Encouragement to French Investment in Africa

 President Muhammadu Buhari in Paris assured French investors of his administration's commitment to provide a suitable business environment that would boost economic activities and create jobs for the youth.   News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari gave the assurance at a gathering of investors at the France-Nigeria Business Forum held at the headquarters of the French Business Confederation in Paris.       President Buhari said his decision to.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Hospitality & Services Sector driving growth in Africa says Economists

 The services sector will become the main engine of growth in sub-Saharan Africa as agricultural exports continue to decline and the manufacturing sector remains stagnant in many countries.   Latest data from UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) shows that the sector contributes half of the continent’s output, outpacing the manufacturing sector.   “Indeed, growth in services has been vibrant in Africa 4.6 per cent per annum — more than.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Food and the Transformation of Africa

 African agriculture has long been a symbol of the continent’s poverty. Officials considered the hundreds of millions of African smallholder farmers too backward to thrive; the future would arrive not by investing in them but rather by bypassing them. But all that is changing.   In recent years, African agricultural policies have been haphazard and inconsistent. Some countries have neglected smallholders in favor of commercial farmers. Others have given them.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Turning Kenya into the investment hub of Africa

 By challenging investors to look beyond the country’s borders, Kenya’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr George Masafu, set an example that other envoys could follow for the benefit of the people who are paying their salaries and allowances that allow them to live like royalty. Dr Masafu also challenged Kenyan teachers and lecturers to go beyond demonstrating in the streets for higher pay and consider studying French, where necessary, to take up.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Eritrea: Sunridge Gold Lands Mining Licences for Asmara Project

Sunridge Gold Corp (CVE:SGC) has secured three key mining licences in Eritrea for the Asmara project. Asmara Mining (AMSC), a joint venture 60% owned by the Canadian group, has been awarded licences spanning 19.3 square kilometres and encompassing four advanced deposits – namely Emba Derho, Adi Nefas, Gupo Gold and Debarwa. These areas were all incorporated into the feasibility study for Asmara, a proposed copper-zinc-gold mining operation. Asmara is forecast to start.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Tanzania: Black Rock Mining Swells Graphite Exploration Target at Mahenge

Black Rock Mining (ASX:BKT) has boosted the exploration target at its highly prospective Mahenge graphite project in Tanzania. After incorporating new exploration data from mapping, trench, pit and drill results, the target increased to between 84 million tonnes to 115 million tonnes at 8.66% to 10.34% total graphitic carbon (TGC). The target is based upon the Ulanzi, Cascade and Epanko north lodes. It does not include the Kituti prospect. Black Rock also recently delivered.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Tanzania begins the construction of largest port in East Africa

Tanzania begins the construction of largest port in East AfricaTanzania has begun the construction of what it says will be the largest port in East Africa at a cost of about $11bn. Backed by China Merchants Holdings International and Oman’s State Government Reserve Fund, the project is expected to be a game changer in Tanzania’s quest to industrialize. Officials in Tanzania believe that the construction of largest port in East Africa will not only boost the economy of.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

Construction firm Dorra announces plans to build 10,000 houses in Egypt

Construction firm Dorra Group has announced plans to construct 10,000 residential houses in Egypt in a bid to tackle the current  demand for housing in the country. Managing director Omar Dorra said they intend to target the youth in their housing projectl. He said that they recently submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing to develop a residential project for youth and middle income persons. “We have not yet received official feedback from the ministry on.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 20th October 2015

East Africa: Kenya to Reintroduce Vat On All Oil Products

Fuel prices in Kenya are expected to increase sharply next year as the government plans to increase taxes on the commodity to raise an additional Ksh16 billion ($152.62 million).   The government will impose 16 per cent value added tax (VAT) on oil products to shore up its domestic revenues, which have come under pressure in the wake of burgeoning spending, corruption and wastage.   The tax, which is to be enforced by September next year, will make the cost of goods and.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 19th October 2015

Ethiopia: Shints Under Expansion

Equipped with high tech machinery SHINTS entered European market within a short period of time with the production of outdoor and motorcycle apparels.   A Korean-based SHINTS ETP Garment PLC that penetrated the European market within a short period of time announced plan to undertake expansion work. The factory marked its first anniversary yesterday.   Speaking on the occasion, Industry State Minister Tadesse Haile noted that having gained promising results in GTP I, the.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 19th October 2015

Zimbabwe: Furniture Makers Target to Raise Capacity Utilisation

FURNITURE manufacturers are targeting to increase capacity utilisation from the current 30 percent, but say Government should implement measures it proposed to turnaround the sector's fortunes.   Some of the measures mooted by Government include introduction of a manufacturers' rebate for duty free importation of selected raw materials by approved manufacturers.   Furthermore, Government increased customs duty on wooden, plastic and metal furniture products and removed.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 19th October 2015

Nigeria: Ambode to Commission Cadbury's New Manufacturing Plant

Lagos — The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, is expected to commission Cadbury's new state-of-the- art manufacturing plant on Friday October 16.   Also expected at the commissioning ceremony is the Executive-Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain, Mondelēz International, Mr Daniel Myers and top government officials.   The new plant will boost Cadbury's production capacity by nearly 37 per cent to meet the surging demand for Bournvita. When fully.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 19th October 2015