Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 14 August 2024

[Bulls n Bears]

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Major International Business Headlines Brief:::  14 August 2024 

 


 


 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


 

ü  Kenya: Half of Kenya's Tea Withdrawn From Market As High Prices Impact
Sales

ü  Uganda: UK and Uganda Unveil £5 Million Clean Cooking Initiative

ü  Mozambique: Nyusi Calls On Young People to Embrace Digital Technologies

ü  Africa: Carbon Trading - an Opportunity for Economic Development

ü  Africa: Empowering Africa's Informal Market Traders to Deliver Safe Food

ü  South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q2 - 2024 Shows Concerning
Trends

ü  Gambia: Alleged Illegal Sand Mining Unleashes Devastating Impact On
Gunjur Beach

ü  Gambia: Insight Into Non-Enforcement of Tobacco Control Act 2016

ü  West Africa: Nigeria's Crude Output Rose to 1.3m BPD in July - Opec

ü  Uganda: MTN to Pay Shs 147.8bn As Interim Dividend

ü  Ethiopia: Raising Red Flag On Banks' Competitiveness

ü  Tanzania Inflation Exhibits Stability

ü  China firm claims world's fastest-charging EV battery

ü  More cattle kept in UK ‘megafarms’, BBC finds

ü  Starbucks replaces boss after sales slump

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

Kenya: Half of Kenya's Tea Withdrawn From Market As High Prices Impact Sales

Kenya continues to grapple with stagnant tea stocks, driven by the high
volumes of the commodity carried over from previous years, which could
potentially impact farmers' earnings in the just concluded financial year.

 

At the latest auction in Mombasa, the world's second-largest trading market
for black tea, over half of the tea offered was withdrawn after buyers
rejected it due to prices deemed too high relative to its value.

 

Data from the auction revealed that 54 percent of the tea, equivalent to
119,280 packages, was pulled from the auction floor.

 

 

Kenya, the world's second-largest exporter of black tea, has been struggling
with significant stockpiles since the government introduced a minimum price
of $2,43 two years ago for teas that are produced by the Kenya Tea
Development Agency (KTDA).

 

Critics argue that linking the minimum price to production costs rather than
the intrinsic value of the tea was a misstep.

 

Industry experts also note the challenge of setting a uniform market price
due to the varying quality of teas from different regions.

 

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has been managing over 100 million
kilograms of carryover tea stocks, some dating back two years, as the
minimum price discourages buyers from purchasing the pricier product.

 

In response to the growing crisis, the Kenyan government held an urgent
meeting with traders and the KTDA a fortnight ago to assess the situation
and seek solutions.

 

However, the resolutions from this meeting have yet to be implemented, while
traders continue to call for the immediate suspension of the minimum price.

 

Business Day Africa.

 

 

 

 

Uganda: UK and Uganda Unveil £5 Million Clean Cooking Initiative

Kampala, Uganda — The UK, in partnership with Uganda's Ministry of Energy
and Mineral Development, has unveiled a £5 million clean cooking programme
designed to revolutionize cooking technologies across Uganda. This two-year
initiative is set to tackle critical challenges in clean energy access and
enhance cooking conditions for millions of Ugandans.

 

The programme comprises three key components: establishing a high-impact
Clean Cooking Unit within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
through the Global Green Growth Institute to bolster national coordination
and attract further sector financing; supporting urban authorities in the
Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) via the ICLEI Africa-led ENACT
project to provide clean cooking solutions to at least 6,000 households in
informal settlements; and expanding the Modern Energy Cooking Services
Program (MECS), which will develop a nationwide supply chain for
high-quality electric cooking appliances, train 600 Ugandan technicians,
establish national standards, and pilot electric cooking in 100 schools.

 

 

Building on successful research pilots conducted by the UK's Loughborough
University and the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP), the
programme presents significant opportunities for advancing sustainable
energy solutions. Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs), a focal point of the
programme, offer up to 50% savings in cooking time and energy while also
minimizing health hazards and environmental impact.

 

Kate Airey, the British High Commissioner to Uganda said clean energy is a
UK priority. "Our goal with the promotion of Efficient Electric Cooking is
to simplify the cooking process, minimize potential cooking hazards while
supporting Uganda's energy and climate action goals," she said during the
programme launch in Kampala on Aug.09

 

 

She added: "We believe these products will become essential as electricity
availability grows, helping families save time and money, safeguard health,
and contribute to environmental conservation."

