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. www.indoafricatimes.com
MONDAY | JANUARY 27, 2014
I found the
concept of
Lesdep
extremely
useful
pg 12
Title Code: DELENG18579 • VOL. 1 • NO. 3 • Page 12 • Price `10
Africa at
Standard
Chartered
Mumbai
Marathon
pg 11
Guinea
Conakry:
THE GEOLOGICAL
MIRACLE
pg 04
What it
sells; it
protects!
pg 08
Gospel
Musical
Awards
2013
pg 10
Is India walking on the path of
Racism??
Continued to page 03

2. 02 Wassupafrica
MONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
AGRA facilitating to multiply
agricultural opportunities
in Africa
project is anticipated to augment
the number of smallholder firms
having access to improved and
advanced technologies offered
by agribusinesses functioning
in local staple food value chains.
Not to mention, it will assist
them in earning constant income
and generating ample market
opportunities leading to enhanced
smallholder productivity and
reduced poverty.
Commenting on it, Ms. Jane
Karuku, AGRA President said,
“We are very excited about this
new initiative. It will help African
The Indian hair care
business in Africa
HAIR CARE MATTERS: Africa
acquisitions in the hair care
regarded as the most promising
business in Africa, Godrej said,
investment hub has experienced “The hair-care business in Africa
an escalating growth in all
has been very good for us.”
its sectors and now hair care
Another
eminent
Indian
companies are also making their
FMCG after acquiring an US based
footprints in the flourishing
personal care company Namaste
continent. African women with
Group in 2011, has launched a
a desire to have straight long
diverse range of hair care products
hair have brought in a billion- specifically for the African
dollar business for the local hair
population
including
styling
care companies. Mr. Adi Godrej, products, hair dresses, shampoos,
Chairman of Godrej Industries
conditioners and hair restoration
commented, “African women
products. Adding to it, P D Narang,
want to spend a higher proportion
Group Director of Dabur India
of their money on hair care than
expressed, “these products were
women in other parts of the
traditionally manufactured in
world.” In this regard, Godrej
America and were being shipped
Consumer Products Ltd (GCPl)
to Africa, making it accessible
has taken up stakes in various
to only a small percentage of
companies viz. the Darling Group
the affluent population in the
and Kinky Group specializing in
continent. We are now in the
hair care products such as wigs, process of locally producing
sprays, gels and hair extensions. them in Africa.” Observing its
Subsequently after making three
increasing demand, the company
Governments unlock agricultural
potential in their countries
by supporting their efforts to
develop progressive agricultural
policies
that
will
attract
increased private investment
in
smallholder
agricultural
value chains. The initiative
aims
reform
retrogressive
agricultural
regulations
that
deter rather than encourage such
investment”. Further, Dr. Steven
Were Omamo, AGRA’s Director
of Policy and Advocacy added,
“The MIRA project will provide
African
Governments
with
Mr. Adi Godrej,
Chairman of Godrej Industries

With an earnest endeavor to
build a sustainable future for
Africa by bringing together
governments, private sector, civil
society and farmers to develop
steady, sustainable growth for
Africa’s smallholder farmers,
Alliance for a green revolution
in Africa (AGRA) aspires to
encourage at least 25 important
policy or regulatory reforms
in selected countries, driving
the enhancement of private
sector investment in domestic
agribusiness. Financed by the Bill
& Melinda Gates foundation, the
is planning to establish its second
unit in Egypt on which Mr. Narang
commented, “Today, Africa is
among the key growth drivers for
our overseas business with the
Egypt business reporting a strong
23% growth in Q2 of 2013-14.”
Worth mentioning, besides Godrej
and Dabur, many other companies
like Marico and VLCC are gazing
at the African hair care market for
investment. Saugata Gupta, CEO,
Marico cited, “We believe Africa
has long term potential. However,
there are challenges and we will go
about expanding in a methodical
manner to build a sustainable and
profitable business.”
A New Era of Internet & Technology
NIGERIA: Two pioneers in the field of Information and
Communication Technology i.e. Airtel Nigeria and Google
have recently entered into an internet service partnership
enabling customers to have more access to mobile web
search and other phone-friendly versions of Gmail and
Google.
With an endeavor to allow more people to access
internet, the Free Zone service aims to target the first
time internet users who have never purchased data plans
and even find expensive to avail basic services like email,
mobile web browsing and social applications. Airtel Nigeria
communicated that with this facility of Free Zone, phone
users can receive full benefit of the web in enhancing their
businesses and can also remain in touch with the fellow
Students getting their hands on the latest technology
friends and family without any fear of data loss.
Commenting on it, Juliet Ehimuan, country manager
of Google Nigeria stated, “We are excited to be working
with Airtel to introduce Free Zone powered by Google to
Nigeria. We believe in the power of the internet to create
better opportunities, and working with Airtel on this makes
it possible for anyone with a phone to get Internet services
at little or no cost.
Just like our other access projects, this gives people
easier access to information in a way that benefits not
just themselves, but their businesses, and by extension
Nigeria’s economy.” Highlighting the utmost importance
of internet for the social and economic development of
Nigeria, Deepak Srivastava, chief operating officer (COO)
and executive director
of Airtel Nigeria said,
“We are, therefore, really
proud to bring this
spectacular innovation
to Nigerians, especially
our customers, who
will now have seamless
access to Google
Search, Gmail and
Google by simply using
Airtel SIM cards on any
data-enabled handset
free of charge. This is
indeed another good
reason to remain an
Airtel customer or to
join Airtel if you are not
yet a customer.”
access to high quality local and
international technical assistance
for identifying, prioritizing and
reforming specific agricultural
regulations. Current regulations
often
discourage
private
investment in small- and mediumsized agribusinesses that serve
the needs of smallholder farmers.
The project will help build the
capacity of African Government
leaders and analysts to make
better-informed,
economicallyrobust assessments and decisions
about which regulations need to
be reformed in order to facilitate
increased private investment in
smallholder value chains.”
Worth mentioning, Micro
Reforms for Agribusiness (MIRA)
is a five-year initiative aiming
to furnish African Governments
with access to superior domestic
and
international
technical
assistance
for
recognizing,
prioritizing and reformulating
specific agricultural regulations
that limit private investment
in agribusinesses operating in
smallholder agricultural value
chains in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia,
Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania.
What Africa
needs is Finance,
Opportunity and
Jobs, says Kofi
A meeting held in Geneva focusing on
the investment opportunities in Africa,
recognized mobile technology, insurance
and commodity exchanges as the sectors
than can be utilized to finance investments
in Africa’s agriculture and fisheries,
infrastructure and energy for sustainable
growth. The organizer of the meeting Mr.
Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General
and Chair of the Africa Progress Panel
(APP0 articulated, “For too long, too
often, the world has talked about Africa
and poverty. What Africa needs is finance,
opportunity and jobs.” The meeting held to
inform about 2014 Africa Progress Report
due for release involved former African
leaders with academics, economists, and
experts from Brazil, China, Europe, Africa,
and elsewhere. The Africa’s Progress
Report, ‘Equity in Extractives’ highlighting
the opportunities offered by Africa’s oil,
gas, and mining sectors in an endeavor
to improve the lives of people there also
suggested various policies and actions
for African governments, the international
community and multinationals so more of
benefit can be derived out of the Africa’s
natural resources. After reviewing the
report, Bob Geldof, one of the ten Panel
Members said, “I’d love it to launch another
sort of, you know, hand grenade into the
centre of the debate like it did last year. It
had a far reaching impact.”
Mr. Annan added, “With two thirds
of the world’s unused agricultural land and
low productivity, Africa has the potential
not just to feed itself, but also to feed the
world.” Investment in Africa’s infrastructure
and energy can further open the doors for
more growth.


