Wednesday 30 October 2013




AFRICAN UNION HOLDS THE 2ND ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN SYMPOSIUM
IN NAIROBI KENYA
            Nairobi Kenya – October 29th, 2013; The African Union today concluded a two-day Annual Humanitarian Symposium on the theme “Beyond Assistance: Humanitarian Challenges and Durable Solutions in Africa,” in Nairobi, Kenya. The Symposium which was convened by the Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons Division of the Political Affairs of the African Union Commission presented a platform to humanitarian actors in Africa to discuss some of the main trends in the humanitarian situation across the continent, policy and practice shifts with regards to humanitarian action. The Symposium garnered consensus on vital positions and actions to pursue with regards to implementation of key humanitarian issues that shape the African agenda.
            It drew high level participants from different humanitarian agencies, including the UN, International organizations, NGOs, national organizations, and representatives from Member States. The symposium provided a platform for engagement at a continental level on humanitarian issues, including Protection and displacement issues in Africa; Disaster management and Response; Humanitarian action; Durable solutions; and envisioned humanitarian agenda and response mechanisms in Africa.
            The Symposium was officially opened by the Refugee Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya who noted the invaluable role the AU IDP Convention for the protection and assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. He also highlighted the burden that Kenya is shouldering including security impact in hosting the largest refugee camp in the world.
            In his keynote address the Chairperson of the PRC Sub-Committee on Refugees, Returnees an Internally Displaced Persons while extending his condolences to the Government and people of   Kenya for the losses suffered at the Westgate terror attack, emphasized the importance of the concerted dialogue in proffering long lasting solutions to the humanitarian challenges in Africa. In his words, “The persistence of humanitarian crises on the continent, not just of displacement, calls for collective reflection on the prevailing system and approach to addressing humanitarian crises.”
            The Commissioner for Political Affairs, H.E. Dr. Aisha L. Abdullahi in the opening remarks presented on her behalf, observed the broad scope in addressing humanitarian challenges and the crucial roles and responsibilities of the relevant humanitarian actors in these efforts. Hoping that in the coming years addressing humanitarian challenges will take a new face with the adoption of the African-wide policy that speaks to the targeted needs of refugees and displaced persons and with Africans being the first responders to humanitarian crises facing the Continent. She said “…we look forward to the adoption of the African Humanitarian Policy Framework. The framework will set out the platform for the African Union on its coordinating role with the humanitarian and development actors, towards the development and implementation of comprehensive durable solutions and strategies.”
The Humanitarian Symposium witnessed discussions bordering on issues in humanitarian action, evaluating different frameworks that address the humanitarian crises on the Continent, practicable and applicable durable solutions and more importantly discussions devoted to strategizing around priorities for the humanitarian community with regards to engaging with the ongoing processes and key actions at various national, regional, and continental levels to be undertaken.
The Symposium highlighted the fact that humanitarian challenges and actions are collective ones and therefore require a collective response. While the primary responsibility of the State was reaffirmed, the crucial role of communities was amplified and several participants used the expression of investing in communities. Several participants also highlighted the spirit of solidarity and hospitality prevailing on the Continent. Such spirit is and should remain an asset.
The outcome of this symposium will feed in the AU Ministerial Conference of Ministers in charge of forced displacement scheduled for the first quarter of 2014.

Monday 28 October 2013

Dear All,

The University of Dar es Salaam invites applications for admission into the 
Master of Science in International Transport and Logistics (Msc. ITL), Master of International Business (MIB), and Master of International Trade (MIT).

The Master of International Business (MIB) programme offered at the University of Dar-es-Salaam Business School is designed to provide students with the knowledge and analytical capabilities to allow them to take a leadership role in international business. The Programme focuses on the essential knowledge, skills, and management techniques that managers in different corporate sectors require to be able to handle international business transactions competitively.

