the Eastern African Magazine | May 2021

THE EASTERN

• RWANDA: RWANDAIR RESUMES FLIGHTS TO SOUTH AFRICA

AFRICAN MAGAZINE

• MOZAMBIQUE: MOZAMBIQUE LAUNCHES ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

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• ZAMBIA: ZAMBIA, ANGOLA INK OIL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION DEAL

THE AUTHORITATIVE EASTERN AFRICAN MONTHLY MAGAZINE Issue No. 63, May, 2021

ISSN number 1751 1259

• ZIMBABWE: ZIMBABWE TO PRODUCE SURPLUS MAIZE AFTER GOOD RAINFALL SEASON

KENYA: KENYA UNVEILS INCENTIVES TO WOO TANZANIAN INVESTORS UGANDA: UGANDA, TANZANIA SIGN AGREEMENTS ON CRUDE OIL PIPELINE PROJECT TANZANIA: TANZANIA TO BAN HAPHAZARD IMPORTATION OF MERCURY RWANDA: RWANDA ON PATH OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHOCK: FINANCE MINISTER SPORTS: UGANDA TO DEFEND REGIONAL CECAFA SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP

Dear Reader, We sincerely hope that as we celebrate 15th year of service to our fellow Eastern Africans, you have had an opportunity to read at least one issue of our magazine which is intended to cover issues that affect the Eastern African Region as a whole.

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CONT E NT S 3

KENYA, TANZANIA SET TO ABOLISH BARRIERS TO TRADE, MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE

16

NEW UN ENVOY HOPES FOR DURABLE PEACE IN SOUTH SUDAN

5

KENYA UNVEILS INCENTIVES TO WOO TANZANIAN INVESTORS

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DRC’S NEW GOV’T SWORN IN

6

EU TO INVEST 5 MLN EUROS IN KENYAN HORTICULTURAL SECTOR

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INT’L PARTNERS LAUD RETURN TO DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE POLL IMPASSE IN SOMALIA

7

UGANDA, TANZANIA SIGN AGREEMENTS ON CRUDE OIL PIPELINE PROJECT

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ETHIOPIA HOPES TO BOOST FOREIGN TRADE WITH CHINESE-BUILT TRACKLESS STATION WITHIN INDUSTRIAL PARK

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UGANDA ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES AMID RESURGENCE IN CASES

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YOUTH IN MALAWI MAKING LIVING OUT OF MOBILE MONEY SERVICES

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UGANDA PASSES NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE BILL TO TACKLE GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS

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MOZAMBIQUE LAUNCHES ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

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RISING SEA TEMPERATURE POSES THREAT TO SEAWEED FARMING IN TANZANIA

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GOVERNING PARTY ADOPTS ZAMBIAN LEADER AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

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TANZANIA TO BAN HAPHAZARD IMPORTATION OF MERCURY

25

ZAMBIA, ANGOLA INK OIL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION DEAL

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TANZANIA PLEDGES STRENGTHENED COOPERATION WITH WORLD BANK

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ZIMBABWE TO PRODUCE SURPLUS MAIZE AFTER GOOD RAINFALL SEASON

14

RWANDA ON PATH OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHOCK: FINANCE MINISTER

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UGANDA TO DEFEND REGIONAL CECAFA SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP

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RWANDAIR RESUMES FLIGHTS TO SOUTH AFRICA

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ATHLETES TO RECEIVE DAILY COVID-19 TESTS DURING TOKYO GAMES

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 1

Publisher Deo. Kamuhanda Email: dkamuhanda@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 0784 083 0746 Associate Publisher-North America J. Bailey Morgan Marketing Executive Tino Msei

Contributors Derek Otieno, Ronald Elly Wanda, R. Muchunguzi, Ludo Simon, Rev. P. Karugendo, Agastin Angelo.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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n this issue, we note with satisfaction that Kenya and Tanzania have agreed to abolish barriers hindering the smooth flow of trade and people between their two neighbouring countries. As their final communique stated, both heads of states agreed to set up a joint team of experts to address the disjointed enforcement of cross-border COVID-19 containment protocols, one of the most pronounced non-tariff trade barriers between the two nations.

In neighbouring Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan witnessed the signing of three key agreements to kick off the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

The signing of the agreements paved the way for the construction of the 1,440 km crude oil pipeline from Uganda’s Albertine region to the Tanzanian seaport of Tanga. The 3.55-billion-U.S.dollar pipeline will be the longest electrically heated pipeline in the world. It is heated because of the waxy nature of Uganda’s oil.

Uganda has so far discovered over 6.5 billion barrels of oil.

In Rwanda, the economy seems to be on the path of economic recovery according to the Rwandan Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana. The economy is expected to grow at 5.1 percent in 2021, 7 percent in 2022 and at above 7.8 percent in 2023 and 2024, said Ndagijimana in the capital city Kigali recently.

In Zambia on the other hand, Zambia’s governing party recently officially adopted incumbent President Edgar Lungu as its candidate in this year’s general elections. The Patriotic Front (PF) officially adopted the Zambian leader during a ceremony held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the country’s capital, by presenting him with a certificate of adoption as its candidate for the August 12 elections.

Finally, in sports, all athletes and all those in close contact with them will be tested every day during the Tokyo Olympic Games, organizers announced recently. The announcement on the revised edition of the playbooks, added some “new rules that have to be observed by everyone involved in the Games during their stay in Japan”. Some of the “most important measures” are the banning of participants from using public transport and eating in public restaurants.

