Liberated Africa: Pathways to Self-Transformational Development

<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/-9KCeoTHFfrE/WMeu9APs5QI/AAAAAAAAHWo/pDW90083QHs8nb5CDAIf7tQOhhAfnhG8ACLcB/s1600/ili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KCeoTHFfrE/WMeu9APs5QI/AAAAAAAAHWo/pDW90083QHs8nb5CDAIf7tQOhhAfnhG8ACLcB/s400/ili.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">By Ehiedu Iweriebor<br />In the period since independence in the 1950s, Africa has undergone profound social, cultural, economic and political changes. Some inherited and historically rootless colonialist political and social systems have collapsed, been transcended and reconstituted. Different political systems – single party rule, personal rule and military governments have come and gone. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">New post-independence political and social systems; economic institutions, professional associations and labour unions, various types - traditional and new and varied cultural expressions have all emerged. Creative efforts to foster effective nation-building, develop a sense of belonging and manage diversity productively have also been made. New political systems, different forms of electoral democracy and democratic government; political parties and groups, varied social and intelligentsia organizations, confident youth groups, civil society organizations are also emerging. Disruptive and traumatic political and social crises have occurred. These include civil wars, secessionist wars, famines, elite generated manipulative ethnicity and deadly intergroup conflicts, and recently home grown and imported religious terrorism and their destructive wars, spectacular damaging actions, the creation of refugees and internally displaced peoples and the generation of general feelings of insecurity.<br /><br />Social development institutions like health and educational facilities that barely existed under colonialism have been built. For example, vast numbers of schools at all levels including universities and other tertiary institutions – conventional and specialized have been established and dot various parts of Africa. They have produced millions of educated Africans as never existed before in African history. New physical infrastructures: roads, railways, water ways and airports have been built. This is a rough profile of profound changes in Africa since the 1950s. <br /><br />However, given Africa’s size and vast unmet human, social and economic needs there is no question that substantial as what has been built is, the extant physical and social infrastructures are not adequate or abundant enough.<br /><br />At the same time, it is quite clear that the physical and social landscapes of Africa today are vastly different from what they were 60 years ago such that it is unlikely that people from those times will recognize Africa of today.<br /><br />Yet it is also true that there are some aspects of African realities that have not changed substantively or for the better during this period because Africa did not regain, recover or assert its ownership and use of its autonomous self-direction capacities in some spheres over the past six decades. These are primarily in the areas of economic sovereignty, development capacitation, self-actuated development and ideological self-direction. This failure is manifested in such conditions as persistent underdevelopment, the pre-eminence of primary commodities production and export in its economic interactions with the world, import dependency, development incapacitation and poverty generation. It is also manifested in Africa’s ideological subordination to external diktat through the acceptance and implementation of the economic management dogmas and prescriptions of the multilateral imperialist agencies – the World Bank, IMF and similar bilateral external agencies. These prescribed non-development dogmas include: privatization, deregulation and African states self-withdrawal from promoting socio-economic development and the simultaneous promotion of the ascendancy of “MARKET FORCES, FOREIGN INVESTORS, FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS and FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ” as the primary and indispensable engines of African economic growth. <br /><br />The forceful application of these disempowering dogmas through the active complicity of psychologically programmed and ideologically defeated African leaders and elite over the past three decades has yielded or in fact consolidated Africa in its status as under- developed, under-equipped and incapable of development self-propulsion. With African economies arrested in primary commodity export and the mass importation of manufactured goods they are mired in the same exocentric rut and this inevitably results in the export of jobs and import of poverty, therefore recurrent poverty-generation.<br /><br />This condition and its persistence over this period suggest that IT CANNOT BE RESOLVED WITHIN ITSELF. It has to be transcended by African strategies of psycho-cultural recovery and development capacitation. Psycho-cultural recovery will entail the self-conscious efforts of liberated Africans to peel off the layers of self-deceit, self-delusion, psycho-ideological incapacitation, diminution of African self-worth, self-marginalization of African agency in African development. It would also require the expurgation from African leaderships and elite of their worshipful dependence on outsiders and preference for all things foreign including pre-fabricated solutions that have been introduced into Africa as dogmas of disempowerment and mechanisms of control from the slave trade era to the present. In its various incarnations, African disempowerment was partially procured through various seemingly neutral but ultimately destructive external ideological constructs such as “Christianization”, “Islamization”; European “Civilization” during the colonial era; “Modernization” in the neo-colonial period after independence and its latest expression, as multilateral imperialist “globalism” and dictatorial globalization that ideologically and politically dictates a single, global capitalist and liberal democratic system as the only “approved” economic, political and social and order for all times. This would be composite world of the rich and powerful, and the weak and powerless with Africa at the top.<br /><br />But all these disempowering political, social, cultural and economic constructs and systems of domination were politically and self-consciously created by organized and mission-driven national and racial elites pursuing the objectives of group ascendancy and global domination. They are not divine constructs imposed on the world. In the same way, liberated Africans can self-consciously choose and work to exit from this state of UNFREEDOM AND INDIGNITY by dismantling and reconstituting the extant world order (as Asians have done) and chose to create and enter the realms of FREEDOM AND SELF-DIRECTION through development capacitation, psychological liberation, cultural recuperation, mental freedom and self-actuated development so as to emerge as powerful participants in the world system as actors not subjects. This is the liberatory imperative.<br /><br />In order for Africa to assume responsibility for its own transformation and elevation, and be able to undertake self-reliant development and create secure domestic prosperity, it has to create its own specific ideology and strategy of self-development. To do this there are a number of irreducible components that have to be designed and put in place. These are: the recovery and application of African agency in African development, the creation of the liberated African state, establishment of an African development capacitation system, the creation and dissemination of the Affirmative Africa Narrative and African comprehensive military empowerment.<br /><br />The Centrality of African Agency in African Development<br />The first requirement of this liberated development strategy and process is the emplacement of African Agency at the centre of African thought and action as the primary psycho-cultural foundation, ideological premise and endogenous propellant for Africa’s self-actuated development. In this context African Agency is the endogenously created psycho-cultural software embedded in societies with which African societies train, organize, motivate, self-activate and direct themselves to accomplish desirable ends individually and collectively. It is the absolute psycho-cultural grounding and ideological ownership of the African project devoid of compromises to any external imperatives. African Agency is grounded on the supremacy of African endocentric thought and motive-forces as the propellants of development as a self-directed imperative.<br /><br />Without contemporary Africans’ psychological internalization of this understanding and ownership of their development vision and their assumption of complete responsibility for self-actuated development, African societies will remain dependent, underdeveloped and insecure. Therefore the new liberated Africa vision must recognize the absolute necessity of the restoration of African Agency to primacy for any successful African actuated process of transformation. This new perspective is critically important because it has to be realized that one of the major challenges and primary impediment to Africa’s development since independence in the 1960s has been the absence of African Agency in African development as the directive force. This was due to the concerted and largely successful efforts of external multilateral imperialist forces (posing as omniscient advisers) working with psycho-ideologically unprepared and even naive African collaborator-leaders to promote exocentric authority and the corresponding marginalization, diminution and de-activation of African Agency in African development. Consequently, without the unquestioned ascendancy, centrality and directive role of African Agency, African development understood as Africans’ self-equipment for total liberation and radical transformation can never occur.<br /><br />The Liberated African State<br />Second, is the imperative of the creation of a new Liberated African State through the rigorous ideological cleansing, psychological re-empowerment and administrative reconstruction of the contemporary politically compromised and disabled neo-colonial African states that are more representative of external forces than national interests.<br /><br />The decolonization of the colonial African state and the evolution and emergence of the liberated state after independence was disrupted in the 1980s when most African states were captured and disabled by the cancerous ideologies, dogmas and prescriptions of the multilateral imperialist agencies – the World Bank and the IMF and their bilateral supporters in the context of the economic crises of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Embodied in various formulations and policy diktats such as the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), and its unvarying conditionalities: currency devaluation, subsidy removal, trade liberalization and others like deregulation, privatization, poverty reduction; these prescriptions have transformed African states into disabled, compromised, neo-colonial political-administrative contraptions that are responsible to neo-imperialist multilateral institutions and not to Africans. They therefore cannot serve Africa’s interests<br /><br />This is why it is imperative to create the new Liberated African state. It will be a strong and interventionist developmental state. Its raison d’ etre would be the representation and promotion of national interests. This Liberated African state will be grounded on the affirmation and militant expression of its untrammeled sovereignty; and the absolute non-compromise of national interests to any external agencies, formulations, dogmas and imperatives. It would self-consciously assume and assert uncontested ideological ascendancy. In fact the new liberated state will represent the completion of the decolonization of the African states and the emergence of truly endogenous states. It is only such Liberated African developmental states that can lead to the realization of the African citizens’ expectations for defence and protection, advanced development, material prosperity and freedom from want and colonialist philanthropy, psychological security and empowerment, dignity and equity with all other groups in the world.<br /><br />The African Development Capacitation System<br />The third critical requirement is the development and placement of an African Development Capacitation System as the primary motive-force for Africa’s social and economic transformation and creation of advanced societies. This is proposed against the background of the complete failure of the extant neo-colonial economic system inherited and maintained from colonialism. In over five decades of its use and application as the dominant economic management system and growth strategy it has yielded and maintained Africa in a state of development incapacitation, primary commodity exportation, secondary goods importation, dependency, poverty generation, incapacity for self-propulsion, and subjection to the diktat and control of multilateral imperialist agencies – the World Bank and IMF. It is quite clear that the extant exocentric economic system with its development motive forces externally situated is organically defective, un-reformable and inherently incapable of propelling Africa to the highest levels of development. <br /><br />Therefore in order for Africa to develop and achieve the highest levels of human development it has to own the instruments and systems of self-actuated development. This perspective is partly based on this author’s succinct definition of Development - as a society’s self-equipment with the resources and capacities for its self-reproduction. Consequently, the African Development Capacitation system is the creation and existence within all African societies of the endogenous capacities to conceive, design, construct, manage and operate projects in ALL sectors of the economy. These include the technological, scientific, managerial and operational capabilities for all facets of modern industrial and agricultural production and development self-propulsion.<br /><br />Practically, the components of the development capacitation system include the domestic possession and ownership of the following capacities: Project Conception and Design capabilities; Technological Production Capacity or Capital Goods Industries comprising : Engineering Industries for the manufacture of all types and levels of machine tools, industrial machinery and equipment, transport equipment, electrical and power equipment; electronic and professional tools and equipment. Intermediate Goods Industries (Metals, Heavy Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Paper, Rubber etc); Civil Engineering Construction Capabilities for large, medium and small scale projects; and Project management and operation and supervision Capabilities.<br /><br />This endogenous development capacitation system is found in all successful global examples of societal self-development as the prime movers of any society’s self-actuated transformation from conditions of UN-FREEDOM: material underdevelopment, mass poverty, indignity and colonialist philanthropy to new empowered conditions of FREEDOM: expressed as self-created material abundance and prosperity, psycho-cultural confidence and dignified existence. This is practically expressed in mass industrialization, modernized mass agricultural production, mass mineral exploitation and beneficiation primarily for domestic use; mass employment, mass prosperity generation; cultural elevation, self-actuation, self-agency, human dignity and societal power. This is in effect the enthronement of the strategy and process of endocentricity and its ineluctable creation and production of a state of development.<br /><br />The Affirmative Africa Narrative<br />The fourth basic requirement is the creation and permanent dissemination of a self-elevating paradigm or narrative to be known as the Affirmative Africa Narrative. Currently there is no global African created narrative that conceives, presents, projects and widely propagates a truthful, complex and elevating narrative of Africa and Africans. In its absence there exists a universal externally fabricated, pervasive and routinely propagated perverse perspective on Africa that I describe as the Pathological Africa Narrative. This narrative which evolved from the era of the European slave trade; was expansively propagated and consolidated during colonialism and has been fine-tuned and expanded since independence to the present to include other foreign propagators like Asians and even Africans. It presents an image and impression; perception and narrative of Africa as a world of deficits, lack, deprivation, absence, danger, disease, inaction, native incapacity, immobility and a basket charity case that is rescueable only by the self-assigned salvationary efforts of Western multilateral imperialist agencies – World Bank and IMF - their dogmas, experts and prescriptions. This Pathological Africa Narrative is not only inaccurate but it is also dangerous and damaging as it represents the software of African self-denigration, servility, surrender and incapacitation.<br /><br />In order to pursue the vision of liberated Africa it is imperative to create and propagate the Affirmative Africa Narrative. This would be a robust and unapologetic statement of African accomplishments in all areas of human endeavor since independence despite all internal and external obstacles. It would provide the psychological props and grounding among Africans for their self-representation. The Affirmative Africa Narrative is intended to confront, combat, degrade, pulverize, defeat, eliminate and replace the Pathological Africa Narrative that currently pervades external and internal descriptions and representations of Africa and Africans. In its place, the Affirmative Africa Narrative should become the primary perceptual representation and imagistic projection of an energetic and boundless; resurgent and self-directed Africa.<br /><br />Consequently, for Africans committed to racial upliftment and continental advancement and empowerment embodied in the new liberated Africa vision, the requisite framework of self-representation, self-projection and self-activation is the Affirmative Africa Narrative. This is thus a necessary and indispensable accompaniment and organic adjunct to the determined pursuit of the liberated African vision and mission.<br /><br />The Imperative of African Military Empowerment <br />A fifth requirement of the liberated Africa vision is the imperative of Africa’s military empowerment through deliberate provisions for continent-wide development of military capabilities. In order to meet the defence needs of a self-conscious people and continent determined to assume responsibility for its own self-advancement, self-protection, self-projection and emergence as a powerful and dynamic participant in global affairs, two range of actions are minimally imperative. <br /><br />First is the establishment and development of military industries throughout Africa to ensure that virtually all military equipment from the most basic to the most advanced are manufactured (not assembled) in Africa. This is will free Africa from its current pathetic situation of dependency for military wares from the countries which participated in the past in Africa’s conquest and colonization as well as from new armament producers and traders. To be militarily none self-equipped and self-reliant is to reside in a state of UNFREEDOM. <br /><br />The second aspect of African military empowerment is the revival, re-steaming and realization of the long-standing grand visions from the 1960s for continental defence institutions and systems. The founding nationalist and pan Africanist leaders of the 1960s and 1970s, had canvassed and proposed the development a comprehensive continental military defence system. This is was to be known as the African Military High Command. These pioneer leaders envisaged it as a powerful continental defence force for self-protection, internal security issues, intra-continental intervention, conflict resolution, contributions to continental and global peace keeping and management as needed and as a force of self-projection that announces Africa’s global presence. It would also be responsible for the security of African geo-political and oceanic spaces against foreign powers desirous of containing, controlling and constraining Africa by the establishment of their military cordon around the continent. <br /><br />The over-all rationale for the prescription of Africa’s military empowerment is due to the historical purblindness and psychological incapacitation of African leaderships and dominant elite since independence. In the light of the rapid conquest, colonization and exploitation of African communities after the Berlin Conference between the 1880s-1900s, self-conscious Africans should never have the luxury of forgetting that Africa was conquered primarily because of Western military superiority in arms and armaments. Thus it would seem minimally patriotic, psychologically imperative, behaviourially logical and eminently sensible that such a people and continent should give premium attention to the establishment of a powerful military capacity for defence and offense as indicated by its historical experiences and new status as sovereign states.<br /><br />Therefore a fulsome strategy for African military self-equipment and a powerful and expansive African Military High Command should be developed and incorporated as part of the liberated development strategy to equip Africa to defend, protect and project itself and to play a dynamic role in global affairs.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />The various elements outlined above constitute a new strategy and process of endocentric development or African Liberated Development and their application would produce Liberated Africa. This Africa would be truly self-made: developmentally transformed, ideologically self-directed, politically stable, technologically advanced, industrially developed, socially prosperous, culturally renascent, psychologically assertive, militarily powerful, a globally ascendant continent with self-restored human dignity, an Africa of which all Africans will be duly proud.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Ehiedu Iweriebor. </span></div> </div>

Liberated Africa: Pathways to Self-Transformational Development

By Ehiedu Iweriebor In the period since independence in the 1950s, Africa has undergone profound social, cultural, economic and politica...

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Landmark 80MW peat to power project in Rwanda reaches financial close

<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/-PbQIyNxf00I/WMet6X4Z2XI/AAAAAAAAHWc/9a5T0QhgANEXaz3UXwJ4smttkgGy_9kOgCLcB/s1600/ama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PbQIyNxf00I/WMet6X4Z2XI/AAAAAAAAHWc/9a5T0QhgANEXaz3UXwJ4smttkgGy_9kOgCLcB/s400/ama.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">A US$350 million deal to finance an 80 megawatt (MW) peat to power project in Rwanda, which will improve access to electricity for the three quarters of the country's population that is currently off the grid, has reached financial close. <br /><br />The power plant, which is expected to increase installed capacity in Rwanda by 40%, will utilise the Country's significant peat reserves to improve the national installed generation capacity. Despite its status as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, only 25% of Rwanda's population currently has access to reliable electricity.<br /><br />The plant is being constructed in the Mamba Sector of Gisagara District, one of the most remote areas in Rwanda, and is expected to be completed within three years.<br /><br />The Africa Finance Corporation is the Mandated Lead Arranger for the project debt, and has successfully arranged total senior debt facilities of US$245 million, contributing US$75 million in loans and providing an underwriting commitment of US$35 million.<br /><br />Finnfund, a Finnish Development Finance Company, served as the lead arranger for total mezzanine debt facilities of US$35 million for the project. The other lenders are Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank(TDB)African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Export-Import Bank of India, and Rwanda Development Bank (BRD).<br /><br />The project is sponsored by Hakan Madencilik A.S - an energy company from Turkey, and Quantum Power - a power and energy infrastructure investment platform. Themis Infra, an infrastructure development firm, is the Project Development Manager.<br /><br />Andrew Alli, CEO of AFC, commented on the announcement: "The move from costly external imports of fuel to more sustainable indigenous sources of energy such as peat will reap great rewards for Rwanda, not just in terms of the significant savings in foreign exchange hitherto used in importing expensive diesel oil for power generation, but also the positive economic and social benefits of providing more cost effective power for businesses and industries, as well as more affordable power for the people". <br /><br />"AFC prioritises investing in projects that will have significant advantages for the local community, which this plant will. It will also make a huge contribution to powering Rwanda's economic growth in the future, in line with the government's objectives."<br /><br />Rwanda aims to provide 70% of its 12 million people with power from the grid or off-grid by 2018, and the country intends to become a lower middle-income country by 2020<br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).</span></div> </div>

Landmark 80MW peat to power project in Rwanda reaches financial close

A US$350 million deal to finance an 80 megawatt (MW) peat to power project in Rwanda, which will improve access to electricity for the t...

