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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Singida bado yakabuliana na vifo vya akina mama

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">HALMASHAURI ya wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida bado inakabiliwa na changamoto juu ya vifo vya akina mama wajawazito,watoto wadogo pamoja na upungufu wa dawa kwenye vituo vya akutolea huduma. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Akizindua uchangiaji wa damu salama,mfuko wa afya ya jamii(CHF) pamoja na daftari la ufuatiliaji akina mama wajawazito,Mkuu wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Miraji Mtaaturu alibainisha kwamba vifo vya akina mama vinaongezeka mwaka hadi mwaka . </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kwa mujibu wa Mkuu wa wilaya huyo kwa mwaka 2013 wilaya ya Ikungi ilikadiriwa kupoteza akina mama 79 kwa kila vizazi hai laki moja na hesabu hiyo imeongezeka na kufikia 94 kila vizazi hai laki moja kwa mwaka 2014 na katika mwaka 2015 akina mama 201 kila vizazi laki moja. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Hali hii haikubaliki ndugu zangu wa Minyughe na Ikungi kwa ujumla na baya zaidi matatizo yanayopelekea vifo hivyo yanatokana na sababu ambazo zinaweza kuzuilika,kwa mfano ukosefu wa damu katika vituo vya afya na kutozingatia vidokezo vya hatari tunavyoelekezwa wakati wa mahudhurio ya kliniki”alifafanua Mtaturu. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kwa mujibu wa mkuu wa wilaya huyo licha ya matatizo ya akina mama wajawazito,vituo vya afya vile vile havina dawa za kutosha kwa sababu ya upungufu wa fedha za kuchangia gharama. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kwa mujibu wa ilani ya Uchaguzi ya Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ya mwaka 2015 hadi 2020 ibara ya 49 inaelekeza serikali kuongeza huduma za aafya,kuongeza wataalaamu wa afya kwenye zahanati,vituo vya afya na Hospitali. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Ilani imetambua yaliyotekelezwa na serikali ya awamu ya nne katika sekta hii kama msingi wa kuendeleza juhudi za akupiga vita malaria,Ukimwi,Magonjwa yasiyopewa kipaumbele,Magonjwa ya kuambukiza kama kipindupindu pamoja na uboreshaji wa upatikanaji wa vifaa tiba na dawa”alibainisha Mkuu huyo wa wilaya ya Ikungi. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kwa upande wa Meneja wa Mfuko wa Bima ya Taifa ya Afya(NHIF) Mkoa wa Singida,Salumu Adamu aliweka wazi kwamba Mkutano wa Baraza la madiwani wa Halmashauri ya wilaya ya Ikungi limepitisha sheria ndogo inayoilazimisha kila kaya kuchangia shilingi 10,000/= zitakazoiwezesha kuwapatia matibabu kwa familia ya watu sita,akiwemo baba,mama na watoto wanne wasiozidi umri wa miaka 18. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Sasa katika Halmashauri yetu ya wilaya ya Ikungi waheshimiwa madiwani wamepitisha kwa kauli moja kwamba kila kaya itachanga shilingi elfu kumi na itabeba family ya baba,mama na watoto wasiozidi umri wa miaka 18”alifafanua meneja huyo wa NHIF. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Hata hivyo Meneja huyo alisema hivi karibuni NHIF imelipa zaidi ya shilingi milioni 121 kwa Halmashauri ya wilaya ya Ikungi kwa ajili ya kuwahamasisha wananchi kujiunga zaidi na mfuko huo. </span></div> </div>

Singida bado yakabuliana na vifo vya akina mama

Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi  HALMASHAURI ya wilaya ya Ikungi,Mkoani Singida bado inakabiliwa na changamoto juu ya vifo vya akina mama wajaw...

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Investing in the future with the introduction of Sage Cloud

