msaidizi kitengo cha maji,Mhandisi,Lidya Joseph aliwahimiza zaidi waumini wa madhehebu ya dini mbali mbali juu ya umuhimu wa kuhubiri amani,utii pamoja na kuwajibika kwa wananchi wao. <br /><br />“Kwa kweli sisi kama serikali tunasisitiza sana watu wa madhehebu ya dini waendelee kuhubiri amani,wahubiri utii pamoja na kuwajibika kwa wananchi na tunawapongeza sana kwa hatua hii ambapo nimeelezwa kuwa pikipiki hizi ni kwa ajili ya watendakazi wa kanisa,basi waendelee kuwa na juhudi katika kuwahimiza washirika wao ili wawe raia wema na waendelee kulitumikia vizuri jamuhuri ya muungano wa Tanzania”alisisitiza mwakilishi huyo wa serikali. <br /><br />Akizungumza kwa niaba ya waangalizi waliopokea usafiri huo wa pikipiki,Mchungaji Kalebi Patrick Maumbuka wa kanisa la TAG,Ikungi Mkoani Singida alisema usafiri huo wa pikipiki utawasaidia sana kutangaza neno la Mungu kwa haraka zaidi,kwani awali walikuwa wakitegemea usafiri wa mabasi ambayo yalichangia kuwakwamisha kufikisha ujumbe wa neno la mungu kwa wakati muafaka. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

KANISA LA TAG LAKABIDHI PIKIPIKI 400 KWA WAANGALIZI WA MAKANISA

Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Singida KANISA la Assemblies of God Tanzania (TAG) limewapatia waangalizi wa majimbo 33 nchini ya Kanisa hilo,ili ...

Read more »

A More Affordable Uber for the People of Nairobi

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9vCWZSWTuI/V5nRW2jnLpI/AAAAAAAAHF8/UJ3FRPIR4kISGWakCt3ycZTg6SEhw06OACLcB/s1600/Uber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="104" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9vCWZSWTuI/V5nRW2jnLpI/AAAAAAAAHF8/UJ3FRPIR4kISGWakCt3ycZTg6SEhw06OACLcB/s400/Uber.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.uber.com/">More </a>than one million trips have been made using Uber since our launch in Kenya’s capital in January 2015. Added together, that’s roughly eight million kilometers, or enough to go to the moon and back ten times. Those trips didn’t happen on a space rocket though - they happened right here in cars on the streets of Nairobi, with more than 1,000 local drivers earning money as a result.<br /><br />The reason we offer such good value prices is because our advanced technology means there are fewer minutes wasted for drivers. With Uber, drivers don’t sit idle in a queue waiting for their next passenger. And they don’t travel as far, or as often, with an empty car.<br /><br />Now we want to get even more business for our partners - by dropping prices by 35%. After years of experience, including in cities like Lagos in Nigeria, we have learnt that price cuts boost demand so more people request more rides with Uber, meaning drivers spend more time earning.<br /><br />It’s a virtuous cycle. We can keep prices low for everyone, while maximising the amount of time drivers have a rider in the back seat.<br /><br />Nate Anderson, Uber’s General Manager in Kenya, explains, “We are committed to making Uber the most affordable and safest option to move around Nairobi. Our experience shows us we can make that happen while making Uber the best way for drivers to earn. This also means riders can ditch their car keys and travel with Uber more often. For some it will make Uber cheaper than owning a car. This means fewer cars on the road, less traffic, and fewer issues trying to find parking.”<br /><br />To help drivers using Uber, Uber has also partnered with Total to provide some great deals on fuel. This partnership allows Nairobi driver-partners to receive a great discount off every litre of fuel and as an added extra they can get a power wash for KES200.<br /><br />“We believe these changes will help, but while the city adjusts to the new prices, we are putting in place minimum payment guarantees for drivers to ensure they don’t lose out. And if the amount they make on the road isn't what we expect, we’ll reassess this price change,” says Nate Anderson.<br /><br />Uber is all about making sure people have a safe, reliable, affordable and convenient way to get from A to B. With these changes, Uber hopes even more people in Nairobi will let Uber help them get where they need to be.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Uber. </span></div> </div>

A More Affordable Uber for the People of Nairobi

More than one million trips have been made using Uber since our launch in Kenya’s capital in January 2015. Added together, that’s roughl...

Read more »

WANYAMA WAHARIBIFU AINA YA NGEDERE WAHARIBU MAZAO YA WANANCHI WA MKALAMA

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VqtnIzIhik/V5nQublHDXI/AAAAAAAAHF4/9y1tEXKOreQjKkW17NPDvPqdxO_WE3wXACLcB/s1600/wanyama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2VqtnIzIhik/V5nQublHDXI/AAAAAAAAHF4/9y1tEXKOreQjKkW17NPDvPqdxO_WE3wXACLcB/s400/wanyama.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Mkalama <br />ZAIDI ya ekari 250 za mazao mbali mbali yakiwemo mahindi,mtama,karanga na alzeti katika kata ya Ibaga,tarafa ya Kirumi,wilayani Mkalama yameharibiwa na wanyama waharibifu waitwao ngedere na hivyo kusababisha wakulima wengi kutofikia malengo waliyojiwekea ya mavuno yao waliyotarajia. <br /><br />Ngedere hao wanaokadiriwa kufikia zaidi ya 20,000 wamekuwepo katika kata ya Ibaga,tarafa ya Kirumi,Wilayani Mkalama na kuendelea kuwasumbua wakulima wa mazao hayo kwa kipindi cha takribani kati ya miaka saba hadi minane sasa. <br /><br />Akitoa ufafanuzi wa swali lililoulizwa kwa Mbunge wa jimbo la Iramba Mashariki,Allan Kiulla na mkulima wa Kijiji cha Ibaga,Mwendomgelwa Kingu aliyetaka kufafamu serikali imejipangaje kuondoa kero ya wanyama hao waharibifu,diwani wa kata ya Ibaga,Salumu Abdallah Lindi alibainisha kuwa kero hiyo inatokana na Halmashauri ya wilaya ya Mkalama kutokuwa na wataalamu wa idara ya wanyamapori wa kupambana na wanyama hao waharibifu. <br /><br />Aidha Lindi akizungumza katika mkutano ulioitishwa na mbunge huyo kwa lengo la kuwashururu wananchi kwa kumchagua ikiwa ni pamoja na kusikiliza kero zao zinazowakera uliofanyika katika Kijiji cha Ibaga,alisema wanyama hao wanaokadiriwa kufikia 20,000,wana zaidi ya miaka saba hadi minane kwenye eneo hilo na wanaendeleo kula mazao ya wananchi. <br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa mwakilishi huyo wa wananchi tangu alipoingia madarakani mwaka 2015,alishatoa taarifa kwa afisa mazingira wa Halmashauri ya wilaya ya Mkalama bila mafanikio. <br /><br />“Tangu nimeingia madarakani nikiwa kama diwani nilishawasiliana na afisa mazingira wa wilaya lakini mpaka sasa hivi hakuna juhudi zozote zile zilizochukuliwa dhidi ya kukabiliana na ngedere hawa”alisisitiza diwani huyo. <br /><br />Hata hivyo Lindi alitumia fursa hiyo kuiomba serikali ya wilaya hiyo ikiangalie kilio cha wananchi wa kata ya Ibaga na kuhakikisha inamtuma haraka afisa mazingira ili aweze kwenda kwenye maeneo hayo na kuangalia uwezekano wa kukabiliana na ngedere hao ambao kwa kiasi kikubwa wanawaathiri wakulima wao. <br /><br />Alisisitiza kwamba wakulima wa maeneo hayo wamekuwa wakiutumia muda wao mwingi kufukuzana na ngedere hao na kuacha kabisa kushiriki katika shughuli mbali mbali za mendeleo ya vijiji vyao. <br /><br />Katika swali lake la msingi kwa Mbunge wa jimbo la Iramba mashariki,mkulima wa Kijiji cha Ibaga,Mwendomgelwa Kingu alimuomba mbunge huyo kuhakikisha wataalamu wa idara ya wanyamapori wanafika katika kata hiyo kwenda kuondoa kero ya wanyama hao waharibifu wa mazao. <br /><br />“Hapa tumeingiliwa na wanyama wametoroka porini,naomba wahusika waje kwa njia yeyote ile wawarudishe porini kwa kutumia utaalamu wao wanyama hawa wanaitwa ngedere”alifafanua mwananchi huyo na mkulima wa Kijiji cha Ibaga. <br /><br />Huku akimshirikisha Mungu katika kula kiapo,Kingu aliweka wazi kuwa pamoja na kutumia nguvu zao kulima mazao hayo,lakini akaonesha masikitiko yake kutokana na kugawana mapato ya mazao hayo na wanyama hao. <br /><br />“Ukweli tunagawana mapato yetu hasa karanga na mahindi naomba kama mbunge wetu hili utatusaidiaje,yaani humo wameenea mwote humu tunagawana sana mavuno yetu,ukiwa kama mbunge hawa wanyama wametoroka”alifafanua mkulima huyo. <br /><br />Akijibu hoja za wananchi wa Kijiji cha Ibaga kyhusu wanyama hao waharibifu,Mbunge wa jimbo la Iramba mashariki,Allan Kiulla aliwataka wananchi kujenga utamaduni wa kuwatumia viongozi wao kwa kuwapelekea matatizo yanayowakabili ili waweze kuyashughulikia. <br /><br />“Sasa tutumie serikali zetu hawa si ndiyo tuliowachagua sisi wenyewe,hebu tuwaamini tuwatume kazi…..sawa basi tutafuatilia kwa karibu wilayani,tutafikisha na mimi leo napita wilayani ntafikisha ujumbe wenu huu,sawa jamani?alihoji Mbunge Kiulla. <br /><br />Kwa upande wake diwani wa viti maalumu,Tarafa ya Kirumi,Habiba Issah Kununta alimthibitishia mbunge Kiulla kwamba suala la ngedere linawasumbua kwa kiasi kikubwa wananchi wa kata hiyo. <br /><br />Hata hivyo mwakilishi huyo wa wananchi aliweka bayana kuwa wanyama hao waharibifu wamekuwa wakila mahindi,kwani mara tu wakulima wanapopanda mbegu,wanyama hao hufukua na kuanza kuzila mbegu hizo. <br /><br />Alibainisha Habiba akiwa kama diwani wa viti maalumu Tarafa ya Kirumi alishawahi kwenda wilayani Iramba kabla ya kugawanywa kuwa wilaya mbili na kutoa taarifa mara mbili na walipogawanyika alitoa taarifa mara moja,lakini jibu alilopewa ni kwamba Halmashauri haina afisa mali asili wa wilaya,kitendo kinachoendelea kuwaumiza sana wananchi. <br /><br />Akizungumzia uharibifu wa mazao hayo kwa niaba ya serikali,Afisa Tarafa wa Kirumi,Juma Salumu Sima alielezea jitihada zilizochukuliwa na serikali kuwa ni wananchi wenyewe kulinda mashamba yao ili wanyama hao wasiendelee kuvamia mashamba hayo pamoja na kutoa taarifa kwenye idara ya wanyamapori ili waweze kufika haraka kuwaondoa wanyama hao. <br /><br />“Kuhusu na suala la uharibifu wa wanyama hawa ngedere katika eneo hili la Ibaga,kweli uchunguzi umefanyika zaidi ya ekari 250 zimeharibiwa na wanyama wale sababu wao wanakula kwa kuchimba karanga ambazo tayari zimeshakomaa na kula alzeti iliyokomaa na mahindi mashambani”alifafanua afisa tarafa huyo. <br /><br />Aidha Sima aliweka bayana kwamba kufuatia tathimini iliyofanyika,ni zaidi ya ekari 250 zimeharibiwa na wanyama hao aina ya ngedere. <br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa Sima juhudi walizochukua ni pamoja na wananchi wenyewe kulinda mashamba yao na kwamba wakulima hao wamekuwa wakiutumia muda wao mwingi kwa kazi ya kukabiliana na wanyama hao na kuacha kushiriki katika shughuli mbali mbali za mendeleo. <br /><br />Hata hivyo kwa mujibu wa afisa tarafa huyo ni kwamba tayari wamekwishatoa taarifa wilayani kwenye idara inayoshughulikia wanyamapori ili waweze kwenda kuwasaidia kuokoa maisha ya watu na mali zao kutoendelea kuharibika kutokana na mashambulizi hayo ya ngedere. </span></div> </div>

