African Countries Address Liquidity Pressures

Africa’s finance ministers seek to rapidly resolve commercial debt service obligation

By Benson Afful

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) convened a meeting between African Finance Ministers, the Africa Private Sector Working Group, and African Union (AU) Special Envoy on COVID-19 as the search continues for solutions to ensure African economies enjoy continued market access and meet their private sector debt service obligations.

Ms. Vera Songwe, ECA’s Executive Secretary

The meeting aimed at finding new financing solutions, and provide additional resources for countries to mitigate the impact of the ongoing, COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussion engaged the recently formed Africa Private Sector Working Group (PSWG), which represents leading private creditors to African countries.

Ms. Vera Songwe, ECA’s Executive Secretary, said African countries are committed to meeting all their obligations to commercial creditors on time and want to maintain access to international debt markets for the build back period.

“Most African countries were on a successful reform track before the crisis, that is why they had access to the capital markets.”

Discussions focused on ways which the interests of both African governments and commercial creditors could be aligned to deal with the double crisis of a health pandemic and economic recession.

The Finance Ministers agreed on the importance of maintaining Eurobond coupon payments to maintain post-pandemic access to international debt markets for development finance and on having an ongoing coordinated dialogue with creditors.

Speaking on behalf of the creditor group, Mr. Kevin Daly, Senior Investment Manager at Aberdeen Asset Management, expressed the desire to support African countries address liquidity pressures that have arisen due to the crisis. And by ensuring they remain current on their Eurobonds, believe financing opportunities will materialize soon.

He said the creditor group was proposing some innovative financing solutions, such as special-purpose bonds that are targeted to Social Development Goals.

These would be appealing to investors who are increasingly focused on social development goal issues. And instruments that are partially guaranteed by multilateral institutions, and that could help to ease liquidity pressures.

For his part, former Credit Suisse boss and Cote d’Ivoire minister, African Union Special Envoy Tidjane Thiam, who chaired the meeting said: We are aligned, we want Africa to develop and grow, so let us work together on concrete solutions as time is of the essence.

The Africa PSWG coordinates the views of over 25 of the world’s foremost asset managers and financial institutions, providing private finance to nations and companies through Eurobonds, syndicated loans, and other credit products across the continent.

The group expressed the view that a one-size-fits-all solution would be counter-productive for African nations.

All ministers, including the ones from Kenya, Cameroon, Senegal, and Ghana, stressed the importance of keeping market access and agreed that more work is needed to communicate the good economic track record of their countries before the crisis.

The meeting agreed to continue discussions towards pragmatic and effective solutions on Africa’s commercial debt to manage the COVID-19 crisis and return Africa to growth restoring policies and actions.

ECA in its recent report launched early this month estimated that a full one-month lockdown across Africa would cost the continent about 2.5 percent of its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to about US$65.7bn per month. Adding to the lower commodity prices and investment flows, in the commission report titled COVID-19: Lockdown Exit Strategies for Africa, issued May 7.

Afreximbank Cancels 2020 Annual Meeting Side Events

Due to COVID-19

By Benson Afful

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has decided to cancel the series of events that were set around its 27th Annual General Meeting and to hold the Shareholders’ meeting by correspondence.

Prof. Benedict Oramah, Afreximbank President, decided to hold the Shareholders’ meeting by correspondence was made after careful consideration of all available options to ensure the Bank complies with its governance requirements.

The seminars component of the 27th Annual Meetings expected June 10-13, 2020 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, canceled due in part to global mobility restrictions. And the need to ensure social distancing imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

The priority to guarantee the well-being and comfort of our shareholders, and partners which require we comply with health and safety protocols put in place by our host country, he said.

Prof. Oramah explained these decisions were necessary. And in line with the Bank’s proactive efforts to combat the pandemic. As a leading Pan African institution, Afreximbank’s response strategy has been to lead by example in taking proactive and timely measures.

We remain fully dedicated to supporting efforts to mitigate the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African economies and its people. We will continue to be at the frontline with bold initiatives, forging global partnerships towards mitigating the health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Africa,” concluded Afreximbank’s President.

Afreximbank Annual Meetings are among the Bank’s most prominent events. They are sought-after keenly by banking industry professionals, trade and trade finance practitioners, and other parties involved in economic development from across Africa and beyond. Attended by business and political leaders and have been ranked among the most important gatherings of economic decision-makers in Africa.

Afreximbank’s next Annual General Meetings will take place in 2021. The Bank will communicate about the arrangements in due course.

Every Month In Lockdown Costs Africa US$65.7bn—report

Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) estimated

By Benson Afful

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) estimated that a month of lockdown across Africa would cost the continent approximately 2.5 percent of its annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to about US$65.7bn per month.

Adding to the lower commodity prices and investment flows, in the commission report titled COVID-19: Lockdown Exit Strategies for Africa, issued May 7. Businesses surveyed by ECA on average operating at 43 percent capacity, between April 14-20, while large firms report operating at a slightly better capacity. The report cited the manufacturing, health, entertainment, utilities, transport, and trade sub-sectors to be operating at the lowest capacities.

Localized or national lockdowns were in place in at least 42 African countries as of 30 April. Thirty-eight of these lockdowns had already been in place for at least 21 days, it found.

Estimated fatality for COVID-19 varies widely due to differences in testing, reporting, and attribution across countries. As more data is collected, African countries can better ascertain the severity of population vulnerabilities, like tuberculosis or malnutrition, on COVID-19 mortality, the report added.

