Ethiopia: Dangote to Setup Packaging Plant for its Cement Bags

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

Kenya: New Rule to Check Unnecessary Medical Referrals Abroad

A doctor will from now on only refer a patient abroad for treatment if there is evidence that hospitals in the country lack the capacity to take care of them.   The new measures, published Monday, are meant to put strict measures on international referral and to protect patients from rogue doctors who misadvise them to seek treatment abroad in exchange for kickbacks.   In the new guidelines, drawn up by Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu and the Kenya Medical.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Kenya: Farmers Unhappy with Ban on Maize Exports

The government is headed for a collision course with maize farmers in the North Rift after a presidential directive that banned export of the cereal citing the biting shortage.   Growers now want the prices of maize increased or they be allowed to sell to the highest bidder given the current supply and demand situation.   Farmers are unhappy with the order that restricts them to selling their produce within the country, saying it flouts the East African Community (EAC).... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Tanzania: Appoint Experts to Small Industries to Boost Production - Factory Owner

Moshi — The government has been requested to send experts to small-scale industries to improve increased production to boost the country's industrialisation process.   The call was made by the Managing Director of the Moshi-based JayJey Industry, Humphrey Mosha. He said highly skilled experts are needed to enable industries increase production. "We have many experts in our universities and ministries who can help in revitalising the industrial sector.   The.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Tanzania: Rescued Miners Discharged from Hospital

Geita — All the 15 miners who were trapped in a mine pit at Nyarugusu for four days and rushed to Geita Regional Hospital here on Sunday were discharged yesterday.   However, the record treatment speed seemed not to have pleased family members of some of the victims who found the treatment 'too fast', wishing they had stayed longer for more observation.   In less than 24 hours of their stay at the medical facility, the youthful survivors looked jubilant and.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Tanzania: Zanzibar Announces Ban on Sand Mining

Zanzibar — Zanzibar Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Livestock and Fisheries, Hamad Rashid Mohamed, on Sunday announced a ban on sand mining after several studies have proved that the twin islands experience scarcity.   "Honestly, Zanzibar has run out of sand," the minister told a press conference, appealing to the media to help spread the message to the public about the new challenge in the construction industry. "We don't have sand for building.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Tanzania: Affordable Power, Reliable Infrastructure Vital for Economic Growth

Affordable energy supply and reliable infrastructure are the main pillars in building up the country's economy.   As the Fifth Phase Government gears on building an industrial driven-economy, there is need for improving infrastructure to enable business activities to take place in ideal environments.   Among important areas that boost country's economy include active and fully operational ports, reliable roads, railways and many others. In recognition of such factors,.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Tanzania: Affordable Energy, Reliable Infrastructure Key for Economic Growth

Affordable energy supply and reliable infrastructure are the main pillars in building up the country's economy.   As the Fifth Phase Government gears on building an industrial driven-economy, there is need for improving infrastructure to enable business activities to take place in ideal environments.   Among important areas that boost country's economy include active and fully operational ports, reliable roads, railways and many others. In recognition of such factors,.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 1st February 2017

Africa: President of Guinea Becomes New AU Chairperson

Guinea's President Alpha Conde has taken over as the new chairperson of the African Union from Chad President Idris Deby who on Monday completed his one year term at the helm of the continental body.   Conde was elected Monday morning by the African Heads of State present at the Opening of the African Union Summit General assembly underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.   The chair of the AU is held on a rotational basis among the five geographic regions of.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 31st January 2017

Kenya: Antibiotics in Meat - A Serious Cause for Concern

Fast food chain Burger King has made a commitment to only serve chicken meat from animals that haven't been fed antibiotics in the US and Canada. But the same rules won't apply in Kenya. Eating meat from animals that have been fed antibiotics has been attributed to a rise in resistance to the drugs that treat bacterial germs. The Conversation Africa's health and medicine editor Joy Wanja Muraya asks Sam Kariuki to explain the health risks.   The use of antibiotics by farmers to.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 31st January 2017

Kenya: Solar TVs Make a Mark in Rural Regions

London — Kenyans in rural areas are increasingly looking to buy solar TVs. Rising expectations mean that they want something similar to a Kenyan living in the city, not a downscaled product with less content and a smaller screen. Azuri Technologies is seeking to meet this need with an alliance with pay TV provider Zuku. Russell Southwood spoke to its CEO Simon Bransfield-Garth about its ambitions.   Azuri Technologies' Bransfield-Garth has seen a major shift in the rural.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 31st January 2017

Rwanda: Soon Apply for Loans on Mobile Phones

More and more financial institutions are increasingly turning to information and communication technologies (ICTs) to facilitate their operations as well as deliver new products to customers.   The trend is also aimed at increasing access to services and further deepening financial inclusion, according to sector analysts. On this front, Rwandans could soon be able to apply and receive startup capital and other types of soft loans on their mobile phones, thanks to KCB Bank.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 31st January 2017