Angola News Wire

Machakos: Coast Digital Cabs Association (CDCA) has issued a warning to tourists visiting the coastal region of Kenya, advising them to be cautious of unregistered taxi operators. This caution comes amid concerns about the safety of passengers and drivers due to the infiltration of the taxi business by rogue operators.

According to Kenya News Agency, there is growing concern over the safety risks posed by unregistered operators, especially as the festive season attracts a large number of visitors to the region. Macharia also highlighted issues with foreign online taxi companies, accusing them of failing to ensure driver safety due to their operational nature. “These companies are not based in Kenya, making it difficult to regulate their members. They continue to register non-association members, compromising the safety of our drivers,” Macharia stated.

The CDCA is calling on the National Transport Authority (NTSA) to take action against foreign taxi companies operating without proper checks and involvement of local associations. Macharia urged tourists and locals to avoid using these foreign taxi applications, which he claims register drivers without adequate background checks, thereby endangering both drivers and passengers.

The association is seeking an audit by NTSA of transport network companies to ensure compliance with regulations. Macharia expressed concern over the government’s perceived inaction while cab drivers face challenges.

During a joint media briefing at Uhuru Gardens in Mombasa, Lance Marley of the Rights of Digital Cabs Association (RDCA) echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of driver and customer safety.

The drivers are also urging NTSA to delist digital taxi-hailing companies that violate the recently enacted regulations. Over 1,000 cab drivers staged a peaceful protest at the Elephant tusks along Moi Avenue, demanding that NTSA take action against rogue drivers and companies.

Issues raised by the drivers include fraudulent pricing practices by some cab-hailing companies, such as upfront pricing controls, excessive commission deductions, tax manipulations, and uncompensated promotions, all of which adversely affect drivers.

Bunyala, Kenya – In Bunyala Sub County, rice farmers are voicing strong opposition to the government’s proposal to privatize the Western Kenya Rice Mill. These concerns were prominently raised during a recent gathering led by Christopher Ngunyi, the chairman of Magombe Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

According to Kenya News Agency, the farmers, who are shareholders of the rice mill, were not consulted about this significant decision. Ngunyi emphasized the importance of their stake in the facility, expressing dismay over the lack of government communication. He asserted that if the government intends to divest its shares, farmers should be given the first opportunity to purchase them.

The discussion also turned to the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project. Ngunyi urged the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to expedite this project, highlighting the difficulties faced by farmers due to the deterioration of equipment provided a decade ago by the National Irrigation Authority. He mentioned that the Magombe Cooperative Society had donated land for the project’s office construction, which remains underutilized. Farmers are demanding compensation for this land, threatening legal action if their demands are not met within 14 days.

Farmers’ grievances extend to the promised construction of a warehouse and storage facilities to mitigate losses during the rainy season. Ngunyi called for the swift completion of this project to ensure adequate water supply and expressed farmers’ unwillingness to prolong the project further.

Furthermore, Ngunyi criticized the relocation of the National Irrigation Authority’s headquarters to Siaya County, advocating for the retention of the manager’s office near their irrigation scheme. This move, he argued, is essential for the effective management and support of the local rice-growing operations.

Addressing another critical issue, Ngunyi appealed for government assistance in providing subsidized fertilizer, vital for enhancing rice yields. He highlighted the challenges faced by local farmers, who currently rely on expensive supplies from private dealers. To alleviate this burden, he proposed the establishment of a depot in the Sub County, reducing the need for long-distance travel to acquire these essential inputs.

Nyamira: A new report has highlighted the significant contribution of factory farms to global greenhouse gas emissions, revealing that these practices account for at least 11 percent of the total. The report, titled “How Factory Farming Emissions are Worsening Climate Disasters in the Global South,” was released by the World Animal Protection (WAP) and sheds light on the impact of intensive animal agriculture on small-holder farming, vital to the livelihoods and food security of 1.7 billion people.