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Johnson & Johnson Names Winners of First Africa Innovation Challenge

<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/-baGpV79XzAk/WMes9TDvE0I/AAAAAAAAHWY/_OlLwi1TcO8Ze3c-D-GZBK54qmQA9N4hgCLcB/s1600/jpon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-baGpV79XzAk/WMes9TDvE0I/AAAAAAAAHWY/_OlLwi1TcO8Ze3c-D-GZBK54qmQA9N4hgCLcB/s400/jpon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Johnson & Johnson today named the winners of the first Africa Innovation Challenge at the Global <a href="http://www.jnj.com/">Entrepreneurship</a> Congress. The initiative, which received nearly 500 submissions from innovators and entrepreneurs across the continent, sought the best ideas for new, sustainable health solutions that will benefit African communities. The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies comprises the world’s largest healthcare business and its presence in Africa dates back to 1930, including business operations, public health programs and corporate citizenship. The Africa Innovation Challenge is part of the company’s comprehensive approach to collaborate with and support Africa’s vibrant innovation, education and health systems institutions.<br /><br />In addition to the Africa Innovation Challenge winners, the company also announced today that it is a major partner of Women in Innovation and the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa, programs that seek to substantially increase the number of women on the continent working in the sciences. These announcements follow the prior week’s opening of two new Johnson & Johnson regional offices in Ghana and Kenya, which along with our South Africa-based global public health headquarters, will support health system strengthening and public health programs.<br /><br />“Africa is one of the fastest growing regions of the world, and Johnson & Johnson is proud to support this growth through strong collaborations that encourage innovation and accelerate advancements in the continent’s health systems,” said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “We are seeing a surge of activity among entrepreneurs and health system leaders to develop important solutions that overcome longstanding health and societal challenges. By working together, we hope to bring meaningful solutions to patients and consumers more rapidly, to help cultivate the next generation of scientists, and to support Africa’s entrepreneurial base.”<br /><br />Africa innovation challenge<br /><br />The Africa Innovation Challenge, launched in November 2016, solicited novel ideas with a focus on three critical health areas: promoting early child development and maternal health; empowering young women; and improving family well-being. The three winning concepts embraced these themes as well as the goal of creating ongoing, sustainable businesses:<br />Project Agateka (Burundi) – The development of a sustainable solution to support girls who are unable to afford menstrual pads and underwear is an important need for young women. Project Agateka will provide a direct health solution as well as the opportunity for women and girls to generate income in Burundi. With the inclusion of health information, the initiative also provides health education to support improved sexual and reproductive health.<br />Project Kernel Fresh (Liberia) – Project Kernel Fresh sources natural palm kernels from smallholder women farmers, increasing their income. The entrepreneur cold presses the palm kernel oil to be used in organic cosmetics. The project will also create jobs for young women by training them to sell the products throughout Liberia.<br />Project Pedal Tap (Uganda) – Seeking to prevent disease transmission, and a reduction of water use, Project Pedal Tap will develop hands-free solutions for hand water taps in Uganda. The entrepreneurs will create manufacturing capabilities, using mostly recycled materials, which will lead to an ongoing business.<br /><br />“This was an extremely difficult competition to judge as there were many terrific ideas,” said Josh Ghaim, Chief Technology Officer, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. “The three winning projects demonstrated a strong benefit to local communities and the ability to empower young women, and they also have the potential to deliver ongoing economic support. We look forward to working with these entrepreneurs over the course of the next year to help them build sustainable operations.”<br /><br />Each of the three winning recipients will receive funding as well as mentorship from scientists, engineers, and operations members from the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Research & Development organization and other areas of the company.<br /><br />Supporting women in science and innovation careers<br /><br />Globally there is significant gender inequality in the sciences. To help address this, Johnson & Johnson has made a strong commitment to increase the number of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design (WISTEM2D) careers. Last year, the company entered into 10 partnerships with institutions around the world to accelerate the development of WISTEM2D careers and supported other STEM initiatives globally.<br /><br />With the sponsorship of Women in Innovation (WiIN), and through the collaboration with the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA), the company expands its WISTEM2D commitment to Africa, where gender inequality in science and innovation careers mirrors gaps found around the world.<br /><br />WiIN is a new mentoring program that will reach 1,000 female college graduates in Rwanda and provide them with communication leadership skills and encourage them to pursue a career in the sciences. The pilot program, which will begin in 2017 and seeks to expand to other African countries, will provide week-long, comprehensive instruction and mentorship to recent women college graduates on how to pursue and maintain a career in the sciences.<br /><br />The AESA collaboration, which launched this month, will promote and accelerate the development of Africa’s research leadership, scientific excellence and innovation by encouraging and supporting WISTEM2D education and career development for young people, particularly females across the continent. The initiative will include entrepreneurial mentorship and internship programs for early career researchers, challenges, and other innovation initiatives. Throughout the year, employee volunteers from the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies will work with AESA to host WISTEM2D workshops and courses geared toward coaching scientific leadership and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa.<br /><br />“African millennials and entrepreneurs represent some of the best talent in the world. Our presence at the Global Entrepreneurs Congress here in Johannesburg and other Africa based conferences like the Next Einstein Forum, programs like the Africa Innovation Challenge, and partnerships with organizations like Women in Innovation and the Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa reflect our confidence in Africa’s women and men and their potential to change the world through innovation,” said Seema Kumar, Vice President, Innovation, Global Health, and Policy Communication.<br /><br />New regional operations in Ghana and Kenya<br /><br />The new regional offices in Accra, Ghana and Nairobi, Kenya represent a novel approach to how Johnson & Johnson seeks to develop partnerships, products and service delivery models that address neglected and emerging health issues. Teams from the company’s consumer, medical device, pharmaceutical, global public health and Global Community Impact (GCI) groups will be located in a central office in each country, helping to bring an integrated approach to improving health outcomes in the region.<br /><br />“The expansion of our companies’ operations in Africa allows Johnson & Johnson to continue to build innovative, collaborative opportunities that meet a variety of market needs, including developing new pharmaceutical products, service delivery approaches and advocacy for health issues impacting vulnerable communities,” said Alma Scott, Head of Africa Operations and Partnerships, Global Public Health. “Through regional engagement with health delivery partners, we seek to support locally-executable programs that drive health impact.”<br /><br />About Johnson & Johnson in Africa<br /><br />The Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies have a strong legacy in Africa. More than 80 years ago, South Africa was selected as the company’s third overseas location and has steadily expanded its footprint in Africa to 27 countries. Today, Johnson & Johnson operates three manufacturing plants and employs more than 1,500 employees in Africa who serve the region’s diverse health needs through our consumer, commercial, global public health and corporate citizenship programs.<br /><br />Through innovation, collaboration and local engagement we are:<br />Cultivating Africa’s innovation through heath technology hubs;<br />Expanding R&D skills and capacity among African scientists;<br />Catalyzing healthcare infrastructure investments;<br />Enhancing collaboration with local health delivery partners;<br />Boosting education and training resources for healthcare workers;<br />Empowering African youth to thrive and become drivers of change;<br />Improving access to medicines.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.</span></div> </div>

Johnson & Johnson Names Winners of First Africa Innovation Challenge

Johnson & Johnson today named the winners of the first Africa Innovation Challenge at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress. The ini...

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Togo Ministry of Health, Samsung and Vision Togo partner to bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to Togo

<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/-GKEz0excGmI/WMVaRQz7rnI/AAAAAAAAHWE/O_DM-5ckAVM-0YSWLuUruTEG2dooYiLxgCLcB/s1600/sum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GKEz0excGmI/WMVaRQz7rnI/AAAAAAAAHWE/O_DM-5ckAVM-0YSWLuUruTEG2dooYiLxgCLcB/s400/sum.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">At least 24 villages in the Kara region are expected to benefit from a new health initiative spearheaded by electronics giant, Samsung, the Togo Ministry of Health and Vision Togo. The Samsung Mobile Health Clinic is a facility mounted onto a truck and is fully equipped to assist community members in the prevention and diagnosis of medical conditions. The truck will move between Lome and Kara in an eight week rotation to ensure maximum outreach. <br /><br />Speaking at the launch ceremony, Togo's Minister of Health, Prof. Moustafa Mijiyawa, says: "We wish to cultivate a culture of proactive healthcare in Togo. The Samsung Mobile Health Clinic supports our mission in championing a healthy nation with our people - to live well, live long and with peace of mind." <br /><br />Sir Paul Judge, founder of Vision Togo says: "We are encouraged by this partnership as it supports our goal to reduce inequalities in Togo. We forsee so many communities benefitting from these medical services and the Samsung Mobile Health Clinic is best placed to help us do this. We hope to roll out more clinics in other regions in the future. The mobile clinic will enable last mile health interventions as well as real time data gathering which is essential to improving overall access to healthcare in Togo." <br /><br />A large focus will be placed on screening people to establish conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, tooth decay and cataracts. The mobile clinic will also be used to educate the communities about health issues and encouraging people to take tests as a preventative measure. <br /><br />The Chief of Kpagouda, a village elder, says that the arrival of the mobile clinic in the village will contribute a lot to the reduction of tropical diseases and above all help improve efficiency in the local health system. "It will also empower women, since the clinic arrives direct to the village and they do not need to raise money to travel far to a health facility. It is a great honour for our village to be selected on the route of the mobile clinic." </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mr. Lee Changwook, managing director for Samsung Electronics West Africa says: "Delivering effective healthcare in the continent usually means doing things differently. The Samsung Mobile Health Clinic is designed for use in remote rural areas, and intended to eliminate the economic and geographical barriers that prevent people from obtaining free quality medical attention." <br /><br />"We continuously strive to make a positive change in people's lives through our technology and expertise and help the United Nations in tackling the SDGs in Africa to achieve the agreed targets. We are confident the mobile clinic will bring positive change to the lives of people in Togo," he adds. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Samsung Electronics.</span></div> </div>

Togo Ministry of Health, Samsung and Vision Togo partner to bring state-of-the-art medical facilities to Togo

At least 24 villages in the Kara region are expected to benefit from a new health initiative spearheaded by electronics giant, Samsung, ...

