Volume 1 issue 10

www.indoafricatimes.com

MONDAY | MArch 17, 2014 Title Code: DELENG18579 • VOL. 1 • NO. 10 • Page 12 • Price `10

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INVEST IN ETHIOPIA

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FOSTERINGINDO-AFRICAN TRADE

The New emergiNg markeT

Akon Lightning Africa

A TruE HOLIdAy dESTINATION: MAurITIuS

INdIA–AfrIcA PArTNErSHIP: THE SkILL LANdScAPE

The banks should stop burdening small companies

The rt. hon. The Prime Minister, Dr. Thomas Motsoahae Thabane of the Kingdom of Lesotho with the Union commerce and Industry Minister of India, Shri. Anand Sharma

Wassupafrica02

Union Savings and Loans, (USL), Limited has inaugurated a new branch

at Nmai Dzorn near Adjiriganor in Accra with a call on financial institutions to help start-up businesses to grow. The Executive Chairman of Zoomlion and the Jospong Group, which is the parent company of USL, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong urged banks in the country to help small and medium enterprises to grow rather than concentrating on doing business with established companies.

He said, “The banks should stop burdening small companies with issues of guarantees and devise innovative ways to make their products and services

UNWTO, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and African

Tourism Ministers have committed to advancing the tourism sector’s support in the global fight against the surge in poaching that is threatening one of Africa’s main tourism resources - its unique wildlife and biodiversity.

In a response to the alarming growth in wildlife crime on the African continent, UNWTO, the Ministers of Tourism of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe gathered at ITB to review the current situation in the individual countries, share experiences, and discuss the tourism sector’s role the ongoing global efforts against poaching. Joining the meeting were the Executive Director of UNODC, Yuri Fedotov and the German State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Jochen Flasbarth.

“Tourism is a key vehicle for

FINaNcIal INSTITuTIONS uRGEd TO SuppORT STaRT up buSINESSES TO GROw

Ecobank appoints albErt EssiEn as nEw Group cEo

unwto, unoDc anD african tourism ministErs to join forcEs to fiGht wilDlifE crimE

ecobank Transnational incorporated (eTi) has appointed albert essien as new group Chief executive Officer of the Company.

albert essien has been at ecobank for more than 20years, rising to the position of Deputy group CeO two years ago. his appointment follows the departure of the current group Chief executive of the bank, hennery Tanoh, effective march 12, 2014. Some analysts have alleged that mr. Tanoh's exit follows calls for his removal for allegedly presiding over some corporate governance flaws at the bank.

it is however unclear whether, mr. Tanoh resigned willingly or he was forced out by the board, following request by other executive directors for him to step aside. Prior to becoming Deputy CeO, mr. essien was the regional head for the anglophone west africa (excluding Nigeria) and eastern and Southern africa (eSa) regions.

announcing the replacement, eTi interim Chairman, andré Siaka said “mr. albert essien has the experience and knowledge that ecobank needs to take us forward as we continue to implement our strategy, which is to deliver outstanding customer service, to

improve long-term shareholder value and returns and to be the employer of choice in our markets.”

he also wished the outgoing CeO, Thierry Tanoh well in his new field of endeavour. meanwhile, the Board of Directors of eTi also announced that in line with a directive the Securities and exchange Commission of Nigeria, mrs. Laurence do rego is reinstated as group executive Director of Finance and risk with immediate effect.

During their Board meeting, the Directors reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the detailed 51-point governance action Plan adopted by shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting held at ecobank's Pan african Centre in Lomé on march 3, 2014.

The plan, which is expected to be implemented by the end of april 2014, aims at strengthening governance within the ecobank group.

Modern Ghana

accessible to all”. Dr. Agyepong declared Union's preparedness to build a market for the Nmai Dzorn community to boost trading activities, as part of the company's corporate social responsibility undertakings.

He asked the traditional authorities at Nmai Dzorn to make land available for the construction of the market.

Dr. Agyepong noted that markets are very strategic to the operations of banks because the enterprises that operate in and around them generate funds that need to be protected and properly invested.

“Traders in Nmai Dzorn work in markets outside the area and

therefore carry money around under unsafe conditions and this is what we want to stop, so I am asking the Nmai Dzorn chiefs to make land available for the construction of a market so that the people can trade here and save their money here,” the Executive Director said.

The Managing Director of USL, Mr. Philip Oti-Mensah assured customers and prospective clients of Union's strict commitment to professionalism.

“While the competition in the banking sector is healthy and provides an opportunity for customers to get better services and pricing, some financial institutions have recently collapsed and bolted with depositors' funds, and thus reduced customer confidence severely,” he observed.

Mr. Oti-Mensah however urged the people to, “Choose Union based entirely on our ability to deliver on our promises”.

The Board Chairman of USL, Mr. Baba Issah stressed that small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) constituted the key engine of growth in developed and developing countries, “However, their biggest challenge is access to funds, and that is what Union Savings and Loans Company seeks to change”.

Modern Ghana

sustainable growth, job creation and poverty alleviation across Africa, but without the draw of its spectacular wildlife, future tourism development and millions of people depending on it will suffer,” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai.

Yury Fedotov noted the devastating effects of wildlife crime: “The killing and trafficking of wild animals not only destroys livelihoods and ecosystems, and undermines development and stability, but is a crime that steals revenues from legitimate economic activities, in particular tourism. As this crime becomes ever more organized and ever more destructive, it can only be stopped through comprehensive, coordinated responses.

Jochen Flasbarth stressed the importance of approaching the critical issue of poaching from a wider perspective and welcomed the commitment of the tourism sector in engaging in this global fight. “It is very e n c o u r a g i n g to see tourism stepping up to engage in this global fight and particularly to see the UN agencies UNWTO and UNODC joining efforts to make

this part of the tourism sector’s agenda”.

"Wildlife has value far beyond its natural beauty and is worth much more alive than dead. Wildlife watching generates billions of dollars around the world each year and many migratory animals protected under the Convention on Migratory Species, such as elephants, whales, gorillas and flamingoes are some of the biggest tourist attractions in the world. Losing them would be like losing the Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, the Pyramids or the Great Wall of China.” said Bradnee Chambers, Executive Secretary of the CMS.

UNWTO is currently conducting a study to assess the importance of wildlife for the development of tourism in Africa, to be presented at the upcoming UNWTO Regional Commission Meeting for Africa (Luanda, Angola, 28-30 April 2014).

The Executive chairman of Zoomlion and the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong

MONDAY | MArch 17, 2014

Wassupafrica 03FRoM page 01 rwanDa smEs to bEnEfit

from inDia skills transfEr schEmE

Sm a l l - a n d - m e d i u m enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda are set to benefit

from skills and technology transfer from Indian businesses, Joseph Kabakeza, the First Consular at the Rwandan High Commission in Delhi, has said.