<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/-XO8Bi7B_CMI/V6w0mjoWIfI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/f-D6m7WZ96UaJ_OyqPu-YO88aBhpiUviwCLcB/s1600/sage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO8Bi7B_CMI/V6w0mjoWIfI/AAAAAAAAHHQ/f-D6m7WZ96UaJ_OyqPu-YO88aBhpiUviwCLcB/s400/sage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://links.africa-wire.com/mpss/c/6QA/0KMbAA/t.1za/-wnqDQ2ST26KnRzhAdOStw/h2/nN32rvL6LgjUtQXTS3yHMKjWk8MvOU0UhJDIvtShIwrV8Dv0rt9QZY3LNg-2Fo1pfFpmAhimipDT2T9SXx9NYjyX0QAlA94ecs-2BPNbaQ7T-2BaJd7qFWstdD7JFfccj9MWFisAvrxe-2FiU6Xe8jek6fJaTnMdDrfEFFWXyr-2FlVHBd5KA-3D">Sage</a>, a market leader in cloud accounting software used its global Sage Summit 2016, held this week in Chicago, to outline its strong commitment to future technologies, with a focus on new and existing initiatives that power business growth.<br /><br />At the world’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs and business builders, Sage CEO Stephen Kelly spoke about how Sage is levelling the playing field for entrepreneurs – and it’s just the start of the technology revolution all entrepreneurs and business builders of all sizes need to be a part of to compete and grow.<br /><br />Investing in the future with the introduction of Sage Cloud<br /><br />Following the investment of £139m on research and development during FY15, the Sage CEO used the keynote as a platform to set out how all Sage products will now be connected to the cloud, with new mobile, social, chatbot and the Internet of Things offerings in the pipeline for the entire portfolio.<br /><br />“In a time of seismic technological change and digital invention, our smart people are using the smartest technology to reinvent and simplify business accounting,” says <a href="http://links.africa-wire.com/mpss/c/6QA/0KMbAA/t.1za/-wnqDQ2ST26KnRzhAdOStw/h4/nN32rvL6LgjUtQXTS3yHMKjWk8MvOU0UhJDIvtShIwrV8Dv0rt9QZY3LNg-2Fo1pfFpmAhimipDT2T9SXx9NYjyT2mHeGphyOTCIW5znGtPyt7-2BiB6Jc-2F4-2BMnEPi1Ll-2FC-2B8Zy5egb7i76XevO7L4n-2B6WKFvMsoBJQQCbbcEL7-2BWZ-2FXiHBINxRm7ywq2fjpbLIC">Anton Van Heerden</a> EVP and Managing Director, Sage South and Southern Africa. “Our research teams are working on making concepts like the Internet of Things, machine learning, blockchain and data sciences into a reality for African businesses, accountants and partners. We are committed to helping African entrepreneurs exploit these game-changing technologies to win and grow.”<br /><br />Industry firsts – leapfrogging the competition<br /><br />Another highlight was the official launch of Sage’s new accounting admin bot, <a href="http://links.africa-wire.com/mpss/c/6QA/0KMbAA/t.1za/-wnqDQ2ST26KnRzhAdOStw/h6/nN32rvL6LgjUtQXTS3yHMKjWk8MvOU0UhJDIvtShIwrV8Dv0rt9QZY3LNg-2Fo1pfFpmAhimipDT2T9SXx9NYjyenunVjJE3JvKdD-2BX7E8FAz4Ow-2B2xcX8KXCzLbE4w05M9J0mTAy7CQkCJyD0H2Z0PNUzEWdxdxenjLftWbbagoRB1hoigETtOnrLXLwrccgrR-2FDfmW6JB9-2BvOvc5jEG531-2B2Aw8w3qoQRNJmBsfVZItkVC1xWweR8nUYWAPgG-2BGqxFW1ibVWPyW9haameCDZrLuRcqYpuT7kT9YJ7vwtO67Nu4Aon3bzQWTExmHd9AkS1f545RopumnnJ-2Bwd1ro9hw-3D-3D">Pegg</a>, a smart assistant that allows users to track expenses via their chosen messaging app - which currently boast more than 2 billion users worldwide – such as Facebook messenger and Slack.<br /><br />Pegg removes the complexities and enables entrepreneurs to manage finances through conversation. By digitising information at the point of capture, it takes away the pain from receipts and expenses, eradicating the need for paper and data entry.<br /><br />Pegg is available now in Beta, new users can register at HelloPegg.io.<br /><br />Creating a path to the mobile future <br /><br />Sage also announced that Sage One, the online payroll and accounting software, is now optimised for iOS - Apple’s mobile operating system, and that it has become part of the Apple Mobility Partner Program. The iOS-optimised versions will enable customers using iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch for day-to-day business processes to work while on the move.<br /><br />Sage has worked with Apple to completely redesign user interfaces to make the most of key iOS features like 3DTouch Location Services and TouchID. Sage will continue to work on including new iOS features to enhance user experience, interactions and usability.<br /><br />Full-speed ahead for Sage X3 <br /><br />Sage also highlighted the continued success of the Sage X3 business management solution with the launch of the new Sage X3 cloud release Update 10 and a growing ecosystem of cloud applications. Sage X3 saw its customer base grow by more than 29% globally since last year’s product update.<br /><br />The new Sage X3 Update 10, available to Cloud customers further improves the solution functionality and user experience, reinforcing Sage’s commitment to help midsize enterprises regain responsiveness and agility in managing complex operations.<br /><br />Empowering Accounting Professionals with the Office 365 and Sage 50 <br /><br />Sage also announced an extension to its existing partnership with Microsoft. As part of the extended relationship, Sage will integrate Sage 50 with Microsoft Office 365.<br /><br />By integrating Sage 50 with Microsoft Office 365, Sage has enhanced the power of its business solution with greater mobility, analytics and cloud capabilities. Now customers can manage their businesses with Sage 50 and Office 365, across multiple devices and multiple locations—with confidence that their information is live and up to date.<br /><br />Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who joined the Sage Summit via a video message, said,” Together, with partners like Sage, we’re focused on empowering professionals to get more out of every moment and for small and medium businesses to grow and seize the opportunities ahead.”<br /><br />The Sage Foundation—one year on<br /><br />Kelly also spoke about the success of the Sage Foundation’s ‘2+2+2’ model for philanthropy. Through this model, Sage Foundation donates: 2% of employee time each year (5 volunteer days), 2% of free cash flow and 2 of Sage’s technology products.<br /><br />Sage Foundation Chairman, <a href="http://links.africa-wire.com/mpss/c/6QA/0KMbAA/t.1za/-wnqDQ2ST26KnRzhAdOStw/h8/nN32rvL6LgjUtQXTS3yHMKjWk8MvOU0UhJDIvtShIwrV8Dv0rt9QZY3LNg-2Fo1pfFpmAhimipDT2T9SXx9NYjyTm7FfnPP5cOEKUxQ2nH2ZHV7GeADWTF6UUxm39apgmNgXiI83aCpEFohub-2BvqSt2gfSAehQ0GyrilGyJUPoewI-3D">Ivan Epstein</a> , and President for Sage International said: “I have seen our colleagues change lives and communities over the last year – from volunteering at The Invictus Games, to helping businesses rebuild themselves in the wake of natural disasters and assisting local communities to help them build a future for themselves and those around them.”<br /><br />“We’ve all invested in our vision and the announcements show just how committed we are to what Sage Foundation can do to build on these achievements.” <br /><br />Champion of Business Builders<br /><br />Sage’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their growth was underlined at the Summit. Kelly reiterated his criticism of ‘out of touch’ events like the World Economic Forum in Davos and announced a series of policy events around the world. “At Sage, we believe that the voices and views of Small & Medium Businesses are underrepresented in the corridors of power,” says Van Heerden.<br /><br />“Sage in Africa will be working hard to get the issues Small & Medium Businesses face onto the agenda for the continent’s economic leaders and decision makers. Addressing these challenges at the highest levels could help unleash the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurial wealth creators.” <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Sage. </span></div> </div>

