Volume 2 issue 14

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Malawi: a Place of SPectacular Natural exquiSiteNeSS

Good Luck Buhari

BAD LUCK JONATHAN

Buhari Wins in Nigeria, Beating Goodluck Jonathan

Former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari has become the first opposition candidate to win a presidential election in Nigeria. Gen Buhari

beat incumbent Goodluck Jonathan by more than 2.5 million votes, according to the final results. Mr. Jonathan telephoned his rival to acknowledge defeat. Gen Buhari's enthusiasts took to the streets to celebrate.

"I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word," Mr. Jonathan said in a statement. He said he had conveyed his "best wishes" to Mr. Buhari, and urged "those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process... in seeking redress". A spokesman for Gen Buhari's All Progressives Congress (APC) party praised Mr. Jonathan, saying: "He will remain a hero for this move. The tension will go down dramatically."

MozaMbique: the MoSt DyNaMic couNtry iN africa

coMeSa heads of

State at 18th Summit

Meet laurie, Miss South africa 2015!

DiviNe Naah keeN oN PlayiNg for ghaNa at u20 worlD cuP

WAssUpafrica02

A leader in end-to-end network management for actionable customer insights, has announced its working with an African telecommunications regulator to monitor the Quality of Service (QoS) of multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) in country.

“Typically, a telecommunications regulator has no way of determining the actual customer experience, or monitoring if the customer experience is improving or degrading,” says Darren Harding, CommProve VP of Sales for MEA. “This makes it very difficult to identify the QoS the MNOs subscribers are actually getting. And this is where CommProve can support both the regulator and the MNOs.”

The African regulator has deployed CommProve’s monitoring solution, CommProve GSP at each of the operator

CommProve Wins Strategic African Networking Monitoring Contract

sites. GSP feeds MNO network performance and customer experience information back to a centralised reporting system. This provides the telecommunications regulator with key performance indicators (KPIs) for every MNO, based on actual experience of every subscriber on the MNO, for the whole of the MNO network, 24 hours a day seven days a week. The insight is based on the actual calls or data sessions that the subscribers make, or try to make in the case of service failures.

Additionally, MNOs could

benefit from being able to use the data that is pertinent to their network only, to fault find and improve their own network performance thereby improving the QoS they provide to their end user subscribers.

The regulator is planning to make the network performance information for specific locations publicly available on their website. Adds Harding: “This is a great way for MNOs to demonstrate improved QoS and to attract new customers.”

African Herald Express

MasterCard launches e-payment for MSMEs

Global payment technology company, MasterCard, has introduced electronic payment system technology to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the country.

The company described the e-payment system as Nigeria’s first MSME-focused acceptance development programme that would extend the security and convenience of e-payments to merchants and their customers who previously depended on cash to transact.

To begin the programme, MasterCard said it was partnering First Bank of Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc to roll out hundreds of mobile Point of Sale devices to retailers.

The retailers, according to the technology company, are fast moving consumer goods outlets, grocers and leading online stores, allowing them to process debit, prepaid and credit card transactions by using a smartphone connected to a secure card reader.

A statement by MasterCard quoted its Vice-President and Area Business Head, West Africa, Omokehinde Ojomuyide, as saying, “The MSMEs are an important sector in our economy, representing 95 per cent of registered businesses in Nigeria. However, nearly 98 per cent of all the MSME transactions are still made with cash.”

“Using innovative payment technology, this programme will help the MSMEs reduce the costs of cash, increase sales, grow their customer base and improve cash flow, while making it easier and safer for their customers to pay.” The MPOS solution comprises a MPOS payments application and a physical card reader with a secure PIN pad for PIN entry that connects to the merchant’s smartphone using Bluetooth. According to the statement, the MPOS application negates the need for merchants to access a fixed data or telephone line, and helps them to overcome connectivity challenges as the devices use a range of data connectivity options including EDGE, 2G, 3G, and 4G.

It also said the services would enable merchants to grow their revenues and increase efficiencies.

“This programme uses smart technology that transforms mobile devices into tools of commerce, and delivers services that will benefit all stakeholders in the payments ecosystem. It also supports the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Cashless Nigeria policy, and will help this vital sector to connect more efficiently to the national and global economy,” she added.

Balancingact-Africa

AIG nominated for International Corporation of the Year Award

The Africa CEO forum is a high profile annual event for African Business leaders where awards are presented to deserving organisations operating across the continent.

This year, the third edition of the African CEO forum took place on the 16th and 17th of March, 2015 in Geneva, a city chosen for its cosmopolitan, multilingual environment and its flourishing financial center.

The award for the ‘International Corporation of the Year’, according to a press release by Aisha

Aburime, PR & Communications Associate at Jumia.com, one of AIG’s Companies, is won by an international corporation that has seen the strongest growth in its African operations in the recent period.

Africa Internet Group (AIG), less than 3 years from inception, was one of the nominees in this category that included Coca-Cola, AXA, Rio Tinto and Danone, who took home the award.

African Internet Group is the parent group of nine successful and fast-growing companies

operating in more than 25 African countries. Each company is focused on introducing and accelerating the shift to online within Africa - empowering its people as well as boosting the evolution of an African online culture.

AIG companies have rapidly become leaders in their respective industries, pioneering the African internet based growth story.

The AIG ventures include Jumia, Kaymu, Hellofood, Lamudi, Carmudi, Zando, Jovago, Lendico and Easy Taxi.

“We are very proud that AIG was nominated as the International Corporation of the Year. This is an amazing achievement standing shoulder to shoulder with the biggest brands in the world. We will continue to focus on excellent Customer experience and seamless logistics to make our business better while we continue to make history,” said Sacha Poignonnec, Co-CEO AIG.

Nigeria Communications Week

Sustainable Development of Air Transport in Africa

Tourism development of the Vanilla Islands is closely linked to air transportation. To take advantage of world tourism growth, air connectivity must be on the priorities list of the islands’ authorities.

A meeting on the sustainable development of air transport in Africa is taking place from March 25 to 27, 2015 in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Vanilla Islands is echoing the word of the Indian Ocean islands, especially on searching how to maximize the possible synergies between the airlines. The Vanilla Islands and Air Austral is leading the way in this regard, and they have already launched a pass to facilitate an inter-islands combination.

In the footpath of the Indian Ocean commission, Pascal Viroleau, the CEO of Vanilla Islands Organization, said: “It is now the time to extend this idea to the other Indian Ocean airlines and make the cooperation a winning strategy.

“I fully support the process of an Indian Ocean federation of airlines for the benefit of the population and for the tourists.”About the Vanilla Islands

The Vanilla Islands are the grouping of Comoros, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, and Reunion Island.

Eturbo News

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The APC won 15,424,921 votes and Mr. Jonathan's People's Democratic Party (PDP) gained 12,853,162 votes. Gen Buhari's victory is an enormously noteworthy moment in Nigeria's stormy history. Never before has a sitting president been defeated in an election.

The poll has once again brought to the surface hazardous religious and regional conflicts and there is still a threat of fierceness.

Nigeria has underwent several attacks by the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, which has killed thousands of people in its drive to institute an Islamic state. Many voters have said that they rely that Gen Buhari is better placed to defeat Boko Haram.

A military coup brought Buhari to power in late 1983, closing a

brief period of popular rule by Shehu Shagari. But Buhari himself was overthrown by another military coup in August 1985. His presidential win comes after four attempts at leadership since he was kicked out of power in 1985.

Buhari campaigned as a born-again democrat to dispel doubts about his strict military regime, while highlighting that Nigeria's security needs to be the next government's focus. His campaign was also viciously anti-corruption. He ran under the slogan of "new broom," and his supporters were often pictured holding brooms in the lead-up to the vote.

