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    Thursday, 29 June 2023

    Capitalizing on African Trade Policy: Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs

    Thursday, June 29, 2023 0
    Capitalizing on African Trade Policy: Opportunities for African Entrepreneurs



    Africa is experiencing a dynamic shift in its trade landscape with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This ambitious trade agreement aims to create a single market for goods and services, promote intra-African trade, and foster economic growth across the continent. For African entrepreneurs, the AfCFTA presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the vast potential of the African market. By understanding the policy's provisions and leveraging them effectively, entrepreneurs can unlock new avenues for business expansion and success. In this article, we will explore key ways African entrepreneurs can take advantage of the African trade policy.


    Understanding the AfCFTA
    To capitalize on the AfCFTA, it is crucial for African entrepreneurs to have a comprehensive understanding of the agreement. Familiarize yourself with the trade policy's objectives, rules of origin, tariff schedules, and protocols. Stay updated on the latest developments and engage with local and regional trade organizations to gain insights and guidance on navigating the policy landscape effectively.

    Market Expansion
    The AfCFTA presents an unprecedented opportunity for African entrepreneurs to expand their market reach beyond their national borders. Entrepreneurs can explore new markets in other African countries without facing significant trade barriers. By identifying target markets, conducting market research, and adapting products or services to suit local preferences, entrepreneurs can tap into the vast consumer base available within the AfCFTA.

    Regional Value Chains
    African entrepreneurs can benefit from the establishment of regional value chains enabled by the AfCFTA. By collaborating with suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers across different African countries, entrepreneurs can access inputs and resources at competitive prices. This collaboration can lead to increased productivity, reduced production costs, and enhanced competitiveness in regional and global markets.

    Access to Financing
    The AfCFTA provides opportunities for African entrepreneurs to access various sources of financing. Regional development banks, private equity firms, venture capital funds, and other financial institutions are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that contribute to the growth of intra-African trade. Entrepreneurs should proactively explore these financing options and develop robust business plans to attract investment.

    Technology and Innovation
    Innovation and technology adoption play a crucial role in capitalizing on the AfCFTA. Entrepreneurs should embrace digitalization, e-commerce platforms, and other technologies to streamline their operations, enhance logistics, and expand market reach. Technology-driven solutions can help overcome infrastructural challenges, improve efficiency, and create competitive advantages in the evolving African trade ecosystem.

    Collaboration and Networking
    Collaboration and networking are vital for African entrepreneurs to leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA. Engaging with industry associations, trade chambers, and business networks can provide valuable connections, market intelligence, and partnership opportunities. Collaborating with other entrepreneurs or forming joint ventures can also help overcome market entry barriers and leverage collective strengths.

    Conclusion
    The African Continental Free Trade Area offers African entrepreneurs a promising avenue for growth and success. By fully understanding the AfCFTA, exploring new markets, embracing regional value chains, accessing financing, leveraging technology, and fostering collaboration, entrepreneurs can position themselves to capitalize on the opportunities created by the policy. With proactive strategies and a forward-thinking mindset, African entrepreneurs have the potential to drive economic transformation and create sustainable businesses that contribute to the continent's overall prosperity.
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    Thursday, 7 October 2021

    Breast Cancer: Risk Factors and Symptoms

    Thursday, October 07, 2021 0
    Breast Cancer: Risk Factors and Symptoms

     

    Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

    Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. The disease can spread outside the breast to other parts of the body through blood vessels and lymph vessels. 

    Risk Factors

    Some causal factors of breast cancer can be controlled by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Other uncontrollable factors related to genetics, previous medical conditions and exposure to radiation can contribute to the development of cancers in the breasts.

    Controllable risk factors

    • Not being physically active. Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
    • Being overweight or obese after menopause. Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those at a normal weight.
    • Taking hormones. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (those that include both estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also have been found to raise breast cancer risk.
    • Reproductive history. Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.
    • Drinking alcohol. Studies show that a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks.
    Uncontrollable risk factors
    • Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited these genetic changes are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
    • Reproductive history. Early menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones longer, raising their risk of getting breast cancer.
    • Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it hard to see tumors on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely to get breast cancer.
    • Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time. Some non-cancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
    • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) or multiple family members on either her mother’s or father’s side of the family who have had breast or ovarian cancer. Having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer also raises a woman’s risk.
    • Previous treatment using radiation therapy. Women who had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts (for instance, treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma) before age 30 have a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life.

