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Odinga enters Presidential race

Veteran Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga to run for presidency

Raila Odinga, the 77-year-old Kenyan veteran opposition leader, has endorsed by an alliance of more than 20 political parties to contest the presidential election on August 9.

Among the parties that pledged support for Odinga’s quest for presidency in the East Africa’s largest economy was the ruling Jubilee which is headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, reports Xinhua news agency.

For the first time in the history of Kenya, the ruling party headed by 61-year-old Kenyatta declared support for an opposition leader.

Kenyatta, in his speech at Odinga’s coronation ceremony held in Nairobi, said he had faith in his former rival, whom they shook hands in March 2018, after a vicious contest, setting the stage for an era of peace and tranquility in the country.

“I have faith in Odinga’s ability to transform this country and ensure it remained peaceful, united and a key player in regional affairs,” said Kenyatta, adding that Odinga had sacrificed personal interests to promote peace and stability in the country.

Odinga’s endorsement to run for presidency under the Azimio La Umoja (Resolution for Unity) coalition of more than 20 political parties set the stage for intensive campaigns ahead of the election.

Other political heavy weights who announced they will back Odinga’s presidential race included Kalonzo Musyoka, a one-time foreign minister and vice president who is the leader of opposition Wiper Party.

In his acceptance speech, Odinga pledged to transform the country’s economy, promote unity, cohesion and Kenya’s relations with neighbouring countries if he clinches presidency.

ALSO READ: Kenya, Zimbabwe Sign MoU

He promised to create a stand-alone ministry for the youth, roll-out tax holidays to spur growth of youth led enterprises and promote use of technology to transform agriculture in the country.

At the same time, he also vowed to fight graft in the public service, allocate adequate resources to devolved units, create a civil service that is efficient and accountable and manage public debt.

Odinga said that under his administration, Kenya would become a manufacturing powerhouse unrivalled in the African continent.

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-Top News Africa News UAE News

Botswana eyes UAE as gateway to boosting trade with M-E

Botswana eyes UAE as gateway to boosting trade with M-E

The UAE and Botswana share a longstanding friendship and partnership, underscored by deep trade and investment ties…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, said that Expo 2020 Dubai has provided his country with a perfect place to showcase its potential to investors and help drive business and economic growth.

“Botswana has an established base for multilateral investments into several industries, especially, mining, tourism and food,” Dr. Masisi continued.

Dr. Masisi said that Botswana has regional trade agreements which can benefit businesses. “We want foreign investors to succeed with our strong ecosystem for them to thrive.”

President Dr. Mokgweetsi was addressing the gathering of senior investors and key officials from government and private sector entities across Botswana and the UAE at the Botswana Investment and Trade Conference held at the Ritz Carlton – DIFC, Dubai.

Participating dignitaries included Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Hon. Mmusi Kgafela, Botswana’s Minister of Investment Trade and Industry, Hon. Peggy Serame, Botswana’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development, and several Bostwana’s business community officials.

The President of Botswana said, “Our ministries and companies are here [in the UAE] and finding new roadways of connecting with investors.”

He explained that the country’s legal system ensures the protection of investments and enables them to thrive, especially since Botswana is a signatory to several regional and international conventions, and highlighted the country’s political stability, which provides a perfect environment for foreign investors.

According to Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, the Southern African country offers general, and sector-specific investment incentives, no foreign exchange controls, the United States-Africa Growth & Opportunity Act allows new opportunities for duty-free and quota-free access to U.S. markets, corporate tax is only 15 percent for manufacturing, and IFSC companies, duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market, and duty-free access to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 Congrats Botswana

It also offers preferential access to markets of 14 Southern African countries, low personal income tax, the highest bracket is 25 percent, zero corporate tax under a Development Approval Order, industrial relations are well established and amicable, and sustainable low tax environment.

While welcoming Dr. Masisi, Botswana ministers and government officials, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said, “The UAE and Botswana share a longstanding friendship and partnership, underscored by deep trade and investment ties. In 2021, for example, the total value of non-oil trade between the two nations reached US$2.5 billion, reflecting 85 percent growth compared to 2020 and 80 percent growth compared to 2019.”

“The Botswana Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai shows us how strategic partnerships have helped the country accelerate the movement of goods, ideas and wealth,” Dr. Thani said in conclusion.

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Africa News COVID-19 News

Africa’s Covid-19 cases near 11.3 million

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,284,902 as of Tuesday evening, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said…reports Asian Lite News

The specialised healthcare agency of the African Union said the Covid-19 death toll across the continent stands at 250,403, and some 10,560,754 patients have recovered from the disease, so far.

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya are among the countries with the most cases on the continent, said the Africa CDC, Xinhua news agency reported.

ALSO READ: Africa’s Covid-19 cases pass 11.26 mn

South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 3,695,175 cases, followed by the two northern African countries of Morocco and Tunisia with 1,162,125 and 1,029,762 cases, respectively, it said.

In terms of regional caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region in Africa, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected, said the Africa CDC.

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Africa News Arab News News

Africa urged to join digital market place

Dr.-Monique-Nsanzabaganwa

Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, says Africa should seize fast-developing digital market space

 Africa should seize the fast-developing digital market space so as to boost access to goods and services across the continent, Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, deputy chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, said.

The AU Commission deputy chief made the remarks as the African continent joined the global community in commemorating the 39th World Consumer Rights Day annually marked on March 15 under the theme “Fair Digital Finance.”

“Seizing the fast-developing digital market space is particularly important in our African context where access to countless goods and services remains restricted for the vast majority,” Nsanzabaganwa said in her statement concerning the World Consumer Rights Day, Xinhua reported.

Noting that the African continent has an internet penetration rate of 43 percent, the deputy chief said innovation is transforming how people conduct financial transactions and live their lives throughout the continent, emphasizing that digital finance and its implication on financial inclusion and financial stability is crucial for development in Africa.

Nsanzabaganwa noted that the African continent is home to a growing number of digital financial services deployments.

The deputy chairperson warned that digital finance consumers are increasingly exposed to scams, frauds, phishing and data malpractices, which is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is necessary to explore solutions that will mitigate these threats while still making digital finance attractive, as governments seek to expand access to digital banking services,” said Nsanzabaganwa, stressing it is vital to acknowledge the risks and enact strict consumer protections, especially for the most vulnerable people, such as those with limited educational attainment or financial experience.

She said Africa’s burgeoning youth population is integrating with the ever-changing digital world and it is necessary for the continent’s decision-makers to harness this exposure in a way that is optimal for the continent’s youth.

Nsanzabaganwa, however, stressed that African women are still less likely than men to have basic formal financial services.

ALSO READ: South Africa Firm on Fight Against Graft

“Mobile money and the ability to easily and safely receive money from social networks has been found to be a drawing factor for them and thus helping to shrink the gender differences across the continent,” she said.

Last week, the AU launched the Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI 2030) initiative, which is a collective impact approach that seeks to achieve social change in respect of the financial and economic status and participation of women and youth in Africa.

According to Nsanzabaganwa, the success of the initiative relies largely on the strength of digital financial services as well as the importance of making them fair and safe.

Covid Situation

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,284,902 as of Tuesday evening, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.

The specialised healthcare agency of the African Union said the Covid-19 death toll across the continent stands at 250,403, and some 10,560,754 patients have recovered from the disease, so far.

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya are among the countries with the most cases on the continent, said the Africa CDC, Xinhua news agency reported.

South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 3,695,175 cases, followed by the two northern African countries of Morocco and Tunisia with 1,162,125 and 1,029,762 cases, respectively, it said.

In terms of regional caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region in Africa, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected, said the Africa CDC.

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Africa News Arab News News

South Africa Firm on Fight Against Graft

S. African President Cyril Ramaphosa says over 8 bln rand recovered in the fight against corruption

 In an effort to combat corruption, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that the establishment of the Special Tribunal has resulted in the recovery of 8.6 billion rand (570 million U.S. dollars) from unlawful contracts.

“For any fight against corruption to be deemed effective, it is not sufficient that perpetrators are prosecuted. The proceeds of their crimes must be recovered,” Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.

Ramaphosa said since the Special Tribunal Court was set up in 2019, this amount of money had been recovered from companies involved in corrupt state contracts. As a result of creating the Special Tribunal, public funds and state assets lost as a result of corrupt acts are now more likely to be reclaimed in a shorter period, avoiding delays in the high courts, where the Special Investigative Unit must wait its turn along with other litigants.

“Over the past few weeks alone, the Tribunal has reviewed and set aside more than R100 million worth of irregular and unlawful contracts arising from COVID-related procurement,” he said.

Ramaphosa said that while the funds recovered were good in the fight against corruption, it would take time to “unravel the vast webs of patronage that had become entrenched.”

He warned that the state capacity has been eroded by these corrupt relationships. The state has been hampered in offering decent healthcare and delivering clean water, and in ensuring a consistent supply of electricity for communities and businesses.

Investments Needed

Economists welcomed the State of the Nation Address (SONA) which focused on addressing challenges hampering economic growth and investment, saying there was a need for huge investments in the economy to stimulate growth.

 “There’s a need for a huge investment into the economy to stimulate and unlock economic growth,” Duma Gqubule, Economist and Director at the Centre for Economic Development and Transformation said.

 Gqubule added that the government should be driving investment in the economy to spur growth, Xinhua news agency reported.

 “You have to spend money to get growth. You can’t get growth if you’re not spending. Business can’t invest into an economy that’s not growing,” he told Xinhua.

 According to him, there was not enough money to buy the goods that were being produced.

ALSO READ:EU steps up investments in Africa to counter China

 He was responding to President Ramaphosa’s SONA speech, in which he said plans had been put in place to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms to modernise and transform industries, unlock investment, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness and growth.

 The speech acknowledges the “electricity crisis is one of the greatest threats to economic and social progress”.

 Ramaphosa promised to tackle red tapes that hindered businesses and economic growth.

 He said the government has designated a “red tape team” to streamline the processes relating to international trade, property registration and construction permits.

 The President also said the government was working hard to “modernise” the visa application process to make it easier to travel to South Africa for tourism, business and work.

 Efficient Group Economist Dawie Roodt told Xinhua that the speech demonstrated the President’s awareness of economic problems but doubted whether the state was on track to address them.

 Labor Federation Cosatu spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla said the state should fix deteriorating state-owned entities (SOEs).

 “The government needs to urgently work with labor to develop turnaround plans that will help stabilise, save, and rebuild these SOEs,” he added.

 “We cannot afford to have workers who are forced to sit for months on end with no pay or the mass retrenchments that are currently taking place in these state companies,” he said.

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-Top News News UAE News

RAK Ruler receives Botswana President

RAK Ruler receives Botswana President

Sheikh Saud praised the growing partnership between the two countries in various fields…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received today at his palace in Saqr bin Mohammed City, Dr. Mokgweetsi Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, who is on an official visit to the country.

H.H. Sheikh Saud and President Masisi discussed ways to enhance cooperation relations between the UAE and Botswana to serve the common interests of the two friendly countries at various levels.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 Congrats Botswana

Sheikh Saud praised the growing partnership between the two countries in various fields. For his part, Masisi affirmed his country’s endeavors to strengthen cooperation relations with the UAE, and commended the Emirates’ prestigious status at the regional and global levels

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-Top News Africa News UAE News

UAE keen to boost ties with Africa: Sheikh Mohammed

Sheikh Mohammed has met with the Presidents of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mauritius at their respective pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed has met with the Presidents of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mauritius at their respective pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai, reports Asian Lite News

UAE is keen to boost ties with African nations and enhance bilateral cooperation to advance common interests, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as he met with the Presidents of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mauritius at their respective pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the ongoing development efforts in African countries and various initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for people to benefit from projects related to natural resources in these countries. Commending the massive infrastructure projects in African countries, he noted that the UAE strongly believes in promoting partnerships and knowledge sharing to enhance development efforts.

