The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) announces Financing of 21 Renewable Energy Projects

<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/-WYkpkNNo9Qs/V_tV0pva7XI/AAAAAAAAHLo/IvWjiYUUyJYOBXo0Jufnfc-ewkT_gnwRACLcB/s1600/ABSA.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/-WYkpkNNo9Qs/V_tV0pva7XI/AAAAAAAAHLo/IvWjiYUUyJYOBXo0Jufnfc-ewkT_gnwRACLcB/s400/ABSA.jpg" width="307" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The Development Bank of Southern <a href="http://www.dbsa.org/">Africa</a> (DBSA) has financed 21 renewable energy projects since the launch of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPP). This was revealed today at the annual SA Gas Options conference in Cape Town and follows the announcement of South Africa’s Gas to Power Project Information Memorandum (PIM). Ms Lucy Chege, General Manager for Energy Financing at the DBSA, said “The DBSA’s achievements in the renewable energy space confirms our role as an instrumental partner in developing integrated solutions for and on behalf of the Department of Energy’s IPP office and National Treasury.” <br /><br />This announcement comes two weeks after the release of the DBSA’s financial results which revealed that the bank had delivered a net profit of R2.6bn and sustainable earnings of R1.4bn in the 2015/2016 financial year. In this 12 month period ending March 2016, the DBSA delivered R28bn across the total infrastructure value chain, with development assets now standing at R77bn and total assets at R82bn. <br /><br />To date, the DBSA has contributed to 2512 megawatts of power being installed on the national grid through the funding of 21 projects across South Africa. This has significantly addressed the energy crisis challenges across South Africa and the region. Approximately R14.9bn of commitments have been made by the DBSA to support government programmes in the energy space. Some of the successes include the construction of two IPP Peaking power plants in South Africa - Avon 670MW and Dedisa 335 MW.<br /><br />The 21 projects funded by the DBSA with a total capacity of 2512MW are part of SA’s REIPP Programme and the Department of Energy’s s Peakers IPP Programme. All projects are currently operational and delivery power to the national grid. These projects include 5 Commercial Solar Panels, 9 Solar PV’s and 5 wind projects.<br /><br />Approximately R2, 167 billion has been provided to enable the participation by BBBEEE players and local community trusts in various energy projects. Funding has been provided in the form of senior debt, mezzanine debt and BEE funding.<br /><br />The bank has also financed numerous gas fired plants and infrastructure throughout the continent as part of regional integration efforts to address the power crisis. Regional projects include Cenpower, Ghana powership and funded the Bulk Oil Storage Terminal of Ghana.<br /><br /> “The energy portfolio accounts for the banks largest exposure and this signals our commitment to working with all partners and promoting the DBSA’s regional integration and infrastructure programme, says Ms. Chege. <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). </span></div> </div>

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) announces Financing of 21 Renewable Energy Projects

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has financed 21 renewable energy projects since the launch of the Renewable Energy Indep...

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There are 1.4bn smokers on the planet today and 1.4bn deemed overweight

<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/-hPC3wRdL8Xw/V_tU6GC4GkI/AAAAAAAAHLc/bTOPZpBIHGA5t5NWrBIXPLTn6qNo5K68gCLcB/s1600/Cameroon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hPC3wRdL8Xw/V_tU6GC4GkI/AAAAAAAAHLc/bTOPZpBIHGA5t5NWrBIXPLTn6qNo5K68gCLcB/s400/Cameroon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">Scientists, healthcare providers, policymakers and private sector companies met in Dubai for the first ever Middle East and Africa (MEA) Health Forum on 'Harm Reduction for Healthier Societies'. With a focus on obesity and tobacco, participants at the inaugural forum considered some of the major developments and transformative innovations being adopted to help build healthier societies in these regions. </span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Panelists and speakers discussed how potentially preventable risk factors such as poor diets, high blood pressure, high body mass index (an indicator of obesity and being overweight), and smoking are contributing to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the MEA region. There are 1.4bn smokers on the planet today and 1.4bn deemed overweight. These numbers are of crisis proportions. As these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are looming as the greater threat, forum attendees recommended that existing public health policies and strategies be revisited in order to allow the formulation of new, evidence-based measures for harm reduction. They held that such measures including smarter policies based on ongoing robust scientific research. <br /><br />Dr Nasim Ashraf, CEO of the DNA HealthCorp, noted that for the first time in the history of humanity, the new generation of children, the millennials, will be worse off economically and also from a health perspective. And for this to change the whole system needs to change, which is too often skewed towards treatment rather than prevention. <br /><br />In the final remarks summarising proceedings from the discussions there was a consensus that harm reduction should be part of any effective public health strategy in national efforts to lower the health burden associated with smoking and the overconsumption of sugar, saying that these two health issues are widely acknowledged as a leading cause of NCDs. <br /><br />Novel products such as vaping, for example, were 95% less toxic than traditional cigarettes and could simply not be discarded in policy formulation. At the same time, obesity should not be looked at in isolation. Sleep deprivation for example is a contributing factor to an unhealthier lifestyle. <br /><br />Too often policy makers, scientists and industry are working in isolation when they needed to collaborate and engage more closely to develop better solutions.            <br /><br />In its summary the forum called for more alternatives and innovative solutions, including the establishment of an independent research fund or institution to research, evaluate and develop solutions in the area of tobacco. <br /><br />On sugar harm reduction, the Forum noted a consensus that sugar in itself is not harmful when consumed in appropriate quantities. However, the Forum called for the establishment of mechanisms to identify instruments and published studies on health risks associated with the use of sugar in all its forms, broader public health awareness programmes on this issue and smarter regulation when it comes to acceptable sugar levels in consumer products. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of IC Publications.</span></div> </div>

There are 1.4bn smokers on the planet today and 1.4bn deemed overweight

Scientists, healthcare providers, policymakers and private sector companies met in Dubai for the first ever Middle East and Africa (MEA) ...

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Ecobank renews Partnership with the Global Fund

<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/-b823Ntt4kRc/V_tUXS3AuHI/AAAAAAAAHLU/87IcW1PmWCwGxht3u1JVNztmweQarZplwCLcB/s1600/bank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b823Ntt4kRc/V_tUXS3AuHI/AAAAAAAAHLU/87IcW1PmWCwGxht3u1JVNztmweQarZplwCLcB/s400/bank.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ecobank.com/">Ecobank</a> Transnational Incorporated, the leading Pan-African financial institution, through its Foundation, has renewed its partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for a further three years. The relationship between the two organisations began in 2011,and the new agreement formalises Ecobank’s support for the Global Fund’s work in Africa. 
<br /><br />A selected high-level audience composed of business leaders and development experts were present at the signing ceremony on September 16 2016, in Montreal, Canada. The event, ‘Changing Africa: Enabling growth through the private sector’, led by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ecobank Foundation, Ms. Julie Essiam, took place on the side-lines of the Global Fund’s Fifth Replenishment Conference. According to the terms of the agreement, Ecobank Foundation will work with the Global Fund to build the partnership into an engagement and advocacy platform for organisations and individuals who share a vision of accelerating the transformation of Africa.<br /><br />Ade Ayeyemi, Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, pledged USD3 million at the Global Fund's Fifth Replenishment Conference in Montreal. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted the event attended by Heads of State, government officials and hundreds of private sector and development leaders from across the globe. The Fifth Replenishment raised USD 12.9 billion with a goal of saving 8 more million lives.<br /><br />Mr. Ayeyemi said, “Our job as bankers is to build the technical infrastructure that brings tens of millions more Africans into a more formal financial system. Ecobank’s founding fathers established a Pan-African bank to support Africa’s transformation. We are pleased to renew our productive partnership with the Global Fund. I am confident that we are a step closer to enabling prosperity across Africa.”<br /><br />Through its Foundation, Ecobank will continue to take a prominent role with the Global Fund To Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on the African continent.<br /><br />Julie Essiam, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Foundation signed the agreement with Mark Dybul, Executive Director, Global Fund. She said, “The Ecobank Foundation is pleased to be part of a historic moment with the Global Fund and what we are trying to do in Africa, which is to create a “thriving Africa”, and a prosperous continent. It is important for the private sector to collaborate to ensure that we use our platforms to unlock funds which will deliver sustainable progress and prosperity to Africa.”<br /><br />Programmes supported by the Global Fund partnership have put 9.2 million people on antiretroviral treatment for HIV, provided 15.1 million people with TB treatment and distributed 659 million mosquito nets to protect families from malaria.<br /><br />Mark Dybul, Executive Director, Global Fund said, “We are excited about the Ecobank partnership, which improves the impact of our grants in numerous ways. When you workto advance financial management, all the way down to sub-recipients in rural areas, that’s hugely important for development.”<br /><br />The Global Fund is an organization designed to accelerate the end of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion annually to support programmes run by local experts in more than 100 countries and supports attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Ecobank. </span></div> </div>

Ecobank renews Partnership with the Global Fund

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, the leading Pan-African financial institution, through its Foundation, has renewed its partnership ...

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Balozi Seif awataka viongozi wa chama kujipanga

