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UGANDA: New law to regulate engineering professionals in the offing

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A law that will regulate the operations of technologists and technicians, has been mooted for consideration by Parliament.

The Bill was tabled by the State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Musa Ecweru during the first day of the regional plenary sittings in Gulu City on Wednesday, 28 August 2024.

The Bill seeks to repeal the existing Engineers Registration Act, as well as to establish the Uganda Institution of Engineering Professionals that will provide for the regulation and licensing of other professionals in the industry, apart from engineers.

The Bill will also provide for a code of ethics for engineering professionals and provide for a mechanism for inquiry into the conduct of an engineering professional who contravenes the code of ethics.
“The Engineers Registration Act Cap.271 regulates aspects of engineers only and does not provide for the regulation of other engineering professionals. There is need to regulate the technologists and engineers who are the other cadres of engineering professionals,” reads the Bill in part.

While presiding over the plenary sitting, the Speaker, Anita Among, referred the Bill to the Committee on Physical Infrastructure for further processing, with a report expected to be given to the House for consideration and approval.

Rule 129(2) of the Rules of Procedure states that, ‘The Committee shall examine the Bill in detail and make all such inquiries in relation to it as the Committee considers expedient or necessary and report to the House within 45 days from the date the Bill is referred to the Committee.’

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Delegation Holds Meetings with Government and PFDJ Officials

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The delegation of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), led by Mr. Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Commission, held extensive discussions with various Government and PFDJ officials yesterday.

During its meetings with Mr. Hagos Gebrehiwet, Head of Economic Affairs of the PFDJ; Dr. Gergis Teklemicael, Minister of Finance and National Development; and Mr. Arefaine Berhe, Minister of Agriculture, the ECA delegation focused on mutual cooperation regarding Eritrea’s priority development programs.

Briefing the delegation, Mr. Hagos Gebrehiwet stated that Eritrea is working on development programs with the objective of ensuring social justice. He also expressed a willingness to work in collaboration with the Commission on priority development sectors.

In the meeting with the Minister of Finance and National Development, Mr. Claver Gatete conveyed the Commission’s readiness to enhance human resources development and implement tangible programs in various developmental sectors, particularly in the energy and renewable energy sectors.

At the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Arefaine Berhe highlighted Eritrea’s motto, “Ensuring Nutritious Food for All and Everywhere,” and emphasized that the country is working on strategic plans centered on farmers. Minister Arefaine also expressed a commitment to transform these plans into large-scale industrial outputs in collaboration with the Commission.

The ECA delegation expressed its readiness to adopt development programs that align with Eritrea’s priorities and to share Eritrea’s experience in water and soil conservation with other countries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej focuses on ‘Women Empowerment’ in the Twelfth Episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV Program

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Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany released the Twelfth Episode of their first-ever TV program – ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on their social media handles.

‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ is a pan African TV program that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation to feature African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness and create a culture shift across Africa.

The TV program is currently broadcasting on KTN Home in Kenya, every Saturday at 5 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.

It has also been broadcasted on prime TV stations of many countries like BTV (Botswana) Mashariki TV (Burundi), GHOne &TV3 (Ghana), QTV (The Gambia), LNTV (Liberia), Mibawa Limited (Malawi), Defi Media (Mauritius), AYV TV (Sierra Leone), NTV (Uganda), ZNBC TV (Zambia) and it immediately captured the attention and hearts of millions of viewers across Africa. “Our Africa” TV Program will soon be broadcast on GTV in Ghana, NBC in Namibia, and ZTN in Zimbabwe. “Our Africa” TV Program is also currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g0FgDw), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4g43Hjj), X (https://apo-opa.co/4g4rdNq) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3YXKvxK) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g5dLbM), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3yLym4t), X (https://apo-opa.co/3yMrrYJ) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Ta8OF4).

Watch the Promo of ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ here: https://apo-opa.co/3AHWLZa

The theme for the Twelfth Episode is Women Empowerment.

Watch the Twelfth Episode promo here: https://apo-opa.co/4e1aKHE

Watch the Twelfth Episode here: https://apo-opa.co/3T4UTQk

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation expressed, “Firstly, I would like to thank all our audiences for the overwhelming response we have been getting for ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ on our social media handles. I am excited to bring to you the twelfth episode of this entertaining and informative TV Program that you all have given so much love. ‘Our Africa by Merck Foundation’ TV Program’s twelfth episode focuses on ‘Women Empowerment’. I firmly believe that investing in Women Economic Empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive economic growth.”

“We have addressed this very sensitive topic of Women Empowerment through Merck Foundation’s ‘Fashion and Art with Purpose’ community. I strongly believe that media, fashion and art should have a purpose beyond entertainment and looking good and can raise awareness about issues such as Diabetes Awareness, Breaking Infertility Stigma, Ending Child Marriage, stopping FGM, stopping GBV, Supporting Girl Education and Women Empowerment, among other social and health issues affecting the continent. Through our programs, we want to reach out to youth and other members of urban and rural communities across the continent to address and raise awareness about a wide range of hindering social and health issues that are relevant to Africa”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The twelfth episode of “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” features Prince Akpah, Founder&Managing Director, Avance Media, Ghana; Wezi Afro-Soul Singer; Songwriter Advocate and Humanitarian, Zambia; Dr. Sabrina Devi Ramamy Iranah, Director of Fashion and Design Institute, Mauritius and Jean Luc Emile, Managing Editor, Defimedia Group, Mauritius. Fashion designers from Mauritius: Dasheena Deena Appaddo and Desire Cedric Vincent featured their designs in this episode displaying strong and relevant messages on Women Empowerment.

Senator, Dr. Rasha further emphasized, “Empowering girls and women is part of our DNA at Merck Foundation. Together with our ambassadors, First Ladies of Africa, we work closely to empower women and girls through our programs including our “More Than a Mother” Campaign, “Educating Linda” program, Merck Foundation Capacity Advancement, and Merck Foundation STEM program”.

Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” campaign is a strong movement that aims to empower women living with Infertility through access to information, education, change of mind-set, and economic empowerment.

“Moreover, we have benefitted many girls through our awareness campaign which includes releasing many inspiring children’s storybooks, animation films and songs to support girl education and end child marriage”, shared Senator Kelej.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej further emphasized, “In partnership with the First Ladies of Africa, we have been building healthcare capacity through providing training to healthcare providers in many medical specialties. Out of the total 1810 scholarships, more than 828 scholarships have been provided to female doctors in critical and underserved specialties especially that is related to women’s health and reproductive health such as fertility specialty, embryology and sexual&reproductive care and also other specialties like Oncology, diabetes, endocrinology, respiratory care, intensive care, preventive cardiology and many more. This is a great achievement for us”.

Additionally, Merck Foundation is adapting their storybooks to create interesting animation films with the purpose of reaching out to the communities to raise awareness on the important supporting girl education and ending child marriage. Watch Ride into the Future Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/3AHWOEk

Merck Foundation also supports childless women by helping them start their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and support she deserves to lead a fulfilling life, with or without a child.

“Moreover, we also trained more than 3200 media representatives from more than 35 countries, to be the voice of the voiceless and raise community awareness around breaking infertility stigma around women and other critical issues such as: ending child marriage, stopping GBV, supporting girl education and women empowerment. In partnership with African First Ladies, we have also announced awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers and Musicians/ Singers to raise awareness through their creative work about these critical social and health issues.”, explained Senator, Dr. Rasha.

Merck Foundation strongly believes that Education is one of the most critical areas of women’s empowerment. Through their ‘Educating Linda’ program, Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies has been supporting the education of many unprivileged but brilliant African girls by providing scholarships, so they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams.

Merck Foundation has also announced the MARS Awards to appreciate and recognize ‘Best African Women Researchers’ and ‘Best Young African Researcher’. The aim is to empower women and young African researchers, advance their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Also, Merck Foundation has released many inspiring children’s storybooks, Animation Movies and over 30 songs on breaking infertility stigma, supporting girls’ education, and women empowerment, in English, French and Portuguese language. To listen to the Merck Foundation songs and read the Merck Foundation storybooks, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3TbaX39

“I am very excited to bring to you all the upcoming episodes of ‘OUR AFRICA by Merck Foundation’ TV program. So, stay tuned and be ready to Get informed, Get healthy, and Get entertained!”, concluded Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.

You can watch all the past episodes by referring to the below links:

Watch Episode 1 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g5Jgm8

Watch Episode 2 here: https://apo-opa.co/3ABjQMY

Watch Episode 3 here: https://apo-opa.co/3Z62uSD

Watch Episode 4 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g4j3EI

Watch Episode 5 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g43Y5P  

Watch Episode 6 here: https://apo-opa.co/4e47Emz

Watch Episode 7 here: https://apo-opa.co/3T1MAVp

Watch Episode 8 here: https://apo-opa.co/4ge26I2  

Watch Episode 9 here: https://apo-opa.co/4fZwO7x

Watch Episode 10 here: https://apo-opa.co/3Z0ueIk

Watch Episode 11 here: https://apo-opa.co/4g67XyP

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

More images: https://apo-opa.co/3T7y0M6

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4g5dLbM
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Ta8OF4
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3yLym4t
X: https://apo-opa.co/3yMrrYJ
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/4g68mkP
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3AHWW6M
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/4ge2INQ

About Merck Foundation:
Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4g5dLbM), X (https://apo-opa.co/3yMrrYJ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3yLym4t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Ta8OF4), Thread (https://apo-opa.co/3AHWW6M) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4g68mkP).

Starlink seek greater market share in Africa with “game-changing” router-free service

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Starlink seek greater market share in Africa with “game-changing” router-free service

By Seth Onyango, bird story agency

Billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink looks set to further disrupt Africa’s internet market with a router-free offering.

Cutting out the need for expensive hardware would help Starlink undercut traditional monopolies like Safaricom and MTN and expand its market share in a region where high costs have long been a barrier to wider internet access.

Martin Macharia, a Kenyan tech analyst, sees this development as a pivotal moment for Africa’s internet landscape.

“Starlink’s router-free option could be a game-changer in Africa. It removes one of the biggest cost barriers and could lead to widespread adoption of satellite internet. This will for sure upset incumbent providers,” Macharia said.

“It is not just about cheaper internet—it’s about breaking the stranglehold that local providers have on the market which is good because general offering improves.”

Innovation Village reported that the satellite provider’s strategy will enable mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, bypassing needless expenditure on hardware.

Starling submitted a filing outlining its plans to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in May of this year.

Such a service removes one of the last remaining barriers to the widespread adoption of satellite internet in Africa, where high upfront hardware costs have kept many potential users on the sidelines.

The move comes as Safaricom, the leading telecommunications provider in Kenya, pushes for tighter regulations on Starlink, wary of the potential threat to its lucrative data bundle business.

Safaricom has enjoyed near-monopoly status in Kenya, leveraging its extensive infrastructure and customer base to maintain a stronghold on the market.

The Vodacom-owned East African giant in June 2023 announced its intention to use AST SpaceMobile’s satellite internet offering to improve its broadband services. Vodacom’s majority owner, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have trialed space-based voice and data, announ ing success with space-based 5G voice calling and data and download speeds of nearly 14 Mbps by September 2023. 

In March, MTN Group, Africa’s largest telco by subscriber base, announced a foray into direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services, after partnering with US-based satellite broadband provider Omnispace.

In a joint statement, the two said they were exploring using S-band (2-4GHz) frequencies for satellite services to expand MTN’s portfolio of wireless services to its over 290 million customers in 19 countries.

However, Starlink’s aggressive push into the region with its cost-cutting strategy could erode the dominance of established telco’s like MTN and Vodacom.

The impact of Starlink’s move could be especially significant in rural and underserved areas where traditional ISPs have struggled.

Starlink’s technology, which doesn’t rely on ground infrastructure, could offer a viable alternative to the patchy service many Africans currently experience.

“Safaricom and others need to wake up,” Macharia added. “Starlink’s aggressive push could very well upend the current market dynamics.”

Safaricom’s push for tighter regulation on Starlink is a clear indication of the fears within the industry that Musk’s satellite service could destabilise the traditional telecom hierarchy that has existed for years.

Starlink’s planned approach, sidestepping the need for ground infrastructure, could provide a more reliable and affordable alternative to traditional ISPs, many of which have struggled with providing consistent service in remote locations.

Its move could force incumbent ISPs like Safaricom and MTN to lower their prices and rethink their strategies to remain competitive.

Macharia notes that the shift towards satellite-based internet could also lead to significant changes in how data is managed and utilised across the continent.

With Starlink’s  planned direct-to-satellite connections, there is potential for a new wave of digital services and applications that leverage this high-speed, low-latency internet.

This could drive innovation in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and education, where connectivity has been a limiting factor.

However, the success of Starlink’s expansion into Africa is not guaranteed. While the router-free service may lower costs, the overall affordability of Starlink’s service remains a concern.

The initial cost of the Starlink kit, even without the router, and the ongoing subscription fees may still be out of reach for many low-income households.

This raises questions about whether Starlink can truly democratise internet access in Africa or if it will remain a service for the more affluent.

Additionally, regulatory hurdles could pose significant challenges.

African governments have a history of imposing strict controls on new technologies, particularly those that threaten existing monopolies.

Starlink will likely face scrutiny and possibly resistance from both regulators and traditional ISPs looking to protect their market share.

How these dynamics play out will be crucial in determining whether Starlink can establish a foothold in Africa’s competitive telecom market.

The coming months will be critical as Starlink’s plans for Africa become clearer. Whether the company can deliver on its promise of affordable, high-speed internet will determine its impact on the continent’s digital future.

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