The Master of International Trade (MIT) programme offered at the University of Dar-es-Salaam Business School is designed to provide students with the knowledge and analytical capabilities to allow them to take a leadership role in International Trade.


The Master of Science in International Transport and Logistics Programme offered at the University of Dar es Salaam Business School is designed to provide students with the knowledge and analytical capabilities allow them to take a leadership role in international transport and logistics. The programme focuses on the essential knowledge, skills and management techniques that managers in different corporate sectors require to be able to handle international transport and logistics competitively.

Sunday 27 October 2013


Please direct press inquiries, including requests for complimentary tickets
to cinema@mayslesinstitute.org, or contact the Cinema at  
 (212) 537-6843 


 October 26th -December 22nd
 

  
  
  
























 Saturday, October 26th, 3:00pm
 Panel Discussion: United Nations Peace Framework  
  
  
Panel Discussion: United Nations Peace Framework
On February 24, 2013, eleven African nations came together in Addis Ababa to sign the UN-drafted Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement in a new effort to bring stability to the Great Lakes region. A response to escalated violence in eastern Congo, the Framework Agreement outlines mechanisms aimed at addressing both regional and national obstacles to peace. But after 14 years of the UN mission in Congo, what prospects for peace can we expect from this new agreement? How will this peace agreement work alongside current military actions and political negotiations? What are the effects on the local population? A special panel of experts with extensive experience in the Great Lakes region will offer their perspectives and answer audience questions.

Speakers:
Severine Autesserre, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Barnard College, Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, foreign policy analyst and journalist, and Alain Seckler, UN Peacekeeping Operations.
 
Moderator:
Milton Allimadi, Editor, Black Star News

Saturday 26 October 2013

MPs attack government over backlog promises
The Home Affairs Select Committee, led by Keith Vaz MP, has warned of the ‘severe pressure’ Britain’s asylum system has been placed under, leading to “wholly unacceptable” delays before decisions are made.

Fifa U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 update

By AGENCY REPORTER -
u17 wc
The four African representatives at the FIFA U-17 World Cup United Arab Emirates 2013 have proven the future of the games is in the continent. Nigeria devastated holders Mexico in their first game in Al Ain, indicating that the Golden Eaglets are ready to confirm their tag as tournament favourites.
In their debut appearance at the tournament, Morocco made the best possible start with a clear-cut victory of 3 – 1 over Croatia, with Tunisia battling their way to a narrow win of 2-1 over Venezuela, despite going a man down before the first half was done. Cote d’Ivoire suffered an unlucky 0 – 1 on the opening day in Ras Al-Khaimah but the 3-0 win over New Zealand in Abu Dhabi is a result that might see them through to the next round.
Nigeria
Nigeria, who won their first game in UAE 6-1 over Mexico, showed some defensive frailties in their 3-3 draw with Sweden at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. The Scandinavians, playing in their first FIFA U-17 World Cup, stuck to their game-plan and were thoroughly deserving of their share of the spoils against the Group F favourites as both sides now look in good shape to reach the knockout rounds.
The Swedes only needed 11 minutes to shock the much-feared Golden Eaglets, and the goal came from a hopeful ball lofted into the penalty area from deep in midfield. Nigerian keeper Dele Alampsu thought he had a chance at intercepting and raced out of his net, but Erdal Rakip got to the ball first and nodded across the face of goal. Valmir Berisha was on the spot to guide the ball home on the volley.

It was 2-0 to the Scandinavians eight minutes later when Anton Saletros bamboozled his man on the left flank and crossed deep into the penalty area. Berisha showed he was in the mood as he expertly headed home his second goal of the contest. 

The Nigerians, traditionally slow starters, hit back in spectacular fashion with one of the best goals of the tournament. Kalechi Iheanacho, four-goal scorer against Mexico, floated in a ball from midfield. It was met by Success Isaac, who swiveled and slammed into the far corner without the ball ever hitting the grass, all in one motion, in the 20th minute. 

The Africans then went close to drawing level twice in the last five minutes of the half. Samuel Okon tried an audacious lob from 40 yards that had Sixten Mohlin in the Swedish goal back-peddling desperately, before tipping over the bar. Shortly after, substitute Taiwo Awoniyi’s snap-shot was saved again by Mohlin, the effort not able to match the outstanding approach work up the right side.

Mohlin went from hero to villain for the Swedes early in the second half. He failed to get his body behind the ball when Musa Yahaya tried a speculative shot from way out. The ball trickled between the keeper’s legs and bobbled, almost apologetically, over the line as the tried desperately to recover. 

The Nigerians were in the driving seat, and the Swedes were increasingly camped in their own half. But a fast-break up the left side in the 65th minute saw Sweden back into the lead. Saletros chested the ball on goal from close range and Alampsu could only parry away. Unfortunately for the keeper, substitute Mirza Halvadzic was lurking on the doorstep and slid home to make it 3-2. 

But the talented and irrepressible Africans still had something left in the tank. Awoniyi’s powerful header with ten minutes to go was too much for Mohlin to keep out and the game ended honours even. Nigeria now move on to Dubai, where they will take on Iraq in their last match of the section on 25 October, the same day that Sweden meet Mexico in Al Ain.
Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire rounded out their Group B account at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in UAE with four points from three games after a simple win against ten-man New Zealand in Abu Dhabi’s Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium. The result puts the goalless and pointless Kiwis on the next flight home while the Ivorians will have to wait and see if their four-point tally is enough to put them through to the knockout rounds.

The Africans wasted no time signaling their attacking intent when, after just three minutes, Meite Yakou fired in a thunderous shot form outside that box that was batted away by Kiwi keeper Zac Speedy. Ten minutes after that, the Oceania men had a their own impressive chance to score as Andrew Blake beat two defenders and fired in a shot that was well-saved by Seck Diabagate. 

Speedy made another save on Kouame N Guessan near the 20-minute mark and it became clear that Cote d’Ivoire were on the charge. The goal they were threatening came in the 25th minute, Guessan’s low cross picking out Moussa Bakayoko who tapped in from close range. Things only got worse for the Kiwis after that as Nick Forrester earned his second yellow of the game and was promptly given his marching orders. 

The ten men of New Zealand couldn’t get anything going in the second half and the Africans weren’t in the mood to let them off the hook. Bakayoko hit home his second goal of the game just three minutes in when he raced to meet Meite Yako’s low cross and hammer it into the back of the net from 12 yards out. 

Speedy rescued New Zealand ten minutes later with a diving save on Sherif Jimoh’s powerful effort. From there on out it was all Cote d’Ivoire, and the Africans completed the 3-0 rout three minutes from time when Yakou finished off a fine cross from Franck Kessie. The result leaves the Ivorians in good position to qualify as one of the top third-place finishers while New Zealand are heading for home with a point or a goal to show for their time here in UAE.

Ashegoda Wind-Farm Project to launch

The Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo) has announced that the Ashegoda Wind-Farm, the largest wind-farm in Africa, will be inaugurated on Saturday 26th October 2013.

Ashegoda has a capacity of 120MW and will produce about 400 million KWh a year. The project was completed in 36 months and devised to be executed in phases.
All units have now been constructed and are already providing energy to the National Grid. So far, Ashegoda has produced 90 Million KWh since its commissioning started, in stages, one year ago with the earlier commissioned units.

The Wind-Farm is located in the Quiha suburbs, 18 kilometres from Mekelle, the capital of Tigray regional state, in the north of Ethiopia.

Lahmeyer International of Germany carried out a feasibility study for the project seven years ago and supervised the project’s execution along with young Ethiopian engineers. The project has provided very important experience-sharing for Ethiopia’s national companies, who have been involved in the construction of civil works such as geotechnical investigations, roads, turbine foundations, sub-station erection and electro-mechanical erection works.

