MARCH - APRIL 2013 • VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2
` 100
US $5
EXCELLENCE RNI NO: DELENG/2008/27856
ACROSS AFRICA
R THE TIMES OF AFRICA ecipients of
Excellence Award for 2012
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Spotlight Country
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In Focus
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
Dear Readers,
I feel really flattered and delighted to introduce myself as the new Editor-inChief of THE TIMES OF AFRICA. On the behalf of the entire editorial team, let me begin by passing on my earnest gratitude to H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India for joining us as a member of our Advisory Board. An enormous amount of work has gone into the development of this issue and I believe you will witness that endeavor reflected in this edition and in the encroachment it will have.
KANCHI bATRA, Editor-in-chief, The Times Of africa
I am incredibly gallant to rendezvous the great African leaders and also to felicitate them with THE TIMES OF AFRICA EXCELLENCE AWARD
The recent visit of the President of Egypt His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Morsy to India has adjudicated to impart greater economic and strategic lift to India-Egypt relations. Find in depth on the subject in our Top Story. See, Feel and Believe the splendor charm of a beautiful country, Gabon with fascinating scenery ready to woo the tourists. This is at the back of my choice to draw Gabon as this issue’s Spotlight Country.
It is important to speak of engagement between Africa and India. At the recent 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnerships, India made its intents clear to the entire Africa, that it devices to offer the continent an enhanced economic and commerce rendezvous that has a competitive edge over other trade partnerships. The three-day event showed how entrenched Africa is in its bid to do business with India to position the latter as an indispensable trade partner in the world of commerce. Hit upon a special coverage on this mega event in this issue. I am incredibly gallant to rendezvous the great African leaders and also to felicitate them with THE TIMES OF AFRICA EXCELLENCE AWARD. While thanking all our partners in its growth, I gladly solicit the valuable contributions and continued support to further take this magazine to new heights with a wider coverage and information. If you like what we’re doing, please spread the word! I look forward to hearing from you. Happy Reading! Kanchi Batra
MARCH - APRIL 2013
Editor-in-Chief: Kanchi Batra Regional Editor (Africa): R. C. Dhingra Associate Editor (French): Divya Malhotra Contributing Editor: Albert Etsri Apemewoe Art Director: Krishna Mohan Graphic Designer & Visualizer: Dilip Aman
Graphic Designer: Ranjeet Kumar Photo Editor: V. K. Murti, Mohd. Sikandar Secretary General: R.K. Mahna Manager-Corporate Relations: Surender Chauhan Marketing Executive: Surender Singh Public Relations Officer: Varsha Pallavi Executive Assistant: Shivpali Trehan Advisory Board: H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India, and Dr. Jagdish C. Sobti
For queries call at: +91 81307 96166 | +91 93119 64991 +91 93100 54991 | +91 85951 66626 or write to us at: editor@thetimesofafrica.com ads@thetimesofafrica.com subscription@thetimesofafrica.com feedback@thetimesofafrica.com
TRINITY HEIGHTS EXIM PVT LTD. All rights reserved throughout the world (THE TIMES OF AFRICA). Owner/Publisher/Printer/Editor: Mr. Kirit Sobti Published from 2nd floor, Plot No. 7, 8 & 9, Garg Shopping Mall, Service Centre, Opp. Sector XI (Extn.), Rohini Phase-2, Delhi-110085, India. Printed at lipee scan pvt. ltd. 89 dsidc shed Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi. T: 91 11 4751 4751 F: 91 11 4751 4752 Disclaimer: All views expressed in this issue are that of the authors. The publisher may not agree with the independent views expressed in this magazine. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only.
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MARCH-APRIL 2013 THE TIMES OF AFRICA
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CONTENTS MARCH-APRIL 2013
Regulars 6 | Letters to the Editor 92 | Doctor’s Advice 97 | UN News 100 | 10 Minutes - In Rendezvous With
18 Top Story
India looks for firmer ties as Egypt President visits 8
22
Africa Day 2013
Spotlight Country–Gabon See, Feel And Believe: Gabon
»» Facts About Gabon »» Emerging Gabon »» A Prosperous SME Sector »» Enhanced Internet connectivity »» Cape V, 5TH African Petroleum Congress & Exhibition »» Technology in full colour »» Down in flames »» A Land of Discovery »» A country investing for its future »» A country open to investors
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Special Coverage 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnerships »» Economic Rendezvous Between Africa and India on a Rising Slope »» In Rendezvous With... H.E. Mr. Gervais RUFYIKIRI, 2nd Vice President, Burundi »» In Rendezvous With...H.E. Mr. Rui Duarte de Barros, Prime Minister, Guinea Bissau »» In Rendezvous With...H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister, Ivory Coast »» In Rendezvous With...H.E. Dr. Guy Scott, Vice President, Republic of Zambia »» Appreciation for the Event
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Excellence Awards THE TIMES OF AFRICA EXCELLENCE AWARDSRecognizing Achievements
Africa
106 | Business Bulletin 68
Current Affairs
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THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
Sectoral Analysis »» Burgeoning Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry Of India
Brands & Businesses »» Zoomlion Ghana Ltd. »» Partnership Summit 2013, HCCI India – Burkina Faso »» Indocorp: Small and Medium Enterprises Exposition 2013 »» LESDEP
»» Burkina Faso, Cote d’ Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Zimbabwe
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In Rendezvous With... »» H.E Mrs. Gennet Zewide, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, New Delhi, India »» H.E. Mrs. Ramatoulaye Bah, Minister of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, Guinea Conakry »» H.E. Mr. Jean Paul Adam, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Seychelles »» H.E. Mr. Malose W Mogale, Deputy High Commissioner & Minister Plenipotentiary, South African High Commission, New Delhi »» H.E. Ms. Nimisha Jayant Madhvani, High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission, New Delhi
In Focus »» Burkina Faso: Reinforcing bilateral trade ties betweenBurkina Faso and India »» South Sudan: Smiles on the faces : South Sudan Oil flows again
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102 | Different Strokes 105 | What’s on? 105 | Know More About
98
Celebrations & Feasts »» South Africa National Day »» Tunisia National Day
101
Sports Special »» A Game of Creative Thinking
104
Fashion, Trends & Customs »» Africa Fashion Week Barcelona 2013
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Official
Write to us: THE TIMES OF AFRICA values your feedback. Our endeavour is to keep working in progress to make THE TIMES OF AFRICA the preferred publication of the Africa-Indian business community. Send your comments to feedback@thetimesofafrica.com
I think it’s a very good effort and probably it might be interesting for our organization to associate with THE TIMES OF AFRICA to supplement our marketing efforts in Africa. Mr. Sharad Khandelwal Director, MKU Private Limited
What you are doing is also a part of enhancing India Africa relationship. The team is progressing well. Congratulations!
Mr. Naresh Ghildyal Senior Export Manager, Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd.
THE TIMES OF AFRICA is playing a very good role in partnering Indian Partners in Africa by bringing them closer. Mr. R.K Agrawal, Engineer (Commercial) Wapcos Limited
I have been to Mozambique and other African countries and have seen THE TIMES OF AFRICA
Advertiser’s Index Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd. Mil India Ltd. AGS Four Winds Narula Exports Veenu Hi-Tech
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there. It’s a great role that this magazine is playing. Media plays a very important role and I am really pleased to say that your team is fulfilling it. Mr. Manvir Singh Sidhu Deputy Manager (Project Marketing), SAFETECH INDIA PVT. LTD.
My heartfelt thanks to the whole team of THE TIMES OF AFRICA magazine for allowing me to talk about India- Burundi Cooperation and to have the opportunity to showcase various areas in which our country is ready to offer to the Indian investors. H.E. Mr. Aloys Rubuka Ambassador of Burundi to India
I would like to convey my felicitations to the tea of THE TIMES OF AFRICA who is bringing out a very useful and colourful magazine on the African continent. Mr. R.K. Mahna Designated Representative of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Republic of Cameroon
KIMMS Engle Stone & Kidney Care Centre The Dental & Orthodontic Clinic Indocorp CRV Impex Pvt Ltd. Fortis Escorts Heart Institute The Times of Africa J.P Mukherji Associates Pvt Ltd.
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PartnerS We are felicitous to put in the picture the Embassies/ High Commissions who have appointed THE TIMES OF AFRICA as their Official Media Partner:
Botswana Burkina Faso Comoros guinea conakry NAMIBIA Niger SOUTH SUDAN Zambia Getech Equipments International Pvt Ltd. 77 Modern Agro Engineering Works 79 LESDEP 89 Budha Eximp & HR Pvt Ltd. 91 Heal & Bliss Medical Tourism Pvt Ltd. 96 Studio One 100 TPS Infrastructure Ltd. IBC Zoomlion Ghana Ltd. BC
This index is provided as an additional service. The Publisher does not assume any liabilities for errors or omissions.
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AFRICA DAY 2013
The African Embassies accredited to India will be hosting the Africa Day celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union (AU) in May 2013. Africa Day is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Each year, Africa Day furnishes an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of the people and Government of Africa. Africa’s effort to combine its peace and security architecture is commendable. The vibrant and dynamic continent is working hard in building durable peace, ending armed conflicts, boosting democracy and promoting respect for fundamental human rights.
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AFRICA DAY 2013
AGS FW_New-Dehli_AfricaTimes_2012_CTP.pdf 1 02/11/2012 12
Shri Ravi Bangar Joint Secretary, East & South Africa, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Dear Friends,
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It is a historic occasion for Africa, an annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which was established on the 25th May 1963. The great achievements of the African Union in the area of political developments in Africa are noteworthy and remarkable which deserve all the credit. The AU was established on 26 May 2001 in Addis Ababa and launched on 9 July 2002 in South Africa to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Africa has a population of over 1 billion with 54 member countries of the African Union. It’s a continent which is resurgent and could become a pole of the new growth of the global economy. As per a report by Ernst & Young, the GDP growth of African continent was 4% last year and this year and is expected to be 4.6%. Similarly, FDI went up from 3.2% to about 5.6% and the African economy as a whole has nearly tripled since 2000. There are of course challenges of infrastructure, logistic, transport, electricity, education, and health care but if you turn around these challenges, these equally become the opportunities for the partners of Africa.
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India has historic relations with Africa. India has reinvented this relationship with Africa under India-Africa Forum Summit mechanism which was held for the first time in New Delhi in 2008 and the last one in Addis Ababa in 2011. The summit is basically India’s new enhanced engagement with Africa. We are committed to establish over 100 institutions in Africa. We have doubled the number of scholarships, these are today close to 22,000 which are being undertaken for institution and training programmes for which we set aside an amount of US$ 700 million. Lines of Credit are emerging as an important tool of India’s engagement in bridging the infrastructure gap in Africa. These are in the areas of power, agriculture, food, security, SMEs, and the health care sector. The CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership held annually in the month of March has emerged as an important B2B platform which also attracts participation by African leaders. On this very happy and auspicious occasion, I wish Africa and our African brothers and sisters all the very best in years ahead. I am confident that the next 50 years of Africa certainly will blaze a new trail in the socio-economic development of Africa, and in India-Africa partnership.
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AFRICA DAY 2013
Ms. Sunanda Rajendran Secretary General, Indo- Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Dear Friends, India’s engagement with Africa is distinct & different from any other country. It’s a partnership, a friendship which is routed well in history. Both India & Africa are committed to learn & gain from each other’s development experiences & practices. Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on the 25th May, 1963. It also represents the day when African countries became an unity. It celebrates the freedom & independence of Africa. It will also be anchored by the theme “Pan African issue and the African Renaissance”. The 50th anniversary provides a unique opportunity, and comes at a moment when Africa is on the rise, and must therefore build its confidence in its future. To reach this tipping point, will require unity, creativity & resolute action. The 1963 generation fulfilled their mission of liberating the continent and starting the integration project based on this the generations of 2013 must define their mission, and act to realize this mission, in the shortest possible time. I congratulate THE TIMES OF AFRICA for its commendable work and convey my best wishes for the success of their publication.
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AFRICA DAY 2013 The celebration of the 50th Africa Day recalls us the necessity to look back to decades of common struggle and to adapt our actions to the new challenges. Despite permanent foreign interferences and a multitude of objects of disputes, the Organization of African Unity was successful in many aspects. Its members always stood together within the United Nations Organization to safeguard African interests – especially in respect of lingering colonialism and played a pivotal role in eradicating colonialism and minority rule in Africa. Total unity has always been difficult to achieve, because of the legacies and heritages of the colonial period, but the African Union, established on 26 May 2001, further deepened the objectives of the Organization in establishing precise goals to reach collectively.
H.E. Mr. Mohammed Hacene Echarif Ambassador, Embassy of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
This fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Organization of African Unity is an opportunity to formulate wishes to achieve greater unity and solidarity between the countries and people of Africa in order to achieve the process of decolonization in the whole continent, to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and independence of its Member States, to accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent, to establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international negotiations, to promote co-operation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African peoples, and to promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.
The Africa Day on this 25th May, 2013 commemorates the founding of the organization of African Unity (now known as the African Union) on 25th May, 1963. The Africa Day symbolizes the fight of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation and its determination to achieve economic development. Africa is surely emerging as the 21st century economic hub of the world. The continent is determined to giving a real value addition to its rich subsoil. In addition, a lot of efforts are being made to develop a global partnership for development between the continent and the rest of the world. However, beyond the joyful celebrations, it is worth taking stock of the path reached by the continent as a whole in terms of facing collectively the challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, poverty and disease. The continents performance to achieve the Millennium Development Goals is far from satisfactory. A lot of challenges need to be met. The proportion of people living below the poverty line is still alarming mainly in rural areas. Unemployment among the youth population is a concern and illiteracy remains an important challenge. In addition, not everyone has access the drinking water and sanitation. Healthcare needs to be considerably improved and must be accessible to all. But considering the enormous efforts made by our governments, the investments being carried out in various vital sectors as well as in good political, economic and democratic governance, we have reasons to be optimistic and to assert that Africa’s emergence is no longer an aspiration or a wishful thinking but a reality. Long live Africa.
H.E. Mr. Desire KOUMBA Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Gabon
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AFRICA DAY 2013 Fifty years ago, the African leadership’s jointly in their efforts to fight for Freedom, Peace and Development; created the late organization of African Unity, now the African Union. On this special occasion, I wish more successful achievement to this great continent for the next fifty years to come. African leaderships should be proud of themselves as God has granted them a continent with immense potentials and talented sons and daughters fully committed to take their future in their own hands. Happy and joyful anniversary to AFRICAN UNION.
H.E. Mr. Alexandre Cece Loua Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Guinea
H.E. Mrs. Gennet Zewide Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
As we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Organization of African Unity/African Union, and its eventful journey of the past 50 years, the special relationship between Ethiopia and the Organization becomes evident. This is not only because Addis Ababa is the seat of the organization, but also due to Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of the OAU/AU and the active role it played in the Organization beginning with the formative stages of the establishment of the OAU, throughout the decolonization process, the post-independence era and the present period. Liberation movements across the Continent counted upon Ethiopia’s solidarity and assistance in their fight against colonial powers and the Apartheid system. In the area of conflict resolution and the peacekeeping, Ethiopia’s contribution begins with Congo in the 1960’s, as well as, in Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, at different times since then, and in Darfur and Abiyei, currently. Ethiopia has been working hand in gloves with AMISOM and the countries of the region to defeat terrorist organizations and bring about peace and stability in Somalia. On the economic front, Ethiopia has been actively involved in the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) to promote our Continent’s Africa’s economic agenda. Ethiopia has also been an active participant in the African Peer Review Mechanism. In the area of promoting regional integration, Ethiopia has working with other countries in the region to strengthen COMESA and IGAD. Ethiopia also realizes the need to develop regional infrastructure in order to promote trade and investment, foster economic development and create jobs for young people. Accordingly, practical steps have already been taken in terms of linking Ethiopia and its neighbors by road, rail and air transport as well as, power and telecom interconnection. In the coming years, with the completion of projects that are in the pipeline, regional infrastructure linkages that are expected to contribute significantly to the development of the east Africa region will be operational. In the globalized era of our time, it is clear that in order to gain the respect of the rest of the world, Africa needs to have the determination to chart its own course of development while meeting internationally accepted principles of governance. The transformation of the OAU to the African Union, the adoption of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) have been strong indicators of the renewed determination of African leaders to embrace and actively promote the ideals of African Renaissance. While a lot more needs to be done to ensure the successful realization of the ideals of Pan - Africanism and Africa’s renaissance, what has been done so far in this context gives rise to the optimism that Africa’s future is bright.
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AFRICA DAY 2013 On the occasion of the 50th commemoration of the establishment of the African Union, I would like to wish that the African continent regains its peace and stability so that it can exploit its rich resources and immense potential and evolve into a truly emerging continent for the benefit of the African peoples. I also wish that the friendship and solidarity is reinforced not only between the African peoples but also with the peoples of the World so that together we prosper.
I think Africa is playing an important role in the economic development and in the contribution to the world economy. Africa is a vibrant continent and I think it will be able to continue to grow and develop. Best wishes on the 50th Africa Day.
Prof. Dr. Rahmat Mohamad Secretary General, ASIAN-AFRICAN LEGAL CONSULTATIVE ORGANIZATION (AALCO)
The Kingdom of Lesotho and her people are proud to be a part of African Union (AU), the mother body that stands for the integration, peace and prosperity of its member states. This year Africa Day celebration is a big event since we are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary since the establishment of AU. It is fitting, therefore, as we celebrate Africa Day, to urge all member states to work collectively together to further brighten the future of this beautiful continent by focusing their efforts on expansionary investments to ensure sustainability.
H.E. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO Ambassador, Embassy of Burkina Faso
LONG LIVE AFRICAN UNION, LONG LIVE!!!!
MRS. BOOPANE MASOEBE
We take these 50 years to celebrate the Indian partnership with Africa as India is an inspiration for us and is a friend of Africa. Africa day is a landmark to give new boost with a vision to prosper.
First secretary, and charged’ affaires, High Commission of the kingdom of Lesotho
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of AU, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Government of India and the people of India for making positive contribution towards the development of better relations between India and Djibouti.
H.E Mr. Youssouf Omar Doualeh Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti
Dr. Hassan E. El.Talib Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan
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AFRICA DAY 2013
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Malawi and the people of Malawi, I would like to wish Mother Africa continued economic growth, political stability and prosperity in all sectors of development. The continent of Africa remains an attractive destination for many foreign investors due to two major reasons which I have briefly elaborated below:
Improved Political Governance Africa’s good political governance has become attractive to investors. It is pleasing to note that almost all African countries have embraced democratic values in one form or the other. It is good political governance which has nurtured peace and stability in many African countries. As such Africa has become a favourable destination for Foreign Direct Investment. More countries have established institutions of governance as watchdogs providing for checks and balances. This builds more confidence to investors. Democratic elections and the rule of law which were exceptions 50 years ago are now the order of the day. The African flavor to our politics is what makes our continent unique and the envy of many.
Economic Governance Most countries have embraced more liberalized and market driven economic policies attractive to Foreign Direct Investment. Africa’s huge reserves of natural resources such as oil, gold, diamond, uranium, rare earth, copper and many others are attracting more investors than never before. But let this not blind us to the malicious intentions of plunder that some of these so-called investors hide. If unchecked, they will bring more poverty instead of the prosperity that many of our countries have started harnessing after a long walk. The 50 years of African Unity has taught us to be confident and proud of whom we are. We are a rich continent. We deserve to be treated as an equal partner in international diplomacy.
India-A friend in Need Malawi appreciates the role played by India in the United Nations, Non-aligned States and the BRICS. The Afro-India relationship is prosperous because of the South-South flavour of equal partnership. We share a common destiny including our colonial past. Africa has a lot to learn from the way India has achieved accelerated economic growth and development. With home-grown policies, India has a huge compendium of appropriate technologies adaptable and transferable to Africa. Some of these technologies were deemed obsolete in the West and can, therefore, not be sourced from there. In addition, the cost of such technology transfer from India is much cheaper. Health and pharmaceuticals is another area where India has made tremendous strides worthy transferring to Africa. Our hands are wide open for Africa to share her many natural resources with India, a friend indeed. The Indo-Africa Forum brings in a new dimension to the cooperation between India and Africa. This is the type of relationship that will help our continent to gallop towards a more prosperous Mother Africa. Long Live Africa!
H.E. Dr. Perks M. Ligoya High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Malawi
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AFRICA DAY 2013 It is an honour for me to give a brief message on the auspicious occasion of the celebration of Africa Day, in which we reflect upon the vibrant African cultures, its diverse peoples and the pulse within the continent, which grows stronger day by day, signaling a new dawn of prosperity, growth and economic development. This makes me proud to say, “I am an African”. We as Africans must continue to cherish and to fight for the advancement of democratic and just dispensations throughout the continent. This must become the clarion call and the force that drives us away from the pitfalls of underdevelopment, into an era of perpetual peace, justice and meaningful development for all our people. African leaders continue to speak out, collectively and individually, in forums such as the African Union, SADC, ECOWAS, and others, expressing concern about the future of their nation states and African Unity as a whole. Africa has come of age, and its leaders are becoming more pro-active in dealing with present and future challenges that face the continent.
H.E. Dr. SAMUEL MBAMBO High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Namibia
As African nations continue to work tirelessly towards the improvement of living standards of their people, I wish to take this opportunity to wish all my African colleagues, including those working for the African Union, a happy Africa Day.
After the end of decolonization, the African continent confronts major challenges. Thus, in the era of globalization, the leaders and the people of Africa must be aware of the urgent need to transcend national egoism to engage resolutely and with determination on the path of the construction of a real African Union namely that of African people in their diversity. This is the message of heart full of hope that I would like to share with my African brothers and sisters on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the OAU.
H.E Mr. Ali Illiassou Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Niger
In the occasion of the commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of Africa Day, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and warmest greetings to Africans, African Leaders, Governments and our fellow Indians celebrating with us in New Delhi. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the African Union Peace Mission, particularly those in Somalia “AMISOM” for their commitment to support Somalia to achieve peace and security within. This is the testimony of finding African solutions to African challenges. The next decade of development in Africa requires focusing direct domestic and foreign investment throughout the continent, in order to speed up the economic growth. The potential of African youth talents and the abundant natural resources are vital to transform Africa better in the near future. This is a historic moment to be part of it. Happy 50th Africa Day.
H .E Ms. Ebyan Mahamed Salah Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Somalia
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AFRICA DAY 2013
Every year we celebrate Africa Day. It provides all of us an opportunity to exchange achievements of the people and the Governments of Africa. The African Continent is full of resources, therefore, let all of us resolve today to work for Development, Peace and Harmony among the People and the Governments of African Nations.
H.E. Mr. K.L. Ganju, O.C.V.C. Consul General (HONY.), Republic of Union of the Comoros
I hope that Africa will adopt the concept of contractual solidarity. This should help to build on the event that we commemorate to understand that Africa is not out of dependence for independence, but interdependence. It is necessary to revisit the place of Africa in the globalization without forgetting the local economy and stop believing that short-term solutions and short-sighted that rely on a lot of selfishness and populism will bring out a company confidence. Africans must consider and decide on the type of society they want to build together and in the world without a destructive mimicry with the West and in the future China. The implementation of a contractual solidarity should lead Africa to its rightful place and not to an uncertain future which actually plan unknowingly those who benefit from the basement and African minerals. Africa must learn to manage its interdependence.
Mr. Koffi AKAKPO Charge d’ Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Togo
It would be a beautiful day for all of us as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary and to look back from where we have come and where we are now. It is for no use for us to sit and mourn over problems. We should come out and be prepared to work hard and fight for our own position in this world.
H.E. Ms. Lesego Ethel Motsumi High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of Botswana
It’s the fifty years of African Unity. I wish to our mother land Africa more unity, more democracy and more success on the way of development. Congratulations to all African people and thanks a lot to all friends of Africa for their political and economic support.
H.E. Mr. Andre Sanra Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Benin
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AFRICA DAY 2013 It gives me great pleasure to offer our congratulations on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Africa Day. This year as we celebrate Pan Africanism and the African Renaissance, the whole world is looking towards us, at our continent of the future. Africa, the land of opportunities, blessed with abundance in natural resources still has untapped potential where countless business opportunities are yet to be realized. We are proud to be part of the new, forward looking, dynamic and integrated Africa. Long live Africa.
H.E. Dr. Arye Kumar Jagessur, GOSK High Commissioner, Mauritius High Commission
It is with great delight that I extend to the entire African Community in India my felicitations on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the African Union Day celebrations. This Anniversary coincides with the President of Senegal being elected to head the New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, which sets the priorities and programmes of NEPAD. As we celebrate our rich heritage and unity, my Country will do its best to make NEPAD a reality and remains committed to working together for a bright future – one in which all the hopes and aspirations of the Continent are fulfilled.
H.E.Mr.Amadou Moustapha DIOUF Ambassador of Senegal to India
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Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, India warmly greeting Dr. Mohamed Morsy, the Egyptian President
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THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
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India looks for firmer ties as Egypt President visits Mohamed Morsy’s visit marks a fresh beginning
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he President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Morsy, paid a State visit to India from 18 to 20 March 2013 at the invitation of the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. President Morsy was accompanied by a high-level delegation of Ministers, senior officials and business persons. President Morsy called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The Vice-President of India, Shri Mohammed Hamid Ansari, the External Affairs Minister, Shri Salman Khurshid, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Smt. Sushma Swaraj called on President Morsy. The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, hosted a banquet in honour of President Morsy.
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Marking a metamorphosing moment in their joint ties, India and a newly-democratic Egypt, one of the Arab world’s key powers, have adjudicated to impart greater economic and strategic lift to their participation and rendezvous by signing a clutch of accords to seal a knowledge-driven partnership with the recent visit of the President of Egypt His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Morsy.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh held delegation-level discussions with H.E. President Mohamed Morsy on 19 March 2013. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh congratulated President Morsy for being a democratically elected President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and expressed India’s happiness in seeing democratic traditions taking root in Egypt. He offered all support in the democratic transition process in Egypt and expressed satisfaction with regard to the growing interaction between the Election Commission of India and its counterpart in Egypt. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the evolution of bilateral relations in recent years and directed that exchanges and consultations should be further intensified in order to realise
the full potential of the relationship. They took note of the successful meeting of the India-Egypt Joint Commission in March 2012 at the level of Foreign Ministers and the India-Egypt Foreign Office Consultations at the level of Secretary/ Assistant Foreign Minister in January 2013. The two sides discussed bilateral defence ties and measures to enhance cooperation, including through the forthcoming Joint Defence Committee meeting scheduled to take place in Delhi in April, 2013. The two leaders noted the growing bilateral economic interaction in recent years and particularly welcomed the growth in Indian investment in Egypt which today stands at US $ 2.5 billion. They underlined the importance of taking all measures in order to provide
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From L-R: Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister, India, Dr. Mohamed Morsy, President, Egypt and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee
better climate and opportunities for promotion of investments. They agreed that all investment related issues would be accorded utmost priority. The two leaders also exchanged views on a wide range of issues of bilateral, regional and international interest including those relating to the situation in the Middle East and North Africa region; the Non-Aligned Movement; and the reform of the United Nations. The two sides expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and continued violence and bloodshed in Syria. The two sides, while expressing their support to the mission of Lakhdar Brahimi, asserted their position regarding the safeguards of the unity and territorial integrity of Syria, and called for the implementation of the Joint CommuniquĂŠ of Geneva Action Group with a view to bring about a political solution to the conflict in order to achieve the just aspirations of the Syrian people for freedom, dignity and democracy. The two leaders reiterated their wellknown support for the Palestinian cause in line with their backing of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) calling for a negotiated solution resulting in
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a sovereign, independent, viable, contiguous and united state of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side at peace with Israel as endorsed in the Quartet Roadmap and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1397 and 1515. The two leaders welcomed the overwhelming vote at the United Nations General Assembly to upgrade Palestine to nonmember observer state in the United Nations. The two leaders called for an end to the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine and for an early and significant easing of restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods within Palestine. Both sides agreed that peace in the region required sustained and substantive negotiations among the parties. They advocated active support of the international community and regional players for efforts in normalizing the situation in West Asia, and resuming the Middle East Peace Process. India and Egypt strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both sides considered terrorism, including cross border terrorism, to be one of the gravest threats to international peace and security, and affirmed that there can be
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no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed. They are convinced that terrorism cannot, and should not, be associated with any nationality, religious, cultural or ethnic group. They reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism at all levels. His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Morsy addressed a meeting of the India-Egypt Business Forum where the potential of economic cooperation between the two countries was highlighted under the theme “Complementarities for Growth�. Memoranda of Understanding on skill development and training, micro-finance and setting-up of an industrial park on plastics were signed by the Indian and Egyptian companies, during the IndiaEgypt Economic Forum. The two countries agreed to collaborate in the field of technology, in particular in information and communications technologies; agriculture; biotechnology; and nonconventional energy technologies. They will work towards enhancing cooperation in the field of science and technology and in this regard agreed to set up a Joint Working Group. The two sides also set up a Joint Working Group to explore new initiatives for cooperation in the field of space science. They also agreed to work in the areas of tourism, youth affairs and sports, agriculture research and education, technical education and vocational training and other fields of mutual benefit. The Egyptian side expressed its appreciation for the Pan African E-network Project for tele-medicine and tele-education at Alexandria University, solar electrification of a village in Siwa and establishment of a textile vocational training centre in Egypt. Both sides agreed to continue to cooperate closely in these areas. Both sides expressed satisfaction at Follow us on
TOP STORY the significant growth in the bilateral trade in the recent past to cross US$ 5 billion and agreed to achieve a target of US$ 8 billion by March 2016. They welcomed the first meeting of the Joint Trade Committee held recently in Cairo on March 10, 2013 where the introduction of new commodities, including trade of wheat, cotton and fertilizers, was discussed. They also agreed to enhance the cooperation through appropriate trade arrangements. India and Egypt discussed intensification of cooperation in the ICT sector by facilitating and providing assistance to help promote trade and technology sector. They welcomed the conclusion of MoUs on ICT cooperation and cyber security between the two countries to strengthen collaboration in the field of cyber security. India and Egypt will work towards expanding cooperation between their respective oil companies, both in the public and private sectors, for establishing long-term relationships in supply of crude oil and petroleum products, upstream and downstream joint ventures, refineries, petrochemical industries and marketing, both in Egypt
the importance of enhancing people to people contacts between the two countries. The following Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement were signed at the conclusion of the talks between the Prime Minister of India and the President of Egypt: i. Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Communications & Information Technology of Government of India and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Arab Republic of Egypt for Cooperation in Information and Communication Technology ii. Memorandum of Understanding between Ministry of Communications & Information Technology of Government of India and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology of Arab Republic of Egypt on Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security. iii. Memorandum of Understanding between Government of the Republic of India and Arab Republic of Egypt for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) in Egypt.
Social Fund for Development, Arab Republic of Egypt on cooperation in the field of micro and small enterprises. vi. Agreement between the Government of Egypt represented by Industrial Development Authority and Government of India Enterprise, the National Small Industries Corporation, New Delhi for upgradation of a Vocational Training Centre at Shoubra El Kheima, Cairo, Egypt. In addition to the above, the following two Letters of Intent were signed: i. Letter of Intent on India-Egypt Solar Energy Cooperation between Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Republic of India and Ministry of Electricity and Energy of the Republic of Egypt. ii. Letter of Intent concerning launch services of the Egyptian nano-satellite EGYCUBESAT-1 on-board the Indian polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) by Antrix Corporation Ltd. of India and the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences. His Excellency President Mohamed
and India as permitted by their respective laws and regulations. They also agreed to explore the possible collaboration in the field of fertilizers. India and Egypt welcomed ongoing efforts towards developing partnerships between institutions of the two countries in the areas of culture, Indian and Egyptian studies and languages. They also encouraged more interaction between civil societies and stressed on
iv. Memorandum of Understanding between Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and Ministry of State for Antiquities Affairs, Arab Republic of Egypt for cooperation in the fields of protection, preservation, promotion and management of cultural heritage. v. Memorandum of Understanding between National Small Industries Corporation, Republic of India and
Morsy invited the President and the Prime Minister of India to visit Egypt at a mutually convenient time. The invitations have been accepted. His Excellency President Mohamed Morsy expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the President and the Prime Minister of India for the warmth of the reception accorded to him and to his delegation during their stay.
India and Egypt are two of the world’s ancient civilizations with a history of close contact. Both the countries basked an extraordinarily close connection. During this recent visit of the Egyptian President, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Morsy articulated deepest gratitude for India’s support to Egypt’s pro-democracy movement. India and Egypt laid the foundations of a renewed partnership with seven agreements covering cooperation in several areas. As part of efforts to cement ties, India will open a centre for excellence in Egypt’s Al-Azhar University in Cairo, an influential organization in the field of Sunni Islam.
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Courtesy: mea.gov.in
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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY-GABON
SEE, FEEL AND BELIEVE
GABON The Gabonese Republic is one of West Africa’s most stable countries and boasts one of the highest incomes per capita, thanks to its oil wealth. Abundant natural resources and foreign private investment have combined to make Gabon as favoured investment destination. It is a mineral rich country which is set to become one of the world’s leading producers of manganese.
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ne of the most naturally exquisite and most prosperous countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Gabon is truly a paradise on earth. Gabon is the talk of the town when it comes to eco-tourism, thanks to the government designating 10 percent of the country’s land to national parks. Gabon’s economy is dominated by oil.
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Oil revenues comprise roughly 46% of the Government’s budget, 43% of gross domestic product (GDP), and 81% of exports. The chief products of Gabon’s industrial sector include refined petroleum, chemicals, food and beverages, textiles, and wood products. Despite this economic activity, the majority of Gabonese workers are engaged in subsistence farming,
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with sugarcane, cassava, plantains, and taro the chief crops. H.E. Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon has made significant efforts to increase transparency and is taking steps to make Gabon a more attractive investment destination to diversify the economy. He has attempted to boost growth by increasing Government’s investment in human resources and infrastructure. Follow us on
SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY-GABON
National Flag
Coat of Arms
The Flag
The National Flag of the Gabonese Republic holds three horizontal stripes of green, representing the forests, gold, representing the equator which is followed by the blue stripe, representing the sea. Gabon was initially an overseas territory of France and the country adopted its native flag when the country gained independence from the French rule, on August 17, 1960. The current flag was designed in 1959 but at the time the French tricolor was imposed on the flag. This was later removed after independence.
COAT OF ARMS
FACTS ABOUT gabon
Full Name: Gabonese Republic Head of State: President – H.E. Mr. Ali Bongo Ondimba Capital: Libreville Area: 267,667 sq km (103,347 sq miles), similar in size to Colorado Population: 1.5 million (World Bank data), 80% urban Religion: Roman Catholic (75%), Protestant (20%), Indigenous beliefs (4%), Muslim (1%) Government: Multi-party democracy Time Zone: GMT + 1 Country Dialing Code: +241 Internet Domain: .ga Electricity: 220V, 50 Mz, twin-pin plugs Monetary Unit: Communaute’ Financiere Africaine Franc (CFA) fixed to the euro. CFA notes come in 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 denominations.
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Currency: CFA 657 = €1 CFA 482 = $ 1 GDP: $17,052 BILLION (€13,940B) (World Bank data, 2011) GDP per Capita: $13,650(€11,159) (World Bank data, 2011) Main Exports: Crude oil, Timber, Manganese Geography: Gabon is situated on the west coast of Africa, bordered on the north by Cameroon, on the east and south by the Republic of Congo, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the northwest by Equatorial Guinea. Main Cities: Libreville is the largest city with a population of about 700,000. Port – Gentil, an island surrounded by swamps and Ocean, is the oil Capital. Franceville is the third city, at the head of the Trans-Gabonese Railway, while Mouila’s main attraction is the Lac Bleu, famous for its blue water. Climate: Equatorial. June to September plus a few weeks in December to January are dry. The rest of the year is hot and humid. Average max temps: 290 C (850 F) in February to April, Average min temps: 220 C (720 F) in July. Languages: French is the official language but around a third of the population speaks the African language of Fang. People: Almost all Gabonese are of Bantu origin. Gabon has at least 40 ethnic groups, with separate languages and cultures.
The coat of arms of Gabon has been in use since 15 July 1963 which was designed by the Swiss heraldist and vexillologist Louis Mühlemann, one of the founding members of the FIAV and also designer of the former coat of arms of Congo. The supporters of the symbol are panthers which symbolize the vigilance and courage of the President who protects the nation. The bezants (golden discs) in chief of the shield symbolize the mineral wealth of the country. The ship at the lower part represents Gabon moving towards a brighter future. The okoumé tree at the top of the shield symbolizes the timber trade. The coat of arms is unusual in having two ribbons with mottos in two different languages. The ribbon below the shield has a motto in French ‘UNION, TRAVAIL, JUSTICE’ (‘Union, Work, Justice’). The second ribbon is placed beneath the branches of the okoumé tree and has a motto in Latin ‘UNITI PROGREDIEMUR’ (‘We shall go forward united’).
Natural Resources: Petroleum, Natural Gas, Diamonds, Niobium, Manganese, Uranium, Gold, Iron ore, Timber, Hydropower. About 85% of this equatorial country is covered with lush rainforest and the region is one of the most mineral – rich in Africa.
Embassy of Gabon in India Embassy of Republic of Gabon, C-1 / 10 Vasant Vihar, New Delhi Tel: 41012512/16/17
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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY-GABON GDP grew more than 6% per year over the 2010-12 period.
Emerging Gabon
Gabon’s Government has launched an ambitious public investment and reform program to transform the central African country into a diversified emerging market economy by 2025. Gabon’s Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s) play a key role in Emerging Gabon’s industrial overhaul. The creation of Special Economic Zones offers a number of fiscal benefits to investors: » Nkok Special Economic Zone: 1,100 hectares near the capital, Libreville. » Mandji Tax-Free Zone: 1,500 hectares near Gabon’s business capital, Port-Gentil.
The current and future Special Economic Zones will make it promising to build branched out clusters, “New, specialist cities”, with a noteworthy latent for making direct and indirect jobs. In this way, Emerging Gabon will allow diversified investment and foster the development of enterprises that are champions in their domain, with weight at regional and international level, which in turn will boost the activity of the entire SME sector. Tomorrow’s emerging Gabon will be integrated into global economic networks, no longer only
through its oil and mineral resources, but also through its enterprises and the influence of its citizens.
A Prosperous SME Sector
The number of SME’s in Gabon has increased by 22.3% between 2010 and 2011. The IT and commercial sectors have shown the largest increases: 23.5% rise in the number of IT related SMEs and 21.3% in specialty retail and wholesale trade and import. The Government of Gabon is enhancing the bonds between local SME’s and foreign partners. The President has made it clear that he does not want the economy to rely solely on the oil and mining sectors which accounts for close to 50% of GDP, 60% of the tax revenue and 80% of the exports. Gabon is inviting foreign investors to invest in this prosperous sector.
Enhanced Internet connectivity
2013 is the year of Internet Connectivity in Gabon. The country was connected to the internet via the SAT-3 submarine cable and by satellite. On December 19, 2012, the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) fibre-optic cable, running 12,000 kilometres along the continent’s western coastline and connecting 13 countries from France to Sao Tome & Principe, went live. It has now more than tripled connection speeds, from 1.2 to 4.9
Cape V, 5TH African Petroleum Congress & Exhibition CAPE V, 5th African Petroleum Congress and Exhibition took place from 26 – 28 March 2013 in Libreville, Republic of Gabon. The event featured a three day conference, an associated trade exhibition as well as petroleum and touristic excursions. The event was coorganized by the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA), the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy & Hydraulic Resources, Republic of Gabon and AME Trade Ltd, UK which included a three days conference, running in parallel with an international trade exhibition, as well as excursions in connection with the oil industry. CAPE V saw delegations of the highest rank, from the eighteen petroleum producing members of APPA namely: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Congo DRC, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan and Chad. CAPE is a renowned event to the advancement of the oil and gas sector in Africa. Previous editions, marked by large crowds, have since 2003 been organized respectively by the following Member Countries: CAPE I in 2003 in Tripoli (Libya), CAPE II in 2005 in Algiers (Algeria), CAPE III in 2007 in Cotonou (Benin) and CAPE IV in 2010 in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Gabon was one of the first 47 members to join United Nations Human Rights Council when it was set up in 2006.
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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY-GABON gigabits per second. It will definitely help Gabon’s citizens, businesses and institutions, constitutes to rank foremost among the Gabonese Government’s priorities for the future. In 2010, significant reductions in internet access costs were introduced nationwide as part of a forward- thinking plan to ensure the emergence of a digital economy by 2016.
Technology in full colour
With the exceptional richness of the great work done for more than 10 years by hundreds of experts, scientists, and international environmentalist from Gabon in all areas of Sustainable Development and Climate Plan, Gabon is now showing its proud face through 3D technology in adapting to global challenges. What better way for the Gabonese to perform a multimedia interactive 3D project on the internet to share with the rest of the world these
riches, this work, these experiences and vision. With the extreme support from the Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Foundation, which in partnership with Apple and the Gabonese Ministry of Education organized the trial of iPads in five classes across three primary schools in the capital Libreville. The iPads are expanding children’s learning experiences in exciting ways. The iPads complements traditional teaching by giving teachers a new way of imparting information. Now lessons would be more fun with an iPad.
Down in flames
Gabon’s efforts to reduce gas flaring have been recognized internationally. The World Bank’s Global Gas Flaring Reduction initiative (GGFR) has awarded Gabon its Excellence Award 2012 for reducing the volume of gas emitted between 2009 and 2011 from 181 cubic
feet to 165 cubic feet per day. Gabon will aim for a 60 per cent reduction by 2015. Gas flaring, which mostly happens in remote areas where gas at the surface as an oil byproduct cannot be brought to consumers, is not sustainable. Every year, around 140 billion cubic metres of gas is burned, wasting billions of dollars and sending out some 400 million tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide emissions that are damaging the ozone layer and contributing to climate change. Nigeria and Russia are among the biggest www.thetimesofafrica.com
culprits though the World Bank says there have been improvements, with a 40 per cent cut in flaring in Russia, and a 29 per cent reduction in Nigeria. GGFR was launched at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in August 2002 and brings together governments, state- owned oil firms and international oil companies to work on initiatives to reduce gas flaring. As well as introducing country specific programmes, GGFR works to develop ways to make better use of currently flared gas, for example by turning it into a product that communities living near a flaring site can use. Gabon joined GGFR in 2007 and in 2009 and 2010 passed legislation that prohibited gas flaring and set out penalties for non – compliance. Receiving the GGFR award shows that the steps Gabon is taking to reduce CO 2 emissions and protect nature, enshrined in its National Climate Policy, are very much in the right direction.
A Land of Discovery
Trees and water are the symbols of Gabon combine in thousand different ways and in all three natural dimensions to create an infinite number of never ending landscapes. A large part of the country is covered by spectacular tropical rainforest criss-crossed by innumerable rivers, with the Ogooue’, some 1200 km long, majestically illustrating the diversity of Gabon’s landscapes. Nature lovers will be enthralled by the fauna and flora of the national parks and nature
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SPOTLIGHT COUNTRY-GABON Gabon’s blend of trees and water offers visitors an incomparable cornucopia of natural attractions.
reserves, home to species that, without this protection, would face extinction. The sandy beaches, forest and savannah offer a rich variety of wildlife; the Ogooue’ runs alongside a plethora of mangrove swamps, islands, lakes, mountains, and canyons. Gabon’s extensive coastline makes it a prime location for fishing, water and beach sports, with a tropical climate of 25 to 30 degree C throughout the year. A wide selection of modern hotels provides accommodation to those wishing to unwind or try out different water sports (Water skiing, wind surfing or surfing) or land based pursuits such as golf and tennis. Libreville has an 18 – hole golf course, situated on an undulating site facing the sea. Each of the three landscape types (Coast, savannah and forest) is home to an impressive diversity of wildlife such as chimps, elephants, river hogs, birdlife, whales, turtles, hippos etc. Gabon offers a number of interesting features. Amongst these, you can explore the breeding grounds of the Luth, or leather back turtles, on the beaches of the Atlantic coast (December to February) or spot humpback whales from the shores of Libreville, Port-
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Gentil, Loango and Mayumba. The chance to meet a gorilla family with a silverback male will also provide an unforgettable experience. Gabon’s ethnic multiplicity gives rise to a wide diversity of culture, reflected in the masks, sculptures, dances, recreational and initiation ceremonies.
A country investing for its future
12 billion USD for public investment over the next six years to support economic development: » Development of competitive and integrated transport infrastructure Roads: » tarring of over 3,600 km of roads carrying 80% of traffic » development of main north-south and east-west national roads
Ports: » modernization and expansion of two main ports » construction of a new deep-water port in southwest Gabon Waterways: » construction of river ports
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» development of a part of the 3,300km of inland waterways » Improvement of electricity generation capacity to reach 2,000 MW by 2020 » Construction of three hydroelectric dams » Construction of a natural gas fired power plant » High-speed internet connection from 2012 to the underwater ACE fibreoptic cable.
A country open to investors
» Quality public administration service for investors » The Private Investment Promotion Agency for company registration » The Chamber of Commerce and Industry for business and economic information » The creation of special economic zones offering a number of fiscal benefits to investors: All in all this fascinating country is one of the continent’s most stable countries. Gabon is an upper-middle income country with per capita income four times the sub-Saharan African average. Follow us on
At the recent CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnerships in New Delhi, India held at the Taj Palace Hotel, India made its intents clear to the entire Africa, that it devices to offer the continent an enhanced economic and commerce rendezvous that has a competitive edge over other trade partnerships. The three-day event showed how entrenched Africa is in its bid to do business with India to position the latter as an indispensable trade partner in the world of commerce.
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SPECIAL COVERAGE
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SPECIAL COVERAGE
Economic Rendezvous Between
Africa India on a Rising Slope
9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnerships
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rade between India and the African countries dates back to centuries. India’s booming economy, the appetite of its public and private sector enterprises for investment overseas, and its leadership in science and technology, have together shaped its policy toward Africa. As such, India is focused on intensifying economic and commercial rendezvous whilst contributing to African countries development through cooperation and technical assistance. Bilateral trade activity between Africa and India is booming like never before which is targeted to touch $90 billion by 2015. A clear picture was shown at the recently held CII Conclave on IndiaAfrica Project Partnerships in New Delhi, India during March 17-19, 2013. This was the 9th edition which took the engagement to a new level. The Conclave
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had very high level political participation from Africa, exemplified by the active participation of seven Heads of State and Government from Africa – H.E. Dr. Guy Scott, Vice President, Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, Prime Minister of Cameroon, H.E. Mr. Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Mr. Joseph N Boakai, Vice President of Liberia, H.E. Mr. Gervais Rufyikiri, 2nd Vice President of Republic of Burundi, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, and H.E. Mr. Rui Duarte Barros, Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau. Republic of Burundi, Republic of Cameroon, and Republic of Zambia were the Guest Countries at the Conclave. This was the most prominent ever involvement with nearly 900 delegates from 45 African countries with Burundi and Zambia being the COMESA member states present at the conclave. Around
500 projects worth about $68.37 billion were discussed. The uniqueness was the creation of a web-based B2B meeting set-up that alleviated more than 1,500 B2B meetings between Indian and African business. In recent years, India’s development partnership with Africa has prolonged significantly both in geographical spread and sectoral coverage. Indian entrepreneurs are in quest of expanding their business activities and branch out their sources of natural resources, as well as their markets. It was clearly indicated by Mr. Anand Sharma, Minister of Commerce, Trade & Textiles, Government of India, who spoke at the opening session of the conclave about the growing significance of IndiaAfrica partnership at an increasingly inter-connected and interdependent world. He observed that the bilateral partnership has successfully retained its
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SPECIAL COVERAGE
Esteemed dignitaries at the opening session of the conclave
“distinct and different” characteristics with both partners maintaining a keen focus on each other’s fundamental strengths while entering into mutually beneficial partnerships. His view was later amplified by Ms. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, when she said that India is committed to Africa’s socioeconomic, technological and human resources development and partners African governments in a consultative, participative and responsive manner based on Africa’s own assessment of their needs. H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, Prime Minister, Republic of Cameroon, said in his address that Indian companies could effectively leverage the public-private partnership opportunities that are being offered by the Cameroon Government. Talking about the bilateral partnership with India, H.E. Mr. Yang emphasized his Government’s commitment to the cause with the recent opening of Cameroon’s commercial diplomatic mission in New Delhi. H.E. Dr. Guy Scott, Vice President, Republic of Zambia said in his address that African economies should look to emulate India’s industrial growth experience. He urged Indian companies to invest in Africa and in particular
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Zambia, by adding that Africa offers the highest returns. H.E. Dr. Scott said that the true potentials of tourism in the context of India-Africa partnership have not been fully exploited. “Tourism is a sleeping giant,” he said. Mr. Adi Godrej, President, CII, said that South-South Cooperation is not just a theoretical construct anymore. It is a big reality. A reality that is visibly altering the global trade and investment flows, to the advantage of developing and emerging economies such as our own. To keep up the pace of India- Africa developments, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up Development Partnership Administration (DPA) to bring under one umbrella the entire range of external developmental assistance and to manage more efficiently the formulation, appraisal, implementation and evaluation of projects. According to an official “The Ministry is also exploring innovative models of partnership with Indian business and industry, so that we can combine development assistance with their commercial perspectives to create assets that would have a larger developmental impact in our partner countries.” Also the Government of India is planning to organize the third India-Africa Trade Ministers meeting,
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and is working towards concluding the talks with Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) for a preferential trade agreement, a comprehensive economic cooperation partnership agreement with Mauritius, and similar agreements with several other regional communities in Africa. A joint study is underway to work out a free trade agreement or a preferential trade agreement with COMESA. Worth to mention, the Lines of Credit granted by the EXIM Bank of India are truly considered as an instrument to enhance India-Africa partnership. As a partner institution to promote economic development in Africa, the commitment towards building relationships with the African region is reflected in the diverse range of activities and programmes which EXIM Bank of India has set in place. Five fundamental areas received particular thought during the course of discussions at the plenary and parallel sessions at the Conclave – bilateral trade expansion, Indian investments in Africa, capacity building, food security and energy security. From a long-term perspective India and Africa would do well to spread out the bilateral trade basket, augment regional diversification of the bilateral trade, and promote Follow us on
SPECIAL COVERAGE investment-led trade. This would call for investments in creating new trade enabling capabilities and infrastructure, and promotion of trade facilitation measures and trade finance. In an effort to diversify the bilateral trade flows, India is looking to deepen the trade with African economies that are gateways to regional markets. The African leaders also recommended that India’s DutyFree Quota-Free (DFQF) programmes should be made more comprehensive. Delegates from both regions deliberated on the need for greater
the following ways: » Farm mechanization, agroprocessing and storage; » Investments in training and development of human resources for the farm sector, and employment generation; » Greenfield investments, local vendor development and agriculture exports to neighbouring countries; » Setting up of agro parks in Africa; » Setting up of horticulture industries, and floriculture units; » Contract farming.
expertise in hydropower generation and is helping African countries build their hydropower infrastructure through manpower, technical and financial investments and engineering inputs. Indian energy companies are also enthroning in Africa’s solar power, and other alternative energy development projects like tidal power, ocean thermal power and marine current power, which are highly cost-efficient on a per unit basis. Solar power is set to flourish in the African markets. Conventionally, India was reliant on West Asia for its
H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, Prime Minister, Republic of Cameroon along with the Ministers at the session
cooperation in agriculture and agroprocessing, which would have a great bearing on the food security situation in Africa and India. The delegates also discussed about how Africa could learn from India’s Green Revolution, White Revolution and expansion of its agroprocessing industries. Tractorization of African farm sectors was cited as an important area to be addressed. While some parts of Northern and Southern Africa have increasingly inducted tractors for agriculture, farmers in most parts of Africa still depend on hand-held implements for farming. The experts recommended that Indian companies could help Africa’s agriculture sector in www.thetimesofafrica.com
Further, in boosting Africa’s agriculture production, India too can meets its food needs with imports from Africa, especially pulses where India faces huge shortfall. Besides, Indian industry could also help African Governments to establish agriculture vocational training schools in their respective countries. Indian power companies and energy development firms have been playing a key role in building Africa’s energy security. Africa holds around 12 percent of global hydropower potential but utilizes only five percent of it. Lack of adequate investments is one key reason for the under-utilization of Africa’s hydropower potential. India has proven
oil supplies but now Africa is becoming a destination for Indian oil and gas companies to acquire energy sources. Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Cameron, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan are major suppliers of crude oil to India. Indian and African leaders gave assurance that all key recommendations made at the Conclave would be acted upon at the earliest. The 10th CII-EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership will be held in New Delhi during March 9-11, 2014. Till then watch out for the next buzz ‘The India Show’ scheduled to be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 23-25 September 2013.
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SPECIAL COVERAGE
In Rendezvous With...
In airline industry we can develop partnership with India H.E. Mr. Gervais RUFYIKIRI 2nd Vice President, Burundi
The magnetism of Burundi as a place to invest relies on the improvement of the business environment by the Government. The 2nd Vice President of Republic of Burundi, H.E. Mr. Gervais RUFYIKIRI speaks to Kanchi Batra, Editor-in-Chief, THE TIMES OF AFRICA about Burundi as a country fast emerging as a business hub. Edited Excerpts:
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xcellency as you are here to attend the 9th CII Conclave on India – Africa Project Partnerships, share with us your experience. For me it’s a good occasion as this is my first visit to India. Also it’s a good opportunity for us to exchange experiences with Indian companies, to explore the possibility of getting Indian
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investments. We need financial and technical assistance and I am hopeful to get good prospects after building noteworthy contacts with big Indian brands during these three days of Conclave. Indian investors at present are genuinely interested to invest in Africa. Would you like to share the attractive sectors for India’s
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
involvement? Agriculture sector of Burundi can yield good prospects. Agriculture in Burundi is the mainstay of its economy. The agricultural sector is the chief contributor as far as the GDP is concerned. Our priority is to modernize and mechanize this sector. The second most important sector is energy. Today we are happy to announce Follow us on
SPECIAL COVERAGE that we have the support of Indian Government to build one hydro power dam. Information Communication and Technology could be a good area for investment. Burundian Government is committed to build its infrastructure; we can develop fruitful partnership in railways as today Burundi is not connected to any railway network. But, we have a project to connect Burundi through Tanzania railway network. In airline industry also we can develop partnership with India. Any possibility of having direct air connectivity between Burundi and India?
Yes, for instance, we do have many traders from Burundi coming in India to buy goods to sell in Burundi. This initiative could facilitate good contacts with India directly. There are many opportunities where the Indian investors can invest and with the interest shown by the Indian public and private sector, many possibilities could be set up in the coming future. In the very heart of Africa lies Burundi, with many tourists’ attractions, warm and welcoming people. How do you see the tourism sector of Burundi?
Tourism sector is also an interesting zone where investors could put the money as Burundi has good historical and cultural background. Burundi has much to offer tourists, with some wonderful verdant mountainous landscapes, stunning natural parks, rare wildlife and access to one of Africa’s largest lakes. Also for your information, Burundi has achieved the feat of having best exhibitor in Africa three times at International Tourism Bourse. How do you see Africa growing and what is the role of Burundi in its growth and development?
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The economy of Africa is growing. First of all with the change in the mentality and behavior of people, fight against corruption and by implementing good practices in good governance, Africa is continuously rising. Burundi is also participating in this growth of Africa with its stability. Even if Burundi is the least developed country, we have many potentialities. Burundi has resources of copper, cobalt, nickel, feldspar, phosphate rock, quartzite, and rare reserves of uranium, and vanadium. The country exports mostly coffee, tea and manufactures. These three products alone account for 97% of Burundian exports. Burundi is contributing in the growth of Africa, by providing stability to the African countries. Troops of Burundi are involved in bringing stability in Somalia, Mali, Cote d’ Ivory and in Sudan. Also Burundi is bestowing in the building of East African Community. We are its member since 2007 and it is a big market for business affairs. EXIM Bank of India has been granting some Lines of Credits (LOCs) to the African countries. How Burundi is tapping this opportunity?
Burundi is also amongst the countries which are benefiting from EXIM Bank of India through the Lines of Credit. The first project is in the energy sector which is ongoing. We have funds from EXIM Bank to build hydro-electric power and also for other sectors including mechanization of agriculture.
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In Rendezvous With...
We have good scope for mining H.E. Mr. Rui Duarte de Barros Prime Minister, Guinea Bissau
Guinea Bissau is one of the Africa’s smallest countries composed of the mainland part and thousands of small islands on the Atlantic shore. In an exclusive interview to Kanchi Batra, Editor-in-Chief, THE TIMES OF AFRICA, the Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau, H.E. Mr. Rui Duarte de Barros shared an overview about the country and his willingness to involve India in its growth.
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uinea Bissau’s economy is primarily based on the export of raw cashew nuts. Share with us some other assets of the country. Cashew crops have amplified amazingly in recent years. We do export fish and seafood along with small amounts of peanuts, palm kernels, and timber. We generally export them to the European Community. Guinea
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Bissau has potential minerals including bauxite, diamond, gold, heavy minerals, petroleum, and phosphate rock. I would like to invite Indian companies to Guinea Bissau to come and invest in this country having ample opportunities. What are the achievements of Guinea Bissau in the post Independence era?
Guinea-Bissau’s transition back to democracy has been complicated by a
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
crippled economy devastated by civil war. At the time of independence, we were negotiating with the Portugal to grant independence to other neighboring countries, Angola, Mozambique and others. At that time our military troops were very strong. Now we have special programs i.e. reforms of the sector of Defense and Security to recruit the aspiring people of the country. Guinea Bissau is a member country of
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SPECIAL COVERAGE many big international communities. Throw some light on this. Guinea Bissau belongs to three major communities: ECOWAS- Economic Community of West African States- A regional group of fifteen countries, UEMOA- West African Economic and Monetary Union and Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union are Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo. UEMOA is well thought-out as one of the pillars of the African Economic Community which was founded to attain collective self-sufficiency for its member states by creating a single large trading bloc through an economic and trading union. Also, we are working towards greater regional integration with combined external tariffs to attract more Foreign Direct Investment in the region. Please indicate the sectors in which investment would be rewarding for the Indian companies to invest in particularly in Guinea Bissau.
We have good scope for mining. Potential exists for bauxite, phosphates, diamonds and gold. Big companies from China, Israel, United States, and Germany are coming but, we prefer only the South South Co-operation. India is very strong in IT and the health sector. I think this co-operation with India will be very good for both the parts. We need technical and human resource from India, and are willing to share their experience. Any special efforts put in by the Government to solve the problem of youth unemployment? We have a lot of ongoing programs. We are going to inaugurate at the end of this month three factories for cashew processing with each factory employing approximately 100 people but this is not enough as we produce more than 2,00,000 ton per year. We export a lot to India, and Vietnam and sometimes to Singapore also. In terms of quality, we are amongst the best quality of cashew in the world. Is the Government of Guinea Bissau ready to put up tractor assembly
plants in the country? Yes we are looking for that. The Guinea-Bissau economy is principally agricultural. We have all the suitable climatic conditions for developing good agriculture in the country. Throw some light on the education sector of Guinea Bissau?
Education sector is not very strong in Guinea Bissau, what we lack mainly is the technical and vocational training. This is very important for Guinea Bissau. This is fundamental, as we can train our youth by providing requisite skills which would ultimately help them prosper. Last message‌‌‌.
We want to invite the private sector of India to come and explore the numerous opportunities available in Guinea Bissau. The country has a conducive business environment and an attractive investment code. Government is ready to give all kind of facility with our priority in the education and the health sector.
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In Rendezvous With...
Grateful to the Indian authorities who invited us to attend this great event H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan Prime Minister, Ivory Coast
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) has achieved sustained economic growth and prosperity after independence. This success is largely due to the policies of the Government. At the 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership, the West African Nation was represented by the Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan who shared a brief prospective of his country and spotlighted the sectors where they hunt for India’s assistance in a candid interview to Divya Malhotra, Associate Editor (French). Edited Excerpts:
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hat are your expectations from 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on IndiaAfrica Project Partnership? We are very grateful to the Indian authorities who invited us to attend
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this great event. We have a high profile delegations including Minister of Health and Minister of Agriculture. The private sector of Ivory Coast is strengthening its relations with India. We seek to have assistance in many sectors like infrastructure, roadways, railways, energy, and health. We wish to have
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
cooperation between India and Ivory Coast to produce generic products not only for Ivory Coast but also for the countries of sub region with 15 countries and 300 million inhabitants. In agriculture sector we want to take advantage of the expertise of India, particularly in rice production for the Follow us on
SPECIAL COVERAGE personal and the sub regional needs. We are amongst the world’s largest exporter of cashew nuts after India. Sector of Information and Technology is equally important. All sectors of the economy like infrastructure, construction of roads and highways lead to the development of a country. We can establish contacts with different enterprises here to strengthen this cooperation with public and private sector. Share your views on sustainable development of your country.
Ivory Coast is currently growing, in the aftermath of political instability in recent decades. Now it is coming up with the development. Last year in 2012, we made a growth of 8% and in 2014 it is expected to increase by 2%. By 2020, Ivory Coast will be an emerging country.
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We are a member of two big sub regional organizations including West African Economic and Monetary Union having the same currency i.e. CFA francs as seven other countries which are also a part of this Union. We are also a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with 15 countries in total and 300 million inhabitants. We believe that this is profitable because an industry in a country can run in several countries at a time. Therefore, we
We are a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with 15 countries in total and 300 million inhabitants
believe that in this space, we can provide sustained and strong growth for the development of our country. Last message…..
I want to say that we must continue to strengthen this cooperation between India and Ivory Coast. We met many Ministers and we have exchanged with them several different means to strengthen this cooperation. It is a southsouth cooperation that reflects the reality on the ground. I believe that the dialogue must continue in different areas that I spoke about respecting the choice of each country. So, there are several meetings after this forum between the businessmen and Government and between the Indian businessmen and businessmen of Côte d’Ivoire.
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In Rendezvous With...
Zambia epitomizes the best of the opportunities H.E. Dr. Guy Scott Vice President, Republic of Zambia
One of the Focus Countries at the 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave was Zambia which was represented by the Vice President, H.E. Dr. Guy Scott, Republic of Zambia. The dynamic personality beamed out in a very receptive manner in an exclusive interview to Kanchi Batra, Editor-in-Chief, THE TIMES OF AFRICA and painted out the potentialities of Zambia to become a favoured investment destination. Edited Excerpts:
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xcellency, how fruitful did you find these 3 days of the CII Conclave?
I don’t think it’s a very crucial or very fertile time for India and Africa. India’s internal growth seems to be faltering. India needs to stretch its needs to catching targets and Africa is a very obvious choice; after all China has
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already used that paradigm to expand its own growth. It’s a challenge that if you have the long term finance, then only you can reap good fruits in the continent.
The mentality of the Indian businessmen and other countries has gradually changed; they now consider Africa as a continent of limitless opportunities. What is the
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
role of Zambia in the growth and development of Africa? I think Zambia is becoming a flagship. We attracted enormous crowd in our presentation at the deliberations held in the Conclave. I think people are keen to explore Zambia. This country is a kind which epitomizes the best opportunities you have in new Africa and the responses Follow us on
SPECIAL COVERAGE we get are excellent.
Please spell out the sectors where investment will be fruitful for the Indian companies to invest in Zambia. I don’t see the limitation on the sectors at all. If you take the example of China; they have worked their own way in every sector. The key is the long term capital because internally in Zambia you can’t borrow money for a long time. Long term sectors like: Agriculture, Infrastructure, Energy, and Tourism takes time to build up. EXIM Bank of India is being granting the Lines of Credit (LOC’s) to many of the African countries for development of projects. How Zambia is taking up this opportunity?
It’s not being taken very much because most of the requirements would be on the long term side and most of these LOC’s were done in by the previous Government and it was not yet taken over. But, there is quite a lot of interest since last year when we started attending the conclave in March 2012. There is a lot more being developed and specific projects are being developed in conjunction with the Indian companies. Why an Indian investor should prefer Zambia as an investment destination? What all are the comparative advantages that the Government of Zambia is ready to offer to the Indian investors?
I don’t think that you should only prefer Zambia, but I think much has been made of our common history. We are probably close together in several ways. We can see a lot of Zambians of Indian origin engaged in different business activities in Zambia. We never saw Chinese people before in Zambia until they came to took up the railway project, www.thetimesofafrica.com
they are not somewhere familiar to us but we share that bond with Indians. So, we would like to invite them to the country. African countries are working towards improving the quality and skills level of the youth. Any special effort to provide youth employment opportunities?
The small and medium enterprises today make up a very significant segment of the Indian economy. The progress of this sector came about first and foremost due to the vision of the great leaders of India who sought to develop core industry. We surely can learn from India. The countdown for the United Nations World Tourism Organization General assembly has started. Zambia along with Zimbabwe is co-hosting this mega event. What are your expectations?
We are not expecting to make much money out of the event. We are anticipating it to grow and prosper. We would be co-hosting this event with Zimbabwe. We want to put up ourselves on the map along with Zimbabwe. I think we lack behind to be unknown; a lot of confusion exists between Zambia & Zimbabwe. Last year it was Zimbabwe that came for the 8th CII Conclave as the focus country which was too represented by the Vice President. To conclude this interview, I would like to have your last message for the Indian public and private sector.
If you want a bit of an adventure not a very dangerous but eventually a very profitable, come to Africa. Don’t come to Africa without crossing by Zambia and see what Zambia has to offer. I think it’s imperative to highlight Zambia’s potential for would be delegates and they will definitely find it more promising and more fruitful.
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for
Appreciation
the Event
It is a very rewarding experience. We met many businessmen from different countries. We exchanged our experiences with each other. I am very happy to be a part of this Conclave.
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It is a big platform which allows us to meet and to make contacts with Indian businessmen. It's a great opportunity for everyone and very profitable not only for our country but for whole Africa. ��a�a����d�����r���a�Fa����A��er��ar�a)
I am very delighted to be here during 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave. I visited the stalls of many Indian companies and met many local businessmen. I learnt about their perception regarding business and took their details. And I believe such events play a major role in enhancing trade relations between Africa and India. �a���a�A����a�ar���D����������r���a�Fa��
My experience is astonishing. It has given me an insight of what India really is. Some misconceptions which I had earlier in my mind related to pharmaceutical sector are cleared now.
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I believe it's worthy. These types of conferences are really very important where many investors participate along with other public and private institutions. In short, it is the best place to market your country and to grab the opportunities.
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I would like to appreciate the creativity of Indians in the field of business. I will come back again with some other Cameroonians very soon so that even they can explore the wonders of India. But I want you to develop a system so that operators and traders can come to practice trade in India. There are endless opportunities but market is still closed. It is necessary to encourage and attract people from Cameroon to do business here in India. ��e��e�������e���E��������Trader���a�er����
CII is very beneficial and it gives a lot of support to the Indian companies like us who all are trying to explore business in Africa and we have got some good leads in participating in this CII conclave, as we are participating from the past three years.
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THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
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I am indeed delighted to say that India has become a model for us. This Conclave is not only for the Government but also for the private sector. I appreciate the quality of medicines and physician resources available in India. We always thought that only Europe has good quality of medicines but now I must say India has the same quality.
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This is actually the first time we have participated in such kind of a conclave organized by CII. It is very important to show that India is willing to extent a helping hand to the countries in Africa. ��arad���a�de��a���D�re���r�������r��a�e������ed
I can see a high level delegation coming from Africa and according to me it's a great platform. We have a good presence in many African countries as we have developed books for Ethiopia, Ghana, Uganda, and Libya.
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It has been very helpful and encouraging for the Indian companies to grow up their businesses in Africa through the conclave. �.��A�ra�a���E����eer������er��a�)���a����������ed
CII Conclave is good for building the relationship between India and Africa and lots of opportunities are there of sharing views, knowledge and business.
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It is a beginning to give an exposure and opportunity to meet other Indian business people. We should go beyond that and see how best we can maintain the relationship between the Indian and African businessmen.
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It has been a really great experience for companies like SAFETECH and other EPC's companies. CII provides a platform from which we can experience Africa and expand our business over there. �a���r���������d����De������a�a�er���r��e����ar�e����)���AFETE�����D�A���T.��TD.
It's a fantastic experience as we are meeting business delegation, the Heads of the States, the Ministers, the MPs and other private business people. This is something very challenging and I appreciate the good work done by CII to manage and to bring them under one roof.
�.���dar�a���A�����a�e����e��re��de����E���r����Tra���r��a�d���r��e�����e���������ed��TAFE)
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EXCELLENCE AWARDS
THE TIMES OF AFRICA EXCELLENCE AWARDS Recognizing Achievements
I
n corporate boardrooms and global-investment seminars, business leaders are talking about the African continent. Africa is rising, Africa is modernizing, Africa is the next consumer market, and Africa’s influence is mounting. Well, it’s a great pleasure for us to recognize all those who are doing extraordinary work for the development of this rising continent - Africa. They are the ones who exemplify the progress that we’re seeing in Africa. THE TIMES OF AFRICA EXCELLENCE AWARD is an international tribute for the African and Indian Diaspora to treasure and commemorate their outstanding and inimitable contribution to the augmentation of Africa and India relations. It is aimed at celebrating persons who have bestowed most effectively to the development of the booming ties between Africa and India. The accomplishments of National Leaders, Industrialists, Bureaucrats, Corporate Heads and other prominent personalities from Africa and India have been acknowledged with the goal of enhancing development activities. It further aims to highlight and reward excellence across the private and public sectors of Africa and India in different sectors. The Award of Excellence for the year 2012 was awarded to the African Leaders at the 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnerships at Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, India. To the best of understanding and knowledge, the awards were presented to H.E Mr. Rui Duarte Barros, Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau, H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, H.E. Dr. Guy Scott, Vice President of Republic of Zambia, H.E. Mr. Gervais RUFYIKIRI, Vice President of Republic of Burundi, Hon. Oryem Henry Okello(M.P), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs/International Affairs, Uganda, H.E Francois Kanimba, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda, Mr. Yacouba Barry, Minister of Housing & Town Planning, Burkina Faso, Mrs. Raymonde GOUDOU COFFIE, Minister of Health & Fight against HIV/AIDS, Ivory Coast, H.E.Mr. Saley Saidou, Minister of Commerce and Promotion of Pvt. Sector, Niger, H.E. Mr. ESSIMI MENYE, Minister of Agriculture, Cameroon, Hon. Temeki P.Tsolo, Minister of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing, Lesotho, H.E Mrs Essossimna Legzim BALOUKI, Minister of Trade and Private Sector Promotion, Togo, H.E, Mr. Marc Voumbouno, Minister of Agriculture, Republic of Guinea, H.E. Dr. Damatang Albert Camara, Minister of Employment, Technical Education & Vocational Training, H. E Elhadj Papa Koly Kourouma, Minister of Energy & Environment, Republic of Guinea, H.E. Dr. Edouard Niankoya Lama, Minister of Health, Republic of Guinea, Dr. Malika Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Tattali – Iyali Foundation, Niger, Mr. Mamadou Talla, Minister of Vocational Training, Apprenticeship and handicrafts, Senegal and The Local Enterprise and Skills Development Programme (LESDEP).
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THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
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EXCELLENCE AWARDS
H.E. Mr. Gervais RUFYIKIRI 2nd Vice President of Burundi Gervais Rufyikiri (born 12 April 1965) in Bugendana, Gitega Province has been the Second Vice President of Burundi since 2010. H.E. Mr. Gervais RUFYIKIRI in his endeavors to move towards a better future for the nation is seeking Government’s support for the implementation of the second Poverty Reduction Strategy, which focuses on growth, job creation and the development of a dynamic private sector, with agribusiness, tourism and mining in particular showing strong potential as key drivers of economic growth. We salute the contribution of this shining star of Burundi for the significant progress achieved by the country in recent years.
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BURUNDI
Republic of Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa. One of the smallest countries in Africa, Burundi is a part of the Albertine Rift, the western extension of the East African Rift. Burundi has shown to the world that the country is a privileged investment destination and at the same time embarking on boosting the economy. The 2013 World Bank Doing Business Report confirmed Burundi as the Africa’s most improving nation in easing the creation of business. Agriculture is the sector that contributes most to gross domestic product, using 90 per cent of Burundi’s labour force and earning 90 per cent of export revenues. Some of the Burundi’s natural resources include uranium, nickel, cobalt, copper and platinum. Overall, three sectors i.e. Industry, ICT’s and Agribusiness spearheaded 2012 investments in Burundi. MARCH-APRIL 2013 THE TIMES OF AFRICA
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EXCELLENCE AWARDS
H.E. Mr. Rui Duarte de Barros Prime Minister, Guinea Bissau Rui Duarte de Barros is the Transitional Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau since May 16, 2012. This nobel personality was recently awarded with the International Human Rights Award to keep Guinea Bissau on the right track of democracy and respect of human Rights. The persona of the Prime Minister of any country is of paramount weight and this gleaming personality from Guinea Bissau well deserve this as he paints a vision of where his country should be in the coming future.
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THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
Guinea-Bissau
A former Portuguese colony located on the Western African shore of the Atlantic Ocean and bordered by Senegal and Guinea is a country in West Africa. It is categorized as an economy dependent primarily on export of cashew nuts in raw form, potash mining and subsistence fishing and farming. Rice is the major crop and staple food. Guinea Bissau produced a strong economic performance in recent years. Guinea-Bissau has joined a number of African countries in embracing the merits of regulatory and budgetary reforms. Moderate improvements over the past few years include simplifying the business start-up process and keeping public spending under better control.
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EXCELLENCE AWARDS
H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan Prime Minister, Ivory Coast H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan (born 1943) is an Ivorian politician who has been Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire since November 2012. He previously served as Prime Minister from 11 December 1993 to 24 December 1999 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from June 2011 to November 2012. His emphasis on the Government’s commitment to a healthy and performing forest industry that contributes to the sustainable management of ecosystems and meets the challenges of a harmonious development of the country is commendable.
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Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast or Côte d’Ivoire, officially the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, is a country in West Africa. The economy of Ivory Coast is steady and currently increasing, in the aftermath of political instability in recent decades. It is mainly marketbased and counts heavily on the agricultural sector. Almost 70% of the Ivorian people are occupied in agricultural activity. A majority of the population remains reliant on smallholder cash crop production. Principal exports are cocoa, coffee, and tropical woods. Principal U.S. exports to Ivory Coast are rice and wheat, plastic materials and resins, kraft paper, agricultural chemicals, telecommunications, and oil and gas equipment.
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EXCELLENCE AWARDS
H.E. Dr. Guy Scott Vice President of Republic of Zambia H.E. Dr. Guy Scott (born 1 June 1944) is a Zambian politician. He has been Vice President of Zambia since September 2011. This is only the second time in independent Africa that a white African male has occupied such high office. After graduating from Trinity Hall, Cambridge, in 1965, Scott joined the Government of the Republic of Zambia where he served in the Ministry of Finance as a planner. He was also the deputy editor of the Business and Economy of East and Central Africa during this period. This magnetic leader is working hard for grooming the overall structure of the economy by creation of quality jobs for citizens which is considered as a top priority on the Government’s agenda.
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ZAMBIA
Republic of Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The capital city Lusaka is located in the south-central part of the country. Zambia’s economic performance in recent years has been positive with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rising to 6.8 percent in 2011 from 5.3 percent in 2005. This marked the sixth year in a row in which the economy grew above 5 percent. Zambia continued to recorded strong growth in 2011 mainly due to increased output in mining and quarrying, construction and agriculture. The Government put in place measures to diversify the economy from the traditional (copper and cobalt production) to non-traditional production and exports (products and exports other than copper and cobalt). The non-traditional products began to exhibit a positive and favorable performance in value terms in the country’s balance of payments. The export of these products more than trebled, their value increasing from US$ 210 million in 2000 to US$ 1,245 million in December 2011. Follow us on
IN FOCUS
Delegation from Burkina Faso at the 9th CII Conclave Key speakers at the India-Burkina Faso Business Meet
Reinforcing bilateral trade ties between
Burkina Faso and India
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he recently concluded 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on Africa India Partnership Project was a resounding success. Many African Heads of State graced the occasion with their presence and there were delegates from all major African countries. There was a very active participation in the conclave by Burkinabe delegates. A high profile Government delegation from Burkina Faso was headed by H.E. Mr. Yacouba BARRY, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning. The Honourable Minister had a very fruitful meeting with his Indian counterpart H.E. Mr. Ajay MAKEN, the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty
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Alleviation of the Government of India and also with the senior officials of EXIM Bank. Mr. Yacouba BARRY also met many Indian businessmen who are keen to invest in Burkina Faso. A delegation of Burkinabe Captains of Industry, members of the Burkinabe Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso also participated in the Conclave and had many B2B meetings with Indian businessmen. The conclave was a good platform for Burkina Faso to showcase the investment potential in Burkina Faso in various sectors e.g. agriculture, housing, transport and infrastructure, trade and industry and many more.
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H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India lighting the torch at the start of the ceremony
Burkina Faso delegation at Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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IN FOCUS During their sojourn the Burkinabe business delegation prospected for business with Indian partners. On the invitation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Haryana, H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India led the delegation to Karnal and Panipat from 21st to 22nd March 2013. During these two days the delegates interacted closely with industrialists and entrepreneurs in these two cities. From 14-16 March 2013 the members of the Chamber and Commerce of Burkina Faso visited Mumbai to participate in the 2nd edition of India Engineering Sourcing Show (IESS) ORGANISED BY: EEPC INDIA (formerly Engineering Export Promotion Council) supported by Indo-African Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Mumbai. In cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso, FICCI had organised a delegation of Captains of Indian Industry to
Burkina Faso from 10th to 14th April 2013. The 28 member delegation was lead by Ambassador V.B. Soni. The delegates were presented with investment opportunities in different sectors in Burkina Faso and they had very successful B2B meetings with members of the Burkinabe private sector. The Ministers of Agriculture, Water Resources, Health, Trade Industry and Handicrafts, Information and Technology and Infrastructure of Burkina Faso made themselves available to interact with the delegates. A visit was organized to view the tomato processing plant at Loumbila which has been financed by the Government of India. These interactions between the business communities of Burkina Faso and India are expected to lead to mutually beneficial liaisons and partnerships which will further strengthen the bilateral trade between the two countries.
A gathering of spectators at the FICCI Business Meet
Buyers and sellers interacting at B2B Meeting
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IN FOCUS
Dynamic Reforms Policy in Burkina Faso
S
ince the early 90s, the Government of Burkina Faso is following a dynamic reforms policy in the direction of liberalization of the economy and promoting the private sector as an engine of development. This process has increased the role of private sector in the country’s economy (including through a privatization program). Notable successes have been achieved in terms of facilitation of state / private sector dialogue and in terms of improving the business environment. In fact, in recent years Burkina Faso has adopted more than 190 reform measures to improve the business climate. These reforms have led to significant advances in improving the business climate and hoisted Burkina Faso among the top 10 reformers in the world according to Doing Business 2009, World champion in terms of deregulation of the labor market, with undisputed leadership among WAEMU and OHADA space for more than three years. These efforts have also earned the country the 2007 World Bank Encouragement Prize for the progress in the implementation of reforms to improve the business climate.
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In the recent publication of the report Doing Business 2011 Burkina Faso was ranked 4th among the world’s most consistent reformers during the last five (5) years. This demonstrates both the commitment and consistency in the implementation of reforms to improve the business climate and promoting private investment in Burkina Faso. The free movement of people and goods is guaranteed in Burkina Faso. It is actually a recognized reality. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also rewarded Burkina Faso on October 8, 2010, for its efforts in “rigorous” application of ECOWAS agreements on the “free movement of persons and property.”
An Investment Climate up to international standards
The outer attractiveness of Burkina is built on the global competitiveness of its economy since the monetary adjustment of the CFA franc, and around the improvement of the environment, rehabilitation of the banking system, the legal climate in the context of integrated and harmonized sub regional market. The domestic public investment is increasingly a growing share of the state
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budget as a result of the implementation since more than a decade of a policy of intensive public investments in urban primary infrastructure to improve the competitiveness of the economy: roads, dams, dry ports... Supported by the International Community, Burkina Faso has implemented and completed a series of structural adjustment reforms which have created favorable theoretical conditions for foreign direct investment (FDI). The country has become attractive because of a sound macro-economic framework for sustained and sustainable growth, political stability and institutional and business environment which is constantly improving. Huge potential for private foreign investment in urban infrastructure: roads and Habitation Burkina Faso offers tremendous investment opportunities to the international business actors in general and private investment in particular. More than resource potentialities, it is investment opportunities in the economic sense: »» Because these potentials are widely recognized and have been the object Follow us on
IN FOCUS
Important Projects The project of a new airport at Ouagadougou (Donsin): Investments in activities centered around the various benefits of the new project of Ouagadougou Airport (Donsin): management by private investors of airport activities, including various services (assistance “handling”, parking lot, “Catering, security etc.). The amount of investments to be financed by the private sector to carry out the work amounted to approximately 60.5 billion FCFA 127 548 000 USD (communication given by the DG / MOAD, January 2012)
Construction and operation within the framework of PPP of a road infrastructure: Highway Ouaga / Bobo-Dioulasso / Yamoussoukro (in Côte d’Ivoire). Burkina Faso, enjoys a position of political and institutional stability based on a permanent quest for social dialogue and political consensus and evolving in a more stable and sustainable macroeconomic context with an option strongly oriented towards an open liberal economy on the exterior and particularly encouraging legislative and regulatory framework, with a firm policy of protection, security and investment promotion, foreign private investors find themselves in a climate conducive to the realization of their projects.
of a more or less advanced evaluation, »» Because today these potentials are a part of the business environment made sustainably healthy and conducive to investment and have been accompanied by relevant sectoral and thematic policies, »» And finally, because they are surrounded by a reception and effective support for investors who set up the device. As part of this conclave, let us focus on investment opportunities in urban infrastructure,
Housing sector and social and economic housing
During his speech at the 9th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership, H.E. Mr. Yacouba BARRY, Minister of Housing and Urban Development called for investments in the Housing Sector in Burkina Faso and gave a brief account of proposed and ongoing projects in the country.
Market Profile: »» Growth rate of the construction www.thetimesofafrica.com
industry and public works 7.5% per year; »» Urbanization rate: 20% in 2009 (the rate will be 35% in 2026 when the population will reach 21 million inhabitants). The objectives of the national policy are to make cities as centers of economic growth and development and to ensure access to housing. Investment opportunities »» Construction of social and affordable housing: Housing needs estimated at more than 40,000 homes with a high concentration in the two major cities (Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso) 2012-2014; »» attractive legal and institutional arrangement for the construction of social housing (tax exemption on the main construction material of social housing in favor of private investors); »» Availability of large land reserves serviced for the construction of social and affordable housing; »» Establishment of a comprehensive
program of 10,000 social housing under the framework of PPP through the start of construction of 1,000 units of social and affordable housing with financial support from EXIM BANK up to 22 million USD; »» Building construction in the specific housing programs related to the development of urban land and the construction of cities. »» The realization in cities that are centers of economic growth in developing zones of business activities (ZACA), zones of various activities (ZAD) and industrial zones (IZ). The ZACA zone is the heart of an urban area which will have 4.7 million inhabitants by 2025. ZACA will have a particular role in the smooth functioning of the conglomeration. Beyond the capital, ZACA is the first urban hub of the Grand OUAGA hence of all of Burkina Faso. And the level of services of ZACA is to link with operational needs of the Grand OUAGA, of Burkina Faso and the ambitions of a regional and international capital.
The sector of road and air network: Burkina Faso presents a massive potential for Indian investors to partake in the development of the road and air network in the country. »» A good level international road network, together with an effective system of international transit, making Burkina crossroads of trade in WAEMU and ECOWAS; »» Railways connecting AbidjanOuagadougou-Kaya Bobo: 1200 km; »» A booming road transport ; »» Air transport : serviced by a dozen international companies; »» Two international airports : Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso ; »» A sector whose potential (infrastructure, equipment, number of passengers etc..) Is growing rapidly.
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IN FOCUS
QUICK VIEW ÇÇ South Sudan has restarted oil production ÇÇ Mounting opportunities in oil industry
Smiles
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ÇÇ Sound financial system ÇÇ A fresh start for road network
on the faces South Sudan Oil flows again
outh Sudan has restarted oil production, bestowing cheers from citizens and a boost to the economy after a cut short of more than a year. South Sudan is an oil-based economy and enriched with natural reserves such as petroleum, iron ore, copper, chromium ore, zinc, tungsten, mica, silver, gold, diamonds, hardwoods, limestone and hydropower. It is a virgin country and a lot of businesses are presently setting their stations in Juba city. With independence (and the lifting of sanctions), new probabilities and opportunities arise for investors to develop oil exploration and production, as well as to prospect and expand other mineral resources. These are:
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ÇÇ More power to South Sudan after pushing the button
» Develop local refining and fuel storage capacity; » Oil & Gas exploration and production: less than 50% of suspected oil reserves currently exploited; » Develop Oil & Gas refineries and oil pipelines connecting neighbour countries (Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Djibouti).
A Transparent Oil Sector
The country is a favorable destination to be a magnet for international investment in its oil production. Major contributor of GDP is the oil production. Economic sector of South Sudan is dominated mainly by its oil industry. South Sudan is copious in diverse resources but these resources are still untapped.
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Development and diversification of business sectors will help in developing infrastructure and generating employment. Oil and other mineral resources can be found throughout South Sudan, but the area around Bentiu is commonly known as being especially rich in oil, while Jonglei, Warrap, and Lakes have potential reserves. Revenues from oil represent around 98% of the total Government revenue while oil exports amount to 71% of total GDP. In fact, revenues from oil have kept the economy of South Sudan breathing since 1999. After division from Sudan, most of oil reserves spread across South Sudan while pipelines and refineries are present in North Sudan. Mounting opportunities in oil industry and rising Follow us on
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More power to South Sudan after pushing the button The South Sudan Minister of Petroleum and Mining, Hon. Stephen Dhiew Dau pushed the button at SUDD Petroleum Operating Company Oil Fields at Thar Jath to officially start oil production resumption after 15 (Fifteen) month of closure. In a statement before pushing the button, Hon. Stephrn Dhiew said while addressing hundreds of South Sudanese citizens, staff and employees of SUDD Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC) he said that he went to the President to convey a message of readiness of SPOC for oil production resumption at Thar Jath Oil Fields. Today, Saturday, April 6, 2013 is the day that we want to tell the world and send a message as well that this oil production resumption is to confirm the Implementation of September 27, cooperation agreement by the Republic of South Sudan, said Hon. Stephen Dhieu. Hon. Stephen continued and said on April 20, 2013, we shall joint with our brothers in North for the oil resumption production. For our visit to Thar Jath oil fields is to ensure the EPOC to increase the exploration of other wells and together with Partners, to bring the scenario for affordable Pipelines Connections, said Hon. Dhieu. Hon. Stephen said “In 2014, there should be a maximum production on oil exploration and we shall call our representative and organize forces to produce the oil in good condition”. Our communities around the oil fields should have clean drinking water, health centers, schools and employment as well as compensation is concerned because Photo Credit: Comrade Larco Lomayat
prices of crude oil in global market can dish up as a vantage to the economy of South Sudan. It is a new country but has a sound financial system that allows business people to do their businesses with their foreign counterparts with peace of mind. The country has been continuously attracting substantial investment since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. Hon. Stephen Dhieu Dau is Pushing The Button to Officially Start Oil Production Resumption at Thar Jath Oil Fields
they have contributed tremendously during the struggle and they are deserved for services delivery. “By launching today the oil production resumption in Thar Jath is a message of commitment of the leadership the government and the people of South Sudan and to comply with the agreement signed with Sudan,” he added. www.thetimesofafrica.com
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IN FOCUS NEWS & FEATURE Establishment of independent Civil Aviation Authority
An interim strategy for South Sudan
South Sudan’s President H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir announced the establishment of the country’s Civil Aviation Authority while at the same time appointing General Agasio Akol as the first Chairman of the Board, overseeing the new aviation body alongside 6 other members. South Sudan Civil Association Authority (SSCAA) will now seek formal recognition
The World Bank Board of Directors, in corporation with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) have sanctioned a new Interim Strategy Note (ISN) for South Sudan. The ISN and the World Bank said in statement, represents the Bank Group’s support to the South Sudan Development Plan (SSDP), over the financial years 2013-2014. Over this period, the statement notes, the Bank’s International Development Association devices to put in approximately US$130 million in support of the Government of South Sudan foundational development of effective and accountable public institutions that respond to citizens’ needs. “South Sudan is a new republic that’s barely two years old, and emerging from decades of conflict. As development partners we recognize that building the state will depend on developmentoriented leaders having and implementing a long-term vision, while exercising patience and persistence,” said Bella Bird, the World Bank Country Director for South Sudan, Sudan and Somalia. The interim strategy, the Bank says, focuses on the longer-term endeavor of building legitimate institutions that can mitigate the drivers of instability in “fragile” and conflict-affected countries, including South Sudan.
H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir, President, South Sudan
with global body ICAO, the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization, and along that way have to accept, and then implement, ICAO’s regulatory requirements governing civil aviation around the world. Now airlines will have to get air service licenses and AOCs from SSCAA. Foreign airlines need to apply to be recognized when they fly from their own countries to Juba, and their own authorities must make them a designated airline to fly to South Sudan. South Sudan at present has no national airline although the Government in Juba was reportedly keen to establish one in due course, perhaps under a public-private partnership to spread the capital requirements into a wider domain. Several smaller airlines, flying domestically and regionally, have been formed in the past before and after independence, but apart from Feeder Airlines failed to make a significant impact on the aviation sector until now.
Grants for aid and emergency preparedness The South Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund has apportioned $56.5 million for aid and emergency preparedness, allowing the humanitarian community to take action to humanitarian needs and, at the same time, to preposition aid before the rains cut off 60 per cent of the country. This will enhance food security and livelihoods, education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and protection in highly vulnerable areas. It will make available nutrition to children and nonfood items for those displaced by violence or seasonal floods. The South Sudan Common
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Humanitarian Fund was established in 2012 to support timely allocation and disbursement of donor funding. It is a funding tool that channels supporting towards the most vital priorities and ascertains that funds are accessible for rapid response to critical humanitarian emergencies. It is managed by the Humanitarian Coordinator, with support from an Advisory Board comprising donors, UN, and NGO representatives. To date, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom have all provided generously to the fund.
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IN FOCUS Agreements on monetary cooperation with Sudan Senior functionaries from the Central Banks of South Sudan and Sudan have recently fulfilled a joint meeting in Khartoum in which they talked about different faces of assistance on several issues. The two sides have agreed on several outstanding issues such as separation of fixed assets, handing over documents pertaining to end-of-service benefits for South Sudan civil servants, offering technical support from Sudan’s central bank to its
southern counterpart and agreeing on making payments between the two countries in foreign currency. Juba and Khartoum also arrived at an understanding on joint debt forgiveness, preserving rights of commercial banks and individuals, cooperation in payment systems for regulations, clearing and settlement, and making use of customs. The most prominent provision in the agreement is related to resumption of oil exports by landlocked South
Sudan which was on the edge for more than a year ago because of a dispute over transit fees.
A fresh start for road network Building of several economic and security roads and bridges in the country, has been categorized as a main concern by the Government of South Sudan. The Economic Cluster of the Council of Ministers in its discussions brushed up the road priorities, repeating the pressing demand for roads network in the new country to encourage trade and development between states and the six neighbouring countries: Sudan, Ethiopia,
Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Central Africa Republic (CAR). The deliberations included to work on a network of major international trunk roads that hook up to all the neighbouring countries as well as interstate roads linking all corners of the country to the capital, Juba. Moreover, a number of major bridges will also be built across the River Nile in Juba, Bor or Ramciel and Malakal to another
bridge to be built across the Sobat River in eastern part of Upper Nile state. According to the Ministry of Roads and Bridges, this project is estimated to cost over $10 billion with a competition time of ten (10) years. Owing to the budget restrictions, the Government will seek funds including securing loans from foreign financial institutions in order to execute the plan.
South Sudan Crude Oil has reached Sudan The Sudan Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan in Juba said the South Sudan crude oil has arrived at processing faculties Sudan. In press statement after meeting the South Sudan Minister of Petroleum and Mining, Hon. Stephen Dhieu Dau, the Sudan
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Ambassador to South Sudan, Dr. Mutrif Sedig said “I am glad that I have met this afternoon with H. E. Stephen Dhieu, the Minister of Petroleum and Mining, Republic of south Sudan with regards to the cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan with regards
to the oil flows and production from South Sudan and treatment and transport and export through Sudan. He guarantees the safety of the arrival of the oil from Thar Jath and Unity to center processing facility in Heglig. Ambassador Sedig continued and said all the preparations are underway, with regard to other oil fields in Upper Nile State, and Jebellen is also ready to receive and instructions to operating companies had already been issued, we hope that soon we will receive the oil of South Sudan through the other pi-le line in Jebellen and for treatment and then for transport and export. Things are going well, and we had discussed some technical requirements for the proper cross border operations because there is a linkage between the oil fields and processing facilities and the transport facilities that need to be set in place in due time and we had discussed issue with H. E. the Minister and we joined to overcome any difficulties sand technical requirement that is needs for the continues flow of oil from South Sudan to Sudan.
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AFFAIRS
Burkina Faso
World Bank to support Burkina Faso for growth and development World Bank has approved an International Development Association (IDA*) US$70 million grant to Burkina Faso intended at encouraging growth and development in the West African country. The grant will catalyze private sector growth and employment, strengthen resiliency, reduce vulnerability, and improve governance and public resource management in the country. The new grant will support the Government’s efforts to support the growth of the private sector, which creates jobs, by helping the Government set up an input fund for the production of cotton and improved competitiveness in this sector. It will definitely improve governance and public resource management by providing a framework for greater transparency in the mining sector. Cotton, grain, and mining
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sectors have been major drivers of the country’s economic growth over the past five years. Robust reforms during the 2000s facilitated a significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the mining sector. Burkina Faso now has a process in place to ensure regular disclosure of mining revenues and that the data is available and accessible to the public to foster an understanding of the mining sector’s contribution to the country’s development. Burkina Faso posted an average real economic growth rate of over 5 percent per year between 1995 and 2012 and GNI per capita increased from US$360 in 2005 to US$447 in 2012. This development policy grant is the second of a series of four operations and will be disbursed in a single tranche.
Cote d’ Ivoire
Banana and rubber tax to fund research in agriculture The Ivorian Government is to set up the country’s first fund dedicated to financing all areas of agricultural research. According to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Bruno Nabagné Koné, Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural sector will remain the country’s main font of economic growth and poverty reduction for at least the next decade. The country produces 230,000 tonnes of dessert bananas and 130,000
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tonnes of natural rubber a year. He adds that the new fund will support the work of the National Agency for Rural Development and the National Centre of Agronomic Research. The fund will be paid by a sales tax on certain agricultural cash crops. Koné further added that 0.5 West African CFA francs (0.1 US cents) will be imposed per kilogram of dessert bananas and ten West African CFA francs (two US cents) per kilogram of rubber.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS Egypt
Ethiopia
Development Increased exports over of the mineral seven months sector The Ministry of Trade has announced that Ethiopia secured US$1.7 billion from exports over the last seven months. The Ministry’s Public Relations Head, Amakele Yimam, said the revenue exceeded the amount gained during the same period last year by 7.2 percent. Gold and coffee accounted for the major element of this, but chat, oilseeds, grains, cattle and flowers all
contributed significantly. Ato Yimam said the foreign currency obtained from the export of leather and leather products, textiles and garments, fruits and vegetables, as well as spices was also contributing to the realization of the Growth and Transformation Plan. The Ministry envisages collecting a total of US$5 billion from exports in the current Ethiopian budget year.
Liberia Eng. Osama Kamal, The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt
The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Eng. Osama Kamal said that the total gold reserves of Sukkari mine has reached 15.5 million ounces of gold which is sufficient for 20 years. During his inspection tour of the ongoing works in Sukkari mine, the Minister stressed that the State is paying due attention for the advancement and progress of the mineral sector thanks to the promising potentials the sector is enjoying, which enable it to play a key role in the Egyptian economy. The Minister made clear that the Ministry is currently adopting a new strategy to develop the mineral resources sector through developing a new law to organize work in the mineral resources. Egypt has sizeable mineral resources, including 48 million tons of tantalite (fourth largest in the world), 50 million tons of coal, and an anticipated 6.7 million ounces of gold in the Eastern Desert. The chief minerals in terms of volume output were iron ore, phosphates, and salt.
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Wealthy discovery: Oil discovery The African Petroleum Corporation Limited (AP) says it has made some new oil discovery off the Liberian waters. The company in a joint statement released with the National Oil Company of Liberia or NOCAL said it has found the 48 meters of oil bearing Turonian sandstone, at the Bee Eater-1 Well in Multiple Zones in Block LB-09 in the matching series as a prior discovery in Narina-1. In an apparent continuation of managing public expectation on the oil sector, African Petroleum and the regulating body, National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) jointly issued a release in Monrovia, bringing out that the Bee Eater-1Well was drilled 9.5 km west of the original Narina -1 oil discovery, and was targeting the same formations. However, the release said the reservoir permeability over the
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Oil Discovery in Liberia
hydrocarbon bearing section of the well are lower than anticipated, saying further investigation is underway. In addition the release said the company confirms that Bee Eater1encountered 14 meters of Albian oil bearing sandstone in the Darter prospect, indicating the potential of the Albian play. African Petroleum has also indicated that it is currently sourcing an alternative rig to the Eirik Raude, to continue its exploration activities in Liberia.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS Madagascar
Reliable Energy Services The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) has approved a US $1 million grant to finalize pre-investment activities for a hybrid renewable energy project in Nosy Be Island in Madagascar. The grant will be used to finance: (i) feasibility studies for a combination of hydro, wind and solar technologies; (ii) technical assistance to the national power utility; (iii) the transactions advisory for a Public Private Partnership. The project of an estimated investment cost totalling US $30 million thus aims at constructing a more sustainable power generation complex with an initial capacity of 8 MW to partly substitute and complement the existing high-cost thermal electricity generation. Seventy new businesses and around
300 additional jobs per year mostly from tourism and hospitality sector would be created as a result of additional electricity supplied by the project. The project will as well reinforce the quality of services to the benefit of the existing customers of the utility and double the electricity access rate in Nosy Be to 70 per cent in five years from the operational start. As a result, around 50,000 people will benefit from more reliable energy services. In addition, there will be significant carbon emissions reduction benefits. The project is in line with both the government of Madagascar and the AfDB strategies. From year 2012, the government of Madagascar has granted significant fiscal incentives on investments in renewable energy.
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Malawi
25th Malawi International Trade Fair
H.E. Mrs. Joyce Banda, President, Republic of Malawi
Presenting Opportunities for Industrial Growth The Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi is rising as an imperative investment destination. The economy of Malawi is predictable to grow at around 5.7% this year. Malawi’s small-scale and medium scale enterprises hold great latent for rapid economic growth and employment creation. The Malawian Government is enthusiastic to endure with various programmes to lend a hand to these enterprises, including entrepreneurship training and technical and financial assistance. What’s
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more, the Government of India is also looking at tapping the potential for greater collaboration between India and Malawi. The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) is organizing the 25th Malawi International Trade Fair from May 24 – June 02, 2013 in Blantyre, the economic capital of Malawi. The trade fair will definitely provide a podium for local and international participants to demonstrate their exhibitions and network with patrons and other participants.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS Malawi
mali
Expansion Advancement of Agriculture of electricity with World Bank support generation capacity The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a grant amounting to US $3.04 million to finance the Kholombidzo Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) Feasibility Studies in Malawi. The Government of Malawi will make a payment of US $0.23 million (7%) of the total study cost of US $3.27 million. The funding intents to produce a full bankable feasibility study for the future expansion of a power generation project to contribute to the expansion of electricity generating capacity in Malawi, which would eventually help to tackle electricity shortages and enable the delivery of reliable energy and electricity access expansion in Malawi. The study is constant with the objectives of the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II (MGDS II) which underscores the magnitude of putting in place a base for longterm economic growth through enhanced infrastructure and investment climate. By supporting the study, the African Development Fund will be contributing to facilitating investment in the provision of electricity needed for supporting economic growth and poverty reduction. The proposal also delivers an opening for knowledge sharing from previous experiences in other member countries.
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The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has permitted a US$ 20 million zero-interest IDA* credit to Mali to assist Mali expand and build up its agriculture and food production by nurturing closer links with agribusinesses and commercial financing. The supplementary financing will go towards construction on the accomplishments of the ongoing Agricultural Competitiveness and Diversification Project. “The project will help improve the performance of agriculture and livestock businesses in which Mali has a comparative advantage in domestic, sub-regional and international markets”, said Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Country Director for Mali. “The World
Bank will help to accelerate commercial agriculture in rural areas of Mali,” he added. More than 270 companies are currently in business, with another 200 planned to open during the additional phase, many of which will benefit women. The preponderance of Mali’s farmers are women, and more than 70 percent of Africa’s farming workforce is made up of women. The World Bank is one of Mali’s foremost partners with a total commitment of $732.75 million in development financing. This constitutes a current portfolio of 13 national and seven regional projects in the areas of rural development, basic services, energy, transport, institutional reform and decentralization.
Mozambique
Bolloré kicks off an oil terminal in Mozambique Bolloré Africa Logistics announced the opening of the first oil port of Mozambique, Pemba in the north. Positioned in Pemba, near 2000 km northeast of Maputo, the floating terminal (made an investment of $15 million) will be dyed-in-the-wool to oil and gas booming in the country subsequent to the discovery of major offshore fields off the country. According to the Managing Director of Bolloré Africa Logistics, Philippe Labonne “This terminal enables secure Oil & Gas companies who benefit from quality infrastructure, while providing the means to Mozambique’s energy development”. With this new infrastructure, open to all majors in Mozambique, Pemba itself as the
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
New Pemba’s Oil terminal in Mozambique
doorway to a natural oil and gas industry as dynamic as the Government of the country should receive a growth rate 8% in 2013. The African subsidiary of Bolloré takes his side to strengthen its position in the country. In addition to Pemba, BAL is also present on the ports of Maputo, Beira, Tete, Manica, Nacala and Quelimane.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS Uganda
Expansion of the road sector, 12,000 new jobs The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a loan in the amount of US $144.89 million in support of the Uganda road sector. The road sector support project was financed by the African Development Fund (ADF) to the tune of US $110.49 million, with a part from the Ugandan Government amounting to US $34.40 million. The project will help advance road access to socio-economic infrastructure as well as the quality of road transport services to the western regions of the country by paving 135 kilometres of the KigumbaMasindi-Hoima-Kabwoya road. The project is likely to cut transportation
costs, improve access to social and economic infrastructure and increase mobility, thus bestowing to promoting the standards of living of the populations through better transport services and increased access to social services, such as daycares and markets. Some 870,000 people are expected to benefit from the project which aims to create about 1,200 jobs, of which 80 per cent will be reserved for local communities. The project includes civil engineering works, the study and strengthening of the road sub-sector, as well as the compensation and relocation of people affected by the project in conformity with the relocation plans.
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Zimbabwe
Exciting discovery of Diamonds Four kimberlitic pipes affluent in diamonds have been discovered in Budzi communal lands in Bikita near the border with Manicaland Province. The four rock formations invaded with diamonds have been discovered which are likely to see Zimbabwe strengthening its position as one of the top world diamond producers. A consortium of Chinese and Zimbabwean firms registered as Nan Jiang Africa Resources Ltd has already applied to the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development for a license to start exploiting the gems. Mr. Gift Chimanikire, Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister said that “there are diamonds
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that were discovered in Devuli Ranch in Bikita by a consortium involving the Chinese and some Zimbabweans. “Four kimberlitic pipes were discovered in the area by the company and they have since applied for a licence to start diamond mining in the area and we are still looking at the application,” he said. “We dispatched a team from the Ministry which went to the area (Budzi) to find out what was happening on the ground.” We wanted to find out whether they had discovered alluvial diamonds or kimberlite diamonds. “The team prepared a report which we will use in the consideration of their (Nan Jiang) application,” he added.
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SECTORAL ANALYSIS
BURGEONING
HEALTHCARE &PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY OF INDIA
H
ealthcare and Pharmaceuticals are two diverse industries, but they are mutually dependent and are subject to similar trends. The healthcare industry in India has found an extraordinary expansion of 12% per year, since 2008. This growth has been driven by the augmentation in the average life expectancy and average income levels, as well as rising awareness about health insurance among consumers. The Indian healthcare industry is performing a strong upward flight and the sector is expected to touch US $ 238.76 billion by 2020.
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SECTORAL ANALYSIS
Indian Expertise in Healthcare Sector
India’s enhanced economy is pouring urbanization and the burgeoning middle class, with growing disposable income to spend, along with rising health consciousness, is willing to spend on quality healthcare. The Government has also taken steps to support the healthcare industry. These initiatives are furnishing better medical infrastructure, rural health facilities and providing novel medical equipment solutions. The sector holds massive potential as India is fast becoming a favoured medical destination. As the demand for healthcare services in India is increasing, delivering affordable healthcare to India’s billion-plus population itself presents enormous challenges and signifies enormous opportunities for the medical community and other service providers.
Driving forces of Indian healthcare sector
» Increase in patients population, increasing lifestyle related health issues » Faster diagnosis leading to early treatment, awareness on preventive healthcare disorders » Affordable treatment costs » Thrust on medical tourism » Improving health insurance www.thetimesofafrica.com
penetration » Increasing disposable income » Medical insurance and mandatory wellness checks by corporate houses » Government initiatives and focus on Public Private Partnership (PPP) models
Government support for health cooperation with Africa
India had launched the Pan-African e-network in 2007, with the aim to link all the secretariats of the Heads of States of 53 African nations. It was also providing tele-education and telemedicine facilities by linking hospitals in Africa with super-specialty hospitals in India. Current developments in healthcare relations between India and Africa are striking particularly the Pan African e-Network. The system of telemedicine, based on the use of electronic Information Communication and Technology, shares India’s quality healthcare with African counterparts. At present the network extends online medical services through tele consultation, by linking the 12 specialty hospitals in India to practitioners on the African continent. Ethiopia was selected for the e-network pilot project in 2007. Tele-education programmes between
Addis Ababa University, Haramaya learning centres, and the Black Lion and Nekempte hospitals in Ethiopia with Care Hospital in Hyderabad were established. The AU has short-listed three chief regional universities and two regional hospitals for participation in the e-network. These include Makerere University in Uganda, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, the University of Yaounde in Cameroon, Ibadan Hospital in Nigeria, and the Brazzaville Hospital in the Republic of Congo. As a part of the telemedicine project, live consultation is being accessible for one hour every day to each of the 53 member’s states of the AU in 18 medical disciplines, ranging from cardiology, neurology and urology to gynecology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and paediatrics. The project also extends skill improvement through the sharing of information with medical personnel in African countries through its continuing medical education (CME) programme. It is however at a budding stage and the care offered through telemedicine can be limited for surgical treatment and complicated cases that require state-ofthe-art technology.
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SECTORAL ANALYSIS
India: A Global Hub for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
TOP 10 PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES IN INDIA »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» India is rapidly becoming a global hub for all pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, and Indian generics today amount to nearly a fifth of global supplies. India tops the world in exporting generic medicines worth US $ 11 billion. Generics are anticipated to prolong to lead the market while patent-protected products are likely to constitute 10 per cent of the market till 2015 India is among the most noteworthy promising markets for the global pharma industry, given that it will feature among the world’s top 10 sales markets by 2020. The Indian pharmaceutical market is likely to finger US $ 74 billion in sales by 2020 from US $ 11 billion in 2012. The pharmaceutical market has grown at 15.7% during 2011, with major growth drivers being in the area of anti-diabetics, derma and vitamins. Currently, India is regarded as one of the fastest-growing pharma industries globally, primarily driven
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by a large population, evolving patient demographics, increasing health care expenditure, growing urbanization, rising life expectancy, and active private-sector participation. The Indian pharmaceutical industry today is in the front rank of India’s sciencebased industries with broad ranging capabilities in the complex field of drug manufacture and technology. From simple headache pills to sophisticated antibiotics and complex cardiac compounds, almost every type of medicine is now made indigenously. The Indian pharma sector raises 600 Generic brands, 600 therapeutic categories, and manufactures more than 500 different APIs. Pharma companies will maintain to nurture both organically and inorganically through alliances and partnerships and focus on improving operational efficiency and productivity. Growth in the health insurance, medical technology and mobile telephony can
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. Cipla Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Lupin Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. Sun Pharma Cadila Health Jubilant Life Wockhardt Ipca Labs
help in the industry’s growth by getting rid of financial and physical barriers to healthcare access in India.
Africa: A leading Importers of Pharmaceuticals from India
African countries are extending brilliant export opportunities for Indian pharmaceutical firms. After South Africa, Nigeria and Algeria have came out as leading importers of pharmaceutical products from India and to further combine India’s hold in the African markets, regular buyer seller meets and exhibitions are being held to demonstrate India’s pharmaceutical capabilities. At present Algeria is coming out as the second biggest pharma market in Africa with about $3 billion worth of imports and there is lot of latent for Indian pharma industry to explore and clutch the opportunities in this market. Follow us on
SECTORAL ANALYSIS
The Thriving Indian Medical Tourism
EXCeLLeNT MeDICAL CARe IN INDIA The term medical tourism is applied in common dialect to explain the occurrence of foreign patients looking for healthcare in another country at better equipped hospitals and/or at rates comparatively cheaper than in their home countries. India is emerging as a global healthcare provider because of its capability to offer world-class expertise at developing world costs. There has been a proliferation of new healthcare facilities at private centres of medical excellence in India. High-class medical infrastructure amenities, coupled with enhanced and cheaper air connections and easy access to visa facilities, are some of the factors that have contributed to the emerging scenario. The Chennaibased Apollo group of hospitals was one of the first to receive international patients, mainly people from the United Kingdom seeking cataract surgery in the early 1990s. India is alleviated with many hospitals offering world class treatments in all fields of medicine such as cardiology and cardiothoracic
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»» India offers several super specialty hospitals dedicated to providing cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery (including knee and hip replacement surgery), organ transplant surgery (including liver, kidney), Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Neurology, Urology, Gynecology / Obstetrics / Surrogacy, Psychiatry, General Medicine and General Surgery, Cancer management, Cosmetic treatments, and Dental care. With a gigantic boost in medical tourism, India has seen a massive upsurge in private sector hospitals that are devoted to overseas patients. »» Affordable and inexpensive costs of medical care services, approximately 30 % to 70 % lower than the costs in the United States, make Health Tourism to India highly appealing to an overseas patient. »» Vastly skilled, experienced and trained doctors, physicians and surgeons, of international fame and repute, perform the most complicated surgeries and procedures. Further, the doctors are supported by a strong, comprehensive and well trained paramedical force comprising of nurses, technicians, attendants, clinical co-ordinators, and nutritionists. »» The amenities offered by the hospitals are all state of the art, and the technological expertise utilized by the doctors is world class and latest. »» The hospitals use first-rate and safe implants and consumables. »» There is virtually zero wait time involved. »» The hospital staff speaks English very easily and fluently, thus eradicating any communication gaps or slip-ups.
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SECTORAL ANALYSIS surgery, diabetes, spine and joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, ophthalmology, Dentistry, Pulmonology, General Medicine. While a large number of the private hospitals in India willing to provide medical treatment to patients regardless of nationality, only a few are in the front position of encouraging the healthhospitality mix. Some of the corporate hospitals in India that lead the medical tourism revolution are: » Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre » Apollo Hospitals » Wockhardt Hospitals » Aravind Eye Hospitals » Fortis Healthcare » Leelawati Hospital » Dr. Vivek Saggar’s Dental Care & Cure Centre » NM Excellence » Manipal Hospital
» PD Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre » LV Prasad Eye Institute » B.M.Birla Herat Research Centre » Christian Medical College » Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital Apart from the private players, public sector hospitals like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has been receiving patients from many foreign countries and there is a stable boost in the number of patients, mainly for complex surgical procedures.
Attracting Patients from Africa
Over the last two decades, the economic boom in India has led to the ramping up of medical facilities & infrastructure that rival the very best that western medical care that the west has to offer. The promising world of medical tourism is drawing loads of overseas patients especially from Africa. The flourishing medical tourism industry and the various business ties and investment opportunities emerging between India and Africa provide the possibility of affordable, high-quality healthcare for those who can afford to pay for treatment abroad.
Added Advantage India is an enchanting and captivating country. It has been a tourist hot spot and has enticed foreigners predominantly because of its mysticism, spirituality, exotic locales, and rich history and culture. But, as exceptional standards of medical treatment emerge, and there is a larger demand for low-priced, yet good quality health care, and an vigorous participation of the private sector, foreign patients have started perceiving the country as a perfect destination to have medical treatments. Also as it is mentioned above, India is the home of the largest pharmaceutical industry in the world, which has a self sufficient drug production and exports drugs to over 180 countries across the globe. The strongest advantage in favor of India is its ability to provide international quality of medical care at the lowest rates, in comparison with any other part of Asia. Spa treatments, Yoga, Ayurveda and naturopathy have always tempted tourists to India. Throughout the country, there are innumerable health spas, relaxation and meditation centers that offer therapeutic healing of the body, mind and soul. The comfort, calm, and reassurance of the treatments can perk up the body’s well being by heightening its own inherent curing abilities, and can promote a sense of tranquility, and peace.
Conclusion
This analysis shows that if the Indian economy keeps on its high growth path, then the Indian pharmaceutical market and the health care sector will positively undergo a major makeover in the next decade. It further shows the medical tourism from Africa, to Indian hospitals. It also comments on the budding relationship emerging between private healthcare providers in India and Africa, as well as Indian Government support for health initiatives. www.thetimesofafrica.com
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INTERVIEW
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH...
ETHIOPIA
Nine of the world heritage sites are found in Ethiopia QUICK VIEW
H.E Mrs. Gennet Zewide
Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, New Delhi, India
ÇÇ Ethiopia is committed to peace
Ethiopia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa has made it a gateway to Africa. It is one of most stable, peaceful and progressive states in Africa. In a candid interview to THE TIMES OF AFRICA, the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E Mrs. Gennet Zewide talked about the long-standing commercial relations between Ethiopia and India and her strong vision for Ethiopia to achieve economic, political and social development to become one of the economic powers in Africa.
ÇÇ Exporting mainly agricultural products
How do you see Africa growing and what is your perspective on Ethiopia’s role in its development as an economic and political power? Africa is a resource-rich continent. It is blessed with natural resources and has a large pool of young and trainable workforce. The African continent has gone through a remarkable decade of economic transformation and this period has become an epoch of Africa’s renaissance. An increasing global demand for raw materials and abundant and inexpensive labour has created an opportunity for an increasing investment flow into the continent. The positive involvement of the emerging economies as well as that of companies from developed nations has benefited the continent to grow its economy drastically. Moreover, the continent has also started to utilize its potential by building the capacity of its
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ÇÇ Opportunities for mineral prospecting ÇÇ Establishing industrial development zones ÇÇ India can assist in technical training
manpower and developing micro and small scale enterprises that will eventually grow to medium and large scale industries. Therefore, the investment of emerging economies especially in the areas of infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, and the role of small enterprises is facilitating the continents integration in the world economy. The decade of development in Africa has been dynamic as a whole, and in particular Ethiopia’s performance is impressive and this has given the country a leverage to play a vital role in inspiring Africa’s shared growth. Ethiopia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa has made it a gateway to Africa. With a population of 84 million Ethiopia is the second populous country in Africa next to Nigeria. Ethiopia is one of most stable, peaceful and progressive states in Africa. It has a vibrant economy with 11% annual GDP growth rate for the last 9 years. Ethiopia is truly committed to peace and plays a Follow us on
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... major role both in regional issues as well as in the matters that concern Africa as a whole.
Manufacturing (garment and textile, leather and leather products, pharmaceuticals, metal, paper and printing); mining, consultancy, health care and education. According to Could you throw some light on the bilateral trade relations the data of Indian FDI from 1992-2010, 596 Indian projects with India and what are the future perspectives? has obtained approvals from the Ethiopian Investment Agency with a total approved capital of US$ 4.72 billion. Ethiopia and India have a long-standing commercial The government of Ethiopia is regularly evaluating its relations, which are centuries old and can be traced back to performance and make the necessary reform on its regulation. the past 2000 years of recorded history. Therefore, the government has revised its regulation recently Currently, the trade relation has shown an increasing trend in order to encourage investors to invest in the value whereby the total volume has reached addition. Investment Proclamation US$ 660.0 million. Ethiopia is exporting No. 769/2012 which was issued in mainly agricultural products such as September 2012 encourages the The decade of development pulses, oil seeds, spices, leather and expansion of investment especially in Africa has been dynamic opal, amounting to US$ 23.5 million. in the manufacturing sector so as to as a whole, and in particular India’s export to Ethiopia is consisting accelerate economic development. It mainly of primary and semi-finished has a provision for establishing a oneEthiopia’s performance is iron and steel products, pharmaceutical impressive and this has given stop-shop service which will execute products, machinery and instruments, the country a leverage to play the request for the necessary facilities manufactures of metal, food items, a vital role in inspiring Africa’s on behalf of the investors, including plastic products, paper and paper a request for permits, land lease shared growth products, yarns and textiles, chemicals and utilities. Establishing industrial and transport equipments amounting development zones with the necessary US$ 636.5 million. The bilateral trade infrastructure and facilities is also one is on course to reach the target of 1 billion US dollars by 2015. of the major provisions of the new proclamation. How do you propose to Indians to invest in your country? What kinds of reforms have been made to attract FDI?
Ethiopia offers a vast investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and mining sectors. The potential sub-sectors in agriculture sector are horticulture, plantation crops namely; cotton, palm tree and rubber tree and livestock. In the manufacturing sector there are a vast opportunities especially in the production of food, beverages, textiles and garment, leather goods, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallic and non-metallic minerals and pulp and paper. Ethiopia offers opportunities for mineral prospecting and development. There are deposits of gold, tantalum, platinum, nickel, potash and soda ash. Included in the construction and industrial minerals are marble, granite, limestone, clay, gypsum, gemstone, iron ore, coal, cooper, silica, diatomite, bentonite, etc. With regards to fossil energy resources, there are significant opportunities for oil and natural gas. Indian FDI has now become one of the largest investments in Ethiopia, the majority being in the agriculture sector. More investors are now engaged in the value addition areas of manufacturing sector. Indian companies have invested in various sectors such as agriculture (cotton, horticulture, floriculture, bio- fuel, soya bean, edible oil crops, dairy farm); www.thetimesofafrica.com
As the booming small scale enterprises spell hope for a country’s future, how do you recommend India’s assistance in setting up of small scale business incubators in your country? The development of micro and small scale enterprises plays a vital role in achieving the socio-economic objectives of balancing the regional development especially in rural and semi-urban areas of the country. The government of Ethiopia is supporting micro and small scale enterprises so that they can serve to achieve the purpose of economic and social progress. In this connection, Ethiopia’s micro and small enterprises have received special attention during the past two decades. The government is providing with the necessary inputs such as the provision of loan, land and trainings. Strengthening and supporting these enterprises has a multi dimensional benefit which addresses a wide range of social and economic issues. This is because these enterprises can be operated with a small capital and can involve a large number of work forces at a grass root level. Furthermore, it can easily be integrated in the local market and they play a role in mobilizing resources, employment creation and serve as a base for medium and large scale industries. However, these enterprises have various limitations MARCH-APRIL 2013 THE TIMES OF AFRICA
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IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... The government of Ethiopia has formulated an ambitious and yet achievable five year plan, the Growth and Transformation Plan from 2010/11-2014/15. The plan lays a foundation for the transformation of the economy from agriculture based to industrialized economy. Building and strengthening institutions and good governance is the major Tourism is one of the largest and dynamically developing issues that are included in the plan. Furthermore, the plan has sectors of external economic activates. What are the steps also encompasses the MDG goals. Thus, Ethiopia is working taken by your government to promote tourism? towards democratization, economic development as well as achieving social development. Ethiopia is an ancient land with rich history and is home of By the year 2020-23 Ethiopia has a vision to achieve a pre historic civilization. Ethiopia is a cultural mosaic country middle income economy. The progress where more than 80 ethnic groups report so far has already shown of people having different cultures, encouraging results which indicates traditions, and religions live together Ethiopian Airlines has the best that Ethiopia will achieve its vision. for centu¬ries in peace and harmony. connection with daily flight The private sector is considered as the The country is also rich with natural and wildlife. Nine of the world heritage from Mumbai and New Delhi engine of the economy, the government sites recognized by UNESCO are found to Addis Ababa. It only takes is supporting the private sector by providing the necessary infrastructure, in Ethiopia. 5½ hours to reach Addis building the capacity of the workforce. The capital city, Addis Ababa, Ababa from New Delhi. Visa A remarkable progress has been known as the diplomatic hub of Africa, on Arrival service is provided at achieved in the all sectors. Ethiopia is and is an ideal place for organizing the airport in Addis Ababa for progressing in its mega projects which conferences and international Indian tourists includes the construction of a 5,000 events. Ethiopian Airlines has the km railway network, 10 big sugar best connection with daily flight from industries and 6 fertilizer companies Mumbai and New Delhi to Addis that will accelerate the transformation to industrialization. Ababa. It only takes 5½ hours to reach Addis Ababa from New Ethiopia has committed to growing green and has Delhi. Visa on Arrival service is provided at the airport in Addis increasingly using its vast hydropower and promising Ababa for Indian tourists. geothermal energy resources. The total potential is for 60,000 The flow of Indian tourists has shown an increasing trend, MW (hydropower 45,000, wind, solar and geothermal 15,000 i.e., from 2,066 tourists in 1997 to more than 10,000 currently. MW). Renaissance Dam, which is Africa’s largest hydroelectric Since Ethiopia is a new destination for Indian tourists, we are power plant project, will have a capacity of 6000 MW when it promoting our touristic attraction by using media and working is completed. It has a plan to be power hub of the region by with Indian tour operators. Most importantly the Embassy exporting electric power to neighbouring countries. has recently opened the Ethiopian Cultural Centre within its Witnessing the encouraging results in all areas, I can compound and has started promoting Ethiopian food, culture confidently say that, Ethiopia will achieve economic, political and tourist destination. and social development as per the plan and has a potential to become one of the economic powers in Africa. Where do you see Ethiopia five years down the line? among which lack of technical and managerial skills and lack of efficient and modern equipment are the major ones. Therefore, India can assist in technical training and the transfer of adaptable technologies.
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Presence of KS UnitĂŠ in Africa
Tunisia Morocco Algeria
Egypt
Libya
Mauritania Mali
Niger
Senegal Guinea Bissau
Burkina Faso Guinea Conakry
Liberia
Benin Ghana Cote D Iviore Togo
Eriteria
Sudan
Chad
The Gambia
Djibouti Nigeria Ethiopia
Cameroon
Gabon
Central African Republic
Congo
Somalia D R Congo
Uganda
Kenya Seychelles
Rwanda Burundi Tanzania
Comoros Angola
Zambia
Malawi
Zimbabwe Mozambique Namibia
Offices Ksinfosystems Heal&Bliss KS Academy Lesdep Indocorp
South Africa
Madagascar
Mauritius
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH...
Guinea Conakry
Get incorporated in Guinea in 1-3 days QUICK VIEW ÇÇ Inviting all the young Indian enterprises ÇÇ Need technical & financial assistance from BRICS countries
H.E. Mrs. Ramatoulaye Bah
Minister of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, Guinea Conakry
Dubbed as the Geological Miracle, Guinea is striving high to involve India in its growth process. Stressing on the significance of the SME sector of the country, the Minister of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, H.E. Mrs. Ramatoulaye Bah discussed in detail about the kind of partnerships postulated from the Indian counterparts. Excellency as you are here in India to attend the 9th edition of CII partnership summit 2013, do you think it’s a good platform to capitalize on booming opportunities between Africa and India? Definitely, I think Africa should really seize this opportunity that is being offered by India to strengthen its relationship and also to take advantage of the economic & social progress that India has made. The exchange between India and various nations of Africa can be beneficial for both. SMEs have been considered as the engines of economic growth worldwide. How do you see India’s assistance in setting up incubator centres for the small scale industries in Guinea?
Practically 80 – 85% of the businesses in Guinea are still in the informal sector and we are trying to move it to formal. Therefore, we do need technical & financial assistance from
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ÇÇ Participating in the World Bank Group Programme i.e. Doing Business ÇÇ Country holds two-thirds of the world’s reserves of Bauxite ÇÇ Guinean woman is free
other countries of the world, and particularly from the BRICS countries that are the emerging economies. We particularly need capacity building for our young entrepreneurs. Also, we would like to benefit from India’s fund that has been set aside for Africa through EXIM Bank. Through our Embassy here in India, we are inviting all the Indian enterprises so they can transfer some of their know-how to our own enterprises. Guinea is open, all sectors are virgin. We have bountiful fruits & vegetables, rice, coffee, cocoa amongst others. Guinea holds two-thirds of the world’s reserves of Bauxite. We have our Government, whose President was elected democratically for the first time ever since independence, in1958. Private sector is a key player in the process of improving the business environment. How developed is the sector of your country?
It is not well-developed, not the way we would like to see it. Currently, we are undertaking lot of efforts to reorganize Follow us on
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... the organization of the private sector. We are facilitating the election of members of the Chambers of Commerce & Industry. In addition to that, we are participating in the World Bank Group Programme which is referred to as “Doing Business”. It includes about 186 countries of the world and Guinea is also a part of it. For the first time ever we were able to undertake 3 reforms and to bring our overall score for a better business environment in the world, by 3 places. One of the reforms is the ease of incorporating a company. Initially, when an investor comes to Guinea they used to spend from 90 days to sometimes 6 months to just get incorporated. Now, we have reduced that time from 1 to 3 days only. An investor can benefit from tax and custom duties that are included in our investment code. According to sources, Guinea’s long delayed parliamentary elections will finally take place on May 12, 2013. What are your expectations associated with it?
We do welcome this date, May 12 because if it happens it will end a long transition in which we are. We are reaching out to the opposition leaders so that they can make it easy for the population to get a national assembly like any other country. What kind of partnerships are you currently looking at from the end of the Indian part? On the Indian part, I can refer to the priorities that have been set by our President H.E. Mr. Alpha Condé with his entire Government, i.e.–Agriculture, Education, Health and Infrastructure.
The advancement of women and equality between the sexes is a matter of human rights. What is the role of women in your country? Guinean woman is free and can exceed to any position in Government or anywhere, there is no prohibition. Women in Guinea have been really at the fore front for the liberation and the freedom of the country itself. We are trying to push the Government to have a higher percentage of women in the Government and in other public agencies. Last Words….
This was an opportunity for me to come to India through the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and actually I really must want to thank them. Special thanks to the Minster of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Anand Sharma, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the entire management of CII. And we hope that CII would provide some technical assistance to a similar organization in my own country. www.thetimesofafrica.com
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IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... Seychelles
Growing hopes of finding oil in Seychelles QUICK VIEW ÇÇ Able to make a sizeable dent in the effects of piracy ÇÇ Abundance of opportunity for renewable energy ÇÇ We have a good number of SMEs ÇÇ Coastal Surveillance Radar System would be set up
H.E. Mr. Jean Paul Adam
Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Seychelles
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the region and of the member states. It was clear after having a conversation with the Foreign Minister about the vision of the country to enhance and boost the bilateral relations with India. The Minister mouthed on the domains where India’s contribution would be rewarding.
Please tell us about the main objective of your esteemed visit to India. My President H.E. Mr. James Michel was scheduled to visit India to receive the official donation for Dornier DO-228 aircraft to Seychelles to carry out surveillance and anti-piracy missions and also to participate in the Delhi Development Summit. Unfortunately, Seychelles had heavy flooding last weekend so, the President had to postpone his visit. So, I came to represent him and to receive the aircraft on his behalf and also to represent him at the Delhi Development Summit. Talking about the booming relations between Seychelles and India, what are the specific efforts of your Ministry to further enhance the friendship ties between both the countries? The relations between Seychelles and India are very cordial and excellent as there is natural affinity after sharing the same ocean. In recent years, we have developed very strong part-
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nership based on shared security. We share the same vision of peace and prosperity that involves working together to improve the bio-diversity prospects by fighting against piracy and also by preventing illegal fishing. I think the great opportunity that India offers to us is the democratization of the technology. So, there is a lot going on in the business community which I think will be of great interest for Indian investors. How developed is the private sector of Seychelles?
In Seychelles, we have a sizeable community of Indian origin people. We import a lot of our agricultural produce from India and we also export certain things to India like metal, fish and so on. There is a very strong culture of trade between the two countries. We believe a lot more is possible, particularly if we could enhance the maritime trade links because smaller countries like Seychelles are disproportionately affected by the fact that big maritime trading companies do not necessarily focus on them. I think if the possibility of a direct cargo ship coming to Seychelles could open, it would be beneficial. Follow us on
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... What about the issue of piracy in Seychelles? Through the strong partnership that we have with India and also with other partners such as European Union, we have been able to make a sizeable dent in the effects of piracy. There has been a very strong turn because with the assistance from India, we have stood up very strongly to say that if you are a pirate you will be either arrested or there would be military action taken against you. The number of piracy attacks has been diminished dramatically and this is why I think through the partnership that we have developed is going forward which looks at having maritime highways that are safe. We would also be setting up a Coastal Surveillance Radar System with the Automatic Identification System. This would help track unidentified vessels in the seas and help curb piracy.
As we are aware that Seychelles has formed an image of unique destination for tourism. What all are the efforts from your Government in order to attract tourists from India? India is an emerging market for us. I mean the traditional tourism in Seychelles has been Europe focused because of our colonial past. But, now the trend definitely is looking at India. A lot of people in India know about Seychelles in a general way but, they are not aware of the amenities offered by Seychelles.
We are working very hard to develop this as a partnership.
In which all particular sectors investment will be particularly fruitful for the Indian investors to invest in? Seychelles is a very small country but we take it is an opportunity rather than a difficulty. It’s true that some companies, they look at the size of the market and neglect it but on the other hand it has a very advanced market in terms of services. We are a part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) which has a potential market of half a billion people in that region. In Seychelles, we offer very advantage of tax redemption. Seychelles is an open and service driven economy, there is a lot of opportunity to build a service based industry in Seychelles with a view to expanding into the African continent. Talking about the health sector, what is the level of medical services available in the Seychelles?
We are probably amongst the best in Africa but a lot of Seychellois travel to India for medical tourism because India has some of the best in the world. So, I would say there is a real opportunity for Indian medical professionals or companies involved in medical sector to look at establishing branches in Seychelles. Any other sector in which you feel Seychelles can seek India’s assistance?
We are talking in a very open and in a very constructive manner with many Indian companies about the oil sector, as there has been growing hopes of finding oil in Seychelles. Renewable energy is something very interesting again because in Seychelles we have abundance of opportunity for renewable energy. I am also a great believer in SMEs. It’s the engine for growth and development of any country. In Seychelles, we actually have a good number of SMEs that are already connecting with similar size SMEs in India. So, there are a lot of opportunities in all those lines. What about the scope for setting up the small scale incubators in the country?
Hon. Minister posing with the magazine after the interview session
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Absolutely, there is a lot of potential when you look at the fact that we are the African country which is closest to India geographically. It’s very interesting to look at having an incubation project in Seychelles that can be up scaled in other African countries that are emerging. MARCH-APRIL 2013 THE TIMES OF AFRICA
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IN RENDEZVOUS WITH...
south africa
BRICS had its conference on African soil first time QUICK VIEW ÇÇ A market oriented and liberalized economy H.E. Mr. Malose W Mogale
Deputy High Commissioner & Minister Plenipotentiary, South African High Commission, New Delhi
South Africa is an emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources. With a diversified economy and a good investment climate, the country has been attracting the attention of investors from world over. In an exclusive interview with THE TIMES OF AFRICA, the Deputy Head of Mission of the South Africa High Commission in New Delhi, India talks about the assets of the country. How do you see Africa growing and what is your perspective on South Africa’s role in its development as an economic and political power? South Africa is an integral part of Africa. Our foreign policies premised on consolidation of the African agenda. We strive to achieve the economic and political integration of Africa. Africa’s development is intrusively beamed with the development of South Africa. President Jacob Zuma, on the occasion of BRICS Summit has invited all African Heads of States who are the leading members of Regional Economic community. It was the first time that BRICS had its conference on the African soil. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa ended their talks in the South African city of Durban. Projections of Africa is to be the second most fast growing economy after Asia and we therefore see ourselves as a gateway towards the African market. We have all that it takes to ensure that we consolidate Africa as an economic power. According to sources, the bi-lateral trade of South Africa with India is expected to reach 15 billion USD by 2014.
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ÇÇ Our Visa regime is also flexible ÇÇ Jacob Zuma RDP Education Trust has benefited over 20,000 young people ÇÇ Projections of Africa to be the second most fast growing economy after Asia
What are your efforts to achieve this figure and how do you see India as a partner for development in Africa? Indo-Africa relations are managed through AU. India has made tremendous investment in South Africa. We are exporting a lot of precious metals to India. As you are aware that South Africa is endowed with a lot of minerals, so we can take this as an opportunity for growth of both the countries. Our President accompanied us about a week ago to discuss on the issues to how to maximize our presence in these countries. We are indeed in a process to meet with a lot of Indian companies. As I speak to you here, our Minister of Energy is here in India to discuss the possibilities of mutual development as part of the ongoing of the social, cultural and economic ties that we have established. How much growth you find in South Africa’s tourism sector due to inflow of Indian tourist?