Some of the challenges faced by companies on the continent included a lack of operational cash flow as well as the reduction of opportunities to meet new customers.

Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary; ECA, at the UK-Africa Investment Summit 2020

Companies also stated that their businesses were closed, in addition to a decline in workers’ productivity from working at home.

During an online debate to launch the report, ECA’s Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe, said governments confronted with the challenge of appropriate exit strategies to COVID-19 lockdown measures.

She said any exit strategy needs to balance the preservation of lives while alleviating economic challenges and continuing to suppress the spread of the virus.

The government of Ghana, for instance, lifted a 21-day lockdown on April 20 and has subsidized electricity and water consumption for households and businesses for April to June at a cost of GH₵1.3bn. Also, it has made available GH₵600m to provide soft loans to small and medium-sized businesses.

The funds expected to fund 200,000 enterprises as part of the Coronavirus Alleviation Program (CAP).

Best Custom Executive Education Provider in Africa

Financial Times Ranks Lagos Business School

By Benson Afful

The Financial Times (FT) has ranked Lagos Business School’s Custom Executive Education number one (#1) in Africa and among the top 50 in the world.

The 14th consecutive year the School is featuring on the list.

The combined ranking evaluates the performance of the top 50 business schools across the world in the areas of Open Enrolment, and Custom Executive Education puts Lagos Business School (LBS) in the 47th position.

On the Custom ranking table, LBS is the 1st in Africa. It holds the 41st spot globally, moving seven places up from its 48th position in 2019. In Open Enrolment, LBS ranks among top business schools like the University of Oxford: Said and IESE Business School.

LBS Dean, Professor Enase Okonedo said, 'we are incredibly proud to be recognized by the Financial Times of London, for the 14th year in a row. Lagos Business School actively seeks and remain conscious of the unique needs of organizations and their executives.' This ranking comes at a time when the world is witnessing an unprecedented pandemic challenge and its attendant fallout. For us at LBS, it presents another opportunity to help business leaders and managers navigate this challenge; this recognition by FT validates our ability to deliver, she added.

Lagos Business School attracts hundreds of participants to its open enrolment and custom programs annually. Its programs designed to meet the needs of diverse participants and in line with the rapid changes in Africa’s business environment.

Ghana Moves to Evacuate Stranded Citizens from the U.S

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

By Benson Afful

Ghanaians who traveled outside the country for various reasons and were due to return home from February 2020 who could not do so due to air travel restrictions of various countries following the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic have been calling for the government to evacuate them.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, through the Consulate General in New York, is compiling a list of Ghanaians stranded in the United States as a result of the closures of the Ghana border for evacuation.

All affected Ghanaians in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are requested to register with the Mission by providing their information.

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President Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo was by a new executive instrument, EI 66, extended the closure of Ghana’s borders by another two weeks. To ensure that the risk of importation of COVID-19 cases will remain curtailed while we focus on the enhanced tracing and testing program currently underway.

Ghanaians who traveled outside the country for various reasons and were due to return home from February 2020 who could not do so due to air travel restrictions of various countries following the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic have been calling for the government to evacuate them. The stranded Ghanaians and their families have been pleading with the government of Ghana to reopen the borders, so they return home.

Meanwhile, Ghana's Coronavirus cases have now hit over 4,000, the Ghana Health Services has said. According to the latest update on Friday, May 8, 2020, the country now recorded some 4,012 cases of the virus, with 323 recoveries. The death toll, however, remains at 18.

Over 921 cases have been recorded less than 48-hours and 1,293 cases, in 5 days.

Ghana’s Education Minister

Unopposed in principle to online exams

By Benson Afful

The pandemic has disrupted the academic calendar of the schools, and there are fears it could delay the start of the next academic year in September.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, has said he is not opposed to universities conducting their examinations online so long as they can do so and can ensure the participation of all their students.

For the first time in the country’s history, universities having to devise innovative ways to provide lessons and conduct exams as schools remain closed until further notice as part of measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Many universities have been organizing lectures online, and the decision by some to conduct end-of-semester exams online has sparked resistance among some students. Who believe there are many challenges with that mode of contact that school authorities have not addressed.

Reacting to the issue in a media interview, the education minister said if universities can conduct exams online, the ministry would not object unless the mode of the exams disenfranchises some students.

One of the public universities, the Ghana Institute of Journalism, issued a communique containing the revised academic calendar for the second semester 2019/2020 academic year that online exams will be held for their students. The communique provided modalities for how the exams, scheduled for May 25 to June 12, will be conducted.

Some students at the institute, however, expressed their reservations about the decision to conduct exams online, pointing to challenges such as the cost and reliability of internet services.

Currently, it is not clear when schools across the country will reopen as cases of the novel coronavirus keep going up. The pandemic has disrupted the academic calendar of the schools, and there are fears it could delay the start of the next academic year in September.

Prof. Yankah Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences

The honor signifies high reward

By Benson Afful

Ghana’s Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, Professor Kwesi Yankah, has been elected to the membership of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD).

A letter, jointly signed by the Chair of the Board, Nancy C. Andrews and the President, David W. Oxtoby, and addressed to the Minister of State, announced his election to the Academy and welcomed him as a member.

The honor signifies the high reward in which you are held by leaders in your field and members throughout the nation.

With his election, Prof. Yankah, joins the company of notable members, from the founders, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Bowdoin to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Maria Mitchell, and Alexander Graham Bell. Other distinguished members include John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Margaret Mead. International members include Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, and Nelson Mandela.

