Indo Africa Times, a weekly newspaper has its key intend to create extensive awareness amongst people about Africa and India concerning different sectors like economy, politics, culture, fashion, sports and many more. It is our sincere endeavor to bridge the information gap between Africa and India by endowing our readers with updated and latest developments occurring in both the countries.

1. Visit www.agsmovers.com to view our 128 locations worldwide
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www.indoafricatimes.com
MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015 Title Code: DELENG18579 • RNI NO: DELENG/2014/54666 • Postal Registration No.: DN/325/2014-2016 • VOL. 2 • NO. 1 • Page 12 • Price `10
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Continued to page 03
We must
maintain our
tempo
THE SMILING
COAST OF
AFRICA: THE
GAMBIA
HEART OF
INDIA:
MADHYA
PRADESH
M
other-of-four, Folorunsho Alakija, 62, has dethrone
Oprah Winfrey as the richest black woman in the
world with a fortune of $7.3bn. Africa claims 55
billionaires and they're worth an astounding $143.88
billion in total.
She and her younger sister were sent to school overseas when
she was 7 years old. They went to a school in Wales, a private
school for girls in Northern Wales, and they were the only colored
(black) girls in the school. And because their fellow mates couldn't
pronounce their names, they make up their names - Flo for
The Richest Black
Woman in the World:
Folorunsho Alakija
Folorunsho and Doyle for Doyin.
Alakija initiated her career as a secretary in a bank in the mid-
1970s, Alakija, then studied fashion in London and returned to
Nigeria to start a label, Supreme Stitches. But her biggest break
came in oil.
In May 1993 Alakija applied for an allocation of an Oil
Prospecting License (OPL). The license to explore for oil on a
617,000 acre block – (now referred to as OPL 216) was granted to
Alakija’s company, Famfa Limited. The block is positioned around
220 miles South East of Lagos and 70 miles offshore Nigeria in the
Florence is
Miss West
Africa
International
2014
Rabat and
Casablanca:
“Global
Destinations”

2. Wassupafrica02
We must
maintain
our
tempo,
Kagame
tells
nation
Local hotel group announces expansion in Nairobi
M
ovement of goods,
serPresident Paul
Kagame has called on
Rwandans to carry on with their
individual and collective efforts
for self-improvement as the nation
ushered in the New Year.
The Head of State was speaking
in his televised New Year’s
message to the nation at the onset
of 2015.
“We must maintain the tempo
and continue to build a country
we deserve. In that spirit, as we
celebrate this New Year, let us
appreciate the fact that we have
The hospitality market in Nairobi,
Kenya, remains vibrant, in spite of the
challenges the country is facing with
lower tourism arrivals. First out of the
starting blocks in 2015, probably as
early as Easter, the new Radisson Blu
by Carlson Rezidor, as well as other
hotels both local and branded, are
expected to come on line in 2015.
The owners of the 5-star Sankara
Hotel, which opened nearly 5 years
ago in the Westlands area of Nairobi,
have also confirmed that they are
planning to open a second, very likely
4-star business hotel, in 2017.
Nairobi, however, is the only
marketplace right now where a
significant number of new beds are
either in the pipeline already or where
more hotels are planned for opening
later in the decade.
No significant large new resort
or hotel developments are presently
underway at the Kenya coast, apart
GOV’T MUST REDUCE DUTIES ON
IMPORTED COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
T
he Country Director
of Cheki.com.gh, Eric
Amoateng has called on the
Government to reduce the duties
impose on imported commercial
vehicle into the country.
He said commercial vehicle
are encourage into the country
but must be in reduced rate so
that it can help in grading the road
network and also help vehicle
industry to grow in good standard.
According to him if
Government makes the
importation of commercial
vehicles an initiative where
people can have access to, with
affordable pricing, it will help the
development of car processing in
the country.
Government must create
windows where people can
operate so that the quality of
vehicle imports into the country
can improve.
in an interview during the
occasion of an educational
forum organized for drivers
and passengers at Kejectia, in
Kumasi, Mr. Eric Amoateng said
"importation of vehicle into the
county must be of good standard
such that the dreams of dealers
in the industry can be met at the
from real estate developments like
gated estates or condominiums.
Sun Africa Hotels is, according to
information received, nearing the
completion of a coast property which
is expected to be a small boutique
style luxury resort similar in size and
style to their Limuru-based Sovereign
Suites.
On the safari circuit, new
properties are far and few between
right now, again likely as a result of
lower tourist arrivals, at least until a
full recovery is underway and investor
confidence has been restore.
Eturbo News
Ecobank Credit Rating Affirmed
ECOBANK GHANA's credit rating has
been affirmed at AA-(GH) and A1+
(GH) in the long term and short term
respectively; with a stable outlook.
The current ratings were valid
until December 2015 and reflect the
bank's established domestic franchise
value, resilient financial performance,
risk appropriate capitalization and
adequate loan loss reserve, according
to the Global Credit Rating Co.
Ecobank Ghana is currently the
largest bank in Ghana with an asset
size of GHS5.9billion as at end of 3rd
quarter 2014.
The bank posted a profit
before tax of GH¢332.8million
for the third quarter of 2014, a
90% jump from the 2013 figure
of GH¢175.4million. Total income
As part of the stakeholder engagement
for its Overhead fibre project in the
Western region, the management of
team of Tigo led by its CEO, Roshi
Motman, paid a visit to the Paramount
Chief of Essikado Traditional Area,
Nana Kobina Nketsia V.
At the meeting in Sekondi, the
Chief Executive of Tigo, Roshi Motman
spoke about the company's vision to
become the digital service provider of
choice for Ghanaians.
Highlighting the company's quest
to improve network quality in the
region, she explained that the US$3.2
million overhead fibre cable project
forms part of several investments
increased by 47% to GH¢621.1million
from GH¢423.8million in 2013 with
customer deposits also increasing
by 47% to GH¢4.1billion as against
GH¢2.7billion in 2013.
Loans and advances to customers
grew by 50% to GH¢2.6billion.
On operational efficiency, cost-
to-income ratio improved from 45% in
2013 to 40% in 2014 while achieving a
return on average equity of 47%.
The bank's non-performing loans,
as at the end of September 2014,
stood at 5.2percent, down from 6.4%
from same period last year.
Over the last 12 months, from
30th September 2013 to same period
2014, the bank's share price has also
increased by 63percent.
Modern Ghana
that Tigo is making to provide its
customers with a quality and resilient
network.
“Network quality is one of the
biggest driving force of Ghana's
competitive telecoms sector. It is
fundamental to customer satisfaction
and loyalty, and we are keenly aware
of this.”
She assured Tigo customers
that by March 2015, they will start
to experience a brand new quality
network experience from Tigo.
The paramount Chief of Esikado
Traditional area, Nana Kobina Nketsia
V, commended Tigo for supporting
various community initiatives aimed
at improving
living standards
in deprived
c o m m u n i t i e s .
The management
members of Tigo
also called on the
Chief of Bogoso
Cocoase, Nana
Kwesi Sompreh.
Modern
Ghana
international level".
Eric said importation of
accident cars is not advisable in
the sense that it rather cause more
road accident within the shortest
possible time, and also reduce
the standard at which the dealers
industry have dreamt to achieve.
In terms of promoting of made
in Ghana Goods, he touched on the
initiatives of Apostle Kojo Safo’s
industry is putting on board to
promote the country and also meet
the international requirements.
He therefore called on
Ghanaianstoembracetheinitiative
amended by some groups and
individuals which seeks to bring
change into the industry and also
to develop the country.
Modern Ghana
Tigo leadership team visit Paramount
Chief of Esikado
more prospects today, than ever
before,” he said in a three-minute
speech.
The President attributed
Rwanda’s achievements thus far
to “the commitments we have
made together, in building our
economy, strengthening our
governance, maintaining security
and upholding self belief.”
“It is now up to us to make
use of available opportunities to
reach our goals, individually and
collectively.”
During his State of the Nation
Address last month, the President
praised the people of Rwanda,
notably farmers, for working hard
in 2014, which saw the economy
grow by 7.8 per cent in the third
quarter, surpassing projections.
In his New Year’s message,
Kagame tipped Rwandans on key
points they should keep in mind as
they seek further progress. “First,
we shouldn't avoid change that is
inevitable or any other challenge,
just because they seem difficult.
“Second, each of you should
strive to achieve the goals you have
set for yourselves in all that you do
in your daily lives. We have seen
that persistence and practice yield
results.
“Third, don't do it alone, find
others who share the same goals
and work together. As always in
Rwanda, we move forward when
we look after each other, and
combine our strengths.”
He said the country had come
a long way but warned there was
still a long journey ahead. “So let's
value and use our time well and
help others do the same, protect
the gains we have made, and
continue to make Rwanda the best
it can be.”
Happy New Year and I wish
you and your families health and
continued peace and security, he
added.
New Times
MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

