Indo Africa Times, a weekly newspaper has its key intend to create extensive awareness amongst people about Africa and India concerning different sectors like economy, politics, culture, fashion, sports and many more. It is our sincere endeavor to bridge the information gap between Africa and India by endowing our readers with updated and latest developments occurring in both the countries.

1. www.indoafricatimes.com
MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015 Title Code: DELENG18579 • RNI NO: DELENG/2014/54666 • Postal Registration No.: DN/325/2014-2016 • VOL. 02 • NO. 05 • Page 12 • Price `10
pg 02pg 02
Visit www.agsmovers.com to view our 128 locations worldwide
I N T E R N A T I O N A L M O V E R S
AGS FOUR WINDS NEW DELHI
D 84/2 Okhla Industrial area Ph - 1 New Delhi 110 020
T. +91 98 11 11 00 61 / +91 11 43 36 73 00
E. ags-delhi@agsfourwinds.com
Market leader for international
removal services in India and Africa.
pg10
pg 04
pg 07
Miss colombia
2014 wins miss
universe
A NEW ZAMBIA
Zambia's new energetic leader
throws off first white Vice President
Continued to page 03
Cameroon:
Africa in
Miniature
Kannur:
THE LAND
OF Looms
AND Lore
AfDB-financed
Nairobi Outer
Ring Road
Improvement
Project
President
Jonathan
ramps up new
power grid for
Borno

2. Wassupafrica02
Kenyan President launches AfDB-
financed Nairobi Outer Ring Road
Improvement Project
Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the
RepublicofKenya,accompaniedby
members of his Cabinet, officially
launched the commencement of
the construction of the Nairobi
Outer Ring Road Improvement
Project, jointly financed by the
African Development Bank and
the Government of Kenya.
The total cost of the
rehabilitation of the Outer Ring
Road is estimated at UA 86.4
million (approximately USD
125.18 million), of which the
African Development Fund (ADF)
is financing UA 77.6 million
(equivalenttoUSD112.43million),
while the Kenya Government will
contribute UA 8.8 million (or USD
12.75 million).
The project involves the
construction of a 13-kilometre-
long dual highway to traverse the
northern and eastern districts
of Nairobi city. It also entails the
construction of missing links
covering about 16 km. Once
completed, the entire project will
drastically decongest the environs
of the two districts, including
arterial roads connecting Nairobi-
Thika Highway, Eastern Bypass,
Northern Bypass, Mombasa
Road, and the Jomo-Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA).
Speaking at the ceremony,
attended by a broad spectrum of
stakeholders including Members
The Volta River Authority (VRA)
says it cannot fully utilize the 120
million standard cubic feet gas
produced by the Ghana National Gas
Company because some of its plants
have shut down for maintenance.
According to the company, the said
plants would be ready by March,
this year. Samuel Fletcher, Head of
Corporate Communications of VRA,
in a statement, said the first TICO Unit
has recently been returned to service.
'We expect the process of
conversion to gas to be completed
within the next two weeks to increase
gas consumption to about 80 million
standard cubic feet.' He said the
second TICO Unit has been taken out
of service for scheduled maintenance
and would be available in March,
saying 'accordingly, the full 120
million standard cubic feet can be
used from March 2015. Mr Fletcher
said the units at VRA's T1 and T3
plants have been running on gas
supply from Ghana Gas Company
since November 2014.
'TICO is therefore unable to
immediately start operating on gas
as the units require some work
before the fuel switch, he said. Mr
Fletcher said TICO Units have run
solely on crude oil since completion
in 2000 and therefore need some
to run successfully on gas. Ghana
Gas has announced that it is waiting
for the Volta River Authority (VRA)
to complete requisite works at its
Aboadze Thermal Plant Complex
to enable it increase the available
generating capacity. Dr. Kwesi
Botchwey, Board Chairman of
Ghana Gas, who made this known
in a statement released recently, said
once the VRA completes expansion
works at its Aboadze Thermal Plant
Complex 'it will be possible for us
to increase our off-take of raw gas
from the Jubilee Field's FPSO Kwame
Nkrumah to supply VRA lean gas
at the optimal 120 million standard
cubic feet per day (120MMSCFD).'
Modern Ghana
A
lhaji Mohammed Wakil, the
Minister of State for Power
said that the presidency
had directed the ministry to
open two additional sources of
power transmission from the
National Grid to Borno, following
continuous power disconnections
by suspected insurgents.
Wakil made the disclosure at
a meeting with youth and women
groups in Maiduguri.
“I want to inform our people
that President Goodluck Jonathan
has ordered the opening of two
other new sources of power
supply to Borno. “We have
complied with the directive and
in due course, the state will have
three sources of power supply”,
he said.
Wakil quoted Jonathan as
directing the speeding up of
ongoing federal power projects
in the state to expand supply to
the state to reduce incidences
of vandalisation to the barest
minimum.
The minister said in line
with presidential directive,
Transmission Company of Nigeria
of Parliament and Nairobi County
Government Officials as well
as thousands of residents of
the Eastland suburb of Nairobi,
the Director for the African
Development Bank’s East Africa
Regional Resource Centre (EARC),
Gabriel Negatu, said that, after the
Nairobi-Thika Highway financed
by the AfDB, the Nairobi Outer
Ring Road Improvement Project
adds to the suite of bold initiatives
guaranteed to contribute to
the modernization of the city
of Nairobi. Upon completion,
the project will result in the
transformation of the outer ring
into a four-lane highway, with
interchanges and overpasses
and construction of link roads.
Besides, the project will be fitted
with foot paths, cycle lanes as well
as incorporate a nine-metre Bus
Rapid corridor to be constructed
at a later stage.
The Regional Director
reiterated that the project will
transform livelihoods through
the creation of sustainable
opportunities in terms of jobs and
businesses. He also underscored
the fact that the project is designed
to respond to Kenya’s shortage
of relevant skills in artisans
and technicians mainly due to
a mismatch in training and the
labour market needs.
AfDB
VRA Ready to
Use Gas in March
30 'Outstanding' entrepreneurs to
be honored in April
Thirty most outstanding entrepreneurs
in Ghana will be outdoored and inducted
into the Ghana Entrepreneur Awards Hall
of Fame in April 2015.
This novelty will unveil thirty of
Ghana's topmost entrepreneurs who will
be drawn from over one hundred and
twenty entrepreneurs and honored at the
annual Ghana Entrepreneurs Awards.
Chief Executive Officer of the
Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana Sam
Ato Gaisie said the Hall of Fame concept
exclusively celebrates the stories of
Ghana's most successful entrepreneurs.
“This concept specifically
recognizes innovative Ghanaian
entrepreneurs whose contributions to
the development of Ghana has spanned
several years; the recipients of these
awards are then inducted into the Ghana
Entrepreneur Hall of Fame,” Mr. Gaisie
told Citi FM.
The awards scheme, according to
Mr. Ato Gaisie, has been redesigned this
year to coincide with the Foundation's
5th anniversary celebrations.
He further revealed the inductees
will constitute a think tank that will
in collaboration with the Ministry of
Trade and Industry focus on promoting
the interest of the private sector and
entrepreneurs in Ghana.
The Foundation is on the advisory
board of Mr. Sam Ato Gaisie, Founder
& President of the Foundation, Nana
Osei Bonsu, CEO of Private Enterprises
Foundation, Dr Toni Aubynn, CEO of
the Minerals Commission of Ghana,
Mr. Joe Tackie, CEO of Private Sector
Development and representatives from
the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Modern Ghana
Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya

President Jonathan ramps up new
power grid for Borno
had been directed to hasten the
pace of work on the 330/132/33
kv sub station in Damaturu, which
he said was adequate to supply
both Yobe and Borno states.
“Borno will then get three
sources of power namely the
132 kv Gombe -Biu – Damboa –
Maiduguri line, the 330 kv new
sub station on Damboa road in
Maiduguri and the Damaturu
330/132/33kv which should be
completed as quickly as possible.
“The era of only one line
connecting the state to national
grid is over. We must ensure at
least three lines of connection
to prevent future sabotage and
vandalisation,” he said.
African Herald Express
President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

3. Vice President of Zambia, Inonge Wina

Wassupafrica 03
FROM PAGE 01
The African development Bank
(AfDB) and the Government of
Seychelles have entered into an
agreement which will finance the
Seychelles MSME Development
Project. A fund of US $1 million will
be provided by the AfDB under the
African Private Sector Assistance
(FAPA) grant.
The project will help in
the development of Seychelles
MSMEs. The MSMEs in Seychelles
face the problem of access to
finance and entrepreneurial skills
which will be dealt with under the
development project.
The project will work in
consonance with Seychelles
Inclusive Private Sector
Development and Competitiveness
Programme (IPSDCP).
The agreement was signed
The Ugandan government plans
to invest in major infrastructure
projects. The plan is to invest $1.7
billion in Karuma hydropower
plant, $556 million in Isimba
hydropower dam and $8.5 billion
in gauge railway project.
The projects are being
overlooked by the Bank of Uganda
(BOU), which has kept away from
intervening in foreign exchange
market by selling dollars. In fact
BOU is buying dollars to facilitate
the projects.
The bank is seen selling and
buying dollars at a fast rate, thus
showing that it is desperate to
build reserves. By the end of 2013,
As a part of the Local Raw Material
Initiative, Serengeti Breweries Limited
(SBL) is distributing barley seeds to
farmers in Kilimanjaro and Manyara.
Under the initiative, 4,000 tonnes of
barley seeds will be distributed to
framers. The initiative is expected to
benefit farmers of the region.
"We have started with these
regions...extra seeds are en route
and more farmers are set to benefit
this season," said Mr Shafii Mndeme,
Agribusiness Manager of SBL.
The farmers seem to be satisfied
by the initiative, Mr. Nobert Malihela,
one of the farmers said, “We get
seeds when needed and this helps us
plant on time and get better harvests,"
he said, requesting the company to
broaden the initiative to more farmers
in the country.
The farmers feel that the
initiative has helped them form a
reliable market and build confidence
to access loans. Also the initiative
has helped the farmers get timely
payments for their produce.
"It is because of this contract
farming that we have built confidence
in banks and other financial
institutions," said Mr. Mwinyio
Makame, another farmer.
The initiative started in 2012 with
only 5 farmers and has now grown to
150 farmers. Around 5,000 to 6,000
tonnes of barley is produced every
season.
The initiative is run in districts of
Arusha, Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Iringa
and Rukwa.
AfDB to support Medium and
Small Enterprises in Seychelles
Tanzanian
farmers get
support from
Brewery
To support the development of rural
solar-hybrid mini-grids in Tanzania. The
USD 420,000 fund has been approved
by the sustainable Energy Fund for
Africa (SEFA), and is being provided to
Jumeme-Rural Power Supply Ltd (JRPS).
JRPS, the local joint venture has of
three partners, INSENSUS Gmbh, Terra
Projects and St. Augustine University of
Tanzania in Mwanza. The fund will help
in technical studies, lender’s support,
legal and financial advisory services.
Tanzania’s national grid covers only a
very small region of the country. The
SEFA to Supercharge Electricity
Generation in Tanzania
Uganda Investing in
Infrastructure Projects
government aims at covering 30% of the
regionby2015. "ThesuccessofJumeme
will have a strong demonstration effect for
future mini-grids systems developers and
operators, and pave the way for stronger
AfDB engagement in this segment", said
Joao Duarte Cunha, SEFA Coordinator.
The project will enable expansion
of rural electrification and easy access
to energy services, using mainly solar
energy. Some 16 villages, housing
82,000 people have been targeted. 500
new businesses will be formed after the
implementation of the project.
by Pierre Laporte, Minister of
Finance, Trade and Investment
on behalf of the Government of
Seychelles and Gabriel negate,
Regional Director for East Africa,
on behalf of AfDB.
Negate said, "Promoting
the creation and growth of
domestic MSMEs is key to
economic competitiveness and
diversification in Seychelles. This
project will support the Seychellois
Government in their efforts to
promote entrepreneurship and
the role of small businesses in the
development of the country."
FAPA support provided to
Seychelles will be strengthening
two main government agencies,
the Small Business Finance Agency
(SBFA) and the Small Enterprise
Promotion Agency (SEnPA).
Zambia’s newly-elected President
Edgar Lungu has thrown off vice
president Guy Scott, who was
concisely Africa's only white
leader, from his government when
he announced his cabinet. Mr Scott
was the first white president in
mainland Africa for 20 years and
has been involved in Zambian
politics since the 1990s.
As interim president since the
death in office of Michael Sata in
October 2014, Scott had been the
first white leader on the continent
since the end of apartheid 20 years
ago. Mr Lungu won by a 48.3%
majority, the election commission
said, after an election race tainted
by deferrals. His opponent,
Hakainde Hichilema of the United
Party for National Development,
came close with 46.7% of the vote.
In the interim period following
Mr Sata's death, Zambia was ruled
by Guy Scott, a white Zambian of
Scottish descent. He was actually
barred from challenging the
election because his parents were
not born in Zambia. Though he
was close to Mr Sata and served as
his running mate, his relationship
with Mr Lungu is less cordial.
In November he dismissed
Mr Lungu as the Patriotic Front's
secretary-general provoking riots
in the country. Mr Lungu will serve
the remainder of Mr Sata's term
until elections in 2016.
Mr. Lungu has appointed
the country’s first female vice
president and reserved the
country’s finance minister in a
bid to capture wilting growth in
the copper-rich southern African
nation. Inonge Wina, national
chairwoman of Mr. Lungu’s
Patriotic Front and the former
gender minister, shoulders the
post evacuated by Guy Scott.
Scott had sacked Lungu from
his position as party general
secretary during a power struggle
after Sata's death, but later
reinstated him after rioting by
supporters.
Scott, who is of Scottish
descent, was prohibited by the
constitution from standing for the
presidency himself as his parents
were not born in Zambia.
He had told local media that
he saw his starring role as interim
president as basically ceremonial
and was looking forward to
passing over power so that he
could enjoy his "gin and tonic".
Lungu made numerous
other new appointments to the
cabinet after winning election,
but retained Finance Minister
Alexander Chikwanda and Foreign
Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba.
Ngosa Simbyakula becomes Justice
Minister and is substituted as
Home Affairs Minister by Davies
Mwila.
The new president repeated
his pledge to serve the people
of Zambia equally irrespective
of tribal affiliation. "I love every
part of Zambia and we won't
look at tribe when it comes to
development," he said.
"I am humbled eternally
and debted to you all, my fellow
citizens," said Lungu at the
inauguration ceremony. "The
bottom line is that we want the
country to go foward and to banish
poverty in our midst."
Lungu, the former defence
minister, takes over the leadership
for the remainder of Sata's term
until a general election planned for
September 2016. He has assured to
focus on ramping up the economy
of the continent's second biggest
copper producer, which has been
hit by declining prices.
The new president receives
a decelerating economy and
high poverty levels, with the key
mining, tourism and agriculture
sectors all struggling.
Zambia's electoral commission
chairwoman Ireen Mambilima has
sacked all the allegations, saying
the procedure was translucent.
Zambians voted on Jan. 20, and
the polls were protracted by
an extra day, due to heavy rain
in certain areas. During the
election campaign, Lungu, who
belongs to the same party as the
late president, said he wants to
complete economic development
projects started by Sata.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon praised Zambia "for the
peaceful manner in which the
country organized its presidential
election, despite difficult
weather conditions," according
to a statement released by his
spokesman.
BOU reserves were estimated at $3
billion (Sh8.5 trillion)
The shilling is said to have
depreciated by 9% against the
US dollar, which could depreciate
further by poor harvest thus
meaning a loss to farmers.
mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

4. of poverty reduction. Authorities
in Yaounde mobilized funds from
all over the national territory and
there has been total engagement
towards poverty reduction in
line with agreements reached at
national and international levels.
Cameroon has a promising
future in Fisheries, Agriculture,
Forestry and Livestock. The
GDP is largely dominated by the
tertiary sector, with the sector
contributing 47.8% of GDP
followed by 29.7% by secondary
sector and 22.5% by the primary
sector.
Promoting Production of
Natural Gas
Cameroon has a relatively
small oil industry but oil is a
major source of revenue for the
economy. Besides oil, natural
gas is also becoming important,
and gas plants are being set up
to promote the production of
natural gas.
Considerable progress has
CountryoftheWeek04
O
fficially known as the
Republic of Cameroon,
Cameroon is a country
in Central Africa. Bordered by
Chad, Central African Republic,
Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the
Democratic Republic of Congo, it
is often referred to as ‘Africa in
miniature’. The country has a vast
cultural and geological diversity.
Cameroon's per-capita GDP
(Purchasing power parity) was
estimated at US$2,300 in 2008,
one of the ten highest in sub-
Saharan Africa. Major export
markets for Cameroon include
France, Italy, South Korea, Spain,
and the United Kingdom.
Cameroon is part of the Bank
of Central African States (of which
it is the dominant economy),
the Customs and Economic
Union of Central Africa (UDEAC)
and the Organization for the
Harmonization of Business Law in
Africa (OHADA).
BOURGEONING
ECONOMY
The economy of this Central
African nation has seen many
ups and downs over the years.
The country has undergone
large scale urbanization, more
than half the population of the
country now living in towns.
Major urban centers like Yaounde
and Douala have a growth rate of
7% and 6.4% respectively, and
the average growth rate of the
country is around 5%.
One of the major economic
problems in Cameroon is poverty,
but the authorities are proactively
working towards improving
conditions. The execution of the
second three year economic and
financial program aided by the
IMF was centered on the objective
Advertisement
please email to
ads@indoafricatimes.com
or call at
+91 8595166674
+91 9350564995
To book your
been made in the production
of electricity by setting up
hydroelectric power plants. The
reach of which is still very low.
Plants to produce bio-gas have
also been set up in village centers
as part of a project to produce
cheap bio gas which can be used
as manure.
In the Woods
Forestry is a promising sector
in Cameroon. The government
formulated ‘Vision 2035’, a plan to
promote the expansion of mining
and construction sectors.
The country has huge reserves
of diamonds, aluminum, cobalt,
nickel, manganese, iron ore and
rutile. The government is looking
for ways to expand investments
in these sectors, which will help
in further exploitation of these
sectors.
Cameroon is one of the world’s
major supplier of wood (along
with Brazil and Indonesia). 60%
of raw timber from Cameroon
is shipped to China and 80% of
processed wood is shipped to
European Union countries.
Soils and climate on the coast
encourage extensive commercial
cultivation of bananas, cocoa, oil
palms, rubber, and tea. Inland on
the South Cameroon Plateau, cash
crops include coffee, sugar, and
tobacco. Coffee is a major cash
crop in the western highlands, and
in the north, natural conditions
favor crops such as cotton,
groundnuts, and rice. Reliance
on agricultural exports makes
Cameroon vulnerable to shifts in
their prices.
Constructing Cameroon
The construction sector is
finally booming in Cameroon
and is expected to experience
an upward growth thanks to
the construction of Lom Pangar,
Memve’ele and Mekin dams,
along with another dam currently
under construction and various
other road construction projects.
Also, large scale exploitation of
the country’s abundant natural
resources could be a driving
force in Cameroon’s economic
development.
Efforts at capacity building
for services in transport,
telecommunications, hotel and
restaurants are also expected to
boost growth in the coming years.
The Cameroonian Catch
64,000 tons of marine
products are caught every year off
the coast of Cameroon. The fishing
industry also employs a large
number of people (35,000 direct
jobs and 135,000 are indirectly
employed). Around 135,000 tons
of frozen fish are also exported
every year.
Cameroon has huge potentials
though it was faced with a
number of tough challenges in
the recent past. Effective policy
formulation will help the country
make considerable advances in
the global economic scenario.
Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock
are major driving forces of the
economy, and development of
these sectors will help Cameroon’s
economy grow by leaps and
bounds.
Advertiser's Index
AGS Four Winds..............0 Page 01
Paranthaman Exporter ....0 Page 02
Chadha Power .................0Page 02
PHEL ............................... Page 03
LESDEP ...........................0Page 05
Modern Agro ...................0Page 05
EMAT Africa .....................0Page 08
Mill India Ltd. ...................0Page 10
Laxmi Publications ..........0Page 11
ISIC ..................................0Page 11
Prakash Ameusment .......0Page 11
Agritec Africa ................... Page 12
CameroonAfrica in Miniature
CAMEROON AT A GLANCE
Official Name: Republic of Cameroon
Capital: Yaoundé
Official Languages: English, French
Currency: Central African CFA franc
Time Zone: WAT (UTC +1)
Area: 475,442 km2
Population: 22,534,532 (2013 estimate)
MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

