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MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014 Title Code: DELENG18579 • RNI NO: DELENG/2014/54666 • Postal Registration No.: DN/325/2014-2016 • VOL. 1 • NO. 46 • Page 12 • Price `10

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Providing affordable housing

Sahyadri dreams of housing every family

in the country

The Manali TranCe:The Queen of hill sTaTions

guinea Conakry:geologiCal MiraCle

A PLATFORM FOR SME CHAMPIONS

AFRICA SMECHAMPIONSF O R U M 2 0 1 4

Africa SME Champions Forum was cooperatively planned by AfricSearch, African Guarantee Fund and Ecobank. The Forum shaped an ecosystem of foremost African SMEs, financial

organizations, highly skilled experts, economic and political decision makers from all five regions of Africa. It delivered designated SME champions, a podium for learning, networking and allotment for their growth and the expansion of the continent.

The Africa SME Champions Forum closed on 12 November in Dakar, but its effort in provision of African champions is only just beginning. Bringing together over 300 SMEs and around 100 African economic and political policymakers, these two days of discussion produced the fundamentals for a very existing roadmap. This guideline will lead the actions of the Africa SME Champions community in eagerness of the next forum, to be held in Nairobi in November 2015.

The forum also extended an occasion to recognize champions. The African SME Champions Awards, supported by the African Guarantee Fund, honored three enterprises, which were nominated subsequent to a rigorous and translucent process.

The director of Village Group in Rwanda was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award. Tabaki, a Kenyan SME, won the Regional SME Award. Finally, this year’s top award for SME of the Year went to SoSoMa Industries, another Rwandan SME specializing in agro-business.

“We wanted to celebrate SMEs by spotlighting champions capable of transforming the continent and creating value,” explained Amadou Kane, former Finance Minister of Senegal, who was selected to lead the awards panel. “They are the torch-bearers of the Africa SME Champions community.”

Scheduled to launch in early 2015, this podium wishes first to offer provision tools to SMEs based on information resulting from the fifteen or so thematic sessions presented at the forum.

These sessions dealt with subjects such as writing a business plan, marketing techniques and customer relations. The partner institutions and enterprises, including the IFC, the African Development Bank, OCP, investment funds and consulting firms, will all add input to this database of expertise.

In addition to the website, the Africa SME Champions platform will offer very real provision and consulting facilities. “Once SMEs find the information they need on the website, a dedicated team will be on hand to connect them to the relevant funds and consultants who can help them to raise the necessary funds. An entire ecosystem will be available in support of African Champions,” explains Didier Acouetey.

The Africa SME Champions Forum community has also made strategies to create the “African Champion” label. This label will be

equatorial guinea to host afcon 2015

ur gets rwf36bn

loan for infrastructure development

WassupAFRICA02

Tigo Invests US$3.2 Million in Overhead Fibre

UR gets Rwf36bn loan for infrastructure development

Ghana gets first cedi corporate bond listing

AfDB SME Program: Enhancing Inclusive Growth and Job Creation in Mozambique

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Moza Banco signed a loan agreement for the equivalent of US $9 million in Mozambique Metical (MZN) on November 14, 2014.

Approved by the AfDB’s Board of Directors in July 2013, the Africa Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Program is a four-year, US $125-million funding program combined with a US $3.98-million technical assistance package granted by the Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), which aims to supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Africa. SME Program will provide the necessary longer term finance and a technical assistance package to address a number of constraints faced by around 25 target financial institutions and their SME clients across Africa.

Moza Banco S.A. is one of Mozambique’s fastest-growing financial institutions with strong focus on SMEs. Moza Banco is actively present in almost all of Mozambique’s 11 provinces. The Line of Credit (LOC) will support SME sub-

projects and these are well-diversified spanning all economic sectors including manufacturing, commerce/trade, services, tourism, construction, agriculture and transport, etc. Economic benefits likely to accrue from the 70 SME sub-projects to be financed under this facility and these SMEs currently have approximately 2,000 employees and are going to add 400 new employees in rural and urban areas of Mozambique. In addition, the project will induce transfer of technology, development of local entrepreneurship and enhancement of technical skills.

The government of Japan approved its co-financing support to Africa SME Program through EPSA (Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa) and Moza Banco also benefits from this contribution. Moza Banco is part the AfDB’s Africa SME Program to develop and expand its SME financing activities and provide medium- to long-term financing options to local SMEs in Mozambique.

AfDB

As part of efforts to boost customer and user experience in the Western and Ashanti regions, mobile network operator, Tigo Ghana limited, has started work on a US$3.2 million overhead fibre-optic cable project. It is expected to end indiscriminate fibre cuts by illegal miners, road contractors and property developers which is affecting Tigo’s network quality and user experience particularly in both regions.

“On the average we record about 51 cable cuts every month between the Ashanti and Western regions and this is mainly due to the operations of illegal mine workers and on-going road expansion projects in both regions.

“Apart from spending millions annually to replace these cables, the impact on customer and user experience is damaging to say the least,” said Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Operations Officer for Tigo Ghana.He explained: “Putting the cables on overhead concrete poles would stop people from digging them out in

the ground and this will boost network quality, improve Customer and user experience and also increase Tigo’s coverage footprints in both the Ashanti and Western regions. Both consumers and businesses will get value for money and see a massive improvement in service delivery”, he added.The project is in 3 phases and will cover a 360 kilometre stretch from Dunkwa through to Kumasi. It involves putting up some 4,600 concrete poles and will be completed by February 2015.

Modern Ghana

Ghana witnessed the listing of its fist cedi-denominated corporate bond after Izwe

Loans Ltd listed some GH¢39 million notes on the Alternative Market of Ghana Stock Exchange.

Managing Director of Izwe Loans Kwakye Bismarck told Joy Business the move should allow the pan-African financial services

The Government of Rwanda and the Republic of Korea signed an agreement for a loan facility worth $51 million (approximately Rwf36 billion).

The 40-year concessional loan is from Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and will be channeled in developing University of Rwanda’s infrastructure.

The loan has a grace period of 15 years and will attract an interest rate of 0.01 per cent.

The loan facility will finance four of 16 components of the University, including constructing the University’s headquarters and an Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre in Kigali, the school of Mining and Geology at the College of Science and Technology (former KIST) and building capacity for technicians, according to Claver Gatete, the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning.

The minister stressed the importance of education in achieving sustainable economic growth.

“Rwanda aims to become a knowledge-based economy in the near future. We believe it’s through education that we can truly transform the lives of Rwandans,” Gatete said.

Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, the Minister for Education, said the

provider to raise more funds.He adds that the process

gives the company the much-needed exposure important for its success.

Kwakye Bismarck said the medium term note programme also enables the company to access the capital markets for growth.

money will make a difference in the sector, especially higher education.

“We have been sending our students abroad to acquire knowledge and skills in geology and mining. However, the establishment of the mining school and a more coordinated ICT system will help reduce the cost and strengthen our capacities in the education sector,” Lwakabamba told The New Times.

Hwang Soon-taik, the Korean ambassador to Rwanda, said supporting the education sector will lay a strong foundation for the country’s economic development.

“This is a historic moment for

“It provides investors with additional opportunities to what is currently offered in the fixed income market, and investors can benefit from the enhanced liquidity of corporate bonds as they are tradable on the GSE,” Mr. Bismarck said.

The tenor of the bonds ranges from 1 to 3 years and proceeds from them will be used by Izwe Loans to fund its loan book and liquidity management.

Chair of the Alternative Market board, Samual Agyepong Apenteng believes the move by Izwe would encourage other companies to list on the market.

