The African Union Agenda 2063 Consultative Meeting WithThe African Media

Yaoundé, Cameroun, 10^th December 2013: Within the process of developing Africa Agenda 2063, a continental strategic framework for growth and development for Africa in the next 50 years, African Union Commission (AUC) held a consultation with the African Media on the agenda 2063, on 10 and 11 December 2013, in Yaoundé, Cameroun. The meeting observed a minute of silence to pay tribute to the late Mr. Nelson Mandela, the international and continental icon of the African renaissance.

Welcoming the participants, H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, in remarks delivered on her behalf by Mr. Mandla Madonsela, AUC Director of Strategic Planning said “Agenda 2063 is a people driven and bottom up process built on pan-Africanism, African values, and Africa’s determination to exercise full control over its resources and shape its destiny”. He noted that the Agenda offers the media a unique privilege and an unprecedented opportunity to be a key player that should stand ready to live up to the people's expectation. At the same time, it bestows on the media a huge responsibility to continue to work towards an African media culture and capability.

Referring to pervious consultations with African stakeholders, Mr. Mandla added that AUC, over the course of the next few months, will be reaching out to large segments of stakeholders through consultations, which are all the more important because Africa’s development trajectory has often relied on narratives and paradigms developed by others and it is long overdue for Africans to reclaim their own narrative. (Please find the full speech of the Chairperson on AU web Site: www.au.int)

Mrs. Habiba Mejri-Cheikh, AUC Director for Information and Communication, in her opening remarks, highlighted the importance of the African Union Agenda 2063 consultative meeting with the African Media and said " African journalist should tell African stories to Africa and the world ". The Director laid emphasis on the role Pan African media has to play at all stages of the Agenda 2063 formulation and implementation process.

The African Union is engaging with the Pan African media community, which it considers as a significant partner who is also a highly appreciated stakeholder. The media is called upon to contribute stories to ensure that African narratives are not developed by others. This process then open the way for African journalists to reclaim their own narrative and contribute to the type of Africa we all want to see by 2063” DIC Director said.

During their two-day meeting, the AU and the African Media will share the vision of Africa in 2063, propose the way forward in terms of milestones, key drivers and enablers, identify development priorities for Agenda 2063, including for the media. The meeting will also discuss and develop a draft Communications Strategy for Agenda 2063, determine how greater number of stakeholders can participate in the formulation, implementation and oversight of Agenda 2063 and the role of the media, and appreciate how others can be inspired into taking active role in the development and implementation of Agenda 2063. Additionally, the participants will consider the AU Commission's strategic plan for 2014-2017 and how Africans can play a part in the realization of Plan outcomes.

Requested by the 21st Ordinary session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, at Addis Ababa, 26 May 2013, Africa Agenda 2063 is been developing by the AUC in close collaboration with the NEPAD Coordinating Agency and supported by the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa. It aimed to develop Africa’s growth trajectory for the next 50 years benefitting from lessons learnt over the last 50 years.

This AU consultation with the African Media is part of a series of “discussions” with many actors of African society. Previous similar consultations have been undertaken with various sectors including; Ministries ofEconomic, Finances and Planning, private sector, the civil society, Diaspora, women, youth as well as eminent personalities.

The recommendation and suggestions of this consultation will be used as inputs to enhance the draft Agenda, which will be presented to the upcoming January 2014 AU Summit. A final Agenda 2063 Plan will be completed and submitted to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in June, 2014.

For more information log on http://agenda2063.au.int and join all African and Friends of Africa who are contributing to Agenda 2063.

H.E Fredrick  Sumaye , Tanzania  Prime  minister  recieving  the Global  Peace  Initiative and  Positive  Ladership  Award 2013 .This  event  was  organised  by  Newdeal  Africa.www.newdealafrica.co.uk

Ed Miliband: One Nation Labour is the party of small business and enterprise

Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, and Chuka Umunna MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, will tomorrow (Saturday) declare that One Nation Labour intends to fight the next election as the party of enterprise and small business.