KENYA

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta, right, listens as Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan speaks during a joint press conference at the State House in Nairobi. [Photo: AFP]

KENYA, TANZANIA SET TO ABOLISH BARRIERS TO TRADE, MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE “We have agreed that our health ministers need to sit down and come up with a structured system of testing our people at the border points to allow easy movement of our people so as to do their businesses,” Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

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enya and Tanzania recently agreed to abolish barriers hindering the smooth flow of trade and people between the two neighbouring countries.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and visiting Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan said a joint team of experts will be set up to address the disjointed enforcement of cross-border COVID-19 containment protocols, one of the most pronounced non-tariff trade barriers between the two nations.

“First, we noted that trade between Kenya and Tanzania is facing some administrative challenges. They include non-tariff barriers and other restrictions which are frustrating trade and investment between our two countries,” Kenyatta said in a statement issued after holding a bilateral meeting in Nairobi.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 3

KENYA The two leaders noted that the two countries need to develop modalities for mutual recognition of COVID-19 test results, noting that the lack of harmonized protocols has hampered free flow of goods and people.

“We have agreed that our health ministers need to sit down and come up with a structured system of testing our people at the border points to allow easy movement of our people so as to do their businesses,” President Hassan told journalists in Nairobi.

Hassan’s state visit came at a time when the two neighbouring countries are working closely to deepen ties in the area of trade and people-to-people relations including the private sector, arts, culture, wildlife matters, tourism and cooperation at the continental and multilateral levels.

affecting trade, adding that the two countries had agreements on importation of natural gas from Tanzania to Kenya, and another on cultural exchanges.

They directed the ministers to meet regularly to ensure that they continue strengthening relations by sorting out minor problems affecting the people as they do business and interact with each other.

They said the JCC needs to ensure that investors coming from either Tanzania or Kenya do not face hurdles by making sure a struc-

Kenyatta said Kenya and Tanzania agreed to rearrange their Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) to enable it to deal with issues

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tured system is put in place to help build the two countries for the mutual benefit of their people.

Kenyatta said Kenya and Tanzania agreed to improve their connectivity through new roads, aviation and maritime transport so as to hasten economic growth.

The two countries also agreed to build a gas pipeline from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Mombasa in coastal Kenya that will lower energy costs in Kenya and help industries to access environmental friendly energy.

Hassan’s state visit came at a time when the two neighbouring countries are working closely to deepen ties in the area of trade and people-to-people relations including the private sector, arts, culture, wildlife matters, tourism and cooperation at the continental and multilateral levels.

The two countries also agreed to build a gas pipeline from Dar es Salaam to Mombasa to lower energy costs in Kenya and help industries access environmental friendly energy.

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KENYA

KENYA UNVEILS INCENTIVES TO WOO TANZANIAN INVESTORS

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enyan President Uhuru Kenyatta this month announced a raft of incentives aimed at wooing Tanzanian investors to the country.

Kenyatta who also announced decisions to lift work permit and business visa requirements for Tanzanian investors said the prosperity of the two countries hinges on creating a conducive business environment, boosting economic cooperation and growing mutually beneficial trade and investment.

"We would like to see many investors from Tanzania coming to do business in Kenya," he said in Nairobi during the Kenya-Tanzania Business Forum also addressed by visiting Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In a statement issued after the forum, Kenyatta said his administration will do all in its power to eliminate all non-tariff barriers for Tanzanian investors coming to do business in Kenya.

He gave concerned state agencies two weeks to clear truck congestions at Namanga and Holili border crossings to allow free flow of trade. Traffic jams involving trucks along the common border have remained the norm since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020 with the two countries differing on the management of the pandemic.

Kenyatta also tasked the ministers of health from both countries to move with speed and streamline

President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan. [Photo: PSCU]

COVID-19 containment protocols required for traders to cross the borders unhindered.

He challenged the private sector to explore and seize opportunities accorded by bilateral and multilateral agreements available to East African nations such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the East African Community (EAC)-European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement to grow their investments.

Kenyatta said the EAC, through the EAC Customs Union and EAC Common Market Protocol, has opened borders and unlocked opportunities for the free movement of goods, services, and investments across the EAC

borders. This, Kenyatta said, has paved the way for trade to thrive, new opportunities to emerge and trade to increase.

Speaking at the forum, President Hassan outlined reforms being undertaken by her administration to enhance ease of doing business, and welcomed Kenyan private sector to invest in Tanzania.

"The private sector is key to driving growth, that will deliver these jobs, transform the labour market, open up opportunities and unleash entrepreneurial spirit," Hassan said. She called on Kenyan and Tanzanian investors to establish partnerships, saying there is an opportunity for Tanzania to leverage on Kenya's technology.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 5

KENYA

EU TO INVEST 5 MLN EUROS IN KENYAN HORTICULTURAL SECTOR said the European bloc is committed to helping Kenya comply with horticultural exports requirements especially sanitary and phytosanitary standards through the initiative.

She told journalists in Nairobi that the NExT project was conceptualised in the context of the European Green Deal, a set of policy initiatives that seek to make Europe climate neutral by 2050 and which in part calls for compliance with food safety standards for countries exporting fresh produce to the EU. NExT Kenya targets the whole value chain with specific focus on micro, small and medium enterprises and the private and public services that support the horticultural sector.

Katrin Hagemann (INSET) addresses locals during a recent visit to the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) in Isiolo, Kenya. [Photos: Katrin Hagemann]

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he European Union said recently that it will invest 650 million shillings (about 5 million euros) in Kenya's horticultural sector in the next four years to boost household incomes and access to the export market.