WANYAMA WAHARIBIFU AINA YA NGEDERE WAHARIBU MAZAO YA WANANCHI WA MKALAMA

Na,Jumbe Ismailly-Mkalama ZAIDI ya ekari 250 za mazao mbali mbali yakiwemo mahindi,mtama,karanga na alzeti katika kata ya Ibaga,tarafa...

Read more »

TreatmentforAll campaign to support treatment expansion and stop the spread of HIV

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWAmTyHqcE8/V5XdCYH2mdI/AAAAAAAAHFk/5iOxo7dsQJ8Q8TYF_EBgBlimGR9v0pBoACLcB/s1600/va.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pWAmTyHqcE8/V5XdCYH2mdI/AAAAAAAAHFk/5iOxo7dsQJ8Q8TYF_EBgBlimGR9v0pBoACLcB/s400/va.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Alongside the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Health in Agenda 2030 and Ventures Africa, will debut Treatment For All: Our Lives, Our Stories, a documentary film that captures the deeply personal narratives of three African protagonists as they explore the impact of HIV on their lives and detail the wider ecosystem that supports access to treatment. A worldwide premiere of the film will take place at 9:00am SAST at the U.S. government exhibition booth at AIDS 2016, and will feature an engaging dialogue on treatment expansion as a key tool in the global HIV/AIDS response between Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and U.S. Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, and Uzodinma Iweala, Founder and CEO of Ventures Africa. This dialogue will also be live-streamed on Facebook Live.<br /><br />Treatment for All: Our Lives, Our Stories chronicles the HIV epidemic as told through unscripted monologues of people contemplating themselves, HIV, and treatment in relation to crosscutting themes such as happiness, mortality, relationships, stigma and work. This is the second film to support the #TreatmentforAll campaign, a global movement launched on the eve of World AIDS Day 2015 to bring an end to the AIDS epidemic by scaling-up access to treatment for all people diagnosed with HIV. #TreatmentforAll calls on countries to prioritize the adoption of key policies and provide high-quality implementation to support the collective vision of treatment for all people living with HIV. The movement's shared goal is to ensure treatment for 28 million people by 2020.<br /><br />"Achieving treatment for all would be a game changer in ending the epidemic by 2030," said Ambassador Deborah L. Birx. "PEPFAR is supporting partner countries in rapidly adopting and implementing the 2015 WHO guidelines for "Test and START" and more efficient service delivery models. Together, we can save and improve millions of lives."<br /><br />#TreatmentForAll was launched in response to the World Health Organization's (WHO) landmark HIV treatment guidelines, which for the first time called for everyone infected with HIV to be treated immediately. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), nearly 37 million people are currently HIV-positive, and of those only 17 million are currently on treatment. Treating all is key to ending the epidemic, and can be done with a more efficient use of existing resources and critical policy changes in high HIV burden countries. Together, by prioritizing and fast-tracking treatment, the world can collectively aim to support the shared vision of 28 million men, women and children on treatment by 2020. According to projections, this would reduce the number of new AIDS-related deaths and HIV infections by nearly 50 percent. <br /><br />"We have been at war with HIV/AIDS for over three decades now, amounting to millions of unnecessary deaths and affecting millions more. It is morally reprehensible to delay the delivery of treatment to all people suffering from the virus, particularly as we have the funding to provide all with treatment" said Ray Chambers, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Health in Agenda 2030 and for Malaria. "It is our collective responsibility to heed this call and provide treatment for all now."<br /><br />Recent momentum has set the path toward achieving #TreatmentforAll. A total of 22 countries have already adopted the 2015 World Health Organization Guidelines recommending that all people living with HIV be treated immediately, and many more countries have announced their intention to adopt these Guidelines by the end of 2016.<br /><br />"The way we speak about the epidemic is crucial in framing how the public at large, patients, health care providers and policy makers unite to find solutions to a problem that has been with us for so long," said Uzo Iweala, Founder and CEO of Ventures Africa. "We have come so far in the last ten years and it is clear that improving access to treatment is key in changing the local and global narratives around HIV and AIDS. Treatment for All: Our Lives, Our Stories is a short film that in looking at how narratives change when treatment becomes available also seeks to change the way that we view HIV/AIDS in the twenty-first century." <br /><br />#TreatmentForAll is one of the first movements to join Facebook's internal social good initiative, Global Causes. Global Causes is a Facebook-wide program with an array of social good activities and serves as an opportunity for people to connect with each other over causes they care about, volunteer in local communities and educate and train nonprofits on how to use the Facebook platform and solutions most effectively. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).</span></div> </div>

TreatmentforAll campaign to support treatment expansion and stop the spread of HIV

Alongside the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFA...