    Symptoms

    Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all.

    Some warning signs of breast cancer are—

    • New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit). However, there are non-cancerous diseases such as fibrocystic breast condition and cysts which can also cause lumps in the breasts. 
    • Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
    • Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
    • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
    • Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
    • Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
    • Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
    • Pain in any area of the breast.
    Source: CDC, United States
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    Wednesday, 29 September 2021

    Nigeria to become first country in Africa to launch CBDC

    Wednesday, September 29, 2021 0
    Nigeria to become first country in Africa to launch CBDC

                                                   The Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja

     The Central Bank of Nigeria’s eNaira website has gone live ahead of schedule.

    And, in the 24 hours following the launch, it received more than a million hits.

    The CBN stated that eNaira – a central bank-issued digital currency that provides a unique form of money denominated in Naira – would serve as both a medium of exchange and a store of value, offering better payment prospects in retail transactions when compared to cash payments.

    eNaira presents itself as the digital form of cash and is a direct liability on the Central Bank of Nigeria while the customer deposits are direct liabilities on the financial institutions.

    However, it seems that a lot of its future users in Nigeria are still arguing whether or not it is actually a cryptocurrency.

    Olumide Adesina, a CEO of Nigerian analyst firm TM Analytics believes the eNaira can’t replace the crypto market or fight and win Bitcoin. However, he stressed it could complement the crypto market and provide leverage for a growing number of people from Nigeria.

    Some praise eNaira’s benefits for financial inclusion, while others are concerned it would give central banks more control over citizens’ financial rights through the removal of intermediaries.

    eNaira makes remittance transfers easier

    Still, the official website says the eNaira will “cultivate economic growth, provide cheaper remittances, limit fraudulent behaviour, and is secure, among other benefits for its use”.

    Rakiya Mohammed, the bank’s director of information technology, recently explained eNaira could make remittance transfers easier for Nigerians working abroad.

    South Africa also recently announced a trial of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) for cross-border payments. The central bank said it could motivate other financial institutions around the world to work towards using the technology.

    Founder and CEO of cryptocurrency and digital asset exchange platform Botmecash, Oluwasegun Kosemani, said there was a rising interest in the use cases and value Bitcoin offers in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kaduna, Abeokuta, and among the Igbo tribe traders who import and export from China and Turkey.

    “This will blow up soon when the eNaira launches in Nigeria,” he said, adding that eNaira “is the beginning and pathway to the end of cash in the country”.

    Source: Yahoo Finance
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    Monday, 27 September 2021

    Tourism Ministry, GTA organise hiking challenge on Afadjato to mark World Tourism Day

    Monday, September 27, 2021 0
    Tourism Ministry, GTA organise hiking challenge on Afadjato to mark World Tourism Day

    Director-General of Finance and Operations at GTA, Mr Ekow Samson addressing the media

    The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), on Sunday morning September 26 organised a hiking challenge on Afadjato to mark this year's World Tourism Day in Ghana.

    The challenge, which saw more than 200 participants, including Miss Tourism Beauty Queens, Volta Tertiary Queens Contestants, some directors from the Ministry and GTA, started at about 10am and ended around 11am. 

    Miss Tourism Queens and contestants at the event

    The hiking challenge is the first of its kind to be organised by the Ministry and the GTA.

    This year's national celebration of the World Tourism Day event is taking place in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region.

    The celebration is on the theme: "Tourism for Inclusive Growth.”



    Afadjato is the highest mountain in West Africa—885 meters. 

    The Director-General of Finance and Operations at GTA, Mr Ekow Samson, encouraged all Ghanaians to take interest in the hiking challenge, particularly people around the Afadjato enclave.

    According to him, taking part in the hiking challenge will not only improve one's health but will enable the participant to have fun and experience the beauty of nature.