The Ghana Alternative Market is part of efforts by the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Venture Capital Trust Fund to encourage small businesses to list on the local bourse to raise medium to long term funds.

Modern Ghana

both Rwanda and South Korea. We are looking at Rwanda as a good partner in economic development.”

The Republic of Korea has so far committed more than $12 million in grants to Rwanda since 2011, Soon-taik, added.

The Republic of Korea supports Rwanda through its Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) which provides grants and technical assistance to Rwanda’s development projects since 2006.

Korea’s intervention is in the areas of education, agriculture and ICT, among others.

New Times

Korean Ambassador to Rwanda Soontaik Hwang and Finance Minister Gatete exchange documents after the signing ceremony

Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Operations Officer for Tigo Ghana

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014

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FRoM page 01

devoted to SMEs based on several criteria, such as their ability to create jobs, their role in regional integration, their enactment of good governance principles, etc. With this label, they will be able to enjoy favorable conditions in the partner countries. In addition to tax advantages, they will also be able to access public procurement contracts, recruitment aid and guarantee funds. The pan-African bank Ecobank, an event partner, has itself proclaimed the creation of Ecobank SME Clubs. Albert Essien, the bank’s General Director, described this project: “SMEs merit special attention. These clubs will be privileged spaces for dialogue to better evaluate funding needs and make it easier to obtain funding. The criteria for joining the clubs will be extremely simple.”

Mr. Albert Essien, Chief Executive Officer of ETI said, “having started as an African SME itself, Ecobank continues to maintain a unique relationship with African SMEs and Ecobank understands the needs of African SMEs and maintains a special relationship with them.” He also launched an SME Club during the Conference.

Esther A. N. Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Stratcomm Africa, was a speaker at the event and stated in her presentation “This gathering itself communicates some important messages. The health of economies in each of our countries has to be measured

by the health of SMEs because all our aspirations for creating jobs, for increasing productivity, for improved living standards can only be realized as we develop the capabilities of such enterprises. We can also use such interactions to exchange experiences and ensure that more and more of such initiatives in enterprise are successful across our continent. So the commitment to SMEs that Ecobank is communicating here is truly laudable. “Africa Rising” is only meaningful as SMEs in Africa rise!” She also fortified SMEs in Africa to be measured and to network commonly with each other across the borders in the African continent.

In a brief on the event, the organizers stated, “We want to free African SMEs. This is exactly why Africsearch, African Guarantee Fund and Ecobank met to organize the African SME Champions Forum”. The event was attended by over 500 participants including Ministers of African states.

It also highlighted one of the founders of ETI and now an Honorary President, Gervais Koffi Djondo. He made allusion to the Pan African aspirations of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and insisted that this is the way for the African continent to make progress. He deliberated distinctions between Francophone, Anglophone, Lusophone Africa, for instance, as meaningless.

Mr. Abdulai Abdul-Rahman,

THE Zambia Information Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has so far erected 147 out of 169 new telecommunication towers earmarked for construction in selected rural parts of the country.

ZICTA assistant public relations officer Christabel Simbulo said that the 147 towers were already on air while the remaining 22 were undergoing works to be linked to the airwaves. Ms Simbulo said in an interview last week that ZICTA had set aside K1million for the project which was aimed at bridging the digital divide between the rural and urban community.

ZICTA Erects 147 Towers in Rural Areas

The Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) said the erection of new telecommunication towers by ZICTA would help enhance access to communication by the rural community. "We commend ZICTA for coining an idea aimed at providing communication facilities for rural dwellers because this will promote inclusiveness in sharing ideas for economic growth," he said.

The improvement of telecommunication infrastructure could not be over emphasised as it promoted business activities in rural areas and provided public access to mobile and internet services.

Balancing-Act

"These trophies, which reflect our culture of excellence, are for those who have gone beyond the call of duty and have done excellent work in exceptional conditions", African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka said during the inaugural AfDB Presidential Awards for Excellence which took place on Tuesday, November 11 in the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan. Kaberuka added that the awards are a reflection of the good work by the staff of the Bank.

Twelve projects were nominated, with three winners.

The 2014 Presidential Award for Excellence was awarded to the Nairobi-Thika Highway improvement project, the "Kenya Highway", which stood out on account of its strong impact on the lives of beneficiaries. By building a 45-kilometre eight-lane motorway with nine interchanges, between Nairobi's central business district and the town of Thika, the average traffic speed has gone from 8 km/h to 45 km/h. This project has improved the daily lives of 100,000 households in Kasarani, Kiambu and Thika, by reducing their travel time from three hours to 30 minutes. More than 3,600 unskilled and semi-skilled workers and 600 technicians and engineers were employed on the project, with powerful multiplier effects all along the road corridor. The issue of sustainability has been addressed by a sustainable road fund. The project, co-funded by China,

2014 Presidential Awards for Excellence: Trophy goes to Kenya Highway Project

has demonstrated the Bank's lengthy infrastructure experience, its capacity to deal with new development partners and to increase benefits for Africa.

The awards for the Thika Highway Project were presented to Amadou Oumarou, Director, Transport and ICT Department; Zerfu Tessema, Chief Transport Engineer in the Bank’s East Africa Regional Resource Centre; and Noel Kulemeka, Chief Socio-Economist, Environment and Climate Change Division. Second Prize went to the Nsele-Lufimi and Kwango-Kenge road renovation project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which perfectly illustrates how the Bank engages in countries of situations of fragility. Within the Partnership Programme for the Transition and Recovery of the DRC, the Bank has renovated 310 km of main and feeder roads, which has directly led to increased agricultural production in the provinces of Kenge and Kikwit, wheat increasing by 300%, cassava by 48%, squash by 35% and rice by 15%. More than 23,000 people living in the project impact areas have also benefited from training in protection of the environment, health and road safety. The project has also been noteworthy on account of its highlighting some lessons learnt, including the challenges of matched funding for countries in a situation of fragility and building maintenance bases on state-owned land in order to strengthen sustainability.

The awards were presented to

Mamady Souaré, Division Manager, New Partnership for Africa’s Development, AfDB; Augustin Karanga, Transport Economist; and Desiré Bizongo, Infrastructure Expert in the Bank’s DRC Country Office.

Third prize went to the Ain Beni Mathar thermo solar power plant in Morocco. This innovative plant demonstrates how the Bank is supporting middle-income countries and green growth. With the strong commitment of the Moroccan Government, the Bank contributed to the construction of this gas-powered and thermo-solar power station, adding 470 MW to generating capacity and reducing CO2 emissions by 33,500 tonnes. The construction of local roads and bridges all around the project site brought benefits for 1,128 rural households, facilitating access to social services, improving school attendance and promoting local trade. The project also enabled valuable lessons to be learned about quality at the point of entry and procurement, which are currently being applied to the Ouarzazate solar power station project currently being implemented by the Bank.

The prizes were presented to Zakou Amadou, Division Manager, Energy; Ibrahima Konate, Chief Power Engineer; and Khalid Bellamy, Administrative and Finance Officer in the Morocco Field Office.

AfDB

Head of SME Banking in Ecobank Ghana stated, “We were pleased to showcase some of Ghana’s “SME Champions” at this forum. Ecobank’s SME Unit, since its

establishment, remains committed to facilitating the survival and growth of SMEs in Ghana as part of ETIs commitment to SMEs throughout Africa.”

mONDAY | NOVEmBER 24, 2014

Organizations like United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Development Bank (AFDB).