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AFC invests US$25 million in Egypt's Carbon Holdings

<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/-UuHjixJBatQ/WMVZSxowwHI/AAAAAAAAHV8/uIyG8myjYNMMjICTv7yZrW8iDzd8nXvZgCLcB/s1600/andrw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuHjixJBatQ/WMVZSxowwHI/AAAAAAAAHV8/uIyG8myjYNMMjICTv7yZrW8iDzd8nXvZgCLcB/s400/andrw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Corporation (AFC), a leading pan-African multilateral development finance institution and project developer, has announced it is to invest US$25 million in Egyptian petrochemicals company Carbon Holdings Ltd.<br /><br /> Carbon Holdings primarily operates in the Suez Special Economic Zone. As well as exporting raw materials and end products, the company aims to develop an integrated large scale petrochemicals platform in Egypt to take advantage of the country's strategic geographic location along the Suez Canal. Subsidiary companies of Carbon Holdings include Oriental Petrochemicals Company, Egypt Hydrocarbon Corporation and Tahrir Petrochemicals Corporation.<br /><br /> In addition to AFC, the International Finance Corporation and Gulf Capital are providing capital to support the expansion of Carbon Holdings' operations. The Company's investment strategy will support the establishment of a robust raw materials base and ultimately the development of Egypt's manufacturing sector, delivering long term jobs to Egypt and helping to boost Africa's overall economic growth.<br /><br /> Commenting on the investment, Andrew Alli, CEO of AFC, said: "AFC prioritises investing in projects and businesses that can make a tangible impact on the people, their communities and the economy, and we believe that key to the next chapter in Africa's growth story is investing in companies such as Carbon Holdings which deliver industrial products across a broad reaching value chain. <br /><br /> "The government of Egypt is pursuing policies to diversify the economy and is supporting the private sector to develop new industries, including manufacturing, to create high value-add jobs for Egyptians. AFC is proud to be able to support Carbon Holdings to expand its operations and drive local employment."<br /><br /> Basil El-Baz, Chairman and CEO, Carbon Holdings said: "Carbon Holdings is at a very exciting stage in the development of its Egyptian petrochemicals business and relationships with our investors have been integral to our growth. I am delighted that through this investment we can now welcome AFC into this prestigious investor group. The addition of such a pre-eminent African institution is extremely important to Carbon Holdings and will further emphasise our strategic commitment to the industrial development of not only Egypt, but to our future industrial plans in Africa."<br /><br /> AFC was formed to provide specific project structuring expertise and risk capital for large-scale infrastructure projects that are needed across Africa to develop economies. In November 2016, AFC launched AfIDA, a think tank and network to promote and advance the development of more bankable infrastructure projects across Africa. AfIDA will work to develop market norms, conduct independent research and act as a policy advocacy forum for the industry.<br /><br /> The deal was arranged by Investbridge Capital, a Dubai-based privately-owned DFSA regulated independent provider of alternative asset management and corporate advisory services. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).</span></div> </div>

AFC invests US$25 million in Egypt's Carbon Holdings

Corporation (AFC), a leading pan-African multilateral development finance institution and project developer, has announced it is to inve...

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Aiteo emerges Nigeria’s leading oil & gas company with record 90kpod output in 1 year

<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/-3e03ZoQS9N4/WMVYsAfSeNI/AAAAAAAAHV4/olpLePU-X8UtRsbbT0Rf8LtY1PDrwNf6ACLcB/s1600/oit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e03ZoQS9N4/WMVYsAfSeNI/AAAAAAAAHV4/olpLePU-X8UtRsbbT0Rf8LtY1PDrwNf6ACLcB/s400/oit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Integrated energy group <a href="http://aiteogroup.com/">Aiteo</a> has announced a peak production of 90kpod just one year after its acquisition of sub-Sharan Africa’s reputedly largest onshore oil bloc OML 29.<br /><br />Aiteo acquired OML 29 in September, 2015 when oil major Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) fully exited the facility. At the time of the divestment, average production was 23Kbpod. But Aiteo, one of the frontline sponsors of the justconcluded 16th Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference held in the country’s capital Abuja, says it has tripled this figure leveraging the diversity and skills of its work force and bona fides as a dynamic international energy conglomerate.<br /><br />Its CEO and Vice Chairman Benedict Peters said the company grew production from 23kbbl/d upon takeover of operations to a peak of 90Kbbl/d in one year. He also highlighted several existing and developing projects that could potentially grow Aiteo’s asset production to over 150 kbopd and 200mmscf/d. He said: “Our outlook is bright with 3 producing oil fields and viable crude exports via Bonny terminal. We also have contingent resources to appraise and prospective ones to explore in the medium-to-long term, including full 3D coverage and 2P NNS reserves at 1.6bn bbl. Put simply, we have a clear vision for the future with the experience and assets crucial to providing oil and gas consistently on a regional and global scale.” <br /><br />Aiteo’s ambitious five-year objectives include tackling the power challenges in Nigeria head-on through its legacy investments in the gas-to-power value chain. “This is a testament to our commitment to the transformation of the entire oil & gas value chain into a world-class landscape,” Peters added.<br /><br />The company’s main subsidiary Aiteo Eastern E&P is also a major infrastructure provider for Nigeria’s oil industry as the operator of the 97km Nembe Creek Trunk Line, an industry-wide evacuation pipeline for produced fluids covering much of the country’s Eastern Delta region.<br /><br />Aiteo’s Group Managing Director Mr. Chike Onyejekwe said: “Our growth drivers remain strong leadership, high commitment and motivation, technical and commercial excellence and superior asset base. In the next five years, our operations will continue to be guided by these qualities as we leverage our capabilities comparable to oil majors elsewhere in the world. Indeed, the future is Aiteo.”<br /><br />In the interim, Aiteo says it is developing a pipeline of power generation projects across Nigeria. The company is confident that its significant gas resources at OML 29 will transform the country’s oil rich Niger Delta region into a power generation hub of repute before long.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Aiteo Group. </span></div> </div>

Aiteo emerges Nigeria’s leading oil & gas company with record 90kpod output in 1 year

Integrated energy group Aiteo has announced a peak production of 90kpod just one year after its acquisition of sub-Sharan Africa’s repu...

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SureBüddy brings sponsored cover to Uganda with new insurance App

<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/-7Jf6IW2kwb4/WMVX5mD7HuI/AAAAAAAAHVw/nmUujlkjfsAoi6yjhIvwZdKRR7lz5GGGQCLcB/s1600/budy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jf6IW2kwb4/WMVX5mD7HuI/AAAAAAAAHVw/nmUujlkjfsAoi6yjhIvwZdKRR7lz5GGGQCLcB/s400/budy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://surebuddy.com/">SureBüddy</a>, an android application that has today launched into market, brings sponsored insurance and insurance related products to Uganda<br /><br />SureBüddy is simple and easy to use - the app renders advertisements, the consumer watches the ads, and then receives free cover as a reward. Ad images are non-intrusive, use very little data, and disappear with a click.<br /><br />SureBüddy’s cover is sponsored for the user as all costs are paid by the advertiser. SureBüddy then uses the advertising revenue to reward the user directly with cover, and in this instance, the consumer benefits from watching advertisements.<br /><br />“Strive Masiywa once said something that became part of my belief system.” says Johan Basson, SureBüddy spokesperson, “He said that if you identify a human need and reach out to meet it you have the most sure-fire way to succeed in business.”<br /><br />Insurance penetration in Africa is amongst the lowest in the world, even though there is a crucial need for it. SureBüddy has taken insurance offerings to the people via technology – a platform to make these products less-intimidating, understandable and affordable.<br /><br />“The distrust in insurance products forced us to start with non-insurance products. Starting with screen cover means that clients will feel immediate gratification - when their phone screens break, they can have them repaired immediately. The only thing that the User will ever pay for is an administration fee to the repairer of maximum 10% of the repair value. This will start building trust in the concept of insurance and the initial purchase decision is easy because it free. Over time, they can change to insurance products such as life cover, as their understanding and trust increases from this experience,” says Basson.<br /><br />To gain consumer trust towards free credible insurance plans, SureBüddy will implement the first phase of its service by providing screen cover in conjunction with Phone Doctor, and have partnered with Africell, one of the fastest-growing mobile telecommunications groups in Africa<br /><br />“It’s an honour for us to be associated with such a great innovation. For us at Africell, it’s about giving our customers the best services at the cheapest costs on the market. We understand that mobile phone technology has shifted from physical keypads to touch screens so user experience is largely dependent on a functional smartphone screen. SureBüddy is pledging to help us ensure our customers’ phone screens stay in tact, and are fixed whenever they break. This is a milestone for us.” Milad Khairallah, Africell Commercial Director noted.<br /><br />Uganda, a country with a high smartphone penetration, is the first-to-market for SureBüddy. “Uganda is a rapidly developing country, and we believe that we can have an immediate impact in increasing the quality of life of Ugandans,” says Basson.<br /><br />SureBüddy plans to roll out into 11 Sub-Saharan Africa countries, as well as India, Turkey, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan with South American countries to follow.<br /><br />SureBüddy will work closely with Swiss Re, one of the biggest Reinsurance companies in the world, to ensure that they find the right insurance partners in every country.<br /><br />“We are excited to work with an innovative company like SureBuddy and to support them with our expertise in this important growth region. It is clear that we need to consider clever ways of closing the ever increasing protection gap in the world. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Swiss Re is committed to make the world more resilient, apply fresh perspectives and create smarter solutions with our clients to help the world move forward. SureBuddy will make sure that we get more protection to more consumers in a very innovative way.” says Thys Nieuwoudt, Swiss Re CEO Life & Health Africa..<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of SureBüddy Ltd. </span></div> </div>

SureBüddy brings sponsored cover to Uganda with new insurance App

SureBüddy , an android application that has today launched into market, brings sponsored insurance and insurance related products to Uga...