The investment would be done under a four-year programme dubbed New Export Trade (NExT Kenya), whose aim is not only to boost incomes but also create employment opportunities and improve food safety.

Katrin Hagemann, deputy head of the Delegation of the EU to Kenya,

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Hamadi Boga, principal secretary for crop development and agricultural research in Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture, said the investment will boost the competitiveness of Kenyan horticultural products in the global market.

Chagema Kedera, programme coordinator of NExT Kenya, said that the programme will secure lasting improvement in the capacity of all stakeholders to adapt to evolving sanitary and phytosanitary.

According to Kedera, the programme will ensure that smallholder farmers apply good agricultural practices, comply with standards and market requirements, access to markets and finance, and acquire business skills.

UGANDA

UGANDA, TANZANIA SIGN AGREEMENTS ON CRUDE OIL PIPELINE PROJECT

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ganda and Tanzania last month signed three key agreements to kick off the construction of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan witnessed the signing of the agreements at State House Entebbe, 40 km south of the Ugandan capital Kampala.

The two countries signed the Host Government Agreement, Share Holder Agreement (for the pipeline company) and Tariff agreements.

Partners in the pipeline agreement Total and China National Offshore Oil Corporation also witnessed the signing of the agreements.

The signing of the agreements paves way for the construction of the 1,440 km crude oil pipeline from Uganda's Albertine region to the Tanzanian seaport of Tanga. The 3.55-billion-U.S.-dollar pipeline will be the longest electrically heated pipeline in the world.

It is heated because of the waxy nature of Uganda's oil. Uganda has so far discovered over 6.5 billion barrels of oil.

Tanzanian President Hassan after witnessing the signing said the project would not only benefit Uganda and Tanzania alone but the entire region.

"The project will bring revenues to the regional countries and more

Total SA CEO Patrick Pouyanné, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Kampala. [Photo: Office Of The Ugandan President]

than 10,000 jobs will be created," she said. She also said the EACOP will unlock the regional potential and attract more investors to east Africa.

"Our region is well-endowed with abundant resources. In order to fully and effectively exploit these resources, we need infrastructure," she said.

Ugandan President Museveni said the pipeline will transport 230,000 barrels per day and therefore South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could take advantage and use the facility.

"This pipeline could turn out to be a very important project that could serve the entire region in the long term. We could build a return pipeline to carry gas from Tanzania to Uganda and the entire region," Museveni added.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 7

UGANDA

UGANDA ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES AMID RESURGENCE IN CASES

By Ronald Ssekandi, Samuel Egadu

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ganda recently announced a series of new COVID-19 restrictions amid a resurgence in infections, when global daily cases are also increasing fast mainly due to India's calamitous second wave.

NEW WAVE Ruth Aceng, Ugandan minister of health, told reporters here that the country has been experiencing a gradual increase in coronavirus cases over the last six weeks, signalling a second wave.

Ugandan health officials wearing protective gear disinfect the Nakawa open-air market as part of the measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Nakawa division of Kampala.

[Photo: REUTERS]

"We are beginning to witness a resurgence in the pandemic. It's important for us to note that for viral infections, the second wave is usually more aggressive than the first wave," said Aceng.

The country is currently facing five COVID-19 variants, including those first found in India, South Africa and Britain, she said, noting that the health ministry has developed a plan to combat the resurgence of the disease.

The new plan will identify gaps in efforts to fight the first wave of the virus and draw on the experience of other countries, Aceng said.

President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni receiving the Covid19 vaccine at State Lodge, Nakasero. [Photo: PPU] 8 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

The ministry is continuing to study the evolving pandemic situation in different countries, she said, adding that countries

UGANDA will be categorized in accordance with the risk they confront.

teachers, social workers, security personnel, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

As India is in "category one" because of the high infection rates in the country, Uganda has imposed travel restrictions on travellers and passenger flights from India, the minister said.

After the new variant first found in India was detected in Uganda, there is now a rush for the vaccine. "I appeal to the population to observe the standard operating procedures and get vaccinated against COVID-19," said Aceng.

Travellers from the "category two" countries, including the United States, Britain, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, South Africa, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Tanzania, will be subject to a COVID-19 test at points of entry.

Individuals from the countries who have received full vaccination and are asymptomatic will be allowed into Uganda without the need for testing on arrival.

VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO country representative to Uganda, said vaccinations will save the country from a surge in daily cases.

"If you (get) vaccinated, you prevent yourself from severe disease and death due to COVID-19. Transmission decreases when vaccination increases," said Tegegn.

"When transmission decreases, you prevent a mutation of the virus, save the health system and economic situation."

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A total of 330,077 people have been so far inoculated with the first AstraZeneca jab in Uganda, and the country has received 964,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from the World Health Organization (WHO)'s COVAX initiative and the Indian government.

The country is currently facing five COVID-19 variants, including those first found in India, South Africa and Britain, she said, noting that the health ministry has developed a plan to combat the resurgence of the disease.

The Ugandan government has prioritized access to vaccines for more than 21.9 million people at higher risk, including those working in the medical field,

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THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 9

KENYA

UGANDA PASSES NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE BILL TO TACKLE GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS

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gandan lawmakers have passed the national climate change bill to cut greenhouse gas emissions and tackle the climate crisis, authorities said recently.

The framework bill will provide for climate change response measures, participation in climate mechanisms, and measuring of emissions and financing for climate change actions, among others, Beatrice Atim Anywar, minister of state for environment, told Xinhua by phone.

Uganda’s Prime Minister, standing center-left, addresses Members of Parliament in Kampala, Uganda. [Photo: AP] nating and implementing climate change response measures in Uganda,” said Anywar.

