The Beautiful Face of Africa Fashion Week London

Beautiful and stunning model Maggie Smith has fashioned and sketched her way to a landslide victory in the race to become the face of Africa Fashion Week London. The 20-year-old received 1947 votes - over 200 more than her nearest rival.

Maggie, who is a receptionist, will get to see her face on posters, websites and the catwalk when she fronts the Africa Fashion Week London in August. Subsequent to her enormous success over more than 20 other contestants Maggie, born in Uganda but now living in Airdrie with mum Joanne said: “I am absolutely over the moon as this will be an amazing opportunity.

“I am very excited about being the face of Africa Fashion Week London and I will have to try and contain myself as I still have to get up for work in the morning in the meantime. I finished just over 200 votes ahead of the runner-up, which is incredible. I can’t thank the Advertiser and its readers and everyone who voted enough.

“I have relatives in Southampton, Uganda and Australia who all showed their support while all my friends in Airdrie and colleagues at work have been brilliant. “There were people I have never met in my life who voted for me and I will never forget the opportunity they have afforded me.

“I am an emotional person as it is but I was really touched by seeing how kind people can be. “The Africa Fashion Week London doesn’t take place until August but I am travelling to London for a photoshoot at the end of February." Maggie continued saying: “These publicity shots will be to use on the face of the fashion week campaign. The images used are going to be very editorial, with a lot of colour, and I am really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

“My face will feature on ticket passes, website promotion and on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram during the fashion week. There will also be a backdrop of an image of my face on the catwalk for the fashion shows, which is very exciting to think about” she said.

“I will be based in London for the full week, at least, and the contacts I will hopefully make would be really helpful. “Winning still hasn’t fully sunk in yet. I think it will start to when I go down for my photo-shoot. I cannot wait to get off and running,” she said.

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The City That Never Sleeps!:MUMBAI

Mumbai is what we lovingly call - the 'City of Dreams'. This marvellous metropolis is not only the financial capital of India that aids as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center.

It is a place where you can enjoy the most eminent stylish labels and merchandises from various fashion houses that overflow the eventful malls. A place where allure is not a rare word and is imitated brazenly in the Bollywood film industry.

To witness some of God's astonishing wonders- the splendid sunsets over the Arabian Sea, do take a look at the beaches in Mumbai, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly arises, which is why Mumbai is also talk about as the 'city that never sleeps'. Once a cluster of seven islands, Mumbai was offered to King Charles II in 1661 as part of the dowry when he married Princess Catherine de Braganza of Portugal.

City of Dreams: Vivacious, thriving, on the move, energetic, amusing - this is Mumbai or as it is still often denoted as - Bombay. The most contemporary city in India, it catches the essence of the shifting pace set by liberalization and modernisation.

Lip-Smacking Choices: It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi though English and Hindi are broadly spoken and understood. The fastpaced life has given rise to packs of "fast-food outlets" on more or less every road, proposing lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own: Pau Bhaji, Bhel Puri and Kababs. There is no shortage, yet, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in high-class restaurants by master chefs.

Shopper's Delight: Mumbai is a shopper's delight with inexpensive buys, élite boutiques, cultural markets and mini bazaars. This eventful city is also the centre of a blossoming cultural life, with an endless stream of concerts in music, dance and drama.

Bindaas Bollywood: Next to Hollywood, Mumbai is world's largest production centre for films. The Film City: 'Bollywood', as it is called, produces the second most number of films in the world every year.

Mumbai for All: Mumbai gratifies to the audacious and the idealistic through its boasting activities, nightclubs, pubs, theatres, beaches and restaurants.

Old and new, rich and poor, classical and modern- it’s all here for you to smell and relish!

WHERE TO GO???

Gateway of India:This 26m-high edifice has four turrets and intricate latticework engraved into the yellow basalt stone. Local people as well as the foreign tourists come down to this place in the evening and take a cool rest from day's tiring work schedules.

Haji Ali:Haji Ali Dargah is one of India’s most famed and prominent landmarks. The impressive Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb. The Dargah is situated on a small island and is reachable through a narrow walking lane.

Marine Drive:It is the place where people hang out to cool down a while from the muggy hurried and busied life. As street lamps systematically line up on the edge of the beach, it is also known as called Queen's Necklace. Stalls on the beach, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan make the chowpatty reviving.

Juhu Beach:Juhu is one of the most popular and posh beaches of India. Tourists can enjoy horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers etc. here.

Essel World: Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a perfect destination for a one-day holiday.

Siddhivinayak Temple:The temple has a Kalash, which is a pointed dome of 12 feet high Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500 kg and plated in gold. So, it expedites the 'Darshan' of Sri Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities.A

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Telkom considering sale of mobile phone towers in South Africa

According to a report by Bloomberg, South African telecommunications provider Telkom, is looking to cut costs on its mobile service offering by selling off a section of mobile phone towers – in South Africa. B l o o m b e r g cited that individuals with knowledge on the matter made the reveal. According to Bloomberg’s source, who wished to remain a n o n y m o u s according to Bloomberg, the sale could fetch as much as $500 million to $1 billion. The source revealed that Telkom is allegedly working with consulting firm Accenture PLC on the sale, which may attract tower operators such as IHS Holding Ltd. of Nigeria and Helios Towers Africa, the people said. No final decision has been made and talks may still falter, they said.

Bloomberg continued the report by stating that carriers in emerging markets including the Middle East and Africa are offloading towers. They cost more to run in such regions than in other parts of the world because of the need for backup generators and batteries to guard against power failures.

Kuwait’s largest wireless carrier, known as Zain, is working with Citigroup Inc. on the possible sale of towers in two Gulf countries, people familiar with the matter said last month. IT News Africa has reached out to Telkom regarding the matter; however, no comment has yet been obtained from Telkom. Update: According to a spokesperson at Telkom: “The report is speculative; however, Telkom has stated many times in the past (most recently at the Company’s interim results), that Telkom is continuing its review of all properties, assets and infrastructure within the company’s portfolio. This review is considering a wide range from potential options. The primary focus of the review is to optimise the use of our facilities and assets while also considering any potential commercial opportunities.”

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KPMG Global Africa Practice launches App to streamline business in Africa

The KPMG Global Africa Practice has launched their new Africa Business App – a first for the industry. The dynamic new platform will provide businesses and investors with seamless access to the very latest Africa information about doing business across the continent.

“With the KPMG Africa Business App, we are not just delivering the most up-to-date information on country profiles, fiscal information and keen insights into operating in some of these countries – we are providing businesses with a unique, highly interactive and bespoke user experience,” explains Bryan Leith, Chief Operating Officer of KPMG Africa.

Through the application users will have access to content that includes the latest African country profiles with the most recent country information – everything from fiscal guides to business climate and more – and at no additional charge for utilising the App beyond their service providers data charges. Users will also have full access to KPMG’s insights into doing business in Africa – from latest surveys and reports across industries. What’s more, the firm has included a unique and first to market service via this App. Appropriately named and trademarked, the KPMG ClientTalkTM functionality gives users easy access to the firm’s subject experts across markets and sectors by providing quick-links as to who to contact at the firm should users have any questions or are looking for advice about investing, expanding or entering the continent.

Additionally, osargenews.com has been brought on board as the official news aggregator – providing up-to-date news and stories from across each region, as well as Pan- African and global news of relevance to Africa and as the news breaks. Founder of osargenews.com, Morell Maison, says: “Accessibility of news is paramount to decision making. Our news aggregation saves time and ensures the most relevant news is available to decision makers and visitors to Africa, when it’s needed. Our aim has always been to facilitate the flow of information, not just within pan-Africa, but pan-diaspora. And this partnership with KPMG aligns perfectly with our strategy and philosophy.”

“Africa is a complex and diverse continent – but it is also home to many companies that boast remarkable talent, a great track record and a more-than-promising future. Naturally, investors from elsewhere would like to partner with them and share in their growth potential. Within our Global Africa Practice, we find ourselves devoting an ever increasing amount of time and resources to “matchmaking” – introducing investors to suitable African partners – and in roughly 90% of cases a successful “marriage” results. The waters can be difficult to navigate but we are committed to helping clients and potential clients capture business opportunities available in the African market, understand the landscape and mitigate the risks – and the App is just another channel that allows us to do exactly that,” concludes Seyi Bickersteth, Chairman, KPMG Africa.

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Orange and Ecobank launch money transfer service

Orange and pan-African banking group Ecobank have rolled out a service that will enable Orange Money subscribers who also have bank accounts with Ecobank to transfer money between their respective accounts. The service has already been launched in Mali and will be rolled-out in several other African countries, including Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Conakry, Niger, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during the first half of 2015. The partnership aims to facilitate money transfers for both Ecobank and Orange customers by offering them the possibility of topping up their Orange Money e-wallet from their bank account, and vice versa.

The two companies have launched the service following the signature of a memorandum of understanding. The partnership comes as part of a joint strategy to enhance mobile financial services and to increase access to banking services across Africa.

