COMING SOON: LAUNCH OF FINSCOPE TANZANIA 2017

FinScope Tanzania 2017 is the fourth in a series of widely acclaimed surveys that measure the demand for and access to financial services across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. This year’s survey continues to track and benchmark patterns of use across all types of formal and informal financial services.

The tentative launch date of FinScope Tanzania 2017 is planned for The week of 18th September, 7.00am – 12.00pm at the Julius Nyerere International Conventional Center, Dar es Salaam. We will confirm the final date on your invitation card.

  

Over the past four years, Tanzania has seen a rapid adoption of multiple digital financial services and a wide range of new financial products and services on the market. An essential resource for product and service developers, policymakers, government officials and research organisations among others, there is much anticipation for the launch of FinScope Tanzania 2017 and its insights on up-to-date trends on access and usage of financial services.

What’s new?

For this survey round, the sample was increased to 10,000 respondents, allowing further dissemination of data through concise regional and district level reports for Iringa, Singida, Mtwara, Rukwa, Mwanza and Zanzibar.  In addition, it includes linkage information which provide direct insights of the demand and supply dynamics of financial services. Niche reports will present insights from selected focus areas, such as women and youth among others. Easy-to-understand interactive dashboards, graphics and maps as well as individual stories based on real life accounts will provide tangible facets to the findings.

CLICK HERE TO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN ATTENDING THIS EVENT

PRUDENTIAL MARKET MARKET UPDATE AS AT 30 AUG. 2017

DAR AIRPORT WORKS ON COURSE

TERMINAL Three operations at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) are set to take off in October, next year, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Prof Makame Mbarawa, said yesterday during a tour at the Airport.

He observed that construction activities were complete by 64 per cent. All civil works are almost done and soon the contractor will shift to another stage. He revealed that there was no government debt to the contractor as all payments have been made.

IPTL’S LICENCE EXTENSION FLOPS

• EWURA cites high capacity charges as one of the reasons

THE Board of Directors of Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) has turned down an application by the Independent Power Tanzania Company Limited (IPTL) for an extension of its Electricity Generation Licence for 55 months (4 years and 7 months).

On 28th March, 2017, IPTL submitted the application seeking for an extension from 16th July 2017 to 15th January 2022. A statement issued yesterday by the EWURA management explained that after deliberating on the application, the board rejected the application basing on three factors.

Firstly, he explained, was the exorbitant capacity charges. “The effect of allowing the application for licence extension to the electricity price to be paid by consumers including the continued payment of USD 2.667 million per month as capacity charges,” stated the statement.

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES CONFIRMS BID FOR NIGERIA’S ARIK AIR

From Left- Esayas Weldemariam, Director of International Service at Ethiopian Airlines Group, Troy Damian Fitrell, Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Ethiopia and Greg Gilchrist, Senior Vice President of Sabre of the U.S. company which has been providing IT solutions for Ethiopian Airlines for the past 11 years. The two sides have agreed to extend their business partnership for the coming 7 years. 

In Summary

The Director of International Service at the Ethiopian Airlines Group, MrEsayasWeldemariam, Wednesday said they were expanding their presence in western Africa.

Addis Ababa, Wednesday. Ethiopian Airlines is negotiating with the Nigerian government to take over the bankrupt Arik Air, a senior official confirmed in Addis Ababa.

The Director of International Service at the Ethiopian Airlines Group, MrEsayasWeldemariam, Wednesday said they were expanding their presence in western Africa.

LOYALTY CARDS GO PAPERLESS - STAMP ME APP

What's STAMP ME?

The loyalty options available for businesses are either paper cards or plastic point of sale cards. The benefit of paper cards are they are cheap and easy to implement. The downside is that for a business, they don’t know who has them, and for users they lose and forget them. Plastic loyalty cards are much better however they are very expensive and difficult to implement. There are barriers to customers joining up as they often involve lengthy form filling. Then on top of all this, customers still have to carry their cards around with them.

The Stamp Me loyalty app has the benefits of both these systems without the problems attached. It is inexpensive to implement, links up your customer and transactions and your customers will never lose or forget their loyalty card again. Simply put, the Stamp Me loyalty card app is a win-win for everyone!