The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is one of the oldest learned societies in the United States. Founded in 1780, the Academy is dedicated to honoring excellence and leadership, working across disciplines and divides, and advancing the common good.

AMACAD’s current members represent today’s innovative thinkers in every field and profession, including more than two hundred and fifty Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.

The Induction weekend scheduled for October 9-11, 2020, pending guidance from US public health officials.

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Showbiz after Virus Pain

Will the industry survive the turbulence

By Ernestina Woode: Courtesy Benson Afful

Deals, tours, and entertainment shows are either suspended or canceled after the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which brought the world on its knees.

The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world's arts calendar upside down, as artists and organizers around the world are either postponing or canceling festivals, concerts, tours, theatre shows, movie premieres, and film and television productions, some in the middle of shooting.

Music Stars called off concert gigs and tours as the contagion spread the globe. 'Travel restrictions imposed on international travel and large public events in response to the coronavirus COVID-19.'

If the pandemic intensifies, entertainment pundits argued, will cost Ghana millions of cedis. The industry contributes to Ghana's national GDP. Already the government has said it will spend GHc1billion under a Coronavirus Alleviation Program to cushion Ghanaians as the government tightens measures to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Announcing the package, President Akufo-Addo said the amount would mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, households, and ensure job losses minimized.

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PHOTO: King Promise, a Ghanaian musician, had to cancel his international trips because of COVID-19.

Ghanaians await the impact the stimulus package will have on all the various sectors of the economy, some questions asked are how much will be diverted into the creative arts sectors, and will the amount enough to reduce the loss of the industry-players?

One of the country’s biggest entertainment events in the industry, the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards expected to take place this year, has setbacks as the world unable to predict when the pandemic likely be under control. The nominees’ jam of the VGMA scheduled for The 4th of April at the Koforidua Jackson Park, was postponed. In compliance with the National Directives on Public Gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like the VGMA, many event organizers have already invested in, will have to be postponed to an unknown date. A situation is likely to hurt an already devastating industry in the country.

Ghanaian musician King Promise has postponed his on-going world tour due to the outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Having already performed in Berlin, Hamburg, Brescia, and Amsterdam from 5th March, the Commando hitmaker’s 8th March sold-out London show was the biggest yet and had everyone talking. His next stop happens to be Canada has, however, been postponed due to the outbreak.

Stonebwoy's American concert also adds to the number of shows put on hold due to the contagion. The artist, through his management, released a statement saying, the US government banned all large gatherings in the country after the World Health Organization (WHO) labeled coronavirus a pandemic.

"Our team has tried everything in our ability to make this show happen; however, the government has restricted every large gathering at this time as seen on every major news outlet," the statement read.

The management of Omni Media, operators of Citi FM, and Tv announced the same night, the President directive closure of public events that it had suspended all of its outdoor events in line with the president’s directive.

The affected events, the Accra Music Expo scheduled March 21, 2020, and the Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO), originally scheduled March 28, 2020.

It is, however, incumbent on all stakeholders as well as investors in the showbiz industry as a matter of urgency to start developing strategies that will help rejuvenate the sector after the virus is defeated in the country. The creative arts sector in an economy drives economic growth when policies relevant to the industry are implemented.

In 2019, the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis and the National Endowment for the Arts released a report that shows that the Arts industry contributes 4.2 % of the gross domestic product, representing $763.3 billion.

The Arts industry has contributed more to GDP than agriculture, warehousing, and transportation employing 4.9 million people who earn $370 billion. In the United Kingdom, the creative industry grew at twice the rate of the economy contributing more than £85 billion in 2015, representing 5% of the UK economy’s gross value added at that time as published by the Department for Digital, Media, Culture, and Sport.

In 2010, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that cultural activities contributed to 1.53% of Ghana’s GDP.

Business Leaders Urge Ministers to Respect AfCFTA

Deadline of July 1

By Benson Afful

Ahead of the AU ministerial meeting on May 5-6 that will be discussing trade response to COVID-19 and state of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), several business leaders have signed a joint letter calling Ministers and Heads of State to ensure they abide by the deadline of July 1 for the Agreement to come into force.

The letter has been written in response to rumors in international media that the AfCFTA date of July 1 will be postponed until next year. The signatories say that there is no legitimate reason to postpone the AfCFTA even if they understand that a staggered approach can be used given current circumstances.

One of the signatories to the letter is Paulo Gomes, former Executive Director of the World Bank and Chair of Executive committee of AfroChampions. The AfroChampions network has been mandated by the African Union to coordinate private sector discussions around the AfCFTA. He said the ministers meeting next week had a duty to respect the current deadline. We understand certain parts of the AfCFTA are sensitive. The rules of origins and tariffs need time, but we can start with the trading of essential goods. Send a strong message to the world we are serious about the AfCFTA and to African businesses. With the private sector, the biggest beneficiary of the AfCFTA, with supply chains being disrupted globally is more urgent we have a functioning system within the continent to create continental supply chains.

In the letter, the signatories acknowledged that governments had been right to ensure that the immediate response was a health-related one. But the looming crisis in economics. 'The AfCFTA is an important tool to help stimulate investment and to create African value chains.'

There is no reason why the negotiations can't be virtual with the world in lockdown. We've seen scientists come together virtually to develop a cure against the virus, which 'shows that negotiations and talks can take place virtually.'

They also call for the work of the Secretariat which includes the recruitment of its staff can also continue to ensure the Secretariat is operational soon as lockdowns are effectively over.

The signatories are part of the AfroChampions network featuring some of the biggest names in Africa's private sector and whose patrons include Thabo Mbeki and Olusegun Obasanjo, former Presidents of South Africa and Nigeria respectively.

Building Smart Cities with Railway Infrastructure

Is Ghana ready?

By Benson Afful

Mr. Joe Ghartey, Minister for Railway Development, has set a vision to develop a modern, robust and integrated railway system as well as associated infrastructure to serve as a catalyst and backbone for the transformation of the economy and make Ghana’s rail transport system the lead in Africa.

Railway transportation has become an important part of the discussion when building smart cities to improve the mobility and productivity of the people within a country.

Building a thriving railway sector becomes a rapid movement of the people to carry out their daily business activities in highly populated urban cities. In India, for example, the Ministry of Railways teamed up with the Ministry of Urban Development to ensure smart railway stations are built as part of the country’s ongoing Smart Cities Mission.

It is estimated more than 400 stations across India currently being redeveloped to provide easier access and improved amenities to passengers.

Fifty-five percent of the global population lives in cities currently, and by 2050 it is expected that sixty-eight percent of the people will be urban-dwellers.

According to the United Nations, the world’s urban population grew from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018 and set to reach 6.7 billion by the middle of the century. As they grow, cities are coming under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental impact, both for the health of their citizens and the planet.

Alongside rapid population growth, the Fourth Industrial Revolution set to change the face of cities and how they function. The concept of smart cities is gaining traction as a means of solving economic, social, and environmental challenges in urban centers.

In Ghana, however, much has not been done to develop its railway sector in the last four decades. Until recently, the current administration has made it a top priority to develop the sector to make it vibrant. The sector was dormant with rickety railway lines making transport and movement of goods within the West African nation very difficult thereby, limiting the country to propel from low-middle income country to that of a developed one.

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Image: Courtesy

In the major cities of the country such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, workers and commuters have to survive every day enduring hectic vehicular traffic situation on the roads. The lack of a robust railway sector puts pressure on the road commute, the only affordable way of transportation in the country.

Like in many developed cities, commuters have many options when moving from one place to the next. A city well-developed transport sector, reduced the pressure on one particular transport sector since there are alternatives to the commuting public.

The Ghana economy heavily reliant on agriculture; however, farmers, as well as producers, complain about the difficulty of transporting their produce from farming communities to the market, mostly in urban areas.

Assuming office in 2017, President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, with the creation of a ministry for railway development, Ghana has seen remarkable development of its railway sector.

Mr. Joe Ghartey, Minister for Railway Development, has set a vision to develop a modern, robust and integrated railway system as well as associated infrastructure to serve as a catalyst and backbone for the transformation of the economy and make Ghana’s rail transport system the lead in Africa.

The government in 2019 allocated an amount of Ghc636million for the ministry’s priority projects and programs. With the railway sector, part of the program allocated budget.

The President, this year, commended the sector minister and the Ghana Railway Company for the country’s railway development project. As part of the development, a 30 km narrow-gauge railway line from Accra to Tema rehabilitated last year. The section of the line from Achimota to Nsawam, about 40km, also rehabilitated, and test runs commenced for the relaunch of the suburban commuter rail services from Accra to Nsawam.

The engagement of a strategic investor for the development of the 303 km Eastern Railway Line on the standard gauge from Accra – Tema to Kumasi with a branch line from Busoso to Atiwa through Kyebi on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis with Ghanaian participation is at the negotiation stage.

The Western Railway line, rehabilitation of a 56 km narrow gauge line from Kojokrom to Trkwa through Nsuta, the project according to the ministry, is 75 percent complete and undertaken in-house by the workers of GRCL.

Though the current administration has shown a commitment to the development of the country’s railway sector, the capital-intensive nature of building rail infrastructure has forced the government to run to development partners for support.

The government, in its 2020 budget allocation, did not make any allocation to capital expenditure that will ensure the building of rail lines.

The Ministry of Railway Development told the Parliamentary Committee on Transport that the government will not use its funds to build the lines due to the huge amount required for achieving this.

It is estimated government will require US$7 billion to revive the railway sector in Ghana.

The US$7 billion projection for revamping the railways caters to the construction of the Eastern Line from Accra to Kumasi the Western Line from Takoradi to Kumasi and the Central Spine from Kumasi to Paga with two branch-lines from Kumasi to Nyinahin where there are bauxite reserves. And the Tamale to Yendi areas where significant iron ore reserves found. The distance covered by these railroads would be 1,400 km.

The railway sector, one of the prioritized ministries among the infrastructure sector the government is interested in supporting its development.

Total of GH435 million earmarked for the Ministry of Railways Development for the implementation of its program for the 2020 fiscal year. Of this amount, GH¢80 million was allocated for management and administration, while 354 million went into rail transport.

In line with its mandate, the ministry and its implementing agencies undertook several projects. A 30 km narrow-gauge railway line from Accra to Tema rehabilitated last year, a section of the line from Achimota to Nsawam, 40km also rehabilitated, and test runs commenced for the relaunch of the suburban commuter rail services from Accra to Nsawam.

The railway lines are part of Ghana’s efforts of interconnection projects, which will link the country to other West African countries and improve trade relations between Ghana and its neighbors.

Mr. Joe Ghartey, Minister for Railway Development, said his government was committed to delivering modern railway systems that ease the movement of people, and goods thus improving trade, not only for the people of Ghana but also for its neighboring countries.

A Prayer for Sierra Leone

On the 59th anniversary of independence

By Dr. Theodosia M. Edwards

A prayer for Sierra Leone on the 59th anniversary of independence; this is the only place we call home, let’s treat home right.

“Almighty God, Who has given us Sierra Leone for our heritage, bless our land with honorable industries, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion us into one united people. Endow thy spirit of wisdom to those whom we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace AT HOME. In a time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen" ~ Dr. Theodosia Edwards, USA.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

A Call for a Global Response

By Sylvester Samba

Equality Now in partnership with End FGM European Network and End FGM/C U.S. Network, has produced a new report “Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Call for a Global Response,” about the global prevalence of FGM/C substantially been underestimated, and present in over 90 countries.

Ninety-two countries where evidence of women and girls live with or at risk of undergoing FGM, fifty-one have laws against FGM.

Countries with specific anti-FGM laws include Kenya, Benin, Eritrea, Guinea Bissau, and Uganda. Some countries do not specifically address FGM within their laws. These include; Indonesia, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, The Maldives, and Yemen.

According to official UNICEF figures (2020), FGM/C affects at least 200 million women and girls in 31 countries worldwide. This figure only includes countries where there is available data from large-scale representative surveys, which consist of 27 countries from the African continent, as well as Iraq, Yemen, The Maldives, and Indonesia.

Equality Now Program Officer, End Harmful Practices, Felister Gitonga notes that the report is timely. It comes at a crucial time when the United Nations is reviewing the next decade of implementation of the SDGs. The report demonstrates that 5.3 is a global target because FGM is not an African issue but a global issue.

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FGM/C in the African Region

The practice is present in every continent except Antarctica, and it’s time for leaders to take action and eradicate FGM globally by 2030. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A call for a global response report comes at a crucial time when the United Nations is reviewing the next decade of implementation of the SDGs. The report demonstrates that 5.3 is a global target because of FGM not only an African issue but a global one.

There are at least 60 other countries where the practice of FGM/C has been documented either through indirect estimates, small-scale studies, anecdotal evidence, and media reports.

Our new FGM report highlight the growing body of evidence that FGM/C takes place in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and North America. Amongst indigenous and diaspora communities. It also highlights gaps in data availability and anti-FGM legislation.

Better statistical information is invaluable because it helps to put pressure on the government to take action and provides the baseline from which the scale and effectiveness of interventions can be measured. It can assist grassroots organizations and researchers to attract more funding as a lack of financial backing is a major problem affecting the women's rights activists we have interviewed for this research.

Eradicating FGM by 2030, now is the time to take stock and accelerate action.

Equality Now Global Call:

• The need to strengthen global and political commitment to eliminate FGM

• Urgently increase resources and investment to end FGM and support survivors

• Strengthen base through research

• Enact and enforce comprehensive laws and national policies; and

• Improve the wellbeing of survivors by providing necessary and critical support and services

About Equality Now

Equality Now is an international human rights organization that works to protect and promote the rights of women and girls around the world by combining grassroots activism with national, regional, and international legal advocacy. Our vast network of activists, supporters, and lawyers achieve legal and systemic change by holding the government responsible for enacting and enforcing laws and policies that end legal inequality, sexual trafficking, sexual violence, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.

While working with different partner organizations at the community level, Equality Now uses legal frameworks to address sexual violence by advocating for the enforcement of strong laws and policies that protect women and girls from continued sexual violations to keep them safe at home, schools, and their communities.

AfDB President Arrived In Freetown

The visit presents an opportunity to deepen discussions on several fronts

By Sylvester Samba

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr. Akinwumi Adesina assured Sierra Leone the Bank is supportive of the country’s development agenda. He made the statement to the media shortly upon his arrival in Freetown, on Wednesday 11 March 2020.

He is here to see the President and most importantly to offer support to Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is a very important country to AfDB, as Sierra Leone is a founder member of the bank and we have been financing projects and programs in Sierra Leone since 1967, he said.

Highlighting some of the development projects in Sierra Leone in different sectors that the bank has financed, in Agriculture, Energy, Water, and Sanitation, Infrastructure and other sectors. Noting that the current project portfolio is around USD 758 million.

Like many other African countries, there are lots of challenges that the country is faced with and commended the government so far in addressing those challenges.

His first official visit to Sierra Leone since he became President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), noting that he is delighted to be here.

The visit presents an opportunity to deepen discussions on several fronts, and in particular, how the African Development Bank (AfDB) assists Sierra Leone to implement the 2019-2023 National Development Plan focuses on human capital development. Dr. Adesina continued that he had a conversation with President Julius Maada Bio during the African Union Submit in February 2020, in which the President talked about his reforms, and assured the President will visit Sierra Leone to discuss more.

The Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, in his remark welcoming Dr. Akinwumi Adesina to Sierra Leone, and expressed the government’s gratitude that amidst the international health crisis of the Corona Virus, the President decides to proceed with this visit. The continuous visits of high profile personnel within international development partner organizations, not only a sign of cordial relationship the government of Sierra Leone has with its partners but also demonstrates, the government of Sierra Leone on the right development trajectory.

Dr. Adesina will have the opportunity to get first-hand information from critical stakeholders of the state on the development priorities, progress, and challenges that will allow him to support the financing of projects and programs that will resonate with the aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.

During his visit, he will be meeting with the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio, Minister of Finance, Jacob Jusu Saffa, Ministers of Government, Heads of Government agency, and other development partners.

