Business24 Newspaper 20th December, 2021

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

BUSINESS24.COM.GH

Monday December 20, 2021

Asaase GPS gives Lesotho’s capital, a new digital addressing system

NO. B24 / 289 | News for Business Leaders

Why China continues to rise

See page 5

See page 7

Agric sector receives major boost

By Benson Afful affulbenson@gmail.com

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nnovative agricultural development company Lotus Ecoculture says it’s on a mission to increase farming yields by up to 30 percent in Ghana whilst maintaining a zero-waste, zero-chemical operation.

With over 3,300 hectares of land in the Volta Region, the company said it intends to achieve this through its subsidiary, Mepe Farms, which is located in the region.

According to the company’s management, the business aims to tackle rising food costs using innovative agronomic and agritech solutions, a fullymechanised technological Cont’d on page 2

Gov’t will continue heavy investment in Ghana Armed Forces –Bawumia

Ghana Link in talks with port actors on ICUMS Phase II

ice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said government will continue to invest heavily in the Ghana Armed Forces to not only bring it at par with other reputable armed forces in the world, but also to sharpen their readiness to protect the nation against the growing threats in the West Africa

By Patrick Paintsil p_paintsil@hotmail.com

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hana Link Services operator Integrated Management (ICUMS) at the ports, says it is

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Network Limited, of the Customs System country’s currently

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Editorial / News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Editorial

ICUMS has lived up to expectations, discussions on second phase ongoing Government’s quest to block revenue leakages and to curtail instance of undervaluation and inaccurate invoicing led to the introduction of the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS), an end-to-end single window platform at our ports, and the impact has been highly impressive almost two years into its take-off ICUMS has lived up to expectation as a single service provider that could address revenue mobilization challenges which were apparent in the multiplicity of service provider platforms previously used by the Customs Division, It has also helped to implement an effective and efficient trade facilitation and customs

management system that further reduces the time and cost of doing business.

The UNIPASS-Ghana Project was birthed from government’s decision to engage a single service provider to develop and implement an end-to-end automated customs operational and management system that will efficiently serve port actors.

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), other government agencies (OGAs) and relevant private stakeholders involved in crossborder trade are the primary users of the system.

Ghana Link Network Services Ltd. (GLNS) is a Ghanaian owned company and was established in 2001 and initially went into

the business of Destination Inspection from 2003 to 2015. In September 2015, Ghana Link got a contract to run External Price Verification program for GRA – Customs.

The first phase of the ICUMS has seen significant increase in the level of revenue generation at Ghana’s ports since its take-off in June, 2020 as the generation of a tax bill number for all Customs penalties, service charges, taxes and duties has drastically reduced leakages.

It has greatly enhanced the revenue maximization efforts of Customs and we can only hope that the next phase will be an equally exciting journey for both the state and larger port community.

Agric sector receives major boost Continued from cover

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process, and zero-chemical input operation to boost growth in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

All inputs are Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)certified, bringing Ghana bestin-class organic inputs available to farmers in the region at a discounted price.

“With over six years of trading and smallholder farmer aggregation in the West African markets, Lotus Ecoculture’s arrival in Ghana marks the next step on their journey to improving food security in Africa.

By operating highly-efficient farming and processing activities, and building on the processing infrastructure in-country, Mepe Farms provides cultivation as a service to meet local demand and boost exports of grains and fresh produce in Ghana,” the company said.

It added that Mepe Farms will bridge the gap between food producers and access to raw

materials in the production of animal feed, which is a growing concern to operators in the industry and the Government of Ghana.

It said the company will create over 50 new jobs, running an allfemale agronomic team to remedy the fact that women already make up a significant percentage of the agriculture value chain but earn a fraction of the income.

In terms of export and off-taker agreements, it said Mepe Farms has already secured massive export agreements, including long-term off-taker agreements for the cultivation of 4,500 metric tonnes of soybeans for European and Asian markets, 2,250 metric tonnes of soybeans and 3,750 metric tonnes of maize to support animal feed production companies operating locally, as well as 3,000 metric tonnes of organic tomatoes, servicing two tomato processing companies operating in the Bono Region.

These long-term partnerships, the company said, affirm the

demand for organic African grown produce whilst creating a sustainable ecosystem for all stakeholders.

“Food producers and processors are unable to meet their demand for raw materials due to inefficiencies in food production and the supply chain. Our strategy of providing cultivation and processing as a service, coupled with strategic technical partnerships, is the most efficient way to bridge the gap in food security. We will work with smallholder farmers in the region to increase yield through training whilst providing a secondary source of income. This creates a sustainable environment for local food producers, as a huge percentage of their raw material input is provided by a reliable cultivator,” Osayi Olotu, CEO of Mepe Farms, said.

He said this, coupled with the company’s fully-mechanised and organic cultivation process, positions them well to provide the infrastructure to restore the produce market, making Africa less reliant on costly imports.

“We have the land, the climate and the experienced agronomists to produce world-class organic crops already; with our business’ technology and infrastructure enhancements, we can set a new standard for agriculture in West Africa,” he added.

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News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Gov’t will continue heavy investment in Ghana Armed Zone (EEZ). storey Classroom Block is Forces –Bawumia “Plans are also in place to completed whilst the magnificent Continued from cover sub-region.

Speaking at the Graduation Ceremony for Short Service Commission and Special Duties Course 59 at the Ghana Military Academy and Training School (MATS) at Teshie in Dr. Bawumia said the peace in the sub region continues to be assailed by a myriad of threats, and government will continue to provide the necessary logistics to the Armed Forces for the protection of the country’s borders.

“Parts of our sub-region are engulfed by terrorism and embroiled in various forms of deprivation, unrest and violence.

Ghana’s northern frontiers are seriously threatened, calling for a comprehensive approach to state security.

“Thus, government has commenced the strategic expansion and modernization of the Ghana Armed Forces in line with the threat analysis and matching these with the acquisition of the requisite equipment, logistics, infrastructure development and increase in manpower.

“The expansion has already seen the creation and the establishment of the Army Special

Operations Brigade, Armoured Brigade and 2 Mechanized Battalions. The Bundase and Daboya Training Camps have been improved with the construction of new accommodation and training infrastructure to enhance training and learning.

“Additionally, the government is constructing 832 accommodation units for the Ghana Armed Forces which are currently at various levels of completion in all the Garrisons.

“Furthermore, plans are far advanced for the construction and equipping of 15 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) across our northern frontiers for the Ghana Armed Forces. These FOBs include FOB Dollar Power; FOB Hamile; FOB Tumu; FOB Navrongo; FOB Bawku; FOB Nalerigu; FOB Bunkpurugu; FOB Saboba; FOB Bimbilla; FOB Damongo; FOB Bole; FOB Jirapa; Forward Logistics Base at Wa; Forward Logistics Base Bolgatanga and Main Logistics Base at Tamale.

The Vice President continued: “In the same vein, the government intends to equip the Ghana Navy with Offshore Patrol Vessels and Fast Patrol Boats to counter piracy and other maritime threats and protect our Exclusive Economic

equip the Air force with assorted aircrafts comprising Casa C2A5 Maritime Patrol Aircrafts, Mi – 171SH Military Airlift Helicopters, VIP Transport Helicopters (H 225) and Mi35 Gunship.

“All these investments are to ensure that the Ghana Armed Forces are well equipped and motivated to deliver on its mandates of safeguarding the peace, integrity and security of the nation and maintaining Ghana’s contribution to international peace and security.”

The quality of training and other logistics is also receiving heavy investments, Dr Bawumia disclosed.

“Government is delivering on its promise to reconstruct and upgrade the Ghana Military Academy to bring it at par with other reputable Military Academies in the world. As I speak today, I am delighted to say that, the first phase of the construction works of the Ghana Military Academy is almost complete.

“Aside the renovated Officer Cadets’ Mess and the Academy Parade Square which were completed and commissioned by the President of the Republic on 13 November last year and have since been fully operational, the 320-seating capacity two-

Administration Block is 95% complete.

“The constructions of Cadets Accommodation Block, the Platoon Commander’s Accommodation and the Boundary Fence Wall are progressing steadily.”

Dr Bawumia expressed government’s appreciation for the role played by the military in the fight against illegal mining, saying “I applaud the Ghana Armed Forces for the successes chalked in clearing our water bodies of illegal miners, and urge you and the other security services to remain undaunted in the fight against illegal mining and lumbering.”

Vice President Bawumia, before conferring the Presidential Commission on the Graduating Officer Cadets, reminded the graduands that the interest of the nation should always be paramount in their conduct during their entire careers.

“In view of this, you need to uphold professionalism at all times. You are always reminded that patriotism, discipline and responsiveness to operational exigencies are essential and the nation expects nothing less from you.”

Ghana Link in talks with port actors on ICUMS Phase II Continued from cover in talks with port stakeholders towards the deployment of the second phase of its end-to-end single window platform.

New features to be introduced to the next phase of the ICUMS include the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) which will enable Customs to assess passenger traffic and risks at the airport.

The updated ICUMS also makes room for post-clearance audit, where an importer is able to move his/her goods out of the port to be tracked later

by Customs for all applicable duties and taxes using the documentation provided by the shipper.

It will also ensure efficient management of the state warehouse as well as digitise the auction of goods at the ports.

“We are always engaging our fellow stakeholders, including the airlines, because their inputs are needed. We are operating a very standard system, and

we are soliciting the necessary inputs to ensure that people are satisfied with it,” Clyde Panyin Adjei, Deputy Managing Director of the company, said at a training session for port journalists in Accra.

The first phase of the ICUMS has seen a significant increase in revenue generation at Ghana’s ports since its take-off in June 2020, as the generation of a tax bill number for all Customs penalties, service charges, taxes and duties has drastically reduced leakages.

ICUMS’ external price verification tool, which verifies the true value of all consignments directly from the supplier, also enables Customs to ascertain accurate taxes and duties, aside from facilitating proper bond management for suspense regimes.

According to Mr. Adjei, the introduction of ICUMS at the nation’s ports has been a success so far in terms of trade facilitation and revenue mobilisation for the

government.

“Our performance, even in the midst of crisis, was very high compared to what Ghana has witnessed before, and we expect Ghana to be the light of Africa when it comes to trade,” he said.

He added: “We have brought a lot of transformation, satisfying our clients, for them to know that we are Ghanaians; also, we have to ensure that we provide the best for Ghana, because if Ghana does well, we also do well.”

The one-day training programme for members of the Port Journalists Network (PJN) was to get the media to accurately report on the operations of the ICUMS and to deepen their understanding of the processes, modules and related activities of the end-to-end system.

Mr. Adjei said misinformation about the ICUMS led to “a pushback from our stakeholders, but with hard work and the various interventions that have been rolled out, we were successful in getting them to

come on board.”

“We have decided to enhance your capacity to fully appreciate and embrace the system [ICUMS] to help in effective and responsible reporting about it to the public. Today’s exercise [training] will be the beginning of our relationship of mutual benefit, which will lead to the media supporting Ghana Link to communicate our work to the public and help us receive feedback,” he indicated.

PJN’s Team Lead, Elvis Darko, commended the management of Ghana Link for building the capacity of journalists about their operations and urged participants to give the right attention to the port sector.

“This training will help port journalists to better understand the operations of Ghana Link and help them report accurately on them. PJN is committed to promoting the growth and concerns of various stakeholders in Ghana’s maritime, trade and logistics value chain,” he said.

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

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News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Asaase GPS gives Lesotho’s capital, a new digital addressing system

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saaseGPS Limited, a wholly-owned Ghanaian software development company and a subsidiary of Afrifanom Group, has signed a partnership agreement with the Maseru Municipal Council and Future Systems Ltd to provide the capital of Lesotho a new and effective digital addressing system.

In attendance at the signing ceremony includes Her Worship the Mayor of Maseru Municipal Council- Cllr. Nthabeleng Nts’asa, Minister of Communications, Science & Technology- Hon. Ts'oinyana S. Rapapa, Minister of Education and Training- Mrs. Mamookho Phiri, Nana Osei Afrifa -Chairman of Afrifanom Group, Dr Elvis Baidoo – MD, AsaaseGPS and Representatives of Future Systems among other dignitaries.

Speaking at the signing on ceremony, Minister of Communication, Science and Technology, Hon. Ts'oinyana S. Rapapa, highlighted the government’s main goal to seta solid foundation to formalize the country’s economy starting with a proper and effective addressing system in the Maseru Municipality and gradually spreading it to other parts of the country.

Photo Caption: Nana Osei Afrifa – Chairman of Afrifanom Group

He further stated that the major economic benefits for a country with a proper and effective addressing system are enormous to its people and serves as a catalyst in growing the private sector and formalizes the economy.

Commenting on the agreement, Chairman of Afrifanom Group, Nana Osei Afrifa noted that, “We are excited to have this strategic partnership with the City Council acting on behalf of the people of Maseru. We have developed an addressing system that creates a compelling and sustainable value for the provision of accurate data to improve service delivery and assist in formulating appropriate policies which will create opportunities and accelerate

growth for the city of Maseru and Lesotho as a whole.

He continued, “We believe that while we stay focused on our core business, leveraging on the strength of Maseru City Council and Future Systems Ltd, we would ensure scalability and integration of add-on services and compatibility with postcodes within the Maseru district and eventually help accelerate the economic development of Lesotho”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Her Worship the Mayor of Maseru Municipal Council, Cllr.

Nthabeleng Nts’asa observed that the partnership provides many opportunities to unlock the enormous potential of the City of Maseru citing that this would

improve property ownership data and bring efficiency to service delivery in the city.

She noted that, “This partnership demonstrates the commitment of the Maseru Municipality towards digitalization. We have taken a cue from the gains that Ghana has made in the past few years after launching their national digital addressing system. We are excited about this new addressing system because it’s a game changer for our business landscape which will lead to a formalised economy.

Managing Director of AsaaseGPS Dr. Elvis Baidoo, on his part remarked, AsaaseGPS continues to identify innovative approaches to partnerships that enables it to stay at the forefront of consumer trends in the software and IT industry. For many years, we have developed solutions that best add value by enhancing business delivery and cutting-edge technology initiatives to our partners and customers.

AsaaseGPS is the world’s first official digital addressing system for countries. It is a locationbased system which provides the most effective means of addressing every location and place in the world.

COVID-19: It's not right time to re-open land borders - Akufo-Addo

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resident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said it is not the right time to reopen Ghana's land borders at a time a fourth wave of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was threatening with the discovery of a new variant - Omicron.

In a national address Wednesday night, President Akufo-Addo reiterated that Ghana's land borders will remain closed until the right time.

The address, which was the 27th update President AkufoAddo has given to the nation since the outbreak of the disease elaborated on the new measures taken to prevent the spread of the disease especially during the Yuletide.

On the continuous closure of the borders, President AkufoAddo said: President Akufo-Addo said as of Sunday, December 12, 2021, some 2,042,778 tests had been conducted, out of which 131,911

positive cases had been recorded.

Out of those 129,683 persons had recovered, meaning that, presently, the number of active cases, that is the number of people with the virus, stands at 973 persons.

The President said in as much as this represents some degree of good news, "we have, sadly, had 1,255 persons dying from COVID-19."

The current data suggests quite a favourable COVID situation prevailing in Ghana, and "I say this only to encourage each one of us to continue to be vigilant, and adhere to the enhanced hygiene protocols which have served us so well so far."

Three regions - Ashanti, Greater Accra and Volta, have the bulk of infections.

Seven regions have single-digit infections, and six regions, that is Ahafo, North East, Oti, Savannah, Upper West and Western North, at the moment, have zero active

cases.

"We must do everything possible, at the very least, to maintain this situation, especially as the festive season approaches," President Akufo-Addo added.

President Akufo-Addo stressed that getting the jab is the best route out of the pandemic, because, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), it reduces the risk of death, hospitalisation and the spread of the virus.

"It is for this reason that we have committed ourselves to vaccinating some twenty million

Ghanaians, that is the entire adult population, by the end of the year."

He said after the start of an impressive vaccination drive in March this year, "we were confronted with vaccine supply constraints and disruptions at the global level. Fortunately, in recent months, the supply situation has improved considerably, and we estimate that, by the end of December, we would have secured a total of some 26 million doses.

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

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Feature

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Why China continues to rise

By Zhang Jun

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n just four decades, China’s economy has achieved an unprecedented level of wealth and development, and, until recently, its upward trajectory of economic growth and prosperity seemed set to continue. But as political pressures and the coronavirus push many countries – particularly the United States – to embrace more nationalist policies, the heyday of globalization soon could be replaced by a post-pandemic era shaped by national-security concerns and border controls.

This is not good news for China, which would prefer that the world maintain the economic openness it achieved in recent decades. For that reason, China had been working hard to align its economic and trade activities with international rules and norms. But now it seems that China must prepare for a future characterized by higher trade barriers and restrictions.

To this end, China’s 14th FiveYear Plan makes clear that the country will seek to reduce its dependence on external demand. The “dual-circulation strategy” announced in the plan instead emphasizes reliance on the country’s huge population.

China also plans to invest heavily in cutting-edge sectors, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, and work to achieve self-sufficiency in core technologies.

Outsiders are deeply suspicious of China’s moves to

increase state control over its economic development, such as imposing new regulations on tech companies and capital markets. They fear that the country is prioritizing its geopolitical objectives over the quest to build a market economy.

Some even worry that China will return to the development model that predominated before Deng Xiaoping launched the country’s “reform and opening up.”

These fears are overblown.

China is unlikely to return to a state-controlled economy or enact isolationist policies.

Instead, the increased role of the state in the economy and a shift toward self-reliance should be interpreted as a response to a changing – and, at times, hostile – external environment.

This shift likely would have happened even if SinoAmerican relations had not deteriorated as they have, owing to China’s enormous population.

Recognizing the potential of its own massive internal market, China’s leaders have long sought to increase domestic demand as a hedge against external changes.

As for technological progress, a larger population implies more talent and higher returns for innovation.

But, amid the retreat from globalization, China’s advantage may be even greater. In a 2018 paper, Klaus Desmet, Dávid Krisztián Nagy, and Esteban Rossi-Hansberg showed that in a world of restricted crosscountry trade and migration, countries with large populations

can provide more opportunities to increase economic output through internal trade and specialization.

The most populous countries are not necessarily the richest today, the authors note, largely because of migration. But if barriers to migration grow high enough, populous countries will outpace smaller countries in innovation, even if the latter are richer. Because long-run growth is driven by improvements in technology, this translates into a major economic advantage for countries with larger populations.

This outcome highlights just how self-defeating America’s turn inward is: it’s clear that America’s success is thanks to migration and globalization.

To be sure, China is facing strong demographic headwinds: its birth rate dropped to a record low in 2020. But the effects of this decline will take a few decades to have an impact. China’s demographics today give the country a significant advantage over the US in terms of human capital for at least the next 20 years. Projections of China’s future growth suggest that if China makes the most of this advantage – as it seems poised to do – the US will find it all but impossible to hamper China’s economic progress. Rather than thwarting China’s ambitions, America’s policies will encourage China to continue hedging its bets, including by rethinking its national-security strategy and shifting more resources to its science and technology sectors.

In the worst decoupling scenario, the world’s two largest economies will end up dominating their own technology-supply systems, each with its own rules and standards.

This is a distinct possibility.

But visionary politicians should appreciate how much more could be achieved on both sides if the countries instead worked together. The US would be far better served by seizing the opportunities China’s rise creates. And, while China’s large population affords it a major advantage in a deglobalized world, it still has a lot to learn from more advanced economies, beginning with the US. China remains a developing economy, after all, with a per-capita GDP amounting to just one-quarter of the OECD average.

More broadly, while a more populous country has a large domestic market to fall back on, that is no substitute for access to the global market. Likewise, ties to the outside world, including the sharing of knowledge and ideas, invariably accelerate technological progress. And an open and decentralized economic system that encourages marketled activity is far more conducive to the iterative process vital to the commercialization of innovation.

It’s clear that China has much to gain from a more open global economic system.

China’s leaders have emphasized that they are not abandoning the path of market-led development and returning to a closed economic model – and there is no reason to believe otherwise.

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

New head office reflects future of banking” – Absa Bank

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he key highlight of Absa Bank’s soil-turning event was three mounds of soil.

These mounds had been placed concertedly in the middle of the vast compound that is to house Absa Bank’s new Head office in Ghana. They had been carefully curated for Mrs. Elsie Addo Awadzi, Second Deputy Governor of the Central Bank; Absa Board Chair, Mrs. Frances Adu Mante and Managing Director, Mrs. Abena Osei-Poku.

The event was well coordinated, and the limited guests gathered that day, looked on in anticipation as the three leading figures led the way, reflector jackets on and shovels in hand. When they finally dug into the soil with their shovels, the energy they exuded reverberated across the compound.

Finally, after 104-years of operating its head office on the Accra High Street, Absa was now preparing to relocate. “It is long overdue,” said the Central Bank Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, when he was asked of his views ahead of the soil turning event.

The real estate that will be occupied by the bank is in a vibrant financial hub of the capital city, along the independence avenue, close to the Ako-Adjei interchange.

Managing Director, Abena Osei-Poku, was forthright in her remarks about the underlining reasoning behind the decision.

“The time is right for us to chart a new direction in our relationship with Ghana, which will hopefully last beyond another hundred years. The dynamism of the global workplace makes it difficult for our old head office at high street to rhyme with the evolving digital ecosystem. Our new building will be designed with only the latest trends of the digital workplace and innovation for the benefit of our employees, customers and stakeholders,” she said.

Second Deputy Governor, Mrs. Elsie Addo-Awadzi, who took the stage in place of the Governor during the event, was effusive in her praise for Absa Bank. “Absa remains a very important player in the banking sector. It has demonstrated leadership over the years, and was even the first to meet the minimum capital requirement set by the Central Bank in 2018. I am glad they

have committed to take issues of environmental sustainability, reduction in carbon footprints and a compliance with the sustainable banking principles, into consideration when the construction begins,” she remarked.

The Absa brand has made tremendous strides since it’s official launch in Ghana some 19-months ago. Having taken over a bank that was still adorned with the strength of the Barclays image, it is interesting to witness the sterling work done to entrench the new brand whilst upholding its positive reputational currency.

Ghana is currently littered with a host of organically established Head offices belonging to several multinational companies across multiple sectors. A new head office can mean many things: For one, it tells the government that the company, in question, is thinking strategically about the

country where it operates. It gives regulators greater confidence to engage and supervise the company. It enhances the eagerness customers have in dealing with the brand.

Additionally, it also reassures employees that the company has them in its long-term plans.

“Our model for this new building revolves around four key themes - our people, customers, resilience and sustainability. No matter how you dice it, we have covered every aspect in making this new building a reflection of the future of banking. Energy conservation, reduction in waste, digital innovation and creativity, are integral in this construction as we aim towards completion in the next 18-months. The timing is right because we have the ability to finance without any repercussions on our business or shareholders’ expectations” said Michael Mensah-Baah, Chief Operating Officer at Absa Bank.

Banking is a lifestyle. Its ability to empower small and medium scale businesses, contribute to socio-economic development whilst improving the lives of individuals, communities and society, cannot be overstated.

Absa Bank’s cutting-edge approach across its key businesses continues to reflect leadership and capability and the new head office is only a demonstration that this bank is not resting on its laurels.

PharmAccess marks 20th anniversary

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harmAccess is marking its 20th anniversary with a call to action to fast-track universal health coverage in subSaharan Africa.

PharmAccess has been striving to make inclusive health markets work in Africa and is calling key healthcare stakeholders in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania to to action to help achieve a breakthrough in access to better healthcare for all.

Over the past decade, people in sub-Saharan Africa have been steadily living longer and in better health due to, amongst others, reductions in infant and childhood mortality, increased access to medical treatment including for AIDS/ HIV, and improved nutrition.

Nevertheless, to receive quality health services, many face financial hardship through high out-of-pocket health costs – influencing people to postpone

or skip health visits entirely.

The United Nations officially designated 12 December as International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day), to hold leaders accountable for their promise of health for all.

According to PharmAccess CEO Nicole Spieker said through the partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PharmAcces has over the past 20 years empowered thousands of healthcare workers and policymakers to provide better care to their communities.

“This year’s UHC Day is the moment to ask our partners to state and commit to their engagements so we can reach the goal of access to quality healthcare for everyone,’’ she said.

PharmAccess utilizes innovative strategies such as mobile technology, sustainable finance models, and financial

protection for vulnerable and low-income groups. In the context of 20-year PharmAccess, country offices are hosting a series of events addressing the biggest issues inhibiting inclusive healthcare in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.

In Ghana, PharmAccess works with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which has an active membership of over 12 million people. PharmAccess and the NHIA are strengthening their collaboration, working with data experts, and offering support to institutionalize data insights and further enhance the impact and sustainability of Africa's most inclusive health insurance scheme.

In Nigeria, even though 34 out of 36 states have signed the health insurance bill to make health insurance mandatory for all, most are yet to start

implementing it. Universal health coverage in the country will only be reached through increased funding for health. PharmAccess Nigeria will therefore launch a series of expert sessions aimed at advancing new sources of funding and placing healthcare financing centrally on the policy agenda for the national and local governments.

Mobile and digital technology are already fast-tracking improvements in virtually all sectors in Africa, but especially in Kenya, with a SIM penetration of 120%. However, the health sector is yet to embrace the full potential of digital technology.

Therefore, PharmAccess Kenya, together with the SDG Coalition, will organize a convention to create synergies in technology and innovation, capitalizing on the opportunities at hand to improve healthcare financing.

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AfCFTA News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Wakanda One City of Return Trade Expo ends A

historic gathering of independent leaders of African descent from the US, UK, China, the Caribbean Islands, and Continental Africa met in Ghana, Cape Coast for the Wakanda One City of Return Trade Expo.

It was Oduwacoin that sponsored the Genesis of Africa's Economic Revolution- themed Wakanda One City of Return Trade Expo on December 3-11, 2021.

Organizers of the event succeeded in staying in tune with their mission to bring people of African descent together to empower them through trade and technology.

Oduwacoin, the only African Blockchain Solution providers were on board to sponsor the event.

The African Diaspora Development Institute team led

by H.E Ambasador Dr. Arikana Chihombori Quao and Prof. PLO Lumumba the organic voices for people of African descent showed up and made the event

spectacular in value.

Participants lauded Nana Obokese Ampah of Asebu State

highly for being the catalyst to the event.

ODUWACOIN is proving

without any doubt that it is definitely the first Pan-African Crypto with a message for Africa.

West Africa Snr. High School wins 2021 Capital Market Quiz

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est Africa Senior High School (WASS) has emerged the overall winners of the 2021 edition of Capital Market Quiz competition.

The Capital Market Quiz

competition is an annual competition which seeks to promote capital market literacy among senior high school students in Ghana. The competition, since its inception,

has impacted participating students with practical knowledge in the capital market and related activities. It is championed by the Young Investors Network (YIN) in collaboration with UMB Investment Holdings Limited.

Founder and President of the Young Investors Network, Mr. Joshua Mensah, in his remarks to participating schools, explained that the purpose of the Capital Market Quiz competition was to expose students to the makeup of Ghana’s capital market, and to propel them to familiarize themselves with its investing activities.

In attendance were representatives from the UMB Stockbrokers Limited, and speaking on behalf of the UMB, Miss Vincentia Narh-Saam, challenged students to appreciate the relevance of investing at a tender age and encouraged them to join the Save-a-Cedi-a-Day

Challenge, an initiative rolled out by the Young Investors Network and the UMB Investment Holdings Limited to whip up the savings and investment culture among the youth.

The final stage of the contest featured Tema Methodist Day Senior High School, Accra Academy, West Africa Senior High School and the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School with a respective score of 82, 86.5, 89.5 and 89. WASS beat its closest contender and 2012 winners Presec-Legon, with a difference of point five to win the competition.

Meanwhile, all participants will receive investment accounts with UMB Investment Holdings, participate in the Global Stock Pitch Competition in the USA and mentorship and career guidance from ACCA as well as receive training from the Certified Young Investment Analysts.

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News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Emirates completes A380 fleet with 123rd delivery of iconic aircraft

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mirates has received delivery of its 123rd Airbus A380 superjumbo jet.

The aircraft, registered as A6EVS, is also the final new A380 aircraft to join Emirates’ fleet, marking another milestone in the airline’s steadfast 21-year commitment to the programme.

Watch a video of Emirates' 123rd Airbus A380 as it readies for departure to its home in Dubai.

Receiving delivery of a brand-new aircraft amidst an unprecedented global pandemic, Emirates is once again signalling its optimism for industry recovery and the return of travel demand.

Emirates was the first airline to announce an order for the A380 at the 2000 Farnborough Air Show when the aircraft was still marketed as the A3XX. This was followed with a firm commitment and additional order for 15 more units at the 2001 Dubai Air Show, a bold statement just 6 weeks after the events of 9/11 challenged the industry like never before.

Emirates’ commitment was crucial to the launch of the programme that brought together leading European aerospace players and its global supply chain to develop and bring to market the world’s largest commercial aircraft with a full double deck and generous cabin interior space.

Since it first took to the sky, the A380 has continued to capture imaginations, generate excitement wherever it operates, and attract traveller preference for its quiet, spacious and comfortable interiors.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “The A380 is a truly special aircraft in so many ways. For Emirates, it gave us the opportunity to redefine the travel experience, efficiently serve demand at slot-constrained airports, and bolster our network growth. The A380 will remain Emirates’ flagship product for the coming years, and a vital pillar of our network plans.

“The aircraft we are receiving today features our latest cabin products including Premium Economy. Compare it to our very first A380 delivered back in 2008 and you’ll see the myriad of enhancements and upgrades invested in ensuring that the Emirates A380 experience is unparalleled. We’d like to thank Airbus and all of our programme partners for enabling us to push the envelope to introduce many innovative ‘industry firsts’, and importantly, deliver the best product for Emirates’ customers.”

"The A380 has touched the lives of so many passengers by setting new standards in terms

of flying and travel experience.

I'm confident that it will continue to do so for decades to come with Emirates, which has continuously introduced new services and products allowing passengers around the world to experience the unique features of their A380s", said Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO. "On behalf of all Airbus teams, I would like to use this delivery milestone to warmly thank Emirates Airline the biggest A380 operator in the world - for their unwavering trust and partnership. Here's to many more happy landings!"