Musical Guinea ConakryComplementing Guinea Conakry’s mineral wealth is its sparkling traditional culture. Guinea Conakry’s president, Sekou Toure at time of independence in 1958 banned all private orchestras and the government formed the Syli Orchestre National, which was composed by the best musicians of

COUNtRyoftheWeek04

IntroductionGuinea Conakry officially

the Republic of Guinea, formerly known as French Guinea is a country in West Africa. It is designated as the “Geological Miracle” holding a big share of world’s Bauxite reserves which pull the foreign investors. Guinea Conakry offers fruitful business opportunities with ample of benefits. The rewarding sectors include mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.

Guinea Conakry wraps an area of almost 246000 square kilometers and has population of approx 11 million people. The country shares its northern border with Guinea Bissau, Senegal and Mali, southern border with Sierra Leone, Liberia and the eastern border with Cote d’Ivore Coast. Guinea Conakry has a huge administration network. It is divided into major eight administrative regions further divided into thirty-three distrits. Labe, Nzerekore, Kankan, Kindia and Boke are the major cities.

Guinea Conakry is a member of various esteemed International

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the country. The national anthem Liberté (Liberty) was based on the melody of ‘Alfa yaya’. The popular music Mandé is influenced by the djelis, popular as tracelleing singer historians who basically sing to applause the imperial patrons.

Ngoni, banjo and balafon are the famous traditional instruments. Guinea Conakry’s dance bands like Keletigni Et ses, Tambourins, Balla et ses Balladins and Kebendo Jazz have gain importance and are very well-known. Benbeya Jazz National further enriched Guines Conakry’s musical culture.

The Growing EconomyBeing blessed with a wealth of minerals, Guinea Conakry has over 25 billion metric tons (MT) of bauxite. It also includes more than 4 billion tons of high grade iron-ore, diamond and gold reserves, and immeasurable quantities of uranium. It has extreme potential and can grow immensely in agricultural and fishing sector. Soil, water and climatic conditions

fully complement and support irrigational faming and agro industry. There are huge opportunities for investment in these areas. DGP has also shown a slight growth 2.7% from 16% in 2011 to 18.7% in 2012 due to advancement of sectors like mining, agriculture amongst others. Agriculture employs almost 80% of the total workforce present in the country. Guinea Conakry also posses extreme potential

in hydroelectric energy and is a major exporter of bauxite, gold, alumina, diamonds, agricultural products and fish.

Explore Guinea ConakryGuinea Conakry spread over an area of 2,46,000 square kilometers is known as “Switzerland of Africa” due its beautiful climate, scenic mountains and the huge rivers

passing through. One of the best about Guniea Conakry is that it has very less population. The country has many eye catching attractions like Fouta Djalon forests, Loos Islands, The Niokolo-Badidar and Upper Niger national parks. Conakry’s Grand Mosque is another renowned place which showcases the nation’s respect for Islam and the outstanding architecture.

Yummy CuisinesGuinean cuisine is based on the use of local fruit and vegetables along with fish. Fufu is the traditional staple and is generally served with soups (stews) made from greens, peanuts, fish and chillies. Guinean cuisine is also well known for using lots of hot chillies and spices in these stews. Typical ingredients include peanuts, rice, sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas and root vegetables.

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GUINEA CONAKRY AT A GLANCE

Official Name: Republic of Guinea Head of the state: H.E. Professor ALPHA CONDECapital: ConakryIndependence: 2,October 1958Religions: Muslim, Christian, and Animist Government: Leads by Prime Minister Mr. Mohamed Said Fofana appointed by the Head of StateTotal area: 245,857 km2

GDP: 6,797,919,333 USD Inflation rate: 10.6%Population: 11,176,026 Language: FrenchClimate: Tropical climate with 2 seasons: dry season and raining seasonExport Items: Bauxite, alumina, gold, diamonds, coffee, fish and others agricultural productsImport Items: petroleum products, metals, machinery, transport equipments, textiles, grain and other foodstuffs Natural Resources: Bauxite (2/3 of the world deposit), iron ore, diamond, gold, petroleum, gas onshore and offshore Main Economic Sectors: Mine, Agriculture, energy, industry, FisheryTime zone: GMT+0Currency: Guinea Franc (GNF)Exports: $ 1,348 billion (2012)Imports: $ 2,606 billion (2012)

GuInEA ConAkRyG e o l o G i c a l M i r a c l e

InfrastructureGuinea Conakry is rich in natural resources thereby provides ample development opportunities in infrastructure sector. The government also has many future plans to improve and modernize the systems of roads, airports, transportation and telecommunication.

THE REwARDInG SECTORS

Mining Guinea Conakry is abundantly gifted with minerals which includes ample reserves of bauxite with more than 1.8 million metric tons, nearly two third of the world’s known bauxite reserves. It is the second largest producer of bauxite worldwide. There are still many minerals unexplored like nickel, limestone, uranium, manganese, graphite and many other deposits. Bauxite mining and alumina production contributes to the extent of 80% in Guinea’s foreign exchange. Additional foreign exchange is earned by diamonds and gold which are mined and exported on a large scale worldwide. The country exhibits a great gold potential by mining over 50 million tons of gold.

AgricultureGuinea has extensive potential in agriculture and had been an exporter of various agricultural commodities. The credit goes to the ideal climatic and soil condition which offers numerous opportunities for large-scale farming and agro industry. More than 70% of the population is employed in agriculture sector. It contributes to 11% of exports including cotton, coffee, cocoa, rubber, palm oil, fruits and vegetables.

EnergyProduction of clean energy, comprising of hydropower, solar, wind and biomass showcases immense potential of Guinea Conakry in its energy production. The country has appreciable hydropower capacity of nearly 6000 megawatts, and produces 19.3 Gwh annually. Solar power also has tremendous ability but needs to be developed. The government is constantly making efforts to improve and increase energy resources.

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014

BUSINESSBuzz 05Toyota Corp eyes Rwanda market

Samsung unveils 8 new locally developed apps

Ericsson supports Tigo m-wallet rollout in Senegal

Vodacom Creates Kilimo Club Package for Farmers

Samsung has partnered with @iLab Africa in order to offer 8 locally developed mobile applications. The reveal was made at Samsung’s second edition of the “Show N’ Tell” event. According to Samsung, the event is intended to bring together local app developers.

Samsung also believes that the event provides a platform for developers to showcase their innovations as part of a research and development programme run by Strathmore University’s @iLab Africa in Nairobi.

According to Samsung, the apps unveiled include:

App Wakili – designed to ease access to legal information in Kenya, this app allows users to search lawyers registered with the Law Society of Kenya, their contacts, and areas of expertise i n c l u d i n g corporate law, dispute resolution, regional and international law, among others

N a t i o n a l Assembly and County Assembly App – allows the Kenya National Assembly and County Assembly to access the

are many projects we can create together with the Government of Rwanda and in the region,” he said.

Rugwabiza said Rwanda has eased doing business and keeps this trend to ensure that business runs smoothly for symmetric interests.

“In the last three years, Rwanda has provided about 10,000 work permits to Kenyans and Kenya is among top five sources of investment in the country. This was a result of good common market integration, freedom of right of establishment, freedom in movement and services, and government’s conducive environment for business promotion that Rwanda has made a reality,” she said.

In Kenya, the company is engaged in infrastructure development and agriculture chain, among other projects, and Hattori says his company has also potential to develop similar projects in Rwanda. Hattori said they started by visiting Kenya, then Rwanda and the next is Uganda.

New Times

A delegation of ten officials from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, based in Japan,

was in the country to explore investment opportunities.

The group, which included officials from the corporation’s Nairobi regional office, on Thursday, met the Minister for East African Community affairs, Valentine Rugwabiza.