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Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina is the 8th President of the African Development Bank Group, was elected to office May 28, 2015, by the Bank Board of Governors at its Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. A distinguished development economist and agricultural development expert with 25 years of international experience. He is the first Nigerian to serve as President of the Bank Group.

He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2011 to 2015, during which time he implemented bold policy reforms in the fertilizer sector and pursued innovative agricultural investment programs to expand opportunities for the private sector.

The Director-General Marie-Laure Akin-Ologbade, Executive Director Kenyah Barley, AfDB Country Manager for Ethiopia, Abdul Kamara, and other staff of the Bank accompanied the President of AfDB.

Sierra Leone Heads ECOWAS Parliament

The position is rotational

By Sylvester Samba

The President of the Republic of Liberia, George Weah, has sent a letter of congratulations to the new Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Honorable Sidi Mohamed Tunis, the current Leader of Government Business representing the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) in the Sierra Leone House of Parliament. Has on Monday 9th March 2020 elected and sworn in as Speaker of the regional Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament.

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President Weah (L); Honorable Sidi Mohamed Tunis (R): In his letter, President Weah convey heartfelt congratulations to Sidi Mohamed Tunis in his election and installation to the Honorable office of Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament on his behalf and that of the peace-loving people of the Republic of Liberia.

President Weah once served as head of the Liberian delegation to the regional parliamentary block when he was a senator, expressed his confidence, and a hopefully proactive 5th Legislature, with much energy exerted at addressing the problems that characterize our states.

A Member of Parliament for Constituency 101 in the Southern Provincial district of Pujehun, Honorable Tunis was overwhelmingly elected to replace Senegalese Mustapha Cisse`LO as Speaker of the regional legislative council is expected to serve in that position until 2024.

The position is rotational. Togo will be in line to succeed Sierra Leone.

In his acceptance message, the Honourable Speaker called for partnership between members of the ECOWAS. He said he is overwhelmed with the support he enjoys from the Government of President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.

Hon. Tunis tenure comes at a time West African region is struggling with scores of different issues ranging from political, economic, and the threat from the coronavirus disease, which has reported in two member states; Nigeria and Senegal.

In a message from the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio sent to Members of the ECOWAS Parliament, he disclosed he knows the Speaker for several years, and he served in several leadership positions in his country. His wealth of knowledge he will bring to the table to make ECOWAS Parliament a better institution than it is currently.

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The election of Hon Tunis marks the first time that Sierra Leone is occupying the position of Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament since its establishment in 2002. The Speaker promised to assist the ECOWAS Commission in its integrated economic activities by providing the much-needed oversight in the areas of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, youth empowerment, and monetary and financial issues.

The speaker continues in response stated he is mindful of Article 2 of the ECOWAS Protocol Relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Security adopted in Lomé 10th December 1999, and that he'll work with the Authority of Heads of State, Government, and the Council of Ministers to ensure our sub-region is safe, secure, and prosperous.

Peacekeepers from nations left their families, served, and in some instances, died protecting vulnerable populations of our community. The responsibility is ours to protect the peace we enjoy today and work tirelessly to bring to end instabilities in our region.

Air Senegal to launch Geneva and London; Milan, Madrid, Rome next?

Air Senegal has announced both Geneva and London, its fourth and fifth destinations in Europe

By Theo Edwards: Source: anna aero (airline network news and analysis)

Abidjan, Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Nouakchott, and Praia are available over Dakar on a two-way basis, with connections within about two hours in both directions.

Air Senegal’s growth continues. In December, it added Dakar to Lagos via Accra; Abuja via Niamey; Casablanca; and Barcelona via Marseille. Freetown via Banjul is coming in June. The carrier is focusing significantly on hub-and-spoke, in contrast to the previous point-to-point Senegal Airlines. A highly coordinated hub is an obvious strategy for Air Senegal, partly given its geographic position.

Air Senegal has announced both Geneva and London, its fourth and fifth destinations in Europe. The carrier is to lease two 165-seat A321s – 149 economy seats, 16 lie-flat business – for these routes, and also for Abidjan, Casablanca, and Conakry.

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Shown here are its West Africa – North Africa / Europe – West Africa connections, all well coordinated for connectivity over Dakar. Other African cities, such as Accra and Lagos, are timed to connect with other cities in West Africa (i.e., most of those that Europe connects with) rather than to Europe. Source: OAG Mapper.

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Green = already served or announced. Blue = unserved. Geneva and London will be served non-stop. Marseille and Barcelona are currently linked in a triangle. Perhaps the A220-300 will be used to serve some thinner destinations, such as Toulouse? Source: OAG Traffic Analyser.

Geneva has ~69,000 passengers; London ~108,000

Geneva is a market of ~69,000 (Dakar point-to-point and demand to connecting destinations), and it will be partly driven by demand from the United Nations. It’ll probably also attract some of Lyon’s ~65,000 passengers, at least non-stop to Dakar, given the two cities are only 93 miles apart. London is a market of ~108,000 (excluding non-stop traffic to Banjul). It is reported that Stansted was chosen due to no early morning slots at Gatwick, with Air Senegal’s timings (or very similar) crucial for connectivity over Dakar.

Up to eight connecting destinations so far over Dakar

Its timings are, of course, based on maximizing connectivity to/from West Africa. Although it does vary a little based on day, Abidjan, Bamako, Banjul, Bissau, Conakry, Freetown, Nouakchott, and Praia are available over Dakar on a two-way basis, with connections within about two hours in both directions. London – Freetown, for example, is a market of ~36,000 passengers, with timings as follows:

• Freetown – Dakar: 1945 – 2230; Dakar – London: 0015 – 0625

• London – Dakar: 0750 – 1405; Dakar – Freetown: 1600 – 1845

Milan, Madrid, and Rome next?