The latest Emirates A380 to be delivered features the airline’s latest signature products onboard including First Class Private Suites and Shower Spas, the highly popular A380 Onboard Bar, its new Premium Economy cabin, and the latest inflight entertainment systems offering the best-in-sky personal screens and unmatched choice of content.

At the 2021 Dubai Airshow in November, Emirates also announced a major retrofit programme which will see 52 of its existing A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy cabins and other enhancements, highlighting the airline’s ongoing commitment to ensuring its A380 experience remains best-in-sky.

COVID-19 economic recovery: building back stronger with women and provide the needed support effective communication. and youth-led innovations ‘"I have realized through this system to aid the Ghanaian

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has not gained notoriety only for its alarming human cost, it has also caused an unprecedented economic downturn. According to the findings of the COVID-19 Business Tracker Survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank, Ghanaian businesses suffered an average decline in sales by an estimated 51.5 percent, leading to the closure of businesses and job losses.

As part of efforts to support Ghana’s economic recovery drive, UNDP has rolled out four integrated interventions to help Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) recover from the pandemic and thrive to boost job creation. The interventions, focusing on women and youthled MSMEs, are building on

UNDP’s investment in young innovators that included a seed funding of about $500,000 to 42 young innovators to scale up their businesses.

The support includes market intelligence on investment opportunities, services and gaps related to MSMEs support in Ghana; a prototype of integrated ecosystem support for businesses; strategic communications capacity development and a digital gateway to share and access information in real-time.

The interventions are particularly significant as MSMEs are the backbone of the Ghanaian economy – representing about 85% of businesses and contributing about 70% of Ghana’s gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, strengthening their resilience holds the unique potential to unlock more opportunities, create more jobs

economy in building back better and stronger.

Speaking at the strategic communications capacity building training for the MSMEs, the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Dr. Angela Lusigi was apt when she profoundly stated: "We can emerge from this pandemic stronger if we are able to bring back jobs and unlock the enormous potential of Ghana’s natural resources and human capital by reinforcing the resilience of small businesses so that we can all thrive’’.

The strategic communications training aims at positioning the MSMEs to effectively leverage digital technology and communications to expand access to the One Africa Market.

For small businesses like Trisolace Farms, the training is a chance at going global with their snails and vegetables through

training that there is potential for us to penetrate markets outside Ghana through digital technology and communication.

We will be intentional about our communications using some of the strategic communication tools we have leant from the training’’, stated Vanessa Agbemor, Communications Lead at Trisolace Farms.

To ensure appropriate actions at all levels for small businesses, the training has been extended to state institutions such as the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA), and the Food and Drugs Authority.

“We thanked UNDP for the strategic communications training for our team and looking forward to more partnerships to help upscale support for MSMEs in Ghana to make them more resilient’’, said Mrs. Kosi YankeyAyeh, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Enterprises Agency.

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

A forest of possibilities

Empowering communities to restore and conserve forests for people and planet

Naomi Nkansah, one of the farmers.

By UNDP Ghana

“

This forest restoration initiative has given us access to food all year round. When cocoa is out of season, we rely on our plantain and vegetable harvest, Grace Botwe, a cocoa farmer from Akwaduro, in the Asunafo North Municipal in the Ahafo Region of Ghana narrated.

Grace has been farming for more than 30 years and she is one of the over 200 farmers working on a forest restoration initiative to restore degraded areas in the Ayum Forest Reserve. Like many forests, the Ayum Forest Reserve in the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly was gradually losing its value and beautiful vegetation because of the multiplying human activities like bush burning, deforestation and illegal activities.

To scale up efforts to restore degraded forest reserves like the Ayum Forest Reserve and contribute to Ghana's climate

action efforts, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Cocobod, Forestry Commission, and Mondelēz International’s cocoa sustainability programme: Cocoa Life (through funding and technical support) are working with farmers to restore degraded forests.

For the farmers, the initiative to revamp their forest reserve is very fulfilling as they are contributing to the change they want to see and making gains out of it.

“Being part of this initiative brings me so much fulfilment.

I am happy to be part of the community members contributing to the restoration of our once degraded forest”, Naomi Nkansah, a 34-year-old farmer and beneficiary of the forest restoration project stated.

The Forest Restoration initiative is being implemented using the Modified Tungya System (MTS) where farmers are given access to

degraded forest reserve land for the planting of economic trees.

They are allowed to integrate the tree planting with selected food crops until tree canopy closure.

The MTS has become a legally binding land lease arrangement in which farmers are considered co-owners of the plantations with the Forestry Commission and are entitled to the MTS plots till the tree become mature. Apart from its environmental benefits, the MTS also serves as an additional income generation activity for the participating farmers.

The forest restoration project is a scaled-up of activities under the third intervention area of the Cocoa Life Programme. The programme is to incentivize cocoa farmers to adopt environmentally sustainable production practices and to promote resilient and thriving communities with additional livelihoods options.

The project presents vast opportunities due to the market

and economic value of the harvested crops.

“I come all the way from Kumasi to purchase my plantain, which I sell at both Takoradi or sometimes in Kumasi market. We usually make profits and because it is straight from the farms, the plantains and cocoyams we buy from here are always fresh”, Dora Ansah, a market woman revealed.

Mr. Owusu Apau, the Society Manager of the Cocoa Cooperative Farmers’ Society at the Akwaduro commended the formation of farmer groups as part of activities of the initiative to promote farmer organization and coordination.

Re-greening the planet will take many forms. It will involve restoring degraded forests through reforestation and enhancing tree cover in agricultural landscapes. In the end, no effort is too small to help the world achieve the climate action agenda for people and the planet.

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News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

AfDB grants $1.5m to Smart Africa Alliance to strengthen policy environment for digital trade across Africa

T

he Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a $1.5 million grant to assess policy gaps in the digital trade and e-commerce ecosystems in 10 countries in Africa.

The funds, sourced from the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional window, will go to the Smart Africa Alliance, an alliance of 32 African countries, international organisations and global corporations with a vision to create a single digital market in Africa by 2030.

Nicholas Williams, the Bank’s Division Manager for ICT Operations, said: “This project is both timely and vital. For the continent to create a unified digital market by 2030, efforts should focus on harmonizing and building a cohesive policy environment for intra-continental trade. The Bank is delighted to partner with the Smart Africa Alliance to advance key policy objectives that will support broader digital development across Africa.”

The project will study the policy environment in 10 countries: Côte

d’Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, The Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Democratic Republic of Congo. Smart Africa will consult public and private sector actors to develop an online training program that will directly benefit 600 stakeholders (comprising of government

officials, small and medium enterprises, private sector mobile network operators) and indirectly benefit another 2,500.

Lacina Koné, CEO of Smart Africa, said: “One of the critical challenges preventing the continent from preparing for Africa’s bold new future is the inability to conduct cross-

border payments for goods and services due to a lack of solutions and crippling policies.

Our partnership with the African Development Bank is crucial in creating an enabling environment to advance e-payments, and the digital economy is essential for Africa’s renaissance.”

MultiChoice partners Udemy to build skills across Africa

I

n a move to empower customers across the continent with impactful and functional skills, Africa’s leading entertainment provider, MultiChoice, is partnering with Udemy, a global leader in online learning, to provide access to thousands of highquality courses to enable DStv and GOtv customers to invest in their personal and professional development.

For years, the DStv and GOtv platforms have provided viewers with world-class edutainment, with content catering to personal growth for all ages. In addition to sport, local programming, news and general entertainment, customers of MultiChoice, Africa’s most loved storyteller, can access educational content on Discovery, Nat Geo Wild, History Channel, DaVinci Kids, BBC and many more channels.

The partnership with Udemy will continue MultiChoice’s mission to positively contribute toward well-informed and progressive customers.