Despite glitches that saw some voting extended into a second day, and the killing of more than a dozen voters by Boko Haram fighters in the northeast, the election has been the smoothest since the end of military

Digital finance experts in Kenya say African users will increasingly benefit from the introduction of a money transfer service onto Facebook's instant messaging platform.

Facebook said that users on its social media and networking platform will now be able to send money to each other using its "more convenient and secure" money transfer service which it will offer for free.

Frederick Abot, the Cooperative Bank of Kenya's head of banking applications support, said the area of mobile money needed more players for users to enjoy more benefits.

"The more players jump into that space the better for customers. We hope to see more," said Abot.

Another Kenyan digital finance expert, Jacqueline Jumah, who is manager for strategic operations for digital finance at Microsave

With one of the lowest Internet penetration rates in West Africa, The Republic of Niger will now have the opportunity to leverage on the huge bandwidth capacity.

Phase3 Telecom has revealed plans to begin the deployment of an aerial fiber optic infrastructure from Kano in Nigeria to Gazaoua in the Republic of Niger. According to Phase 3 Telecom, the network will run from Kano state through Katsina state before arriving at Gazaoua. Phase3 also revealed that the cable will be 228 km long. While no solid completion date of the project was given, Phase3 stated that the project is expected to be completed in months to come.

According to Phase3, the Republic of Niger is a landlocked country that borders seven countries; Algeria, Republic of Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Libya, Mali, and Nigeria. The lack of backbone infrastructure between the Republic of Niger and its neighbors leaves Niger unable to fully enjoy the broadband advantage to its fullest.

Phase3 also stated that: “With one of the lowest Internet penetration rates in West Africa, the Republic of Niger will

Facebook money transfer to benefit African users

Phase3 Telecom to link Niger to Nigeria with aerial fibre

Kenya said "the customer benefits at the end of the day".

Other experts said the integration of mobile money and digital finance platforms with social media and instant messaging platforms was the next step in the revolution of digital finance and mobile money platforms, especially for the African region.

They said this was especially important for Africa's growing digitally connected population and highlighted that the region's low base in mobile penetration rate and smartphone usage provided scope for tapping into the area.

"People spend most of their time on instant messaging and social media platforms.

"Integrating banking and finance into that area will enhance usage and convenience which will give rise to adoption and further development," said another expert.

Facebook explained users must link their Visa or MasterCard debit cards to their Facebook accounts in order to access the money transfer service.

Balancingact-Africa

rule in 1999 - a factor that appears to have played a part in the outcome.

"There are probably lots of reasons why the PDP might have lost, but I think the key one is that the elections just haven't been rigged," said Antony Goldman, a business consultant with high-level contacts in Nigeria. "If you leave it to the Nigerian people they will be ready to make big decisions and to make Nigeria look something more like a conventional democracy."

The election was the most competitive presidential race ever in Nigeria, one of the largest democracies in the world. Now, if power is handed over peacefully, it will be a major shift for the nation - the first transfer between civilians of different parties in a country that has spent much of its post-colonial history shaken by military coups.

Since the end of military rule in 1999, Nigeria has been governed by a single, dominant party - Mr. Jonathan’s Peoples Democratic Party.

“Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian,” Mr. Jonathan said. “The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.”

It is “a giant leap for democracy in Nigeria and Africa, particularly at a time when many incumbents are trying to change their constitution to extend their legal term in office,” said Pierre Englebert, an African politics specialist at Pomona College.

“I am very, very happy,” said Salu Saleh Mohammed, 19, a student. “I love Buhari. He is good government and national security. He will draw

Representing Donald Kaberuka, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Vice-President and Special Envoy on Gender, underscored the commitment of the 19 Member States to Africa’s Economic Integration agenda. Focusing on the summit theme, Fraser-Moleketi noted that industrialization is a necessity for Africa’s transformation and intra-regional trade is stronger with value-added products. However very little progress has been registered in Sub-Saharan Africa’s quest to industrialize. “Africa needs reverse the de-industrialization trend towards a transformative

“Let’s join hands to push Africa’s transformation agenda in order to realize the continent’s potential as the world’s new growth pole” – Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, AfDB Special Envoy on Gender

The 18th Summit of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Authority of Heads of State opened at the Africa Union Commission Headquarters on Monday, March 30, 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, chaired by President Joseph Kabila Kabange of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who is also outgoing Chairperson of the COMESA Authority. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Inclusive and sustainable industrialization”.

COMESA Heads of State discuss inclusive and sustainable industrialisation at 18th Summit

agenda that generates employment, boosts intra-regional trade and economic growth,” she said.

To promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, the continent needs, first of all, to fund its own industrialization process and to pursue innovative ways to mobilize domestic resources to finance its industrialisation and development in general, she said.

The AfDB is supporting Africa’s industrialization by investing in infrastructure. Electricity is one of the biggest constraints in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Bank therefore allocates about 60% of its loans and grants to finance infrastructure projects (energy, transportation, ICTs and water). Moreover, through the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) the Bank has scaled up a number of infrastructure projects to bankable stage. It has also made regional integration one of its core operational priorities in the next 10 years to 2022.

The Summit, which is also referred to as the Authority, is the supreme policy organ of the COMESA and meets once a year. It is responsible for the general policy direction and control of the performance of the executive functions of the organization. During the Addis Summit, the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, took over the reins of COMESA Chairmanship from President Kabila.

AfDBnow have the opportunity to leverage on the huge bandwidth capacity, which is available at the Nigerian coast in Lagos through the Phase3 telecom aerial fiber network. This development will also widen the market for under-sea cable owners in Nigeria while enhancing broadband development in the Republic of Niger.”

This project is expected to enhance and solidify the objectives behind the Nigeria – Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) and the partnership/relationship between the two countries.

According to The Guardian, Chief Executive Officer, Phase3 Telecom, Stanley Jegede said the opportunities that the Internet delivers are critical to the acceleration of sustainable socio-economic inclusion and growth for the Republic of Niger.

Balancingact-Africa

Nigeria from bad government to government.”

Voters spoke habitually on corruption when clarifying why they cast their ballots for Mr. Buhari. As the results were being counted, there were fears - voiced notably by top British and American diplomats - that the government would interfere to block Mr. Buhari’s victory. The military had already interfered at least once in the election, when the country’s top security officers forced the electoral commission to delay the vote for six weeks. Those extra six weeks of campaigning and spending gave Mr. Jonathan time to mount a last-minute offensive against Boko Haram, with the disposition of South African mercenaries. The offensive reclaimed, for now, much of the territory Boko Haram had held in

the northeast. “We need change; people have

been tired for a very long time,” said Ibrahim Sanusi, 24, a civil servant who had joined the crowds outside the Emir’s Palace here Tuesday night. “People need to feel safer. After that, corruption and jobs. We need peace of mind. That is what the government must provide.”

“Yesterday, he was a soldier,” Mr. Sanusi said, dismissing Mr. Buhari’s authoritarian past, which occurred before he was born. “And now, we have elected him.”

With anger swelling over corruption, disparity and a devastating Islamist rebellion in the nation’s north, Nigerians by a wide margin have chosen a former general who once ruled with an iron hand to be their next president.

President Joseph Kabila Kabange of the Democratic Republic of Congo

mONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

countryOfTHeWeeK04

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Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa encircled by the Indian

Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. It is detached from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel to the east.

Mozambique is gifted with rich and extensive natural resources. The country's economy is based largely on agriculture, but industry, mainly food and beverages, chemical manufacturing, aluminum and petroleum production, is growing. The country's tourism sector is also growing. South Africa is Mozambique's main trading partner and source of foreign direct investment. Mozambique is a member of the African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, the Latin Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Southern African Development Community and an observer at La Francophonie.

Flourishing EconomyMozambique's economy

continued to be one of the most vibrant on the continent in 2013, with a 7% rate of real gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The key drivers of growth are foreign direct investment (FDI), dedicated mostly on the extractive sector, and growing public expenditure. The fastest growing sectors in 2013 were the extractive sector, driven by a boost in coal exports, and the financial sector powered by credit

expansion and amplified income, mostly positioned on urban areas.

Other dynamic sectors are construction, services, and transport and communication, generally connected with infrastructure development and very large-scale projects, known in Mozambique as mega-projects. The agriculture sector, employing 70% of the population, lacks the same economic dynamism, although it is growing at above 4%. Assuming a stable political environment, forecasts are positive for 2014 and 2015, with growth forecast to remain above 8%, supported by increased coal production, continued public investment and the forecast start of the introductory work for the multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant.

The country economic latent for enticing investment in agro-industry, agriculture, tourism, fishing and mining is massive. Projects such as Mozal, the Cahora Bassa Dam, Railway and Port Corridors and Tourism Facilities throughout the country have been adding meaningfully in placing Mozambique in the course of major regional and international investments.

MozaMbique aT a GLaNCe

Country Official Name: Republic of MozambiqueHead of State: President of the Republic, H.E. Mr. Armando Emílio GuebuzaCapital: MaputoDate of Independence: June 25, 1975Religions: Christian, Islam and othersGovernment: Unitary Presidential Constitutional Republic Total Area: 799.380 sq kmGDP: USD 15.355 BillionInflation Rate: 2.1%Population: 23.4 MillionLanguage: PortugueseExport Items: Aluminum, Prawns, Cashews, Cotton, Sugar, Citrus, Timber, Bulk ElectricityImport items: Machinery and Equipment, Vehicles, Fuel, Chemicals, Metal Products, Food Stuffs, TextilesClimate: Tropical to sub-tropical climate, with annual average temperature of 25ºC, and ample rainfall 6cm – 16cm, fertile soils.Main Economic Sectors: Agriculture & Agro Industry, Transport & Communication, Mineral Resources & Energy, Infrastructure & Construction, Tourism & Hospitality.Time Zone: CAT or (UTC+2)Currency: Mozambican Metical (MZN)Exports:$3.469 billionImports:$6.167 billion

Agriculture/ Agro processing Sector

Agriculture is one of the crucial sectors of Mozambique’s economy. Its latent is high mostly in the fertile northern regions. The significant cash crops in Mozambique include sugar, tobacco copra, cashew nuts, tea and cotton. The government heartens farmers to produce industrially convertible crops, such as jatropha and cane to be used in biodiesel. Several companies are by this time implementing such projects. The production of cereals and seeds are currently a top priority in the country. Food processing and nutrition constitute a vigorous challenge for the agricultural sector in Mozambique.

Fisheries SectorMozambique is a country with

countless fishing potentialities, derived from its coastal location, with a length of 2.750 kilometers and 200 miles off the coast of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

constituting 586,000 km of surface of ocean water masses, having a diversity of fishery resources. A great area of opportunity is the formation of processing industry. Additionally, there are few aquaculture firms, which have the potential of generating great revenues.

Industrial fishing and semi-industrial are the sub-sectors involved in commercial fishing

activities, whose production is mostly for the export market. Though, it is vital to note that the development strategy for the sub-sector of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture targets to increase production in these subsectors and create devices to add value to these products so that they access the international market as well as expand supply to the internal market, contributing to food security and nutrition of populations and improved living conditions.

Industry/ Manufacture Sector

The Major industrial units are located in the main corridors of Mozambique: Maputo, Beira and Nacala. In the last 10 years, a total of 130 new small and medium-sized units opened in the whole country, providing 125,000 jobs, mostly in the sectors of agro-industry, engineering and furniture. The textile and clothing sectors are a primacy in government’s strategy in the

creation of work opportunities. The government is inspiring

the companies to use the cotton produced locally to manufacture fabric. Under the same strategy, industries that settle in Mozambique obtain a full exemption from paying company taxation (IRPC) for 10 years and 50% in the subsequent 5 years.

Mining SectorThe mining sector of

Mozambique holds great latent. The country is a foremost electricity producer and an exporter of coal. Numerous foreign companies which hold exploration licenses for oil and gas and minerals, such as titanium, uranium and gold, are searching in the mineral-rich Tete and Sofala provinces.

Mozambique attracts part of the FDI inflows into Africa for the following reasons:

1. Political stability and the confidence of foreign investors in the country’s governance

system.2. The existence not only

of a national market but also of a regional (SADC) and international market (Mozambique is a member of the WTO and of other multilateral organizations and countries with which it trades)

3. The accessibility of resources, both natural and human, in addition to the relative abundance of the factor “land”.

4. The evidently defined macroeconomic policies that have backed to the auspicious economic growth of recent years.

MozambiqueTHE MOST DyNAMIC COUNTRy IN AFRICA

MONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

BusinessBUzz 05Etihad Airways, GTBank Sign Ticket Payment Agreement

CeBIT 2015: Huawei & SAP sign IoT development partnership

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently signed on Guaranty Trust Bank as its collecting bank. Passengers can now pay for their tickets conveniently via GTB’s internet banking platform or at any GTBank branches nationwide.

Announcing this recently in Lagos, Mrs. Wuraola Oduntan, general manager Etihad Airways,

TAG Heuer, Google and Intel have revealed a partnership to launch a Swiss smartwatch powered by Intel technology and Android Wear. The effort signifies a new era of collaboration between Swiss watchmakers and Silicon Valley, bringing together each company’s respective expertise in luxury watchmaking, software and hardware. Additionally, each company has a large presence in Africa.

The collaboration was made official at Baselworld, during a press conference held on Thursday 19th March at the TAG Heuer booth.

Jean-Claude Biver, President of the Watch Division LVMH Group and CEO of TAG Heuer, David Singleton, Director of Engineering for Android Wear, and Michael Bell, Corporate Vice President and

At CeBIT 2015, which is currently being held in Germany, Huawei revealed an expanded partnership with SAP in order to establish joint innovation efforts in Shenzhen, China and Walldorf, Germany.

The agreement focuses on establishing a technical collaboration between SAP and Huawei, and to advance research on the Internet of Things (IoT) to provide new products to market.

The initial stage of the collaboration will focus on developing agile manufacturing, smart energy and transportation products with SAP HANA Cloud Platform. This encompasses hardware and connected equipment integration, and applications and analytics tools integration, respectively.

The two companies have previously collaborated on SAP HANA running on SAP-certified Huawei hardware and joint contact centre, big data, smart cities and bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives. As part of the extended partnership, the companies will work on integrating Huawei’s ICT infrastructure and connectivity

expressed, “we are delighted about the new development which enables our intending guests to

General Manager of Intel’s New Devices Group, joined each other on stage.

The aim of the partnership is to create a product that is both luxurious and seamlessly connected to its wearer’s daily life a culmination of innovation, creativity and design from Silicon Valley in California and the Watch Valley in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

“As we work to enable technology experiences that provide greater utility and value to people, Intel is confident that a collective approach will inspire new innovation in wearable

technology. The collaboration with TAG Heuer and Google brings us closer to realizing the vision of wearable technology with a distinctive smartwatch that elevates the category,” remarked Michael Bell, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s New Devices Group.

IT News

TAG Heuer, Google & Intel reveal Smartwatch Collaboration

Liquid Telecom invests USD 400,000 into KilifiLiquid Telecom is set to invest $400,000 in Internet infrastructure that will see Kilifi County in Kenya opened up for interconnectivity for businesses and the county government premises.

According to the firm, this is part of its $50m investment in partnerships with counties in Kenya. So far, Liquid Telecom has seen 39 of Kenya’s 47 counties benefit from data connectivity. The move will see 11 ministries in Kilifi connected on a 10-kilometre Wide Area Network (WAN) via fibre optics, two other ministries connected via microwave and four remote sites connected on very small aperture terminal (VSAT). Kilifi will thus enjoy first-in-class Internet connection as well as reliable and affordable access to the Internet necessary for the delivery of services to the public, including a revenue collection system that the county plans to upgrade. In addition, the

county’s prominence as a tourism hub is expected to attract investment by entities that view fibre connectivity as a major enabler of business.

Paul Statham, Chief Commercial Officer, Liquid Telecom Kenya stated that: “The role that Internet connectivity plays in bettering the economic prospects of a region has been seen all around the world, in Africa and beyond. As we venture into Kilifi, we seek to facilitate the opening up of the county to new business opportunities, and also enable Kenyans in Kilifi access to government services enjoyed by residents of Kenya’s cities.”

One of the major benefits of Internet connectivity is employment creation. Senegal, for example, is predicted to create approximately 240,000 new jobs in 2015 through the improvement of Internet infrastructure, as the Internet’s contribution to GDP rises to 3.3 per

cent, placing it at par with Japan, US and Malaysia in terms of Internet contribution to GDP, according to McKinsey and Company. In Kenya, Internet connectivity contributes to 2.9 per cent of GDP.

The installation process in Kilifi County will employ 30 staff with additional roles being created for maintenance of the infrastructure and wireless network in the county. The project is expected to be completed in four months, after which Liquid Telecom plans to undertake similar installations in Meru, Kisumu, Migori and Kisii counties.

“We are still on course to having all the counties in Kenya connected. This way, investment and development are no longer confined to the cities but is also channeled to, and felt, across the whole of Kenya for the benefit of all,” concluded Paul Statham.

IT News

products with the SAP HANA Cloud Platform, SAP applications and analytic tools.

William Xu, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Huawei, revealed that: “Huawei values our win-win partnerships with SAP, a global leader in enterprise applications and software. Together, we are striving to develop a model of China-Europe cooperation. Following the two companies’ collaboration on SAP HANA running on SAP-certified Huawei hardware, joint contact center, big data, smart cities and bring your own device (BYOD), the establishment of the SAP-Huawei joint innovation efforts and partnership on Industry 4.0 and IoT is marking a new milestone for our strategic alliance.”

Bernd Leukert, member of the Executive Board, SAP SE, Products & Innovation, followed on by saying that: “Huawei and SAP complement each other: Huawei offers extensive experience in ICT infrastructure while SAP, amongst others, focuses on the development of an open platform and enterprise software. Our collaboration will be based on SAP HANA Cloud Platform to create value for our customers in the era of Industry 4.0 and IoT. We believe that technological collaborations that integrate our companies’ expertise will enable us to create enriched enterprise solutions and bring even greater value to customers in China, Europe and emerging markets.”

IT News

make reservations and payments online easily, we continuously think of the most convenient methods for our guests to purchase tickets without undergoing any hassle.”

Oduntan added that, it is easy and very convenient to use. “All you need is a Passenger’s name, booking reference (PNR), travel dates, valid email address and telephone numbers then your e-ticket will be sent to you once payment has been completed,” she said.

Nigeria Communications Week

mONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

fRANKLY sPeaKinG06

By kirit soBti, editor, [email protected]

The Giant of Africa, Nigeria is the most populous country in the continent. In 2014, Nigeria's economy (GDP) became the largest in Africa,

worth more than $500 billion, and surpassed South Africa to become the world's 21st largest economy. Additionally, the debt-to-GDP ratio is only 11 percent (8 percent below the 2012 ratio). By 2050, Nigeria is anticipated to become one of the world's top 20 economies. The country's oil reserves have played a foremost role in its mounting affluence and influence. Nigeria is well thought out to be an evolving market by the World Bank and has been acknowledged as a regional power in Africa.

If Nigeria plays its cards right, it could become Africa’s only global superpower. It already has the continent’s biggest economy, a huge military budget and a fair show of regional rendezvous. By 2040 it will also be the fourth largest country in the world after India, China and the United States. Nigeria is certainly Africa’s biggest, with enormous reserves of hydrocarbons, a striking market of 170 million people and a fast-growing services sector.

According to a new research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), it shows that out of Africa’s “Big Five” powerful countries

- Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria and Ethiopia - Nigeria is “the African country with by far the greatest capabilities” to play a global role.

The selection of the Big Five is grounded on the demographic, economic and military size of these countries, as well as their historical role as regional leaders, says the ISS. Nigeria has also become the region's top destination for Foreign Direct Investment, with influxes now no longer just determined on the oil and gas industry.

South Africa is the only African member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the G20, but it is not anticipated to cultivate in power and influence internationally and in Africa. Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Executive Director of the ISS and one of the co-authors of the report, says South Africans occasionally have the imprudent impression that the country is a big military power and plays a major role in peacekeeping in Africa.

Spending on defence has, nevertheless, been drastically reduced, as shown in the recent defence review. It contributes fewer peacekeepers to United Nations missions than Ethiopia, Egypt and Nigeria.

It’s worth to highlight that Abia State in Nigeria has several large-scale enterprises including the Nigeria Breweries, Golden Guinea Breweries, Aba Textile mills and International Glass Industries. This state is known as the “Japan of Africa” because of its strong small-scale artisans industries - industries that attract foreign buyers from all over the world.

“In fact, Algeria is spending the most on its military, Ethiopia is the major peacekeeper on the continent and Egypt has the biggest diplomatic power,” says Cilliers. South Africa’s economy is not expected to

KAlu AbosI Investment Expert

olIsA Metuh PDP National Publicity Secretary

In times of falling prices of crude oil, Nigerian experts have acknowledged technology as the key factor to simplify the development of the Nigerian economy. Technology will help broaden the Nigerian economy and avert its reliance on crude oil.

This agreement was arrived at during the Signal Alliance Customer Week Workshop, which was organized in Lagos recently. The workshop was held in conjunction with Cisco.

All stakeholders of the Nigerian economy need to work together to build a conducive ecosystem for business both new and old. A business environment that will support start-ups in setting up investment institutions from seed funding to technology backed private equity, and promote incubators and accelerators. Moreover, there is a need to diversify government mechanism in order to support indigenous technology like the Federal Ministry of Communications and Technology, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigerian (SMEDAN).

The need also arises for the consumption of local technology. This can be done by strict implementation of local content law, and the standardization of local technology products to enable them to compete in global markets, the experts suggested.

Chief Executive Officer of Signal Alliance, Mrs. Adanma Onuegbu, said: “We are quite satisfied with the outcome of the conversations that took place, considering the challenge the Nigerian economy is currently facing due to fall in global oil prices, exchange rate collapse, and uncertainty surrounding the elections. This is compounded by the fact that Nigeria is largely an import-based and a mono-product economy.”

The theme of the workshop was ‘Diversification and Innovation: A technology Roadmap to Grow Nigeria Economy’ and it was attended by business leaders in the public and private sectors, technology leaders, entrepreneurs and media.

The annual Signal Alliance Customer Week is a major event in Nigeria, with the workshop being one of the major activity during the week. Apart from that, the week also encompasses activities customer visitations across the country, corporate social responsibility programs in Lagos and Abuja and customer appreciation event.