    He said GTA and the Tourism Ministry will make the Afadjato hiking an annual event, starting next year.

    Credit: Edith Amegatcher 
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    Tuesday, 23 January 2018

    Hugh Masekela dies at 78

    Tuesday, January 23, 2018 1
    Hugh Masekela dies at 78
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    Wyclef's song "Diallo" is about Amadou Diallo, a Guinean who was shot 41 times by US police in 1999 for bringing out his wallet. #RareFactAloud #aloudafrica

    Tuesday, January 23, 2018 0
    Wyclef's song "Diallo" is about Amadou Diallo, a Guinean who was shot 41 times by US police in 1999 for bringing out his wallet. #RareFactAloud #aloudafrica
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    Monday, 22 January 2018

    K.B. Asante dies at 93

    Monday, January 22, 2018 0
    K.B. Asante dies at 93


    Renowned Ghanaian diplomat, K. B. Asante, has died at age 93.

    Born Kwaku Baprui Asante on March 1, 1924, K.B. Asante was the Secretary to Ghana’s First President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and served under a number of Heads of States in Ghana.
    He also served as the Principal Secretary at African Affairs Secretariat from 1960 to 1966.
    He became Ghana’s Ambassador to Switzerland and the United Nations Offices in Geneva, and the UN establishment in Vienna, and also the Ambassador to Australia from 1967-72.
    He also served as the Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Economic Community from 1976-1978.

    Education
    K.B. Asante attended Achimota School where he later taught mathematics from 1945 to 1948, before proceeding to Durham University in Britain, where he obtained a BSc Mathematics in 1952.
    He also became a member of the Institute of Statisticians in 1953, before again returning to Achimota College, where he continued teaching mathematics from 1953 to 1955.

    Life in politics
    K.B. Asante retired from the Civil Service in 1978, to form the Social Democratic Front to contest the 1979 election where his party won three parliamentary seats in that election.
    He was the Secretary for Trade and Tourism in the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) administration in 1982, and later Secretary for Education and Culture from 1986 to 1990.

    Source: Citifmonline.com
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    Monday, 4 December 2017

    Future for Africa

    Monday, December 04, 2017 0
    Future for Africa


    Future for Africa is a Ghanaian voluntary, non-profit and Non-Governmental Organization working at local levels to create a future of hope for children in economically poor areas of northern Ghana. Established in February, 2014 but legally registered in 2016, Future For Africa is with the aim of operating through the entire three regions of Northern Ghana, (namely; Northern, Upper East and Upper West Regions) with a headquarters in Bolgatanga, the regional capital of the Upper East Region.
    Through strong partnerships with civil societies, institutions and using volunteers, the organization seeks to reach out to the deprived and vulnerable children and families in its operational areas, as well as promoting intercultural awareness, tolerance and communication amongst the Youth. We believe when some of these are tackled and realized, it will help in the achievement of the sustainable development goals.

    Vision
    Future For Africa works for a fair world where all children have equal access to social amenities, resources and influence through strong partnerships, and inspires the younger generation’s to aspire to the future with good health, respect and equal rights.

    Mission
    We seek to engage and empower children especially, the vulnerable in society and to provide meaningful interventions in areas of education, health, Water and sanitation, and Livelihoods. This will be done through partnership and with volunteers. Future For Africa will endeavor to influence policies and actions at all levels of society towards inspiring hope in the younger generations of society and also to promote intercultural awareness, tolerance among the youth

    Our projects
    With a Goal to reach out to the deprived and vulnerable children and families in its operational areas, Our project are well designed to cater for all. We run the following project;
    -Educational project
    -Healthcare delivery project
    -Orphanage project
    Aside these we offer opportunities for tour lovers to travel and explore the amazing sceneries of northern Ghana and some other interesting cites in southern Ghana.
    This year we've had myriads of applications from volunteers worldwide, which we hosted close to a hundred of them during the summer at our Volunteer house in Yikene Bolgatanga. 

