Africa Matters

SeedCast App Launched to Transform Rice Seed Demand and Supply in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, In a pivotal moment for agricultural innovation, Patrick Ngwediagi, the Director General of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), has officially launched SeedCast, a groundbreaking mobile app set to transform Tanzania’s rice seed market. The launch took place at the Rice Breeding Innovations Partners’ Annual Meeting in Dar es Salaam, gathering over 100 rice experts…

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TOSCI Introduces SeedCast: A Catalyst for Rice Seed Evolution in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, 31st August 2023 In a momentous move, Patrick Ngwediagi, Director General of the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), inaugurated SeedCast—a groundbreaking mobile app poised to redefine Tanzania’s rice seed sector. At the esteemed Rice Breeding Innovations Partners’ Annual Gathering in Dar es Salaam, Ngwediagi underlined TOSCI’s steadfast resolve to advance agri-innovation, with a spotlight on…

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TAMFI and Water.org: Pioneering Water and Sanitation Financing in Tanzania

A revolutionary stride towards better water and sanitation facilities is underway in Tanzania. The Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) lauds the commitment of microfinance institutions that have taken the mantle to offer financial resources to Tanzanian households and SMEs. This move allows residents to secure essential amenities, such as modern toilets, handwashing stations, and efficient water storage and…

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AGRA Announces Rebrand to Align with New Strategic Focus on Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems

AGRA (formerly known as Alliance for Green Revolution) is pleased to announce an important update concerning our organization’s name change. This rebrand aligns with our new strategy, which will be our roadmap for future success for African farmers, centered around Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems. For over 15 years, AGRA has been at the forefront of driving agricultural transformation…

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Samia’s message on strengthened Brics-Africa links

She said Tanzania envisioned a Brics-Africa partnership that supports the continent’s endeavour to promote and strengthen regional value chains and help African producers to gain access to global export markets. Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan said yesterday the Brics-Africa partnership needs to focus on unlocking the continent’s potential towards realisation of Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals and…

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Africa’s Data Pioneer: Terragon’s ‘Adrenaline’ Shaping Telco-Driven Advertising Evolution

In the ever-changing realm of digital innovation, Africa’s prominent Data and Marketing Technology company, Terragon, has taken center stage in reshaping the advertising landscape. With a visionary approach that preempted the transformation of consumer data utilization, Terragon’s groundbreaking mobile advertising solution, ‘Adrenaline’, continues to set the precedent for privacy-driven marketing strategies within the African telco industry. Unveiling Adrenaline at…

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Africa Offers New Frontier for Global Economic Growth – Yofi Grant

The global economy needs Africa to build back again from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yofi Grant, has said. He said Africa offered the new frontier for global economic growth and recovery due to the impact of the coronavirus disease and the Russia-Ukraine…

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Tanzanian sworn in as new East Africa Court judge

Justice Omar Othman Makungu, who currently serves as a Judge in the Court of Appeal of the United Republic of Tanzania A Tanzanian judge was yesterday sworn as a new judge of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). Judge Omar Othman Makungu (pictured) will serve in the Appellate Division of the regional legal facility based in Arusha.Burundi President…

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Getting Your Nails Done in Ancient Africa

Indigenous nail art practices from Africa include henna, beading, painting and plant and clay ancient African nail art designs. These manicures are not just nail art; they are living manifestations of a rich African culture painted with threads of heritage, pride, and artistic innovation.  The ingenuity of women shines as they artfully craft stunning nail designs, turning their nails…

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Wagner chief Prigozhin among 10 killed in plane crash

The crash comes two months after Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived rebellion — seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority since he came to power. The head of the Wagner mercenary group, which in June attempted to topple Russia’s military leadership, was on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday, with all passengers killed, Russian…

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 South African president to announce new BRICS members on Thursday

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce the names of countries that will be invited to join the BRICS group of nations as full-fledged members after BRICS leaders complete their discussion on the issue on Thursday morning. South Africa’s BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal told TASS on Wednesday that the leaders “will tomorrow morning have a further meeting to finalize…

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Sour relationship between Africa and its colonial masters 

In the late hours of Wednesday, July 26; presidential guards led by a General in Niger Republic announced a successful coup on national television, taking over the government from Nigerienne President, Mohamed Bazoum. They effectively suspended all the institutions set up by the constitution and closed the nation’s borders just after putting president Bazoum under house arrest. The news of a…

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Wagner boss Prigozhin was on crashed plane, Russia says