3. Wassupafrica
mONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
FROM PAGE 01
AfrAsia emerged as the “Best
Bank in Southern Africa”

“My experience of living in this
neighbourhood is not very fond.
There is just too much prejudice. I
have had people throwing stones
at me for no reason whatsoever.
Small kids have spat on me for no
reasons. I don’t claim that none
of the Africans who live here are
drug addicts, but if they are doing
something wrong, arrest them in
a proper manner. Don’t accuse all
of us of being drug addicts and
peddlers. I don’t get jobs because
of my skin color. There is lot of
segregation and discrimination,”
said a national from Nigeria, Jason,
who has been living in the area for
the last three years.
Adding to it, individual
complaints have been filed with
the Delhi Police against ‘unknown
persons’ by 4 Ugandan nationals
for being allegedly misconducting,
physically
molesting
and
African Nationals
compared to Caucasian students
for instance. “The perception of
Africans is really wrong in India.
There are good and bad Africans,
just like there are good and bad
Indians. It is painful,” he further
added.
“Soon after confirming our
admissions, they take custody of
our passports. If there is a delay
in paying the fees, they refuse
to return it to us. Even when we
ask for it if we are travelling back
home during the holidays, they
"A Letter to CM, Arvind Kejriwal
by African Nationals"
We want to know from the CM if he is
going to listen to only his party members,
like the Congress or BJP (does). His party is
not the only representative of the common
people and is AAP therefore, ready to
,
listen to the voices of the local, unpopular,
minority and African nationals?
Tamarakaro
Gomeromo,
a
Nigerian student living in the
city, while describing the incident
involving Delhi Law Minister
Somnath Bharti, who was accused
of conducting a midnight raid on
an alleged drug and prostitution
ring involving Ugandan nationals.
“I have been here since
July 2011 and have found the
people in Karnataka generally
friendly. Of course, there are
some stray instances of teasing
and harassment, but the city is
peaceful otherwise. There are a
huge number of African students
in Bangalore. There are some
200 Rwandan students in the city
alone,” he said.
Mr. Gomeromo, on coming out
with his emotions on this crucial
subject, said that African students
are often perceived to be “inferior,”

Protestors demanding justice against racist remarks made by Delhi Law Minister
Somnath Bharti and other AAP members, in New Delhi
ask several questions.
They finally hand it to us when
we graduate. They even ask for
the original residential permit
and other school documents.
What will we do if we get arrested
for not having such important
documents?” an African student
studying in India said.
After this whole case, women,
student bodies and people
of African nationalities held a
protest at Jantar Mantar last week
against the averred unauthorized
participation and passing of
racist comments by the Delhi
Law Minister Somnath Bharti and
his Aam Aadmi Party members,
calling for a legal investigation
and suitable lawful action.
“A petition has been submitted
to the National Human Rights
Commission
(NHRC)
and
the National Commission for
Women (NCW) against Delhi’s
Law Minister Somnath Bharti
for his illegal, unconstitutional,
xenophobic and racist actions
and slurs against members of
the African community including
women,” said lawyer and activist
Shehzad Ponawalla.
IAT interacted with the
President of Association of African
Students in India, Okito Kongo
Christophe on the whole subject
on which he said “We do believe
that the Law minister direct the
police to conduct investigation
raid in the night on a particular
to exceed the expectations of our
clients and meet their needs with
tailored investment solutions
through a timely process in all
transparency.” With an earnest
endeavor to celebrate and honor
the achievements along with best
practices in African banking and
finance, the imperative event
brought together around 500
eminent industry players and top
government officials from Africa
and from different corners of the
world.
On receiving the award,
Thierry
Vallet
articulated,
“Following the award scooped
from Euromoney as ‘Best Local
Private Bank’ this year, this is a
continuous acknowledgment of
excellence and innovation for
AfrAsia Bank and further proof
of its active role in driving the
economic growth within the
region while achieving strong
credentials.” Worth mentioning,
AfrAsia Bank is the first bank in
Mauritius to be recognized by
the African Banker Awards as
the sub-region’s best financial
institution in appreciation of its
constant performance, premium
quality of its financial products
and contribution to the growth
and development of the country.
Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher of
African Banker commenting on
the memorable ceremony said,
“once again it has been a night
where some of the exemplary
leaders we have on this
continent have been rewarded
for groundbreaking work. It
should be noted that the work
is far from finished and banks
and policy makers to need to
continue to work together to
create the instruments to reach
out to the real economy for
whom many of the products and
services are out of reach.”
India (MEA) met Africans Heads
of Missions on Saturday and
ensured that an investigation will
be carried to determine whether
our fellow Ugandans were asked
to give urine samples inside a
private car or was required at
AIIMS hospital, there is a little
controversy surrounding both the
parties regarding this incident.”
In the words of Kavita
Krishnan, Secretary of All India
Progressive Women Association
(AIPWA), "This, in plain language,
is nothing but pure and simple
racism. This is also about
organized communalism and
racism. What happened in Khirki
was an organized effort. The
RWAs have not mobilized people
on civic issues, and today they are
mobilizing against the Africans.
Tomorrow,
it
will be against
Bangladeshi
labourers
or
Muslims."
A letter, in
the
name
of
Delhi’s
Chief
Minister, Arvind
Kejriwal,
has
been
prepared
Protesters at Jantar Mantar sitting against racism
by the African
person in a particular manner,
there was no search warrant, there
was no evidence of prostitution/
drug racket because they were
Africans.” He further added by
saying that “the new generation of
Africa (African Students in India)
are requesting for a meeting with
the Indian authorities, to discuss
about the discrimination we are
facing here and to find a way to
stop it.”
Raised slogans and waved
placards reading “Africans are
our guests – we are ashamed of
attacks on them” were seen all
around the protesters counting
the associates from AIPWA,
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Students Union (JNUSU) and the
All India Students’ Association
(AISA).
Signs at anti-racism protest
The
President
of
the
Congolese Community of India,
Richie Lontulungu told IAT that
“the Indian Government must
provide security and assistance to
African students in India who are
being discriminated on daily basis.
Why not create some provisions
in Indian laws to protect black
African foreigners? This will help
reduce the use of insult such as
“Kalu” or “Opsi” against them in
the society.”
He further added that “the
action was highly condemnable
and we are not able for now to
confirm the allegations, but the
Ministry of External Affairs of

threating them on a raid at
their rented house by Delhi Law
Minister Somnath Bharti and his
supporters. This member of AAP
is being blamed of conducting a
midnight raid on an alleged drug
and prostitution ring involving
Ugandan nationals.
A Ugandan woman who
was also putting up at a rented
house at Khirki Extension in
south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar with
her countrymen has averred
that she was slapped, menaced
and misbehaved by various
anonymous fellows of the raiding
party. The other victim added that
they had been periled to leave
their rooms many times, at times
in the middle of the night.
“Men have knocked on our
doors earlier. We don’t open
them but they still keep knocking
for hours at times. We have been
forced to call the police a number
of times,” claimed the other victim.
“It is part of living in a place
that is not your home,” said
The Accused: Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti (AAP Member)
Acquiring an excellent ability
to tailor innovative banking
solutions for both the domestic
and
international
markets,
AfrAsia Bank has been crowned
with the “Best Bank in Southern
Africa” award at the annual
African Banker Awards propitious
ceremony held at Morocco.
Addressing the award to Thierry
Vallet, General Manager &
Executive Director of AfrAsia
Private Banking, the event took
place during the annual African
Development bank meetings. On
winning the esteemed title, James
Benoit, CEO of AfrAsia Bank
expressed, “This award confirms
the bank’s successful strategy on
the African ground as we leverage
our global capabilities to bring
excellence in the advice and
financial solutions we provide.
We have recognized the need for
an active advisory technique in
investment and our main aim is

Racism is all over the world. It
occurs in one or the other practice
in every single turn of the globe.
India is no exclusion.
Though, at the moment India
is well-thought-out as one of
upcoming economic power in the
world with innovative and stateof-the-art education technologies
and associations fascinating lot of
African students in India.
Now, just imagine because
of their skin color (Black)
people treat them low-grade in
comparison to them. They treat
them like untouchables; the
students are molested by police
and they are named by groups
of people bullying them on the
streets. Actually, Delhi is becoming
very tough for the African
nationals. Have we forgotten the
contribution of Mahatma Gandhi
who protested against racism in
South Africa?
The last week incident of
racial biasness against some
African(Ugandan) nationals is
creating panic in the minds of
Africans.
03
nationals and other residents of
Khirki village. It has asked the
AAP government to take action
different from other political
parties. Asking for punishment for
the AAP members who "groped"
African women in the midnight
raid, the letter stated: "We want to
know from the CM if he is going to
listen to only his party members,
like the Congress or BJP (does).
His party is not the only
representative of the common
people and is AAP, therefore,
ready to listen to the voices of the
local, unpopular, minority and
African nationals?"


