Tullow set to resume oil exploration in Baringo

 Tullow Oil has announced that it would return to Baringo County where its suspended operations after locals turned hostile.   It stopped prospecting for oil in March over what villagers claimed was exclusion by the British-owned exploration firm. Edward Mungatana, a senior manager at Tullow, told a public forum yesterday that his company was willing to go back to resume the exploration, and that it cannot afford to be irresponsible in its activities. "We are willing.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 2nd September 2016

Engie Leads $20M Investment in Off-Grid Solar Startup Bboxx

 French energy giant Engie was the lead investor in a Series C funding round for off-grid solar startup Bboxx to expand its presence in Kenya, Rwanda and beyond.   The startup has 36 retail outlets in the two East African countries and expects to scale up to 400 retail shops in the next two years. The retail stores are franchised in the two countries, and there are also distribution networks in more than two dozen other countries.    “We want to provide.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 2nd September 2016

Kenya, Rwanda sign EPA deal in Brussels

 Kenya and Rwanda have signed the Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union taking a step closer to the deal whose conclusion is threatened by reluctant member states.   Trade Ministers for Kenya and Rwanda signed the East African Community-European Union EPA agreement in Brussels, Belgium, yesterday.   Tanzania, Burundi and Uganda have shown reluctance to sign the EPA deal on time to pave the way for its ratification by the European Commission on.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 2nd September 2016

Rwanda signs deal for new airport construction

 RwandAir today launches its inaugural commercial flight to Benin’s capital of Cotonou (IATA: COO / ICAO: DBBB) operating to the Cardinal Bernadin Gantin International Airport, also known as Cadjehoun International Airport. This marks the start of a long planned expansion of destinations across Africa ahead of the delivery of additional aircraft due for delivery over the coming months which includes the addition of Abidjan at the beginning of October. RwandAir’s hub.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 2nd September 2016

Plarning ahead: ‘Plastic yarn’ project to provide sleeping mats to Kenyan villages

 Got a little time on your hands and want to do some good?   Join Kenya Relief and some local church members in crafting some much-needed necessities — items that will find their way to the impoverished Third World — out of plarn.   What is plarn?   Short for “plastic yarn,” plarn is made from pretty common, throwaway stuff: grocery bags. Snip off the handles, cut the bags into strips, and you’ve got a surprisingly versatile,.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

Designing breakout points in workplaces

 Cleverly decorated interiors and well-designed furniture in offices are increasingly becoming important to employees.   The furniture and accessories in an office send a powerful message about the image of the company. Attractive workspaces and lounge areas signal that a firm invests in its workers.   The traditional dull spaces painted in dark hues are being turned into livelier walls with bursts of colour. So is the furniture. New colourful office furniture and.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

Preparation for geothermal drilling campaign under way in Ethiopia

 Reported from Addis Ababa today, the Geological Survey of Ethiopia has announced that preparations are underway to begin drilling of 12 geothermal wells at Airobera, Alelobeda and Dubti areas in Afar Regional State.  Tamiru Mersha, Communication Director at GSE, said drilling of the 325MW wells will begin this Ethiopian budget year.   According to him, six wells will be drilled at Airobera and Alelobeda with the financial and technical assistance of Geothermal Risk.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

Renault to increase exports from India, eyes African market

French auto major Renault is looking to enhance exports from India to neighbouring countries and Africa as it seeks to make the country a manufacturing hub.    "Last month we started exporting Duster and Kwid to Sri Lanka. This month we will be entering Nepal while we also prepare to enter Bhutan," Sumit Sawhney, country CEO and managing director, Renault India Operations, told PTI.    Not only the neighbouring countries, Renault will be looking to.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

SA-made drone set to disrupt power sector

 A power line inspection drone designed by local robotics engineers could be the answer to Eskom’s power cut woes, and has already piqued the interest of overseas governments.   Durban engineers Trevor Lorimer and Timothy Rowell built the first prototype as part of a master’s degree project to develop the power line robot, which is almost ready to be produced for industrial use.   The duo worked with Eskom and the Technology Innovation Agency, which has.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

A new chapter – Toyota’s drive for Africa expansion

 Car manufacturer Toyota is well known, but Toyota Tsusho less so. We spoke to the trading subsidiary to find out more about its African operations.   Can you explain what the Toyota Tsusho division is, how it originated and its objectives?   Toyota Tsusho, established in 1948, is the sole general trading company within the Toyota Group. It has some 53,000 employees and its global network encompasses Japan, approximately 90 other countries and over 950 consolidated.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

Solar-Powered Oxygen Saves Lives in Africa

 If you’ve ever stayed in a hospital, you might remember the oxygen delivery system mounted on the wall behind your bed or at your bedside. Many of us take these for granted, but in developing countries such as Uganda they are not easily available—and even when present, they are unreliable because power cuts are rife. Now, scientists have devised an innovative solution for delivering oxygen to children with severe pneumonia: harnessing solar energy to power oxygen.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016

Kenya: Ghana and Kenya to Promote Intra-Trade, Says Leaders

 Nairobi — President Uhuru Kenyatta Monday held talks with Ghanaian leader John Dramani Mahama which centred on cooperation in energy, oil, telecommunications and aviation.   At their State House Nairobi meeting, they discussed ways of enriching the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries to improve on the ease of doing business so as to increase overall intra-African trade.   President Mahama was among Heads of State and Government.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 1st September 2016