www.indoafricatimes.com

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015 Title Code: DELENG18579 • RNI NO: DELENG/2014/54666 • Postal Registration No.: DN/325/2014-2016 • VOL. 02 • NO. 05 • Page 12 • Price `10

pg 02pg 02

Visit www.agsmovers.com to view our 128 locations worldwide

I N T E R N A T I O N A L M O V E R S

AGS FOUR WINDS NEW DELHID 84/2 Okhla Industrial area Ph - 1 New Delhi 110 020T. +91 98 11 11 00 61 / +91 11 43 36 73 00E. ags-delhi@agsfourwinds.com

Market leader for international removal services in India and Africa.

pg 10

pg 04

pg 07

Miss coloMbia 2014 wins Miss universe

A NEW ZAMBIAZambia's new energetic leader

throws off first white Vice PresidentContinued to page 03

caMeroon:africa in Miniature

Kannur:tHe lanD of looMs anD lore

afDb-financed nairobi outer

ring road improvement

Project

President Jonathan ramps up new power grid for borno

Wassupafrica02

Kenyan President launches AfDB-financed Nairobi Outer Ring Road Improvement Project

Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, officially launched the commencement of the construction of the Nairobi Outer Ring Road Improvement Project, jointly financed by the African Development Bank and the Government of Kenya.

The total cost of the rehabilitation of the Outer Ring Road is estimated at UA 86.4 million (approximately USD 125.18 million), of which the African Development Fund (ADF) is financing UA 77.6 million (equivalent to USD 112.43 million), while the Kenya Government will contribute UA 8.8 million (or USD 12.75 million).

The project involves the construction of a 13-kilometre-long dual highway to traverse the northern and eastern districts of Nairobi city. It also entails the construction of missing links covering about 16 km. Once completed, the entire project will drastically decongest the environs of the two districts, including arterial roads connecting Nairobi-Thika Highway, Eastern Bypass, Northern Bypass, Mombasa Road, and the Jomo-Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Speaking at the ceremony, attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders including Members

The Volta River Authority (VRA) says it cannot fully utilize the 120 million standard cubic feet gas produced by the Ghana National Gas Company because some of its plants have shut down for maintenance. According to the company, the said plants would be ready by March, this year. Samuel Fletcher, Head of Corporate Communications of VRA, in a statement, said the first TICO Unit has recently been returned to service.

'We expect the process of conversion to gas to be completed within the next two weeks to increase gas consumption to about 80 million standard cubic feet.' He said the second TICO Unit has been taken out of service for scheduled maintenance and would be available in March, saying 'accordingly, the full 120 million standard cubic feet can be used from March 2015. Mr Fletcher said the units at VRA's T1 and T3 plants have been running on gas supply from Ghana Gas Company since November 2014.

'TICO is therefore unable to immediately start operating on gas as the units require some work before the fuel switch, he said. Mr Fletcher said TICO Units have run solely on crude oil since completion in 2000 and therefore need some to run successfully on gas. Ghana Gas has announced that it is waiting for the Volta River Authority (VRA) to complete requisite works at its Aboadze Thermal Plant Complex to enable it increase the available generating capacity. Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, Board Chairman of Ghana Gas, who made this known in a statement released recently, said once the VRA completes expansion works at its Aboadze Thermal Plant Complex 'it will be possible for us to increase our off-take of raw gas from the Jubilee Field's FPSO Kwame Nkrumah to supply VRA lean gas at the optimal 120 million standard cubic feet per day (120MMSCFD).'

Modern Ghana

Alhaji Mohammed Wakil, the Minister of State for Power said that the presidency

had directed the ministry to open two additional sources of power transmission from the National Grid to Borno, following continuous power disconnections by suspected insurgents.

Wakil made the disclosure at a meeting with youth and women groups in Maiduguri.

“I want to inform our people that President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the opening of two other new sources of power supply to Borno. “We have complied with the directive and in due course, the state will have three sources of power supply”, he said.

Wakil quoted Jonathan as directing the speeding up of ongoing federal power projects in the state to expand supply to the state to reduce incidences of vandalisation to the barest minimum.

The minister said in line with presidential directive, Transmission Company of Nigeria

of Parliament and Nairobi County Government Officials as well as thousands of residents of the Eastland suburb of Nairobi, the Director for the African Development Bank’s East Africa Regional Resource Centre (EARC), Gabriel Negatu, said that, after the Nairobi-Thika Highway financed by the AfDB, the Nairobi Outer Ring Road Improvement Project adds to the suite of bold initiatives guaranteed to contribute to the modernization of the city of Nairobi. Upon completion, the project will result in the transformation of the outer ring into a four-lane highway, with interchanges and overpasses and construction of link roads. Besides, the project will be fitted with foot paths, cycle lanes as well as incorporate a nine-metre Bus Rapid corridor to be constructed at a later stage.

The Regional Director reiterated that the project will transform livelihoods through the creation of sustainable opportunities in terms of jobs and businesses. He also underscored the fact that the project is designed to respond to Kenya’s shortage of relevant skills in artisans and technicians mainly due to a mismatch in training and the labour market needs.

AfDB

VRA Ready to Use Gas in March

30 'Outstanding' entrepreneurs to be honored in April

Thirty most outstanding entrepreneurs in Ghana will be outdoored and inducted into the Ghana Entrepreneur Awards Hall of Fame in April 2015.

This novelty will unveil thirty of Ghana's topmost entrepreneurs who will be drawn from over one hundred and twenty entrepreneurs and honored at the annual Ghana Entrepreneurs Awards.

Chief Executive Officer of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana Sam Ato Gaisie said the Hall of Fame concept exclusively celebrates the stories of Ghana's most successful entrepreneurs.

“This concept specifically recognizes innovative Ghanaian entrepreneurs whose contributions to the development of Ghana has spanned several years; the recipients of these awards are then inducted into the Ghana Entrepreneur Hall of Fame,” Mr. Gaisie

told Citi FM.The awards scheme, according to

Mr. Ato Gaisie, has been redesigned this year to coincide with the Foundation's 5th anniversary celebrations.

He further revealed the inductees will constitute a think tank that will in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry focus on promoting the interest of the private sector and entrepreneurs in Ghana.

The Foundation is on the advisory board of Mr. Sam Ato Gaisie, Founder & President of the Foundation, Nana Osei Bonsu, CEO of Private Enterprises Foundation, Dr Toni Aubynn, CEO of the Minerals Commission of Ghana, Mr. Joe Tackie, CEO of Private Sector Development and representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Modern Ghana

Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya

President Jonathan ramps up new power grid for Borno

had been directed to hasten the pace of work on the 330/132/33 kv sub station in Damaturu, which he said was adequate to supply both Yobe and Borno states.

“Borno will then get three sources of power namely the 132 kv Gombe -Biu – Damboa – Maiduguri line, the 330 kv new sub station on Damboa road in

Maiduguri and the Damaturu 330/132/33kv which should be completed as quickly as possible.

“The era of only one line connecting the state to national grid is over. We must ensure at least three lines of connection to prevent future sabotage and vandalisation,” he said.

African Herald Express

President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

Vice President of Zambia, Inonge Wina

Wassupafrica 03

FRoM page 01

The African development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Seychelles have entered into an agreement which will finance the Seychelles MSME Development Project. A fund of US $1 million will be provided by the AfDB under the African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA) grant.

