Ethiopia, South Korea Sign $13 Million Electronic Customs Clearance System Deal

Ethiopia and South Korea signed a 13-million deal for the installation of electronic customs clearance system in the former.   According to the agreement South Korea's electronic customs clearance system called "UNI-PASS" will be installed in Ethiopia by 2020, Korea Customs Service said in a statement.   South Korea has exported the UNI-PASS system to a total of 11 countries, including African countries Cameroon and Tanzania . The total export value surpassed.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Ethiopia: Food Inflation Reaches Nine-Month High of 7.8 Percent

Food inflation soared to its highest level in nine months in February, reaching 7.8pc similar to last February. One of the major factors behind the inflation was the rise in the prices of vegetables. This comes during the beginning of the Easter fasting season, as well as just after an announcement of a salary adjustment for civil servants.   Last week, the Ministry of Trade reported that there were signs of price increases by some retailers.   "We have pursued.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Kenya: Govt has Invested Over $400 Million in Coastal Infrastructure Projects - President Kenyatta

Mombasa — The government has invested over Sh40 billion in infrastructure projects to accelerate development in the Coast region, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.   Speaking Monday when he launched resumption of the Mtongwe Ferry Services, President Kenyatta said his administration has also set aside Sh2.2 billion to buy two new ferries to boost services.   He announced that the new ferries - which will arrive in the country between June and July this year - are.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Tanzania: Construction of New 33KW Power Line Complete, Will Help Pump More Water to Dar

DAR ES SALAAM residents will soon breathe a sigh of relief over water shortages following completion of the construction of a 33KV power line that will enable pumping of 196 million litres of water from Upper Ruvu Water Treatment Plant to the city daily.   The 45-km power line was constructed from Chalinze sub-station to Mlandizi, where the newly built water treatment plant is located.   The major plant which is expected to address the long existed water woes among city.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Tanzania: New Power Plant Set to End Dar's Water Woes

DAR ES SALAAM residents will soon breathe a sigh of relief over water shortages following completion of the construction of a 33KV power line that will enable pumping of 196 million litres of water from Upper Ruvu Water Treatment Plant to the city daily.   The 45-km power line was constructed from Chalinze sub-station to Mlandizi, where the newly built water treatment plant is located.   The major plant which is expected to address the long existed water woes among city.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Kenya: Construction Industry Poised to Register Record Growth

The construction industry in the country is projected to grow steadily and outperform all Sub-Saharan countries for the next 10 years.   The growth has been based on the government's huge spending on infrastructure projects like the standard gauge railway and the Lamu port alongside foreign investment flow.   The market is, for instance, expected to grow by 8.7 per cent in 2017 and remain steady up until 2026 with an annual growth of 6.2 per cent, according to a study by.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Tanzania: Govt to Invest Heavily in Agro Industries, Assures Farmers of Reliable Markets

The government has assured farmers of reliable markets of their produce as it prepares to invest heavily in industries towards transforming the economy.   Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Charles Tizeba, told farmers who turned up at the SAGCOT Annual Partnership Forum in Dar es Salaam over the weekend that the contribution of the agricultural sector in the industrialisation drive was inevitable.   "We want our farmers to benefit from the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 16th March 2017

Samsung Signs Up As Sponsor for BUILDEXPO Africa 2017

Dubai, UAE – Expogroup is delighted to announce that Samsung Electronics East Africa has signed up as a sponsor for BUILDEXPO Africa 2017, the 20th edition of East Africa’s largest building and construction show. The events will take place at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya from the 20th to 22nd April, 2017 and at the Mlimani City Conference Centre (MCCC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from the 10th to 12th August, 2017. Samsung will be.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th March 2017

Kenya: Textile Firm Asks Farmers to Grow More Cotton, Boost Production

The Eldoret based Rift Valley Textile (Rivatex) East Africa is operating below capacity due to acute shortage of raw materials.   Managing Director Thomas Kipkurgat disclosed that the company is producing an average of 10,000 bales of cotton against a capacity of 70,000 annually.   "Severe shortage of cotton has impacted negatively on our operation," Prof Kipkurgat said and added that the firm has invested more than Sh300 million in upgrading its machines so.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th March 2017

Kenya: Govt to Introduce HIV Prevention Drug, High Risk People to get First Access

The Kenyan government will next month roll out a new drug meant to protect HIV-negative people from contracting the virus.   The drug, known as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) will be given to those at high risk of contracting the virus before being made accessible to the rest of the population.   This is after pilot studies conducted in Kenya and Uganda showed that if taken once daily, the drugs can prevent HIV infection by more than 96 per cent.   The drug is.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th March 2017

Tanzania: President Unveils Massive Transport Infrastructure Upgrade Plan

President John Magufuli yesterday unveiled a new package of plans to upgrade ports, railway and road networks to spur economic development. The ambitious plan whose execution is expected to start effectively this year will also shake-up residents whose structures are sitting within the protected areas.   President John Magufuli who is also the CCM National Chairman briefed the party's extraordinary congress here on the commencement of the second phase of Dar es Salaam Rapid.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th March 2017

Tanzania: Demolition Works Continue to Make Way for SGR

Ongoing demolition of unplanned structures along the central railway line from the City centre to Pugu Station by state owned Reli Assets Holding Company (RAHCO) is slated for completion tomorrow.   Speaking to 'Daily News' yesterday, RAHCO Public Relations Manager Ms Catherine Moshi said between 250 and 300 houses, mostly kiosks will be demolished along the railway line to pave way for construction of the Standard Gauge line.   "We expect to wind up with the.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th March 2017