3. Wassupafrica 03
FROM PAGE 01
Technology news is full of many
developments, but some of them
are true milestones and deserve
special recognition. As the New
Year begins, we will focus on seven
projects that are worth celebrating.
These initiatives from
the past year all solve thorny
problems or create new ways
of using technology. They are
breakthroughs that will remain
memorable for years to come. The
most interesting part of it all is
that they are youth-driven which
shows a promising knowledge-
based 2020.
Tech support Incike
initiative – Young ICT
Entrepreneurs
AgroupofYoungICTEntrepreneurs
under PSF ICT Chamber – kLab
came together to respond to a call
that addresses one of the problems
faced by a portion of survivors of
the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi,
locally known as “INCIKE”. These
are people whose family members
were all decimated during the
Genocide, and they are left all alone
today. It was launched during
the 20th commemoration of the
Genocide against the Tusti.
These youth entrepreneurs
developed a USSD & SMS
fundraising application (*654#)
which raised Rwf 1.3m on launch
night and much more over the
100 days of commemoration. They
have recently broadened it further
to work better next year. Wait for
it.
TorQue Workspace –
TorQue Limited
TorQue Workspace is a cloud
based inventory and distribution
Seven youth driven ICT initiatives
that crowned 2014 Police Handball Club wrapped up what
has a been a sensational season for them
by adding the Rwanda Cup to six other
trophies after beating rivals APR 31-24 in
the final on Saturday at Kimisagara youth
sports centre.
En-route to the final, Police beat
Nyakabanda while APR eliminated
College of Education (formerly KIE) in the
semi-finals on the same day.
“We are very happy to lift the Rwanda
Cup. It completes a wonderful season
for us,” said Police head coach Antoine
Ntabanganyimana.
Police win handball tournament
He added: “We are going to take a
break before starting to prepare for next
season for which the target will be to
improve our performance in regional and
continental competitions.”
Police have won an unprecedented
seven trophies this season on the
local scene, including the national
league, Liberation Day, Genocide
Commemoration, Labour Day, Sulfo
Beach, Carred’AS and Rwanda Cup.
Nyakabanda Handball Club won last
year’s edition of Rwanda cup after beating
APR in the final.
New Times
channel management system that
records sells transactions and
forecasts, tailor made for Rwanda
and Africa. With its development
roots at kLab, the start-up is now
incubated in Think and finished
with version 10.0.
They are also the reason
multimillion companies like
Bralirwa don’t need to carry big
files of paper anymore but store
all inventory information online.
The software is also extended to
insurance companies and moving
to other countries soon.
Electronic payment
system on public buses –
AirClerk Ltd
Technological leaps in transport
have led to countless fantasies
– self-driving cars, pods on rails
– most of which haven’t come to
Africa but Rwanda has decided to
be the first African country to have
one card for public transport in the
entire city. With zone 1 already
loaded with passengers waving
their cards to get on the bus, this
youth run company is surely
putting meaning to developing of a
cashless economy.
With just one month in use, the
card has gone viral and passengers
have embraced it. The company is
rolling out the same project in Cote
d’Ivoire early next year. Dreams do
come true.
Nuntu – Hehe Limited
It shouldn’t be the first time
anyone hears of Hehe Limited as
it has been in the news a couple of
times. Well, this year, it run in our
top developments with apps that
merge education and gaming, and
more recently they announced a
platform called Nuntu. Nuntu is
somewhat similar to Google’s Play
store and Apple’s App Store, but
Nuntu focuses on providing access
to applications that are especially
relevant on the continent in the
form of music, reads and more. In
short, African content now has a
home.
Some of the apps on Nuntu
were developed by secondary
school students that won the MTN
app challenge where they beat
developed companies hands down.
There is a great future ahead of
them.
SharjaVuba – African
Renewable Energy
Distributor (ARED)
Henri Nyakarundi is an
entrepreneur who has designed
and franchised solar-powered
mobile phone charging kiosks.
“The lack of electricity was a
big problem in the region,” says
the ARED founder. “About 60%
of the population has a cellphone
but less than 15% has access to
electricity.”
The kiosks are small enough to
be towed by a bicycle to wherever
people will pay a small fee to
charge their phones. The kiosks can
charge up to 30 phones at a time
and Henri now has 24 franchises
operating across Rwanda.
“You see a lot of people
that want to be in business for
themselves but they don’t want
to be in business by themselves,”
Nyakarundi says. “When you look
at statistics, the franchise business
model has a higher rate of success
than traditional business. 80% of
franchise businesses succeed; 80%
of traditional businesses fail.”
central Niger Delta.
The company owns a 60 per
cent stake in the block, valued at
around $7.3 billion.
Many well-off Nigerian
businessmen and military big
shots who had been allotted
oil blocs by the military
administration at the time had
no hint as to the procedures in
operating an oil block, so many
of them usually acquired OPLs,
and then flipped them off to
international oil
companies for
ample profits.
But Alakija
was smart. She
had no proficiency
or knowledge
in running an
oil field, but she
decided not to sell
off her license. In
September 1996,
she entered into
a joint venture
agreement with
Star Deep Water
Petroleum Limited
(a wholly-owned
subsidiary of
Texaco) and
appointed the company as
a technical adviser for the
exploration of the license,
transferring 40 percent of her
100 percent stake to Star Deep.
Consequently, Star Deep
sold off 8 percent of its stake in
OPL 216 to Petrobas, a Brazilian
company. Folorunsho Alakija and
her family owned 60 percent.
It is extensively assumed
that Alakija's friendship with
Maryam Babangida, the late wife
of former head of state, Ibrahim
Babangida, played a big part in
her comparatively economical
acquisition of the oil block back
in 1993.
United Kingdom-based
Business Consultant, Philip Obi
cautions that Alakija's stand is
shaky because oil is fast losing
value in the face of falling oil
prices. "Except she decides to
diversify, 90% wealth in oil
look unsteady considering the
alternative energy potential," Obi
said.
"The world is going digital.
Very soon, wealth will no longer
be what we use to know; look at
Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
That is where the world is going
into- Digital world. The people
who will continue to rule will be
those in communications, food
and health, social media, finance.
These pillars are going to be
critical to run the world. People
are becoming multi- millionaire
by just building smile apps."
Forhispart,NationalPresident
of Independent
S h a r e h o l d e r s
Association (ISAN),
Sunny Nwosu said that
her ranking as world's
richest black woman
is understandable
because she has one
of the biggest oil wells
in the country that
is managed on her
behalf by a leading
multinational oil
corporation.
"Her oil well is one
of the investments the
military government
bequeathed to people
like her," Nwosu said.
Alakija is married
to Modupe Alakija and they have
four grown-up sons together.
She also has a grandchild from
her first son. Modupe Alakija, her
husband is the Chairman of Famfa
Oil. Her sons run the company.
Stereoscopic 3D – Guez
Show Ltd
Arguably, the youth brains
behind this innovation are indeed
doing a great job. Guez Show,
a 3D animation and graphics
company, was the first to bring
Digital Cinema Packaging and
also famously known for making
the Transform Africa 2013 advert
which left many people all over the
world mesmerized by how much
Rwanda can do.
To put that into perceptive,
Guez Show gives an image or video
width, height and depth (length).
Ourphysicalenvironmentis3Dand
we move around in 3D all the time.
In the movie sense, the glasses we
wear enable us to see two different
images simultaneously with each
eye and provide a stereoscopic
vision to the viewer. Now, we
don’t have to wait for it only in the
movies, we can make it ourselves
thanks to the sleepless nights of
the Guez show team.
House of Tayo App –
House of Tayo and Full
Circle
Even though this isn’t up and
running yet, it built a bride that
most thought wasn’t possible. With
a fashion industry that was ignored
for so long, House of Tayo gets
into the industry but doesn’t only
stop at doing what they do best
but integrate technology to give a
better experience to their clients
with their QR based mobile app.
There’s a special collection
of bow ties the fashion house is
making right now and the box
will have a QR code and when one
scans the QR code, they can see the
bow tie being made. It’s bridging
that gap between the customer and
the person making the product in a
way that I haven’t really seen being
done before. Unfortunately we are
done for this year, and the year
following after this gets better and
bigger but just 7 spots available.
Who will be there?
New Times

Family No. 1: A union blessed with four gentlemen and two
beautiful grandchildren
mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

