The EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (ECIC) OF SOUTH AFRICA has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the EXPORT CREDIT AGENCIES (“ECA”) of the BRICS countries. The positive cooperation between the ECAs is evident at the annual Bern Union meetings.
There is a continuing reticence on the part of African governments to implement ONE-STOP BORDER POSTS. The EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY passed the One-Stop Border Posts Bill in early 2013 but it has not been approved by the Heads of State Summit. Posts such as BEIT BRIDGE and KASUMBALESA remain very slow and chaotic. There is some progress however and the RUSUMO border post between Tanzania and Rwanda is functioning on a one-stop basis.
African universities are proving to be valid recipients of RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS. This is especially the case in Nigeria. Universities represent sizeable load centres and their authorities are proving to be more receptive to renewable energy solutions.
HOTEL GROUPS are rapidly expanding their AFRICAN OPERATIONS. A recent example is City Lodge Hotels which has taken full ownership of the Fairmont and Country Lodge hotels on Upper Hill, Nairobi. Memoranda of understandings have been signed for new hotels in Kenya and Ghana. Other targeted markets include Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. The company plans to spend nearly USD 50 million on two new hotels in East Africa. Acorn Group Africa is planning three business hotels in Nairobi.
Africa Project Access is a South African company providing specialist consulting services and information regarding projects in Africa. For more information, contact Paul Runge on +2711 465 6770 or afric.projs@pixie.co.za.
