The Ministry of Finance (MoF) dismisses concerns of State-owned companies (SOEs), who argue that the draft proclamation on public procurement and property administration compels them to follow the law when making purchases.
According to MoF which has ownership over the proclamation, the law was not emplaced to hurt companies’ operations but rather the idea of the proclamation’s governance of public enterprises is to comply with worldwide standards and practices.
The much awaited declaration that would drastically alter public procurement has been the subject of modification processes for more than three years.
After a flurry of debates owing to concerns made about the law, the new proclamation that would amend the 2009 “Procurement and Property Administration Proclamation 649/2009” was expected to be adopted by the parliament in the current budget year.
In a recent meeting, which was convened by the Standing Committee on Plan, Budget, and Finance Affairs on Wednesday, December 27, representatives of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including those affiliated with Ethiopian Investment Holdings, expressed concerns over the draft proclamation’s potential to significantly affect their operations.
“If the enterprises follow the procurement law, which will be ratified and amended very soon, it would affect their day-to-day operations,” the SOEs reps opined.
Prior to the meeting, representatives of the aforementioned SOEs, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics and Ethio Telecom, submitted their concerns on a well-reasoned basis.
Based on the specifics of their operations, the representatives conveyed their grievances on the proclamation.
They asserted that there was agreement on the matter at the time of the original draft proclamation, and that the inclusion of SOEs in the text was not specified.
The Public Procurement and Property Authority’s Director General, Haji Ebsa, stated that the proclamation’s primary goal is to make SOEs more profitable, globalized, competitive, fast, and of high quality, “We take into account their goals and demands under the upcoming proclamation.”
Haji reminded that the nation’s procurement system has been degraded on an international scale in accordance with the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) and the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) evaluations of the foreign partners.
“SOEs are public properties that should be governed on the proclamation,” he stated, adding, “But according to the nature of their activities, they would operate on directives they are issued with.”
He emphasized that the MoF is ultimately the higher authority responsible for monitoring and safeguarding public businesses.
“Majority of SOEs require a guarantee from MoF to access credit, and the ministry would be responsible for paying if they fail to settle their loan,” he underscored elaborating that without the guarantee that SOEs would not function outside of the law.
“We recognize that misunderstandings accounts for the majority of the concerns expressed by the SOEs. The idea behind the proclamation is to have solid laws rather than jeopardize the operations of state businesses,” State Minister of MoF Eyob Tekalegn said at the session.
He said that the proclamation contained clauses that would maintain the SOEs’ operations.
According to Habtamu Menesha, MoF’s Legal Advisor, foreign rating agencies have questioned the nation’s procurement system in relation to the PEFA assessment.
“They did contend that our scattered procurement system is not acceptable at the international trend, which is the reason for our rate to stand at C+. Therefore, if the nation has a harmonized legal framework it shall improve on its rate,” Habtamu cited.
The main goal of including SOEs in the proclamation, according to the MoF’s legal advisor, is to make the procurement proclamation acceptable worldwide since, unlike us (Ethiopia), “Other countries have harmonized single legal frameworks.” For SOEs and other budgetary offices, it is not distinct.
In Ethiopia, SOEs have a procurement directive that is endorsed by their board of directors and varies depending on the entity.
The legal expert said the World Bank, among others, gave Ethiopia a very low grade because of this practice.
“This has its own negative impact in terms of value for money, transparency, accountability, and other internationally accepted measurements,” Habtamu further explained citing that the country’s procurement legal framework is yet to b harmonized.
“Partners have advised us to make the necessary corrections, and we have also determined that it needs to be done since the majority of the SOE’s procurement directives closely resemble the budgetary offices’ procurement law and system,” he continued.
According to him, the threshold is the only distinction that can be seen because SOEs are in charge of managing enormous resources.
“SOEs can engage in both direct and restricted procurement in addition to open bidding. In all other respects, they are run according to the same rules as other public offices. It can be harmonized as a result,” he affirmed.
The primary goal of the new proclamation, according to authorities and MoF officials, is to regulate SEOs within the law in response to the criticism that the nation faces. The legal procurement framework will be unified and broadly accepted, rather than affecting state-owned enterprises, restricting their operations, or jeopardizing their profitability.
The authorities asserted that the proclamation has provisions that let enterprises use their particular directives, which is issued by their respective governing board to have plenty of room to grow and expand. To this end, Habtamu cited the draft proclamation’s articles 87.3 and 4, which spoke about SOEs having the authority to provide orders for their purchases.