4. CountryoftheWeek04
Advertisement
please email to
ads@indoafricatimes.com
or call at
+91 8595166674
+91 9350564995
To book your
confectionery nuts, dairy products
etc. brings about immense
investment opportunities.
FISHERIES
Fishing in The Gambia is both a
leisure activity and can also be
used for economic purposes. A
number of Gambian enterprises
are in quest of a joint venture
in this industry. Investment
opportunities in this sector
are gigantic. Investors in this
sector are also accorded with
development incentives and also
given proper assistance by the
government.
LIVESTOCK
Livestock production in The
Gambia accounts for about 6%
of the GDP. The activities of the
sector’s activities are typically
limited to rearing of cattle, pigs,
small ruminants and poultry
for the domestic market. The
investment opportunities in the
sector are huge with the growing
tourism industry in Gambia.
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing activities in The
Gambia are mainly restricted to
small and medium enterprises, the
goods being mainly produced for
domestic markets. Large deposits
of Kaolin have been recently
revealed in The Gambia, also there
is need of quality sanitary ware,
the demand of which is currently
met through imports. There are
good investment opportunities in
construction companies and small-
repair workshops. Also, Gambia
is covered under the AGOA, and
comes under the MIGA and ICSID
because of which it enjoys export
opportunities to sub-regional
markets.
SERVICE SECTOR
A developed service sector is a
central piece of any developed
economy. The government of
The Gambia is dedicated to the
establishment of a capital market
and other financial beneficiaries.
Investment opportunities in
road, air and water transport are
available, this will facilitate easy
movement of goods and services
within the country. Additionally,
The Gambia’s respect for human
rights and rule of law makes it an
ideal investment destination.
MINING
The Gambia doesn’t have any
discovered reserves of treasurable
metals or minerals, though it
does own deposits of lower value
minerals in certain areas. Fruitful
mining of glass and quartz has
been carried out earlier. There is a
need for investment in this sector
to unearth The Gambia’s potential
in mining.
TOURISM
Tourism plays a significant role
in the Gambia’s economy. It
furnishes employment as well
as brings in foreign exchange
for The Gambia. The Gambian
government is devoted to endorse
tourism in the country. The
government has taken footsteps
towards Eco tourism programs,
where environment protection
is a vital element. Infrastructure
and travel amenities are being
boosted to stimulate the sector’s
development. A number of hotel
development projects are seeking
for joint venture or investments.
Investment opportunities are also
available in development of air
transport, linking The Gambia and
some targeted locations.
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THE GAMBIA
THE
SMILING
COAST OF
AFRICA
industries which include soap,
drinks and clothing, although
major manufacturing activities are
confined to agricultural products.
The Gambia is a stable,
peaceful and upcoming economy
with easier investment approval
procedures. It is a liberal economy
with no restrictions and an
efficient banking system. As of
2009, twelve commercial banks
were functioning in The Gambia.
The Gambia has a well-established
communication and transport
network,TheGambiariveriseasily
navigable and hence provides easy
access to sea transport.
Along with an attractive
investment packages for investors,
and proximity to U.S. and EU
markets, the country also offers
a flexible and competitive labour
force, constitutional safeguards
given to businesses and also
protection of Intellectual Property
Rights.
The Gambia is also covered
under the African Growth
and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
According to this, exported
goods from Gambia qualify for
preferential, duty free and quota
free access to the U.S. markets.
The Gambia is also the member of
Multilateral Investment Guarantee
Agency (MIGA) and International
Centre for the Settlement of
Investment Disputes (ICSID),
thus outing Gambia in the global
economic scenario.
There are enormous
T
he Gambia, the smallest
country in mainland Africa
is surrounded by Senegal.
The Gambian River, also the
nation’s namesake flows through
the country. Banjul is the capital
city and the largest cities are
Serekunda and Brikama.
It is a Presidential Republic,
with H.E. Mr. Yahya Jammeh as
the President and H.E. Mr. Isatou
Njie-Saidy as the Vice-President.
Gambia was ruled by the British
and gained independence in
1965. Its economy is controlled by
fishing, tourism and agriculture.
The official language of the
Gambia is English and the National
Languages include, Mandinka,
Wolof, Fula, Serer and Jola.
The Gambia has a tropical
climate. June to November are
relatively warmer and the country
also experiences rainfall. After
that until May, the climate is
comparatively cooler and there
is less precipitation, thus making
it an ideal country to travel in
winters.
The Gambia is peaceful and
firm, with cost of living and crime
rates among the lowest in the
world. Along with astonishing
climate, the country also houses
the most stunning landscapes.
A Stable and Peaceful
Economy
The Gambia is a market-based
economy, majorly relying on
agriculture. Agriculture, which
accounts for roughly 30% of the
GDP employs almost 70% of the
population. Peanut is the main
product which is grown and also
exported to all parts of the world,
its production accounts for almost
6.9% of GDP.
Tourism is also a momentous
industryinTheGambia.Apartfrom
this, there are small manufacturing
investment opportunities
available in all sectors ranging
from primary sector industries
such as, Agriculture, Fisheries,
Forestry, Mineral exploration
including oil and gas to Tourism,
IT, Communication and
Manufacturing industry.
Other incentives include,
exemption from withholding tax
on dividends, exemption from
custom duties on some goods,
exemption from sales tax on the
same goods among others.
Some Important and
Budding sectors in Gambia are:
HORTICULTURE
This sub-sector is becoming a huge
economic activity in The Gambia,
with average weekly export
estimated at 120 tons of fruits and
vegetables. Clearance of land has
to be obtained from Ministry of
Agriculture and Natural Resources,
and the final approval is given
by Ministry of Local Government
and Lands. The enhancement and
expansion in cold storage and dry
cargo facilities has also helped
boost this sector.
AGRO-PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES
Agro-Processing industries are on
a rise all over the world. In The
Gambia, although there are no
substantial investments, the large
number of export of agro goods
like fruit juices, sauces, roasted
MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

5. BusinessBuzz 05
Morocco wants Rabat and Casablanca
to become “global destinations”
ICS Financial Systems Extends
Leading Presence in Africa
ICS Financial Systems Limited
(ICSFS) (http://www.icsfs.com),
the global software and services
provider for banks and financial
institutions, partnered with new
banks through expansion of its
operations in Kenya, Rwanda and
Uganda. This project was awarded
to ICSFS by Guaranty Trust Bank
Plc (GTBank), which is one of the
largest banks in Africa. Guaranty
Trust Bank recently acquired Fina
Bank, an East African Bank, which
was subsequently rebranded and
became a subsidiary of GTBank
Plc.
ICS BANKS® was successfully
deployed at Guaranty Trust Bank
Kenya, Guaranty Trust Bank
Uganda and Guaranty Trust Bank
Rwanda in record breaking time.
The three banks experienced a
smooth implementation process
which started in January, 2014
and was completed in August
2014.
During the implementation
period, ICSFS applied great efforts
to overcome all obstacles which
eventually led to the successful
implementation of ICS BANKS® in
all three East African subsidiaries
of GTBank Plc. Guaranty Trust
Bank Rwanda has implemented
a fully comprehensive solution
ICS BANKS® in all 18 branches,
which is also the case for Guaranty
Trust Bank Uganda and Guaranty
Trust Bank Kenya, who have
implemented the system in all
branches.
“We would like to take this
opportunity to thank ICS Financial
Systems for their high level of
professionalism and team spirit
which contributed to achieving
this milestone.” Mr. Adekunle
Sonola, GTBank’ East Africa
Group Managing Director and
Managing Director at GTB Kenya
commented, “We also promise our
customers that we will continue
to apply significant improvements
to enable delivery of superior-
value services, that will fulfill all
your financial requirements. ICS
BANKS® will to support us in
meeting our goals using the latest
technology available.”
Mr. Bayo Veracruz; Managing
Director at GTB Rwanda
commented, “Fast implementation
means significant savings for us
not only in terms of project costs,
but also in terms of starting our
banking business to serve our
clients. We are happy to offer our
clients the latest banking services
in Rwanda on ICS BANKS®
provided by ICS Financial
Systems. “
Mr. Olufemi Omotoso;
Managing Director at GTB Uganda
commented, “We are very pleased
with the successful and timely
implementation of ICS BANKS®.
It’s a remarkable accomplishment
The arrival of "flydubai" in
East Africa during October and
November, since then serving
Entebbe, Bujumbura, Kigali,
Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and
Zanzibar, has, besides boosting
tourism and trade for regional
businesses, also opened up a
whole new range of destinations
The Moroccan Agency for Tourism
Development (SMIT) aims at
making Rabat and Casablanca
“global destinations” and to spend
about MAD 18 billion to develop
rural tourism notwithstanding the
economic crisis.
In a report issued at its
Supervisory Board meeting
in Rabat on December 22, the
Moroccan agency disclosed that
investment in Morocco’s tourism
New airline offers East Africans
connections to 82 cities
industry in 2014 amounted to $2
billion. This is “despite economic
crisis,” said Lahcen Haddad, the
Minister of Tourism. The report
states that financial support for
the tourism sector has increased
investment to MAD 63 billion since
the inception of the 2020 vision
plan on November 30, 2010. The
agency realized revenue of MAD
365 million in 2014, in addition
to MAD 79 million in operating
of course, the Gulf and the Arabian
peninsula, opening doors for
business opportunities both ways.
"I think we are not taking
advantage of this budget airline
coming to Entebbe as of now.
Tourism can get a real boost if
we could only tap into their East
European network. No other
that illustrates and speaks of
the skills and efficiency of ICS
Financial Systems implementation
team and illustrates the potentials
of ICSFS.”
Mr. Robert Hazboun;
Managing Director at ICSFS stated,
“We strive to continually discover
innovative, ground-breaking
tools to deliver powerful banking
solutions designed for the world’s
largest banks. As Guaranty Trust
Bank Ltd. Group is a rapidly
growing chain of 280+ branches
in Africa. This achievement is the
result of a finely coordinated rapid
go-live process performed by a
very talented Implementation &
support team.”
ExecutiveDirectorforBusiness
Development at ICSFS; Mr. Wael
Malkawi stated, “We are really
proud of our implementation team
for achieving this success. We are
keentoprovidefirst-classfinancial
services to GTBank Group, which
is a major player in providing
banking services in Africa and
one of ICSFS’ biggest clients. This
remarkable achievement is based
on our historical presence in
Africa, knowledge and experience
with local requirements and
regulations. ”
GTBank has been a client of
ICSFS since 1998 and is using
ICS BANKS® in Nigeria, Gambia,
Sierra Leone, Ghana, United
Kingdom, Ivory Coast, Liberia and
now in its new subsidiaries; Kenya,
Uganda and Rwanda.
ICSFSispresentin31countries,
three continents, and has a client
base of over 80 customers that are
all running banks and financial
institutions.
ICS BANKS® provides
a complete suite of banking
business modules with a rich
sweep of functionality and
features, addressing business
needs and automating accounting
processes, as needed, to improve
a bank’s business performance.
ICS BANKS® has always been
a pioneer in utilizing the latest
technology to serve financial
institutions. In addition to its
embedded Service-Oriented-
Architecture (SOA), the system is
deployed in a multi-tiered setup
that runs on a web thin client,
J2EE environment.
African Herald Express
Sector Foundation Uganda, he, on
condition of anonymity for not
being the official spokesperson of
PSF (U), said: "You are right. We
should organize a trade mission to
some of the places they fly to and
promote our coffee, tea, flowers,
fish, and other exports. New
airlines create new opportunities,
and we have been slow to take
advantage. Their fares are very
affordable, so a trade mission
group can economize a lot when
going out to sell Ugandan products
and produce." Another source
close to the airline in Uganda
added that they are keen to see
the entire region take advantage
of their daily flights to Entebbe and
Dar es Salaam and their several
flights a week to Bujumbura, Kigali,
Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar: "Tour
agents should prepare offers, and
the airline can then partner to
promoteUganda,Burundi,Rwanda,
and Tanzania across their network.
Reasonably-priced packages
together with low fares should
make that a win-win situation."
Eturbo News
for travelers from the region.
After launching some 23
destinations in 2014, the most
ever rolled out in a single year, the
airline now serves 89 destinations
overall, giving East African
travelers 82 destinations to fly on
to after transiting in Dubai. Most of
these are found across the Indian
subcontinent, Eastern Europe, and,
airline can get tourists cheaper to
Uganda than they do. We need to
partner with them, in fact partner
more with all airlines flying
to Entebbe, and package good
offers," answered a tour operator
in Kampala when tipped off to
these opportunities. In response
to the same question directed to
a senior member of the Private
income, and achieved 57% percent
of targets for 2020.
Imad Barrakad, the CEO of
SMIT said that 2014 marked the
enrichment of Morocco’s cultural
offerings by developing new
tourist destinations such as Rabat,
Casablanca, and Tangier thanks
to the Moroccan tourism fund in
association with sovereign funds
from the Gulf countries.
SMIT intends to put Rabat and
Casablanca among the world’s
most prestigious destinations as
resorts for recreation and culture
through the creation of museums,
theaters, libraries, interpretation
centers, marinas, restaurants, cafes,
shopping malls, and upscale hotels.
The Moroccan government and
SMIT also signed an agreement in
September with a budget of MAD
2.4 billion to develop rural tourism
expecting to create more than
25,000 job opportunities.
SMIT has already declared its
interest in creating partnerships
with regional investment centers
for the implementation of
development projects such as the
convention center in Marrakech,
the exhibition center in Tangier,
the constellation thematic resorts
in Fez and Meknes featuring the
history of Morocco. In 2015, “SMIT
plans to intensify its promotion
and solicitation of investors
internationally,” according to the
president of SMIT.
Eturbo News

Lahcen Haddad, the Minister of
Tourism, Morocco

Mr. Robert Hazboun, Managing
Director, ICS Financial Systems
Limited (ICSFS)
mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

6. FRANKLY SPEAKING06
By kirit sobti,
editor, iat
editor@indoafricatimes.com
The prosperous continent, Africa has experienced a
mounting graph in terms of developments in different
sectors that have taken place in the recent years.
It has been observed that Africa is enticing more
investors to its base. Located on the Atlantic coast in
the southern part of Africa, the Republic of Angola is
the second largest oil producer in Africa.
It has a population of over 19 million and is
surrounded by Zambia to the east, Namibia to the
south and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the
north. Its capital city is Luanda and the national
currency is the kwanza. Portuguese is its official
language, but Bantu and other African languages
are also spoken. Angola gained independence from
Portugal in 1975.
Angola is the second-largest oil producer in
Sub-Saharan Africa, behind Nigeria. The country
experienced an oil production boom between 2002
and 2008 as production started at several deepwater
fields. In 2007, Angola became a member of the
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC).
Angola’s striking economic growth rate is being
compelled by its oil sector. Oil production and its
supporting activities contribute about 45 per cent of
the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and over 95 per
cent of exports.
Sonangol, Angola's national oil company, is
a shareholder in nearly all oil and natural gas
exploration and production blocks. International Oil
Companies (IOCs) from the United States and Europe
lead oil and natural gas exploration and production
in Angola. Companies from China also partake in
the industries, but typically as shareholders in
exploration blocks.
The mainstream of the oil in Angola is found in the
offshore region of Cabinda. Cabinda yields more than
half of the country’s oil and is accountable for nearly
all of its foreign exchange earnings. Because of this
political tension often remains high in the area, as the
protestors demand a larger share of oil revenue for
the province population. The crude reserves of oil are
found around the city of Soyo which is offshore in the
Kwanza Basin north of Luanda and offshore on the
north coast.
The crude oil Angola produces is of high quality.
The national oil company Sonagol, is the sole
concessionaire for exploration and production and
the only way a foreign company can enter into this
market is through joint venture and production
sharing agreements (PSA) with Sonagol. The largest
foreign companies operating in Angola are: Chevron
Texaco, Total FinaElf and Exxon Mobil.
The country has to get a foot hold in the global oil
industry’s value chain and broaden its participation
into sectors such as liquefied natural gas, methanol
and other high potential sectors. But poor roads,
ports, airports and railway connections delay the
determinations to touch foreign markets, and there is
a poor power supply.
A Strong Foot
Hold in Global Oil
Industry
Claudio Descalzi
CEO, Eni
M. Kevin McEvoy
President and Chief
Executive Officer, Oceaneering
International, Inc.
The Italian MNC, Eni has kicked off
the production of first oil from Block
15/06 in the Angolan Deep Offshore.
The oil field comes under the West
Hub Development Project. Situated
350 kms northwest of Luanda and 130
kms west of Soyo, the oil field currently
produces 45,000 barrels of oil per
day. The exploration project has been
said to have started after winning an
international round of bidding in 2006.
Eni has since drilled 24 exploration
and appraisal wells.
Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi
commented, “The start-up of the West
Hub in Angola is a milestone in Eni’s
upstream activities. Starting from an
extraordinary exploration success we
have achieved an industry-leading
time to market of only 4 years from the
declaration of commercial discovery.
This result reflects a new, modular,
development model which adds value
to our strategy of organic growth.
The startup of the West Hub is also
significant in terms of Eni’s presence in
Angola, where are again Operator of a
major producing project.”
The development of the West
Hub is momentous as it will also
encompass the development of Sangos,
Cinguvu, Mpungi, Mpungi North Area,
Vandumbu and Ochigufu fields. The
discovery of the Ochigufu oil field,
added 300 million barrels of oil in
place.
Eni holds 35% of stakes in the oil
field, other partners include Sonangol
Pesquisa e Produção (35 per cent),
SSI Fifteen Limited (25 per cent) and
Falcon Oil Holding Angola SA (5 per
cent).
The East Hub Development project,
anticipated to start in 2017 will raise
the overall production of the 15/06
oil field to around 200,000 barrels per
day.
The kick-off of the production in oil
field, 15/06 was celebrated in Luanda,
in the presence of José Maria Botelho
De Vasconcelos, Minister of Petroleum
of Angola and Francisco de Lemos José
Maria, representative of the Angolan
Oil and Gas industry. Eni’s staff and
CEO were also present during the
event.
Angola is the leading oil producer
in Africa with a daily production of
87,000 barrels of oil in 2013.
Eni starts first Oil
Production in Offshore
Angola
The start-up of the West Hub
in Angola is a milestone in
Eni’s upstream activities. This
result reflects a new, modular,
development model which adds
value to our strategy of organic
growth, the start-up of the West
Hub is also significant in terms
of Eni’s presence in Angola,
where we are again operator of
a major producing project.
The crude
oil Angola
produces is of
high quality.
The national
oil company
Sonagol,
is the sole
concessionaire
for exploration
and production
Complications accessing finance and
administrative barriers to free movement of goods
and labour are also obstacles. The government has
used the Petroleum Activity Law and local content
decrees to advance national interests in the oil sector.
This legal framework also serves to promote the
creation of local skills through the “Angolanization”
of human resources and boost the participation of
local companies by giving preferential treatment to
national firms in the supply of goods and services.
China Development Bank (CDB) has recently
extended a $2 billion line of credit to state-owned
Sonangol EP to support expansion projects in Angola’s
oil and gas sector.
The financing agreement was signed on Dec.
12 in Beijing, China, Sonangol said. In addition to
allowing execution of other large projects in crude oil
exploration, refining, and logistics, the 10-year loan
agreement, which opens forecasts for other long-
term financing, also will fund in part construction of
Sonangol’s planned 200,000 b/d Sonaref refinery in
Lobito, Angola, the Angolan state-owned company
said.
First proclaimed in 2009, the Sonaref refinery
is a strategic project envisioned to reduce Angola’s
reliance on imported fuels by processing Angolan
crude for the production of unleaded gasoline, diesel,
jet fuel, kerosene, LPG, and small amounts of sulfur
(OGJ Online, Aug. 20, 2009).
Late in 2013, Sonangol picked out Standard
Chartered Bank UK to provide financial consulting for
construction of the $8 billion refinery, which at the
time was due to be commissioned fully sometime in
2017-18 (OGJ Online, Dec. 3, 2013).
While initial construction activities on the Lobito
plant began in December 2012 (OGJ Online, Dec.
2, 2013), construction of the refinery will begin in
earnest in 2015, Sonangol said. According to the most
recent information available on Sonangol’s web site,
the Sonaref refinery is to be developed in two phases.
A first 120,000-b/d phase of 9 low-conversion
units designed to process Angolan Girassol crude
(30.1° gravity; 0.33 wt % sulfur) initially was planned
to become operational in 2015, with the second
80,000-b/d phase of 11 remaining high-conversion
units aimed at processing heavier and more acidic
Angolan crudes to be installed a year later, Sonangol’s
web site shows.
We are very pleased to have
secured this contract extension
from BP, one of our largest
customers. In support of this
contract, we are also providing
ROV tooling, asset integrity,
and installation and work over
control system services. This
extension strengthens our
long-term commitment to
Angola, which is a growing
market for our services
and products.
MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