According to Kenya News Agency, Human and Sustainable Agriculture Campaigns Manager at WAP, factory farming releases a substantial amount of greenhouse gases, contributing to exacerbating droughts, floods, and other climate disasters, particularly in the African context. He expressed these concerns during the virtual launch of the report, highlighting the environmental, health, and animal welfare costs associated with the rapid global expansion of factory farming.

The report’s findings come as government leaders, business and finance heads, and representatives of civil society convene at the COP climate conference in Dubai, focused on accelerating the transition to a clean-energy future. WAP is urging the COP 28 meeting to direct adaptation, loss, and damage finance towards the most affected smallholders.

Yamo emphasized the economic toll of climate-driven disasters, projecting that by 2050, costs could exceed USD 1 trillion annually, with factory farms responsible for a significant portion of this expense. He called for a 10-year moratorium on new factory farms and a redirection of finances towards more sustainable, humane, and eco-friendly farming practices.

The report also urges governments to develop policies and contributions that address the role of livestock production systems in climate change. Yamo advocated for an end to subsidies for factory farming, reallocating these funds to support sustainable and humane agricultural systems.

Tennyson Williams, Director for Africa at WAP, pointed out that factory farming is a major obstacle to achieving the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement and poses a threat to a climate-safe future. He highlighted the interconnectedness of animal cruelty and climate change, stating that the eradication of animal cruelty in farming is essential to mitigating climate change.

The report also warns of the surge in factory farming in Africa, driven by a 30 percent rise in meat demand. This increase is expected to exacerbate climate-related disasters and replace sustainable, agroecological pastoralists and independent farming systems. African countries, as per the report, will need to spend USD 53 billion annually by 2030 to adapt to the climate crisis.

WAP stresses the need for agriculture and sustainable agriculture discussions to be a central part of COP 28, ensuring that commitments made around climate funding in 2017 are realized to address the climate crisis effectively.

Machakos: Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African Housing Finance Institution, has announced a significant collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) during the sidelines of COP28. This partnership is focused on developing Islamic Housing Finance Products, aiming to meet the growing demand for affordable and climate adaptive housing solutions across Africa.

According to Kenya News Agency, Shelter Afrique has identified a notable gap in the availability of diverse financial products suitable for the scale of Africa’s housing challenges. Recognizing the potential of Islamic finance as an alternative financing model, the institution has partnered with IsDBI to create products aligned with responsible investing principles.

Mr. Thierno Habib-Hann, Managing Director (MD) of Shelter-Afrique, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative. “We are excited to work with IsDBI, especially in leveraging rent-to-own schemes, a natural fit for Islamic finance, to address the significant housing gap in Africa. This collaboration also aligns with our commitment to focus on green financing and Islamic finance,” he stated.

Shelter Afrique’s efforts to diversify its product offerings reflect its commitment to meeting the varied needs of its clients and fulfilling its mandate to provide affordable housing throughout Africa. The collaboration with IsDB, known for its impactful initiatives, positions Shelter Afrique to lead in developing and delivering unique financial structures for housing infrastructure across the continent.

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of the Islamic Development Bank Institute, commented on the partnership, emphasizing its role in promoting inclusive and sustainable housing solutions. “This partnership is a part of our collective effort to offer housing solutions through Islamic finance, which we believe can significantly contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development,” he said.

The Technical Assistance provided by IsDBI will equip Shelter Afrique with essential tools to navigate the evolving landscape of affordable housing and urban development in Africa, fostering positive change and contributing to the continent’s development.

Tunisia officially received Wednesday the certificate of inscription of Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger (1910-1932)’s documentary heritage on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

The inscription certificate was handed over to Minister of Cultural Affairs Hayet Guettat Guermazi at a ceremony held at Ennejma Ezzahra palace.