In 2011, approx 90,375 Indians have visited South Africa. The department of tourism to ensure that we should Follow us on
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... reached by 1, 00,000 tourists from India alone. We have realized that India has a 300 million middle class population that has available cash and ready to move in the world. Therefore we have also ensured that our Visa regime is also flexible. In South Africa, we have special security police looking after the tourists to ensure that they are safe. Indeed, we strive to go deeper as we have identified areas in India, to ensure that we maximize and promote South Africa as a destination for tourism.
South African President H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma is pushing a concept of 3 T’s- Teachers, Textbooks and Time for the implementation of basic education in the country. Kindly shed some light on this.
education to that extent that he has established Jacob Zuma RDP Education Trust. Over the years, the Jacob Zuma RDP Education Trust has benefited over 20 000 young people. Currently, it is supporting 1200 young people at tertiary and basic education levels. What is the level of presence of IT in your country?
We have skill institutions that encourage and provoke to innovation, research and development. These are some of the improvements that can be initiated by Government to ensure that we make use of ICT as a part of economic development and job creation. Your last message…………..
Improving South African education is high among the Government’s priorities for basic education in the country. President Zuma received no formal schooling. He opted to focus his attention on providing access to education for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and youth in the country. On looking at his background he has taken a keen interest in
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We encourage Indian investors to look at South Africa as an investment destination. South Africa is a market oriented and liberalized economy with immense opportunities. Investment would be secured in the country. We hope that we continue with same relationship in moving to the future.
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IN RENDEZVOUS WITH...
uganda
The pearl of Africa is shining QUICK VIEW
H.E. Ms. Nimisha Jayant Madhvani
High Commissioner, Uganda High Commission, New Delhi
ÇÇ Africa’s potential has always been enormous ÇÇ Strong code for women ÇÇ Agro processing is a strong sector ÇÇ Need to have inter rail and air connectivity
There is no other country in Africa like Uganda – The Pearl of Africa. The High Commissioner of Uganda to India H.E. Ms. Nimisha Jayant Madhvani talks to Kanchi Batra, Editor-in-Chief, THE TIMES OF AFRICA about the peculiar plans of the Government of Uganda to attract the tourists to watch out the amazed beauty and its natural wonders.
How would you comment on the relation between Africa and India and how do you see this continent growing? Africa’s potential has always been enormous. Historically also when British went from India to East Africa, they encouraged the railway building, they took Gujaratis and Punjabis to build the railway. The potential is immense in Africa as Indians started their businesses in Africa in 1880’s which is a long time. What are your considerations for the 9th set of CII Conclave?
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) captures Africa in its totality. It’s very important to look at the holistic opportunities in Africa at this conclave. I believe it’s very important to have Heads of State but I think before that most importantly the Indian Government should take an extremely high level delegation to visit countries in Africa at the Prime Minister’s or the President’s level. It is the opportunity that the conclave will give but before that if the Indian government can go to countries like Uganda they will see this host of investment and political ac-
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tivities that are going on the continent for the global peace and security and economic development. Talking about the advancement of women, what according to you is the role of women in your country?
Uganda is one of the most leading countries in the world today on the role of women. We have a strong code for women; new laws being passed for domestic violence, amendments for the constitution, for the protection and the advancement and equality of women. In Uganda, women are equal to men. I think it shows that there is a huge emphasis on the role of women. Uganda is one of the leading countries globally having women at the decision level. What all are the major areas where investment would be profitable for the Indian investors? One of the very important areas is agro processing but for that you must have infrastructure. To have infrastructure you should have more public private partnership. We need to actually fast track the process, we need to have inter rail connectivFollow us on
IN RENDEZVOUS WITH... ity and inter air connectivity between the 54 countries in Africa. For food processing, you can take advantage of the tax free, duty free, quota free agreements between regions like ECOWAS, SADC, EAC and COMESA. Uganda has been recently awarded as the number one destination for the bird watching.
The crested crane, the National Bird of Uganda, adorns the center of the flag and stands on one leg facing. With over 1.000 bird species found in Uganda, bird watching has brought in growing numbers of hobby ornithologists from around the world but even within has ‘birding’ found new friends. Uganda has a very diverse culture, landscape, flora, and fauna. What all are the efforts of the High Commission in order to promote the tourism sector in India specifically?
We are constantly promoting Uganda whether it for business or for tourism. Last year, the President of Confederation of Indian Industry, Mr. Adi Godrej went to a business meeting to Uganda and we convinced him to go on Friday evening when
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they had their meeting on Monday. We showed him and his group the tourist opportunities we have. Uganda is the paradise of ecotourism, where visitors are welcome as the people see them as a vehicle for a sustainable tourism development. In coming next 5 years where do you see Uganda?
H.E. Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of Uganda is one of the global leaders of Africa. Uganda is already a rising star and takes leadership on food, security and investment promotion. He is a leader who is leading the country on a prosperous path in this direction. Last Message…..
Come and see the beauty of Africa, and of Uganda. We have 28 degrees all year around. We have no humidity. We have snow Cap Mountains in the parts of west. We have the River Nile where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed. We look forward to welcoming all of them. The pearl of Africa is shining so that you wear it around your mind and around your neck every day. Look forward to welcoming you all.
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BRANDS & BUSINESSES
KETA INDUSTRIAL SALT ESTATE TO BE ESTABLISHED THIS YEAR
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overnment of Ghana in partnership with Zoomlion Ghana ltd. is to establish an Industrial Salt Estate at Keta in the Volta Region, to produce sufficient volumes of salt to support the country’s petrochemical industry. “The Keta Industrial Salt Estate is going to generate and support the downstream petrochemical and industrial sector,” EC of Zoomlion Group Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong disclosed when he paid a courtesy call on the Awoemefia of the Anlo state Togbe Sri III at his residence in Keta. The first phase of the salt project
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estimated at $191 million is expected to produce about 600,000 metric tonnes annually within the first four years while the second phase starts in the fifth year with an estimated value of 1.2 million metric tonnes after other communities are added to the present list. Dr. Agyepong explained that the Volta region is economically viable and as a result his outfit is highly elated to be associated with the Keta Industrial Salt estate. He said the recent oil find in the area called for massive salt production to feed the industry which is expected to start by the end of 2013 adding that
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Keta has enough natural resources to be transformed into an industrial hub. He expressed gratitude to the Awoemefia for his blessings and pledged that the board of the project would be structured in a way that gives the Anlo state equity. “This project is going to be more localized to ensure that people in the volta region derive maximum benefits” Dr. Agyepong assured. The Awoemefia of the Anlo state togbui Sri III who received Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong and his entourage in the company of his Abadada, Togbe Agbesi Awusu, war lord of the Anlo state and Togbe Gbodzor of Woe, right
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wing chief of Woe and other chiefs and elders welcomed the idea and expressed optimism that the project would open the area up to development. He however expressed concern over the environmental challenges associated with salt mining and cautioned the project managers to ensure that the Keta Industrial Salt estate becomes a blessing and not a curse. “My plea is that you will be extremely vigilant so that your good ideas may not cause any harzards in my town”. The EC of Zoomlion and his entourage made of up Ghana’s ambassador to
Malaysia, Dan Abodakpi, MP for Keta Richard Quashigah and a technical team later engaged the opinion leaders in keta in a meeting at the office of the Keta Municipal Assembly. The MP for the area Richard Quashigah expressed confidence in the project explaining that it will improve the employment opportunities in the area. According to the project coordinator, Selasie Tamakloe said the aqua-culture zones spanning 29 communities with about 6,000 acres include communities such as Tregui, Adzato, Klomikpota,
Kpordui, Agortoe, Agorvinu, and Atasiavi, while over 40 salt mining communities with an area size of 25,000 acres include Seva, Anyako, Aveli, Atiavi Glime, Aboilorve, Tsiame and AnloAfiadenyigba. He added that the salt could be converted into caustic soda for aluminum production and assured that all risk assessments have been carried out and therefore the project will not affect the livelihood of the people. The Municipal Chief Executive, Sylvester Tornyeava lauded the project and appealed for more local content.
The Awoemefia of Anlo state, Togbui Sri III in a handshake with Dr. Agyepong
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BRANDS & BUSINESSES
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HANA is set to provide yet another lead in the waste management sector in West Africa as the Institute of Sanitation and Waste Management begins operations in July, this year. So far, 100 people from Liberia, Benin, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire have already applied to the institute seeking admission even before the opening of the institute in the next two month. Ghana is currently faced with dire waste management challenges. Indiscriminate littering and illegal dumping of both solid and liquid waste is still rife in many parts of the national capital. Officials of Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies, (MMDAs) especially in the Accra metropolis have been struggling for years to deal with the solid waste menace. The establishment of the Institute of Sanitation and Waste Management led by Zoomlion Ghana Limited is, therefore seen by many in the sector as timely as it seeks to provide a bridge between
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education and waste management, which according to the Director of the institute; Mr. Patrick W Cline is very much needed at this time of Ghana’s waste management trials. Waste management officials at the various MMDAs will be among the first batch of students that will be provided with skills to upgrade their knowledge and consequently improve on sanitation in the country. “There is nothing like what we are doing here. It’s the first in West Africa. The only country in Africa that has such a facility is South Africa”, Mr. Cline told THE TIMES OF AFRICA. Students who complete the certificate, diploma or degree programmes would be expected to understand the concept and importance of environmental sanitation management, comprehend the scope of environmental sanitation management, identify unique challenges and problems in sanitation and formulate solutions to the problems. Students would also be expected to learn the concept of sustainability as it applies to sanitation management,
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effective implementation of the sanitation laws, select appropriate technology for waste collection and also understand the importance of the social and behavioral aspects of sanitation. The institute will award certificates, diplomas and degrees in various sanitation and environment related studies, with the aim of sharpening the skills of those in the waste management sector across Africa. Mr. Cline stated that the university would also offer consultancy and research on waste management issues in close collaboration with foreign universities and institutions including the Earth University Council in Colombia, US, West Ontario University in Canada and North Carolina A & T, also in the US. The institute will also work closely with other agencies, the modalities according to Mr. Cline were still being discussed to try and change behavior, which is seen as key in the fight against poor sanitation. “We do recognize that sanitation is such a social behavior problem as a hard science problem, Mr. Cline stated. Follow us on
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Zoomlion CEO, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong with Dr. Richard Roberts after the ceremony
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r. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zoomlion Ghana Limited was last Wednesday honored by the Oral Roberts Ministry of the United States of America. The ceremony to confer the honour on Dr. Agyepong took place at the Zoomlion Head Office in Accra. The award was in recognition of Dr .Agyepong’s contribution to education, human development and the church. Dr. Agyepong is one out of five people being honoured by the Ministry in Ghana. Other recipients of the award
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include the President of the republic of Ghana His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. Dr. Richard Roberts, the President of the Oral Roberts Ministries congratulated the staff and management of Zoomlion Ghana limited for the wonderful work they are doing in Ghana and other African countries. He said Ghana is one of the 40 countries the Lord has touched him to minister in and as such plans are far advanced for more crusades in Ghana next year. Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong upon receiving the award was grateful to the Lord almighty, the Board of directors,
Management and the entire staff of the company who have supported him all these years. The Founder and President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, also addressed the staff and management of Zoomlion and asked them to let the lord lead them in everything that they do and he will also not turn his back on them. Mrs. Florence Larbi, Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, assured Dr. Roberts that the entire foundation of the company rests on Godliness, fellowship and faith in God as keys to growth and success of the company.
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BRANDS & BUSINESSES
H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India delivering the address
Shri Pankaj Kapoor, State President, Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry honoring the Ambassador of Burkina Faso
Bouquet giving ceremony
Delegation sharing a light moment A delegation from Burkina Faso eliciting on a subject
Partnership Summit 2013, HCCI India – Burkina Faso
Haryana Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the voice of Haryana. Recently HCCI organized a Partnership Summit 2013, HCCI India – Burkina Faso West Africa B 2 B Meeting for Enduring Growth in Panipat and Karnal under the Stewardship of State President Pankaj Kapoor. H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua OUEDRAOGO, Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India led a delegation of Burkinabe business men to Karnal and Panipat from 21st to 22nd March 2013. During these two days the delegates interacted closely with industrialists and entrepreneurs in these two cities.
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Follow your dreams Get an opportunity to work with an
Admissions Open for January, 2013 Session
INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION While Studying
KS Institute of Media & Management Studies
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Small and Medium Enterprises Exposition 2013 Afro-Asian Consultant, Indocorp organized their annual Small and Medium Enterprises Exposition for the year 2013 from 16-20th March. A lot of African delegation took part in this exhibition to explore business opportunities amidst Indian Manufacturers and Exporters. It was an excellent prospect for the Indian Manufacturers to prop up their products and technologies through this display. A big range of Indian manufacturers and exporters specializing in the SME sector like Modern Agro Engineering Works, Kishori Kirpa Enterprises, Sant Engineering Works and B SEN Barry & Co. amongst others displayed their stall at this exhibition. www.thetimesofafrica.com
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BRANDS & BUSINESSES
LESDEP BECOMING BIGGER AND BETTER WITH COMPLETION OF PHASE-I
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ocal Enterprises & Skills Development Program is committed to introduce new value addition skills based businesses in Africa. After achieving remarkable achievement in Ghana, it has now amplified its horizons in other African countries. It has taken up the charge to provide the African
youth with requisite training for the unemployed to acquire the skills in order to become self employed. Since its inception, it has received great support from the Government of Ghana. This mammoth programme has made noteworthy footsteps in creating jobs, providing the machineries for numerous beneficiaries across the country. Africa’s
BURKINA FASO
multi-faceted growth challenges would be hard to take in hand without an explicit thoughtfulness of the issue of skills and human capacity. LESDEP has the power to change Africa. LESDEP is driving Africa’s growth through intensifying its operations in Niger, Senegal, Rwanda, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau and Burkina Faso.
LESDEP believes that employment is empowerment and the cornerstone of safe and healthy communities. Last year, LESDEP handed over 100 nos. of Mobile Repairing Kits, Sewing Machines and Equipments & Items for public health and hygiene to the Embassy of Burkina Faso in New Delhi in support of activities to provide employment generating opportunities for youth and women of Burkina Faso as an act of donation. This initiative was basically aimed at cultivating entrepreneurship and employment generating opportunities for the people of Burkina Faso. Further, LESDEP would now depute trainers to Burkina Faso wherein, they would bear all the expenses of the travel, accommodation & local transportation of the trainers in Burkina Faso. The training session would be of 6-8 weeks.
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LESDEP A PANACEA TO UNEMPLOYMENT Understanding Youth, Unemployment and Skills in Africa
Ghana: P.O. Box M177 Madina-Accra, 4th Norla Street, Labone, Accra, Close to Churcheese Restaurant T: +030 2765 527, E: info@lesdepgh.org, W: www.lesdepgh.org India: Garg Shopping Mall, Plot No. 1, 2, 3, Near Bhagwan Parshuram Institute of Technology, Opp. Sec. 11 (Extn.), Rohini Phase-II, New Delhi-110085, India
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SENEGAL
LESDEP has entered into a partnership with ANAMO (under Ministry of Youth and Employment) to train 100 youth in mobile phone repairing and 100 youth in Laundry services. The foundation following the partnership is to create employment amongst the Senegalese youth. The pilot phase of the project will be started with training of the trainers in the mobile phone repairing module. The project has been very successfully launched by the Minister.
GUINEA CONAKRY In the West African nation, Guinea Conakry, the programme has been undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Jeunsse of Youth Employment and Sports. LESDEP has taken the responsibility for the technical implementation of the project through training and provision of equipment. LESDEP is committed to provide Fifty (50) Mobile repair kits and Fifty (50) sewing machines as well as provide educational materials for the phase one of the programme after which the second phase will begin.
NIGER
LESDEP signed an MOU with the Ministry of Training and Employment, Niger seeking to provide training and skills development to the West African nation’s teeming youth to help reduce unemployment, develop the human resource capacity of the youth and women in Niger. LESDEP has helped in the deployment of trainers in the country after providing one hundred (100) repair kits for mobile phones, hundred (100) sewing machines as well as educational materials and equipments for the phase one of the programme after which the second phase will begin. On a special invitation of the First Lady of the Republic of Niger Her Excellency Dr. Malika Issoufou Mahamadou, Mr. Rohit Khattar, CEO, Springboard and LESDEP visited Niger. This visit was in line with the implementation of the first phase of the skill development and youth employment programme initiated together by the Government of Niger and LESDEP based in New Delhi, India.
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GUINEA BISSAU LESDEP has submitted its proposal to H.E. Mr. Rui Duarte de Barros, Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau. The Prime Minister showed keen interest in the programme and agreed on the significance of improving the quality and skills level of the youth of any country. He appreciated and recognized the activities of LESDEP in enhancing competitiveness and providing decent employment to the deserving youth.
RWANDA LESDEP has also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of the Republic of Rwanda for setting up a LESDEP SKILL CENTRE in Rwanda. LESDEP will help in the establishment of training and enterprise development centre in the Republic of Rwanda in the various sectors of capacity building like Food Processing, Chalk Making, Candle Making, Oil Expelling, Toilet Soap Making, Agro Processing and Packaging and Office Automation/ PC Software and computer Fundamentals. Under the terms of agreement, LESDEP will train the people of Rwanda in these verticals with appropriate technical backing.
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DOCTOR’S ADVICE
OBESITY ITS CONSEQUENCES & INFORMATION, EDUCATION & MANAGEMENT
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besity is defined as increase body weight due to excessive fat mostly in the abdomen, due to excessive intake and decrease energy expenditure and/or combination of the two. It is prevalent in children, adults, male and female are over the World, and 30% of the world population is overweight. In India presently there are 15 million obese, most of the affluent persons have positive energy balance, due to life style changes and decreased physical activity and mobility due to modernization. i. Diagnosis is made on basis of Body Mass Index = Height in Kg/ Height in metres x Height in metres Underweight of BMI 1 8 . 5 0 Overweight of BMI 25-30 Obese of BMI 30-39 Normal of BMI 18-25 ii. Waist/ Hip Ratio Measurement: Waist/Hip Ratio - Increased waist measurement decides extent of obesity. Normal waist in adults: Male – 30.4inches; Female – 28.5inches. Waist above 35 in male and 30.2 in female needs help. Ministry of Health, Govt. of India has defined that BMI of above 23 is overweight and BMI above 25 is obese and also normal waist measure of men is 90 and 102 is women.
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iii. Family History positive factor: If one parent obese, 10% children obese and if both parents obese, 80% children obese. It is a major risk factor for chronic disease. It is a time bomb.
Causes of Obesity
The root cause is desire to satisfy the taste buds is increased due to genex which control appetite and metabolism. i. Food Intake – Macdonaldisation of food is the word. There is improper diet with more fat like ghee, oil and sugary sweets, use of milk products. Family eating habits like eating junk food, pizza, fried chips, hamburgers, sugar drinks like pepsi, cola which have increased. Families like to eat in restaurants outside the house where oily; ghee food and sugar sweets are served. Overeating is the only reason. ii. Schools have vending machine fast food sales counters children do not bring lunch for various reasons
Change in Modern Physical Activity Pattern & Entertainment
Reduced physical activity decrease the use of energy and so excessive energy, gets stored as fatty tissue and you become fat. Children spend more time of watching TV, video, computer games,
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travel in car, use lifts not staircase. Non availability of parks makes it difficult to participate in games involving walking, running and movement. Too little sleep adds to problem. i. Another reason is both parents working provide no control of children’s diet and lack of exercise. ii. Stress also plays an important part for faulty eating as it triggers compulsive eating. Smoking also help. Some drugs and medicine also increase appetite. Phenotheazne, steroids and antidopronsans.
Consequences of Obesity
Obesity is a insidious killer and major contributing cause of preventable disease both physical and mental are involved i. Diabetes Type II – When we eat sugar, blood produces insulin to keep sugar in limits. In obesity insulin becomes resistant and not able to control blood sugar and produces diabetes. ii. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure) and strokes are due to high sugar. iii. Lung disease – difficulty in breathing iv. Increased gall stones and liver disease v. Bone osteoarthritis cancers of colon vi. Skin darkening and fungal infection. Follow us on
DOCTOR’S ADVICE vii. More risk of cancer viii. Infertility and menstrutal disorders ix. Obese persons more likely to die in car crash as person are propelled far further forwards during collosion and their additional soft issue prevents the seat belt lightening against pelvic bones Obese person have increased risk of premature death than normal. Ones there is effect on economy, family spends more on food and illness. Obesity is the single most common problem and should be recognized as a disease. Obese people suffer from loss of esteem and reduced quality of life. There is social discrimination which leads to antisocial and depressive tendencies and physiological effects.
There should be education programmes in schools. Schools should be important component to help. They should plan excessive programmes and games and need support of teachers. Nutrition education & awareness about calories, nutritional intake of different foods and restriction high fat containing food. Fasting does not provide loss of weight but only reduction of wat er whic h quic kly recovers prolonged fasting. Do not give food as a bribe.
Treatment
Drugs
i. Treat early and preventive measures should be taken. Establish a reasonable weight loss. Initial goal be 10% weight reduction on weight. Drink plenty of water and take no beverages, eating less ghee and oil. Take diet first and green vegetables only. Eat 5-6 times per day small meals. Avoid night time snacks. Avoid canned food, processed food, add milk food. Make patient aware of the side effects of the problem of obesity. Green tea also reduces weight so can be taken. Practice deep breathing and relaxation exercise. Yoga and laughter is the healthiest exercise. ii. Physical Activity: Exercise is important energy expenditure and a means to sustain diet. Everyday 30min, walking stationary cycling, and increase with time. Swimming, gardening achieves calorie reduction. Slow intestinity anerobic exercise. Management obesity is a team work. There is need for education programme and they should change the family diet.
Pharmalogical drugs can be used as an intervention based on BMI and Waist measurement along with dietary restriction can help and may be considered. Two drugs are:Siburamine acts by inhibiting the update of food and post ingestive safety. Oristol does not suppress appetite so is a lipase inhibitor and acts on lumen of stomach and intestines about 30% ingested food is not absorbed. Fat remains unabsorbed and undigested. 120 mg three doses in a day are given. These medicines can be given for a limited time. No drugs before 15 years age patient.
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Surgery
Barartic surgery a weight loss surgery is now getting popular and is a new option. It is a safe and is done in cases where the BMI is above 35 and weight above 40kilogram and one has tried all the preventive and pharmalogical methods are failed. Such patient should go for this surgery. Two common surgeries are:i. Gastric banding which allows a small
opening in the stomach so that the reduced food is transformed to the intestines. ii. The other surgery is sleeve gastrectory – where 60% portion of stomach is removed by laproscopic so that this is a rapid gastric emptiness time and so food does not get absorbed. Take problem seriously and change your lifestyle, food habits and begin to say no. Patient can expect 60-70% weight loss by passing a part of the intestine.