The project will help in the development of Seychelles MSMEs. The MSMEs in Seychelles face the problem of access to finance and entrepreneurial skills which will be dealt with under the development project.

The project will work in consonance with Seychelles Inclusive Private Sector Development and Competitiveness Programme (IPSDCP).

The agreement was signed

The Ugandan government plans to invest in major infrastructure projects. The plan is to invest $1.7 billion in Karuma hydropower plant, $556 million in Isimba hydropower dam and $8.5 billion in gauge railway project.

The projects are being overlooked by the Bank of Uganda (BOU), which has kept away from intervening in foreign exchange market by selling dollars. In fact BOU is buying dollars to facilitate the projects.

The bank is seen selling and buying dollars at a fast rate, thus showing that it is desperate to build reserves. By the end of 2013,

As a part of the Local Raw Material Initiative, Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL) is distributing barley seeds to farmers in Kilimanjaro and Manyara. Under the initiative, 4,000 tonnes of barley seeds will be distributed to framers. The initiative is expected to benefit farmers of the region.

"We have started with these regions...extra seeds are en route and more farmers are set to benefit this season," said Mr Shafii Mndeme, Agribusiness Manager of SBL.

The farmers seem to be satisfied by the initiative, Mr. Nobert Malihela, one of the farmers said, “We get seeds when needed and this helps us plant on time and get better harvests," he said, requesting the company to broaden the initiative to more farmers in the country.

The farmers feel that the initiative has helped them form a reliable market and build confidence to access loans. Also the initiative has helped the farmers get timely payments for their produce.

"It is because of this contract farming that we have built confidence in banks and other financial institutions," said Mr. Mwinyio Makame, another farmer.

The initiative started in 2012 with only 5 farmers and has now grown to 150 farmers. Around 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of barley is produced every season.

The initiative is run in districts of Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Iringa and Rukwa.

AfDB to support Medium and Small Enterprises in Seychelles

Tanzanian farmers get support from Brewery

To support the development of rural solar-hybrid mini-grids in Tanzania. The USD 420,000 fund has been approved by the sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), and is being provided to Jumeme-Rural Power Supply Ltd (JRPS).

JRPS, the local joint venture has of three partners, INSENSUS Gmbh, Terra Projects and St. Augustine University of Tanzania in Mwanza. The fund will help in technical studies, lender’s support, legal and financial advisory services. Tanzania’s national grid covers only a very small region of the country. The

SEFA to Supercharge Electricity Generation in Tanzania

Uganda Investing in Infrastructure Projects

government aims at covering 30% of the region by 2015. "The success of Jumeme will have a strong demonstration effect for future mini-grids systems developers and operators, and pave the way for stronger AfDB engagement in this segment", said Joao Duarte Cunha, SEFA Coordinator.

The project will enable expansion of rural electrification and easy access to energy services, using mainly solar energy. Some 16 villages, housing 82,000 people have been targeted. 500 new businesses will be formed after the implementation of the project.

by Pierre Laporte, Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment on behalf of the Government of Seychelles and Gabriel negate, Regional Director for East Africa, on behalf of AfDB.

Negate said, "Promoting the creation and growth of domestic MSMEs is key to economic competitiveness and diversification in Seychelles. This project will support the Seychellois Government in their efforts to promote entrepreneurship and the role of small businesses in the development of the country."

FAPA support provided to Seychelles will be strengthening two main government agencies, the Small Business Finance Agency (SBFA) and the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (SEnPA).

Zambia’s newly-elected President Edgar Lungu has thrown off vice president Guy Scott, who was concisely Africa's only white leader, from his government when he announced his cabinet. Mr Scott was the first white president in mainland Africa for 20 years and has been involved in Zambian politics since the 1990s.

As interim president since the death in office of Michael Sata in October 2014, Scott had been the first white leader on the continent since the end of apartheid 20 years ago. Mr Lungu won by a 48.3% majority, the election commission said, after an election race tainted by deferrals. His opponent, Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development, came close with 46.7% of the vote.

In the interim period following Mr Sata's death, Zambia was ruled by Guy Scott, a white Zambian of Scottish descent. He was actually barred from challenging the election because his parents were not born in Zambia. Though he was close to Mr Sata and served as his running mate, his relationship with Mr Lungu is less cordial.

In November he dismissed Mr Lungu as the Patriotic Front's secretary-general provoking riots

in the country. Mr Lungu will serve the remainder of Mr Sata's term until elections in 2016.

Mr. Lungu has appointed the country’s first female vice president and reserved the country’s finance minister in a bid to capture wilting growth in the copper-rich southern African nation. Inonge Wina, national chairwoman of Mr. Lungu’s Patriotic Front and the former gender minister, shoulders the post evacuated by Guy Scott.

Scott had sacked Lungu from his position as party general secretary during a power struggle after Sata's death, but later reinstated him after rioting by supporters.

Scott, who is of Scottish descent, was prohibited by the constitution from standing for the presidency himself as his parents were not born in Zambia.

He had told local media that he saw his starring role as interim president as basically ceremonial and was looking forward to passing over power so that he could enjoy his "gin and tonic".

Lungu made numerous other new appointments to the cabinet after winning election, but retained Finance Minister

Alexander Chikwanda and Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba. Ngosa Simbyakula becomes Justice Minister and is substituted as Home Affairs Minister by Davies Mwila.

The new president repeated his pledge to serve the people of Zambia equally irrespective of tribal affiliation. "I love every part of Zambia and we won't look at tribe when it comes to development," he said.

"I am humbled eternally and debted to you all, my fellow citizens," said Lungu at the inauguration ceremony. "The bottom line is that we want the country to go foward and to banish poverty in our midst."

Lungu, the former defence minister, takes over the leadership for the remainder of Sata's term until a general election planned for September 2016. He has assured to focus on ramping up the economy of the continent's second biggest copper producer, which has been hit by declining prices.

The new president receives a decelerating economy and high poverty levels, with the key mining, tourism and agriculture sectors all struggling.

Zambia's electoral commission chairwoman Ireen Mambilima has sacked all the allegations, saying the procedure was translucent. Zambians voted on Jan. 20, and the polls were protracted by an extra day, due to heavy rain in certain areas. During the election campaign, Lungu, who belongs to the same party as the late president, said he wants to complete economic development projects started by Sata.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised Zambia "for the peaceful manner in which the country organized its presidential election, despite difficult

weather conditions," according to a statement released by his spokesman.

BOU reserves were estimated at $3 billion (Sh8.5 trillion)

The shilling is said to have depreciated by 9% against the US dollar, which could depreciate further by poor harvest thus meaning a loss to farmers.

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

of poverty reduction. Authorities in Yaounde mobilized funds from all over the national territory and there has been total engagement towards poverty reduction in line with agreements reached at national and international levels.

Cameroon has a promising future in Fisheries, Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock. The GDP is largely dominated by the tertiary sector, with the sector contributing 47.8% of GDP followed by 29.7% by secondary sector and 22.5% by the primary sector.

Promoting Production of Natural Gas

Cameroon has a relatively small oil industry but oil is a major source of revenue for the economy. Besides oil, natural gas is also becoming important, and gas plants are being set up to promote the production of natural gas.