The project was implemented through an international competitive bidding process - EEPCo issued a bid, which included financing arrangements, and the tender was won by French company Vergnet Groupe who signed a contract with EEPCO in October 2008. The work commenced a year later after the necessary financing packages had been finalised.

The project was financed by BNP Paribas of France, the French Development Agency (ADF) and the balance, essentially the local portion, by EEPCO.

The first phase of the project was constructed using Vergnet turbines, producing 30 MW, each turbine producing 1 MW. Phases II and III were constructed with 54 Alstom-supplied turbines, with each unit producing 1.67 MW. Phase II and Phase III have a combined total of 90 MW.

The project was the first of its kind in Ethiopia when it launched in October 2009. However, in the meantime, construction began on two smaller wind-farms Adama I and II, with a capacity of 51 MW each. They were constructed near Adama town (one hour’s drive south east of Addis Ababa) and were completed in October 2011 and 2012 respectively.

The Ashegoda project included construction of access roads and maintenance roads for future operations. In addition, a new sub-station with its own control system has been constructed. The sub-station has a central control system which interfaces with the EEPCo Power Grid system.

The completion of the Ashegoda power project has constituted a great achievement for EEPCO and its staff who have been working relentlessly on site to ensure a timely completion.

The CEO of the EEPCo, Mr Meheret Debebe, and high-level government officials will be available for interview on the 26th.



The Official launching ceremony of the third Africa-Arab Summit held in Kuwait City

Description: PA230099Kuwait City, the State of Kuwait, 23 October 2013- The official launching of the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit, which will be held in Kuwait City from 19th -20th November 2013 was done at a joint press conference by His Excellency Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, H.E. Amb. Jean-Baptiste Natama, Chief of Staff of the Bureau of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and H.E. Dr. Nabil Elaraby, the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States.  The Press Conference was held in the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait.

At the occasion, H.E the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait expressed appreciation to the African Union and the League of Arab States for their commitment and valuable contribution towards the organization of the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit and the preparation of the working documents of the Summit, which include the Draft Kuwait Declaration.  He highlighted the theme and objectives of the Summit which focuses mainly on trade and investment issues and expressed his fervent hope that the Summit will come up with concrete projects that would impact on the lives of the people of the two interrelated regions.  

H.E. Amb. Jean- Baptiste Natama on his part expressed the appreciation of the African Union to H.H the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and the people and Government of the State of Kuwait for their generous offer to host the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit.  Recalling the vast experience of Kuwait in organizing such high level events, he expressed his hope that the Summit will be a great success both in terms of organization and outcome.   He considered Africa and the Arab Regions as one and highly interrelated region referring to the membership of nine African countries to both the African Union and League of Arab States. Amb. Natama explained in detail the untapped potential of the African continent, in particular in the areas of Agricultural development and food security, which, if complimented with the Arab investment could enhance the living standard of not only the African and Arab peoples but also the outside world. In this regard he considered the Theme of the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit “Partners in Trade and Development” to be contemporary and appropriate. He further informed the gathering that Africa is now a very stable continent with the exception of few pocket areas and hence requested the media to show the real image of the continent to the international community. Referring to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU, he made mention of the Agenda 2063, which summarizes the priorities of African for the coming 50 years, emphasizing on human capital development. In this direction, he highlighted the role the Africa-Arab Partnership will play to achieve the desired result.

H.E. Dr. Nabil Elaraby, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States also expressed appreciation to the State of Kuwait for hosting the Summit and thanked members of the Coordination Committee of the Africa-Arab partnership for the preparatory work accomplished in the past one year. He underlined that the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit will be different from those of the previous summits as it focuses only on economic issues and will be more result oriented.

The press conference was preceded by a Tripartite Consultative Meeting between the African Union Commission, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States and the Host Country of the Summit.  The meeting among other things discussed the status of preparation of the Summit and dissemination of working documents as well as the launching of the Website of the Summit and other logistical issues.

At the end of the ceremony an Agreement on logistical and material preparation of the 3rd Africa-Arab Summit was signed between H.E. Amb. Jean Baptiste Natama, representing the African Union Commission and H.E.  Khalid Suliman Al-Jarallah, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary, Representing the State of Kuwait. 

Friday 25 October 2013

MISSION D’OBSERVATION DE L’UNION AFRICAINE POUR L’ELECTION PRESIDENTIELLE DU 25 OCTOBRE 2013 EN REPUBLIQUE DE MADAGASCAR
COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
Description: Description: C:\Documents and Settings\ASPIRE One\Bureau\PHOTO FINALE.jpg
(Les missions d’observation internationales en République de Madagascar expriment leur satisfaction sur les préparatifs de l’élection présidentielle du 25 octobre 2013.)
A l’initiative de la  Mission d’Observation de l’Union Africaine pour l’Election Présidentielle du 25 octobre 2013 en République de Madagascar, une réunion des Chefs de mission d’observationinternationale présentsà Madagascar a été organisée à l’hôtel Colbert le 22 Octobre 2013à 10h précises.
Cette réunion a permis aux Chefs de différentes missions,  la Communauté des états de l’Afrique Australe (SADC), la Commission de l’Océan Indien (COI), le Forum des Commissions électorales de la SADC (SADC-ECF), l’Institut pour une démocratie durable en Afrique (EISA), l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), l’Union Européenne (UE), d’échanger sur la situation politiqueet les efforts de la médiation pour la sortie de crise à Madagascar.  Elle a aussi été l’occasion pour les Chefs de mission d’accorder leurs points de vue sur l’état des préparatifs techniques à trois jours du scrutin.  Cette réunion a été présidée par M. Issaga Kampo, Chef de mission par intérim de l’Union Africaine et le Médiateur de la crise malgache, Son Excellence Joaquim Chissano.
Les chefs de missions ont salué les progrès réalisés par l’équipe de médiation conduite par le Président Joaquim Chissano. Tout en reconnaissant quelques difficultés, les tentatives d’annulation et de report du scrutin et surtout les risques de perturbation du processus le jour du vote, les Chefs de mission ont invité les différents observateurs à faire preuve de vigilance dans la mission qui leur a été confiée.
Par ailleurs, l’ensemble des Chefs de missionontnoté les efforts de la  Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante pour la Transition (CENI-T) pour assurer le bon déroulement des élections.  Ils ont reconnu que l’institution a mis en place des mesures techniques adéquates et satisfaisantes pour des élections libres et apaisées. 
Les Chefs de mission ont également souligné le caractère particulier du contexte politique malgache et la détermination des acteurs politiques et sociaux à sortir de cette crise. Ils invitent les observateurs à faire preuve de diligence et de responsabilité dans l’intérêt de la paix et de la stabilité à Madagascar.
Enfin, les Chefs de mission ont félicité la démarche de l’Union Africaine et exhorté les différentes missions à des concertations régulières en vue de définir les lignes de conduite qui permettent une appréciation objective du processus électoral à Madagascar.

EXPERIENCE A TOTAL ECLIPSE ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2013 IN UGANDA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has confirmed that Uganda on 3th November 2013 will experience a total eclipse. This is the time when the spectacular total eclipse will descend on Uganda specifically best viewed from Masindi and West Nile (including Kidepo National Park).

As a result of this event, Uganda will be an exciting part of Astrological history because the country lies on the path of a Hybrid Solar Eclipse. Note that a total eclipse occurs when the dark silhouette of the moon completely obscures the intensely bright light of the sun, allowing the much fainter solar corona to be visible. During the maximum phase of a total eclipse, the sun‘s disk is completely blocked. In this case, Uganda is experiencing this maximum phase.

Monday 21 October 2013

NOVEMBER 3RD DECLARED DAY OF MOURNING FOR VICTIMS OF LAMPEDUSA TRAGEDY BY AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

Addis Ababa, 21 October 2013 - November 3 has been declared a continental day of mourning to be observed by all members states of the African Union, in memory of the African victims who drowned off Coast of Lampedusa Island in Italy on the 3rd of October. African Heads of State and Government made the decision to declare the continental day of mourning at their extra ordinary summit held at the African Union Headquarters, on 12 October.

The commemoration by all African countries of the day of mourning constitutes an opportunity to express solidarity with the families of the victims and reiterate Africa’s grave concern regarding the recurrence of this kind of tragedies that hurt human rights and human dignity and threaten peace, security and stability.

The continental day of mourning will serve as well as a call for all Africans including the youth to reflect on appropriate actions to be taken with a view of finding a lasting solution to this persistent problem that leads to the loss of African young people without whom the continent cannot build a prosperous and peaceful future.


REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE RECs AND THE AU ORGANS
GATHERED IN GABORONE TO DISCUSS AGENDA 2063   -

ONE MORE STEP IN THE BROAD PROCESS OF CONSULTATIONS ON AGENDA 2063

Description: Photo 1
From left to right, Mr. Mandla Madonsela (AUC), Mr. Jonathan Kaunda Representative of the SADC and Amb. Lazarous Kapambwe (AUC), during the opening ceremony in the premises of the SADC Regional office HQ in Gaborone (Botswana).

Gaborone, Botswana, 21st October 2013- Within the framework of Agenda 2063, a 50 year shared Strategic Framework for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development for Africa, the Representatives of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the AU Organs will share their views and plan together short, medium and long term toward collective prosperity, common destiny under united and strong Africa.

The Future we want for Africa by 2063 is the theme of their gathering scheduled from 21st to 23rd of October 2013, in the Conference Center of the SADC, in Gaborone (Botswana). The meeting is part of a series of consultations led by the Chairperson of the AUC Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in close collaboration with the NEPAD Agency, supported by UNECA and the African Development Bank.

In developing Agenda 2063, the Leaders underlined how important it is that Africa’s stakeholders are consulted as widely as possible. In this regard, the Botswana meeting with the RECs and the AU Organs, represents one more step in the broad process of consultations which started with the Private sector in Nairobi (Kenya), followed by the Ministries of Economic, finances and Planning as well as the Civil society in Dakar (Senegal) and recently by the Diaspora in New York (USA). It will be followed by many other consultations such as Women, Youth as well as Eminent personalities.

During the three days, the participants from the RECs and the AU Organs are expected to reflect on national and regional guidelines for consultation on Agenda 2063.  The outcomes of their reflections will be used to enhance a draft framework to be presented to the upcoming January 2014 AU Summit. This draft framework will be designed to accommodate regional and national specificities, in order to build harmonious regional and national policy.
Addis Ababa, 21st October 2013 - In line with the decision by African leaders at the January 2012 summit of the African Union Commission (AUC) to actively boost Intra-African Trade and establish a Continental Free Trade Area in the continent by 2017, the first phase of the 8th Conference of African Ministers of Trade (CAMoT) began today, the 21st of October 2013 at the AUC, with a meeting of Senior Officials drawn from the AUC, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), various member states and Regional Economic Communities (RECs). 

The underscored objective of today’s’ meeting was to consider, ‘the strategic framework for the implementation of the action plan for boosting intra-African trade and negotiating the principles for the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)’ among others. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the AUC Commissioner for Trade and Industry, H.E. Mrs Fatima Haram Acyl stated that this 8th Conference of African Ministers of Trade comes at a crucial time when there is a lot that is taking place in African and multinational trade.

Commissioner Fatima said that Africa is predictably the next growth frontier in today’s world and it has all the elements and capabilities to emerge successfully out of the present poverty. She went on to say that “we are witnessing a growing middle class that makes the continent an excellent location for trade and investment opportunities”. However, she stressed that such goals would not be achievable if all the stakeholders involved do not unite and continue working together efficiently. “Let us make decisions today that would position Africa to take advantage of these possibilities tomorrow”, the Commissioner added. In this regard, she pointed out the importance of building infrastructure and developing industries on the continent.

The Commissioner also revealed that the commission has constructed a framework for the development of infrastructure. She highlighted that the AUC is working actively to find useful instruments and build institutional capacities which would ensure that intra-African trade grows effectively and, thus helping Africa integrate efficiently into the global economy.   This ideal was strongly supported by the Director of Regional Integration, Infrastructure and Trade Division at the UNECA, Dr. Stephen Karingi, who emphasized that the agenda to boost intra-African trade should be paramount to all present at the meeting. He said that “it is only through value added trade that we stand the best chance of creating jobs in Africa”.

The opening ceremony began with a foreword by the Director of the Ministry of Trade for the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Geremew Ayalew who stressed on the importance of intra-African trade and the potential it can provide for Africa. “Trade has the potential to contribute significantly to sustainable development, employment generation and the integration of our continent into the global economy” he added.

The 8th Ordinary Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Trade (CAMoT) is expected to last until the 25th of October, 2013 with the Meeting of the Ministers of Trade commencing on 24th October 2013.


EOJ/LMN

Sunday 20 October 2013

WAZIRI WA KILIMO, MHE. CHRISTOPHER CHIZA KUKUTANA NA WATANZANIA LONDON

Waziri wa Kilimo, Mheshimiwa Christopher Chiza 
Ubalozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania London unawakaribisha Watanzania wote watakaoweza kupata fursa kuja kuzungumza na Waziri wa Kilimo, Mheshimiwa Christopher Chiza na Wawakilishi kutoka SAGCOT hapo Ubalozini siku ya Jumatano (tarehe 23 Octoba 2013) kuanzia saa Kumi na Moja jioni (17:00).

Mheshimiwa Waziri anatarajiwa kuzungumzia masuala mbalimbali ya Kilimo, fursa zilizomo katika kilimo na ushirikishwaji wa Diaspora katika uwekezaji katika sekta hiyo muhimu kwa maendeleo ya nchi. Aidha Mhe. Christopher Chiza anatarajiwa kujibu maswali mbalimbali kutoka kwa wananchi watakaohudhuria mkutano huo.

IMETOLEWA NA UBALOZI WA TANZANIA NCHINI UINGEREZA, LONDON

Saturday 19 October 2013

Afreximbank wins recognition for SME support

Afreximbank President Jean-Louis Ekra (left), with Africainvestor CEO Hubert Danso, displays trophy awarded to the Bank for support to African SMEs.

Cairo, 17 Oct. 2013 – The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has won new recognition for its work in support of Africa’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with the Bank taking the top honours for the Best Initiative In Support of SMEs and the Millennium Development Goals at this year’s Africainvestor Investment and Business Leader Awards.
At the awards presentation ceremony in Washington, D.C., on 10 October 2013, Africainvestor said that Afreximbank was selected for the award because its programmes reflected the appropriate balance between felt and real needs of SMEs and because those programmes recommended clear actions to facilitate SME creation or growth.
In addition, the Bank’s programmes had direct impact, added Africainvestor.
Accepting the award, Jean-Louis Ekra, President of Afreximbank, reiterated the commitment of the Bank to continuing the effort to promote intra and extra-African trade, stressing the important role of SMEs in achieving that objective.
Also nominated for the award were the Industrial Development Corporation, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, the African Development Bank, the Motsepe Foundation, the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation and the Econet Group.
According to Africa investor, the Africaivestor Investment and Business Leader Awards seek to reward exceptional business practices, economic achievements and investments across the investment spectrum in Africa and to shed light on Africa's many investment and leadership success stories.