Three Types of Surgery
i. Restrictive involves reducing the size of the stomach so that is reached with eating very small meals. ii. Malabsorphic involves large passing the part of the small intestine so that there is less opportunity for the calories from food eater to be absorbed. Benefit of barbitic surgery reduce high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and other disease. After surgery you have to continue to eat less, change dietary habits. Let us fight childhood obesity together.
For any query or suggestions/comments, please contact by email:
Dr. Sudesh Sobti Family Physician
Dr. Jagdish C Sobti Consultant Child Specialist Chief Medical Advisor-Heal & Bliss Email: jagdishcsobti@yahoo.com
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DOCTOR’S ADVICE
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POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME �here�is�a�ty�ical��atient���see�in�my�clinic�in�e�idemic��ro�ortions���she�is�in�her�teens�or�early�t�enties��has� irre��lar�menstr�al�cycles��is�str���lin��to�lose�st���orn��at�on�her��ody�and�is��ro�a�ly��isitin��the� dermatolo�ist��or�e��ally�st���orn�acne�and��acial�hair����he�is�told�she�has��������olycystic�o�arian� syndrome��and�that�she�has�to�lose��ei�ht�and�e�ercise�and�diet��easier�said�than�done�.��h�s��e�ins�her� ������o�rney�and��nrelentless�str���le�a�ainst�it.��he�thro�s�hersel��into�a��i�oro�s��or�o�t�re�ime�and� diet�sched�le���loses��ei�ht����ets���rned�o�t�and�slac�s�o������ains�it�all��ac��a�ain���ro�a�ly�more�this� time.��he��ath�is�anythin����t�smooth�and�she�is�de�ressed�and�stressed�o�t.��dd�to�it�the��irth�control��ills� she�has��een��i�en���it�s�icin��on�the������ca�e�� �hen�she��ets�married��she�has�to�s�end�a��ort�ne�in�terms�o��time��money�and�ener�y�in�tryin��to� concei�e.��s�she��ro�s�older��she�is��ro�a�ly�o�ese��has�de�elo�ed�dia�etes�and�hy�ertension���oint� �ro�lems�and�is�at�hi�h�ris��o��de�elo�in���terine�cancer���nd�e�ery�time�she��isits�a�doctor��the�million� dollar���estion�is��ho��can���c�re�it�� �ell��she�can�t�c�re�it���it�can�only��e�controlled.���idemiolo�ically�s�ea�in��������is�ne�er�seen�in�r�ral� �omen�or�in�the��r�an�la�orer����ro�a�ly�o�r��randmothers�or�their�ancestors�didn�t�ha�e�it�either���he� o��io�s�concl�sion�is�that������is�li�estyle�related.��t�s��art�o��the�recent��r�an�e�idemic���the�meta�olic� syndrome����li�e�ha�in��a�mild��orm�o��dia�etes�that��ill�stay��ith�yo��li�elon����he��asic��ro�lem�is�a� hormonal�im�alance���increase�in���eri�heral�ins�lin�resistance����similar�to�that�seen�in�dia�etics.��t�leads� to�a�cascade�o��hormonal�chan�es��ith�the�end�res�lt��ein��an�increased�ratio�o��male���emale�hormone�at� cell�lar�le�el��Yes����e��emales�ha�e�testosterone�too��.��his�leads�to��ei�ht��ain���and���elie�e�it�or�not���at� tiss�e�can�con�ert�yo�r�estro�en�into�testosterone���h�s�starts�the�sel���er�et�atin��cycle�o��hormonal� im�alance���������ei�ht��ain�leadin��to��at�times��mor�id�o�esity� �he�increased�le�els�o��testosterone�ca�ses�yo�r�menstr�al�cycle�to��o�hay�ire�and�ma�e�yo�r��ace� �lotched��ith�acne.��o�to��it�all��yo�r�hair�listens�to�the�testosterone�and�starts�ma�in��an��n�elcome� �resence�on�the��ace�and�a�disa��earance�on�the�scal������io�sly�the�testosterone��ants�nothin��to�do� �ith�o��lation�and�th�s�starts�the�str���le��ith�in�ertility.� �edications�can�hel��to�a�certain�e�tent���t�their�e��ect�is�tem�orary�and��ra��ht��ith�side�e��ects�on�lon�� term��se.��s��e��nderstand�the�disease�and�the�need��or�e�ercise�and�a�healthy�diet��it�is�im�ortant�to� �nderstand�the�root�ca�se�o��this�e�idemic.�
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DOCTOR’S ADVICE
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MARCH-APRIL 2013 THE TIMES OF AFRICA
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Healing Services for a Blissful Life
EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE
UN NEWS Central African Republic: UN Chief calls for restoration of constitutional order Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the swift restoration of constitutional order in the Central African Republic (CAR) after rebels seized the capital, Bangui, in fierce fighting, forcing President François Bozizé to flee. “The Secretary-General appeals for calm and for the respect of the rule of law in the CAR,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement, adding that Mr. Ban is “deeply concerned by reports of serious violations of human rights. He underscores that those who are responsible for committing such violations will be held accountable.” Fighting broke out last Friday as armed rebels advanced towards the capital. According to media reports, at least nine South African soldiers were killed yesterday trying to prevent the rebels from taking Bangui. There were also reports of heavy looting in the city, including several UN offices which had their
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equipment damaged and relief supplies stolen. “[Mr. Ban] is concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in the country and the reports of ongoing looting in the capital, Bangui, including of United Nations property,” the statement said. “The United Nations is taking all precautions to protect its staff and reminds the authorities of their obligations to ensure the safety of all United Nations personnel and premises.” The Country Director of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Amy Martin, described the security situation in the capital as unpredictable, and said that incidences of sporadic – and sometimes intense – gun fire continue to be heard in the suburbs of Bangui. “It is not safe to continue operating, no one has a house to live in, no one has electricity, no one
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General, United Nations
has water and no one has an office to work in now because everything has been looted,” Ms. Martin said in an interview. “Safety is a relative term; we are trying to stay out of harm’s way.” All non-essential staff have already been evacuated and will be temporarily housed in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and Ms. Martin added that if the situation continues to worsen, humanitarian workers will not be able to continue operations. There are currently 1.5 million people in the country who need assistance, and the latest fighting will likely increase that number unless the situation improves and aid workers are allowed to reach those affected. Fighting flared up again in CAR in December 2012 when the Séléka rebel coalition launched a series of attacks. The fighters took control of major towns and were advancing on
Bangui, before agreeing to start peace talks under the auspices of the regional group known as the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). A peace agreement was reached on 11 January in Libreville, Gabon, resulting in a ceasefire agreement and creating a government of national unity in which opposition figures were given key posts, but the rebels claim the Government is failing to live up to its commitments. In the statement, Mr. Ban reiterated that the Libreville Agreements, negotiated by the heads of State and government of the ECCAS, remain the most viable framework to ensure durable peace and stability in the country, and added that the UN will continue to work closely with African Union and ECCAS to help resolve the crisis. Source: United Nation Information Center for India and Bhutan
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Celebrations & Feasts April 27, 2013 7, Green Avenue Lane, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
South Africa National Day
From L to R: Shri. Vikramjit Sahney, President, Sun Group, Dr. J Phaahla, Minister Arts & Culture Republic of South Africa, Shri Shashi Tharoor, Minister, HRD, H.E. Mr. Malose William Mogale, Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to India and a visiting delegate from South Africa basking the performances
H.E. Mr. Echarif Mohammed Hacene, Ambassador, Democratic Republic of Algeria to India posing with H.E. Mr. Malose William Mogale and his spouse
Spouse of Acting High Commissioner presenting bouquet to Shri Shashi Tharoor
Guests jointly sharing a light moment
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H.E. Mr. Malose William Mogale, Shri Shashi Tharoor and Dr. J Phaahla standing for National Anthem
Congregation paying their regards to South African National Anthem
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Performers at their best
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Celebrations & Feasts March 20, 2013 Umrao Hotel, National Highway – 8, New Delhi
Tunisia National Day
Mr. E. Ahmed and H.E. Mr. Tarek Azouz standing for the National Anthem
H.E. Mr. Tarek Azouz, Ambassador of Tunisia to India poses with the Chief Guest Mr. E. Ahmed, Minister of State for External Affairs of India
H.E. Mr. Tarek Azouz warmly greeting the Chief Guest for the evening
Guests posing for a group picture
A perfect click of invitees with the host
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10 MINUTES in RENDEZVOUS WITH
Q. One word that best defines India? A. Place for Discovery Q. Name the most powerful women personality in your opinion. A. Chancellor of Germany Q. One unique specialty about Africa? A. Land of Agriculture Q. Your favourite shopping destination? A. Geneva Q. Who is your idol in life? A. Bill Clinton Q. What motivates you to work?
A. Bright future for my kids Q. Any similarity between India and Africa in your opinion. A. Agriculture Q. If you could choose any other profession, what would it be? A. Lawyer Q. Any of the Indian festival you like the most? A. Diwali Q. Name your favourite electronic gadget. A. Nokia Phone N-8
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SPORTS SPECIAL
F A Game of Creative Thinking
Commonwealth and South Africa Open Chess Championships 2013
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or a creative mind, chess is more than a game of capture and competitive skill. It is an indication of life creatively betrothed. The Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) has presented the hosting of the 2013 Commonwealth Chess Championship to South Africa. The competition will be hosted in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province from 5th - 14th July 2013. The host venue is The Boardwalk Hotel, Convention Centre and Spa, which is part of the Sun International Hotel Group, a five star world- famous venue. Individual and team titles will be presented in various age group categories (U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 as well as open categories). Teams would dwell of 4 players per team with the total points achieved by the members of a team tallied to reach the team score for the tournament. The prize fund will amount to 250 000 rand (approx. 27 000 USD). The overall champion will collect R40 000 in cash plus a 7 night holiday vacation at a private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape. 2nd prize would be R33 000; 3rd – R24 000; 4th – R17 000; 5th – R13 000, etc. The Commonwealth Chess Championship is held up yearly with this the 19th edition of the event. The Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA) is the international overall organization in the field of chess for the nations of the commonwealth. The CCA was established in 1980 and connects the commonwealth chess federations, while maintaining strict neutrality in the internal affairs of the national chess federations. The CCA is concerned with nurturing chess commotion among the nations of the commonwealth. In peculiar, it encourages a commonwealth chess championship, which is apprehended on the regular basis. The CCA supports the World Chess Federation (referred to in the text as FIDE for short) and is in harmony with FIDE’s aims and statutes. The CCA is affiliated to FIDE as per 2.9 (b) of the FIDE statutes.
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Single Child Care It’s sad that in today’s day and age, when parents are struggling to afford time and resources for two or more children, parenting of a single child is also not easy; rather more difficult and hard. Social environments and culture help enrich a man’s prospect and instill natural talent. Since a single child is more or less alienated from society (a child’s society is 2-3 children), his parenting needs to be incorporated differently as compared to normal parenting. Present social scenario could be attributed to certain constraints and change in thinking of working parents, envisaging the need of single child family. [resource crunch, hectic schedule, shortage of time]. When a child fails to brush with the frolics/jostling, merry tricks, sibling-sabrerattling and is designed to spend childhood play time with elder members of the family - he inherits similar mindset, thinking, expression and viability. The child is a victim of loneliness which results in mood swings, whimsical and unpredictable attitude. He is emotionally fragile and falls prey to dull spirit. Being a privileged child, the single child is excessively pampered by parents/ grandparents. Parents shower their love, attention and resources on this child as a result of which the child becomes spoilt. In many cases this concentrated love and protection prove injurious when the child is on its own and faces real practical teething problems of life. Unfortunately, so far the child was baby-spooned to luxury of having everything done, managed and organized, by his parents. In view of easy fulfillment of each desire, the spirit of adventure and risk taking tendency could not blossom whereas escapism developed. The child longs for a company. He is ready to do anything for that and generally faces betrayals, deceits and at times ends bitterly broken and depressed. Art of sharing is amiss since parents only give him and there is no one to whom the child would further give/share. He does not learn the puppy-fight traits amongst brothers/ sisters. His social life is not bubbly and the child matures before his age. For parents their sole eye candy is their single child. Their whole attention,
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energy and concentration concave in the form of training/educating – do this or do not do this. But the child misses the nuances of innocence and the charm of childhood vanishes at an early age. The bubbles of infancy which should be kept alive throughout the life get lost without an alarm. Nuggets of childish fervour should be restored in a person till old age – it is a quality. A spice of pranks, mischief, fun, innocence, is very essential to exude a luscious smile sparkling with innocent charm in a child. A child like spirit is the velvet of a persona to glow. A single child feels undue pressure put on him by the parents to take the family flag to more heights and do best in academics etc. At times he gets baffled by constant vigil of parents and feels suffocated and stressful. Presence of siblings would change the scenario. In my honest opinion, we must let them loose; a little unbridled and share his childhood. Do not push him hard to do his best – act as his mate, lend him a hand in creating some mess, help him disorganize certain things, evoke laughter and component of rollicking, become his buddy. His feel to be in a happy zone would add oomph to his character. The child needs someone who could share his emotions - not be an instructor. It has been found that a single child lacks in creativity. In the absence of parents, he normally succeeds to manage things. In case of a girl she will start managing faster. Do not thrust responsibilities on him rather encourage him to creativity. Let him write on walls, draw different kinds of sketches; let him have free imagination and perform at his will, give him a free hand and let books be smudged. If creativity does not sprout which happens amongst lonely children, they could plunge in to anxiety/depression. A lonely child is emotionally unsatisfied. He is very sentimental which transforms into stubbornness. He lacks flexibility and a sense of rigidity prevails resulting in indifferent attitude. In some cases this child starts suffering from the pangs of cold and breathing problem – the reason being emotional starvation. Now a days neighborhood doors are often close with restricted access
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
R.C. Dhingra Regional Editor (Africa) The Times of Africa
to a single child. If I remember, in my childhood, we were free to enter in to any neighbor’s house, have fun and feel the shiver of excitement. It is no more there. It is very important and imperative to arrange fanfare for them beyond the boundaries of formal park meetings where a child could enjoy full on freedom with the souls of his age, spreading his wings with free will and getting respite from the prying eyes of parents. A social thought, a social revolution needs to be promoted. Working parents seldom afford quality time, but to pamper the child. In an effort to overcome their guilt, they are eager to go out of the way to provide whatever a child demands. But the child is unable to share his feelings due to voidance of human relations, vibrations, pleasure of hugging and cajoling the siblings, etc. Many parents provide too many toys, especially electronic toys, connect them to internet etc; which is detrimental. A lonely child has a lot of zeal and zest which needs to be properly channelized. They imagine big things and want to implement their imaginations, but do not have the ways and means. A child should enjoy company of parents and grandparents to learn functionality but not by way of instruction but as play on. A single child (girl) mostly longs for a support/backing; looks for a shoulder to give vent to her feelings, which can be fatal if luck factor is weak. She is often betrayed. Astrology recommends a silver band around her right hand thumb to soothe her emotions. There could be some children (single child) who may feel no stress at all and are able to take the pressure. Working parents of single child should find out remedial measures and give patient hearings to the child’s day’s happenings. If the child is restive, feels provoked, side lines his work it is estimated that he is nourishing some irritation. You should start cementing your bonding, be his friend, have fun and play with him, arrange some outings for him to bring in a positive change. Some of the quotes on `single child’ are: i. Single child – `a disease in itself’ ii. Single child – revolves around `I, me and myself’ iii. Only child is a lonely child. Follow us on
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FASHION TRENDS & CUSTOMS
HERE WE COME!!! Africa Fashion Week Barcelona 2013
A
frican fashion is MAGIC! African fashion and designers have developed their brand to such an extent that Africa Fashion week is held in more major cities, such as: New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, London and even in Amsterdam. African fashion has witnessed a huge surge of interest in recent years. It has enthused designers around the world to work with African fabric, kente cloth, wax or bogolan. Now you can experience the magic live in the Africa Fashion Week 2013. It is scheduled to take place from 13-15 June 2013. After New York, Johanesbourg, London, it’s now Barcelona’s turn to host an African fashion week. Beaches, sunshine, art, culture and the cosmopolitan character make Barcelona an ideal city to host this modern event as it is looked at as a fashion hotspot. Africa Fashion week Barcelona (AFWB) is broached by SOS Africa. The foremost intent behind orchestrating the fashion week is to encourage African designers from around the world. The fashion week will dwell exhilarating fashion shows, exhibitions and expositions from African designers. With this event, the organization aims to add Barcelona to the major cities that have a say to African fashion.
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WHAT’S ON International Logistics Africa
COUNTRY: Morocco
Date: 12 - 15 May 2013 COUNTRY: Kenya
Venue: Universite Cardi Ayyad, Marrakech, Morocco
Venue: Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort Mombasa, Kenya
Namibia Tourism Expo
Siftech
Date: 29 May - 01 June 2013 COUNTRY: Namibia
Date: 13 - 15 May 2013 COUNTRY: Algeria
Venue: Windhoek Show Grounds Windhoek, Namibia
Venue: Oran Convention Centre Oran, Algeria
Gauteng Motor Show
AFRICA
Q1. What is Africa’s best music festival also considered as World Sacred music festival? The Festival au Desert in Mali Q2. Which country is located on the Gulf of Guinea, between Cote d’Ivoire & Togo? Ghana
Petro.t.ex Africa
Date: 01 - 02 June 2013 COUNTRY: South Africa
Date: 14 - 16 May 2013 COUNTRY: South Africa
Venue: Zwartkops Raceway Gauteng, South Africa
Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre Midrand, South Africa
Autoexpo East Africa – Tanzania
Libya Build Expo
Date: 06 - 08 June 2013 COUNTRY: Tanzania
Date: 19 - 23 May 2013 COUNTRY: Libya Venue: Tripoli International Fairground Tripoli, Libya
Water Africa and West Africa Building & Construction – Ghana Date: 22 - 24 May 2013 COUNTRY: Ghana Venue: Accra International Conference Centre Accra, Ghana
Grand Designs Live – Johannesburg Date: 24 - 26 May 2013 COUNTRY: South Africa
Venue: Diamond Jubilee Hall Exhibition Centre Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Security Expo North Africa Date: 12 - 15 June 2013 COUNTRY: Tunisia Venue: Parc des expositions du Kram Tunis, Tunisia
Zambia Mining & Energy Conference & Exhibition Date: 18 - 20 June 2013 COUNTRY: Zambia
Interbuild Egypt Date: 20 - 24 June 2013 COUNTRY: Egypt
The Broadcast Show Africa
Venue: Cairo International Convention & Exhibition centre (CICC) Cairo, Egypt
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre Johannesburg, South Africa
International Meeting on Dielectric Materials Date: 29 – 31 May 2013
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Nigeria Security & Consumer Electronics Exhibition Date: 24 - 26 June 2013 COUNTRY: Nigeria Venue: Eko Hotel Lagos, Nigeria
Q4. Name the traditional custom of Africa where the groom pays the father of the bride in order to compensate for the ‘loss’ of the man’s daughter. Lobola Q5. …………………………… is the home to world’s largest green canyon also known as Blyde River. South Africa Q6. Name the only two African Nations that have never been under colonial rule? Liberia and Ethiopia Q7. The oldest art form of Africa? Rock Paintings
Venue: New Government Complex Lusaka, Zambia
Venue: The Coca Cola Dome Johannesburg, South Africa Date: 27 - 30 May 2013 COUNTRY: South Africa
Q3. Which country witnesses the incredible migration of millions of wildebeest and Zebra from July – October? Kenya
Q8. Which is the lowest point of Africa? Lake Assal in Djibouti (155 meters below sea level) Q9. Name the largest and smallest countries of Africa? Sudan and Seychelles respectively Q10. ……… is Kenya’s oldest town settled by the Swahili about 700 years ago? Lamu
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BUSINESS BULLETIN
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has permitted grants and loans worth US $73 million to fund irrigation and road rehabilitation projects in Malawi. The grants, totaling US $39.98 million from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and the African Development Fund (ADF), will be expended to finance the Smallholder Irrigation and Value Addition Project (SIVAP).
General Motors, a wellappreciated American multinational auto major, has introduced the 2013 facelift version of its Chevrolet Spark hatchback in South Africa. Apparently, the South African Chevy Spark is sold under the moniker of Beat in the Indian auto market. Hence, the possibilities of 2013 Chevrolet Beat revamp model look like a great new development for the domestic car enthusiasts.
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Five SADC countries namely: South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Namibia and Mozambique have received the 2013 African Leaders Malaria Alliance Award (ALMA) during African Union Summit held in AddisAbaba in January 2013. This huge achievement is the face of the assurance of SADC Member States to eradicate Malaria in at least 6 countries by 2015
Samsung Electronics has finished an agreement with the Ethiopian Government to set up a laptop and printer assembly plant in the country. By partnering with MultiChoice Ethiopia, Samsung also devised to offer consumers buying its television in Ethiopia, a free inbuilt decoder. Samsung Electronics is the flagship subsidiary of the Samsung Group; a South Korean multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, and has been the world’s largest information technology company by revenues since 2009.
THE TIMES OF AFRICA MARCH-APRIL 2013
According to the Assistant Secretary-General, Programmes, COMESA has investment opportunities in infrastructure, agro industry, real estate, new technology and the tourism sectors and India should take advantage of the conducive economic environment. Interested partners can come to the region through its various programmes like the African Agriculture Development Program, the Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA Monetary Institute, and the PTA Bank, which are COMESA Trade and Development Bank.
ECOWAS is working with stakeholders to improve access to energy in the West African region which is currently under 50 per cent. It has been noticed that the region has hydropower potentials to generate some 23,000 MW of electricity, with only 16 per cent currently exploited.
To explore the opportunities and solutions to Africa’s energy challenges, 5th Annual Africa Energy Indaba, a three day meeting was organized by the African Union’s, New Partnership for Africa’s Development Agency, South African National Energy Association and the World Energy Council at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Key agenda was to accelerate the implementation of NEPAD’s Energy Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa.
Bharti Airtel has arrived at an agreement for the acquisition of the Ugandan subsidiary of Warid Group, operated by Cheick Al Nayan, Crown Prince of the royal family of Abu Dhabi. With this acquisition, to come for an approval from the regulator, the Indian group consolidates its position as the second operator in the country. Bharti’s subscriber base goes from 4.6 to 7.4 million customers, indicating a market share of 39%.
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