Considerable progress has

countryoftheWeek04

Officially known as the Republic of Cameroon, Cameroon is a country

in Central Africa. Bordered by Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is often referred to as ‘Africa in miniature’. The country has a vast cultural and geological diversity.

Cameroon's per-capita GDP (Purchasing power parity) was estimated at US$2,300 in 2008, one of the ten highest in sub-Saharan Africa. Major export markets for Cameroon include France, Italy, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Cameroon is part of the Bank of Central African States (of which it is the dominant economy), the Customs and Economic Union of Central Africa (UDEAC) and the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa (OHADA).

BOURGEONING ECONOMY

The economy of this Central African nation has seen many ups and downs over the years. The country has undergone large scale urbanization, more than half the population of the country now living in towns. Major urban centers like Yaounde and Douala have a growth rate of 7% and 6.4% respectively, and the average growth rate of the country is around 5%.

One of the major economic problems in Cameroon is poverty, but the authorities are proactively working towards improving conditions. The execution of the second three year economic and financial program aided by the IMF was centered on the objective

Advertisement

please email to

ads@indoafricatimes.com

or call at

+91 8595166674

+91 9350564995

To book your

been made in the production of electricity by setting up hydroelectric power plants. The reach of which is still very low. Plants to produce bio-gas have also been set up in village centers as part of a project to produce cheap bio gas which can be used as manure.

In the WoodsForestry is a promising sector

in Cameroon. The government formulated ‘Vision 2035’, a plan to promote the expansion of mining and construction sectors.

The country has huge reserves of diamonds, aluminum, cobalt, nickel, manganese, iron ore and rutile. The government is looking for ways to expand investments in these sectors, which will help in further exploitation of these sectors.

Cameroon is one of the world’s major supplier of wood (along with Brazil and Indonesia). 60% of raw timber from Cameroon is shipped to China and 80% of processed wood is shipped to European Union countries.

Soils and climate on the coast encourage extensive commercial cultivation of bananas, cocoa, oil palms, rubber, and tea. Inland on the South Cameroon Plateau, cash crops include coffee, sugar, and tobacco. Coffee is a major cash crop in the western highlands, and in the north, natural conditions favor crops such as cotton, groundnuts, and rice. Reliance on agricultural exports makes Cameroon vulnerable to shifts in their prices.

Constructing CameroonThe construction sector is

finally booming in Cameroon and is expected to experience an upward growth thanks to

the construction of Lom Pangar, Memve’ele and Mekin dams, along with another dam currently under construction and various other road construction projects. Also, large scale exploitation of the country’s abundant natural resources could be a driving force in Cameroon’s economic development.

Efforts at capacity building for services in transport, telecommunications, hotel and

restaurants are also expected to boost growth in the coming years.

The Cameroonian Catch64,000 tons of marine

products are caught every year off the coast of Cameroon. The fishing industry also employs a large number of people (35,000 direct jobs and 135,000 are indirectly employed). Around 135,000 tons of frozen fish are also exported every year.

Cameroon has huge potentials though it was faced with a number of tough challenges in the recent past. Effective policy formulation will help the country make considerable advances in the global economic scenario. Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock are major driving forces of the economy, and development of these sectors will help Cameroon’s economy grow by leaps and bounds.

Advertiser's Index

AGS Four Winds.............. Page 01

Paranthaman Exporter .... Page 02

Chadha Power ................. Page 02

PHEL ............................... Page 03

LESDEP ........................... Page 05

Modern Agro ................... Page 05

EMAT Africa ..................... Page 08

Mill India Ltd. ................... Page 10

Laxmi Publications .......... Page 11

ISIC .................................. Page 11

Prakash Ameusment ....... Page 11

Agritec Africa ................... Page 12

CAMErooNAfrica in Miniature

CAMEROON AT A GLANCEOfficial Name: Republic of CameroonCapital: YaoundéOfficial Languages: English, FrenchCurrency: Central African CFA franc Time Zone: WAT (UTC +1)Area: 475,442 km2

Population: 22,534,532 (2013 estimate)

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

BusinessBuzz 05IDB to provide US $200 million to Burkina to boost development

Microsoft launches Nokia 215 in Nigeria

Tourism and Agriculture to improve growth in Kenya- World Bank

The agreements were signed by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Ali, President of Islamic Development Bank Group and HE Jeam Gustave Sanon, Minister of Economy and Finance, IDB Governor for Burkina Faso. The agreements signed are worth US$106 million.

The agreements will help support building of roads, cotton industries, drinking water supply and electric power in Burkina Faso. In the first phase pf the project, IDB will pay US$75 million for the upgradation of a 145 km road along the Kantchari-Diapaga-Benin border, which will bond eastern region of Burkina Faso to markets across the country.

IDB will also contribute US$18.5 million to facilitate a project on

Kenya’s Tourism and Agriculture sector will help lift the economic development, said World Bank in its Global Economic Prospects 2015 report. According to the report, the national wealth is expected to expand by 6 percent.

"Among frontier market countries, growth is expected to

increase in Kenya, boosted by higher public investment and the recovery of agriculture and tourism," the

Technology giant, Microsoft has launched the new Nokia 215 for first time users. The new phone has an affordable Internet and offers new digital experiences. Microsoft plans to widen its reach by introducing the phone in Nigeria. The phone is available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM mode.

Easy access to internet and other internet services will be enhanced via Opera Mini Browser, Bing search, MSN weather, Twitter and Facebook.

The phone is enabled with Bluetooth and a new technology SLAM, which enable easy content sharing between users, exceptional battery life, 50 hours MP3 playback and

water supply in the capital city of Ouagadougou. The project will bring in significant improvements in health, social, financial and environmental sectors. As per the third agreement, IDB will invest US$12 million to a solar power electricity generator plant to boost electricity supply in rural areas of Burkina Faso.

Another agreement has been signed between Islamic Trade

General Electric and its consortium partners Endeavor Energy, Eranove

and Sage Petroleum, have signed an agreement with Excelerate Energy for the reservation of a floating storage regasification units (FSRU) that will provide storage and regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the Ghana 1000 project, a 1300MW power plant that will be located in Aboadze in the Western Region.

Excelerate is a leading provider of floating storage regasification units.

“Partnering with Excelerate Energy illustrates the remarkable progress made by the Ghana 1000 consortium in completing the project on time to deliver power to the people of Ghana,” said Leslie Nelson, GE Ghana CEO.

"We're partnering with the right stakeholders to offer innovative solutions that will ultimately reduce the cost of power to the final consumer”, he adds.

GE, consortium partners with Excelerate Energy on gas-to-power project at Aboadze

The first phase of the Ghana 1000 project is expected to be completed in late 2016 and will add 125MW to the grid.

This will increase to 750MW by 2018 and 1300MW within five years. The Ghanaian government is committed to creating an enabling environment and regulatory frameworks that will help the project sponsors add power quickly to the national grid.

“We're very delighted to be part of this historic project, which represents significant contributions to Ghana's energy sector,” said Excelerate spokesperson Ernest Marshal.

“As a co-lead on this project, Endeavor Energy is proud of the commitment of all partners to ensure that we successfully deliver not only what will be Sub-Saharan Africa's largest power park but also lower energy costs while increasing the reliability of power supply in the country,” said Endeavor CEO Sean Long. “Ghana 1000 promises to be the first of its kind project in Africa.”

Ghana 1000's FSRU will have additional capacity to allow other power generators to shift from light crude oil to LNG for power generation, which could save Ghana up to $1 billion per year.Excelerate has capabilities to regasify 500 million standard cubic feet of LNG, enough gas to power approximately 3,000 MW.

Modern Ghana

Finance Corporation, a member of IDB and the Director General of the fiber and textile company in Burkina Faso under which the company will get a sum of US $94 million thus making the total cost of agreements US $200 million.

Burkina Faso has been allied with IDB since 1978. So far, IB has permitted around US $1.15 billion for development of various sectors in Burkina Faso.

World Bank report said.This growth is anticipated to

make Kenya above the average set for Sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. Tourism and agriculture documented the lowest growth in 2014 owing to poor rainfall and terrorist activities. The National Treasury of Kenya was relegate to between 5.3 and 5.6 percent from the expected 5.8 per cent. Tourism fell a whopping 13.6% in six months. Frequent terrorist activities also led to a drop in the tourism sector,

although the condition is said to be improving recently.

"We had assumed that challenges of insecurity would be resolved faster but they translated into travel advisories," Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said, "The rain patterns were also erratic."

The government has also succeeded to mobilise $2.75 billion (Sh250.25 billion) from international investors. The money will be spent on infrastructural development in transport and energy sectors.

Burkina Faso and IDB recently signed three agreements to augment cooperation between the two entities. The agreements will help support building of roads, cotton industries, drinking water supply and electric power in Burkina Faso. In the first phase of the project, IDB will pay US$75 million for the upgradation of a 145 km road along the Kantchari-Diapaga-Benin border, which will bond eastern region of Burkina Faso to markets across the country.

Tourism and agriculture recorded the lowest growth in 2014 owing to poor rainfall and terrorist activities. The National Treasury of Kenya was downgrade to between 5.3 and 5.6 percent from the expected 5.8 per cent. Tourism fell a whopping 13.6% in six months. Frequent terrorist activities also led to a drop in the tourism sector, although the condition is said to be improving recently.

other such features. According to Corporate Vice President

of Microsoft Devices Group, Jo Harlow, "With our ultra-affordable mobile phones and digital services, we see an inspiring opportunity to connect the next billion people to the Internet for the first time. The Nokia 215 is perfect for people looking for their first mobile device, or those wanting to upgrade to enjoy affordable digital and social media services, like Facebook and Messenger."

The phone is available in Bright Green, Black and White colors and is set to be launched in the first quarter of 2015.

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

fRaNkLY sPeaKinG06

By kirit soBti, editor, iateditor@indoafricatimes.com

50 per cent of Africans are 19 years old or younger. It has the youngest population among all the continents. It is home to about a third of

the global Muslim population and 40 per cent of the total 1.1 billion populations in Africa are Muslims. A new and assured African middle class is evolving, graciously hugging the digital revolution and leading the world in novelties.

Over the last decade, trade between African countries and the rest of the world has developed suggestively, with economic connections with the Middle East in particular fortifying further - and thus putting Islamic finance as a facilitator to further lift cross-border investment between Africa, the Middle East and beyond.

For banks in Africa, over and above from geographic growth, state-of-the-art Islamic product contributions could be a key differentiator for improved customer satisfaction, efficiency improvement and viability.

Unlike conventional banking, Islamic banking is based on risk-sharing rather than risk-transfer, and is considered a feasible alternative to alternative banking. Some of the common activities and concepts of Islamic banking included, Mudharabah (Profit Sharing), Wadiah (safe keeping), Musharakah (Joint venture), Murabahah (Cost files) and Ijar (Leasing). Currently, the ongoing activities include, Sukuk Issuances (to finance infrastructure projects), Takaful (insurance) and Microfinance.

Islamic banking and finance gained admiration in its traditional markets - Malaysia, Pakistan and the Middle East as well. There are many countries that recently entered into Islamic banking and revealed decent development, which include Morocco, Tunis, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Libya, Oman, Nigeria, Tanzania and South Africa.

Shari'ah-compliant banking has evolved to become a fundamental part of the global financial system and perceived substantial progress worldwide. Islamic finance investments in 2014 were projected at about $2 trillion and it is predicted they will upsurge to $2.5 trillion in 2015.

However, the Islamic finance industry is still in its initial stages on the continent. Of the total 600+ Islamic financial institutions worldwide, only about 40-50 are functioning on the African continent, which is home to

TAKE A STANDLinking Africa to the Universe of Islamic Finance

Africa offers significant opportunities to the global Islamic finance industry. This law is one more important step for Islamic finance as new markets are opening up which are needed to deploy capital from other regions such as the Gulf.

IsmaIl DouIrI Attijariwafa Bank's Managing Director

afaq KhanChief Executive of Saadiq, the Islamic finance arm of Standard Chartered

The Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai-based Noor Islamic Bank, Hussain AlQemzi, says that Islamic finance has now become a major player on the world stage and is spreading rapidly across the globe, and Africa is set to be the next growth frontier for the industry.

Though global Islamic banking assets have been on a steady rise hitting USD 1.3 trillion at the end of 2012, the industry in Africa is still in its infancy stage. Mr AlQemzi revealed this ahead of 2nd Annual Islamic Banking Summit Africa (IBSA 2013) slated for 6-7 th November next month in Djibouti.

According to him, recent reports indicate that by the end of this decade, Islamic banking and finance could account for up to 10% of the total banking assets in the sub-Saharan countries.

Mr AlQemzi who is also the Group Chief Executive Officer of Noor Investment Group added: 'The significant liquidity pool available in Islamic finance is undoubtedly a major funding source for crucial infrastructure development projects across the continent'. Moreover Africa also has a significant domestic demand for Islamic finance given the continent's huge Muslim population.

As a key player in the global Islamic banking and finance industry, we are delighted to be a part of this important event which focuses on tapping the enormous growth potential for the Islamic finance industry in Africa, he noted. According to organizers of the summit, the President of the Republic of Djibouti, H. E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, will deliver a special presidential address on the first day of the event.

A key highlight of IBSA 2013 will be the high-powered industry leaders' keynote debate. The session will feature Amman Muhammad, Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank (FNB) Islamic Banking, South Africa; Hirsi Dirir, Chief Executive Officer of Dahabshil Bank International; and Ehsaan Ahmed, Head of Global Transaction Services and SME, Noor Islamic Bank, Dubai.

This interactive session will led by Adnan Halawi, Product Manager, Zawya Islamic Finance and will discuss key strategies to strengthen Islamic finance's links to the real economy in Africa and connect Africa to the broader world of Islamic finance.

Modern Ghana

Africa To Become The Next Growth Frontier For Islamic Banking

Attijariwafa Bank may seek a foreign partner for its Islamic subsidiary, but it is not a top priority. We are good as we are. If foreigners have more experience in Islamic finance, we have the advantage of knowing the North African market very well.

Islamic banking is set to inflate intensely in Africa over the next two decades as the number of Muslims on the continent cultivates from 240 million to a projected 400 million.

a gigantic Muslim demographic. Recent reports specify that over 65% of the total population on the continent are unbanked and that banking penetration stands at 60% in urban areas and less that 20% in the rural areas.

