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A MelodrAMAtic end of

Afcon 2015Ivorians: The Proud Winners

The GeoloGical Miracle: Guinea conakry

MuMbai: The ciTy ThaT never SleepS!!

Mining Firms could

help Turn on lights

cross africa

The beauTiFul Face oF aFrica FaShion Week london

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invest in the energy continent

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The 4th edition of the New York Forum AFRICA (NYFA), the world’s leading pan-African business summit, will now take place on August 29-31 2015 in Libreville, Gabon under the High Patronage of His Excellency Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic.

The dates have been changed to coincide with the 14th AGOA Forum, the first time this Forum has ever been held in Central Africa. Gabon was chosen as the host nation for the AGOA Forum, which is a US government initiative to expand trade with Sub-Saharan Africa. The NYFA will serve to highlight business and economic opportunities across the whole continent alongside the AGOA discussions about US-Africa trade. The Gabonese government decided to combine the two

Mining companies can play a key role in harnessing Africa’s abundant clean sources of energy to overcome the lack of electricity which affects at least one in three Africans, according to World Bank’s report.

The report, entitled ‘Power of the Mine: A Transformative Opportunity for Sub-Saharan Africa’ was released at the Mining Indaba underway in Cape Town, South Africa.

The bank called on the mining industry to work more closely with electricity utilities in the region to meet their growing energy demands.

Rather than supplying their own energy on site, mines can become major and reliable customers for electricity utilities or independent power producers (IPPs) which can then grow and develop better infrastructure to bring low-cost power to communities.

Two-thirds of people in the region live entirely without electricity and those with a power connection, suffer constant disruptions in supply. Without new investment and with current rates of population growth, there will be more Africans without power by 2030 than there are now.

The report finds that mining s demand for power in Sub-Saharan Africa will likely triple between 2000 and 2020 to reach over 23,000 MW. This could be higher than non-mining demand for power in some countries.

Yet, many mining companies are still opting to supply their own electricity with diesel generators rather than buy power from the grid often because of shortcomings

global events to capitalise on the presence and reach of thousands of economic and business leaders who will be together in Libreville for days of discussion and debate.

President Bongo said: “We were delighted to be chosen as the host nation for the 14th AGOA Forum; running the two events together was the natural conclusion. While the falling oil price comes at a time of increasing investment into infrastructure projects, it is vital we maintain the economic diversification programmes we have put in place to reduce our dependence on oil revenues. Increasing trade with the West and continuing to attract investment through high-visibility gatherings such as the AGOA Forum and the NYFA are essential.”

More than 1,500 business

Ethiopia receives support for mobile money

Banks and micro-finance firms, located in Ethiopia, are set to launch mobile money services within the country. According to Netherlands-based Company BelCash, the move is intended to assist individuals – who have little or access to banking services – to gain the ability to access these services.

BelCash is offering a technology called helloCash, while MOSS ICT, mainly owned by an Ireland-based firm, is rolling out M-Birr the nation. In both

cases, Ethiopian banks and institutions will offer the service to customers and hold the cash deposited, in line with government policy that bars foreign firms or banks from investing in the financial sector or the telecoms industry.

In a statement made to Reuters, “One of the things that the government wants to do is ensure there is financial

inclusion,” said MOSS ICT deputy general manager Kidist Negeye, adding M-Birr would help reach rural areas. “Another aspect is the mobilisation of domestic savings. The government wants to increase the number of deposits.”

According to BelCash chief executive, Vince Diop: “BelCash’s helloCash service could have 2-3 million users this year and 10 million by 2017 or 2018.” In the statement, Diop added that

BelCash would receive a fee for each transaction made. Two of Ethiopia’s 16 private banks, Lion International Bank and Cooperative Bank of Oromia, as well as a micro-finance firm, have signed up for helloCash. Two more banks have yet to submit applications to the central bank, Diop revealed.

ITNews Africa

President of Gabonese Republic, H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba

Mining Firms Could Help Turn On Lights Cross Africa -World Bank

New Dates for New York Forum Africa 2015: “Invest in the Energy Continent”

in national power systems in the region. According to the report, another 10 gigawatts of electricity will be added to meet mining power demand by 2020 from 2012 levels and a part of this is projected to come from self-supply arrangements costing mining companies up to $3.3 billion.

But new models of power supply for mines are emerging across Sub-Saharan Africa including mines self-supplying and selling to the grid or serving as anchor consumers for IPPs. The report estimates around $6 billion in potential public-private partnership opportunities for new power generation from clean energy sources (including natural gas and hydropower) in Guinea, Mauritania, Tanzania and Mozambique countries with strong expected growth in power demand from the mining sector.

Lack of energy stunts the economic growth that s needed to reduce poverty and boost prosperity for all Africans. Integrating mining demand into national and regional power systems especially in mineral rich and energy-poor countries can bring enormous benefits to

countries and communities.By choosing grid-based and

cleaner power sourcing options, which are typically priced lower than self-supplied electricity from diesel or heavy fuel oil, mining companies will be able to meet their electricity needs while also helping to light up the community, said Anita George, Senior Director of the World Bank’s Energy and Extractives Global Practice.

In turn, countries will benefit from improved competitiveness of the mining companies, greater tax revenues from mines and more job opportunities for local people.

The report states that though there are risks associated with power-mining integration for example from falling commodity prices or a shortage of transmission links regulatory and financial solutions can help mitigate these risks. A key element is for countries across Sub-Saharan Africa to continue with their power sector reforms and create an attractive operating environment for IPPs, including renewable energy developers.

Ghanaian Chronicle

and political leaders are expected to attend this year’s NYFA. The theme of the Forum is Invest in the Energy Continent; it will focus on the new dynamism in the continent, from entrepreneurs and inward investment, as well as the growing energy sector. Key topics include: economic dynamism; energy sector opportunities; entrepreneurship and enterprise; job creation and economic diversification; education and innovation. The New York Forum AFRICA is the only pan-African business summit to be held in Africa in 2015. AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) was signed into law by President Clinton to expand and deepen trade and investment relations between Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States, and to encourage economic growth and development.

Richard Attias, Founder of the New York Forum, said: “Holding the two events together is a terrific opportunity: this will really increase the scope of discussions at the NYFA, giving us access to an unprecedented level of US public sector officials and CEOs, while delivering the quality of content for which the NYFA has become known in its three editions to date.”

African Herald Express

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

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A new coffee policy that seeks to increase coffee production and strengthen extension services in coffee farming is in the offing. Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture, said the policy would replace the coffee policy of 1998, paving way for new strategies that will help streamline Rwanda’s coffee industry. It is, however, awaiting Cabinet approval.

