East Africa

East Africa

Details: East Africa; 15 March 2023; 742

Flutterwave, Africa's payments technology company, has announced that it has received its Electronic Money Issuer and Remittance Licenses from the National Bank of Rwanda. This will help the company expand its operations in East Africa.

With these new licenses, in addition to being a Payment Service Provider, Flutterwave can offer money deposit and withdrawal, electronic funds transfer, as well as inbound and outbound remittance services to the 13.46 million people living and working in Rwanda.

According to Rwanda's National Institute of Statistics, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Rwanda account for about 97% of businesses and contribute almost 55% to the total GDP. That makes MSMEs critical to job creation and the economic growth of the country.

Flutterwave will be deploying a range of products in Rwanda, including Send by Flutterwave, its cross-border money transfer solution. Also available will be Flutterwave for Business and its suite of products, including Store, payment links, invoices and checkout to help individuals and businesses in Rwanda make the most of the booming eCommerce market.

Olugbenga "GB' Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, commented on the news, "From our first transaction to over 400 million now, we've remained committed to our vision of connecting all parts of Africa through payments and connecting Africa to the world. As a country well known for fostering innovation and promoting the use of digital technology, Rwanda has always been important to our expansion plans in East Africa.

We are delighted for the vote of confidence in being granted these licenses. With them, we will leverage our extensive global reach and continuous growth in emerging markets to provide MSMEs in Rwanda with the tools they need to stimulate the economy, facilitate seamless cross-border transactions for Rwandans and support the expansion drive of global and Rwandan businesses."

Commenting on the news, Leah Uwiroheye, Flutterwave's East Africa Regional Lead, Regulatory and Government Affairs, said, "This is a great achievement for the company. As Rwanda continues executing important reforms to enhance the ease of doing business and implementing its Fintech Strategy 2022-2027, Flutterwave keeps contributing towards achieving a cashless economy by innovating and employing digital technology to support businesses and stimulate the economic growth of countries where we operate.

The licenses will enable us to provide safe, secure and seamless payment services for individuals and businesses in Rwanda. This is definitely a starting point for Flutterwave as we continue to expand across East Africa." By Bob Koigi, Africa Tech

Details: East Africa; 15 March 2023; 861

Legendary Congolese guitarist Lokassa ya Mbongo who died in the US on March 14, 2023 after a long illness. PHOTO | COURTESY

Summary

Musician Mekanisi Modero said he had been informed about Lokassa's death by a nurse who has been taking care of him.
She said he had breathing difficulties before he collapsed and died in Nashua, New Hamsphire.
Some of Lokasa's popular compositions are “Bonne Annee”, “Monica”, “Marie-Josse” and “Assitou”.

Legendary Congolese guitarist Denis Lokassa Kasiya, popularly known as Lokassa ya Mbongo, died Tuesday night in the US after a long illness.

Lokassa, who recently turned 80, was the band leader of popular formerly Paris-based Soukous Stars band. Earlier, he had a stint with Tabu Ley Rochereau's Afrisa International and later the All African Stars band. He had been battling with diabetes and was recuperating from a mild stroke he suffered a few years ago.

His fellow US-based Congolese musician Mekanisi Modero said he had been informed about Lokassa's death by a nurse who has been taking care of him. She said he had breathing difficulties before he collapsed and died in Nashua, New Hamsphire.

Also living in the same state is singer Wawali Bonane, also with The Afrisa International Band. He had visited Lokassa and said was devasted by the sad news.

Another Congolese musician Ngouma Lokito, who lives in New York, broke the sad news to his fans through a Facebook post.

Members of Paris-based Soukous Stars, among them the late Lokassa ya Mbongo (2nd left), when they arrived in Nairobi to perform at the URTNA concert in 1993. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

Popular compositions

Lokassa, a chequered guitarist and composer, will be remembered for some of his popular compositions such as “Bonne Annee”, “Monica”, “Marie-Josse” and “Assitou”.

He was arguably one of the best rhythm guitarists from Congo, having performed with Tabu Ley Rochereau's Afrisa International band from 1970 to 1978. During his stint with Afrisa, he played alongside singers Pepe Ndombe, Sam Mangwana and Michelino Mavatiku Visi. However, Lokassa spent a greater part of his career based outside DR Congo.

Shows in Kenya

In Kenya, fans of the Soukous Stars will remember in the early and mid -1990s when Lokassa was in the frontline during a concert tour.

Nairobi-based Lingala music fan and fashion icon Sammy Wamuri Ya Kembo recalled having interacted with Lokassa during Soukous Stars shows in Kenya in the early 1990s. Some of the shows were organised by Congolese promoter Tamukati Ndongala of Tamukati Productions.

In an effort to win the hearts of Lingala music fans in East Africa, the group released their debut "Nairobi Night'. It featured reworkings of some of the popular tracks by East African musicians like “Dada Rosa” by the legendary Tabora Jazz and “Vigelegele ndio furaha” by Western Jazz band.

Details of Lokassa’s funeral arrangements will be announced later. By Amos Ngaira NMG

Details: East Africa; 14 March 2023; 789

President William Ruto (right) with his Italian counterpart President Sergio Mattarella at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.[PPS]

Kenya and Italy have committed to abolishing non-tariff barriers between the two countries.

Italy has committed to advance Sh14 billion to Kenya in grants and soft loans to cover Agriculture, housing and urban settlement and the digital super highway.

The amount, President William Ruto said, would be channelled through the Kenya-Italy Multi-Annual Five-Year Cooperation Strategy on sustainable development.

He was speaking at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, March 14, when he hosted his Italian counterpart, President Sergio Mattarella.

President Mattarella is in Kenya for a four-day State visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Kenya and Italy have also agreed to abolish non-tariff barriers between the two countries.

President Ruto hailed the move saying it would promote greater trade leading to increased investments.

“Our two countries, at political and technical levels, agreed to remove non-tariff barriers and promote greater trade and increased investment, including negotiating avoidance of a double-taxation agreement, which will usher in significantly higher levels of foreign direct investments in various sectors, by Italian companies,” said President Ruto.

The Heads of State exchanged views and shared ideas about emerging opportunities to improve the balance of trade between the two nations, including cooperation in agro industrial, ICT and bio-fuel projects, among others.

Ruto said Italy will also help Kenya re-establish Arror, Kimwarer and Itare dams in an effort to boost food security and water delivery.

‘We have further committed, in good faith, to re-establish cooperation on the construction of Arror, Kimwarer and Itare dams and other water and sanitation projects, which are critical to our agenda on food security and climate action,” Ruto said.

“We have now agreed on outstanding court cases and have agreed that the facilities that had been provided for the construction of these dams will be renegotiated so that we can provide for the delivery of the dams and the implementation of the projects.”

The two leaders agreed to work together towards the realisation of universal health coverage, and improved pharmaceutical production.

They said they would cooperate in enhancing our informal settlement redevelopment program, which our two countries recently launched, to facilitate the security of land tenure in informal settlements in Kilifi, Siaya and Ngong municipalities.

The two nations further deliberated on increasing support for green sustainable energy policies a move that will see Kenya seek partnerships and investments with Italian firms.

“Kenya and Italy are in agreement that climate change and other environmental challenges must be addressed within the context of sustainable development. As a result, our meeting provided us with an opportunity to explore the possibility of a stronger collective voice in pursuit of common regional and global priorities, especially through increased support for green sustainable energy policies,” Ruto said.

Additionally, they agreed to collaborate bilaterally, at the United Nations and other multilateral forums, on the basis of the convergence of values, principles and positions, to promote peace and security, trade, health, climate action and the elimination of hunger and malnutrition.

“In our meeting, President Mattarella and I also had the opportunity to discuss issues of regional and international significance. We pledged to work together in securing a peaceful future for parts of our respective continents affected by conflict and instability. Kenya appreciates Italy’s pledge to support our efforts to restore regional peace, security and stability,” Ruto said.

The meeting also considered the initiation of bilateral cooperation in such vital sectors as the arts, culture, science and technology.

On his part, President Mattarella re-affirmed the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity that hold the two nations together saying the visit was a clear demonstration of the commitment Kenya and Italy share to enhance bilateral ties through continuous dialogue and sustained exchange of knowledge. By David Njaaga, The Standard

Details: East Africa; 15 March 2023; 763

Mr Simon Mundeyi, Internal Affairs ministry spokesperson. PHOTO/FILE

Police have arrested three foreign nationals over allegations of fraudulently acquiring Ugandan passports. he suspects include a Burundian, a Nigerian and a Rwandan. Mr Simon Mundeyi, spokesperson of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, yesterday said the suspects have been staying in Uganda for some time.