“It provides a framework strategy to guide the government in planning and budgeting for financing and monitoring of climate

The bill, which now awaits presidential assent, was overwhelmingly passed at the country’s parliamentary in the capital here.

“The bill is timely in tackling the climate crisis. It provides for institutional arrangements for coordi10 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

“The bill is timely in tackling the climate crisis. It provides for institutional arrangements for coordinating and implementing climate change response measures in Uganda,” Minister Beatrice Atim Anywar, .

change programs and activities,” she added.

The bill’s objective is to give force of law in the east African country to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit temperature rise to as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius as possible.

“We have not been having a legal framework governing climate interventions. The absence of such framework was an obstacle in translating identified priorities into implementable actions with tangible climate change benefits,” said Anywar.

TANZANIA

RISING SEA TEMPERATURE POSES THREAT TO SEAWEED FARMING IN TANZANIA

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Tanzanian marine biologist has observed that an increase in sea surface temperature caused by climate change is posing a threat to seaweed farming in the east African nation.

Flower Msuya, a marine biologist and seaweed expert with the University of Dar es Salaam’s Department of Biology, said her recent research indicates that the temperature rise has caused an outbreak of diseases of seaweeds.

“The outbreak of the diseases caused by the rise in seawater temperature, especially in the shallow water areas where the seaweeds are currently farmed, result in poor growth leading to decreased production,” Msuya told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Msuya said high water temperatures cause epiphytes and diseases like ice-ice, leading to die-offs of seaweeds.

In Tanzania, seaweed is mainly farmed in shallow waters in coastal areas of the mainland and the

Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean. A water temperature ranging from 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius is best for growing seaweeds.

According to her research, the highest water temperature in the shallow water areas had risen from 31 degrees Celsius in the 1990s to 38 degrees Celsius in 2019 during hot season from December to February.

Msuya said the hostile weather conditions have seen annual seaweed production in the country decreasing from 15,000 tonnes in 2012 to 10,708 tonnes in 2019.

“Farmers are now forced to stop farming during the hot season and resume farming during the rainy and cold seasons,” she said.

Safia Hashim, a seaweed farmer in Bweleo village in Mjini Magharibi B region on Zanzibar’s Unguja Island, said the rise of seawater temperature has made life unbearable for seaweed farmers.

Seaweed farmers harvesting their crop in Jambiani, Tanzania. [Photo: Yann Macherez]

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 11

TANZANIA

TANZANIA TO BAN HAPHAZARD IMPORTATION OF MERCURY

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anzania plans to ban haphazard importation of mercury in order to prevent the chemicals from harming human beings and the environment, a cabinet minister told parliament recently.

Dotto Biteko, the Minister for Minerals, told the House in the capital Dodoma that currently mercury is being imported haphazardly and being in unauthorized centres, posing a health hazard to the public and the environment.

The government is in the final stages of introducing bulk procurement of mercury by authorized importers for use in gold mining in the country, said the official.

"The government chief chemist is finalizing procedures for bulk procurement of mercury," said Biteko.

Tanzania Minister of Minerals, Doto Mashaka Biteko.

[Photo: Mathias Canal]

From previous page “Five years ago I used to harvest between 200 and 300 kilograms of seaweeds a week but now after the seawater temperature rise I am only harvesting less than 50 kilograms of seaweed a week,” she told Xinhua.

Hashim said the decline in seaweed harvests has affected her immensely because she is not able to pay tuition fees for her two daughters who are in university.

Fatma Mohamed Makame, another seaweed farmer in Makangale village on Zanzibar’s Pemba Island, echoes Hashim’s woes, saying the rise of seawater temperature is making them spend sleepless nights.

“Seaweed farming is our lifeline.

Without seaweed farming our future is doomed,” she said.

Msuya said efforts to cope with these climate change impacts are being made through research involving different stakeholders, including the farming commu-

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He said the government has identified 5,025 centres for safe storage of mercury in gold mining areas.

nities, government and private sector.

She said that moving seaweed farms to deeper waters and developing deeper-water farming technologies are major coping strategies.

The seaweed industry in Tanzania employs about 30,000 farmers.

Most of the seaweed produced in Tanzania is exported, mainly as unprocessed raw materials to France, Denmark and the United States, said Msuya.

TANZANIA

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anzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan last month pledged her country’s strengthened cooperation with the World Bank, saying the bank was a catalyst for economic development.

President Hassan made the remarks during talks with Mara Warwick, the World Bank’s country director for Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, at Chamwino State House in the capital of Dodoma, said a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications.

TANZANIA PLEDGES STRENGTHENED COOPERATION WITH WORLD BANK

“The World Bank is supporting Tanzania in improving social services such as education and health, and in improving the infrastructure,” said President Hassan, while urging the World Bank to continue working with Tanzania toward building an economy that will transform the east African nation’s citizens’ welfare.

Warwick said the World Bank had previously approved loans to the tune of 4.9 billion U.S. dollars for supporting various development projects in the country, making Tanzania among the leading recipients of the bank’s funding.

An upgraded section of the Dar es Salaam’s public bus rapid transit system funded by World Bank. [Photo: Hendri Lombard / World Bank] BELOW: President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s meeting with the World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Ms. Mara K.Warwick at the Chamwino Statehouse. [Photo: Tanzania Updates]

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 13

RWANDA

RWANDA ON PATH OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 PANDEMIC SHOCK: FINANCE MINISTER

RAO Hongwei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Rwanda and Rwanda’s Finance Minister Uzziel Ndagijimana after signing agreement in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. [Photo: Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Rwanda]

T

he Rwandan economy is on the path of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic shock, which is strengthened by the country’s effective control of the virus, Rwandan Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana said recently.

