Latest news with #East Africa
Zawya
an hour ago
- Business
- Zawya
East African Community (EAC) Secretary General concludes official visit to Uganda with ket strategic engagements
The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC), Hon. Veronica Nduva, concluded a three-day official visit to the Republic of Uganda, marked by high-level engagements aimed at strengthening regional integration and enhancing cooperation. During the visit, the Secretary General, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House in Entebbe. The two discussed key regional integration priorities, including the need for deeper cooperation among EAC Partner States. President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to the EAC integration agenda and emphasised the importance of intra-regional trade and shared infrastructure in achieving economic prosperity across the bloc. At a different occasion, the Secretary General officiated the closing ceremony of the EAC Capacity Building Program for Women and Youth in Fisheries, a regional initiative designed to empower women and youth with skills, knowledge, and resources to participate more effectively in the fisheries value-chain. The event highlighted the EAC's commitment to inclusive economic development, particularly in supporting marginalised groups through sustainable fisheries. 'This program is a demonstration of our resolve to empower women and youth, who form the backbone of our region's socio-economic development. Investing in them means investing in the future of our communities,' Hon. Nduva remarked during the ceremony. During the visit, the Secretary General also visited the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization (LVFO) headquarters in Jinja, Uganda. She was briefed on ongoing projects aimed at supporting sustainable fisheries management, research, and cross-border collaboration in Lake Victoria. Hon. Nduva emphasized the importance of science-based policy development, environmental sustainability, and the role of LVFO in driving the EAC's Blue Economy strategy. 'The LVFO remains a critical institution for sustainable fisheries management in the region. It is imperative that we continue to support its work to ensure food security, livelihoods, and ecosystem preservation,' Hon. Nduva said, underscoring the EAC's commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries and environmental conservation in the Lake Victoria Basin. The Secretary General's visit to the Republic of Uganda served to reaffirm the EAC Secretariat's support for Partner States in their efforts to realise the goals of the EAC Treaty, particularly in the areas of economic development, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Jinja Hospital officials grilled over Shs1.2 billion payment of water bill
Officials from Jinja Regional Referral Hospital have been tasked to explain circumstances under which they paid Shs1.2 billion to clear water arrears despite being allocated only Shs68 million. The hospital officials led by the Director, Dr. Alfred Yayi appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) chaired by the Vice Chairperson, Hon. Gorreth Namugga on Tuesday, 22 July 2025 to respond to queries in the Auditor General's report for the financial year 2023/2024. The legislators were concerned that clearing of the water bill with an amount more than had been allocated amounted to diversion or mischarge of funds. The committee members wondered if the hospital administration had sought authorization from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. 'We actually applaud your creativity in trying to save lives in Jinja City and beyond but we need transparency. Where exactly did you get the money? Which budget votes did you cut? If you used funds from the private wing, say so', Namugga said. According to the Auditor General's report, the hospital has accumulated water arrears of over Shs3.7 billion in a 10-year period. MPs questioned why the hospital had failed to prioritise settling such a substantial domestic arrear. 'So National Water and Sewerage Corporation is that lenient that you have been consuming water for over 10 years without payment? How did you manage that?' Namugga wondered. MPs were also dismayed with the continued under budgeting for utilities by the hospital administrators. 'It seems you are the ones creating these financial problems. You cannot expect government to give you more money when you are under-budgeting. If you need Shs90 million and only budget for Shs30 million, where do you expect the shortfall to come from?' asked Hon. David Karubanga (NRM, Kigorobya County). UPDF Representative, Hon. Victor Nekesa questioned how such a persistent issue continues unresolved even though the hospital submits its budget. Dr. Alfred Yayi requested for more time to provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the source of funds used to clear part of the water arrears after his initial explanation citing a USAID-funded project, was dismissed as insufficient. 'We have not fully addressed the specific issue raised. We request a few hours and will respond by the end of the day,' Dr. Yayi said. He added that while the hospital receives funds from government, it also benefits from a USAID initiative called G2G which reimburses funds upon meeting certain milestones. According to Dr. Yayi, these reimbursements can be used for hospital priorities. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
FINCA Canada Partners with Government of Canada to Support Youth Employment in East Africa
