Day: August 29, 2023

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Decision Intelligence Leader Quantexa Awarded Google Cloud’s Industry Solution Technology Partner of the Year for Line of Business Processes

LONDON and NEW YORK, Aug. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Quantexa, a global leader in Decision Intelligence (DI) solutions for the public and private sectors, announced that it has won the 2023 Google Cloud’s Industry Solution Technology Partner of the Year award for Line of Business Processes. The award comes after its Decision Intelligence Platform and solutions were made available on Google Cloud Marketplace in April 2023.

Quantexa is recognized for the strength of its line of business solutions. Their Line of Business Processes removes traditional manual data capture by connecting internal and external data and creating an accurate single view of customers. Quantexa’s advanced Line of Businesses processes capabilities were awarded in acknowledgement of the technologies ability to monitor KYC profiles and automate the detection and prioritization of real risk and opportunities.

Key capabilities included in Quantexa’s AI-enabled KYC solution are onboarding, remediation, enhanced due diligence (EDD), and perpetual KYC (pKYC). By deploying the solution, Google Cloud customers can focus their risk management efforts and facilitate trust with customers, leading to increased revenue generation. Plus, by gaining a true understanding of those they are doing business with joint customers will see benefits across the banking value chain, including improved financial crime, AML, and fraud detection.

Making the Quantexa Decision Intelligence Platform available via Google Cloud has given organizations in banking, insurance, telecommunications, and government agencies the ability to connect their data across siloed systems, making it simple for global enterprise customers to trust their data and augment and automate decision-making to protect, optimize, and grow their business.

Dan Higgins, Chief Product Officer at Quantexa: “Together with Google Cloud, we’ve been able to bring cutting-edge compliance and risk technology solutions to the Cloud and give our joint customers flexible deployment options. This partnership is enabling IT and infrastructure teams to be more agile and support line-of-business leaders working in an ever-evolving risk landscape. The recognition by Google Cloud further highlights our achievements in enabling organizations to leverage Decision Intelligence to master customer and risk management.”

“Google Cloud’s partner awards recognize the significant impact and customer success that our partners have driven over the past year,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Ecosystem and Channels at Google Cloud. “We’re delighted to recognize Quantexa as a 2023 Google Cloud Partner Award winner and look forward to a continued strong partnership in support of our mutual customers.”

To learn more about how your organization can benefit from Quantexa’s KYC solution and other Decision Intelligence Platform capabilities, please visit: www.quantexa.com

Notes To Editors:

The award win comes ahead of Quantexa’s Global Insurance Roadshow with Accenture, Google Cloud and Quantexa in APAC, EMEA & North America. The events will educate insurers on how to leverage AI to create hyper-personalized customer experiences and will be hosted in the following cities and dates:

About Quantexa
Quantexa is a global data and analytics software company pioneering Decision Intelligence that empowers organisations to make trusted operational decisions by making data meaningful. Using the latest advancements in big data and AI, Quantexa’s Decision Intelligence platform uncovers hidden risk and new opportunities by providing a contextual, connected view of internal and external data in a single place. It solves major challenges across data management, KYC, customer intelligence, financial crime, risk, fraud, and security, throughout the customer lifecycle.

The Quantexa Decision Intelligence Platform enhances operational performance with over 90% more accuracy and 60 times faster analytical model resolution than traditional approaches. Founded in 2016, Quantexa now has more than 650 employees and thousands of users working with billions of transactions and data points across the world. The company has offices in London, New York, Boston, Toronto, Malaga, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dublin, Luxemburg, Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, and Dubai. For more information, please visit www.quantexa.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Enquiries 

C: Stephanie Crisp, Associate Director and Media Strategist, Fight or Flight
E: quantexa@fightorflight.com

C: Adam Jaffe, SVP of Corporate Marketing
T: +1 609 502 6889
E: adamjaffe@quantexa.com

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The Commonwealth of Dominica Enhances Security and Management of the Citizenship by Investment Programme

Roseau, Aug. 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Commonwealth of Dominica has taken significant steps to bolster the security and management protocols for its Citizenship by Investment Programme, aimed at fortifying the integrity and longevity of the programme.

Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of Dominica, has been collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including international consultants, to conduct a comprehensive audit of the investment migration programme. Building on an initial audit undertaken last year by a UK consulting firm, the government has been actively implementing new and improved processes through the Citizenship by Investment Unit.

During his recent Budget Speech, the Prime Minister unveiled plans to enlist a globally vetted management consulting firm to oversee the overall operations and management of the Citizenship by Investment Programme. While Dominica already boasts a proactive due diligence process, the government is committed to its further reinforcement, vowing “to leave no stone unturned to strengthen it.”

“We take this matter very seriously and will increase our efforts in showcasing our robust due diligence and risk mitigation efforts on all fronts.” the Prime Minister affirmed.

Over the past 18 months, the Government of Dominica has undertaken several measures to elevate the security of its investment migration programme.

A United States-based firm has already conducted anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing training for all Citizenship by Investment Unit staff as the Unit undergoes restructuring. The CBIU was restructured under the supervision of an expert compliance officer to ensure that all procedures were updated, quality control measures strictly followed, and all IT systems upgraded.

The government made a bold move at the start of the year, giving notice of its intent to revoke the citizenship of those who made false declarations or misrepresentations in their applications, particularly relating to previous visa rejections from countries with which Dominica has visa-free treaties.

Dominica has also introduced biometric travel documents and updated its naturalisation certificate, enhancing its security features.

Citizens of the Kurdistan region in Iraq, Russia and Belarus do not qualify for citizenship in Dominica as international security authorities have flagged the regions as high risk. Moreover, the government introduced legislation providing an enhanced due diligence fee for applicants from specific countries. This enhanced due diligence fee offers the government additional resources to thoroughly scrutinise applicants from these countries.

The country also issued regulations to restrict citizens from changing their names.

Dominica has distinguished itself as the first Caribbean country to implement mandatory interviews as part of the citizenship by investment application process – a requirement agreed upon with the United States at a roundtable earlier this year.

“We also devised a new rigorous risk assessment and hired firms from the United States and the United Kingdom to begin interviews with all CBI applicants,” Prime Minister Skerrit said in the Parliament.

In addition to international firms in the US and UK conducting due diligence checks, Dominica’s Financial Intelligence Unit will also assist with the due diligence process. This includes reporting rejected applicants to the JRCC monthly and permitting the JRCC to share that information with the other CBI jurisdictions in the OECS.

Dominica is leading discussions in the region to collaborate on safeguarding the citizenship by investment industry; and has taken measures to emphasise its dedication to cooperating with global stakeholders and enhance the due diligence process to reduce threats from illicit actors.

In addition to these recent changes, new risk mitigation actions include:

  • Thorough assessment and reduction of the number of agents and promoters of the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, who will be strictly monitored, along with developers, to ensure compliance with current regulations governing the advertisement of Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.
  • Strict enforcement of regulated citizenship fees to prevent any undercutting.
  • Strengthening of policies and legislation to maintain competitiveness and alignment with international best practices.

Dominica’s rigorous due diligence and vetting processes make it extremely difficult for any illicit individual to qualify for citizenship. Background checks occur on the ground where the applicant lives and works, via online databases and now in person.

The Prime Minister has reiterated that Dominica will maintain robust due diligence processes to ensure the country meets international standards and alleviates any security concerns.

“We have fresh impetus to go back and relook where we can do even better in giving our international counterparts confidence in our security measures – which are already some of the most robust in the world compared to other jurisdictions,” he said.

Secretary of Dominica Citizenship by Investment Programme
Commonwealth of Dominica
001 (767) 266 3919
info@cbiu.gov.dm

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8912512

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Foundation unveils empowerment plans for students, women

A foundation known as Sir Emeka Okwuosa Foundation (SEOF) has unveiled plans to empower secondary school students, underprivileged women and farmers with resources to improve their skills, livelihoods and communities.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mr Emeka Okwuosa, made this known on Tuesday via a report from the inaugural SEOF Gala Night in Lagos State.