Kabakeza said Indian SMEs were ready to mentor their Rwandan counterparts to boost their capacity so that they can grow and become competitive.

He was speaking at the just -concluded Confederation of Indian Industries in the Export-Import Bank Conclave on India-Africa partnership in New Delhi, India.

During the event, companies from Africa showcased some of their export products.

“Trade between Rwanda and India has grown over the last few years, but our businesses have a lot to learn, especially harnessing technology to improve operations,” he said.

He noted that Indian SMEs produce high quality goods and services sustainably because they use cost-effective and affordable technologies. The main items India exports to Rwanda include pharmaceuticals, vehicles, plastics and machinery.

Over the last 12 years, Indians

have registered 64 projects in Rwanda, worth $259m, according to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Kabakeza is confident the $120m (Rwf79.5b) concession loan secured by the Government of Rwanda from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India in October last year, to provide irrigation systems, improve watershed management and agro-processing, would help address the issues in the SME sector.

Yaduvendar Mathur, chairman and managing director of EXIM Bank, said capacity building and institutional reforms were essential to ensure sustainable growth of Rwanda’s economy.

Rwanda is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, according to the 2014 World Business report.

“We are looking at capacity building co-operation in the private sector, especially in manufacturing and infrastructure development,” Mathur said, observing that such large-scale capacity building programmes call for easy access to finance.

Mathur pledged EXIM Bank’s support, especially by helping finance Rwanda’s development-oriented projects.

New Times

With an endeavor to ripen creativities and augment affairs amid India

and Africa, 10th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project

Partnership came to an end. The event was crammed with edifying sessions, rich and rewarding discussions, and a spark with the charismatic presence of delegates from India and Africa. It was truly a tremendous prospect for the delegates and other participants to have an open dialogue and lift their business linkages.

It seems an episode of yesterday when the 1st Conclave was held on 1st March, 2005 after witnessing the 10th CII EXIM Bank Conclave with its key emphasis on fortifying the relations between India and Africa. The venue for this event was Taj Palace, New Delhi, India. A sight of the past conclaves was delivered by the Chair. Equally, other committee members painted different concerns pertaining to both the economies.

Icing on the cake was the amiable appearance of Rt. Hon. Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane, The Prime Minister, The Kingdom of Lesotho who was leading the delegation being selected as the Partner Country for this conclave and Shri Anand Sharma, Hon’ble Minster of Commerce and Industry. An illuminating speech was brought by both the prestigious guests during the conference.

Dr. Motsoahae expressed that cooperation in education is the key to development in Africa and conclave presents an outstanding platform to showcase their strengths and beneficial business opportunities accessible in Lesotho.

He further added that the lines of credit should be structured according to the development stage of each recipient country, and urged India to increase the grant element and extend the repayment period.

“India and Africa are taking

their rightful places in the emerging world order. The 21st Century will be the century of India, Asia and Africa - the India-Africa partnership is “distinct and

The Union Minister for commerce & Industry, Shri Anand Sharma and the Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho, Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane along with other esteemed dignitaries inaugurating the 10th cII EXIM Bank conclave

The Union Minister for commerce & Industry, Shri Anand Sharma and the Prime Minister of Kingdom of Lesotho, Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane releasing the cII-McKinsey on "Joining hands to unlock Africa’s potential"

different,” exemplifying the spirit of South-South Cooperation,” added Shri Anand Sharma.

He urged the present generation to revisit the pages of history to remind itself of the greater goals that drive the India-Africa partnership. Shri Anand Sharma made the environment emotional by recalling the history made by both the economies when the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi went to South Africa as a barrister. He also paid a tribute to Late Nelson Mandela and conveyed that he was truly a hero and inspiration for all of us.

Mr. Yaduvendra Mathur, Chairman and Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India, said that India’s role in Africa’s capacity building will increasingly focus on areas like agriculture, private sector development, infrastructure development and manufacturing growth.

Mr. Mathur said that about

$5bn worth of projects have been planned under the buyers credit that was introduced by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He also said that EXIM Bank of India is in discussion with the African Development Bank (AFDB) for sharing of project development expertise.

Mr. Noel Tata, Chairman, CII Africa Committee and Managing Director, Tata International Ltd, said, the committee is engrossed on endorsing bilateral partnerships in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, mining, power and energy, transportation, SMEs development and skills development.

Later on, three MoU’s were signed. To mention, MoU’s were signed between International Trade Centre & Confederation of Indian Industry, International Trade Centre & UK Department for International Development and EXIM Bank & Government of Republic of Congo.

A CII-McKinsey Report on “Joining hands to unlock Africa’s potential – A new Indian industry-led approach to Africa” and an EXIM Bank of India report on ‘Enhancing India’s trade with SADC’ were released.

In huge numbers, delegations visited the pavilions of big brands during the conclave making the event efficacious. The members at the respective stalls demonstrated and exhibited their expertise and quality services to the visiting delegates.

No doubt, it was a very encouraging and prolific atmosphere. The exchange of views during the B2B meetings offered a brilliant occasion to recognize about the prospects accessible in Africa. Various sessions took place on assorted themes like “Industrialization

in Africa : Role of Indian Private Sector”, “Bridging the Indian Ocean: Africa-India Investment Panel”, “Indian Lines of Credit to East Africa : Enabling Development Transformation” and “Innovative Financing Architecture for Africa” to name a few.

Esteemed ministers from Uganda, Republic of Congo and Lesotho addressed the delegates and pronounced their treasured considerations throughout the conference.

It concluded on a musical note with the concert by a troop which made the evening amazing.

mONDAY | mArch 17, 2014

Ethiopia has become one of the fastest growing economies in the world by

registering a double digit GDP growth rate during the last decade. Though Ethiopia has an agriculture based economy; currently the government has formulated and implementing a five year Growth and Transformation plan that envisage the transformation of the economy into industrialization.

Ethiopia has an area of 1.14 million sq. km, out of which 513,000 square kilometers (45%) are arable land and 34,200 square kilometers (3%) is irrigated land. The agriculture sector accounts for 41% of the GDP, provides 85% of employment and 90% of foreign currency earning. There are 18 major agro-ecological zones and 32 diversified or sub agro-ecologies. The temperature ranges from 20oC to 30oC, the altitude from

-125 meter below sea level to 4620 meter above sea level and annual rainfall varies from 200 to 2500 mm. There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May. The wet season runs from June to September. The main sources of water are ground water, rivers and rain.

Ethiopia has an investor friendly policy and the investment proclamation encourages investors by providing a package of investment incentives. A one-stop-shop where all the services

including land clearance is given in one window is being developed. Ethiopia has a skilled and semi skilled labor with a reasonable cost and available electric power with inexpensive price.

