How Data And Machine Learning Are Changing The Solar Industry

 Like most sectors, the solar industry is rapidly embracing ways to analyze and crunch data in order to lower the cost of solar energy and to open up new markets for their technology.   The rise of data tools—algorithms, machine learning, sensors—are driving investments in, and acquisitions of, solar startups, while entrepreneurs are launching new companies that are using data to solve various solar industry problems. Meanwhile, big companies are spending money.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Law on oil must drive prosperity

 Kenya will soon join the ranks of oil exporting countries. President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that Kenya would pump and export an estimated 2,000 barrels of oil per day before the next general election. At the current oil prices, these petroleum exports will generate enough revenue to pay about 203 MPs their salaries and allowances for one year.   But is Kenya prepared to navigate the slippery slope of the hydrocarbons bonanza? Can oil revenues drive equitable or shared.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Rwf52 billion dairy project to benefit 100,000 households

 A $65 million (Rwf52 billion) dairy development project that will directly benefit 100,000 dairy households in Rwanda, will be launched in January, 2017, according to  Dr. Théogène Rutagwenda, Director General for Animal Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).   Dr. Rutagwenda told Sunday Times that the 5-year project supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will help farmers raise improved.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan sign final contracts on Nile dam studies

 Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have signed the final contracts for the long-awaited technical studies on the impact on downstream countries of a giant dam that Addis Ababa is building, Egypt’s state news agency MENA reported. The signing that took place in Sudan’s capital Khartoum on Monday was made between French consultancy firms BRL and Artelia, as well as British law firm Corbett, which will carry out studies on the potential impact of Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Architect Talks Design as an Engine for Healing and Change

 It’s a question that has animated MASS Design Group’s celebrated architecture projects around the world, including a hospital in Rwanda built by local hands from local stone and a school in the Congo designed to also protect endangered wildlife. And it’s a question co-founder and CEO Michael Murphy answers in a TED Talk about MASS’s work released online this week.   “Buildings are not simply expressive sculptures,” he says. “They.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Tanzania: Patients to Benefit From Palliative Care

 Dar es Salaam — The Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children in association with Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) has started to provide palliative care.   The specialised medical care helps people live their life as fully and as comfortably as possible when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. Palliative care identifies and treats symptoms which may be physical, emotional, spiritual or social.   Speaking to The.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Uganda: Investors Prepare Finance Plans As Uganda's Oil Sector Reawakens

 A lot more attention is expected to be placed on how companies source for finance to invest in Uganda's oil industry after government created nearly all the necessary structures for an industry that has been quiet for far too long, writes EDWARD SSEKIKA.   After three years of subdued activity, Uganda's oil and gas sector is back on track. Recent developments, where oil licenses have been issued and heads of institutions appointed, are set to spark off some activity in a.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

South Africa: Petra Performance Exceeds Expectations

 PETRA Diamonds is projecting production to rise up to 24,3 percent in 2017 from a year earlier and grow further to hit 5 million carats (mcts) in 2018.   This is a year earlier than anticipated.   The projections are buoyed by a satisfactory performance in the year ended June 30.   During the period, production up 16 percent to 3,7 Mcts (FY 2015: 3,2 Mcts), ahead of company guidance.   Capital expenditure of US$324,1 million (FY 2015: US$274,1.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Completion of Dodoma airport opens up Tanzania to more international business

 The much touted construction of Dodoma airport is set to be complete this week, allowing the airport to receive up to ten flights from different countries per day up from three that it received before the renovation.   This, coming at a time when the government finalizes plans to shift all its operation from Dar es Salam to Dodoma.   According to air traffic controller at the airport Mr. Emmanuel Kisumo, the expansion also opens room for planes with the capacity of.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

MPs ratify EPAs trade deal to save Kenya's exports to Europe

 MPs yesterday put aside their political differences to ratify a trade agreement that will allow Kenyan traders free access to the European market.   In a special parliamentary sitting, the lawmakers unanimously voted for the ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the East African Community (EAC).   This decision offers a ray of hope to Kenyan traders, especially those exporting flowers, fruits, fish and livestock.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 21st September 2016

Ethiopia: Raising Awareness of Farmers to Use Irrigation Water Efficiently

 Many experts agreed that small scale irrigation is helpful for enhancing productivity and ensuring food security particularly in the drought areas. To reverse the impact due to the negative repercussion of extreme weather condition, farmers should try to practice irrigation with the support of extension workers.   Dr. Tilahun Hordofa has carried out researches on the necessity of irrigation and drainage system at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources of.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th September 2016

South African city upgrades to smart city LED lights

 The city of Bloemfontein, South Africa, has embarked on a smart city initiative to upgrade its streetlight infrastructure over the next three years. It plans to deploy 18,000 luminaires from Echelon Corp, an independent control networking company for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).   Bloemfontein is generally regarded as the judicial capital of South Africa, being the seat for the Supreme Court of Appeal. It is also a high-profile sporting venue and a centre for.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th September 2016