Africa Matters

African Civil Society Coalition at COP28 Unveils Five Key Priorities to Combat Climate Change

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates/ — At the United Nations’ Climate Conference COP28, a formidable African civil society coalition, represented by Secou Sarr, Executive Secretary of ENDA-Tiers Monde, announced a set of five critical priorities to tackle climate change effectively. These priorities include adaptation, addressing loss and damage, transforming food systems, land use, and the protection and restoration of forests….

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Battling the Shadows: The Unseen Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in Dodoma

the Dodoma region emerges not just as a geographical centerpiece but as a battleground against an insidious enemy: gender-based violence (GBV). The words of Regional Commissioner (RC) Rosemary Senyamule resonate as a clarion call, echoing through the dusty streets and into the hearts of its people. This feature story delves into the deep-rooted challenges and the ongoing fight against…

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Empowering Tanzania’s Future through Digital Transformation

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: In a significant move towards modernizing its economy, the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) has made notable strides in embracing digital transformation. The Council’s recent initiatives promise to usher in a new era of competitive, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth for the nation. Pioneering the Digital Drive The TNBC’s establishment of the Digital Transformation working…

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Shaping the Future: Stimulating Growth in the Engineering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) of Tanzania

By Maida Waziri, in commemoration of THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS TANZANIA 32ND NATIONAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITIONS. Today let us talk about a matter of great importance – empowering and developing the engineering-driven SMEs in Tanzania. Section 1: The Vibrant Landscape of Engineering SMEs in TanzaniaIn Tanzania, we are fortunate to have world-class engineers capable of participating in projects globally….

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ACCA head highlights accountants’ critical role in African SME growth

By Anthony Muchoki Accountants play an indispensable role in the growth and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, Mr. George Njari, Head of Eastern Africa for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), has said.“ACCA is dedicated to preparing accountants to become trusted advisors for SMEs, a role that is crucial for Africa’s economic transformation. We…

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RC Senyamule’s Resounding Call: Tanzanians Deserve Employment in Government Projects as Their Inherent Right

Dodoma, Tanzania – Hon. Rosemary Senyamule, the Regional Commissioner of Dodoma, has issued a powerful rallying cry. She has urged all contractors awarded strategic projects within Dodoma city to not just follow the rules but to embrace a noble mission: providing employment opportunities to Tanzanians, which she emphasizes as their inherent right. RC Senyamule’s voice resonated with a profound…

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AGRA Tanzania Bolsters Media’s Role in Seed Technology and Food Security

Bagamoyo, Tanzania – In a significant move to enhance the understanding of advanced seed technologies, AGRA Tanzania, in collaboration with the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), recently hosted a landmark training for journalists and media editors in Bagamoyo. The training, held on November 3rd and 4th, 2023, aimed at deepening media professionals’ knowledge about improved seed varieties and their crucial…

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Can Africa fund its economic development? Business Africa

Story by Nadia Colombe Gbane In this week’s episode of Business Africa, Can Africa fund its economic development? Africa stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with political instability, climate change, and the urgent need for economic development. With a youthful population, the continent is becoming an attractive consumer market, drawing attention from supply chains worldwide. Amid these issues, one…

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Harnessing Private Extension Systems: The Key to Africa’s Sustainable Food Future

Privatizing extension systems can catalyze and sustain the momentum of food system transformation in Africa. By Japhet Laizer Agriculture in Africa has the potential to satisfy not only its own domestic food but also those of the rest of the world. Agriculture remains one of the driving engine sectors for the continent, empowering most of the population and accounting…

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Privatizing extension systems can  catalyze and sustain the momentum of food system transformation in Africa

By Japhet Laizer, AGRA Program officer Agriculture in Africa has the potential not only to satisfy its own domestic food needs but also those of the rest of the world. Agriculture remains one of the driving sectors for the continent, supporting the majority of the population and accounting for 14% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa. As agriculture becomes more…

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South Africa: Burna Boy Concert Postponed

Burna Boy’s South African show officially ‘cancelled’. Burna Boy’s eagerly awaited concert, initially scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, has been moved to 16 December. Originally set to enthral South African fans on Heritage weekend during his Africa tour, the decision to reschedule was made due to a last-minute sound issue. A source from the concert-planning committee disclosed that Burna…

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Renewable Energy: TAMFI/TAREA Bold Step Towards a Green Future

By Charles Muchoki As I absorbed the recent announcement regarding the collaboration between the Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), a sense of pride and anticipation swelled within me. This partnership is more than just a union of two entities; it signifies a paradigm shift for Tanzania and sets a precedent for…

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TAMFI and TAREA Seek To Drive Tanzania’s Renewable Ambitions

Pioneering the Future: In the vibrant halls of Dar es Salaam, an announcement that could reshape Tanzania’s energy narrative recently echoed, resonating with the nation’s aspirations and hopes. As reported on 4th August 2023, the union between the Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA) signalled a significant shift towards a brighter, greener…

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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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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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In a refugee camp in Kenya, food shortages left kids hungry even before Russia ended grain deal

DADAAB, Kenya (AP) — Abdikadir Omar was trapped in an extremist-controlled town in Somalia for years until May, when he slipped out to make a 12-day journey with his wife and seven children to neighboring Kenya in search of food and safety. To his surprise, “I found peace but no food,” the 30-year-old told The Associated Press. He stood…

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TAMFI: Catalyzing Renewable Energy Financing in Tanzania’s Rising Economy

Tanzania, a nation with a burgeoning population and a thriving economy. As the country experiences exponential growth, the demand for energy continues to rise steeply. Like many developing nations, Tanzania is currently tethered to the chains of fossil fuels, which are not just expensive but are also massive contributors to environmental degradation. There is, however, a silver lining: renewable…

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AGRA Launches  Innovative Strategy to Amplify Agricultural Markets in Tanzania

DODOMA, July 12th, 2023 –  In a push towards transforming Tanzania’s agricultural sector, AGRA ((Sustainably Growing Africa’s Food Systems) has unveiled a strategic five-year plan today. This progressive initiative is set to enhance competitive and inclusive markets, benefiting an estimated three million Tanzanian farmers directly. Hon. Mizengo Pinda, Chair of the Presidential Food and Agriculture Council and former Prime…

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From Charcoal to Clean: Mbezi’s Educator Pioneers Renewable Energy Transition

Mbezi, Dar es Salaam – Nestled in the heart of Tanzania is the Mount Rungwe Pre and Primary School, led by the visionary Okoka Mwapuja. While the establishment stands as a hallmark of education, Mwapuja’s aspirations transcend the conventional. Anchored in a fervent commitment to the environment, he ardently champions the shift towards renewable energy as a sustainable tomorrow’s…

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How Penina Boto Sowed Change in Tanzanian Agriculture

Serengeti-Mara, Tanzania – Situated amidst the lush plains of Serengeti-Mara, Penina Boto was once like many local farmers, laboriously hauling water over 50 meters just to nourish her modest half-acre farm. But, as the sun shone bright one day, a pivotal change dawned on Penina’s life – a loan granting her a solar-powered irrigation pump. This wasn’t Penina’s first…

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Juma Makole: A Tanzanian Farmer’s Green Evolution in Agriculture

Musoma – At the heart of Tanzania’s Mara region, farmer and livestock keeper Juma Makole once grappled with formidable irrigation constraints, curbing his agrarian aspirations. Yet, in a transformative shift during 2021, the winds changed direction for him courtesy of TAMFI’s renewable energy endeavor. Facilitated by a loan from Enokwe Microfinance, affiliated with TAMFI, Makole incorporated solar technology into…

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From Kerosene Lamps to Solar Panels: Said Nolasco Illuminates the Path of Renewable Energy Transition in Tanzania

Said Nolasco, a proud Mbagala resident and a fruit vendor at Ilala market, recalls the days when darkness cloaked his home, lit only by a kerosene lamp, due to the absence of a connection to the national power grid. Today, thanks to a loan from HP Finance, a renowned microfinance institution under TAMFI, he revels in the light and…

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TAMFI’s Drive for Renewable Energy Financing in Tanzania Shows Promising Results

Dar es Salaam, May 2023 – The ambitious renewable energy targets set by Tanzania for 2025 are witnessing a momentous push, with the Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) reporting a surge in support from financial institutions. This endeavor represents a significant stride in the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania’s President, has charted an…

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Can Tinubu turn Nigeria’s investment tide?