Investment in agricultural agriculture products as well as value addition to the agricultural products is highly encouraged. The priority areas in the agriculture sector are, cotton, horticulture and floriculture. The government is developing economic zones for commercialized farming while land on lease is available around main cities where the infrastructure and the necessary facilities are in place. In the manufacturing sector the priority areas are agro-processing, textile, leather goods, pharmaceutical,

chemicals, metal, IT etc.industrial Zones in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is developing industrial zones with the necessary infrastructure and facilities. The Bole Lemi Industry Zone located in the capital city, Addis Ababa provides a complete facility for investors. In other areas namely, Akaki Kality sub city, Dire Dawa City Administration, Kombolcha (Amhara Regional State), Mekele (Tigray Regional State) both in the North, and Hawassa (Southern State) similar facilities are in the process of developing industrial zones. These zones will be equipped with full facilities including financial institutions and government offices.

The zones prioritize industries

ethiopia at a GLaNCe

Official Name Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Head of State H.E. Mr. Mulatu Teshome

Capital Addis Ababa

Area 426,371 sq mi

Population 91.73 million (2012) World Bank

Governement Federal republic, Parliamentary republic

Time Zone EAT (UTC+3)

Country Dialling Code +251

Currency Ethiopian birr

Major Exports Coffee, Livestock, khat, gold, leather products, oilseeds , and flowers & plants

Major Imports Food and live animals, petroleum and petroleum products, chemicals, machinery, motor vehicles, cereals, textiles

Climate Tropical monsoon, with wide topographic-induced variation

Official Language Amharic Language

countryoftheWeek04

EThIOpIaAdvertiser's Index

Modern Agro Engineering Works .................................................. Page 02chadha Power ............................................................................... Page 02SSP Pvt. Ltd ................................................................................... Page 03Paranthaman Exporters ................................................................. Page 03Linc Pen & Plastics Limited ........................................................... Page 04MKU ............................................................................................... Page 05Jet Airways...................................................................................... Page 07The Times of Africa ........................................................................ Page 07J.P. Mukherjee & Associates Pvt. Ltd. ............................................ Page 08Mill India Ltd. .................................................................................. Page 10Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd.............................................................. Page 11radeecal communications ........................................................... Page 12Parkash Amusements ................................................................... Page 12Indian Spinal Injuries centre ......................................................... Page 12

The New emergiNg markeTthat have production chains or that will strategically benefit the growth of the sector including in the government priority sub sectors such as textile manufacturing, leather processing,

metal works, agro processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Therefore, Investors will only need to set up machinery in the building and facilities developed and owned by the government.

iNVeST iN

highway link between Ethiopia and Sudan

A mesmerizing view of Ethiopia


BusinessBuzz 05EXIM Bank’s world class banking system now in Tanzania

Iberia, Samsung Collaborate

world’s second-biggest consumer-products maker, Unilever (UNa) is ready to mark its presence at a large scale in ethiopia as it plans to open a manufacturing plant in the next year in an endeavor to emulate its expansion into Vietnam. The company would be taking on rent the premises from the London and rotterdam- based company for the plant in the Chinese-built eastern industry Zone in Dukem, 31 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of the capital, addis ababa.

Dougie Brew, head of corporate affairs in africa, told “The plans are ambitious for ethiopia because we see it as a growing market.” he added, “we’ve taken a long-term investment decision in ethiopia because of the demography, broad-based growth and opportunity to create a genuinely inclusive and sustainable business model from scratch.”

Unilever, already importing knorr stock cubes and Omo detergent into ethiopia, also initially make fabric-cleaning soaps afore moving into food products. it is estimated that the company’s action is in regard to an October report by the international monetary Fund in which ethiopia’s economy projected to expand 8 percent in the fiscal year to July 7 after growing an average of 9.3 percent for the past four years.

The premier export finance institution in India, EXIM Bank has commenced a

new corporate branch in Arusha, Tanzania. Commenting on the opening, Board Chairman, Yogesh Manek, said expressed, “We believe the corporate centre will go a long way in supporting

Iberia and Samsung have signed an agreement to introduce new technologies in airport

check-in and boarding in airports for a significant improvement in passengers' travel experience.

Thanks to Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, Iberia customers with Samsung devices will be able to use them to pass through security control and boarding gates, even when the devices are switched off.

To use the technology when checking in online for a flight, the customer must click on the option to have the boarding pass sent to the device's NFC card, which allows the device to be used for transactions made at short distances such as card payments.

ambitious plans of unilEvEr for Ethiopia

coca-cola spreading happiness in africa

economic activity in Arusha, which include mining, horticulture, forestry, industrial development, real estate development, tourism, wildlife and natural resources, among others.” It will take care of the needs of its corporate clients located within that particular region by offering full variety

of tailored corporate banking solutions at a single convenient location. The EXIM Corporate Centre, positioned along the Nelson Mandela Road at Kijenge, is truly a one-stop banking convenience. Also, the East African Community Secretariat is located in Arusha, together with the Arusha International Conference Centre. Confirming to the bank officials, the bank presents the most personalized banking experience planned particularly for corporate customers where they are attended by knowledgeable relationship managers and officers with devotion and effectiveness.

Manek conveyed that the corporate centre is a proof of the bank’s commitment to provide the uppermost level of service

greater economic growth has given way to more opportunities to Coca-Cola

for its soda and bottled water processors which are now set for huge gains this year after a rush in demand that has raised production of soft drinks to a record high. a positive change has been observed in the africa as the economic growth has put more cash into consumers’ pockets, augmenting consumption of sodas and bottled water both at home and in restaurants.

rocky Findley, the regional franchise manager of Coca-Cola’s east africa asserted, “we believe there was a lot more money involved in entrepreneurial opportunities especially in the informal economy which resulted in increased consumption.”

according to the latest data from the kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the production of soft drinks (which include bottled water and carbonated drinks but exclude juices) hit 388,753 metric tonnes in the 11 months to November, thus exceeding the 2012 full-year output by 8.1 per cent.

worth mentioning, kenya’s biggest producer of carbonated drinks is Coca-Cola and that too, with distant competitors being PepsiCo and kuguru Foods together with Coca-Cola selling the Dasani bottled water brand.

in the same vein, Findley noted, “The shilling has also been stable against major currencies, especially the US dollar. This resulted in the sector benefiting from price stability even as disposable incomes increased.”

also, there’s heat in the market of competition with PepsiCo setting up a production line in Nairobi two years ago in order to cut on distribution costs and catch up with market leader Coca Cola. PepsiCo initiated producing brands like Pepsi-Cola, 7-Up, mirinda Fruity at mirinda Orange at its Sh2.4 billion factory at ruaraka, a city in Nairobi, kenya in December 2012.

according to the world Bank estimate, kenya’s Sh4.3 trillion economy expanded by about five per cent exhibiting that it is ready to improve to 5.1 per cent this year.

to its clients across all divisions. Further, he expressed the centre, which was operational in August 2013, is fully equipped and specialized to deliver the widest suite of corporate banking solutions. These include cash transfers, loans, trade finance, and treasury. He said the bank is set on a three year ambitious growth strategy to develop services by expanding the branch network to 50. Underneath this strategy, the bank would also enhance its Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to 100 and will have 1,000 Point of Sales (POS) across the country by the end of 2016. Manek articulated, “We are seriously working on the installation of a very sophisticated and world class banking system that will enhance our service delivery.”