Investing in the future with the introduction of Sage Cloud

Sage , a market leader in cloud accounting software used its global Sage Summit 2016, held this week in Chicago, to outline its strong c...

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ZOEZI LA UCHANGIAJI DAMU IKUNGI LAPOKELEWA KWA HISIA TOFAUTI

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi <br />ZOEZI la uzinduzi wa uchangiaji wa damu salama lililozinduliwa kiwilaya katika kata ya Minyughe,tarafa ya Ihanja,Mkoani Singida limepokelewa na wananchi wa kata hiyo kwa hisia tofauti kutokana na baadhi yao kuamini kuwa endapo watatoa damu upo uwezekano wa kupata madhara katika siku za baadaye. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Uzinduzi huo uliofanyika katika Kijiji cha Minyughe unalenga kupunguza vifo vya akina mama wakati wa kujifungua katika wilaya ya Ikungi na Mkoa wa Singida kwa ujumla. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mjumbe wa serikali ya Kijiji cha Minyughe,George Mahuna aliyasema hayo alipokuwa akizungumzia hofu ya zoezi hilo kufanikiwa katika upatikanaji wa damu nyingi kwa ajili ya kuwasaidia wagonjwa wanaokwenda katika vituo vya kutolea huduma za afya kufuata matibabu mbalimbali. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Kwa ukweli zoezi hili la utoaji wa damu hapa Kijijini kwetu na katika kata yetu ya Minyughe jambo hili ni jipya na mara ya kwanza limepokelewa kwa hisia tofauti tofauti,kwa sababu ni jambo jipya kumekuwa na maneno mengine ya kupotosha”alifafanua mjumbe huyo wa serikali ya Kijiji cha Minyughe. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Kwa mujibu wa Mahona baadhi ya wananchi wamekuwa wakipotoshwa kwamba zoezi hilo la uchangiaji damu limekuwa likigubikwa na imani za jamii ya freemason,na licha ya wengine kulipokea vizuri lakini bado wanahofu kubwa miongoni mwao kutokana na sababu mbali mbali. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Bado wanahofu kwa sababu hili ni jambo geni kabisa katika kata hii na katika Kijiji hiki,kwa hiyo wamekuwa na wasiwasi unapotoa damu huwenda baadaye unaweza ukapata madhara katika afya kwa hiyo hili limekuwa ni tatizo sana”alisisitiza Mahona. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Hata hivyo mjumbe huyo wa serikali ya Kijiji aliweka bayana kwamba ili kuondokana na hali hiyo zoezi la uchangiaji hup wa damu Halina budi kufanyika mara kwa mara ili waweze kulizoea ili ule uzushi na woga uweze kuwatoka kabisa na waone ni jambo la kawaida kwa wao kuchangia damu kwa hiyari na kuokoa maisha ya wagonjwa. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Alibainisha Mahona kwamba mpaka sasa wananchi hawana elimu kabisa juu ya faida ya kuchangia damu salama na kutoa mfano kuwa hata yeye ambaye anayeonekana kuwa ni mwelewa,lakini bado hana elimu hiyo. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Elimu ya kutosha hakuna,hata mimi ninayezungumza hapa ni mara yangu ya kwanza na nimefika hapa ili nijifunze na kupata elimu juu ya jambo hilo kwa hali hiyo bado kuna umuhimu kwa wananchi hao kupatiwa elimu juu ya jambo hili ili waondokane na dhana hiyo potofu”alisisitiza Mahona. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Naye mkazi wa Kijiji cha Minyughe,Mwajabu Pamba alitaka kufahamu serikali imejipangaje kumsaidia mama mjamzito anapopelekwa kwenye kituo cha afya kwenda kujifungua unatakiwa uwe na mipira ya kukusaidia kujifungua,wakati mumewe hana uwezo wa kifedha kugharamia vifaa hivyo?”alihoji Mwajabu. <br /><br />Awali akimkaribisha kuzindua uchangiaji wa damu salama katika viwanja vya shule ya msingi Minyughe,Mganga Mkuu wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Dk.Christopher Ntamakanya alisema sababu kubwa ya vifo vinavyotokea takribani asilimia kati ya 26 au robo ya wananwake wanaojifungua katika vituo vya kutolea huduma inatokana na kuvuja damu nyingi. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Sababu ziko nyingi sana,lakini leo nazungumzia moja tu ambayo inahusiana na akina mama waiawazito,”alisema </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Aliweka wazi daktari huyo kwamba wilaya ya Ikungi inapoteza idadi kubwa ya akina mama wajawazito wanaopata ujauzito kabla ya kujifungua au baada ya kujifungua. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />“Lakini takribani asilimia 26 au robo ya akina mama wanaojifungua inatokana na kuvuja damu nyingi hasa damu hii inavuja wakati tofauti tofauti,kuna wakati inavuja kabla ya kujifungua,na wakati mwingine inavuja baada ya kujifungua”alifafanua. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Awali akizindua uchangiaji wa damu salama,Mfuko wa afya ya jamii(CHF) na daftari la ufuatiliaji akina mama wajawazito,Mkuu wa wilaya ya Ikungi,Miraji Mtaturu alisema wilaya hiyo imekuwa na idadi kubwa ya vifo vya akina mama wanaojifungua inayoongezeka mwaka hadi mwaka.</span></div> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>

ZOEZI LA UCHANGIAJI DAMU IKUNGI LAPOKELEWA KWA HISIA TOFAUTI

Na Jumbe Ismailly-Ikungi ZOEZI la uzinduzi wa uchangiaji wa damu salama lililozinduliwa kiwilaya katika kata ya Minyughe,tarafa ya Ihan...

