JUMIA boosts local fashion with its new boutique "Designers Ivoiriens"

The independent judging panel of the 2015 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards has named five Nigerians among the nominees for this year’s awards.
The nominees from Nigeria are Femi Asu, Punch Newspaper, Adewale Olugbenga Emosu, tribuneonlineng.com, Ibanga Isine, Premium Times Newspaper, Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún, Blogger at ktravula.com and Arukaino Umukoro, Punch Newspaper.

Extending hearty congratulations to the Nigerian nominees in the 20th edition of the prestigious awards, John Ugbe, Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria urged Nigerian journalists to be objective in their reporting, stating that objectivity promotes excellence in journalism.

Dangote Group shortlisted for 'African Business of the Year' prize

Red Media Africa, Africa’s leading omni-media group has been nominated for the African Business of The Year award and Best Corporate Social Responsibility award at the African Business Awards 2015.
The nomination, which sees Red Media Africa contend with other leading African businesses like Dangote Group, Ison BPO, Universal Auto Distribution Holding and Chandaria Industries in the African Business of the year category, comes as RED celebrates its 10th year anniversary.
RED also contends with GEMS Education and the Varkey Foundation, ISON BPO and The Nigerian Stock exchange in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility categories.

Equatorial Guinea Hosts Coordinators of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

On the morning of September 14, His Excellency Fidel Mañé Ncogo, Delegate Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy (http://www.mmie.gob.gq), appearing on behalf of the Minister, opened the Second Meeting of National Coordinators of EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative). The meeting is being held September 14-15 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

This meeting is a continuation of a first gathering held last June in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. The objective of these meetings is for African countries to find a common position before the next EITI Global Conference, to be held in Lima, Peru in February 2016. Participants will discuss ongoing developments in the EITI standard and the impact it is having on African countries to be compliant.

WeThinkCode democratises education in South Africa

 “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” This quote from American educator John Dewey, captures a major issue facing South Africa. In a country with the legacy of a two-tiered system which excludes a major part of the population, how does one narrow the gap and build an inclusive education environment accessible to all?

Africa 2.0 is excited to announce that it has partnered with WeThinkCode_ (http://www.wethinkcode.co.za), an innovative peer-to-peer tech institution launching in Johannesburg in 2016, dedicated to transforming technology education in order to bridge the gap between undeveloped talent and the desperate IT skills shortage in South Africa. In partnership with Ecole 42 in France, WeThinkCode_ will train world-class software engineers in a peer-to-peer problem solving learning environment in a period of two years.

WeThinkCode_ aims to democratise education by removing barriers to access and providing opportunity to all young South Africans. The program is free and open to all talented and resilient candidates aged 17 to 35; regardless of previous education, socio-economic background or financial means. Student applications open on 1 October 2015 (www.borntocode.co.za).

WeThinkCode_ is a non-profit social enterprise, its partnerships with South African corporates ensure a sustainable business model. Corporate partners benefit from being able to identify and access exceptional human capital and IT expertise.

Winners of Africa 2015 Photo Competition announced

Agility, one of the world’s leading providers of integrated logistics solutions, today announced the winners of its Africa 2015 Photo Competition, a collection of images that illustrate the breath-taking pace of change across a youthful, tech-savvy, urbanizing Africa.

The contest, the first-ever pan-Africa photo competition to focus on modern Africa, invited amateur and professional photographers to submit images that show the growth and development of Africa taking shape amid record investment, rising incomes and improving living standards.  

The winning images of the city of Luanda in Angola, wheat fields in Kenya, and a child holding a cell phone were selected from more than 700 photographs submitted by photographers from 33 countries in the categories of industry, technology and cities.

A cash prize of US$2,000 was awarded for each competition category to Carlos Aguiar from Angola (cities), Ahmed A Osman from Kenya (industry) and Mohsen Taha from Uganda (technology). Taha received an additional Grand Prize of US$2,000 for his photo of a boy holding a mobile phone as the overall competition winner.

The winning photographs will be shown on CNBC Africa broadcasts and published in Forbes Africa and Forbes Africa Woman magazines.

World’s gas suppliers to attend gas-to-power meeting in Cape Town

EnergyNet (http://www.energynet.co.uk) are pleased to welcome Cheniere and Exxon Mobil as sponsors of the South Africa: Gas Options meeting (http://www.southafrica-gasoptions.com) in Cape Town at the end of this month.

These companies will join the Minister for Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson along with Forum sponsor Delta Natural Gas and Lead IPP sponsor Acwa Power.