Udemy’s diverse course catalogue includes over 183,000 online courses provided by more than 65,000 instructors in 75

languages. The platform is userfriendly and simple to navigate with a flexible format that allows learners to access a wide variety of courses at their own pace, with personalized recommendations and paths that maximize learning.

While their respective platforms are distinct, MultiChoice and Udemy have a shared mission of providing a vast range of accessible content which enriches the lives of a broad audience with diverse interests and needs. This fitting collaboration will serve customers with a passion for learning.

“We’re very excited to partner with an innovative and purposeful platform like Udemy, especially as the world shifts to an online learning future,” says Fhulufhelo Badugela, Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Africa.

“We are constantly seeking ways to enrich and progress the lives of our valued customers and tapping into learning and development is a natural next step. Investing in the future of our customers in Ghana and the continent is a top priority and we are proud to be able to collaborate with Udemy that values the

advancement of customers as much as we do.”

“As a global learning platform, our mission is to provide access and create new opportunities for learners around the world, across a wide range of content areas and at all levels of expertise,” said Llibert Argerich, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Udemy.

“MultiChoice has a long history of prioritizing learning, and we’re proud to be working with them to unlock new possibilities for learners across the continent.”

Whether customers are professionals looking to improve their technical skills, or students wanting to complement their studies, Udemy offers thousands of fresh and current courses ranging from learning a new language to playing a new instrument, to coding, data science, and business leadership, including free courses on topics like blogging, personal productivity, and meditation.

Udemy’s content is created by real-world practitioners with a pulse on the latest technologies and business strategies. The courses vary in experience levels, so customers can find a subject that is suited to their skills and ambition.

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News

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Russian Experts Recommend New Policy Strategies for Africa

By Kester Kenn Klomegah

S

enior policy experts have advised Russia to make its Africa policy a derivative of the country's overall foreign policy objectives taking into account the continent's human capital and natural resources.

The 'Situation Analytical Report', as it is titled, was prepared by 25 policy experts, as part of a programme sponsored by the Russian Foreign Ministry. It was headed by Sergei A. Karaganov, Dean and Academic Supervisor of the Faculty of World Economy and International Relations of the National Research University's Higher School of Economics (HSE University). Karaganov is also the Honorary Chairman of the Presidium of the Council on Foreign and Defence Policy.

With its about 1.3 billion people, Africa is a potential market for all kinds of consumable goods and for services. In the coming decades, there will be an accelerated competition between or among the external players over access to the resources and for economic influence in Africa.

Despite the growth of external players' influence and presence in Africa, says the report, Russia has to intensify and redefine its parameters as it has now transcended to the fifth stage.

Russia’s Africa policy is roughly divided into four periods, previously after Soviet’s collapse in 1991.

The first historic summit in 2019 created a good basis for launching or ushering in a new fifth stage of Russian-African relations. The joint declaration adopted at the summit raised the African agenda of Russia’s foreign policy to a new level and so far remains the main document determining the conceptual framework of Russian-African cooperation.

Some of the situation analysis participants, who contributed to the latest policy report, spoke very critically of Russia’s current policy towards Africa and even claimed that there was no consistent policy and/ or consistency in the policy implementation at all. The intensification of political contacts is only with a focus on making them demonstrative.

Russia’s foreign policy strategy regarding Africa needs to spell out and incorporate the development needs of African

countries.

While the number of highlevel meetings has increased, the share of substantive issues on the agenda remains small. There are little definitive results from such meetings. Apart from the absence of a public strategy for the continent, there is shortage of qualified personnel, the lack of coordination among various state and para-state institutions working with Africa.

The report lists insufficient and disorganized RussianAfrican lobbying, combined with the lack of “information hygiene” at all levels of public speaking among the main flaws of Russia’s current Africa policy.

Under the circumstance, Russia needs to compile its various ideas for cooperation with Africa into a single comprehensive and publicly available strategy to achieve more success with Africa.

In several ways, ideas and intentions are often passed for results, unapproved projects are announced as going ahead.

Russia’s possibilities are overestimated both publicly and in closed negotiations. The supply of Russian-made vaccines to Africa is an example. Having concluded contracts for the supply of Sputnik V to a number of African states, Russian suppliers failed to meet contractual obligations on time. Right now, there were many agreements signed ahead of and during the first Russia-Africa summit. But Russia has been simply unable to deliver, as promised to African countries.

“The situation analysis

participants agreed that the lack of projects of due diligence and proper verification of contracting partners is one of the key challenges for Russian business in Africa. Many projects announced at the top and high political levels have not been implemented. The reason is usually that the projects were not properly prepared before official approval. As a result, budget funding is often spent on raw and unprepared initiatives,” says the report.

The adoption by Russia of an open doctrinal document on cooperation with Africa will emphasize the seriousness of its intentions and create an atmosphere of trust, in which individual steps will attain greater weight and higherlevel justification. In African conditions, this will mean accelerated coordination of essential decisions. It is important to note that such public strategies for the entire continent are a necessary instrument of the other countries that are active in Africa.

Unlike most competitors, Russia can afford to promote a more honest, open, direct and understandable agenda for Africa: sovereignty, continental integration, infrastructure development, human development (education and medicine), security (including the fight against hunger and epidemics), normal universal human values, the idea that people should live with dignity and feel protected. All situation analysis participants agreed with this view. The main advantage

of such an agenda is that it may be more African than those of its competitors.

It is advisable to present such a strategy already at the second Russia-Africa summit, scheduled for 2022, and coordinate it with African partners. Along with the strategy, it is advisable to adopt an Action Plan—a practical document that would fill cooperation with substance between summits.

One of the most important tasks critical for the effectiveness of Russian actions in Africa is the centralization and strengthening of the role and capacity of Russian state institutions on the African track, especially in the information sphere.

The report recommends that dialogues should be enhanced between civil societies, including expert and academic organizations. In a situation where a rapid expansion of trade and economic relations is difficult (for example, due to economic stagnation or a crisis in the respective country), the humanitarian track can become one of the ways to deepen relations further.

On foreign players in Africa, the report points to China as number one active player. India’s influence continues to grow, as does the involvement of Turkey, the UAE, and Qatar, which are relatively new players in Africa.

The influence and involvement of the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil in the coming years, are likely to remain at the level of the past decade and will decline compared to China’s, notes the analysis.

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

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African Business

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Fishing in a landlocked country

W

illard has been fishing on the shores of Lake Malombe in the Republic of Malawi for more than 40 years. The fisher comes from Chipalamawamba, a village in the country’s south.

He says that, over the years, environmental degradation and overfishing of the lake have taken a heavy toll on the fish and fortunes of local fishers.

“The fish numbers started dwindling years ago,’’ Willard says. “All the banana plantations were destroyed; the grasses and trees were cut down for building homes, and now the river banks and lake shores are bare. The fish don’t have enough breeding sites.”

With its many lakes, this landlocked African country has a rich fishing tradition and nearly 1.6 million people in lakeside communities depend on fishing for their lives and livelihoods.

But Lake Malombe has seen its fish species disappear and its ecosystem damaged.

Niklas Mattson, FAO’s chief technical officer in Malawi, says several fish species including the popular Chambo, a type of tilapia, have all but vanished in recent years.

“Lake Malombe is on average only three metres deep, and the tilapia build nests on the bottom for breeding. But the nkacha nets, which are the most common, tend to destroy these nests and cause turbidity and that disturbs the fish and their breeding,” says Mattson.

Small-scale fishers are also competing with larger fishers,

who have bigger boats and are better resourced with more elaborate fishing gears and nets. This activity is not only decimating fish numbers, it is also damaging the lake’s fish breeding grounds, relates Mattson.