Known mainly for the manufacturing of Toyota cars, the company is also involved in agri-business and ICT.

“People say Rwanda is a land locked country but this is not true. Rwanda is a linked country. Rwanda’s market may be small considering its size, but if you look at the larger EAC and eastern Congo, it is a very big market,” said the head of the delegation, Takashi Hattori, the Managing Director of Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

He added: “We requested the government to give us a master plan or some sort of data for us to make a first step. But I believe areas like fertilisers, manufacturing, energy and ICT can work best. There

Global mobile telecom company Ericsson has unveiled that Tigo Senegal has launched Tigo Cash service based on the Ericsson Wallet Platform solution.

The rollout brings mobile financial services to Tigo Senegal`s subscribers throughout West Africa, including those who do not have access to traditional banking services.

Ericsson Wallet Platform is part of Ericsson m-commerce portfolio available for mobile operators as well as financial institutions, used to deploy mobile money services that subscribers use to make payments, store, and transfer and withdraw money. The Ericsson Wallet Platform is built on a platform with open APIs, integrated security and functionality to meet local compliance rules and regulations.

In August 2014, telecommunication Services

Thousands of small scale farmers in the country will be connected to a communication technology through a new project dubbed ‘kilimo club’ in which they will be able to send and receive money at cheaper rates by M-Pesa as well as depositing cash in M-Pawa to simplify business transactions.

More than 30,000 small scale farmers are expected to participate in the ‘kilimo club’ project, the club will also offer professional counseling through Short Message Services ‘SMS’, forthcoming agricultural information, market information, as well as the weather forecast through their mobile phones, Vodacom Communications Manager Kelvin Twissa said.

“The club will empower small scale farmers with technical know-how, information at the right time, and concluding financial transactions easily from anywhere,” Mr. Twissa.

Majority of people in the country are living

Company Bharti Airtel unveiled the launch of a service that was set to allow customers send and receive between Airtel’s mobile

in rural areas and the main economic activity is agriculture thus the growth of agricultural sector will reduce the rate of poverty in the country at a higher percentage as compared to other sectors of the economy.

Balancing-Act

standing orders and order paper on tablets and mobile phones, ensuring continuity of in-house business and cutting costs related to printing order papers. The app also allows legislators to vote on a subject/debate

Laikipia Wildlife Forum App – this was developed to compliment environment conservation efforts within Laikipia. The app provides information on sites and attractions within the area, eases navigation to the different sites and maps out donor funded projects that both local and international tourists may be interested in supporting

KCA University App – targeted at students of the university, the app delivers content to students, ranging from information on extra-curricular activities such as clubs and sports to access to the school’s library system. The app also allows for course registration and enrolment of new students

Kenya Wildlife Service Guide App – enables tourists locate national parks, conservancies, reserves and amenities within the parks

Halal Kenya App – in

money service and that of mobile telecommunication services provider Tigo in Tanzania.

Balancing-Act

recognition of the importance of Halal certification to the Muslim community, this app provides a listing of Halal-certified establishments and their locations, and allows users to review them. The app also enables users to report non-Halal practices being carried out at establishments purporting to be Halal to the Kenya Halal Bureau

Uganda Legal App – targeted at law students, lawyers, judges and magistrates, this app eases access to legal information in Uganda. Information available includes: judiciary calendar, Ugandan constitution (1995), cases and rulings, and gazette notices

Pharmacy & Poisons Board (PPB) App – this app enables PPB inspectors register and validate pharmacies and their employees in real time and make the information available to the public. It also provides information on registered pharmacies, a key component of ensuring that the safety of Kenyans visiting pharmacies and using the drugs and other chemical substances sold at these pharmacies is not compromised

Balancing-Act

mONDAY | NOVEmBER 24, 2014

fRaNkLY SPEAKING06

By kirit soBti, editor, iateditor@indoafricatimes.com

South Africa is a world leader in mining. It is actually known for its mining industry. This is what put it on the global business map: it is

abundant in precious metals and stone, aside from coal. In fact, mining is what propelled migrants, foreign settlers, and big businesses to set up shop in the country. The nation is distinguished for its abundance of mineral resources, describing for a noteworthy percentage of world production and reserves. Mining in South Africa has been the main driving force behind the history and development of Africa's most advanced and richest economy.

Diamond and gold production may now be well down from their peaks, though South Africa is still no. 5 in gold but South Africa remains a copiousness of mineral riches. It is the world's largest producer of chrome, manganese, platinum, vanadium and vermiculite. It is the second largest producer of ilmenite, palladium, rutile and zirconium. It is also

the world's third largest coal exporter South Africa is also a enormous producer of iron ore; in 2012, it surpassed India to become the world third biggest iron ore supplier to China, who are the world’s largest consumers of iron ore.

It has forecast that the economy of South Africa will register foremost lift and leap next year if mine workers don’t go on strike. This is the conclusion of a poll conducted by Reuters.

The median forecast from 35 economists recommended that economic growth will pick up to 2.5% in 2015 from an estimated 1.5% this year.

Speaking on the development, Dennis Dykes, Chief Economist at Nedbank said the forecast further highlighted the central roles that the mining sector is playing in the country’s economy.

"Obviously this assumes that we are not going to have another strike in the mining sector. If that happens, all bets are off," he said while referring to crippling nationwide industrial unrest this year.

To refurbishment of the gold mining industry, the South African government is directing mining companies to find other uses for disused amenities to upkeep communities and even continue to provide jobs.

“Mining communities must remain sustainable the day after the mine closes,” mines minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi told Reuters.

“When we talk about mine rehabilitation we are not

PASSInG THE ACID TEST

We live in a fast changing world, which means that we must either aim to be the very best as far as R&D in the mining and metallurgical sectors is concerned, or risk becoming irrelevant.

Dr. rob DAVIES ExPlAInED Trade and Industry Minister, South Africa

ngoAKo rAMAtlhoDIMineral Resources Minister, South Africa

The announcement of N$1.6billion investment into Namibia's Skorpoion Zinc Mine by resources group Vedanta Resources Plc, is a clear vote of confidence, the Chamber of Mines has said.The amount is part of N$7.82 billion capital investment approved by the London-listed company board recently in Southern Africa over a three-year period.

The investment is primarily intended to develop large tracts of undeveloped deposits of metal in the region, and also to partially offset dipping volume of production from its mines in Ireland.

As part of this investment proposal, it will develop an open-pit zinc mine in Gamsberg, South Africa, and also take up conversion of the Skorpion Zinc Refinery in Namibia. Said Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Veston Malango, "Although the majority of the investment, (approximately N$6.30 billion), will go towards developing an open-pit zinc mine, concentrator plant and associated infrastructure at Gamsberg, one of world's largest undeveloped zinc deposits, the fact that there will be a conversion of the refinery at the Skorpion Zinc Mine augments our mining industry growth path. We already have three mines under construction. Here we will have the ability to refine zinc concentrates from the Gamsberg mine into special high-grade zinc metal. All our zinc concentrate production will be refined in Namibia, enhancing value addition. We will soon be self-sufficient in producing copper."

In 2013 the mining industry contributed 13% to Namibia's GDP and employed some 16,700 individuals. This comes as the sector expanded by 0.6% in 2013 and 25.1% in 2012, with a 13% contribution to gross domestic product made last year.

Turnover in the extractive industry increased to N$20.93 billion in 2013 from N$18.52 billion prior year.

Government coffers got a N$1.64 billion boost according to the mining body from profits tax paid by miners, a N$520 million increase from the 2012 figure, with N$1.12 billion also coming through in royalties payments, bring total taxes paid in 2013 to N$2.76 billion from N$2.08 billion in 2012.