4. 04 CountryoftheWeek
Guinea Conakry
THE GEOLOGICAL MIRACLE
MONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Guinea Conakry
AT A GLANCE
Official Name
Republic of Guinea
Head of State
H.E. Mr. Alpha Condè
Capital
Conakry
Area
2,46,000 square
Population
11 million approx
Governement
Presidential system, Republic
Time Zone
GMT +0
Country Dialling Code
+224
Currency
Guinean franc
Major Exports
Bauxite, Iron Ore, Diamond, Gold
Major Imports
Petroleum products, machinery, metals,
grain, textiles and foodstuffs.
You might be wondering why we
are calling this country as the
Geological Miracle of the African
Continent. No doubt, after holding
a big share of world’s Bauxite
reserves, Guinea Conakry is
carrying all the strong magnets
to attract foreign investors into
the country. The country offers
fruitful business opportunities
with ample of benefits. The
rewarding sectors include mining,
energy, agriculture, infrastructure
and tourism.
Guinea Conakry wraps an
area of almost 246000 square
kilometers and has population
of approx 11 million people. The
country shares its northern border
with Guinea Bissau, Senegal
and Mali, southern border with
Sierra Leone, Liberia and the
eastern border with Cote d’Ivore
Coast. Guinea Conakry has a
huge administration network.
It is divided into major eight
administrative regions further
divided into thirty-three distrits.
Labe, Nzerekore, Kankan, Kindia
and Boke are the major cities.
Guinea Conakry is a member
of big International Organizations
like United Nations (UN), African
Union (AU), Organization of
the Islamic Conference (OIC),
Economic community of West
African States (ECOWAS) and
African Development Bank (AFDB).
Being blessed with a wealth of
minerals, Guinea Conakry has
over 25 billion metric tons (MT) of
bauxite. It also includes more than
4 billion tons of high grade ironore, diamond and gold reserves,
and immeasurable quantities
of uranium. It has extreme
potential and can grow immensely
in agricultural and fishing
sector. Soil, water and climatic
conditions fully complement and
support irrigational faming and
agro industry. There are huge
opportunities for investment in
these areas. GDP has also shown
a good growth 2.7% from 16%
in 2011 to 18.7% in 2012 due
to advancement of sectors like
mining,
agriculture
amongst
others.
Climate
Generally hot and humid; monsoonaltype rainy season (June to November)
with southwesterly winds, dry season
(December to May)
Agriculture employs almost
80% of the total workforce present
in the country. Guinea Conakry
also possess extreme potential
in hydroelectric energy and is a
major exporter of bauxite, gold,
alumina, diamonds, agricultural
products and fish.
Official Language
French
Natural Resources
Bauxite, iron ore, diamonds, gold,
uranium, hydropower and fish
Independence Day
June 29, 1976
The Rewarding Sectors
Badidar and Upper Niger national
parks. Conakry’s Grand Mosque
is another renowned place which
showcases the nation’s respect
for Islam and the outstanding
architecture.
Mining
Guinean cuisine is based on the use
of local fruit and vegetables along
with fish. Fufu is the traditional
staple and is generally served with
soups (stews) made from greens,
peanuts, fish and chillies. Guinean
cuisine is also well known for
using lots of hot chillies and spices
in these stews. Typical ingredients
include peanuts, rice, sweet
potatoes, black-eyed peas and root
vegetables.
Yummy Cuisines
Abundantly gifted with minerals
like bauxite with more than
1.8 million metric tons, Guinea
Conakry has nearly two third of the
world’s known bauxite reserves.
It is the second largest producer
of bauxite worldwide. There are
still many minerals unexplored
like nickel, limestone, uranium,
manganese, graphite and many
other deposits. Bauxite mining and
alumina production contributes
to the extent of 80% in Guinea’s
foreign exchange. Additional
foreign exchange is earned by
diamonds and gold which are
mined and exported on a large
scale worldwide. The country
exhibits a great gold potential by
mining over 50 million tons of gold.
comprising of hydropower, solar,
wind and biomass showcases
immense potential of Guinea
Conakry in its energy production.
The country has appreciable
hydropower capacity of nearly
6000 megawatts, and produces
19.3 Gwh annually. Solar power
also has tremendous ability
but needs to be developed. The
government is constantly making
efforts to improve and increase
energy resources.
Infrastructure
Agriculture
The Growing Economy
Guinea has extensive potential
in agriculture and had been an
exporter of various agricultural
commodities. The credit goes
to the ideal climatic and soil
condition which offers numerous
opportunities for large-scale
farming and agro industry. More
than 70% of the population is
employed in agriculture sector.
It contributes to 11% of exports
including cotton, coffee, cocoa,
rubber, palm oil, fruits and
vegetables.
Production
Energy
of
clean
energy,
Guinea Conakry is rich in natural
resources
thereby
provides
ample development opportunities
in infrastructure sector. The
government also has many
future plans to improve and
modernize the systems of roads,
airports,
transportation
and
telecommunication.
Guinea Conakry spread over an
area of 2,46,000 square kilometers
Switzerland of Africa
is known as “Switzerland of Africa”
due its beautiful climate, scenic
mountains and the huge rivers
passing through. One of the best
thing about Guniea Conakry is that
it has very less population. The
country has many eye catching
attractions like Fouta Djalon
forests, Loos Islands, the Niokolo-

5. BusinessBuzz
mONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing
Officer at Airtel Africa

With a strong foothold in 17
African countries and ranked as
the 4th largest mobile operator
worldwide, Airtel got connected
with Bridge Alliance, an alliance
formed with 14 leading mobile
operators serving nearly 500
million customers. Bearing a
common aim to develop and
introduce innovative enterprise
and roaming solutions, Bridge
alliance was formed with 14
leading mobile operators viz.
Airtel India, Airtel Bangladesh,
AIS (Thailand), CSL (Hong Kong),
CTM (Macau), Globe Telecom
(Philippines), Maxis (Malaysia),
MobiFone (Vietnam), SingTel
Mobile (Singapore), Optus Mobile
(Australia), SK Telecom (South
Korea), Taiwan Mobile (Taiwan),
Telkomcel (Timor-Leste) and
Telkomsel (Indonesia).
Mr. Andre Beyers, Chief
Marketing officer at Airtel Africa
articulated, “It is important to
be part of a strong alliance
which can enable our enterprise
customers to achieve full visibility
of their regional mobile expenses
for better check and control of
corporate mobile spend. This
gives our enterprise customers
the opportunity to improve their
mobile business operations at an
international level. Additionally,
being part of Bridge Alliance
enables the customers of Airtel
Africa OpCos to enjoy forwardthinking
roaming
services
extended to new countries in Asia
and beyond.” Not to mention, CEO
of Bridge Alliance, Alessandro
Adriani said, “We warmly
welcome Airtel Africa OpCos
to Bridge Alliance. This marks
a new milestone for us as we
enter the growing African market.
Customers of Airtel Africa OpCos
and of all Bridge Alliance members
will enjoy geographically extended,
simplified and competitive data
roaming and voice services.
Additionally, enterprise customers
will achieve full control of their
global mobile expenses and
seamless mobile communications
solutions.”
Tata Motors on
joining hands
with Total
Lubricants
India’s largest automobile company,
Tata Motors has entered into a
partnership with a pioneer in
integrated oil and gas i.e. Total
A leading multinational bearing
expertise in internet related
products and services, Google
has made it’s translate service
accessible in five more African
languages. Stretching over to
Africa, Asia, and Oceania with
over 200 million speakers, Google
has come up with nine new
languages in its Africa blog. In
Africa, accompanying Somali and
Zulu, Google added three major
languages of Nigeria including
Hausa (Harshen Hausa), Igbo
(Asusu Igbo) and Yoruba (édé
Yorùbà).
SU- KAM: Product
experience centre in Uganda
A pioneer in providing the best
quality invertors and UPS, Su-Kam
has recently introduced a product
experience centre in Kampala, the
capital city of Uganda. With an
endeavor to further enhance its
operations, the company plans to
open up five more Power Shoppees in
Jinja, Kampala, Mbala, Arua and Gulu
towns of Uganda over the next three
MTN: Respect and
admiration from the
First Lady of Ghana
First Lady of Ghana,
H.E. Mrs. Lordina Mahama

