Coming up:  Investing in Eastern Africa, London - 10th October 2014

Homestrings and DMA are delighted to announce that Investing in Eastern Africa - the latest in our series of events aimed at directing capital from the Diaspora into investable projects from across Africa - will be held in central London, on Friday, 10th of October 2014 Eastern Africa will not only include projects from the five EAC member states of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi but we will now also be extending to the Horn of Africa to include Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia and Somaliland The conference is FREE for Homestrings members and will showcase a number of investable projects from across the EAC to a pre-selected audience of qualified investors, members of the Diaspora and non-traditional institutional investors.  Register for the conference here

Uganda to earn sh5.3 trillion from tourism

By David Mugabe

Earnings from tourism are expected to exceed $2 billion (about sh5.3 trillion) per annum in the next few years, according to projections from the tourism Master Plan launched at the weekend.

 

The projected earnings ($2b) are about a third of the 2014-15 annual budget, a figure which highlights the immense contribution the sector will have in the future surpassing almost any sector before commercial oil production begins.

 

The plan prepared with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) also forecasts the creation of more than 150,000 additional tourism jobs by 2024, almost the same number that will be created at full peak of commercial oil production.

 

The Master plan estimates the average total expenditure of leisure tourists on a pre-booked package tour at $1,200 per capita, and that of international business tourists at $900, excluding air fares in the key high-yield tourist markets.

 

“The forecast growth of these markets is likely therefore to have a substantial impact on receipts in Uganda and it is projected that attracting 100,000 additional leisure tourists would add 11% to exports and 1.6% to GDP,” reads the 2014-2024 Master plan launched by tourism minister Maria Mutagamba in Mbale on Saturday during the World Tourism Day celebrations.

 

 

“Persuading every tourist to spend one additional night in Uganda would add 7% to exports and 1.0% to GDP while 8% annual growth in leisure and conference tourists would generate an additional $220 million in receipts per annum,” the plan quotes results of a World Bank survey done in 2013.

 

It places focus on destination marketing and competitiveness and recognizes Uganda’s exceptional range of natural and cultural tourism assets.

 

It thus also prescribes strategies to unlock their potential which will enable deliver a significant boost to the tourism sector over the next ten years.

 

Mutagamba noted that the plan’s success will depend on the commitment and coordination of all sector players, it requires increased investment along the tourism value chain.

 

She called for professionalism from the industry players including marketers, private sector and guides noting that working together will see the industry go places.

 

Toursim minister Maria Mutagamba (in green) inspecting a product stall during the World Tourism day celebrations in Mbale where the Master Plan was launched. PHOTO/David Mugabe

 

Mutagamba has called for attention to detail and the need to handle tourists and foreign guests with utmost care because they remain ambassadors of the country.

 

“If we are going to compete we cannot afford to ignore small things,” noted Mutagamba in reference to image created from things like corruption and service provision.

 

She narrated the dangers of vices like corruption like police officers asking for bribes from foreign tourists who go to them seeking help when they are robbed.

 

“We want police, immigration to be alert and know they have a duty to promote Uganda,” said Mutagamba.

 

International arrivals have short up from 192,754 in 2000 to 1.2m in 2012.

 

Foreign receipts from tourist arrivals in 2012 amounted to $834million according to statistics from Uganda Bureau of Statistic. In 2011 tourism contribution to total Ugandan GDP was $1.4 billion.

 

 

It is estimated that by 2023 some 588,300 persons will be directly employed in the tourism sector up from 180,900 jobs in 2011. UNDP resistant representative Ahuma Eziakonwa Onochie reiterated the massive role of the tourism in job creation and foreign exchange earnings.

 

"We see tourism as central for a holistic transformative agenda,” noted Onochie.

 

The master plan will also address the persistent challenges curtailing the sector’s growth like promotion, skills and regulation. The plan focuses on the creation of regional tourism development areas and regional clusters.

 

“We have focused on diversifying the product, giving prominence to other tourist segments like agro-tourism, culture and faith based tourism while consolidating the nature and wildlife product,” noted Mutagamba.