Then the customer must only hold the device, which need not even be switched on, near the 'reader' devices at security control and in boarding gates. The same NFC card can automatically download information from other sites in airports, such as VIP lounges or Iberia's Quick Service Points.

The technology can also speed luggage check in when luggage tag information is stored on the NFC card.

The technology is faster than bar-code readers, and will save passengers substantial amounts of time at airports adding to passenger convenience and airline efficiency. The data stored is safe from intrusion, since in order to

be read the device must be held no more than 14 centimetres from the reader.

Iberia will shortly activate these services at airports equipped with NFC readers.

Dimitris Bountolos, Iberia's Customer Experience Director, said: 'This agreement, linking us to the world's leading digital technology company, makes us pioneers again with a project that will improve our customers' airport experience and save time.

Celestino GarcÃa, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' IM technology division, said

'through this cooperation agreement and with Econocom's wide ranging cooperation and innovation, we hope to offer the market a real alternative to facilitate investment and access to our catalogue of digital devices.'

Modern Ghana


fRaNkLY sPeaKinG06

SMEs are the best candidates to attain inclusive growth in Africa as they contribute notably to income generation

and job creation. Small scale industry typically makes a large contribution to manufacturing employment in developing countries and the approaches of developing small scale industries include building skills and promoting technological development for fast and improved operation, which India is ready to share with the African continent.

The term SME’s (Small and Medium Enterprises) covers a heterogeneous group of businesses in a developing economy, ranging from a single artisan working in a small shop making handicrafts for a village market to a sophisticated engineering firms selling in overseas markets. Developing as well as developed countries acknowledge the role and importance of SME’s in generating employment, stimulating growth and creating social cohesion.

Moreover, interest in SME’s also seems to have been further recharged in the face of globalization, which is increasingly becoming an authoritative force in world trade because of their flexibility and quick adaptability to change. As Africa moves towards more rapid industrialization, there is a growing recognition that SME offer significant avenues for supporting industrialization and generating employment.

Development of SMEs in Africa would widely held advantages in income growth, entrepreneurial training, creation of technological capabilities, greater flexibility for changing market circumstances and job creation.

At present, Africa presents a unique business environment offering both challenges and opportunities. Indian companies with its deep industry knowledge and expertise can equip the targeted people with the skills and the insights that will enable them operate their business more strategically and profitably in Africa. It will further furnish them with the traits of successful entrepreneurs. Africa can then prosper with knowledge, skills, insight and ideas.

Moreover, Information technology is having a significant impact in sector of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME). Technology plays a crucial role in the development of SMEs. Technology and training form the core

Strengthening the competitiveness of africa with SME development

Looking at the existing situation and background of SMEs in both countries, there are immense opportunities of cooperation and strategic alliances in SME sector, which could be in the form of joint ventures, technology collaborations or marketing tie-ups.

H.E. MRs. JoycE Banda President of the republic of malawi

MR. anand sHaRMaminister of Commerce & industry, india

of India- Africa partnership. The need to evolve technologically superior methods of product development holds true especially for players in the SME segment. India has the innovative methods that have been developed to increase the productivity of Africa.

Today, India has the knowledge and access to new technology, high levels of R&D and the adaptability to the changing trends in their respective industries. As Africa steps up the drive for rapid economic development, the region hopes to leverage India’s strength in emerging technologies. Africa can easily make use of India’s edge in the technology sector.

The major population in Africa which resides in the rural areas is also being tapped

by banks & financial institutions by making finance available to those micro entrepreneurs in helping them start their own business. Banks, Financial Institutions, Private Equity Firms and NGOs across Africa are encouraging entrepreneurs to come up with innovative business ideas and explore opportunities in initiating a business start up. With reference to various financing initiatives, African Development Bank provides guarantees to SME’s projects.

In the nutshell we can say that the role of SME’s is without doubt the foundation for the growth and expansion of Africa

and should be undertaken in partnership with African governments, international donors, private sectors and the Diaspora itself. They cannot work in isolation of each other and as such all have a mutual role to play in the sustained economic reform and transformation of Africa. This sector is ideally suited to build on the strengths of the traditional skills and knowledge, by infusion of technologies, capital and innovative marketing practices. Small and Medium Enterprises today constitute a very important segment of the African economy. It has emerged as a dynamic and vibrant sector. With the help from India this sector of Africa can achieve a wide measure of industrial growth and diversification.

By kirit soBti, editor, [email protected]

The Managing Director of DHL Express for Sub Saharan Africa, Mr. Charles Brewer has said that

SMEs are obviously the growth engine for Africa and the acute driver for sustainable economic growth.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which predicts economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2014 is expected to be slightly higher than that in 2013, at around 6 percent. “This growth, coupled with the more than one billion consumers on the continent who spend $600 billion annually, as well as having the fastest growing middle class in the world, and the significant opportunity that connecting with the world represents, provides African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with boundless opportunities in 2014″. He added.

Highlighting the challenges which SMEs are likely to face in Africa, he said infrastructure challenges, customs regulations and controls, access to finance may be an obstacle going forward. “The Institute of International Finance reported that due to many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa struggling with controlling price pressures, central banks have tended to keep monetary policy fairly tight. Despite this challenge, we expect SMEs to create growth opportunities through increased consumer spending power and expansion into untapped markets.

According to him, the growing internet user penetration in Africa also affords a sizeable occasion for SMEs, and as Africa lingers to adopt e-commerce as a way of life, businesses are able to influence this online market, while reducing traditional customer acquisition costs. World Wide Worx’s 2012 Internet Matters report reveals that the local e-commerce market is growing at a rate of around 30% a year and shows no signs of slowing down.

Brewer said that the more an SME can knock into global occasions and the more it can look into global enlargement, the better the chances for growth become. “When it comes to global opportunities the key to success for many SMEs is knowledge. Knowing which markets to target, how to market their product, how to identify customers, how to get paid and critically, how to ship globally. We have 25,000 SMEs who work with us across Africa and every day we work on understanding their needs better and help them to go global. DHL is well-positioned to partnering with African SMEs and helping them to connect with the world,” he said.

the Growth Engine for africa

Small Medium Enterprises and cooperatives play an important role in the economy through generation of employment, wealth creation and poverty reduction.