Experts claim that improved ties with foreign allies would result from the nation’s central government adopting a uniform legal framework.
“If our legal system were more unified, lenders, including those that SOEs use would be more willing to lend money,” the legal advisor told Capital.
“This is one of the advantages we would have when the procurement system had a centralized design. The country’s international rating will also improve if we address the issue’s pitfall,” he added.
According to Habtamu, “A stronger procurement system would mean that the nation would receive the most from its partners,” and that, “SOEs would also receive more trust from their partners.”
According to the State Minister, the designed new law “will support them rather than have a negative effect” on the SOEs.
The growth of online casinos in the realm of digital amusement has been remarkable. With a range of captivating games including Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, Live Dealer Games, andVideo Poker online games, these virtual platforms have seized the attention of millions of players around the world.
However, their purpose extends beyond mere entertainment. Online casinos have begun to recognize their capacity to assist charitable causes and promote community development.
This article will investigate the diverse actions implemented by online casinos to back philanthropic endeavors and exert a positive effect on society.
The Role of Online Casinos in Philanthropy
As contributors to philanthropy, online casinos have begun leveraging their platforms for social good. Their involvement in charitable causes often takes the form of financial contributions, where a portion of their revenues is donated to various charities. For instance, some online casinos actively support environmental protection initiatives, allocating funds to organizations that work towards preserving our planet’s ecosystems. Others might focus on disaster relief, providing much-needed resources to communities affected by natural catastrophes.
Moreover, online casinos have also spearheaded unique campaigns and fundraisers in collaboration with charitable organizations. These initiatives often rally the community of players around a shared cause, fostering a sense of unity and purpose beyond the thrill of gaming. For example, an online casino might host a special charity tournament, where the proceeds are donated to a designated charity.
Such philanthropic endeavors by online casinos demonstrate the industry’s evolution into a potent catalyst for social change. By using their influence to support worthy causes, online casinos are not only enhancing their corporate social responsibility but also cultivating positive relations with players and society at large. Their commitment to philanthropy underscores a shift in the industry’s ethos – from profit-centric to people and planet-centric – paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Community Engagement and Development
Community engagement and development are intertwined concepts that play a crucial role in societal progress. Community engagement refers to the active involvement of individuals and groups in activities that are aimed at improving their communities. It fosters a sense of responsibility, unity, and shared purpose among community members. On the other hand, community development is a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems.
In the context of online casinos, these businesses have found innovative ways to encourage their employees’ participation in charitable activities, thereby fostering community engagement. They create opportunities for employees to volunteer, participate in fundraising events, and partner with local non-profits. These initiatives not only foster a culture of giving back within the organization but also allow employees to contribute directly to community development.
The impact of these initiatives on communities is multifaceted. Financial contributions can support critical infrastructure projects, educational programs, and health initiatives. The volunteering efforts of employees can provide much-needed manpower for local projects. These initiatives directly contribute to improving the quality of life within these communities, fostering social cohesion, and driving sustainable development.
The role of businesses, like online casinos, in promoting community engagement and development cannot be overstated. By actively supporting community-based initiatives and collaborations, they contribute significantly to societal prosperity. They demonstrate that businesses can go beyond profit-making to become catalysts for positive change, enhancing their corporate social responsibility. In conclusion, community engagement is an essential component of community development, and businesses play a pivotal role in fostering this through their philanthropic endeavors.
Player Involvement in Charitable Activities
In the dynamic world of sports, players are increasingly leveraging their influence to spark positive change by getting involved in charitable activities. A myriad of opportunities exist for players to contribute to charitable causes. They can participate in fundraising events, where proceeds are directed towards a designated charity. They can also volunteer their time and skills to charitable organizations, helping out in various capacities depending on the needs of the organization. Additionally, players can use their substantial social media platforms to raise awareness about social causes, mobilize resources, and drive advocacy efforts.
The benefits of player involvement in charitable activities extend beyond the immediate recipients of the aid to encompass the broader community. This involvement fosters a sense of unity between fans and players, as they rally behind shared causes. It also casts sports organizations in a positive light, demonstrating their commitment to societal progress beyond the sports arena. Furthermore, it promotes a culture of giving within the sports community, inspiring other stakeholders to take up similar initiatives.