<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/-jzBZ4ZITLio/V_tOFxIB2oI/AAAAAAAAHLE/Yp7fUy440u0jcBfvHTKOfwXxjZhxyuTUACLcB/s1600/355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jzBZ4ZITLio/V_tOFxIB2oI/AAAAAAAAHLE/Yp7fUy440u0jcBfvHTKOfwXxjZhxyuTUACLcB/s400/355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Viongozi na Wanachama wa Chama cha Mapinduzi {CCM } ngazi ya Matawi Nchini wameagizwa kujipanga vyema ili kuhakikisha Viongozi watakaowachagua wakati utakapowadia wa uchaguzi ndani ya chama hicho hapo mwakani wana sifa sahihi zitakazokidhi mahitaji yote ya kuwatumikia wanachama hao katika kipindi cha miaka Mitano ijayo.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu ya Halmashauri Kuu ya Taifa ya CCM Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alitoa agizo hilo wakati akizungumza na Viongozi wa Kamati za Siasa za Matawi ya Mangapwani na Mangapwani Bondeni katika mkutano wa kuwashukuru wanachama hao baada ya kumalizika kwa uchaguzi Mkuu uliopita.<br /><br />Balozi Seif Ali Iddi ambae pia ni Mwakilishi wa Jimbo la Mahonda akiambatana pamoja na Mbunge wa Jimbo hilo Mh. Bahati Ali Abeid na Madiwani wa Wadi zilizomo ndani ya Jimbo hilo alisema CCM ikiendelea kujipanga vyema kwenye chaguzi hizo itakuwa na uhakika wa kuendelea kuongoza Dola ya Watanzania katika miaka mingi ijayo.<br /><br />Alisema wapo baadhi ya wapinzani walijipenyeza kwenye chaguzi za Chama hicho mwaka 2012 na kuomba Uongozi wakitumia hila na ujanja wa fedha na hatimae kuwayumbisha Viongozi na Wanachama wakati wa kupanga safu ya utekelezaji wa Ilani na Sera za CCM.<br /><br />Mjumbe huyo wa Kamati Kuu ya CCM Taifa aliwapongeza Wana CCM na Wananchi wa Mangapwani kwa uamuzi wao walioufanya mwezi Oktoba mwaka 2015 na Machi 2016 wa kuipa dhamana CCM iendelee kuongoza Dola ya Tanzania katika chaguzi zote mbili ile ya Zanzibar na ya Tanzania.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema kazi inayowakabili Wananchi kwa hivi sasa ni kuelekeza nguvu zao katika kuimarisha miradi ya Kiuchumi na Maendeleo na kwa upande wa Uongozi wa Jimbo hilo tayari umeshajipanga kuhakikisha changamoto zinazowakabili Wananchi wa Maeneo hayo zinapatiwa ufumbuzi muwafaka.<br /><br />Alisema yeye pamoja na Mbunge wake Mh. Bahati watashirikiana na viongozi wa Jimbo hilo ngazi ya Jimbo na Matawi katika ujenzi wa Jengo Jipya la Ofisi ya CCM Tawi la Mangapwani Bondeni litakalolingana na hadhi ya Chama chenyewe.<br /><br />Balozi Seif aliwahakikishia Viongozi na Wanachama wa CCM wa Tawi la Mangapwani Bondeni kwamba yeye binafsi pamoja na Viongozi wenzake atasimamia maandalizi ya kuanza kwa msingi wa ujenzi wa Jengo hilo ili kuondoa kiu ya muda mrefu waliyokuwa nayo Wanachama hao.<br /><br />Naye Mbunge wa Jimbo la Mahonda Mh. Bahati Ali Abeid aliwathibitishia Wanachama na Viongozi wa Matawi hayo kwamba juhudi za awali zimeanza kuchukuliwa katika mwanzo wa kuzitafutia ufumbuzi changamoto zinazowakabili wananchi wa maeneo hayo.<br /><br />Mh. Bahati alisema katika utekelezaji wa ahadi, Ilani na Sera za Chama cha Mapinduzi za kusimamia upatikanaji wa huduma za Maji safi na salama kwa wananchi wa Matawi hayo Uongozi wa Jimbo hilo umeanza harakati za kuliondosha tatizo hilo sugu linalowakabili Wananchi hao.<br /><br />Alisema ulazaji wa mabomba ya maji katika mradi maalum ulioanzishwa unatekelezwa katika Vijiji vya Kiomba Mvua, Fujoni na Mangapwani na kilichobakia kwa wakati huu ni Mamlaka ya Maji Zanzibar { ZAWA } kukamilisha uwekaji wa Mashine ya kusukumia Maji katika kisima kilichochimbwa kwenye eneo hilo.<br /><br />Mbunge huyo wa Jimbo la Mahonda alifafanua zaidi kwamba juhudi hizo za uimarishaji wa miundombinu katika Sekta ya Maji zimechukuliwa kwa makusudi na Uongozi wa Jimbo hilo kwa kushirikiana na Mamlaka ya Maji Zanzibar baada ya kubaini kwamba Kisima kilichokuwa kikisambaza huduma ya maji katika kijiji hicho kiliopo Mfenesini kuzidiwa mara dufu.<br /><br />Akigusia uhai wa Chama cha Mapinduzi Mh. Bahati aliwakumbusha Wanachama wa Matawi hayo kuhakikisha wanalipa ada zao kama kawaida bila ya kusibiri kusukumwa kufanya hivyo ili kukipa nguvu chama chao kiweze kutekeleza majukumu yake kama kawaida.<br /><br />Mapema Mke wa Mwakilishi wa Jimbo la Mahonda ambae pia ni Mjumbe wa Kamati ya Siasa la Wilaya ya Kaskazini “B” Mama Asha Suleiman Iddi waliwanasihi Wazee wa Vijiji hivyo Kuanzisha Kamati ya maadili itakayosaidia kutoa elimu kwa vijana waliojitumbukiza katika matumizi ya Dawa za kulevya.<br /><br />Mama Asha alisema inasikitisha kuona jitihada kubwa zilizochukuliwa na Uongozi wa Jimbo hilo kwa kutumia fedha nyingi katika kuwapatia ushauri nasaha vijana hao kwenye nyumba za kurekebisha tabia { Sober House } hatimae ziligonga mwamba.<br /><br />Alisema Kamati itakayoundwa katika Kijiji hicho cha Mangapwani itapaswa kwenda kujifunza kwa Kamati kama hiyo iliyoanzishwa katika Kijiji cha Fujoni ambayo imeleta mafanikio makubwa katika kukabiliana na wimbi la vijana waliojitumbukiza katika wimbi la matumizi ya dawa za kulevya.<br /><br />Mama Asha alieleza kwamba Vijana wa Fujoni walioamua kuacha dawa hizo tayari hivi sasa wamekuwa na mafanikio makubwa katika muendelezo wa mradi wao wa Uvuvi unaokidhi mahitaji yao ya kimaisha baada ya kupatiwa msaada wa Boti pamoja na Mashine yake.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Balozi Seif awataka viongozi wa chama kujipanga

Viongozi na Wanachama wa Chama cha Mapinduzi {CCM } ngazi ya Matawi Nchini wameagizwa kujipanga vyema ili kuhakikisha Viongozi watakaowa...

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NORWEGIAN CHURCH AID (NCA) WANOGESHA TAMASHA LA UTAMADUNI HYDOM.

<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/-cgQF-kMZraA/V_VNnnGdDiI/AAAAAAAAHKw/pnDAj3PQvxsemN4QclrAmPcDph81m9cqgCLcB/s1600/1.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/-cgQF-kMZraA/V_VNnnGdDiI/AAAAAAAAHKw/pnDAj3PQvxsemN4QclrAmPcDph81m9cqgCLcB/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span lang="EN-US">NA IMANI NSAMILA</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kila mwaka shirika la Four Corner Culture Program (4CCP) huandaa tamasha la kiutamaduni ili kukuza na kuenzi tamaduni halisi za kitanzania . <br /><br /> Tamasha la mwaka huu limekuwa lakipekee sana kutokana matukio mablimbali ya kimaendeleo na kiutamaduni yaliyofanyika .Ambapo Shirika la Norwegian Church Aid kwa kushirikiana na 4CCP Hydom walizindua miradi mabli mbali ya maendelea katika sekta ya maji (Visima)ili kupunguza tatizo kubwa la maji linalo wakumba wananchi wa wilayani Mbulu mkoani Manyara na mkoa jirani wa Singida.</span></div> </div>

NORWEGIAN CHURCH AID (NCA) WANOGESHA TAMASHA LA UTAMADUNI HYDOM.

  NA IMANI NSAMILA Kila mwaka shirika la Four Corner Culture Program (4CCP) huandaa tamasha la kiutamaduni ili kukuza na kuenzi tamadu...

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Carlson Rezidor on Track to achieve More than 23,000 Rooms in Africa

<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/-_F_eqZgDuUY/V_VMJaKT_9I/AAAAAAAAHKo/njW6yDnEqTAi8DX17x8ffhwW7_7vDjxWgCLcB/s1600/CArl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_F_eqZgDuUY/V_VMJaKT_9I/AAAAAAAAHKo/njW6yDnEqTAi8DX17x8ffhwW7_7vDjxWgCLcB/s400/CArl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">An accelerated African growth strategy for <a href="http://www.carlsonrezidor.com/">Carlson</a> Rezidor , one of the world’s largest hotel groups, is on track to achieve its target of more than 23,000 rooms open or under development in Africa by the end of 2020.<br /><br />Rezidor’s President and CEO, Wolfgang M. Neumann, who is a speaker at the Africa Hotel Investment Conference in <a href="http://www.africa-conference.com/">Kigali</a>, Rwanda, says the hotel group launched its accelerated African growth strategy in 2014 with ambitions to double its portfolio in Africa by the end of 2020. “Africa has always been close to our hearts. We were the early movers on the continent in 2000 when we established our dedicated business development base in Cape Town.<br /><br />“Today, Africa is our biggest growth market with a fully functional Area Support Office in Cape Town since 2016. We also converted our joint venture company with the four Nordic Government Development agencies, AfriNord, from a mezzanine debt funding facility to a minority equity investment vehicle to support our strategy and owners.” <br /><br />Rezidor first entered Africa in 2000 when it opened its first Radisson Blu in Cape Town. Today Carlson Rezidor’s footprint in Africa has grown to include 69 hotels open and under development in 28 countries, incorporating more than 15,000 rooms. <br /><br />Neumann says in the past 24 months Carlson Rezidor has signed a new hotel deal in Africa every 37 days. “Of course, we are aware that it is not just about signing. It’s really about delivering the pipeline. We have opened a new hotel in Africa every 60 days over the past two years. This year, we have already opened six Radisson Blu hotels and expect to open a Park Inn by Radisson in South Africa in the next six months. We intend to keep up this momentum of signings followed by successful openings.” <br /><br />The six hotels opened in 2016 include Radisson Blu hotels in Nairobi, Kenya; Marrakech, Morocco; Maputo, Mozambique (first residence in Africa); Abidjan, Ivory Coast (first airport hotel), Lomé, Togo; and the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda, East Africa’s largest convention centre and host to the 2016 Africa Hotel Investment Forum.<br /><br />Carlson Rezidor Senior Vice President Business Development Africa & Indian Ocean Andrew McLachlan, says Radisson Blu leads the way with more hotel rooms under development than any of the other 85-plus hotel brands active in Africa today, according to the W-Hospitality Report. “Our ambition is to be the leading player in the travel and tourism sector across the continent.”<br /><br />Exciting new developments on the cards for Carlson Rezidor in Africa include the signing of the first Radisson RED, which is expected to open in Cape Town in the course of 2017, as well as the signing of the first Quorvus Collection to be built in Lagos, Nigeria, expected to open in 2019.<br /><br />Carlson Rezidor aims to open 15 or more hotels in South Africa and Nigeria alone by the end of 2020, incorporating its full brand portfolio, ranging from the Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, and Park Inn by Radisson.<br /><br />McLachlan says Africa presents an opportunity for Carlson Rezidor to grow its resort portfolio under Radisson Blu and Quorvus Collection in locations such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar, East Coast of Kenya and Tanzania and the Cape Verde Islands.<br /><br />He adds that the challenges experienced in Africa are no different to those experienced in other emerging markets. “Generally-speaking, the owner class in Africa today is typically a local, first-time owner and local professional team with limited or no hotel development experience. This means the learning curve is high and expensive. In addition, there is a high demand for imported products and equipment in many of the markets. To mitigate these risks, we offer hotel turnkey design and build contractors to ensure the owners and their teams have significant support when it comes to delivering each hotel.”<br /><br />“Water and electricity are the two most expensive running costs in African hotels today and we are constantly looking at ways to design and operate our hotels with a view to saving costs and improving results, as part of our responsible business strategy,” says McLachlan.<br /><br />Notably, 77% of Carlson Rezidor’s hotels worldwide have been eco-labelled and the hotel group has recorded a 22% energy saving since 2011 and a 29% water saving since 2007 across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. The hotel group is particularly focused on conserving the planet’s scarce water resources and its Blu Planet initiative is aimed at providing safe drinking water for children in disadvantaged areas in partnership with international water aid charity, Just a Drop.<br /><br />Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group also partners with IFC, a member of the World Bank Group that focuses on private sector development, to promote the design and construction of green buildings in emerging markets. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Through the partnership, Carlson Rezidor will use the EDGE eco-analysis software for all of its future hotel projects in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. As 40% of the world's carbon emissions are generated through the construction and operation of buildings, designing green hotels supports the industry's responsibility to meet COP21 targets.<br /><br />Expanding its footprint into Africa also means creating employment for the local population in each country, with an emphasis on developing women to leadership positions. “Many hotel jobs do not require tertiary education and present opportunities for locals to be trained and upskilled to fulfil particular roles,” says McLachlan.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. </span></div> </div>

Carlson Rezidor on Track to achieve More than 23,000 Rooms in Africa

An accelerated African growth strategy for Carlson Rezidor , one of the world’s largest hotel groups, is on track to achieve its target...

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Ambition and opportunity in IT in Africa

<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/-IpgO1ncV8oo/V-U7V1fEIaI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/eUZqCL_ykCc1xt_7RwCjxP30l1gmyc-cACLcB/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/-IpgO1ncV8oo/V-U7V1fEIaI/AAAAAAAAHKQ/eUZqCL_ykCc1xt_7RwCjxP30l1gmyc-cACLcB/s400/SAP.jpg" width="265" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">The potential gains to be made from the rapid growth of the African digital economy cannot be overstated. An estimated 360 million mobile devices, $75billion in annual e-commerce sales and a $300billion internet-driven boost to GDP is forecast by 2025.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Yet conventional wisdom would dictate that the current lack of legacy Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Africa is a barrier to realising this enormous digital growth. While mobile internet access on the continent has been increasing rapidly, a recent report stated that fixed internet connections account for only about 10% of all internet connections in most African nations. And although recent years have seen advances in internet accessibility (such as undersea cabling connecting Africa to the rest of the world), there are still many parts of the continent that have no internet access whatsoever.<br /><br />However, instead of a barrier, IT providers entering African markets should instead see this as a significant opportunity. Many governments are recognising the important role that ICT infrastructure plays in economic growth and are explicitly promising to harness the power of modern technologies, such as high-speed internet access, to empower their citizens and boost their economies. Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Kenya, to name but a few, have developed ambitious ICT strategies and policies to achieve these high-level goals.<br /><br />There is certainly scope to gain project funding for expansive ICT projects across a multitude of countries and many foreign investors remain committed in the longer term. Furthermore, businesses that invest now to lay the groundwork for ICT infrastructure will undoubtedly reap the rewards as these markets reach maturity. Just think about those who invested in mobile infrastructure in Africa 10 or even 20 years ago and consider the massive returns they are seeing now.<br /><br />Leapfrogging to innovative tech solutions<br />In a sense, a lack of existing infrastructure can be seen as beneficial in so far as there is no need for ICT solutions to be constrained by old-fashioned ways of thinking about, and engaging with, technology. Without the burden of these embedded 'old school' approaches that plague many more mature markets, there is the opportunity for innovative technology providers to start with a clean slate and provide leading-edge solutions that directly address the communication needs and day-to-day realities of many Africans.<br /><br />The most well documented example of this willingness to "leapfrog" technologies is, of course, Kenya-based Safaricom's M-PESA mobile money solution. In a market with high mobile device penetration, but very little retail banking infrastructure, M-PESA gave millions of Africans their first bank accounts by turning virtually any mobile phone into a money transfer device.<br /><br />Since then, fuelled by burgeoning start-up hubs in Nigeria and Kenya, there has been a surge of African start-ups, covering everything from <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RKcYkRkjappW8Lrn5XXrf8aIFXmsTFhUpiQgOAnWtIW6A5s3SLhQqXBq5_P4qlkayT0wLrMs0t0U7lzJZZhmJ5N2KREafouBo6HOim-6Gmlg2YORsKPHI77SHvT_JJqqNYHjZKLhOgGdBFWEy_6ijyhdIjxN4q7hgvuAcTL_uFY=&c=3X3SoDnAqih6NmoiuVeAfJoXFqOIP9DNdKiMFlXqkooDjYsmSiMs8Q==&ch=NvW0c9PffoH8zL1GpB54aevqjx00hi22XnYg_vtuv40GviayGRmJZA==">fashion</a> to <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RKcYkRkjappW8Lrn5XXrf8aIFXmsTFhUpiQgOAnWtIW6A5s3SLhQqXBq5_P4qlkacorW9zqGvO84XEQL9iSJD7rHJGMHTubJJzbJp0oZdRmzhxLFs0CgomP-BArcx_7raUgfdKjitll7cCOtlqgghh513GkdD_2dwl23n7xY9SA=&c=3X3SoDnAqih6NmoiuVeAfJoXFqOIP9DNdKiMFlXqkooDjYsmSiMs8Q==&ch=NvW0c9PffoH8zL1GpB54aevqjx00hi22XnYg_vtuv40GviayGRmJZA==">shipping</a> and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RKcYkRkjappW8Lrn5XXrf8aIFXmsTFhUpiQgOAnWtIW6A5s3SLhQqXBq5_P4qlkaGscwiAX5qGooRQl92f3R_UIcbEl3U-sCFI4Q8OWpsX6pd4auI3boxLGoVd0WITF4RR4gKqzPYGlhaiEf9tHQ40-C7oI_wCc2yq0OJrwkEeo=&c=3X3SoDnAqih6NmoiuVeAfJoXFqOIP9DNdKiMFlXqkooDjYsmSiMs8Q==&ch=NvW0c9PffoH8zL1GpB54aevqjx00hi22XnYg_vtuv40GviayGRmJZA==">employment </a>solutions. And, because these solutions specifically cater to markets that are encountering technology for the first time through a mobile device, they can bypass many of the intermediary technological steps and unlock true innovation more quickly. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">This means that many home-grown tech solutions are developing to tackle local issues, such as the video-on-demand platform <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RKcYkRkjappW8Lrn5XXrf8aIFXmsTFhUpiQgOAnWtIW6A5s3SLhQqXBq5_P4qlkaGYoza2ATDAsH70K-cV7wG9H81PD14oMR913q6WUkvabCvOCHb_aprK8aSyjENHybf-A24EcVdDO5lcg4XwQAPqAqB9NaD5f_LliIBf0-UdM=&c=3X3SoDnAqih6NmoiuVeAfJoXFqOIP9DNdKiMFlXqkooDjYsmSiMs8Q==&ch=NvW0c9PffoH8zL1GpB54aevqjx00hi22XnYg_vtuv40GviayGRmJZA==">iROKOtv</a>, which was created to address piracy problems arising in relation to Nigerian films, or the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001RKcYkRkjappW8Lrn5XXrf8aIFXmsTFhUpiQgOAnWtIW6A5s3SLhQqXBq5_P4qlkaBIW73PU7zeQU68jtKtSlER790VvCxuhYpO_JEtKUExbkPRqN0iks96L6UwQxznuJ6DxN_YnYqklrx4WMsHQKHwFZbN3bARvoj1KjOpIYzAQ=&c=3X3SoDnAqih6NmoiuVeAfJoXFqOIP9DNdKiMFlXqkooDjYsmSiMs8Q==&ch=NvW0c9PffoH8zL1GpB54aevqjx00hi22XnYg_vtuv40GviayGRmJZA==">BRCK</a> portable Wi-fi hotspot and battery extender device used to address wireless internet dead zones.<br /><br />On the other end of the scale, big business in Africa is also embracing technology's power to stay ahead of the game in world markets. Engen Petroleum, as an example, employs technology to help ensure excellence in its operations. The highly competitive and dynamic petroleum industry makes it even more necessary for the company to use software solutions that drive efficiencies and improve profitability at the same time. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">With over 1,000 retail sites in South Africa alone, Engen needed to address technical challenges it faced when processing a monthly average of 26 million sales transactions from convenience sites around the country. Working with SAP, the company has improved operational efficiency to collect income from turnover levies. Improved data compression and query performance has given the company the edge it needs to analyse high volumes of data and gain insight into opportunities and risks across its large retail network.<br />Seize the day<br />There are two ways to look at the future of IT in the African continent. Either as a difficult and onerous job, because of a lack of legacy infrastructure and building block tech systems, or as a blank page, rich with opportunity in a set of nations intent on economic prosperity, digital expansion and citizen-empowerment.<br /><br />Providers that take the latter viewpoint stand to take advantage of huge financial rewards and significant growth. But perhaps the bigger incentive is extraordinary technological innovation, which will positively impact the lives of millions of Africans throughout the continent.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SAP Africa.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Ambition and opportunity in IT in Africa

The potential gains to be made from the rapid growth of the African digital economy cannot be overstated. An estimated 360 million mobile...

