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We must maintain our tempo

THE SMILING COAST OF AFRICA: THE GAMBIA

HEART OF INDIA: MADHYA PRADESH

Mother-of-four, Folorunsho Alakija, 62, has dethrone Oprah Winfrey as the richest black woman in the world with a fortune of $7.3bn. Africa claims 55 billionaires and they're worth an astounding $143.88

billion in total. She and her younger sister were sent to school overseas when

she was 7 years old. They went to a school in Wales, a private school for girls in Northern Wales, and they were the only colored (black) girls in the school. And because their fellow mates couldn't pronounce their names, they make up their names - Flo for

The Richest Black Woman in the World: Folorunsho Alakija

Folorunsho and Doyle for Doyin.Alakija initiated her career as a secretary in a bank in the mid-

1970s, Alakija, then studied fashion in London and returned to Nigeria to start a label, Supreme Stitches. But her biggest break came in oil.

In May 1993 Alakija applied for an allocation of an Oil Prospecting License (OPL). The license to explore for oil on a 617,000 acre block – (now referred to as OPL 216) was granted to Alakija’s company, Famfa Limited. The block is positioned around 220 miles South East of Lagos and 70 miles offshore Nigeria in the

FLORENCE IS MISS WEST AFRICA INTERNATIONAL 2014

Rabat and Casablanca:

“Global Destinations”

Wassupafrica02We must maintain our tempo, Kagame tells nation

Local hotel group announces expansion in Nairobi

Movement of goods, serPresident Paul Kagame has called on

Rwandans to carry on with their individual and collective efforts for self-improvement as the nation ushered in the New Year.

The Head of State was speaking in his televised New Year’s message to the nation at the onset of 2015.

“We must maintain the tempo and continue to build a country we deserve. In that spirit, as we celebrate this New Year, let us appreciate the fact that we have

The hospitality market in Nairobi, Kenya, remains vibrant, in spite of the challenges the country is facing with lower tourism arrivals. First out of the starting blocks in 2015, probably as early as Easter, the new Radisson Blu by Carlson Rezidor, as well as other hotels both local and branded, are expected to come on line in 2015.

The owners of the 5-star Sankara Hotel, which opened nearly 5 years ago in the Westlands area of Nairobi, have also confirmed that they are planning to open a second, very likely 4-star business hotel, in 2017.

Nairobi, however, is the only marketplace right now where a significant number of new beds are either in the pipeline already or where more hotels are planned for opening later in the decade.

No significant large new resort or hotel developments are presently underway at the Kenya coast, apart

GOV’T MUST REDUCE DUTIES ON IMPORTED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

The Country Director of Cheki.com.gh, Eric Amoateng has called on the

Government to reduce the duties impose on imported commercial vehicle into the country.

He said commercial vehicle are encourage into the country but must be in reduced rate so that it can help in grading the road network and also help vehicle industry to grow in good standard.

According to him if Government makes the importation of commercial vehicles an initiative where people can have access to, with affordable pricing, it will help the development of car processing in the country.

Government must create

windows where people can operate so that the quality of vehicle imports into the country can improve.

in an interview during the occasion of an educational forum organized for drivers and passengers at Kejectia, in Kumasi, Mr. Eric Amoateng said "importation of vehicle into the county must be of good standard such that the dreams of dealers in the industry can be met at the

from real estate developments like gated estates or condominiums. Sun Africa Hotels is, according to information received, nearing the completion of a coast property which is expected to be a small boutique style luxury resort similar in size and style to their Limuru-based Sovereign

Suites.On the safari circuit, new

properties are far and few between right now, again likely as a result of lower tourist arrivals, at least until a full recovery is underway and investor confidence has been restore.

Eturbo News

Ecobank Credit Rating Affirmed

ECOBANK GHANA's credit rating has been affirmed at AA-(GH) and A1+ (GH) in the long term and short term respectively; with a stable outlook.

The current ratings were valid until December 2015 and reflect the bank's established domestic franchise value, resilient financial performance, risk appropriate capitalization and adequate loan loss reserve, according to the Global Credit Rating Co.

Ecobank Ghana is currently the largest bank in Ghana with an asset size of GHS5.9billion as at end of 3rd quarter 2014.

The bank posted a profit before tax of GH¢332.8million for the third quarter of 2014, a 90% jump from the 2013 figure of GH¢175.4million. Total income

As part of the stakeholder engagement for its Overhead fibre project in the Western region, the management of team of Tigo led by its CEO, Roshi Motman, paid a visit to the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V.

At the meeting in Sekondi, the Chief Executive of Tigo, Roshi Motman spoke about the company's vision to become the digital service provider of choice for Ghanaians.

Highlighting the company's quest to improve network quality in the region, she explained that the US$3.2 million overhead fibre cable project forms part of several investments

increased by 47% to GH¢621.1million from GH¢423.8million in 2013 with customer deposits also increasing by 47% to GH¢4.1billion as against GH¢2.7billion in 2013.

Loans and advances to customers grew by 50% to GH¢2.6billion.

On operational efficiency, cost-to-income ratio improved from 45% in 2013 to 40% in 2014 while achieving a return on average equity of 47%.

The bank's non-performing loans, as at the end of September 2014, stood at 5.2percent, down from 6.4% from same period last year.

Over the last 12 months, from 30th September 2013 to same period 2014, the bank's share price has also increased by 63percent.

Modern Ghana

that Tigo is making to provide its customers with a quality and resilient network.

“Network quality is one of the biggest driving force of Ghana's competitive telecoms sector. It is fundamental to customer satisfaction and loyalty, and we are keenly aware of this.”

She assured Tigo customers that by March 2015, they will start to experience a brand new quality network experience from Tigo.

The paramount Chief of Esikado Traditional area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, commended Tigo for supporting various community initiatives aimed

at improving living standards in deprived c o m m u n i t i e s . The management members of Tigo also called on the Chief of Bogoso Cocoase, Nana Kwesi Sompreh.

Modern Ghana

international level".Eric said importation of

accident cars is not advisable in the sense that it rather cause more road accident within the shortest possible time, and also reduce the standard at which the dealers industry have dreamt to achieve.

In terms of promoting of made in Ghana Goods, he touched on the initiatives of Apostle Kojo Safo’s industry is putting on board to promote the country and also meet the international requirements.

He therefore called on Ghanaians to embrace the initiative amended by some groups and individuals which seeks to bring change into the industry and also to develop the country.

Modern Ghana

Tigo leadership team visit Paramount Chief of Esikado

more prospects today, than ever before,” he said in a three-minute speech.

The President attributed Rwanda’s achievements thus far to “the commitments we have made together, in building our economy, strengthening our governance, maintaining security and upholding self belief.”

“It is now up to us to make use of available opportunities to reach our goals, individually and collectively.”

During his State of the Nation Address last month, the President

praised the people of Rwanda, notably farmers, for working hard in 2014, which saw the economy grow by 7.8 per cent in the third quarter, surpassing projections.

In his New Year’s message, Kagame tipped Rwandans on key points they should keep in mind as they seek further progress. “First, we shouldn't avoid change that is inevitable or any other challenge, just because they seem difficult.

“Second, each of you should strive to achieve the goals you have set for yourselves in all that you do in your daily lives. We have seen that persistence and practice yield results.

“Third, don't do it alone, find others who share the same goals and work together. As always in Rwanda, we move forward when we look after each other, and combine our strengths.”

He said the country had come a long way but warned there was still a long journey ahead. “So let's value and use our time well and help others do the same, protect the gains we have made, and continue to make Rwanda the best it can be.”

Happy New Year and I wish you and your families health and continued peace and security, he added.

New Times

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

Wassupafrica 03

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Technology news is full of many developments, but some of them are true milestones and deserve special recognition. As the New Year begins, we will focus on seven projects that are worth celebrating.