Why SMEs?• SMEsaretheengineofgrowth• SMEsarevitalforacompetitive

and effective market• SMEsarecriticalforpoverty

reduction• SMEsplayaparticularimportant

role in developing countries• SMEsectoristhelargest

provider of employment in most African countries especially of new jobs

• SMEsareamajorsourceoftechnological innovation and new products

• SMEstendtoemploylow-income workers

Indian companies with its deep industry knowledge and expertise can equip the targeted people with the skills and the insights


traVeL&touRism 07A T r u e H o l i d A y d e s T i n A T i o n

MAUritiUs

Mauritius is a fascinating world-in-one island slice of paradise. Its very name conjures up images of

tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. This delightful holiday destination offers a wide array of opportunities and services niche segments such as the organization of international events, high profile Weddings, Honeymoon, Spa resorts offering high quality accommodation/services within a highly distinctive well-being package.

Mauritius offers wonderful clean beaches, brilliant coral reefs, attractive multicolored aquatic species, tropical weather and serene atmosphere. Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Deep-Sea Fishing, Kayaking, Submarine ride, Sub-scooter ride, there is a sport for almost everyone. One should definitely opt for Under Sea walk - an unusual activity where one can actually walk on the seabed with the weighed foot or opt for world's first Underwater Sub-Scooters. Experience the thrills of Dolphins swimming with you; visit Tamarin Bay, the most famous surf site in on our western coast.

The country has a diversified range of adventures land sports which includes Quad Biking, Para-sailing, mountain biking or Sky Diving. The tour is incomplete without experiencing the thrill of walking with the king of jungle- a unique adventure activity called, “Walk with the Lions” at the Casela Nature & Leisure Park, which is also, home to more than 140 varieties of birds from five

different continents. Also the zip-line ride is a thrilling experience in which people are allowed to fly over from one spot to the other, through a network of zip-line cables. It is an interesting way to discover the waterfalls, forest and landscapes of Mauritius. We also have a number of 18-hole championship or international standard golf courses.

Be it a destination wedding or a perfect honeymoon destination; Mauritius fits in perfectly in both the categories. Weddings are well catered with a choice of beautiful backdrops including plantation-style homes, pristine beaches and jagged volcanic mountain ranges. There are fabulous choices of luxury hotels and resorts for people to enjoy pre and post- wedding pampering activities or just a relaxed sunset cocktail in Paradise. Mauritius is perfect destination for an exotic moment of togetherness.

It has a plethora of local and international gastronomical delights for every taste bud. Mauritius has the combination of flavors nurtured through its people of different cultural heritages and cooking traditions. Indulge your palate to an array of wonderful local and international cuisines that include English, Indian, Creole, French, Chinese, African, etc. Most dishes generally have an extensive yet subtle use of spices such as saffron, cardamom, cloves and many different herbs. Tourists can enjoy a large selection of gateaux’s similar to the ones found in France as well as some wonderful Indian sweets. Mauritius also is proud to claim our local beer, Phoenix, to be one of the best in the world and the world renowned Green Island Rum.

The island also offers a vibrant night-life with casinos or the Sega dances / cultural events organized in the hotels. Watch Sega, which is national dance and musical form of Mauritius. Introduced by African slaves during the French colonial period, the Sega is an exotic dance to watch and enjoy Mauritius nightlife. The region of Grand Baieand Flic-en-Flac on the West coast region has some of the most popular pubs, clubs, bars and is a paradise for nightlife lovers.

The island is loaded with historic sites, cultural diversity, geographic variation and almost limitless activities to distract you from

the daily grind of beach and pool. Mauritius enjoys a relatively mild climate. Visit Mauritius where you will have your dreams fulfilled.


taLkiNGtecHnoLoGy08

Building the productivity of a nation leveraging its human resources is an

issue of constant relevance to all nations of the world irrespective of the stage of development they are in. Large populous countries such as India and China are aware of how strengthening skill sets of their youth can help in achieving a sustained economic growth. There is historical evidence of

success of this strategy in Asia, and also in Latin America. With Africa seen as the next frontier of growth, there is a sense of optimism, towards improving the economic well-being of countries, especially in sub-Saharan African region.

With fewer young people relative to the population of working-age adults, and with the successful implementation of key national policies over the long term, countries such as Thailand and Brazil have reaped the rewards from their demographic dividend. India is already making strong efforts to skill 500mn youth in what can be termed as the largest HR exercise in the world. African nations could also give a similar strong push to creating a skilled talent pool of African youth.

Like India, countries in Africa’s have economies poised for growth, but face the problem of shortage of skilled manpower. This is putting a strain on investment in Africa. This is primarily because education institutions in Africa fail to produce the quantity of high level skills required to meet growing business needs. Rapid growth in Africa’s key economic hubs is driving the search for talent to fill critical roles, but a limited number of local staff with management and specialist skills

means that a growing number of companies are citing skills scarcity as a barrier to doing business in African countries. Seventy-five percent of CEOs operating in African countries surveyed by PWC outlined a lack of available talent as a threat to their growth. New foreign direct investment in Africa is projected to reach $150 billion by 2015, creating 350,000 capital intensive jobs a year

(according to an Ernst & Young report) resulting in demand for talent outstripping supply.

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) along with the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) has been working with different countries to discuss and address the need to develop skills of the available labour force in their respective

markets. NSDC is working closely with Australia, Canada and UK on creating transnational skilling standards and continues to partner with several other countries on varied skill initiatives. NSDC has signed various memorandums of understanding with countries where the two counter parts will work on developing projects and programs to promote skills development in their respective markets. These programs are developed in the form of modules which allow transfer of knowledge and the required skill set to each other’s to help harness the demographic dividend of their country.

South Africa, has put the development of skills at the centre of the new Country Development Strategy (Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative-AsgiSA), which aims at halving poverty and unemployment by 2014. Knowing that the economy of Africa can change in the due course due to this effort, many professionals are willing to move back to their home country for the right opportunity and play their part in Africa’s growth story. This workforce is attractive to companies because they know how to deliver to the standards of international business. The NSDA would be willing to collaborate and play a contributory role in

building National Standards and benchmarks in skill development.

NSDC’s impact has become more visible today. In line with the objective of making India the

‘skills capital of the world’, NSDC in its first three years of operations has skilled 1.35 million people and created a capacity to skill 75 million people in the next 10 years. To ensure that all the candidates are trained on industry defined standards, NSDC has approved 29 Sector Skill Councils, which have standardized 501 job roles in different sectors till date.

The process of discussion and collaboration has already begun between Africa & India and this communication will only grow multi-fold as the two countries aim to achieve their respective skill training visions. These conversations have been on, between industry associations and the African government on sharing best practices. Under this initiative, the Confederation of Indian Industries has already taken a step in skill development beyond national boundaries one of which was when Indian industry provided the facilities for training 100 apprentices from South Africa in construction trades in Hyderabad in 2007 with the support the Umsobomvu Youth Fund, South Africa.

The increasing recognition that higher technical and vocational skills has, is crucial in enhancing competitiveness and contributing to social inclusion, decent employment, and poverty reduction has been a strong incentive for reform both in India and African countries. There are several opportunities for collaboration between the two countries, in areas of joint interest such as agriculture, tourism, mining etc. Technological collaboration is another area of joint interest because Africa already has some excellent models of mobile technologies being used as payment gateways, as well as for education. For greater cross pollination of ideas, the two countries need more platforms and channels of exchange between policy makers, training providers, business leaders from either side. Each of us can learn from the other and enable a better future for the youth of our respective nations.

IndIa–afrIca PartnershIP:THE SkILL LANDSCAPE

Dr. s. ramadorai Chairman, National Skill Development Corporation


trysomethiNGNeW 09

prepration method1. Mix milk, vinegar and mustard and let

set for 15 minutes. This will make a mustardy, buttermilky dressing to coat the fish.

2. In a separate bowl mix cornmeal with all the seasonings.

3. Dip fish fillets in the milk mixture and

Ingredients •1lbtilapiafillet Milk mixture•1/4cupmilk•1/2teaspoonvinegar•1tablespoonbrownmustardor1tablespoonhoney•mustardBreading•1/2cupcornmeal

automotive testing Expo indiaAutomotive Testing Expo India is India's most relevant and significant trade fair for automotive test, evaluation and quality engineering event in chennai. It was tremendous hit with nearly 4000 visitors from India’s car and component manufacturing industry making the journey to hyderabad to see the very latest automotive test and evaluation technologies. date: 19-21 mar 2014 Venue: Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, india

ad-tech new Delhi It is one of the biggest exhibitions organized worldwide. The exhibitors will get an opportunity to advertise their products, sponsor and showcase the firm in a unique exhibit, to hold a seminar or meeting at the expo and many more such opportunities. date: 20-21 mar 2014Venue: Leela kempinski gurgaon hotel, gurgaon, india

agritalk indiaAgriTalk India 2014 will be held for four consecutive days at Shastri Maidan in Gujarat. This show will provide opportunity to attendees to learn about innovative marketing strategies in order to increase their market share. Farmers and Agri professionals from all parts of India will attend this event and will showcase their latest products and services associated with agricultural sector. date: 12-15 mar 2014Venue: Shastri maidan, rajkot, india

technotex indiaTEchNOTEX INDIA is one of the most comprehensive technical textiles sector trade shows in India. A large number of well-targeted conference delegates, industry stakeholders and other distinguished business personnel take part in the event and the latest market information and highlights are closely examined here. The presence of foreign participants brings a global feel to the occasion. date: 20-22 mar 2014Venue: Bombay Convention & exhibition Centre (BCeC), mumbai, india

architecture building construction Expo & conferences jalandharArchitecture Building construction Expo & conferences Jalandhar is a 3 day event being held from 21st March to the 23rd March 2014 at the holly hock Gardens in Jalandhar, India. This event showcases products like construction equipment & machinery, building materials & equipments, ceramics & sanitary ware, glass & glazing's paints & coatings, doors, windows & plywood, flooring, architecture & allied services etc. date: 21-23 mar 2014 Venue: holly hock gardens, Jalandhar, india

international industrial Expo & conferences jalandharThis event showcases products like Industrial machinery or technology, industrial raw material or finished products of Engineering & Technology, Machinery & Machine tools, Industrial Automation, Fire & Safety, Automobiles & Auto components, Power, Electrical, Electronics & Instrumentation, Metallurgy, Foundry, Welding, Plastics, Printing & Packaging, Water, Environment & chem-Pharma etc. in the Industrial Products industry. date: 21-23 mar 2014 Venue: holly hock gardens, Jalandhar, india

UPcOMING

Yummy Crispy Baked Fish

African Cuisine

then in the cornbread mixture.4. Spray broiling pan with cooking spray

or brush with a little olive oil.5. Place fillets on prepared pan and place

pan under broiler 4 inches from heat.6. Broil for 4 minutes per side or until fish

flakes easily with a fork.7. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

in africa, the equator runs along for almost 2500 miles, passing through 6 countries: gabon, Congo, Democratic republic of Congo, Uganda, kenya and Somalia.

If through some error, yesterday was lost in grief, don’t lose today by keeping it in your memory.

THOUGHT OFTHE WEEK

1. What is this? Qu’est ce que c’est?

2. Don’t worry! ne vous inquiétez pas!

3. You have a very pretty face. Vous avez un très joli visage.

4. What a beautiful day! Quelle belle journée!

5. Wish you a great weekend. Je vous souhaite un bon week-end.

Handy French

FAcTSGarlic Garlic has germanium in it.

Germanium is an anti-cancer agent

regulates the body's blood pressure

Strengthen your body's defenses against allergies

helps loosen plaque from the artery walls

helps regulate your blood sugar levels

It is packed with vitamins and nutrients

pIcTuRE oF THE wEEk

Mr. Yaduvendra Mathur, chairman and Managing Director of EXIM Bank and h.E. Mr. Felix Ngoma, Ambassador of the republic of congo to India signing the MoU at the 10th cII EXIM Bank conclave on India-Africa Project partnership in New Delhi on March 09, 2014

FLAG NAME cAPITAL cUrrENcY OFFIcIAL LANGUAGE

mauritania Nouakchott Ouguiya arabic

mauritius Port Louis mauritian rupeemauritian Creole, French,

english

morocco rabat moroccan dirham arabic Berber

mozambique maputo mozambican metical Portuguese

•1teaspoonsalt•1teaspoononionpowder•1teaspoongarlicpowder•1teaspoonpaprika•1/2teaspoonthyme•1/2teaspoonpepper•1/2teaspooncayennepepper,adjusttoyourtasteGarnish•Lemonwedge

know MoRE aBouT aFRIca What is the other name of

river “Nile” given by Ancient Egyptians?

Iteru, meaning “Great River”

What is the Official name of Kenya in Swahili? Jamhuri Y Kenya

Which commonly seen bird in Southern Africa has a head shaped like a hammer? The Hammer kop

Which is Libya’s lowest

point at 47 meters below sea level? Sabkhat Ghuzayyil The only place where shools of fresh water sardines are found? Lake Tanganyika

Who was the first President of the Democratic republic of congo for the period of 5 years? H.E. Mr. Joseph Kasa Vubu

What is monetary unit of chad? CFA Franc

Name the Mail’s the biggest man-made mud structure in the world? Grand Mosque of Djenne

What is Kimberley in Africa famous for? Diamonds

What is the administrative capital of South Africa? Pretoria

Libyans drive on which side of the road? Right


Nigeria’s fashionable March 2014

thefasHionistas10

The aura of fashion completely spell bounded Nigerians completely this march with the african Fashion and Design week (aFDw) from march 6th to 9th, a pioneering event by Bluepearl Services international (BSi) in collaboration with world Fashion for Development supporting the aims and dreams of emerging designers. The event intends of endorsing economic development and social responsibility around the world through fashion as an opportunity for development. The four day branded entertainment environment providing a path to local talent to go global and global talent to come local through activities and opportunities for designers to get face-to-face with principal tastemakers, ViPs, musical talent, celebrities, international and local retail buyers, consumers and media.

african Fashion and Design week intends to promote business of fashion in africa worldwide while discovering and nurturing emerging designers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and sponsoring designers from Nigeria and other african countries. Since its founding, the aFDw has exposed and cherished developing designers in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and sponsored designers from Nigeria and other african countries to cabinet their designs during the Fashion week Brooklyn New York.