On a visit to local shops and events to mark Small Business Saturday in Crystal Palace in south London, Mr Miliband will show how Labour is changing and putting the dynamism of new enterprise at the heart of the party’s economic strategy to re-establish the link between growth and living standards.

Mr Miliband will praise Mr Umunna for opening up One Nation Labour to new enterprise and bringing the idea of Small Business Saturday to the UK from America. 

And he will highlight Labour’s key pledges to help the firms who will the bring new jobs and wealth of the future: 

1. Labour will cut business rates for 1.5 million small business properties

2. Labour will freeze energy bills saving the typical small business £5,000 

3. Labour will fix finance for business with a network of regional banks 

4. Labour will boost skills so that business and young people are equipped with the knowledge and training they need to succeed

5. Labour will be tough on late payers and ensure government sets the best example. 

Extract: 

Ed Miliband is expected to say:

“British families and businesses are facing a cost-of-living crisis. 

“Across the political agenda it is now One Nation Labour which is setting the agenda – tackling the cost-of-living crisis facing families and businesses. 

“It was Chuka Umunna who brought Small Business Saturday to Britain and I am delighted that other parties are joining us in celebrating the shops, the workshops and the Digital start-ups which will power Britain forward into the future. 

“It is One Nation Labour which recognised that small firms need help with escalating business rates and soaring energy costs, just as big firms have had cuts in corporation tax. 

“It is One Nation Labour which recognises that if we are to build prosperity for the long term we must give real help to the many businesses which will create most of the jobs and the wealth of the future - not just a few. 

“That is why Labour is changing so that we can go into the next election as the party of small business and enterprise. 

“One Nation Labour: offering real help to firms on energy costs and business rates, with plans to reset our energy market, open up capital to invest in regional economies and get ready for a Digital future, cracking down on late payment and equipping our young people with the skills that they and you need to succeed.”

Chuka Umunna is expected to say:

“The UK’s first ever Small Business Saturday is set to be the biggest celebration of small business this country has ever seen. 

“Having seen what a huge difference Small Business Saturday has made in the USA, I was determined to see a British version and a broad coalition of businesses, business organisations and local councils has been brought together to make this a reality.

“There are fantastic events taking place in communities right across the country, encouraging people to buy from local independent shops and recognising the huge contribution which small businesses make.”

Dear ayoub,

Today I set out the Autumn Statement and my message is clear: our long-term economic plan is working, but the job is not yet done.

We are working through the plan to secure a responsible recovery for all.

Thanks to the sacrifice and endeavour of the British people, the economy is recovering.

The deficit is down, debt will fall sooner, businesses have created 1.4 million new jobs, and the growth forecast for this year has more than doubled.

• We have been able to offer a £1,000 discount in business rates to shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs as part of a wider programme of help for the high street and support for businesses.
• We have been able to freeze fuel duty, to get energy bills down, and to freeze rail fare rises.
• As part of a youth package, we have been able to abolish the jobs tax for employers hiring people under 21. There will bea university place for anyone with the right grades, and through our welfare reforms we are giving young people the skills they need to succeed.
• We are also recognising marriage in the tax system.

The single biggest risk to the recovery comes from the Labour Party who call for us to abandon our plan, to borrow more and to spend more. That is exactly what got us into this mess.

But there is still more to do. We need to keep on working through the plan. That is why we are legislating to cap welfare, making sure we fix the roof when the sun is shining by running a surplus and keeping public spending under control.

You can find out more about what the Autumn Statement means for you at this website.

Share it on Facebook and Twitter and help us finish the job.

Thanks,

London becomes focal point for Tanzanians the world over

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By Freddy Macha,The citizen

Posted  Friday, December 6   2013 at  10:55

IN SUMMARY

Today’s conference however, is different because it is aimed at wananchi, the citizens seeking ways of moving forward.

