EU funds €4.4m Zambia Power Project

The European Union (EU) has given Zambia 4.4 million Euros in a financial grant for the implementation of the electricity inter-connector project along with Kenya and Tanzania.   Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Charles Zulu said the three country-led power project was being funded by the EU in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.   Mr Zulu said the inter-connector project would help ease the power deficit in the region once.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 24th February 2016

Tokyo-led Africa Development Summit to be hosted by Kenya in August

Kenyan President Uhuru Ken-yatta said Sunday the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development, which Japan cosponsors with the United Nations and the African Union, will be held in Nairobi on Aug. 27 and 28.   Kenyatta made the announcement at a joint news conference with Katsuyuki Kawai, a special adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.   TICAD has been held in Japan every five years since 1993, but this year will.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 24th February 2016

Turkish Company to construct a US$ 400m peat-fired power plant in East Africa

 A US$ 400m peat-fired power plant is set to be constructed in Southern Rwanda by a Turkish company, Hakan Mining and Generation Industry and Trade Inc.   The 80MW power plant is under a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed by the Rwandan government.   The agreement gives them the go ahead to design, finance, build, own and operate the plant using peat extracted from south Akanyaru in Gisagara District.   Hakan’s chairman, Mr. Ahmet Karasoy confirmed.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 24th February 2016

Major dam in Kenya to be constructed

 A major dam in Kenya dubbed the largest water project in the semi-arid area is set to be constructed that will supply water and electricity to millions of residents, Water Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has announced.   Thwake Dam at the confluence of Thwake and Athi Rivers will supply water to over one million residents of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties as well as generate 20 megawatts of electricity to power Konza Tech City in Makueni County.   The major.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 24th February 2016

Tanzania & Uganda exploring Geothermal Projects to Plug Power Deficit

Uganda and Tanzania are set to begin generating electricity from geothermal resources to plug the supply deficit.   In East Africa, Kenya is leading in power generation using underground steam.   Green Impact Development Services (GIDS) is carrying out exploration and evaluation of geothermal resources with aim of developing a 100MW power plant at Buranga in western Uganda.   The Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) is expected from June to start.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 24th February 2016

China gets contract to scan for minerals in Kenya

Kenya has contracted a Chinese firm to carry out fresh mineral mapping at a cost of Sh7 billion. The aerial survey is expected to compile a new geological map detailing the occurrence of minerals around the country, a step that is set to spur investment in the mining sector. Mining Permanent Secretary Mohammed Mahmud said China has released funding for the project that could start in June. “Our aim is to locate the minerals and determine the quantities. At the moment, we do.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

Campaign to light up off-grid areas launched by Tanzanian solar firm

Mobisol Marketing Manager Allan Rwechungura said in Dar es Salaam at the weekend that the campaign targets to improve lives of hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians living in off grid areas -- particularly those in rural areas where power supply is still a problem -- by enabling them to access affordable solar power.   “This new campaign is part of our efforts to complement the Government’s ambitious plan to ensure that the rural population has access to affordable.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

Equity, Indian Solar firm tie up to offer low interest loans to equipment buyers

Equity Bank has partnered with an Indian solar energy firm to advance buyers of its equipment loans at interest rates of as low as eight per cent.   The lender said that the deal with Orb Energy is meant to trigger uptake of solar water heating equipment, solar lamps, solar powered TV and solar panels.   Interest on the loans that target homes, retail and businesses will range from between eight per cent to 21 per cent.   “We are keen to boost uptake of.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

German disinfectant maker eyes Kenyan market with Pharmaken tie up

A German pharmaceutical firm has announced plans to enter the Kenyan market targeting health facilities and medical staff with its range of disinfectants.   Dr Schumacher has partnered with Pharmaken Ltd, winner of last year’s Business Daily sponsored Top 100 competition for small and medium sized enterprises, to exclusively retail in Kenya hygiene products and disinfectants used on hospital surfaces, surgical tools and by medical staff to kill germs and control.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

RVR, Egyptian traders ink chemical, fertilizer cargo deal

Rift Valley Railways is set to become the main inland transporter of Egyptian fertiliser and chemicals from the Mombasa port after signing a memorandum of agreement with the Egyptian export council for chemicals and fertilisers.   The MoU was signed at the weekend during the Africa 2016 conference in Egypt between the export council and Egyptian private equity fund Qalaa Holdings.   Qalaa holdings owns 85 per cent of the Rift Valley Railways (RVR), the company that.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

Construction of state-of-the-art Olympic stadium in Rwanda to begin end of year

Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) has confirmed that the construction of the long awaited state-of-the-art Gahanga Olympic Stadium will kick off later this year.   The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) Director General, Eng. Didier Sagashya told the this website that the Gahanga Olympic Stadium is among multi-million dollar projects that by been contracted to Rwanda Housing Authority by the Rwandan Government.   He said, "We have developed the concepts and the next step.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016

120 MW gas fired power station unveiled in Mozambique

Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi has officially inaugurated the 120 MW Gigawatt Park gas fired power station, in Ressano Garcia.   The project was developed by Gigajoule International, a South African investment group and majority shareholder in the project and took 18 months to complete.   The plant’s 13 generators of 9.3 MW each were manufactured by multinational corporation ABB and powered by Rolls-Royce engines. Gigajoule International CEO Johan de Vos said.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 23rd February 2016