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Aggreko brings 100 MW of ADDGAS-generated Power to Benin

<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/-AJHEy0hZZb0/V-U6DG-gNuI/AAAAAAAAHKI/55Vyg_Hgtt4fl1s1dvb3j5b0NzFE_RGGQCLcB/s1600/anggreko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AJHEy0hZZb0/V-U6DG-gNuI/AAAAAAAAHKI/55Vyg_Hgtt4fl1s1dvb3j5b0NzFE_RGGQCLcB/s400/anggreko.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.africa.aggreko.com/">Aggreko</a>  has won a bid to supply 100 MW of ADDGAS-generated power to Benin.</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />The one year contract will support the country’s national grid with energy generated from ADDGAS – an add-on technology, which substitutes a significant portion of diesel fuel with natural gas.<br /><br />With an annual GDP growth of nearly 6% and a rapidly expanding industrial sector, power demands across Benin are increasing exponentially. In its role as the national power utility and system operator in Benin, Société Béninoise d'Energie Electrique (SBEE) is working to bring high quality electricity to the country’s 10 million inhabitants by increasing generation capacity and further developing transmission and distribution networks.<br /><br />In response to the public tender process, Aggreko’s bid was the only one to include an ADDGAS option. By maximising available fuel types, SBEE will be able to make significant savings over the duration of the contract as a result of the flexible ADDGAS solution.<br /><br />Aggreko is also installing specialist high voltage equipment as part of its turn-key offering.<br /><br />Aggreko has a strong and established relationship with SBEE having previously supported the national grid at various intervals over the last 12 years, providing an interim solution to Benin helping to maintain economic growth in the country.<br /><br />“We signed with Aggreko because Benin can count on its ability to mobilise within the contractual deadlines and on its experience as an operator” said, Mr Laurent Tossou, Managing Director of SBEE.<br /><br />“Aggreko’s proposition considers Benin’s availability of gas, while also allowing production units to operate with diesel only. The additional production capacities will enable the Beninese government to fulfil a daily structural deficit ranging between 40 and 60 MW per day for more than a year.”<br /><br />Managing Director, Aggreko Africa, James Shepherd, said: “We are delighted to be working once again alongside SBEE to bring reliable power to the people of Benin. By delivering this fast-track power, we are helping to provide a more consistent and reliable energy supply to the people of Benin, while helping to support the economic growth in the country.”<br /><br />The 100 MW is expected to be mobilised by the end of the year.<br /><br />With around 2.3 GW currently installed across 34 African countries, Aggreko is the largest supplier of modular, mobile power to the African continent. This new project will bring the company’s total generating capacity to 2.4 GW across Africa.<br /><br />It will create more local jobs with the recruitment and training of a local workforce specialised in the power industry, a critical sector for the future development of the continent.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Aggreko plc. </span></div> </div>

Aggreko brings 100 MW of ADDGAS-generated Power to Benin

Aggreko   has won a bid to supply 100 MW of ADDGAS-generated power to Benin. The one year contract will support the country’s national g...

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Standard Bank predicts Increased M&A Activity in African Telecom, Media and Technology

<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/-kqd0lMoxLQI/V805cr78o4I/AAAAAAAAHJ4/MF0mBeu3fHsENN5vYyD9FkLIN5bs_kCggCEw/s1600/TMT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqd0lMoxLQI/V805cr78o4I/AAAAAAAAHJ4/MF0mBeu3fHsENN5vYyD9FkLIN5bs_kCggCEw/s400/TMT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Standard<a href="http://www.standardbank.com/"> Bank</a>, Africa’s largest bank by assets, is partnering with international news and events provider TMT Finance for the inaugural TMT Finance Africa in Lagos 2016 Conference, which is bringing together the leading decision makers in African telecoms, media and technology (TMT) to <a href="http://www.tmtfinance.com/lagos/">Lagos</a> on September 20, 2016.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />The event will feature over 60 key C-level speakers from the most active and innovative companies, investors and advisers in Africa, including: IHS Towers, Airtel, Standard Bank, Etisalat, MTN, Vodacom, Africa Internet Group, Ringier, iRoko, MainOne, iPNX, Spectranet, Fibersat, Citi, Convergence Partners, Standard Chartered PE, Carlyle, Africa Capital Alliance and Emerging Capital Partners.<br /><br />“As one of the leading TMT banks in Africa, we are excited to partner with TMT Finance for this event, which will bring the key telecom, media and technology companies, investors and advisers to Lagos in Nigeria,” said Standard Bank’s Global Head of TMT, Nina Triantis, who will be speaking on the TMT M&A Panel at the conference in one of the key sessions of the day.<br /><br />The event comes at a time of accelerating investment, innovation and M&A activity across Africa, and in particular Nigeria, with Lagos widely viewed as the central hub for technology innovation and investment in Africa.<br /><br />“Investment and M&A in TMT continues to be especially active in Africa, with many companies across the continent considering strategic options, growth along diverse verticals, private debt and equity financing rounds, M&A, and public listings,” said Standard Bank’s Triantis. “The debt markets continue to be supportive for the right companies in Africa, despite macro challenges in many African countries as well as global uncertainty, though the funding currency and medium will inevitably reflect these challenges,” she added.<br /><br />Current deals in Africa being reported by TMT Finance News include MTN’s Nigerian IPO, the sale of South Africa’s Neotel to Liquid Telecom, Millicom’s strategic review of its African assets, several fibre investment projects and fundraisings, and the potential listing/ sale of Nigerian fintech firm, InterSwitch.<br /><br />The conference includes five Leadership Panel Debates, five Visionary Keynote Speeches, 8 Peer to Peer Round Tables and Five Networking Sessions.<br /><br />Key session themes announced include: Telecom Leadership Africa: Broadband Infrastructure Investment; Digital Africa; Mobile Infrastructure Strategies; Mergers and Acquisitions; Private Equity Africa Roundtable; Regulation and Policy; Financing Telecoms; Broadband Infrastructure; Investing in Mobile Data and Services; Mobile Banking, Fintech and M-Health; and Media and Convergence.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of TMT Finance. </span></div> </div>

Standard Bank predicts Increased M&A Activity in African Telecom, Media and Technology

Standard Bank , Africa’s largest bank by assets, is partnering with international news and events provider TMT Finance for the inaugura...

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ProCollect, an Innovative Data Collection Solution Wins "Outstanding Enterprise Solution" at the West Africa Com Awards

<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/-3Zd7zPe3Rf8/V804dSIDaMI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/rSQOWUGgF5gdk6qbPTOIj0FHCU5i1rHygCLcB/s1600/Put.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zd7zPe3Rf8/V804dSIDaMI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/rSQOWUGgF5gdk6qbPTOIj0FHCU5i1rHygCLcB/s400/Put.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In order to address the lack of reliable statistical data in most companies , the digital agency People Input , has implemented a technology solution called ProCollect , a modern data collection system that enables companies to collect, process, analyze and digitize statistical data in record time. <br /><br />ProCollect was awarded "Outstanding Enterprise Solution " at the 2016 edition of the West Africa Com Forum , the largest Telecom & Digital event in West Africa . The awards came following the vote of a panel of judges consisting of experts in the business of digital at the West Africa Com Awards.<br /><br />ProCollect provides opportunities for companies to have real-time market information, reliable management of sales, marketing , surveys and field studies, which help professionals make business decisions.<br /><br />"African markets face a clear lack of reliable statistical data. Our ProCollect Solution is THE answer to this need" said Serigne BARRO, CEO of People Input. "With ProCollect, any business company can, at short notice, get an affordable turn-key solution for collecting, geolocalizing and analyzing data. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">ProCollect works on any mobile device (smartphone or tablet). Once the device is connected to the Internet, it synchronizes in real time all the information entered. Several big agribusiness and distribution companies use ProCollect each day to get reliable real time marketing and commercial data on sales management, opinion polls, field surveys ... ProCollect revolutionizes the information gathering system!".<br /><br />ProCollect was developed in 2015 by the People Input Lab. It helps any entity collect, store, enter and process data more easily. ProCollect is a robust and customizable solution, and proves to be an excellent tool for informed decision making. It enables the user to gain plenty of time and to store data on a secure server that is accessible via a dedicated web-based interface. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of People Input.</span></div> </div>

ProCollect, an Innovative Data Collection Solution Wins "Outstanding Enterprise Solution" at the West Africa Com Awards

In order to address the lack of reliable statistical data in most companies , the digital agency People Input , has implemented a techno...

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Nokia malware report shows surge in mobile device infections in 2016

<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/-00yqbFGlslA/V803bitkMCI/AAAAAAAAHJw/Yz3CqNUseYs-o4fmEbg8sjmPJb1neDpvgCLcB/s1600/Nokia.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00yqbFGlslA/V803bitkMCI/AAAAAAAAHJw/Yz3CqNUseYs-o4fmEbg8sjmPJb1neDpvgCLcB/s400/Nokia.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Nokia today issued the Nokia Threat Intelligence Report - H1 2016, revealing a sharp rise in the occurrence of smartphone malware infections in the first half of the year. Issued twice per year, the report examines general trends and statistics for malware infections in devices connected through mobile and fixed networks. <br /><br />According to the report, smartphone infections nearly doubled between January and July compared to the latter half of 2015, with smartphones accounting for 78 percent of all mobile network infections. The malware infection rate hit an all-time high in April, with infections striking 1.06 percent of all mobile devices tracked. In addition, devices based on the Android™ operating system were the most targeted mobile platform by far, representing 74 percent of all mobile malware infections. <br /><br />The report also highlighted the emergence of new, more sophisticated malware that can be more difficult to detect and remove. <br /><br />Kevin McNamee, head of the Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab, said: "Today attackers are targeting a broader range of applications and platforms, including popular mobile games and new IoT devices, and developing more sophisticated and destructive forms of malware. Nokia's network-based security solution is the best approach to address this growing threat to all types of devices. It detects and prevents malware activity that device-based solutions may miss." <br /><br />Key findings of the latest Nokia Threat Intelligence Report include: <br />* 96-percent surge in smartphone infections: The average smartphone infection rate increased 96 percent in the first half of 2016, compared to the second half of 2015 (0.49 percent vs 0.25 percent). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* New all-time high: In April 2016, mobile infections hit an all-time high, with 1.06 percent of devices infected by a range of malware, including ransomware, spyphone applications, SMS Trojans, personal information theft and aggressive adware. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* One out of 120 smartphones infected: In April, one out of every 120 smartphones had some type of malware infection. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* Android OS hit hardest: Android smartphones were the most targeted mobile platform, accounting for 74 percent of all malware infections compared to Window/PC systems (22 percent), and other platforms, including iOS devices (4 percent). </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* 75 percent jump in malware samples: The number of infected Android apps in Nokia's malware database soared 75 percent, from 5.1 million in December 2015 to 8.9 million in July 2016. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* Mobile game infections detected within hours: Downloaded mobile applications are a key conduit for malware attacks. The Nokia Threat Intelligence Lab detected infected copies of an extremely popular mobile game within hours after they were posted on untrusted third-party download sites. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* More sophisticated malware: Malware is becoming increasingly more sophisticated, as new variations attempt to root the phone in order to provide complete control and establish a permanent presence on the device. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* Top three mobile threats: The top three mobile malware threats were Uapush.A, Kasandra.B and SMSTracker, together accounting for 47 percent of all infections. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />* Fixed residential network infections rise: The overall monthly infection rate in residential fixed broadband networks reached an average of 12 percent in the first half of 2016, compared to 11 percent in late 2015, primarily due to an increase in moderate threat level adware. These infections are mostly due to malware on Windows PCs and laptops in the home, but also include infections on smartphones using home WiFi. <br /><br />Data in the Nokia Threat Intelligence Report is aggregated from deployments of the Nokia NetGuard Endpoint Security solution around the globe, covering more than 100 million devices, including mobile phones, laptops, notepads and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Nokia.</span></div> </div>

Nokia malware report shows surge in mobile device infections in 2016

Nokia today issued the Nokia Threat Intelligence Report - H1 2016, revealing a sharp rise in the occurrence of smartphone malware infect...