South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is an innovative platform with its focus on designer development, the 2014 Spring/Summer Collections of all Key Designers in the country that are commercially successful. According to Lucilla Booyzen – Director of SA Fashion Week,

“Luxury, desirable, ready to wear collections created by the designers are the fundamental elements of a sustainable industry” the event is now in its seventeenth year and initiates to provide 29 South African

kumawood actress Xandy kamel storms nollywood

The world renowned singer, Akon has a goal of getting solar-powered electricity to one million

homes in Africa by the end of the year. The Senegalese-American singer has an objective in mind to assist the African population by providing them with the basic need of life – electricity. The initiative launched this month by Akon is named, “Akon Lightning Africa”. It is said that Akon, born to Senegalese parents was “pained” after seeing people in the African continent without electricity. He asserted, “How could you build any infrastructure with no lights? Without electricity you can’t even operate the machines to build

roads or bridges…That’s what created the initiative.”

Akon is using millions of his own dollars for the initiative as he aims to install solar equipment in households to enhance energy sufficiency. The initiative is in collaboration with Give1 Project, ADS Global Corporation SA and public-private solar energy companies along with meeting with government leaders for the project in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gambia and other countries. He also noted, “I saw what simple lights did to people there. It was like a huge festival when that light switch was hit. Now, kids can study during the afterhours. It’s a luxury. It touched me.”

Whilst the collaboration between Kumawood film industry and Nollywood, is getting close-fitting day in and out - as more Nollywood stars storm Kumawood to star in the latter’s movies, some Kumawood stars are also making efforts to work in Nollywood.

Promising Kumawood actress, Xandy Kamel, has had the rare opportunity to star in a new upcoming Nollywood movie titled ‘Beyond Love’ from the stables of 1 and 2

aKon Lightning

africa

Spring/Summer Collections at SA Fashion Week

production.Being the first Kumawood

actress to enter into Nollywood, she revealed that she had the opportunity to star in the Nollywood film after the production of a movie. Nigeria’s revered actor, Uche, watched some couple of her movies and realized that she’s fit to play some roles in a forthcoming production.

Xandy starred in the movie with, Wizkid, Ebiye Amanda, Fredrick Leonard, Bishop Umeh, and others. Based on

her creditable acting, she was promised more roles with good offers.

“It was a great experience and I learned a lot from Nollywood. Looking at how they shoot their movies which look a bit different from how we in Kumawood shoot our movies – in terms of the timing and all; but in all, I was able to deliver to expectation” Xandy said amidst giggling. Currently she’s back in Ghana shooting an upcoming Kumawood movie.

Modern Ghana

Designers to showcase their Spring/Summer Collections at SA Fashion Week early this April.

The prosperous Sheer Glamour Collections hosted by Motions and TRESemmé will open the programme on 2 April as South African Fashion Week’s hair care sponsor. The Sheer Glamour event will exhibit South Africa’s most revolutionary designers, including Clive Rundle, Black Coffee, Cutterier by Laz Yani, Lunar, Vino, Rubicon, Joel Janse van Vuuren and Gert-Johan Coetzee.

“Great hair is always in fashion is TRESemmé‘s international positioning that underpins the brand’s sponsorship of New York Fashion Week and applies equally to the fashion-forward individual that we are targeting in South Africa through our association with the country’s leading fashion platform” asserted Janet Leamy, Senior Brand Manager - Brand Building

- Caucasian Hair Care TRESemmé. The event would be graced by many renowned designers exhibiting their Spring/Summer 2014 Collections at South African Fashion Week this year including Albertus Swanepoel, Amanda Laird Cherry, Colleen Eitzen, Shaldon Kopman, Ephymol, Lunar, Clive Rundle, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Rubicon, and Black Coffee. The event will also witness launching of Crystal Collection this season in collaboration with Swarovski Crystals, by the winner of the Renault New Talent Search, Cutterier by Laz Yani.

The Star: Akon

Kumawood Actress Xandy Kamal


sPorts2WatCh 11TeAm RWAndA ReAdy FoR AFRICA CRoSS CounTRy

caf boss hayatou sEts World Cup semi-final tarGEt for black stars

After three weeks of high altitude training in Rulindo, Northern Province, head

coach Emmanuel Murenzi believes Rwanda’s Africa Cross Country team has hit the required fitness to take on the world’s best.

Twenty athletes have been

"Football is exciting, fun to watch, and very unpredictable"

1. what has been one of your greatest accomplishment as a footballer?

Being picked as captain of CASH MONEY football team.

2. who is your football “hero” and why?

Ronaldinho. He has the pace and ball control, as well as a physique that is pinnacle of modern athleticism.

3. what has been a hardship in your life?

Growing up without a Mom4. how do you tend to workout/

train by yourself? No, I tend to workout in groups

then individually 5. what has been one of your

biggest disappointments as a footballer?

Losing the final in a diplomatic tournament in 2009 against the South African Embassy.

6. what other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing football?

I think am good in Tennis.7. if you could be the head

coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

Bayern Munich8. how do you monitor and

evaluate the success of your coaching?

By leadership and setting examples.

9. what is something that is unique about football?

Football is exciting, fun to watch, and very unpredictable.

10. what is the best compliment you have ever received?

A friend once said to me “I always feel really happy when you’re around.”

11. Describe in one word: Competition: Decisive Winning: Success Life is: Journey Passion: Motivation Family: Precious India: Diverse

lined up for the Africa Cross Country Championships due on March 16 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, Uganda.

“We have been holding extensive preparations in Rulindo and all seems to be going on well. The players are in perfect condition. We have no injuries and athletes are ready to pick good results in Kampala,” Murenzi told Times Sport.

Meanwhile, Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) expects a full house during the third Continental Cross Country

CAF boss Issa Hayatou, has nudged the five African teams at the 2014 FIFA World Cup including the Black Stars of Ghana to strive to reach the last four. PANA reports that no African team has ever gone beyond the quarter-finals stage of the global football extravaganza.

But Hayatou said a last-four berth at the June 12 to July 13 event by any of Africa's flagbearers in Brazil would be an icing on the cake. He said this would be for the successes African football has recorded, especially in the past 26 years of CAF.

“What will make me happy now, after all these achievements, will be to get even more successes for African football,” CAF's media outlet quoted Hayatou to have said.

“We continue with massive

Championships. With no World Championships in 2014, CAA Vice President David Okeyo, said over the weekend African countries have a chance to compete at the top level in a discipline that has been dominated by talented athletes from the continent.