Eyewitnesses report hearing two explosions at time of crash BBC’s Monitoring’s Russia Editor, Vitaly Shevchenko, says speculation is spreading about the plane crash that Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin was believed to be a passenger on. “I’ve seen a number of video clips filmed by eyewitnesses who said that they had heard two explosions and they drew the conclusion that…

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Tanzania: Africa’s rising agricultural powerhouse

IN a powerful endorsement of the strides Tanzania has made in developing its agriculture and food systems, Mr Amath Pathé Sene, Managing Director of the Africa Food Systems Forum, extolled the East African nation’s diversified ecosystems and its potential in the agricultural sector. “Today, Tanzania has diverse ecosystems that vary from the north to the south and from the…

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This modern off-grid cabin’s footprint may be small, but its design is mighty

With endless views of South Africa’s spectacular Klein Karoo, this contemporary cabin on a remote farm combines simple luxury with sustainable design. Who lives here: Couple Cobus Van Wyk and Ruan Van Der Venter, or paying guests. Style of home: A weekend getaway for two made from a range of materials. Location: In the middle of a 350-kilometrelong valley…

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Liberia’s President lauds AfDB for support in fostering growth and development

Liberia’s President George Manneh Weah has lauded the African Development Bank for its “significant” support in fostering growth and development in the West African country. In a message conveyed by Liberia’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Willye Mai King, President Weah thanked the Bank Group, led by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for providing critical support to Liberia, including funding the pavement…

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Saudi border guards kill hundreds of Ethiopian migrants

Saudi border guards have fired “explosive weapons” on Ethiopian migrants trying to cross through Yemen into the Gulf kingdom, killing hundreds since last year, Human Rights Watch said today. The allegations, which Riyadh did not immediately comment on, point to a significant escalation of abuses along the perilous ‘Eastern Route’ from the Horn of Africa to Saudi Arabia, where…

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Tech blitz busts cyber syndicates in Africa

SOME 14 perpetrators have been arrested and network infrastructure, linked to financial losses of more than US$40 million, identified following a continental partnership between Kaspersky and the  International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL). Kaspersky, the global cyber security and digital privacy company, has supported INTERPOL with threat intelligence data in its Africa Cyber Surge II operation, which enabled investigators to…

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Africa Internet Summit 2023 headed to Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG has been confirmed as the host of the Africa Internet Summit 2023 (AIS 23) to be held in September. The South African city will host the event from the 26th to 30th. AIS, one of the continent’s leading African and global internet industry gatherings, will take place at the Indaba Hotel. The summit promises to bring together hundreds…

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World Athletics Championships 2023: 100m star Omanyala targets 100m glory for Africa

Commonwealth Games champion Ferdinand Omanyala has compared the “aggression” of a 100m race to boxing as he targets gold at this month’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest. The Kenyan will line up in the Hungarian capital on the back of his first Diamond League win in July. Omanyala, 27, claimed the victory in Monaco ahead of Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo,…

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Universal Health Coverage in Africa: A Framework for Action

Investment in Africa’s health systems is key to inclusive and sustainable growth. Strong economic growth in recent years has helped reduce poverty to 43 percent of the population. Yet, as Africa’s population expands—it is estimated to reach 2.5 billion by 2050—the region faces a critical challenge of creating the foundations for long-term inclusive growth. Many countries still contend with…

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Tanzania is ready to lead Africa’s food systems transformation

By Hon. Hussein Bashe The world’s leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and farmers will gather in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for Africa’s Food System’s Forum (AGRF) 2023 Summit from Sep 4 – 8 2023 September. This prestigious event marks Tanzania’s second time hosting, following the successful 2012 edition held in Arusha. For the Government of Tanzania, this international summit presents a…

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Nigeria to Host Catholic Communications Assembly for Africa

Lagos, the commercial centre of Nigeria is set to host Catholic Bishops and communication experts across Africa, as they gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS). According to the President of CEPACS, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, Bishop of Oyo Diocese, the event, which is billed to hold between November 18…

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Stakeholders commit to strengthening financial management of IFAD projects in Africa

Story by by Collins Nnabuife The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Federal Ministry of Finance organised a regional training workshop for IFAD-funded projects to support the effective implementation of major financial management and fiduciary reforms for the projects. These reforms according to a statement issued by…

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Africa Endeavor 2023 Senior Leader Communications Symposium

The Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) hosted Africa Endeavor 2023 with U.S. Africa Command in Dar es Salaam from 31 July to 4 August. Africa Endeavor is a pan-African symposium focused on enhancing communications and cybersecurity capabilities while strengthening partnerships among attendees. This year’s theme focused on institutional development by standardizing communications and cyber policies and procedures. The symposium…

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US imposes visa bans on Congolese officials for trafficking wildlife to China

The US government has imposed visa bans on several Congolese officials found culpable for trafficking endangered wildlife to China in the latest move to back conservationists. The State Department on Wednesday listed Cosma Wilungula Balongelwa, former Director General of the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN), and Leonard Muamba Kanda, the former Department Head of the DRC Management Authority…

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Pakistan to double trade volumes with Tanzania

Pakistan High Commissioner to Tanzania Siraj Ahmad Khan says his country’s priority is to boost trade volume between the two countries through bilateral trade Dar es Salaam. The government of Pakistan is targeting to increase trade with Tanzania from $224 million to more than $400 million in the next two years. Pakistan High Commissioner to Tanzania Siraj Ahmad Khan…

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Africa: Unfair Debt Policies Hindering Attainment of SDGs

By Gift Briton Experts have called for remodeling of the global financing structures including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, noting that their debt policies are unfair and disadvantageous to most African countries. According to Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), African countries pay up to eight times more for…

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Mainstreaming Africa in G20 Agenda

Opinion by Opinion India assumes the G20 presidency at a very challenging period in modern human history. Not since the end of the Cold War has the world been so fractured and polarised as a result of several simultaneous challenges. Thomas Friedman has described the current era as the ‘Age of Acceleration.’ Several global issues are cascading on the…

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Fostering collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa

Distinguished Ministers, Delegates, colleagues, and friends, All Protocols observed. Greetings to you all! For nearly 40 years, the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment has served as a guiding light in perilous environmental times. It has helped this diverse continent forge consensus around the most pressing threats to our planet – and it has given Africa a powerful voice…

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10 best African countries for business: Forbes rankings unveiled

When it comes to economic vitality and opportunities for entrepreneurs, Africa offers a diverse landscape of business potential. Forbes has recently released its rankings for the Best African Countries for Business, providing insights into the most promising nations for investment, growth, and innovation. Let’s delve into the list and explore the standout performers: 1. Mauritius Mauritius takes the top…

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Africa Can Become New Global Supply Chain Force – UNCTAD

African economies should seize the opportunity to better integrate into technology-intensive global supply chains and boost prosperity, but this depends on their ability to harness key market and investment trends, the UN’s trade and development body UNCTAD said on Wednesday. In a new report, UNCTAD shows that Africa can become a major exporter of higher value-added goods, creating growth…

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Some diplomats are a burden to the state, says Samia

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has said that some diplomats are a burden to the state given their below par performances at their stations of work with very minimal delivery. Speaking on Wednesday August 16, 2023 while swearing in the newly appointed envoys she said that at certain point she was asked to change ambassador in one of the Southern…

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Global Africa Business Initiative aims to accelerate and promote business, trade and investment across Africa

The Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) (www.GABI.UNGlobalCompact.org), the leading platform for promoting investment opportunities and business growth across Africa and the world, will bring together Heads of State and Government, CEOs, UN leaders, investors and entrepreneurs in September for a deep dive into energy, trade, and digital transformation. This landmark event comes at a pivotal time in Africa’s economic…

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The Handmade Contemporary Fair (HMC) showcases an array of work by African artisans

In a world driven by mass production, there’s something special about curating a collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade goods. And what better way to celebrate the craftsmanship that comes along with the ‘handmade’ tag than through the Handmade Contemporary Fair (HMC), showcasing an array of work by African artisans? With an ode to luxury, this fair will showcase the finest…

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This Woman Is Leading The Charge For The Second Coming Of Black Wall Street In Tulsa

Just over 100 years ago, a vicious mob of white people destroyed Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. To date, it has still never fully recovered from the tragedy. Now affectionately referred to as Black Wall Street, one women is aiming to help restore to its former glory. Ashli Sims, managing director of Build in Tulsa—an organization…

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Extra BRICS Shouldn’t Be Used to Build a Wall Against the West

Analysis By Peter Fabricius As interest in joining BRICS soars, an expansion must be about more than the ‘West versus the Rest’. This year’s Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) summit will have a distinctive African flavour. Hosted by its only African member, the meeting has an African theme and will be attended by many African leaders as part of an outreach…

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South Africa’s Zuma taken back to prison, released again within 2-hour

Former South African President Jacob Zuma reappeared at the Estcourt correctional facility on Friday, August 11. Surprisingly, he was quickly released under a remission process. The process, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aimed at reducing prison overcrowding by putting inmates from jail under correctional supervision at home. It plans to release over 9,400 inmates from jails. This process was…

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High Court rules in favour of Tanzania- Dubai port deal

The court rules that the IGA is not a contract that can be governed by the laws of contracts. The High Court (Mbeya Divison) has ruled that the IGA contract between the Government of Tanzania and Dubai has no problem, so the objection raised by the plaintiffs bears no merit. The decision was handed down by a panel of…

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She Is Forestry launches video series on women making their mark in the forest sector

In celebration of Women’s Month in South Africa, She Is Forestry SA has launched the first four videos in a series aimed at inspiring the next generation of girls to stay in school and study forestry and the numerous career opportunities it provides. She Is Forestry SA, a non-profit forestry organisation promoting and uplifting women across the forest and…

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BoT: Economy resilient despite global challenges

A new report released by the Tanzania central bank show domestic economy will remain stable despite the global economy being exposed to tightened financial risks, the War in Ukraine and cumulative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic Dar es Salaam. Although the global economy is exposed to tightened financial conditions, climate-related risks, ongoing war in Ukraine, and the cumulative effects…

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Africa’s illusive unity in diversity and sustainable development

By Professor Maurice Okoli The latest political situation unfolded in Niger, the unexpected removal of democratically-elected President Mohamed Bazoum late July and the deepening differences in perception across Africa explicitly shows Africa’s level of political illusions and, practical reality towards attaining unity dimension in Africa. In a nutshell, Africa remains sharply divided. Tracking down the Africa’s unity propagated by…

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REPORT: Top 10 countries with largest population in Africa

TANZANIA : TANZANIA has featured in a list of top ten African countries with the largest population, according to a latest World Population Review report. The country is ranked at 5th position, trailing other East African member state. According to Tanzania’s 2022 Population and Housing Census, the East African member state’s population stands at 61.7 million. Out of the…

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Multichoice terminates DStv service in Malawi after court blocks price increase

Multichoice is exiting Malawi following a high court ruling preventing the company from invoking further price increases for DStv service in the country. Pan-African broadcaster Multichoice is pulling its satellite television service provider, DStv, out of Malawi. This follows a decision by Malawian regulators to reject DStv’s latest price hikes. At the end of July, the Malawi Communications Regulatory…

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Interpol launches vast operation against organised crime in West Africa

A vast police operation against mafia groups specialising in internet fraud has been carried out in West Africa by Interpol, the international criminal police organisation. More than two million euros were seized or frozen and 103 people arrested in 21 countries in an investigation codenamed Operation Jackal. “It sends a strong message to West African crime networks that no…

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World Lion Day 2023: Quotes, Messages, Slogans and More!

In an effort to prevent the extinction of the world’s wild lion population, it highlights conservation and environmentally friendly alternatives. World Lion Day:  The day of World Lion Day in 2023 is August 10. In an effort to prevent the extinction of the world’s wild lion population, it highlights conservation and environmentally friendly alternatives. For  World Lion Day, the…

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken With Waihiga Mwaura of BBC Focus On Africa

Washington, D.C. — QUESTION: Well, we’re now joined by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative and food security. He’s joining us from Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken, thanks so much for making time for Focus on Africa. And I’ll get straight into it. Russia says it will only return to the Black…

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World’s top 15 largest political parties, Africa has one

Tanzania has been ranked number 11 in the latest list of countries with the largest political party by members. The Global Index’s 2023 report says Tanzania holds the position through its ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) reportedly has a total of 8.4 million active members. Tanzania with a total of 61.7 million people, according to the 2022 Census,…

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Tz Govt relocation to Dodoma negatively affected NHC, says DG

Dar es Salaam. National Housing Corporation NHC director general Hamad Abdallah has said that the decision to relocate government activities, including all ministries and institutions, to Dodoma negatively impacted Dar es Salaam’s real estate market.  Speaking to editors, Mr Abdallah said making Dodoma the capital city, which meant shifting Tanzania’s administrative duties to the central region, meant that houses and…

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Russia’s fertiliser supply to Africa set to increase

TANZANIA, Dar es Salaam : TANZANIA’S plans to increase agricultural production are set for a massive boost on the back of expected increased fertiliser supply from Russia. Russian producers of mineral fertilisers announced to be ready to double their shipments to African countries in the next five years to bridge a supply shortage that threatens to exacerbate food insecurity….

