Highlights from the region
29th March, 2023 | Volume – 02 – 01/03
As the Chinese and Russians make substantial inroads into Africa, US Vice-President is undertaking a visit from March 25 to key Indian Ocean Region state of Tanzania besides Ghana and Zambia to boost sustainable economic growth & food security. Ironically though Tanzania and Zambia plans to engage Chinese investors to revitalise operations of the railway line that is underperforming due to insufficient capitalization. Meanwhile, both political and economic situation in Kenya continue to deteriorate. In South Africa, the visiting Belgian King urged the government to move Russia to end the conflict given strong ties between Pretoria and Moscow. In Oman (a key India Ocean Region & Persian Gulf state) the Sultan held telephonic conversation with the Russian President to exchange views on international and regional issues.
Tanzania: What Harris’ Visit Means to Tz
AllAfrica.com |23rd March 2023
THE maiden visit of US Vice-President Kamala Harris to Tanzania is expected to bolster bilateral ties between the two countries and promote a number of areas for cooperation, pundits have forecasted. Ms Harris and her delegation will visit three African countries – Tanzania, Ghana and Zambia from 25 March to 2 April to discuss regional and global priorities, including shared commitment to democracy, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, food security, and the effects of war between Russia Ukraine,” according to a readout from her office.
TAZARA to re-engage Chinese investors to revitalise operations
Daily News Tanzania | 24th March 2023
THE Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) plans to engage Chinese investors to revitalise operations of the railway line that is underperforming due to insufficient capitalisation. TAZARA Council of Ministers, comprising the Ministers responsible for Transport, Finance and Industry in Tanzania and Zambia which met in Lusaka, Zambia recently, directed the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) to complete the process of engaging the Chinese investors, who have expressed interest in reviving TAZARA.
President Ruto takes eight new loans in four months
The Nation | 24th March 2023
The Kenya Kwanza administration contracted eight new loans worth Sh43.4 billion in the four months between September 1 to December 31.
Religious, business leaders urge Ruto, Raila to hold talks
The Citizen | 23rd March 2023
President William Ruto has maintained a hard-line position on opposition protests he likened to economic sabotage, even as calls for him to hold talks with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga intensified.
Belgium calls on South Africa to help end war in Ukraine
Africa News | 24th March 2023
Belgium called on South Africa on Thursday to use its influence with Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. The appeal was made during a state visit by the Belgian king to Pretoria. King Philippe is travelling with Queen Mathilde and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib during a five-day state visit to the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the call by saying that Pretoria continues “to use the channel we have with Russia…to talk about how the conflict can be brought to an end”.
HM the Sultan receives phone call from Russian President
Times of Oman | 23rd March 2023
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik received a phone call today from President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation. During the call, the two leaders reviewed areas of bilateral cooperation. They also exchanged views on various regional and international issues of common concern.