Nigeria’s president-elect Bola Tinubu has made the right noises about reform but investors should remain cautious. Opinion by Selebia Etomi Foreign investors may feel guardedly optimistic as Nigeria’s president-elect Bola Tinubu prepares for office, since he has professed a willingness to introduce much-needed reforms to improve the business environment. Caution, though, must be the watchword, given uncertainty over how…

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Police fire tear gas as fresh protests erupt in Kenya despite ban

Summary The Communications Authority of Kenya has sought to prevent television stations from broadcasting the demonstrations live, but the move was blocked by the High Court.  Police fired tear gas to disperse anti-government protests on Monday over the high cost of living, after the opposition vowed demonstrations would go ahead despite a police ban. Security was tight, with riot…

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Why alcohol health literacy awareness matters

Summary Tanzania is among the countries that are heavily affected by harmful alcohol consumption, which endangers the lives of consumers and innocent bystanders. A new initiative called global smart drinking goals is addressing this challenge. A few years back, a video of a drunken driver being pulled out of a regional passenger bus before departure made headlines in Tanzania….

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Top 10 African countries with the highest number of female representation in government

The importance of having women in government cannot be overstated as it directly relates to building a more equitable society with a diverse range of interests and issues being lodged on a state level. Women bring a unique perspective and experience to governance that can lead to more comprehensive policies that better represent and serve all members of society….

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Hyatt’s transformative growth across Europe, the Middle East & Africa 

Summary Hyatt Hotels Corporation  shared that 45 percent of the properties that joined Hyatt’s system in 2022 were based in EAME markets and the region’s contribution to the Hyatt growth journey continues into 2023 through a strong pipeline with ten percent of Hyatt’s 117,000 rooms record pipeline, as of fourth quarter earnings, expected to join the portfolio in EAME…

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Dr. Agnes Kalibata Commends Tanzania’s Progressive Initiatives Empowering Youth to Drive Food System Transformation

By Anthony Muchoki Dr. Agnes M. Kalibata, President of AGRA, has commended the Tanzanian government for taking a significant step towards enabling youth to participate in food system transformation. A strong advocate for youth empowerment in agricuture, Dr Kalibata believes that “the younger generation needs to have productive, meaningful lives. Let’s give them the technologies and opportunity to be…

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Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Amplifies Support for Women in STEM

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA)

Nakuru, Kenya As the world prepares to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has amplified its commitment to empowering women and girls in STEM. Recognizing the importance of closing the gender gap in STEM, CCBA is taking action to promote the advancement of women in science. The company General Manager of…

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Tanzania’s Agriculture Sector to Take Center Stage at Upcoming AGRF Food Systems Forum

*50 Potential Outcomes  for Tanzania The AGRF Food Systems Forum will take place in Tanzania in 2023. John Muchoki and John Beda will examine the potential outcomes of the Summit on agriculture in Tanzania, building on the efforts made by various stakeholders to improve the sector. The Summit seeks to advance the progress of the Malabo Declaration and prioritize…

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Tanzania to host the AGRF, Africa’s Food System Forum 2023

Tanzania will host the AGRF 2023 Summit, the announcement was made by Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of the United Republic of Tanzania and H.E Hailemariam Dessalegn, the Chair of the AGRF Partners Group on the sidelines of the U.S. Africa Leaders’ Summit currently taking place in Washington, DC. The AGRF, Africa’s Food Systems Forum, is the…

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John Haule: We Have Raised $50,000 Pre Seed To Build The Financial Operating System for African SMEs

We are excited to announce that SWAHILIES has raised $50,000 in pre-seed funding from The Baobab Network, an accelerator that backs early-stage technology startups in Africa, providing entrepreneurs with funding, support and a global platform to scale their businesses. The Baobab Network has been very supportive of us during the acceleration program and even beyond. We are super excited to be with them on this journey….

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World Cup: Did uncharacteristic choices and errors cost Morocco against France?

Jawad El Yamiq’s error led to Les Blues’ early opener but did Walid Regragui get the starting approach wrong in Wednesday’s semi-final? Morocco were solid defensively in their run to the World Cup semi-finals…until they were not. The Atlas Lions gave away a goal five minutes into their clash with France to throw a spanner in the works. Walid…

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Biden says US is ‘all in’ on Africa’s future, US-Africa Summit reports

President Joe Biden delivers remarks at the US – Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. Photo: KEVIN DIETSCH US President Joe Biden has announced an agreement aimed at bolstering trade ties between the United States and Africa after years in which the continent took a back seat to other US priorities as China made inroads with investments and trade….

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Gates to spend $7b to fight hunger, disease and poverty in Africa

Summary The foundation is calling on global leaders to commit to finding solutions and strengthening systems in Africa by investing in people and innovations that can save lives and create opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable.  The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committing $7 billion over the next four years to support African countries to deal with hunger, disease, gender inequality and poverty.   The Foundation’s co-chair Bill Gates said these resources would help strengthen health systems and enhance access to health care, reduce child deaths due to diarrhoeal diseases, pneumonia, malaria and measles. “This new…

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Airtel Africa acquires 5G spectrum in Tanzania for $60m

This is to support network development for mobile data as well as fixed wireless home broadband capability, including 5G rollout… Telecommunication company, Airtel Africa Plc has announced that it has acquired an additional spectrum in Tanzania. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) sold the 140 megahertz spectrum split between 2600 and 3500 MHz bands to Airtel for $60.1 million….

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Despite fifth snub Raila remains influential

The inquest into why he failed to win for the fifth time is ongoing, but some close aides and allies have been slogging it out on social media. • Hearts were broken and many still remain inconsolable as it dawned on them that the three decades’ quest to see an Odinga presidency had come to an end. • Some…

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Angola elections: ANC congratulates people of Angola for holding peaceful elections

Cape Town – The ANC has conveyed its congratulations to the people of Angola for staging peaceful general elections this week, as results slowly begin to trickle in, two days after voting took place on Wednesday. The ANC congratulated it’s ‘sister party’, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which looks set to win the elections, according…

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Kenya’s Odinga to challenge presidential poll result in court today -lawyer

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga will challenge the results of this month’s presidential election in the Supreme Court on Monday, his legal team said, the latest twist in a political clash that has gripped East Africa’s powerhouse. “Yes we shall,” lawyer Paul Mwangi replied to a Reuters query by text. Last week the election commissioner…

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Tanzania dramatically increases its irrigation budget to stay the top regional food exporter. FacebookTwitterEmailShare Tanzania’s FY 2022/2023 budget has allocated Shs 420 billion (USD 181 million) for the construction of irrigation schemes infrastructure, about an 805 per cent increase compared with the Sh46.5 billion (USD 20 million) set aside in FY 2021/2022. By  Anthony  Muchoki As food systems and…

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AGRA’s Women Agripreneurs Top 15 Named

The Women Agripreneurs of the Year Awards (WAYA) has announced the 2022 edition’s Top 15 applicants.  The outstanding women agripreneurs were selected by a panel of independent judges under three categories; Outstanding Value-adding Enterprise, Female Ag Tech Innovator, and Young Female Agripreneur (Rising Star). The selected Top applicants are from nine African countries: Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria,…

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Tanzania: Nine MFIs to lead in reducing the financing gaps in the supply, delivery, and distribution for the water and sanitation service

TAMFI:  Nine microfinance institutions commit to affordable lending for water and sanitation  Dar es Salaam, 25, July 2022 Tanzania Association of Microfinance Institutions (TAMFI) and Water.org have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with nine financial institutions which have committed to start offering credit services for water supply and sanitation services in an initiative known as Water Credit Adoption Program…

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Akili Ya Pesa Challenge sees immense entrepreneurship in Temeke for youths 

*30 winners to get entrepreneurship education, top 3 cash prizes  Temeke, Dar es Salaam, 12th July 2022  Over 500 young women and men aged 18 to 35 years, mostly with micro business and grand dreams have signed up to participate in a grand business audition, specifically for Temeke Municipality.  The money and wealth mindset  promotion budded Akili Ya Pesa…

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Maida Waziri: Tanzania SME Development Policy should propagate the establishment of modernised cottage industries for faster nationwide economic growth

A Policy Position Paper by Maida Waziri The position of this paper is that there is an urgent need to address the lacuna in development policies, laws and regulations about cottage (home based) industries.  If addressed cottage industries will be able to establish business linkages, partnerships and subcontracting relationships to complement small, medium and large industries. Failure to recognize…

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Tanzania exports to Kenya hit Sh272.7 billion in first quarter

Summary The increased exports to the neighbouring country has forced the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to post its officials to Mombasa and Nairobi to facilitate pre-arrival clearance of goods Arusha. Tanzania exported goods worth $ 118.6 million in the first quarter (January to March) of this year, it was revealed on Wednesday.The increased exports to the neighbouring country has…

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Wizkid, Tems and FireboyDML Nominated for BET Awards 2022