Joining
hands with
Bridge
Alliance
GOOGLE: Translation service
in 5 more African languages
The leading telecommunications
network
in
Ghana
was
awarded the ‘Best Information
Communication
Technology
(ICT) Company of the Year’
during the Association of
Ghana Industries (AGI) Awards
ceremony. The event took place
at the State House in Ghana in
November 2013. The AGI Awards
is a national event focused at
identifying industries that have
dignified themselves in their
respective sectors. The esteemed
platform supports the utmost
standards of brilliance in business.
Miss Efua Falconer, Corporate
Communications Manager of
MTN while receiving the awards
on behalf of the organization
thanked the organizers and
the members of AGI for their
gratitude of MTN’s foremost
role in the ICT industry. She also
quoted, “MTN will continue in
Lubricants to deliver the after-market
service of commercial vehicles in
different corners of Africa. Under this
fruitful partnership Total Lubricants
will provide its branded lubricants and
expertise products through the Tata
Motors sales & service centers in
African markets other than South Africa
as per an announcement. Commenting
on the partnership, Sanjeev Garg, Tata
Motors Global Head for Customer Care
its quest to use the latest in ICT
solutions in achieving its vision of
leading the delivery of bold new
digital world to its subscribers.”
The icing on the cake was
the appreciation for the mobile
telecom giant MTN Ghana and the
MTN Foundation by the Ghana’s
First Lady, Lordina Mahama. The
esteemed personality of Ghana
commended the organization
for stepping forward and kickoff
the initiative and assisted the
Akropong School for the Blind
with one-storey boy’s dormitory,
a 20-seater ICT centre and a
33-seater bus over a threeyear period at a total cost of
approximately US$ 246,779.88.
The initiated bus is said to help the
transportation challenges faced by
the school especially for travelling
out of town. The ICT Centre serves
as a computer training centre for
over 500 students of the school.
The bus and hostel facilities
of to the school at the school’s
maiden Speech and Prize Giving
Day, Executive Director of MTN
Ghana Foundation, Mrs. Cynthia
Lumor asserted, “ICT has become
the driving force for development
and innovation across the globe
and it is critical for students
including
visually
impaired
students to have access and use
it to support their studies.” All
in all, MTN Ghana is booming up
and distinguishing itself in a true
manner in the market together
with accomplishment of social
responsibilities.
(Commercial Vehicles) said, “Through
our partnership with Total Lubricants,
we will provide our customers with
superior quality lubricants, developed
specially for Tata Motors commercial
vehicles, enhancing the performance of
our engines, gearboxes and drivelines.”
Total Lubricants also endeavors to
mutually assist in the modernization
of Tata Motors workshops along this
association.
months. As per sources, Su-Kam
was amongst the few companies
that first entered Uganda with
power backup facility and is still
making constant efforts to make
a strong foothold in the country.
Commenting on this, Sonia Nagpal,
Global Business Head of Su-Kam
stated, “We also aim to bring to
the customer highly advanced
solar products by means of which
they can convert their existing
inverters into solar inverters
and derive various benefits of
cost saving and reduced carbon
footprint from the same.”
Adding to its success, Su-Kam
lately acquired a project from the
Ministry of External Affairs, the
Government of India to establish
solar power systems in 35 schools
in Rwanda. The company’s
work will include the supply
and installation of solar photo
voltaic equipment and associated
items such as power control
unit packages, solar packages
and home lighting systems in 35
schools in remote areas of Rwanda.
The solar solutions launched
by Su-Kam for household and
corporate sectors added a cherry
on the cake and the company
anticipates making it accessible in
Uganda at the earliest.
05
Pharmexcil:
Facilitating
Warehouse
Facility in
Nigeria
An agency recognized for the
promotion
of
pharmaceutical
products from India, Pharma
Export Promotion Council of India
(Pharmexcil) with an endeavor to
award advantage and relaxation on
the cost of logistics to the Indian
pharmaceutical products exports
in Africa, is planning to establish a
warehouse facility for its esteemed
members in Lagos, Nigeria’s
biggest economic capital. The
plan well supported by the Union
Ministry of Commerce which will
support the Indian pharmaceutical
companies with various amenities
like modern security provisions,
power back-up facilities and internal
logistics via authorized agencies
along with insurance services, bank
remittances and subsidized rent for
warehousing.
Chirag Doshi, Chairman of the
Gujarat State Board of the Indian
Drug Manufacturers Association
(IDMA) expressed, “Access to
government-supported subsidized
warehousing facilities can reduce
the costs but at least 40-50 percent.”
Further commenting on the initiative,
V Shah of Saga Laboratories said,
“having a warehouse in Nigeria
somewhere near Lagos can be
hugely beneficial for companies
exporting to nearby countries.”
The Pharmexcil projects to build
up similar kind of warehouses in
other countries in Africa and Latin
America if the formation of Lagos
warehouse proves beneficial and
successful. In order to assist small
and medium scale drug makers
in cutting down their expenses,
India’s Union Commerce Ministry
also divulged their plan to set up
common warehouse facilities in
few foreign countries endowing an
advantage to the pharmaceutical
exporters. On the announcement of
the initiative, Nipun Jain, SME Panel
chief of Pharmexcil said, “by using
the warehouse of the Government,
SMEs will be able to save up to 75
percent of their rent expenditures
and thereby improve the export
performance.”
To book your
Advertisement
please email to
ads@indoafricatimes.com
or call at
+91 8130796166

