UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that Africa’s economic prospects are good and urged Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities.
In his message to mark Africa Day, Ban expressed optimism about Africa’s economic prospects, given that “growth is projected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2016, from 3.7 percent in 2015.”
“I urge Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities, and ensure that no African is left behind,” he said.
The UN chief also welcomed the commitment of Africa’s leaders to place women — as key drivers and enablers — at the front and centre of all efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The frameworks share similar strategic principles, with a focus on people, prosperity, environmental sustainability, justice, human rights and mutually accountable partnerships, he added.
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Tanzania: Visa Fees Scare Away Conference Organisers
Dar es Salaam — Conferencing and hotel industry players are raising concern over deteriorating business due to a recent decision by the government to raise business visa fees for foreigners by up to 500 per cent.
They are warning that international conference organisers are skipping the country because of exorbitant fees levied by the Immigration Department for people requiring visas to enter the country.
Hotel owners have complained that the dwindling number of meetings that normally bring in hundreds of delegates, have seen room bookings plummet.
The new fees were introduced in January and effected payments of Business Visa at $250 per head and Business Pass of $200 per head for those requiring the documents.
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Africa’s economic prospects good:
UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Wednesday that Africa’s economic prospects are good and urged Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities.
In his message to mark Africa Day, Ban expressed optimism about Africa’s economic prospects, given that “growth is projected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2016, from 3.7 percent in 2015.”
“I urge Africa’s leaders to use these gains to address rising social and economic inequalities, and ensure that no African is left behind,” he said.
The UN chief also welcomed the commitment of Africa’s leaders to place women — as key drivers and enablers — at the front and centre of all efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The frameworks share similar strategic principles, with a focus on people, prosperity, environmental sustainability, justice, human rights and mutually accountable partnerships, he added.
Source
Ghana: Increased immigration fees implemented
Ghana: Increased immigration fees implemented
As of 15 May, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has increased many of its immigration fees.
While many of the fee increases are fairly minor, applications for Rotator Permits doubled in price. Rotator Permits are utilized by foreign nationals working on rigs for 28 days in the oil and gas division. It is assumed that this price increase is due to the volume of applicants in this sector.
Some of the more notable fee increases include:
Massmart to open 13 new stores in 2016 despite tough conditions
Cape Town – Massmart said it will open 13 stores in 2016, despite tough economic trading conditions caused by high inflation and low economic growth in South Africa.
Massmart [JSE:MSM] CEO Guy Hayward told investors on Thursday that the new stores are in addition to the seven stores they have opened since 2015, “most reporting very strong sales”.
“We estimate that our stores opened in South Africa since January 2015 have contributed 1 300 permanent and 5 000 temporary or indirect jobs.”
For the first 21 weeks of the 2016 financial year, Massmart’s total sales growth was 9% and sales growth 6.7%, with year-to-date sales inflation of 5.4%.
“Despite the challenging trading conditions in our non-food areas, our strong food sales, good margin management and effective expense control should assist in delivering a satisfactory performance for the six months to June 2016.”