This testifies to keenness to enhance national heritage, the minister told attendees, mainly Minister of Education Ali Boughdiri in his capacity as President of the Tunisian National Committee for Education, Science and Culture, Regional Director at UNESCO Office for the Maghreb, based in Rabat, Eric FALT, Director General of National Archives Hedi Jalleb, Director General of Ennejma Ezzahra palace Saloua Ben Hafaidh as well as ambnassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Tunisia.

The inscription is an acknowledgment of the universal value of the musicologist’s documentary heritage for researchers in Tunisian and Arab musicology.

The documentary heritage of Baron Rodolphe d’
Erlanger – varied in shape and content- demonstrates his deep attachment to Arab music. Inventory, scientific description and digitisation took six years; many researchers and experts in documentation, archives, digitisation and musiciology were involved in this process.

Eric Falt said the move is unprecedented in the Arab world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation seeks to safeguard heritage for the next generations.

An exhibition held as part of this ceremony displayed copies de manuscripts and music notations.

Upon a proposal by Tunisia, the documentary heritage of Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger was inscribed by UNESCO on its Memory of the World Register last May 25, 2023, along with 64 documentary collections. This took the overall number of inscribed collections to 494.

Baron Rodolphe d’Erlanger (1872-1932) was the first orientalist to settle in an Arab country, namely Tunisia, and get in touch with scholars and music masters in a bid to launch a cultural and civilisationa
l project designed to promote Arabic music.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The Assembly of People’s Representatives (ARP), on Thursday evening, adjourned the plenary session devoted to the article-by-article examination of the draft finance law for 2024, at the request of the Minister of Finance, following the adoption by MPs of the amended version of article 41 on the blue economy and sustainable development.

The amended article was approved with 77 votes in favour, 44 against and 44 abstentions.

Finance Minister Sihem Namsia said that the new version of this article, which provides for granting subsidies to companies as part of support for the energy transition without a ceiling, was “unacceptable”, especially as “there is already a fund that has been created for this purpose”.

“It is my responsibility as finance minister to consider that this measure is likely to damage the country’s fiscal balance,” she warned.

The minister added that “the government is currently working to rationalise subsidies in view of the difficult economic situation. However, it has provided for other
mechanisms to support the energy transition without undermining the budget balance.

Earlier, deputies approved article 39, which revises the tourist tax for foreign tourists in tourist facilities (hotels, tourist residences, etc.).

They also adopted the amended Article 40 on the introduction of a tax on milk derivatives.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

In his electoral programme, candidate for the constituency of El Omrane Supérieur (Tunis 2) Ali Hasnaoui promised that he will emphasize on the major role of local councils in serving citizens’ interests.

The 51-year old candidate, working at the Bardo Municipality, told TAP, on Thursday, that he will start his electoral campaign next Sunday after holding a series of meetings to listen to citizens’ concerns.

El Omrane Supérieur has 13 direct candidates and 3 candidates competing for the seat reserved for people with disabilities.

The locality has 48,903 inhabitants. Until the end of November, the number of registered voters is 43,165.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The stock market ended Thursday’s session in negative territory, falling 0.1% to 8,584.8 points on a meagre trading volume of TND 2.3 million, according to broker Tunisie Valeurs.

Value analysis:

UBCI was the best performer of the session. Although there were no transactions, the share of the CARTE group subsidiary rose by 4.4% to TND 23,500.

Carthage Cement posted a commendable performance during the session. The stock of Tunisia’s leading cement company gained 3.2% to reach TND 1,960, with trading activity reaching TND 126,000 for the session.

CELLCOM continued its downward trend, losing 4.4% to TND 1,090 on a modest trading volume of only TND 19,000.

UNIMED was one of the session’s biggest losers. The national flagship for sterile products lost 3.8% to TND 7,000 on a trading volume of TND 232,000 for the session.

Euro-Cycles led the trading charts. The bicycle manufacturer’s share price rose 1.3% to TND 15,590, injecting a total of TND 326,000 into the market.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse