Kenya’s government is currently considering the final iteration of a bill that would establish three special economic zones (SEZs) within the country. The SEZs will allow lower levels of taxation and fewer regulatory hurdles, and will focus primarily on industrial activity, in particular textile production. The SEZ bill is part of a broader initiative to boost the manufacturing sector, diversify the country’s exports and.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

  Kenya-based steel company Devki Group will invest US$321.2mn in the manufacturing of metal sheets used to produce roofing sheets and key automobile components The company will start the production of Aluzinc, which is used in making exhaust pipes and chassis. Devki has plans to export up to 40 per cent of its Aluzinc to automotive industries in South Africa and Europe. The firm has confirmed that work will commence as early as.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

 The first phase of the project, which is targeted to produce 40,000 tonnes of ferrochrome annually, will be set up in Selous. The company recently said the project would require 100,000 tonnes of chrome ore and 24,000 tonnes of coke annually. “Most of the raw materials for the processing of ferrochrome, including chrome and coke, are readily available in Zimbabwe,” a company official said. According to the company, the.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

Africa Standard Chartered Private Equity head Yemi Osindero said, “We are excited to have invested in a long-term Standard Chartered client that has become a fast-growing manufacturing company. “From its initial production plant in Nigeria, GZI has followed a very profitable growth path and established itself as an integral member of Nigeria’s beverage sector.” Ashmore Group research co-head Jan Dehn said, “This.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 27th November 2014

 According to Reuters, Guinea’s minister for mines and geology, Mohamed Lamine Fofana, said the deal included a US$4bn contract for building an alumina refinery and port and a US$1bn agreement to extract and export bauxite to the UAE. Fofana added, “The bauxite will be ready for export by 2017 and the refinery with a capacity to produce two million tonnes per annum, will become operational by 2022.” The port is expected.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014

 Saudi Arabian conglomerate SABIC, which is 70 per cent-owned by the government and has interests in chemicals production, fertilisers, industry polymers and metals, has been exploring the Atomai Mines in Zouerate, northern Mauritania and has been conducting a series of feasability studies. The site is believed to hold more than 500mn tonnes of iron ore reserves, according to initial estimates. Technical studies reveal that there could be.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014

 Aganga noted that the initiative was in line with the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP), which has been strategically developed and linked with sectors of the economy where the country currently has competitive and comparative advantage such as mines, steel and agri-business. "What we have done today is to bring together all the stakeholders in the metal sector which is critical to industrialisation to look at how we can.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014

 According to Reuters,Egyptian Steel chairman Ahmed Abou Hashima said the company planned to also increase production capacity by seven-fold over the next two years. “The market in Egypt is very promising. We have a very large population and increasing consumer demand,” said Hashima. The Egyptian bourse has not had an IPO for three years now.  Egyptian Steel was established in 2010 as a joint venture between some.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014

 The company plans to begin operations in early 2015 and will produce 1.2bn cans annually, it stated. Motti Goldmintz, CEO of GZ Industries, said, "The decision to invest in an aluminium can line follows a significant upturn in the demand for canned beverages in Kenya. The total annual production of sodas in the market has reached a high of 371.4mn litres in 2011." According to statistics, beer production in Kenya has also hit a.... Read more »

Posted on : Wednesday , 26th November 2014

 AS a measure targeted at improving the growth of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Nigeria, the National Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has informed of plans by the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with countries including Israel, India, China and the United Arab Emirates. According to NITDA, the partnership will cut across various segments of the ICT industry including eGovernance;.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 25th November 2014

 African Leadership Academy (ALA) identifies young leaders from across Africa and enables them to practice and develop leadership through a hands-on and unique entrepreneurial leadership program at its Johannesburg campus in South Africa. The Academy then connects these young leaders with opportunities to impact communities, organizations, countries and the world at large. ALA believes that addressing the causes, rather than the symptoms,.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 25th November 2014

 Â Communications and IT Solutions provider AccessKenya Group has completed the rollout of its metropolitan fiber network in key target areas around Nairobi and its environs. The move is expected to grow the firm’s connectivity propositions in Industrial area, Ruaraka, Westlands, Parklands, Mombasa road and the Central Business District among other localities. “Our interest is in helping businesses grow by delivering.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 25th November 2014