7. TRAVEL&tourism 07
M
adhya Pradesh,
the center most
state of India,
and popularly known as the
“Heart of India”, is one of the
most stunning states in the country. Its
capital is Bhopal, and it borders the
states of Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh,
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Second largest state in terms of area
and sixth largest in terms of population,
Madhya Pradesh has been ruled by
many dynasties.
The state exhibits splendid monuments,
ancient temples, palaces and forts.
Sights of its splendid past can still be
seen in the state. The state is a tourist’s
haven, travel fanatics can participate
in cultural, wildlife, pilgrim, and
heritage tours.
A Spectacular State
The Narmada River flows through
the state from east to west between
the Vindhya and Satpura mountain
ranges. The state has sub-tropical
climate, like most parts of North India it
experiences hot-dry summers, followed
by rainy season and then cold and dry
winters.
Madhya Pradesh is a mighty state,
entailing largely of a plateau splashed
with the hill ranges of the Vindhyas and
the Satpuras. The hills give rise to the
main river system - Narmada and the
Tapti, running from east to west, and
the Chambal, Sone, Betwa, Mahanadi
west to east.
An Exciting Panorama of
Wildlife
One third of the state is forested and
offers an exclusive and exhilarating
panorama of wildlife. Madhya Pradesh
houses 11 national parks, Bandhavgarh
National Park, Kanha National Park,
Satpura National Park and Sanjay
National Park being few of them.
Three of the 18 biosphere reserves in
India are in Madhya Pradesh, namely,
Panchmarhi Biosphere Reserve in
Satpura Range, Amarkantak Biosphere
Reserve and Panna National Park.
A Sacred Destination
Madhya Pradesh is known for its
heritage sites, holy destinations such
as Ujjain and Omkareshwar, and
natural exquisiteness with hills, forests,
waterfalls, rock cliffs and rivers. With a
perfect blend of all cultures, people
from all religions striving in the land, a
sight of India and its unity in diversity is
clearly seen in Madhya Pradesh. Read
on to know about some of the bravura
tourist places in the state.
Mandu: This awe-inspiring location
is situated at the projection of the
Vindhyan mountain range. Surrounded
by a plateau, it is separated from
the valley by a deep ravine. The
place has wonderful crystal clear
lakes and glittering ponds. The place
is fantabulous and will be loved by
nature lovers.
Khajuraho: Khajuraho is the most
famous heritage site in Madhya
Pradesh. A must visit place, it is famous
for its ancient temples built during the
reign of Chandela kings. 83 temples
were built over a span of 100 years,
from 950 AD to 1050 AD. Only 22
temples are remaining at the moment.
Bandhavgarh National Park:
Bandhavgarh has the highest
collection of tigers in the country.
Madhya Pradesh is also known for its
wonderful white tigers. The park has a
large biodiversity.
Pench Tiger Reserve: Popularly known
as the "Land of Kipling" or the place
where Mowgli lived, Pench Tiger
Reserve is a splendid place to visit. This
place inspired Rudyard Kipling and he
wrote, “The Jungle Book". This place
in India did actually have a small boy
who was nurtured by the wolves in
the jungle. This incident was actually
penned down in "Camp Life of Seoni"
by Col. William Sleeman.
Sanchi: Sanchi stupa is the most
celebrated monument in Madhya
Pradesh. It is the oldest stone structure
in India, and was commissioned by
emperor Ashoka in 3rd Century BC. The
stupas at Sanchi has inscriptions written
in Brahmi, and hold great historical
significance.
Ujjain: It is a major magnetism for
spiritual tourists from all over the world.
It has many artistic and magnificent
temples, one of them being
Mahakaleshwara, an ancient temple
which is said to be the abode of Lord
Shiva. Other attractions in the city
include, Ganeshji ka Mandir, Kaliadeh
Palace, Kal Bhairava, Durgadas ki
Chhatri among others.
Orchha: Located at a distance of
about 75 km from Gwalior, this place
was the seat of administration of
the Bundela Rajputs. Orchha boasts
of excellent palaces depicting the
typical architectural designs of the
Bundela Rajputs. The Jehangir Mahal,
Raj Mahal and the Ram Raja Temple
are among the best attractions to visit
in Madhya Pradesh.
Bhopal: The capital city of MP, the
palaces and temples in Bhopal boasts
of its rich historical past. The city was
earlier called Bhojpal, after king Bhoj
who constructed the city with beautiful
dams and lakes surrounding it.
Indore: Indore has two sparkling rivers
flowing across the city namely Khan
and Saraswati. There is small and
artistic temple in the center of the city,
which belongs to the 18th century.
Must visit places include Chhatris,
Chokni Dhani, Kanch Mandir, Lal Baag
Palace, Nehru Park, Mahatma Gandhi
Hall and Rajwada.
Chitrakoot: Chitrakoot is a noteworthy
location for Hindus. This place is
assumed to be visited by Lord Rama
and Sita during the exile of 14 years.
Some of the attractions to visit in
Chitrakoot are- Hanuman Dhara, Janki
Kund, Bharat Milap Temple and Sage
Atri Shrines.
The Chatori Gali
Like any other part in India, Madhya
Pradesh also has a rich and varied
cuisine. Wheat and meat are
prominent in the North and West part
of the State, while Fish and rice are
widely consumed in the Southern
and Eastern parts. Milk is a common
ingredient in many parts of the state.
Bhopal is famously known for rogan
josh, korma, qeema, biryani, pilaf
and kebabs. There is a street named
"Chatori Gali" in old Bhopal where one
can find traditional Muslim non-veg
fare like Paya Soup, Bun Kabab, and
Nalli-Nihari as some of the specialties.
Madhya Pradesh, the central most
state of India boasts of a great culture
and history. Its world class monuments,
temples and splendid natural beauty is
worth observing. Away from the hustle
bustle of the busy city life, Madhya
Pradesh is the place to be if you’re
looking for some peace, and spiritual
therapy and spend some time in the
laps of nature.
Heart of India
BASIC FACTS
Name : Madhya Pradesh
Capital : Bhopal
Largest City : Indore
Area : 308,252 km2
Population : 72,597,565 (2011 Census)
Language : Hindi
mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