Signal Alliance has remained a top class IT service provider, and an end-to-end system integrator, that has grown over the years, with strategic partnership with major global industry players like Microsoft, Cisco, CA Technologies, Polycom and Systems Application and Products (SAP).

Technology Serves as Savior of Nigerian Economy

Amidst the challenging economy, Nigeria’s foreign direct investment still remains the third highest in Africa... Growth in the economy will continue even if at lower than forecast rates, if government adopts reduced cost of governance by cutting wastes and fighting corruption.

Nigeria’s military spending has, for instance, augmented vividly, with an additional budget of $1-billion approved last year

grow nearly as much as the rest of Africa.Population progressions are much higher

elsewhere on the continent, predominantly in Nigeria, where it is expected to grow from 170-million to 320-million by 2040.

“South Africans don’t appreciate the huge size of Nigeria’s economy,” says Cilliers. Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow from $525-billion in 2014 to $4.2-trillion by 2040. Added to South Africa’s miseries are “legitimacy problems on the continent”.

Sense that South Africa speaks more than listens“South Africa can be heavy-handed when it comes

to diplomacy and there is a sense that South Africa speaks more than it listens in Africa,” says Cilliers.

The ISS concludes that of the Big Five, South Africa and Ethiopia are “punching above their weight”, while Nigeria and Algeria are “punching below” theirs.

Egypt is punching above its weight internationally - it has a very strong voice in the Middle East - but low in Africa. The presence of Ethiopia in the Big Five is divisive because it is, according to the ISS, “an authoritarian and repressive state” and in 2014 had the 11th lowest GDP per capita in Africa. However, it is growing fast and has become “a poster child for development in Africa”. It hosts the headquarters

of the African Union and is the largest African contributor to UN peace missions.

Algeria is also not living up to its potential given that it has by far the biggest military in Africa.

Nigeria, troubled principally by domestic problems of governance and insecurity, is also

under-performing. Nigeria’s military spending has, for instance, augmented vividly, with an additional budget of $1-billion approved last year, but this has all been earmarked for the fight against Boko Haram.

Large-scale attacks, counting the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls last year, has taken its toll on local businesses in the poverty-stricken northern states, where the terrorist group has gained most ground. Nevertheless, its remarkable growth has been somewhat checked in the last 12 months by the threat of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

Presently, the three northern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe are under a state of emergency due to the increasing violence.

“Nigeria is the only power with the potential to be globally significant but it does not have a coherent foreign policy and its massive security and governance issues are detracting from this potential,” he says.

South Africa, on the other hand, has made this transition and has many attributes that make it a worthy representative of Africa on the world stage, says Cilliers. But, if the status quo prevails, South Africa will lose its place in pole position. Angola and Morocco are significant players on the continent with huge economies, but Angola is a “purely resource-driven economy” with huge inequalities and lack of democracy, while Morocco is not a member of the AU.

Today all eyes are on Nigeria who should demonstrate its strength and capability to the whole world.

With the huge investment in power and road infrastructure, the return of the railways and inland waterways ferrying millions of passengers and tonnes of goods across the country; the repositioning of the aviation industry, the rapid expansion in the telecommunication sector; the unequalled investment in agriculture; the future of Nigerian businesses is secure.

NIGERIA SHOULD PLAy ITS CARDS RIGHT

MONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

traVeL&TOURism 07

Here tourists will discover the African Great Lake of Lake Malawi in the Great Rift Valley system, projected to be

between 40,000 and two million years old. It is the third largest and second deepest lake in Africa and occupies a fifth of Malawi with its vibrant tropical waters pouring with more fish species than any other lake on Earth.

Adjoining the lake is Lake Malawi National

Park, the world’s first freshwater national park and a World Heritage Site. Innumerable thousands of freshwater fish, the mbuna, are more lavish and diverse here than anywhere else in the world. Boats can be rented and the fish feed right from one’s hand.

Away from the lake, there are baboons, antelope, and hyrax, as well as almighty birdlife, and the lake this extends boundless opportunities for sporting activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba-diving. The lake encompasses a number of small islands, all located in “Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” and even though well-preserved in their natural state, some of them have been settled for eco-tourism.

Malawi’s largest park, Nyika National Park, has got to be one of the most outstanding destinations in Africa. It is a heaven of flowers, counting ground orchids, proteas, irises, and is home to vast herds of eland, the largest of the antelope. Horseback safaris are untaken here, and there is no ecstasy like that of riding

MalawiA Place of Spectacular Natural Exquisiteness

» Malawi is known as “The Warm Heart of Africa”.

» Lake Malawi is the ninth largest lake in the world.

» Malawi is a Twitcher’s paradise.

» Malawi is about half the size of the United Kingdom and one fifth is covered by Lake Malawi.

» ‘Matolas’ (single-cab pick-up trucks) are the main modes of public transport in Malawi.

through a ruck of zebra or roan antelope. The eastern edge of the plateau takes

form of the wall of the Great Rift Valley where visitors could hire a mountain bike or hike all the way down to Livingstonia, which is the best way to apprise Nyika’s scale without overlooking its delicate detail. Positioned within a cluster of timbered hills high up against the plateau of central Malawi is the richest concentration of Chongoni rock art in Central Africa. This tradition of farmer rock art, as well as paintings by BaTwa hunter-gatherers who occupied the area from the late Stone Age can be found in where Chewa agriculturalists’ ancestors lived here from the late Iron Age and practiced rock painting well into the 20th century.

Resting east of Blantyre are the unembellished rock flanks of the mountain tower known as Mount Mulanje. There is a great deal of wildlife, from the klipspringer a tiny antelope to various other small mammals and, of course, a large variety of birds. Visitors can drive around the entire foot of the mountain in a day or experience it more closely by climbing and camping on the slopes, taking moderately gentle walks or attempting some more demanding climbs. Camping equipment and the services of a guide can also be hired.

Lake Malawi

Nyika National Park

Rift Valley

mONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

TALKiNGtecHnoLoGy08

The 2nd West Africa Oil & Gas Security Summit, organised by global Summits organiser IRN, and taking place on 10-11th June 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria, will assess the technical innovations and effective management techniques for the protection of pipeline networks.

London (PRWEB UK) 11 March 2015 - Combating oil theft and pipeline vandalism has become one of Nigeria’s top priorities as the country holds the highest number of vandalised oil pipelines in the world, according to the Minister of Power. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recently reported that pipeline vandalism has complicated the free flow of their petroleum products and crude supply in its pipeline system, leading to a colossal cost of over N174.57 billion within the last 10 years.

Presently, the Federal Government is investing in the development of digital

surveillance cameras to monitor the pipelines as well as the deployment of security agents with the final objective of securing its oil and gas infrastructure and allowing Nigeria to benefit from its massive oil and gas assets.

The 2nd West Africa Oil & Gas Security Summit, organised in a timely manner by global Summits organiser IRN, and taking place on 10-11th June 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria, will assess the technical innovations and effective management techniques for the protection of pipeline networks. The high profile audience from across the whole West Africa region will also learn how to enhance their company’s security strategy to prevent oil theft and will evaluate the challenges around disaster and crisis management for the oil and gas industry.

Some other West African oil and gas security issues that will be raised and examined include:• Security for the oil sector in

Nigeria’s post-election period• Terrorism as a challenge for

energy security• Managing and mitigating the

threat of kidnap for ransom in West Africa

• Overview of the latest security technologies for offshore installations

• Business travel security duty of care for your employees in high risk regions

• Internal investigations for misconduct and criminal activities

• Lessons to be learned for pandemic crisis management from an oil company’s response to the Ebola crisis

• Enhancing your security strategy to prevent theft and petty criminal activity within the workplaceMore information can

be found on the website www.waoilgassecurity.com

The official Twitter hashtag to join the discussion is #WAOGS.

HALTING PIPELINE vANDALISM AND OIL THEFT: NIGERIA IS LOOKING FORWARD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE

MONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

trysOmeTHiNGNeW 09uPCOMING

Don't let the choice that you didn't make weigh you down.

tHougHt oFtHe WeeK

Tedx Accra

It is organized by the Ted Conferences Llc. The conference will cover areas like to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED like experiences.

Date: 11 April, 2015 Venue: National Theatre, Accra, Ghana

Kenya Trade Show

It is one of the premier exhibition for household consumable industry in Nairobi. The event will attract many visitors from different parts of the globe and more than 20 countries will participating in the trade show. Kenya Trade Show 2015 is estimated to attract over 6, 500 visitors within and outside the country.

Date: 11-13 April, 2015 Venue: Sarit Center, Nairobi, Kenya

Corporate Offshore Investment Mauritius

In response to an increasing awareness of the importance of Mauritius, and in light of the recent DTA agreements coming into effect in 2015, now and in the future, together with its role within the global financial market, we are delighted to announce the Offshore Investment Mauritius 2015, Market Briefing which will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 14 and 15 April 2015. This event is specifically designed for corporates looking to establish or have established Mauritius as their financial centre for Africa business expansion.

Date: 14th-15th April 2015 Venue: The Faircity Quatermain Hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa

10th Next Generation Telecoms Africa Summit

Across the telecom sector network evolution and management is becoming ever more important as rising demand places capacity under greater strain. Attending executives will be debating the impact that new technologies and processes are having in this area, and what effect they will have on the future of the telecoms industry.

Date: 14th - 16th April 2015 Venue: Sheraton Pretoria Hotel, South Africa

IBTM Africa

ibtm africa is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet for business adventures across Africa. When businesses connect at ibtm africa, great things happen. Connections mean everything.This highly targeted event offers an exclusive opportunity for African exhibitors to connect and engage with top level international decision makers during three days of face-to-face business meetings and networking.

Date: 13-15 April, 2015 Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa

Whole marinated fish With nsima & ujeni ndiWo

integrity of heart health, but it was only recently that experts began intensive studies on these claims. The findings, although still not absolutely definitive on how raisins reduced blood pressure, did show a positive correlation between reduced hypertension and consumption of raisins. Many of the nutrients packed into raisins are beneficial, but experts believe that it is the high level of potassium in raisins that helps with this condition.

Diabetes: In a number of studies, raisins have been shown to lower the postprandial insulin response, which means that after eating a meal, raisins can help the spikes or plunges in insulin levels that can be so dangerous to patients with diabetes. It modulates the sugar absorption by the body, making it more even and stable, reducing the chance of health complications or emergencies for those suffering from both major types of diabetes.

Anemia: Raisins contain a considerable amount of iron which directly helps in the treatment of anemia. It also contains many members of the vitamin-B complex

health benefits of Raisins1. I'm lost

Je suis perdu

2. Can I help you?

Puis-je vous aider?

3. Can you help me?

Peux-tu m'aider?

Pouvez-vous m'aider? (polite)

4. Where is the (bathroom/

pharmacy)?

Où sont les toilettes?

Où est la pharmacie?

5. Go straight!

then turn left/ right! Allez tout

droit! Puis prennez à gauche/

droite!

6. I'm looking for john.

Je cherche John.

7. one moment please!

Un moment s'il vous plaît.

8. hold on please! (phone)

Un moment s'il vous plaît /

Ne raccrocher pas!

handy French

The Global President & CEO, Sandvik Asia Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Olof Faxander calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on April 01, 2015

pICtuRe oF the WeeK

The White and Blue Nile rivers run through Sudan and merge at Khartoum, becoming the Nile River before flowing into Egypt.

ingredients

For the fish• 1whole 500-600 g fish (snapper or

bream work well)• 1 tbspolive oil• 2 tbspchilli sauce

Constipation: When ingested, raisins swell because the fiber present in has shrunk in a raisin’s dried form, but it will begin to swell due to the body’s natural fluids. This adds bulk to the food moving through the intestinal tract and ultimately helps provide relief from constipation. Besides reducing constipation, raisins can also help to stop loose stools, again by absorbing the liquid of loose stools and reducing the frequency and unpredictability of diarrhea.

Weight Gain: Raisins, like all dried fruits, are very good tools for gaining weight in a healthy way, since they are full of fructose and glucose and contain a lot of potential energy. Raisins form an ideal part of a diet for athletes or body builders who need powerful boosts of energy or for those who want to put on weight without accumulating unhealthy amounts of cholesterol. Raisins also stimulate the efficient absorption of other proteins, vitamins, and nutrients gained from food, which improves your overall energy and immune system strength.

hypertension: For many years, some people have believed that raisins have the power to reduce blood pressure and protect the

that are essential for the formation of new blood. The high copper content in raisins also helps the formation of red blood cells.

Fever: Phenolic Phytonutrients, well known for their germicidal, antibiotic and antioxidant properties, are abundantly present in raisins and can help cure fevers by fighting viral and bacterial infections.

eye Care: Raisins contain polyphenolic phytonutrients which have antioxidant properties. These phytonutrients are very good for ocular health, as they protect eyes from the damage caused by free radicals (oxidants).

• 25 gbutter• salt and pepper, to taste Ujeni ndiwo

• 1small onion, chopped• 1 tbspolive oil• ½ cupwater• 1tomato, chopped• 2 cupsof greens of your choice (spinach,

kale, cabbage, mustard leaves, bean leaves all work well)

• 1small knob of ginger• edible flowers, to garnish (optional)• salt, to taste

direction���Place fish in deep oval dish and pour

over chilli sauce, olive oil and lemon juice. Rub marinade in to both sides of the fish and cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

��30 minutes before you want to cook the fish, plac e four cups of vegetable stock in a saucepan and heat until lukewarm.

Slowly sprinkle over the maize flour in ½ cup batches using a whisk to stir quickly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a thick porridge-like consistency. Stir through butter, cover and set aside.

��Once finished marinating, remove fish from fridge, place on large sheet of aluminum foil and pour over any excess marinade remaining in the dish. Wrap fish up in to a parcel making sure to fold up any edges upwards in order to keep the marinade locked in. Place foil parcel on the grill part of the barbecue on medium heat and cook for around 5-10 minutes each side with the hood down (this could vary slightly depending on your barbecue).

��While fish is cooking place onions, ginger and oil in a deep pan or wok and cook until just softened (not limp). Add greens and pour over water, continuously stirring the mixture until

• juice of half a lemon• 1red chilli, finely chopped• small handful of coriander, roughly

torn Nsima

• 4 cupsvegetable stock• 1½ cupsmaize flour (see Note)

Raisins are irreplaceable as a healthy member of the dry fruits category. These golden, green or black delicacies are favorites of almost everyone, particularly children. Raisins are widely used in cultural cooking around the world (especially in desserts), and are also added to health tonics, snacks and compact, high-energy food supplements for mountaineers, backpackers, and campers.

mONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

THefasHionistas10

Shatta Wale Makes Ghana Proud Once Again

Advertisement please email to

[email protected] call at

+91 8595166674+91 9350564995

To book your

On Saturday, March 28, history was made at Dance Afrique, London concert when multiple award-winning dancehall act, Shatta Wale, evergreen Awilo Longomba, P Square, Flavour among other acts thrilled, rocked, mesmerized, electrified thousands of music lovers who thronged the famous Wembley Arena for the 2015 London Dance Afrique Concert.

Powered by Infotech and Solution Media, comedian Eddie Kadi and actress Funke Akindele were the MCs on the night, whilst BBC 1 Xtra Afrobeats anchorman, DJ Edu as well as Capital 1 Xtra superstar, DJ Abrante were the men behind the wheels of steel.

All the acts that mounted the stage gave off their best, but one act who took the much packed arena by storm was Ghanaian multiple award-winning dancehall act, Shatta Wale. Wale strut his stuff and kept the energy of the crowd at an all time high as he performed a catalogue of hits that proved so infectious that people couldn’t stay

Genius Creative Group Set To Launch New Record label On April, 13 Genius Creative Group Set to Launch New Record label On April 13

Creative Media Merchants 'The Genius Creative Group' are set to launch a New Record Label ' Genius Music ' this April.

Genius Music's Official Launch will be an exclusive Private Red carpet, Pool side music concert / party of a lifetime which is strictly by invitation.

The Mini Carnival Event Will feature Music, Dance, Comedy, and lots of freebies with Over 40 Top and fast Rising Lasgidi Artistes

person to see a little bit of themselves in me. Being an inspiration and a beacon of hope is what I strive for. I want each person to look at me and remember that one can be as great as you want to be. If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination and the dedication you can achieve anything.”

Laurie is a B.Com graduate from Eldorado Park. She also thanked her mentor, Tatum Keshwar for her advice.

She has won prizes worth R2 million apart from a car and some cash. Sponsor Cell C has also given her R 200,000 to spend on random acts of kindness.

The crowing of Miss South Africa saw the presence of many celebrities from the fashion world including former Miss South Africa title holders Rolene Strauss, Anneline Kriel and Penny Coelen Ray along with Adele Kruger, who was crowned Miss South Africa in 1957.

Meet Laurie,The new Miss South Africa was crowned

at a sparkling event held at the Sun City Superbowl. Liesl Laurie was crowned

as the new Miss SA, while Refilwe Mthimunye from Bronkhorstspruit and Ntsiki Mkhize from Kliprivier, Midvall were crowned the 1st and 2nd Princess respectively.

The excited and radiant Laurie, in her acceptance speech said, “I am ready for the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders. Taking on the title of Miss South Africa, I look forward to exploring our beautiful country, to see its beautiful landscape but most importantly to connect with its people. I am proud to stand here as an ambassador of South Africa and my fellow South Africans.”

“My legacy would be to be a Miss South Africa for South Africans, for the people. I want every

to Thrill the Crowd on the Mainland of Lagos. The Event Will be holding at the prest igious B r a i n f i e l d Event Centre, Lagos on April the 13th 2015, and Time: 2pm ( P r o m p t , No African Time).

About Genius MusicGenius Music is a new Nigerian

independent label headed by consortium of Entertainment professionals and music industry insiders.

Genius Music is a subsidiary of the Genius Creative Group, a creative media company based in Lagos Nigeria which specializes in Music Production, Short Film Production, Web and software Development, Talent Management,

Clothing, Animation and Graphic Design, Entertainment and events.

Genius Music Ng is a label set up with the sole aim of portraying Nigerian music to the world from a whole different dimension and the promotion of high quality music worthy of international recognition across all modern genre’s, the branding, development and promotion of the next generation of Nigerian Music legends . Our goal is to help as many raw talents as we can to further music careers, pushing them to the extreme limits, providing them the right opportunities to help develop their craft/musicianship regardless of the Genre they represent.

Genius music is a label established by artistes for artistes and is committed to developing a world class label environment for both upcoming and mainstream music at the highest possible level, delivering the best music to every Nigerian music loving community in the world.

Modern Ghana

still. Indeed his performance on the night was just one of a kind.

What kept surprising was that, the crowd was mixed with people of all ages and all backgrounds, all whining their waists and singing along to Shatta Wale’s hit songs from ‘dancehall king’ and ‘you can't touch me’ to ‘dancehall commando’. Shatta Wale’s delivery was just a stand out one. No wonder since Saturday, various social media platforms have been buzzing with Wale's performance.

Intermittently, Shatta Wale

kept reminding the crowd that he was from Ghana as he kept mentioning the name ‘Ghana’ through and through. Well done, Shatta Wale, Big ups for making us all proud.

Dance Afrique Concert is more or less a concert which is aimed at celebrating the rich diversity of African culture, and not any artiste from Africa can mount that stage. It was an exceptionally sold out concert, check out the pics below courtesy Michael Tubes Creation.

Modern Ghana

Miss South Africa 2015!

MONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

sPorts2WATCH 11

Rising Ghanaian star Divine Naah says he is keen on playing at the FIFA U20

World Cup in New Zealand.The 18-year-old was unable

to join the Black Satellites for the African Youth Championships for reasons believed to be linked to his club commitments at NAC Breda where he is on loan from Manchester City.

Naah is however widely considered to be one of the foreign-based players needed to strengthen Sellas Tetteh's team for the World Cup later this year.

And the young midfield

young midfield gem Divine Naah keen on playing for Ghana at U20 World Cup

Malik Jabirr aspires to be the Midfield General

Ruzigura, Shimwa are 2015 national chess champsgem says he is very much eager to be part of Ghana's team at tournament to be staged in New Zealand.

“Yes, it [the U20 World Cup] is still something I'm looking forward to,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“It's one of my dreams as well.“I am now focusing on helping

NAC Breda finish well in the league but I would love to play at the World Cup as well.”

Naah appears to have broken into the NAC Breda first team ever since making his debut late last month.

Modern Ghana

He may carry on his shoulders one of the established names in Ghana football but this 19 year old youngster is not fancied by the huge task that comes with this and, is determined to go down in history as one of the very best that graced the pitch.

Attacking midfielder, Malik Jabirr has been making wakes on the local scene steadily, and it seems it's only a matter of time before he grows to become a top ball player in Ghana and beyond.

Alexis Ruziguraand Marie Faustine Shimwa emerged this year’s male and female national chess champions at the SOS Hermann Gmeiner Technical High School in Kagugu. Ruzigura of Eagles Chess Club (ECC) scored six points at the end of a seven-round Swiss system National Chess Championship played over two successive week-ends and it attracted 14 contestants. He won six games and lost one game to Godfrey Kabera also from ECC, who finished second with five points. Eric Maina, ECC Vice President, said: “We are

so happy about our members’ performance and wish them the best in the next competitions. We want the other players in our club to learn from them so that in case of a national club competition, we lift all trophies.”

In the women category, Shimwa, a second year Electronics and Telecommunication engineering student at the University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology, won all her games in the three-round ladies tournament. Five female players participated.

“As Faustine (Shimwa) won all her three games, I noted that her performance has considerably improved and this is good for Rwanda Chess,” said Rwanda Chess Federation (Ferwade) vice president, Kevin Ganza.

The two qualified to represent Rwanda in the Zone 4.2 Chess Championship to be held in Kampala in April. Zone 4.2 comprises Rwanda, Egypt, Somalia, Sudan, the Seychelles, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Ethiopia.

New Times

division campaign has ended.But the player has stepped up

his training as he looks forward to the opening of the second transfer window in the second tier competition and is eager to impress as he looks to fulfil his true potential -an aspiration that once saw him being dubbed a future “Midfield General”.

He has pace, stamina, good dribbling ability a good passer and crosser of the ball and shoots with both feet qualities that can only be associated with legends of the game.

Jabirr has Ghana's former captain Stephen Appiah as his role model and also looks up to Spanish and Barcelona icon Andreas Iniesta for inspiration and hopes their success on the pitch goes to shape his promising career to greater heights and make good of the name that his carries.

Modern Ghana

The player is currently on the books of Ghanaian premiership side, Accra Great Olympics with his deal with the Wonder Club set to expire at the end of this season.

Prior to the start of this campaign, he was loaned out to division one outfit Real Tamale United (RTU) but had to pull out of the deal after the northern club could not meet his expectations.

Jabirr is back in Accra where it all started for him a decade ago as a juvenile player.

He joined Olympics from juvenile (colt's) club Dynamic FC of Nungua in 2008, and, was part of the squad that qualified the club back into the premiership at the end of last season.

He is looking up to another loan move during the second transfer window of the division one league now that he cannot be registered to play for his mother club as registration for the elite

mONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015

eNCOUNTeR WitH eDitor12

Owner / Publisher / Editor: Mr. Kirit Sobti from 3rd Floor, Plot No. 3, Block PSP-IV, Service Centre Opp. Sector-11 (Extn.), Rohini, Delhi-85Printed at LIPEE SCAN PVT. LTD. 89 DSIDC SHED Okhala Phase 1, New Delhi

As the Ambassador of Zimbabwe, put some light on the mounting India-Zimbabwe bilateral relations and what endeavors have been made to further foster these relations?

Let me begin by expressing my gratitude to your magazine for being one of the few publications in India which is fully committed to African issues. This helps not only to promote the continent in India but also brings Africa closer to the Indian people. The economic cooperation that arises as a result of the publicity your magazine gives leads to the socio-economic advancement of both our people. Let me once again say thank you for affording me the opportunity to speak to the Indian people through your publication at such an early stage of my arrival in India. I only arrived early December last year and presented my credentials on the 16th of January.

All my predecessors since Zimbabwe opened its Mission in India have endeavoured to foster good economic and political relations between India and Zimbabwe. I intend to continue on the same path. As you are aware, the relationship between our two countries is both in the bilateral and multilateral context. On the bilateral level, the political side is excellent regardless of which party is in government in India. It is the economic side that we need to focus more on. Zimbabwe ratified the BIPPA (Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement) in June last year. We hope that this move will further encourage Indian investors to see Zimbabwe as their destination of choice. Our two countries are now regularly holding the Joint Trade Committee Meetings to iron out any challenges facing business interactions and to come up with new strategies to boost our economic cooperation. My desire is to see our two countries finally holding the Joint Bilateral Commission. It is unfortunate that we have not held any session for some time. I am happy to note the growing linkages we are having on the diamond sector and our shared views within the Kimberley Process. Zimbabwe also continues to benefit from India’s assistance in developing its human resource capacity through scholarships offered on both short and long term basis.

On the multilateral front, I look forward to India’s convening of the India-Africa Forum Summit this year. Under this Forum, Zimbabwe will be capacitated to establish a Food Testing Laboratory, a Vocational Training Incubation Center and a Rural Technology

Park. These initiatives will tremendously boost our small to medium scale business sector, a vital sector given the challenges of unemployment we face.

It was recently reported that Zimbabwe wants to engage investors and international partners to drive its economic growth. What strategies have the authorities taken in this regard? How can India assist Zimbabwe to boost its economic development?

It has always been the policy of the Zimbabwe government to attract foreign investment. The government came up with the “Look East Policy’’ specifically to target Asian investors. It is not a “Look China Policy” but an invitation to all of Asia including India to invest in Zimbabwe. Regarding India, last year we introduced the e-visa facility for Indians wishing to visit Zimbabwe. This has helped to expedite the whole process of accessing Zimbabwe. Our private sectors recently launched the India-Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce and we look forward to the Embassy being involved in publicizing this forum throughout India. Zimbabwe continues to actively participate at the annual CII-EXIM BANK CONCLAVE ON INDIA-AFRICA PROJECT PARTNERSHIP and in this regard, I am happy to acknowledge and thank the Indian government for the USD28,6 million Line of Credit it availed to Zimbabwe last year. However, I appeal to the Indian investors not to wait for the Lines of Credit but to consider other alternative forms of funding their investment ventures in Zimbabwe. The multi-million ESSAR-ZISCO deal is a good example of such an initiative. The Embassy will strive to engage other business associations besides the CII, be they in New Delhi or in other States. I seize this opportunity to say to the Indian investors that Zimbabwe is open for business and the Embassy is open to facilitate that journey to investing in Zimbabwe in all aspects. After all, Zimbabwe can boast of being endowed with at least 43 different mineral deposits, wonderful soils for agriculture, good infrastructure facilities and a healthy and educated workforce (the most literate in Africa).

Can you shed some light on the government’s decision to export elephants to fund Wildlife Management in Zimbabwe?

The government recently issued a policy statement regarding the export of live elephants from Zimbabwe. The statement points out that

Zimbabwe has a rich and successful history of wildlife conservation which dates back to pre-colonial times. It adds that:

(i)Zimbabwe is Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) since 1982 and is bound by the provisions of this convention in all its wildlife trade with other countries. Permits and certificates for international trade under CITES are issued by designated national CITES authorities,

(ii) All live exports in Zimbabwe are conducted in compliance with national and international veterinary requirements and quarantine conditions including IATA Global Standards for the Transportation of Live Animals by Air. Wildlife captures and translocations are done by experienced and skilled personnel who are guided by CITES regulations as well as international best practice,

(iii) Upon receipt of an application to import animals from Zimbabwe, our CITES Scientific Authority must confirm the availability of the species and numbers required and that such an export will not have any long term detrimental impact on the remaining populations in the wild. A team of experts is then dispatched to assess the appropriateness and suitability of the intended destination with exports being permitted only in cases where such technical assessments have made positive findings,

(iv) Zimbabwe subscribes to the principle of sustainable utilization, not only of wildlife but all its natural resources. Sustainable utilization tries to balance conservation benefits with the needs and expectations of the people who live with the wildlife. This approach recognizes that the future survival of wildlife depends on its relationship with local communities. Further, sustainable utilization allows for wildlife conservation to contribute towards paying for itself, and

(v) Despite the fact that culling remains the only viable management option that can be used to effectively keep the population of elephants within the ecological carrying capacity or preferred densities (estimated population of 53 900 compared to carrying capacity of 15 000), Zimbabwe has not implemented culling since 1988/89 given its responsibility as a global citizen who is sensitive to the plight of the species at the global level. Instead, Zimbabwe has opted for non-lethal options in the management of its elephant population such as the current exercise of

capturing and translocating live animals to approved appropriate and acceptable destinations within and outside the country in terms of laid down procedures as well as terms and conditions.

Let me conclude this topic by saying that in fact, at our own great expense as a country, we have burdened ourselves with the huge costs of managing abnormal elephant populations for the benefit of the entire world. We should be commended for this rather than being vilified by certain parties in so-called conservation politics.

The platinum mining in Zimbabwe, the largest in the world, is expected to experience a downfall in this year. How does Zimbabwean authorities plan to deal with this crisis?

Zimbabwe has the second largest platinum reserves in the world. Commodity prices go up and down, now and again. This is not new. I am sure the relevant authorities are alive to what happens in the international markets and will have the necessary remedial measures in place to lessen the impact on the national budget. It is heartening to note that despite this negative forecast, both government and the miners are still determined to establish a platinum refinery in the country. This is in line with the government policy, ZIMASSET (the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation) which calls for, among its four pillars, beneficiation and value addition. Through this policy, Zimbabwe seeks to arrest the trend were it remains only as a source of raw materials as has been the case in the past. This paradigm shift will add tremendous value to our mineral and other resources.

We introduced the e-visa facility for Indians wishing to visit Zimbabwe

H.E. Ambassador Maxwell ranga

Zimbabwe

MONDAY | APRIL 06, 2015