TECHNOLOGY – KMAUPDATES

Aug202020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Ralph Mupita assigned as new MTN Group President, CEO

Mr. Ralph Mupita, MTN Group’s new president (PHOTO/Courtesy). JOHANNESBURG – MTN Group on Wednesday 19, announced Ralph Mupita as its new group President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Zimbabwean born is set to assume office from September 1, 2020 replacing Rob Shutter who has been at the helm for a period of four years. Ralph has served as the MTN Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since April 2017, won accolades and has played a critical role in the development and execution of the group’s strategy, capital allocation processes, financial performance as well as in the resolution of a number of complex regulatory matters. In a statement, MTN Group chairman Mr Mcebisi Jonas said: “After a rigorous and extensive search process, we are pleased to have appoin...

Aug152020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: Government of Uganda plans to make oil, gas mining commerce public

Business, TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

Following its admission to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) on Wednesday, the government has said it expects to make public its dealings with oil and mining companies in a report to be published within the next 18 months as a step to validate this membership. EITI is a global standard to promote the open and accountable management of the extractive industry. It necessitates the disclosure of information in the different value chains, from point of extraction to the receipt and sharing of revenues, of the oil and gas, and mining industry sectors. The head of the EITI Uganda multi-sectoral group, Mr Moses Kaggwa, who is also the director of economic affairs at Ministry of Finance, told Daily Monitor that a work plan has been put in place to guide the next proce...

Aug142020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

TECHNOLOGY: UCC sets up free Wi-Fi hotspot project in Uganda

TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) through the Rural Communications Development Fund (RCDF) has launched a Wi-Fi hotspot project covering five border posts across the country. The project, to be implemented by Blue Crane Communications Limited, an Internet Service Provider, will provide broadband services at the five border posts of Mutukula (Kyotera); Vurra (Arua); Malaba (Tororo); Elegu (Amuru); Bunagana (Kisoro). Launching the project at the UCC head office on Wednesday, UCC Ag. executive director Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo, who was flanked by the Director RCDF Nyombi Thembo, said the project aims to provide connectivity in transit areas to facilitate business and support the fight against COVID-19. George Waigumbulizi, a director at Blue Crane, said his company would deliver...

Aug122020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise and RingCentral Enter into a Strategic Partnership

Business, INTERNATIONAL, TECHNOLOGY

RingCentral and Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise will jointly develop programs enabling both companies to lead the cloud communications services for the enterprise marketPARIS, France, August 11, 2020/ -- Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (https://www.AL-Enterprise.com/), a leading provider of communications, networking and cloud solutions and RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) (https://www.RingCentral.com/), a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications, collaboration and contact center solutions, today announced that they have entered into a strategic partnership to introduce a new co-branded cloud solution – Rainbow Office powered by RingCentral – making it unique and exclusive for Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise. RingCentral and Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise will jointly develop programs ...

Aug122020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: Umeme injects Eastern Uganda with UGX56bn to power industries and job growth

Business, TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

KAMPALA – Umeme Limited, Uganda’s largest power distributor has invested up to USD15.2 million (UGX55.7 billion) to improve both power supply quality and reliability in the greater Mbale area. This includes both Mbale city and surrounding districts such as Sironko, Manafwa, Kibuku, Pallisa, Kumi, and Kapchorwa. Of this investment, USD9.23 million (UGX34 billion) is being invested in the Siti 2 Project, while USD5.99 (UGX22 billion) has been allocated to the Tangshan Mbale Industrial Park Project. Both projects are ongoing. The Siti 2 project is due for completion by end of August 2020, while the Tangshan project is due for completion at the end of 2020. On completion, both projects will increase the supply of stable and reliable power in the area by three-fold, from the current 20 M...

Aug112020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

USAID launches its First Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

TECHNOLOGY

USAID is also pleased to announce the creation of the first global public-private partnership for Indigenous PeoplesWASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, August 10, 2020/ -- The launch of the Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PRO-IP) is a historic step for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This groundbreaking policy represents the first time the Agency has laid out specific guidance for how we globally engage, work with, and empower Indigenous Peoples in a systematic way. Efforts are already under way to build institutional capacities in the Amazon Basin and in Nicaragua, support the Batwa from the Congo Basin to reduce the threat of deforestation and commercial bushmeat trade, improve livelihoods and food security across 237 Indig...

Aug102020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Gov’t setting up pineapple juice processing factory in Kayunga

TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

The government through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (Naads) is constructing a multi-billion pineapple juice processing factory in Kayunga District amid challenges of low production and wrong location. The Busaale Pineapple Juice Processing Factory located in Kayunga Sub-county is being constructed with an aim of assisting pineapple farmers to get ready market for their produce in a bid to increase household incomes.The factory was a presidential pledge to the people of Kayunga District and is expected to be commissioned later this year. However, local leaders, agriculture and Naads officials are pondering over sustainability of the factory given the low production of pineapples in the area. Some leaders in Kayunga are also questioning the procedure that was used to...