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TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI: Africa Unites at Sauti za Busara 2017

<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/-URsXxHn_c7Q/V802WCD8jqI/AAAAAAAAHJk/yg0FuBChuEYke2IhNK5ODtdma7b4gOcKgCLcB/s1600/Sauti.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URsXxHn_c7Q/V802WCD8jqI/AAAAAAAAHJk/yg0FuBChuEYke2IhNK5ODtdma7b4gOcKgCLcB/s400/Sauti.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Joto la Sauti za Busara linazidi kupanda baada ya kutangazwa kurudi tena kwa tamasha hilo bora kabisa barani Afrika litakaloanza tarehe 9 – 12 Februari 2017. <br /><br /> Baada ya kupokea maombi takribani mia sita kutoka kwa wasanii wanaotaka kushiriki, waandaaji wameshachagua vikundi shiriki na kwa hakika mwezi februari wapenzi wa muziki watashuhudia wasanii mahiri watakaokutanishwa ndani ya kanda ya Afrika Mashariki. <br /><br /> Taarifa kamili kuhusu wasanii watakaofanya maonyesho yao ndani ya tamasha la Sauti za Busara 2017 itatolewa mwezi wa kumi. Wasanii mia nne watakaokuwa kwenye vikundi arobaini watashiriki ikijumuisha majina makubwa na vijana wanachipukia kutoka Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambiki, Afrika Kusini, Ghana, Gine, Kameruni na Ethiopia. <br /><br /> Dhima ya tamasha la mwaka 2017 ni Africa United. Kama anavyoelezea mkurugenzi wa tamasha bwana Yusuf Mahmoud, “dhumuni la Sauti za Busara ni kuwaleta watu pamoja wenye asili tofauti ili kusheherekea utajiri na muingiliano wa muziki wa Afrika. Tamasha huonyesha muziki wa laivu tu, wenye asili na ubunifu, na wenye kutoa ujumbe mahsusi kwa jamii na kuvutia unapopigwa jukwaani. Ikiwa unapigwa kwa ala tupu au uliochanganywa na umeme, tamasha hutoa vipaumbele kwa muziki wenye vionjo vya kiutamaduni”. <br /><br /> Aliendelea zaidi, “Muziki ni lugha ya ulimwengu, kupitia muziki dunia inaona na kutambua bara la Afrika ni lenye misimamo chanya, Afrika ni mahiri, Afrika ni tajiri kwa tamaduni zake. Tunatakiwa tuimarishe hali ya utulivu na amani kwa Afrika nzima; ni ipi njia ya kufanya zaidi ya kutumia lugha ya ulimwengu?” <br /><br /> Ili kuonyesha umakini katika kuiunganisha Afrika kupitia muziki, Sauti za Busara imeshatangaza nusu bei kwa wageni wote wenye uraia wa Afrika. Punguzo zaidi litapatikana kwa watanzania au wakaazi wa Afrika Mashariki.</span></div> </div>

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI: Africa Unites at Sauti za Busara 2017

Joto la Sauti za Busara linazidi kupanda baada ya kutangazwa kurudi tena kwa tamasha hilo bora kabisa barani Afrika litakaloanza tarehe ...

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Axis and Canon Announce Change of Global Sales and Marketing Framework for Network Video Portfolio

<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/-6Yfa14ujtTM/V801xLmPhuI/AAAAAAAAHJg/8-vo5RNf90Q1vQSqEjS9n7PompZmlhDrwCLcB/s1600/Lons.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Yfa14ujtTM/V801xLmPhuI/AAAAAAAAHJg/8-vo5RNf90Q1vQSqEjS9n7PompZmlhDrwCLcB/s400/Lons.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Axis Communications and Canon Inc. announced today an agreement under which the two companies would change their sales and marketing efforts in major regional markets worldwide. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and North America, Axis will assume responsibility for the marketing and sales of Canon's entire network video product portfolio, starting in EMEA from September 1 and in North America from October 1<br /><br />"The network video surveillance market continues to show great potential. As a leader in the industry, Axis is in an excellent position to include the sales of Canon network video products to our broad portfolio of products and solutions in EMEA and North America. These changes show Canon's strong commitment to build a long term presence for Axis on the market," says Ray Mauritsson, president of Axis Communications.<br /><br />Since Axis became a part of the Canon Group in 2015, both companies have discussed various options for leveraging their network video product and solution offerings. This new sales and marketing framework provides an effective means of maximizing the synergies of the Canon-Axis combination.<br /><br />In the Japanese market Canon (Canon Marketing Japan) will continue to sell Canon's network video product portfolio and will in addition become a partner for Axis to sell the Axis product portfolio. This will be in addition to Axis' existing partner network. As for the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, options for the handling of Canon's network video product and solution portfolio are still being explored.<br /><br />Under the new framework, Canon partners and customers will benefit from Axis's marketing, sales and technical expertise and will have access to a wider range of products and solutions from the leading company in the network video market.<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Axis Communications.</span></div> </div>

Axis and Canon Announce Change of Global Sales and Marketing Framework for Network Video Portfolio

Axis Communications and Canon Inc. announced today an agreement under which the two companies would change their sales and marketing eff...

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Telecom M&A and Digital Convergence to lead Deal Activity in Africa

<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/-HH04TCLT38c/V8AEY42ujqI/AAAAAAAAHJI/KRY7vPxAUGQNzpGluV5mrdSVqmc7lggXQCLcB/s1600/tmt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH04TCLT38c/V8AEY42ujqI/AAAAAAAAHJI/KRY7vPxAUGQNzpGluV5mrdSVqmc7lggXQCLcB/s400/tmt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Converging technologies, expanding connectivity and telecom mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are predicted to be the main drivers of investment and deal activity in Sub Saharan Africa in 2016 and 2017, according to global news and events company, TMT <a href="http://www.tmtfinance.com/">Finance</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The topics will top the bill at the inaugural TMT Finance Africa in Lagos 2016 conference on<a href="http://www.tmtfinance.com/lagos/"> Sept 20</a>,  which will gather over 60 international and regional CEOs, CFOs, strategy heads, private equity chiefs, and senior investment bankers, consultants and lawyers to discuss the latest investment strategies for telecoms, media & technology (TMT) across Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">TMT Finance is teaming up with IHS Towers, the largest mobile telecommunications infrastructure provider in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, to bring an international audience to Africa’s technology hub, Lagos, for the first event of its kind in Nigeria.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Ben Nice, Director, TMT Finance Africa in Lagos, said: “With now just a month to go we are really excited to be holding this event at such a critical phase for investment and M&A in Nigeria and Africa’s telecom, media and technology sectors. Lagos is the hub for innovation in Africa and the conference will act as a crucial dialogue between local, regional and international stakeholders and decision makers in the sector.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Key C-level executives will be attending from companies such as: Airtel, MTN, Vodacom, MainOne, DLA Piper, Etisalat, IHS Towers, Ntel, Jumiah, Nokia, Standard Bank, Emerging Capital Partners, Carlyle, Barclays, African Capital Alliance, IpNX, Rack Centre, Spectranet, Iroko, FIbersat, Standard Chartered, Citi and many more.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Among the main themes on the agenda are: African Telecoms M&A and Financing, Africa Broadband Infrastructure Investment, Digital Africa Strategies, Venture Capital and Private Equity in Africa TMT, the Evolution of the African Towerco, Protecting Risk, Datacenters and Enterprise Cloud services, and Connecting the Unconnected.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Our team of TMT Finance News journalists have been reporting on a number of themes and specific situations across Africa this year, including the strategic review of Millicom’s regional assets, the sale of Neotel to Liquid Telecom, Google’s fibre rollout projects in various countries, Orange’s consolidation in West Africa, MTN Nigeria’s IPO, and a number of fundraisings for flourishing digital media and technology-based companies throughout Africa. It really is a captivating time for the sector,” Nice added.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO on behalf of TMT Finance.</span></div> </div>

Telecom M&A and Digital Convergence to lead Deal Activity in Africa

Converging technologies, expanding connectivity and telecom mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are predicted to be the main drivers of i...

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flydubai participates in Dubai Tourism’s first-ever East Africa roadshow

<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/-fsaoQXVuZJ4/V8AB4DqEdxI/AAAAAAAAHI4/2THy0rDyvgUFo9cfTmIHwwuaruACzMfJACLcB/s1600/dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsaoQXVuZJ4/V8AB4DqEdxI/AAAAAAAAHI4/2THy0rDyvgUFo9cfTmIHwwuaruACzMfJACLcB/s400/dubai.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Dubai-based airlin</span><a href="http://www.flydubai.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">e flydubai</a><span style="font-size: large;"> is participating in Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (Dubai Tourism) first-ever East Africa roadshow joining 14 Dubai-based partners in showcasing a wide range of services and upcoming attractions. flydubai will take part in the road show in Kampala on 24 August, where it will then continue to Dar es Salaam on 30 August.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The roadshow is a great platform for local operators to meet directly with the airline and learn first-hand about the services and choices passengers from the market have when choosing to fly directly to Dubai for business or leisure.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Commenting ahead of the roadshow, Issam Kazim, CEO at Dubai Tourism, said: “The potential of Uganda and Tanzania as a source market is positive, and this roadshow provides us with the opportunity to directly interact with the operators here and showcase what Dubai has to offer. We look forward to making long-lasting and fruitful trade relationships during the trip to further grow the tourism market in Uganda for the benefit of all.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">flydubai was launched in 2009 to help create free flows of trade and tourism in the region and further support Dubai’s vision to become an internationally recognised aviation and tourism hub. flydubai’s reliable, affordable and high quality product offering with both business and economy classes, makes it possible for more people to travel more often to Dubai.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Sudhir Sreedharan, SVP Commercial Operations at flydubai (GCC, Africa & Indian Sub-Continent), said: “We are very pleased to take part in Dubai Tourism’s first-ever roadshow to East Africa and to showcase brand Dubai and flydubai. We are committed to opening up underserved markets and providing reliable, direct air links to destinations that previously had no or very few connections to Dubai. East Africa is a very important market that has shown significant growth over the past few years. We currently operate 82 weekly flights to 11 points in Africa, including 3 weekly flights to Entebbe and 4 weekly flights to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. These weekly frequencies will increase to 4 flights to Entebbe and 7 flights to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar from October.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">flydubai currently flies to 11 destinations in North and East Africa: Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Khartoum, Port Sudan and Zanzibar.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Business Class is available on most of the routes on the flydubai network and the carrier has recently introduced WiFi and Live TV on select flights.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The carrier, which is the second largest operator out of Dubai International, has built a network of 90 destinations in 44 countries and operates more than 1,700 flights a week out of it is home in Dubai International (DXB), Terminal 2 and the newly opened Al Maktoum International- Dubai World Central (DWC).</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by AP on behalf of flydubai.</span></div> </div>

flydubai participates in Dubai Tourism’s first-ever East Africa roadshow

Dubai-based airlin e flydubai is participating in Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (Dubai Tourism) first-ever Ea...

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London Protesters are cons Bidco says

<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/-XzaxwMEUgvU/V8ABJ1yeUCI/AAAAAAAAHI0/Y4XgXeRjJn4ljLu-WuJc_nZ2J__lcjyYQCLcB/s1600/bidco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XzaxwMEUgvU/V8ABJ1yeUCI/AAAAAAAAHI0/Y4XgXeRjJn4ljLu-WuJc_nZ2J__lcjyYQCLcB/s640/bidco.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bidcoafrica.com/">Bidco </a>Africa</span><span style="font-size: large;"> has said the protesters that picketed outside Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks in London on Tuesday are con artists trying to blackmail the company.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The company says it has been fighting an anonymous and faceless group of online con artists masquerading as activists for over a year.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The group has been harassing the company and its partners on social media and via email. It has also been staging fake protests in various locations.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The London Protests lack credibility according to the company. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“These guys are just bodies for hire. If you watch the video the incredible thing is they cannot even get the company name right. They are protesting against 'Bisco' and 'Vamil Shah', that tells you all you need to know about these people,” CEO Vimal Shah explains.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"At one point they asked for 500,000 USD to stop the harassment and we said no and so they have kept coming," he adds.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"There is no activism here. We know who is behind it and what they hope the pressure will lead to but we will not buckle. We will not give in to extortion.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"We also know they have been approaching PR agencies in Nairobi trying to recruit them to run a smear campaign against. We have this information."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">KEPSA, the apex private sector body in Kenya received emails from the group but when they invited them to present evidence-no one showed up.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"We asked them to come forward and prove their claims but have heard nothing from them since," the CEO Carole Kariuki says.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Bidco Africa insists the claims made by so called activists are outright lies and distortion of facts. The claims of deforestation are manifestly untrue.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"No forests were taken in Uganda, there have been four independent Environmental Impact Assessments done and they all give the project a clean bill of health. On the question of land, out of 9000 hectares acquired for the project, there is only one dispute with one farmer who was a squatter on someone's land and the case is in court," Kodey Rao the Bidco Uganda Managing Director says ( The Uganda unit has different ownership and management from its Kenyan counterpart.)</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"1750 farmers earned 1.5 Billion Ugandan Shillings last month, I wish someone could talk about that and how their lives have changed, the houses they have built, the cars they have bought and how they are taking their children to private universities," he adds.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"Or the 44 Million USD that has gone into infrastructure on the island, the jobs, the tourism and the total economic transformation of the district. It used to be one of the poorest in the country, position 71 out of 76 and that is now one of the top ten in the country."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The company says its labour record is being misrepresented.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"The pictures you see on social media are a big joke. There are 1800 employees at Bidco HQ - If they go on the streets to protest, everyone will know. It won't be 10 or 20 guys." Zipporah Mburu the executive in charge of Employee Welfare says.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"It's annoying to see people who have never even set foot in Bidco purporting to represent our interests," Linus Muendo a union rep at the company says.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">"They know nothing about the company and how we live."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Vimal Shah says the allegations of tax evasion the most saddening.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“We are a proudly Kenyan company. We gladly pay on average about 70M USD a year in taxes and just because we have one dispute over the computation of one tax bill we are bad guys. The case is in court, why not let the courts decide?”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime the CEO says there are plenty of other things to talk about.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Talk about the 4,500 entrepreneurs who form our supply chain or the 12,000 plus farmers who have a guaranteed market for their farm produce. Or our investments in new industries and technologies.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">That’s what Bidco is really about.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO on behalf of Bidco Africa</span></div> </div>

London Protesters are cons Bidco says

Bidco Africa  has said the protesters that picketed outside Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks in London on Tuesday are con artists...

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Join Africa's first paid fellowship for content creators

<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/-0Fggb1h7Jxg/V7__pwKtQkI/AAAAAAAAHIs/zUkhYfFnVw01qrp8as4vqDuq1Jgo30CGwCLcB/s1600/akoma.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fggb1h7Jxg/V7__pwKtQkI/AAAAAAAAHIs/zUkhYfFnVw01qrp8as4vqDuq1Jgo30CGwCLcB/s400/akoma.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">aKoma Media, a content platform and storytelling company focused on Africa, is pleased to announce the inaugural session of Amplify, a media and content creation program in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Amplify's mission is to develop a fellowship of young, dynamic multimedia content creators who will craft compelling stories about Africa. The Fellows will be immersed in a six-month holistic and individualized instruction program that starts to fill a much-needed media and storytelling talent pipeline in Africa, providing access to job opportunities. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend and digital hardware as part of their program benefits. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">aKoma CEO and co-founder, Zain Verjee is spearheading Amplify which will launch in Kigali (Rwanda), Lagos (Nigeria), and Nairobi (Kenya) in September 2016. "Amplify is a great platform to find and nurture talented Africans who want to create amazing content, acquire and develop creation skills, and distribute their work globally." The former CNN anchor adds that aKoma sees Amplify as an added weapon to "develop an exclusive network of multimedia storytellers who will be able to tell universal stories about Africa, and armed with the skills to work for major media outlets, freelance, or start their own storytelling shops." </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">For the inaugural class of Amplify Fellows, aKoma is seeking applications from talented individuals and creators in the written, photo and video content spaces. The 2016 program will be in Nairobi, Lagos and Kigali, so individuals in those cities are encouraged to apply. aKoma is looking for the most committed candidates who are up for a fun but challenging experience. The Fellowship selection process will be rigorous, and a total of only twenty-five Fellows will be chosen. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Founded by CNN alumni Zain Verjee and Chidi Afulezi, aKoma is an open source content platform and storytelling community where a combination of user generated and original content about Africa and its diaspora are created, published and shared with the world. With a mission of building Africa's content management system (CMS), the media company was developed with the long-term vision to become the center of a thriving ecosystem of Africa focused content and media services such as photo galleries, short, mid and long-form video, branded content, blogging tools and others, powered by aKoma's modern media stack that allows creators to build innovative creative products. Visit <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PAAyXz2ci90c1woBVuD7a-8dRk3pyAnX_oTWnAph9jqiNUtQIbdn2OQWzV63v3J_m9G4xyFC8_5AjkEZE6e4xe7wd62vGoW8bUcXUWdWFIefIlgKVbwEhGwsQEnt3nyd1jH6WxUL8GDfS1UckMQIdVcL4irFq7EniReMhcET3zE=&c=7qKpceJa6mQsRYz893DsXazRlgM2SEfULYPujlVU9WQg0zI97uwAsw==&ch=JWrxLj6NQJnwwSBJbdzCTlSs3IHuVvi0ITLuXnT6x0ihthIBxMp3kQ==">aKomanet.com</a> for more information. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of aKoma Media.</span></div> </div>

Join Africa's first paid fellowship for content creators

aKoma Media, a content platform and storytelling company focused on Africa, is pleased to announce the inaugural session of Amplify, a m...

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Mining Indaba Appoints Harry Chapman Director of Content

<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/-JWsoUuri5EI/V7_-ouH07vI/AAAAAAAAHIo/DmW4LKKvu8UesMaKTYIpLRS6HyicoB0ZACLcB/s1600/image001%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWsoUuri5EI/V7_-ouH07vI/AAAAAAAAHIo/DmW4LKKvu8UesMaKTYIpLRS6HyicoB0ZACLcB/s400/image001%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Investing in African Mining <a href="http://apo.af/RCMXkp">Indaba®</a> , the world’s largest mining investment event, today announced the appointment of Harry Chapman as Director of Content. In this role he will oversee all content for the Mining Indaba and new mining investment events developed globally.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.miningindaba.com/">Harry joins </a>Mining Indaba having developed outstanding content for Metal Bulletin, Mines and Money/Aspermont and most recently Informa. He will be located in our London office and will work closely with our other directors on creating world class content for the mining community.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“Harry is a veteran content leader with excellent experience in mining and metals. Adding his skills, relationships and content acumen to our team will allow the already strong content at Mining Indaba to reach even greater heights” said Jonathan Moore, Managing Director of Mining Indaba. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Moore went on to say. “A strong content leader is critically important to ensure that timely, cutting-edge topics are presented by the top industry leaders to Mining Indaba participants. This addition will allow us to further refine our offering and ensure that the most pressing issues facing investment in African mining is expertly covered.”</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Content has always been a core strength of the Mining Indaba and has helped to solidify its position as one of the most respected events in all of Africa.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">“I'm pleased to be joining the Mining Indaba team, the global gathering of the industry that I have always seen as the world's leading mining investment event. I look forward to applying my content skills, sector knowledge, ideas and innovations to the event content and to make the onsite networking experience the best yet” says Chapman.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> </div>

Mining Indaba Appoints Harry Chapman Director of Content

Investing in African Mining Indaba® , the world’s largest mining investment event, today announced the appointment of Harry Chapman as ...

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Millicom, of which Tigo is a subsidiary, was the Platinum Sponsor of the three-day Mobile 360 Africa international summit

<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/-twJzsZS4KI8/V7GQLg_hYrI/AAAAAAAAHH4/zBuogdflLMEL6etae2PvuusHFJ6ddOQRwCLcB/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/-twJzsZS4KI8/V7GQLg_hYrI/AAAAAAAAHH4/zBuogdflLMEL6etae2PvuusHFJ6ddOQRwCLcB/s400/tigo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Tanzania’s leading digital lifestyle company, <a href="http://www.tigo.co.tz/">Tigo</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tigo.co.tz/"> </a>has outlined its strategic priorities that are meant to drive the company’s long-term social investment objectives.<br /><br />Speaking at the just-ended Global System Mobile Association (GSMA) Mobile 360-Africa Conference held on 26th-28th July 2016 at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Tanzania’s commercial capital City, Dar es Salaam, Tigo General Manager, Diego Gutierrez cited the telecom’s core social priorities as digital inclusion, education and business entrepreneurship. Gutierrez was one of the key Tigo Tanzania panelists at the conference that included Shavkat Berdiev, Tigo Tanzania Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Head of Mobile Financial Services, Ruan Swanepoel.<br /><br />“At Tigo, creating positive change is part of our DNA as we bring the digital lifestyle to our customers and communities”, Gutierrez said adding: “we take our responsibilities to the communities where we work and strive to deliver positive social impact to the people”.<br /><br />Gutierrez explained that in the current fast-changing dynamics in the mobile telecom industry, there was a need to change the goal-posts through innovation and synergy to leverage diverse models of doing business.<br /><br />Giving an example of Tigo’s mobile money service, Tigo Pesa, the GM alluded to its dramatic growth, noting that currently, it has the largest network with over 50,000 merchants across the country.<br /><br />Talking on Tigo’s contribution to driving financial inclusion in Tanzania, Gutierrez said that through Tigo Pesa, the company had given its customers access to Africa’s first universal mobile money exchange system.<br /><br />“Cumulatively”, he said, “Tigo Pesa users have earned Tsh. 40.7bn (US$18,397,406) in profit share since the scheme was started in 2014”.<br /><br />The return to customers is calculated based on Tigo Pesa customers’ average daily balance stored in their mobile wallets and is in line with the Central Bank’s (Bank of Tanzania-BoT) Circular issued in February 2014.<br /><br />Tigo Tanzania became the first telecom company in the world in 2014 to share profit generated from its mobile money Trust Account in the form of a quarterly distribution to its customers.<br /><br />The Tigo boss also reiterated the company’s pioneering role in localizing digital content and offering zero-rated products and services that are meant to transform the lives of its customers.<br /><br />In a keynote debate entitled, “Creating Opportunities for Local Digital Content”, the General Manager said, “Tigo was the first telecom in Tanzania to introduce free Facebook and affordable Smartphones whose interfaces are fully embedded in Kiswahili, the country’s national language so as to open the doors to our customers to access our products and services in a language they can easily understand”.<br /><br />On his part, Tigo Tanzania Head of Mobile Financial Services, Ruan Swanepoel stressed on leveraging the mobile money ecosystem through a market-driven approach that incorporates all players in the telecom industry. <br /><br />Giving an example of interoperability where different mobile money providers can conduct cross-network services, Swanepoel said through the new ‘NitigoPesa’ campaign, customers from across all mobile networks in the country can seamlessly send and receive money to any Tigo customer through its secure and convenient Tigo Pesa service.<br /><br />“All other financial mobile money networks will be able to transact to Tigo Pesa through buying and paying from our widest network of Tigo Pesa merchants that are spread all over the country”, Swanepoel told the media on the sidelines of the GSMA event. <br /><br />He lamented that in Tanzania, 98% of transactions were still cash-based, emphasizing that the end-game of the evolution of interoperability was to avoid cash-outs in the payment of utilities in future.<br /><br />Shavkat Berdiev, Tigo CCO, waded into the topical issue of closing the mobile gender gap and fostering financial inclusion among the underprivileged, especially the low-income women in the country. <br /><br />He re-affirmed the company’s commitment to continue contributing in closing the mobile gender gap to the underprivileged women in Tanzania through the provision of mobile phones and supporting income-generating micro-finance schemes that target low-income women in a program dubbed, ‘Connected Women Project’. <br /><br />“Tigo has already set the pace in contributing to closing the mobile gender gap by providing 400 mobile phones and training on mobile phone use to needy women in Kilwa and Rufiji Districts in the Coastal Region in Tanzania. This is a deliberate move by our company to open up the barriers to both access and use of mobile phones such as cost, cultural issues and low levels of digital literacy”, Berdiev told the media at the conference.<br /><br />According to GSMA 2015 report on the gender gap in mobile access and usage, 27 million fewer women than men own mobile phones in Africa. <br /><br />In Tanzania, statistics indicate that only 58% of women owned a mobile phone in 2014 compared to 78% of men, a situation that is mainly attributable to the high cost of a mobile handset.<br /><br />Noting that Tigo’s target was to reduce the gender gap in Mobile Financial Services by 5%, Berdiev explained that mobile phone ownership and usage by women had the potential to unlock benefits for women as well as the mobile industry and broader economy. <br /><br />A research conducted by Tigo and REPOA (a leading research organization in the country) last year showed that cost was the greatest obstacle to obtaining a mobile phone handset. That is why, according to Berdiev, the telecom is championing the empowerment of low-income women who cannot afford the phones, hence enhance digital and financial inclusion.<br /><br />According to Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, women could bring in an extra $170 billion in revenue to the telecommunications industry by 2020 if their contribution to the sector is fully exploited through bridging the mobile gender gap.<br /><br />Through Connected Women Commitment initiative, Tigo Tanzania is among other 75 operators that plan to tackle the many barriers that hinder women from owning mobile phones.<br /><br />Tigo’s drive towards offering cheaper phones and micro-finance loans will not only connect Tanzanian women to the world of digital lifestyle but will also contribute to their economic wellbeing and hence better life.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Tigo. </span></div> </div>

Millicom, of which Tigo is a subsidiary, was the Platinum Sponsor of the three-day Mobile 360 Africa international summit

Tanzania’s leading digital lifestyle company, Tigo has outlined its strategic priorities that are meant to drive the company’s long-ter...

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Balozi Seif ahidi kutekeleza ahadi zake

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mwakilishi wa Jimbo la Mahonda Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema kwamba kazi ya utekelezaji wa ahadi aliyotoa kwa Wananchi wa Jimbo hilo wakati wa Kampeni za Uchaguzi Mkuu wa mwaka uliopita itaendelea hatua baada ya hatua ili kukidhi matarajio yao.</span><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Alisema utekelezaji huo una dhamira ya kuwaondoshea kiu waliyonayo Wananchi hao katika kutatua kero pamoja na changamoto mbali mbali zinazowakabili katika maeneo yao wanayoishi.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema hayo wakati akibabidhi vifaa vya Maabara kwa Skuli ya Sekondari ya Fujoni akitekeleza ahadi aliyowapa Wanafunzi, Walimu na Uongozi wa Kamati ya Skuli hiyo vikiwa na thamani ya zaidi ya shilingi Milioni 25,000,000/- za Kitanzania.<br /><br />Alisema wakati Viongozi na Kamati ya Skuli wakijitahidi kujenga mazingira bora ya Kielimu kazi inayowakabili wanafunzi hao kwa sasa ni kuhakikisha wanajikita zaidi katika kutafuta Elimu kwa lengo la kujijengea hatma njema ya maisha yao ya baadaye.<br /><br />Mapema Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alipata wasaa wa kukagua Jengo jipya la Maabara aliloligharamia ujenzi wake katika Skuli hiyo ya Fujoni ambalo limefikia hatua nzuri katika kukamilika kwake.<br /><br />Msimamizi wa Ujenzi wa Jengo hilo Ndugu Yasir De Costa alimueleza Balozi Seif kwamba ujenzi wake umeshakamilika kwa hatua ya awali ikiwemo uwepo wa huduma ya Maji na kilichosaliwa kwa wakati huu ni umakilishaji wa huduma za Umme kwa ajili ya kutumiwa na wanafunzi hao.<br /><br />Ujenzi wa jengo hilo Jipya la Maabara la Skuli ya Sekondari ya Fujoni unakisiwa kugharimu zaidi ya shilingi Milioni 30,000,000/-.<br /><br />Fujoni ni miongoni mwa Skuli Tatu za Sekondari zilizomo ndani ya Jimbo la Mahonda mbayo kutokana na juhudi za Walimu na Kamati ya Skuli tayari imebahatika kuwa na Darasa la Kumi na Nne { Form VI }.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Balozi Seif ahidi kutekeleza ahadi zake

Mwakilishi wa Jimbo la Mahonda Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema kwamba kazi ya utekelezaji wa ahadi aliyotoa kwa Wananchi wa Jimbo hilo wakati...

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Currently, more than 60% of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa have access to a mobile phone

<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UsHic-bOo8/V7GMg2HsJlI/AAAAAAAAHHs/W0WcnaMcP4MTrf2tTFPkbBEIGEkTM4doACEw/s1600/DHL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="89" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UsHic-bOo8/V7GMg2HsJlI/AAAAAAAAHHs/W0WcnaMcP4MTrf2tTFPkbBEIGEkTM4doACEw/s400/DHL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">The growth of mobile phones and services across the African continent has instantly brought many Africans into the digital age and connected them to worldwide knowledge and services. Home to one of the world’s fastest growing middle classes, Africa has seen multiple opportunities emerge for both local and global retailers from this digital growth.<br /><br />“Currently, more than 60% of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa have access to a mobile phone [1]. As the adoption of mobile technology and increasing internet penetration in these countries continue to grow, so does the opportunity for retailers to reach new customers in the <a href="http://www.dpdhl.com/">region</a>,” says Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa</span><span style="font-size: large;">.<br /><br />The World Bank’s 2016 World Development Report, Digital Dividends, notes that the increased access to digital technologies brings more choice and greater convenience, and that through inclusion, efficiency and innovation, access to mobile provides opportunities that were previously out of reach.<br /><br />With an established network of over 5 500 retail outlets across SSA, DHL Express provides individuals and SMEs greater access to global opportunities.<br /><br />Heymans also adds that the market opportunities in Africa are ripe. With the rise of mobile commerce and increased competition, this drives the demand for advances in technology and logistics, to ensure real-time supply chain visibility and improved quality, speed and precision of delivery services within African markets. <br /><br />“To meet this growing demand, we have introduced Motorola TC55 scanner units in 26 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, as part of our Global Courier Application deployment. These pocket sized Android-based scanners come equipped with touchscreens, built-in location services as well as GPS navigation capabilities, enabling customers to track parcels in real-time. With the new scanner units, customers are able to sign on the device’s touchscreen and within 15 minutes, the electronic proof of delivery will be made available on the DHL.com website.<br /><br />“As a network business, it is essential that our shipment data is captured accurately and in real-time. This data can also be used to measure customer satisfaction against company KPIs, as well as for process improvements or route adjustments to increase efficiency and improve customer service. With this new technology, local and global retailers can increase the speed at which shipments are processed and delivered to their clients, thus improving efficiency along the value chain.<br /><br />“With operations across 51 markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, servicing over 40,000 customers, delivery efficiency is an important factor for us. With our investment in technology and retail touch point strategy across the region, we seek to leverage the huge potential in Africa, to ensure that citizens have access to the opportunities and services that mobile presents to the region,” concludes Heymans. <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /></div> </div>

Currently, more than 60% of individuals in sub-Saharan Africa have access to a mobile phone

The growth of mobile phones and services across the African continent has instantly brought many Africans into the digital age and conne...

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SERIKALI INAAANGALIA UWEZEKANO WA KUONGEZA ADHABU YA FAINI

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Jumbe Ismailly-Itigi <br />SERIKALI inaangalia uwezekano wa kuongeza adhabu ya faini mara mbili zaidi ya inayotozwa kwa wamiliki wa magari makubwa ya mizigo wanaokwepa kuingia kwenye mizani kwa ajili ya kupima mizigo waliyobeba.<br /><br />Naibu Waziri wa Ujenzi,Uchukuzi na Mawasiliano,Mhandisi Edwin Ngonyani ametoa kauli hiyo katika Mji mdogo wa Itigi,wilayani Manyoni wakati akitembelea kukagua ujenzi wa mizani ya kupima uzito wa magari inayotarajiwa kukamilika mwishoni mwa mwezi aug,mwaka huu.<br /><br />Aidha Naibu waziri huyo alisema lengo la hatua hiyo ni kuwafilisi kabisa wenye magari hayo wanaozidisha uzito wa mizigo na kuchangia serikali kupata hasara kubwa kutokana na uharibifu wa barabara.<br /><br />Kwa mujibu wa Naibu Waziri huyo wakati umefika sasa wa kuangalia upya adhabu ya faini inayotozwa kwa magari yanayokwepa kupima uzito wa mizigo iliyobeba kutokana na idadi kubwa ya madereva kuonekana kutoijali na kuidharua kwa kuwa ni ndogo ukilinganisha na uharibifu wa barabara wanaoufanya.<br /><br />Katika hatua nyingine akiongea na watendaji wa TANROADS Mkoa wa Singida pamoja na Wakandarasi wanaotengeneza barabara ya Manyoni-Itigi –Chaya kwenye ukumbi wa Hospitali ya Misheni ya Mtakatifu Gasper mjini Itigi,Naibu Waziri wa Ujenzi,Uchukuzi na Mawasiliano, Mhandisi Edwin Ngonyani amesema ili kukabiliana na wizi wa miundombinu ya barabara,Halmashauri ya Itigi haina budi kushirikiana na watendaji wa wizara hiyo kuwabaini wahalifu kwani serikali imetumia fedha nyingi kujenga barabara hiyo,vile vile amewaeleza Wakandarasi sababu za kuchelewa kuwalipa malipo yao inatokana na serikali kukabiliwa na majukumu makubwa,lakini hakusita kuwaahidi kuwapatia malipo yao. <br /><br />Katika taarifa fupi ya mradi wa ujenzi wa barabara ya Manyoni –Itigi- Chaya yenye urefu wa kilomita 89.30 inayojengwa kwa kiwango cha lami iliyotolewa kwa Naibu waziri wa Ujenzi,Uchukuzi na Mawasilino na Meneja wa TANROADS Mkoa wa Singida,Leornad Kapongo inasema kuwa ujenzi wa barabara hiyo inayogharamiwa na serikali kwa asilimia mia moja utagharimu shilingi 109,642,609,872/=.<br /><br />“Mkataba wa usanifu na ujenzi wa barabara hii unagharamiwa na serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kwa asilimia mia moja”alifafanua Mhandisi Kapongo.<br /><br />Hata hivyo Meneja huyo wa Mkoa aliweka bayana akuwa mradi huo ulitiwa saini kati ya TANROADS kwa niaba ya serikali na Mkandarasi M/s SINOHYDRO Corporation Ltd.kutoka China julai,30,2010 kwa gharama ya shilingi 109,642,609,872/= kwa utekelezaji wa miezi 36 pamoja na kipindi cha uangalizi cha miaka mitatu baada ya ujenzi.<br /><br />“Kwa upande wa mkataba wa usimamizi wa ujenzi wa barabara hii,ulitiwa saini kati ya TANROADS na Kampuni ya kihandisi ya kigeni ya Nicholas O’Dwyer @Compan Ltd kutoka nchini Ireland kwa kushirikiana na kampuni ya kihandisi ya kizalendo ya Apex Engineering Co,Ltd ya Dar-es-Salaam Apr,14,2011 kwa gharama ya shilingi 3,913,970,000/=” alifafanua</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

SERIKALI INAAANGALIA UWEZEKANO WA KUONGEZA ADHABU YA FAINI

Na Jumbe Ismailly-Itigi SERIKALI inaangalia uwezekano wa kuongeza adhabu ya faini mara mbili zaidi ya inayotozwa kwa wamiliki wa magari ma...

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The distinction marks the 8th time the prize, awarded annually, has been conferred

<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/-ttz_WEclpm8/V6w3Cv1TjRI/AAAAAAAAHHc/M-Ar87FHWhQgUfyouUIOBJ6xh68eMw64wCLcB/s1600/Order3.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/-ttz_WEclpm8/V6w3Cv1TjRI/AAAAAAAAHHc/M-Ar87FHWhQgUfyouUIOBJ6xh68eMw64wCLcB/s400/Order3.jpg" width="364" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">According to a statement released today by the International <a href="http://www.raelpress.org/">Raelian</a> Movement, the movement’s founder and spiritual leader, Rael, has been awarded the “Golden Elephant Super Prize” by the Pan African Organization of Francophone Youth in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The distinction marks the 8th time the prize, awarded annually, has been conferred.<br /><br />“The Golden Elephant Super Prize rewards the person considered the best agent for development,’” said Ya Boni, Raelian Guide and national leader of the Raelian Movement in Ivory Coast. “In this case, it was awarded to Rael for his dedication to the cause of world peace and the welfare of humanity.”<br /><br />Boni, who accepted the award on Rael’s behalf, explained that the “One Minute for Peace Meditation Campaign launched by Rael is very popular in the Ivory Coast. Several of the country’s administrative authorities, including Minister Adama Coulibaly, were present at the award ceremony.”<br /><br />“The peace meditation campaign is popular worldwide as well,” Boni said.<br /><br />“But there are multiple actions he launched that specifically focus on the well being of the African people. They include the promotion of United Kingdoms of Kama (the pre-colonial name used for the African continent by its indigenous inhabitants); decolonization of cultures and cults, and rehabilitation of traditional chiefdoms.”<br /><br />Boni said the initiatives launched by Rael have inspired many African politicians.<br /><br />“Rael’s ‘Back to Kama’ initiative, which urges the descendants of those sold into slavery to return and assist African development, has gained momentum,” Boni said. “It has brought in a lot of capital for the development of our economy.”<br /><br />He added that Rael has also done much to help African woman, especially by creating Clitoraid, an organization that helps repair the excised clitorises of female genital mutilation [FGM] victims for no charge.<br /><br />“He shook up the establishment and enabled affected women to assert their femininity, integrity, and right to pleasure,” Boni said. “During his visits here, Rael has repeatedly stated that humanity’s survival is linked to the development of Africa and the empowerment of African women. This award recognizes his actions on behalf of Africa and all humanity. Each action inspired by Rael and carried out by the Raelian Movement in Kama inspires Kamite youth to work toward a future of abundance and peace.”<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of International Raelian Movement (IRM). </span></div> </div>

The distinction marks the 8th time the prize, awarded annually, has been conferred

According to a statement released today by the International Raelian Movement, the movement’s founder and spiritual leader, Rael, has b...

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Delayed breastfeeding increases risk of newborn deaths by up to 80 per cent

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: large;">Globally, 77 million newborns – or 1 in 2 – are not put to the breast within an hour of birth, depriving them of the essential nutrients, antibodies and skin-to-skin contact with their mother that protect them from disease and death, UNICEF said. </span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Making babies wait too long for the first critical contact with their mother outside the womb decreases the newborn’s chances of survival, limits milk supply and reduces the chances of exclusive breastfeeding,” said France Bégin, UNICEF Senior Nutrition Adviser. “If all babies are fed nothing but breastmilk from the moment they are born until they are six months old, over 800,000 lives would be saved every year.” <br /><br />Globally, progress in getting more newborns breastfed within the first hour of life has been slow over the past 15 years, UNICEF data show. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, where under five mortality rates are the highest worldwide, early breastfeeding rates increased by just 10 percentage points since 2000 in East and Southern Africa but have remained unchanged in West and Central Africa. <br /><br />In Tanzania, only 1 out 2 children aged 0-23 months benefit from early initiation of breastfeeding, according to the 2014 Tanzania National Nutrition Survey (TNNS 2014). In some regions, the level is even lower at less than 25 per cent, including in Tabora, Geita, Shinyanga, Rukwa and Katavi regions in the Mainland. <br /><br />The longer breastfeeding is delayed, the higher the risk of death in the first month of life. Delaying breastfeeding by 2-23 hours after birth increases the risk of dying in the first 28 days of life by 40 per cent. Delaying it by 24 hours or more increases that risk to 80 per cent. <br /><br />“Breastmilk is a baby’s first vaccine, the first and best protection they have against illness and disease,” said France Bégin. “With newborns accounting for nearly half of all deaths of children under five, early breastfeeding can make the difference between life and death.” <br /><br />UNICEF Representative in Tanzania, Maniza Zaman, said, “For many different reasons, including cultural norms and lack of knowledge, women in Tanzania are not receiving the support they need to start breastfeeding immediately after the baby is born. Giving babies other liquids or foods may be another reason early breastfeeding is delayed. We have to intensify our efforts so that many more Tanzanian children, and their mothers, benefit from optimal breastfeeding practices.” <br /><br />Moreover, around the world only 43 per cent of infants under six months old are exclusively breastfed. Babies who are not breastfed at all are 14 times more likely to die than those who are fed only breastmilk. <br /><br />In Tanzania, less than 41 per cent of children under six months old were exclusively breastfed in 2014. In some areas, like Ruvuma and Tanga in mainland Tanzania, the figure is as low as 25 per cent. In Zanzibar, 20 per cent of children were exclusively breastfed, with Pemba, as low as 10 per cent (NNS, 2014). <br /><br />But any amount of breastmilk reduces a child’s risk of death. Babies who received no breastmilk at all are seven times more likely to die from infections than those who received at least some breastmilk in their first six months of life. <br /><br />Tanzania has an opportunity to further highlight the need for more efforts in good breastfeeding practices. From 1-7, World Breastfeeding Week, will be celebrated in mainland Tanzania, along with the national Farmers’ Day known as “Nane Nane”. Activities will include televised roundtable discussions as well as health and nutrition talks with mothers in in health facilities and in communities. In Zanzibar, the theme will be “breastfeeding, a key to sustainable development”. The focus will be on addressing social norms that contribute to poor breastfeeding practices. </span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

Delayed breastfeeding increases risk of newborn deaths by up to 80 per cent

Globally, 77 million newborns – or 1 in 2 – are not put to the breast within an hour of birth, depriving them of the essential nutrients, a...

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