The Chamber notes the mining sector continues to be the backbone of the national economy and is forecasted to grow phenomenally once new mines come into full production.

This comes as three new mines are expected to come online this year -Husab, B2Gold's Otjikoto and Tschudi.

Rössing signed off-take agreement with Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb to acquire 225,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid per year. The new Tschudi Copper mine will consume the rest of the acid, he added.

oshili24

Mining vote of confidence

Africa has set itself the ambition of industrializing and one very important tool of that is that we need to add more value to our mineral products and that we need to create a competitive advantage for manufacturing at prices that are competitive compared with world-market prices.

South Africa's mining industry has become safer as well as more socially and ecologically conscious

talking about just putting back the sand, but actually rebuilding those communities,” he said.

South Africa’s over-all assets remain some of the world’s most appreciated, with a projected worth of R20.3-trillion ($2.5-trillion). Largely, the country is projected to have the world’s fifth-largest mining sector in terms of GDP value.

It has the world’s largest reserves of manganese and platinum group metals (PGMs), according to the US Geological Survey, and among the largest reserves of gold, diamonds, chromite ore and vanadium.

With South Africa’s economy built on gold and diamond mining, the sector is a significant foreign exchange earner, with gold describing for more than one-third of exports. In 2009, the country’s diamond industry was the fourth largest in the world. South Africa is also a foremost producer of coal, manganese and chrome.

There is substantial potential for the detection

of other world-class deposits in areas yet to be comprehensively discovered. South Africa’s productive mineral reserves include prised metals and minerals, energy minerals, non-ferrous metals and minerals, ferrous minerals, and industrial minerals.

World-class primary processing facilities work with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, gold and platinum. South Africa is also a world leader of new technologies, such as a ground-breaking process that adapts low-grade superfine iron ore into high- quality iron units.

Through the execution of more severe guidelines, South Africa's mining industry has become safer as well as more socially and ecologically conscious.

Companies are commanded to allow for environmental trust funds and restoration of disturbed land.

There is also a R70-million project in place to solve the legacy problem of acid mind drainage.

With the development of South Africa's secondary and tertiary industries, the comparative contribution of mining to South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has declined over the past 10 to 20 years.

However, the industry is frequently familiarizing to changing local and international world conditions, and remains a keystone of the economy, creating a noteworthy influence to economic activity, job creation and foreign exchange earnings.

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014

tRAVEL&touRism 07

THE MANALI TRANCE

The Queen of Hill Stations

Manali with its thrilling scenic splendor is

tremendously widespread with the tourists, for an

extravagant demonstration of natural scenery and a magical and hypnotizing

charm. It is one of the main show places of the Kullu

region. To its North, South and West are a flashiness

of zeniths and ridges which, in fine weather, stand out

in bold relief against skyline. At the lower elevation and

in every direction there are bright green patches of

grassland and evergreen valleys climbing in irregular formation present probably

the best view in the country. Manali is located

at an altitude of 1,926 metres and feasts in 12.5

square km. It is the real preliminary point of an

ancient trade rout.

The Mesmerizing Mall RoadThe Ridge and the Mall Road are the most prevalent Shimla

exploration places. A flat area with a range of shops and

eateries is how we will designate the Mall Road to you. There are plenty

of shops that are perfect for shopping of gifts, woolen and wood items.

The locally prepared apple, plum, apricot, cider, ginger and grape wine

are also sold on the Mall Road. Minchys is a shop that sells locally

made squashes and jams (A good bit to take home!). There are many

places to purchase handicrafts items, but Himachal Emporium on the

Mall Road is the finest place to purchase handicrafts in Shimla.

It’s Finger Licking Good!!Shimla is a good place for gourmets; conversely, there are couple of good restaurants that help you stay away from famishing. If you relish Chinese and Tibetan cuisines then you can visit Aunty Ka Dhaba and China Town, but if you

are not sure what should you eat in Shimla, you can try going to multi-cuisine restaurants like the one in Hotel Combermere called Seventh Heaven. The food and the feel are fantastic; in fact it is one of the best places to eat in Shimla. If you have a sweet tooth, Honey Hut in the Mall Road is the place for you, as the name suggests, the restaurant offer everything with crowned honey. A must try here is the Donut. There is a bunch of restaurants in the market area near Mall Road that only serves vegetarian food. Baljees, Ashiana & Goofa, Silver Oak, Wake and Bake Café, Indian Coffee House, the Restaurant at Holiday Home, Quilla, and Devicos 5 are some popular eateries in Shimla.

Enjoy Skiing and other winter SportsProspect Hill and Kamna Devi (6kms), Chadwick Falls (7kms), Mashobra (12kms), Kufri (16kms from Shimla), Chail (45kms), Tattapani (51kms from Shimla), are few places for the tourists to visit. A visit to the zoo and the amusement park in Kufri (16kms from Shimla) and ice skating in Kufri and Chail are your choices for undertakings in Shimla. Narkanda (65kms) and Tattapani are great places to relish skiing and other winter sports. Bihargaon is another good place to visit while you are in Shimla.

wonder of natureThe backdrops of Manali are brimming with wonders of nature. The high snow

enclosed mountains offers great opportunity for skiing, snowboarding and ice climbing. The pouring Beas River is the haven for river rafters, the gorgeous valley provide adventure fanatics with a choice of paragliding and the zig zag trails offer a good opportunity for trekking in Manali as well. To begin with the magnetisms, Rohtang Pass has been the most popular tourist place in Manali. Situated at an altitude of approximately 3979m, Rohtang Pass captivates visitors with its captivating beauty. The Manali-Keylong road located near the Pass offers a spectacular view of the lofty snow-clad mountains. The Beas Kund and the Dassuar Lake in the proximity of the Pass also attracts tourists in Manali. Solang valley, Kullu valley, Kangra, Kinnaur, Sirmour, Una, Sangla, Naggar, Tabo, Kaza, Nako, Kunzum Pass are some major tourist places near Manali, which can be visited upon.

mONDAY | NOVEmBER 24, 2014

taLkiNGtECHNOLOGy08

In the 50 years of development the world over, there has been a tremendous increase

of urban population due to the inflow of the rural masses looking for work. The task of providing affordable housing to this influx presents new challenges to getting projects ready in record time using the conventional method of Brick and Mortar, because –• It is time consuming;• There is a shortage of skilled

workforce;• They produce a lot of Waste of

construction material due to unskilled handling;

• The delays causes costs escalations.Further conventional

construction methods put an enormous stress on the environment. These stresses are mainly:• Soil and agricultural land

degradation;

• Loss of forests and wild lands;• Air pollution and • Depletion of non- renewable

energy sources and minerals.Over the years it can be seen

that these stresses lead to climate changes and natural disasters. To minimize this stresses and to achieve sustainable developments, concepts of green building evolved since building construction activity accounts for major exploitation of natural resources that leads to environmental stresses.

Sahyadri Industries Ltd (SIL)

has come out with alternative sustainable building products which do away with the use of wood and conventional method of building components which are substitute to wood and energy intensive component like burnt

brick, concrete, sand, water etc. Sahyadri products can be used in the construction of cost effective houses under mass housing projects of the governments in developing countries.

Sahyadri housing systems (Sections and fibre cement boards) can be designed to build Eco-Homes in 2, 3 or more rooms apartments, its modular designed component system facilitating expansion from one to three or more rooms.

The fibre Cement boards are mainly cement bonded cellulose

PROvIdING AffORdAbLE hOUsING

SAHYADRI InDUSTRIES LTD. (An ISO 9001-2008 Certified Company)Contact: Mr. M. Satyanarayana, President (Mktg.): +91 9373022295, +91 9404965694Swastik House, 39-D, J.N. Road, Gultekdi, Pune 411 037, Maharashtra (India)Tel.: +91 20 2644 4625/ 26/ 27, Fax: +91 20 2644 4624E-mail: mastyanarayan@silworl.in, info@silworld.in, Website: www.silworld.in, www.ecopro.co.in

Sahyadri dreams of housing every family in the country

fibre boards. Cement acts as binder to the fibres which give them good tensil strength. The fire resistance properties of cement fibre boards are also very good.

This system produce specific components for buildings based on the design, includes designing and producing a uniform type of building or a group of building variants, which can be produced with a common assortments of component. Such building includes school, parking garage, gas station, low cost housing, shopping malls/complexes etc.

Where there is a high demand for houses, and availability of quality raw material and man-power required, use of prefabricated Sahyadri wall panels would facilitate timely and cost effective construction.

“Prefabricated modular designs bring speed, quality and efficiency into construction, and is an important and definitely an essential part in the future of the construction industry, not only in India, but all over the world,” comments Mr. M. Satyanarayan, President of SIL. “SIL is looking

forward to revolutionize the mass housing industries not only in India but Globaly.”

Sahyadri building products help construction in their innovative ways thus reduce construction costs without compromising on the quality of housing in scheduled time. To summarize, predesigned buildings manufactured in factory controlled environment using eco-friendly green materials will suit not only the India but the world over, because of its sustainability and economy it offers not only in costs but saving on time and other environmental issues, giving the world a better place to live in.

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014

tRysomethiNGNeW 09

ingredients 3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups buttermilk 2 cups semolina 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Sugar syrup 1 cup sugar 1 cup water Juice of hail lemon

prepration Method1. Preheat oven to 350F degrees. 2. Melt butter, allow to cool to room temperature.

uPCOMING

Faith is the strongest of all force operating in humanity

tHougHt oFtHe WeeK

Qs world Grad School Tour Coimbatore

This event showcases products and services like educational services concerning business & economics, finance, science and technology, higher educational services through colleges, schools, institutions and many more related services etc. in the Education & Training industry.

Date: 24 Nov 2014 Venue: Taj vivanta, Coimbatore, India

national Symposium on Advances in Control & Instrumentation national Symposium on Advances in Control & Instrumentation

The conference will cover areas like Control theory, algorithms, modeling, design, simulation, estimation and identification, diagnostics, optimum and robust controllers.

Date: 24-26 Nov 2014 Venue: Nabhikiya Urja Bhavan Auditorium, Mumbai, India

International Conference From Exclusion to Empowerment

The conference will cover areas like issues related to the promotion of Information and Communication Technologies for persons with disabilities.

Date: 24-26 Nov 2014 Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, New Delhi, India

Urban Mobility India Conference, organized by the Ministry of Urban Development

The conference will cover areas like enhance capacity building of young researchers in the field of urban transport.

Date: 25-28 Nov 2014 Venue: Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, India

Energizing the Smart Cities in India

It is organized by the Infraline Energy Research will take place on 26th November 2014 at the Hotel The Claridges in New Delhi, India. The conference will cover areas like development of energy efficient buildings, waste to energy technologies and many more.

Date: 26 Nov 2014 Venue: The Claridges, New Delhi, India

Role of Information and Communication Technologies for Persons with Disabilities

It is organized by the united Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, uNESCO will take place in New Delhi, India. The conference will cover areas like Exclusion to Empowerment and Role of Information and Communication Technologies for Persons with Disabilities.

Date: 24-26 Nov 2014 Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, India

The Chief Guest Superstar Amitabh Bachchan shaking hands with the union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley, at the inauguration of the 45th International Film Festival.

PICturE oF thE wEEK

3. Combine sugar and buttermilk in a large bowl. 4. Combine the semolina, vanilla, baking powder

and baking soda in a separate bowl. 5. Add semolina mixture to buttermilk mixture, mix

well, then add melted butter, and mix well. 6. Spray an 11x7 inch pan with cooking spray, pour

in the mixture; you may also use a 13x9 inch pan, and bake for 25 minutes instead of 30.

7. Let sit for 20 minutes. 8. Bake for 30 minutes, pour sugar syrup over it

while still warm. 9. This is usually served with tea or coffee.10. Combine sugar, water and juice of half a lemon

in a saucepan. 11. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer

for 20-25 minutes, mixture should thicken when it cools.

The deserts of Tunisia housed the original Star Wars movie sets for the film's planet Tatooine. More than 30 years after the premier of the first movie in the series, the sets are still very well preserved and visitors to Tunisia can even stay in Luke Skywalker’s home.

Elegant desert to light up your mood!

below you will find ten 6 letter words; however, every other letter is missing. Can you determine the words?

handy French1. these are my slippers. Ce sont mes babouches.

2. Mauritius is beautiful. L'île Maurice est magnifique.

3. what’s happening? Qu’est Ce qui se passe?

4. I have a question J’ai une question.

5. I have a problem J’ai un problème.

6. I am sweet girl je suis une jolie fille

ExPERT TIPS foR SkIn AnD HAIR CARE DuRInG wInTERS!!

5

Basbousa

_S_E_D

_P_A_G

_R_F_R

_Y_R_D

_R_F_E

_A_B_N

ASCEND, SPRANG, PREFER, HYBRID, TRIFLE, CARBON, CAMERA, HOTDOG, USEFUL, TISSUE, JEWEL, SQUADAnSwErS

_A_E_A

_O_D_G

_S_F_L

_I_S_E

_E_EL

S_UA_

1. Maintain the moisture level

Add two teaspoons of milk powder to a teaspoon of honey and a teaspoon of egg yolk. Mix these ingredients well to make a paste. Now, apply it on your face and wash it after a few minutes with lukewarm water. You can use this natural remedy every day, so as to attain soft and smooth skin. Boost your beauty regimen by drinking lots of water. It helps your skin to stay young and hydrated, it is recommended to slather on a moisturizing cream, as it will form a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture.

2. Avoid hot water bath

Hot water bath certainly sounds very appealing in winters as it soothe your senses. But as appealing it might feel, it robs your skin of its natural oils and makes it drier. So, always bathe in lukewarm water instead of hot water. Oiling is one of the most important elements of your skin care regimen in winters. Apply a few drops of aromatic oil, almond oil, or coconut oil on wet skin every day after bath.

3. hair care

Mix the avocado pulp and extra virgin olive oil to make a paste. Apply this smooth mixture on your scalp as well as hair, and wash it off after 30 minutes. This nourishing mask is enriched with essential vitamins, minerals and softening agents that prepare your hair to fight winter harshness with

ease.

4. Foot care

You need to treat your feet with winter care creams so as to prevent them from the ruthless weather. Use exfoliators frequently to get the dead skin off your feet. This will allow the moisturiser that you use for your feet to sink in faster and deeper. Give a gentle massage using shea butter or petroleum jelly, and wear warm cotton socks to keep your feet happy.

5. Apply sunscreen

Many of us believe that sunscreen should only be used in summers to protect the skin from tanning. However, winter sun too can damage the skin, even though it does not seem to be so harsh due to the cold weather. Apply it on your face and hands, 30 minutes prior to stepping out of the house.

To give glowing effect to your tanned skin in a natural way, you can try a milk mask. Just apply milk mixed with glycerin on your face, avoiding the area around eyes. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse it off with water. The treatment also softens and rejuvenates the skin. It also restores the optimal pH balance of skin, thus protecting it further from negative effects of winter sun.

So, think only of having loads of fun in this winter, as you have nothing else to worry about. Just follow these tips, and let your radiant skin and gorgeous hair do the talking.

mONDAY | NOVEmBER 24, 2014

theFASHIONIStAS1099K Bylon out with Kasa

British stars gather to record Band aid single for ebola

Adaku “Type of Girl” Video Release

Boy band One Direction and U2 lead singer Bono joined some of the biggest names in British pop and rock music to record a new version of the Band Aid charity song to raise money to combat Ebola in Africa.

The single, "Do They Know It's Christmas?” was first recorded 30 years ago after musician and philanthropist Bob Geldof inspired a host of stars to come together under the Band Aid name to help those affected by famine in Ethiopia. The song has been given a makeover, with words to the original version which he co-wrote with Midge Ure changed to reflect the current crisis.

One Direction "The record, it's a song, it's

a track but it's an event, and the next stage now is to turn it into

Having worked with musicians Jay Ghartey, Iwan, Dobble, Jay So and Hammer of the last 2, new hiplife artiste Samuel Nimako aka By 99K Bylon knows the timing is right to come out on his own.

To prove he is serious and ready for the game, 99K Bylon is ready with his 17-track album titled Kasa under his Black Unite Entertainment.

Songs on the album which was recorded by different sound engineers a month ago include Ego Over U ft Dobble and A. Joey B, Kasa Ft Mfimfim and Wanluv, Mama Baa Meka and Na Lie. On Na Lie which is the artistes favourite song, 99K Bylon sung about a dream he was told by his sister in U.K that he had passed away.

99K Bylon who believes his Maker is the only one to takes his life hit hard on his enemies to stop wasting their time on him because the Lord is his savior. On the same track, he talks about the struggle he has been

Adaku is the “Type of girl” that is playful, fun and hardcore. Taurus Musik is proud to present to you Adaku’s video for the song “Type of Girl” a playful video with a touch of Adaku’s personality and music presence.

Taurus Musik’s own Vanessa Okoligan A.K.A Adaku, the youngest artiste signed is the goddess of the new school rap/hip hop with a cool flow, defining vocals and lyrics that make any good song a great listen. Her Kenyan-Nigerian background inspires her diverse musical skills and her mentors in the music world have joined forces to bring forth a

Over 25 top Ghanaian musicians have confirmed to perform at the climax concert of the 2014 MTN Saminifest scheduled for the Trade Fair Center,

La on December 6. This was announced by Samini at a Media Launch at his pub, Dancestardom, last Friday.

Artistes billed for the December 6 Concert at the Trade Fair, include: Sarkodie, Obrafour, 4X4, Stonebwoy, VVIP, Kaakie, R2bees, Episode, Kofi Kinaata, Edem, Guru, MzVee, Paapa Yankson, Jupitar, Mzbel, Koo Ntakara, Noble Nketsiah etc.

The first edition of MTN Saminifest will have the following activities: Dec 3- Industry Workshop on Financial Planning at

Dancestardom Dec 4- A Photo and Video Exhibition at

Dancestardom Dec 5- African Market Day- FoodFest & Pre-party

@ Dancestardom Dec 6- Saminfest Live (Main Concert) @ Trade FairThe annual musical festival, Samini said, seeks to

bring together music lovers, particularly Samini fans all over the country, to celebrate his astounding works and also showcase class-act performances from leading Ghanaian artistes

Explaining why Saminifest, Samini said: “I have always thought we need a program that reflects the massive opportunities in our industry and a great deal of tourism potential and revenue for the Creative Arts Industry and our country”

Admiral Abbey of MTN and George Amoa-Atta of Accra Brewery Limited expressed their respective companies’ support for the festival at the Media launch, which was attended by most of the supporting artistes. Also, Musiga 2nd Vice President, Besa Simons reiterated Musiga’s backing for Samini on this project.

Samini announced that tickets for the festival will be out from November 25; and promised his fans 1,000 free tickets by liking www.facebook.com/saminifest. He used the occasion to premiere his latest single, Godfull, which he referred to as the official theme song to his 10th anniversary in music.

MTN Saminifest is supported by Ashfoam, Fiesta Condoms, Midland Savings & Loans, Club Beer and organized by Samini Music and Showbiz Africa.The December 6th climax at the Trade Fair will be hosted by top actor John Dumelo, comedian Funny Face and Abeiku Santana.

Modern Ghana

through before getting to where he is now. Another track on the album he believes would hit in no time is Kasa which features Wanluv the Kubolor and A. Joey B.

99K Bylon builds Kasa on Wanluv as the president of Ghana. He wonders the kind of questions Ghanaians would want to ask Wanluv assuming he was the president of the country.

Although 99K Bylon is now moving from one radio station to the other pushing his album, his latest work is not bad as the choice of words and rap is on point.

As an artiste on Hammers second compilation Lost Files with two singles Crying and Abi Senior, 99K Bylon said he has done his underground work before coming out with his latest work.

A former student of St. Peters Secondary now in Central University studying marketing, 99K Bylon says Ghanaians should watch out for him.

Modern Ghana

Over 25 TOp STarS TO Climax mTN SamiNifeST aT Trade Fair on dec. 6

a phenomenon like it was in the 80s," Geldof told BBC TV as he arrived at a recording studio in west London. He said he had spoken to British finance Minister George Osborne who had agreed to forego the usual tax owed to the government from sales of the record.

U2 lead singer Bono "It very much reminds me of

30 years ago. Everyone's bleary, pop singers, as George Osborne said, are not very good in the morning," said Geldof, who was frontman for Irish new wave band The Boomtown Rats.

The original song from 1984, which raised 8 million pounds ($11 million), featured some of the era's biggest acts including U2's Bono, George Michael and David Bowie. It has been re-recorded

twice in 1989 and 2004.Bono will be joined this time

by Robert Plant, frontman of rock band Led Zeppelin, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin and singers Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.

"It's huge to be involved," Niall Horan from One Direction told the BBC. "Hopefully it goes to number one and raises a lot of money for a really worthy cause."

Geldof earlier this week he decided to remake the single after the United Nations contacted him, saying help was urgently needed to prevent the disease from spreading beyond West Africa.

Ebola has killed more than 5,000 people since it broke out in West Africa earlier this year according to the World Health Organization, mostly in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

Modern Ghana

force in the rap and music scene that is Adaku.

“Type of girl” a playful song with prayers of a loving daughter to her parents depicting her dreams and desires. The video for a “Type of Girl” is very playful and colourful, with a generation of young dancers, pioneers and professionals desiring to live their dream. Adaku, the role model inspires to live her own dreams and channel her good nature through her music.

This upcoming singing sensation has had deep love for music ever since and got the opportunity through her relentless efforts and from a talent molded through rigorous practise that

sharpen her vocals and performing abilities.

Modern Ghana

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014

SPORtS2WatCh 11Japan, Argentina to join Super Rugby in 2016

Amavubi start new era

French newspaper L’Equipe said Equatorial Guinea will host the 2015 AFCON

from January 17 to February 8 in place of Morocco, who were disqualified.

The confirmation has been given by sources in Equatorial Guinea with the official announcement to come later today.

CAF President Issa Hayatou reached Malabo to handle talks with Equatorial Guinea Head of State Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

A highly inspired Equatorial Guinea reached the last eight when they co-hosted the competition along with Gabon. They were trounced 3-0 by Cote d’Ivoire.

For the first time in many years, the Rwanda national football team played a game without naturalised players in the 0-0 friendly against Morocco.