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Russia-Africa summit 2023, an overview

ST Petersburg, Russia’s Imperial capital, hosted the second summit and Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum last week attracting heads of state and government from many African countries. That marked the second time that events of such a magnitude with a focus on a wide range of relations between Russia and African countries have been held. The Forum and Summit…

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Africa’s credit rating top agenda as APRM stakeholders meet in Dar

TANZANIA, Dar es Salaam : AS the trend of sovereign credit ratings continues on the downward spiral with five African economies being downgraded in 2023, African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) secretariat members are meeting in Dar es Salaam to deliberate the matter today (Thursday). This was revealed by APRM-Tanzania Executive Secretary Mr Lamau Mpolo in Dar es Salaam, saying…

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Fuel prices hit the roof in Tanzania

According to the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), cap prices for petroleum products have surged as shortage has caused the value of the dollar to rise, leading to an increase in the cost of importing fuel. Dar es Salaam. Motorists in Tanzania will have to dig deeper into their pockets after fuel prices hit the roof by…

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Suffering In Silence – The Mind-Body Illness Connection That Many Keep A Secret

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” It states that “there is no health without mental health.” This is an apt reminder of the importance of mental well-being, in conjunction with physical well-being, and how these should be prioritised.1 According…

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IMF praises Tanzania’s compliance with economic reform plan

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Deputy Managing Director Bo Li has concluded his visit to Tanzania with a firm commitment towards supporting the country’s efforts in unlocking its development potential. Mr Bo applauded the Tanzanian authorities’ efforts in implementing the country’s economic reform agenda. “I commended the authorities’ commitment to preserving Tanzania’s macroeconomic stability in a challenging global environment,”…

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Namibia Oil and Gas Conference 2023 takes off

By Clifton Movirongo. The Namibia Oil and Gas Conference, coordinated by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, and the Hanns Seidel Foundation, was officially launched on Tuesday in Windhoek and will take place on 16 and 17 August. The conference’s primary goal is to create a platform for a large-scale public consultation,…

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Tanzania government affirms commitment to build irrigation infrastructure

Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, says a lot of progress has been made, with 60.6 percent of the target already achieved, equivalent to 727,280.6 hectares of land under irrigation Dar es Salaam. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of irrigation infrastructure, with an ambitious target of reaching 1.2 million hectares of irrigated land by the…

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Yet another jolt to ‘project cheetah’, 9th big cat dead in Kuno National Park

The ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’ suffered yet another jolt as one more big cat translocated from South Africa was reported dead at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) on Wednesday. The ambitious ‘Project Cheetah’ suffered yet another jolt as one more big cat translocated from South Africa was reported dead at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) on Wednesday. The…

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For a bright future, invest in Africa’s young

Bill Gates Last month, I visited Nigeria for the first time in five years, and, everywhere I went, perhaps more than on any of my previous trips, I felt the immense energy and boundless potential of its rising generation. I met with young scientists and researchers working on innovative solutions to some of the country’s most difficult challenges in…

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CRDB scoops four Africa awards in Lagos

Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Benson Bana said it was enthralling to see the bank scooping a number of international awards. Lagos. CRDB Bank PLC scooped four awards in the 5th Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Awards (APSCA) held in Lagos, Nigeria yesterday. A statement released by the bank said the institution won award on excellence in procurement…

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UN cautions of “deteriorating security situation” in West Africa

The UN cautioned of a “deteriorating security situation” in West Africa on Tuesday, after a coup in Niger. “The unfolding crisis, if not addressed will exacerbate the deteriorating security situation in the region,” warned Leonardo Santos Simao, the chief of the United Nations Office for West Africa as well as the Sahel. “It will also negatively impact the development…

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Flapmax Partners Intel: Driving AI Innovation in Africa

Flapmax, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) company, has recently announced a strategic partnership with Intel, a global technology leader. The main objective of this alliance is to drive AI innovation and foster economic empowerment in Africa. Empowering Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets Through their collaborative efforts, they intend to provide technology access, training, mentorship, and funding opportunities to entrepreneurs in…

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Niger crisis deepens as France plans to evacuate following coup

France announced a planned evacuation from Niger on Tuesday after a military coup there won backing from two other West African nations ruled by mutinous soldiers. The French Foreign Ministry in Paris cited recent violence that targeted the French Embassy in Niamey, the capital, as one of the reasons for the decision. The closure of Niger’s airspace also “leaves…

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