Article content DODOMA, Tanzania — Today, the Secretary of State for International Development, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, visited Dodoma, Tanzania, to announce a new five million dollar, five-year partnership between the Government of Canada and FINCA Canada. The initiative aims to expand economic opportunities for youth – those aged 30 and under – in East Africa through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. Article content The project, 'Increasing Economic Opportunities for Youth in Uganda and Tanzania', is focused on strengthening the socio-economic inclusion of young people, especially marginalized and vulnerable young women. By refining skills, enhancing financial inclusion and improving employability, the project aims to support long-term economic growth and reduce poverty in the region. Article content 'Canada has proudly partnered with FINCA Canada for more than eight years. Now, we are working together to support marginalized youth in Uganda and Tanzania,' said Hon. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development of Canada. 'Through technical and vocational education and training, and skills development, young people, especially young women, will be empowered with competencies that meet current market demands. They will be better equipped to secure jobs, advance their careers, and expand, or start new businesses. Inclusive opportunities will lead to a brighter future for all.' Article content Youth socio-economic inclusion is vital for East Africa's sustainable development and economic growth, especially as youth comprise over 70 per cent of the population in Uganda and Tanzania, with median ages of 16 and 19, respectively. Despite their numbers, youth unemployment remains high, 17 per cent in Uganda and 11 per cent in Tanzania, far above national averages, and young women face unemployment rates 50 per cent higher than their male counterparts. Article content The project aims to support youth through vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment programs. To ensure its success and sustainability, FINCA Canada will partner with local organizations and businesses in Tanzania and Uganda. These partners will provide job skills training to help young people secure employment. Article content Through the Business Partnership Program, FINCA Canada will offer business skills development, mentorship, and connect youth with successful businesses in their communities. The project will also provide financial education, financial services and capital to young entrepreneurs to help them start or grow their businesses. Article content 'Young entrepreneurs in Africa have the ideas, determination, and ability to achieve great things when given the opportunity,' said Drew Boshell, Executive Director, FINCA Canada. ' Through this project, FINCA Canada is committed to helping young people achieve their goals and break the cycle of poverty by allowing them to access the financial skills and services they need to secure a sustainable future.' Article content Over the next five years, FINCA Canada and the Government of Canada expect to support more than 40,000 youth in Tanzania and Uganda, particularly young women and girls with vocational training, financial literacy training, business placements, and mentorship opportunities. By enabling participants to access financial products and services, either to launch new businesses or expand existing ones, the project is expected to create approximately 20,000 new jobs. Article content FINCA Canada is a member of the FINCA network, a global organization committed to creating pathways out of poverty through sustainable, scalable solutions rooted in the needs of the people it serves. Operating in some of the world's most challenging markets, FINCA provides financial and non-financial tools to help individuals and communities build resilience, generate income and invest in their children's education. FINCA's work is driven by the belief that all people should have the opportunity to leverage their wisdom, talent, and effort to determine their own destiny. FINCA aims to reach at least 40 million people by 2028 with proven solutions that spark lasting impact. Article content Article content Article content Media Contact: Article content Article content Emily Ellis Article content Article content Article content
Bloomberg
4 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
StanChart Kenya, BII Ink $100M Deal for Small Firms: EastAfrican
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd. has signed a $100 million deal with British International Investment to support trade finance and working capital needs for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, The EastAfrican newspaper reported. The partnership will enable risk sharing between the two companies, allowing them to increase lending to a segment of the market that is typically locked out of the much-needed access to trade finance solutions, the Nairobi-based newspaper said.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Gold, tourism and cash crop exports drive Tanzania growth
Tanzania reported steady foreign exchange flows from gold, tourism and cash crops in the second quarter of this year, a new central bank report shows. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) Monetary Policy Report for July stated that the enforcement of Section 26 (2) of the Bank of Tanzania Act, which bans the use of foreign currency for domestic transactions, had also significantly increased foreign currency flows through formal channels. BoT had estimated the quarterly growth at 5.5 percent during the second quarter, from 5.8 percent recorded during the first quarter, but says that indicators have continued to show a strong growth. Apart from the direct foreign exchange earnings, power supply and cement production mostly for local construction are supporting growth, the BoT report said. Electricity generation rose by 20.1 percent in the first quarter, largely due to hydroelectric output from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project. Large-scale gold production and sales from small- and medium-scale producers through mineral marketing centres also recorded notable gains. BoT purchased 5.022 tonnes of gold valued at $554 million, surpassing its purchase target of $350 million from three local refining plants. Tourism also recorded significant growth, with 2.2 million tourists visiting Tanzania and injecting $3.83 billion into the economy. Inflation rates remained low, a situation the central bank attributes to prudent monetary policy and a continued moderation in non-food and energy prices. Headline inflation averaged 3.2 percent, remaining within the target of three percent to five percent and consistent with the convergence criteria set by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC). Foreign exchange liquidity is expected to improve further in the second half of the 2025 through seasonal crop harvesting and an increase of tourists during the tourist peak season, June to October and December. The ongoing campaign to use the Tanzanian shilling for local transactions is expected to ease the demand for foreign currency and strengthen the shilling. © Copyright 2022 Nation Media Group. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