6. RATTLING
RECEPTION
TO INDIAN
COMPANIES
IN AFRICA
06 FRANKLY SPEAKING
By kirit sobti,
editor, iat
editor@indoafricatimes.com
India had
trade networks
with its sister
continent Africa
since 10th
century. These
associations
were fortified
when both the
continents shared
their majestic
masters
H.E. Mr. Aires
Bonifacio
Baptista Ali
Former Prime Minister,
Republic of Mozambique
The remarkable development of India has
ensued in diminution of its assets like natural
resources, and to develop further, more and
more means and resources are essential to
be on hand. The African continent is jampacked with virgin resources. Numerous fast
developing Indian firms are steering Africa
for their enlargement. According to United
Nations, in terms of demography, Africa will
be a superpower by 2100.
It’s worthy to mention that India and
Africa have a historic bond, Mahatma Gandhi
being the supreme connection. India had
trade networks with its sister continent
Africa since 10th century. These associations
were fortified when both the continents
shared their majestic masters. Government
of India has been giving grants and financial
aid to Africa for its growth and development.
African nations also look at India as a
yardstick of development, and sought to
acquire more from India’s development in
numerous businesses.
African nations are inviting Indian
investors with doors open to invest in its
various sectors.
I must draw your attention towards the
increasing number of Indian firms which
are piloting several projects abroad and are
venturing into Africa. In June 2008, Bharti
Airtel, an Indian telecommunications giant,
acquired Zain Africa for US$9 billion. The
Tata Group, for example, an India-based
multinational corporation, revealed earlier
this year a $1.7 billion greenfield investment
intended at enhancing automobile and
hospitality dealings in the continent.
Furthermore, Vedanta Resources, India's
largest mining and non-ferrous metals
company had spent $4 billion US dollars
over the past nine years in Africa's mining
sector.
Brush up your memories 2 years before,
when Ambani, India's richest man, had also
put in greatly in Tanzania's air transport
and hospitality industries. Africa's vast
resources have long stirred up commercial
interest. Indian corporates have already
invested more than US$ 34 billion in the
promising continent as of 2011 & further
investments worth US$ 59.7 billion are in
the pipeline.
Indian multinational
companies, small and medium
enterprises and individuals are
already investing in Africa, and
the results are encouraging.
Indeed, we would like to
reiterate our warm invitation
to all Indian business people
to make huge investments in
Africa.
The new agro
hub in Africa
Africa & India to cooperate
on following areas
»»
»»
»»
»»
»»
»»
»»
»»
MONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Agriculture
Trade, Industry & Investment
Small & Medium Enterprises
Finance
Regional Integration
Peace & Security
Civil Society & Governance
Science & Technology
»» Information and Communication
Technology
»» Health
»» Culture
»» Sports
»» Infrastructure, Energy & Environment
»» Tourism
»» Media & Communications
It is interesting to note that the trade
between India & Africa has developed
exponentially during the past decade. The
trade volume has touched US$ 53.3 billion
in 2010-11 & US$ 62 billion in 2011-12. It
is anticipated that it would further boost
up to US$ 90 billion by 2015. In 2011, India
appeared as Africa's fourth largest trade
partner behind China, EU & USA whereas
Africa emerged as India's sixth largest
trading partner behind EU, China, UAE, USA
& ASEAN. It is to be noted that this volume
was at a stingy US$ 3 billion in 2001.
We, Indians, have to take on a chief
character in the sustainable development of
Africa. India has by now already commenced
the trade of acquaintance, philosophies
and facilities. Don’t wait for the immediate
results; you can reap the sugary fruits
only with your strong dedication and
commitment towards the continent which
will indeed build a sustainable relation
between India and Africa.
Adding to it, African countries have all
the time graciously received the assistance
provided by India. On my conversation with
the High Commissioner of The Gambia, H.E.
Mr. Dembo M. Badjie, the envoy urged Indian
investors to take advantage of the investorfriendly climate and a host of incentives they
are offering.
Smt. Preneet
Kaur
Minister of State
for External Affairs,
Government of India
GUINEA: Africa is truly an emerging
continent with all it countries
enthusiastically participating in the
race to distinguish itself as the most
booming country in numerous sectors
of development and growth. Guinea
was on its toes to exhibit its potential in
the agricultural sector in front of more
than 400 distinguished international
guests at the Guinea’s Development
Partners and Investors Conference that
took place on November 24-25, 2013
in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The West African
country possesses a potential to utilize
agriculture as stairway to success for
economic growth and social stability
by 2025. In addition, the country is
propitious to have the agro-sector’s
vision in alliance with that of the
President’s aspiration i.e. to promote
herbal, fishery and animal value chains,
which would sustainably meet the
nation’s food demand, thus bringing
social and economic development and
reducing poverty. In the words of Dr.
Mima S. Nedelcovych of Schaffer Global
Group (SGC), specialist in public private
partnerships (PPP) in Africa, “the
potential for growing two crops of rice
under irrigation in the Mandiana area of
Haute Guinea I enormous. All the right
elements are in place, the fertile lands,
the abundance of water for irrigation,
and a very eager population wanting
to engage in PPP schemes integrating
small farmers with nucleus commercial
farms.”
Moreover, Guinea is the talk of
the town for several investment
opportunities it carries in its kitty
viz. construction and maintenance of
storage facilities, enterprises to produce
agricultural inputs and packaging,
construction and management of
processing centers and the largescale production of crops like fruits,
cashew, rice, vegetables, coffee, cotton,
and cocoa. Livestock production and
processing; creation and development
of agricultural production poles to
boost agro-industrial value chains are
included in the list of investments. En
masse, Guinea is a strategic location that
would be beneficial for investors due
to the key infrastructure projects such
as transnational coastal road running
from Lagos to Dakar, a linkage for
markets across West Africa. Numerous
agricultural projects are presently
underway; a rice faming project using
32,000 hectare of irrigable land along
the valley between the Fie and Sankarani
Rivers; development of a large-scale
poultry farm complex in Haute Guinea
and a $200 million project to produce
agricultural inputs.
Our political support for
Africa has been augmented
by strengthening capacity
building, human resource
development and closer
economic cooperation
including economic
assistance, functional
cooperation, soft loans and
private sector investment.

7. TRAVEL&tourism
mONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Adventurous Egypt
It is the best destination for adventure
lovers. Egypt award tourists with
exciting sports like quad biking in
eastern desert, rambling the Sinai
Mountains and camping in the white
desert. Another thrilling and miraculous
adventurous sport to explore in Egypt
is diving. Diving through the coasts
of Egypt an individual can feel the
underwater wealth of undersea life.
The exceptional underwater living can
be discovered by means of German
submarine. Kite surfing in Safaga
offers immense fun.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the
most eminent structures listed in the seven
wonders of ancient world. It is one of the
greatest architectural structures made by
man and is the oldest, about 5000 years ago.
It is only wonder present amongst the Seven
Wonders of the World. The pyramids in Giza
mainly include 3 pyramids viz. The Great
Pyramid of Khufu(or Cheops), the Pyramid of
Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura.
Each pyramid is dedicated to a king of Egypt.
The Sphinx lies in the front also called Abu al –
Hol in Arabic which means “Father of Terror”.
The entrance of the pyramid is north facing
A beautiful view of Abu Simbel
1. he pyramid is constructed with about
T
2,30,000 stone blocks with weight of 2-30
tons and some even weigh upto 70 tons.
2. wo types of limestones were used in
T
pyramid construction. The core blocks
were made by soft limestone and a hard
white limestone was used for the mantle.
3. he Great Pyramid could be seen from the
T
mountains of Isarel and even moon due to
its mantle.
4. he Pyramid is located at the centre of the
T
land mass of the earth.
5. he cornerstone present in the pyramid
T
have ball and socket which have the
capability to deal with heat expansion and
earthquakes.
Interesting Facts:
Abu Simbel is the most well known monument
of ancient Egypt after the Great Pyramids of
Egypt. Words can’t explain the amazing view
when you see the marvelous sunrise upon
Abu Simbel temple every day. The most
spectacular feature about this monument is
that it is built on the solid rocks above the
banks of Nile River between the first and
second cataracts. A beautiful sound and light
show is played daily. In addition, Abu Simbel
festival takes place twice a year in February
and October. The natural sunlight and
excellent architecture lights up the temple. It’s
a breathtaking sight and the music, dance and
Abu Simbel
food completely complements the festival and
creates a beautiful environment. Abu Simbel is
located near the Egyptian border with Sudan.
The closest town to the temple is Aswan. The
best way to reach Abu Simbel is by boat.

On entering the magical world of
Egypt, a tourist can witness the
beautiful monuments depicting the
ancient Egypt, beautiful beaches and
the stunning deserts. Egypt offers a
great opportunity to experience the
rich culture portraying the glorifying
history and old traditions. One can get
lost in the temples, tombs, museums,
monuments that display ancient
artefacts such as coins, ceramic
art, ancient emperors, mosaics,
sarcophagi and mummies. The
famous sound and light show at the
Temple of Philae or Abu-Simbel is one
of the most renowned places in Egypt.
and placed at a great height. The entrance is
also connected to a passageway which slide
down 191 ft through the pyramid into an
underground chamber. This passage takes
a person to Grand Gallery which ultimately
leads to the Pharaoh’s Chamber. It is built with
red granite, and it is believed that the pyramid
was constructed around the sarcophagus.
Airshafts were also explored in the pyramids.
The four airshafts were considered as the
“escape routes” for the Pharaoh’s soul. Two of
the airshaft directs to Orion and the other two
direct towards the polar stars.
Initially, the Great Pyramid of Giza was
constructed to display Egypt’s wealth and
power but at present the pyramids are a
symbol which depicts Egypt’s rich history
and culture. The Great Pyramid of Giza is a
witness to the Intelligence and technological
advancement of Egypt’s ancient civilization.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
1. he Abu Simbel Temple is made of two
T
individual temples which were build during
Interesting Facts:
07
FACT FILE
B
est Time to Visit: October to April
Things to Do: Horse Riding, Dining
Nearest Airport: Cairo Airport
N
earest Railway Station: Giza metro
station, Cairo Metro
the rule of King Ramses II in 1200 B.C. One
temple is dedicated to King Ramses II and
second one to his wife Queen Nefertari.
2. he Nefertari Hotel is the closest to Abu
T
Simbel Temple.


8. 08 TALKINGTECHNOLOGY
MONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
What it sells;
it protects!
What it protects;
it sells!