Held with the full support of the South African government’s IPP Office, this meeting will explore the opportunities for power and infrastructure developers around the now imminent RFP announcement. During the meeting the IPP Office will present a calendared timeline of actions, and discussions will explore the country’s potential for establishing a successful LNG industry to help mitigate power shortages and enhance local industry.

Some of the other sponsors and companies attending include: Abengoa, Black & Veatch, Caterpillar, Excelerate Energy, Fluor, Marubeni, Standard Bank, Mitsubishi, Oando, Rand Merchant Bank, Sasol, Sumitomo Corp, Nedbank, White & Case, Karpowership, and Wartsila.

Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet, commented; “Such an overwhelming response to this meeting confirms the appetite of the private sector to engage with the government in the development of South Africa’s gas-to-power generation industry.”

Confirmed speakers and a meeting programme can be viewed at www.southafrica-gasoptions.com

Nigerian actor Charles Granville dazzles in Dowry Man

Desmond Elliot is now a politician but that is not stopping him from making great movies. The much talked about Dowry man which he produced will be premiered this Sunday on Africa Magic Showcase. From the brief preview, it is clear it is going to be another epic must watch movie.

The story is about the high price grooms have to pay for the bride price and the ways at which they try to go around the process. What make the movie outstanding is the quality of cast that took part in it. Again, actor and musician Charles Granville shows his worth with a splendid performance. He is the leader of a three man action squad which comprises of Morris Sesay and Peggy Ovure. Together, they carry out insane orders from the Dowry Man himself, Nonso Diobi. Granville also sang in the movie.

Other stars in the movie includes Yule Edochie, Monalisa Chinda, Iyabo Ojo amongst others. According to Granville in a chat he says his fans will get to see him in a different kind of role that they are used to. “In the movie Dowry man, my character is different from what I have done before. You get to see ne in a different mode. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag since you will get to see it soon,” he said. 

Online food delivery in Côte d'Ivoire. Hellofood in 10 key figures

When Hellofood launched in late 2013 in Côte d’Ivoire, the online food delivery service revolutionized the gourmet landscape. Sitting at home or in the office, it became possible to order meals from the best restaurants in Abidjan in just a few clicks. The year 2015 marks a particularly important moment in the adventure of the company, which managed to position itself as the leader of online food delivery in Côte d'Ivoire. We have selected for you 10 reasons to join the "electronic gourmandise" and become a "hellofoodie"!  1. The delivery team at Hellofood reiterates every month the feat of Masahito Yoshida by covering a distance equal to one time around the earth; nearly 40 000 kilometers. 2. In the “Land of attiéké” pizza is king! The pizza is well ahead of all orders received by Hellofood. (Attiéké is the local favorite dish consisting of granulated cassava)

Africa’s Ministers of Energy and Finance in Beijing to outline investment opportunities

The 4th Annual Africa Infrastructure and Power Forum will take place in Beijing, China 15-16th October 2015

2015 marks a turning point for African investment. The need to address the continent’s energy deficit, and the critical requirement to connect those living without access to electricity, is undisputed - 13% of the world’s population live without electricity, versus 48% of the global population who live in Africa. 

This year Africa will have witnessed 19 elections, and the formation of many new governments. Many of these administrations will seek to improve living conditions through access to electricity, and subsequently, added employment opportunities. Despite the headwinds caused by lower oil and commodity prices, and weakening currencies across sub-Saharan Africa, progress continues to be made.  Nigeria witnessed the most notable investment deal in recent weeks, with Africa’s largest privately held business – Dangote - signing a $4.34 billion deal with China’s Sinoma, an indication of Nigeria's infrastructural ambition.  In the same period, another of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Kenya, has earmarked $55.6 billion for infrastructure development. Kenya’s road network urgently needs improvement - essential for trade and tourism, indispensable lines of inward investment. 

Beauty Africa Exhibition & Conference to enhance opportunities for professionals in Nigeria

Workshops, industry trends and techniques key highlights of Beauty Africa 2015

The Nigerian beauty industry evolved significantly over the past years. Growth in the industry is driving beauty companies to invest in research and development to come up with products specific to Africa’s hair and skin type. The Beauty Africa Exhibition & Conference (http://www.beautyafricaexhibition.com) in its second year will provide a strategic platform to establish successful partnerships in the beauty industry within Nigeria and beyond. The event will be held from 7-9 of October 2015 at the Eko International Convention & Exhibition Center, Lagos Nigeria.

 The beauty market has also attracted lots of young entrepreneurs. The event offers participants networking opportunities, workshops and seminars that will provide them with the latest trends, techniques and updates in the cosmetic industry.

According to Oluseyi Yerokun, Head, Deal Strategy division, PwC Nigeria, “The beauty industry has grown along with consumer spending growth in Nigeria. It is currently increasing at approximately 9%. There are market opportunities in the Nigerian beauty industry, and great potential for international companies to develop and build their brands.”

Gemalto Releases Findings of First Half 2015 Breach Level Index

 

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO) (http://www.gemalto.com), the world leader in digital security, today released the findings of the Breach Level Index for the first six months of 2015, revealing that 888 data breaches occurred, compromising 246 million records worldwide.

Compared to the first half of 2014, data breaches increased by 10% while the number of compromised data records declined by 41% during the first six months of this year. This decline in compromised records can most likely be attributed to that fact that fewer large scale mega breaches have occurred in the retail industry compared to the same period last year.

Centurion Law Group opens office in Cameroon

Centurion Law Group (http://www.centurionlawfirm.com) is continuing its pan-African expansion with the opening of an office in Cameroon. The group will set up operations in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city and the wealthiest business hub in Central Africa. Centurion will extend to clients a range of services in all its practice areas, including arbitration and commercial litigation, corporate and finance law, labor and employment, and oil and gas. The office represents the first move by an international law firm into Cameroon. The Douala office will be staffed with eight lawyers from Cameroon with academic and professional credentials from North America, the UK, France, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Centurion has aggressive growth plans in Cameroon, fuelled by a resurgent oil and gas industry and a resilient economy. Extensive experience in oil and gas has underpinned the group’s emergence as one of Africa’s top ‘go-to’ law firms. Its energy practice, with expertise in contracts, financing, privatization and compliance with government regulations and legislation, has been a key reference point in large oil and gas markets like Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Chad, Ghana, Gabon, Nigeria and Angola.

“Centurion Law Group’s entry into Cameroon is representative of our firm’s Africa-wide growth strategy,” said NJ Ayuk, the CEO of Centurion Law Group. “Our aggressive entry is to serve the CEMAC community and signifies our continued growth in the region, thanks our loyal energy industry and corporate clients. We have come to serve our oil and gas clients who are presently operating here or seek to enter the market. As in our other markets, we endeavor to create an enabling business environment and promote the rule of law.”

Retail potential on African continent confirmed

 

The 2015 African Retail Development Index has been released today  that reveals the most attractive developing markets across Africa for expansion. It discusses the growth in the middle class in Africa, increased consumerism, the spread of malls, land being taken up for development for retail purposes and Sub-Sahara’s young and connected middle class that is growing fast and still deciding on its favourite brands.

 The report reveals :

•         The African Retail Landscape – what the retail market in SSA looks like today

•         ARDI 2015 ranking incl. South Africa’s ranking and the opportunities for its retailers in the rest of SSA

•         Right Approaches to Africa – which countries provide the best opportunities and how does this link to retail maturity stages?

With Sub-Saharan African brimming with potential being one of the few markets with annual GDP growth of more than 5%.  AT Kearney’s 2015 African Retail Development Index (ARDI) reconfirms the potential of many nations throughout Africa—not just oft-discussed markets like Nigeria and Ghana, but also small, dynamic markets such as Gabon, the ARDI’s top-ranked market and home to Sub-Saharan Africa’s highest GDP per capita, and also mid-sized and fast-growing countries such as third-ranked Angola.

The report begins with a look at entry strategies for Sub-Saharan  Africa, followed by an in-depth analysis of the top 14 countries.

DJ CUPPY ROUNDS OFF 8 NATION TOUR IN SOUTH AFRICA

After 8 stops in 8 major African cities, Nigerian producer and Disc Jockey, DJ Cuppy’s  ‘Cuppy Takes Africa’ Tour has come to an end following a sold out final show in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 29th of August.

The South African stop of the tour kicked off with a media tour to some of South Africa's biggest media houses including Trace TV and YFM Radio. The final show of the tour held at Club Harem, Johannesburg featuring DJ Cuppy’s signature ‘Water and Fire’’ themed performance of the ‘Cuppy Takes Africa tour’, and guest appearances by Emmy Gee and Da Les.