Through their involvement in charitable activities, players can effect tangible change in the lives of those in need, touching on critical areas such as education, health, and disaster relief. Their contributions go a long way in improving living conditions, providing opportunities, and uplifting communities. In essence, player involvement in charitable activities underscores the transformative power of sports, showing that it’s not just about winning games, but also about winning hearts and making a difference in society.
Impact Assessment and Transparency
Impact assessment and transparency are pivotal elements in the realm of philanthropy, serving as pillars that uphold accountability and inspire further giving. Assessing and reporting charitable contributions is crucial as it provides a clear picture of how funds or resources are utilized, ensuring donors that their contributions are making a tangible difference. This process involves tracking the allocation of resources, monitoring the implementation of projects, and evaluating their impact on the intended beneficiaries.
Success stories and testimonials play a significant role in this context. They serve as compelling evidence of the positive change that philanthropic efforts are driving, offering a human face to the statistics. These narratives detail the journey of beneficiaries, highlighting how they have been positively affected by the charity. This brings to life the impact of charitable contributions, inspiring potential donors and reaffirming the commitment of existing ones.
In essence, conducting thorough impact assessments and maintaining transparency not only fosters trust and credibility but also fuels the cycle of giving. It shows donors the value of their contributions and motivates them to continue supporting charitable causes. It also encourages new donors to participate, knowing that their contributions will be used effectively and responsibly, thereby promoting a culture of philanthropy.
The Future of Online Casinos and Philanthropy
As we look to the future, the intersection of online casinos and philanthropy presents a promising landscape. The scale and reach of online casinos offer immense potential for greater societal impact. With millions of players worldwide, even small per-player contributions can aggregate into significant funds for charitable causes. The digital nature of these platforms also allows for global reach, enabling support for causes across various geographical locations.
However, this potential can only be fully realized if more online casinos embrace their role in philanthropy. While some are already leading the way, there is a need for broader industry participation. This involves not just providing avenues for players to contribute, but also actively promoting these initiatives and fostering a culture of giving within their communities.
Online casinos could also leverage technology to innovate in their philanthropic efforts. This might involve integrating charity into gameplay, using gamification to drive donations, or employing data analysis to assess impact and improve initiatives.
In essence, the future of online casinos and philanthropy holds great promise. By stepping up their philanthropic efforts, online casinos can play a pivotal role in driving positive change, demonstrating that they are not just about entertainment, but also about making a difference in society.
In November 2023, the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the first time at the state level hosted the Forum of Soviet and Russian University Graduates – representatives of education and healthcare systems of African countries. The Forum was organized by Rossotrudnichestvo, the International Institute of Education and Development and the Humanitarian Education and Testing Institute, which brought together representatives of graduates associations from Tanzania, Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. The Forum participants met with senior officials from Rossotrudnichestvo and representatives of Russian universities and discussed current issues of international cooperation in the field of education, medicine, science and technology. We asked Forum participants to share their impressions of its work. Excerpts;
Interview 1
Zakayo Mhodi, Senior Officer, Deputy Inspector with Personnel and Vocational Development Department, Rufiji Coastal Regional Police Department in the city of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
– You speak Russian very well. Could you please tell us where such a profound knowledge of the language comes from?
– Thank you for your question. I speak Russian because I got a degree in Russia. I first came to Russia in 2008 and lived there for five years. All the lessons had been conducted in Russian that is why I learned Russian so well. I can not only speak Russian, but also write and read.
– Why, in your opinion, such Forums are particularly necessary?
– Here in Tanzania, this year we have gathered people from African countries who studied in the Soviet Union and in the Russian Federation. For two days – yesterday and today – we discussed current problems of education and science, and also addressed the field of medical technology. Representatives of the Russian Federation and graduates of Russian universities actively exchanged experiences and discussed how our relations could be developed.
– What new contacts with representatives of other associations of graduates did you manage to establish?
– I met a lot of graduates from Soviet and Russian universities from different countries of the world. Finally, I met some of my compatriots among the graduates of Russian universities, whom I had not seen for many years. Therefore, the Forum became a significant event for me. Such forums are necessary.
– Which part, do you think, was the most successful at the Forum?
– I liked the opportunity to meet other graduates from numerous African countries and discuss common problems together. In my speech at the Forum, I raised issues of improving the level of education in Tanzania. The times are changing, the technologies are changing, and therefore a lot needs to be done to make sure education meets the challenges of economic development. I would like to develop cooperation with Russia, which such forums undoubtedly contribute to.