 

Majority of population rely on wood fuel

 

This development comes at the time 95% of households in Uganda still rely on
wood or charcoal for cooking, contributing to deforestation and indoor
pollution, which disproportionately affects women and children.

 

Commenting on the new programme, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Uganda's Minister
for Energy and Mineral Development, praised the initiative as a milestone,
noting, "This is the first programme dedicated to eCooking, aimed at
addressing barriers and developing the eCooking industry. Traditional
cooking solutions like firewood and charcoal are becoming scarce and
unaffordable, making cleaner alternatives increasingly vital."

 

The programme's launch will be supported by a comprehensive behaviour change
campaign, developed by the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) and key
stakeholders. The campaign will include outreach in schools, public spaces,
media engagement, and the development of an eCooking mobile app for
consumers.

 

In addition to this new initiative, previous UK support has led to the
development of a National eCooking Strategy, which aims to increase eCooking
adoption from 1% to 18% by 2030.

 

Despite progress, Uganda faces significant challenges, with about 30% of the
population having access to electricity and less than 6% to clean cooking
fuels. Rapid population growth and high cost of clean energy options have
exacerbated these access issues.

 

The Ugandan government's National Energy Policy 2023 targets universal
electricity access and 50% clean cooking by 2040.

 

Independent (Kampala).

 

 

 

 

 

Mozambique: Nyusi Calls On Young People to Embrace Digital Technologies

Maputo — Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has called on young people to
embrace digital technologies in order to generate new job opportunities and
improve their living conditions, since the digital world is already
irreversible.

 

The President's appeal came in the context of International Youth Day, held
on Monday, under the slogan: "Youth on the Digital Path Towards Sustainable
Development.'

 

"Today, the world is characterized by innovations and accelerated
technological transitions with an impact on the transformation of economies
and lives', said Nyusi. "Digital technologies, one of these rapid
transitions, have contributed significantly to the efficiency and accuracy
of the data needed to make and implement decisions'.

 

 

He recalled that, as part of the implementation of the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, of the 169 targets to be achieved, digital
technologies, such as services, contribute to achieving around 70 percent of
them.

 

"This is why the motto of this year's celebrations not only reflects the
importance of digitalization in promoting development, but also celebrates
the fact that young people are at the forefront of innovation and the use of
digital technologies', he said.

 

According to Nyusi, in recognition of the role of information and
communication technologies, in particular digital technologies, in
empowering young people and society in general, the government has adopted
various strategic and regulatory instruments as well as concrete programmes
to boost the use of digital technologies.

 

 

"Among the instruments we have adopted in recent years, we have approved the
Electronic Transactions Law, the Information Society Policy and Strategy,
the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and its Implementation
Strategy, and the Cyber Security Policy and Strategy', he said.

 

"We have also been investing in and promoting the growth of technological
infrastructure and connectivity for access to electricity,
telecommunications, digital training and cyber security programmes,
digitization of public services and trade, among others', he added.

 

The President pointed to some digitized services, especially digital
broadcasting and television services, e-banking and mobile banking as
important steps to the country's digitalization.

 

"Specific projects are being implemented to promote greater inclusion, such
as the incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies into
education curricula, the implementation of the Young Creative Award, which
honours young people's Entrepreneurship, Artistic Creation and Technological
Innovation, and the VaMoz Digital Project.', he said.

 

Nyusi also believes that the use of digital technologies expands employment
opportunities, and the search for answers and solutions, allowing everyone
to participate and be included in development.

 

"However, while we are proud of the growth in innovation and the use of
digital technologies by young people, these innovations have their less
favorable side, which includes the spread of fake news and cyber attacks,
among other evils. So it is essential that young people know that, while
belonging to this fascinating and necessary digitally literate class, they
are also guided by ethical values and adopt responsible behavior', he said.

 

 

 

Africa: Carbon Trading - an Opportunity for Economic Development

Africa's carbon market offers a powerful means to address climate change and
uplift communities. The tangible benefits seen in the projects in across
Africa highlight the potential of carbon credits, both environmentally and
socio-economically. As regulations evolve, governments have the opportunity
to address current challenges and meet national priorities by crafting
policies that prioritize local needs and ensure sustained advantages. By
championing local expertise and fostering shared benefits, Africa can
realize the carbon market's dual promise for its people and the environment.

 

Carbon trade is the buying and selling of credits that permit a company or
other entity to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse
gases.

 

 

Climate change is a driver for change through which new value can be
realized for businesses or institutions in Africa--thus benefitting local
economies and people. For those that contribute to climate change through
the direct or indirect emission of GHGs, they can act to reduce these
emissions and pay for the costs in part by generating emissions reduction
credits that are tradable assets.

 

Reducing the carbon footprint for businesses is of course part of good
corporate citizenship, but if non-obligatory reductions can be monetized at
the same time, it is more likely that such actions can be realized more
quickly and scaled-up. Likewise, for small-scale activities implemented by
SMEs, such as decentralized waste management, carbon credits can provide
additional revenue streams far into the future, thereby increasing the
viability and sustainability of business models. To what end? Carbon market
vehicles can be a mechanism to channel new investment into Energy Security
in Africa. They can also help African countries to meet their voluntary
greenhouse gas reduction targets as well as their national renewable energy
targets.

 

 

For African countries, trading of carbon credits represents an opportunity
for economic development, job creations, access to climate finance and a
driver for change that can contribute to the global fight against climate
change, the realization of the Aspirations of Agenda 2063, and the
sustainable development goals.

 

Recently, the Africa Multi-Stakeholder Conference on Carbon Markets is
underway at the African Union Headquarters here in Addis Ababa. The
concerned bodies who drown from various African countries were assembled to
talk on the carbon trade and agreed to collaborate and take decisive action
to harness the potential opportunities in carbon trading.

 

The overall goal of the conference is to provide a platform for the African
continent to deliberate on carbon markets, the approaches and opportunities
they present, the threats they pose and possible options the continent can
explore, taking into consideration its circumstances.

 

 

Harold Bundu Saffa is Environmental Issues Permanent Representatives
Subcommittee Chair. He said that Africa finds itself at a critical juncture
where economic development must align with the imperative to address a
rapidly changing climate.

 

The African continent is not the primary driver of the global climate
crisis, yet it disproportionately bears the burden of its consequences.
Africa faces prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, soaring
temperatures, and intensified extreme weather events, all posing existential
threats to food security, water resources, and the livelihood of countless
communities.

 

Compounding these pressing challenges is the stark reality of insufficient
climate finance, which limits the continent's ability to effectively address
the multifaceted climate crisis, the chair elaborated.

 

The African region has the potential to leverage its rich natural resources
to unlock economic value, accelerate sustainable industrialization, and
promote economic transformation and diversification.

 

Therefore, this conference provides a crucial platform for Africa to
collaborate and catalyze action in harnessing the potential opportunities in
carbon trading.

 

The conference will ensure that Africa receive fair pricing for its carbon
in global credit markets and develops markets based on African principles
and priorities rather than foreign ontologies or epistemologies.

 

Carbon-trading deals involving forestry projects in developing countries
could reduce poverty at the same time as they offer an inexpensive way to
off-set carbon dioxide emissions. Under the clean development mechanism
(CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol, industrialized nations are allowed to meet part
of their carbon emission reduction commitments by carrying out reforestation
and clean energy projects in developing countries.

 

Policy and development agents at all levels should make sure that farmers
get the required financial and technical supports to be effectively link to
existing carbon markets. A policy environment that enables the necessary
institutional mechanisms for community participation would be needed for the
carbon trading afforestation contracts to work and bear fruits.

 

The use of forests to reduce emissions is not only financially viable, but
could also bring significant benefits to the local communities involved. For
Ethiopia, carbon trading also represents an opportunity to fund sustainable
through financial inflows. However, with a low share of global carbon trade,
there are strong concerns that Ethiopia is losing out this valuable
opportunity. Markets for environmental services have been growing in recent
years wherein more and more people are willing to pay for carbon project
benefits.

 

Africa possesses vast ecosystems crucial for carbon storage, Saffa said,
adding that the Congo forests, dubbed the world's second long to absorb
about 1.2 billion tons of CO2 annually.

 

The Congo basin was roughly 8 percent of the world's forest base carbon.
However, this significant contribution is not reflected proportionally in
the carbon trade.

 

AU/AfCFTA Relations and Trade Policy Director, Yusuf Daya said carbon market
is crucial for exploring and implementing solutions that not only mitigate
environmental issues but also foster economic growth and social development.

 

The potential economic benefits of carbon credit markets are essential; many
African countries possess vast forests, savannas, and other ecosystems that
act as significant carbon sinks.

 

By participating in carbon credit markets, these nations can monetize their
natural assets, attract investments, and generate revenues to support
development, the director noted.

 

This revenue can be reinvested in local communities, infrastructure,
sustainable development projects, driving economic growth and reducing
poverty.

 

According to him, there are, however, challenges that need to be addressed,
including establishing robust regulatory frameworks, ensuring transparency
and accountability and building capacity for monitoring and verification.

 

The three days conference has brought together government representatives
from AU member states, representatives of regional economic communities,
private sector entities and CSOs, among others.

 

Ethiopian Herald.

 

 

 

 

Africa: Empowering Africa's Informal Market Traders to Deliver Safe Food

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe — Local informal food markets feed millions of urbanites
in bustling African cities, but the consequences of tainted food could be
illness and death for unsuspecting consumers.

 

Over 130,000 people across Africa fall ill and die from consuming unsafe
food, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

 

An estimated 70 percent of Africa's urban households buy food from informal
markets, such as street vendors, kiosks, and traditional market sellers.
Despite being key to food and nutrition security, informal food markets have
traditionally been neglected in terms of improved food safety practices, the
International Livestock Research Institute  (ILRI) has noted.

 

 

Informal food markets are crucial economic engines, providing livelihoods
for many but hygiene concerns, and regulatory uncertainties pose threats to
the growth of these markets where people buy and sell food.

 

Fishworker, Godknows Skota, from Binga District, trades in kapenta fish
(Tanganyika sardine) and the Kariba Bream (Tilapia) harvested from Lake
Kariba, north of Zimbabwe, which finds its way to public markets in the city
of Bulawayo, more than 400 km away.

 

"Fish go bad easily if they are not handled and prepared well, which means I
must ensure I process them in a hygienic manner so that I do not throw away
my catch," Skota told IPS as he cleaned a catch of Bream fish for a customer
at a fishing camp in Binga, south of Lake Kariba.

 

"I salt the fish to preserve them and I take precautions to ensure that the
fish are not contaminated by dirt during processing and I use enough salt to
preserve the fish well so that they do not rot," Skota said.

 

 

The significant burden of poor food safety on the continent's health systems
is also reflected in its economic impact. Illnesses due to food-borne
diseases cause around USD 15 billion in medical expenses annually, according
to the World Bank which estimates that food-borne diseases are associated
with productivity losses of up to USD 16 billion across Africa.

 

"Not that the informal food sector is responsible for the disease burden but
that we need to have more focus on this sector because it is important and
contributes almost 80 percent of the food consumed by urban dwellers," said
John Oppong-Otoo, Food Safety Officer, African Union's International Bureau
for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR).

 

The African Union (AU) and ILRI have produced the first framework of food
safety guidelines to support African governments' efforts to improve food
safety across the continent's informal food sector. The draft guidelines
have been developed following the AU's Food Safety Strategy for Africa,
published in 2021 to encourage improvements in food safety management.

 

 

Oppong-Otoo highlighted that the new guidelines will provide realistic and
practical guidance to help governments work with the informal food sector to
manage food safety risks and deliver safe food. Food risk can emanate from
processed or raw food that can be contaminated, poor handling of food, and
infrastructure, for instance, in informal markets.

 

"It is not that people want to produce unsafe food, it is just that they are
not aware that their practices could lead to the production of unsafe food
and so they need to be guided," Oppong-Otoo told IPS, noting that unsafe
food undermines the human right to food and nutrition security for millions
of Africans annually.

 

Food safety is a major health and economic burden across Africa. According
to ILRI research, Africa is responsible for most of the global health burden
caused by food-borne diseases.