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 fastmoving 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
tool for product’s uplifting and
increased sales.
Providing easy operating
interface, these precision designed
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 set
you apart from the competition 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
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.
Food processing and packaging machine
High quality packaging material
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
A wide range of services
include:
• Field Surveys Investigations
• Comparing Alternatives
• Viable Project Concepts
• Engineering Studies
• Tendering Process
• Organization of Workshops,
Seminars Special Training
Programmes
For more information, visit www.
indocorp.org or email at indocorp@indocorp.org


9. TRYSOMETHINGNEW
mONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Weapons by themselves are not dangerous;
it is the anger within the man that is harmful.
Indian Cuisine
Marrakesh
Vegetable Curry
A delicious curry to
compliment your Meal
over medium heat for 3
1. In a large Dutch oven
minutes.
place
sweet
potato, 3. Pour garlic and spice
eggplant, peppers, carrots,
mixture into the Dutch
onion,
and
three
oven with vegetables
tablespoons oil. Saute
in it. Add the garbanzo
over medium heat for 5
beans,
almonds,
minutes.
zucchini, raisins, and
2. In a medium saucepan
orange juice. Simmer
place 3 tablespoons olive
20 minutes, covered.
oil, garlic, turmeric, curry 4. Add spinach to pot
powder, cinnamon, salt
and cook for 5 more
and pepper and saute
minutes. Serve!
Prepration Method
Ingredients
»» cloves garlic, minced
3
»» Original recipe makes 6 servings
»» zucchini, sliced
1
»» teaspoon ground turmeric
1
»» tablespoons raisins
2
1
»» sweet potato, peeled and cubed »» tablespoon curry powder
1
»» teaspoon ground cinnamon
1
»» medium eggplant, cubed
1
»» cup orange juice
1
»» 0 ounces spinach
1
»» green bell pepper, chopped
1
»» /4 tablespoon sea salt
3
»» red bell pepper, chopped
1
»» /4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3
»» carrots, chopped
2
»» (15 ounce) can garbanzo
1
beans, drained
»» Spatula
»» /4 cup blanched almonds
1
»» Frying pan
»» onion, chopped
1
»» tablespoons olive oil
6
Tools required
»» Medium bowl
Know More About Africa
When you stretch, ease
your body into position
until you feel the stretch
and hold it for about
25 seconds. Breathe
deeply to help your
body move oxygen-rich
blood to those sore
muscles. Don’t bounce
or force yourself into an
uncomfortable position.
What colors are displayed on the
national flag of Namibia?
• Red, white, blue, green, gold
The world’s largest underground
What is the title of Namibia’s
lake is in Namibia. Name the
national anthem?
lake.
• Namibia, Land of the Brave
• Dragon’s Breath Lake
Name the world’s largest known There is only one place on earth
where four countries meet.
complete meteorite in Namibia.
Botswana is one of the “Four
• Hoba Meteorite
Corners of Africa”. Name the
Which is the first country in the
other three countries.
world to incorporate “Protection • Zambia, Zimbabwe and
of the Environment” into its
Namibia
Namibia has the world’s highest national constitution?
• Namibia
The Coat of Arms of Seychelles
has an animal on it. This animal
has the largest population on
Seychelles. Name the animal.
• Turtle
What was Somalia known in
ancient times?
• Kingdom of Punt
The world’s oldest desert is in
Namibia. What is this desert
called?
• The Namib
population of which animal?
• Cheetah
picture of the week
Handy Hindi
Have a nice day.
आपका िदन शुभ हो।
I am hungry.
मुझे भूख लगी है।
You are looking nice.
आप अचछे लग रहे हो।
I love to travel.
मुझे घूमना पसनद है।
Can I get your number?
कया मुझे आपका नंबर िमल
सकता है?
DID YOU
KNOW
H.E. Mr. Pius Dunaiski, High Commissioner of Republic of Namibia to India in conversation with
Tanya Jain, Correspondent IAT

Flag
Name
Capital
Currency
Official
language
Burkina Faso
Ouagadougou
CFA franc
French
Burundi
Bujumbura
Rupie
Kirundi French
Cameroon
Yaoundé
CFA franc
French English
Cape Verde
Praia
Cape Verdean
escudo
Portuguese
African Embassies
and High
Commissions in india
Name of Embassy: Embassy of Burkina
Faso
Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Idriss Raoua
OUEDRAOGO
Address: F-2/4, Vasant Vihar, New
Delhi-110057
Telephone: +91-11-26140641/42
Fax: +91-11-26140630
Before Madagascar
became an island;
it was still attached
to the Indian
subcontinent.
Name of Embassy: Embassy of the
Republic of Burundi
Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Rubuka Aloys
Address: C - 1/24, Vasant Vihar, New
Delhi - 110057
Telephone: +91-11-46151947
Fax: +91-11-49503170
Name of Embassy: Comoros Consulate
Ambassador: Mr. K.L.Ganju
Address: 27-28, Ground floor, D.S., New
Rajender Nagar, New Delhi 110060
Telephone: +91-11-28741319
Fax: +91-11-28741326
Name of Embassy: Embassy of the
Republic of Congo
Ambassador: H.E. Mr. Felix Ngoma
Address: B -8/9 Vasant Vihar, New
Delhi-110021
Telephone: 26144733/26146398
Fax: 26146880
09
upcoming
Times Asia Wedding Fair
Times Asia Wedding Fair 2014 will
be one of the most comprehensive
wedding and jewelry exhibition
shows in India. This show will bring
top professional experts from fashion
and jewelry industries under the
same roof. Participants from all parts
of the country will attend this show
and qualified foreign attendees will
be present during this exhibition.
Date: 30 January - 02 February 2014
Country: India
Venue: Jayamahal Palace, Bangalore,
India
The Entrepreneurship
Summit
The Entrepreneurship summit 2014
will be held for two consecutive days
at IIT Bombay campus. Eminent
speakers and industry leaders will
discuss various important aspects
of entrepreneurship. This will be
the platform where the latest trends
associated with entrepreneurial
sector are showcased.
Date: 01 - 02 February 2014
Country: India
Venue: Indian Institute of Technology
Bombay, Mumbai, India
India Stonemart
India Stonemart is the largest
exposition dedicated to the
professionals working in the stone
industry and will be one of the best
events for the exhibitors to gain
visibility and exposure for the
products that they represent at the
event venue.
Date: 31 January - 03 February 2014
Country: India
Venue: Export Promotion Industrial Park,
Jaipur in Rajasthan, India
Engineering Expo – Indore
Engineering Expo provides a perfect
opportunity for Indian Foreign
companies to exhibit their products
and services, interact with buyers
and sellers and make new tie-ups
Engineering Expo, will be spread
across 1,00,000 sq ft, with 400+
participants and an estimated 65,000
footfalls including a flurry
of engineers, technocrats,
manufactures, traders, government
officials and corporate.
Date: 31 January - 03 February 2014
Country: India
Venue: Labhganga Exhibition Center,
Indore, India
Save Power
Save Power Show, Kerala’s First
exhibition on Renewable Energy
which was held from 01 to 03 Feb
at CIAL Trade Fairs Exhibition
Centre - Cochin attracted huge
response. This is the only exhibition
in Kerala showcasing more than 100
Renewable Energy companies in
the field of Solar, Wind and Bio Gas
Energy from all over India under one
roof.
Date: 01 - 03 February 2014
Country: India
Venue: CIAL Trade Fairs Exhibition
Centre, Cochin, India
Retail Leadership Summit
Retail Leadership Summit-RLS 2014
will be a two day event and will be
held in Mumbai. This summit will
help leaders from the retail sector
to interact with each other and to
share innovative thoughts. This will
be the ideal platform for participants
to increase their networking
opportunities as this event will bring
together CEOs, entrepreneurs and
RAI members under one roof.
Date: 05 - 06 February 2014
Country: India
Venue: Renaissance Hotel Convention
Centre Mumbai, Mumbai, India

10. 10 THEFASHIONISTAS
MONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Gospel Musical
Awards 2013
• se a moisturizing soap-free cleanser or a hydrating
U
antibacterial gel, and then apply on lotion right
away.
• or dry and frizzy hair, wash your hair regularly,
F
almost daily for males and on alternate day for
females. Use conditioner, a rich condition for dry
hair and a thin conditioner for oily hair or a leaveon conditioning serum, if dryness persists.
• se cream instead of lotions according to skin type
U
for better results
• at plenty of vegetables and fruits in winters
E
especially the ones rich in protein, vitamin A, B1
and B2. Also, make sure to consume Vitamin C and
Vitamin E to keep skin soft and supple in this climate.
• se sunscreen.
U
• pply a moisturizing lip balm and before you step
A
outside, apply some vaseline/ petroleum jelly to
keep the moisture intact on lips.
• se glycerine based soaps or a moisturizing body
U
wash to keep your skin healthy and soft.
Ecobank’s support
to Nollywood
Nollywood is the talk of the
town: The leading pan African
banking group of Africa, Ecobank,
operating currently in 35
countries recognised the worth
of Nollywood recently. Ecobank
Transnational
Incorporated
(ETI) has sponsored a set of
Nollywood filmmakers on the
project
‘Project
Nollywood’
providing an initial rolling
budget of N100 million to the
industry. Nollywood, the motion
picture industry in Nigeria is
Elegant walk by Nigerian models
the talk of the town across the
length and breadth of the African
continent. Nollywood has taken
the world under its clout such
as the frontiers of Europe, North
America and Asia with the
foreign crowd building its route
to Nigeria to have the feel of soil
of Africa. According to Group
Chief Executive Officer of ETI,
Mr. Thierry Tanoh, Ecobank is
strategically positioned to play
a leading role in the cultural
renaissance of Africa with its

Skin Care
in Winters
Moves and Grooves on the Musical Tunes: The nation known for its national
parks was the talk of the town last December as it played host to the Gospel
Musical Awards that came off at Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex.
The ceremony was organised by DRIMP Foundation which is a non-profit
organisation contributing to the socio-cultural development of the country viz.
various multiple projects. The talented, hugely celebrated personalities came
together to reward artistes of gospel music for their hard work, innovative
vision and work while bring artistes from Camerron and Nigeria at one platform.
Musicians like Grace Deca, Madeleine Yombi, Queen Eteme and David K.
graced the music awards with their esteemed presence among others as the
young talented Christian musician showcased rich talents in gospel music.
The participation of Uche Agu of the famous joyous celebration of South
Africa was first-of-its kind in Cameroon. The best gospel music artiste award
was bagged by Congo’s Charles Citenga, the Gospel Revelation for 2013
went to the Group PS while Golden Voices of Eglise Evangelique Jouvence
recorded to its name the best Gospel Choir award. Also, Ruth Akande, a
fourteen year old kid won the trophy for the best gospel kid. Roger Nforgwei,
the promoter of Gospel Music Awards 2013 asserted that the agenda of the
concert was to entertain people while educating them and endorsing values
that will help the missions and purpose leaders have given for themselves.
Glits Glamz at 2013 Stellar Gospel Music Awards
premiered in Nigerian and
presence in 35 sub-Saharan
other African countries. The
countries and Nollywood is
movies included a romantic
the best route for achieving
comedy, Caught in the Middle;
this is through story-telling
medium like the film industry. an action packed adventure,
Ecobank’s sponsorship enabled 100 Days in the Jungle; a
gripping suspense drama,
the filmmakers to produce films
Senseless and a fascinating
on 35mm celluloid format also
yet intriguing romantic drama,
permitting their works into the
Letter to a Stranger.
mainstream of world cinema.
Chico
further
added,
According to sources, a
researcher
estimates
the “Ecobank believes that only
revenue to be generated by banks can jumpstart the
potential of Nollywood, as
sales and rentals of movies in
can be seen from the
Lagos State alone can be N804
multi-billion dollar
million per week adding up
Hollywood
in
to an estimates N33.5
America, which
billion per annum.
is massively
Also, demand for
backed
by
broadcast
content
American
in Nigeria averages
b a n k s . ”
836,
580
hours
N o v i a ,
of
programming
a n o t h e r
per year is valued
producer
at
N250
billion.
from ‘Project
Producer
Chico
Nollywood’
Ejiro, part of ‘Project
noted, ‘Ours is a
Nollywood’
heartedly
company with the sole
praised the efforts of Ecobank
aim of producing quality
to fund the business plan and
Nollywood movies that would
making available millions of naira
give maximum entertainment
for the production and worldwide
and enjoyment. We are
distribution of the movies. The
proud to be associated with
quartet of Chico Ejiro, Fidelis
this epoch-making venture
Duker, Charles Novia and Fred
Amata produced a well researched, and want more corporate
bodies to emulate Ecobank
well interpreted and technically
in supporting the nation’s
sound movies touching a chord
in the heart of the audience that entertainment industry.’
Miss Buy
Ghana 2013:
Farousa
Bawah
A Brain Game: Ghana, the West African
nation in its efforts to get global came
up with a new pageant; Miss Buy Ghana
2013. A graduate of the Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science and Technology
(KNUST), Farousa Nasara Bawah was
crowned Miss Buy Ghana 2013. The maiden
edition is an initiative under the auspices
of A2Z Firm Movement in conjunction
with the Ministries of Trade and Industry,
Information Media Relation and Tourism,
Culture Creative Art with an objective
of presenting Ghana at international fora.
Also, Afi Suda Alormasor, a second year
student of the University of Ghana Legon
and Cil-Vya Nana Ama Qwabea, a second
year student of KNUST marks their position
at second and third slot respectively. The
three winners were shortlisted after going
through their business plan presented by
the contestants that night and judged how
they responded to general questions. The
different activities of the pageant scored
thirty per cent, the buy to support scored
twenty percent and an assessment form
scored fifty per cent. The three winners
are also expected to commence their
own business with the winning money
in isolation with national duty to promote
MADE IN GHANA goods and services.


11. SPORTS2WATCH
mONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Stepping up the ladder
of FIFA world rankings
EGYPT: With the New Year making
its pace, Africa has also got its top
football champion nations as per
the world rankings. Egypt has
made its foothold in the first FIFA
rankings of 2014, climbing 10
places to be at 31st in the world.
It is the fourth best team in Africa,
surpassing the champions Nigeria,
who in the slipped to seventh rank.
South Africa also climbed eight
places on the ladder to sit in 54th
spot in the world. Though, Burkina
Faso has drastically dropped to
11th place in the African list. The
ranking can probably jiggle up the
order of the African sides as FIFA
would include outcomes from the
African Nations Championship- a
tournament for locally based
players which is going on from 11
January to 1 February. Also, this
year’s finals landscapes 16 clubs,
including heavyweights Nigeria,
Ghana and South Africa.
All in all, this year’s Africa’s top
11
Djamel shined in the
race of referees yet
again
10 champions list is the following
(with the country’s previous
ranking):
Ivory Coast (1)
Ghana (2)
Algeria (3)
Egypt (6)
Cape Verde (5)
Mali (7)
Nigeria (4)
Tunisia (8)
Cameroon (9)
South Africa (13)
ALGERIA: Algerian referee, Haimoudi Djamel has once again grabbed
the first mark and was titled “Referee of the Year” for the second
successive phase. The 43 year old sports lover has outpaced Alioum
Neant (Cameroon) and Papa Bakary Gassama (The Gambia) for the
award of the finest ‘knight of the whistle’ in Africa. The 2013 Glo-CAF
Awards came off on January 9 in Lagos, Nigeria and CAF Executive
Committee member, Magd Shams El Din, honoured Haimoudi Djamel
at the event. Worth to mention, Djamel is one of the potential African
referees shortlisted for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Algiers hosts Africa
Handball Cup
of Nations
ALGERIA: The 21st Africa Handball Cup of Nations was launched in
the capital and largest city of Algeria, Algiers at Harcha Hacene sports
hall on January 16, 2014. The event kicked off with the participation of
twenty teams representing 13 countries. The ceremony was distinct by
an intriguing show which was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports,
Mohamed Tahmi; Chairman of the Confederation of African Handball
(CAHB) Mansourou Aremou along with other political and sports
personalities. Furthermore, the fourth edition of African Handball Cup
of Nations after 1976, 1989 and 2000, is being hosted by Algeria. For
the same, Algerian men’s team is focused to book a place in the World
Cup 2015 and the African title whereas the Algerian women’s team is
optimistic to qualify for the world cup in Denmark 2015.

Mathilde Petitjean Amivi to
represent Sochi Olympics 2014
TOGO: A 19 year old girl, Mathilde
Petitjean Amivi is proud to
represent Togo, her maternal land
in the upcoming Sochi Olympics
2014. Amivi will be a part of
a delegation of three athletes
going to compete for Togo at the
winter Olympics games. Born in
1994 in Niger, Amivi was born to
a French father and a Togolese
mother (Odette Adzo), Mathilde
living in France got a name in the
junior category 2, also she was
vice-champion of France and won
three titles of vice-champion of
France in sprint, mass start and
skiathlon (a race that combines
classical and technical skating) in
Young 2. When asked how she feels
representing Togo, Amivi asserted,
“Togo is a part of me: food, listen to
the dialect…I am a mixture of both
(Togo and France), I bathe in it!”
The feisty Kiwis have retained
their drive and taken a striking
2-0 lead in the five-match series
with a 15-run win in the 2nd ODI at
Hamilton centered on D/L method.
So, for now, the hosts New Zealand
are in a relaxed mode, no need to
worry with a 2-0 lead over India,
who was in full swing in the series
as awe-inspiring beloveds. One
thing is for sure that things have
not gone India's way and in both
losses, they have marginally fallen
short of their target. India, who
desperately needed a win to retain
their top spot, made a valiant effort
to overhaul the revised target of
297 in 42 overs but flunked to
cross the finishing line scoring 277
for 9 in 41.3 overs in the 2nd ODI,
giving Australia pole position in the
ICC ODI rankings. The Duckworth–
Lewis method (D/L method)
is a mathematical preparation
intended to analyze the target
score for the team batting second
in a restricted overs match broken
up by weather or other conditions.
NIGERIA: The Nigerian international
defender, Elderson Echiejile is all
geared up to join the big-spending
French league side Monaco from
Portuguese club Sporting Braga. As the
Elderson’s contract with Braga is going
to end in June this year and he will be
returning to France having spent three
years with Rennes from 2007. The
25 year old player has till date every
match for Nigeria as they won the
Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa
last year. Monaco, the preference of
Elderson is the second in Ligue 1, five
points behind leaders Paris St-Germain.
Also, Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore
entered Monaco from Russian Club
Anzhi Makhachkala for an unrevealed
fee earlier in January this year. Many
Nigerians like Victor Ikpeba, Lukman
Haruna, Sanj Keita and Rabiu Afolabi
have erstwhile joined Monaco.
Feisty Kiwis pushed India down
India loses NO.1 ranking
Elderson Echiejile all
set for Monaco
A Race to Victory
Shining Stars of Africa at Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon
INDIA: The Standard Chartered
Mumbai Marathon, an yearly
international marathon held in
Mumbai, India, had earlier set
course records of fastest times ever
run for a marathon in India in both
men's and women's categories –
2:09:32 by Jackson Kiprop, Uganda
and 2:24:33 by the women's winner
Valentine Kipketer, Kenya.
The Mumbai marathon takes
place on the third Sunday of January
every year, in its 11th edition, once
again African community marked
its presence with a big bang when
Ethiopia’s Dinknesh Mekash, last
year’s runner-up, went a step ahead
by sealing the finish line in 2.28.08
seconds and won the overall
women’s title at the Standard
Chartered Mumbai Marathon along
with other Africans in different
categories. Also, this year’s men’s
event of US$ 360,000 prize money
is accomplished by Evan Ruto from
Kenyan. The 30-year-old Ruto
finished in first place in 2:09:33,
just a second slower than the course
record of 2:09:32 set by Uganda’s
Jackson Kiprop last year. Kimaiyo
cemented second place in 2:09:45
and Baaru was 13 seconds behind
in third place. Not to mention, Ruto
won US$ 41,000 for his sweats, but
missed out on the course record
bonus of US$ 15,000. Kimaiyo had
to be gratified with US$ 21,000,
while Baaru was better-off with
US$ 15,000.
And when the talk is India, how
can Indians be left out. The Army
men maintained its dominance with
Karan Singh of the Army Sports
Institute athletes won the Indian
men’s full marathon in a time of
2:24:08 together with others from
the institure such as Rashpal Singh
of Sikh Regiment, Jabalpur Centre
came in second with a timing of
2:24:38, followed by last year’s
winner, Binning Lynghkoi in 2:
24:40. The dream of qualifying
for the London Olympics became
a reality for Ram Singh Yadav at
this marathon itself in 2012 when
he clocked his best marathon time
of 2:16:59. The proud moment for
Indians came when Lalita Babbar of
Central Railway shaped history by
completing a hat-trick of conquests
by winning the Indian women’s full
marathon in a new record time of
2:50:31. Lalita’s record time was
a complete three minutes better
than her time of 2:53:42 erstwhile.
Ethiopia’s Dinknesh Mekash crosses the finish line in 2.28.08 seconds
to win the overall women’s title at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon,
2014

Africa: A football crazy continent

12. 12 ENCOUNTER WITH EDITOR
MONDAY| JANUARY 27, 2014
Rwanda’s economic growth was swift in the years following the genocide. It is now consolidating gains in social
development and stimulating growth. Rwanda’s long-term development goals are embedded in its Vision 2020. H.E.
Mr. Francois Kanimba, Minister of Trade and Industry speaks to Kanchi Batra, Sub-Editor, INDO AFRICA TIMES in a
candid interview about the achievements and accomplishments of the country and his vision to transform Rwanda
from a low-income agriculture-based economy to a knowledge-based and serviceoriented economy by 2020.
H.E. Mr. Francois
Kanimba
Minister, Ministry
of Trade and
Industry, Rwanda

How the Ministry is dedicated to
provide a conducive environment for
expansion of the economy through
investments?
Rwanda has been perhaps the most
successful country in terms of creating
a conducive business environment in
comparison to our neighboring countries
for business. According to World Bank
Doing Business Report; Rwanda is
ranked number 3 in the African continent
and globally it is at number 52 out of
the 173 counties. Our vision is to be
amongst the first 30 countries worldwide
classified to be the best in terms of doing
business.
Rwanda is commonly known as “The
Land of Thousand Hills”. Could you
just throw some light on the assets of
the country?
We have a very young population,
so the first asset of the country is
its populace. Despite the fact that
Rwanda has undergone a sad history,
the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 was a
I found the concept of
Lesdep extremely useful
traumatic and horrifying event, we got a
chance to re-unite Rwandan people and
bring them together. The population is
actually mobilized to work and the new
Government has been in the position
to build the country which is its second
asset. Rwanda today is recognized to
be a unique country in Africa which
is corruption free. The governance
structure of a country has been one of
the main drivers of high growth rate
and Rwanda has been in the position
to achieve this in the last decade. Also,
the country is a tourist spot which
has a huge potential. Rwanda is a land
locked country but we have a unique
comparative advantage of being at the
heart of Africa, as we are surrounded by
5 East African countries.
Do you bid to have India’s interference
in any particular sector of Rwanda?
Rwanda has a growing agro
processing industry. The country has
suitable climatic conditions and the
Government has been focusing on to
improving the productivity in this
sector. For instance, we have some
crops which are in surplus which may
be processed to expand marketability
beyond our boundaries. In my view,
agro processing is extremely important
sector along with tourism industry. Also,
the recent exploration activities have
shown that Rwanda has huge mining
reserves.
What are the major exports of the
country?
Our export base is not well diversified.
It is still dominated by traditional exports
mainly some cash crops like tea, coffee,
and pyrethrum which is used to produce
pesticides. As we diversify our export
base, exporting manufacturing product
in bigger market surrounding Rwanda
is going to be fundamental and that’s
the area where we would like to engage
Indian manufacturing industry on how
we can maximize its potential.
Could you please throw some light on
the bi-lateral trade relations between
Rwanda and India?
The south-south co-operation between
Rwanda and India has been growing
immensely. We see more and more
Indians supporting capacity building
programs in Rwanda which is definitely
going to support our program to increase
the Small and Medium Enterprises in the
country.
Where do you see your country five
(05) years down the line?
Our vision is to upgrade Rwanda from
a category of least developed country.
This vision of 2020 was setup in the year
2000 and we have gone 10 years down
the road of process and growth. Recently,
we made an assessment to see how far
we have gone to achieve this vision. The
assessment showed that we are on good
track, we are on the way to meet our
economic status but still the way to go is
quite long that’s why we need to intensify
our effort to accelerate our economic
growth to be in a position to reach and
meet our economy status by 2020.
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