Okwuosa said that generosity and compassion inspired him to establish SEOF.

Okwuosa, also a business mogul and philanthropist, said that the foundation had been impacting lives and communities in more than 14 states of Nigeria.

He listed the states as Anambra, Borno, Adamawa, Kaduna, Abuja, Kogi, Oyo, Ekiti, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Imo and Abia.

Okwuosa said that sustainable socio-economic empowerment should be centered on providing market-facing skills and opportunities, particularly to the youth, who constitute the majority of the Nigerian and African population.

The chairman said that in 2024, the foundation would launch a national engineering competition, a women enterprise programme and an agro-cluster cooperative programme.

He said that the engineering competition would aim to identify outstanding engineering students working on innovative prototypes with real-world applications.

According to him, the competition is designed to encourage engineers and aspiring engineers to work toward collectively tackling Nigeria’s challenges.

He said that the competition could be expanded across Africa in the future.

“The women enterprise programme aims to support women entrepreneurs in scaling up their businesses through skill-building workshops, mentoring, networking opportunities and access to funding and markets.

“The agro-cluster cooperative programme aims to provide jobs and enhance food security – not only locally, but also across the country – by providing farmers access to inputs and guaranteed off-take as a catalyst for more robust farming.

“Witnessing fellow Nigerians endure hardships without attempting to alleviate their suffering is something I find impossible.

“Each day, we are reminded of the challenges that our nation faces – from the strain on our economy and infrastructure to unsettling food insecurity.

“Our goal is to teach beneficiaries how to fish so that they can feed themselves and their communities for a lifetime,” he said.

Okwuosa listed achievements of the foundation to include facilitation of $217,939 open-heart surgeries for 34 patients at the Dame Irene Okwuosa Memorial Hospital in 2022.

According to him, the others are provision of primary healthcare services to over 566 beneficiaries, building of a garri processing factory and donation of motorcycles to assist small-business owners.

He called for partnerships with well-meaning individuals and organisations to effect positive changes in people and communities.

“Together, I am confident we can unlock growth and opportunities that far surpass what we could achieve individually,” he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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HND top-up not for every HND holder – NBTE

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) says the new online top-up programme for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree for one year, with foreign accredited universities, is meant for the HND holders who want to pursue an academic career.

The NBTE Head of Media Unit, Hajiya Fatima Abubakar, offered the clarification in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

Abubakar quoted the board’s Chief Executive, Prof. Idris Bugaje, saying the programme is not for all the HND holders but rather for those who have the ambition to further their career in an academic environment such as teaching and research in the Polytechnics or Universities.

“This top-up is an alternative to the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) offered by Nigerian Universities.

“In a democracy such as ours, HND holders should be allowed to make a choice between PGD and the top-up to BSc,” he said.

He said the clarification came on the heels of misunderstandings about the programme in a section of the media.

According to him, the top-up is not bringing an end to HND programmes in Polytechnics but rather provides choice to HND holders wanting to go for an academic career.

“The choice of starting it with foreign universities is to show its universal acceptability perchance the Nigerian universities may eventually buy into it in due course.

“The cost is reasonable, just about 10 per cent of what regular face-to-face students pay.

“NBTE has come up with the programme to enable interested Polytechnic HND holders to be at par with their counterparts with Bachelor’s degree holders.

“And make it easy for them to go for their Master’s and Doctorate degrees for those interested in pursuing their career in academics,” he said.

Bugaje, during the unveiling of the programme earlier this month, said the initiative would ease the suffering of HND holders in the country.

He said the board had to find an alternative route, which was for HND holders to do a one-year top up, in conjunction with some foreign universities.

“Presently there are many Ph.D. holders who academically progressed with HND through the PGD coming back to enroll for BSc (after their Ph.D.) in Nigerian universities, a very retrogressive step indeed.

“The HND qualification in itself represents something unique and this top-up shall be an encouragement for candidates to apply for Polytechnic education since there is a pathway for progression into academics.

“This will never dilute the essence of technical education but rather enhance it,” he emphasised.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Group faults Masari’s exclusion in Tinubu’s govt

The 4th Tribe Global Movement, has frowned at the exclusion of immediate past Katsina state Governor, Aminu Masari in President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The South-West based political group alleged that cabal in the Tinubu-led government, schemed out Masari in spite of his unflinching loyalty, investment and contribution to the emergence of the administration in the last elections.

In a statement signed by Mr Abayomi Mighty, the Convener and leader of the group, he contended that Masari was one of the Northern governors who spearheaded rotational presidency, power shift to the South and the choice of Tinubu as presidential candidate.

The statement was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

“It is on record that Masari was one of the few governors in the North who initiated and supported the rotation of the presidency to the South and the emergence of Tinubu in particular.

“He also led the way by talking to his northern colleagues to support Tinubu’s candidacy. He effectively weakened the opposition in Katsina state by his good governance,” he said.

Mighty described Masari as an “unrepentant supporter of Tinubu” who used his political acumen and influence in turning Katsina into stronghold for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

He noted that Katsina state’s contribution to the Tinubu presidency cannot be overemphasised.

According to him, in spite the security challenges and the naira scarcity that created apathy during the voting exercise, the APC in Katsina State came out for the 2023 elections with an impressive performance with only a marginal loss.

“In the presidential results, data made available by INEC showed that the APC scored 482,283 votes as against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 489,045 votes.

“APC lost Katsina state in the presidential race due to anti-party activities, but Masari was not deterred as he led the party to an impressive victory in the National Assembly elections winning three senatorial seats and nine out of 15 House of Representatives seats for APC.

“As a grassroots politician, he used his influence and relevance to mobilise massive support to win the gubernatorial election for the current sitting governor of Katsina state,” he said.

Mighty said that with Masari’s contributions to the victory of Tinubu in the elections, he deserved the offer of first refusal in the ongoing horse-trading for political appointments.

He, however, alleged that some detractors used a purported Masari’s less presence at the national campaigns across the country to advance their nefarious course during the ministerial nominations.

According to him, the detractors drummed the beats of calumny and went further by ensuring that out of the two ministers from Katsina state, none came from Masari.

Mighty who described Tinubu as “a successful democrat who truly rewards loyalty and recognises capacity”, alleged that some of the decisions made so far were by the cabals without the President’s final approval.

He said that ,apart from Masari, other loyalists of the president were already distraught by some actions of the cabals negating the well thought-out plans that will deliver the renewed hope agenda for Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration should be meticulous in identifying and rewarding stakeholders from Katsina state and other parts of the North-West states on the basis of contributions and political values.

“If by any reason, Masari is completely schemed out by the cabals, then a lot of compatriots and party faithful that are already surprised at the way he’s being treated will see this as a betrayal which president Tinubu is not known for.

“Every variable should be put on the table to share rewards based on deliverables,” he said.

Mighty, on behalf of the group urged president Tinubu to tread the path of meritocracy, equity and fairness on matters concerning the North and Katsina state, in particular. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Council boss tasks supervisors on effective service delivery

The Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Mrs Semiat Bada, has charged supervisors in the LCDA to focus more on the attainment of effective service delivery while discharging their duties.

Bada made this known at the presentation of official cars to 13 council supervisors and special advisers at the council’s secretariat in Lagos on Tuesday.

Bada also urged the supervisors to rededicate themselves to developing the council as compensation for his commitment to their welfare.

The chairman noted that the people of the council were expecting more grassroots development and dividends of democracy, saying that the council was determined to meet the expectations of the people.

Bada advised them to always be available for their people, ensuring that open door policy becomes their watch door.

The chairman reiterated the determination of her administration to put more smiles on the faces of the people by embarking on projects that would directly touch their lives.