    You can visit our website; www.future4Afrika.org to learn more about us. Follow our page on Facebook and Instagram: @Future4Africa and on Twitter:@future4Aficagh
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    Monday, 29 May 2017

    'Bro Codes' that should never be broken

    Monday, May 29, 2017 0
    'Bro Codes' that should never be broken




    I hate rules. Anyone who is close to me is aware of my hatred of rules.
    When you step out of your house, you enter a world of rules; traffic rules, work rules, party rules, bar rules, etc. Rules just have a way of taking the fun out of life. However, when it comes to bro codes, that shit is sacred and not for chuckles.  The code was created by men for all men to follow, no exceptions. If you do not know what the bro codes are, you are failing your fellow brethren.
    Here are the 10 bro codes that can never be broken.

    Code # 1
    If your bro’s wife, side-chick or girlfriend asks you any tricky questions about his activities, it is your duty to deny any and everything.  You do not know who his female friends are, you do not know what he did last night, you do not know his current location and you certainly do not know if he is talking to any other women. You are to back up your brothers at all times even if his woman threatens your life. Also, you are not allowed to be close friends with your bro’s wife or girlfriend. You cannot meet them for tea or lunch or ride together to a church event. If your bro’s woman tries to get close to you, develop an anti-social attitude and get the heck out of there.

    Code # 2
    Your bro’s sister is totally off limit. It does not matter how hot she is; you are not permitted to approach under no circumstances. You do not stare at her, you do not comment on her desirable features, you do not ogle at her and you do not dare try to have sex with her. Mess with your bro’s sister and you will find yourself sleeping with the fishes.
    Code # 3
    If your bro hits on a girl and he is about to score and cheat on his wife or girlfriend, you are allowed to have one intervention only. You are permitted to remind him once of the bad choice he is about to make. If he tells you to go screw yourself, you are released from any responsibilities from that time onwards. You have done your duty as a bro. Pay for his drink and yours and let him be.
    Code # 4

    Wingman duties are not optional. At any point in time, a bro will need your services as a wingman. You are expected to avail yourself immediately and report for duty when called upon. Wingman responsibilities are not negotiable. You must support your bro until he achieves his ultimate goal which is, score a hot chick or two if he so desires. After he scores, you can proudly declare that you have fulfilled your civic duty as a wingman.

    Code # 5
     Let me just get this out of the way since I have minor grievances with this code.  I will, however, abide by this code until the brotherhood decides to make amends.  Do not, and I repeat, do not ditch your friends for a girl.  If you made plans to hang out with your bros and you run into a girl who seems nice, make arrangements to see her the next day. Do not break formation and separate yourself from the herd. There are a few exceptions, though. If you are guaranteed a score that very day or in the next few hours, your bros must give you a pass. Proof may be required if any of your bros suspect that you lied about the guarantee.
     
    Code # 6
    If your Bro shares any nudes he received from a woman, you are required to protect that evidence at all cost. You are not to share the evidence with anybody else. Your bros will trust that the picture deal is struck between just you and him and it should stay that way. Any evidence your bro shares with you cannot be discussed or shared with your wife or girlfriend; period!

    Code # 7
    If your bro is dressed horribly and his outfit could generate some level of disgrace for the male species, you are obligated to tell him that he looks horrible. If your bro shows up to the club with pink shoes, blue pants and a loud green shirt, you are responsible for dragging him out of the club and away from the public eye. If you are both rocking the same outfit, do your other bros a favor and entertain each other all evening. You are not to approach any bros looking like a peacock in public.

    Code #8
    If your bro picks you to be his best man, it is an honor. As the best man, it is your duty and obligation to organize the best bachelor party ever. You are also expected to provide your bro with anything he needs for his pleasure; no questions asked. As a best man, you need to understand that your bro is about to turn himself in for a life sentence. It is your duty to make his last few moments of freedom as enjoyable as possible. You are never to speak of any activities that occurred prior to the wedding. You are to take all of your bro’s secrets to your grave.  Also, do not forget to confiscate all cell phones at the bachelor party. Your bro will not ask you to do this but you are not to invite his future wife’s brother, male cousins, nephews etc. to the bachelor party. Do not let your bro down and ruin his last moments of freedom.