Air Senegal’s European routes each had 60,000+ passengers before starting. Barcelona, Geneva, and Marseille also had local Dakar traffic averaging 47% of their total. Presumably, Marseille (~64,000) and Barcelona (~75,000) – each a good-sized market – will one day benefit from being de-tagged and served non-stop by A321s rather than on a triangle basis by the A330-900.

The figure, (Top 10 European markets for Air Senegal), shows the estimated two-way demand for Dakar and Air Senegal’s eight connecting destinations in the year to November 2019. For fairness, these numbers exclude any non-stop passengers as they’d be less likely to switch. Excluding short-term demand impacts from the coronavirus, Milan (76,000), Madrid (63,000), and Rome (58,000) seem good contenders for Air Senegal’s future European expansion. As is Lyon itself (65,000), but that’s now less certain given Geneva.

Milan stands out. Its ~76,000 is based on ~41,000 indirect Dakar traffic. Air Italy currently operates Milan Malpensa – Dakar four-weekly by the A330-200. However, the carrier is to cease operating. Therefore, it is fair to add its ~78,000 non-stop passengers, meaning Milan is a potential market of ~154,000.

European Union Invests Over €18 Million

On agricultural activities

By Sylvester Samba

To boost strategic agricultural investments for job creation through the inclusion of the private sector in agriculture, the European Union (EU), with the Government of Sierra Leone, has launched 15 Grants contracts worth over 18 million Euros (€18). The project expected to benefit about 8000 farmers. Increase the quality and quantity of Cocoa, Coffee, Cashew production, processing, marketing, and trading as part of the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and the European Union Boosting Agriculture for Food Security Project (BAFS). Also, a total of 2,205 farmers are to improve food farming techniques adaptable to climate change, increased market access, and local entrepreneurship.

The ceremony took place on Thursday 20th February 2020, at the Miatta Conference car park, in Freetown. In attendance, the country's Vice President, Dr.Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

The grants will enable the beneficiaries to implement activities that will promote innovative and integrated farming techniques that will enhance market linkages for smallholder farmers and build their capacities to improve on their incomes as well as food and nutrition.

It would also support women and youth employment through small and medium-sized enterprise development activities.

The initiative fits into the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry national agricultural transformation plan, which has four key priorities; rice self-sufficiency, life stock development, crop diversification, and sustainable forest and biodiversity.

Increased Production and Productivity

Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Mrs. Fatmata Mustapha, encouraged the recipients to take full advantage of the need to use the grants to further capacity in the increasing production and productivity along value chains.

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Vice-President, Juldeh Jalloh expressed gratitude to the EU for facilitating the project; noting, that it was important for the Government’s drive for economic diversification. He said that President Julius Maada Bio, has over the years, continued to reiterate that agriculture was a priority in food-sufficiency that supports various value chains and encourages the growth of small-scale industries creating over 24,000 employment for women and youth.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai, noted the numerous challenges facing the agriculture sector ranging from low productivity, use of rudimentary technology, low-level infrastructure for marketing, among others.

These challenges recognized and addressed in the Medium Term National Development Plan (2019-2023) in cluster 2.1: Improving the productivity and commercialization of the agricultural sector.

In his statement, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dennis Vandi said the Ministry would provide the requisite enabling environment for the private sector, and development that would seek to improve the agriculture sector.

Tom Vens, the EU Ambassador, was convinced the new approach could unlock private investment and exploit significant opportunities in the agricultural sector with a specific focus on jobs for the youths. What was witnessed was the result of a highly competitive process in which a total of 67 applications and 15 projects emerged.

The EU support to BAFS recipients covers export cash crops and sustainable agriculture, diversification (Crops and Livestock). Support short value chains include non-formal micro-enterprises produced with artisanal methods, and a limited number of intermediaries between smallholder farmers, and the market. And support to large-scale value chains integrating formal and already well-established SMEs in the agribusiness sector.

ECOWAS Drug Action Plan 2016-2020

ECOWAS engages schools on the harmful effects of Substance Abuse

By Sylvester Samba

The regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the country’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has embarked on five-day prevention and sensitization on the use of drugs in schools.

The initiative started Monday 17th February 2020 at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School, Kissy Dockyard, brought together major schools in the East End of Freetown. The program said to be in line with the implementation of the ECOWAS Drug Action Plan 2016-2020 and wholly funded by the ECOWAS Commission.

The Executive Director of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Abdul Sheku Kargbo, said as an Agency, they have been visiting schools and communities to raise awareness on the harmful effects of substance abuse. Schools are not free from the menace of drug abuse that has engulfed society. Taking drugs affects the physical and mental health of young adults. Including their learning ability and may also lead to untimely deaths, said the NDLEA director. He disclosed that the said drugs are now available in schools, bars, cafes, and night clubs as well as in remote villages.

ECOWAS-NDLEA Drug Use Prevention sensitization will conduct across 52 secondary schools in the country, targeting 2,000 students.

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The schools grouped into 5 Clusters: East, Central, and West of Freetown; Bo and Makeni. The campaign will comprise of visual presentations and interactive sessions.

Mr. Alhaji Abdul Karim Sesay, Principal, Ahmadiyya Secondary School, added, drug misuse is on the rampage and that there is a need to wage war against it.

