Month: October 2016

KENYA – Health secretary Cleopa Mailu has rejected the planned trial of genetically modified (GM) maize in Kenya, dealing a big blow to scientists and global seed companies, who have been pushing for policy change on the controversial crop science.

AFRICA – The Coca-Cola Company plans to exercise its right to acquire Anheuser-Busch InBev’s (AB InBev) stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) following the closing of the acquisition of SABMiller by AB InBev. 

RWANDA – More business operators have called for value added tax (VAT) waiver, saying the levy is hurting their operations. Agro-processors, and bread makers say the waiver will help make them more competitive.

EAST AFRICA – Uganda has come to the rescue of Kenya and Rwanda, selling both countries more than 11,502 tonnes of maize worth $6.65 million over the past two months.

ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) is set to launch the first electronic commodity trading centre outside its headquarters in Addis Abeba.

TANZANIA – President John Magufuli has issued 10,000 hectares of land to one of Tanzania’s business and industrial moguls, Mr Said Salim Bakhresa, to establish a sugar plant, at the same time warning land hoarders and speculators that they risk having their title deeds revoked.