“There will be no World Cross Country in 2014, so the teams have a chance to field their best stars and make this event as big as the global one. After all, the World Cross Country Championships is dominated by Africa, US, Qatar and Bahrain,” Okeyo said.

“There should be no excuse in Kampala. We had less than 10 countries in the inaugural event in 2011 in Cape Town, however, that number doubled to 23 in 2012 and now I want us to hit the 53 mark in Uganda,” he added.

Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Uganda are the bigwigs in the discipline and will be looked upon to enter full teams in the event.

“Africa Cross Country might just be the future of this competition globally, because European countries are finding it hard to put their athletes on the winners’ podium. It is a good event for the athletes to use for endurance after a long recess and we hope it will attract top runners,” said Okeyo.

Kenya has previously won all gold medals of the championship.

New Times

Ghana goalkeeper Daniel agyei makes training return after hernia operation

Free State Stars' international goalkeeper Daniel agyei has returned to training after a hernia operation and could be available in the next matches for the relegation-threatened side. agyei had been the first choice for the club until his injury but since the return to action after the holiday break, Stars have had the veteran Tsepo motsoeneng in goal.

agyei started 14 of Stars' 19 league games played to date this season with the 35-year-old motsoeneng playing in four and ayanda mtshali one. The injury has meant agyei lost his place in ghana's squad for their recent world Cup warm-up match against montenegro. But a quick return to action could put agyei into prime position as ghana also dropped first-choice Fatau Dauda, because he is getting no game time at Orlando Pirates.

Modern Ghana

strides on all fronts of football development and, going into the 2014 FIFA World Cup, I do not see why Africa cannot have one or two of our representatives reach the semi-finals or indeed even the final of the World Cup during my time as President.”

Africa's five representatives at the tournament are the Desert Foxes of Algeria, Cameroon's Indomitable Lions, the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana's Black Stars and Nigeria's Super Eagles. Only three African teams viz. Cameroon, Ghana and Senegal have ever reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. This was since Africa's first representation by Egypt at the 1934 World Cup in Italy.

Modern Ghana

Ghana goalkeeper Daniel Agyei

cherono conta from The Gambia is currently pursuing BBA from Punjab Technical University


eNCouNteR WitH eDitor12

how do you see africa growing and what is your perspective on your country’s role in its development as an economic and political power?

Africa has a great potential to play a more important role in the Global Economy due to its vast wealth of Natural Resources. In order for Africa to grow as a sustainable Economic Power, its countries (including Tanzania) and the continent as a whole have to address the prevailing challenges currently facing their economies, among which include:• African countries should not allow their

natural resources to be exploited by “Foreigners” unchecked.

• African countries have to address the deficiencies in Infrastructure, Communication Services and Power which impede economic growth to a great extent.

• There is a need for Africa to diversify its economy beyond the Natural Resources in order to ensure that even when the Natural Resources are depleted, still the economy growth is sustained.

• Since SMEs are the fabric of Africa’s Economy, Africa should strive to ensure the establishment of more SMEs.

tanzania is a country which has many extra-ordinary tourist attractions. what are your efforts to promote the tourism sector of tanzania in india?

Tanzania Tourism attractions include Nature (Rich Bio- Diversity) and Wildlife Tourism; Mount Kilimanjaro Tourism; Indian Ocean Beaches Tourism

along Zanzibar/ Mafia/ Pemba Islands and Tanzania Mainland; Eco-Tourism; Historical and Cultural Tourism; Marine Tourism; “Peace, Relaxation and Pristine Beauty Programmes” Tourism etc.

Currently, our Mission employs the following strategies in promoting Tanzania Tourism in India:• Carrying out High Level Tourism

Delegation visits to India by Tanzania Tourism Ministers.

• Our Mission participating in Tourism Travel Expositions (eg. Outbound Travel Mart), Conferences, Exhibitions and Roadshows whereby we showcase Tanzania as a Tourism Destination.

• Our mission organizing tourism familiarization tours to Tanzania targeting different categories of Indian tourism sector stakeholders.

which are the specific sectors where tanzania-india could enhance their bilateral relations?

There are Multiple Socio-Economic Sectors whereby Tanzania and India can cooperate for the mutual benefit of both countries. At the Government-to-Government level cooperation, the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) of the two countries which met in January, 2009 prioritized the following areas for cooperation:• Trade and Industries • SMEs• Agriculture • Information Technology• Health• Education

• Wildlife Management • Tourism• Water • Defense and Security

what are the steps being initiated by your Government to revamp the education sector of tanzania?

In order to improve the Education Sector in Tanzania, the Government has taken various measures through the

“Primary Education Development Plan” (PEDP) introduced in year 2001 and the “Secondary Education Development Plan” (SEDP) introduced in year 2004. The PEDP objective is to attain the Millennium Development Goal 2 (MDG2) of achieving “Universal Primary Education by 2015” whereby all children (boys and girls) will be able to complete full course of Primary Schooling. Records show that the Primary School enrolment rate raised from 77% in 2001 to 97% in 2008, signifying that Tanzania is in the right course of achieving MDG2 by 2015.

india has a well-established information & communication sector. how do you foresee india’s assistance in developing the ict sector of your country?

Tanzania and India are already cooperating in the ICT Sector. Some of the Cooperation Programmes (Under Grant Funding) offered by India to Tanzania include:• The establishment of the Indian-

Tanzania Centre of Excellence in

Information and Communication Technology established at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology. The Centre is operational since January, 2010.

• Establishment in Dar-es-Salaam of the Tanzania Small Industry Information Centre which is operational since November, 2009.

• Establishment in (Dar-es-Salaam) of the Pan-African e-network Project for e-Education, e-Health and VVIP Communication.

where do you see tanzania five years down the line?

Guided by the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 (which aims at transforming Tanzania into the Middle income Country), in the next five years Tanzania targets the following five strategic priority interventions in order to unleash Tanzania’s latent growth potentials:• Large investments in Infrastructure

(in particular Energy, Ports, Railways, Roads, Air Transport, Water & Sanitation and ICT).

• Focusing on the transformation of Agriculture for food self-sufficiency and export, development of Irrigation schemes and production of high value crops including horticulture, floriculture, spices, vineyards etc.

• Industrial development, targeting specifically industries that use locally produced raw materials.

• Development of Human Capital and skills, with an emphasis on Science, Technology and Innovation.

Tanzania has often attracted attention abroad as an exemplary african nation. Tanzania’s social and political transformations have been both dynamic and gentle. in an exclusive interview to kanchi Batra, Sub-editor, indo africa Times, the high Commissioner of Tanzania to india shared his perspective on the growing relations between india and Tanzania.

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

working on the possibility of initiating direct air Flights to Tanzania H.E. Eng. John W.H.

kijaziHigh Commissioner, High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania New Delhi


Documents

Volume 1 issue 10