Not that the Rwanda Football Association (Ferwafa) had a choice but this was a decision taken by Government through the Ministry of Sports in collaboration with Ferwafa that naturalised players will not feature for the Amavubi again.

This policy was instituted following Rwanda’s disqualification from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after fielding a player- Dady Birori who had two different identities. He was also called Tady Etekiama Agiti.

Starved of experienced players, Amavubi coach Stephen Constantine did not whine but picked up the pieces and against all odds inspired the largely youthful national side which has an average age of 22 to an impressive

High costs of living and shortage of hotel rooms were the major challenges when the oil-rich island first hosted the competition two years and it is left to be seen how they will now cope with 16 teams and not eight teams like in 2012.

Original AFCON 2015 hosts Morocco had insisted the competition be postponed after they expressed fears over the Ebola Virus Disease, which has killed over 5,000 people in West Africa thus far.

The North Africans have since been disqualified from next year’s tourney and more sanctions are expected to be imposed on them.

New Times

The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) and Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR) will be represented in Tokyo and Buenos Aires respectively in the rugby competition, which is set to grow to 16 teams next season when the Southern

from somewhere and I think we should look at all the teams. You never know you might find a diamond in Amagaju or Musanze.”

Ernest Sugira, Bertrand Iradukunda, Hamdan Bariyanga, Justin Mico, Rachid Kalisa and Dany Usengimana made their debut for the Amavubi and, according to Constantine, giving them exposure is at the helm of his priorities.

It is this positive step that Constantine has taken that has set a firm foundation for the future of football in Rwanda, observers say.

New Times

performance in Morocco.From his inspirational talks to players

whose wages for playing three African nations cup qualifiers and a friendly had delayed for 3 months to giving a chance to young inexperienced players who at the age of 20-21 years have only represented Rwanda once or twice, Constantine is on the right track to altering stereotypes in Rwandan football.

The Englishman shocked many when he named a young inexperienced side including a call-up for Herve Rugwiro who had only featured for less than 30 minutes in the National Football League.

“We have a problem with central defenders. What will happen if ‘Kodo’ (Ismael Nshutiyamagara) or Emery (Bayisenge) gets injured? That is why we need Herve,” he said after the selection.

“The idea to pick players from two or three teams is not good. It does not matter where you come from. Everyone comes

Equatorial Guinea to host Afcon 2015

K i n g s permanently return after m i s s i n g the 2014 campaign.

B o t h f ranchises, who will compete in the South A f r i c a n Group, are now able to

start contracting players and staff ahead of their admission in 2016. "It gives us great pleasure to welcome the JRFU and UAR who will join the Kings from South Africa as Super Rugby prepares to expand into a bold and exciting new era,"

SANZAR CEO Greg Peters said. "As Top 10 ranked rugby nations with established high performance level leagues and over 100,000 players each, there is no doubt as to Japan and Argentina's rugby readiness and passion for the sport. "With a heritage stretching back some 115 years, Japan also offers tremendous infrastructure and an active fan base that we view as pivotal to the ongoing sustainability of the team. "Japan has also been the focus of strategic investment by the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) and we view the region as a high growth, high potential sports and economic market with the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the 2020 Olympic Games and now Super Rugby on the imminent horizon."

Modern Ghana

Bill Pulver (ARu CEO), Greg Peters (SANZAR CEO), Agustin Pichot (World Rugby Council Member for Argentina), Steve Tew, (NZ Rugby CEO), Jurie Roux (SARu CEO). Front Michael Hawker AM (ARu Chairman)

mONDAY | NOVEmBER 24, 2014

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

Thank you for making time to talk to us. Can you first of all tell us a little bit about yourself and how you became the CEO of GIPC?

My name is Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh. I have over 15 years’ experience with a stellar career in the corporate environment in Ghana. I have been recognized through a number of national awards for having established benchmarks for excellence in corporate affairs, investor relations management, stakeholder and reputation management in critical sectors of the economy specifically mining and telecommunications.

what is GIPC and what is her mandate?The Ghana Investment Promotion

Centre (GIPC) is a government agency responsible under the Act of the Ghanaian Parliament (ACT 865) 2013; to encourage and promote investments in Ghana, to provide for the creation of an attractive incentive framework and a transparent, predictable and facilitating environment for investment in Ghana and other related matters.

As a government agency that provides professional service and support for both local and foreign investors, can you tell us how you go about in accomplishing this task?

The GIPC through our operations, create an enhanced, transparent and

responsive environment for investment and the development of the Ghanaian economy through investments. We also encourage, promote and facilitate investment in all sectors of the Ghanaian economy.

Can you tell us some of the resources and support services GIPC provides for investors?

Our resource and support services include but the following; Hand holding services (From

Registration through to Business set-up)

After care Services Land bank Services and Research and Investment Department

Services (e.g. Profiling Banbkable Local Projects for Foreign Investment)

Are there incentives GIPC offers investors and what are they?

The GIPC recommends investors for incentives which are approved by the Ministry of Finance. Some of these incentives include;a. Tax holidays for specific sectorsb. Locational incentives (Tax rebates)c. Immigration quotas (Work and

Resident Permits) andd. Import duty exemptions on Industrial

Plant, Machinery and Equipment.

what role does GIPC play for investors to be guaranteed safety and

maximizing of profit in Ghana?Ghana is a safe investment

destination. The GIPC Act 2013 guards investors against expropriation of private investments provided for under law and are buttressed by the Ghanaian Constitution. Some of which include;1. Free transferability of capital, profits

and dividends2. Insurance against non-commercial

risk; Ghana is signatory to the World Banks’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)

3. Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs); to rationalize tax obligations of investors in order to prevent double taxation. (These have been signed and ratified with several countries).

How favourable are investments in Ghana and how can potential investors take advantage of them?

Ghana can boast of having one of the best locations on the African continent to do business. Conditions present include; Political stability, a growing economy, increasing consumer demand and accessibility to wider West African markets and we are by these opportunities inviting potential investor from all over the world including Ghanaians in the diaspora.

In which areas of the Ghanaian economy do you see significant opportunities for investment?

All sectors of the Ghanaian economy appear viable, however some of our priority sectors include;i. Manufacturingii. Agriculture and Agro-processingiii. Energyiv. Oil and Gas andv. Services

what is the outlook for foreign direct investment in Ghana?

We anticipate continues increase in FDI’s over the medium to long term, driven by our consistently stable political environment and abundance of opportunities for the foreign investor.

what are some of your challenges as CEO of GIPC?

I don’t really use the word challenges; I see challenges as rather as opportunity. I think the challenge that I have is the challenge to project the right image of Ghana, to create the right experiences for the investor both domestic and international so that they feel that this is the best place to invest and finally ensure that there are tangible results. The challenge also is to coordinate with all the other institutions because it’s not GIPC alone that must create that image, the experience and the result but, taking the challenge and turning it into an opportunity.

Interviewed by Francis L. Sackitey, Accra Ghana

"one of the best locations on the African continent to do business"

The West African country Ghana is without doubt a country full of investment opportunities. But what is more attractive about Ghana is the system the Ghanaian government has put in place to not only attract both local and foreign investment but to also, help potential investors to easily navigate their way in getting their companies registered and also to operate appropriately. By an act of parliament, the Ghanaian government has established the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), to promote and encourage investment in Ghana. Indo Africa Times caught up with the affable CEO of GIPC Mrs. Mawuena Adzo Trebarh, the sister of BBC’s late Komla Dumor of Focus on Africa fame, to ask her about herself and her role in attracting foreign investment into the country.

Mrs. Mawuena Adzo trebarhCEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Center,Ghana

MONDAY | NOVEMBER 24, 2014