Climate change is also threatening the lake’s future productivity as temperature changes and fluctuating rainfall impact the fish, their habitat and biodiversity.

“The local culture has always valued fishers very highly, but today fishers are struggling to make ends meet,’’ says Mattson.

FAO is working with Malawi’s Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Forestry and Natural Resources to build greater resilience and to combat the impact of environmental degradation in the beleaguered fisheries sector, especially among the riparian communities of Lake Malombe.

Supported by the Global Environment Facility, the project, entitled Fisheries Resilience for Malawi (FIRM), promotes an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, a holistic approach to managing fisheries and living aquatic resources and promoting conservation and sustainable use of the whole ecosystem.

“In addition to overfishing, local communities face the added pressures of climate change, so this project really is a matter of urgency,” says Mattson, who is leading FAO’s efforts for FIRM. Working with village leaders and local entities known as Beach Village Committees, the fishers have been learning about conservation measures designed

to regenerate the quality and quantity of fish in the lake and to safeguard their environment.

Fishers and their families are also learning about climate trends and extreme events.

“We are in a vicious cycle,” says Mattson. “If there is increased climate variablity, people will be more vulnerable than they should be unless resources are managed in a different way.”

With the project’s support, the community focused on “bringing back the fish” and drew up a plan of action which included the adoption of new by-laws and the creation of two no-fishing zones that provide suitable breeding and nursery habitats for fish.

Nevarson Msusa, District Fisheries Officer, says the FIRM project has already had a positive impact on local fisheries management.

“Community members have embraced conservation,” Msusa says. “Trees have been planted; river banks are better managed; fishing gear and activities are more controlled, and the fish populations and species are increasing.’’

Alfred Juma, a 40-year-old fisher who participated in the project, says the training empowered the fishers and gave them skills to assess their resources and environmental problems and how to take appropriate action.

“We all took responsibility for fisheries management, and we have seen an improvement in our fish species and fish catch,” Alfred says. “The increased fish sales have a great impact on our

livelihoods.’’

Anasi Devi, a female fisher from Mwalija Village agrees. “For the first time in my life, I heard fishers celebrating and community members chanting and singing!

Celebrating a bumper catch at Mwalija was unbelievable. Some women came running to the hillside to call us; we saw the catch with our own eyes! Our sanctuaries have plenty of fish.”

Illegal fishing practices were also highlighted and communities have stepped up water patrols and efforts to reduce the use of destructive fishing gears, such as mosquito nets, that are used to sweep up juvenile fish and eggs.

FIRM also promotes seasonal restrictions which help restore fish numbers.

Apart from conservation measures, the FIRM project also promotes small-scale cage-based aquaculture and deep pond technology for rearing local tilapia. Since the availability of water is limited in Malawi’s dry season, deepening the ponds and increasing the volume of water makes them less vulnerable to heat and evaporation.

Vasco Schmidt, FAO Aquaculture and Fisheries Officer in southern Africa, says it’s a long process to educate and encourage fishers and community leaders but the results are encouraging.

Awareness is growing and as fishers are mobilized they are urging other lakeside communities to take action to safeguard the lake and give it a sustainable future to better protect lives and livelihoods.

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Feature

MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Reversing the pandemic's education losses

By Henrietta H. Fore, David Malpass

A

s the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic approaches, classrooms remain fully or partially closed for as many as 647 million schoolchildren around the world. Even where schools have reopened, many students continue to lag behind.

It is now abundantly and painfully clear that children have learned less during the pandemic. According to World Bank estimates, pandemicrelated school closures could drive up “learning poverty” – the share of 10-year-olds who cannot read a basic text – to around 70% in low- and middle-income countries. This learning loss could cost an entire generation of schoolchildren $17 trillion in lifetime earnings.

As the Omicron variant takes hold, more governments may be tempted to close schools. Without the online infrastructure in place to support learning, doing so would extend the educational losses and deny children the many other benefits of daily school attendance, like the possibility to connect with classmates and develop social skills for personal growth.

Interactions with teachers and peers are essential to develop the abilities necessary to work collaboratively. Being part of a class promotes a sense of belonging and helps build selfesteem and empathy.

Throughout the pandemic, marginalized children have struggled the most. When classrooms around the world reopened this fall, it became clear that these children had fallen even further behind their peers. Before the pandemic, gender parity in education was improving. But school closures placed an estimated ten million more girls at risk of early marriage, which practically guarantees the end of their schooling.

Unless this regression is reversed, learning poverty and the associated human capital loss will hold economies and societies back for decades. Children must be given a chance to recover the education they have lost. They need access to well-designed reading materials, digital learning opportunities, and transformed education systems that help prepare them for future challenges. Well-qualified teachers and effective use of technology are fundamental to this process.

Many countries have deployed massive stimulus packages in response to the health crisis. But, as of June 2021, less than 3% of these funds was devoted to the education and training sector.

And most of these resources were spent in advanced economies.

For many low-income countries, elevated debt-service payments crowd out essential social spending – including for education. The resulting weakness in investments to

support education and training threatens to deepen the disparities in learning outcomes that existed prior to the pandemic. And while narrowing the education gap will require using resources more efficiently, the bottom line is that more resources are needed. For the world’s poorest countries, in particular, an acceleration in debt relief under the G20’s Common Framework would provide fiscal space to increase support for human capital.

Investment in education must include funding for educational technology, taking into account what has worked well in different contexts around the world.

Uruguay is one of the success stories. Over the past ten years, the Uruguayan authorities have invested in infrastructure, digital content, and teacher capacity, leaving the country better prepared to shift to online schooling when classrooms closed. Likewise, before the pandemic, the Indian state of Gujarat, betting on big data analysis and machine learning, set up state-of-the-art digitalsupport centers for schools.

When schools closed, Gujarat was able to respond quickly by distributing material digitally and personalizing remote education to the learning level of each student. And in Kenya, all children, including those with disabilities, can access specially designed and inclusive digital textbooks.

The United Nations Children’s

Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank Group are working together to ensure that all education systems use technology effectively to close gaps and help reverse learning losses.

Embedding the use of technology within an overall strategy for ending learning poverty can help improve foundational skills, increase instructional time, and make the most efficient use of resources. This is particularly critical in low-income countries, where technology can provide teachers with the support they need quickly.

Digital access can serve as a great equalizer. Resources must be invested wisely, taking into account countries’ electricity infrastructure, internet connectivity, digitally enabled devices for the most disadvantaged students, and data-management and implementation capacity.

Without a carefully considered process to increase the use of technology, good intentions and well-designed policies will fail to achieve the recovery and acceleration of learning that developing countries need.

Access to quality education was uneven before the pandemic, and now it is even more so. By investing in learning recovery and using technology wisely, it is possible to use the pandemic experience as a catalyst to improve education for all children.

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MONDAY DECEMBER 20, 2021

Africa cannot confront climate change alone

By Kristalina Georgieva, Félix Tshisekedi

A

frica contributes almost nothing to global warming. Its 1.4 billion people – around 17% of the global population – are responsible for less than 3% of the world’s total greenhouse-gas emissions.

Moreover, data suggest that the forests of the Congo River Basin alone absorb 3% of global carbondioxide emissions every year.

Nonetheless, Africa finds itself on the front lines of the impact of climate change. The continent is already contending with more frequent climate-related disasters, hotter weather, erratic rainfall, and rising sea levels, all of which bring human tragedy, social upheaval, and economic disruption. For example, with each new drought, annual per capita growth over the medium term can decline by a percentage point.

Like countries everywhere, policymakers in Africa must embrace the inevitable global transition to a low-carbon economy. In addition to pursuing economic programs to raise living standards, they urgently need to build resilience against climate shocks, especially in countries that depend on rainfed agriculture. That is why the African Union has endorsed the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Plan, which calls for investments in resilient infrastructure, climate-adaptive agriculture, digitalization, trade reforms, and a broadening of safety nets.

Not only are these measures up to 12 times more cost-effective than disaster relief; they also will generate jobs, raise incomes, and improve living standards.

But the price tag for climate action is large, and it comes on

top of what is required to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. At last month’s COP26 climate-change summit, African leaders indicated that the region would need $1.3 trillion over the next two decades for climate adaptation and mitigation. The required sums are out of reach for African countries, especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic has driven up debt levels and constrained growth. Efforts by the international community have so far fallen short.

We need new ideas and new approaches. First, grant and concessional financing must be used more effectively. Multilateral climate funds, development banks, and other providers should look for opportunities to streamline project approvals (while maintaining safeguards) to get money flowing faster to where it is needed. Welltargeted interventions that unblock bottlenecks or redress market failures also can help crowd in private-sector funding.

For example, increased digital connectivity lays the groundwork for entrepreneurs to provide crop insurance, weather services, or real-time agricultural advice.

Second, we need to expand new financing mechanisms across the public and private sectors. Green bonds can help finance climate-related initiatives at comparatively low rates, but Africa trails other regions in this crucial area. From 2007 to 2018, the region accounted for only around $2 billion in issuances – just 0.4% of the global market for green bonds.

Elsewhere, new programs are connecting finance directly to climate action. The United Kingdom recently agreed to provide $500 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo

(DRC) to curb forest loss. Norway has a similar agreement with Gabon for $150 million. A related idea is “debt-for-climate swaps.”

Linking debt relief to climate action will require a large pool of swappable debt as well as standardized performance indicators and other related data.

Third, we should recognize that helping African governments access new sources of capital – including innovations in climate finance – depends heavily on reducing their credit- and countryrisk profiles. On the domestic side, this means improving governance – especially through reforms in the procurement and management of public investment, public finances, and debt – and ensuring carefully costed and fiscally sustainable investment plans.

The International Monetary Fund is already playing an important role in helping national governments build their capacity to address climate challenges (the DRC is one of the first recipients of the IMF’s support for climatefocused capacity development).

And through the Fund’s Article IV surveillance, investors remain apprised of countries’ progress in implementing climate adaptation measures.

On the international side, standardized measures – such as a system of first-loss guarantees – could help to improve risk profiles and catalyze private financial flows. Careful design would be needed to ensure appropriate risk-sharing across the public and private sectors. One promising model is the Seychelles’ $15 million “blue bond” issuance in 2018. Guaranteed by the World Bank, this instrument both finances ocean-based projects and, thanks to a reduced interest rate, helps to lower the national

debt.

While these examples show what is possible, far more comprehensive action is needed across the African continent.

Business as usual will result in massive disruptions to lives and livelihoods, whereas properly designed, well-financed adaptation can ensure that development continues, and that people are equipped to live, work, and prosper in the new climate economy.

Fortunately, there is a new global willingness to address the climate crisis and seize climate-related opportunities.

COP26 resulted in new global agreements on tough issues like coal and energy subsidies, and generated bespoke deals such as the $8.5 billion mix of grants and cheap loans to help South Africa decarbonize its economy.

Moreover, following the recent $650 billion allocation of new special drawing rights (the IMF’s unit of account), the Fund has a green light to establish a new Resilience and Sustainability Trust. This facility will provide affordable, longer-maturity financing for poor and vulnerable middle-income members and small states undertaking structural reforms to transform their economies and address climate risks.

The signs are promising. But, as the saying goes, “One swallow does not make a summer.” To tackle the climate crisis in Africa and put the continent on a new sustainable growth trajectory requires concerted efforts across national governments, the private sector, and the international community.

Time is not on our side. We must all act now to make the most of it.

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New interactive report shows Africa’s growing hunger crisis

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new interactive digital report launched today shows that the number of hungry people in Africa continues to rise, spurred by conflict, climate change and economic slowdowns including those triggered by COVID-19. The African Union Commission (AUC), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) launched the digital report as the latest update to their annual reporting on the state of food security and nutrition in Africa.

Hunger on the continent has worsened substantially since 2013, the report states, and most of this deterioration occurred between 2019 and 2020. The situation is expected to have deteriorated further this year, with no easing of hunger’s main drivers.

The three agencies behind the report are calling on African

countries to heed the call for agrifood systems transformation.

“Countries must engage in and leverage the outcomes of the United Nations Food Systems Summit, the Nutrition for Growth Summit and the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26),” FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel said with William Lugemwa, UNECA’s Director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division, and Josefa Sacko,

African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, in the report’s joint foreword.

“A common vision, strong political leadership and effective cross-sectoral collaboration, which includes the private sector, are essential to agree on trade-offs and to identify and implement sustainable solutions that transform agrifood systems,” they said in Africa Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2021: Statistics and Trends.

A new view of hunger and malnutrition The digital report allows readers to get a better understanding of the scope of hunger in Africa.

In 2020, 281.6 million Africans were undernourished, an increase of 89.1 million over 2014, the report shows. There is significant variation in the levels and trends of hunger across the subregions. About 44 percent of undernourished people on the continent live in Eastern Africa, 27 percent in Western Africa, 20 percent in Central Africa, 6.2 percent in Northern Africa, and 2.4 percent in Southern Africa.

Short term measures to address the hunger challenge include countries providing humanitarian assistance and effective social protection measures, the report says. Over the longer term, countries will need to invest in agriculture and related sectors, as well as in water, health, and education services.

FAO and International Fertilizer Association join forces to promote sustainable fertilizer use

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he Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fertilizer Association (IFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting out a path to extend their existing cooperation on the promotion of sustainable food and agriculture, the importance of soil health and statistics on fertilizers.

The MoU was signed virtually

by Beth Bechdol, FAO’s Deputy Director-General, and Svein Tore Holsether, IFA’s Board Chair. The partnership will see FAO and the IFA work together to raise awareness on the International Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers (Fertilizer Code), as well as the improvement and dissemination of Fertilizer Statistics.

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Beth Bechdol commented, “Innovation, technology and data are increasingly important to our overall strategic emphasis.

As FAO and IFA continue to work together these are natural places where we can build on work that’s already been established, and we can also demonstrate impact and very concrete results.”

“The fertilizer industry is committed to the sustainable production and use of fertilizers.

We are proud to support the FAO’s vision of transformative change and innovation with measurable, sustainable impact and benefits,” said Svein Tore Holsether.

Working for sustainable agriculture The agreement promotes collaboration between FAO and IFA in the field of sustainable food Tel: 030 296 5297 | 030 296 5315 Editor: Benson Afful editor@business24.com.gh +233 545 516 133

and agriculture – including soil fertility assessment, sustainable use of fertilizers, and continuous improvement of FAO Statistics to support evidence-based decision making.

The MoU lays out plans for FAO and IFA to cooperate on the follow-up to the Fertilizer Code, which was developed to increase food safety and the safe use of fertilizers. A global dissemination event and regional workshops will aim to highlight the implementation of the Fertilizer Code and its principles, focusing on regional needs and priorities; and to evaluate feasibility, practicality, and implementation of the Code’s provisions within specific regions.

FAO and IFA will continue to collaborate on the analysis and discussion of their historical fertilizer statistics, focusing

primarily on the data publicly available in their respective databases, FAOSTAT and IFASTAT, with particular emphasis on fertilizer consumption.

A strong partnership FAO and IFA share common objectives on the provision of global statistics on fertilizers as well as the promotion of sustainable soil and plant nutrient management through international research and outreach activities.

IFA is an international association for the global fertilizer industry and value chain, whose mission it is to promote efficient and responsible production, distribution and use of plant nutrients to ensure sustainable development and help achieve global food security.