African countries are gearing up to accelerate socio-economic development through affordable access to broadband and use of appropriate information and communication technologies (ICTs), under Smart Africa agenda.   Part of this is to find ways to leverage the principles of urban planning and technology solutions to promote efficiency of cities.   Under the 'Smart Cities' initiative, multiple sector stakeholders and industry.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th February 2017

RwandAir has been nominated for the Uganda Tourism Excellence Awards 2017 in the Best Airline category. The national career is competing for the accolade with Ethiopian Airlines. This annual event is designed to promote and reward excellence in the tourism industry to help preserve standards in the sector.   The awards also celebrate the achievements of the tourism industry, recognising hard work and dedication exhibited by individuals.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th February 2017

Simiyu — Various government institutions have teamed up to execute a 250bn/- pharmaceutical industry in Simiyu region, with prospects of saving billions of public funds in importation of medicines.   Regional Commissioner Anthon Mtaka, speaking here yesterday ahead of the region's business forum, told the 'Daily News' that the multibillion project is scheduled to take off this year.   Execution of the project comes as a great.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th February 2017

The government has paid 22bn/- to BAM International Company, which is constructing the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) Terminal III.   Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Doto James, told reporters yesterday that the ministry conducted a thorough assessment before the payment. He said the money was paid the day after President John Magufuli made an impromptu site visit.   On Wednesday, President.... Read more »

Posted on : Tuesday , 14th February 2017

The government has come up with new measures to meet housing needs in the country, Didier Sagashya, Director General of Rwanda Housing Authority, has said.   While addressing a post-cabinet press conference this week, Sagashya said the government had identified bottlenecks hindering the delivery of low-cost housing, hence devising new procedures to streamline the set targets within the housing sector.   "We informed the.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 13th February 2017

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has launched the sale of 300 housing units at Iyumbu Satellite Centre in Dodoma Region, being built at a cost of 12.3bn/-. Initiated in December 2016, the project is designed to accommodate the government officials and commercial investors, among others.   NHC Director General Nehemia Mchechu said in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the scheme, to be completed in June this year, was set up after the.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 13th February 2017

President Mulatu Teshome and Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held discussions in Ankara, Turkey.   President Mulatu hailed the discussion they had on wide ranging issues as "fruitful and productive", according to Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.   "We have recognized that additional effort is needed to further strengthen and deepen cooperation through economic interdependence and expanding trade and.... Read more »

Posted on : Monday , 13th February 2017

Of late, the 70th Anniversary of Ethiopia and Sweden's diplomatic relations was marked. Accordingly, The Ethiopian Herald held an exclusive interview with Swedish Ambassador Jan Sadek and Minister Counselor and Head of Development Cooperation Section, Annika Jayawardena, for their reflections on the seven decades diplomatic journey of the two countries. This piece is the first part of the summary of their responses to the questions raised by the.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 10th February 2017

Kigali International Airport has been ranked second-best airport in Africa and best in East Africa by a reputable Canadian travel and hospitality firm, Sleeping Airports.   Sleeping Airports, with their website, www.sleepinginairports.net, is an internationally recognised travelllers' online guide established in 1996 as a platform for passengers to share their airport experiences around the world.   The survey, released Wednesday.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 10th February 2017

Rwanda targets to use proceeds from the sale of its stake in I&M Bank to fund construction of the new Bugesera International Airport.   Finance minister Claver Gatete told Parliament on Tuesday that the government expects to earn about Rwf11.5 billion ($14 million) from its 19.61 per cent stake sale in the lender.   "The money will be invested as initial equity in the Bugesera airport," Mr Gatete said while presenting.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 10th February 2017

Despite being an electioneering year, 2017 is expected to be a boon for Kenya’s tourism, with a number of international conferences slated to take place here.   Confirmed hotel and conference hall bookings indicate 2017 will witness a hype of activity buoyed by 2016’s success that saw over 100 world leaders visit Kenya at different times.   In the past, election years in Kenya have attracted an intense focus by the.... Read more »

Posted on : Friday , 10th February 2017

Dodoma — European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to decide on a proposal to upgrade and expand four airports, which are lined-up for fund receipt after completing the initial stage of scrutinising the contractors.   The EIB had agreed to fund a special programme of transforming transport links to remote regions of Kigoma, Kagera, Tabora, Shinyanga and Sumbawanga by committing 50 million Euros (over 100bn/-) in long-term funding,.... Read more »

Posted on : Thursday , 9th February 2017