Read more »

L’Oréal Accelerates Product Development for Sub-Saharan Africa Thanks to New Research & Innovation Center

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zKhAaN9Lj8/V5XcpT5Kv-I/AAAAAAAAHFg/tK-ynltdk78X-HCZxgkta8nWJEtRM6HGQCLcB/s1600/ore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7zKhAaN9Lj8/V5XcpT5Kv-I/AAAAAAAAHFg/tK-ynltdk78X-HCZxgkta8nWJEtRM6HGQCLcB/s400/ore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.loreal.com/">L’Oréal</a> inaugurated today its new Research & Innovation Center to study African hair and skin specificities as well as the beauty routines and expectations of sub-Saharan consumers. The Research & Innovation Center in South Africa is the Group’s 7th R&I hub globally. It hosts product development, evaluation and advanced research teams and will employ scientists from the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, physiology, cosmetology and biochemistry.<br /><br />Alexandre Popoff, Executive Vice-President Eastern Europe and Africa, Middle East, said “Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest growing regions for L’Oréal. Our new research arm in South Africa will solidly enable us to continually create the beauty products of the future for our African consumers, while drawing inspiration from the diverse beauty rituals and the various needs of our consumers on the continent.”<br /><br />Laurent Attal, Executive Vice-President of Research and Innovation, said “By opening this new Research & Innovation Center, we are spearheading L'Oréal Research for the African continent. We are showing our determination to go further in innovations for the African beauty market. Our consumer surveys conducted since 2010 and our in-depth studies of skin and hair since early 2000, represent the knowledge base for the development of tailored products for African consumers. We are starting with hair and our ambitions are much broader and cover the body, hygiene, skin care and makeup categories.” <br /><br />Deep knowledge of African beauty<br /><br />The Research activity in South Africa started in 2003 with an Evaluation Center focused on consumer knowledge and product assessment. The mission of the brand new Research & Innovation Center is to translate beauty needs and hair and skin knowledge into innovative products ranging from hair care, hair color, relaxers and shapers to personal hygiene. Cutting edge instruments to visualize the skin surface, the spots or to measure hair breakage and rigorous protocols are used daily to assess the technical, functional and sensorial benefits of the products. The key areas will be skin evenness, sebum, acne, dryness, hair manageability, sensitive scalp and the fine tuning of fragrances.<br /><br />The new Research & Innovation Center will also cooperate with the African scientific ecosystem, universities, dermatologists, natural biodiversity centers as well as hairdressers.<br /><br />Innovating for the African consumer<br /><br />L’Oréal has already introduced key beauty innovations for African consumers. For example, the African Beauty Brands team has brought to the market the black oil technology for hair color, failsafe relaxers as well as skin evenness routines. In addition, customized products such as Hair Food and Makeup fully adapted to African skin tones are already offered to sub-Saharan consumers. <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of L'Oréal Group. </span></div> </div>

L’Oréal Accelerates Product Development for Sub-Saharan Africa Thanks to New Research & Innovation Center

L’Oréal inaugurated today its new Research & Innovation Center to study African hair and skin specificities as well as the beauty r...

Read more »

Aquila's First Flight: a Big Milestone Toward Connecting Billions of People

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLKN_PIKSjg/V5Xb4qNz_OI/AAAAAAAAHFc/u3bIgIwjOX4FdqfaxYd5R06J7Q12UW17gCLcB/s1600/facb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLKN_PIKSjg/V5Xb4qNz_OI/AAAAAAAAHFc/u3bIgIwjOX4FdqfaxYd5R06J7Q12UW17gCLcB/s400/facb.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.newsroom.fb.com/">Facebook</a> is accelerating its efforts to bring internet connectivity to the four billion people around the world who are not yet online, with the goal of contributing to prosperity, progress and development around the globe. The company’s Connectivity Lab has reached a major milestone in this ambition with the first full-scale test flight of Aquila, an unmanned solar-powered airplane that can be used to bring affordable internet to hundreds of millions of people in the hardest-to-reach places.<br /><br />Internet access can offer life-changing opportunities, information, and experiences, but 1.6 billion people today live in remote locations with no access to mobile broadband networks. Facebook is building new technologies like Aquila to help address this challenge.<br /><br />When complete, Aquila will be able to circle a region up to 60 miles in diameter, beaming connectivity down from an altitude of more than 60,000 feet using laser communications and millimetre wave systems. Aquila is designed to fly for up to three months at a time.<br /><br />The aircraft has the wingspan of an airliner, but at cruising speed it will consume only 5,000 watts — the same amount as three hair dryers, or a high-end microwave. Facebook has flown a 1/5th-scale version of Aquila for several months, but this was the first flight of the full-scale aircraft.<br /><br />This test flight was designed to verify the operational models and overall aircraft design. To prove out the full capacity of the design, Facebook will push Aquila to the limits in a lengthy series of tests in the coming months and years. As encouraging as the first successful flight is, there is still plenty of work to be done.<br /><br />To reach the goal of being able to fly over a remote region and deliver connectivity for up to three months at time, Facebook will need to break the world record for solar-powered unmanned flight, which currently stands at two weeks. This will require significant advancements in science and engineering to achieve. It will also require Facebook to work closely with operators, governments, and other partners to deploy these aircraft in the regions where they'll be most effective.<br /><br />Facebook’s mission is to connect the world and with their growing team of aerospace, optical physics, RF communications and other world experts, and existing relationships with the technology community, telcos, governments, and communities that use Facebook, the company is uniquely positioned to do this work.<br /><br />To date, Facebook’s connectivity efforts, which include initiatives like Free Basics, are estimated to have brought more than 25 million people online who wouldn’t be otherwise. <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Facebook. </span></div> </div>

Aquila's First Flight: a Big Milestone Toward Connecting Billions of People

Facebook is accelerating its efforts to bring internet connectivity to the four billion people around the world who are not yet online, w...

Read more »

Staying the Course, Despite a Relative Economic Slow Down

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1JYdDMG-M4/V5Xas354h7I/AAAAAAAAHFU/kvDQak285XodSRZVFDc3Nfx3vP60A-nRQCLcB/s1600/Build0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1JYdDMG-M4/V5Xas354h7I/AAAAAAAAHFU/kvDQak285XodSRZVFDc3Nfx3vP60A-nRQCLcB/s400/Build0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">According to EY’s <a href="http://www.ey.com/">www.EY.com</a> 2016 Africa attractiveness program 2016, Staying the course, despite a relative slow down, Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the fastest growing regions in the world. This is reflected in the foreign direct investment (FDI) levels in 2015, where FDI project numbers increased by seven percent. Although, the capital value of projects was down year-on-year — from US$88.5b in 2014 to US$71.3b in 2015 — this was still higher than the 2010–2014 average of US$68b. Similarly, jobs created were down year-on-year, but, again ahead of the average for 2010–2014.<br /><br />Ajen Sita, Africa Chief Executive Officer at EY, comments, “Over the past year, global markets have experienced unprecedented volatility. We’ve witnessed the collapse of commodity prices and a number of currencies across Africa, and with reference to the two largest markets, starting with South Africa, we saw GDP growth decline sharply to below one percent and the country averting a credit ratings downgrade; in Nigeria, the slowdown in that economy was impacted further by the decline in the oil price and currency devaluation pressure.”<br /><br />Sita adds, “The reality is that economic growth across the region is likely to remain slower in coming years than it has been over the past 10 to 15 years, and the main reasons for a relative slowdown are not unique to Africa. In fact, Africa was one of the only two regions in the world in which there was growth in FDI project levels over the past year.”<br /><br />East Africa closes the FDI gap, with Kenya a big gainer<br /><br />In 2015, East Africa recorded its highest share of FDI across Africa, achieving 26.3% of total projects. Southern Africa remained the largest investment region on the continent, although projects were down 11.6% from 2014 levels. The West Africa region saw a rebound in FDI projects by 16.2%, and interestingly in 2015, the region became the leading recipient of capital investment on the continent, outpacing Southern Africa.<br /><br />North Africa experienced 8.5% year-on-year growth in FDI projects. Furthermore, while projects are increasing in North Africa, they are increasing at a much faster rate in Sub-Saharan Africa.<br /><br />Michael Lalor, EY’s Africa Business Center Leader, adds, “In a context of heightened concerns about economic and political risk across the continent, FDI flows remain robust, and in line with levels we have seen over the past five years. A key factor here is the structural shift in FDI — from a high concentration of source countries and destination markets and sectors, to a far more diverse FDI landscape. As a result, risks and opportunities are being spread much wider, and there is no longer an overdependence on a limited group of investors or sectors to drive FDI performance.”<br /><br />Historical investors gain strength, new investors emerge<br /><br />The US retained its position in 2015, as the largest investor in the continent, with 96 investment projects valued at US$6.9b. During 2015, traditional investors such as the UK and France, as well as the UAE and India, also showed renewed interest in Africa.<br /><br />Investors diversify focus across sectors<br /><br />Over the past decade, there has been a shift in sector focus in FDI from extractive to consumer-facing industries. Mining and metals, coal, oil and natural gas, which were previously the key sectors attracting major FDI flows, have given way to consumer products and retail (CPR), financial services and technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), accounting for 44.7% of FDI projects in 2015. In 2015, further evidence of sector diversification came through, with business services, automotive, cleantech and life sciences all rising in significance and becoming the likely “next wave” for investors.<br /><br />Striking a balance between growth, profitability and managing risk<br /><br />Sita concludes, “Given the growth potential in and relative underdevelopment of many African markets, the primary focus for many companies over the past few years has been on entering new markets, capturing market share and driving revenue growth. A combination of factors — including tightening economic conditions, increasingly well-informed consumers and citizens, intensifying competition, a heightened sense of global geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting priorities from global or regional HQ — is now driving a change in focus toward striking a greater balance between growth, profitability and risk management.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of EY. </span></div> </div>

Staying the Course, Despite a Relative Economic Slow Down

According to EY’s www.EY.com 2016 Africa attractiveness program 2016, Staying the course, despite a relative slow down, Sub-Saharan Afr...

