"Creating Jobs in Ethiopia is in UK's Interest" - UK International Development Secretary

Nowhere shows the profound way that Britain says it is looking to change and sharpen its approach to international development and aid for the poorest countries in the world than Ethiopia.   This is a country synonymous with food instability, drought and inevitably malnutrition and famine where tens of millions have been dependent on subsistence farming.   Very few will ever forget the worldwide humanitarian efforts spearheaded by the BandAid movement to help relieve the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd February 2017

Africa: How Investing in Africa's Agri-Food Systems Can Benefit the U.S.

The US's incoming administration has an historic opportunity to extend America's global leadership by promoting the economic transformations underway in Africa. An effective US strategy would be based on the fact that Africa's development still greatly depends on the performance of its agri-food systems.   Farming remains the primary source of employment for 65% of Africa's population. Poverty rates are in decline. But they remain unacceptably high. Putting more money in the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd February 2017

Tanzania: Power Connection Costs Need to be Reduced - MP

Dodoma — The service line charged by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) for power connection is too high and needs to be revised, a Member Parliament declared here yesterday.   Daniel Mtuka, the Manyoni East legislator (CCM), said in the cost imposed by the company was unbearable for Tanzanians in rural and urban areas compared to the cost charged by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for the same service.   "Most Tanzanians still need electricity, but.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd February 2017

Rwanda: Tanzania-Rwanda Railway Project to be Delayed

The timelines for the construction of the Central Corridor standard gauge railway project connecting Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi have become hazy, as partners report increasing difficulty in concluding funding arrangements for the $7.6 billion project.   Although officials in Kigali say Rwanda and Burundi agreed to keep their political differences out of the 1,672km project that promises their landlocked territories a low-cost link to the port of Dar es Salaam, they now say it.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd February 2017

Tanzania Considering Finance Options for SGR Project

Tanzania is looking at using proceeds from its $700 million Eurobond and concessional loans to fund the construction of its standard gauge railway, making a big policy shift from its regional neighbours, who have bought into China's fund, build and operate model to fund their railway projects.   This change of tack brings into question the role China will play in the project, having agreed in July last year to advance $7.9 million to the project through its Exim Bank, despite.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd February 2017

Rwanda: Govt Pledges Support to Housing Finance Institution Shelter Afrique

Rwanda has pledged to continue supporting activities of Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African financial institution dedicated to financing housing and infrastructural related activities in Africa.   The Minister for Infrastructure, James Musoni, made the commitment in Nairobi, yesterday, at an extra-ordinary session of General Assembly of Shelter Afrique, which took place at Windsor Hotel.   Musoni commended the work done by Shelter Afrique on the continent and in Rwanda, in.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 2nd February 2017

Rwanda: Governance Scorecard Confirms Consistent Improvement in Development in 2016

Kigali, 31 January 2016- Rwanda has registered consistent improvement in different governance and development sectors, according to the Rwanda Governance Scorecard (RGS) 2016. The RGS fourth edition launched today at the Kigali Convention Centre indicates that compared to the 2014 edition, six out of eight major indicators have recorded higher scores while only two presented slight decline. RGS is an annual publication seeking to gauge the state of governance in the country. It is a.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Rwanda Ranked Third Least Corrupt Country in Africa

The Government has welcomed the new ranking of the global Corruption Perception Index with officials promising to score higher next time.   The Corruption Perception Index, released yesterday in Kigali, placed Rwanda alongside Mauritius as third least corrupt country in sub-Saharan Africa.   The annual report, produced by Transparency International, ranked Rwanda 50th least corrupt country globally, retaining the same 54 per cent score as last year.   In.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Rwanda Ranked Third Least Corrupt Country in Africa

The Government has welcomed the new ranking of the global Corruption Perception Index with officials promising to score higher next time.   The Corruption Perception Index, released yesterday in Kigali, placed Rwanda alongside Mauritius as third least corrupt country in sub-Saharan Africa.   The annual report, produced by Transparency International, ranked Rwanda 50th least corrupt country globally, retaining the same 54 per cent score as last year.   In.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Rwanda Ranked Third Least Corrupt Country in Africa

The Government has welcomed the new ranking of the global Corruption Perception Index with officials promising to score higher next time.   The Corruption Perception Index, released yesterday in Kigali, placed Rwanda alongside Mauritius as third least corrupt country in sub-Saharan Africa.   The annual report, produced by Transparency International, ranked Rwanda 50th least corrupt country globally, retaining the same 54 per cent score as last year.   In.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Rwanda: New Housing Project Launched for Vulnerable Residents

A project to construct model housing units for vulnerable residents was launched on Saturday in Kicukiro District during the monthly community work, Umuganda.   The project, that will in its first phase see the construction of 40 modern housing units to be handed over to the most needy, will be implemented by the district authorities in partnership with the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR).   The housing project is part of the Integrated Development Programme (IDP Model.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Dangote Eyeing Lucrative Sugar Sector in Ethiopia

Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn conferred with the Nigerian business tycoon Aliko Dangote Friday.   During the course of the meeting, the premier assured the African billionaire that his government is fully committed to support the Group in the efforts towards diversifying its investments.   He said that government encourages companies such as the Dangote Group to engage in Ethiopia so as to boost employment opportunities and knowledge and technology transfer as.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017