Mr Mundeyi said the Burudian suspect first came to Uganda in August 2015. He allegedly claimed to be a Munyankole from Kiruhura District and using fraudulent means, he managed to acquire a Ugandan National Identification card, which he used to obtain a Uganda passport.

“He was arrested from Busia border post trying to exit Uganda for Germany using the Ugandan passport,” Mr Mundeyi said.

Mr Mundeyi said the Nigerian suspect claimed to be a businessman dealing in computers.

The suspect is said to have been frequently travelling to Uganda, and according to his last travel document, he travelled to Uganda on February 5 via Katuna border post.

“He also registered and got a National ID, which he used to apply for a Ugandan passport. Our keen officers at the interview section immediately suspected that he wasn’t a Ugandan citizen,” Mr Mundeyi said.

He added: “But to give him a benefit of doubt, we asked him to bring a relative to authenticate his rather incoherent story, so he presented a one Gibson, a Ugandan, as one.”
He said the Nigerian suspect and Gibson were both arrested last week.

Ugandan brokers
“The Ugandan is one of the brokers who have been helping foreign nationals in Kampala to acquire National IDs using false information and there after applying for Ugandan passports,” Mr Mundeyi said.

The Rwandan suspect, a resident of Kitemu in Wakiso District, is said to have come to Uganda last year through a non-gazetted border point. He later connected with one Shaffic, who allegedly helped him get a National ID.

“He impersonated Shaffic and used his information, including his parents’ details for a National ID, as well as applying for the Ugandan passport,” Mr Mundenyi said.

The suspect, however, escaped from police custody at Jinja Police Station.

Mr Mundeyi urged foreigners who want to apply for Uganda citizenship to go through the right procedures.

“Ugandan passports are for Ugandans. The other way through which a foreigner can acquire Ugandan citizenship is through registration and after fulfilling all requirements,” he said. Source Daily Monitor

Details: East Africa; 14 March 2023; 753

President William Ruto (right) and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i (left) at a past event. NATION

Following the recent events, a merger between embattled former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and President William Ruto could be brokered in the next few days.

On Sunday, March 12, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu chaired a meeting with Gusii leaders to enhance regional development.

Among the leaders included Matiang'i and key leaders who have played pivotal roles in the current administration.

Also present at the meeting was billionaire John Simba - a mogul and business extraordinaire.

Business mogul John Simba addresses the media in November 2019. NMG

One of the agendas discussed in the meeting was Machogu's Kisii homecoming - whereby Ruto will be the chief guest.

Machogu affirmed that his goal was to unite all Gusii leaders irrespective of their political affiliation.

Simba, a key and close ally of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, was touted as one of the key leaders seeking a truce between the former CS and Ruto.

Profile

Politics is regarded as the battle of influence and wits through power-play, a critical component as wealthy businessmen line up billions of shillings to fund their preferred political leaders.

Simba was touted as a critical figure who funded Uhuru's 2017 presidential campaign. In a Foundation titled Friends of Jubilee Foundation, seven men were reported to fund the campaign with Simba as the lobby's chair.

Having amassed decades of experience in various sectors, the businessman is a senior partner at Simba and Simba Advocates.

He also chairs and sits on the boards of several Kenyan organisations, including Nomination, Remuneration & HR Committee (NR&HRC), Choice Tea Brokers Limited, Funguo Investments Limited, Federation of Kenya Employers, Kenya Bankers’ Association, Retirement Benefits Authority, University of Nairobi Council and is the president of the Rotary Club of Nairobi.

Simba also serves as Sanlam Kenya Plc, chairman and director in other companies, including Hima Cement Limited in Uganda, Almasi Beverages Limited (a Coca-Cola Beverages Africa Limited subsidiary), and Africa Energy Group Limited.

The businessman is a member of three legal societies, including the Law Society of Kenya. East African Law Society and International Bar Association.

Having graduated from the Univesity of Dar-es-Salaam with a Bachelor of Law, Simba also holds a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) degree from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu (right) in a meeting with former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i at a Nairobi hotel on Sunday, March 12, 2023. Brian Kimani, Kenyans.co.ke