 

Silvia Alonso, Principal Scientist Epidemiologist, at the Nairobi-based
ILRI, says the guidelines are being developed under a continent-wide
consultation with informal market traders, agro-processing actors, and
governments. African governments are expected to domesticate the guidelines
by developing regulatory frameworks and administration practices to support
their implementation.

 

Alonso told IPS that the guidelines under development by the AU and ILRI are
currently undergoing a consultation process, with informal and agri-sector
actors, partners, as well as with AU member states, before approval in 2025.

 

"Since the guidelines are also informed by ILRI's research as well as
examples of successful interventions for improving food safety across
Africa, we also hope to demonstrate to national governments that a new
approach to informal food markets is possible and is entirely to their
benefit," said Alonso, explaining that while not expected to be legally
binding, the consultation process should pique the interest from governments
on seeing the guidelines implemented in their countries.

 

ILRI has supported informal food markets across Africa through training on
food safety. For example, in Kenya, the More Milk project has trained more
than 200 milk vendors in Eldoret, to improve hygiene and handling practices.

 

Milk vendor Francisca Mutai, from Kenya, said she has gained knowledge on
milk hygiene and improved her engagement with customers. Her customer base
increased and she expanded her business, leading to increased profits.

 

"With this knowledge, I am able to advise my suppliers and customers on
hygienic milk handling and the nutritional benefits of milk," Mutai said.

 

Another milk vendor, Daniel Kembo, also from Kenya, switched from using
plastic containers to aluminum ones, which ensured better hygiene and
quality of milk. As a result, he has increased his milk sales.

 

While in Ethiopia, a consumer awareness campaign helped reduce the recall of
tomatoes sold on the informal markets. Dubbed "Abo! Eat the Intact Ones"
(Abo is an Amharic word similar to 'hey'), the campaign achieved a 78
percent recall rate, driving demand for intact, or safe, tomatoes in Dire
Dawa and Harar areas by enhancing safe household tomato preparation
practices.

 

Akintayo Oluwagbemiga Elijah, chief whip of the Oyo State Butchers
Association in the Bodija Market, in Ibadan, Nigeria, has been made aware of
hygienic practices in meat handling and processing. He now pays serious
attention to the cleanliness of the slab where cows are slaughtered and uses
potable water to clean the meat and its products.

 

Oppong-Otoo, said promoting food safety in informal markets is one of the
targets of an ongoing One Health initiative of the African Union because
food trade is an opportunity for economic growth under the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

 

"The informal food sector, which includes people handling and producing
food, is at the heart of the AfCFTA and it means that if we can support them
to consistently produce and market safer food, then we would have more
commodities to be traded," he said. "The AU Food Safety Strategy recognizes
that even though Africa has huge agriculture resources, we have not been
able to fully tap their potential because of the production of unsafe food."

 

It is projected that by 2030, intra-African agricultural trade will increase
by 574 percent if import tariffs are eliminated under the AcFTA. This would
be a great boost for the continent that spends over USD 50 billion annually
in food imports, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB).  IPS.

 

 

 

 

South Africa: Quarterly Labour Force Survey Q2 - 2024 Shows Concerning
Trends

The DA notes the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q2:2024, which
runs from April to June, evidencing a further contracting job market and
increasing unemployment rates amongst our youth and our most vulnerable.

 

The latest QLFS, for Q2:2024, shows a 0,6% increase in the official
unemployment rate over the last quarter from 32,9% to 33,5%, with the
year-on-year comparison revealing a highly concerning 0,9% increase in the
official unemployment rate from 32,6% in Q2:2023 to this quarter. To put
these numbers into perspective, 158,000 South Africans lost their jobs over
the last three months and 462,000 over the last year.

 

 

As things stand, 8,3 million South Africans are now without work.

 

The expanded unemployment rate paints an even bleaker picture. According to
StatsSA, the real rate of unemployment, including those discouraged and
economically inactive, now stands at 42,6% nationally, an increase of 0,7%
over the last quarter and 0,5% over the last year, this despite a growth in
total employment by 306,000 persons since Q2:2023.

 

Turning to our NEET unemployment rate, which measures unemployment amongst
young South Africans between the ages of 15 to 34, it is reported that 44,2%
of our youth are currently economically inactive. This is an increase from
the last quarter (of 0,4%) and a substantial growth from last year (of
0,8%), illustrating the crucial need for workable government policies that
uplift, train, and educate our youth so that they may take their rightful
place as the builders of our young democracy.

 

Looking at the provincial data, the Western Cape has retained its position
as the province with the lowest unemployment rate, standing at 22,2% - well
below the national average of 33,5%. In fact, even the Western Cape's
expanded unemployment rate of 27,3% still beats that average. This is in
stark contrast to provinces such as the North West, the Eastern Cape, and
Mpumalanga who top the expanded unemployment charts at 54,2%, 49,7%, and
48,7%, respectively.

 

This QLFS, should be a wake-up call to government and stakeholders alike
that it can no longer be business as usual. Minister Nomakhosazana Meth and
her team have a long road ahead in building a labour force that is educated,
work-ready, and well-equipped to enter the workplace. The DA will engage
with the Minister and her department to bring fresh, innovative policies to
the fore.

 

The DA also urges the Minister to engage with her counterparts in small
business development to continue to support and empower our entrepreneurs
and cut prohibitive red tape, all vital ingredients to a healthy and growing
economy. The DA will continue to champion sustainable job creation and use
its influence in Parliament to forge ahead with our plan to Rescue South
Africa.

 

 

 

Gambia: Alleged Illegal Sand Mining Unleashes Devastating Impact On Gunjur
Beach

Information received by this medium reveals some serious devastating impacts
of illegal sand mining during the night by individuals and its negative
effects on rural roads around Gunjur Beach in the Kombo Central District of
the West Coast Region.

 

According to a source, the illegal sand mining is increased by unscrupulous
individuals on not only the beach dunes, but also public and private
properties.

 

Ismaila Darboe, a resident of Gunjur and a property owner around the sand
mining area, said truck drivers frequently trespass on properties to access
the sand mining sites. He said a well-coordinated operation is being
orchestrated by these individuals who sell sand to truck drivers, who wait
until nighttime to conduct their dubious operations.

 

 

According to Darboe, this illegal sand mining trade has shown no signs of
slowing down, adding that the perpetrators operate at night, even under
adverse weather conditions. He said that despite being banned, a group of
operators in Gunjur and Sambuya villages continue to wreak destruction on
the environment just to get some trips of sand by any means necessary.

 

He said the illegal activities of these truck drivers cause enormous damage
to properties and immense distress to residents with sleepless nights.

 

Equally, women gardeners whose fences are destroyed are left with nowhere to
farm or to carry out their vegetable gardening, thereby threatening their
livelihoods.

 

Lamin Jammeh, an environmental activist and native of Gunjur, said the
Chairperson of Gunjur Village Development Committee (VDC), is constrained in
his capacity to tackle the issue.

 

When contacted for his reaction on the claim that authorities, including the
Alkalo, the Geology Department, and the Gambia Police Force are aware of
this illegal sand mining activity during the night in Gunjur, Tijani Bojang,
the Chairperson of Gunjur VDC, said they lack the legal authority to
intervene directly in stopping this illegal activity.

 

According to the Alkalo and VDC Chairperson, they have engaged the drivers
to stop the illegal sand mining on several occasions, but their words fell
on deaf ears. He said the people behind this illegal sand mining are truck
owners and their drivers, and the 'Kabilos' who claimed ownership of these
areas.

 

According to Mr. Bojang, the unregulated nature of these illegal sand mining
activities poses significant safety risks for the people, particularly
during the rainy season. He said that these activities can lead to dangerous
conditions because the trucks navigate muddy and unstable routes to the sand
mining sites. He said these open mines are filled with rainwater, which
poses a significant danger for children who frequent them as pools for
swimming. According to Mr. Bojang, at least one death has been claimed by
these open mines when a young boy drowned in one of the open pits.

 

He however continued that the consequences of this illegal sand mining
during the night in Gunjur are a major concern for them. He said the random
illegal removal of sand continues to destabilize coastal and inland areas,
causing severe erosion, loss of habitats, and disruption of local
ecosystems. He said the once thriving forest areas are being decimated with
particular reference to the 'Senya forest' and other affected areas that
have suffered significant losses due to the illegal activities of a few
unscrupulous individuals.