Daniel Amankwaah, Principal Program Officer, Drug Prevention and Control at the ECOWAS Commission, said the Commission is in full support of the ongoing schools' campaign on the prevention and control of drugs. He pleaded with students not to allow anyone to take part in substance abuse. He also asked them to go back to their various schools to teach their colleagues about the harmful use of drugs.

The National Drug Law Enforcement was established by the National Drugs Control Act, 2008. Its mandate is the control of and prevention of abuse of narcotic drugs, and to provide for other related matters.

A Rock And A Hard Place

With a philosophy of maximum cruelty

By Angela Brooks

In this year's presidential election, the immigration issues, and the horrific treatment of migrants will be central. Our collective psyche indelibly scarred by the horrific images of migrant children in cages, family separation, and the intolerable conditions at the southern border. Caught in this transnational vortex are many African migrants whose plight has been largely ignored by the mainstream media.

African migrants hoping to reach the US

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Cutting off much-needed aid to countries in Central America and Africa has only magnified the problem. If the Trump administration thought its actions would stem the migrant tide allied with the philosophy of maximum cruelty, it has proven to be inept and chaotic. These refugees fled their home nations for a myriad of reasons, including war, poverty, and economic opportunity. However, the reality for many has been a nightmare. Instead of reaching American utopia, their dreams have stalled as detainees in Mexican migrant camps.

The squalid conditions have engendered new threats against African migrants trying to survive a hostile environment.

Apart from the language barrier, migrants face overt racism, violence, and threats from human traffickers.

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Congresswoman Karen Bass | Representing California 37th District

In late 2019, a California Representative Karen Bass led a delegation to the Mexican border, where she highlighted the plight of this downtrodden class. We can only hope that the congresswoman’s fierce activism changes the narrative of the public perception of this crisis.

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Govt. to convert National ID numbers to Tax ID numbers by end of the year

By Theo Edwards: Source: GhanaWeb

Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says government will by the end of this year, convert all National Identification Numbers to Tax Identification Numbers, to increase the taxpaying population.

According to him, the move expected to increase the tax population by some already existing 2 million registered taxpayers to 16 million registered taxpayers by the end of this year.

Govt. to convert National ID numbers to Tax ID numbers by end of the year –Vice President of Ghana

Currently, less than 2 million people registered to pay taxes. By the end of this year, we will start converting all the National Identification Numbers into Tax Identification Numbers, which means we will increase the number of people registered for taxes up from about 2 million to close to 16 million in one year.

Lending rates often high partly because of the high information problems in establishing identity, verifying income sources, and ownership problems. These have to change if we’re aspiring to be a middle-income country. We have embarked on leveraging on technology to overcome many of our developmental problems; and, to formalize this informal economy, this is what digitization going to allow us to do in bringing people into the tax net, he added.

Dr. Bawumia said this at the launch of the Absa Bank Ghana Limited on Monday, February 10, in Accra. The Vice President also disclosed that the Ministry of Finance in the next few months will launch a portal for the delivery of all government services digitally. The portal dubbed; ‘Ghana.Gov’ platform will strive for the efficiency of the public sector, provide easy access and convenience for citizens, and curb revenue linkages.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Bio’s Government Wins Back IMF Confidence

By Sylvester Samba

A delegation from the IMF led by First Deputy Managing Director, Dr. David Lipton, had meetings with the President of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio, where the IMF Chief confirmed the Fund is pleased in support of the country. The two met at State House, in the capital Freetown, on Tuesday 28th January 2020. The visit served as a renewed partnership with the IMF.

Addressing the Director and his delegation, President Bio said his government worked very hard to restore a strong relationship with the IMF. The government had worked extremely hard to fight corruption, which was one of the main obstacles to development.

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President Julius Maada Bio, First Deputy Managing Director, Dr. David Lipton, and delegates

The main thrust of our economic management has been fiscal consolidation. Mobilize enough revenue and also manage our expenditure. President Bio noted that his government had chosen Human Capital Development, which included providing free quality education, health service, and agriculture, as the thrust of its development process.

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President Julius Maada Bio, and Dr. David Lipton

In response, Dr. Lipton expressed appreciation to the government for the hospitality accorded him and his delegation, adding that they had a shared perspective with the government on the situation in the country. He said that his meetings with school pupils in the country showed their eagerness to learn, saying that that was an indication of Sierra Leone`s tremendous potentials. Dr. Lipton indicated, his delegation was in the country to help offer advice and guidance and to also help the government in its fiscal consolidation as part of their partnership with the government. Adding that they were impressed with the government`s focus on human capacity building.

Dr. David Lipton assumed the position of First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on September 1st, 2011. On March 28th, 2016, Dr. Lipton was reappointed for a second five-year term, beginning September 1st, 2016. Before coming to the IMF, Dr. Lipton was a Special Assistant to President Clinton and served as Senior Director, International Economic Affairs at the National Economic Council and National Security Council at the White House.

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Jacob Jusu Saffa has regarded the recent visit by the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr. David Lipton as a manifestation that Sierra Leone is on track on its economic transformation trajectory. There are over 50 countries in Africa and to decide on which country to visit, always raises big debates in the IMF. So for a country to be selected, it could mean two things; one, you are doing very well, two, you are on track, and they want you to stay on track.

Highlighting the challenges they are facing as a government, he said, 30-35 percent of government revenues are used to settle government debt or arrears, noting that the depth of the problems they inherited is enormous.