She warned that the government would not tolerate any act of indolence from them, stressing that service to the people must be taken with all seriousness.

According to Bada, the official cars presented to the supervisors and other special advisers are part of the agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is improving the welfare of workers in the state.

“I actually want to appreciate everyone here today; it has been a year and some months that we have bought these official cars for our supervisors.

“A lot of people might be saying why is it now that we are presenting these cars to the beneficiaries?.

“What we are doing today is statutory for workers that are working with the council especially the supervisors, to get these official cars for them as the constitution demands.

“The constitution says we should get them a vehicle so as to make their work easier for them,” she said.

Bada also assured residents of the council that her administration would continue to provide palliatives as part of measures to mitigate the effect of hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking, Mr Olushola Oduberel, the council’s Supervisor, Budget and Planning, said the official cars presented to them was a good idea because it would enhance their jobs in terms of inspection and carrying out their official duties.

Oduberel commended the chairman on the recent distribution of palliatives to residents especially to the widows and embarking on several grassroots projects to improve the lives of the people in the council.

In his comment, one of the apex leaders in the council, Mr Babatude Adetunji, said the chairman had done extremely well even though things were extremely high she has been able to find a way around it.

He said: “Like what she is doing today, it is also one of her testimonies of her passion to make sure that life is easy for the residents and even the workers.

“She has passion for the welfare of the councillors, the supervisors, special advisers and the vehicle will further make life easy for them in terms of mobility.”

Also, Mrs Majola Bello, the council’s Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, said the gesture showed that the chairman wanted them to be comfortable in discharging their official duties.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Mbah woos investors with economic opportunities in Enugu

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has urged local and international investment community to explore investment opportunities in Enugu State.

Mbah said this at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Conference and Expo with theme: “Invest Nigeria” on Tuesday in Lagos.

The governor assured investors of the state’s efforts in de-risking investment and making its ease of doing business more attractive.

He said the state has abundant investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-industry, logistics and aviation, tourism, real estate, mineral resources, and information and communication technology (ICT), among others.

Mbah said his administration was hinged on a paradigm shift from the traditional model of relaying on allocations from the Federation Account.

This, he explained, was possible as the state leveraged its future and new growth plan on its extensive human and material resources.

“Enugu is now open for business and we are markedly revisiting our ‘ease of doing business’ indicators to ensure the environment is conducive for business.

“For example, our new land title processes will facilitate the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy in not more than 72 hours.

“Processes for the procurement of building approvals will also be revisited and markedly reduced to achieve improved efficiency.

“We are automating all our major government processes to ensure transparency in all aspects of engagement with government and facilitate self-service by the public with little or no need for physical engagement with public servants.

“We are also willing to de-risk business investment in key sectors by providing access to land, providing support infrastructure, handling engagement with host communities, among others,” the governor said.

Mbah added that his administration was building partnership with the private sector to unlock the capital market, attract investments, and retake its place in the local and global economy.

In the area of agriculture and agro-industry, he said the state was currently positioning to take advantage of its proven strong factor productivity in the areas of some key segments of agriculture by opening up another 300,000 hectares of farmland.

Mbah said focus crops and animal production opportunities include cassava, soyabean, oil palm production, cashew, which he said had a projected $7bn global market size by 2025.

He added that the state’s Nsukka pepper had become “a veritable export commodity as well as an industrial raw material for various spice brand”.

The governor noted that survey showed that about 40 per cent of the air cargo imported via Lagos was actually destined for the South East and South South, thus making investments in logistics and aviation quite lucrative.

“In the area of logistics and aviation, we are investing extensively in our logistics and aviation sector to make transit through and to Enugu efficient and seamless.

“To achieve this, we are prioritising development of a cargo terminal for the Enugu International Airport to facilitate the direct receipt of cargo in Enugu,” he said.

He also revealed plans to develop the state’s light rail, invest in tourism, Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

He added that plans were on to work with the Federal Government to attract investors for the production of natural gas and crude oil as well as abundant solid minerals such as ironstone, zinc, lead, limestone, kaolin.

In his remarks, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, President, LCCI, stressed that macroeconomic stability was crucial to increase investments and enhance the growth trajectory of the country.

Olawale-Cole said that the first requirement for boosting investment and promoting sustainable growth was a continuous political commitment to responsible fiscal policy and control of inflation.

He, however, noted that the current administration had demonstrated its intention to support the growth and stability of the manufacturing sector, as well as the small businesses.

“Another important element in investment decisions is the ease and cost of doing business.

Over time, Nigeria’s rank in terms of the cost of starting a business, dealing with licenses, and enforcing contracts has substantially improved.

“Improving regulatory standards and lowering barriers to entry into the market would encourage investment and spur growth,” he said.

The LCCI President also emphasised ond the importance of a stable and predictable legal framework.

He said Nigeria must also directly address issues of poverty and inequality, boost the middle class and consumer market, high rates of return on investment and the wealth associated with natural resources.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Tinubu passionate about reducing cost of fertiliser – Shettima

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says President Bola Tinubu is very passionate about reducing the cost of fertiliser for Nigerian farmers to ensure the attainment of food security.

Shettima stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting with Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) and the Federal Government, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

The stakeholders at the meeting also includes the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting focused on the 33,000 metric tonnes of Potash donated to the Federal Government by Russia’s Uralchem Group and UN Partners.

NAN recalled that during the last Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg, Russia, in July, the Federal Government delegation met with the leadership of Uralchem Group and the World Food Programme (WFP).

The meeting centred on the donation of a consignment of 33,000 metric tonnes of potash.

Shettima said “our goal is to serve the Nigerian people as President Tinubu is very passionate about reducing the cost of fertilisers for the Nigerian public.

“No strings attached, no vested interest and the President will be happy if the price of fertilisers collapses by 50 per cent after this exercise.”

The vice president stated that Tinubu gives high premium to achieving the agenda of food security in the country.

“This accounts for the declaration of the state of emergency in food security sector by the Tinubu administration in July.

“We have many challenges with food security. However, we are lucky because President Tinubu is very empathetic and passionate about achieving food sufficiency in the country.”

He stressed on the seriousness attached to the donation and distribution of potash from Uralchem Group.

“There has to be transparency, equity and fairness in the distribution for the reason that the end beneficiaries are the Nigerian farmers and their leadership is seated here.”

Shettima assured the stakeholders that “there will be transparency. We are going to use our own blenders and the beneficiaries have to be the Nigerian people.”

Shettima said NEMA, World Food Programme (WFP) and AFEX, a commodity exchange firm, have the data base and other requirements that will assist the government in reaching out to farmers.

This, according to him, will be carried out in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security driving the process.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe; Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Ahmed, and President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Malam Kabir Ibrahim.

Others are; President, Fertilisers Producers And Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Sadiq Kassim; the Country Director of World Food Programme, Kucro Jawed, and representatives of National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Chief Justice highlights role of guarantee judges

Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Leonardo stressed Monday in northern Bengo province the implementation of the figure of the guarantor judge in the country’s judicial system.

Speaking at the end of his visit to Bengo province, the Justice said that the figure of the guarantor judge protects citizens against possible arbitrary decisions, in the name of their fundamental rights.

Since its entry into operation (2 May this year), guarantee judges have dealt with 146 cases in Bengo province, he said, considering “very good work”.

At the Caboxa penitentiary facility, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court said that mechanisms are being refined so that there is speed in the arrival of certificates of sentences for the parole of prisoners.

He defended the need for the prisoner to be informed about the time of the liquidation of his sentence.

“I receive few complaints from the Caboxa penitentiary establishment, but I have just been informed of four or five cases of expired sentences and we will see these cases”, he underlined.

On his visit to Bengo province, Joel Leonardo inspected the functioning of the Dande Comarca court, the only one in Bengo province.

He also held separate meetings with the judicial magistrates and with workers from the Dande district court

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

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Angola encourages implementation of UN peace agenda

Angola has defended the strategic role of the UN Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, during an open session of the Security Council of that intergovernmental organization held in New York.

Angola’s stand on the issue was expressed Monday by the Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Francisco da Cruz.

Delivering his speech, the diplomat encouraged the continued strengthening of collaboration and strategic coordination among Member States.

He said that strategic coordination should also include local, national, regional, continental and international institutions, in order to take advantage of comparative strengths and resources.

In the ambassador’s opinion, the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda must remain at the forefront of debates and decisions, taking into account the strategic role of the young population in the world and in Africa, in particular.

He noted that Angola commends and encourages the UN Security Council to regularly convene meetings in this format in order to discuss and update programmes and respective implementation processes.

Francisco da Cruz named peace, security and stability as cornerstones for the successful implementation of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063.

He highlighted that this fact allows for a comprehensive approach to the challenges, including those related to civic education.

The open session of the Security Council took place under the theme “Strengthening the Implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda for a Peaceful and Stable Africa

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

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New guide unlocks access to MSB and SAPP markets

The Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and Modified Single Buyer (MSB) market access guide, supported by the European programme GET.transform, was launched in Windhoek on Monday.

A media statement issued by NamPower and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) said the joint guide was issued to support Independent Power Producers (IPP) in accessing the national and regional energy trading markets.

SAPP indicated that with the guide, the organisation provides structured information on how to become an active SAPP member. While initially adopting a Namibian perspective, it ultimately aims to boost electricity trading in the entire region through increased participation of independent players.

“By providing an overview of the market rules and roles in Namibia’s MSB and SAPP regional markets, this guide addresses the urgent need for consolidated information. It assists the IPPs in understanding and navigating the necessary processes and outlines the requirements for active participation in both markets,” the statement read.

It further said SAPP has been successful in promoting the cooperation and coordination of the power sectors of its member states, including the planning and operations activities of the SAPP interconnected grid and the establishment of competitive electricity markets.

Through the introduction of the MSB market rules, Namibia has partially opened its electricity market, making it a perfect model for lessons and replication in other SAPP member countries. The first edition of the SAPP and MSB market access guide has been developed as a reference guide for future editions, the statement said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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MME successfully opens electricity market to allow new entrants

Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo on Monday said the ministry has successfully opened its electricity market to allow new entrants, new investment opportunities, as well as new technical possibilities for the electricity supply industry.

Alweendo during the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) and Modified Single Buyer (MSB) Market Access Conference in Windhoek said that locally, the MSB model allows certain electricity consumers and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to transact with each other directly for the supply of a certain portion of their electricity requirement.

“Under the MSB, all transmission-connected customers such as the Regional Electricity Distribution (REDs), local authorities in non-REDs areas, mines, and large distribution-connected customers are allowed to buy a portion of their electricity from local IPPs. At a cross-border level, the MSB also allows for IPPs to set up in Namibia specifically for electricity export purposes,” the minister said.

During the same event, SAPP Coordination Centre Executive Director Stephen Dihwa stated that SAPP was established in 1995 to enhance the cooperation between the SADC member countries in the electricity sector. SAPP has over the years been able to develop regional master plans for power generation and transmission, the last one having been released in 2018. A process of revising it has been initiated.

“The SAPP has grown over time by increasing its staff complement and activities, progressing from a cooperative pool to a competitive electricity trading market and in the process adapting to the requisite technological changes. This has been achieved in part, due to the political support enjoyed through the SADC structures and utility support through its own,” Dihwa said.

Furthermore, Federico Berna, who is part of the European Union delegation stated that the Southern Africa region has significant renewable energy resources, like solar, wind hydro, however, these resources are not evenly distributed.

In this context, regional power pools in Africa play a key role to integrate national power systems and harmonising regulatory and operational frameworks.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Namibia exports over 2 million kilogrammes of meat for July

The Meat Board of Namibia has reported that during July 2023, a total of 2 152 818 kilogrammes of meat and meat products were exported, while 500 475kg of meat and meat products were imported.