– The idea to conduct the same Forum in other countries was expressed by many participants. Do you support the idea?
– Yes, the forum that was conducted this year in Tanzania should be continued. I would like to see my colleagues and like-minded people again. And now it doesn’t matter where the forum will be held – in Angola, Rwanda, Burundi – I’m ready to come to any venue. It would also be nice to hold a forum in Russia. I really want to visit Russia and see familiar places again. We must try to change the venues of the Forum in order to involve graduates from various countries more actively in the activities aimed to promote Russian education.
Interview 2
Elena Otaru, the Secretary of Soviet and Russian University Graduates Association in Tanzania
– Ellena, you are a leader of university graduate association. How did it all start?
– I was a graduate of a university of the former USSR, I studied in Kyiv. After the creation of an association of graduates of Russian and Soviet universities in Tanzania, I became its executive secretary. This year we have an important event – for the first time, an alumni forum is being held with the participation of Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Pavel Shevtsov, representatives of leading universities in Russia.
– What opportunities did the Forumof Soviet and Russian University Graduates – representatives of education and healthcare systems of African countries give to its participants?
– The Forum gave us the opportunity to meet and talk to the graduates from other African countries and representatives of associations. We were pleased to host representatives from nine countries in Tanzania, i.e Angola, Rwanda, Uganda, the Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Zambia, South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. Meetings with representatives of Russian educational organizations and learning about their experience in training personnel from African countries became even more significant. For us, this Forum has become a step into the future, towards new horizons of cooperation, towards new tasks and plans.
– What problems raised at the Forum of Soviet and Russian University Graduates – representatives of education and healthcare systems of African countries do you consider the most significant?
– There was a period when almost noone came from Tanzania to study in Russia. Since the 2000s, the flow of students has resumed. These are representatives of the next generation, whose thinking is different from ours, i.e. the thinking of people who studied in the Soviet Union. Having received an education in Russia and returning home, young people ask themselves: what’s next? What should I do next? What will happen after classes, after the coveted diploma has been received? And here interaction in the economic sphere, the arrival of Russian companies in Tanzania, and the development of industrial production play a very important role. And I am glad that these issues are emphasized at the forum. We hope that at the end of the Forum of Soviet and Russian University Graduates – representatives of education and healthcare systems of African countries we will have tangible positive results.
Interview 3
Florian Kulimaya, Youth Advisor at the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Congo
–Florian Kulimaya, in your opinion, what is the importance of Russian and Soviet University Forums in sustaining international cooperation between different countries of the world?
– Yes, holding such forums are not only interesting and important, but also promising for the development of international cooperation. Russia must always remember that graduates of Soviet and Russian universities are its most reliable allies. Returning to their homeland, graduates become ambassadors of Russia in their countries, ambassadors of Russian education, Russian science and culture. After all, over the years of study, graduates begin to love Russia, the Russian people, their customs and traditions. Despite problems, cataclysms, various difficult situations, the love for Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Aivazovsky is not weakening.
– What practical steps should be undertaken after this Forum?
– First of all, I am pleased with the attention that the Russian Federation has begun to extend to associations of graduates of Soviet and Russian universities. This didn’t happen before. I really hope that the Forum will continue – not in the form of some regular meetings, but in the form of real steps, systematic constructive work aimed at strengthening cooperation in the educational, scientific, and medical spheres. We need real work. I hope that after some time there will be a new Forum for African graduates, and at it it will be possible to talk about what has been done recently to strengthen interaction and establish close cooperation with associations. Well, now I am sincerely grateful to Rossotrudnichestvo and the other organizers of the forum for bringing us together, giving us the opportunity to meet representatives of ten countries for the first time in many years, get to know each other, and communicate on topical issues in the development of cooperation between Russia and Africa. We all now understand that Africa has become a strategic partner for Russia. At the same time, many African countries are attracted to Russia, have confidence in it, and see it as their ally and like-minded partner. In such political situation, graduates associations in many ways have become conductors of Russian policy inside their own countries, and therefore they need to be supported in every possible way.
Interview 4
Salim Kungulilo, Vice-Rector of El-Imam El-Mahdi University (Tanzania)
– Was your participation in this Forum fruitful to you?
– I am glad that I am taking part in such a significant, important event, that I was able to meet many people with whom I was when I lived in Russia, and whom I had not seen for many years. But especially important for me was the opportunity to communicate with the heads and staff of Russian universities, as well as representatives of the central apparatus of Rossotrudnichestvo – people who make government decisions in the field of educational, scientific and cultural policy of Russia abroad.