 

Priority she said will be given to the domestic and regional market as well as addressing the awareness gap and improving general infrastructure.

 

 

Mutagamba said tourism has become a truly global socio-economic phenomenon with over one billion tourists travelling in abroad in 2013.

 

In Uganda the industry contributed an estimated 10% in GDP.

 

To maximize on its marketing plans, Uganda has also been advised to seek out international stars who can partner in promoting local activities like culture.

 

Peter Myles, coordinator for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO has cited the example of Shakira, Colombian international music superstar who recently did a gig with Zulu dancers to make a music video whose results have been a win-win for both the artists and the country.

 

Myles asked Uganda to take advantage of the rising interest in Africa. James Tumusiime, Uganda Tourism Board chairman thanked Mutagamba for the growing enthusiasm in the sector since her entry as minister. He also emphasized the need for developing regional clusters.

 

Captain John Emily Otekat, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revived calls for the establishment of a national airline saying it continues to deny the country value marketing impetus. 

Over 2000 German volunteers offer to deploy to fight Ebola virus disease

New York, USA, 26 September 2014: Over 2,000 Germans have heeded the German Government’s call to register as volunteers indicating their readiness and availability for deployment to fight against the Ebola Virus disease outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier informed African Union Commission Chairperson HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma after briefing him on the AU’s ongoing efforts to fight the disease. They met in the sidelines of the 69^th UN General Assembly in New York.

The AUC Chairperson laid out to the German Foreign other measures taken by the AU to fight the pandemic, highlighting the potential socio-economic impact that would follow the outbreak of the disease. She appealed for massive awareness-raising and called for rapid proactive response to the aftermath.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma welcomed the offer from the German government and hoped there would be proper coordination to ensure that the situation is brought under control soonest.

The German offer was publicly announced during a High Level Summit on Ebola, convened by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, during which many other UN Member States and partners announced contributions toward fighting the Ebola Virus Disease. 

Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Dr. Steinmeier also discussed the situations in Ukraine, Libya and the Democratic Republic of Congo, amongst others.

The circus continues, Alafin of Oyo & his 4 wives go sightseeing

The circus continues, Alafin of Oyo & his 4 wives go sightseeing

Written By ikuewumi mary o

 

Alaafin of Oyo of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and his 4 wives are still having a blast in London. The royal father and his 4 oloris jetted off to London few weeks ago for his 76th birthday. They were first spotted at Westfield Mall in London where they went for shopping. Here they are sightseeing with other Londoners.  Chopping life Alaafin, enjoymento oloris, lol. They will make a good reality show. Photos of them at the mall. (yes I didn’t post it before) after the cut…

Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Prostrates to Greet Alaafin Oyo SEE PHOTOS

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The highly respected Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, is back from his special vacation abroad and has since returned to his traditional duties. He received the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in his place recently and the popular Emir Sanusi, as a sign of humility, bow down to greet Alaafin. The Emir went to the Yoruba royal palace as a simple man. Check out all the photos:

Please join the Great WALK of Art in London on Saturday, 8 November 2014, 11am The CHALLENGE is to complete a 10 km group walk between the leading art galleries, and to find an artwork in each gallery that reflects the essence of African Art.  To join, please email: contact@mobileartschoolinkenya.org The Great WALK of Art is a sponsored walk in aid of the MASK PRIZE, a creativity competition for young people in Africa.  As education that promotes creativity is limited in schools in Africa, the MASK PRIZE provides a national platform for young people to nurture their creativity (resourcefulness, inventiveness and imagination).  The MASK PRIZE is partnered by the Radio Africa Group and exhibits at the Saatchi Gallery in London.  Currently, the Saatchi Gallery exhibits the 2014 MASK PRIZE until 5 October.  The Award Ceremony of the 2014 MASK PRIZE was held at Nairobi University in May 2014. Prizes were awarded  by Dr Manu Chandaria CBE who said: "Survival will be very difficult in the 2st century, and without creativity it will be not possible."  More on the 2013 MASK PRIZE and 2014 MASK PRIZE.   The Great WALK of Art is organised by a UK charity 1128734, MASK.  The walk is curated and guided by Alla Tkachuk, Founder of MASK.  Alla writes 'How to Look at Art' column in the Kenyan newspaper The Star.   Here are the participants of the 2013 Great WALK of Art in London, including the former British High Commissioner for Kenya, Sir Edward Clay.  For more information on the WALK, please visit here  Itinerary of the 2014 Great WALK of Art:  11 am. Starting at the Royal Academy of Arts and walking to the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. 1 pm.  Lunch at the National Portrait Gallery.  Walking to the Royal Opera House, Somerset House and the Tate Modern. 6 pm.  'Finish Line' drinks at Tate Modern.   If you wish to join, please email:  contact@mobileartschoolinkenya.org You can also join the Walk in Boston (US)  in October, and in Washington DC in November. If you can not join, please donate to the 2015 MASK PRIZE.  Thank you.

Have  you  visited  our  Facebook  page:https://www.facebook.com/newdealafrica.ayoubmzee


AUC and CAF to strengthen collaboration

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,  September, 2014: “The relations between the African Union and CAF are historical and important for the entire continent. Our two institutions share common Pan African values, as exemplified by the role that CAF played in the liberation struggle of Africa, in the development of the human potential of Africa through sport and increasingly in the promotion of peace and security.”

African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma contextualised the AU-CAF relationship as she addressed delegates gathered at the opening of the annual meeting of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during which the Committee were to pick the host countries for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals for 2019 and 2021.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma said Africa was at a cross-road of challenges such the Ebola virus, terrorism and security, but most importantly economic growth opportunities that the continent must sustain in order to develop further. She cited human capital investment especially in women and youth, transforming and modernizing agriculture, agro-processing, and extractive industry in order to create jobs and ensure inclusive growth on the continent. She also said Africa has “to make decisive progress on the infrastructure backlogs: energy, transport, ICT, water and sanitation, and other social infrastructure.”

The AUC Chairperson praised CAF for its role in fostering continental integration and promoting Pan-Africanism through the development of African football amongst the youth and various communities. She reiterated her earlier call to CAF President Issa Hayatou for Africa to win the world cup in the coming decades. “An African team must win the World Cup, in addition to hosting it again.  We talk about Africa rising, we also want to see our football and sports as rising,” she added.

“The ambitions of the AU and CAF to unite and bring pride to the African continent have always been identical,” CAF President Mr. Issa Hayatou noted in his address to the executive committee, while appreciating the AU for always accommodating CAF’s activities. He promised to continue to support initiatives of the AU to promote social change in Africa.

Since 2010, CAF has been supporting the AU’s activities to bring about social change, such as promoting the culture of peace and the Make Peace Happen campaign. CAF supported the AU in providing humanitarian assistance during crises times in Somalia. During their meeting with the AUC Chairperson, CAF President promised to support the AU efforts in fighting the Ebola disease outbreak in West Africa, as well as contributing to other issues of continental concern raised by Dr. Dlamini Zuma.

PICHA:ZIARA YA KATIBU MKUU WA CCM ABDULRAHMAN KINANA HANDENI

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Katibu Mkuu wa CCM Ndugu Abdulrahman Kinana akizungumza na wananchi wa kata ya Kwaluguru wakati wa kukagua maendeleo ya ujenzi wa vyumba vitatu vya maabara katika shule ya sekondari Kwaluguru wilayani Handeni.

Wananchi wa kata ya Kwaluguru wakimsikiliza Katibu Mkuu wa CCM Ndugu Abdulrahma Kinana  wakati wa ukaguzi wa maendeleo ya ujenzi wa maabara tatu za masomo ya sayansi katika shule ya sekondari Kwaluguru ambapo vyumba 83 vya maabara vinajengwa wilayani Handeni.

Katibu Mkuu wa CCM Ndugu Abdulrahman Kinana akishiriki kuweka zege kwenye moja ya vumba vya maabara za shule ya sekondari Kwaluguru.

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