United States Agency for International Development (USAID) committed $5 million (Frw2.7 billion) to the country’s dairy sector over five years. The move was intended to improve the quality of dairy products through competitiveness – thus strengthening the sector. The support will be channeled through the recently launched USAID Dairy Competitiveness Project in Mulindi, Gasabo District. Dennis Weller, USAID Director, said the project will form a dairy task force comprising stakeholders in the dairy sector to identify critical problems and solutions. He added that the project will also define current and potential markets, explore new products, and find cost effective means to ensure milk quality. “This will increase the productivity and profitability of dairy processors, expand opportunities in the dairy industry,” said Weller. The Director General of Rwanda Animal Resources and Development Authority (Rarda), Dr Théogène Rutagwenda, said the project will bring a fair improvement in the dairy products. The project will also reduce poverty by expanding economic opportunities for the vulnerable population especially those affected and infected with HIV/Aids. Land O’Lakes, a US based agricultural cooperative, partnered with other firms of different expertise and experience to implement the project. These partners include: African Breeders Services Total Cattle Management (ABS-TCM), Community HIV/AIDS Mobilisation Programme (CHAMP), and JE Austin Associates. The US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEFAR) will also partially fund the project, having recognised the relationship between economic development and health. EAC optimistic about power projects The East African Community (EAC) expects its interconnection power projects will increase access to modern energy services and reduce costs of doing business in the region, said the Managing Director of Kenya Investment Authority, Susan Kikwai at the recent investment conference. Statistics show that 81 per cent of the total population in the region has no access to modern energy services. Kikwai explained the EAC has planned projects expecting to see a 50 per cent improvement in power connections by 2015. Projects include: the 330KV interconnection between Tanzania and Kenya from Arusha to Nairobi and Rusumo falls project interconnecting Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. Rwanda and Burundi are also planning a 132KV interconnection, in addition to a 220KV line connecting Rusumo to Kyaka in Uganda; while Kenya and Uganda plan a 220KV project estimated to cost $94 million. “Even though the EAC is strategising on scaling up access to modern energy, there is still more investment needs in this sector,” Kikwai said MTN traffic grows by 30 per cent MTN Rwanda has registered a 30 per cent increase in traffic on its network, said Themba Khumalo, the MTN Rwandacel Chief Executive Officer, at a press conference on Monday. The number of subscribers has increased from 600,000 early this year, to 820,000 people as of June 30. Earlier this year, management announced a tariff reduction for both local and international calls. Local calls dropped by 35 per cent while regional and internationals reduced closely to 60 per cent. The reduction came after telecom operators complained to government of high taxes. They argued that the high taxes were partly to blame for the low telephony penetration. In response, Government reduced duty on airtime by 70 per cent—this is the lowest in the East African region. Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) reduced duties on airtime to 3 per cent from 10 per cent. Khumalo said that the increasing number of customers has forced MTN improve its service. “The imported multi-billion software is to shift from Converse platform to Ericsson technology,” he explained. Training boasts leasing industry About 80 stakeholders in the Rwandan leasing industry were trained on leasing by Sudhir Amembal and Associates, a world leading leasing consultancy firm. The training was aimed at increasing the profiles of firms and individuals involved in the leasing. Sudhir Amembal said leasing has a lot of opportunities to offer in the country’s economic development but only is realistic if stakeholders educated. The trainees included top executives of banks and non banking institutions, leasing companies, automobile dealers and suppliers among others stakeholders. The training was conducted during the African Leasing Convention (Afrolease). David Kuwana, the Rwanda Leasing Association Vice Chairman, said the training was of great importance to the development of the leasing industry in Rwanda. Last year, about 56 participants were trained by the same associate. Contact: eddiemukaaya@yahoo.com