 

Meanwhile, in his concluding remarks, environmental activist Lamin Jammeh,
who works at NEA, said he will not stop exposing these illegal activities
and will write a report to that effect.

 

Foroyaa.

 

 

 

 

Gambia: Insight Into Non-Enforcement of Tobacco Control Act 2016

In December 2016, the Gambia government adopted an Act called the Tobacco
Control Act which entered into force on December 17, 2018. Provisions on
smoking in public places and tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship
came into effect immediately.

 

The Tobacco Control Act is designed to completely discourage all forms of
consumption of Tobacco in The Gambia.

 

Despite the eloquent design of the Act, many described it as a novel as it
suffers little or no enforcement.

 

The Act after its adoption has never been properly enforced by the country's
law enforcement agencies.

 

 

The only provision of the Act that is implemented has to do with its duty.
The government continues to increase the duty yearly, but this does not stop
its importation and rampant consumption.

 

The cheapest price of one cigarette stick is equivalent to the cost of
half-bread. Regardless of its high cost, the average Gambian who is addicted
to smoking consumes more than five sticks of cigarettes a day.

 

The Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019 contain implementing details related
to health warning contents, sales restrictions, disclosure requirements,
smoke-free places, and enforcement.

 

The Regulations entered into force on October 1, 2019. According to the
Notification of Commencement, picture health warnings meeting the
requirements under the Tobacco Control Act, 2016, and the Tobacco Control
Regulations, 2019 were originally going to be required beginning January 6,
2021. However, the implementation date was subsequently delayed to September
6, 2021

 

 

Statistics show that in the Gambia, 16.7% of the population smokes
cigarettes, which equates to 367,400 smokers. These cigarette smokers spend
about 6.6 billion Dalasis or more annually on cigarettes.

 

World Health Organization's Findings on Tobacco

 

The World Health Organization estimated that every year more than eight
million people die from tobacco use. It further states that tobacco use is a
major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, over 20
different types or subtypes of cancer, and many other debilitating health
conditions.

 

"Tobacco can also be deadly for non-smokers. Second-hand smoke exposure has
also been implicated in adverse health outcomes, causing 1.2 million deaths
annually. Nearly half of all children breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke
and 65 000 children die each year due to illnesses related to second-hand
smoke. Smoking while pregnant can lead to several life-long health
conditions for babies," WHO stated.

 

 

WHO further indicates that Heated tobacco products (HTPs) contain tobacco
and expose users to toxic emissions, many of which cause cancer and are
harmful to health. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and
electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS), commonly known as
e-cigarettes, do not contain tobacco and may or may not contain nicotine,
but are harmful to health and undoubtedly unsafe. However, it is too early
to provide a clear answer on the long-term impact of HTPs and/or e-cigarette
use.

 

According to research, Tobacco causes preventable illness and death in the
world. Smoking is the top five priorities of risk factors that cause
premature deaths, as stated in The Global Burden of Disease study. Globally,
WHO cites the 'tobacco epidemic' as 'one of the biggest public health
threats the world has ever faced, killing about eight million people a year.

 

The Tobacco Control Act 2026

 

The law (Tobacco Control Act) prohibits the sale of tobacco products through
vending machines and the Internet, in schools, stadiums, healthcare
facilities, cultural facilities, public places of worship, and other
specified locations. The law also prohibits the sale of smokeless tobacco,
single cigarettes, small packets of cigarettes, and tobacco in unit packages
weighing less than 100 grams. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited to
persons under the age of 18.

 

The law further grants the authority to regulate the contents of cigarettes;
however, no subsequent regulations have been issued. The law requires that
manufacturers and importers disclose to government authorities information
on the contents and emissions of their products. Smoking is prohibited in
all indoor workplaces, public places, and on all means of public transport.

 

It also states that no person shall smoke within 100 meters of any openings,
structures, doors, windows, outlets inlets, or other air intake mechanisms.
a waiting area, queue, place of service or consumption of food and drinks,
immovable facilities in unenclosed public or workplaces, and areas
designated as non-smoking by the person responsible for such premises. It is
against the law for retailers to sell or give tobacco products to persons
under the age of 18, and to permit the selling of tobacco products by
persons under the age of 18.