8. TALKINGTECHNOLOGY08
Standing next to branding and
grading, packaging involves
crafting and designing the
wrapper for a product. Ensuring
its continuous and increasing
appeal to set target audiences,
packaging adds an essential
component of product value
and caters to the requirements,
demands and expectations of
customers.
Indocorp - Afro Asian
Consultants offers innovative,
fast, reliable and cost effective
solutions with Indian ISO
certified packaging machines
that stay in adherence with the
set quality norms and industry
standards. Illustrating minimum
downtime coupled with maximum
flexibility, the research-based
packaging machines and solutions
bring in new life to your brand
and drive augmented sales of
your products.
Instead of merely
surrounding the contents, it
is packaging that gives those
contents an exceptional shape
and unparalleled identity, no
matter either it is a box, tin,
wrapping, bag, bottle, carton or
variegated means of container.
Composed of many elements
representing package attributes,
these technologically upgraded
equipments help in impacting
the identity and product brand
in an optimum manner. While
manufacturing in Africa cannot
be categorically described, there
are general concerns, including
energy costs and raw materials,
which cross country boundaries.
Setting vital linkages and
economic standards between two
nations, packaging machineries
imported to Africa supply
cost effective solutions with
regards to price, quality and
service. Furthermore, Indocorp
stand ahead with its competent
and experienced after sales &
technical support team, which
offers complete packaging service
solutions.
Coming across the fast-
moving consumer goods in Africa,
the opportunity is generally built
around consolidating the value
chain onshore within the country.
Involving the art, science, and
technology of protecting products
for storage, distribution, sale and
usage, these packaging machines
serve as a high end marketing
protection, product packaging
acts as a make or break factor; if
it doesn't take full advantage of
those crucial few seconds that
customer spends perusing and
debating over 'which brand?'
Hence, step forward with a logical
solution with Indian high end ISO
certified machineries; supplied
with great attention to accuracy
and precision.
Indocorp specializes in
business & trade promotion with
a clear objective to boost small &
medium scale industries within
India & Africa, thereby, fastening
the bonds of friendship between
the two.
Indocorp has undertaken
supplies & turnkey projects in
the following sectors:
• Agriculture, Tractors &
Implements
• Dairy
• Drill Rigs
• Fisheries
• Food Processing & Packaging
Industry
• Healthcare
• Information & Communication
Technology
• Irrigation
• Recycling of Waste Paper &
Plastic
• Small Scale Industry
• Solar Energy & Rural
Electrification
• Waste & Garbage Management
& many more
For more information, visit
www.indocorp.org or email at
indocorp@indocorp.org
What it sells;
it protects!
What it protects;
it sells!
tool for product’s uplifting and
increased sales.
Providing easy operating
interface,theseprecisiondesigned
and high end machineries also
require less maintenance in
comparison to other machinery
brands available in market. These
innovative systems ensure the
base for improved automation
and reduction of labor, which can
setyouapartfromthecompetition
in the packaging market.
Apart from performing it’s
obvious role to surround a
product and display information
about what is contained therein,
the most immediate benefit of
packaging involves preventing
goods from being damaged and
hence, maintaining freshness.
Acting as a physical layer of
High quality packaging material

MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

9. TRYSOMETHINGNEW 09
upcoming
What defines us is how well we
rise after falling.
THOUGHT OF
THE WEEK
International Industrial
Expo-Gurgaon
It will provide numerous
opportunities for you to
interact with an anticipated
15000 plus visitors per day
from different segments of
the industry. To help guide
attendees to booth quickly
we have organized exhibits
in pavilions that are geared
towards specific Industries,
Technologies and Solutions.
Date: 05-07 Jan 2015
Venue: Adj, HSIIDC Complex,
Gurgaon, India
Indian Control
Conference
It is organized by the IEEE
Control Systems Society will
take place from 5th January
to the 7th January 2015 at
the IC & SR Auditorium, IIT
Madras in Chennai, India. The
conference will cover areas
like various technical issues
and challenges related to
the different field and various
topics for students welfares.
Date: 05-07 Jan 2015
Venue: IC & SR Auditorium, IIT
Madras, chennai, India.
Second International
Conference on
Transformations in
Engineering Education
The conference will cover
areas like vision of the second
International Conference
on Transformations in
Engineering Education is to
bring engineering educators
from across the world to share
best practices for preparing
engineering graduates who
will be leaders in addressing
global challenges.
Date: 05-08 Jan 2015
Venue: BMS College of
Engineering, Bangalore, India
Asian Logic Conference
The conference will cover
areas like the series
features the latest scientific
developments in the fields in
mathematical logic and its
applications, logic in computer
science, and philosophical
logic. It also aims to promote
mathematical logic in the Asia-
Pacific region and to bring
logicians together both from
within Asia and elsewhere to
exchange information and
ideas.
Date: 05-08 Jan 2015
Venue: IIT Bombay, Mumbai,
India.
Vibrant Gujarat Summit
2015
The brand "Vibrant Gujarat"
began as an "investors'
summit" has now evolved
into an ideal platform for
knowledge sharing, social and
business transformation.
Date: 11-13 January, 2015
Venue: Mahatma Mandir,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
Prepration Method
1. Cut chicken up into serving sizes (6-8 pieces)
2. Brown in a large pan with the ghee, finely
chopped onions, cinnamon, ras el hanout
pepper. Add 1 cup water cook for 10 minutes
3. Add chick peas add enough water to cover.
tomato puree the stock cube.
4. Cover cook on medium heat for 1 hour a half
in a pan or 40 mins in the pressure cooker on
med-high. If cooking in a pan, you may need to
add a little extra water.
5. Whilst the sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta
eggs.
6. Hard boil the eggs, then peel cut into halves.
7. In a bowl, mix the pasta with 1/2 cup water
a tiny bit of olive or sunflower oil. Place in a
steamer steam for 15 minutes. Remove from
steamer separate the pasta with a little water.
Handy French
1. RSVP
Répondez s’il vous plait.
2. I'm on my way!
J'arrive!
3. Right? Isn’t that so?
N'est-ce pas?
4. How's the weather?
Quel temps fait-il?
5. It’s cold.
C’est froid.
Health Benefits of
Cucumber
In Africa, more
specifically in Benin,
the wall, which length
is almost 2 times
longer than the length
of the Great Wall
of China – 16,000
kilometers – was built.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the National Workshop on “Make in India”, in New Delhi on
December 29, 2014. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley
and the Minister of State for Commerce Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman are also seen

