Africa news roundup
June 30, 2024-July 6, 2024
Ghana
NAPO selected as running mate for NPP
Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has chosen Energy Minister Mathew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, as his running mate for the December presidential election. President Nana Akufo-Addo will demit office in January 2025 after serving the maximum eight years the constitution allows. Opoku Prempeh is a lawmaker, doctor, and Christian from the Asante region. This choice follows a tradition of selecting running mates from different religious and ethnic backgrounds to promote unity and attract a broader voter base.
Reacting to news, the vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia via his social media pages expressed his gratitude to the National Executive Council (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for approving Opoku Prempeh as his running mate for the 2024 general elections. In a post on Thursday, Bawumia commended the NEC for recognizing Opoku Prempeh’s qualifications and capabilities, describing him as “astute and brilliant”. Bawumia highlighted Opoku Prempeh’s extensive experience and proven track record in various ministerial roles, particularly in education and energy. Opoku Prempeh, 56, is royal from the Asante tribe. Bawumia is the first Muslim to lead a major party in Ghana since 1992 and the first non-Akan to lead the NPP.
Nigeria
New energy bank to be established
Nigeria has been granted the hosting right for the African Energy Bank after beating Ghana, Benin Republic, Algeria, South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire in a keenly contested bidding exercise. The Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, told newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, that the award of hosting rights for the bank highlighted Nigeria’s robust energy sector. He said, “The award of the hosting rights also highlights the country‘s strategic vision for Africa’s energy future.” Lokpobiri expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the support extended during the bidding process. He also thanked the Council of Ministers of the African Petroleum Producers Organisation for the confidence in Nigeria’s capability.
The Minister also assured Nigerians, and Africans at large, that the establishment of the African Energy Bank would mark a transformative era in meeting energy needs. Lokpobiri said that the initiative aligned with the broader objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming for a prosperous and self-sustaining Africa. He said, “We are committed to ensuring that the bank not only moves Nigeria forward but becomes a beacon of progress for the entire continent. “Our goal is to foster sustainable energy solutions that are both innovative and inclusive.” The bank is expected to facilitate access to funding for energy projects, thereby catalyzing economic growth and enhancing energy security.
Kenya
Borrowing is the only out – Ruto
President William Ruto of Kenya says the country will resort to more borrowing to plug a growing budget deficit after the rejection of the Finance Bill that would have increased tax revenue. Ruto declined to sign the bill and wrote to Parliament to withdraw it. Announcing his next step, during an interview on Sunday, Ruto said that the failure of the bill had hurt government efforts to ease the country’s debt burden, indicating that about 60 per cent of Kenya’s revenues go to servicing debt. Ruto said East Africa’s largest economy will seek one trillion Shillings ($7.6 billion) from lenders to pay for social services and other programmes. The new taxes would have raised about $2.7 billion.
Last week, law makers overwhelmingly approved the Finance Bill shortly before protestors stormed Parliament and set sections of it on fire. According to the protestors, government should cut corruption and waste instead of raising taxes. Ruto has promised to reduce the budget of the presidency and to eliminate non-essential expenditure. Kenya’s current debt stands at over $80 billion. A large chunk of it is denominated in foreign currency.
South Africa
Mpox outbreak cases rise to 20
The Department of Health reported on Thursday that South Africa had recorded 20 cases of mpox since May, with three deaths. Of those 20 cases, 15 people had since received a clean bill of health while five remained hospitalized due to severe health complications compounded by underlying conditions such as HIV. As part of efforts to effectively manage the situation the World Health Organization (WHO) is shipping mpox medication to South Africa following an outbreak of the infectious disease in the country. WHO team leader Dr Joseph Wamala said stocks of the mpox medication currently available in the country, Tecovirimat, were only sufficient to treat 15 people with a two-week dose.
The Department of Health has, however, said mpox was treatable if diagnosed early and has encouraged people to seek medical attention as soon as possible. “People are urged to seek healthcare once they experience mpox-like symptoms or come into direct contact with someone who tested positive. The department, working with various stakeholders, continues with efforts to curb the spread/transmission of mpox in the country,” said the report. In the last week, the country recorded four more laboratory-confirmed mpox cases. In total, 10 cases have been recorded in Gauteng, nine cases in KwaZulu-Natal and one in Western Cape. Outbreak response teams have been activated for the newly diagnosed cases.
