Africa: Scientists Hope New Varieties Can Start Africa Rice Revolution

 The first hybrid rice varieties developed in sub-Saharan Africa are yielding up to four times more than other improved varieties, say scientists, who are using web-based tools to identify the right climate conditions to maximise harvests.   The 15 hybrids, bred in Kenya and Tanzania, are also tolerant to diseases and the high temperatures found in Kenya's western Lake Region and coastal areas.   Local farmers have always depended on imported hybrid rice varieties,.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 30th August 2016

Kenya seeks global trade restrictions on tree used for wood carvings

 Kenya is seeking a global trade restriction on a tree species used for making wood carvings and music instruments, a Kenyan scientist said on Monday.   Kenya will submit a joint proposal to the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meeting next month for the regulation of trade in the African blackwood, or Mpango in local vernacular, Beatrice Khayota, principal research scientist at the National Museums of Kenya, told.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 30th August 2016

Northern Kenya set to benefit from a World Bank Funded Social Development Initiative

 Parts of Northern Kenya are set to benefit from a World Bank Funded Social Development initiative that will see the construction of immense infrasrucutre projects as well as installation of various amenieites and utilites. Signed on the sidelines of the just concluded TICAD VI Conference the North Eastern Kenya Development Intiative promises a major improvement in quality of life for people in the region over the next two years..... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 30th August 2016

East Africa: Tanzania to Be EA Oil Power Centre in 10 Years - Muhongo

 Tanzania aims to become the first in oil and natural gas exploitation in East Africa in ten years, Energy and Mineral Minister Prof Sospeter Muhongo has said. Prof Muhongo said the goal would be achieved only through a rise in the number of experts in the field from the level of diploma to PHD.   "Since the sector is new in the country, we intend to have at least 500 trained experts in the area of oil and natural gas in 10 years time.   "The achievement.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 30th August 2016

Ethiopia To Transfer Solar Energy Projects To Private Developers

 ADDIS ABABA, Aug 30 (BERNAMA-NNN-ENA) -- Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has announced that it would transfer three solar energy generation sites to private developers.   The sites have been identified and evaluation is underway to hand over the projects to private developers who win the tender floated for the purpose.   CEO of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) Engineer Azeb Asnake told ENA that sites were identified in Metahara, Umera and Mekelle, with each having a.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 30th August 2016

Women in Energy: A passion for building “Brand Africa”

 Currently pursuing a PhD in business administration-strategic management, Phyllis Engefu Ombonyo, director for business development at the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) in Kenya, has put her B.Sc. computer science and engineering and MBAstrategic management to good use in serving the development needs of diverse communities in the African region.   Under her leadership in 20142016, NETFUND conducted an aggressive awareness campaign on energy and water, and.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Tanzania: Tech Helps Tanzania to Discover More Gold Reserves

 The use of geographical information system (GIS) technology in gold exploration in Tanzania has led to the discovery of large deposits near the Bulyanhulu goldmine in Kahama.   This was revealed at a recent workshop organised by Kenya-based firm ESRI Eastern Africa, which has a presence in Tanzania, to showcase the latest GIS technology used in prospecting, exploration and extraction.   "Using the technology, we have identified deposits of gold on the eastern.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Solar plant contributes to Kenya's energy grid

 In the Kenyan coastal city of Mombasa, a children’s village popularly known as SOS children’s home, has a solar energy generating plant that contribues to the country’s national grid. The channeled energy is giving electricity to the local populations during times of power outrages. .... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Solar Lighting Could Create 2 Million Jobs in Developing Countries

 A shift to solar LED systems and away from fuel-based lighting in the developing world may spur economic development as well as environmental improvements, creating an estimated 2 million solar-based jobs in some of the world’s poorest regions.    A survey of major solar LED lighting companies, conducted by Evan Mills at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), found that 38 solar-related jobs are created for each 10,000 people living off-grid and.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Heritage Circle taps affluent Africans’ growing demand for prestige brands

 Online retailer and members’ community Heritage Circle is celebrating the sophistication and achievement of high-net-worth African men by positioning its retail experience as inspirational over transactional.   Described as a modern lifestyle destination for African Gentlemen, Heritage Circle sells a number of curated luxury brands including Kilian fragrances, leather goods by Ghurka, fitness equipment from Hock, Luca Rubinacci, a Neapolitan tailor, and recently.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Africa: Japan to Grant Africa Sh1trillion for Infrastructure

 Japan has pledged Sh1 trillion ($10 billion) for infrastructure development in Africa.   Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said another $500 million will be channelled through international agencies to support health initiatives in the continent and combat epidemics.   The PM also pledged to initiate reforms in the United Nations Security Council and have an African country get a permanent seat in the body by 2023.   "UN Security Council is the most.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016

Tanzania: Dodoma Move Seen As a Blessing for Businesses

 Dodoma — The fresh determination by the government to move from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma has brought a fortune to businesses, taxi operators and middlemen.   Several stakeholders confirmed to the 'Daily News' yesterday that things were well and good on their part after President John Magufuli affirmed recently that his government would completely establish its base in the region within the next four years.   His declaration became more practical after the.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 29th August 2016