As part of her charity activities on the tour, DJ Cuppy and the Dangote Foundation visited the Dimphonyana (Little Gifts of Home) Orphanage where she served dinner to the children and made a donation to their welfare. The excited children in turn gave Cuppy a hand-made drawing of herself.

A press conference was held at The Capital Moloko, Sandton, Johannesburg to officially close the 8-country African tour with DJ Cuppy, her team and sponsors.

After a successful launch in Nigeria, DJ Cuppy made her way through Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda before wrapping up the ambitious campaign in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Nigerian Pension Boss answers question on Bulk Pay-out

Hazeez Balogun

Lagos - Nigeria

It is usually sad to see people who had worked very hard throughout their lives and yet end up living the latter part in abject poverty. There are many cases where retirees are not able to take care of their basic needs like proper health care, accommodation, adequate clothing and sometimes even good food. There however seems to be a brighter future for workers of today as there are pension schemes backed by the government that ensures that retirees get adequate monthly payments.

Despite all the new regulations and modernisation of the schemes, workers who are still contribution to their pension funds still have questions and doubts about the whole scheme.

Peter Johnson a 48 years old plastic product worker in Lagos has had his contribution remitted to his pension managers for over six years. He plans to receive his entire pension after he retires in order to set up a plastic company of his own. He was however shocked to learn that he will not be given a lump sum after he retires but a monthly allowance.

Content providers meet at Showcase Extravaganza in Mauritius

Tim Jacobs (Multichoice Africa CEO)

Story by 

Nigerian Correspondent 

Hazeez Balogun

It was a magical week for African entertainment when MultiChoice hosted its second Content Showcase Extravaganza in spectacular style at the Outrigger Resort. The star-studded guest list had the who's who of Africa's entertainment and media. 

At the opening day, the guests walked down the African media Walk of Fame onto a red-carpet that opened up to a sensational night of dazzling entertainment. The event, dubbed 'Night of a Thousand Stars' saw all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood come to life on the island paradise, as guests that include Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliot and Ramsey Nuoah were given the full movie-star treatment. Flavour, Stonebwoy and The Mavins kept the guests on their feet with their popular hits while the night's MCs IK and Eku kept the glamorous proceedings running smoothly.

AU targets Lagos, other Nigerian cities to host AFRIMA 2015

In preparation for the 2015 edition of The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, the African Union Commission, AUC in a meeting with the International Committee of AFRIMA last April expressed interest in four cities in Nigeria; Port Harcourt, Lagos, Uyo, and Calabar, to host the continental award which is billed to take place in Nigeria in November 13 to 15, 2015.

In a letter from the African Union inviting the four states of Rivers, Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers to indicate interest in partnering with AFRIMA as the official host city of AFRIMA 2015. The Commissioner for social affairs, African Union Commission, His Excellency, Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko stated that “the main purpose of the partnership is to showcase the tourism and economic potentials of one of the great cities in Africa and promote its strengths to a global audience which in turn add to the GDP of the state and the continent at large”.

World Bank asks for the support of members of the African Caucus

The World Bank (WB) Vice-President for Development Finance [Joachim] Von Amsberg asked for the support of members of the African Caucus to raise funds to replenish the International Development Association (IDA).

In order to finance development in an intelligent fashion, the WB needs to mobilise some US$135 thousand million in Official Development Assistance (ODA). This amount will attract and leverage new public and private investments.

"We have a large portfolio, a series of projects in preparation that will drive private investment. These are projects for which there is great demand and we are seeking to mobilise possible resources. There is the Ebola problem, floods in Malawi and the earthquake in Nepal as well, which is why the response budget for three years was already exhausted in the first year," explained the World Bank VP in his presentation on the topic "Funding Options for ODA."

The record ODA replenishment of US$52.1 thousand million aims to maximize impact on development by leveraging public and private resources, in addition to knowledge, with solid results and efficiency at a low cost.

Remco Building Systems breaks milestone of 100,000 m² of commercial premises

Since 2010, the Dutch construction company has completed around twenty projects in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda and Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, September 3, 2015/ -- With the addition of an order for four buildings in Ethiopia, with a total area of around 18,000 square metres for a pioneering multinational, the company has broken through the milestone of 100,000 m² of commercial premises on the African continent.

Since 2010, the Dutch construction company Remco Ruimtebouw (acting abroad as Remco Building Systems) (http://www.remcobuildingsystems.com) has completed around twenty projects for major multinational and local companies in Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Senegal, Rwanda and Ethiopia. The company builds high quality steel industrial halls that are erected within short lead times, without any issues for the customer. The product and the efficient approach goes hand in hand with demand due to the rapid economic growth in African countries. In addition, Remco Building Systems provides employment by hiring local installers who are trained on the job by the Dutch site managers. Remco Building Systems works to international safety standards.