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Mmmh.... Talk of Tanzania’s international gathering in London has been ongoing for months. Reminders on the Internet have been sent by none other than Mr Ayoub Mzee – a journalist and presenter whose “Swahili Diaries” programme on Ben TV Sky 184 has been running for ages. Almost everyone who frequents Tanzanian activities in London has heard or seen Ayoub Mzee.

With loads of cameras and film equipment on his busy back, Ayoub is a familiar figure at weddings, political spots and symposiums everywhere in this city and around the globe. I first met Ayoub Mzee during a one-day Kiswahili seminar at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in December 2003. Back then, he was just a young student and you could tell from his views and manners – he is one of those individuals that are keen and eager to contribute, participate and make a difference.

So then...

Monday morning, early this week.

When I ask Ayoub to give more details about this weekend’s “New Deal Africa” symposium, he unselfishly mentions a lady called Enzy Larusai. She has been crucial in making this event happen, he insists. He also cites the Tanzanian High Commission, Tanzania Trade Centre and the UK trade and Investment (UKI) team for patronage and continual support...

Ayoub’s intent here I gather, is thematic and typical of the reasons behind the conference. For many years now, nothing has been moving forward. We remain the most disunited lot (compared to folks from other parts of the continent); we do not run centres or businesses; we remain poor (although some might be well off, individually) -as a community we are peripheral, impact-less and unnoticeable. What is there to celebrate, hey?

He explains how it started: “After meeting the Arusha born Enzy Larusai who has been actively involved in assisting women and refugees from Tanzania and Africa win their rights of tenancy, food and welfare, we realised that our thoughts were similar.”

New Deal Africa is therefore, an individual initiative yet a collective effort. When the Minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Co-operatives, Eng. Christopher Chiza met Tanzanians at the London High Commission in October, Ayoub stood up and explained: “This event shall be for all Tanzanians.” He has been singing this mantra again and again. He echoes thoughts of another media personality, the London blogger Jestina George, who always chimes: “Let us love each other.”

And this is the spirit of the conference. According to New Deal Africa’s concept note, today and tomorrow will provide “a platform where Tanzanians can showcase investment opportunities in their country. It is also an avenue for corporate organisations to expand their market base by collaborating with foreign investors.”

How different is this conference to all others, then?

Observe a typical, traditional scenario: We all sit in a large hall and welcome a government personality, who eventually makes a speech about this and that-which we then clap; clap and clap - ask questions and receive set answers. Thereafter, follows lunch, then another series of speeches and talks and finally dance and dinner while we of the press rush to file stories and pictures. Who gets the credit? The leaders and what they said and promised. We are subsequently, used to this sort of passive politics. No wonder some never bother attending; grudges are stored in deep seats of bellies and bosoms.

Today’s conference however, is different because it is aimed at wananchi, the citizens seeking ways of moving forward. It is just like the way the Internet has transformed us humans to be actively involved in social media. An incident occurs and any of us may take pictures via with mobile phones and post them as credible witnesses and informers.

The conference promises to provide an opportunity to discuss concrete ways of addressing challenges and policies, plus Diaspora issues ditto: “immigration, dual nationality, East African community, vehicle export MOT, constitution,” etc.

According to Ayoub, the response has been so positive that attendees are flocking from various institutions in Tanzania. Many have also booked accommodation via Italy, Spain and Germany. These include an unknown Germany-based author of several Kiswahili books, Gloria Gonslaves.

Tomorrow will be a Gala Dinner occasion whereby awards shall be given to outstanding individuals. One of the expected honours is for late legendary Kiswahili writer Shaaban Robert. His granddaughter, Amina Wazir, expects to receive this posthumous accolade and zawadi on his behalf.

The day time meeting (Tanzania Convention UK Chapter, Trade and Investment Forum) is scheduled to be addressed by Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda at Royal Regency Hotel, East London, this Friday morning.