Sheikh Mohammed has met with the Presidents of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mauritius at their respective pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai

At the pavilion of Botswana, Sheikh Mohammed and Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, discussed bilateral relations and means of promoting it, mainly in the fields of investment and commerce.

The two leaders also discussed the positive impact of Expo 2020 on the region. Sheikh Mohammed and the Botswana President toured the pavilion located in the Mobility District and learned about the investment opportunities that Botswana is showcasing at its pavilion, in addition to the environmental and cultural diversity that its pavilions highlight.

At the pavilion of Zimbabwe, Sheikh Mohammed met with the country’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa and reviewed bilateral relations. President Mnangagwa said that his country sees the UAE as a gateway to access markets in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

The meeting also discussed ways to boost trade exchange, and enable the private sectors of both countries to explore new investment opportunities, building on the strong economic ties between the two nations. The UAE is Zimbabwe’s second largest commercial partner. The two leaders also discussed cooperation to explore new investment opportunities in the areas of agriculture, mining, energy and the pharmaceutical industry, key sectors Zimbabwe is seeking to promote.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Mnangagwa also toured the Zimbabwe pavilion, where they were briefed on the country’s culture, people, heritage and land, as well as its vision of embracing technology to create a better life for its people.

At the pavilion of Mauritius, Sheikh Mohammed and President Prithvirajsing Roopun of Mauritius discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation, as well as explore new avenues to strengthen cooperation in various fields to serve the objectives of both nations in various sectors, especially tourism.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Prithvirajsing also toured the pavilion of Mauritius, which highlights the island’s pristine natural beauty, its unique biodiversity, rich culture and heritage, as well as exciting business and investment opportunities.

During his tour of Expo 2020 Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed also met with Evan Spiegel, Co-Founder and CEO of Snap Inc, the leading US-based social media company that owns the popular messaging app Snapchat.

He also visited the pavilions of Rwanda and Kenya during his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. At the Rwandan pavilion, organised under the theme ‘Remarkable Rwanda’, in the Opportunity District of Expo 2020 Dubai, he learned about Rwanda’s history and its remarkable journey of development over the last 27 years as well as the country’s Vision 2050.

The pavilion features traditional cultural entertainment and dance, virtual reality tours, an experience of the country’s latest innovations and an opportunity to taste Rwanda’s best coffee and tea.

At the Kenyan pavilion-themed ‘Feel the Energy’, located within the Opportunity District, His Highness learned about Kenya’s agricultural, economic and innovation potential, as well as its various key sectors and the hospitality and creativity of the Kenyan people.

ALSO READ: UFI Middle East & Africa Forum meet at Dubai Expo

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Africa News Events India News

The sights, sounds and tastes of South Africa in India

The sights, sounds and tastes of South Africa in India

In a bid to build aspiration for destination South Africa from their largest Indian source market Mumbai, South African Tourism brings the sights, sounds and tastes of South Africa alive in India…reports Asian Lite News

With performances by South African dance troupes, indigenous music and delectable food cooked by South African chefs at Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai, South Africa is all set to engage and delight audiences.

The two-day event that runs from 12 pm to 8 pm on 12th and 13th March 2022, will also host culturally immersive activities like South African face painting, hair braiding, beadwork and DIY graffiti walls in addition to Oculus — a virtual reality journey into the deep blue seas and mesmerizing safari routes of South Africa.