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Viongozi wanawajibu mkubwa kwa jamii

<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/-86v_G2BVVFI/V5nVpzOOpVI/AAAAAAAAHG8/lGFhj1LUYD0oFLNdHC-zcxsg-EmVM0s1ACLcB/s1600/191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86v_G2BVVFI/V5nVpzOOpVI/AAAAAAAAHG8/lGFhj1LUYD0oFLNdHC-zcxsg-EmVM0s1ACLcB/s400/191.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema kwamba Viongozi na Watendaji wa Taasisi na Mashirika ya Umma wana wajibu wa kubadilika na kubuni mbinu zitakazowezesha kuongeza mapato kwa Taasisi hizo kwa faida ya Taifa na Jamii kwa jumla.<br /><br />Amesema Serikali Kuu haiwezi kuleta maendeleo bila ya kuwa na vianzio madhubuti ambavyo ni pamoja na ukusanyaji wa mapato yanayokusanywa kupitia taasisi zilizopewa jukumu la kushughulikia makusanyo katika vianzio mbali mbali.<br /><br />Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema hayo wakati akizungumza na Wakurugenzi na Mameneja wa Matawi ya Benki ya Watu wa Zanzibar { PBZ }, Shirika la Bima { ZIC }, Shirika la Meli pamoja na Shirika la Taifa la Biashara Zanzibar { ZSTC } waliopo Tanzania Bara hapo katika jengo la Ofisi ya Uratibu wa shughuli za SMZ Mtaa wa Magogoni Jijini Dar es salaam.<br /><br />Mkutano huo pia ulilenga kumtambulisha rasmi kwa Wakurugenzi hao Mkuu wa Ofisi ya Uratibu wa shughuli za SMZ Mjini Dar es salaam Ndugu Issa Mlingoti Ali aliyeteuliwa hivi karibuni na Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein kushika wadhifa huo mpya.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema Taasisi na Mashirika yanayosimamia fedha lazima yaongeze jitihada mara dufu katika ukusanyaji wa mapato ili kukidhi mahitaji na matarajio ya Taifa kwa vile hali ya fedha sio nzuri katika kipindi hichi.<br /><br />Alisema suala hili ni vyema likaenda sambamba na matumizi bora ya fedha za Serikali na kuwataka Wakuu wa vitengo waendelee kusimamia vyema na kuwa wakali kwa kuwadhibiti watendaji waliokosa uaminifu.<br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alifahamisha kwamba wapo baadhi ya watumishi wa Umma wanaoendelea kukosa uaminifu katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao ya kila siku na kuamua kujilimbikizia fedha na mali kinyume na taratibu na imani za Dini wanazozifuata.<br /><br />“ Tumekuwa tukishuhudia ndani ya mashirika na Taasisi zetu za Umma kujichomoza Vijana wasio na maadili ya kazi na kuamuwa kujilimbikizia mali na fedha katika kipindi kifupi tokea wapate ajira na kuwakuta tayari wana uwezo wa kumiliki majumba na magari tofauti na kiwango wanachokipata katika mishahara yao ya mwezi ”. Alionyesha kusikitishwa kwake na tabia hiyo Balozi Seif.<br /><br />Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar alieleza kwamba Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar tayari imeshaanza na utaratibu wa kupunguza matumizi ya fedha yasiyo ya lazima katika Taasisi zake kwa lengo la kupata nguvu ya utekelezaji kwa yale mambo yasiyo ya msingi na muhimu.<br /><br />Aliwapongeza Viongozi na Watendaji wa Taasisi na Mashirika ya Umma yanayowajibika Tanzania Bara kwa jitihada wanazochukuwa katika kutoa huduma kwa Wananchi mbali mbali wa Tanzania sambamba na kukusanya mapato yanayosaidia Taifa.<br /><br />Nao kwa upande wao Mameneja na Waguruigenzi hao wa Taasisi za SMZ zinazotoa huduma upande wa Pili wa Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania walielezea mafanikio na changamoto wanaopambana nazo katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yao waliyopangiwa ya kila siku.<br /><br />Meneja wa Shirika la Bima la Zanzibar Tawi la Dar es salaam Ndugu Imam Ally Makame alisema Uongozi wa Bodi ya Shirika hilo unaangalia maeneo ya Mikoa tofauti Nchini Tanzania ili iwekeze miradi yake kwa lengo la kujitanua katika kutoa huduma zao zinazokubalika na wateja mbali mbali.<br /><br />Nd. Imam alimueleza Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar kwamba mapato makubwa ya Bima yanayokusanywa na Shirika hilo yanapatikana katika Mikoa mbali mbali Tanzania Bara.<br /><br />Alisema mafaniko hayo yamechangia kubuniwa mbinu za kuwasiliana na Taasisi nyengine za Fedha Zanzibar na upande wa Bara katika kuangalia namna ya kujenga jengo la kudumu litakalopunguza gharama kubwa zinazotumika kwa kukodi majengo ya huduma.<br /><br />Kwa upande wake Menaja wa Benki ya Watu wa Zanzibar { PBZ }Tawi la Dar es salaam Ndugu Mohammed Bakari alielezea kwamba Benki hiyo kwa sasa haina mpango wowote wa kutaka kujenga majengo yake ya kudumu kwa upande wa Tanzania Bara.<br /><br />Nd. Mohammed alisema hatua hiyo inakuja kutokana na sababu za Kibenki kulazimika kujenga Majengo yao kwa kutumia Mfuko wa Benki husika jambo ambalo kwa sasa nguvu zao wameamua kuendelea kuzielekeza katika biashara zaidi kwenye majengo ya kukodi.<br /><br />Meneja wa Shirika la Meli Zanzibar Ndugu Salum Ahmad Vuai amemueleza Balozi Seif kwamba Uongozi wa Taasisi hiyo uko katika harakati za kutaka kujenga Jengo kubwa la ghirofa litakalokuwa Kitega uchumi cha shirika hilo katika Mtaa wa Magomeni Mjini Dar es salaam.<br /><br />Nd. Ahmad alisema kinachoendelea kwa sasa ni Uongozi wa Shirika hilo kutafuta hati miliki katika eneo hilo ili wapate uhakika wa kuanzisha mradi huo baada ya kukamilika kwa mazungumzo na taasisi za fedha za Zanzibar kwa hatua ya mashirikiano katika ujenzi huo.<br /><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Makamu wa Pili wa Frais wa Zanzibar</span></div> </div>

Viongozi wanawajibu mkubwa kwa jamii

Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema kwamba Viongozi na Watendaji wa Taasisi na Mashirika ya Umma wana wajib...

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A new tool containing 160.000+ keys will help victims to retrieve their data

<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/-F71wzEp91Hw/V5nU2KSdluI/AAAAAAAAHGw/4BOB03pLG8I54xbJ0FA5UMHKzOBEtFkUgCLcB/s1600/KAE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F71wzEp91Hw/V5nU2KSdluI/AAAAAAAAHGw/4BOB03pLG8I54xbJ0FA5UMHKzOBEtFkUgCLcB/s400/KAE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kaspersky.co.za/">The</a> Dutch National Police, Europol, Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab have joined forces to launch an initiative called No More Ransom, a new step in the cooperation between law enforcement and the private sector to fight ransomware together. No More Ransom is a new online portal aimed at informing the public about the dangers of ransomware and helping victims to recover their data without having to pay ransom to the cybercriminals.<br /><br />Ransomware is a type of malware that locks the victims’ computer or encrypts their data, demanding them to pay a ransom in order to regain control over the affected device or files. Ransomware is a top threat for EU law enforcement: almost two-thirds of EU Member States are conducting investigations into this form of malware attack. While the target is often individual users’ devices, corporate and even government networks are affected as well. The number of victims is growing at an alarming rate: according to Kaspersky Lab, the number of users attacked by crypto-ransomware rose by 550%, from 131 000 in 2014-2015 to 718 000 in 2015-2016.<br /><br />NoMoreRansom.org<br /><br />The aim of the <a href="http://www.nomoreransom.org/">online portal</a> is to provide a helpful online resource for victims of ransomware. Users can find information on what ransomware is, how it works and, most importantly, how to protect themselves. Awareness is key as there are no decryption tools for all existing types of malware available to this day. If you are infected, the chances are high that the data will be lost forever. Exercising a conscious internet use following a set of simple cyber security tips can help avoid the infection in the first place.<br /><br />The project provides users with tools that may help them recover their data once it has been locked by criminals. In its initial stage, the portal contains four decryption tools for different types of malware, the latest developed in June 2016 for the Shade variant.<br /><br />Shade is a ransomware-type Trojan that emerged in late 2014. The malware is spread via malicious websites and infected email attachments. After getting into the user’s system, Shade encrypts files stored on the machine and creates a .txt file containing the ransom note and instructions from cybercriminals on what to do to get user’s personal files back. Shade use strong decryption algorithm for each encrypted file, with two random 256-bit AES keys generated: one is used to encrypt the file’s contents, while the other is used to encrypt the file name.<br /><br />Since 2014, Kaspersky Lab and Intel Security prevented more than 27 000 attempts to attack users with Shade Trojan. Most of the infections occurred in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Austria and Kazakhstan. Shade activity was also registered in France, Czech Republic, Italy, and the US.<br /><br />By working closely together and sharing information between different parties, the Shade command and control server used by criminals to store keys for decryption was seized, and the keys were shared with Kaspersky Lab and Intel Security. That helped to create a special tool which victims can download from the No More Ransom portal to retrieve their data without paying the criminals. The tool contains more than 160.000 keys.