More details visit www.newdealafrica.com or call Ayoub Mzee on +44-7556-130219

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In contrast to the rest of the world’s sluggish progress, African economies stand out for their high rates of growth and the effusive confidence they inspire - Report

Mergermarket’s Deal Drivers Africa reports a total of 115 deals worth US$26.6bn taking place in the first three quarters of 2013 across Africa

LONDON, United-Kingdom, December 4, 2013/ -- The 2013 edition of Mergermarket’s Deal Drivers Africa reports a total of 115 deals worth US$26.6bn taking place in the first three quarters of 2013 across Africa (http://www.mergermarket.com). Robust M&A activity on the continent has been supported by increasing economic diversification among a number of countries, creating untapped investment opportunities in areas such as financial services, TMT and business services.

To view the full report, please click here:http://mergermarketgroup.com/publication/deal-drivers-africa-2

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/mergermarket.jpg

Seven of the ten biggest deals of 2013 have been in the energy, mining & utilities sector. The largest of these transactions was China National Petroleum Corporation’s acquisition of a 28.57% stake in Eni East Africa Spa from Eni Spa, with a value of US$4.2bn. “Chinese interest in the African energy and resources sector has grown apace in recent years, thanks to China’s domestic energy consumption,” notes Kristina Thompson, Editorial Research Analyst at Remark. 

Some key findings in the report include:

•          The majority of M&A activity remains driven by African acquirers, rather than inbound M&A to the region; since 2006, African acquirers have generally accounted for 50 to 60% of the total deal volume in each year.

•          Private equity activity has been slightly muted compared to 2012. In the first three quarters of 2013 there were 16 private equity-related transactions worth US$1.2bn, while in the same period in 2012 there were 26 private equity-related transactions worth US$1.8bn.

•          There has been a marked rise in the value of deals originating from the Asia-Pacific region, increasing from a 13% share in deal value in 2006 to reach 56% by 2013.

Deal Drivers Africa is published by Mergermarket in collaboration with ENSafrica, Nedbank Capital and Ecobank. Based on interviews with 100 M&A practitioners operating in Africa, this report provides invaluable insight into the African M&A market from those who know it best.

To view the full report, please click here: http://mergermarketgroup.com/publication/deal-drivers-africa-2

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the Mergermarket Group.

The  tanzania  convention London  2013

 

 

UgandaHigh CommissionLondon

Uganda’s High Commissioner, H.E Prof Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda Presents Credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

H.E Prof Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Court of St James’s, formally presented her credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 20th November 2013.

H.E Prof Kikafunda, who arrived in London in mid July 2013, was accompanied at the ceremony by her spouse, Dr Joseph Kikafunda-Twine, and members of her diplomatic staff. The group were collected from the Chancery at Uganda House, Trafalgar Square by Her Majesty’s Marshall, Mr. Charles Gray and were ferried to Buckingham Palace on horse-drawn state landaus that have been used since 1872. Uganda being a member of the Commonwealth, the Carriage was drawn by 4 horses. 

Prof Kikafunda conveyed to the Queen the best wishes of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his government’s keen desire to promote the very strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between Uganda and the United Kingdom. They also discussed matters related to the High Commissioner’s assignment in the UK.

Following the ceremony, Prof Kikafunda hosted a Vin d’Honneur Reception at the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill that was attended by Her Majesty’s Director of Protocol and Vice-Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Ms Anna Clunes OBE, other British government officials, and heads of several missions and other diplomatic colleagues. The venue, The Churchill Hotel, was purposively selected as it was the great Winston Churchill who declared Uganda the ‘Pearl’ of Africa in early 1900s.

In her remarks, Prof Kikafunda highlighted the excellent relations that exist between Uganda and the United Kingdom and promised to take them to another level during her tour of duty. She stressed the fact that UK and Uganda are significant development partners. ‘To us in Uganda, United Kingdom is not just another foreign country, we have shared history and shared values’, she said. Her Excellency the High Commissioner identified her priorities for the bilateral relations as increasing further the robust bilateral economic ties, particularly on investment and trade; promoting stronger political cooperation and high-level interaction.