This shows an auspicious prospect for Islamic finance in Africa. However to seize this marvelous potential, the regional industry must overcome certain challenges which include a lack of Shari’ah-compliant investment vehicles, delicate legal and regulatory outlines and, importantly, the lack of awareness by many end-users and consumers.

Islamic banking is set to inflate intensely in Africa over the next two decades as the number of Muslims on the continent cultivates from 240 million to a projected 400 million.

In Nigeria, for instance, 80 million people are Muslim, but the first totally dedicated Islamic bank, Jaiz Bank, just opened in 2012 - and has already prolonged to 10 branches. In the interim, other banks have presented Islamic products to aid customers uphold Islamic law, also known as Shariah. By contrast, the U.S. opened its first stand-alone Islamic bank - Lariba, based in Whittier, Calif in 1987 regardless of having a far smaller population of Muslims.

Unlike conventional Western-style banking, Islamic banking drives according to the principles of Shariah, prohibiting the fixed or floating payment or acceptance of specific interest or fees for loans of money. In addition, Islamic banks that strictly follow Shariah do not invest in businesses that provide services or products that are deliberated as errant or forbidden.

Shariah banking offers great prospects for Africa's prevailing banks. In Kenya, the Gulf African Bank went through triple-digit growth last year, around 154 percent in net profit, after adding Islamic banking products. The First Community Bank cultivated by 238 percent. And because of this exceptional year-on-year growth, Standard Chartered PLC said it would soon start offering Islamic banking products in Kenya.

Kenya’s triumphs in the Islamic banking industry imitates the fact that the nation has since 2011 been making regulatory alterations and working on some of the more complex Shariah products, such as real estate investment trusts.

As African banks embrace Islamic practices, regulatory bodies are climbing to issue Shariah-compliant policy statements and rules. Nigeria brought in new guidelines to help deal with sukuk – the Islamic equivalent of bonds.

South Africa, Africa’s biggest economy and home to about 750,000 Muslims, has redrafted its tax laws to safeguard that Shariah-compliant products are more translucent.

Uganda, Botswana and Zambia are also looking to make regulatory changes to nurture their Islamic banking sectors.

International institutions like the World Bank, IMF, AfDB and many other regional and world organizations have commended the practice of Islamic banking. Africa, at the moment, should actually aim to take a stand to enter in the global Islamic finance arena by adopting the practice of Islamic Banking. The need of the hour is a comprehensive analysis of the financing system and incorporating it in the African economies by policy formulations that will facilitate these banking practices.

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

traVeL&touRism 07

The beautiful city of Kannur is situated in Kerala, the southern state of India. Also known as Cannanore, the city is the largest city in North Malabar Region.

The city is said to be the ancient port of Naura, from where King Solomon’s ship collected timber. Kannur was also lauded by Marco Polo as the land of spice trade.

Kannur’s brilliant past can be seen in its ancient monuments, shrines and a breathtaking landscape. Beaches in the southern part of the city are among some of the best beaches in Kerala.

The city derived its name from the name of god Kannan (Krishna) and Ur (place) thus making it the place of Lord Krishna. Aptly known as the ‘Land of Looms and Lore’, the city is famous for its handloom and is one of the largest exporters of handlooms in India.

Having a rich background of traditional art and culture, Kannur is famous for Theyyam, am ancient and still popular dance form. It also houses the Kerala folklore academy. Also, a large number of plays and dances are prevalent among the local tribes.

Blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, Kannur’s beaches, hill stations, back waters and historical monuments are remarkable. The city has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of Kerala.

Some of the noted tourist attractions in Kannur are: Arakkal Museum: Dedicated to the only Muslim

royal family of South India, the Arakkal museum is a part of the Arakkalketu (Arakkal Palace). The family rules Kannur for several years and had trade relations with the Arabs and later Europeans.

Bekal Fort: Built over 300 years ago and spread over 40 acres, Bekal is the largest fort in Kerala. The water tank with a flight of steps and a tunnel to its south, a magazine to keep arms and ammunitions and an observation center are the striking features of the fort. The observation center is remarkable as it helped to know even the slightest movement of the enemy. The fort is said to be built exclusively for fulfilling defense purposes as is evident from the holes found on the walls of the fort.

Ezhimala Hill: Protruding into the Arabian Sea, it was the former capital of Mushika Kings. The Indian Naval Academy is located in the hills and a famous Hanuman temple is among the major tourist attractions. One can enjoy watching dolphins at the Ettikulum Bay as well.

Madayipara: Holding historic and religious importance, Madayipara is an important destination in Kannur. A pond in the shape of a hand held mirror, the Vadukunda Siva Temple are the two most famous

attractions in the region. The Pooram festival is also significant in the region. Apart from religious and cultural aspects, the region has about 300 flowering plants and 30 varieties of grass. Also home to several medicinal plants, Madayipara holds a very important place in the bio-diversity sector.

Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: The only drive-in beach in Kerala, Muzhappilangad runs parallel to NH 17. One can drive the entire 4km length of the beach. Covered with coconut groves and bordered by black stones, it is among the most important tourist attractions in Kerala.

Payyambalam Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala, Payyambalam is the place to be when you want a relaxing holiday. Well known for well-constructed and laid out gardens, and a sculpture of a mother and child, the beach is known for its cleanliness. A beautiful public spot, its location around 2km away from Kannur makes it an ideal destination.

Vaithal Mala/Pythal Mala: Situated at a height of 4,500 ft. above sea level, Pythal Mala is situated at the Kerala-Karnataka border. Having an abundance of flora and fauna, the place is now being developed as a hill resort. The place is a trekker’s paradise.

Kannur Fort: Also known as St. Angela’s Fort, the fort was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. It is the most important historical site and a famous tourist center. The fort is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.

Parassinikkadavu Temple: The temple’s architecture is testimony to the many unique practices and rituals followed. The temple promotes the concept of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam- the whole world is one family’, people from all religions are attracted to this place. The temple is also a favored tourist destination for tourists and pilgrims, who wish to enjoy the charm of Theyyam, which is performed here on daily basis.

SPICY DELICACIESKannur’s cuisine is largely influenced by its culture,

religion and other traditional activities. One can mostly find Kerala-Malabar food like, Dosa, Puttu and Appam. The lip smacking, Spicy Coconut Chammanthy, the Palada Payasam are a part of the special cuisine of Kannur. Seafood is an important part of the region’s food habit, Kannur being a coastal town.

While being in Kannur enjoy tasting stuffed Mussels which are greatly available with the most of the local vendors. The Malabar Food Festival which is organized regularly in the landscapes of Kerala features sumptuous cuisines from the four districts of Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Kasaragode.

THE

LAND OF

LOOms

AND

LOrE

KannurmONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

taLkiNGtecHnoLoGy08

The time has come for East Africa’s long heralded ICT revolution to start delivering results that improve the quality of life for the region’s citizens and lift enterprises to world class status. The technology is available, the international communication links are in place, the need is clear. Now we need to mobilize smart implementation strategies at company, community, village, city, region, district and county levels to bring to realization effective service delivery, citizen engagement, health and other social services and education.

Through its range of in-depth specialist Forums, AITEC East Africa 2015 will provide a unique platform for ICT professionals and managers from all sectors to gather information, contacts, and knowledge to take back to their organizations to empower them to accelerate delivery of results. In addition, the Summit will act as a clearing house to identify synergies, link initiatives, form partnerships, and avoid duplication of projects and waste of resources. Through an intensive partnership programme, AITEC East Africa 2014 will bring together all stakeholders to ensure that the full panoply of regional and national ICT initiatives, whether by government, private sector and or development partners, will be represented, explained, examined

– and hopefully priorities assigned,

synergies identified and action accelerated.

Incorporating eGov EATanzania, Uganda and Kenya

each devolution agendas which create numerous opportunities and challenges for effective ICT deployment. Expectations have been created among citizens that devolution will result in improved service delivery, infrastructure and general quality of life. But resources remain limited and local authorities need to make careful choices regarding the delivery systems they are going to select and implement. The computing, financial management and communications systems that counties and districts select can either help them accelerate the delivery of results – or can consume resources without tangible benefits.

eGov EA will provide an intensive two-day briefing for CFOs, CIOs, ICT Directors and other senior government officials from districts and counties from across the region to empower them with the insights and knowledge they need to make the right strategy, technology and systems selections with their limited budgets.

Specialist Forums to cover key subject areas in depth

ICT Education

Continuing the outcome-oriented discussion among education and industry stakeholders to identify and concretise education strategies to address the ICT skills gap in the region.

eGov East AfricaDelivering citizen services

at local level; integrating local, regional and national government systems and services; mobilising ICT to manage, monitor and track expenditure at all levels.

East African Internet Forum

A platform for all stakeholders involved in Internet development, governance, usage and service provision across the region to meet and map out strategies and programmes to accelerate network development and data services over the coming years.

Mobile ApplicationsMapping business and

implementations strategies to leverage locally and internationally on East Africa’s emerging comparative advantage in mobile applications development and deployment.

Cloud ComputingLeveraging on cloud

technology to distribute the benefits of computing power, scale up citizen services and maximise enterprise productivity.

Channel East AfricaThe region’s first forum for

manufacturers, distributors and resellers to discuss business models, network and optimise the ICT channel across the region to increase competitiveness, fight piracy and grey marketing and improve end-user service and experience.

EA Innovation Accelerator

Morning, lunchtime and evening sessions for start-ups to present their innovations and promote themselves to potential customers and investors.

eWaste EAThe explosion of mobile and

computing technology use in East Africa is causing a build-up of e-waste that if ignored will result in severe environmental degradation throughout the

region. Clear national policies and corporate strategies are urgently needed to deal with this challenge.

e&mAgricAgriculture underpins the

region’s economy and provides more employment than any other sector. If ICT is going to contribute to the improvement of quality of life in the region, this is where it has to prove itself.

East African Contact Centre & BPO Forum

Best practice in contact centre development and management; projects, tools, business models and partnerships to accelerate the creation of digital jobs and establish East Africa as a credible outsourcing destination.

Retail & eCommerceTechnologies, solutions and

systems for the region’s retail boom – both in-store and online.

TUrNING ICT VISIoNS INTo rEALITYAITEC East Africa ICT Summit 2015, 18-19 February 2015, Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

trysomethiNGNeW 09

ingredients2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2lbsbabycarrots,rinsed

• 2mediumpotatoes,peeled&cutintochunks

• 1mediumonion,chopped

• 2garliccloves,chopped

• 6cupschickenbroth(6cupswater&2chicken bouillon cubes can be substituted)

• 1tablespoongroundcumin

• saltandblackpepper,totaste

UPCOMING

Not only gun but with pen we can also battle to our success

tHougHt oFtHe WeeK

2nd Annual Water Conference

The Conference is organized by CII and the theme is

“Smart Water Management for Cities”. Conference seeks to emphasize the role of smart and sustainable solutions in enabling the recommendations of the CII report released last year. The conference will also highlight the activities of the Karnataka State Water Network, an initiative of the CII

– Karnataka Water Task Force, with regard to bringing together disparate stakeholders such as Government, Industry, Academia, Non-profits, and Volunteer groups on a common platform to execute water management initiatives.

Date: 04 February 2015 Venue: Hotel Taj West End, Bangalore.

3rd edition of Gujarat State Level: QC Circle Competition 2014

This competition provides a unique opportunity to motivate workers form Quality Circles within the company and also provides them a platform to exchange ideas and share their experiences. Senior managers, supervisors and management personnel can take advantage of this opportunity and get an insight into some outstanding examples of Quality Circles; understand how to promote and encourage the QC movement within their own organization and exchange ideas with the facilitators and trainers of the participating circles.

Date: Feb 04, 2015 Venue: Hotel Surya Palace, Gujarat, India.

Conference on Smart Urbanization 2015

It would provide platform for the discussion on infrastructure, technologies and policies and will bring out recommendations as a comprehensive Report on Roadmap towards Smart Urbanization. PriceWaterHouseCoopers (PwC) is the knowledge partner for this conference and the Report.

Date: 5 Feb, 2015 Venue: The Leela Ambience, Gurgaon, Haryana, India.

Seminar on empowering SMEs through addressing their financing needs

CII Vijayawada is organizing a Seminar on “Empowering SMEs through Addressing Their Financing Needs. The objective of this seminar is to enable SMEs to benefit from various new financing schemes of our partnering banks and financial institutions through CII Finance Facilitation Centre. The seminar will bring in all key stakeholders under one roof and provide a platform for the SMEs to interact with our partnering Banks/Financial Institutions.

Date: Feb 07, 2015 Venue: Marg Krishnaaya, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.

prepration Method1. Heat the olive oil in large pot then sauté the garlic,

carrots, potatoes, and onion for 5 minutes, to heighten flavors.

2. Add broth (or water plus bouillon), cover & cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender, around 20 minutes.

3. Pour the soup into a blender & puree until smooth. You may need to do half at a time.

4. Add cumin, salt, & pepper then adjust seasonings to taste.

5. If soup is too thick, additional water may be added.

handy french1. Can I get on the internet? Puis-je me connecter à

l’Internet?2. I would like something to

drink. Je voudrais boire quelque

chose.3. a cup of tea, please. Une tasse de thé, s’il vous plaît.4. Do you have vegetarian

dishes?

Creamy Vegetable Cumin Soup

HOmE rEmEDiEs FOr acne scars

The earliest pre-human fossils were found in Kenya and Tanzania The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the US President, Mr. Barack Obama at the India-US CEO Forum Meeting,

in New Delhi on January 26, 2015.

pICture of the weeK

1. sandalwood water: According to Ayurveda, sandalwood or chandan is a highly effective soothing and cooling agent, which makes it ideal to deal with skin problems. Simply soak a piece of sandalwood in water for a few hours. Remove the wood, dry and store for reuse. Using a small ball of cotton, smear the sandalwood water

slowly on the parts of the skin that has acne scars. Repeat every day for about a week and you are sure to notice a marked difference in your facial appearance.

2. f e n u g r e e k extract: Fenugreek has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and soothing

USING ALL oF ThE LETTErS A To Z, EACh oNCE oNLY, CoMPLETE ThESE CoMMoN WordS:

ban__a_i_et_aiz_s__th

na_e__eco__ocu__la_e

Answers: Bank, Cabinet, Maize, Sixth, Navel, Decoy, Focus, Glaze, Junk, Fox, Beware, Equip, Otter, Wish, Roast.