– Were you able to use the opportunity to discuss issues of interaction between African alumni associations and government authorities of the Russian Federation?
– I was able to communicate directly with senior staff of Rossotrudnichestvo, with Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Pavel Shevtsov. We have problems, we talked about them. We hope that the forum will be followed by concrete steps to strengthen interaction with associations.
– How significant is the role of alumni associations in promoting the Russian language on the African continent?
– Some time ago, we all received a high-quality education in the Soviet Union and in Russia, we fell in love with the Russian people, Russian culture. We are pleased to remember our student years; there was a lot of light and positive things. It is natural that associations do everything possible to maintain interest in Russian education and culture in their countries. They are ready to interact in this direction with Russian universities, which are actively opening Centers for Open Education and Russian Language Teaching on the African continent, and with Russian government authorities.
– In recent years, the number of quotas for African countries for admission to Russian universities has been increasing. How important is this now?
– There were different periods of our history. During Soviet times, there were a lot of students from Africa, but in the 1990s there was a sharp decline. Now, in the 21st century, the lost positions of Russian education are gradually recovering. And the increased quotas for African countries contributes to this.
– Do you support the idea of conducting such Forums on regular basis?
– Without any doubt. Thanks to the forums, representatives of associations from different countries communicate more closely, ways of their interaction are outlined, work experience and plans for the future are discussed.
– Thank you very much for your answers, it was very nice to talk with you.
– Thank you very much.
Interview 5
Edouard Ndinga, Director of Epidemic Affairs at the World Health Organization in the Republic of the Congo
– Tell us about your background and when did your post-graduate experience start?
– I am a specialist in the field of health care and vaccination. I am an Advisor in the World Healthcare Organization. But I came here as a graduate of a Soviet university. I completed my studies in the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago and became a doctor. At this Forum I represent the association of Soviet and Russian University graduates in the Republic of Congo.
– Do you think that the Forum plays a supporting and unifying role to graduate associations in various countries?
– I am glad that I was invited to this wonderful Forum. First of all, the Forum has become a unique platform for the exchange of experiences and opinions between graduates. And this is the most important thing for me. We conducted meetings, spoke in Russian, discussed perspective ideas with graduates from other countries. This is what I liked the most. I am glad that each of the African countries represented at the Forum had created its own association of graduates. And now, thanks to the Forum, each association sees that it is not alone, that there are other associations of people around who are friendly towards Russia, who highly value Russian education and culture. It is equally important that the leadership of Rossotrudnichestvo remembered the associations and organized such an event for the first time at the state level. Associations need support, not only material, but also conceptual and ideological – in this case they will work harmoniously, within a single system.
– Which training courses were of the most interest to you at the Forumof Soviet and Russian University Graduates – representatives of education and healthcare systems of African countries?
– I liked the advanced training course “Management in Healthcare” conducted by Elizaveta Volchkova. These were interesting and useful lessons related to organization in healthcare system.
– Thank you. What can you say about organization of the Forum? Will you take part in future forums and do you find them necessary?
– I think that each forum will be a useful experience to me, so, please do invite me, and I will be happy to participate. I would like to thank all the organizers for their clear, well-coordinated work and meaningful program, which has opened up wide opportunities for the dialogue between Russia and neighboring African countries.
Women and girls continue to bear the global burden of HIV/AIDS; nearly 60% of all new adult infections are among women. Young women aged 15–24 are more than twice as likely to acquire HIV than young men.
The International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) developed the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DapiRingTM), a long-acting, user-controlled vaginal ring to reduce the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal sex. The Population Council acquired the DapiRing and other assets from IPM in 2022, including a key subset of the DapiRing development team.
The dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), an innovative product to help women reduce the risk of HIV infection, has now gained regulatory approval or authorization through import permits for use in 11 countries in East and Southern Africa, announced the Population Council and IPM South Africa, an affiliate of the Population Council, today. The ring is currently being offered to women through more than 30 implementation and pilot studies across six countries.
The ring is the first long-acting HIV prevention method designed for women that is approved for use in women aged 18 and above. Made of flexible silicone, the ring slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period.
Diantha Pillay is Associate Director of Product Access and Medical Science Liaison for Population Council South Africa. Capital talked to her about the new product and how it can help young women in Africa. Excerpts;
