Africa

Uganda and DRC Commit to Strengthening Fisheries Management

Uganda and DRC Commit to Strengthening Fisheries Management

Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to the sustainable management of shared fisheries resources in Lakes Edward and Albert. During the third Council of Ministers (CoM) meeting held today, both nations approved the workplan and budget for the Bilateral Fisheries and Aquaculture Organisation (BFA) for the fiscal year 2024-2025. This meeting marks another significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, building on the foundation laid during the 7th Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) session in 2018, where the Bilateral Fisheries Agreement was signed. This agreement established a framework for the joint management…
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East African Community (EAC) Partner States urged to fast track liberalisation of the Air Transport Market

East African Community (EAC) Partner States urged to fast track liberalisation of the Air Transport Market

The East African Community (EAC) Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, has urged EAC Partner States to expedite the signing of the EAC Air Transport Market (Liberalisation) Regulations as part of efforts to enhance regional integration and stimulate economic growth in East Africa. Hon. Ariik’s plea comes in the wake of concluded development of the Regulations for Liberalisation of the Air Transport Market in the EAC Region. The regulations are expected to be submitted to the 19th Meeting of EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communication and Meteorology (SC-TCM) for adoption.…
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TikTok Expands Safety Measures in Sub-Saharan Africa with New Advisory Council and #SaferTogether Campaign

TikTok Expands Safety Measures in Sub-Saharan Africa with New Advisory Council and #SaferTogether Campaign

TikTok has launched its first-ever Safety Advisory Council for the Sub-Saharan region, along with an expanded #SaferTogether community education campaign. The announcement was made during TikTok's Safety Summit, held in Nairobi, where key stakeholders, including policymakers, academics, NGOs, and community leaders, gathered to discuss the future of online safety. A Collaborative Approach: The Safety Advisory Council Since 2020, TikTok has established regional Safety Advisory Councils worldwide, including in the U.S., to guide its safety policies and practices. These councils are composed of experts in areas such as youth safety, free expression, and combating hate speech. The newly formed Sub-Saharan Africa…
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Ethiopian Government Mandates Electric Vehicle Imports for Diplomats

Ethiopian Government Mandates Electric Vehicle Imports for Diplomats

Ethiopia has issued a directive to all diplomatic and consular missions, as well as regional and international organizations based in Addis Ababa, regarding the importation of vehicles. In an official communication dated August 19, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to combating climate change and promoting renewable energy. As part of this commitment, the Ministry has prohibited the importation of vehicles with internal combustion engines that use petrol or diesel. The directive applies specifically to those with diplomatic privileges in the country. The Ministry's announcement highlights the pressing global challenges posed by climate change and underscores Ethiopia's…
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President William Ruto Meets with Sudanese Leaders, Urges International Support for Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

President William Ruto Meets with Sudanese Leaders, Urges International Support for Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

President William Ruto hosted Ahmed Ali Dinar, leader of the Fur in Darfur, and Abdulwahid Mohammed Ahmed Alnour, Chairman and Founder of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, at State House, Nairobi, where they discussed the ongoing efforts by civilian coalition groups to address the challenges facing Sudan. During the meeting, President Ruto was briefed on the progress made by these groups in tackling the complex issues plaguing Sudan, including the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The President encouraged the leaders to continue strengthening their collaboration with all relevant institutions and stakeholders, particularly through initiatives like the Geneva…
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Uganda: Grant of tax waiver to companies queried

Uganda: Grant of tax waiver to companies queried

Legislators on the Committee of Finance have questioned the manner and criteria the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)is using to extend tax waivers to companies and individuals. While appearing before the committee, the State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi said the tax waivers will be extended to eight organisations which include academic institutions and business entities. Musasizi was appearing before the committee on Tuesday, 20 August 2024. Among the companies under review by the committee is M/S J2E Investment Corporation Limited which is seeking a tax waiver worth Shs2.718 billion as at 01 December 2023, accounting for interest…
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Senior African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials conclude visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, pledge to restore peace in Somalia

Senior African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials conclude visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, pledge to restore peace in Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security in Somalia. During a recent field visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, the administrative capitals of Hirshabelle and South West States, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, along with Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma ATMIS Force Commander pledged to enhance the capacity of the Somali Security Forces and intensify military offensives against Al-Shabaab. “The African Union will never abandon Somalia and its people in their quest for peace and stability,” said…
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Uganda’s Flagship Oil and Gas Projects Making Significant Progress

Uganda’s Flagship Oil and Gas Projects Making Significant Progress

Uganda's ambitious oil and gas sector is steadily advancing towards commercial production, following the landmark Final Investment Decision (FID) made in 2022 by joint venture partners—TotalEnergies E&P Uganda, China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) Uganda Ltd, and Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC). This major milestone set in motion several flagship projects in both the upstream and midstream sectors, with a combined investment exceeding US $20 billion. In the upstream sector, Uganda is making strides in both exploration and production. The government continues its efforts to discover new petroleum resources and enhance the existing reserves, which currently stand at 6.5 billion…
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Eswatini International Trade Fair 2024 to kick-off on 30th August, 2024

Eswatini International Trade Fair 2024 to kick-off on 30th August, 2024

The 56th edition of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), a premier event showcasing the best of business and agriculture since its inception in 1968, is set to take place at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini, Eswatini, from August 30th to September 8th, 2024. As the Kingdom's flagship trade event, the EITF has become a vital platform for business networking, attracting over 250 exhibitors and vendors from around the globe. This year, the fair is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors, generating substantial economic activity and creating potential trade opportunities worth E150 million. The event's impact…
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Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

Egypt: President El-Sisi Meets the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today met with Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, and members of the UN Delegation including UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, and UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Development Agenda, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin. Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Ahmed Fahmy, said the UN Deputy Secretary-General conveyed UN Secretary-General António Guterres' greetings to President El-Sisi. She noted that Mr. Guterres looks forward to further advancing cooperation and coordination between the two sides. This was appreciated…
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