picture of the week
1. Fight Constipation
Daily consumption of cucumbers
can be regarded as a remedy for
chronic constipation.
2. High Fiber
Cucumber peel is a very good
source of dietary fiber. It helps to
reduce constipation and indigestion
and prevents stomach related
diseases by eliminating toxic
compounds from the gut.
3. Healthy Urinary Bladder and
Kidney
The water content in cucumber aids
the function of kidney by promoting
urination. Regular consumption of
cucumber can also dissolve kidney
stones over time.
4. Aids Digestion
Cucumber contains an enzyme
called Erepsin which aids in the
digestion of protein.
5. Fight Intestinal Worm
Not just cucumber and its juice, but
its seeds are also highly beneficial.
Cucumber seeds are considered as a
natural remedy to eliminate tape worm
from intestinal tracts. The seeds also
have anti-inflammatory properties
which are effective in the treatment of
swellings of mucous membranes of
the nose and throat.
6. Good Dosage of Potassium
Cucumbers are one of the best
sources of potassium and contain
147 milligrams of potassium per 100
grams. This heart friendly electrolyte
reduces blood pressure level in the
body and reduces heart rate by
minimizing the effects of sodium.
7. High in Antioxidants
Cucumbers contain good amount
of antioxidants like B carotene,
A-carotene, zea-xanthin and lutein.
These compounds act as a scavenger
Can you complete these
5-letter words?
1. . S . G .
2. . . R . F
3. . Z U . .
4. E . . X .
5. . P . . C
6. . . L N .
7. . W . . M
8. . . . J O
9. Q . . . A
10. . V . K .
11. I . . H .
12. . B . Y .
13. . . D T .
1. USAGE 2. SERIF 3. AZURE 4. EPOXY
5. OPTIC 6. KILNS 7. SWARM 8. BANJO
9. QUOTA 10. EVOKE 11. ITCHY 12. OBEYS
13. WIDTH
Answers
8. Put the pasta in a large pan slowly spoon in a little
sauce at a time until the pasta is fully cooked the
sauce has been absorbed nicely - the pasta should
be moist with a little sauce coating it - not dry.
9. Place pasta in a large dish / platter top with the
chicken pieces, egg halves some more sauce.
10. Serve immediately with a green salad crusty
bread.
Ingredients
»» 1 whole chicken (or 6-8 pieces
bone-in chicken)
»» 3/4-1 cup canned chick-peas
»» 2 tablespoons ghee or 2 tablespoons
butter or 2 tablespoons oil
»» 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
»» 1/2-3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
»» 1 teaspoon tomato puree, concentrate
»» 2 onions
»» 1 -2 garlic clove, minced
»» 1/2 teaspoon ras el hanout spice mix
»» Salt
»» 3 -4 eggs
»» 500 g orzo pasta (or homemade tlitli )
»» 1 chicken stock cube
»» Olive oil or sunflower oil
against free radicals that lead to
ageing and other age related diseases.
8. Reduces Inflammation
Fresh cucumber extracts are
also known to reduce unwanted
inflammation. It accomplishes the
task by inhabiting activity of pro
inflammatory enzymes like cyclo-
oxyenase and by preventing over
production of nitric oxides which leads
to excessive inflammation.
9. Beneficial for Diabetics
Cucumber juice contains hormones.
These are needed by the pancreas for
producing insulin which is extremely
beneficial to diabetic patients. Copper
in cucumber also aids to produce
healthy blood cells and improves
blood circulation in the body.
10. Helps Soothe Sunburn
Putting cucumber slices or puree on
sunburnt skin brings instant relief.
Algerian TliTliB'djedj –
Paste with chicken
Algerian TliTliB'djedj –
Paste with chicken
mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

10. THEFASHIONISTAS10
Joy FM Keteke Fever; a classic night with elegance
Florence Epee from Cameroon Scoops the
Miss West Africa International 2014 Title
Agya Yaw Wins
Challenge Season 6
Mzbel to celebrate
10 years in music in
2015
Agya Yaw Nsiah Agyemang
was announced winner of The
Challenge Season 6 Reality Show
held at the La Beach Hotel in
Accra.
For winning the competition,
Agya Yaw has won a full
scholarship to pursue a Master’s
Degree programme at the Robert
Gordon University in Aberdeen,
Scotland and other packages.
25-year-old Victoria Maame
Esi Aidoo, an old student of
Holy Child School picked the
second position while Anthony
Kofi Annan, a graduate from the
Kwame Nkrumah University of
Science and Technology was
adjudged third. For their prize,
they won full scholarships
to pursue a Master’s Degree
programme in two universities in
the UK; Northumbria University
in Newcastle and University of
Salford in Manchester.
Modern Ghana
Sexy singer Mzbel is set to
celebrate10 years in the Ghanaian
music industry with an event dubbed:
'Mzbel Red Concert'. The event
which was launched at the Alisa
Hotel is slated for February 7, 2015
at the National Theatre. Explaining
the significance of the month of February, Mzbel, who is known in real life
as Nana Ekua Amoah, said the month of February represents the Mzbel
brand which is built on love. She also explained further that, the event will
become an annual one and the 2015 concert will be the inaugural edition.
“Now my fans can have something to look up to yearly in terms of a
concert,” she noted. The controversial singer mentioned that, as part of
the 10 th anniversary, a weeklong activities have been lined up starting
from February 3 to February 7, 2015.
“As part of the 10-year celebrations I will draw more attention to
Women Empowerment and Children related issues especially girl child
protection,” she noted. Mzbel hinted that, at the February 7 concert at
the National Theatre, her fans will get the opportunity to enjoy an hour of
great performance from her with support from some of her friends.
President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bice Osei
Kufour (Obour) affirmed the Association's support of the concert by
attending the launch. The MUSIGA president stated that the musicians
union will support the event and its activities. He added that, as a union,
they are very proud to see a female artiste come this far to celebrate a
decade of good music and successful career.
Mzbel recently bounced back into the music industry with the release
of the single 'Legelege'.
Modern Ghana
The 2014 edition of Joy FM's
Keteke Fever was a blast, a master
stroke which brought some of the
country's top notch business and
political personalities back to the
glorious era of 1970s and 1980s.
The event, which came off at the
Banquet Hall of the State House on
December 26 - Boxing Day, was just
that perfect icing for 2014 – it was
the mother of all parties!
The Banquet Hall was filled
with a sea of the crème de la
crème in society who in their own
magnificent way turned the hands
of time and relived the good old
days, at least for the night.
In the usual Joy FM fashion
and per the demands of the night,
the setup at the venue was well
planned to give room for more
dancing and mingling. The stage,
sound, lighting, dancefloor, seats
were well planned and positioned
to meet the demands of the night.
When the party switched
into full gear at 10 pm, DJs for the
night, Paul Ankrah (Beelei) and
Andy Dosty manned the music
time machine to perfection. With
support from host of Cosmopolitan
Mix on Joy FM, 'Soul Sister' Doreen
Andoh, the night never lacked
anything music. The now youthful
patrons filled every inch of space
on the dancefloor dancing to the
great 70s and 80s tunes dished
out by the DJs. Classic tunes such
as Marcia Griffiths' 'Electric Boogie
(The Electric Slide)', The Staple
Singers' 'I'll Take You There',
'Bustin' Loose' by Chuck Brown
The Soul Searchers, McFadden
Whitehead's 'Ain't No Stopping Us
Now', Teddy Pendergrass' 'When
Somebody Loves You Back', and
Donna Summer's 'Breakaway'
brought back memories.
The shear excitement on the
facesofpatronsandsingalongssaid
it all. The Joy FM Keteke Fever met
a need they had been waiting and
craving for all year long and it was
Florence Epee from Cameroon
who wowed the crowd on the night
of 21st December, left Nigeria with
the Miss West Africa International
2014 title, succeeding to the
former queen Hawa Kamara,
Miss West Africa International
2013. Miss West Africa USA, Lily
Ogechi Udumukwu originally from
Nigeria, scooped the 1stRunners
up and Annarosa Traoré Assita,
Miss West Africa Mali 2014 left as
the 2nd Runners up.
The event which was sponsored
by the Swiss Spirit Hotel saw
contestants from Guinea, Guinea
Bissau, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra
Leone, Niger, Togo, Mali, Senegal,
Sao Tome and Ivory Coast.
On the day there was a very flawed
line of judging by judges called
up by D Sinatra Ents, organizers
of Miss West Africa International
2014 in Nigeria. A number of
judges seemed to have forced upon
the other judges Miss West Africa
Nigeria 2014 into the finals as well
as having her announced as the
winner, this was not only rejected
by the crowd but also by the CEO
of Miss West Africa International.
“Racheal (Miss West Africa Nigeria
2014) is a great and very beautiful
girl,butitwasveryobviousshewas
farfromthemostimpressiveonthe
day, I felt slightly similar about the
situation last year, and regretted
for a whole year that it was not
opposed, I will not let that happen
again. I understand when there is
a little difference of opinions, but
it does raise questions when the
judges results are totally different
from the crowds expectations. I am
not going to stress my brain about
how it happened, or who was
behind it, or what was the reason
it happened, what is very obvious
is that she is not the winner, and
that Florence, Lily and Annarosa
will now be acknowledged in their
respectful positions. And that from
this point on, we will not take the
risk of letting franchisers decide
on the judges for the international
event. It is an international event,
they didn't just jump in a taxi to
get here. It is disrespectful to the
girls and every single person that
supports them” - Nana Tamakloe
Other highlights of the day saw
an amazing performance by Shoki
singer, Orezi, comedy by Frank Da
Don, Hosting by Denrele, and a
young candidate by the name Carla
Patricia Lima of age 16 give a fierce
performance on the day whilst
representing Sao Tome. Miss West
Africa ltd believes the confusion of
the winner will stir, but switching
the titles was a necessary action
if it wishes to maintain a great
history of rewarding those that
deserve to uphold the Miss West
Africa title. “There is a lot to
express on this situation, but now
the only essential thing at this
time is to thanks all the queens for
thier participation. We are looking
forward to making an extrodinary
impact on pageantry with the
new international queen Florence
Epee, she is more than determined,
beautiful and passionate about
Africa, and deserves every inch
of the crown on her head.” - Miss
West Africa ltd
Modern Ghana
served exceedingly hot. The dance
moves came in different shapes,
sizes and formats but prominent
among them was Electric Boogie
(The Electric Slide) as patrons slid
in admirable fashion. For close to
six hours, the Banquet Hall of the
State House was the hottest party
zone in the capital.
Modern Ghana
MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