Pic: PSquare off on US tour

South Africa: Matlhodi Maseko says Community must not be ignored in Langa violence

The DA condemns the violence and intimidation that has erupted due to housing allocations in Langa.  

I will submit a parliamentary question to the Minister of Human Settlements in the Western Cape, Bonginkosi Madikizela, to ascertain exactly what led to the violent protests.

As per the national policy framework, the beneficiary list for a particular project must be publicized for public comment, at the relevant municipal offices. This mandates community consultation and involvement. 

I encourage community members, across the board, to make use of this opportunity to raise their grievances. 

While the Western Cape remains the best performing province in delivery of housing opportunities, we are committed to doing more to meet the needs of the people of this province. We must work together with our communities as we are not merely building houses but we are building communities.

Matlhodi Maseko, MPP

DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Human Settlements

See what MTN Nigeria is doing to their subscribers

By Hazeez balogun

Lagos

Many MTN Nigeria subscribers are outraged at the treatment the telecommunications company is giving them. Customers have been asked to register their lines before August 18, 2015. Those who did not register their lines or  their lines have not been properly registered had their lines blocked. the most affected are MTN customers. Today, you can see thousands of them storming MTN offices asking for their lines to be reactivated. 

Though the issue affected all networks, it seems only MTN is finding it difficult dealing with complaining customers. This is largely due to the fact that MTN did not give erring customers notice before their lines were cut off. Other networks had been sending text messages to customers asking them register as the deadline drew close.

Ntaganda trial opens at International Criminal Court

Bosco Ntaganda, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Force Patriotiques pour la Libération du Congo, is accused of 13 counts of war crimes and five crimes against humanity

On 2 September 2015, the trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Bosco Ntaganda opened before Trial Chamber VI at the International Criminal Court (ICC) (http://www.icc-cpi.int) in The Hague, Netherlands. Mr Ntaganda is accused of 13 counts of war crimes and five crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Ituri, DRC, in 2002-2003. Trial Chamber VI is composed of Judge Robert Fremr, Presiding Judge, Judge Kuniko Ozaki, and Judge Chang-ho Chung.

The trial’s opening started with the reading of the charges against Mr Ntaganda. Upon receiving confirmation from Defence Counsel Stéphane Bourgon, Presiding Judge Robert Fremr was satisfied that the accused understood the nature of the charges. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Court’s Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Senior Trial Lawyer Nicole Samson took the floor for opening statements. 

The hearings will resume tomorrow with the opening statements of the Legal Representatives of the two groups of Victims in the case, Sarah Pellet and Dmytro Suprun, as well as the opening statements of Defence Counsel Stéphane Bourgon. Mr Ntaganda may also make an unsworn oral statement. After a short break, the start of the Prosecution's presentation of evidence and the testimony of the first witness is scheduled on 15 September 2015.

CEOs named for four Orange subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East

 

In agreement with its local partners, Orange (http://www.orange.com) has appointed the following CEOs for four of its subsidiaries in Africa and the Middle East:

         Eric Bouquillon has been appointed CEO of Orange Guinea, replacing Alassane Diene.

         Alassane Diene has been appointed CEO of Orange Mali, replacing Jean-Luc Bohé.

         Jérôme Hénique has been appointed CEO of Jordan Telecom, replacing Jean-François Thomas.

         Thierry Marigny has been appointed Deputy CEO of Sonatel in Senegal, replacing Jérôme Hénique.

All of these appointments are part of the Group's international mobility policy, and occurred at the end of the previous CEO's term.

The appointments are effective from 13 September 2015.

South Africa, confirms Keynote at Argus Africa Storage and Logistics 2015 Conference

-       The 2015 conference will offer a pan-African platform for professionals from the liquids bulk supply chain

-      The conference will address the hurdles presented by infrastructure gaps and how investment and development can assist the flow of petroleum products across Africa

 Argus Media (https://www.argusmedia.com) is proud to announce Argus Africa Storage and Logistics 2015 (http://argusmedia.com/africa-storage), which will be held in Durban, South Africa, on 16-17 September.

 

The 2015 conference will offer a pan-African platform for professionals from the liquids bulk supply chain to address the hurdles presented by infrastructure gaps and how investment and development can assist the flow of petroleum products across Africa.