. Venue: Palladium, Lower Parel

. Date: 12 & 13th March

. Timings: 12 pm to 8 pm

ALSO READ: UFI Middle East & Africa Forum meet at Dubai Expo

To make this experience even more exhilarating, Chefs Abigail and Sipho from South Africa will showcase a delectable food experience that one can try their hands onto in a masterclass followed by food tasting at Foodhall, Khar –Linking Road on 12th & 13th March 2022. They will present an only South African themed family meal known as Sunday Kos often made up of 7 colours, prevalent in most township homes and rural areas across the country.

. Venue: Foodhall, Bandra

. Date: 12 & 13th March

. Timings: 11 am to 2 pm

While there are many ways to immerse yourself in culture, one of the best ways to do this is through food. Food has an emotional association that allows it to become a channel of expressing love, care and gratitude.

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Africa News News World

UN urges to end violence in Sudan

UN urges to end violence in Sudan

The UN mission in Sudan has called on authorities to work to end violence across the country and restore stability in the conflict-hit Darfur region…reports Asian Lite News

In a statement, the UN Integrated Transitional Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) expressed concerns over recent violent incidents in Darfur that claimed the lives of dozens of civilians, besides the death of two protesters in the capital Khartoum, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Over the past week, the UN has received reports of violent incidents in and around Jebel Moon in West Darfur. This has included the burning of villages and the unfortunate death of tens of Sudanese, representing another alarming sign of the increasing instability in Sudan,” the statement said.

The statement stressed that “violence must stop all over Sudan, and those responsible must be held accountable”.

Earlier, local media said tribal fighting took place on March 10 at the Jebel Moon area in Sudan’s West Darfur State, which resulted in the killing of 17 people.

ALSO READ: South Sudan, World Bank and UNICEF launch communication campaign

On the same day, the two protesters were killed during demonstrations in Khartoum, according to non-governmental organisations.

Sudan has been suffering a political crisis after the general commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan declared a military coup on October 25, 2021 and dissolved the Sovereign Council and the government.

Since then, Khartoum and other cities have been witnessing continued protests demanding a return to civilian rule.

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Africa News News World

Veteran Kenyan opposition leader endorsed to run for presidency

Veteran Kenyan opposition leader endorsed to run for presidency

Raila Odinga, the 77-year-old Kenyan veteran opposition leader, has been endorsed by an alliance of more than 20 political parties to contest the presidential election on August 9…reports Asian Lite News

Among the parties that pledged support for Odinga’s quest for presidency in the East Africa’s largest economy was the ruling Jubilee which is headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, reports Xinhua news agency.

For the first time in the history of Kenya, the ruling party headed by 61-year-old Kenyatta declared support for an opposition leader.

Kenyatta, in his speech at Odinga’s coronation ceremony held in Nairobi, said he had faith in his former rival, whom they shook hands in March 2018, after a vicious contest, setting the stage for an era of peace and tranquility in the country.

“I have faith in Odinga’s ability to transform this country and ensure it remained peaceful, united and a key player in regional affairs,” said Kenyatta, adding that Odinga had sacrificed personal interests to promote peace and stability in the country.

Odinga’s endorsement to run for presidency under the Azimio La Umoja (Resolution for Unity) coalition of more than 20 political parties set the stage for intensive campaigns ahead of the election.

Other political heavy weights who announced they will back Odinga’s presidential race included Kalonzo Musyoka, a one-time foreign minister and vice president who is the leader of opposition Wiper Party.

ALSO READ: Kenya, Zimbabwe Sign MoU

In his acceptance speech, Odinga pledged to transform the country’s economy, promote unity, cohesion and Kenya’s relations with neighbouring countries if he clinches presidency.

He promised to create a stand-alone ministry for the youth, roll-out tax holidays to spur the growth of youth-led enterprises and promote use of technology to transform agriculture in the country.

At the same time, he also vowed to fight graft in the public service, allocate adequate resources to devolved units, create a civil service that is efficient and accountable and manage public debt.

Odinga said that under his administration, Kenya would become a manufacturing powerhouse unrivalled in the African continent.