    Code # 9
    You must greet your bros appropriately at all times. If you must hug your bro, make sure your chests do not touch. A hug can never come before a handshake. All hugs must be accompanied with a pat on the back. Hugging must last no more than a second; this is not a soccer match. If you develop special handshakes or greetings, stick to that routine always unless you both agree to make a change.

    Code # 10
    I saved the most important code for last because this is a rule that can never, ever be broken by any man on this earth. Never go after or date your bro’s exes. I do not care if she is Yvonne Nelson or Yvonne Okoro. I do not care if she says it’s okay. I do not care if she shows up at your house in the middle of the night in a bikini. You are not to touch your bro’s exes. If your bro breaks up with his girl, act like you broke up with her too. Also, never go after a girl your bro is already chasing. If you both meet a hot chick, whoever makes the first move gets to keep going after the prize.
    All men are to follow these bro codes. Any violation of these codes will earn you an ass-whopping.

    By Kwadjo Panyin
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    Saturday, 27 May 2017

    The uneasy journeys in West Africa

    Saturday, May 27, 2017 0
    The uneasy journeys in West Africa

    Traveling by air within the West African sub-region shouldn't have to be a rough journey. After all, with the existence of ECOWAS and the geographical closeness of these West African states, this should be one of the most easiest tasks. In Europe, travelers move from one country to another usually with ease and at lower costs. The case is different in the West African region; traveling by air has been known to be expensive and time-wasting as travelers have to make stopovers at different countries in the midst of their journey.

    The phenomenon is not different when traveling by road. Passengers usually go through various checkpoints where they are mostly extorted by Customs and Immigration officials.

    BBC's Umaru Fofana recently shared his experience and how complicated it was for him to travel from Freetown to Banjul which should take an hour. But he found out, because of the region's poor air connections, it can be quicker and easier to fly via Morocco or Belgium, although that could take a day, or even three.

    The Journey

    I recently had to travel to The Gambia on a reporting trip for the BBC.
    In theory, this journey of 700km (400 miles) should take about an hour and The Gambia is a popular tourist destination, which is served by charter flights from across Europe.
    But there are just two flights a week from Freetown and the days didn't fit with my trip.
     
    Courtesy: BBC

    One option would have been to fly with Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca, where there can be a stopover of 30 hours with no automatic entitlement to hotel accommodation.
    So it is actually quicker, but far more expensive, to fly to Belgium's capital Brussels and then connect to Banjul.
    That "only" takes 24 hours.
    Another option would have been with Air Cote D'Ivoire, a relatively new kid on the aviation block.
    This would have meant flying via its hub in Abidjan, then to Dakar and onward to Banjul.
    However, I would have needed to stay overnight in Abidjan, and possibly another night in Dakar to be able catch Brussels Airlines which is virtually the only reliable means of flying to Banjul from the Senegalese capital.
    So a total journey time of about three days.

    In the end, the best option was to drive from Freetown to Conakry, before flying to Dakar, Senegal's capital, where I spent the night to get my connecting flight to Banjul the following day.
    I spent two days travelling for a trip that should have taken me just over an hour.
    My return leg was even more exhausting. I flew from Banjul to Dakar, spent the night and flew on the next evening to Conakry.
    I had to spend another night in Guinea's capital before driving to Freetown on the third day.
      
    Complains and agitations

    In Conakry, I met other travellers who were on different legs of their various journeys around West Africa.
    Most of them were businesspeople who complained about the hassle, saying it made travel more expensive.

    What are the probable causes?
    The collapse of many airlines owned by West African states have been attributed to this problem. Even with their existence many of these carriers were propped up financially and protected by regulation, stifling competition and leaving domestic and regional routes undeveloped for a long time. Another factor is that some African countries have still not opened up their skies to each other - allowed other countries' carries to use their airports - yet they have opened up to carriers from other continents.

    In the end, the poor traveling system within the sub-region is bound to affect the idea of free movement of goods and services as envisioned by the founding heads of state of the regional body Ecowas.

    Source: BBC
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