Read more »

Eko Atlantic City Completes Eko Boulevard, Nigeria’s First 8 Lane City Road

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk5seECqUmY/V487xSMSGAI/AAAAAAAAHE8/6xVwTVLXd1EaJ6V7zibHiJqgAHo6EhiRACLcB/s1600/oka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk5seECqUmY/V487xSMSGAI/AAAAAAAAHE8/6xVwTVLXd1EaJ6V7zibHiJqgAHo6EhiRACLcB/s400/oka.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Eko </span><a href="http://www.ekoatlantic.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Atlantic</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> City , a unique, innovative development, in a vibrant environment with 21st Century facilities on the coast of Lagos has reached advanced stagesin the first 5 million sq. metres of the project. The city notonly boasts of independent power and water supply,seamless communications network but also anextensive citywide road network. This will be the first of its kind in Lagos and Nigeria.<br /><br />The city, which is divided into 8 districts, is planned for mixed-use with commercial, residential, entertainment and leisure activities to make the city a 24/7 lively environment. City amenities and services will include an international school, hospital, and a high qualityshopping mall, the largest in sub Saharan Africa.<br /><br />The city’s road design and construction has been built according to world’s best practiceswith beautifully paved sidewalks,tree-lined and streetlights completed with a stunning ocean view. One of the considerations when developing the Eko Atlanticcity was to guarantee free flowing traffic. This has now been achieved with the major road network recently completed. The extensive road networks now clearly defined with an area in excess of 200,000 sq. metres. Most significantly Eko Boulevard, an 8 lane Boulevard, 1500M long ( similar to the 5th Avenue in New York) the focal point of the Business District is fully completed from Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island to the Ocean Front, where an exquisite waterfront entertainment is being planned.<br /><br />“We are extremely proud to have achieved another major milestone in the development of Eko Atlantic City. This futuristic city is not just for residential and commercial activities but a tourist attraction. We strongly believe the new boulevard will enhance business activities and be the ideal location for company headquarters, luxury and business hotels and also residential elements as well as attracting tourists from all over Africa,” says Ronald Chagoury Jr.<br /><br />In addition, the city’sinfrastructure network makes it the most technically advanced city inNigeria. It comes with a fullyintegrated autonomous and reliable infrastructurenetworks with all its undergroundservice pipes installed under the extensive paved sidewalks( such as the storm-water drains, sewer drains, water supply piping, power cables and IT network ).<br /><br />In 2006 South Energyx Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of The Chagoury Group was awarded the concession to reclaim land, develop infrastructure and act as the exclusive authority over the development of Eko Atlantic city, next to Victoria Island in Lagos. Furthermore, South Energyx Nigeria Limited was specifically created to oversee the planning and development of Eko Atlantic, the new city of Lagos.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Eko Atlantic. </span></div> </div>

Eko Atlantic City Completes Eko Boulevard, Nigeria’s First 8 Lane City Road

Eko Atlantic City , a unique, innovative development, in a vibrant environment with 21st Century facilities on the coast of Lagos has r...

Read more »

Digital transformation in education key to stirring growth in East Africa, upskilling youth and employment

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knk_IYrUPRY/V487JzK1UpI/AAAAAAAAHE4/7Ule5XorOtIQQomEtA-DIcSRYoLRq-TaQCLcB/s1600/kontena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-knk_IYrUPRY/V487JzK1UpI/AAAAAAAAHE4/7Ule5XorOtIQQomEtA-DIcSRYoLRq-TaQCLcB/s400/kontena.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">There's an ongoing discussion about development in East Africa and a new narrative have emerged in recent years that it is a lot more exciting. It is a story of resilience, self-reliance and a passion for growth facilitated largely by technology.<br /><br />It is therefore encouraging to see trade investments being committed by South Korea and its East African counterparts, as it will allow more people to access technology and address the issues of skills and employment. Case in point is the signing of a bilateral deal to set up a key science and technology institute in Kenya for a tune of 10 billion Kenyan Shillings which could prove to be an important accelarator of growth.<br /><br />But the issue of education, skills and employment are not for the public sector alone. It is against this backdrop that Samsung Electronics Africa have adopted an attitude of innovation; introducing world-class technology where it previously hasn't existed. <br /><br />Our aim is to make sure that every African child have access to education no matter where they are - be it in a rural area lacking infrastructure or perhaps in an existing infrastrastructure but lacks educational resources - by providing access to technology.<br /><br />Samsung sees education as the seed of innovation and we believe digital technology can completely transform the learning process, as well as the nature of teaching and learning, to create inclusive environments for everyone. <br /><br />Our Solar Powered Internet Schools, Smart Schools and E-Learning Centres provide <br /><img border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" /> <br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://imgssl.constantcontact.com/letters/images/sys/S.gif" /> <br /><br />solutions that deliver on this vision, and improve the quality of learning, enhance teaching effectiveness and allow administrators to run institutions more effectively. We work with educators around the world to improve learning experiences through the use of technology, facilitating a classroom environment that gives students access to a world of knowledge.<br /><br /><br />Through these initiatives, Samsung hopes to instill a love of learning in students so that they may have equal access to opportunities and go on to become active participants in the economy. <br /><br /><br /><br />For example, the Samsung Electronics Engineering Academy provides extensive, hands-on training to learners in the technical field. The programme forms a core part of Samsung's vision to fast-track the entry of African youths into the electronics job market and to reduce the shortage of scarce skills in the IT industry.<br /><br />We see our efforts - along with those of our government and NPO partners - as an ecosystem. Samsung's aim is to increase the number of learners accessing technology, an aspect vital to their education process. This in turn allows learners to learn apt skills which will prepare them for the workplace of the future and acquiring in-demand skills is a critical step not only for individual, but also for social and economic development and the upliftment of the continent.<br /><br />Africa has a beautiful story to tell. And a responsible corporate citizen, Samsung is committed to help write this story through the innovation, expertise and technology we provide. <br /><br />And from were we sit, the story is made up of various episodes of digital innovation, hope and truimph that will soon be seen and heard around the globe. <br /><br />Abey Tau is the Public Affairs and Corporate Citizenship Manager for Samsung Electronics Africa. With over 10 years' experience in the local and global development arena, Abey was a South African finalist in the 2014 Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) / Mandela Washington Fellow and was selected by the National Empowerment Fund as one of 56 young junior managers for a secondment in Paris in 2011. He continues to sit on the Board of AIESEC at Monash University.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Samsung Electronics Africa.</span></div> </div>

Digital transformation in education key to stirring growth in East Africa, upskilling youth and employment

There's an ongoing discussion about development in East Africa and a new narrative have emerged in recent years that it is a lot mor...

Read more »

AFC concludes debut CHF bond issue

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPbo9cidDCs/V486fGhtGmI/AAAAAAAAHEs/S28EELG9P1I1WomFM8ZLXQ-VTv90qf18gCLcB/s1600/french.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPbo9cidDCs/V486fGhtGmI/AAAAAAAAHEs/S28EELG9P1I1WomFM8ZLXQ-VTv90qf18gCLcB/s400/french.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Africa Finance Corporation ('AFC'), a leading pan-African multilateral development finance institution and project developer, has issued its debut senior unsecured Swiss Franc (CHF) denominated bond, raising CHF 100 million with a tenor of 3 years and 150 days. The bond which pays an annual coupon of 0.85% has a settlement date of 27 July 2016 and maturity date of 27 December 2019. <br /><br />UBS Investment Bank and Deutsche Bank AG London Branch, acting through Deutsche Bank AG Zurich Branch were Joint Lead Managers on the transaction while J.P. Morgan Securities plc and MUFG Securities EMEA plc were Hedging Banks.<br /><br />The bond was issued following a non-deal roadshow in Geneva and Zurich held in June 2016. The bond issuance enables AFC to further diversify its funding sources and will provide additional long-term liquidity to support the Corporation's investment activities. The proceeds of this bond issue will be used to fund vital infrastructure projects across the African continent.<br /><br />Andrew Alli, President & CEO of AFC, said: <br /><br />"Through our experience as both a financier and project developer, AFC has over the years demonstrated its ability to deliver essential infrastructure projects in Africa that will help grow African economies. We are very proud to issue our debut CHF bond as this enables us to tap a new and very important investor base as we diversify our funding sources. AFC continues to promote the real opportunities in African infrastructure around the world. <br /><br />"At a time of heightened international volatility, AFC continues to provide opportunities to invest in African infrastructure to investors around the world. The successful issuance of this bond demonstrates continued investor confidence in AFC and our ability to deliver for our investors and for African economies."<br /><br />Ade Adebajo, Executive Director at UBS in London further commented: <br /><br />"We are very pleased to help AFC establish this debut CHF bond issue. We view this transaction as a further step in AFC's strategy, to diversify its funding base across multiple currencies and investors, from time to time."<br /><br />Henrik Johnsson, MD and Head of EMEA Debt Syndicate at Deutsche Bank, added: "we believe that AFC's bold and successful entry into the CHF market will pave the way for other new market entrants as investors continue to diversify their holdings".<br /><br />To date the Corporation has invested US$3.2 billion in projects across 25 African countries and in a wide range of sectors including power, telecommunications, transport and logistics, natural resources, and heavy industries.<br /><br />In June 2016, the AFC was awarded an A3/P-2 , investment grade credit rating with a stable outlook by international ratings agency Moody's for a third consecutive year.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).</span></div> </div>

AFC concludes debut CHF bond issue

Africa Finance Corporation ('AFC'), a leading pan-African multilateral development finance institution and project developer, ha...

Read more »

World must work together to ensure Africa's young can seize their potential and thrive, says Bill Gates

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVYVRNi21bs/V486C5MZCwI/AAAAAAAAHEk/IyRBIqvazfIz6gscqV7jvS1vwGgkdgXSACLcB/s1600/world2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BVYVRNi21bs/V486C5MZCwI/AAAAAAAAHEk/IyRBIqvazfIz6gscqV7jvS1vwGgkdgXSACLcB/s400/world2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Africa's future rests in the hands of its youth - and every effort must be made to ensure they thrive, philanthropist and entrepreneur Bill Gates said in South Africa today (EDITORS: SUNDAY, 17 July 2016). <br /><br />Delivering the 2016 Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture at the University of Pretoria (Mamelodi campus), Gates said he was optimistic about the future of the continent - because of its young people. <br /><br />Pointing out that Africa was demographically the world's youngest continent - in the next 35 years, it is estimated that 2-billion babies will be born in Africa and by 2050, 40% of the world's children will live in Africa - Gates said he believed Africa's youth "can be the source of a special dynamism". <br /><br />"Economists talk about the demographic dividend. When you have more people of working age, and fewer dependents for them to take care of, you can generate phenomenal economic growth. Rapid economic growth in East Asia in the 1970s and 1980s was partly driven by the large number of young people moving into their work force. <br /><br />"But for me, the most important thing about young people is the way their minds work. Young people are better than old people at driving innovation, because they are not locked in by the limits of the past. The real returns will come if we can multiply this talent for innovation by the whole of Africa's growing youth population," he said. <br /><br />Gates used the platform of the 14th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture - the Nelson Mandela Foundation's flagship programme to honour its founder, Nelson Mandela, and to raise topical issues affecting South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world - to lay out his vision of how to create a better world. The theme of his speech was "Living Together". <br /><br />Gates said he had admired Mandela, whom he had met on many occasions. He said that "one topic that Nelson Mandela came back to over and over again was the power of youth". <br /><br />"He knew what he was talking about, because he started his career as a member of the African National Congress Youth League when he was still in his twenties. Later on, he understood that highlighting the oppression of young people was a powerful way to explain why things must change. There is a universal appeal to the conviction that youth deserve a chance. I agree with Mandela about young people, and that is one reason I am optimistic about the future of this continent," said Gates. <br /><br />But to exploit Africa's potential, its young people needed to be given "every opportunity to thrive". <br /><br />"We are the human beings who must take action, and we have to decide now, because this unique moment won't last forever. We must clear away the obstacles that are standing in young people's way so they can seize all of their potential," he said. <br /><br />Added Gates: "If young people are sick and malnourished, their bodies and their brains will never fully develop. If they are not educated well, their minds will lie dormant. If they do not have access to economic opportunities, they will not be able to achieve their goals. <br /><br />"But if we invest in the right things - if we make sure the basic needs of Africa's young people are taken care of - then they will have the physical, cognitive, and emotional resources they need to change the future. Life on this continent will improve faster than it ever has. And the inequities that have kept people apart will be erased by broad-based progress that is the very meaning of the words: "living together." <br /><br />The co-founder of software giant, Microsoft, said issues that needed to be tackled to ensure Africa's youth thrived were: <br />● Health and nutrition; <br />● Education; <br />● Productivity and economic opportunity; and <br />● Governance <br /><br />He said health and nutrition were a top priority because "when people aren't healthy, they can't turn their attention to other priorities. But when health improves, life improves by every measure". <br /><br />Next was education without which children cannot develop the knowledge and skills to become "productive contributors to society", said Gates. <br /><br />Then, Africa's youth needed to have the "economic opportunities to channel their energy and their ideas into progress". <br /><br />But Gates said good governance was vital to ensure that this happens - and he urged governments to play their part. <br /><br />"All of these things - advances in health, in education, in agricultural productivity, in energy - won't happen on their own. They can only happen in the context of governments that function well enough to enable them," he said. <br /><br />Gates concluded his lecture by insisting he believed that Africa could achieve the future it aspired to. <br /><br />He said Africa's young "believe in themselves, and they believe in their countries and the future of the continent". <br /><br />"The priority now is to make sure they have the opportunity to turn those beliefs into action. Because young people with this sense of purpose can make the difference between stagnation and more and faster progress. Nelson Mandela said, 'Young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom.' But our duty is not merely to arouse; our duty is to invest in young people, to put in place the basic building blocks so that they can build the future. And our duty is to do it now, because the innovations of tomorrow depend on the opportunities available to children today." <br /><br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.</span></div> </div>

World must work together to ensure Africa's young can seize their potential and thrive, says Bill Gates

Africa's future rests in the hands of its youth - and every effort must be made to ensure they thrive, philanthropist and entreprene...

Read more »

Setting the example for Digital Transformation

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iRXCddDcms/V485f6iORWI/AAAAAAAAHEc/EDYWe8HDuNcU9hZAalLoG385Rhxq_PiUwCLcB/s1600/Sap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5iRXCddDcms/V485f6iORWI/AAAAAAAAHEc/EDYWe8HDuNcU9hZAalLoG385Rhxq_PiUwCLcB/s400/Sap.jpg" width="257" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Digital Transformation is both the challenge and opportunity of our generation. The rise of computers is creating the most seismic shift in society since the Industrial Revolution over a century ago. Data is increasingly the currency by which future success - and the decisions to reach that success - is funded.<br /><br />No part of the world is exempt from this. Rather, any region that ignores the eventuality of digital transformation is fated to a disappointing future, left dependent on others for its wellbeing. This is the time for rising economies to shine. Whereas many developed nations have invested heavily on preceding technologies, countries in regions such as Africa, South America and Southeast Asia are able to leapfrog ahead and take advantage of this new era.<br /><br />East Africa is often named as a region that appreciates the situation at hand. According to Ashley Boag, Acting Managing Director of SAP East Africa, countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania have a solid grasp on the principles of digital transformation.<br /><br />"There is definite recognition that technology and African innovation need to be a big factor and focus. Governments and companies know they have to invest in innovation if they want to continue their growth paths and even leapfrog others. More and more companies around East Africa are asking what we see as the key threads in technologies such as big data and the Internet of Things. They are already wrapping their heads around it and they understand that to stay competitive, they have to make significant investments in the future."<br /><br />Boag cited a few examples, such as Kenya's innovation hubs including iHub and Rwanda's aggressive broadband expansion. Regional ambitions stretch as far as potential drone airports, though more immediate challenges are not being ignored. There has been growing momentum across the spectrum of sectors: utilities, healthcare, financial services and agriculture are all experiencing technology investment led by leaders who understand they are aiming for more than just efficiency and savings. They are building the region's future.<br /><br />"There is a renewed sense of cooperation and positivity in East Africa - quite a positive view and outlook going forward. It's moderated, but it is a general positive sentiment. When I was at the World Economic Forum on Africa, held in Rwanda recently, that sentiment came through multilaterally."<br /><br />There is a lot of agreement that East Africa is in a relatively good space now, bolstered by more cooperation between the various countries. This feeds back into the forward-thinking investments in technology, a culture of advancement that SAP plays an active role in. SAP has made great strides in supporting governments, companies and individuals toward the benefits of digital transformation. For SAP in East Africa, it's business as usual: to help drive the region's digital agenda.<br /><br />"We are seeing the companies are asking the right questions. Many have skipped the efficiency, cost-saving level of thinking. Instead they wonder about what the relevant large trends coming to their industry and how they can engage with these to be relevant in the long term. It's a complex conversation, but there is a willingness to listen and a realisation that they have to come up with their own innovations. SAP may provide the platforms, but it is the ideas of governments, private companies and individuals being put to the test."<br /><br />Digital transformation poses a challenge across the globe. No region, country or company will be left unshaken by its impact. Those who see its potential and grab it by the horns are destined to come out on top. If East Africa continues on this course it has laid out, one day everyone else will look to its example on how to win in the 21st century.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SAP Africa.</span></div> </div>

Setting the example for Digital Transformation

Digital Transformation is both the challenge and opportunity of our generation. The rise of computers is creating the most seismic shift i...

Read more »

SAP's Alexander Meyer set to talk about technology and sustainability at UN forum

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Mtislkyqk/V484yjnVUgI/AAAAAAAAHEU/9U9xcY_ywockYvna-jOoeD65CMwETnzLACLcB/s1600/Role.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Mtislkyqk/V484yjnVUgI/AAAAAAAAHEU/9U9xcY_ywockYvna-jOoeD65CMwETnzLACLcB/s400/Role.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Sustainability is a worldwide challenge. The growth of populations and industries, combined with the reduction of poverty and improvements in service delivery, is creating a broad positive effect across the globe.<br /><br />Yet industrialisation and populations are also placing greater pressure on societies. The principles of sustainability have to be foundational to progress or the world faces certain disaster. To help reach this goal, last year members of the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a plan of action to promote prosperity and peace through the principles of sustainability.<br /><br />The 17 point plan and its 169 targets builds on the Millennium Development Goals and addresses areas where the MDG fell short. Over the next fourteen years the plan aims to promote the best for people, the planet, prosperity, peace and partnership. Technology has a massive role to play in helping countries and regions accomplish these sustainable development goals.<br /><br />From July 17 to 21, 2016, the UN will host the World Investment Forum to mull the progress of this agenda and the next steps to be taken. Alexander Meyer, Vice President - Global Business Development at SAP, will present his views at the Forum's Global Leaders Summit to be opened by the President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta. He will also serve on several panels at the forum.<br /><br />In his commentary Meyer will look at the role of the private sector as well as technology in meeting the objectives of the agenda. "It is clear that the private sector must play a role in order for the SDG's to succeed. This is a responsibility that SAP has assumed wholeheartedly long before the goals were formalized," said Meyer.<br /><br />Topics under Meyer's spotlight will include how technology - notably big data, cloud, connectivity, digitization and supercomputing - can positively impact food supply, emissions control, sustainable cities, healthcare and more. "So many of the sustainability challenges we face today are exacerbated by a lack of information, knowledge, or access. But these limitations are exactly the ones being addressed by today's innovations in computing technology." He will help breed understanding around how modern technology platforms such as those orchestrated by SAP are critical in enabling the processes that drive sustainability and innovation.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SAP Africa.</span></div> </div>

SAP's Alexander Meyer set to talk about technology and sustainability at UN forum

Sustainability is a worldwide challenge. The growth of populations and industries, combined with the reduction of poverty and improvements...

Read more »

Healthymagination Mother and Child Programme Welcomes its First Group of Social Entrepreneurs Addressing Maternal & Child Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3xoXCg6ao4/V483g8FM_eI/AAAAAAAAHEI/xD-SopTfDz0yE1QuZHfIMZuxbndTkUkUACLcB/s1600/kenya.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3xoXCg6ao4/V483g8FM_eI/AAAAAAAAHEI/xD-SopTfDz0yE1QuZHfIMZuxbndTkUkUACLcB/s400/kenya.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The healthymagination Mother and Child Programme — </span><a href="http://www.ge.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">launched</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> in March 2016 by GE and Santa Clara University’s </span><a href="http://www.scu.edu/MillerCenter"><span style="font-size: large;">Miller </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">Center for Social Entrepreneurship to address maternal and child mortality by supporting African social entrepreneurs operating in the health sector — has taken the first big step toward achieving its objective: selecting the first group of social enterprises that will receive training and mentoring.<br /><br />After a rigorous evaluation process, 17 social entrepreneurs from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia were selected to be in the programme’s first cohort and are currently attending a three-day, in-person workshop in Nairobi, Kenya. This kick-off event packs core business lessons into a powerful three-day event facilitated by senior-level Miller Center mentors and GE business leaders. It is designed to help the social entrepreneurs acquire business fundamentals, improve their strategic thought processes, and articulate a business plan that demonstrates impact, growth and long-term financial sustainability.<br /><br />“Social innovations and entrepreneurs in the health sector have in recent years yielded sustainable solutions to some of the world’s biggest health challenges,” said Jay Ireland, GE Africa president and CEO. “It is for this reason that the healthymagination Mother and Child programme is focusing on training and mentoring social entrepreneurs working on increasing the quality, access and affordability of maternal and child health in sub-Saharan Africa, thereby enabling more women and children to experience better health.”<br /><br />Thane Kreiner, Ph.D., executive director, Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship said, “Despite major gains made globally in maternal and child mortality, the levels in sub-Saharan Africa remain unacceptably high. This GE and Miller Center collaboration takes an innovative and highly practical approach to combatting this challenge, by providing African social entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to expand the positive impact of their interventions.”<br /><br />“We are excited to work with our first cohort of social entrepreneurs to improve mother and child care in Sub-Saharan Africa. This program builds on GE’s strong track record in bringing innovation to emerging markets while increasing positive health outcomes,” said Robert Wells, executive director of strategy for GE’s healthymagination commitment.<br /><br />The initial workshop will be followed by a six-month, online accelerator programme, where mentorship will be provided by high-profile Silicon Valley-based executives who have themselves undergone mentorship training by Miller Center. This accelerator and mentorship programme will culminate in a “Premier Pitch” event in Africa where the 17 participants will present their respective enterprises to an audience of potential investors. <br /><br />This training and mentoring that blends Silicon Valley entrepreneurial principles with venture impact investing utilizes Miller Center’s Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI®) methodology, which has been proven and refined through 12 years of working with more than 570 social enterprises worldwide. Participants will also be introduced to GE’s portfolio of products; hence they will gain specialized support and training on technologies and resources for the maternal and child health sector.<br /><br />In alphabetical order, here are the social enterprises selected for the healthymagination Mother & Child programme—along with the countries in which they operate and the social entrepreneurs leading them: Access Afya (Kenya; Dr. Daphne Ngunjiri); ayzh, (Kenya; Habib Anwar and Zubaida Bai); Health-E-Net (Kenya; Pratap Kumar); Hewa Tele (Kenya; Steve Alred Adudans); LifeNet International (Uganda, Burundi and DRC; Stefanie Weiland); Live Well Social Enterprise Business (Zambia; Charles Kalonga); Lwala Community Alliance (Kenya; Julius Mbeya and Ash Lauren Rogers); Nurture Africa (Uganda; Brian Iredale); Outreach Medical Services (Nigeria; Dr. Segun Ebitanmi); Peach Health (Ghana; Cobby Amoah); PurpleSource Healthcare (Nigeria; Olufemi Sunmonu); SaferMom (Nigeria; Adeloye Olanrewaju); Telemed Medical Services (Ethiopia; Yohans Emiru); The Shanti Uganda Society (Uganda; Natalie Angell-Besseling); Tulivu Imaging (Kenya; Matthew Rehrig); and Village Hopecore International (Kenya; Anne Gildea). <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of GE. </span></div> </div>

Healthymagination Mother and Child Programme Welcomes its First Group of Social Entrepreneurs Addressing Maternal & Child Health in Sub-Saharan Africa

The healthymagination Mother and Child Programme — launched in March 2016 by GE and Santa Clara University’s Miller Center for Soc...

Read more »

Bot for Messenger Launched at the International Aids Conference 2016

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2PknrH9cFE/V481G_21zzI/AAAAAAAAHD8/xr4jXJoPH8gQDppsHWv9_Svgjyn5bXHuACLcB/s1600/penk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2PknrH9cFE/V481G_21zzI/AAAAAAAAHD8/xr4jXJoPH8gQDppsHWv9_Svgjyn5bXHuACLcB/s400/penk.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.praekeltfoundation.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">Through</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> the advent of Messenger and bots, messaging platforms have rapidly increased their impact in reaching users with life-changing content. Leading this technological evolution in low and middle income countries, the Praekelt Foundation will launch a new chatbot for Messenger integrated into the South African Nation Department of Health’s MomConnect, at the 21st International AIDS Conference in Durban on July 19, 2016. The bot will provide mothers a more affordable, engaging way to access the stage-based messages currently provided by the technology’s SMS services.<br /><br />Founded in 2007, Praekelt Foundation uses open source technologies to deliver essential information and inclusive services to millions of people in low income countries. With over ten million South Africans now on Facebook, and over 75% using it on their mobile devices, Praekelt has chosen to expand MomConnect services through the introduction of the bot. [1] The newest innovation in messaging technology, bots unlock the ability to provide personalized, interactive communication akin to talking to a human customer service or sales rep, but at scale for much cheaper than call centers.<br /><br />MomConnect’s new bot will be seamlessly integrated into the existing platform, offering Messenger as a more financially affordable method in which mothers, nurses, and child health workers can access additional content and services. With 900 million users, Messenger is one of the most-used chat apps on the planet with more than 11,000 bots added since the platform launched in April. [3] Messenger allows for larger character limits than SMS and none of the time-outs of USSD. Users send 60 billion messages per day using messenger - more than three times the global daily SMS volume. <br /><br />“We focus on providing innovative and scalable solutions for those in need of access to information in low income countries by keeping ahead of changing technology as well as the changing needs of the end user. We launched MomConnect in 2014, before the rise of Messenger. To be relevant with the latest technologies, we have created a bot to integrate into the platform, as they allow mothers and health care professionals a cheaper way to access vital maternal health and HIV information personalized to them directly on their mobile devices. We’re proud to lead their integration into health systems” Praekelt Foundation Founder and CEO, Gustav Praekelt noted.<br /><br />Currently, MomConnect improves the supply of maternal health information in South Africa for over 850,000 subscribers. These subscribers will now have access to maternal health information through Messenger. Allowing HIV + mothers and those with high-risk pregnancies to have an alternative platform for receiving stage-based messages, the bot gives them access to a resource of information around HIV, pregnancy, delivery and a baby’s first year, as well as a future helpdesk to offer mothers a platform where they can have their questions answered by live operators and escalated to health professional.<br /><br />Simon de Haan, Chief Engineer at Praekelt Foundation, noted the benefits of the bot. “Starting with maternal health care, access to essential information delivered via Messenger poses a fundamental shift in how personal health services are delivered at national scale in emerging markets. Our maternal health services are made possible by our open-source </span><a href="http://links.africa-wire.com/mpss/c/5gA/0KMbAA/t.1z0/XLqUfKtcTFCT9DfpN_a4NQ/h3/nN32rvL6LgjUtQXTS3yHMKjWk8MvOU0UhJDIvtShIwrwElkC201NGbPKl3VBtAU1vU8NR-2FTQvpBOIaHKTYjVZO6z9reZ8Nxw9Hiz4z-2Bj0ZS26M7NONtQf0WhSnAyt7Vd4qFreuFTodAOiAz7eR5Bi1WqeH8NLrHgxJLKEuyV7zA-3D"><span style="font-size: large;">Junebug</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> integration for Messenger and we are excited about the potential this open-source release creates for the wider health and technology industry.”<br /></span><a href="http://apo.af/1D8vvR"><span style="font-size: large;">Over</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> the course of the 5 day conference in Durban, participants will be able to experience the value of the bot first hand by signing up for messages and having them delivered in an accelerated schedule via the messenger set up for MomConnect. To experience the service, a user can like MomConnect’s Facebook page: . Praekelt Foundation plans to roll out the technology to its existing suites in other African countries which have replicated the MomConnect model, including Hello Mama in Nigeria and Family Connect in Uganda. <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Praekelt Foundation. </span></div> </div>

Bot for Messenger Launched at the International Aids Conference 2016

Through the advent of Messenger and bots, messaging platforms have rapidly increased their impact in reaching users with life-changing ...

Read more »

Orange completes acquisition of mobile operator Airtel in Sierra Leone

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpriYTU_s3U/V48x9gpPVQI/AAAAAAAAHDw/ojja4wk4cWUafAqn2t8hAEPN8mEz7vzSgCLcB/s1600/Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vpriYTU_s3U/V48x9gpPVQI/AAAAAAAAHDw/ojja4wk4cWUafAqn2t8hAEPN8mEz7vzSgCLcB/s1600/Orange.jpg" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.orange.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Orange</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> announces today that, together with its Senegal-based partner Sonatel, it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the mobile operator Airtel in Sierra Leone. Since the signature of an agreement with Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) BV (“Airtel”) in January 2016, Orange has obtained all the official approbations necessary to complete this transaction.<br /><br /> Airtel is the leading mobile operator in Sierra Leone with over 1.3 million customers (on the basis of active customers within a 30-day period) for a total population of 6.3 million people. With a mobile penetration of around 50% of the population, Sierra Leone offers considerable growth potential, particularly at a time when significant investments are underway to extend the operator’s 3G network. This network, which already offers good coverage in Freetown and other major towns in Sierra Leone, is set to provide internet access to customers living outside major urban areas.<br /><br /> The investments planned in the coming years will enable customers in Sierra Leone to benefit from the support of the Sonatel group and take advantage of the Orange group’s expertise and momentum in terms of innovation and development of the digital ecosystem. Following the recent launch of operations in Liberia and Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone becomes the 21st country in Africa and the Middle East to join the Orange group.<br /><br /> Bruno Mettling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Orange group and Chairman & CEO of Orange MEA (Middle East and Africa), stated: “We are pleased to announce that the acquisition of the mobile operator Airtel in Sierra Leone has been finalised. This new acquisition, which will be consolidated by Sonatel, will further strengthen Orange’s strategic position on the African continent.”<br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Orange. </span></div> </div>

Orange completes acquisition of mobile operator Airtel in Sierra Leone

Orange announces today that, together with its Senegal-based partner Sonatel, it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the mobile o...

Read more »

Bill Gates to talk about "Living Together" at the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDQ_ilo9eE/V4ieGfDMROI/AAAAAAAAHDg/8KeyMD2ze4ssj_9B6G3EJhur9zG_b_ILgCLcB/s1600/mandela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6uDQ_ilo9eE/V4ieGfDMROI/AAAAAAAAHDg/8KeyMD2ze4ssj_9B6G3EJhur9zG_b_ILgCLcB/s400/mandela.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Philanthropist and entrepreneur Bill Gates will use the platform of the 14th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture to lay out his vision of how to create a better world for all when he addresses the issue of "Living Together", the theme of this year's Lecture. <br /><br />The Lecture is hosted in association with the University of Pretoria at their Mamelodi campus. It is dedicated to the Mamelodi families who lost loved ones during the apartheid years. The Lecture honours their contribution to the struggle for democracy. <br /><br />Speaking in a pre-recorded video message, Gates said he was honoured to have been invited to contribute to the conversation on how to create a better world. <br /><br />Gates highlights the need for a new social pact across the globe to end protracted conflict, overcome intolerance and prejudice, improve access to healthcare and education, and reduce poverty and inequality. <br /><br />The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture is the Foundation's flagship programmes to honour its founder, Nelson Mandela, and to raise topical issues affecting South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. It encourages both local and international dialogue - often about difficult subjects - as a means to address the multiple and complex challenges that face the world today. The Lectures are addressed by speakers who have made a significant contribution in their field of expertise. <br /><br />Gates said the founding President of a democratic South Africa would be "remembered for generations to come for his courage, his vision and his relentless pursuit of equality and justice". <br /><br />He said Mandela's legacy "lives on as a reminder that it's possible to solve big challenges". <br /><br />"Previous speakers in the lecture series have shared thought-provoking insights about how we can create a better world envisioned by Nelson Mandela. I'm privileged to add my voice to the conversation this year. For hundreds of millions of people life is better today than it was a generation ago, but there is so much more we can, and must do, to make that a reality for people everywhere," he said. <br /><br />Explaining the choice of Gates, Nelson Mandela Foundation board member, Nikiwe Bikitsha said, "Gates has a significant impact on the issues facing the poor and marginalised. I look forward to engaging with Gates views on how we continue to work collaboratively to improve the lives of all people through the extraordinary efforts of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation." <br /><br />Dr Ayo Ajayi, director of the Africa Team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said, "Bill coming for the Mandela lecture and the AIDS conference is an indication of how important both South Africa and Africa is to the foundation. The Mandela lecture will show Bill's thinking about the role Africa can and is already playing in its own development. We hope the lecture will stimulate more debate about philanthropy in Africa and Bill's approach to development". <br /><br />Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Advisor to the Principal and Vice Chancellor: University of Pretoria said, "Partnering the Nelson Mandela Foundation in hosting the 2016 Lecture is a special honour for the University of Pretoria. We are especially delighted that this event will take place at our Mamelodi Campus, located in Mamelodi, a township with impeccable struggle credentials. In hosting this lecture, the University hopes to make its own contribution in keeping alive the memory of the greatest statesman in South Africa and one of the greatest in the world." <br /><br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Nelson Mandela Foundation.</span></div> </div>

Bill Gates to talk about "Living Together" at the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture

Philanthropist and entrepreneur Bill Gates will use the platform of the 14th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture to lay out his vision of how ...

Read more »

Tigo sign MOU with the Tanzanian Government to connect secondary schools to the internet

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYUAblLwkQA/V4icpB6m59I/AAAAAAAAHDU/AAwfTxZt1YYGVC1z6vlAZqDsz52INHcIQCLcB/s1600/tigo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SYUAblLwkQA/V4icpB6m59I/AAAAAAAAHDU/AAwfTxZt1YYGVC1z6vlAZqDsz52INHcIQCLcB/s400/tigo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /><span style="font-size: large;">Tanzania’s leading digital lifestyle company, Tigo Tanzania has today entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Works and Infrastructure to facilitate the roll-out of internet access points in the country’s secondary schools so as to complement the e-Schools Project for a period of 2 years.<br /><br /> As part of the agreement, the ministry will identify and provide a list of schools without computer labs to be connected and also guide the implementation of the project while Tigo will sponsor the infrastructural development in schools across the country that will include wiring classrooms and installation of wireless LAN with internet access points.<br /><br /> While signing the memorandum of understanding at the Jangwani Secondary School in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Tigo Chief Commercial Officer, Shavkat Berdiev, said, “We are grateful to the government for accepting to partner with Tigo in this very important initiative aiming at supporting the government vision of ensuring that all mankind benefit from the access and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in various discipline to improve their social and economic situations”.<br /><br />Berdiev said that Tigo was proud to be partnering with the Ministry of Communications, Works and Infrastructure to enable the youth and the wider communities to tap into the global mainstream of information and knowledge, where they will learn, expand their creativity and collaborate with peers across the world.<br /><br />“Tigo will continue to work with the government on other innovative and exciting projects to uplift the lives of many Tanzanians”, Berdiev added.<br /><br /> While thanking Tigo during the signing of the agreement, The Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Communications, Works and Infrastructure Prof. Faustine Kamuzora said, “It is through such partnerships that we shall be able to impart modern ICT skills and knowledge to the youth, to enable them to face the challenges of the ever-changing information trends in the society and global economy.”<br /><br /> “I commend Tigo for its readiness to engage in public and private sector partnerships in order to help secondary school students in Tanzania and also welcome the participation of other stakeholders in the integration of this technology”, Prof. Kamuzora added.<br /><br /> Tigo’s e-Schools’ Project is one of the company’s strategic social investment projects and to date Tigo has been able to connect 31 public secondary schools in Tanzania with internet with an envisaged plan to connect 50 more this year.<br /><br /> Noting that it was the first time that the government and a mobile network operator were cooperating on an ICT project of such a large scale and scope, the PS affirmed that the partnership will go a long way in imparting modern ICT skills and knowledge to the youth and enable them to face the challenges of the ever-changing information society and global economy.<br /><br />“This technology will enable the students and teachers of the beneficiary schools and the wider communities to tap into the global mainstream of information and knowledge where they will learn, expand their creativity, collaborate with peers across the African continent and across the world, and generally participate in defining the future of their world”, Prof, Kamuzora noted.<br /><br /> The e-school’s project is among various projects that Tigo has undertaken to support community initiatives through the telecom’s corporate social responsibility portfolio. They include donation of over 2,700 desks to needy primary schools in a sustainable venture that is meant to alleviate the serious shortage of desks in the country’s schools.<br /><br /> Last year, Tigo partnered with Dar Teknohama Business Incubator (DTBi), a local NGO to offer scholarships worth over Tsh: 300m/- (about $ 136,363 ) to cover tuition fees, research fees, meals and accommodation for a period of four years to nine students undertaking ICT courses in local universities. <br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Tigo. </span></div> </div>

Tigo sign MOU with the Tanzanian Government to connect secondary schools to the internet

Tanzania’s leading digital lifestyle company, Tigo Tanzania has today entered into a partnership with the Ministry of Communications, Wo...

Read more »

BBC Afrique launches on TV in Senegal

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVDAAHNgLLY/V4iam4Gm3dI/AAAAAAAAHDI/D2MCtJ9tEcIZ0MwBAFPOeQKF4ZSYfvzzgCLcB/s1600/BBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVDAAHNgLLY/V4iam4Gm3dI/AAAAAAAAHDI/D2MCtJ9tEcIZ0MwBAFPOeQKF4ZSYfvzzgCLcB/s640/BBC.jpg" width="424" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Starting on Mon 18 July at 8.30 PM local time, BBC Afrique will be bringing audiences in Senegal BBC Infos on Dunyaa TV (DTV), for the first time. This special first edition of BBC Infos will bring local stories from the country and will be preceded by a jointly-hosted launch show on DTV. Features will include a look at wrestling in Senegal and a new phone app from a young inventor from Dakar that will help people get around the city.<br /><br />On Tues 19 July, BBC Afrique Radio (available on 105.6 FM in Senegal) will be bringing listeners a special debate recorded in Dakar and looking at Africa's youth and digital entrepreneurship. <br /><br />Herve Yonkeu, BBC Afrique Editor, says "Senegal is an important audience for us and it is fantastic news that we can now share our broadcasts with viewers there. Our team in Dakar will continue to bring unique and important stories to Senegal from the rest of the world as well as making local stories resonate internationally". <br /><br />Jupiter Diagne, Managing Director, DTV, says "The rebroadcast of BBC Infos on DTV adds to the credibility of our channel and strengthens the existing partnership between our organisations."<br /><br />The BBC Afrique service reaches 14.8 million people on a weekly basis and provides content for 23 countries across francophone Africa. Three new TV programmes will be available for the audience in Senegal. BBC Infos is the service's flagship 15 minute TV show bringing viewers the main news headlines every weekday with presenters Léone Ouedraogo, Olivier Weber and Vénuste Nshimiyimana. Every Saturday, BBC Eco covers the latest stories on the African and international economy and on Sundays BBC Hebdo provides viewers with a summary of the week's news. BBC Afrique TV programming is currently enjoyed by audiences around West and Central Africa including in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DRC and Niger. <br /><br />Launched in 1996, 20 years ago, BBC Afrique brings the BBC's world class journalism to French African and diaspora audiences around the world on Radio, TV and online. BBC Afrique is available on Twitter, Periscope, Facebook, Instagram, and Soundcloud.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of BBC World Service.</span></div> </div>

BBC Afrique launches on TV in Senegal

Starting on Mon 18 July at 8.30 PM local time, BBC Afrique will be bringing audiences in Senegal BBC Infos on Dunyaa TV (DTV), for the f...

Read more »

Standard Bank Leads in Africa with Digital Innovations

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_frFVznIoYc/V4dhk8yUGCI/AAAAAAAAHC4/oVkk0eaGqC0B9LrkPM0NM5nnnaxDtp47wCLcB/s1600/bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_frFVznIoYc/V4dhk8yUGCI/AAAAAAAAHC4/oVkk0eaGqC0B9LrkPM0NM5nnnaxDtp47wCLcB/s400/bank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.standardbank.co.za/"><span style="font-size: large;">Standard</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> Bank is on a committed journey of rapid digitization across the continent, offering its customers more convenient ways to interact with their personal banking services. <br /><br />The latest innovation in this digital transformation journey is the expansion of the existing Standard Bank banking app to four additional African markets simultaneously, namely Uganda, Namibia, Ghana and Botswana with plans to roll it out to Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe by the end of 2016.<br /><br />The Banking App already enjoys high usage amongst Standard Bank’s South African and Offshore customers. <br /><br />Rapid developments in Standard Bank’s drive to enhance its digital customer interface in Africa and simultaneous multi country enablement on the continent have been combined with extensive customer testing and prototyping, to deliver a consistent customer experience which is locally relevant to users in each of the four additional markets.<br /><br />The release of the app is a demonstration of Standard Bank’s significant investment in an enterprise technology framework that is reusable in all its markets, providing a world-class and a consolidated view of banking portfolios within the Group from a single mobile interface. <br /><br />Through the single interface customers will enjoy a seamless integration of their personal and business banking profiles, with a singular view of all their accounts across multiple geographies, as well as single sign-on capability from anywhere in the world - all from the convenience of their smart phone.<br /><br />“Essentially this is one of the first mobile banking interfaces in Africa that allows our bank customers access to their accounts across multiple countries within the Standard Bank Group,” says Adrian Vermooten, Head Customer Channels Africa, Standard Bank.<br /><br />“It is particularly important to us to ensure we continue to leverage and build banking solutions that ultimately make the lives of our customers easier and more convenient – enabling customers to bank on their terms whenever they want,” he adds.<br /><br />The app offers a richer and intuitive customer experience as it takes advantage of smartphone sophistication such as biometrics for secure access, access to device contacts, and social networks for sharing of information.<br /><br />Future releases of the app in late 2016 will include additional features such as Real Time Payments, Online account opening and numerous other value-added services for individuals and businesses.<br /><br />“The introduction of this app is a further step in Standard Bank’s drive to build a universal bank for its customers across the continent. As a bank that operates in 20 markets across the continent and has a deep understanding of our customers in diverse markets, we are committed to delivering services that are aimed at meeting the needs of our customers and enhancing their banking experience. Africa is our home, we drive her growth” says Mr. Vermooten.<br /><br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Standard Bank. </span></div> </div>

Standard Bank Leads in Africa with Digital Innovations

Standard Bank is on a committed journey of rapid digitization across the continent, offering its customers more convenient ways to inte...

Read more »