These initiatives from the past year all solve thorny problems or create new ways of using technology. They are breakthroughs that will remain memorable for years to come. The most interesting part of it all is that they are youth-driven which shows a promising knowledge-based 2020.

Tech support Incike initiative – Young ICT EntrepreneursA group of Young ICT Entrepreneurs under PSF ICT Chamber – kLab came together to respond to a call that addresses one of the problems faced by a portion of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi, locally known as “INCIKE”. These are people whose family members were all decimated during the Genocide, and they are left all alone today. It was launched during the 20th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tusti.

These youth entrepreneurs developed a USSD & SMS fundraising application (*654#) which raised Rwf 1.3m on launch night and much more over the 100 days of commemoration. They have recently broadened it further to work better next year. Wait for it.

TorQue Workspace – TorQue LimitedTorQue Workspace is a cloud based inventory and distribution

Seven youth driven ICT initiatives that crowned 2014 Police Handball Club wrapped up what

has a been a sensational season for them by adding the Rwanda Cup to six other trophies after beating rivals APR 31-24 in the final on Saturday at Kimisagara youth sports centre.

En-route to the final, Police beat Nyakabanda while APR eliminated College of Education (formerly KIE) in the semi-finals on the same day.

“We are very happy to lift the Rwanda Cup. It completes a wonderful season for us,” said Police head coach Antoine Ntabanganyimana.

Police win handball tournamentHe added: “We are going to take a

break before starting to prepare for next season for which the target will be to improve our performance in regional and continental competitions.”

Police have won an unprecedented seven trophies this season on the local scene, including the national league, Liberation Day, Genocide Commemoration, Labour Day, Sulfo Beach, Carred’AS and Rwanda Cup.

Nyakabanda Handball Club won last year’s edition of Rwanda cup after beating APR in the final.

New Times

channel management system that records sells transactions and forecasts, tailor made for Rwanda and Africa. With its development roots at kLab, the start-up is now incubated in Think and finished with version 10.0.

They are also the reason multimillion companies like Bralirwa don’t need to carry big files of paper anymore but store all inventory information online. The software is also extended to insurance companies and moving to other countries soon.

Electronic payment system on public buses – AirClerk LtdTechnological leaps in transport have led to countless fantasies – self-driving cars, pods on rails – most of which haven’t come to Africa but Rwanda has decided to be the first African country to have one card for public transport in the entire city. With zone 1 already loaded with passengers waving their cards to get on the bus, this youth run company is surely putting meaning to developing of a cashless economy.

With just one month in use, the card has gone viral and passengers have embraced it. The company is rolling out the same project in Cote d’Ivoire early next year. Dreams do come true.

Nuntu – Hehe LimitedIt shouldn’t be the first time anyone hears of Hehe Limited as it has been in the news a couple of times. Well, this year, it run in our top developments with apps that merge education and gaming, and more recently they announced a

platform called Nuntu. Nuntu is somewhat similar to Google’s Play store and Apple’s App Store, but Nuntu focuses on providing access to applications that are especially relevant on the continent in the form of music, reads and more. In short, African content now has a home.

Some of the apps on Nuntu were developed by secondary school students that won the MTN app challenge where they beat developed companies hands down. There is a great future ahead of them.

SharjaVuba – African Renewable Energy Distributor (ARED)Henri Nyakarundi is an entrepreneur who has designed and franchised solar-powered mobile phone charging kiosks.

“The lack of electricity was a big problem in the region,” says the ARED founder. “About 60% of the population has a cellphone but less than 15% has access to electricity.”

The kiosks are small enough to be towed by a bicycle to wherever people will pay a small fee to charge their phones. The kiosks can charge up to 30 phones at a time and Henri now has 24 franchises operating across Rwanda.

“You see a lot of people that want to be in business for themselves but they don’t want to be in business by themselves,” Nyakarundi says. “When you look at statistics, the franchise business model has a higher rate of success than traditional business. 80% of franchise businesses succeed; 80% of traditional businesses fail.”

central Niger Delta.The company owns a 60 per

cent stake in the block, valued at around $7.3 billion.

Many well-off Nigerian businessmen and military big shots who had been allotted oil blocs by the military administration at the time had no hint as to the procedures in operating an oil block, so many of them usually acquired OPLs, and then flipped them off to international oil companies for ample profits.

But Alakija was smart. She had no proficiency or knowledge in running an oil field, but she decided not to sell off her license. In September 1996, she entered into a joint venture agreement with Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Texaco) and appointed the company as a technical adviser for the exploration of the license, transferring 40 percent of her 100 percent stake to Star Deep.

Consequently, Star Deep

sold off 8 percent of its stake in OPL 216 to Petrobas, a Brazilian company. Folorunsho Alakija and her family owned 60 percent.

It is extensively assumed that Alakija's friendship with Maryam Babangida, the late wife of former head of state, Ibrahim Babangida, played a big part in her comparatively economical acquisition of the oil block back in 1993.

United Kingdom-based Business Consultant, Philip Obi cautions that Alakija's stand is

shaky because oil is fast losing value in the face of falling oil prices. "Except she decides to diversify, 90% wealth in oil look unsteady considering the alternative energy potential," Obi

said."The world is going digital.

Very soon, wealth will no longer be what we use to know; look at Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. That is where the world is going into- Digital world. The people who will continue to rule will be those in communications, food and health, social media, finance. These pillars are going to be critical to run the world. People are becoming multi- millionaire by just building smile apps."

For his part, National President of Independent S h a r e h o l d e r s Association (ISAN), Sunny Nwosu said that her ranking as world's richest black woman is understandable because she has one of the biggest oil wells in the country that is managed on her behalf by a leading multinational oil corporation.

"Her oil well is one of the investments the military government bequeathed to people like her," Nwosu said.

Alakija is married to Modupe Alakija and they have four grown-up sons together. She also has a grandchild from her first son. Modupe Alakija, her husband is the Chairman of Famfa Oil. Her sons run the company.

Stereoscopic 3D – Guez Show LtdArguably, the youth brains behind this innovation are indeed doing a great job. Guez Show, a 3D animation and graphics company, was the first to bring Digital Cinema Packaging and also famously known for making the Transform Africa 2013 advert which left many people all over the world mesmerized by how much Rwanda can do.

To put that into perceptive, Guez Show gives an image or video width, height and depth (length). Our physical environment is 3D and we move around in 3D all the time.In the movie sense, the glasses we wear enable us to see two different images simultaneously with each eye and provide a stereoscopic vision to the viewer. Now, we don’t have to wait for it only in the movies, we can make it ourselves thanks to the sleepless nights of the Guez show team.

House of Tayo App – House of Tayo and Full CircleEven though this isn’t up and running yet, it built a bride that most thought wasn’t possible. With a fashion industry that was ignored for so long, House of Tayo gets into the industry but doesn’t only stop at doing what they do best but integrate technology to give a better experience to their clients with their QR based mobile app.

There’s a special collection of bow ties the fashion house is making right now and the box will have a QR code and when one scans the QR code, they can see the bow tie being made. It’s bridging that gap between the customer and the person making the product in a way that I haven’t really seen being done before. Unfortunately we are done for this year, and the year following after this gets better and bigger but just 7 spots available. Who will be there?

New Times

Family No. 1: A union blessed with four gentlemen and two beautiful grandchildren

mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

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confectionery nuts, dairy products etc. brings about immense investment opportunities.

FISHERIESFishing in The Gambia is both a leisure activity and can also be used for economic purposes. A number of Gambian enterprises are in quest of a joint venture in this industry. Investment opportunities in this sector are gigantic. Investors in this sector are also accorded with

development incentives and also given proper assistance by the government.