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JTL simplifies core business processes with SAP S/4HANA

<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/-zRodz6q__e0/WMVWzm_EX0I/AAAAAAAAHVk/Gv1Nf6I0cIsxiu-U2qpyVfSv3d3jCNwGACLcB/s1600/nairobi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zRodz6q__e0/WMVWzm_EX0I/AAAAAAAAHVk/Gv1Nf6I0cIsxiu-U2qpyVfSv3d3jCNwGACLcB/s400/nairobi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The era of rapid technological growth has forced technology and telecom companies to adopt multifaceted approaches to survive and thrive in a challenging environment. Each new innovation brings a new wave of disruption, forcing companies to innovate and meet increasingly demanding customer expectations by delivering superior value. <br /><br />Leading this trend is the telecommunications industry which sits at the convergence of all modern technologies. The promise of delivering content to any screen is finally becoming a reality enabled by advances in network technology, higher data speeds and enhanced content at the carrier level. The telecoms industry's performance is closely linked to the provisioning of high-quality, reliable, and affordable data and voice services, as well as operators' ability to align with the changes in market behaviour. <br /><br />Jamii Telecommunications Ltd. (JTL) is a Kenyan telecommunications company offering Data Carrier Services, Satellite Backbone Services, Internet Backbone Services, International Gateway Services, Broadband VSAT Services, Signal Distribution Services and Broadband Wireless Services. <br /><br />JTL required a platform that would allow it to orchestrate multiple systems, including billing and provisioning engines, as it grew and evolved through mergers and acquisitions. This meant that the company required a technology system that would enable it to analyse, process and consolidate information received from multiple systems in a concerted effort to run simple and faster - not just in its IT landscape, but across business processes, data structures and its way of doing business. <br /><br />Enter SAP S/4HANA, the digital core that enables JTL to fulfil this ambitious business and technology vision. <br /><br />According to S.Iyer, CEO of IMARK, the SAP implementation partner in charge of managing the JTL implementation, JTL faced multiple challenges at the outset of the project implementation. "The customer experienced a lack of integration within systems, low visibility of customer information, planning, execution and cost monitoring, a lack of cost analysis of projects, insufficient controls for material procurement and utilisation, and low visibility of payments to external vendors. They required a system that was able to integrate all function areas and deliver a single window, providing greater visibility and tracking of information." <br /><br />JTL adopted SAP S/4HANA with SAP CRM, with the project going live on time on 1 January 2017. "By leveraging SAP S/4HANA and its integrated capabilities, JTL has been able to develop system workflows to ensure timely flow of data ensuring all SLA's are met. This has led to an improvement in customer experience and engagement as well as greater control and monitoring of costs and revenues, through better tracking and visibility. JTL has the distinction of being the first S/4HANA site in East Africa and the first S/4HANA-CRM site in Africa," explains Iyer. <br /><br />Joshua Chepkwony CEO and Chairman of JTL said: "It gives me great pleasure to see the fruition of the journey we embarked on in 2016. This is a great achievement for the company and a continuation of an automation and change process that is geared towards transforming how we do business." <br /><br />Dr Gilbert Saggia, Managing Director: East Africa at SAP Africa, said: "This is an excellent example of how SAP's vision to make the world run simpler is brought to life in a challenging business environment. By putting SAP S/4HANA at the core of its business processes, JTL is able to execute decisions quicker, ensure faster on-boarding of customers, reach new geographies quicker and gain key insights into customers. </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 has the added benefit of delivering a superior customer experience while providing real-time visibility of key business information. We look forward to seeing how SAP S/4HANA transforms JTL's business processes and sets it up for success in the highly competitive and fast-paced telecoms industry." <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SAP Africa.</span></div> </div>

JTL simplifies core business processes with SAP S/4HANA

The era of rapid technological growth has forced technology and telecom companies to adopt multifaceted approaches to survive and thrive...

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Sage Summit Tour in Africa and Middle East highlighted how business builders are moving closer to a future where accounting and admin is invisible

<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/-raVYi_Pr7EU/WMVVzmOIeVI/AAAAAAAAHVg/qY9iVVq_qoEpXatLAOL56R_GvxLrrCB-ACLcB/s1600/sage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-raVYi_Pr7EU/WMVVzmOIeVI/AAAAAAAAHVg/qY9iVVq_qoEpXatLAOL56R_GvxLrrCB-ACLcB/s400/sage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.sage.com/za">Sage</a>, the market and technology leader for integrated accounting, payroll & HR, and payment systems, underlined its strong commitment to future technologies this week, with a focus on solutions that move business builders closer to a future of invisible admin at <a href="http://www.sage.com/sage-summit/en-za">Sage Summit Tour</a> in Africa and Middle East at the Sandton Convention Centre.<br /><br />Sage spoke about how all Sage products will be connected to the cloud, with new mobile, social, chatbot and IoT (Internet of Things) offerings in the pipeline for the entire product portfolio. It also highlighted a vision to empower business builders around the world to automate back-office functions, where accounting is invisible.<br /><br />Sage used the Sage Summit Tour to discuss <a href="http://apo.af/UekqHX">key product launches</a> and developments. These include Sage Live, Sage One Payroll in East Africa and West Africa, the Sage X3 Fast Start configuration and more. Users got to see new technology in action, such as <a href="https://hellopegg.io/">Pegg</a> the smart bot from Sage that helps you to track and manage expenses. These technologies allow businesses to automate processes, improve efficiency and become more agile.<br /><br />“We want to enable entrepreneurs and business builders to spend less time on admin and more time on growing their businesses, developing innovative products and interacting with their customers,” said <a href="https://twitter.com/Anton_vHeerden">Anton van Heerden</a> , Managing Director and Executive Vice-President, Africa & Middle East at Sage. “Using the latest cloud technologies, we are focusing on addressing the immediate challenges our customers are facing today.”<br /><br />In his keynote speech, Sage CEO Stephen Kelly , outlined a bold vision for a world of invisible accounting, powered by the cloud, bots and mobile technology. “Artificial intelligence is the game changer for the next decade. Technology has made accounting business solutions much smarter, with admin capabilities that manage your business, enabling you to get on with your business and follow your dreams,” he said. <br /><br />A panel discussion on the future of work saw industry experts explore the implications of automation alongside Sage experts. The accelerating pace of change and innovation means humans face an uncertain future and participants debated the challenges and opportunities this presents to leaders and organisations. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Panel moderator <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/vincenthofmann">Vincent Hofmann</a> , Director of Inquisition, concluded that while automation will surely replace many of the routine tasks that we do at work there is a case for optimism: new industries, new jobs will be created and people will be encouraged to refocus their time on creative problem solving and deriving more fulfilment from work. The recording of the discussion will be available next week as a podcast in Sage’s <a href="http://apo.af/GMz8Xy">Invisible Admin podcast series</a>.<br /><br />Other speakers at the conference also issued a clarion call for digital transformation to businesses in Africa and the Middle East. “Don't be a digital dinosaur. Never use the phrase ‘in my day’. If you're alive, it's your day,” said <a href="https://twitter.com/nickgoode">Nick Goode</a>, ‎Executive Vice President, Product Management at Sage.<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/justinspratt">Justin Spratt</a>, Head of Business, Sub-Saharan Africa at <a href="http://www.uber.com/en-ZA">Uber</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/lmckend">Luke McKend</a> , Country Director at <a href="https://www.google.com/intl/en/about/">Google</a> South Africa both highlighted how growing connectivity are disrupting the world and creating new entrepreneurial opportunities. “We need to take advantage of the fact that we’re more connected than ever, all the time,” said McKend, while Spratt pointed out that there will be mobile penetration of 90% by the end of 2017.<br /><br />To thrive in this environment, every business should see itself as a tech company, said <a href="https://twitter.com/gil_oved">Gil Oved</a>, co-founder and co-CEO of <a href="http://www.creativecounsel.co.za/">The Creative Counsel</a>. “Those who are crazy and brave enough to think they can change the world are the ones who actually do,” he added.<br /><br />“Technologies such as the cloud, mobility and artificial intelligence are all unlocking innovation, driving better performance and helping the region’s businesses to become more competitive,” said Van Heerden. “Sage will provide business builders with ‘invisible accounting’ so they can focus on following their visions and changing the world.”<br /><br />In case you have missed it, check out the <a href="https://soundcloud.com/sageinvisibleadmin/tracks">I</a><a href="http://apo.af/PTR5sV">nvisible Admin: Conversations about the future of work</a> - a series of podcasts from Sage and <a href="http://www.inquisition.co.za/">Inquisition</a> .<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Sage. </span></div> </div>

Sage Summit Tour in Africa and Middle East highlighted how business builders are moving closer to a future where accounting and admin is invisible

Sage , the market and technology leader for integrated accounting, payroll & HR, and payment systems, underlined its strong commitme...

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Tigo Tanzania awards $40,000 to support projects run by local social entrepreneurs

<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/-ZtSEZNC07yY/WMVTneQtS2I/AAAAAAAAHVU/tiPorPlrTKQSZuSuXrnJRlFIERn-uDGRQCLcB/s1600/tigo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtSEZNC07yY/WMVTneQtS2I/AAAAAAAAHVU/tiPorPlrTKQSZuSuXrnJRlFIERn-uDGRQCLcB/s400/tigo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tigo.co.tz/">Tigo</a> Tanzania, in partnership with a non-profit organization, Reach for <a href="http://africa.reachforchange.org/">Change</a>, has given an award of USD 20,000 each to two winners of the 5th edition of the Tigo Digital Changemakers Competition. The competition aims at identifying and supporting social entrepreneurs who use digital tools and technology to improve communities and impact future generations. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">In addition to a substantial financial grant, winners are provided with access to Tigo and Reach for Change Incubator Program, which provides them with advice, expertise and access to global networks, enabling them to build financially sustainable social enterprises that create lasting, large scale change to the community. <br /><br />This year’s winners of the coveted award are Sophia Mbega and Nancy Sumari. Sophia Mbega impressed the judges with a grand digital initiative that is geared towards helping self-help women groups popularly known as VICOBA (Village Community Banks). She has come up with a mobile app that creates a collaborative platform that uses existing tools for financial and task management in a way that is adaptable to the African context. Through the app, all users, regardless of where they are, can transfer money from their mobile wallet to their Vicoba group account (directly from the app by using an USSD code), view all of their financial records, profit generated, weekly reports, etc.<br /><br />Nancy Sumari’s award-winning initiative dubbed JENGA HUB focuses on foundation knowledge for children. Through her hub and co-creation space for kids, she teaches computer programming, robotics and coding skills to primary school children. The hub also exposes children to learning basic Information and Communication Technology such as programming skills that can in turn be used for creation of a range of educational and entertainment content.<br /><br />Speaking at the press conference in Dar es Salaam, Tigo Tanzania Managing Director Diego Gutierrez said: “It is with great pleasure that we announce the winners of this year’s Tigo Digital Changemakers Competition. For five years now, our Changemakers have touched the lives of over 250,000 children in Tanzania. We believe that with the addition of these two Changemakers, we will impact on the lives of more children and help to make Tanzania a better place for our future generations.” <br /><br />Gutierrez further elaborated that as a digital lifestyle brand, Tigo encourages technology-driven ideas and projects that bring sustainable change. “Digital technology is not only changing the way we do business in Africa but also revolutionizing the way we perceive and solve social development challenges. It is therefore with great honor that we will once again create an opportunity for such ideas to be recognized, supported and transformed to maximize social and economic impact,” he said.<br /><br />This is the fifth year that Tigo and Reach for Change are unveiling the winners of the competition. The final winners were selected from a group of hundreds of passionate ‘social entrepreneurs’ who use digital tools and technology to implement solutions to problems facing Tanzanian communities.<br /><br />Gutierrez praised the work of the past winners while encouraging others to share their ideas: “Our portfolio of social entrepreneurs is very impressive. To date, we have supported a total of 8 Digital Changemakers in Tanzania and we look forward to supporting more social entrepreneurs every year to propel this movement forward.”<br /><br />The Changemakers in the program include Faraja Nyalandu, who runs a digital social enterprise called Shule Direct. Shule Direct provides digital educational content to help address teacher shortages and ensure that every child and youth has access to quality education. Faraja’s organization also offers a mobile app called Makini SMS that helps children study with access to unlimited multiple choice questions for 9 subjects. She is currently planning to scale her organization in other East African countries.<br /><br />Carolyne Ekyarisiima, a YALI alumna, is a Tigo Digital Changemaker who is working to bridge the gender gap in ICT technology through her social enterprise, Apps & Girls. Carolyne has impacted hundreds of girls, through coding clubs in schools. She has also reached hundreds of girls through hackathons, bootcamps and competitions. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Not only does this help to ensure that more girls have access to digital technologies, Carolyne is also empowering them to become ICT leaders of the future. Carolyne is currently scaling her social enterprise to maximize her impact and provide many more girls with tech education, helping them to develop solutions for social issues through their own digital applications and websites!<br /><br />Joan Avit, a YALI alumna, is improving the quality of early childhood education through digital innovation. As a Digital Changemaker through her project known as GraphoGame Tanzania, she provides child-friendly, game-based learning that helps children learn to read using phonics. Her innovation has been life changing for hundreds of young students who previously struggled in school and are now thriving as a result of her digital innovation.<br /><br />“We are very supportive of the work of all our Changemakers and this is why, this year, we have once again identified and supported two more brave and innovative social entrepreneurs,” Gutierrez noted.<br /><br />Speaking at the award ceremony, Reach for Change Tanzania Program Manager, Josephine Msambichaka hailed the NGO’s partnership with Tigo, noting that it had provided perfect opportunities for the implementation of sustainable business models that benefit communities, especially scores of children, from across the country. <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Tigo. </span></div> </div>

Tigo Tanzania awards $40,000 to support projects run by local social entrepreneurs

Tigo Tanzania, in partnership with a non-profit organization, Reach for Change , has given an award of USD 20,000 each to two winners o...

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IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency launches campaign to inform African migrants: ASK your questions LIVE

<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/-F1xtrqh9AAI/WMVSkQnefAI/AAAAAAAAHVM/dC92ZLlV714ulkjwfuZDtQp3fA9BwD73gCLcB/s1600/iom.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/-F1xtrqh9AAI/WMVSkQnefAI/AAAAAAAAHVM/dC92ZLlV714ulkjwfuZDtQp3fA9BwD73gCLcB/s400/iom.jpg" width="371" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">So far in 2017, 19,567 migrants arrived by sea to Italy and after the latest shipwreck this past weekend, 521 have died at sea – 50 more compared to the same period in 2016. The majority of these migrants are from Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal and Gambia – same as in 2016.<br /><br />Some of the migrants who make it to Europe and share their ordeal with the International Organization for <a href="http://www.iom.int/">Migration</a> (IOM), reveal that their journey was far more dangerous than expected. Many are unaware of the dangers and risks of migrating with the assistance of smugglers, not only at sea or in the desert, but also in transit countries like Libya. Recalling the life-threatening risks along their journey is often very distressing and in many instances, most migrants wish to forget and move forward with their lives and therefore tend not to share their experience with peers who are still back home.<br /><br />The Aware Migrants <a href="http://www.awaremigrants.org/">campaign</a> aims to inform migrants from 15 countries – mostly in West Africa plus Tunisia and Egypt – about the dangers of migrating irregularly across the Sahara desert, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea.<br /><br />The campaign is launched in the target countries of transit and origin in Africa with social media, TV and radio spots. <br /><br />Flavio Di Giacomo and Shiraz Jerbi, IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean - the UN Migration Agency will host an online press conference on Wednesday March 15 at 10am GMT.<br /><br />Journalists interested in participating in this online press conference will be able to ASK QUESTIONS LIVE VIA THE INTERNET.<br /><br />Where: Online<br /><br />When: Wednesday, March 15 at 10am GMT (T<a href="http://www.apo.af/IOM">ime converter</a>: )<br /><br />Who: Flavio Di Giacomo and Shiraz Jerbi, IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean<br /><br />Why: Launch of Aware Migrants in Countries of Origin and Transit<br /><br />Language: English<br /><br />How it works: This service is FREE and only requires a computer connected to the internet.<a href="http://www.apo.af/IOMafrica"> REGISTER</a>: <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of International Office of Migration (IOM). </span></div> </div>

IOM, the United Nations Migration Agency launches campaign to inform African migrants: ASK your questions LIVE

So far in 2017, 19,567 migrants arrived by sea to Italy and after the latest shipwreck this past weekend, 521 have died at sea – 50 more...

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Africa theme park stakeholders to gain from ‘DEAL 2017’: International Expo Consults (IEC)

<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/-4oGAzJCMLJM/WMVQvl0wW2I/AAAAAAAAHVA/ou3s2mfvKvwblBFyqRc5ALXhA9TNg-CIgCLcB/s1600/dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4oGAzJCMLJM/WMVQvl0wW2I/AAAAAAAAHVA/ou3s2mfvKvwblBFyqRc5ALXhA9TNg-CIgCLcB/s400/dubai.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The African stakeholders of the theme park industry will stand to benefit from the largest show in the amusement industry – <a href="http://www.dealmiddleeastshow.com/">DEAL</a> 2017, as per International Expo Consults, the organisers of the show. With people patronizing theme parks across Africa and the growth of the amusement sector in the region, shows like DEAL can help the stakeholders of the amusement and leisure industry to come under one roof and discover the best kept secrets of the industry.<br /><br />Tourism in Africa is booming as reports which state that in 2014, 65.3 million international tourists visited the continent – around 200,000 more than in 2013. The numbers were meagre in 1990’s where the recorded number was 17.4 million. The tourism sector has leaped and boomed in size thanks to the infrastructure projects undertaken by government entities. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://apo.af/95pQkx">According</a> to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Africa’s strong performance in 2014 makes it one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, second only to Southeast Asia.<br /><br />Amusement parks in Africa offer more than fun as they induce historical and educational attractions to engage the whole family in unlimited immersive fun. Parks in Africa are known to inculcate fun mixed with learning. Most of the rides include looping rollercoaster rides, bumper cars, and exciting wildlife centered shows to historical attractions which form the base enabling a plethora of entertainment activities for all age groups.<br /><br />“DEAL 2017 is at the right juncture as it will help African investors to catapult their business to the next area of growth. DEAL has been supporting the industry and its stakeholders, year on year and has grown from strength to strength. This is the only show in the Middle East and Africa region to provide stakeholders with several billion dollar opportunities. International Expo Consults, the organizers of the DEAL show are set to welcome African exhibitors and trade visitors to one of the colossal shows in the amusement vertical in the MENA Region,” said Mr. Sharif Rahman, CEO, IEC.<br /><br />The Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure (DEAL) show has shaped the region’s entertainment industry for the past two decades and it has brought together great minds and their world class innovations all under one umbrella. DEAL has led the amusement and entertainment space during this period and the testimony to this is the fact that exhibitors at DEAL 2016 have signed multi-million dollar contracts in just 3 days. Foraying into the 23rd edition, DEAL 2017 expects to witness an even larger gathering of key players and visitors in the amusement industry from Middle East, US, Mediterranean, Asian, and especially African countries.<br /><br />DEAL, since its inception in 1995 has developed into an unparalleled platform that gathers exhibitors, buyers, and professionals from the international amusement and entertainment industry. DEAL is the region's most anticipated and leading attraction for global and local stakeholders in the amusement and entertainment industries. The show is slated to be held from 27th - 29th March 2017 at Halls 1, 2, 3 & 4 at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre.<br /><br />“Developments in the region with regards to entertainment and leisure are seen to be believed and the outcomes are very encouraging. Entertainment and leisure projects within the MENA region have boosted the confidence of the amusement and leisure industry manifold. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">The growth of theme parks has spurred towards the organising of events such as DEAL within this region and bringing the industry experts and stakeholders together. ‘DEAL 2017’ is definitely set to don the mantle of the entertainment launch pad for amusement operators in this region. Like before we are all arms open to welcome delegates from Africa to our show,” concluded Mr. Sharif.<br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of International Expo-Consults (IEC). <a href="http://africa-newsroom.com/press/media/africa-theme-park-stakeholders-to-gain-from-deal-2017-international-expo-consults-iec?lang=en"><br /></a></span></div> </div>

Africa theme park stakeholders to gain from ‘DEAL 2017’: International Expo Consults (IEC)

The African stakeholders of the theme park industry will stand to benefit from the largest show in the amusement industry – DEAL 2017, ...

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Students of Florida International University Explore the Contemporary Problems of Public Administration at Regional and Local Levels in Africa

<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/-r2-hus2bcJo/WL57uCzZPtI/AAAAAAAAHUs/EdrKOg36fhAXkTyTwmcbNmjkL5Ay9-pJACLcB/s1600/ugla.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2-hus2bcJo/WL57uCzZPtI/AAAAAAAAHUs/EdrKOg36fhAXkTyTwmcbNmjkL5Ay9-pJACLcB/s400/ugla.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;">  <span style="font-size: large;">The African Local Government Academy (</span><a href="http://www.uclga.org/"><span style="font-size: large;">ALGA</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">), a flagship project of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) and Florida International University (FIU) in the United States have organised a study visit to the Kingdom of Morocco for PhD and Master’s students. This will be the third study trip organised by FIU for the benefit of its students with the first edition taking place in Bulgaria (2013), the second in the Kingdom of Morocco in 2014, which inspired this 2017 edition in Morocco again.<br /><br />This study visit has been arranged in partnership with the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de l’Administration (ENSA), the University of Al Akhawayn (AUI) and the International University of Rabat (UIR), with backing from the Moroccan authorities, on the theme: ‘Contemporary issues of public administration at regional and local levels’.<br /><br />In positioning ALGA as an organisation that is opened to collaboration on the continent the exchange is aimed at introducing students of FIU to the key issues and challenges of Public Administration, both in Morocco and Africa, as well as to fundamental reforms and good practice implemented to deal with them at a national, regional and local level.<br /><br />A group of 14 people will take part in this exchange of experiences with 12 sessions moderated by senior officials, university professors, and practitioners in the towns of Rabat, Ifrane, Azrou, Fez and Marrakech covering:<br />The challenges of decentralisation in Africa and the way in which UCLG Africa seeks to address them through advocacy, support, training and capacity building, networking and the integration of a gendered approach;<br />The place of Public Administration in the dynamic of development in Morocco;<br />The key reforms underway concerning Advanced Regionalisation in Morocco.<br /><br />The study visit will also be punctuated by visits to institutions and opportunities for cultural exchange.<br /><br />Coinciding with the celebration of International Women's Day, this group, comprising largely women, will also benefit from a presentation on ‘Promoting the status and leadership of women in Moroccan Public Administration’ on 7 March as a flagship experience in terms of the Continent.<br /><br />This exchange will also be an opportunity for UCLG Africa and its Academy to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership, particularly in the areas of training, capacity building and research. <br /><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa). <br /></span><a href="http://uclga.africa-newsroom.com/press/media/students-of-florida-international-university-explore-the-contemporary-problems-of-public-administration-at-regional-and-local-levels-in-africa?lang=en"><span style="font-size: large;">View multimedia content</span></a></div> </div>

Students of Florida International University Explore the Contemporary Problems of Public Administration at Regional and Local Levels in Africa

  The African Local Government Academy ( ALGA ), a flagship project of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) ...

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Reimagine Work by Reimagining Business

<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/-xpnRmw8dpbM/WL56-DByUuI/AAAAAAAAHUk/UNS1zrhU9hwBM0ZO6mFu8A8vsyWuJe4ygCLcB/s1600/ama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpnRmw8dpbM/WL56-DByUuI/AAAAAAAAHUk/UNS1zrhU9hwBM0ZO6mFu8A8vsyWuJe4ygCLcB/s400/ama.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">When you want to know the future, acknowledge the past. As citizens of a rapidly accelerated world, we are seduced by the idea that our situation is unique. In many ways it is - not the least how the workplace is changing. But change in the workplace itself is not new, nor is the regression invited by companies that do not heed this shift. <br /><br />Technology can rapidly alter how work gets done. When the steam engine started appearing in the late 1700s, many sectors were not enthusiastic. They couldn't see the benefit when the existing worker's order seemed sufficient. <br /><br />Yet, while the old guard waved such ideas away, the newfound industrial sector was very interested. Even the simple act of pumping water out of shafts was so attractive that mines adapted it rapidly. The laborious manual task was mechanised, opening up new ways of doing things. Workers adjusted their skillsets and expectations. A new breed of employee emerged out of the silt. Within less than a generation you simply weren't attractive to workers if you weren't using steam. <br /><br />We are again experiencing a revolutionary change to how we work. New technologies are shifting workplace expectations at a breakneck speed and employees realise their value more than ever before. A nice salary and good coffee just doesn't cut it anymore: people who invest in their skills and worth at work, want to see reciprocation from employers. They want to see the new technology work for them. <br /><br />You don't transform your company for the sake of employees. You transform your company to stay competitive and innovative. New technologies boost the bottom line and fortunately these go hand in hand with modern employee expectations. <br /><br />A number of forces are shaping both sides of the fence. Smart systems, real-time data and mobility are creating a family of services that redefine all our expectations. These will, by SAP's estimations, boost productivity by 20 to 50 percent. The aforementioned technologies create true paradigm shifts on the work-floor. <br /><br />Smart systems underpin a new breed of automation that goes beyond taking menial work off an employee's plate. These are increasingly better at collaborating with employees. Real-time data parallels this, delivering insight when and how employees demand it. Mobility and the connectivity behind it define the new coalface of business interactions. <br /><br />To achieve these tiers, companies invest in several technologies, including in-memory processing, big data, machine learning, Internet of Things and the cloud. All of these create more agile and modern businesses, hence the argument that meeting employee expectations is the same as boosting business prospects. In this case, you actually do build it and they will come. <br /><br />Let's contrive a hypothetical situation. A team needs to present a new strategy for a customer. Yet the scope of the customer spans across numerous departments, including site visits. The customer generates a lot of data, which needs to be exploited. In addition, to meet the customer's challenges, employees need to interact with partners and other third parties. One group is ultimately responsible for the strategy, though they do not have the mandate to commandeer the other departments or partners outright. <br /><br />In old business terms, this would be shifting a mountain. But modern technology has turned this on its ear. Real time data combined with smart automation allows for on-the-fly analysis and reporting of the data. Collaboration tools enable seamless communication across departments and partners, without losing jurisdiction or control. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Mobile devices foster accurate site visits and boost collaboration conversations. Automation frees valuable time and skills to apply to the problems. Modern HR systems fluidly identify and allocate team members to appropriate roles. The strategy can be organically adjusted and tested by a core group focused on the outcome, without trying to herd the cats of corporations. <br /><br />The result is a hive mind approach, without disrupting the other operations and hierarchies in your business. <br /><br />This is very attractive to modern employees. They are increasingly expecting the malleability of a smart, real-time environment: an environment where they are treasured for their skills. Their functions are determined by vision, not by an attempt to fit circles into squares. <br /><br />Technology, however, is only part of the journey. As business leaders we need to reimagine what our employees can do, if appropriately empowered. We must appreciate and realise the value which modern technologies bring to our workforces as much as to our businesses. People are the lifeblood of our company cultures: if we enable them to do more and do it better, they will. <br /><br />SAP has invested heavily in this. Admittedly, we did it to create better products for our customers. We foresaw a future of smart technology and collaboration. But, if I may be honest, we didn't realise how much it would impact our own organisation. By using new business tools such as Ariba for procurement, SAP Jam for collaboration, SuccessFactors for talent management, Fiori for new mobile applications and SAP HANA for real-time data processing, SAP has transformed itself. <br /><br />Today the vast majority of our revenue comes from services that did not even exist a decade ago. Innovation culture is driven by our people, who we in turn support and value. In 2016 SAP won over 130 global awards for being a top and attractive employer. I can confidently say that these technologies work, because I have seen it in action. It has made me a better business leader. <br /><br />Smart people surround themselves with smarter people. This is a fundamental of success. Modern technology makes that almost too easy. The smarter people are out there and they want to do their best. You can help them achieve that, while also taking your business into the digital era. Don't be the dinosaurs who ignored the steam engine. Reimagine work, reimagine business and you can shape the future with people who want to follow your lead. <br /><br />Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of SAP Africa.</span></div> </div>

Reimagine Work by Reimagining Business

When you want to know the future, acknowledge the past. As citizens of a rapidly accelerated world, we are seduced by the idea that our ...

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Claviger - Your Key to the Middle East - A Comprehensive Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Sales and Marketing Agency Launches Operations in Middle East

<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/-5APdxad9VBQ/WL56fsUSKRI/AAAAAAAAHUg/e7JBmj1Q2-gpPuVagsct2jB1km-CP0ztQCLcB/s1600/utalii.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5APdxad9VBQ/WL56fsUSKRI/AAAAAAAAHUg/e7JBmj1Q2-gpPuVagsct2jB1km-CP0ztQCLcB/s400/utalii.png" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://www.clavigerme.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Claviger</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, a comprehensive Sales and Marketing Agency specializing in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism recently launched its operations in the Middle East. Founded in March 2016 by experienced hospitality professional Ahmed Baki, the Agency, headquartered in Dubai, provides strategic counsel for clients looking to enhance their outreach and maximize their global sales and marketing efforts in the Region. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Claviger already boasts of serving an impressive list of clients from around the world, including Sheraton and W Hotel Maldives, The St.Regis in Washington and Bal Harbour, Kempinski Hotels in Berlin, Munich, Vienna, Venice, St.Moritz, Alila Hotels in Bali, Goa, Jaipur and Oman, The Farm San Benito in Philippines, Regent Porto Montenegro and Senses Luxury Villa & Suites in Mykonos. Each of the hotels and Villas is represented through its network of highly professional and experienced teams in Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />The Egyptian born founder with over 20 years of rich and varied Sales & Marketing experience in the region said, “I saw a need for a professionally led Agency in the Middle East that can help clients across the world understand, navigate and harness the unlimited potential that the Middle East region provides. It is one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets in the world today. Given the strong economies and high disposable incomes particularly the in Gulf Region there is a huge opportunity for clients around the world to strengthen their outreach and increase their business from this lucrative geographic region.”<br /><br />“Claviger was set up recognizing this need and with a view to provide strategic and integrated sales and marketing solutions with a consultative approach and a very strong client focus,” he added.<br /><br />The Agency functions as an extended sales and marketing arm for their clients providing representation within the market identifying sales and marketing opportunities as well as providing strategic counsel on a day to day basis. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">New customer acquisition, strengthening relationships with existing customers, devising sales and marketing strategies, organizing roadshows and other sales activities are a key focus. The Agency adopts a 360 degree integrated approach providing complete consultancy for brand positioning, conceptualizing strategic marketing plans, planning high impact execution strategies and providing creative and digital services including increased Social Media presence.<br /><br />Additionally, Claviger also provides full-service event management services dedicated to producing world-class events for private and corporate clients. Working with a team of trusted suppliers and partners, the Agency excels at creating unique events that enhance awareness for brands. From concept, to management, to perfect execution, is has already built a reputation for excellence within a short span of time.<br /><br />Given the rich hospitality experience of its founding members, Claviger has also ventured into Hotel Asset Management both at hotel and portfolio level helping owners maximize returns and meet their objectives.<br /><br />“We are committed to acting promptly, decisively and professionally with clients interests upheld at every level, ensuring that they receive the best possible exposure to increase their global sales and marketing efforts and optimize their returns from a fast growing and emerging market like the Middle East,” Ahmed Baki added further.<br /> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Distributed by APO on behalf of Claviger Middle East. </span></div> </div>

Claviger - Your Key to the Middle East - A Comprehensive Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Sales and Marketing Agency Launches Operations in Middle East

Claviger , a comprehensive Sales and Marketing Agency specializing in Hospitality, Travel and Tourism recently launched its operations i...

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CEICE yaonesha nia ya kujenga viwanda Zanzibar

<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/-Qm6_0vaRMlA/WL53v1Gc3vI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/UDdb16SicDI9TueUbZOOFvPTSAmkRksxACLcB/s1600/474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qm6_0vaRMlA/WL53v1Gc3vI/AAAAAAAAHUQ/UDdb16SicDI9TueUbZOOFvPTSAmkRksxACLcB/s400/474.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Kampuni ya utengenezaji, usafirishaji na uagizaji wa vifaa vifavyotumia mfumo wa Kisasa wa mawasiliano ya Nchini China { CEICE } imeonyesha nia yake ya kutaka kujenga viwanda vya utengenezaji wa vifaa hivyo Visiwani Zanzibar katika azma yake ya kutoa huduma ndani ya ukanda wa Kusini Mashariki mwa Bara la Afrika.<br /><br />Naibu Mkurugenzi wa Kampuni hiyo Kanda ya Kusini Mashariki ya Afrika Bwana Kang Kai alisema hayo wakati Ujumbe wa Viongozi Sita wa Kampuni hiyo kutoka Nchini China na Mjini Dar es salaam ulipofanya mazungumzo na Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Vuga Mjini Zanzibar.<br /><br />Bwana Kang Kai alisema Kampuni ya CEICE imeamua kuwekeza miradi yao Zanzibar kwa lengo la kuunga mkono mpango Mkuu wa Serikali ya Jamuhuri ya Watu wa China wa kuelekeza nguvu zake za Uchumi katika kusaidia Maendeleo ya Bara la Afrika { China – Africa }.<br /><br />Alisema kutokana na ongezeko kubwa la vyuo Vikuu Bara la Afrika hivi sasa linazalisha wasomi wengi ndani ya vyuo hivyo kundi ambalo linaweza kutumia taaluma yao kupitia ushirikiano na Miradi inayotekelezwa na Kampuni ya CEICE.<br /><br />Bwana Kang Kai alisema Kampuni ya CEICE imepiga hatua kubwa katika uzalishaji wa vifaa vya Kieletronik na kuviuza kwa Makapuni makubwa ya Kimataifa yakiwemo yale ya Sam sung na Sonny.<br /><br />Alisema ujenzi wa Viwanda hivyo ndani ya Visiwa vya Zanzibar mbali ya kuwapatia ajira wanafunzi wanaomaliza vyuo vikuu lakini pia watapata fursa ya kutumia vipaji walivyonavyo katika uzalishaji ndani ya viwanda hivyo.<br /><br />“ Mpango wetu wa kutaka kuwekeza Visiwani Zanzibar unalenga kutoa ajira pana katika miradi ya Viwanda pamoja na Umeme unaoambatana na mfumo wa kisasa wa ulinzi unaotumia umeme yaani Security System ”. Alisema Bwana Kang Kai.<br /><br />Naye Mkurugenzi wa huduma za Vitega Uchumi na Maendeleo kutoka Mamlaka ya Uwekezaji Vitega Uchumi Zanzibar {ZIPA} Nd. Shariff Shariff aliueleza Ujumbe wa Viongozi wa Kampuni ya CEICE kwamba Serikali inahitaji Viwanda katika mpango wake wa kuelekea Nchi ya Viwanda.<br /><br />Nd. Shariff alisema katika kuupa nguvu mpango huo Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar imetenga eneo maalum ndani ya Ukanda wa Maeneo huru ya Uchumi yaliyopo Fumba kwa ajili ya Taasisi na Kampuni zinazohitaji kutaka kujenga viwanda vyao Zanzibar.<br /><br />Akitoa shukrani zake kwa Ujumbe huo Makamu wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar Balozi Seif Ali Iddi alisema zaidi ya wakaazi Milioni 600 wanaoishi ndani ya ukanda wa Kusini Mashariki mwa Bara la Afrika wanahitaji huduma muhimu za mitandao ya kisasa.<br /><br />Balozi Seif alisema huduma za upatikanaji wa Vifaa kama TV, Simu na hata vitu vya umeme ni sehemu ya maisha kwa sasa kutokana na mabadiliko makubwa ya mfumo wa uliopo hivi sasa unaoifanya Dunia kuonekana kama kiganja badala ya Kijiji.<br /><br />Ujumbe wa Kampuni hiyo ya utengenezaji, usafirishaji na uagizaji wa vifaa vifavyotumia mfumo wa Kisasa wa mawasiliano ya Nchini China { CEICE } ukiongozwa na Naibu Mkurugenzi Mkuu wake Bwana Liu Yang upo Nchini Tanzania kuangalia maeneo ambayo inaweza kuwekeza miradi yao.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><br />Othman Khamis Ame<br />Ofisi ya Kamau wa Pili wa Rais wa Zanzibar </span></div> </div>

CEICE yaonesha nia ya kujenga viwanda Zanzibar

Kampuni ya utengenezaji, usafirishaji na uagizaji wa vifaa vifavyotumia mfumo wa Kisasa wa mawasiliano ya Nchini China { CEICE } imeonye...

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Three Leading Organizations in Africa and The MasterCard Foundation Partner to Improve Livelihoods for 1.1 Million African Smallholder Farmers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <br /> <span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1488876425655_6024" style="font-size: 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Xcw7geh7Og/WL53Iftcc5I/AAAAAAAAHUM/cdPPkLv7yW8jkcOvav9gfQI9jGXhcqBXgCLcB/s1600/pesa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Xcw7geh7Og/WL53Iftcc5I/AAAAAAAAHUM/cdPPkLv7yW8jkcOvav9gfQI9jGXhcqBXgCLcB/s400/pesa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Three of the leading organizations in Africa working with smallholder farmers today joined The MasterCard Foundation to reaffirm their commitment to provide farmers with more of the financial resources and agribusiness connections they need to succeed.<br /><br />At a one-day workshop and learning event in Dakar, the partners outlined how the work they are conducting has already led to improvements for farmers in Africa. As well, ICCO Cooperation used the occasion to launch its STARS (Strengthening African Rural Smallholders) program in Senegal, after recent launches in Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso.<br /><br />Collectively, these three organizations are expanding their support to improve the lives of a minimum of 1.1 million farmers in 11 countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.<br /><br />"Smallholder farmers in Africa, need special attention to increase productivity and break out of their subsistence operation," said Ann Miles, Director of Financial Inclusion at The MasterCard Foundation. <br />"We're proud to work with such strong partners as AgDevCo, ICCO Cooperation, and Root Capital to enable smallholders to produce more, sell better, and work with local organizations in markets that are fair, transparent, and sustainable."<br /><br />Through its partnerships with AgDevCo, ICCO Cooperation, and Root Capital, The MasterCard Foundation supports multiple activities in the 11 countries. These activities include:<br /><br />* providing training and better quality inputs to farmers<br />* implementing mobile technology solutions<br />* brokering long-term purchase contracts<br />* supporting high-impact, early-stage agricultural businesses with capital needs under $150,000 and/or business revenues under $300,000<br />* developing and implementing innovative risk-mitigation tools, and <br />* developing new agricultural finance products and services for smallholder farmers. <br /><br />"Linking smallholder farmers to profitable markets is one of the best ways of lifting large numbers of people out of poverty", said Chris Isaac, Director of Investments at AgDevCo. "The MasterCard Foundation's support will allow AgDevCo to connect our SME investees - socially responsible faming and agri-processing enterprises in Africa - to hundreds of thousands of farmers, to boost productivity, lift incomes and improve food security". <br /><br />"The STARS program is supporting rural smallholder farmers, mostly women, to access tailor made financial services," said Netlyn Bernard, STARS Director. "We are using the "Making Markets Work for the Poor" (M4P) approach to ensure that through capacity building and access to finance they can adopt sustainable agri-business methods and be competitive in the market. We believe that given the right opportunities and tools, farmers can become effective entrepreneurs, increase their income and therefore improve the economic situation of their households and of their communities."<br /><br />"Our partnership with The MasterCard Foundation enables us to increasingly target earlier-stage businesses in Africa operating on the fringes of financial inclusion," said Mireille William, acting General Manager for Root Capital in West Africa. "Together, we're committed to providing these high-impact businesses with the capital and training they need to become engines of impact in their communities."<br /><br />The three partnerships are part of The MasterCard Foundation's portfolio of work supporting smallholder farmers in Africa. To date, the Foundation has committed more than US$300 million to support agricultural initiatives (including US$175 million for rural and agricultural finance projects).<br /> <br />Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of The MasterCard Foundation.</span></div> <em id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1488876425655_6045"><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1488876425655_6044" style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></em><span></span></span></div>

Three Leading Organizations in Africa and The MasterCard Foundation Partner to Improve Livelihoods for 1.1 Million African Smallholder Farmers

Three of the leading organizations in Africa working with smallholder farmers today joined The MasterCard Foundation to reaffirm their ...

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