Liberia
Employee status regularization programme launched
In a quest to improve government efficiency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has officially launched the Employee Status Regularization Program (ESRP) which aims to enhance employment and payroll transparency and accountability within the Liberian Civil Service. The initiative is part of the Unity Party’s administration’s agenda on improving transparency and accountability in the country. The president emphasized the importance of cleansing the payroll system to create a more efficient workforce and improve wages for civil servants.
Before its official launch, the ESRP had already made strides in identifying discrepancies in the payroll system across various government spending entities. The comprehensive approach includes auditing payrolls, updating employee records, and implementing robust data management systems to prevent future discrepancies. The project’s key deliverables include an updated and accurate payroll system, streamlined data management processes, and a professional workforce with enhanced capabilities. The timeline for achieving these goals spans from July to September 2024, with a focus on improving payroll integrity and operational efficiency.
Sierra Leone
MMC grants support to energy sector
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) – an independent agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth by providing grants and assistance to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights, has announced its decision to fund the development of Sierra Leone’s energy sector. The announcement follows months of uncertainty as to whether the US Government will provide much needed financial support to help propel the Bio-led government’s economic development strategy, after controversial presidential and general elections held last June, were declared by independent monitors and the US Senate Committee as lacking credibility.
However, a joint statement issued last week by the main opposition APC and the ruling SLPP, has paved the way for the US Government, through its MCC, to finally approve this long-awaited $480 million which many believe will help transform the country’s failing energy sector, headed by the president. Announcing this landmark decision, the MCC said: “In Sierra Leone, 70 per cent of the population does not have access to electricity”. The MCC compact with Sierra Leone is important for its potential to deliver affordable energy for 4.6 million people. “Approval of the $480 million investment reflects the MCC Board’s recognition of the progress made to implement the Agreement for National Unity, including the delivery of the draft Electoral Review Committee Report, which is expected to be finalized and published in the coming days. The President expressed his excitement saying the investment will have a positive impact many lives.
Tanzania
TRC takes delivery of new trains
The country’s transport sector has taken a major leap forward in its railway modernization efforts with the arrival of two new electric multiple-unit (EMU) trains. The trains boast eight carriages each and will be deployed on the new standard gauge railway route connecting the commercial hub Dar es Salaam and the capital, Dodoma. The service is scheduled to begin on 25 July. The express train is scheduled to leave Dar es Salaam at 6:00 a.m. and return at 7:10 p.m. Also, from Morogoro, the train will depart at 6:20 a.m. and return at 7:30 p.m. This brings to four daily SGR trips on the route.
Tanzania has, so far, purchased 10 sets of locomotives and coaches from the Hyundai Rotem Company of South Korea. Each set includes eight wagons, with a locomotive at both the front and back, and has a capacity of carrying 589 passengers and a travelling speed of 160 kilometers per hour. Tanzania now has three EMUs, with the arrival of the latest two. The first set arrived in April this year and has since been used for test runs. The Tanzanian Railway corporation says it is committed to improving the railway system in the country and looks forward to purchasing more trains
Uganda
Parliamentary committee appoints new auditor general
Parliament’s appointments committee has given its nod of approval to appoint Edward Akol as the new auditor general. Sources in the committee chaired by speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, also indicated that the members of Parliament had overwhelmingly approved Akol’s appointment. Akol is set to replace John Muwanga who has been in office since 2001. Muwanga is retiring from office having clocked the mandatory retirement age. He is Uganda’s longest-serving auditor general.
The Office of the Auditor General is mandated by the Constitution to produce reliable and high-quality reports and is the supreme audit institution of Uganda. It is expected to ensure the promotion of good governance, transparency, and effective accountability in the management and use of public resources. Akol has risen through the ranks at the office of the auditor general since August 1994 to earn himself President Yoweri Museveni’s appointment to head the institution. He has served as the director of audit and assistant auditor general in charge of audit. The committee also vetted Linda Lillian Mugisha Tumusiime and Anthony Patrick Wabwire for their appointments as judges.