LIVESTOCKLivestock production in The Gambia accounts for about 6% of the GDP. The activities of the sector’s activities are typically limited to rearing of cattle, pigs, small ruminants and poultry for the domestic market. The investment opportunities in the sector are huge with the growing tourism industry in Gambia.

MANUFACTURING Manufacturing activities in The Gambia are mainly restricted to small and medium enterprises, the goods being mainly produced for domestic markets. Large deposits of Kaolin have been recently revealed in The Gambia, also there is need of quality sanitary ware, the demand of which is currently met through imports. There are good investment opportunities in construction companies and small-repair workshops. Also, Gambia is covered under the AGOA, and comes under the MIGA and ICSID because of which it enjoys export opportunities to sub-regional markets.

SERVICE SECTOR A developed service sector is a central piece of any developed economy. The government of The Gambia is dedicated to the establishment of a capital market and other financial beneficiaries. Investment opportunities in road, air and water transport are available, this will facilitate easy movement of goods and services within the country. Additionally, The Gambia’s respect for human rights and rule of law makes it an

ideal investment destination.

MININGThe Gambia doesn’t have any discovered reserves of treasurable metals or minerals, though it does own deposits of lower value minerals in certain areas. Fruitful mining of glass and quartz has been carried out earlier. There is a need for investment in this sector to unearth The Gambia’s potential in mining.

TOURISMTourism plays a significant role in the Gambia’s economy. It furnishes employment as well as brings in foreign exchange for The Gambia. The Gambian government is devoted to endorse tourism in the country. The government has taken footsteps towards Eco tourism programs, where environment protection is a vital element. Infrastructure and travel amenities are being boosted to stimulate the sector’s development. A number of hotel development projects are seeking for joint venture or investments. Investment opportunities are also available in development of air transport, linking The Gambia and some targeted locations.

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tHE GaMBia

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industries which include soap, drinks and clothing, although major manufacturing activities are confined to agricultural products.

The Gambia is a stable, peaceful and upcoming economy with easier investment approval procedures. It is a liberal economy with no restrictions and an efficient banking system. As of 2009, twelve commercial banks were functioning in The Gambia. The Gambia has a well-established communication and transport network, The Gambia river is easily navigable and hence provides easy access to sea transport.

Along with an attractive investment packages for investors, and proximity to U.S. and EU markets, the country also offers a flexible and competitive labour force, constitutional safeguards given to businesses and also protection of Intellectual Property Rights.

The Gambia is also covered under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). According to this, exported goods from Gambia qualify for preferential, duty free and quota free access to the U.S. markets. The Gambia is also the member of Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), thus outing Gambia in the global economic scenario.

There are enormous

The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa is surrounded by Senegal.

The Gambian River, also the nation’s namesake flows through the country. Banjul is the capital city and the largest cities are Serekunda and Brikama.

It is a Presidential Republic, with H.E. Mr. Yahya Jammeh as the President and H.E. Mr. Isatou Njie-Saidy as the Vice-President. Gambia was ruled by the British and gained independence in 1965. Its economy is controlled by fishing, tourism and agriculture. The official language of the Gambia is English and the National Languages include, Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Serer and Jola.

The Gambia has a tropical climate. June to November are relatively warmer and the country also experiences rainfall. After that until May, the climate is comparatively cooler and there is less precipitation, thus making it an ideal country to travel in winters.

The Gambia is peaceful and firm, with cost of living and crime rates among the lowest in the world. Along with astonishing climate, the country also houses the most stunning landscapes.

A Stable and Peaceful EconomyThe Gambia is a market-based economy, majorly relying on agriculture. Agriculture, which accounts for roughly 30% of the GDP employs almost 70% of the population. Peanut is the main product which is grown and also exported to all parts of the world, its production accounts for almost 6.9% of GDP.

Tourism is also a momentous industry in The Gambia. Apart from this, there are small manufacturing

investment opportunities available in all sectors ranging from primary sector industries such as, Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, Mineral exploration including oil and gas to Tourism, IT, Communication and Manufacturing industry.

Other incentives include, exemption from withholding tax on dividends, exemption from custom duties on some goods, exemption from sales tax on the same goods among others.

Some Important and Budding sectors in Gambia are:

HORTICULTURE This sub-sector is becoming a huge economic activity in The Gambia, with average weekly export estimated at 120 tons of fruits and vegetables. Clearance of land has to be obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the final approval is given by Ministry of Local Government and Lands. The enhancement and expansion in cold storage and dry cargo facilities has also helped boost this sector.

AGRO-PROCESSING INDUSTRIESAgro-Processing industries are on a rise all over the world. In The Gambia, although there are no substantial investments, the large number of export of agro goods like fruit juices, sauces, roasted

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

BusinEssBuzz 05

Morocco wants Rabat and Casablanca to become “global destinations”

ICS Financial Systems Extends Leading Presence in AfricaICS Financial Systems Limited (ICSFS) (http://www.icsfs.com), the global software and services provider for banks and financial institutions, partnered with new banks through expansion of its operations in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. This project was awarded to ICSFS by Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank), which is one of the largest banks in Africa. Guaranty Trust Bank recently acquired Fina Bank, an East African Bank, which was subsequently rebranded and became a subsidiary of GTBank Plc.

ICS BANKS® was successfully deployed at Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya, Guaranty Trust Bank Uganda and Guaranty Trust Bank Rwanda in record breaking time. The three banks experienced a smooth implementation process which started in January, 2014 and was completed in August 2014.

During the implementation period, ICSFS applied great efforts to overcome all obstacles which eventually led to the successful implementation of ICS BANKS® in all three East African subsidiaries of GTBank Plc. Guaranty Trust Bank Rwanda has implemented a fully comprehensive solution ICS BANKS® in all 18 branches, which is also the case for Guaranty Trust Bank Uganda and Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya, who have implemented the system in all branches.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank ICS Financial Systems for their high level of professionalism and team spirit which contributed to achieving this milestone.” Mr. Adekunle Sonola, GTBank’ East Africa Group Managing Director and Managing Director at GTB Kenya commented, “We also promise our customers that we will continue to apply significant improvements to enable delivery of superior-value services, that will fulfill all your financial requirements. ICS BANKS® will to support us in meeting our goals using the latest technology available.”

Mr. Bayo Veracruz; Managing Director at GTB Rwanda commented, “Fast implementation means significant savings for us not only in terms of project costs, but also in terms of starting our banking business to serve our clients. We are happy to offer our clients the latest banking services in Rwanda on ICS BANKS® provided by ICS Financial Systems. “

Mr. Olufemi Omotoso; Managing Director at GTB Uganda commented, “We are very pleased with the successful and timely implementation of ICS BANKS®. It’s a remarkable accomplishment

The arrival of "flydubai" in East Africa during October and November, since then serving Entebbe, Bujumbura, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, has, besides boosting tourism and trade for regional businesses, also opened up a whole new range of destinations

The Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT) aims at making Rabat and Casablanca “global destinations” and to spend about MAD 18 billion to develop rural tourism notwithstanding the economic crisis.

In a report issued at its Supervisory Board meeting in Rabat on December 22, the Moroccan agency disclosed that investment in Morocco’s tourism

New airline offers East Africans connections to 82 cities

industry in 2014 amounted to $2 billion. This is “despite economic crisis,” said Lahcen Haddad, the Minister of Tourism. The report states that financial support for the tourism sector has increased investment to MAD 63 billion since the inception of the 2020 vision plan on November 30, 2010. The agency realized revenue of MAD 365 million in 2014, in addition to MAD 79 million in operating

of course, the Gulf and the Arabian peninsula, opening doors for business opportunities both ways.

"I think we are not taking advantage of this budget airline coming to Entebbe as of now. Tourism can get a real boost if we could only tap into their East European network. No other

that illustrates and speaks of the skills and efficiency of ICS Financial Systems implementation team and illustrates the potentials of ICSFS.”

Mr. Robert Hazboun; Managing Director at ICSFS stated,

“We strive to continually discover innovative, ground-breaking tools to deliver powerful banking solutions designed for the world’s largest banks. As Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd. Group is a rapidly growing chain of 280+ branches in Africa. This achievement is the result of a finely coordinated rapid go-live process performed by a very talented Implementation & support team.”

Executive Director for Business Development at ICSFS; Mr. Wael Malkawi stated, “We are really proud of our implementation team for achieving this success. We are keen to provide first-class financial services to GTBank Group, which is a major player in providing banking services in Africa and one of ICSFS’ biggest clients. This remarkable achievement is based on our historical presence in Africa, knowledge and experience with local requirements and regulations. ”

GTBank has been a client of ICSFS since 1998 and is using ICS BANKS® in Nigeria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, United Kingdom, Ivory Coast, Liberia and now in its new subsidiaries; Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

ICSFS is present in 31 countries, three continents, and has a client base of over 80 customers that are all running banks and financial institutions.

ICS BANKS® provides a complete suite of banking business modules with a rich sweep of functionality and features, addressing business needs and automating accounting processes, as needed, to improve a bank’s business performance. ICS BANKS® has always been a pioneer in utilizing the latest technology to serve financial institutions. In addition to its embedded Service-Oriented-Architecture (SOA), the system is deployed in a multi-tiered setup that runs on a web thin client, J2EE environment.

African Herald Express

Sector Foundation Uganda, he, on condition of anonymity for not being the official spokesperson of PSF (U), said: "You are right. We should organize a trade mission to some of the places they fly to and promote our coffee, tea, flowers, fish, and other exports. New airlines create new opportunities, and we have been slow to take advantage. Their fares are very affordable, so a trade mission group can economize a lot when going out to sell Ugandan products and produce." Another source close to the airline in Uganda added that they are keen to see the entire region take advantage of their daily flights to Entebbe and Dar es Salaam and their several flights a week to Bujumbura, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar: "Tour agents should prepare offers, and the airline can then partner to promote Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania across their network. Reasonably-priced packages together with low fares should make that a win-win situation."

Eturbo News

for travelers from the region.After launching some 23

destinations in 2014, the most ever rolled out in a single year, the airline now serves 89 destinations overall, giving East African travelers 82 destinations to fly on to after transiting in Dubai. Most of these are found across the Indian subcontinent, Eastern Europe, and,

airline can get tourists cheaper to Uganda than they do. We need to partner with them, in fact partner more with all airlines flying to Entebbe, and package good offers," answered a tour operator in Kampala when tipped off to these opportunities. In response to the same question directed to a senior member of the Private

income, and achieved 57% percent of targets for 2020.

Imad Barrakad, the CEO of SMIT said that 2014 marked the enrichment of Morocco’s cultural offerings by developing new tourist destinations such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier thanks to the Moroccan tourism fund in association with sovereign funds from the Gulf countries.

SMIT intends to put Rabat and Casablanca among the world’s most prestigious destinations as resorts for recreation and culture through the creation of museums, theaters, libraries, interpretation centers, marinas, restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, and upscale hotels.

The Moroccan government and SMIT also signed an agreement in September with a budget of MAD 2.4 billion to develop rural tourism expecting to create more than 25,000 job opportunities.

SMIT has already declared its interest in creating partnerships with regional investment centers for the implementation of development projects such as the convention center in Marrakech, the exhibition center in Tangier, the constellation thematic resorts in Fez and Meknes featuring the history of Morocco. In 2015, “SMIT plans to intensify its promotion and solicitation of investors internationally,” according to the president of SMIT.

Eturbo News

Lahcen Haddad, the Minister of Tourism, Morocco

Mr. Robert Hazboun, Managing Director, ICS Financial Systems Limited (ICSFS)

mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

fRaNkLY sPEaKinG06

By kirit soBti, editor, iateditor@indoafricatimes.com

The prosperous continent, Africa has experienced a mounting graph in terms of developments in different sectors that have taken place in the recent years. It has been observed that Africa is enticing more investors to its base. Located on the Atlantic coast in the southern part of Africa, the Republic of Angola is the second largest oil producer in Africa.

It has a population of over 19 million and is surrounded by Zambia to the east, Namibia to the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north. Its capital city is Luanda and the national currency is the kwanza. Portuguese is its official language, but Bantu and other African languages are also spoken. Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

Angola is the second-largest oil producer in Sub-Saharan Africa, behind Nigeria. The country experienced an oil production boom between 2002 and 2008 as production started at several deepwater fields. In 2007, Angola became a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Angola’s striking economic growth rate is being compelled by its oil sector. Oil production and its supporting activities contribute about 45 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and over 95 per cent of exports.

Sonangol, Angola's national oil company, is a shareholder in nearly all oil and natural gas exploration and production blocks. International Oil Companies (IOCs) from the United States and Europe lead oil and natural gas exploration and production in Angola. Companies from China also partake in the industries, but typically as shareholders in exploration blocks.

The mainstream of the oil in Angola is found in the offshore region of Cabinda. Cabinda yields more than half of the country’s oil and is accountable for nearly all of its foreign exchange earnings. Because of this political tension often remains high in the area, as the protestors demand a larger share of oil revenue for the province population. The crude reserves of oil are found around the city of Soyo which is offshore in the Kwanza Basin north of Luanda and offshore on the north coast.

The crude oil Angola produces is of high quality. The national oil company Sonagol, is the sole concessionaire for exploration and production and the only way a foreign company can enter into this market is through joint venture and production sharing agreements (PSA) with Sonagol. The largest foreign companies operating in Angola are: Chevron Texaco, Total FinaElf and Exxon Mobil.

The country has to get a foot hold in the global oil industry’s value chain and broaden its participation into sectors such as liquefied natural gas, methanol and other high potential sectors. But poor roads, ports, airports and railway connections delay the determinations to touch foreign markets, and there is a poor power supply.

A Strong Foot Hold in Global Oil Industry

ClAudio desCAlzi CEO, ENI

M. Kevin MCevoy President and Chief Executive Officer, Oceaneering International, Inc.

The Italian MNC, Eni has kicked off the production of first oil from Block 15/06 in the Angolan Deep Offshore. The oil field comes under the West Hub Development Project. Situated 350 kms northwest of Luanda and 130 kms west of Soyo, the oil field currently produces 45,000 barrels of oil per day. The exploration project has been said to have started after winning an international round of bidding in 2006. Eni has since drilled 24 exploration and appraisal wells.

Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi commented, “The start-up of the West Hub in Angola is a milestone in Eni’s upstream activities. Starting from an extraordinary exploration success we have achieved an industry-leading time to market of only 4 years from the declaration of commercial discovery. This result reflects a new, modular, development model which adds value to our strategy of organic growth. The startup of the West Hub is also significant in terms of Eni’s presence in Angola, where are again Operator of a major producing project.”

The development of the West Hub is momentous as it will also encompass the development of Sangos, Cinguvu, Mpungi, Mpungi North Area, Vandumbu and Ochigufu fields. The discovery of the Ochigufu oil field, added 300 million barrels of oil in place.

Eni holds 35% of stakes in the oil field, other partners include Sonangol Pesquisa e Produção (35 per cent), SSI Fifteen Limited (25 per cent) and Falcon Oil Holding Angola SA (5 per cent).

The East Hub Development project, anticipated to start in 2017 will raise the overall production of the 15/06 oil field to around 200,000 barrels per day.

The kick-off of the production in oil field, 15/06 was celebrated in Luanda, in the presence of José Maria Botelho De Vasconcelos, Minister of Petroleum of Angola and Francisco de Lemos José Maria, representative of the Angolan Oil and Gas industry. Eni’s staff and CEO were also present during the event.

Angola is the leading oil producer in Africa with a daily production of 87,000 barrels of oil in 2013.

Eni starts first Oil Production in Offshore Angola

The start-up of the West Hub in Angola is a milestone in Eni’s upstream activities. This result reflects a new, modular, development model which adds value to our strategy of organic growth, the start-up of the West Hub is also significant in terms of Eni’s presence in Angola, where we are again operator of a major producing project.

The crude oil Angola produces is of high quality. The national oil company Sonagol, is the sole concessionaire for exploration and production

Complications accessing finance and administrative barriers to free movement of goods and labour are also obstacles. The government has used the Petroleum Activity Law and local content decrees to advance national interests in the oil sector. This legal framework also serves to promote the creation of local skills through the “Angolanization” of human resources and boost the participation of local companies by giving preferential treatment to national firms in the supply of goods and services.

China Development Bank (CDB) has recently extended a $2 billion line of credit to state-owned Sonangol EP to support expansion projects in Angola’s oil and gas sector.

The financing agreement was signed on Dec. 12 in Beijing, China, Sonangol said. In addition to allowing execution of other large projects in crude oil exploration, refining, and logistics, the 10-year loan agreement, which opens forecasts for other long-term financing, also will fund in part construction of Sonangol’s planned 200,000 b/d Sonaref refinery in Lobito, Angola, the Angolan state-owned company said.

First proclaimed in 2009, the Sonaref refinery is a strategic project envisioned to reduce Angola’s reliance on imported fuels by processing Angolan crude for the production of unleaded gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, LPG, and small amounts of sulfur (OGJ Online, Aug. 20, 2009).

Late in 2013, Sonangol picked out Standard Chartered Bank UK to provide financial consulting for construction of the $8 billion refinery, which at the time was due to be commissioned fully sometime in 2017-18 (OGJ Online, Dec. 3, 2013).

While initial construction activities on the Lobito plant began in December 2012 (OGJ Online, Dec. 2, 2013), construction of the refinery will begin in earnest in 2015, Sonangol said. According to the most recent information available on Sonangol’s web site, the Sonaref refinery is to be developed in two phases.

A first 120,000-b/d phase of 9 low-conversion units designed to process Angolan Girassol crude (30.1° gravity; 0.33 wt % sulfur) initially was planned to become operational in 2015, with the second 80,000-b/d phase of 11 remaining high-conversion units aimed at processing heavier and more acidic Angolan crudes to be installed a year later, Sonangol’s web site shows.

We are very pleased to have secured this contract extension from BP, one of our largest customers. In support of this contract, we are also providing ROV tooling, asset integrity, and installation and work over control system services. This extension strengthens our long-term commitment to Angola, which is a growing market for our services and products.

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

traVEL&touRIsM 07

Madhya Pradesh, the center most state of India,

and popularly known as the “Heart of India”, is one of the most stunning states in the country. Its capital is Bhopal, and it borders the states of Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Second largest state in terms of area and sixth largest in terms of population, Madhya Pradesh has been ruled by many dynasties.

The state exhibits splendid monuments, ancient temples, palaces and forts. Sights of its splendid past can still be seen in the state. The state is a tourist’s haven, travel fanatics can participate in cultural, wildlife, pilgrim, and heritage tours.

A Spectacular StateThe Narmada River flows through the state from east to west between the Vindhya and Satpura mountain ranges. The state has sub-tropical climate, like most parts of North India it experiences hot-dry summers, followed by rainy season and then cold and dry winters.

Madhya Pradesh is a mighty state, entailing largely of a plateau splashed with the hill ranges of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras. The hills give rise to the main river system - Narmada and the Tapti, running from east to west, and the Chambal, Sone, Betwa, Mahanadi west to east.

An Exciting Panorama of Wildlife One third of the state is forested and offers an exclusive and exhilarating panorama of wildlife. Madhya Pradesh houses 11 national parks, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Satpura National Park and Sanjay National Park being few of them.

Three of the 18 biosphere reserves in India are in Madhya Pradesh, namely, Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve in Satpura Range, Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve and Panna National Park.

A Sacred DestinationMadhya Pradesh is known for its heritage sites, holy destinations such as Ujjain and Omkareshwar, and natural exquisiteness with hills, forests, waterfalls, rock cliffs and rivers. With a perfect blend of all cultures, people from all religions striving in the land, a sight of India and its unity in diversity is clearly seen in Madhya Pradesh. Read on to know about some of the bravura tourist places in the state.

Mandu: This awe-inspiring location is situated at the projection of the Vindhyan mountain range. Surrounded by a plateau, it is separated from the valley by a deep ravine. The place has wonderful crystal clear lakes and glittering ponds. The place is fantabulous and will be loved by nature lovers.

Khajuraho: Khajuraho is the most famous heritage site in Madhya Pradesh. A must visit place, it is famous for its ancient temples built during the reign of Chandela kings. 83 temples were built over a span of 100 years, from 950 AD to 1050 AD. Only 22 temples are remaining at the moment.Bandhavgarh National Park: Bandhavgarh has the highest collection of tigers in the country. Madhya Pradesh is also known for its wonderful white tigers. The park has a large biodiversity.

Pench Tiger Reserve: Popularly known as the "Land of Kipling" or the place

where Mowgli lived, Pench Tiger Reserve is a splendid place to visit. This place inspired Rudyard Kipling and he wrote, “The Jungle Book". This place in India did actually have a small boy who was nurtured by the wolves in the jungle. This incident was actually penned down in "Camp Life of Seoni" by Col. William Sleeman.

Sanchi: Sanchi stupa is the most celebrated monument in Madhya Pradesh. It is the oldest stone structure in India, and was commissioned by emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BC. The stupas at Sanchi has inscriptions written in Brahmi, and hold great historical significance.

Ujjain: It is a major magnetism for spiritual tourists from all over the world. It has many artistic and magnificent temples, one of them being Mahakaleshwara, an ancient temple which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Other attractions in the city include, Ganeshji ka Mandir, Kaliadeh Palace, Kal Bhairava, Durgadas ki Chhatri among others.

Orchha: Located at a distance of about 75 km from Gwalior, this place was the seat of administration of the Bundela Rajputs. Orchha boasts of excellent palaces depicting the typical architectural designs of the Bundela Rajputs. The Jehangir Mahal, Raj Mahal and the Ram Raja Temple are among the best attractions to visit in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal: The capital city of MP, the palaces and temples in Bhopal boasts of its rich historical past. The city was earlier called Bhojpal, after king Bhoj who constructed the city with beautiful dams and lakes surrounding it. Indore: Indore has two sparkling rivers

flowing across the city namely Khan and Saraswati. There is small and artistic temple in the center of the city, which belongs to the 18th century. Must visit places include Chhatris, Chokni Dhani, Kanch Mandir, Lal Baag Palace, Nehru Park, Mahatma Gandhi Hall and Rajwada.

Chitrakoot: Chitrakoot is a noteworthy location for Hindus. This place is assumed to be visited by Lord Rama and Sita during the exile of 14 years. Some of the attractions to visit in Chitrakoot are- Hanuman Dhara, Janki Kund, Bharat Milap Temple and Sage Atri Shrines.

The Chatori Gali Like any other part in India, Madhya Pradesh also has a rich and varied cuisine. Wheat and meat are prominent in the North and West part of the State, while Fish and rice are widely consumed in the Southern and Eastern parts. Milk is a common ingredient in many parts of the state. Bhopal is famously known for rogan josh, korma, qeema, biryani, pilaf and kebabs. There is a street named "Chatori Gali" in old Bhopal where one can find traditional Muslim non-veg fare like Paya Soup, Bun Kabab, and Nalli-Nihari as some of the specialties.

Madhya Pradesh, the central most state of India boasts of a great culture and history. Its world class monuments, temples and splendid natural beauty is worth observing. Away from the hustle bustle of the busy city life, Madhya Pradesh is the place to be if you’re looking for some peace, and spiritual therapy and spend some time in the laps of nature.

Heart of India

BASIC FACTSName :Madhya PradeshCapital :BhopalLargestCity :IndoreArea :308,252 km2

Population :72,597,565 (2011 Census)Language :Hindi

mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

taLkINGtEcHnoLoGy08

Standing next to branding and grading, packaging involves crafting and designing the wrapper for a product. Ensuring its continuous and increasing appeal to set target audiences, packaging adds an essential component of product value and caters to the requirements, demands and expectations of customers.

Indocorp - Afro Asian Consultants offers innovative, fast, reliable and cost effective solutions with Indian ISO certified packaging machines that stay in adherence with the set quality norms and industry standards. Illustrating minimum downtime coupled with maximum flexibility, the research-based packaging machines and solutions bring in new life to your brand and drive augmented sales of your products.

Instead of merely surrounding the contents, it is packaging that gives those contents an exceptional shape and unparalleled identity, no matter either it is a box, tin, wrapping, bag, bottle, carton or variegated means of container.

Composed of many elements representing package attributes, these technologically upgraded equipments help in impacting the identity and product brand in an optimum manner. While manufacturing in Africa cannot be categorically described, there are general concerns, including energy costs and raw materials, which cross country boundaries.

Setting vital linkages and economic standards between two nations, packaging machineries imported to Africa supply cost effective solutions with regards to price, quality and service. Furthermore, Indocorp stand ahead with its competent and experienced after sales & technical support team, which offers complete packaging service solutions.

Coming across the fast-moving consumer goods in Africa, the opportunity is generally built around consolidating the value chain onshore within the country. Involving the art, science, and technology of protecting products for storage, distribution, sale and usage, these packaging machines serve as a high end marketing

protection, product packaging acts as a make or break factor; if it doesn't take full advantage of those crucial few seconds that customer spends perusing and debating over 'which brand?' Hence, step forward with a logical solution with Indian high end ISO certified machineries; supplied with great attention to accuracy and precision.

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WHAT IT SELLS; IT PROTECTS! WHAT IT PROTECTS; IT SELLS!

tool for product’s uplifting and increased sales.

Providing easy operating interface, these precision designed and high end machineries also require less maintenance in comparison to other machinery brands available in market. These innovative systems ensure the base for improved automation and reduction of labor, which can set you apart from the competition in the packaging market.

Apart from performing it’s obvious role to surround a product and display information about what is contained therein, the most immediate benefit of packaging involves preventing goods from being damaged and hence, maintaining freshness. Acting as a physical layer of

High quality packaging material

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

trysoMethINGNeW 09UPCOMING

What defines us is how well we rise after falling.

tHougHt oFtHe WeeK

International Industrial Expo-Gurgaon

It will provide numerous opportunities for you to interact with an anticipated 15000 plus visitors per day from different segments of the industry. To help guide attendees to booth quickly we have organized exhibits in pavilions that are geared towards specific Industries, Technologies and Solutions.

date: 05-07 Jan 2015 venue: Adj, HSIIDC Complex, Gurgaon, India

Indian Control Conference

It is organized by the IEEE Control Systems Society will take place from 5th January to the 7th January 2015 at the IC & SR Auditorium, IIT Madras in Chennai, India. The conference will cover areas like various technical issues and challenges related to the different field and various topics for students welfares.

date: 05-07 Jan 2015 venue: IC & SR Auditorium, IIT Madras, chennai, India.

Second International Conference on Transformations in Engineering Education

The conference will cover areas like vision of the second International Conference on Transformations in Engineering Education is to bring engineering educators from across the world to share best practices for preparing engineering graduates who will be leaders in addressing global challenges.

date: 05-08 Jan 2015 venue: BMS College of Engineering, Bangalore, India

Asian Logic Conference

The conference will cover areas like the series features the latest scientific developments in the fields in mathematical logic and its applications, logic in computer science, and philosophical logic. It also aims to promote mathematical logic in the Asia-Pacific region and to bring logicians together both from within Asia and elsewhere to exchange information and ideas.

date: 05-08 Jan 2015 venue: IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India.

Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015

The brand "Vibrant Gujarat" began as an "investors' summit" has now evolved into an ideal platform for knowledge sharing, social and business transformation.

date: 11-13 January, 2015 venue: Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.

prepration Method1. Cut chicken up into serving sizes (6-8 pieces)

2. Brown in a large pan with the ghee, finely chopped onions, cinnamon, ras el hanout& pepper. Add 1 cup water & cook for 10 minutes

3. Add chick peas & add enough water to cover. tomato puree & the stock cube.

4. Cover & cook on medium heat for 1 hour & a half in a pan or 40 mins in the pressure cooker on med-high. If cooking in a pan, you may need to add a little extra water.

5. Whilst the sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta & eggs.

6. Hard boil the eggs, then peel & cut into halves.

7. In a bowl, mix the pasta with 1/2 cup water & a tiny bit of olive or sunflower oil. Place in a steamer & steam for 15 minutes. Remove from steamer & separate the pasta with a little water.

Handy French1. RsvP Répondez s’il vous plait.

2. i'm on my way! J'arrive!

3. Right? isn’t that so? N'est-ce pas?

4. How's the weather? Quel temps fait-il?

5. it’s cold. C’est froid.

HealtH Benefits of CuCumBer

in africa, more specifically in Benin, the wall, which length is almost 2 times longer than the length of the Great Wall of China – 16,000 kilometers – was built.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the National Workshop on “Make in India”, in New Delhi on December 29, 2014. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley and the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman are also seen

PiCtuRe oF tHe weeK

1. Fight ConstipationDaily consumption of cucumbers can be regarded as a remedy for chronic constipation.

2. High FiberCucumber peel is a very good source of dietary fiber. It helps to reduce constipation and indigestion and prevents stomach related diseases by eliminating toxic compounds from the gut.

3. Healthy urinary Bladder and KidneyThe water content in cucumber aids the function of kidney by promoting urination. Regular consumption of cucumber can also dissolve kidney stones over time.

4. Aids digestionCucumber contains an enzyme called Erepsin which aids in the digestion of protein.

5. Fight intestinal wormNot just cucumber and its juice, but its seeds are also highly beneficial. Cucumber seeds are considered as a natural remedy to eliminate tape worm from intestinal tracts. The seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties which are effective in the treatment of swellings of mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

6. Good dosage of PotassiumCucumbers are one of the best sources of potassium and contain 147 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams. This heart friendly electrolyte reduces blood pressure level in the body and reduces heart rate by minimizing the effects of sodium.

7. High in AntioxidantsCucumbers contain good amount of antioxidants like B carotene, A-carotene, zea-xanthin and lutein. These compounds act as a scavenger

Can you complete these 5-letter words?1. . S . G .

2. . . R . F

3. . Z U . .

4. E . . X .

5. . P . . C

6. . . L N .

7. . W . . M

8. . . . J O

9. Q . . . A

10. . V . K .

11. I . . H .

12. . B . Y .

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1. USAGE 2. SERIF 3. AZURE 4. EPOXY5. OPTIC 6. KILNS 7. SWARM 8. BANJO9. QUOTA 10. EVOKE 11. ITCHY 12. OBEYS13. WIDTH

AnsweRs

8. Put the pasta in a large pan & slowly spoon in a little sauce at a time until the pasta is fully cooked & the sauce has been absorbed nicely - the pasta should be moist with a little sauce coating it - not dry.

9. Place pasta in a large dish / platter & top with the chicken pieces, egg halves & some more sauce.

10. Serve immediately with a green salad & crusty bread.

ingredients » 1 whole chicken (or 6-8 pieces

bone-in chicken) » 3/4-1 cup canned chick-peas » 2 tablespoons ghee or 2 tablespoons

butter or 2 tablespoons oil » 1/4 teaspoon black pepper » 1/2-3/4 teaspoon cinnamon » 1 teaspoon tomato puree, concentrate » 2 onions » 1 -2 garlic clove, minced » 1/2 teaspoon ras el hanout spice mix » Salt » 3 -4 eggs » 500 g orzo pasta (or homemade tlitli ) » 1 chicken stock cube » Olive oil or sunflower oil

against free radicals that lead to ageing and other age related diseases.

8. Reduces inflammationFresh cucumber extracts are also known to reduce unwanted inflammation. It accomplishes the task by inhabiting activity of pro inflammatory enzymes like cyclo-oxyenase and by preventing over production of nitric oxides which leads to excessive inflammation.

9. Beneficial for diabeticsCucumber juice contains hormones. These are needed by the pancreas for producing insulin which is extremely beneficial to diabetic patients. Copper in cucumber also aids to produce healthy blood cells and improves blood circulation in the body.

10. Helps soothe sunburnPutting cucumber slices or puree on sunburnt skin brings instant relief.

Algerian TliTliB'djedj – Paste with chicken

Algerian TliTliB'djedj – Paste with chicken

mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

thefasHionistas10

Joy FM Keteke Fever; a classic night with elegance

florence epee from Cameroon scoops the Miss West africa international 2014 title

Agya Yaw Wins Challenge Season 6

Mzbel to celebrate 10 years in music in 2015

Agya Yaw Nsiah Agyemang was announced winner of The Challenge Season 6 Reality Show held at the La Beach Hotel in Accra.

For winning the competition, Agya Yaw has won a full scholarship to pursue a Master’s Degree programme at the Rober t Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland and other packages.

25-year-old Victoria Maame Esi Aidoo, an old student of Holy Child School picked the second position while Anthony Kofi Annan, a graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was adjudged third. For their prize, they won full scholarships to pursue a Master’s Degree programme in two universities in the UK; Nor thumbria University in Newcastle and University of Salford in Manchester.

Modern Ghana

Sexy singer Mzbel is set to celebrate10 years in the Ghanaian music industry with an event dubbed: 'Mzbel Red Concer t'. The event which was launched at the Alisa Hotel is slated for February 7, 2015 at the National Theatre. Explaining the significance of the month of February, Mzbel, who is known in real life as Nana Ekua Amoah, said the month of February represents the Mzbel brand which is built on love. She also explained fur ther that, the event will become an annual one and the 2015 concer t will be the inaugural edition.

“Now my fans can have something to look up to yearly in terms of a concer t,” she noted. The controversial singer mentioned that, as par t of the 10 th anniversary, a weeklong activities have been lined up star ting from February 3 to February 7, 2015.

“As par t of the 10-year celebrations I will draw more attention to Women Empowerment and Children related issues especially girl child protection,” she noted. Mzbel hinted that, at the February 7 concer t at the National Theatre, her fans will get the oppor tunity to enjoy an hour of great performance from her with suppor t from some of her friends.

President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bice Osei Kufour (Obour) affirmed the Association's suppor t of the concer t by attending the launch. The MUSIGA president stated that the musicians union will suppor t the event and its activities. He added that, as a union, they are very proud to see a female ar tiste come this far to celebrate a decade of good music and successful career.

Mzbel recently bounced back into the music industry with the release of the single 'Legelege'.

Modern Ghana

The 2014 edition of Joy FM's Keteke Fever was a blast, a master stroke which brought some of the country's top notch business and political personalities back to the glorious era of 1970s and 1980s.

The event, which came off at the Banquet Hall of the State House on December 26 - Boxing Day, was just that perfect icing for 2014 – it was the mother of all parties!

The Banquet Hall was filledwith a sea of the crème de la crème in society who in their own magnificentway turned thehandsof time and relived the good old days, at least for the night.

In the usual Joy FM fashion and per the demands of the night, the setup at the venue was well planned to give room for more dancing and mingling. The stage, sound, lighting, dancefloor, seatswere well planned and positioned to meet the demands of the night.

When the party switched into full gear at 10 pm, DJs for the night, Paul Ankrah (Beelei) and Andy Dosty manned the music time machine to perfection. With support from host of Cosmopolitan Mix on Joy FM, 'Soul Sister' Doreen Andoh, the night never lacked anything music. The now youthful patrons filled every inch of spaceon the dancefloor dancing to thegreat 70s and 80s tunes dished out by the DJs. Classic tunes such asMarciaGriffiths''ElectricBoogie(The Electric Slide)', The Staple Singers' 'I'll Take You There', 'Bustin' Loose' by Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers, McFadden & Whitehead's 'Ain't No Stopping Us Now', Teddy Pendergrass' 'When Somebody Loves You Back', and Donna Summer's 'Breakaway' brought back memories.

The shear excitement on the faces of patrons and sing alongs said it all. The Joy FM Keteke Fever met a need they had been waiting and craving for all year long and it was

Florence Epee from Cameroon who wowed the crowd on the night of 21st December, left Nigeria with the Miss West Africa International 2014 title, succeeding to the former queen Hawa Kamara, Miss West Africa International 2013. Miss West Africa USA, Lily Ogechi Udumukwu originally from Nigeria, scooped the 1stRunners up and Annarosa Traoré Assita, Miss West Africa Mali 2014 left as the 2nd Runners up.The event which was sponsored by the Swiss Spirit Hotel saw contestants from Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Niger, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Sao Tome and Ivory Coast.Onthedaytherewasaveryflawedline of judging by judges called up by D Sinatra Ents, organizers of Miss West Africa International 2014 in Nigeria. A number of judges seemed to have forced upon the other judges Miss West Africa Nigeria2014intothefinalsaswellas having her announced as the winner, this was not only rejected by the crowd but also by the CEO of Miss West Africa International.

“Racheal (Miss West Africa Nigeria 2014) is a great and very beautiful girl, but it was very obvious she was far from the most impressive on the day, I felt slightly similar about the situation last year, and regretted for a whole year that it was not opposed, I will not let that happen again. I understand when there is a little difference of opinions, but it does raise questions when the judges results are totally different from the crowds expectations. I am

not going to stress my brain about how it happened, or who was behind it, or what was the reason it happened, what is very obvious is that she is not the winner, and that Florence, Lily and Annarosa will now be acknowledged in their respectful positions. And that from this point on, we will not take the risk of letting franchisers decide on the judges for the international event. It is an international event, they didn't just jump in a taxi to

get here. It is disrespectful to the girls and every single person that supports them” - Nana TamakloeOther highlights of the day saw an amazing performance by Shoki singer, Orezi, comedy by Frank Da Don, Hosting by Denrele, and a young candidate by the name Carla PatriciaLimaofage16giveafierceperformance on the day whilst representing Sao Tome. Miss West Africa ltd believes the confusion of the winner will stir, but switching the titles was a necessary action if it wishes to maintain a great history of rewarding those that deserve to uphold the Miss West Africa title. “There is a lot to express on this situation, but now the only essential thing at this time is to thanks all the queens for thier participation. We are looking forward to making an extrodinary impact on pageantry with the new international queen Florence Epee, she is more than determined, beautiful and passionate about Africa, and deserves every inch of the crown on her head.” - Miss West Africa ltd

Modern Ghana

served exceedingly hot. The dance moves came in different shapes, sizes and formats but prominent among them was Electric Boogie (The Electric Slide) as patrons slid

in admirable fashion. For close to six hours, the Banquet Hall of the State House was the hottest party zone in the capital.

Modern Ghana

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

sPorts2WatCh 11

Liberian opposition politician and former football star George Weah won a landslide

victory in Senate elections in Ebola-ravaged Liberia, officialresults showed Sunday.

Weah—who in 1995 became the first and only African yet towin the Ballon d'Or as European footballer of the year and who played for AC Milan, Paris Saint Germain and Monaco — trounced

Rwanda national football team head coach Stephen Constantine has been cleared as the head of the Indian national team by the All India Football Federation’s Technical Committee, according to media reports in India.

The 52-year old Britton, who has a two-year contract with Rwanda, has been linked to India’s top football job since Dutchman Wim Koevermans’ contract ended in October.

According to The Times of India, the largest newspaper in India, Constantine is expected to be announced officially nextweek ashe makes a return to India having coached the national side from 2002-2005. A source who spoke to this newspaper said, “Constantine fulfilled our three criteria. Firstly,he comes within the pay package of the AIFF. We wanted a coach

Football hero George Weah in landslide Liberian Senate win

is Constantine on his way to india?

his rival Robert Sirleaf, the son of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Weah got 78 percent of the vote in Montserrado county in the December 20 poll to fill half theseats of the Senate. Turnout was around 25 percent, according to the national election commission.

The election was originally due to be held in October but was postponed over the Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

Sirleaf, who was running as an independent, registered 10.8 percent of the vote.

Montserrado county, in

Betting programme introduced to boost sports revenueRevenue mobilization for the sports industry could receive a boost following the introduction of a betting programme.

Betting centres have become more and more popular in recent times and it is reasonable that they make a contribution to national development.

Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Mahama Ayariga from Ghana tells Joy Business the Ministry is working hard towards the introduction of this programme.

“We are currently working on a betting programme with some partners. Ideally, operators of betting centres should contribute a percentage of what they earn to the Government. We are having discussions with the Gaming Commission and the Finance Ministry regarding that development. We hope to see this programme implemented soon.”

He was speaking at the launch of a sports lottery and mobile platform by the National Lotteries Authority.

Modern Ghana

whose salary was below that of Koevermans. Secondly, we wanted a coach who has experience of coaching national teams.”

“The third criterion was that the new coach should have knowledge of Indian football, its geography and perhaps culture. Constantine fits well in all this,”the source added. During his three-year stint as India head coach, India won the LG Cup against Vietnam in hisfirsttournamentinchargeand,in 2003, the country won silver at the inaugural Afro-Asia Games with wins over Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the group stages before losing 1-0toUzbekistaninthefinal.

However, speaking to Times Sport, claimed he was unaware of the developments in India, insisting he’s only interested in delivering on his mission with the Amavubi.

He said, “I know there is interest

northwestern Liberia, is the west African country's most populous region and home to nearly a third of its population of four million.

Liberia tops the number of Ebola deaths in the current outbreak with 3,384 fatalities, but it has seen a clear decrease of new transmissions in the past month.

Weah, a popular figure inLiberia since his days as a deadly centre-forward, won the firstround of the 2005 presidential election, but lost the runoff to Johnson Sirleaf. A 2011 election campaign was also unsuccessful.

Modern Ghana

from India, to what degree they are interested I don’t know. I have not received an offer so I cannot know how interested they are.

“There is no offer so I don’t have anything to think about other than my current job.” The Englishman guided Rwanda to a historic 68th position on the Fifa ranking last month, up from 134th in May when he took over the reins of the national team. India was ranked 171st globally, their lowest ever ranking.

However, the Rwanda Football Association spokesperson Moussa Hakizimana told this newspaper that, “We have not received any communication from him (Constantine) with regard to him being approached by India. As far as we know, he is on holiday with his family.”

New Times

mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

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-85Printed at LIPEE SCAN PVT. LTD. 89 DSIDC SHED Okhala Phase 1, New Delhi

What is the whole idea behind Argus Africa Bitumen 2015? What was the main driving force which instigates you to organize such an event?

The first Argus Africa Bitumen conference was launched in 2014, following the great success of the Europe/Africa Bitumen conferences. Our sponsors and delegates from that conference expressed a great interest in the growing African market and requested we should run an African specific conference. We launched the first event in Cape Town in February 2014 and sold out of places at the conference. The intention was always to make the event peripatetic and as such decided to move it to East Africa and Dar es Salaam for 2015.

How would you explain “Bitumen” to a lay man? How established is the Bitumen market in the African continent and which are the chief countries that offers a wider scope for the same?

Bitumen which is refined is a semi-solid hydrocarbon product produced by removing the lighter fractions (such as liquid petroleum gas, gasoline and

diesel) from heavy crude oil during the refining process. Bitumen is typically around 3% of the yield of the refinery system.

According to you, what is the basic difference between Bitumen and coal tar and how it is better to coal tar?

Petroleum bitumen is different from coal tar. Although bitumen and coal tar are both black and sticky, they are very different substances. Coal tar is produced by heating coal to extremely high temperatures and is a by- product of the coking process. It was widely used as road asphalt in the early 1900s, but has since been replaced by refined bitumen.

Most of the petroleum bitumen is used in construction, primarily for roads (approximately 85%) or roofing applications (approximately 10%), with the remainder used in other applications (paint, insulation etc.).

How does the variations in the price of crude oil affect the price of Bitumen? What developments have been experienced in the crude oil market globally that has a direct impact on Bitumen?

Bitumen prices typically lag changes in crude oil prices, but bitumen prices do follow the general crude oil price trend. The biggest lag is seen in a country’s retail/rack selling prices compared to crude versus bitumen wholesale prices compared to crude.

What specification of Bitumen is best suited for the construction of roads keeping in consideration the African climate?

Bitumen is available in a variety of grades and its usage depends on the environment and application purpose. Bitumen is graded according to standardized testing methods. The most commonly used bitumen classification used in Africa is the Penetration (Pen) grade method of specifications. The Pen test is used to indicate the hardness of bitumen and it involves a standardized needle penetrating the bitumen under specified test conditions. The lower the penetration value of the needle, the harder the bitumen. For example, Pen 200/300 is a softer grade than Pen 60/70.

Emulsion bitumens are growing (mixtures of bitumen, water and emulsifying agent) in Africa as they

are considered to be “green” bitumens. Emulsion bitumens are a mixture of bitumen, water and an emulsifying agent. These bitumens save energy as they require no heat for transportation, storage, mixing or spraying. There is also less atmospheric pollution as there are minimal or no hydrocarbon emissions.

Throw some light on the increasing demand of Bitumen and where do you see Bitumen market five years down the line?

Bitumen global demand according to Argus demand data was at 95.1mn t in 2013, down from the peak year of 105.5mn t back in 2005. Global demand in 2014 is estimated to be around the same level as 2013. Five years down the road, the big growth rates in demand will come from Africa, Middle East and some Latin America countries. China’s demand has flattened out at 20.5mn t in 2014 and is expected to hover around the same level over the next few years. India demand is around 4.8mn t, but despite optimism surrounding new Prime Minister Modi, the optimism is not expected to result in a surge in highway work as construction related to the golden quadrangle is over.

The shape of Bitumen market is taking a sharp turn round the world. The demand & supply of the imperative ingredient has experienced an escalating graph in the last few years especially in the African continent. South Africa has actively acknowledged bitumen for the construction of roads. Mr. Adrian Brinks, CEO, Argus Media in an exclusive interview with Indo Africa Times accorded an insight on the amazing change in the Bitumen market and the characteristics of the best bitumen. He also brought into limelight the chief difference between coal tar & bitumen.

BITUMENS SAVE ENERGy

Mr. Adrian Brinks CEO, Argus Media

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015