STAMP ME is Available in Tanzania, you can download the Android and IPhone compatible app. Once downloaded, Register and Go to Around me to see participating stores and brands. Join OFFERs which would give joining rewards and Get a stamp after every qualifying purchase.

HIKI NDICHO ALICHOKIFANYA KIPANYA KUHUSIANA NA VODACOM RED RLX

Kipanya rasmi sasa amejiunga na Vodacom RED na atakuwa anakuletea mfululizo wa maisha anayoishi sasa baada ya kujiunga na huduma hii mpya inayotolewa na kampuni ya simu nchini Vodacom Tanzania. Hatujui atatuletea nini lakini tunaimani atawapa wafuasi wake faida anazozipata akiwa na Red RLX, endelea kufuatilia hapa kuona nini atatuletea.

Vodacom Red ni mpango maalum unaojumuisha vifurushi na kulipa kadri mteja atumiavyo na lengo ni kuwafanya wateja wa Vodacom waishi bila wasiwasi linapokuja suala la mawasiliano. Vifurushi hivi vina dakika nyingi, MB za intaneti nyingi, SMS nyingi na pia dakika za kupiga simu nje ya chi.

CURRENT VACANCIES AT THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

FINANCE & PLANNING MINISTER, PHILIP MPANGO: WHAT COULD IMPEDE INDUSTRY PLAN

Finance and Planning Minister, Philip Mpango (second left) receives a copy of the book Tanzania’s Industrialisation Journey, 2016-2056 from CEO Roundtable of Tanzania chairman Ali Mufuruki at its launch in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on are the book’s co-authors Moremi Marwa (right) and Gilman Kasiga.

In Summary
Finance and Planning minister Philip Mpango said in Dar es Salaam that both the Five Year Development Plan 1 (FYDP 1) and FYDP 2 suffered from the zeal of trying to address all economic challenges at once.

“In retrospect, I personally find both the FYDP 1 and FYDP 2 to be suffering from the zeal or over ambition of attempting to address all economy-wide gaps at once,” Dr Mpango said when he graced the launch of the book titled Tanzania’s Industrialization Journey, 2016-2056.

Dar es Salaam. The desire to address all economic challenges at once may affect the implementation of Tanzania’s development goals, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Finance and Planning minister Philip Mpango said in Dar es Salaam that both the Five Year Development Plan 1 (FYDP 1) and FYDP 2 suffered from the zeal of trying to address all economic challenges at once.

“In retrospect, I personally find both the FYDP 1 and FYDP 2 to be suffering from the zeal or over ambition of attempting to address all economy-wide gaps at once,” Dr Mpango said when he graced the launch of the book titled Tanzania’s Industrialisation Journey, 2016-2056.

President John Magufuli penned the foreword of the book co-authored by prominent businessman Ali Mufuruki; Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange CEO Moremi Marwa; business development manager at General Electric Gilman Kasiga and a student pursuing a master’s degree in China, Mr Rahim Mawji.

TANTRADE TO REGULATE ZONAL TRADE EXHIBITIONS

TANZANIA Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE) is set to embark on regulating zonal trade exhibitions to meet required status as well as international standards.

A senior official with TANTRADE Ms Getrude Ng’weshemi said at Mwanza East Africa Trade Fair (MEATF), that setting standards for the zonal trade fair that are also attracting international exhibitors was a crucial move now set for serious implementation.

She said the MEATF which has been held for the past 11 years as one of the trade shows that are growing very fast but in need of some improvement to attract more international partners.

“We are now embarking on regulating these trade fairs to make sure they are well promoted to accommodate more local and inter national exhibitors to win more business connections,” she said.

PASS, EQUITY BANK INK DEAL TO IMPROVE AGRO-PROCESSING

In Summary

Under the pact inked here yesterday, Pass will establish a credit guarantee fund (CGF) to enable Equity Bank to lend its money to small and medium-size enterprises involved in agro-processing.

The agreement brings to 12 the number of banks that the trust works with.

The CGF, equivalent to or more than expected leverage of guaranteed investments, may be invested into the bank’s products or through low risk liquid instruments with varying tenures to enable Pass anticipates and meets claims against its guarantees.

Dar es Salaam. Private Agricultural Sector Support (Pass) Trust and Equity Bank Tanzania have signed a deal.