<br /><br />Public – private cooperation<br /><br />The project has been envisioned as a non-commercial initiative aimed at bringing public and private institutions under the same umbrella. Due to the changing nature of ransomware, with cybercriminals developing new variants on a regular basis, this portal is open to new partners’ cooperation.<br /><br />Wilbert Paulissen, Director of the National Criminal Investigation Division of National Police of the Netherlands: “We, the Dutch police, cannot fight against cybercrime and ransomware in particular, alone. This is a joint responsibility of the police, the justice department, Europol, and ICT companies, and requires a joint effort. This is why I am very happy about the police's collaboration with Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab. Together we will do everything in our power to disturb criminals' money making schemes and return files to their rightful owners without the latter having to pay loads of money.”<br /><br />“The biggest problem with crypto-ransomware today is that when users have precious data locked down, they readily pay criminals to get it back. That boosts the underground economy, and we are facing an increase in the number of new players and the number of attacks as a result. We can only change the situation if we coordinate our efforts to fight against ransomware. The appearance of decryption tools is just the first step on this road. We expect this project to be extended, and soon there will be many more companies and law enforcement agencies from other countries and regions fighting ransomware together”, says Jornt van der Wiel, Security Researcher at Global Research and Analysis Team, Kaspersky Lab.<br /><br />“This initiative shows the value of public-private cooperation in taking serious action in the fight against cybercrime,” says Raj Samani, EMEA CTO for Intel Security. “This collaboration goes beyond intelligence sharing, consumer education, and takedowns to actually help repair the damage inflicted upon victims. By restoring access to their systems, we empower users by showing them they can take action and avoid rewarding criminals with a ransom payment.”<br /><br />Wil van Gemert, Europol Deputy Director Operations, finally: “For a few years now ransomware has become a dominant concern for EU law enforcement. It is a problem affecting citizens and business alike, computers and mobile devices, with criminals developing more sophisticated techniques to cause the highest impact on the victim’s data. Initiatives like the No More Ransom project shows that linking expertise and joining forces is the way to go in the successful fight against cybercrime. We expect to help many people to recover control over their files, while raising awareness and educating the population on how to maintain their devices clean from malware.”<br /><br /> Always report<br /><br />Reporting ransomware to law enforcement is very important to help authorities get an overall clearer picture and thereby a greater capacity to mitigate the threat. The No More Ransom website offers to the victims the possibility to report a crime, directly connecting with Europol’s overview of <a href="http://links.africa-wire.com/mpss/c/5AA/0KMbAA/t.1z9/9cPNB8qlR9yxBHLgv4WBKw/h3/nN32rvL6LgjUtQXTS3yHMKjWk8MvOU0UhJDIvtShIwrV8Dv0rt9QZY3LNg-2Fo1pfFbSq7F4DqN6VmbW7dHGCkrhRPB6WYPS6EERGZiOLivtcxX1w8h0vZXM-2BeE2XVxlYmVvnDoPRv3XV2vttQyraaXVfU-2BP42P63W-2BTU-2FsljyPb2BlozyNWc3u2TFisIT4IXrm7lJqUOTa8itIkfEg6jTEBWTnZShbMNiFwEZrR4ufRk-3D">national reporting mechanisms</a> .<br /><br />If you have somehow become a victim of ransomware, we advise you not to pay the ransom. By making the payment you will be supporting the cybercriminals’ business. Plus, there is no guarantee that paying the fine will give you back the access to the encrypted data.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Kaspersky. </span></div> </div>

A new tool containing 160.000+ keys will help victims to retrieve their data

The Dutch National Police, Europol, Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab have joined forces to launch an initiative called No More Ransom, ...

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