__nkf_xbe__ree_ui_

action on the skin that helps heal skin conditions and reducing acne scars. Add a few seeds of fenugreek (methi) into a little water; boil for about 10-15 minutes. Allow the liquid to cool, strain out the seeds and using a cotton ball, apply the water to the acne scars. Do this regularly for about a week and you will see a reduction in the intensity of the scars’ appearance.

3. lemon juice: Lemons are rich in vitamin C that plays an important role in synthesis of collagen in the body. Cut a few lemons and squeeze out the juice. Apply the juice with a cotton ball directly onto the acne scars on the face. Allow it to remain for some time and then wash with plain water. This tends to have a bleaching effect on dark scars. You can also combine lemon juice with other ingredients for scar-reducing effect. Mix one tablespoon each of lemon juice, honey and almond oil with two tablespoons of milk. Apply this mixture on your

scars once a day for about one week to see an improvement.

4. neem leaves: Neem leaves contains alkaloids that give them distinct antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This makes them effective against a wide range of skin problems, from acne and eczema to ringworm. They also have the property of cleansing the body of toxins. Place a neem leaf directly on the affected area for some time.

5. aloe vera: The gel-like substance obtained from the leaves of aloe plant has a magical ability to heal skin problems. Wash a leaf of aloe plant and peel out its outermost green layer to reach the inner jelly-like substance. Scoop out the jelly with a spoon and apply a little quantity directly onto the scarred tissue. Repeat this twice a day, leaving the gel on for about half an hour each time. Wash it off every time with plain water.

Avez-vous des plats végétariens?

5. where is the exit? Où est la sortie?6. one moment please! Un moment s'il vous plaît.7. Keep me up to date! Tiens-moi au courant!8. God knows why! Va savoir pourquoi !

ot_erwis__oast

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

thefasHionistas10

The budding Ghanaian actor, model and dance instructor beat 15 other housemates

to emerge winner of the coveted crown and is set to smile home with a brand new SUV, management deal, and movie contract for three years and mouthwatering wardrobe allowance.

Speaking on his success, Ron said: ‘I’m very happy and excited. It’s a humbling experience emerging winner of Next Movie Star 2014. Getting the form from Ghana, going for audition, getting picked, coming to Nigeria for the show and winning the it, I have all the reasons to be happy and excited.’

When asked if he anticipated that he would win at any point, he said: ‘No, because all the people that went for the audition, both in Ghana and Nigeria, were talented. When we got into the house, I saw different talents but I think what gave me an edge over them was my versatility. I’m a dancer, singer, instructor, martial artist and model. But before I moved down here, I said to myself, it is either I win or nothing at all.’

The Next Movie Star Reality

Ghana based Nigerian act, dancehall empress Miz Gold drops her first single of the year 2015. She calls this one “AthisAparty”, which was produced by Fita.

The Dancehall Empress is here to impress with her new fusion of music which seeks to rock gatherings especially in the clubs and parties.

Speaking in an exclusive interview, with this publicist, the dancehall empress has observed that, the new single, “AthisAparty” is a commercial song slated to excite people in this new year whiles they look on to fulfil their new year resolutions.

According to the songstress, she stressed that, “I am better at being myself and as such I bring my all in to composing songs which would bring smiles to my audience and fans”.

Miz Gold retreated that, this year would be a year of several release of singles which are part of the third album which is already done.

“Miz Gold as a brand will be releasing singles every three months at each quarter”, she added.

The video of the particular song, “AthisAparty”, in question

Glam Africa Fashion Night 2015 (GAFN) will be hosted by ace comedian Wale Gates and broadcaster, Toya Washington. Wale and Toya are two seasoned UK based entertainment and media personalities. Wale Gates is a comedian, MC and social commentator. He owns the comedy brand ‘Just Joking with Wale Gates’ and has been a popular figure on the African entertainment scene in the UK over the past decade.

Toya Washington is a television presenter, event host and media personality. A former Big Brother UK contestant, Toya also works in a freelance capacity, speaking at conferences and award shows. Glam Africa Fashion Night 2015 will hold on Sunday, 22nd, February at Porchester Hall, Bayswater, London.

Modern Ghana

TV Show has over the years discovered successful Stars in The African entertainment industry since 2005.

Those who have unearthed through the programme, include Tonto Dikeh, Annie Idibia, Kevin

miz Gold releases a new track, "athis aparty"

Wale Gates And Toya Washington To Host Glam Africa Fashion Night 2015

was shot at London early part of December in 2014. The video gives the real definition of professionalism with good pictures and costumes.

Miz Gold as a dancehall artist is to give each and every individual the opportunity to listen to good music which she intends to release this year 2015. By granting audience of dancehall fans great joy of listening to good music.

The dancehall artist said, this year she is on a campaign to empower young ladies actively participating in to sexual intercourse to be responsible whiles enjoying life in its fullness.

Annual Corporate Events“Sing for Love”an annual

corporate event which is a music concert that seeks to provide a platform for stars I the music industry to volunteer their quota by performing to feed less privileged children who are left in to the mercies of the world.

This year’s event according to Miz Gold would be held in both Nigeria and Ghana to bridge the gap of audience who desire to have the test of aria of top artist in both countries to thrill them of good music.

Modern Ghana

Chuwang Pam, PortiaYamahan, Uti Nwachukwu, Lydia Forson, Karen Igho, Tamara Eteimo, Tomiwa Kukoyi, Halimat Aitsegame, Boma Mac Ake, Zerziyia Wilson among others.

Modern Ghana

Ron Solomon Maxwell Wins 10th Edition of NMSTwenty-seven (27) year old Ron Solomon Maxwell from Ghana has emerged the winner of the just ended 2014 edition of the Next Movie Star. He believes the time is ripe for someone else to be crowned winner of the Next Movie Star show from Ghana after Enoch Hammond did it in 2007.

Miss Colombia, Paulina Vega, has been crowned winner of this year's edition of the Miss Universe, beating out first runner-up, Miss USA, Nia Sanchez and contestants from more than 80

other countries at the pageant held in Miami, United States.Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, from Las Vegas, was named a runner-up,

along with Miss Ukraine, Diana Harkusha.As Miss Universe, Vega would receive an undisclosed salary, a luxury

apartment in New York, a wardrobe and oodles of beauty products, and a one-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy.

Vega, a 22-year-old student of Business Administration from Barranquilla, Colombia, said she would wear the crown with 'pride and excitement' as she heard the news that fans in Colombia had taken to the streets to celebrate.

Abena Akuaba Appiah, Ghana's representative at this year's Miss Universe failed to make Ghana proud at the event.

She and other contestants from Africa could not make it to the semi-finals.

Real estate mogul and reality TV star, Donald Trump, who owns the pageant, said many predicted Vega would take the crown a few weeks ago when contestants first arrived in Miami for the festivities.

“From the minute she walked in the building, people said, 'she's a star,” Trump said.

A total of 88 countries participated in the contest, of which 15 contestants were narrowed down after a gruelling selection process. The event allowed participants to spend two weeks sharing experiences like golfing and learning Zumba together.

Modern Ghana Paulina Vega

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

sPorts2WatCh 11

Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker described the host nation's achievement in reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations as a "Cinderella story" after they beat Gabon 2-0.

"It's a Cinderella story, the poor team beating the rich team on merit, thanks to their sacrifice, their commitment, their pride and their passion," said the Argentine, whose side progressed from Group A as runners-up behind Congo Brazzaville with a win and two draws.

It is a remarkable story given that Becker himself was only appointed as coach at the start of this month.

"This squad only came together 20 days ago in Madrid,

Rwanda has jumped three places to the second position in Africa in the latest Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) ranking.

According to the new ranking, released recently, Rwanda’s best rider and reigning Tour due Rwanda champion Valens Ndayisenga is ranked fifth on the continent, up from sixth late last year. Only Morocco are ranked higher than Team Rwanda in Africa.

The ranking is a major boost for Team Rwanda’s chances to compete in 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil.

At the end of 2014, Rwanda ranked fifth in Africa, and the latest development has largely been attributed to the country’s strong showing at the recent Tour of Egypt, earlier this month.

In the latest ranking, Morocco accumulated 72 points and Rwanda 14. Eritrea and Algeria are in third and fourth, respectively, with two points apiece.

New strategyThe latest ranking saw Rwanda

move above Eritrea, Algeria and South Africa for the first time.

Ndayisenga, 20, boosted his status when he dramatically won the prologue in the Tour of Egypt this year.

Spanish rider Francisco Mancebo Perez, who plies his trade with Dubai-based Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling, is the top ranked rider in Africa, followed by Italian Andrea Palini of Team Lampre-Merida (Italy), Moroccan Soufiane Haddi and United Arab Emirates, Yousef Mirza Banihammad.

Equatorial Guinea triumph a 'Cinderella story'

Rwanda surges to 2nd in Africa ranking

then we went to Lisbon and put in place a style of play with optimism.

"We were convinced in every training session that we could go far. To be in the top eight in Africa is an honour for such a small nation."

Former Real Madrid player Javier Balboa, whose penalty opened the scoring against the Gabonese, rejected opposition claims that he dived to win the spot-kick.

"I'm delighted for my country, my team and for myself. Today is a great day for the whole of Equatorial Guinea," he said.

"The penalty was the right decision. I did not dive. Yes it changed the game but we scored two goals."

Modern Ghana

Ndayisenga started his career in “Les Amis Sportifs” in Rwamagana, the same club that South Africa-based rider Adrien Niyonshuti started his career from.

The qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games will be based on performances in different cycling races on the continent. If Jonathan Boyer’s team can hold onto their second spot on the continent, they would almost certainly qualify for the Olympic Games due next year.

UCI will use a new strategy of awarding points to African countries instead of the previous format of using professionals to compete in Olympic Games.

Last year, Ndayisenga became the youngest rider and first Rwandan to win the Tour du Rwanda competition since it got incorporated on the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar in 2009.

Fighting till the end“The belief has always been

there but now we are in a good position to achieve our dream. We will keep fighting hard so that we don’t lose ground,” said the Rwanda cycling federation president Aimable Bayingana.

He added; “We know countries like South Africa and Algeria will work hard to improve their ranking but we are committed to keeping surging ahead.”

The points of World Tours will this time not be used for African qualifications, meaning points scored by individual riders will longer be awarded to their respective countries.

In 2012, Team Rwanda captain Adrien Niyonshuti became the first black African to compete in Olympic Games – in the Mountain Bike racing in London.

New Times

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

Please explain STC’s role.

STC was created in March2008, as part of the Seychelles’ economic transition. The company is fully owned by the government and is governed by a Board of Directors. STC is commercially autonomous in its operations and not dependent on the government budget.

STC operates in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and currently it specializes in wholesale, distributions and light manufacturing activities as well as retail. STC engages in the trading of certain branded consumer products from reputable international sources, with recent additions of new product ranges, including healthy foods, household items and constructions materials.

With regards to retail, STC operates supermarkets in the domestic market and duty free shops at the airport. While most manufacturing activities have been privatized, a small presence in value addition activities remains, namely the tea and coffee factory, toilet paper production ,and a bakery producing various assortments of bread and pastries.

What does STC need from the international community?

We are looking for potential suppliers or producers from all over the

world, who are willing to build mutually beneficial partnerships with us. STC is interested in importing a variety of quality products which can be provided at reasonable prices with regular supplies.

We are constantly meeting with all our existing suppliers to cement our relationship or forge new relationships in new or existing countries with the aim of enlarging our suppliers’ base. We aim to source products from all price ranges from food to household products to construction and building material.

Which countries are your main suppliers?

We are importing from different countries around the globe, including Africa, Europe, the USA, China and other Asian countries, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the UEA. I am trying to diversify the suppliers with the aim of obtaining a diverse quality of goods at affordable prices and ensuring the availability of most goods at all times.

Is the UK at a disadvantage because of distance?

Not at all. Prices from the UK for meat and other products are competitive. I will therefore take this opportunity to invite potential UK business partners to contact us or

come and visit us to discuss business opportunities, and why not combine it with a wonderful short vacation in paradise!

Are Seychelles’ food suppliers threatened because of rising food prices and larger countries poaching your strategic food suppliers?

Food supply is not going to get easier. Seychelles, given its specifically, will always have to rely on imports and is therefore exposed to fluctuations in food prices from the region and international markets. In addition, we are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries because STC is a potential market for local farmers and fisherman, provided they are able to consistently supply quality products at reasonable rates.

The main role of STC is to keep the cost of living down in the Seychelles. Bulk buying, most times leads to lower prices and locally STC has extended its support to local producers and small entrepreneurs who want to get into the field of producing for the retail sector.STC is also working with local wholesalers to purchase their excusive products at reasonable prices. This approach introduces a new role for STC, that is, creating synergies in the local market, which I firmly believe is very important to facilitate local businesses,

bring greater choices to our customers and at the same time, continue to bring down the overall cost of living.

Is there a skill shortage in the Seychelles, and is this a problem for STC?

We have an overall labor shortage, both skilled and unskilled in the Seychelles, and STC is not an exception. STC also has to source staff overseas and I take this opportunity to invite applicants from the UK or elsewhere, who may be interested in working for STC to send their CV to us.

What is your long-term priority?

Price fluctuations remain a big challenge for STC, along with other external shocks outside our control. But I firmly believe that STC can increase its operating capacity, and product range, and engage in more diverse trading operations to ensure continuous business growth.

Internally, we shall continue with establishing a culture of responsibility, accountability, and efficiency and with our investment plans in our infrastructures. Externally, the on-going task ahead of us is creating and maintaining a reliable network of suppliers by continuously forging business relationships.

As a small island nation, Seychelles is importing more than 90 per cent of its necessities with limited manufacturing and land to produce food. The nation comprehends the necessity for a strong supply chain abetted by a strong trading company. In a candid interview to Kanchi Batra, Sub-Editor, Indo Africa Times, the CEO of STC painted the working of the company as a commercial trading company which engrosses in the import, storage, and distribution of food products and fast moving consumer goods in Seychelles.

"I am trying to diversify the suppliers"

Veronique LaporteChief Executive OfficerSeychelles Trading Company Limited

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

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015