The Meat Board reported in its latest monthly report released Tuesday that the meat and meat products trade balance improved by 1 652 343kg for the month of July 2023.

The report indicated that the composition of the export basket for July comprised of 91.7 per cent beef and beef products, 8.1 per cent mutton and mutton products, and 0.2 per cent pork and pork products.

The import basket on the other hand was primarily made up of pork and pork products, making up 67.5 per cent of all controlled meat imports, followed by beef products which made up 31.2 per cent of imports. The remaining 1.3 per cent was made up of mutton products.

The shortage of pork within the local market remains a risk for the sector in terms of food security and input costs for meat processors as this was further exacerbated by the ongoing ban of pork imports from South Africa due to the outbreak of FMD (foot-and-mouth disease) in South Africa.

“The situation has resulted in the country importing pork from the EU, primarily Germany, despite the disadvantage of higher purchase cost in Germany. The additional cost of sourcing pork for the local market has over the past couple of months been passed down to local consumers and has consequently made pork pricier within the domestic market,” it said.

It further added that YTD (year-to-date) marketing within the cattle sector stood at 67 417 animals relative to 67 262 animals marketed during the same period in 2022 and that live exports, particularly to South Africa remained the leading marketing channel for Namibian producers as local marketing channels are unable to retain and absorb all the slaughter-ready animals produced.

The sector grew by 37.1 per cent as a total of 75 827 sheep were marketed during July 2023, relative to the July 2022 level of 55 304 heads, it said.

The Meat Board further reported that the goat sector has recorded a positive growth of 18.4 per cent as a total of 18 555 goats were marketed during July 2023 relative to 15 668 goats marketed in July 2022.

A total of 3 767 pigs were marketed at Meat Board-registered pig abattoirs during the period of July 2023 and the pork ceiling price operating under the Pork Market Share Promotion Scheme (PMSPS) remains set at N.dollars 51.03/kg until further notice, the report concluded.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Namibia spends N.dollars 200 million on youth development annually

Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has revealed that Namibia spends N.dollars 200 million on youth development policies per annum.

Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was speaking at the opening of a two-day Pan-Afrikan Renaissance (PAR) Summit in Windhoek, last Friday. The summit was held under the theme ‘From Decisions to Action’ and hosted young African leaders as delegates.

The prime minister said Government has prioritised national youth policies that also cater for internship programmes in the public sector.

She also emphasised the importance of free trade between African countries and increased unity in Africa.

“Africa is now one of the leading investment destinations,” Kuugongelwa-Amadhila stressed.

Former Secretary of the Pan-African Women Organisation (PAWO) Mildred Jantjies, on her part said that the Pan-Afrikan Renaissance’s mission is a call to action that transcends borders and unites Africa in its pursuit of a just and equitable order.

“This summit brings together young and seasoned Pan-African personalities who continue to shape the discourse within our contemporary context, fuelling the fires of progress and unity across the African continent. The African youth, the largest population on our continent, remains neglected and underserved,” Jantjies said.

The summit also addressed political and economic governance, African healthcare systems, education and international relations.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

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Employee steals seven goats from employer

A 39-year-old man allegedly stole seven goats worth N.dollars 7 000 from his employer at Okandombo village in the Oshikoto Region.

According to a crime report issued by Namibian Police Force spokesperson for the Oshikoto Region, Inspector Ellen Nehale, the incident is suspected to have occurred sometime between December 2022 and April 2023.

Nehale said the suspect stole seven goats from his employer where he was employed as a domestic worker.

“The suspect started taking goats one by one from the complainant’s house where he was employed, to Onamavo village in Omuntele Constituency,” she said.

Nehale said the suspect was arrested at Okaluwa village in Omuntele, while trying to sell one goat around April 2023.

“Six goats were recovered and the investigation continues,” Nehale reported.

The suspect will appear before the magistrate’s court at Ondangwa on 29 August 2023.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency