Tech

Mastercard Foundation partners AfCFTA, TradeMark to launch fisheries programme

Published

7 months ago

June 26, 2024

Mastercard Foundation has teamed up with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and TradeMark Africa, in a four-year fisheries programme aimed at empowering African women and youths.

The scheme, which is to be implemented across seven countries, will enable over 240,000 beneficiaries gain work opportunities and boost trade in fish and fish products by about $100 million by 2028.

Tagged “Women and Youth Economic Empowerment in Fisheries” programme, the project will enhance the participation of women and youth in fisheries in line with the adopted AfCFTA Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade.

The announcement of the programme which was made during the 14th Meeting of the Council of Ministers responsible for Trade in Zanzibar, is also designed to address structural challenges women and youth face when participating in the fisheries value chain.

A statement by AfCFTA Secretariat signed by H.E. Wamkele Mene, said the programme will “offer training, facilitate access to markets and finance, catalyze supply chain linkages, create digital solutions, simplify trade regimes, enhance compliance to standards and enable streamlined cross-border market access.”

“This programme is a culmination of work between the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Mastercard Foundation. This work started with the development of the AfCFTA private sector strategy, where priority value chains were identified to boost intra-Africa trade and production,” he said.

“TradeMark Africa will implement the programme to benefit Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Nigeria and selected Island states.

“While the AfCFTA presents a unified preferential market opportunity, women and youth may not automatically benefit from such prospects if they are not adequately supported.

“The AfCFTA presents huge opportunities, while fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in a market of 1.4 billion people.

“The AfCFTA’s Protocol on Women and Youth in Trade has been developed to foster inclusive economic development by eliminating barriers to trade for women and young people in Africa.

“We are glad the programme aligns with our vision of bringing this marginalised group along on this journey to increase intra-Africa trade in “Creating One African Market” to ensure prosperity for all Africans. We encourage the potential beneficiaries to take advantage of this program.”

Mr. Daniel Hailu, Executive Director of Pan-African Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, stated:

‘’This program has the potential to catalyse dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young men and women, foster intra-African trade, and contribute to economic growth and poverty alleviation.

“Together, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”

Related Topics:afcfta Empowerment Featured Fisheries Mastercard Foundation TradeMark Africa

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Tech

Again, Starlink raises prices of its services in Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

December 28, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider, Starlink, has again jacked up the prices of its services in Nigeria after an earlier increase caused uproar among customers.

The service provider, in a statement released on Friday, informed its Nigerian customers that it would raise its monthly subscription prices, with the new rates set to take effect on January 27, 2025.

Under the new pricing regime, the lowest subscription tier will increase significantly from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month, while mobile global roaming service will now cost ₦717,000 monthly.

The company stated that new subscribers will immediately pay the adjusted prices while existing customers will see the changes reflected in their upcoming bills.

In an email sent to users, Starlink said:

“To continue enhancing the Starlink network and provide reliable, high-quality service across Nigeria, we are adjusting our monthly subscription prices.

“These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to improve your experience with Starlink.”

This is the second time Starlink has attempted a price hike in Nigeria. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rejected its previous increase in October on the grounds that the company had not sought the necessary regulatory approval.

However, insiders believe the NCC is set to approve an increase in the first quarter of 2025, which gives credence to insinuations that Starlink may have gotten an approval for the price increments.

Tech

Safaricom Ethiopia launches 4G network in Gambella

Published

1 month ago

December 27, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ethiopia’s second largest telecom provider, Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia P.L.C., has announced the official launching of its 4G network services in Gambella and other surrounding areas.

The launching of the 4G network in the region, according to Safaricom Ethiopia CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte, highlighted the significant impact that enhanced telecommunications infrastructure could have on the region’s social and economic progress.

“In line with our commitment to digital education, Safaricom Ethiopia donated 20 laptops and 4 routers, including six months of free internet, to two high schools in Gambella City, supporting digital literacy and educational opportunities for local students,” Vanhelleputte stated.

Vanhelleputte reaffirmed Safaricom Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding its reach and ensuring that more regions gain access to reliable and high-speed internet.

“The introduction of the 4G network in Gambella is designed to deliver significant advantages to the local community,” he said .

“Enhanced connectivity will open doors to better access to information, education, and healthcare services. Additionally, it will create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and development within the region.

“Safaricom Ethiopia’s move into Gambella aligns with its broader strategy to extend 4G coverage to more areas, furthering its mission of fostering nationwide connectivity,” the CEO added.

Alemitu Oumud, President of the Gambella Region who also spoke at the event, stated that, enhanced infrastructure is driving positive social and economic growth in our region.

“We commend Safaricom Ethiopia for its contributions to job creation, improving connectivity, and making Gambella a more attractive destination for investment,” Oumud said.

He stressed the potential of the new 4G network to drive business activities, attract investments, and foster entrepreneurship in the region.