“Coffee is an important cash crop and a source of income, which makes it essential to have clear and strong policies, regulations and strategies if we are to improve the livelihoods of over 400,000 farmers who depend on coffee farming,” she said.

Mukeshimana was speaking during the Rwanda coffee conference organised by the National Agriculture Export Board (Naeb) and the International Growth Centre (IGC) in Kigali.

She noted that, often, the role of policies and regulations is overlooked, which creates shaky systems. She added that without strong and industry-supportive policies, there can never be confidence among stakeholders, a situation that affects growth of the sector.

“It’s important to know that right policies create a fair ground for all sector players to compete,” the minister emphasised.

George William Kayonga, the Naeb Chief Executive Officer, said the new policy will guide the various activities in the coffee sector, and ensure quality along the value chain.

He said there is a need to

The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations came to a melodramatic end on 8th Feb when Ivory Coast wrapped an electrifying 9-8 victory over Ghana on penalties. The win fetched to an end a 22-year dearth for Ivory Coast, and covered a tournament that was enthused at the last minute and almost outshined by ferocity. This triumph on penalties gave the Ivorians their second title, in a repeat of the 1992 final.

The game was followed by blissful merriments on the streets the country's biggest city, Abidjan. President Alassane Ouattara announced the paid holiday on public radio and television after the game.

And as the country's golden generation finally got their hands on the AFCON trophy, hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets near the commercial capital of Abidjan to welcome their stars home with the trophy.

Ghana winger Christian Atsu was declared the best player of the Africa Cup of Nations after an inspiring showing in Equatorial Guinea. The former Porto player was influential for the Black Stars on the flanks although his exploits could not earn the four-time African champions the trophy.

The Chelsea-owned player who performed in all six games for the Black Stars also won the Nissan Goal of the Tournament after a spectacular strike against Guinea in the quarter-final. Ivory

Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry notched the decisive spot-kick to seal the victory against Ghana.

Captain Yaya Toure, who won the Premier League with Manchester City last season, labelled winning the cup as "unbelievable". "When you win with your club, it's quite amazing," he said. "With your country, it's unbelievable."

Yaya Toure and the rest of the Ivory Coast football team were greeted home with a heroes welcome after their Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Les Elephants won the coveted trophy for the first time in 22 years with the penalty shoot-out victory over Ghana in Malabo, in which goalkeeper Boubacar Barry netted the winning spot kick.

improve extension services and put in place effective mechanisms to boost research, as well as develop technologies that can help increase coffee production,” he said.

According to Dr Celestin Gatarayiha, the head of the coffee chain division at NAEB, the policy is in line with the international coffee agreement which was ratified in 2012.

Rwanda’s coffee strategy expired in 2012, he added.

“The new policy also provides a framework on how to improve and respond to demand for coffee on the international market through more enhanced processing and marketing strategies by the private sector.”

It also seeks to empower coffee washing stations to increase production in their zones of operations but also ensuring that these stations are fully operational and profitable, he added.

The policy also seeks to put in place strong regulations and conducive working environment that will help intensify farmers field schools, knowledge and

IFC set to grow Mobile Money usage in Uganda

InfiNet Wireless, a broadband connectivity company, has revealed their success in improving connectivity across the Nigerian region. According to the company, TruNorth, one of InfiNet’s resellers, has been working within the region in line with InfiNet’s overall strategy to expand its presence in Africa and bring wireless connectivity to all corners of the continent.

According to the company, the Nigerian region has been identified as having low internet speeds and poor connectivity. The company also revealed that telecom providers are not providing sufficient internet speeds that meet the demands of the growing market.

Kamal Mokrani, Global Vice President of InfiNet Wireless, stated that: “Nigeria is a key

InfiNet Wireless set to improve internet connectivity

developing market for us and we are working with TruNorth, an experienced telecom service provider in the region, to provide reliable and state of the art networks for high capacity connectivity.”

“TruNorth believe that Nigeria offers the largest telecom market in Africa and shows consistent growth year after year. The market demand in Nigeria outweighs both the service offerings and the availability of infrastructure needed to meet these demands which make it a key focus for Wireless providers such as InifNet Wireless. InfiNet provides high capacity solutions and very fast deliveries, which is exactly what is required in Nigeria today.” concluded Abdallah Fawaz, Managing Director of TruNorth.

IT News Africa

technical knowhow.There are currently 229

coffee washing stations across the country and the number could be increased once the new policy is implemented.

According to Gatarayiha, the new policy will promote the domestic consumption of coffee throughestablishing locally developed roasting capacities.

Dr Rocco Mac Chiavello, an economic expert and consultant based in Italy, said undercapacity

utilisation, market failures, especially in sourcing and access to finance, still remain major challenges in the coffee industry.

“There is need for a policy not only to regulate, but also help deal with market stability through more strengthened relationship between farmers and coffee washing stations,” Chiavello added.

Jean Jacques Mmbonigaba, the director general Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), said the policy will be key to improve and expand the fully-washed coffee market.

New Times

After the victory, Ouattara said: "It's wonderful. We had a fantastic team and a coach without equal ... The Ivorian people are proud." After a goalless 120 minutes it came down to which side could hold their nerve best - and the Ivorians came out on top.

Goalkeeper Barry was the hero as he protected twice from twelve yards before netting the decisive spot-kick himself. Ivory Coast are now level with DR Congo with two titles, but have some way to go to catch up with seven-time winners Egypt.

The competition was organized by Equatorial Guinea in just two months after Morocco pulled out over fears of the spread of Ebola. Morocco was then banned from the 2017 and 2019 tournaments. Its football federation was fined $1m (£650,000) and ordered to pay $9.1m in damages to the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

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You might be wondering why we are calling this country as the ‘Geological Miracle’ of

the African Continent. No doubt, after holding a big share of world’s Bauxite reserves, Guinea Conakry is carrying all the strong magnets to attract foreign investors into the country. The country offers fruitful business opportunities with ample of benefits.

Guinea Conakry wraps an area of almost 246000 square kilometers and has population of approx 11 million people. The country shares its northern border with Guinea Bissau, Senegal and Mali, southern border with Sierra Leone, Liberia and the eastern border with Cote d’Ivore Coast. Guinea Conakry has a huge administration network.

Guinea Conakry is a member of big International Organizations like United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Economic community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Development Bank (AFDB).

The Rewarding Sectors

MiningGuinea is a vastly mineral rich country whose varied potential includes known world-class bauxite which is the major source of foreign currency and iron ore reserves as well as gold and diamonds. Guinea is the second largest producer of bauxite worldwide, having produced

GuineA COnAkryThe Geological Miracle

around 17 million tons in 2011. It also has less known nickel, limestone, uranium, manganese, graphite and other deposits, most of which are still largely underexploited. In addition, Guinea possesses at least two unexpected world-class iron ore deposits, Mounts Nimba and Simandou in the southeast of the country. The gold potential of the country is estimated at over 50 million tons.

Investment OpportunitiesThere are several areas of opportunity for investment in the mining sector in Guinea:Mineral reserves for exploitation: Mineral assets have not been fully explored as exploitation activities have mostly covered traditional elements such as bauxite, iron ore, gold and diamond.Concession awards: According to the new mining code, companies finding mineral interests will be able to apply for concessions and transfer their titles, following the due process.Direct and Indirect infrastructure: There will be numerous business opportunities for successful subcontractor who can provide water, energy and other services to the mining firms.

EnergyThe country has a considerable hydropower potential of approximately 6,000 megawatts, with an annual production capacity of 19.3 GWh, only 2% of which is developed. Solar power could also

be considerably developed given a mean sunshine duration of 2,700 hours per year. The Government has started working on an electricity development program focusing on the acquisition of power generators, rehabilitation of existing plant, construction of large and small scale das and reconstruction of the energy sector to ensure effectiveness of the management and give incentives for investment.

Investment opportunitiesInvestment opportunities exist in the construction of dams to provide electricity for domestic industries populations as well as for the eventual export to neighboring countries. Benefits of investment in the sector are underscored by the hydropower generation potential of the country, an attractive investment climate, regional cooperation and the opportunity to export, strong demand from the mining sector, and growth potential of industries and households.

AgricultureGuinea has historically been an exporter of numerous agricultural commodities. The country offers ideal climatic and soil conditions over its four diverse natural regions and as such, has tremendous untapped agricultural potential. This sector employs 70% of the active population and accounts for 11% of exports (cotton, coffee, cocoa, rubber, palm oil, fruits and vegetables) and 17% of imports (rice and other cereals). The arable land is estimated to be 6 million hectares only 10% of

which is cultivated annually.

Investment OpportunitiesIn 2012, the Government seeks to build on the successes of 2011 and broaden the horizon of cooperation by developing new partnerships with private investors and centers of excellence around the globe. The Government envisions a critical role for foreign

investors in this endeavor:• In the short to mid-term as provider of technology, equipment and agriculture best practices to local farmers and as promoters of short term commercial crops such as cotton.• In the mid to long-term as promoters of agribusinesses and long term commercial crops in partnership with local investors

and / or the Government.

InfrastructureGuinea offers great infrastructure development opportunities, all because of its abundant natural resources and the Government’s ambitious plans to build a world class modern system of roads, airports, real estate, telecommunications, transportation and energy supply to accompany its current economic boom.

Investment OpportunitiesThe Government is actively seeking partners to build several dedicated seaports for the transportation of minerals outside of the country. In addition, there is a need to increase the number of modern housing units across the country. Partners are also encouraged to invest in the building of fiber optics and other telecommunications networks throughout the country.

TourismThe charming and varied climate, also the high mountains and the long rivers make the landscape looks very nice. The different tribes with their crafts, dances, songs and traditions add a cultural richness to the natural ones. Besides, there are nice hotels and museum and others famous places in the capital city Conakry. The development of tourism is critical as well as the country has become more attractive to tourists since the democratic election of Professor Alpha Condé.

Investment OpportunitiesGuinea’s immense tourism potential is based on its standing as a country which has formed African history while preserving its exclusively distinct image. It is often dubbed the ‘Switzerland of Africa’ and offers visitors many opportunities to capture the spirit and flavour of the nation, its people, culture, history, colourful costumes, lifestyles and breathtaking scenery.

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

BusinessBuzz 05KPMG Global Africa Practice launches App to streamline business in Africa

Telkom considering sale of mobile phone towers in South Africa

The KPMG Global Africa Practice has launched their new Africa Business App – a first for the industry. The dynamic new platform will provide businesses and investors with seamless access to the very latest Africa information about doing business across the continent.

“With the KPMG Africa Business App, we are not just delivering the most up-to-date information on country profiles, fiscal information and keen insights into operating in some of these countries – we are providing businesses with a unique, highly interactive and bespoke user experience,” explains Bryan Leith, Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Africa.

Through the application users will have access to content that includes the latest African country profiles with the most recent country information – everything from fiscal guides to business climate and more – and at no additional charge for utilising the App beyond their service providers data charges. Users will also have full access to KPMG’s insights into doing business in Africa – from latest surveys and reports across industries. What’s more, the firm has included a unique and first to market service via this App. Appropriately named

According to a report by Bloomberg, South African telecommunications provider Telkom, is looking to cut costs

on its mobile service offering by selling off a section of mobile phone towers – in South Africa. B l o o m b e r g cited that individuals with knowledge on the matter made the reveal. According to Bloomberg’s source, who wished to remain a n o n y m o u s according to Bloomberg, the sale could fetch as much as $500 million to $1 billion. The source revealed that Telkom is

and trademarked, the KPMG ClientTalkTM functionality gives users easy access to the firm’s subject experts across markets and sectors by providing quick-links as to who to contact at the firm should users have any questions or are looking for advice about investing, expanding or entering the continent.

Additionally, osargenews.com has been brought on board as the official news aggregator – providing up-to-date news and stories from across each region, as well as Pan-African and global news of relevance to Africa and as the news breaks. Founder of osargenews.com, Morell Maison, says: “Accessibility of news is paramount to decision making. Our news aggregation saves time

Orange and pan-African banking group Ecobank have rolled out a service

that will enable Orange Money subscribers who also have bank accounts with Ecobank to transfer money between their respective accounts. The service has already been launched in Mali and will be rolled-out in several other African countries, including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Conakry, Niger, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the first half of 2015. The partnership aims to facilitate money transfers for both Ecobank and Orange customers by offering them the possibility of topping up their Orange Money e-wallet from their bank account, and vice versa.

The two companies have launched the service following the signature of a memorandum of understanding. The partnership comes as part of a joint strategy to enhance mobile financial services and to increase access to banking services across Africa.

In sub-Saharan Africa, where less than 24 percent of the population has a bank account and over 60 percent have a mobile phone, Orange Money offers easy-to-use mobile financial services that allow transactions to be made remotely and securely, avoiding the need to carry money around. With Orange Money, customers can transfer money from their

Orange and ecobank launch money transfer service

mobile phones to any other customer in the country and, in some countries, internationally. They can also pay their water, electricity and television bills and top up their telephone airtime remotely. Depending on the country, they may also benefit from savings and insurance solutions. Laurent Paillassot, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Orange in charge of Customer Experience and Mobile Banking, said: “This partnership between Orange and Ecobank will further enrich customer experience. By facilitating exchanges between Ecobank and Orange Money accounts, our customers will be able to conduct financial transactions quickly and in complete security, bringing them the best of both worlds. We want to offer this service wherever it makes sense.”

Patrick Akinwuntan, Ecobank’s Group Executive in charge of Domestic Banking, said “This roll-out further demonstrates Ecobank’s commitment to make branchless banking a reality by activating multiple service channels in every country in which we operate. Our unique pan-African footprint also enables us to be at the forefront of efforts to develop the market for cross-border mobile financial services in Africa.”

African Herald Express

and ensures the most relevant news is available to decision makers and visitors to Africa, when it’s needed. Our aim has always been to facilitate the flow of information, not just within pan-Africa, but pan-diaspora. And this partnership with KPMG aligns perfectly with our strategy and philosophy.”

“Africa is a complex and diverse continent – but it is also home to many companies that boast remarkable talent, a great track record and a more-than-promising future. Naturally, investors from elsewhere would like to partner with them and share in their growth potential. Within our Global Africa Practice, we find ourselves devoting an ever increasing amount of time and resources to “matchmaking” – introducing investors to suitable African partners – and in roughly 90% of cases a successful “marriage” results. The waters can be difficult to navigate but we are committed to helping clients and potential clients capture business opportunities available in the African market, understand the landscape and mitigate the risks – and the App is just another channel that allows us to do exactly that,” concludes Seyi Bickersteth, Chairman, KPMG Africa.

African Herald Express

allegedly working with consulting firm Accenture PLC on the sale, which may attract tower operators such as IHS Holding Ltd. of Nigeria and Helios Towers Africa, the people said. No final decision has been made and talks may still falter, they said.

Bloomberg continued the report by stating that carriers in emerging markets including the Middle East and Africa are offloading towers. They cost more to run in such regions than in other parts of the world because of the need for backup generators and batteries to guard against power failures.

Kuwait’s largest wireless carrier, known as Zain, is working with Citigroup Inc. on the possible sale of towers in two Gulf countries, people familiar with the matter said last month. IT News Africa has reached out to Telkom regarding the matter; however, no comment has yet been obtained from Telkom. Update: According

to a spokesperson at Telkom: “The report is speculative; however, Telkom has stated many times in the past (most recently at the Company’s interim results), that Telkom is continuing its review of all properties, assets and infrastructure within the company’s portfolio. This review is considering a wide range from potential options. The primary focus of the review is to optimise the use of our facilities and assets while also considering any potential commercial opportunities.”

IT News Africa

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

fRaNkLY sPeaKinG06

By kirit soBti, editor, iateditor@indoafricatimes.com

With enhancing steadiness in the region and growing appetite from offshore investors for real estate asset coverage in the African

market, the magnetism of real estate across Africa lies in its fast-approaching development potential, says Stewart Shaw-Taylor, head corporate and investment banking real estate at Standard Bank.

To date, investment flows in the real estate sector in Africa have depended on a number of concerns. Investment is generally best-loved in markets that gain from an all-embracing population with an escalating middle class; offer a vigorous growth rate and real opportunity for real estate; display relative political stability and regulatory frameworks; ensured security of title to property; and usually offer investor-friendly markets.

Such investment criterion have meant that real estate developers and investors have originally focused on markets like that of Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and Angola, with South Africa well-thought-out as a developed market in the real estate sector.

It is blindingly obvious that a real estate boom is a natural derivative of evolving market growth through rapid urbanization and increasing middle classes. As growth moderates, particularly as seen in Asian markets, the rate of construction activity remains rapid, according to the PWC report “Real Estate 2020”, only boosting investment opportunities. The report notes that, by 2025, over 60 percent of all construction activity is predicted to take place in developing markets up from just 35 percent in 2005, with sub-Saharan Africa trailing only emerging Asia.

In August 2014, President Barack Obama entertained the first-ever U.S.-Africa business summit in Washington, with tons of African leaders in attendance. The attention was not on supporting the poor, as it might once have been, but on manufacturing multibillion-dollar deals that overshadowed decades of government contributions to African states.

Nigeria’s cement tycoon Aliko Dangote, CEO of the Dangote Group (and Africa’s richest person, with an assessed fortune of $24 billion), proclaimed a $5 billion private equity deal with the Blackstone Group to invest in power infrastructure such as electrical transmission lines and coal refineries. Dangote wrapped a second deal with the Carlyle Group for investments in oil refineries, agriculture, and financial services; just months earlier, Carlyle had closed a $698 million Sub-Saharan Africa Fund and made its first investments in a supply-chain company in Tanzania and a logistics company in Mozambique.

Growth is not constant across the continent, but the appetite for developers and lenders is becoming bigger. Development in Africa is not without its hitches, however, and there are hurdles to be overcome when investing in, or financing, a commercial real estate development.

Global property portal, Lamudi, has accumulated a list of rising investment hotspots across the continent, grounded on market drifts, infrastructure expansions and striking commercial, residential and industrial real estate opportunities.

Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana: The Western Regional capital, Sekondi-Takoradi was home to Ghana’s first electrification project and consequently the nation’s

We have made excellent progress in identifying good partners and are considering a number of potential transactions. One such example is SIC Financial Services in Ghana, who have both the skills and the network to contribute significantly to the Momentum African Real Estate Fund initiative. It is our intention to intensify our efforts in these countries.

DaviD Lashbrook Head of Africa Investment Strategies, Momentum GIM

Warren schuLtzeCEO, Eris Property Group

Momentum GIM, in concurrence with Eris Property Group, has efficaciously closed the first tranche of its African Real Estate Fund with $50m of institutional, family office and HNW investor capital.

The fund will center on the development of retail, commercial and light industrial real estate in sub-Saharan Africa outside of South Africa, offering investors access to Africa’s strong economic growth and its evolving consumer. The fund is intended at long-term institutional investors and it has a $250m fund raising target for its final close on June 30th this year. The fund, which has a target size of $250m is domiciled in Mauritius. The initial term of the fund is eight years with two one year extensions.

The takeoff of the Momentum Africa Real Estate Fund is in response to client demand to capitalize on Africa’s mounting need for quality retail, office and industrial real estate. “We believe that investing in the development of commercial real estate is an exciting way for investors to support and participate in the rise of the African consumer, says David Lashbrook, head of Africa Investment Strategies at Momentum GIM.

In recent months the firm has been emerging “relationships in countries such as Ghana, Mozambique and Rwanda in anticipation of the launch of the fund. We have made excellent progress in identifying good partners and are considering a number of potential transactions. One such example is SIC Financial Services in Ghana, who have both the skills and the network to contribute significantly to the Momentum African Real Estate Fund initiative,” adds Warren Schultze, Chief Executive Officer of Eris Property Group, a property services and development company engrossed on sub-Saharan African markets.

The asset allocation limits are: 45% single country limit, a 35% single property limit (subject to the top three investments accounting for less than 50% of the total); a 20% single tenant limit and a 35% single construction firm limit. The fee structure is divided into two parts, a 1.75% management fee and a performance fee of 20% above a 10% hurdle.

Momentum Driving Momentum

We believe that investing in the development of commercial real estate is an exciting way for investors to support and participate in the rise of the African consumer. The fund seeks to mitigate the key risks of property development prior to commencing construction and it targets a minimum internal rate of return of 18% in USD net of all fees over its eight year life.

Growth is not constant across the continent, but the appetite for developers and lenders is becoming bigger.

first harbor. The city’s prestige has prospered in recent years with the encounter of oil in the Western Region. With foreign and local oil companies taking the opportunity to tap the newly discovered ‘black gold’, this has amplified the demand for both commercial and residential properties. With a profusion in other resources such as gold, timber and cocoa, Sekondi-Takoradi stands in good stead to be one of the giants of Africa.

Abuja, Nigeria: With its station as one of the world’s evolving cities, the Federal Capital Territory continues to entice real estate investors, concerned in benefiting from its collection of well-developed architecture and solid infrastructure. Abuja brags good security and a favourable climate for business. The city’s Business Zone is home to a display of multinational companies mounting their offices into the evolving market. As Nigeria arises as an attractive investment hotspot, the outskirts of Lagos are also increasing in popularity. Areas including Epe, Ota, Agbara, and Ajah have observed a growth in industrial parks, and boast reasonable rates at the same time as in close proximity to the city of Lagos.

Naivasha, Kenya: Positioned 90 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Naivasha has fascinated a number of developers into the region. Tourist magnetisms in and around Naivasha, such as the Lake Naivasha, Hell’s Gate, Aberdare Hills and Longonot National Park have led to the town’s development as a favored getaway location, growing demand for holiday homes in the area. With an atmosphere favorable to both business and leisure, in addition to the accessibility of land, 2015 will see growth in residential, commercial and industrial real estate investment opportunities in Naivasha.

Casablanca, Morocco: Morocco’s industrial and business center is home to plentiful Moroccan and international companies, taking benefit of its close proximity to Europe and international trade routes. The lively city is progressively captivating to Morocco’s young population, looking to settle down in a modern area with an abundance of employment opportunities. The city is checking a number of commercial development projects taking place to enlarge the retail and entertainment amenities on offer.

Jardins de Carthage, Tunisia: This lately established neighborhood, south of the historic site of Carthage, has developed into a hotspot for luxury real estate. With the prevalent tourist site in close proximity, Jardins de Carthage is a striking selection for luxury real estate developers, and house-hunters, looking to participate in upscale property. With Tunisia’s largest airport, Tunis-Carthage positioned nearby, this contemporary, residential neighborhood has all of the needed constructions to fascinate foreign investors.

Ndola, Zambia: Ndola, positioned roughly 320 kilometers north of Lusaka, has witnessed widespread development in recent years. The flourishing manufacturing sector presents a profusion of opportunities for industrial real estate, with no signs that the demand for local manufacturing will slow. The city is the industrial and commercial center of Zambia’s copper-mining region and with one of the country’s three international airports located here, its strong transportation connections expedite industrial growth.

Commercial real estate improvement in sub-Saharan Africa is thriving. Swift expansion, a wealthier population and a speedily growing middle class, re-location of businesses, and travel to Africa for business and tourism are motivating demand for new and modern offices, hotels and retail malls, hence making Africa a thriving destination for real estate.

Offering investor -Friendly Markets

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

traVeL&touRism 07

Mumbai is what we lovingly call - the 'City of Dreams'. This marvellous metropolis is not only the financial

capital of India that aids as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center.

It is a place where you can enjoy the most eminent stylish labels and merchandises from various fashion houses that overflow the eventful malls. A place where allure is not a rare word and is imitated brazenly in the Bollywood film industry.

To witness some of God's astonishing wonders- the splendid sunsets over the Arabian Sea, do take a look at the beaches in Mumbai, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly arises,

which is why Mumbai is also talk about as the 'city that never sleeps'. Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was offered to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.

City of Dreams: Vivacious, thriving, on the move, energetic, amusing - this is Mumbai or as it is still often denoted as - Bombay. The most contemporary city in India, it catches the essence of the shifting pace set by liberalization and modernisation.

Lip-Smacking Choices: It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi though English and Hindi are broadly spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to packs of "fast-food

Mumbai

outlets" on more or less every road, proposing lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own: Pau Bhaji, Bhel Puri and Kababs. There is no shortage, yet, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in high-class restaurants by master chefs.

Shopper's Delight: Mumbai is a shopper's delight with inexpensive buys, élite boutiques, cultural markets and mini bazaars. This eventful city is also the centre of a blossoming cultural life, with an endless stream of concerts in music, dance and drama.

Bindaas Bollywood: Next to Hollywood, Mumbai is world's largest production centre for films. The Film City: 'Bollywood', as it is called, produces the second most number of films in the world every year.

Mumbai for All: Mumbai gratifies to the audacious and the idealistic through its boasting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants.

Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern- it’s all here for you to smell and relish!

The City That Never Sleeps!!

Gateway of india: This 26m-high edifice has four turrets and intricate latticework engraved into the yellow basalt stone. Local people as well as the foreign tourists come down to this place in the evening and take a cool rest from day's tiring work schedules.

WHere to Go???

Marine Drive: It is the place where people hang out to cool down a while from the muggy hurried and busied life. As street lamps systematically line up on the edge of the beach, it is also known as called Queen's Necklace. Stalls on the beach, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan make the chowpatty reviving.

Juhu Beach: Juhu is one of the most popular and posh beaches of India. Tourists can enjoy horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers etc. here.

essel World: Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a perfect destination for a one-day holiday.

siddhivinayak temple: The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500 kg and plated in gold. So, it expedites the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities.

Haji ali: Haji Ali Dargah is one of India’s most famed and prominent landmarks. The impressive Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. The Dargah is situated on a small island and is reachable through a narrow walking lane.

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

taLkiNGtecHnoLoGy08

The name synonymous with DAF world over – has been supplying the most efficient

DAF units to all sectors of industry since 1955. Over 600 installations in India and more than 6000 globally.

Today KROFTA supplies complete solutions for your water and waste water/sewage problems to achieve ZERO DISCHARGE. The Krofta systems comprise of:

1. DAF Systemsa) SUPERCELL – A circular DAF clarifier characterized by very low retention time of 3 minutes, pre-fabricated delivery requiring a maximum of 5 – 7 days for erection and commissioning and very high efficiencies and for separation of O & G (+98%) and suspended solids (+90%).b) SEDICELL - A combination

of flotation and sedimentation system with residence time of 20 - 30 minutes. Very useful for separation of floatable and settle-able solids and biological sludge thickening.i) Fiber and filler recovery unit

in same equipment for mills having high filler content

ii) Sedimentation and flotation in one unit ensuring handling of those water flows with very high suspended solids.

c) MINICELL – Circular DAF for oil removal and food industries.d) UNICELL – Rectangular DAF.e) MULTIFLOAT – Rectangular DAF with Floatation Enhancement Cells.

2. Belt Filter Press -Belt Filter Presses are very efficient for squeezing sludge in the ETP line to give an outlet of approximately 30% consistency. It can also be

used for dewatering sludges from 0.5% to 30% consistency.

3. CPI/TPI Ideal for separation of

immersible liquids in Petroleum/petrochemical & vegetable oil industries,

Power stations, Railway Maintenance Depots, Marine Bilge etc.

4. Lamella Clarifiers

5. Continuous Sand Filters

6. Membrane Systemsa) UF b) NFc) RO

7. Pressure Sand Filters 8. Activated Carbon

Filters

Excellence in Environmental Engineering

9. Aeration Systemsa) FIXED AERATORSb) FLOATING SURFACE

AERATORSc) DIFFUSED AERATION

10. Sedimentation Clarifiers

11. Softeners

12. Activated Sludge Process

a) SAFFb) FABc) Extended Aerator

13. Disinfectiona) Chlorinationb) Ozonationc) UV

14. Air & Odour Pollution Control Systems

Krofta is also in Air and

odour pollution control systems in collaboration with M/s ACWA Systems Ltd of UK. To keep air pollution within specified norms, Krofta uses wet scrubbing system by using partially treated effluent if available as scrubbing media for both air and odour pollution control systems.

Krofta is now entering the field of Bag Filter Houses in collaboration with Filter Design Limited of UK.

Krofta backs up its technology with excellent after-sales services.

Contact details:-Krofta Engineering LimitedDurga BhawanA-68, FIEE ComplexOkhla Industrial Phase IINew Delhi 110020Tel + 91-11-4724 2500Email: krofta@kroftaengineering.comWeb: www.kroftaengineering.com

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

trysomethiNGNeW 09UPCOMING

It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don not stop

tHougHt oFtHe WeeK

Breakbulk Africa 2015

With endless logistics opportunities available as Africa places itself squarely in the middle of the global value chain, now is the time to assess opportunities and risks for the breakbulk and project cargo transportation industry. The diversity of delegate titles, companies, cargoes and geographies that attend Breakbulk events creates a unique transactional environment not found at any other event.

Date: 16-19 February, 2015 venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa

Human Capital and Talent Management in Oil & Gas

It is organized by the Neoedge Pte. Ltd. The conference will cover areas like exploring both the Human Capital and Talent Management Strategies required in the context of Oil and Gas organization’s Business Strategy in Africa, and most importantly, help them develop a practical action plan for the development and implementation of a Human Capital and Talent Management Program for your organization.

Date: 23-26 Feb 2015 venue: Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana

AITEC East Africa ICT Summit 2015

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.

Date: 18-19 Feb 2015 venue: Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya

AITEC East Africa ICT Summit 2015

It will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss about latest research in electronics products and computer technology industry. The participants will find out all the information related to single board computers, IBM laptops, sun computer servers, HP computer servers, Compaq computer servers, etc.

Date: 18-19 Feb 2015 venue: Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, Kenya

6th Annual Women in Mining

The conference will cover areas like Building a career as a woman in the mining industry is difficult but not impossible. While research has shown that South Africa’s mining industry ranks tops for gender diversity in the boardroom, there’s still more that needs to be done for women in mining to make their mark.

Date: 18-20 Feb 2015 venue: Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa

Interactive Session with H.E. Ambassador Dr Amina C Mohammed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Republic of Kenya & H.E. Ms. Florence Weche, High Commission of Kenya to India on 12 February, 2015 in New Delhi.

picture of the Week

be fit anD fine

Start off right with drinking water Maintain a regular sleep pattern Eat breakfast every day Avoid junk food Replace unhealthy foods with healthy foods

Eat meals slowly, and stop eating when you are full Exerciseatleastthreetofivetimesperweek Keep good posture Make sure that you believe in yourself

capital of burkina faso is ouagadougou. Written as “Wogodogo” in the Mòoré dialect, it literally means “You are welcome here at home with us”.

ingredients •1teaspoonoliveoil •1/2poundleangroundbeef •1/2cupcannedcrushedtomatoes •1/4teaspoongroundcinnamon •1/4teaspoongroundcumin •1/8teaspoonpaprika •1/8teaspoongroundallspice •1(16ounce)packagephyllodough •cookingoilspray

prepration Method1.Preheatovento350degreesF(175degreesC).

Lightly grease a baking sheet.2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook ground beef until it loses its pink color and begins to brown. Drain fat from skillet. Add tomatoes, cinnamon, cumin, paprika and

"This goes great with hummus on the side!"

Moroccan Meat Cigarsafrican cuisine

1. how old are you? Quel âge avez-vous?

2. i am bored. Je m’ennuie.

3. i miss you. Vous me manquez.

4. i have no idea. Je n’ai aucune idée.

5. i am learning french? J'apprends le français?

handy french

allspice. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until mixture reduces slightly, about 10 minutes.

3. Remove one phyllo sheet from package and keep the rest covered with a clean cloth until ready to use. On a flat work surface, cut the phyllosheetinto214x9-inchrectangles. Spray the first half-sheet with cooking spray, place the 2nd half on top of it and spray again with oil. Place a generous teaspoon of the meat mixture near the narrow end of the dough. Fold dough over the top of the meat, fold in the sides of the dough, and roll into a narrow tube(cigar)shape.Repeatuntilallthemeathas been rolled up. Arrange cigars on prepared baking sheet.

4.Bakeinpreheatedovenuntillightlybrowned,about 25 minutes.

5. Serve Hot.

8 health benefits of Cardamom Improves digestion Beats bad breath Relieves acidity Helps alleviate respiratory

illnesses Regularizes your heart rate Fights anaemia Detoxifies the body and

fight free radicals Improves your sex life

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

thefasHionistas10

Dawn in the Creeks (DITC), the Jeta Amata-led initiative aimed at promoting peace in the country’s Niger Delta region has kicked off its second season in Lagos, Nigeria.

At the official launch attended by Friends and Partners of DITC as well as members of the Press, Board member, Dawn in the Creeks, Andre Blaze Henshaw said the second season would leverage on the awareness and excitement generated by its debut season and highlight the gains made so far and the challenges facing the project.

“In our first season, we mobilized the youth of the area to become change agents in a Niger Delta that was, for too long, perceived as a cauldron of degradation, restiveness and mayhem”, Henshaw reminded.

And while these issues have not been totally eradicated, we can literally see a dawn of peace and hope on the horizon”.

Season two follows the 21 young men and women who had enrolled in the Nollywood Academy as they juggle their studies with their roles as peace ambassadors to their communities as well as leaders among their peers.

“Now things really get interesting because our fledgling film makers are starting to realize

Dawn in the creeks enters second season

The Beautiful Face of Africa Fashion

Week London

that the path of peace comes with its own peculiar issues”, -Henshaw explained.

“The crusade for a more peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta will not be embraced immediately by all but they would have to keep at the vision that only is it possible but has become necessary for their communities to be freed from a past riddled with poverty and despair”.

Among the friends and partners present at the launch was, the US Consular General in Nigeria, Ambassador Jerry Hawkins, who was full of praise for the Initiative and pledged the continued support of the American Government. “The U.S. Mission partnered with a distinguished group of Nigerian leaders to give the people of the Niger Delta platforms like the Dawn in the Creeks reality TV show and weekly radio programs, to share

Hip hop artist, rapper, songwriter and producer Terah AM has performed an

acoustic version of ‘Wish you well’ with the Yoyo crew on Ginger tinz.

Terah whose main goal is to spread urban rap music influence in 3rd and 2nd cycle institution in Ghana believes his music is not for everybody, but only for the open-minded and young at heart.

Terah AM hails from Gbawe-Accra and is 1/3 of Metro District, an independent music group based in Accra comprising of talented artists and producers (JumpOFF & No Drrumz).

Terah AM is driven by his love for words and Images, and this has

Beautiful and stunning model Maggie Smith has fashioned and sketched her way to a landslide victory in the race to become the face of Africa Fashion Week London. The

20-year-old received 1947 votes - over 200 more than her nearest rival.

Maggie, who is a receptionist, will get to see her face on posters, websites and the catwalk when she fronts the Africa Fashion Week London in August. Subsequent to her enormous success over more than 20 other contestants Maggie, born in Uganda but now living in Airdrie with mum Joanne said: “I am absolutely over the moon as this will be an amazing opportunity.

“I am very excited about being the face of Africa Fashion Week London and I will have to try and contain myself as I still have to get up for work in the morning in the meantime. I finished just over 200 votes ahead of the runner-up, which is incredible. I can’t thank the Advertiser and its readers and everyone who voted enough.

“I have relatives in Southampton, Uganda and Australia who all showed their support while all my friends in Airdrie and colleagues at work have been brilliant. “There were people

Terah AM performs “Wish you well” acoustic version

non-violent solutions to problems with their fellow Nigerians as well as with local, state, and national authorities”, he said.

Jerry hinted that “Improving the relationship and accountability between the government and its citizens will go a long way to ensuring the future remains promising for the region. Today, Dawn in the Creeks is a social enterprise run by a competent board of advisors from the world of business, civil society and entertainment. We are looking for corporate partners who share our vision of a better future for our youth.”

As in its maiden season, DITC2 will feature notable figures from the Nigerian entertainment seasons serving as mentors and facilitators for the Change Agents and is scheduled to air on select TV stations across the country.

Modern Ghana

churned him out to be an excellent story teller.

He is able to draw inspiration from his experiences to create beautiful music, hence leading to the release of his two songs (How Halo Won & Wish You Well).

“Wish You Well” reflects the experience one goes through when a love partner decides to leave the other with the reason that the love is fading out. Terah AM who has gained exposure online and

on major tertiary campuses used his “Wish You Will” song to tell a story by wishing anyone who goes through such situation well in spite of the challenges in finding another person like him or her.

He has released 2 joint EPs (Pushing Envelopes and Three) and has also feature singles.

Terah AM is scheduled to release his debut mixtape later on this year.

Modern Ghana

I have never met in my life who voted for me and I will never forget the opportunity they have afforded me.

“I am an emotional person as it is but I was really touched by seeing how kind people can be. “The Africa Fashion Week London doesn’t take place until August but I am travelling to London for a photoshoot at the end of February." Maggie continued saying: “These publicity shots will be to use on the face of the fashion week campaign. The images used are going to be very editorial, with a lot of colour, and I am really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

“My face will feature on ticket passes, website promotion and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram during the fashion week. There will also be a backdrop of an image of my face on the catwalk for the fashion shows, which is very exciting to think about” she said.

“I will be based in London for the full week, at least, and the contacts I will hopefully make would be really helpful. “Winning still hasn’t fully sunk in yet. I think it will start to when I go down for my photo-shoot. I cannot wait to get off and running,” she said.

Terah AM

Maggie Smith

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

sPorts2WatCh 11

Rwanda Football Association (Ferwafa) has agreed to lend money to Rayon sports

so that they pay their former coach Raoul Shungu salary arrears totaling $18,943 (Rwf13m) including accumulated fines.

Rayon Sport Spokesperson Emmanuel Niyomusabye praised the football body for bailing out the club that risks Fifa penalties including relegation to the second division if they don’t clear the outstanding debt before 1st March.

“It is true that Ferwafa will meet all the payments to Raoul Shungu and we pay back the money later. We found it the last option to borrow money to avoid Fifa punishing us,” Rayon spokesperson Niyomusabye told

Ferwafa to help rayon Sports clear Shungu’s arrears

Akufo-Addo Congratulates Stars

RCA to train 5000 more cricketers

Times sport.The arrears accumulated

during Shungu’s second stint at the club in 2008 when he agreed with club officials to use his own money to bring in players like Honore Kabongo, Bokota Labama, Jean Lomami and Jimmy Kidega.

Shungu is also said to have used his own money to buy logistics like balls, nets and training kit.

The Nyanza based side were facing financial problems at the time and agreed to pay back Shungu but never did so, failing to also pay one month’s salary to the former Amavubi coach. The Congolese coach was earning $2500 at the time.

Shungu left Rayon Sports in May 2009 after falling out with his

assistant Jean Baptiste Kayiranga and the club’s leadership. Kayiranga would later take over as head coach.

In September 2009, Shungu wrote to Ferwafa asking for their intervention as Rayon Sports dragged their feet over payment of his money but the football governing body didn’t do much.

He then took the matter to Fifa in 2011 and in 2012 Fifa wrote to Rayon Sports asking them to pay the money or risk severe punishment. Towards the end of last year, Fifa again warned Rayon Sports that if they fail to pay before march 1, then they will be relegated to the second division and pay double the money they owe Shungu.

New Times

This is to congratulate the senior national football team, the Black Stars, for their impressive display in the just ended Africa Cup of Nations, where they emerged as silver medalists.

Despite being written off by football pundits prior to the commencement of the tournament and coupled with the difficult beginning they had in their first group game against Senegal, they rallied together, showed character

The newly re-elected Rwanda Cricket Association president, Charles Haba has pledged to put more effort in developing the sport across the country.

The 38-year-old former Right Guards CC player, was returned an opposed as head of RCA, a position he has held since 2000. According to the RCA constitution, the term of office is two years. After his re-election, Haba said that in the previous years, focus was mainly on creating awareness about cricket in the country.

“It is now time to develop the game beyond Kigali. When we

and determination, and gave a good account of themselves right down to the last kick of the tournament. The nation is proud of them.

We all hoped they were going to bring back the cup after we last tasted victory

some 33 years ago, but it was not to be. I am, however, confident of the future of the Black Stars, who can look forward to years of unparalleled success.

We have a solid base of good players who will emerge victorious in the next AFCON tournament in 2017, and make Ghana proud in future continental and global competitions. Congratulations once again!

Ghanaian Chronicle

started RCA in 2000, cricket had just been introduced here, but today, the number has increased to 5000 cricketers,” he said, adding that their target is to double that number in the next one year.

In addition to Haba, all the other executive committee members including vice president Srinath Vardhineni, Secretary General Emmanuel Byiringiro and Treasurer, Steven Musaale, retained their posts. Meanwhile, a new position of head of women cricket was also created and will be headed by Sonia Uwimana.

New Times

Raoul Shungu

Nana Akufo-Addo

mONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015

What innovative services does your company offer to African countries?

Our Service Assured Access (SAA) solutions. With the linking of Africa’s coastal, urban, and commercial hubs to undersea fiber cables, carriers are taking advantage of all that new bandwidth to roll out advanced Carrier Ethernet networks with which they can increase their revenues by offering their customers SLA-assured Ethernet services. Furthermore, fiber connectivity is now reaching much further into the interior, encouraged by government sponsored initiatives to bring modern communications solutions to larger segments of the population. SAA is an essential solution for the rapidly developing African market.

What are the benefits for African companies and governments after implementation?

SAA can be adapted to different deployment scenarios. Network build-outs typically take place at a varied pace and service providers can implement SAA to fit their rollout plans, existing infrastructure, migration plans, and OpEx/CapEx objectives. SAA lets them build a complete Carrier Ethernet access network, including smart demarcation and Ethernet service pre-aggregation. They can also use RAD’s SAA to build only a part of the network; for example, to facilitate inter-carrier ENNI handoff or to provide smart demarcation, where the edge or aggregation layer is provided by another vendor. SAA is future-ready, providing

powerful demarcation and performance management today, while enabling virtualization to be added in the future to deliver additional service agility and cost reduction. Moreover, because SAA supports differentiated Carrier Ethernet SLA agreements, it enables service providers to tailor services for the specific customer. Given their network of ATM machines, for example, banks can contract for 24-hour SLAs, while enterprises can contract for SLAs only during business hours.

Can you give an example of successful implementation of your innovation in Africa?

Camtel, OCIT (Orange Ivory Coast Telecom), and Main One in Nigeria.

Camtel employs SAA across its entire 4,000-kilometer long fiber network to reach all of the country’s ten regions. This enables them to transport multi-site customer traffic over high-capacity Carrier Ethernet rings while guaranteeing differentiated QoS, according to each application’s specific requirements. RAD solutions will also be used to backhaul multiple 3G mobile networks with performance monitoring and accurate timing synchronization over packets.

Similarly, SAA was chosen by OCIT to deliver business Carrier Ethernet services, principally in Abidjan.

Main One deployed SAA both to deliver Carrier Ethernet services to business customers and to enable them to offer broadband to other carriers operating in Nigeria.

What are the problems your company faced in African countries?

Africa is a major element in RAD’s global strategy and, therefore, we are constantly increasing our investment in that market. A major challenge, more common to Africa than other continents, is competition from low-end products. However, once we meet with customers and explain the significant long-term benefits that our SAA solution generates by increasing their revenues, reducing their operational costs and increasing their customer satisfaction (not to mention our excellent, committed local support), we win them over.

How can information and production technologies affect African economies and change people’s thinking in 5-10 years, for example?

The next big boost that will inevitably affect African telecommunications is virtualization, and RAD will play a leading role. RAD is the first in the market to integrate a Layer 2/Layer 3 network interface device (NID) with a powerful x86 platform for hosting virtual network functions. It is controlled by the service provider and resides at the customer premises to deliver service agility, as well as other substantial benefits. For example, it allows incremental investment via phased NFV deployment

– an effective first step towards full NFV deployment, because it foregoes expensive centralized investments that typically outpace initial revenue. In addition, it ensures the effectiveness

of key functions that must remain at the customer edge, such as WAN optimization, encryption, traffic conditioning, end-to-end QoS, QoE monitoring, and more. Such center-less deployment also allows better conformance to enterprise customers’ security and access policies.

Most service providers see NFV as a promising vehicle to reduce costs, quickly launch new services and basically stay relevant as they face stringent customer needs and growing competition. Among the most potentially lucrative opportunities for NFV are virtual CPE (vCPE), security as a service (SaaS), content delivery networks (CDNs), cloud RANs, evolved packet core (EPC) in the mobile network, WAN traffic balancing/shaping, virtual IMS and RCS, virtual broadband remote access server (vBRAS), and network monitoring.

RAD’s SAA enables operators to have the best demarcation and performance mentoring and later upgrade to add virtualization without the need to replace deployed equipment. Its strong management solution comes with a simple visual interface to manage physical devices and add virtual devices tomorrow, totally transparent to end-users.

SAA, with D-NFV technology, reduces the risks and investments that African operators would otherwise have to take on in the future, when they shift to virtualization and programmable networks.

AfricaBusiness

Many industry players in the telecommunication sector have blossomed immensely in the last few years. A pioneer in the imperative sector, RAD Group of Companies in one such player that has emerged as a flourishing brand owing to its special services rendered to the diverse segments of the networking and telecommunications industry. Mr. Noam Dor, Director of Sales forAfricaandMiddleEastforRADinaninsightfulinterviewhasthrownlightontheServiceAssuredAccess(SAA)solutionsprovided by them and how it can prove to be a solution for the African countries.

"Africa is a major element in RAD’s global strategy"

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

Mr. Noam DorDirector Director of Sales for Africa and Middle East for RAD

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 16, 2015