Zambia
Hichilema reaffirms commitment to tackle climate change
President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated the government’s resolve to effectively respond to the effects of climate change that have resulted in a drought in the country. Hichilema called for efforts from all stakeholders in finding solutions for the current drought. He also acknowledged the need to work together regardless of people’s political, social, tribal or religious affiliation in order to overcome the current challenges of the food and energy crisis caused by the drought. He was speaking at the 2024 Lwiinde Gonde traditional ceremony of the Tonga people of Monze District of Southern Province which was celebrated under the theme “Chilanga” meaning drought. Hichilema also stated that government will continue to work hard to deliver according to the expectations of the people and also towards improving the living standards.
Zambia is currently experiencing a crisis due to frequent droughts, floods and heat waves, impacts of climate change. The droughts are affecting the country’s poorest communities, especially in rural areas, which rely on rainfall for agriculture. These dry spells are driving overall increasing severity of food insecurity.
Malawi
Government commits to ending human trafficking
The Ministry of Homeland Security, says they have added an extra force in the fight against trafficking in persons (TIP), which has been a challenge for a long time now. This was during a meeting where judicial officers and international partners validated a bench book that will guide sentencing on TIP cases. Dr Steven Kayuni, principal secretary in the Ministry of Homeland Security said that the ministry is working with the judiciary to ensure that cases of TIP come to an end.
Malawi Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda also pointed out that the TIP Act had faced challenges since it was enacted in 2015, and, therefore, it is necessary to address these challenges to show seriousness. The director for the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) in Blantyre, Mandinda Zingu, called for the strengthening of the TIP law to safeguard victims of these cases. Zungu added that they have been working with Plan International with support from the United States Department of State in the districts of Mwanza and Mulanje where TIP cases occurr frequently. On 30 July 2024, the Benchbook for Trafficking in Persons offences and related offences is expected to be launched. This is also World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Trafficking in Persons includes elements of recruiting, harbouring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for exploitation. The three most common forms of trafficking are: labour trafficking, sex trafficking, and child soldiering.
ESWATINI
300 employed in E150 million investment
Three hundred people have been employed in two lifestyle shopping centres which collectively have an investment of E150 million. His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened both the Manzini and Matsapha Lifestyle Shopping Centres. Some of the businesses in Matsapha began operations as far back as October 2023, while the one in Manzini has been in business for a few years. In an interview,) Lucky Sukati Matsapha, chief executive officer of the Town Council, said his Majesty’s tour of businesses around Matsapha was a sign that he wanted to see the country’s economy improve. Sukati, who was present when the King toured businesses situated at the Matsapha Lifestyle Centre, said as a town council, they were happy to see the King taking his time to visit businesses in Matsapha. The CEO observed that His Majesty’s interest in these businesses was another way for him to follow-up on how the investors from other countries were doing, and if their investment benefited Eswatini.
This project is estimated to cost E250 million, as reported by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala last Friday. Sukati said the council was working with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport on the project, and that designs of the interchange will soon be available. The second phase of the project, according to Sukati, will be conducting a feasibility study which would look into aspects such as whether or not residential homes would be impacted, and how they would be compensated. With the support of government, Sukati expressed confidence that the project will kick off soon.
RWANDA
South Korea to invest in economy
Rwanda and South Korea officials have inked a US$1 billion framework arrangement aimed at providing concessional funding for a range of projects in various sectors including transportation, healthcare, and education. According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the money will be channeled through the Economic Cooperation Development Fund (ECDF), a Korean agency that promotes economic cooperation between South Korea and developing countries. The new framework arrangement replaces the previous one signed in 2022, which had an allocation of US$500 million for the period 2022-2026.
The new four-year agreement will be aligned with Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). “Rwanda-Korea current bilateral cooperation is aligned to our National Strategy for Transformation and plays a pivotal role in enhancing Rwanda’s human capital for the 21st century, transforming our agricultural sector, establishing a foundation for ICT-led governance, and nurturing a thriving business environment”, said Yusuf Murangwa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. Rwanda and South Korea have a longstanding history of bilateral and multilateral development cooperation dating back to 1963, with key areas of collaboration including education and capacity building, rural development, healthcare, energy, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
