Members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) concluded their tenth ministerial conference in Nairobi recently by securing an agreement on a series of trade initiatives.   The Nairobi package contains a series of six ministerial decisions on agriculture, cotton and issues related to least-developed countries such as Uganda.   A centrepiece of the Nairobi package is a ministerial decision on export competition, including a.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 5th January 2016

The launch of Foresight Africa: Top priorities for the continent in 2016 is on the horizon.  In anticipation of this year’s report, the Africa Growth Initiative team offers the below preview of one of the major topics covered and encourages you to check out the report when it publishes next week.   Much of the world is entering into mega-regional free trade areas (FTAs). Indeed, October 5, 2015 marked the ratification of the.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 4th January 2016

Kampala — Ugandans in the diaspora have been challenged to create private equities and invest in private companies and skills developments instead of keeping their money in banks.   Mr James Aguma, the chief financial officer South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), while speaking at the 5th annual diaspora business breakfast at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Tuesday, said: "I see so many Ugandans in the diaspora with lots.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 4th January 2016

The Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was opened on December 4thwhen President Xi Jinping announced to upgrade China-Africa relationship into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and said that China is willing to implement ten major cooperation initiatives with the African side in the following three years. Such a portfolio has won high recognition of various participating parties and warm.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 4th January 2016

 Tanzania's value of exports has increased by 9.2 per cent as manufacturing  improved in the year ending 2015, according to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).   The exported goods and services reached $9.4 billion, said the latest Monthly Economic Review for November.   Foreign exchange earner increased from $1.98 billion to $2.23 billion during the corresponding period last year.   Manufacturing exports also improved.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 4th January 2016

 The Panafrican Group, which has operations in East and West Africa, has partnered with Canada’s College of the Rockies (COTR) to create a learning programme for technicians shutterstock 303577625Panafrican Group provides equipment such as Komatsu for a range of applications including mining. According to the company, the COTR and Panafrican will create the Prior Learning Recognition Program that will award Panafrican.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 29th December 2015

 SamZim, the Zimbabwean partner of South Korean electronics major Samsung, has opened a new manufacturing, sales and service outlet in Harare samsung manilaimperialmotorsales Samsung will manufacture television sets, in addition to opening a digital village in Harare.  In addition to the production unit, an engineering academy has also been set up on the Zimpost Complex. The unit is expected to manufacture and distribute Samsung.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 29th December 2015

Nairobi — The direct flight between the Chinese city Guangzhou and Kenya's capital Nairobi launched by China Southern Airlines in August has elevated Sino-Kenya relations, airline officials say.   Linda Masinde, a supervisor at China Southern Airlines Nairobi office, said the Nairobi-Guangzhou direct flight had enhanced Sino-Kenya trade and people-to-people exchanges.   "The direct flight from Nairobi to Guangzhou is.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 28th December 2015

Africa and the Republic of Iran have centuries of friendship. They struggled for freedom, equity and justice for their people and beyond. The two have also shared rich culture and people to people relations for long. The Iranian foreign and economic policies always give special attention for the African Continent and put it at the centre. After its revolution, the Republic of Iran has changed its foreign policy orientation and its economic ties.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 26th December 2015

Mbanza Congo — The governor of the northern Zaire province, José Joanes André, said on Tuesday in Mbanza Congo city that the province is open to welcome entrepreneurs who want to invest in various socio-economic areas in the region, aiming at contributing to its development.   According to Joanes André, who spoke at the traditional yearend greetings ceremony, the present time the country is experiencing requires.... Read more »

Posted on : Saturday , 26th December 2015

 Kenya is set to receive about Sh2 billion ($19.5) from the Canadian government aimed at providing training for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.   The announcement was made during the World Trade Organisation's 10th Ministerial Conference in Nairobi by Chrystia Freeland, Minister for International Trade in Canada.   The contribution is aimed at assisting small business entrepreneurs to set up producer.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 24th December 2015

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) said that the existing partnership with African Export - Import Bank (Afreximbank) has proven to be a success in supporting projects in Ethiopia in excess of 100 million USD in facilities covering transactions in infrastructure and financial services sectors.   Speaking at Afreximbank Seminar held at Sheraton Addis yesterday, Bank Vice Governor Getahun Nana said: "Trade remains critical for the.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 23rd December 2015