5. BusinessBuzz 05
IDB to provide US $200 million to Burkina
to boost development
Microsoft launches Nokia 215 in Nigeria
Tourism and Agriculture to improve growth in Kenya- World Bank
The agreements were signed by Dr.
Ahmed Mohammed Ali, President
of Islamic Development Bank
Group and HE Jeam Gustave Sanon,
Minister of Economy and Finance,
IDB Governor for Burkina Faso.
The agreements signed are worth
US$106 million.
The agreements will help
support building of roads, cotton
industries, drinking water supply
and electric power in Burkina Faso.
In the first phase pf the project,
IDB will pay US$75 million for
the upgradation of a 145 km road
along the Kantchari-Diapaga-Benin
border, which will bond eastern
region of Burkina Faso to markets
across the country.
IDBwillalsocontributeUS$18.5
million to facilitate a project on
Kenya’s Tourism and Agriculture
sector will help lift the economic
development, said World Bank
in its Global Economic Prospects
2015 report. According to the
report, the national wealth is
expected to expand by 6 percent.
"Among frontier market
countries, growth is expected to
increase in Kenya,
boosted by higher
public investment
and the recovery
of agriculture
and tourism," the
Technology giant, Microsoft has launched the
new Nokia 215 for first time users. The new
phone has an affordable Internet and offers
new digital experiences. Microsoft plans to
widen its reach by introducing the phone in
Nigeria. The phone is available in both Single
SIM and Dual SIM mode.
Easy access to internet and other internet
services will be enhanced via Opera Mini
Browser, Bing search, MSN weather, Twitter
and Facebook.
The phone is enabled with Bluetooth and
a new technology SLAM, which enable easy
content sharing between users, exceptional
battery life, 50 hours MP3 playback and
water supply in the capital city of
Ouagadougou. The project will
bring in significant improvements
in health, social, financial and
environmental sectors. As per the
third agreement, IDB will invest
US$12 million to a solar power
electricity generator plant to boost
electricity supply in rural areas of
Burkina Faso.
Another agreement has been
signed between Islamic Trade
G
eneral Electric and its
consortium partners
Endeavor Energy, Eranove
and Sage Petroleum, have signed an
agreement with Excelerate Energy
for the reservation of a floating
storage regasification units (FSRU)
that will provide storage and
regasification of liquefied natural
gas (LNG) for the Ghana 1000
project, a 1300MW power plant
that will be located in Aboadze in
the Western Region.
Excelerate is a leading provider
of floating storage regasification
units.
“Partnering with Excelerate
Energy illustrates the remarkable
progress made by the Ghana 1000
consortium in completing the
project on time to deliver power
to the people of Ghana,” said Leslie
Nelson, GE Ghana CEO.
"We'repartneringwiththeright
stakeholders to offer innovative
solutions that will ultimately
reduce the cost of power to the final
consumer”, he adds.
GE, consortium partners with
Excelerate Energy on gas-to-
power project at Aboadze
The first phase of the Ghana
1000 project is expected to be
completed in late 2016 and will add
125MW to the grid.
This will increase to 750MW
by 2018 and 1300MW within five
years. The Ghanaian government is
committed to creating an enabling
environment and regulatory
frameworks that will help the
project sponsors add power quickly
to the national grid.
“We're very delighted to be
part of this historic project, which
represents significant contributions
to Ghana's energy sector,” said
Excelerate spokesperson Ernest
Marshal.
“As a co-lead on this project,
Endeavor Energy is proud of the
commitment of all partners to
ensure that we successfully deliver
not only what will be Sub-Saharan
Africa's largest power park but also
lower energy costs while increasing
the reliability of power supply in
the country,” said Endeavor CEO
Sean Long. “Ghana 1000 promises
to be the first of its kind project in
Africa.”
Ghana 1000's FSRU will have
additional capacity to allow other
power generators to shift from
light crude oil to LNG for power
generation, which could save Ghana
up to $1 billion per year.Excelerate
has capabilities to regasify 500
million standard cubic feet of LNG,
enough gas to power approximately
3,000 MW.
Modern Ghana
Finance Corporation, a member
of IDB and the Director General
of the fiber and textile company
in Burkina Faso under which the
company will get a sum of US $94
million thus making the total cost of
agreements US $200 million.
Burkina Faso has been allied
with IDB since 1978. So far, IB has
permitted around US $1.15 billion
for development of various sectors
in Burkina Faso.
World Bank report said.
This growth is anticipated to
make Kenya above the average
set for Sub-Saharan Africa,
excluding South Africa. Tourism
and agriculture documented the
lowest growth in 2014 owing
to poor rainfall and terrorist
activities. The National Treasury
of Kenya was relegate to between
5.3 and 5.6 percent from the
expected 5.8 per cent. Tourism fell
a whopping 13.6% in six months.
Frequent terrorist activities also
led to a drop in the tourism sector,
although the condition is said to be
improving recently.
"We had assumed that
challenges of insecurity would be
resolved faster but they translated
into travel advisories," Cabinet
Secretary Henry Rotich said, "The
rain patterns were also erratic."
The government has also
succeeded to mobilise $2.75
billion (Sh250.25 billion) from
internationalinvestors.Themoney
will be spent on infrastructural
development in transport and
energy sectors.
Burkina Faso and IDB recently signed three agreements to augment cooperation between the two entities. The
agreements will help support building of roads, cotton industries, drinking water supply and electric power in
Burkina Faso. In the first phase of the project, IDB will pay US$75 million for the upgradation of a 145 km road
along the Kantchari-Diapaga-Benin border, which will bond eastern region of Burkina Faso to markets across
the country.
Tourism and agriculture recorded the lowest growth in 2014 owing to poor rainfall and terrorist activities. The
National Treasury of Kenya was downgrade to between 5.3 and 5.6 percent from the expected 5.8 per cent.
Tourism fell a whopping 13.6% in six months. Frequent terrorist activities also led to a drop in the tourism
sector, although the condition is said to be improving recently.
other such features.
According to Corporate Vice President
of Microsoft Devices Group, Jo Harlow,
"With our ultra-affordable mobile phones
and digital services, we see an inspiring
opportunity to connect the next billion
people to the Internet for the first time. The
Nokia 215 is perfect for people looking for
their first mobile device, or those wanting
to upgrade to enjoy affordable digital and
social media services, like Facebook and
Messenger."
The phone is available in Bright Green,
Black and White colors and is set to be
launched in the first quarter of 2015.
mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

6. FRANKLY SPEAKING06
By kirit sobti,
editor, iat
editor@indoafricatimes.com
5
0 per cent of Africans are 19 years old or
younger. It has the youngest population among
all the continents. It is home to about a third of
the global Muslim population and 40 per cent of the
total 1.1 billion populations in Africa are Muslims. A
new and assured African middle class is evolving,
graciously hugging the digital revolution and leading
the world in novelties.
Over the last decade, trade between African
countries and the rest of the world has developed
suggestively, with economic connections with the
Middle East in particular fortifying further - and thus
putting Islamic finance as a facilitator to further lift
cross-border investment between Africa, the Middle
East and beyond.
For banks in Africa, over and above from
geographic growth, state-of-the-art Islamic
product contributions could be a key differentiator
for improved customer satisfaction, efficiency
improvement and viability.
Unlike conventional banking, Islamic banking is
based on risk-sharing rather than risk-transfer, and is
considered a feasible alternative to alternative banking.
Some of the common activities and concepts of Islamic
banking included, Mudharabah (Profit Sharing),
Wadiah (safe keeping), Musharakah (Joint venture),
Murabahah (Cost files) and Ijar (Leasing). Currently,
the ongoing activities include, Sukuk Issuances (to
finance infrastructure projects), Takaful (insurance)
and Microfinance.
Islamic banking and finance gained admiration in
its traditional markets - Malaysia, Pakistan and the
Middle East as well. There are many countries that
recently entered into Islamic banking and revealed
decent development, which include Morocco, Tunis,
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Libya, Oman, Nigeria, Tanzania
and South Africa.
Shari'ah-compliant banking has evolved to become
a fundamental part of the global financial system and
perceived substantial progress worldwide. Islamic
finance investments in 2014 were projected at about
$2 trillion and it is predicted they will upsurge to $2.5
trillion in 2015.
However, the Islamic finance industry is still in its
initial stages on the continent. Of the total 600+ Islamic
financial institutions worldwide, only about 40-50 are
functioning on the African continent, which is home to
TAKE A STANDLinking Africa to the Universe of Islamic Finance
Africa offers significant
opportunities to the global
Islamic finance industry. This
law is one more important
step for Islamic finance as new
markets are opening up which
are needed to deploy capital
from other regions such as the
Gulf.
Ismail Douiri
Attijariwafa Bank's
Managing Director
Afaq Khan
Chief Executive of Saadiq, the Islamic
finance arm of Standard Chartered
The Chief Executive Officer of the
Dubai-based Noor Islamic Bank, Hussain
AlQemzi, says that Islamic finance has
now become a major player on the world
stage and is spreading rapidly across
the globe, and Africa is set to be the next
growth frontier for the industry.
Though global Islamic banking
assets have been on a steady rise hitting
USD 1.3 trillion at the end of 2012, the
industry in Africa is still in its infancy
stage. Mr AlQemzi revealed this ahead
of 2nd
Annual Islamic Banking Summit
Africa (IBSA 2013) slated for 6-7 th
November next month in Djibouti.
According to him, recent reports
indicate that by the end of this decade,
Islamic banking and finance could
account for up to 10% of the total
banking assets in the sub-Saharan
countries.
Mr AlQemzi who is also the
Group Chief Executive Officer of Noor
Investment Group added: 'The significant
liquidity pool available in Islamic finance
is undoubtedly a major funding source
for crucial infrastructure development
projects across the continent'. Moreover
Africa also has a significant domestic
demand for Islamic finance given the
continent's huge Muslim population.
As a key player in the global Islamic
banking and finance industry, we are
delighted to be a part of this important
event which focuses on tapping the
enormous growth potential for the
Islamic finance industry in Africa, he
noted. According to organizers of the
summit, the President of the Republic of
Djibouti, H. E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, will
deliver a special presidential address on
the first day of the event.
A key highlight of IBSA 2013 will
be the high-powered industry leaders'
keynote debate. The session will feature
Amman Muhammad, Chief Executive
Officer of First National Bank (FNB)
Islamic Banking, South Africa; Hirsi Dirir,
Chief Executive Officer of Dahabshil Bank
International; and Ehsaan Ahmed, Head
of Global Transaction Services and SME,
Noor Islamic Bank, Dubai.
This interactive session will led by
Adnan Halawi, Product Manager, Zawya
Islamic Finance and will discuss key
strategies to strengthen Islamic finance's
links to the real economy in Africa and
connect Africa to the broader world of
Islamic finance.
Modern Ghana
Africa To Become The
Next Growth Frontier
For Islamic Banking
Attijariwafa Bank may
seek a foreign partner for
its Islamic subsidiary, but it
is not a top priority. We are
good as we are. If foreigners
have more experience in
Islamic finance, we have the
advantage of knowing the
North African market very
well.
Islamic banking
is set to inflate
intensely in Africa
over the next
two decades
as the number
of Muslims on
the continent
cultivates from
240 million to a
projected 400
million.
a gigantic Muslim demographic. Recent reports specify
that over 65% of the total population on the continent
are unbanked and that banking penetration stands
at 60% in urban areas and less that 20% in the rural
areas.
This shows an auspicious prospect for Islamic
finance in Africa. However to seize this marvelous
potential, the regional industry must overcome certain
challenges which include a lack of Shari’ah-compliant
investment vehicles, delicate legal and regulatory
outlines and, importantly, the lack of awareness by
many end-users and consumers.
Islamic banking is set to inflate intensely in Africa
over the next two decades as the number of Muslims
on the continent cultivates from 240 million to a
projected 400 million.
In Nigeria, for instance, 80 million people are
Muslim, but the first totally dedicated Islamic bank, Jaiz
Bank, just opened in 2012 - and has already prolonged
to 10 branches. In the interim, other banks have
presented Islamic products to aid customers uphold
Islamic law, also known as Shariah. By contrast, the
U.S. opened its first stand-alone Islamic bank - Lariba,
based in Whittier, Calif in 1987 regardless of having a
far smaller population of Muslims.
Unlike conventional Western-style banking, Islamic
banking drives according to the principles of Shariah,
prohibiting the fixed or floating payment or acceptance
of specific interest or fees for loans of money. In
addition, Islamic banks that strictly follow Shariah
do not invest in businesses that provide services or
products that are deliberated as errant or forbidden.
Shariah banking offers great prospects for Africa's
prevailing banks. In Kenya, the Gulf African Bank
went through triple-digit growth last year, around
154 percent in net profit, after adding Islamic banking
products. The First Community Bank cultivated by 238
percent. And because of this exceptional year-on-year
growth, Standard Chartered PLC said it would soon
start offering Islamic banking products in Kenya.
Kenya’s triumphs in the Islamic banking industry
imitates the fact that the nation has since 2011 been
making regulatory alterations and working on some of
the more complex Shariah products, such as real estate
investment trusts.
As African banks embrace Islamic practices,
regulatory bodies are climbing to issue Shariah-
compliant policy statements and rules. Nigeria brought
in new guidelines to help deal with sukuk – the Islamic
equivalent of bonds.
South Africa, Africa’s biggest economy and home
to about 750,000 Muslims, has redrafted its tax laws to
safeguard that Shariah-compliant products are more
translucent.
Uganda, Botswana and Zambia are also looking
to make regulatory changes to nurture their Islamic
banking sectors.
International institutions like the World Bank, IMF,
AfDB and many other regional and world organizations
have commended the practice of Islamic banking.
Africa, at the moment, should actually aim to take a
stand to enter in the global Islamic finance arena by
adopting the practice of Islamic Banking. The need of
the hour is a comprehensive analysis of the financing
system and incorporating it in the African economies
by policy formulations that will facilitate these banking
practices.
MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

7. TRAVEL&tourism 07
T
he beautiful city of Kannur is situated in Kerala, the
southern state of India. Also known as Cannanore,
the city is the largest city in North Malabar Region.
The city is said to be the ancient port of Naura, from
where King Solomon’s ship collected timber. Kannur
was also lauded by Marco Polo as the land of spice trade.
Kannur’s brilliant past can be seen in its ancient
monuments, shrines and a breathtaking landscape.
Beaches in the southern part of the city are among
some of the best beaches in Kerala.
The city derived its name from the name of god
Kannan (Krishna) and Ur (place) thus making it the
place of Lord Krishna. Aptly known as the ‘Land of
Looms and Lore’, the city is famous for its handloom
and is one of the largest exporters of handlooms in
India.
Having a rich background of traditional art and
culture, Kannur is famous for Theyyam, am ancient
and still popular dance form. It also houses the Kerala
folklore academy. Also, a large number of plays and
dances are prevalent among the local tribes.
Blessed with a wealth of natural beauty, Kannur’s
beaches, hill stations, back waters and historical
monuments are remarkable. The city has been a key
contributor to the cultural, religious, political and
industrial heritage of Kerala.
Some of the noted tourist attractions in Kannur are:
Arakkal Museum: Dedicated to the only Muslim
royal family of South India, the Arakkal museum is a
part of the Arakkalketu (Arakkal Palace). The family
rules Kannur for several years and had trade relations
with the Arabs and later Europeans.
Bekal Fort: Built over 300 years ago and spread
over 40 acres, Bekal is the largest fort in Kerala. The
water tank with a flight of steps and a tunnel to its
south, a magazine to keep arms and ammunitions and
an observation center are the striking features of the
fort. The observation center is remarkable as it helped
to know even the slightest movement of the enemy. The
fort is said to be built exclusively for fulfilling defense
purposes as is evident from the holes found on the
walls of the fort.
Ezhimala Hill: Protruding into the Arabian Sea,
it was the former capital of Mushika Kings. The Indian
Naval Academy is located in the hills and a famous
Hanuman temple is among the major tourist attractions.
One can enjoy watching dolphins at the Ettikulum Bay
as well.
Madayipara: Holding historic and religious
importance, Madayipara is an important destination
in Kannur. A pond in the shape of a hand held mirror,
the Vadukunda Siva Temple are the two most famous
attractions in the region. The Pooram festival is also
significant in the region. Apart from religious and
cultural aspects, the region has about 300 flowering
plants and 30 varieties of grass. Also home to several
medicinal plants, Madayipara holds a very important
place in the bio-diversity sector.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: The only
drive-in beach in Kerala, Muzhappilangad runs parallel
to NH 17. One can drive the entire 4km length of the
beach. Covered with coconut groves and bordered by
black stones, it is among the most important tourist
attractions in Kerala.
Payyambalam Beach: One of the most beautiful
beaches in Kerala, Payyambalam is the place to be
when you want a relaxing holiday. Well known for well-
constructed and laid out gardens, and a sculpture of a
mother and child, the beach is known for its cleanliness.
A beautiful public spot, its location around 2km away
from Kannur makes it an ideal destination.
Vaithal Mala/Pythal Mala: Situated at a height
of 4,500 ft. above sea level, Pythal Mala is situated at
the Kerala-Karnataka border. Having an abundance of
flora and fauna, the place is now being developed as a
hill resort. The place is a trekker’s paradise.
Kannur Fort: Also known as St. Angela’s Fort, the
fort was built in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy
of India. It is the most important historical site and a
famous tourist center. The fort is maintained by the
Archeological Survey of India.
Parassinikkadavu Temple: The temple’s
architecture is testimony to the many unique practices
and rituals followed. The temple promotes the concept
of ‘Vasudaiva Kutumbakam- the whole world is one
family’, people from all religions are attracted to this
place. The temple is also a favored tourist destination
for tourists and pilgrims, who wish to enjoy the charm
of Theyyam, which is performed here on daily basis.
SPICY DELICACIES
Kannur’s cuisine is largely influenced by its culture,
religion and other traditional activities. One can mostly
find Kerala-Malabar food like, Dosa, Puttu and Appam.
The lip smacking, Spicy Coconut Chammanthy, the
Palada Payasam are a part of the special cuisine of
Kannur. Seafood is an important part of the region’s
food habit, Kannur being a coastal town.
While being in Kannur enjoy tasting stuffed
Mussels which are greatly available with the most of
the local vendors. The Malabar Food Festival which is
organized regularly in the landscapes of Kerala features
sumptuous cuisines from the four districts of Kannur,
Wayanad, Kozhikode and Kasaragode.
THE
LAND OF
Looms
AND
Lore
Kannur
mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

8. TALKINGTECHNOLOGY08
The time has come for East
Africa’s long heralded ICT
revolution to start delivering
results that improve the quality
of life for the region’s citizens
and lift enterprises to world class
status. The technology is available,
the international communication
links are in place, the need is
clear. Now we need to mobilize
smart implementation strategies
at company, community, village,
city, region, district and county
levels to bring to realization
effective service delivery, citizen
engagement, health and other
social services and education.
Through its range of in-depth
specialist Forums, AITEC East
Africa 2015 will provide a unique
platform for ICT professionals
and managers from all sectors
to gather information, contacts,
and knowledge to take back to
their organizations to empower
them to accelerate delivery of
results. In addition, the Summit
will act as a clearing house to
identify synergies, link initiatives,
form partnerships, and avoid
duplication of projects and
waste of resources. Through
an intensive partnership
programme, AITEC East Africa
2014 will bring together all
stakeholders to ensure that the
full panoply of regional and
national ICT initiatives, whether
by government, private sector and
or development partners, will be
represented, explained, examined
– and hopefully priorities assigned,
synergies identified and action
accelerated.
Incorporating eGov EA
Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya
each devolution agendas which
create numerous opportunities
and challenges for effective ICT
deployment. Expectations have
been created among citizens that
devolution will result in improved
service delivery, infrastructure
and general quality of life. But
resources remain limited and
local authorities need to make
careful choices regarding the
delivery systems they are going
to select and implement. The
computing, financial management
and communications systems
that counties and districts select
can either help them accelerate
the delivery of results – or can
consume resources without
tangible benefits.
eGov EA will provide an
intensive two-day briefing for
CFOs, CIOs, ICT Directors and
other senior government officials
from districts and counties from
across the region to empower
them with the insights and
knowledge they need to make
the right strategy, technology
and systems selections with their
limited budgets.
Specialist Forums to
cover key subject areas
in depth
ICT Education
Continuing the outcome-
oriented discussion among
education and industry
stakeholders to identify and
concretise education strategies to
address the ICT skills gap in the
region.
eGov East Africa
Delivering citizen services
at local level; integrating local,
regional and national government
systems and services; mobilising
ICT to manage, monitor and track
expenditure at all levels.
East African Internet
Forum
A platform for all stakeholders
involved in Internet development,
governance, usage and service
provision across the region to
meet and map out strategies
and programmes to accelerate
network development and data
services over the coming years.
Mobile Applications
Mapping business and
implementations strategies
to leverage locally and
internationally on East
Africa’s emerging comparative
advantage in mobile applications
development and deployment.
Cloud Computing
Leveraging on cloud
technology to distribute the
benefits of computing power,
scale up citizen services and
maximise enterprise productivity.
Channel East Africa
The region’s first forum for
manufacturers, distributors and
resellers to discuss business
models, network and optimise
the ICT channel across the region
to increase competitiveness, fight
piracy and grey marketing and
improve end-user service and
experience.
EA Innovation
Accelerator
Morning, lunchtime and
evening sessions for start-ups
to present their innovations and
promote themselves to potential
customers and investors.
eWaste EA
The explosion of mobile and
computing technology use in
East Africa is causing a build-up
of e-waste that if ignored will
result in severe environmental
degradation throughout the
region. Clear national policies
and corporate strategies are
urgently needed to deal with this
challenge.
e&mAgric
Agriculture underpins the
region’s economy and provides
more employment than any
other sector. If ICT is going to
contribute to the improvement of
quality of life in the region, this is
where it has to prove itself.
East African Contact
Centre & BPO Forum
Best practice in contact centre
development and management;
projects, tools, business models
and partnerships to accelerate
the creation of digital jobs and
establish East Africa as a credible
outsourcing destination.
Retail & eCommerce
Technologies, solutions and
systems for the region’s retail
boom – both in-store and online.
TURNING ICT VISIONS INTO REALITY
AITEC East Africa ICT Summit 2015, 18-19 February 2015,
Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya
MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

9. TRYSOMETHINGNEW 09
Ingredients
 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lbs baby carrots, rinsed
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled cut into
chunks
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 6 cups chicken broth (6 cups water 2
chicken bouillon cubes can be substituted)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• salt and black pepper, to taste
upcoming
Not only gun but with pen we can
also battle to our success
THOUGHT OF
THE WEEK
2nd Annual Water
Conference
The Conference is organized
by CII and the theme is
“Smart Water Management for
Cities”. Conference seeks to
emphasize the role of smart
and sustainable solutions in
enabling the recommendations
of the CII report released
last year. The conference will
also highlight the activities
of the Karnataka State Water
Network, an initiative of the CII
– Karnataka Water Task Force,
with regard to bringing together
disparate stakeholders such
as Government, Industry,
Academia, Non-profits,
and Volunteer groups on a
common platform to execute
water management initiatives.
Date: 04 February 2015
Venue: Hotel Taj West End,
Bangalore.
3rd edition of Gujarat
State Level: QC Circle
Competition 2014
This competition provides a
unique opportunity to motivate
workers form Quality Circles
within the company and also
provides them a platform to
exchange ideas and share their
experiences. Senior managers,
supervisors and management
personnel can take advantage
of this opportunity and get an
insight into some outstanding
examples of Quality Circles;
understand how to promote
and encourage the QC
movement within their own
organization and exchange
ideas with the facilitators and
trainers of the participating
circles.
Date: Feb 04, 2015
Venue: Hotel Surya Palace, Gujarat,
India.
Conference on Smart
Urbanization 2015
It would provide platform for
the discussion on infrastructure,
technologies and policies and
will bring out recommendations
as a comprehensive Report
on Roadmap towards
Smart Urbanization.
PriceWaterHouseCoopers
(PwC) is the knowledge partner
for this conference and the
Report.
Date: 5 Feb, 2015
Venue: The Leela Ambience,
Gurgaon, Haryana, India.
Seminar on empowering
SMEs through addressing
their financing needs
CII Vijayawada is organizing
a Seminar on “Empowering
SMEs through Addressing
Their Financing Needs. The
objective of this seminar is to
enable SMEs to benefit from
various new financing schemes
of our partnering banks and
financial institutions through
CII Finance Facilitation Centre.
The seminar will bring in all
key stakeholders under one
roof and provide a platform
for the SMEs to interact with
our partnering Banks/Financial
Institutions.
Date: Feb 07, 2015
Venue: Marg Krishnaaya,
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Prepration Method
1. Heat the olive oil in large pot then sauté the garlic,
carrots, potatoes, and onion for 5 minutes, to
heighten flavors.
2. Add broth (or water plus bouillon), cover cook
over medium heat until vegetables are tender,
around 20 minutes.
3. Pour the soup into a blender puree until smooth.
You may need to do half at a time.
4. Add cumin, salt, pepper then adjust seasonings
to taste.
5. If soup is too thick, additional water may be added.
Handy French
1. Can I get on the internet?
Puis-je me connecter à
l’Internet?
2. I would like something to
drink.
Je voudrais boire quelque
chose.
3. A cup of tea, please.
Une tasse de thé, s’il vous plaît.
4. Do you have vegetarian
dishes?
Creamy Vegetable Cumin Soup
Home remedies
for acne scars
The earliest
pre-human fossils
were found in
Kenya and
Tanzania The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the US President, Mr. Barack Obama at the India-US CEO Forum Meeting,
in New Delhi on January 26, 2015.

picture of the week
1. Sandalwood water: According
to Ayurveda, sandalwood or chandan
is a highly effective soothing and
cooling agent, which makes it ideal to
deal with skin problems. Simply soak
a piece of sandalwood in water for a
few hours. Remove the wood, dry and
store for reuse. Using a small ball of
cotton, smear the sandalwood water
slowly on the parts of the
skin that has acne scars.
Repeat every day for
about a week and you are
sure to notice a marked
difference in your facial
appearance.
2. F e n u g r e e k
extract: Fenugreek
has anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic and soothing
Using all of the letters A to Z, each once only,
complete these common words:
ban_
_a_i_et
_aiz_
s__th
na_e_
_eco_
_ocu_
_la_e
Answers: Bank, Cabinet, Maize, Sixth, Navel, Decoy, Focus, Glaze, Junk, Fox, Beware,
Equip, Otter, Wish, Roast.
__nk
f_x
be__re
e_ui_
action on the skin that helps heal skin
conditions and reducing acne scars.
Add a few seeds of fenugreek (methi)
into a little water; boil for about 10-15
minutes. Allow the liquid to cool, strain
out the seeds and using a cotton ball,
apply the water to the acne scars. Do
this regularly for about a week and you
will see a reduction in the intensity of
the scars’ appearance.
3. Lemon juice: Lemons are rich in
vitamin C that plays an important role
in synthesis of collagen in the body.
Cut a few lemons and squeeze out
the juice. Apply the juice with a cotton
ball directly onto the acne scars on
the face. Allow it to remain for some
time and then wash with plain water.
This tends to have a bleaching effect
on dark scars. You can also combine
lemon juice with other ingredients
for scar-reducing effect. Mix one
tablespoon each of lemon juice, honey
and almond oil with two tablespoons
of milk. Apply this mixture on your
scars once a day for about one week
to see an improvement.
4. Neem leaves: Neem leaves
contains alkaloids that give them
distinct antibacterial, antiviral and
antifungal properties. This makes
them effective against a wide range
of skin problems, from acne and
eczema to ringworm. They also have
the property of cleansing the body of
toxins. Place a neem leaf directly on
the affected area for some time.
5. Aloe vera:The gel-like substance
obtained from the leaves of aloe plant
has a magical ability to heal skin
problems. Wash a leaf of aloe plant
and peel out its outermost green layer
to reach the inner jelly-like substance.
Scoop out the jelly with a spoon and
apply a little quantity directly onto the
scarred tissue. Repeat this twice a
day, leaving the gel on for about half
an hour each time. Wash it off every
time with plain water.
Avez-vous des plats
végétariens?
5. Where is the exit?
Où est la sortie?
6. One moment please!
Un moment s'il vous plaît.
7. Keep me up to date!
Tiens-moi au courant!
8. God knows why!
Va savoir pourquoi !
ot_er
wis_
_oast
mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

10. THEFASHIONISTAS10
T
he budding Ghanaian actor,
model and dance instructor
beat 15 other housemates
to emerge winner of the coveted
crownandissettosmilehomewith
a brand new SUV, management
deal, and movie contract for
three years and mouthwatering
wardrobe allowance.
Speaking on his success,
Ron said: ‘I’m very happy and
excited. It’s a humbling experience
emerging winner of Next Movie
Star 2014. Getting the form from
Ghana, going for audition, getting
picked, coming to Nigeria for the
show and winning the it, I have
all the reasons to be happy and
excited.’
When asked if he anticipated
that he would win at any point, he
said: ‘No, because all the people
that went for the audition, both in
Ghana and Nigeria, were talented.
When we got into the house, I saw
different talents but I think what
gave me an edge over them was
my versatility. I’m a dancer, singer,
instructor, martial artist and
model. But before I moved down
here, I said to myself, it is either I
win or nothing at all.’
The Next Movie Star Reality
Ghana based Nigerian act,
dancehall empress Miz Gold drops
her first single of the year 2015.
She calls this one “AthisAparty”,
which was produced by Fita.
The Dancehall Empress is here
to impress with her new fusion
of music which seeks to rock
gatherings especially in the clubs
and parties.
Speaking in an exclusive
interview, with this publicist, the
dancehall empress has observed
that, the new single, “AthisAparty”
is a commercial song slated to
excite people in this new year
whiles they look on to fulfil their
new year resolutions.
According to the songstress,
she stressed that, “I am better at
being myself and as such I bring
my all in to composing songs
which would bring smiles to my
audience and fans”.
Miz Gold retreated that, this
year would be a year of several
release of singles which are part of
the third album which is already
done.
“Miz Gold as a brand will be
releasing singles every three
months at each quarter”, she
added.
The video of the particular
song, “AthisAparty”, in question
Glam Africa Fashion Night 2015 (GAFN) will
be hosted by ace comedian Wale Gates and
broadcaster, Toya Washington. Wale and Toya
are two seasoned UK based entertainment and
media personalities. Wale Gates is a comedian,
MC and social commentator. He owns the comedy
brand ‘Just Joking with Wale Gates’ and has been
a popular figure on the African entertainment
scene in the UK over the past decade.
Toya Washington is a television presenter,
event host and media personality. A former Big
Brother UK contestant, Toya also works in a
freelance capacity, speaking at conferences and
award shows. Glam Africa Fashion Night 2015
will hold on Sunday, 22nd, February at Porchester
Hall, Bayswater, London.
Modern Ghana
TV Show has over the years
discovered successful Stars in The
African entertainment industry
since 2005.
Those who have unearthed
through the programme, include
Tonto Dikeh, Annie Idibia, Kevin
Miz Gold Releases A New Track,
AThis AParty
Wale Gates And Toya Washington To Host Glam Africa
Fashion Night 2015
was shot at London early part
of December in 2014. The
video gives the real definition
of professionalism with good
pictures and costumes.
Miz Gold as a dancehall artist
is to give each and every individual
the opportunity to listen to good
music which she intends to
release this year 2015. By granting
audience of dancehall fans great
joy of listening to good music.
The dancehall artist said,
this year she is on a campaign to
empower young ladies actively
participating in to sexual
intercourse to be responsible
whiles enjoying life in its fullness.
Annual Corporate Events
“Sing for Love”an annual
corporate event which is a music
concert that seeks to provide a
platform for stars I the music
industry to volunteer their
quota by performing to feed less
privileged children who are left in
to the mercies of the world.
This year’s event according to
Miz Gold would be held in both
Nigeria and Ghana to bridge the
gap of audience who desire to have
the test of aria of top artist in both
countries to thrill them of good
music.
Modern Ghana
Chuwang Pam, PortiaYamahan, Uti
Nwachukwu, Lydia Forson, Karen
Igho, Tamara Eteimo, Tomiwa
Kukoyi, Halimat Aitsegame, Boma
Mac Ake, Zerziyia Wilson among
others.
Modern Ghana
Ron Solomon Maxwell Wins 10th Edition of NMS
Twenty-seven (27) year old Ron Solomon Maxwell from Ghana has emerged the winner of the just ended 2014 edition of
the Next Movie Star. He believes the time is ripe for someone else to be crowned winner of the Next Movie Star show from
Ghana after Enoch Hammond did it in 2007.
M
iss Colombia, Paulina Vega, has been crowned winner of this
year's edition of the Miss Universe, beating out first runner-
up, Miss USA, Nia Sanchez and contestants from more than 80
other countries at the pageant held in Miami, United States.
Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, from Las Vegas, was named a runner-up,
along with Miss Ukraine, Diana Harkusha.
AsMissUniverse,Vegawouldreceiveanundisclosedsalary,aluxury
apartment in New York, a wardrobe and oodles of beauty products, and
a one-year scholarship from the New York Film Academy.
Vega, a 22-year-old student of Business Administration from
Barranquilla, Colombia, said she would wear the crown with 'pride and
excitement' as she heard the news that fans in Colombia had taken to
the streets to celebrate.
Abena Akuaba Appiah, Ghana's representative at this year's Miss
Universe failed to make Ghana proud at the event.
She and other contestants from Africa could not make it to the
semi-finals.
Real estate mogul and reality TV star,
Donald Trump, who owns the pageant,
said many predicted Vega would take
the crown a few weeks ago when
contestants first arrived in Miami
for the festivities.
“From the minute she walked in
the building, people said, 'she's a star,” Trump
said.
A total of 88 countries participated in the contest,
of which 15 contestants were narrowed down after a
gruelling selection process. The event allowed participants to spend
two weeks sharing experiences like golfing and learning Zumba
together.
Modern Ghana 
Paulina Vega
MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

11. SPORTS2WATCH 11
Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban
Becker described the host nation's
achievement in reaching the
quarter-finals of the Africa Cup
of Nations as a Cinderella story
after they beat Gabon 2-0.
It's a Cinderella story, the
poor team beating the rich team
on merit, thanks to their sacrifice,
their commitment, their pride and
their passion, said the Argentine,
whose side progressed from
Group A as runners-up behind
Congo Brazzaville with a win and
two draws.
It is a remarkable story given
that Becker himself was only
appointed as coach at the start of
this month.
This squad only came
together 20 days ago in Madrid,
Rwanda has jumped three places
to the second position in Africa
in the latest Union Cycliste
Internationale (UCI) ranking.
According to the new ranking,
released recently, Rwanda’s
best rider and reigning Tour
due Rwanda champion Valens
Ndayisenga is ranked fifth on the
continent, up from sixth late last
year. Only Morocco are ranked
higher than Team Rwanda in
Africa.
The ranking is a major boost
for Team Rwanda’s chances to
compete in 2016 Olympic Games
in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil.
At the end of 2014, Rwanda
ranked fifth in Africa, and the
latest development has largely
been attributed to the country’s
strong showing at the recent Tour
of Egypt, earlier this month.
In the latest ranking, Morocco
accumulated 72 points and
Rwanda 14. Eritrea and Algeria are
in third and fourth, respectively,
with two points apiece.
New strategy
The latest ranking saw Rwanda
move above Eritrea, Algeria and
South Africa for the first time.
Ndayisenga, 20, boosted his
status when he dramatically won
the prologue in the Tour of Egypt
this year.
Spanish rider Francisco
Mancebo Perez, who plies his trade
with Dubai-based Skydive Dubai
Pro Cycling, is the top ranked
rider in Africa, followed by Italian
Andrea Palini of Team Lampre-
Merida (Italy), Moroccan Soufiane
Haddi and United Arab Emirates,
Yousef Mirza Banihammad.
Equatorial Guinea triumph
a 'Cinderella story'
Rwanda surges to 2nd in Africa ranking
then we went to Lisbon and put in
place a style of play with optimism.
We were convinced in every
training session that we could go
far. To be in the top eight in Africa is
an honour for such a small nation.
Former Real Madrid player
Javier Balboa, whose penalty
opened the scoring against the
Gabonese, rejected opposition
claims that he dived to win the
spot-kick.
I'm delighted for my country,
my team and for myself. Today
is a great day for the whole of
Equatorial Guinea, he said.
The penalty was the right
decision. I did not dive. Yes it
changed the game but we scored
two goals.
Modern Ghana
Ndayisenga started his
career in “Les Amis Sportifs” in
Rwamagana, the same club that
South Africa-based rider Adrien
Niyonshuti started his career from.
The qualification for the 2016
Olympic Games will be based on
performances in different cycling
races on the continent. If Jonathan
Boyer’s team can hold onto their
second spot on the continent, they
would almost certainly qualify for
the Olympic Games due next year.
UCI will use a new strategy
of awarding points to African
countries instead of the previous
format of using professionals to
compete in Olympic Games.
Last year, Ndayisenga became
the youngest rider and first
Rwandan to win the Tour du
Rwanda competition since it got
incorporated on the International
Cycling Union (UCI) calendar in
2009.
Fighting till the end
“The belief has always been
there but now we are in a good
position to achieve our dream.
We will keep fighting hard so
that we don’t lose ground,” said
the Rwanda cycling federation
president Aimable Bayingana.
He added; “We know countries
like South Africa and Algeria
will work hard to improve their
ranking but we are committed to
keeping surging ahead.”
The points of World Tours
will this time not be used for
African qualifications, meaning
points scored by individual riders
will longer be awarded to their
respective countries.
In 2012, Team Rwanda captain
Adrien Niyonshuti became the
first black African to compete in
Olympic Games – in the Mountain
Bike racing in London.
New Times
mONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015

12. Please explain STC’s role.
STC was created in March2008,
as part of the Seychelles’ economic
transition. The company is fully owned
by the government and is governed by a
Board of Directors. STC is commercially
autonomous in its operations and not
dependent on the government budget.
STC operates in the Fast Moving
Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and
currently it specializes in wholesale,
distributions and light manufacturing
activities as well as retail. STC engages
in the trading of certain branded
consumer products from reputable
international sources, with recent
additions of new product ranges,
including healthy foods, household
items and constructions materials.
With regards to retail, STC operates
supermarkets in the domestic market
and duty free shops at the airport. While
most manufacturing activities have been
privatized, a small presence in value
addition activities remains, namely
the tea and coffee factory, toilet paper
production ,and a bakery producing
various assortments of bread and
pastries.
What does STC need from the
international community?
We are looking for potential
suppliers or producers from all over the
world, who are willing to build mutually
beneficial partnerships with us. STC
is interested in importing a variety of
quality products which can be provided
at reasonable prices with regular
supplies.
We are constantly meeting with all
our existing suppliers to cement our
relationship or forge new relationships
in new or existing countries with the
aim of enlarging our suppliers’ base. We
aim to source products from all price
ranges from food to household products
to construction and building material.
Which countries are your main
suppliers?
We are importing from different
countries around the globe, including
Africa, Europe, the USA, China and other
Asian countries, India, Sri Lanka, New
Zealand and the UEA. I am trying to
diversify the suppliers with the aim of
obtaining a diverse quality of goods
at affordable prices and ensuring the
availability of most goods at all times.
Is the UK at a disadvantage because of
distance?
Not at all. Prices from the UK
for meat and other products are
competitive. I will therefore take this
opportunity to invite potential UK
business partners to contact us or
come and visit us to discuss business
opportunities, and why not combine
it with a wonderful short vacation in
paradise!
Are Seychelles’ food suppliers
threatened because of rising food
prices and larger countries poaching
your strategic food suppliers?
Food supply is not going to get
easier. Seychelles, given its specifically,
will always have to rely on imports and
is therefore exposed to fluctuations
in food prices from the region and
international markets. In addition, we
are working closely with the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries because STC
is a potential market for local farmers
and fisherman, provided they are able to
consistently supply quality products at
reasonable rates.
The main role of STC is to keep the
cost of living down in the Seychelles.
Bulk buying, most times leads to lower
prices and locally STC has extended its
support to local producers and small
entrepreneurs who want to get into
the field of producing for the retail
sector.STC is also working with local
wholesalers to purchase their excusive
products at reasonable prices. This
approach introduces a new role for STC,
that is, creating synergies in the local
market, which I firmly believe is very
important to facilitate local businesses,
bring greater choices to our customers
and at the same time, continue to bring
down the overall cost of living.
Is there a skill shortage in the
Seychelles, and is this a problem for
STC?
We have an overall labor shortage,
both skilled and unskilled in the
Seychelles, and STC is not an exception.
STC also has to source staff overseas
and I take this opportunity to invite
applicants from the UK or elsewhere,
who may be interested in working for
STC to send their CV to us.
What is your long-term priority?
Price fluctuations remain a big
challenge for STC, along with other
external shocks outside our control. But
I firmly believe that STC can increase
its operating capacity, and product
range, and engage in more diverse
trading operations to ensure continuous
business growth.
Internally, we shall continue with
establishing a culture of responsibility,
accountability, and efficiency and
with our investment plans in our
infrastructures. Externally, the
on-going task ahead of us is creating
and maintaining a reliable network
of suppliers by continuously forging
business relationships.
As a small island nation, Seychelles is importing more than 90 per cent of its necessities with limited
manufacturing and land to produce food. The nation comprehends the necessity for a strong supply chain
abetted by a strong trading company. In a candid interview to Kanchi Batra, Sub-Editor, Indo Africa Times,
the CEO of STC painted the working of the company as a commercial trading company which engrosses
in the import, storage, and distribution of food products and fast moving consumer goods in Seychelles.
I am trying to diversify the suppliers
Veronique Laporte
Chief Executive Officer
Seychelles Trading
Company Limited

ENCOUNTER WITH EDITOR12
Owner / Publisher / Editor: Mr. Kirit Sobti from 3rd Floor, Plot No. 3, Block PSP-IV, Service Centre Opp. Sector-11 (Extn.), Rohini, Delhi-85
Printed at LIPEE SCAN PVT. LTD. 89 DSIDC SHED Okhala Phase 1, New Delhi
MONDAY | FEBRUARY 02, 2015