Obama roots for better US-Africa trade deals

 US President Barack Obama has signed executive order to support American companies interested in doing business in Africa.   Addressing beneficiaries of Young African Leaders Initiative on Wednesday at Town Hall in Washington DC, Obama said Africa has massive growth potential despite facing enormous challenges such as poverty, disease and conflict.   "You have one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, home to a middle class that is projected to grow to.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 6th August 2016

Tanzania plans to boost sugar output by 31 per cent in four years, state says

 Tanzania aims to raise sugar production by about 31 per cent over the next four years to meet domestic demand, the prime minister's office has said.   Local growers produce around 320,000 tonnes of raw sugar per year against demand of 420,000 tonnes, with imports from Brazil and elsewhere filling the deficit.   President John Magufuli in February tightened restrictions on sugar imports, leading to nationwide shortages and pushing up the local.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 6th August 2016

Rwanda: BPR in Partnerships to Promote Financial Inclusion

 The CEO of Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR), Sanjeev Anand, has said they are aiming at promoting the government's goal of financial inclusion.   He made the remarks today while addressing the press about BPR's development partnership with Norfund, the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries, FMO, the Dutch development bank and Rabobank, a Dutch cooperative bank as a new shareholder.   "BPR welcomes this partnership as important for our company and.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 6th August 2016

Mega industrial park signals Ethiopia’s manufacturing intent

 Ethiopia has commissioned the largest industrial park in Africa, signaling its intention to become one of Africa’s manufacturing hubs. The Horn of Africa nation, which is among the fastest-growing economies in the world, recently unveiled the Hawassa industrial park, which is core to its efforts to become one of Africa’s manufacturing powerhouses.   The mega facility, built at a cost of $250-million, is intended mainly for textile and apparel manufacturing.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 6th August 2016

Chinese firm launches construction of Ethiopia-Kenya power project

 A Chinese company has commenced the construction of a major power transmission line project which will link grids of Ethiopia with Kenya. The firm, China Electric Power Equipment and Technology (CET) announced it has launched the construction of the $ 1.26 billion mega project this week.   The 500 KV transmission line which originates in Ethiopia’s Wolayita Sodo will have power transferring capacity of 2,000 MW and runs about 1,045km, of which 445km stretches into.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Kenya's Health Sector to Gain From Cuba's Support

 Nairobi — Kenya and Cuba are set to establish a regular exchange program for health workers to boost the two countries' health sectors.   President Uhuru Kenyatta said cooperation between the two countries would help improve his administration's initiatives to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to Kenyans.   "Cuba has one of the best health models in the world. I believe there is a lot we can share on health," President Kenyatta.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Ethiopia: Bold Move to Address Health Professionals Shortage

 s the economy of the country is growing, the health service demand of middle income earners is also increasing. Thus, the need for producing specialized health professionals is crucial.   Having healthy citizens is crucial for the over all development of a given country. Development programmes and plans as well as other activities require healthy human power. For this very reason, countries allocate huge budget for the expansion of health facilities, fulfilling medical.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Ethiopia: Finland Keen to Bolster Relations With Ethiopia

 President Dr. Mulatu Teshome said that the country's investment climate is attracting investors across the world. Finnish investors are also showing interest to engage in various investment sectors. The President was holding talks with the outgoing Finnish Ambassador Sirpa Maenpaa here yesterday.   The President said two countries have been working to strengthen political and economic cooperation.   Dr. Mulatu said that Finland is assisting the nation's effort.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Kenya: Chinese Firm to Establish Prepaid Power Meter Factory

A Chinese firm plans to construct a factory in Kenya for prepaid meters to supply power utility firms in East Africa as it eyes big cash from the expanding billing market.   Kenya Power chief executive Ben Chumo says the firm has sought the electricity distributor's advice on how to align their production with local market specifications.   Kenya Power has welcomed the move, citing lower costs for Kenyan made devices and employment opportunities. "Units made locally.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Ethiopia: Enterprise to Build Office Complex

 The Oromia Forest and Wildlife Enterprise Monday laid the cornerstone for its administration office at Bole and another building at Lidetta. The new G+20 administration building at Bole would reflect the culture and traditional assets of the Oromo people.   Laying the cornerstone, State Chief Mukitar Kedir said that the building manifests the Oromo people of forest conservation. The Enterprise is actively promoting forest conserving agenda through various forest.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Tanzania: Ericsson Mulling Investment in Various Sectors

Dar es Salaam — Ericsson is considering to invest an unspecified amount in various sectors of Tanzania.   It is looking up to sectors of transport, energy, technology, finance and public safety and security, according to sub-Saharan Africa head of government and industry relations, Mr Shiletsi Makhofane.   The Sweden-based firm specializes in software and infrastructure in ICT for telecommunications operators, traditional telecommunications and Internet Protocol.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016

Rwanda to showcase top investment opportunities at Global Africa Investment Summit

Rwanda is set to present top investment opportunities at the upcoming global African Investment Summit scheduled for September this year in the Rwandan Capital, Kigali.   The investment prospects spanning across four sectors; natural resources, energy, ICT, Agriculture, tourism and infrastructure will be presented to a diverse audience of global businesses interested in long-term investment in Africa.   The country will host the high level investment forum from September.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 5th August 2016