BET announces the “BET Awards” 2022 nominees with Doja Cat leading the pack with six nominations. This year’s nominees reflect an abundance of creative expression and Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports. Hosted by Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actress, writer, director, producer, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson, “BET Awards” 2022 will air live on Monday, 27…

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Reginald Mengi: The media enables multiplicity of voices and therefore plurality of ideas and diversity of information easily accessible to a vast audience

Reginald Mengi

By Dr Reginald Mengi, 14th May 2015 The peoples of East Africa who are the intended beneficiaries of the EAC’s integration are bound by very strong political, economic and social relationships and share a common history, culture and infrastructure, civil society organizations and community based organizations. They provide a key tool for the success of the integration. The process…

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Raila Odinga 5 years university education

Raila Odinga holds a German qualification called Dipl-Ing from Madgeburg in the then East Germany. This institution has since come together with others to form Otto Von Guericke Universitat since 1993 (Raila’s name is listed among prominent alumni of this university). Previously, Madgeburg offered technical programmes in Engineering and related disciplines. Dipl-Ing or Dip-Ing is a short form for…

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Is Tanzania becoming East Africa’s best investment destination?

Summary Investment in Tanzania brings a much wider scale of benefits to the economy especially after the government reshuffled the investment sector Tanzania is one of the most attractive investment destinations LNG is one of Tanzania’s hot investment pockets Tanzania-Uganda are now oil economy partners Tanzania is one of the most attractive places for investors in Africa including East…

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Samia dedicates Africa Road Builders award to Magufuli

Summary She explained that the construction of infrastructure requires time; from feasibility studies to finding funds for the projects – a herculean task to achieve within a year. Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Wednesday May 25, received her Africa Road Builders–Babacar Ndiaye Trophy, during the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meeting in Accra, Ghana. Speaking at…

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Samia: How Tanzania used IMF, AfDB loans to improve livelihoods

Summary Tanzania’s economy shrunk from 6.8 percent growth to 4 percent after Covid-19, even though the country, unlike its neighbours, did not go on a lockdown and did not initially order compulsory mask wearing, nor tap into vaccines. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has defended her usage of loans from multilateral lenders, telling an audience in Accra that the institutions…

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Roads, railways and bridges: The changing face of East Africa’s cities

The $258.3 million Tanzanite or New Selander Bridge between the CBD and the high-end Oysterbay commercial and residential area was also built by the Magufuli administration. In East Africa’s major cities, the skyline is changing. From the ageing buildings, potholed roads and chaotic transport systems, a new order is emerging. New skyscrapers have sprouted and big-ticket transport infrastructure networks…

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Samia in Ghana to receive infrastructure development award

This is President Samia’s first official trip to West Africa since she was sworn in as president in March last year following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli. Her trip also comes as the continent discusses technology to boost energy investments and deal with the continual crisis of food shortage. The Bank’s theme this year is on…

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“Leadership is a privilege, it must be impactful,” says Dr Betty Kwoko Mgimba at UONGOZI Institute 5th Graduation

A leader must be impactful for the greater good, according to leadership inspirational speaker, community leader and bank executive, Dr Betty Kwoko Mgimba.   Speaking shortly after graduating at the UONGOZI Institute 5th Graduation Ceremony on 13th May 2022 in Dar es Salaam,  she expressed gratitude for acquiring new leadership skills set from the institution that will enable her to…

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Zanzibar, Iconic Landmark of Tanzania

The undeniable Beauty of Zanzibar Zanzibar is the most famous island in Africa. The beaches are among the best on the continent, the underwater coral reef has the most bizarre colors, life is laid-back and there is plenty to do on the island itself. Did you know that Zanzibar is officially called Unguja and that the famous American singer…

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Cashless stores run by AI, Shoprite brightens up Africa

Have you ever imagined a store where you can walk in, grab something and just leave? If you have, you’re either really invested in the future of shopping in South Africa, or you’re a thief. We’re hoping it’s the former. Shoprite has also been thinking about the future of shopping and has begun using AI and machine learning in…

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Namibia: Digital Vaccine Certificate Goes Live

The government has instituted electronic, digitally verifiable Covid-19 laboratory test results and vaccine certificates that would facilitate smoother and hassle-free travel. The health ministry’s executive director Ben Nangombe yesterday said the government has partnered with the African Union and the Pana Bios Consortium to introduce trusted travel and trusted vaccines technology platforms. He explained that the new technological innovation…

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Escalating Rice Hulling in Africa

In Africa, rice is a staple food. But its people rely heavily on imported rice from Asia that is of superior quality. Of recent, however, there have been moves to upgrade milling technology to enable the processing of local rice so it can compete with imported variants. Rice is third most important cereal crop in the world after maize…

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Russia’s war with Ukraine: Five reasons why many African countries choose to be ‘neutral’

In early March the United Nation’s General Assembly voted on a resolution demanding Russia immediately stop its military operations in Ukraine. Out of 193 member states, 141 voted in support of the resolution, five voted against, 35 abstained and 12 didn’t vote at all. Of the 54 African member states, Eritrea voted against the resolution, 16 African countries including South Africa abstained, while…

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Rising fuel prices: Why? Are we alone in this?

The Discovery of crude oil in the Middle East changed their fortunes because of continuous demand for the commodity. Life does not exist without energy. In today’s world, fossil energy/crude oil is considered one of the most prominent energy sources with a large global market. Renewable energy is catching up. But obviously not fast enough in Ghana and many…

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Shunned by Others, Russia Finds Friends in Africa

Africa’s largest arms dealer, Russia has ties to the continent that stretch back to the Cold War and helped Mr. Putin win rare support over the invasion of Ukraine. NAIROBI, Kenya — Since the days of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s leaders have rejected American criticism of their friendships with autocrats like Fidel Castro of Cuba and Muammar al-Qaddafi of Libya, whose…

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Africa Holds the Answers to Europe’s Wartime Energy Crisis

Europe needs to swap its dependence on fossil energy from Russia with renewables from Africa. The European Commission’s REPowerEU plan is to reduce demand for Russian gas by two-thirds in 2022 and make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels by 2030. In 2021 the European Union (EU) imported 155 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Russia, close to 40% of its total…

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Can Africa Meet Europe’s Energy Demand?

As the war in Ukraine rages on, the European Union is desperately searching for alternative energy sources. Africa has abundant reserves, but experts say the continent’s energy sector needs urgent reforms and help. EU nations have considered cutting off import of Russia’s oil and gas following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. To avoid self-inflicting…

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Africa confronts linguistic imperialism with Kiswahili

What you need to know: Kiswahili, mainly spoken in the East African region, is a fusion of the dialect born of Bantu and Arabic languages. Kiswahili was born in Tanzania (Origin of Swahili people) The move by the African Union — the apex organisation for African states — to adopt Kiswahili as one of its official working languages, is…

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Lender Has $1 Billion Plan to Wean Africa Off Russian Wheat

A $1 billion plan to boost wheat production in Africa should be accelerated to avert potential food shortages arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to the head of the continent’s biggest multilateral lender. The African Development Bank is raising the funds to help 40 million African farmers utilize climate-resilient technologies and increase their output of heat-tolerant wheat varieties and other…

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Infrastructure Rollout Will Enable Africa to Expand LNG Exports and Meet Global Demand

An increase in investment towards infrastructure development and gas E&P activities will enable Africa to position itself as a leading liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter Global energy transition policies are pushing for an increase in the use of gas as a transactional energy resource, thereby increasing the demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG). This provides a huge opportunity for…

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South Africa set to expand vaccine manufacturing

To support South Africa and the African continent increase vaccine manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on imports, a consortium of nine development and finance institutions have today announced a partnership with Biovac in Cape Town, South Africa to support Biovac’s vaccine manufacturing expansion. This expansion is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development (SDG) Goal 3 on Good Health and…

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Climate change in Africa: What will it mean for agriculture and food security?

Mount Kenya’s glacier-clad peaks tower more than 5,000 meters above the plains below, making it the tallest mountain in Kenya and the second tallest in Africa after Kilimanjaro. The Mount Kenya ecosystem is an irreplaceable biodiversity hotspot that provides water for over 2 million people, and the surrounding landscape has long been one of eastern Africa’s most productive agricultural areas….

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African Union celebrates Expo 2020 Dubai Honour Day

DUBAI, 28th February, 2022 (WAM) — The African Union celebrated the wealth of culture, heritage and vision across the continent, with dance, spoken word and music, as it marks its Expo 2020 Dubai Honour Day on Sunday. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan…

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Will the new PSC do the right thing for Africa?

Newly elected PSC members must balance their countries’ interests with continental imperatives for the good of Africa. Fifteen members were elected to the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its recent summit in Addis Ababa. Five will serve for three years, while 10  will be on the Council for two years. North Africa members are Morocco…

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Spate of coups don’t mean end of democracy in Africa

Following military takeovers in five different African countries in the past year, some have suggested that democracy may not be the best form of government on the continent. But here, Leonard Mbulle-Nziege and Nic Cheeseman argue that – despite these set-backs – democracy is the way forward for Africa.© AFP Soldiers received a rapturous welcome after they seized power in…

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Can the EU & Africa reboot their relationship?

As the 6th EU-Africa Summit approaches, few are questioning the need for a fundamental reset of relations – in particular after the turbulent events of the past few years. But what precisely does that entail? The path ahead is by no means clear, when long-standing challenges in Africa such as food security and migration are compounded by today’s immediate…

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African Union suspends Burkina Faso after military coup

The African Union has suspended Burkina Faso from all its activities in response to last week’s military coup, effective until constitutional order is restored, the AU said on Monday. Burkina Faso had already been suspended from the West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, though ECOWAS stopped short of imposing sanctions after the Jan. 24 coup that deposed President…

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Serengeti tops outdoor spots for global travellers

Summary The three top national parks have been featured prominently among the best 25 national parks from across the world Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Tarangire national parks have been voted the best sites for outdoor enthusiasts, raising the country’s profile as the premier tourism destination. The three top national parks all located in Africa’s richest tourism circuit…

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Trigmatic and Mercedes-Benz Sandton holds an exclusive music showcase in South Africa

Imagine a getaway drive on a highway in a fully loaded Mercedes-Benz S-Class with next generation MBUX infotainment system, active ambient lighting, rear seat comfort package, executive seat, with music blazing from a Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system. This is the experience Trigmatic and Mercedes-Benz Sandton created for guests at Trigmatic’s music showcase on the 21st of January…

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Museveni set to launch Uganda’s rebranding drive

Kololo is an iconic ground. It is where Uganda was handed its independence by the colonial Government in 1962. It has consequently been named Independence Grounds.  Today (Friday), Uganda, which has for a long time been branded as, “Pearl of Africa” will go back to Kololo Independence Grounds to break ties with her past.  The former British Prime Minister,…

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Audi is building ultra-fast car charging stations across South Africa

Audi South Africa has announced a partnership with GridCars to install ultra-fast charging stations across the country. This makes it the first electric vehicle brand to invest in this technology through publicly accessible sites. The 150kW public chargers initiated by Audi will be the first for the South African market. Image supplied “The charge points will provide up to…

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Africa CDC says it will talk to Merck about Covid pill, Pfizer talks ‘advanced’

The Pfizer arrangement is far advanced … In time, if we narrow this down and finalize … with Pfizer, I’m sure we’ll engage with Merck as well,’ he said Africa’s top public health body plans to talk to Merck about obtaining supplies of its molnupiravir treatment pill for Covid-19, although talks with Pfizer about its Paxlovid medication were more…

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South Africa launches the continent’s first vaccine factory for Covid-19

South Africa, spearheading the fight for equal access to vaccines against Covid-19, launched Wednesday in Cape Town the continent’s first factory that will manufacture doses from scratch, funded by biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong.The goal is the production of “a second-generation vaccine, and we want to make it in Africa, for Africa, and export it around the world,” said the…

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The Anglophone Africa buildings industry – a continued evolution

The Anglophone Africa building sector is going through several important and enduring changes dictated by various trends that will undoubtedly set the tone for future development and growth. Devan Pillay, cluster president, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric Trends today The first is urbanization; megacities, and even smaller cities and towns, are experiencing rapid growth. Urban centers play a critical…

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Enforce compulsory vaccination for LG, state workers, FG tells govs.

The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency has urged state governments to step up mass vaccination against COVID-19 as part of moves to combat the virus. The agency, in its latest advisory obtained by one of our correspondents in Abuja, also urged state governors to enact and enforce vaccination mandate for local and state government workers. This came to fore…

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Ethiopia: Aid agencies suspend work in northwest Tigray after deadly strike

Aid agencies have suspended their operations in an area of Tigray in Ethiopia after 56 civilians were killed in an airstrike , the United Nations said Sunday. “Humanitarian partners suspended activities in the area due to the ongoing threats of drone strikes,” the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement. According to the…

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