11. SPORTS2WATCH 11
L
iberian opposition politician
and former football star
George Weah won a landslide
victory in Senate elections in
Ebola-ravaged Liberia, official
results showed Sunday.
Weah—who in 1995 became
the first and only African yet to
win the Ballon d'Or as European
footballer of the year and who
played for AC Milan, Paris Saint
Germain and Monaco — trounced
Rwanda national football team
head coach Stephen Constantine
has been cleared as the head of
the Indian national team by the
All India Football Federation’s
Technical Committee, according to
media reports in India.
The 52-year old Britton, who
has a two-year contract with
Rwanda, has been linked to India’s
top football job since Dutchman
Wim Koevermans’ contract ended
in October.
According to The Times of
India, the largest newspaper in
India, Constantine is expected to be
announced officially next week as
he makes a return to India having
coached the national side from
2002-2005. A source who spoke to
this newspaper said, “Constantine
fulfilled our three criteria. Firstly,
he comes within the pay package
of the AIFF. We wanted a coach
Football hero George Weah in
landslide Liberian Senate win
Is Constantine on his way to India?
his rival Robert Sirleaf, the son of
Liberian President Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf.
Weah got 78 percent of the
vote in Montserrado county in the
December 20 poll to fill half the
seats of the Senate. Turnout was
around 25 percent, according to
the national election commission.
The election was originally
due to be held in October but was
postponed over the Ebola outbreak
in Liberia.
Sirleaf, who was running as
an independent, registered 10.8
percent of the vote.
Montserrado county, in
Betting programme introduced
to boost sports revenue
Revenue mobilization for the sports
industry could receive a boost
following the introduction of a betting
programme.
Betting centres have become
more and more popular in recent times
and it is reasonable that they make a
contribution to national development.
Deputy Minister for Youth and
Sports, Mahama Ayariga from Ghana
tells Joy Business the Ministry is
working hard towards the introduction
of this programme.
“We are currently working on
a betting programme with some
partners. Ideally, operators of betting
centres should contribute a percentage
of what they earn to the Government.
We are having discussions with the
Gaming Commission and the Finance
Ministry regarding that development.
We hope to see this programme
implemented soon.”
He was speaking at the launch of
a sports lottery and mobile platform by
the National Lotteries Authority.
Modern Ghana
whose salary was below that of
Koevermans. Secondly, we wanted
a coach who has experience of
coaching national teams.”
“The third criterion was
that the new coach should have
knowledge of Indian football, its
geography and perhaps culture.
Constantine fits well in all this,”
the source added. During his three-
year stint as India head coach, India
won the LG Cup against Vietnam in
his first tournament in charge and,
in 2003, the country won silver at
the inaugural Afro-Asia Games with
wins over Rwanda and Zimbabwe
in the group stages before losing
1-0 to Uzbekistan in the final.
However, speaking to Times
Sport, claimed he was unaware of
the developments in India, insisting
he’s only interested in delivering on
his mission with the Amavubi.
Hesaid,“Iknowthereisinterest
northwestern Liberia, is the west
African country's most populous
region and home to nearly a third
of its population of four million.
Liberia tops the number
of Ebola deaths in the current
outbreak with 3,384 fatalities, but
it has seen a clear decrease of new
transmissions in the past month.
Weah, a popular figure in
Liberia since his days as a deadly
centre-forward, won the first
round of the 2005 presidential
election, but lost the runoff to
Johnson Sirleaf. A 2011 election
campaign was also unsuccessful.
Modern Ghana
from India, to what degree they are
interested I don’t know. I have not
received an offer so I cannot know
how interested they are.
“There is no offer so I don’t
have anything to think about
other than my current job.” The
Englishman guided Rwanda to a
historic 68th position on the Fifa
ranking last month, up from 134th
in May when he took over the reins
of the national team. India was
ranked 171st globally, their lowest
ever ranking.
However, the Rwanda Football
Association spokesperson Moussa
Hakizimana told this newspaper
that, “We have not received
any communication from him
(Constantine) with regard to him
being approached by India. As far
as we know, he is on holiday with
his family.”
New Times
mONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015

12. ENCOUNTER WITH EDITOR12
Owner / Publisher / Editor: Mr. Kirit Sobti from 3rd Floor, Plot No. 3, Block PSP-IV, Service Centre Opp. Sector-11 (Extn.), Rohini, Delhi-85
Printed at LIPEE SCAN PVT. LTD. 89 DSIDC SHED Okhala Phase 1, New Delhi
What is the whole idea behind Argus
Africa Bitumen 2015? What was the
main driving force which instigates
you to organize such an event?
The first Argus Africa Bitumen
conference was launched in 2014,
following the great success of the
Europe/Africa Bitumen conferences.
Our sponsors and delegates from that
conference expressed a great interest
in the growing African market and
requested we should run an African
specific conference. We launched the
first event in Cape Town in February
2014 and sold out of places at the
conference. The intention was always to
make the event peripatetic and as such
decided to move it to East Africa and Dar
es Salaam for 2015.
How would you explain “Bitumen”
to a lay man? How established is
the Bitumen market in the African
continent and which are the chief
countries that offers a wider scope for
the same?
Bitumen which is refined is a semi-
solid hydrocarbon product produced
by removing the lighter fractions (such
as liquid petroleum gas, gasoline and
diesel) from heavy crude oil during the
refining process. Bitumen is typically
around 3% of the yield of the refinery
system.
According to you, what is the basic
difference between Bitumen and coal
tar and how it is better to coal tar?
Petroleum bitumen is different from
coal tar. Although bitumen and coal
tar are both black and sticky, they are
very different substances. Coal tar is
produced by heating coal to extremely
high temperatures and is a by- product
of the coking process. It was widely
used as road asphalt in the early 1900s,
but has since been replaced by refined
bitumen.
Most of the petroleum bitumen
is used in construction, primarily for
roads (approximately 85%) or roofing
applications (approximately 10%), with
the remainder used in other applications
(paint, insulation etc.).
How does the variations in the
price of crude oil affect the price of
Bitumen? What developments have
been experienced in the crude oil
market globally that has a direct
impact on Bitumen?
Bitumen prices typically lag changes
in crude oil prices, but bitumen prices do
follow the general crude oil price trend.
The biggest lag is seen in a country’s
retail/rack selling prices compared to
crude versus bitumen wholesale prices
compared to crude.
What specification of Bitumen is best
suited for the construction of roads
keeping in consideration the African
climate?
Bitumen is available in a variety
of grades and its usage depends on
the environment and application
purpose. Bitumen is graded according to
standardized testing methods. The most
commonly used bitumen classification
used in Africa is the Penetration (Pen)
grade method of specifications. The Pen
test is used to indicate the hardness of
bitumen and it involves a standardized
needle penetrating the bitumen under
specified test conditions. The lower the
penetration value of the needle, the
harder the bitumen. For example, Pen
200/300 is a softer grade than Pen
60/70.
Emulsion bitumens are growing
(mixtures of bitumen, water and
emulsifying agent) in Africa as they
are considered to be “green” bitumens.
Emulsion bitumens are a mixture of
bitumen, water and an emulsifying
agent. These bitumens save energy as
they require no heat for transportation,
storage, mixing or spraying. There is also
less atmospheric pollution as there are
minimal or no hydrocarbon emissions.
Throw some light on the increasing
demand of Bitumen and where do you
see Bitumen market five years down
the line?
Bitumen global demand according
to Argus demand data was at 95.1mn
t in 2013, down from the peak year of
105.5mn t back in 2005. Global demand
in 2014 is estimated to be around the
same level as 2013. Five years down the
road, the big growth rates in demand
will come from Africa, Middle East and
some Latin America countries. China’s
demand has flattened out at 20.5mn t in
2014 and is expected to hover around
the same level over the next few years.
India demand is around 4.8mn t, but
despite optimism surrounding new
Prime Minister Modi, the optimism is not
expected to result in a surge in highway
work as construction related to the
golden quadrangle is over.
The shape of Bitumen market is taking a sharp turn round the world. The demand supply of the
imperative ingredient has experienced an escalating graph in the last few years especially in the
African continent. South Africa has actively acknowledged bitumen for the construction of roads. Mr.
Adrian Brinks, CEO, Argus Media in an exclusive interview with Indo Africa Times accorded an insight
on the amazing change in the Bitumen market and the characteristics of the best bitumen. He also
brought into limelight the chief difference between coal tar bitumen.
bitumens save energy
Mr. Adrian Brinks
CEO, Argus Media
MONDAY | JANUARY 5, 2015