Under the pact inked here yesterday, Pass will establish a credit guarantee fund (CGF) to enable Equity Bank to lend its money to small and medium-size enterprises involved in agro-processing.

MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS WHILE ON TRIP NOW POSSIBLE ON UBER APP

...the new feature makes it easier for riders to add multiple stops along the route

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 30th August 2017 - Uber Tanzania has rolled out Multi Destinations - a new feature that makes it easy for riders to add multiple stops along their route. This means that riders who want to take a trip with multiple stops can have a more ideal experience.

Commenting on the new feature, Uber Country Manager in Tanzanai, Alfred Msemo said “Riders and drivers do not have to edit destinations while on trip where multiple stops are involved. The feature also benefits drivers as the pricing on the app will now be updated as the new destinations are updated. The Multi- destinations feature also benefits the forward dispatch process as updated destinations will now be included in the forward dispatch process.”

To access the feature, riders will have to be logged on to their Uber applications and request for their rides. To choose their adventure, riders will then tap the “+” next to the “Where To” destination box to add stop(s) at any point before or during their trips. Riders can also add change or remove a stop while on the go, all they need to do is to add, change or remove the destination from the on trip screen accessible on the app.

PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL MARKET UPDATE AS AT 29 AUG. 2017

CURRENT VACANCIES AT THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL MARKET UPDATE AS AT 28 AUG. 2017

UBER PICKS NEW CEO

Dara Khosrowshahi

Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] chose Dara Khosrowshahi, the chief executive of travel company Expedia Inc, as its chief executive on Sunday, according to two sources with knowledge of the matter, handing him the challenge of leading the ride-services company out of a nearly year-long crisis.

Khosrowshahi, 48, would take on the daunting task of mending Uber’s image, repairing frayed relations among investors, rebuilding employee morale and creating a profitable business after seven years of losses.

In Khosrowshahi, Uber’s board has picked an executive with a track record of driving growth while also delivering profits - precisely what the unprofitable Uber needs to satisfy investors.

He has also proven capable of making Expedia the leader in another industry full of change and competition -- online travel.

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AT NMB BANK PLC

NMB Bank Plc is the leading retail bank in the country. We have exciting opportunities for experienced HR professionals.

NMB Bank Plc is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Are the talent we are looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

T-BILLS BOUNCE BACK TO OVERSUBSCRIPTION

Treasury bills auction held on Wednesday bounced back to oversubscription after the previous two sessions ended up on a low note.

The outstanding performance is an indication that investors in the government securities have sufficient liquidity.

According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) auction summary, the session attracted bids worth 361.85bn/-, more than double the amount sought to be raised in the tender. A total of 169bn/- was offered to the market for tendering.

BoT uses the short-term government note to mop excess liquidity in the circulation. Interest rates on the 364 tenure rose significantly to 11.96 per cent compared to 10.88 per cent and 10.27 per cent respectively of the preceding two sessions. Weighted average price for successful bid increased to 10.96 per cent compared to 10.25 per cent and 9.63 per cent of the last two sessions.

CRDB BANK'S NEW MOBILE BANK PLATFORM TO BOOST FINANCIAL INCLUSION

Vice-President, Samia Suluhu Hassan cuts a ribbon to signify the launch of the new mobile bank platform in Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

CRDB bank has introduced a new mobile bank platform, SimAccount, that operates using mobile phones to simplify banking services.

Launching the new mobile bank platform in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, the Vice President Samia Hassan Suluhu said the new mobile bank platform came at the right time as most women were saving their income in pig banks.

“This SimAccount will be easy for most women to now shifting from big banks to mobile banking, “ Ms Samia said during the launch of Dar es Salaam Women Empowerment Forum. She asked women to unite under their national women empowerment forum to enable banks follow up on them instead of them to following up banks.

“The time has come for banks to come to us instead for us finishing our shoes soles looking for loans, “ she said amid a loud-cheer from some 4,000 members of Dar Women Empowerment Forum.

NMB BANK MEETS TOP END BUSINESS CUSTOMERS

NMB Bank Managing Director, Ms. Ineke Bussemaker (left) exchanges views with stakeholders at an Executive Network event organised by the bank in Dar es Salaam over the weekend. Over 150 high-end customers attended the event.

NBC CELEBRATES 50 YEARS GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY

Vice-President, Samia Suluhu Hassan (left) is welcomed by NBC Ltd. Board Chairman, Nehemiah Mchechu at the Bank's 50 years Golden Jubilee gala in Dar es Salaam on Friday. Looking on are Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (second left) and NBC Public Affairs Manager, William Kallaghe (first right).

SOUTH AFRICA'S CABINET TO MAKE FINAL DECISION ON SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS BY END SEPTEMBER - GIGABA

PRETORIA (Reuters) - South Africa’s cabinet will make a final decision on how to recapitalise state airline South African Airways (SAA) by end September, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba said on Friday.

The airline runs one of Africa’s biggest fleets but is loss-making. It received state funds in July to help to repay debts and also depends on government debt guarantees of about 20 billion rand ($1.5 billion).

“Before the end of September, we should have gone to cabinet, proposed the options and cabinet should have taken the decision,” Gigaba told reporters after meeting business leaders.

“What is a fact is that there is a 10 billion rand capitalisation that is required for South African Airways but the source or model of that recapitalisation is not yet finalised.”

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2017 LAUNCHED IN DAR

Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE), Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Mlimuka (right) addresses reporters at a media conference during the official launch of the 2017 Employers of the Year Awards (EYA) in Dar es Salaam. Looking on is EYA Project coordinator, Joyce Nangai Ibengwe.

CHARTER AIRLINE SEES FUTURE IN TOURISM SECTOR GROWTH

Auric Airline Service has reiterated its commitment to providing efficient services to the tourism destinations to cater for the fast growing tourism market.

The company’s Business Development officer, Deepesh Gupta said over the weekend that the airline intends to continue growing and serving better the tourism sector.

Currently, Auric Air provides domestic daily scheduled services to more than 30 destinations and handles approximately 8,500 passengers every month. “Our services will remain focused on serving tourism destinations.

The company has currently no plans to divert its focus,” he said. He said Auric Air Services operates a fleet of Cessna grand caravan.

ETIHAD, ARGENTINA AIRLINE SIGN CODESHARE DEAL

Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Etihad Airways and Aerolíneas Argentinas have launched a new codeshare partnership.

Under the agreement, Etihad Airways customers are able to enjoy convenient connections via Rome and Madrid to Buenos Aires (EZE) and onwards to nine other popular Argentinian destinations – Córdoba (COR), Mendoza (MDZ), Rosario (ROS), Iguazú (IGR), Salta (SLA), Mar del Plata (MDQ), Bariloche (BRC), Trelew (REL) and Ushuaia (USH).

In turn, Aerolíneas Argentinas guests can have access to Etihad Airways’ network of over 100 destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub via the Italian and Spanish capitals.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways Executive Vice President Commercial, said: “This codeshare demonstrates the importance of Argentina as a vital travel market for Etihad Airways in Latin America given the growing tourism, cultural and business opportunities that exist between the UAE and Argentina.

TANZANIA MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE AS AT 30 JUNE 2017

GOVERNMENT EARNS DIVIDENDS WORTH SH19.5 BILLION FROM CRDB BANK

Dar es Salaam. The government received Sh19.5 billion from CRDB Bank as part of the state’s investment in the country’s largest local lender.

The government owns a 21.5 per cent stake in the bank.

This is the same shareholding portion which appears in CRDB’s books of accounts as belonging to the Danida Investment Fund (DIF).

The Sh19.5 billion is part of the government’s Sh70 billion dividend from the bank.

The money is to be channeled to the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children to improve service delivery in the sector, according to government decision.

Receiving the cheque from CRDB managing director Charles Kimei, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Mr Dotto James, said the government owns a 21 per cent share in the financial entity, noting however that the shareholding has traditionally been referred to as belonging to DIF.

NMB BANK PLC HOSTS A BREAKFAST MEETING FOR CLIENTS

NMB Managing Director, Ineke Bussemaker speaks to representatives from different Embassies, NGO's and other Diplomatic Missions in a networking event hosted by the Bank in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Over 100 participants attended the breakfast meeting, which was aimed at fostering business relations.

EXIM BANK PLANS TO BUY STOCK BROKERAGE FIRM

The stock brokerage business is taking a new frontier after Exim Bank and Core Securities finalised merging plans, awaiting fair competition commission blessing.

The two want to make a powerful brokerage firm, which is well capitalised with extended branch outreach in and outside the country.

According to Core Securities Chief Executive Officer, George Fumbuka, the bank wants to buy 80 per cent of brokerage firm to strength its competitive edge and extend network outreach.

“The buyout is centred on two folds. The first is capitalisation after coming in of new capital requirement and the second strong branch network - Exim has both,” he said.

He said Core need to reach out to many clients across the country and by merging with Exim Bank, they will increase their outreach using the bank’s outlets, which are around 30 in the country and six others in Comoro, Djibouti and now Uganda.

UK’S 1.026TRL/- A HUGE BOOSTER

Infrastructure among sectors to which the aid will be channelled 

As part of its continued support to Tanzania, the UK government has pledged US 450 million dollars (about 1.026trl/-) support, to improve roads and port infrastructure, education and industrialisation.

According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications, the announcement to that end was made by the United Kingdom’s Minister of State at the Department for International Development, responsible for Africa affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Rory Stewart.

The visiting minister announced the funding after meeting with President John Magufuli at the State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

Mr Stewart said the aid would be channeled into projects for improving the quality of education and enrolment of pupils, as well as strengthening road and port infrastructure.

HOIMA-TANGA PIPELINE SPURS ENERGY PLANNERS INTO ACTION

STAKEHOLDERS are meeting today in Tanzania to discuss and compute pump prices for petroleum products for the northern regions soon to be getting supplies through the port of Tanga.

Tanga port is currently feeding oil tankers with the commodity under the newly established bulk procurement system (BPS), and has served ‘several’ of these carriers without notable challenges since July, 2015.

A statement from EWURA, the energy and water utilities agency, says that pump prices had been computed just for the region due to limited capacity by the terminals to serve both Tanga and the Northern regions.

The receiving and storage terminal capacity in the region has since increased from about 20,000M3 to current capacity of about 120,000M3.

“Now that GBP Tanzania has accomplished the expansion of its terminal from the 20,000M3 to more than 120,000M3, it is the right time for Tanga port to start serving Northern regions as well as Tanga region itself,” the statement read in part.

THE BUSINESS OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY IN TANZANIA

Tanzania is one of the world leaders in mobile money transfers (mobile phone-based money transfer), with 44 per cent of adults having access to the platform.

Mobile money penetration rates in Tanzania have reached 65 per cent in urban areas and about 25 per cent in rural areas.

There are four mobile money providers in Tanzania namely Vodacom with M-Pesa (42% market share), Tigo with Tigo Pesa (31%), Airtel with Airtel Money (24%), Zantel with Ezy Pesa (2.5%) and Halotel with Halopesa.

As of 2016 these operators had 280,675 agents across Tanzania.

We carried out random interviews on the streets and this is what Tanzanians had to say about Mobile money in Tanzania:

In early 2016, Tanzania was the first country to achieve full Interoperability; the ability of users of different mobile money services to transact directly with each other.

PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL MARKET UPDATE AS AT 24 AUG. 2017

UBER ISSUES SAFETY GUIDELINES TO RIDERS ACROSS EAST AFRICA

Dar es Salaam. – Uber  has launched a safety campaign that gives guidelines that encourage all users to take advantage of the company’s innovative technology that has enabled the app to foster the safety of  riders and drivers. The safety guidelines are now  available to all users in Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Kampala.

The safety guidelines highlight Uber’s commitment to creating simple, intuitive technology that not only makes the lives of riders and drivers easier, but also keeps everyone safe throughout their journeys.

Riders have been advised to countercheck the vehicle’s registration number with the one that pops up on their phone, as well as the driver’s picture before getting into a vehicle. Drivers have been taken through safety training, besides having access to a toll free line through which they can report any safety threats.

BARCLAYS PARTNERS WITH GSM MALL TO OFFER GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR ALL ITS CUSTOMERS

Barclays Bank Head of Cards, Philbert Casmir (third left), addresses reporters at a media conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday to announce a partnership between Barclays and GSM Mall, whereby all the bank's customers will receive a discount up to 15 percent when buying goods using the Barclays debit or credit cards as one of the bank’s commitment to provide card payment solutions for all Tanzanian’s. Second left is GSM Brand Manager, Mohamed Saad.

Local, GSM unveils 15% discounts to customers by using ATM cards

TANZANIANS have been advised to continue to adopt the cashless culture as the best way to avoid robbery during their daily purchasing of their products across the country.

The move has come following partnership between Barclays Bank and GSM Mall in encouraging customers to use ATM cards in their daily shopping with 15% discount as offer whenever their shop at GSM Malls in Dar es Salaam,

The partnership between them will be for one year that pave the way for their customers to use an opportunity of spending less.

Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Barclays Bank, Head of Cards, Philbert Casmir said that their partnership with GSM is to bring their services close their clients across the region by also encouraging them to use debit or credit cards in their daily shopping.

FASTJET LAUNCHES PRIORITY BOARDING IN TANZANIA

The African low-cost airline, Fastjet has launched a priority boarding service in Tanzania, a move meant to make passengers enjoy boarding their flight first.

PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL MARKET UPDATE AS AT 23 AUG. 2017

UBER ISSUES SAFETY GUIDELINES TO RIDERS ACROSS EAST AFRICA

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 23rd August 2017 – Uber has launched a safety campaign that gives guidelines that encourage all users to take advantage of the company’s innovative technology that has enabled the app to foster the safety of riders and drivers. The safety guidelines are now available to all users in Nairobi, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam and Kampala.

The safety guidelines highlight Uber’s commitment to creating simple, intuitive technology that not only makes the lives of riders and drivers easier, but also keeps everyone safe throughout their journeys.

Riders have been advised to countercheck the vehicle’s registration number with the one that pops up on their phone, as well as the driver’s picture before getting into a vehicle. Drivers have been taken through safety training, besides having access to a toll free line through which they can report any safety threats.

Uber’s Country Manager for Tanzania Alfred Msemo said: “Uber has been providing safe reliable transport for Tanzanians year. We have been trusted to move people around every day. Through our innovative technology Uber has integrated safety into our service from beginning to end: before a passenger even gets into the car, throughout the journey and after they have reached their destination.”

DAR SEEKS HEALTH INSURANCE FOR THE POOR

AS health stakeholders push for more inclusion in health insurance coverage, various non-governmental organizations and Dar es Salaam city authorities have teamed up to explore ways to improve access to health services to the city’s marginalized communities.

Speaking during a two day dialogue in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Dar es Salaam city mayor Isaya Mwita said the meeting was called specifically to enhance and ensure accessible healthcare for poor and marginalized groups.

“… As the city population grows … it’s crucial that we come up with better ways to provide better health services to our people,” he noted. Health insurance coverage is still low in Tanzania.

By June 2013, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was estimated to have covered a paltry 6.6 per cent of the city’s population, and that the Community Health Fund (CHF) covers another 7.3 per cent of the population based on the 2012 Census.

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES TO PROMOTE TANZANIA

TANZANIA’S premiere tourist board is poised to enlist the support of three airlines -- Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania and Coastal Aviation – in a new partnership to promote tourism via an indoor venture known as Swahili International Tourism Expo, or SITE for short.

An agreement to that effect was signed in Dar es Salaam yesterday between TTB and the airlines, paving way for staging a three-day tourism expo in Dar es Salaam starting October 13, 2017.

Code-named SITE 2017, the ‘expo’ will be staged at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.

TANZANIA TO TAKE FULL CONTROL OF ITS AIRSPACE

Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority director general Hamza Johari shakes hands with Thales Air Systems regional sales manager Abel Carr after signing an agreement in Dar es Salaam yesterday for the procurement and installation of radar at four major airports. Looking on is Works, Transport and Communication minister Makame Mbarawa. 

In Summary

• The government, through the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), yesterday signed a Sh61.3 billion contract in Dar es Salaam with the French firm Thales Air System (SAS),which is expected to install the radar systems at four airports

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania will take full control of its airspace in one-and-a-half years following the signing of an agreement for the procurement and installation of four modern surveillance radars.

The government, through the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), yesterday signed a Sh61.3 billion contract in Dar es Salaam with the French firm Thales Air System (SAS),which is expected to install the radar systems at four airports.

Tanzania currently depends on outdated equipment installed at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam in 2002. The country is thus able to monitor only 25 per cent of its aviation airspace, leaving the rest under the watch of neighbouring countries. TCAA director general Hamza Johari signed the agreement on behalf of Tanzania, while Thales regional sales manager Abel Carr represented the contractor.

ETIHAD AVIATION GROUP RECOGNISES PARTNERSHIP WITH WOMEN FOR EMIRATI WOMEN’S DAY

Emirati Women come together at Etihad Aviation Group’s  Head Quarter in Abu Dhabi to celebrate Emirati  Women’s Day by hosting a special event at the EAG in Abu Dhabi

• ·         Women account for 51 per cent of Etihad Airways’ 13,000 employees
• ·        51 per cent of all UAE nationals in Etihad Aviation Group are female

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) is celebrating the third annual Emirati Women’s Day with a series of events to highlight this year’s theme, Women are partners in giving, in line with the UAE’s 2017 Year of Giving initiative.

Women comprise 36 per cent of EAG’s nearly 26,000-strong workforce, working alongside men in what are traditionally regarded as male professions such as engineering, the flight deck and cargo. Emirati women are also well represented in these functions, with several of them sharing their experiences at panel discussions held at the Etihad Airways Headquarters today.

PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL MARKET UPDATE AS AT 22 AUG. 2017

ABSA BANK LIMITED AND CHINA DEVELOPMENT BANK CONCLUDE A $100 MILLION AGREEMENT

This is the first major transaction between the two lenders and is geared towards providing funding to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 18, 2017/ -- Absa Bank Limited (www.Absa.co.za), a subsidiary of the Barclays Africa Group (BAGL) (www.BarclaysAfrica.com), has successfully concluded a five year $100 million Special Facility Agreement with the China Development Bank (CDB). This is the first major transaction between the two lenders and is geared towards providing funding to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). This will also benefit BAGL’s existing and prospective SME clients across the continent, which will be reached through its 12-country presence.

The initial drawdown is based on Absa’s current funding needs, and may be increased in the future to assist with new funding opportunities within BAGL’s operations.

“We are glad to partner with CDB on this landmark transaction, which also echoes the 2017 BRICS theme, ‘Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future’ ”, said Craig Bond, Head: Partnerships, Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances at Barclays Africa Group Limited.

AfDB SIGNS HOST COUNTRY AGREEMENT WITH SOUTH AFRICA ESTABLISHING SOUTHERN AFRICA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS DELIVERY OFFICE

African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina and South African Minister of Finance, Malusi Gigaba, signed a Host Country Agreement on Friday, August 18, establishing the Bank’s Southern African Regional Development and Business Delivery Office in Pretoria, the country’s capital. The office will serve as one of five regional hubs for the pan-African development finance institution operations serving South, North, East, West and Central Africa.

The signature marked a key milestone for the Bank in its drive to streamline business processes, improve efficiency and financial performance, increase development impact, and move the Bank’s operations much closer to its clients so as to improve delivery.

In 2016, the African Development Bank formally launched a new path to deliver development impact for the people of Africa, with approval by the Bank’s Board of Directors of the institution’s new Development and Business Delivery Model (DBDM) and a Decentralization Action Plan.

In his address, President Adesina explained the Bank’s rationale for decentralization, “Our goal is to get closer to our regional member countries, decentralize decision-making and accelerate project and program development, financing and disbursements. In short, we wanted to play on the front lines, not from the headquarters in Abidjan, so we can score more developmental goals for Africa.”

ALSF WEIGHS IN ON UGANDA'S OIL REFINERY PROJECT

In late July, Uganda chose a consortium, including General Electric Co., to build and operate a crude oil refinery, which will eventually process oil from fields being developed by Total SA and Tullow Oil Plc.

The African Legal Support facility (ALSF) is involved in the negotiations of the project’s framework agreement at the instance of the Ugandan authorities, following the selection of a consortium to develop the US$4 billion facility when negotiations with groups led by Russia’s RT Global Resources LLC and South Korea’s SK Engineering & Construction Co. were inconclusive. Thus, in view of the urgent need for legal counsel, due to previously-scheduled and fast-approaching negotiations, the Facility approved a grant for emergency technical support on 14 June 2017 to consolidate and enhance the process.

Staff of the ALSF will attend the first round of negotiations between the Ugandan Government and the selected Consortium, scheduled to take place from 21 to 25 August. These negotiations will hopefully produce a Project Framework Agreement with well-elaborated timelines and apportioned responsibilities.