Aug32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

TECHNOLOGY: UCC, UICT launch digital skills training

TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

KAMPALA — Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has partnered with Uganda Institute of Information and Communication Technology (UICT) to train digital skilling community instructors who will in turn impart digital skills among local communities in Uganda. The online digital training of trainers, which was launched during a Zoom meeting on 30th July 2020, aims to enhance digital skills through training for selected ICT instructors or change agents. Implemented by UCC’s Rural Communication Development Fund (RCDF), the project aims to harness ICT enabled opportunities for social and economic transformation. UCC, through RCDF, aims to facilitate universal access to high capacity broadband for all Ugandans through targeted interventions that address barriers such as location, physic...

Jul292020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

Africa: Unblocking Bottlenecks in Financial Relief Critical for Survival of Air Transport in Africa

AFRICA, TECHNOLOGY

AMMAN, Jordan, July 29, 2020/ -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is urging African governments to: Unblock bottlenecks so that urgently needed financial relief pledged for air transport and tourism reaches the distressed businesses it is meant to help.Implement the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Take-Off guidance to ensure a safe restart to aviation. Unblocking Financial Bottlenecks As a consequence of the pandemic and associated restrictions, African airlines are forecast to lose USD 2 billion in 2020. Without urgent financial relief, the industry is at risk of collapse, putting about 3.3 million jobs and USD 33 billion in African GPD in jeopardy. To date, the governments of Sub-Saharan Africa Rwanda, Senegal, Côte D’Ivoire and...

Jul292020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: VC4A announces 2020 ‘Venture Showcase – Seed’ in partnership with AWS Activate, AfriLabs and ABAN

AFRICA, Business, TECHNOLOGY

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 29, 2020/ -- VC4A (https://VC4A.com/) is calling for African startups looking to raise between $150K and $1M. In proud collaboration with technical partner AWS Activate, and network partners AfriLabs and ABAN, VC4A will be hosting the exclusive ‘Venture Showcase - Seed(https://bit.ly/2D9XODn)’ in November as part of a virtual gathering of Africa-focused early-stage investors.Via this campaign VC4A will select 10 innovative early-stage startups to showcase their business to the world. A requirement is that you are based in Africa and your tech-enabled solution is already on the market, you are able to show some traction and you have expansion plans in mind.Since 2017, VC4A has showcased growth-stage startups as part of the annual Africa Early Stage Investor Su...

Jul292020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: Umeme discontinues free electricity connection program

TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

In 2018 launched ECP a free electricity connection policy where customers were required to pay only shs20,000 for inspection and government caters for the remaining connection fees in a move aimed at connecting 300,000 customers annually implemented by Rural Electrification Agency. However, according to Umeme, the program has been halted after government ran out of funds. “Unfortunately, due to a realignment of priorities and financial resources by government in part brought by the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic, the ECP program has been put on hold until further notice,” a statement by the Umeme head of communications, Peter Kaujju said. “The Ministry of Energy , the Electricity Regulatory Authority and REA are fully aware of the current constraints and we are confident a solution...

Jul282020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: MTN MoMoNyabo promo breathes life into struggling businesses

AFRICA, TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

MTN Uganda through its MoMo Nyabo promotion has come out to stand with its customers as it offers them an opportunity to win money up to sh5m to help them rebuild their lives and businesses following the COVID-19 financial disruptions. But that is no longer a problem for Janat Katende Namakula who won a whooping sh4.2m with the on-going MoMoNyabo Together promotion.MTN Uganda through its MoMo Nyabo promotion has come out to stand with its customers as it offers them an opportunity to win money up to sh5m to help them rebuild their lives and businesses following the COVID-19 financial disruptions.To enter the draw, MTN customers simply have to use the MyMTN app or dial *165# and buy airtime or data, including paying for utilities and many other goods and services.Namakula, a shoe business ...

Jul272020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

TECHNOLOGY: OPEC-Gabon Talks Embodies Africa’s Strong Support for Market Stability

AFRICA, TECHNOLOGY

Such a dialogue is key for compliance with the OPEC global production cuts deal of April, to which all of OPEC’s African member countries have agreed toJOHANNESBURG, South Africa, July 27, 2020/ -- The OPEC-Gabon Bilateral Meeting that took place on July 24th has sent yet another signal of the strong dialogue and cooperation between OPEC and African producing countries.Such a dialogue is key for compliance with the OPEC global production cuts deal of April, to which all of OPEC’s African member countries have agreed to. Gabon’s support to global market stability and energy cooperation is significant, and gives confidence to operators and future investors seeking to do business in Central Africa.“OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo is an advocate for Africa and has always made ...