In sub-Saharan Africa, where less than 24 percent of the population has a bank account and over 60 percent have a mobile phone, Orange Money offers easyto- use mobile financial services that allow transactions to be made remotely and securely, avoiding the need to carry money around. With Orange Money, customers can transfer money from their mobile phones to any other customer in the country and, in some countries, internationally. They can also pay their water, electricity and television bills and top up their telephone airtime remotely. Depending on the country, they may also benefit from savings and insurance solutions. Laurent Paillassot, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Orange in charge of Customer Experience and Mobile Banking, said: “This partnership between Orange and Ecobank will further enrich customer experience. By facilitating exchanges between Ecobank and Orange Money accounts, our customers will be able to conduct financial transactions quickly and in complete security, bringing them the best of both worlds. We want to offer this service wherever it makes sense.”

Patrick Akinwuntan, Ecobank’s Group Executive in charge of Domestic Banking, said “This roll-out further demonstrates Ecobank’s commitment to make branchless banking a reality by activating multiple service channels in every country in which we operate. Our unique pan-African footprint also enables us to be at the forefront of efforts to develop the market for crossborder mobile financial services in Africa.”

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IFC set to grow Mobile Money usage in Uganda

A new coffee policy that seeks to increase coffee production and strengthen extension services in coffee farming is in the offing. Gerardine Mukeshimana, the Minister for Agriculture, said the policy would replace the coffee policy of 1998, paving way for new strategies that will help streamline Rwanda’s coffee industry. It is, however, awaiting Cabinet approval.

“Coffee is an important cash crop and a source of income, which makes it essential to have clear and strong policies, regulations and strategies if we are to improve the livelihoods of over 400,000 farmers who depend on coffee farming,” she said.

Mukeshimana was speaking during the Rwanda coffee conference organised by the National Agriculture Export Board (Naeb) and the International Growth Centre (IGC) in Kigali.

She noted that, often, the role of policies and regulations is overlooked, which creates shaky systems. She added that without strong and industry-supportive policies, there can never be confidence among stakeholders, a situation that affects growth of the sector.

“It’s important to know that right policies create a fair ground for all sector players to compete,” the minister emphasised.

George William Kayonga, the Naeb Chief Executive Officer, said the new policy will guide the various activities in the coffee sector, and ensure quality along the value chain.

He said there is a need to improve extension services and put in place effective mechanisms to boost research, as well as develop technologies that can help increase coffee production,” he said.

According to Dr Celestin Gatarayiha, the head of the coffee chain division at NAEB, the policy is in line with the international coffee agreement which was ratified in 2012.

Rwanda’s coffee strategy expired in 2012, he added.

“The new policy also provides a framework on how to improve and respond to demand for coffee on the international market through more enhanced processing and marketing strategies by the private sector.”

It also seeks to empower coffee washing stations to increase production in their zones of operations but also ensuring that these stations are fully operational and profitable, he added.

The policy also seeks to put in place strong regulations and conducive working environment that will help intensify farmers field schools, knowledge and technical knowhow.

There are currently 229 coffee washing stations across the country and the number could be increased once the new policy is implemented.

According to Gatarayiha, the new policy will promote the domestic consumption of coffee throughestablishing locally developed roasting capacities.

Dr Rocco Mac Chiavello, an economic expert and consultant based in Italy, said undercapacity utilisation, market failures, especially in sourcing and access to finance, still remain major challenges in the coffee industry.

“There is need for a policy not only to regulate, but also help deal with market stability through more strengthened relationship between farmers and coffee washing stations,” Chiavello added.

Jean Jacques Mmbonigaba, the director general Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), said the policy will be key to improve and expand the fully-washed coffee market.

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InfiNet Wireless set to improve internet connectivity

InfiNet Wireless, a broadband connectivity company, has revealed their success in improving connectivity across the Nigerian region. According to the company, TruNorth, one of InfiNet’s resellers, has been working within the region in line with InfiNet’s overall strategy to expand its presence in Africa and bring wireless connectivity to all corners of the continent.

According to the company, the Nigerian region has been identified as having low internet speeds and poor connectivity. The company also revealed that telecom providers are not providing sufficient internet speeds that meet the demands of the growing market.

Kamal Mokrani, Global Vice President of InfiNet Wireless, stated that: “Nigeria is a key developing market for us and we are working with TruNorth, an experienced telecom service provider in the region, to provide reliable and state of the art networks for high capacity connectivity.”

“TruNorth believe that Nigeria offers the largest telecom market in Africa and shows consistent growth year after year. The market demand in Nigeria outweighs both the service offerings and the availability of infrastructure needed to meet these demands which make it a key focus for Wireless providers such as InifNet Wireless. InfiNet provides high capacity solutions and very fast deliveries, which is exactly what is required in Nigeria today.” concluded Abdallah Fawaz, Managing Director of TruNorth.

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