Africa could reach over 70GW of solar PV by 2030 – IRENA

 Experiencing some of the highest irradiation hours on the globe, Africa has potential to reach more than 70GW of solar PV capacity by 2030, a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has said.   The case for solar PV in Africa is becoming harder to ignore, as the technology has experienced recent substantial cost reductions, and the continent has some of the world’s highest irradiation hours; at up to 117% higher than in Germany, the country.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Ethiopia: Addis Djibouti Railway Benefits All

 Addis Djibouti Railway will be formally put into operation.   On October 5, Addis Djibouti Railway will be formally put into operation. It is a joint effort of Ethiopia, Djibouti and China. For well over 13 months, tens of thousands technicians and workers from the three countries have worked tirelessly on the site of construction stretching 750 kilometers. It is the first standard gauge electrified railroad on the continent build with Chinese standard and technology, and.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Rwanda: 2015/2016 Infrastructure Sector Achievements and 2016/17 Targets

 The 2015/16 key achievements of the Ministry of Infrastructure reflect the key performances of four sectors: Transport, Energy, Water & Sanitation and Urbanization & human settlement.   These key achievements are grounded on the targets that were set during the fiscal year 2015/2016 against the key objectives outlined in the long term National programs such as Vision 2020, EDPRS II, 7 YGP, Sector Strategic Plan and other national priorities.   Energy.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Rwanda: New Digital System to Boost Agribusiness, Access to Loans

 A new digital system dubbed "e-Umuhinzi Platform" has been unveiled by a local microfinance bank to boost the agri-businesses sector and promote financial inclusion.   The platform was launched last week by Atlantis Microfinance in partnership with Agritech, a company that specialises in providing agri-business solutions.   While speaking at the launch of the platform in Kigali, Alfred Ndayisaba, the acting managing director of Atlantis, said though over.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Tanzania: Zanzibaris Urged to Support Industrial Economy Efforts

 Zanzibar — The Zanzibar Minister for Trade, Industry and Marketing, Ambassador Amina Salum Ali, has appealed to members of the public to support government's efforts in making the islands an industrial country.   "Yes. It is possible to turn our dream into reality. We can have many light industries, which will definitely create jobs and boost our economy," Ms Ali said here yesterday when officially launching the sale of Zanzibar sugar.   The sugar,.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Tanzania: Come, Dar Tells Cuban Investors

 President John Magufuli yesterday invited Cuban investors to develop pharmaceutical industries in the country as the two friendly nations agreed to cooperate in five areas.   Dr Magufuli asked the visiting Cuban Vice President, Mr Salvador Valdes Mesa, to help in persuading the Cuban investors to Tanzania, saying the establishment of pharmaceutical industries in the country will guarantee drug availability at affordable prices.   He also asked Mr Mesa to influence.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Tanzania, Congo sign deal for joint petroleum exploration

 Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday for joint exploration and development of hydrocarbons in Lake Tanganyika.   The lake, which straddles the border between Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Zambia, is the world's second largest by volume and second deepest, according to officials.   "We have signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange experiences in exploration and.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Now Kenya makes plans to produce industrial sugar

 Kenya plans to relax rules for the production of industrial sugar in a bid to save the economy $90 million worth of forex spent annually on imports.   Kenya will thus become the first East African Community member to produce the commodity, but experts warn that the high cost of production could render industries such as confectionery that rely on refined sugar uncompetitive across the region. Under the EAC Rules of Origin, industrial sugar, as a raw material, is brought.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Kenya opens tallest hotel in Africa

 Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Jabavu Village Ltd to open a 255 guest-room and suite hotel in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.   The hotel is set to open in 2020 and joins 50 Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties trading or under development in 17 countries across Africa.   “In recent years Upper Hill has grown to become a hub for international businesses and organisations, with a number of embassies and organisations setting up their.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Kenya Power changes tack in war on transformer vandals

 Kenya Power transformer suppliers will have to shift to converters that contain aluminium windings, as opposed to copper ones currently in use as the utility firm moves to tame vandals who have cost it dearly.   The electricity distributor says its suppliers will now be required to adhere to new guidelines to save the company from losses that it incurs on vandalism.   The new specifications are intended to increase durability of transformers while making them less.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 5th October 2016

Seimens to support gas-to-power generation in South Africa

 Siemens has stated that it is committed to support gas-to-power generation in South African through its supplier and enterprise development initiative   “Adding gas-to-power generation to the South African energy mix will be a major driver of economic prosperity, adding billions of rands to GDP and thousands of new jobs”, said Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of African engineering giant Siemens. Generating clean and efficient power from gas will boost SA’s.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 4th October 2016

South Africa's affordable energy dream

 South Africa will have to wait for more months in order to relaunch its affordable energy programme.   Formalised in 2010, the project for the construction of about six to eight reactors with a capacity of 9.600 megawatts is now being considered as an expected yet difficult to be achieved dream.   South Africa’s energy minister Tina Joemat Petterson had promised that the call for tender will be launched on September 30, but this was not done as.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 4th October 2016