The economy is expected to grow at 5.1 percent in 2021, 7 percent in 2022 and at above 7.8 percent in 2023 and 2024, said Ndagijimana at the cross-listing event of mobile network operator MTN Rwanda in the capital city Kigali.

This outlook is an opportunity for investment and private sector development in the central African nation, said Ndagijimana, adding that the cross-listing is a testimony of the confidence in Rwanda’s economy.

According to him, Rwanda has made impressive

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progress in improving its investment climate and continues to improve further its business environment to support both local and foreign investment in line with its National Strategy for Transformation and its development blueprint Vision 2050.

Rwanda is implementing its strategy of becoming an international financial centre and is seeking new investors in the financial market, he said.

Rwanda’s economy growth shrank to 2.3 percent for the financial year 2019-2020 from 8.8 percent recorded the year before, as the coronavirus outbreak dealt a huge blow to the country’s economic activities.

Following the cross-listing, MTN Rwanda has become the first mobile network operator to list its shares on Rwanda’s stock exchange.

RWANDA

RWANDAIR RESUMES FLIGHTS TO SOUTH AFRICA

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igali-based RwandAir on Wednesday announced the resumption of its flights between Kigali and South Africa’s economic hub Johannesburg from Friday, after a threemonth suspension due to global concerns over COVID-19 variants.

COVID-19 infections and variants first detected in South Africa prompted an entry ban by countries in the world as well as flights suspension by airlines.

Although the COVID-19 infections in South Africa have been in the plateau, many of them remain in force.

The Rwandan flag carrier will operate the flights three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays

COVID-19 infections and variants first detected in South Africa prompted an entry ban by countries in the world as well as flights suspension by airlines.

Although the COVID-19 infections in South Africa have been in the plateau, many of them remain in force.

and Sundays, it said in a customer communication.

The flights will include both 4-hour non-stop flights and 5-hour flights with a stop in Lusaka, capital of Zambia, while the Kigali-Cape Town flights remain halted, showed RwandAir’s update on flight destinations.

The once fast-growing airline that suffered a blow during the COVID-19 is seeking recovery and has put in place health and safety measures and protocols to restore customer confidence, including a COVID-19 vaccination program for all staff.

[Photo: www.rwandair.com]

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 15

SOUTH SUDAN

NEW UN ENVOY HOPES FOR DURABLE PEACE IN SOUTH SUDAN

of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Haysom said South Sudan is entering a new phase and people’s expectations are high, noting that there is real hope for progress in the implementation of the peace agreement and, ultimately, achieving a more durable peace.

The UN official said after completing mandatory quarantine in compliance with local COVID-19 protocols, he will begin a busy schedule of meetings with South Sudan’s leaders, the diplomatic community, and other key stakeholders in the peace process.

“As partners in that process, the UN will continue to work with South Sudanese as well as regional and international partners to provide stability and, ultimately, secure prosperity for all citizens,” Nicholas Haysom.

“It is a privilege to continue my relationship with South Sudan by serving in this new role, leading UNMISS in its peacekeeping and peacebuilding work,” said Haysom.

Nicholas Haysom - Special Representative, Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. [Photo: Rick Bajornas]

N

ewly appointed United Nations (UN) top envoy for South Sudan last month expressed strong hope for durable peace in the country.

Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, said the UN is strongly committed to working with South Sudanese to secure stability and eventual prosperity for the country.

“As partners in that process, the UN will continue to work with South Sudanese as well as regional and international partners to provide stability and, ultimately, secure prosperity for all citizens,” Haysom said in a statement after arriving in Juba.

He arrived in Juba to take up his role as the Special Representative

16 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

The UN envoy said the UN priority is to support all efforts to push the peace process forward with a focus on key areas such as constitution-making, security, justice and economic reforms, and assisting preparations for elections.

“I am very much looking forward to serving and supporting the people of this country so that they can enjoy the much brighter future that they deserve,” Haysom said.

He said UNMISS will also continue to search for new ways to magnify the impact of its own activities and improve its performance in carrying out its mandated work to protect civilians and build peace.

DR CONGO

DRC’S NEW GOV’T SWORN IN

T

he new government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) led

by Prime Minister Sama Lukonde Kyenge was approved by the National Assembly and was sworn in recently.

A total of 410 deputies voted in favour of the new government's programme, which was presented to the 500-member National Assembly earlier. Two deputies abstained.

The new government, dubbed the "Sacred Union of the Nation", has 57 members including 14 women.

In February, Kyenge succeeded Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, then-Prime Minister deposed by the parliament in late January following a crisis within the coalition formed and shared by the Congolese president Felix Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila.

After winning the 2018 presidential

Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi arrives at the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, Britain. [Photo: REUTERS/ Henry Nicholls]

elections, Tshisekedi was forced into a ruling co-partnership with Kabila, which led to a power struggle over the last two years.

After announcing the break up with Kabila last December, Tshisekedi's proposed "Sacred Union of the Nation" gained support from 391 deputies out of 500 at the National Assembly.

Supporters of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress and President Felix Tshisekedi listen to a radio broadcast from Kinshasa on Dec., 2020 to hear a speech by the President. [Photo: REUTERS]

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 17

SOMALIA

INT’L PARTNERS LAUD RETURN TO DIALOGUE TO RESOLVE POLL IMPASSE IN SOMALIA

I

nternational partners have welcomed the decision by Somalia’s Lower House to return to the September 17 2020 electoral agreement following a request by President Mohamed Farmajo.

The African Union, the European Union and United Nations in separate statements said the decision to annul the April 12 mandate extension bill which extended the terms of the executive and the legislative arms of government by two years, is critical for the stability of Somalia.

Francisco Madeira, special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission to Somalia and head of AMISOM said the decision by the House of the People is a very welcome development.

“AMISOM believes that this decision is critical for Somalia’s security and stability. Let no one dim the light in the horizon,” Madeira said in a brief statement issued recently.

The UN in Somalia also welcomed the decision by President Farmajo to request parliament to revert to the Sept. 17, 2020 electoral model as well as the lead role of Prime Minister Mohamed Roble on behalf of the government.

“The UN calls on Somali leaders to return to dialogue and prepare elections without delay,” the UN said.

Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, EU ambassador to Somalia, in welcoming the Lower House

A Senior AMISOM official (left) hands over food items to beneficiaries in Dhobley, Somalia. [Photo: AMISOM]

decision said there will be now “ no preconditions, no spoiling, no violence” in Somalia.

“PM Roble must count on the constructive support from all federal member states presidents and other political actors for a Somali-led process,” Berlanga said.

elections take place in a peaceful and stable atmosphere.

Roble in a statement issued after Farmajo’s speech welcomed the president’s decision to hand over responsibilities of the election process and the security to him.

Farmajo, who addressed the house before the vote, asked the lawmakers to revert to the Sept.

17, 2020 deal that was agreed between the federal government and five leaders of the federal member states.

Roble assured all Somalis that the government is committed to holding free, fair and transparent elections in the country without infringing upon anyone’s rights.

He ordered the army to return to their bases and also urged politicians to refrain from inflammatory and incitement terms.

The president also said the prime minister will spearhead the process of preparations and the implementation of the electoral process including key election security arrangements to ensure

“I will invite the federal member states to the national consultative summit to complete the Sept. 17 agreement between the government and federal member states,” Roble said.

18 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

ETHIOPIA

The CEO of the IPDC, Mr. Sandokan Debebe, together with a team composed of the Corporation inspect the Industrial Park operation and management. [Photo: Industrial Parks Development Corporation –Ethiopia]

ETHIOPIA HOPES TO BOOST FOREIGN TRADE WITH CHINESEBUILT TRACKLESS STATION WITHIN INDUSTRIAL PARK

E

thiopia recently inaugurated its first trackless station in a bid to boost the country’s foreign trade efforts. The trackless station was inaugurated at a ceremony held in the Chinesebuilt Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ) in Dukem city, 37 km southeast of Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

Trackless station refers to an office or agency of the railway, which operates in the area far away from the railway station to facilitate the transportation of goods. With the

help of trackless station, factories or companies can directly transport the freight from industrial parks to railway station.

Yehulashet Jemere, State Minister of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Transport, said the inauguration of the first trackless station of the Chinesebuilt 752.7-km Ethiopia-Djibouti electrified rail line is an important milestone in the east African country’s quest to modernize its logistics sector.

20 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

“The first trackless station in Eastern Industrial Zone is one big milestone to enable the railway line to provide a multimodal transport service for the industry zone.

I believe this will effectively reduce the logistics cost of the enterprises who are residing in the industrial zones,” said Jemere.

The Eastern Industry Zone inaugurated a decade ago is Ethiopia’s first industry zone that inspired the Ethiopian government towards establishing more industry parks

ETHIOPIA across the country towards becoming the manufacturing hub of the continent.

“It’s difficult to imagine rapid economic development, industrialization and international competitiveness without efficient high quality modern transport infrastructure and logistics services,” Jemere said.

The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway to which the trackless station will be connected has shown China is dedicated to providing state of the arts logistics infrastructure to Ethiopia, said Jemere.

“This railway line is a flagship project for the blossoming Ethiopia-China cooperation, among other things Chinese technical competence and financial support have powered the realization of this ambitious infrastructure project,” Jemere stated.

Sandokan Debebe, CEO of Ethiopia Industrial Park Development Corporation (IPDC), said the inauguration of the trackless station will also help in the speedy transportation of export-oriented industrial park products.

Ethiopia, China sign MoU on establishing security safeguarding mechanism for mega projects. [Photo: www.fanabc.com].

Guo Chongfeng, General Manager of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Ethiopia, said the trackless station of the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway will add further logistical boost to Ethiopia’s export-oriented manufacturing sector.

“Under the leadership of the Ethiopia Ministry of Transport, the professional management of Ethiopia Djibouti Railway (EDR), Industry Park Development Corporation (IPDC), Ethiopia Investment Commission (EIC), and the closer cooperation with Eastern Industrial Park, we believe the railway will become a household name for an economic engine and foreign exchange powerhouse,” Guo said.

“We believe the railway will become a hotspot of investment and attract more and more clients and investors, as well as cultivate an economic corridor and facilitate Ethiopia to be a trade powerhouse in Africa,” Guo further said.

“Transportation and logistics, being the backbone of the manufacturing industry, has been placed at the core of the country’s economic transformation agenda,” said Debebe.

“The manufacturing sector is expected to register a sectoral growth of 20 plus percent, sectoral composition to the GDP to be 17 plus percent and creation of 1.3 million jobs every year,” Debebe further said.

People walk past the gate of the Eastern Industrial Zone in Ethiopia in the town of Dukem near the capital, Addis Ababa. [Photo: Elias Meseret/AP] THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 21

MALAWI

YOUTH IN MALAWI MAKING LIVING OUT OF MOBILE MONEY SERVICES sometimes I wasn’t able to make enough money. However, the business needs a lot of patience and hard work and dedication to thrive,” Liyoyo said.

“I would like to encourage young people who have not yet figured out what to do with their lives, it’s true that capital is a challenge among most of us, but with whatever we have, money or skill we can make a difference,” he said.

A vendor counts Malawian kwacha banknotes at a roadside mobile phone airtime stall in Lilongwe, Malawi. [Photo: VCG]

M

obile money services have become one of the viable businesses among the youth in Malawi. The vast availability of youth operating mobile money booths and kiosks shows that the business is becoming a success.

Mobile money service involves making online bill payments, banking, cash transfers and other monetary services using a mobile phone handset. In order to make enough revenue, mobile money agents need to have enough capital which helps them to gain higher commissions through transactions.

According to a number of youths who Xinhua interviewed, the business is profitable in areas with a high population of people.

Thompson Liyoyo, a recent graduate from the University of Malawi has just established his mobile money business in Blantyre city.

On average Liyoyo makes 55,000 Malawi Kwacha (about 70 U.S. dollars) per week.

“I started the business when I was at college, the business was the main source for my upkeep money at the campus. Working for commissions was a bit frustrating because

22 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Similarly, Yamikani Lita, aged 25, operates a mobile money service business in Ndirande township.

The business has helped him to boost his other business which he has been operating for years in the area. Speaking to Xinhua, Lita said that the business is going to help him in his efforts to save for college scheduled next year.

According to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Gospel Kazako, the government is in an effort to create as many job opportunities as possible to reduce poverty and migration of youth to neighbouring countries in search of greener pasture.

“As a government, we also understand the importance of getting people to engage themselves in different parts of the economy.

For this reason, we are creating a conducive environment for the private sector to do their business in order to create a room for more job opportunities in Malawi,” he said.

MOZAMBIQUE

Livelihoods Empowerment and Development project whose objective is to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Mozambique. [Photo: www.acdivoca.org]

MOZAMBIQUE LAUNCHES ANNUAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

M

ozambican Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario launched the annual agricultural marketing campaign in the country’s southern province of Gaza, where he said that about 16 million tons of various products were expected to be traded.

In the previous campaign, about 14.8 million tons of agricultural products were traded.

“The launch of the agricultural marketing campaign aims to urge producers and stakeholders in the process to ensure that all agricultural surplus is absorbed by the domestic and foreign

markets,” said Rosario at the launching ceremony in the district of Chongone.

Cereals, tubers and beans are among the products for promotion and the government expects producers to make extra income from the campaign.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the losses in the agriculture sector are unavoidable, “but with all the combined effort it is possible to guarantee product quality and increase it.”

Agriculture is considered as one of the pillars for Mozambique’s economy, constituting one of the main sources of income for the population, especially in rural areas.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 23

ZAMBIA

GOVERNING PARTY ADOPTS ZAMBIAN LEADER AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

Z

ambia’s governing party recently officially adopted incumbent President Edgar Lungu as its candidate in this year’s general elections.

The Patriotic Front (PF) officially adopted the Zambian leader during a ceremony held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, the country’s capital, by presenting him with a certificate of adoption as its candidate for the August 12 elections.

This comes after he was re-elected as the party’s president during a general conference held last month and subsequent application to contest as president.

Samuel Mukupa, the party’s national chairperson signed the certificate which was presented to the Zambian president during the meeting of the party’s central committee members.

Davies Mwila, the party’s national secretary said the Zambian

24 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

leader had followed all the provisions of the party constitution and that his adoption was final.

But his decision to contest the elections has received a sharp reaction from opposition and some civil society organizations who feel he is not eligible to stand because he has already served two terms in line with the constitution.

However, his supporters have defended the move saying the first term could not be counted as a full term as he only completed the term of his predecessor, late President Michael Sata.

Lungu was first elected president during elections held in 2015 necessitated by the death of Sata who emerged winner of the 2011 elections.

Lungu later won the elections held in 2016.

He faces stiff competition from Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the main opposition, the United Party for National Development.

Edgar Lungu celebrates with his supporters after being re-elected as Zambia’s president in 2016. [Photo: AFP]

ZAMBIA

[Photo:vuringroup.com]

ZAMBIA, ANGOLA INK OIL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION DEAL

Z

ambia and Angola have signed an agreement aimed at constructing a pipeline for the transportation of finished petroleum product between the two countries, a government official said last month. The 5 billion U.S. dollars agreement will pave

“Once completed, AngolaZambia multi-product petroleum pipeline will transport petrol, diesel, kerosene and gas,” Lawrence Chalungama, Zambia’s Ambassador to Angola.

way for the construction of a pipeline from the oil-rich Angola to Zambia.

Lawrence Chalungama, Zambia's Ambassador to Angola, said the deal was signed by ministers responsible for energy of the two countries, bringing to an end more than 10 years of negotiation process between the two countries.

He said in a release that the pipeline will be developed by the private sector with Angola state-owned petroleum company SONANGOL and Zambia state company Industrial Development

Corporation as strategic partners.

"Once completed, Angola-Zambia multi-product petroleum pipeline will transport petrol, diesel, kerosene and gas," he said.

The deal, he said, will go a long way in ensuring that Zambia starts accessing cheaper fuel products, adding that it comes at a time when Angola was developing two refinery plants which will result in surplus fuel products.

Currently, Zambia has a joint pipeline with Tanzania used for the transportation of petroleum products.

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 25

ZIMBABWE

ZIMBABWE TO PRODUCE SURPLUS MAIZE AFTER GOOD RAINFALL SEASON Cotton production is expected to rise to 195,991 metric tonnes from 101,000 metric tonnes in the 2019/2020 season.

Tobacco, one of the country's major foreign currency earners, is projected to increase by 8 percent to 200,245 metric tonnes from 184,042 metric tonnes produced last year.

Soybean production is projected at 71,290 metric tonnes from 47,088 metric tonnes last year while sweet potato production is estimated to increase by 269 percent, sugar beans by 142 percent and groundnuts by 139 percent.

Although the country's livestock situation still requires attention, there had been a marked improvement in the state of affairs, with the national beef cattle herd increasing from 5,443,770 head in the previous season to 5,478,648 this season, Mutsvangwa said.

Zimbabwean small scale farmers tend to their maize crop.

[Photo: David Brazier / IWMI]

Z

imbabwe is expecting maize output to reach 2.8 million metric tonnes this year, from last season's 907,628 metric tonnes following good rains received across the country.

She said production of traditional grains, such as sorghum and millet is projected at 347,968 metric tonnes, more than double the 152,515 metric tonnes produced last season.

Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing recently, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe is set for a bumper harvest, following the above-normal rains received across the country during the 2020/2021 summer season.

"The total cereal production projection is 3,075,538 metric tonnes, against a national cereal requirement of 1,797,435 metric tonnes for human consumption and 450,000 metric tonnes for livestock," Mutsvangwa said.

26 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

The average national cattle mortality rate decreased from 12 percent in 2019 to 4.2 percent in 2020 due to improved disease control efforts, she said.

Egg production is increasing, reaching a new high of 59.3 million dozens in 2020, surpassing the 2019 production by 18 percent.

"Cabinet takes this opportunity to reassure the nation that every effort is being made to ensure minimal post-harvest losses, with local preservation methods, harvesting support and markets being procured for the benefit of our farmers," the minister said.

SPORTS

UGANDA TO DEFEND REGIONAL CECAFA SENIOR CHALLENGE CUP

T

he Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that the national team, the Cranes, will defend the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup. Ethiopia will host the regional tournament from July 3-18 in the town of Bahir Dar. “We have confirmed the national team will participate and defend the regional CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup title,” Edgar Watson Suubi, FUFA Chief Executive Officer told Xinhua last month.

Uganda beat Eritrea 3-0 to lift the 2019 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup when the regional tourna-

ment was played in Uganda. Last year the tournament was not played because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that affected sports around the world.

the region will also have four other competitions this year.

However, Auka Gacheo, the Executive Director of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) told Xinhua that this year’s Challenge Cup will be played like the Olympic qualifiers by U-23s.

Djibouti will host the CECAFA Senior Women’s Challenge Cup, while Uganda accepted to host the CECAFA U-20 Women’s Challenge Cup. The CECAFA Kagame Club Championship will take place in Tanzania, and Kenya will host the Zonal qualifier for the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League.

Auka also said that as per the meeting held by CECAFA members in March ahead of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) elections in Rabat, Morocco,

Last year the CECAFA region only organized two tournaments, the U-20 AFCON and U-17 AFCON qualifiers for boys in Tanzania and Rwanda respectively.

The Uganda Cranes, celebrate after winning the 2019 CECAFA Senior challenge cup. [Photo: FUFA]

THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE | 27

SPORTS

ATHLETES TO RECEIVE DAILY COVID-19 TESTS DURING TOKYO GAMES

will be tested daily to minimize the risk of undetected positive cases that could transmit the virus,” the statement said.

“All other Games participants will be tested daily for three days after their arrival. After the first three days and throughout their stay, they will be tested regularly, based on the operational nature of their role and level of contact with athletes.”

“All Games participants must, in principle, only follow the activities they have outlined in their activity plan. They must minimize contact within one meter of Games participants who have already been in Japan for more than 14 days and Japanese residents.”

“All Games participants must, in principle, exclusively use dedicated Games vehicles, and they are not allowed to use public transport.

Tokyo Olympic Games organizers stipulated that athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be asked to test for the novel coronavirus every day. [Photo: KYODO]

A

thletes and all those in close contact with them will be tested every day during the Tokyo Olympic Games, organizers announced here recently.

It was announced after a “five-party meeting” attended by IOC president Thomas Bach, Tokyo 2020 organizing committee chief Seiko Hashimoto and representatives of the Tokyo metropolitan government, the Japanese government and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Bach said at the virtual meeting that the IOC is “fully committed to the successful and safe delivery

of the Olympic and Paralympic Games”.

The five parties made an announcement on the revised edition of the playbooks, which added some “new rules that have to be observed by everyone involved in the Games during their stay in Japan”.

Some of the “most important measures” agreed by all the five parties are including banning participants from using public transport and eating in public restaurants.

“In principle, athletes and all those in close proximity with athletes

28 | THE EASTERN AFRICAN MAGAZINE

“All Games participants must, in principle, eat only in the limited locations where COVID-19 countermeasures are in place, including catering facilities at Games venues, their accommodation’s restaurant, and their rooms, using room service or food delivery.”

The statement also said that the decision on how many local spectators will be allowed into the venue will be made in June. The decision was initially scheduled to be made by the end of April but as Japan is currently suffering a fourth wave of COVID-19, it has become impossible to decide the spectator capacity.

“We are confident that compliance with these regulations will ensure the safety and security of athletes, Games officials and spectators, as well as the people of Tokyo, other host locations and Japan,” said the statement.

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