Jul272020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

Burkina Faso: GGGI and Sweden support the establishment of a National Measuring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system

AFRICA, TECHNOLOGY

The MRV system is essential for the effective implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris AgreementOUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, July 27, 2020/ -- ContextThe concept of MRV (Measuring, Reporting, and Verification) was firstly introduced at the Conference of the Parties in Bali in 2007 (COP 13), and it designates a set of processes and procedures that allow the collection and reporting of ''factual information (data), its assessment and verification to determine if, when and how countries have met their respective obligations in the implementation of climate actions. Originally designed to monitor compliance with quantified commitments to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from developed countries, the concept has evolved a lot since to also apply to the...

Jul272020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

Jack Ma Foundation’s Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative (ANPI) selects Top 50 Finalists of 2020 “Africa’s Business Heroes” Competition

AFRICA, TECHNOLOGY

The 50 finalists were selected from over 22,000 applications all over Africa, representing twenty-one African countries, half are female, and work in 18 sectors like agriculture, AI, e-commerce, fashion, healthcare, renewable energy and ICTLONDON, United Kingdom, July 27, 2020/ -- Top 50 finalists were selected from over 22,000 applications across all 54 African nations; The finalists represent 21 African countries, half are female, and work in 18 sectors like agriculture, AI, e-commerce, fashion, healthcare, renewable energy and ICT; Finalists will advance to the next round of selection and will participate in an exclusive virtual boot camp on July 28.The 2020 Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) prize competition, a flagship philanthropic program established...

Jul232020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

AFRICA: Sudan PM Hamdok announces reforms to rescue the economy

AFRICA, TECHNOLOGY

Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok announced a gradual float of the currency and the removal of fuel subsidies as part of a plan to address the country's long-running economic crisis. The measures will be implemented after amendments to the 2020 budget in order to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Hamdok told a press conference on Wednesday. Mr Hamdok said the government would "gradually cut subsidies on petrol and diesel" but subsidies on medicine, electricity, bread and cooking gas would remain in place. He also announced the appointment of civilians to replace military officials as governors in the country’s 18 provinces, part of an ongoing transition to civilian rule after the overthrow of longtime dictator Omar Al Bashir last year. Battered by decades...

Jul202020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

UGANDA: Agriculture ministry launches regional agricultural mechanization centre in Dokolo.

AFRICA, Business, TECHNOLOGY

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries has launched the Northern Region Agricultural Mechanisation Centre at Agwata sub-county in Dokolo district. The project is intended to increase household incomes among the local communities in northern Uganda through increased agricultural production. The launch was presided over by the minister of state for Agriculture, Henry Aggrey Bagiire According to the officials, the facility, which houses assorted heavy earth moving equipment, is the first of five that will be rolled out across the country. In a statement, Bagiire said the equipment will help farmers in the region to construct and rehabilitate dams and valley tanks. He noted that the equipment will also be able to construct aquaculture facilities, irrigation ...

Jul92020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

BUSINESS: MultiChoice Uganda puts in place Showmax Internet TV Service on its menu.

TECHNOLOGY, UGANDA

MultiChoice Uganda, the home of great Pay TV entertainment in Uganda, has launched the new, refreshed and exciting Showmax, it’s internet-based TV service that is available to stream using apps for smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, media players and gaming consoles. Speaking at the launch, Colin Asiimwe, the Head of Marketing revealed that MultiChoice continues to take strides that enable the business remain relevant to its customers. “Showmax is an internet TV service that boasts of a unique combination of hit African content, first and exclusive international series, the best kids’ shows, and live sport. This internet-based TV streaming service is available in a host of over 70 African countries including Uganda,” revealed Asiimwe. He explained that, “The entertainmen...

Jul72020 by Ronald KabuubiNo Comments

TECHNOLOGY: TikTok exits operations in Hong Kong due to national security law.

TECHNOLOGY, WORLD

TikTok has said it will no longer operate in Hong Kong after China's new national security law demanded it hand over user data. Technology giants including Google, Twitter and Facebook have also said they will deny requests for user data from Hong Kong law enforcement while they examine the implications of the new legislation. Professional networking site LinkedIn and video conferencing software Zoom today said they too are "pausing processing data requests from and related to Hong Kong" in light of the law. It comes after the Hong Kong government announced how some aspects of the security law will be implemented late on Monday. Police will no longer have to seek court orders before requiring internet users or service providers to remove posts or aid investigations. Any mes...

Jul32020 by KMA UpdatesNo Comments

TECHNOLOGY: Twitter drops ‘master’, ‘slave’ and ‘blacklist’

TECHNOLOGY

Social media platform Twitter is dropping the terms "master", "slave" and "blacklist" in favour of more inclusive language. The terms are frequently used in programming codes which originated decades ago. US bank JPMorgan has also announced a similar move as more companies address racism following the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. Replacing the terms could cost millions and take months, according to experts. In programming speak, "master" refers to the main version of code that controls the "slaves," or replicas. "Blacklist" is used to describe items that are automatically denied, typically forbidden websites. On Thursday, Twitter's engineering division tweeted out a set of words that it wants "to move away from using in favour of more inclusive language...