 

The law states that any person offering for sale or selling any tobacco
product shall ensure that such products are stored at the point of sale in a
way that - (a) any part of any tobacco product shall not be visible to the
public from outside the sellers' premises or inside the sellers' premises in
any area where the public has access; (b) any tobacco product shall be
stored at the point of sale under an opaque front counter, or above or
behind the front counter, or in an opaque cabinet, and (c) any part of any
tobacco product shall only be temporarily visible at the point of sale
during the sales transaction.

 

Non-Enforcement of Regulations

 

With all these good laws, people continue to violate the regulations as
there is very limited enforcement. The laws, according to health experts,
were designed to eliminate the consumption of tobacco in the Gambia, with
others arguing that if the laws are fully implemented; the smoking of
cigarettes will be drastically minimized.

 

Mr Lamin Cham, a business tycoon who has a warehouse in Banjul, said the
only provision of the Tobacco Control Act that is implemented is the article
that has to do with the labeling of tobacco products as well as the payment
of its taxes.

 

 

"The government continues to increase tobacco tax, but with that alone, the
consumption of tobacco products will never be eradicated or minimized. As a
businessman, if taxes are increased, we also increase the prices of our
goods as well. Tax is one of the major elements that determine the local
prices of goods in the Gambia," he said.

 

"It is a mockery for a law to be enacted by the government and people
continue to violate it. It is not in the interest of the government to
eliminate smoking of all kinds. The government is only interested in the tax
they collect from importers and other businessmen and women who are engaged
in the selling of tobacco products," Cham, a businessman in Banjul told
Foroyaa.

 

An anonymous senior police officer, who once worked with a task force
assigned to implement the Tobacco Control Act, said they had visited some
shops within the Greater Banjul Area and arrested some businessmen who were
not complying with the tobacco control laws.

 

"After conducting the arrest, these individuals were handed over to the
authorities for further investigation, but up to date, I don't know how
their case ended. I don't know whether they were even charged or
subsequently arraigned before a court of law," he said.

 

The anonymous police officer said the only solution is that the government
should implement the laws without mercy.

 

"It might be difficult for the government to ban the importation of tobacco,
but if the laws are fully implemented, it will minimize its consumption," he
added.

 

Mrs Maimuna Sillah said she has been selling tobacco locally known as "Taba
Jambo" for more than almost fifteen years in Banjul, but she is not aware of
the existence of the Tobacco Control Act.

 

"The kind of tobacco I sell is called 'Taba Jambo', it comes in the form of
leaves, I spread it out for it to get dry and after that, I pound it and put
it in small plastic bags and sell it," she narrated.

 

The law states that those who sell tobacco products should not expose it
publicly, but this is an irony in Serrekunda and other communities within
the Kanifing Municipality visited by this reporter.

 

Cigarettes and other tobacco products could be seen spread out publicly like
any other commodity. Salespeople spread tobacco products openly for
consumers to see and buy.

 

Muhammed Bah, a vendor at the Serrekunda market, said tobacco is one of the
products that have a lot of demand.

 

"There is no day that I come here to sell and I don't sell one packet of
cigarette. No matter how bad sales go in a day, I sell more than ten packets
of cigarettes," he said.

 

Bah said the only way the government can eliminate the consumption of
tobacco is to ban its importation, stressing that as long as the product is
available no matter how expensive it is, people will buy it.

 

"The cheapest cigarette is now costing five dalasis but people are still
buying it and smoking it anyhow, anywhere," he said.

 

"I am addicted to smoking cigarettes and the only thing that can stop me
from smoking is when the government bans the importation of tobacco
products, but as far as it is available I will buy and smoke it," one Matarr
Jassey told Foroyaa.

 

He said the government of the Gambia is only good at drafting and enacting
laws, but they never have any implementation plan.

 

"There are many other laws that the government through the law enforcement
agencies are not enforcing. One of them is the Anti-Littering Act, this act
would have helped us to keep our environment clean but the government is not
implementing it," he said.

 

Foroyaa.

 

 

 

 

West Africa: Nigeria's Crude Output Rose to 1.3m BPD in July - Opec

Nigeria's crude oil production rose to 1.307 million barrels per day in the
month of July 2024, a monthly oil market report released yesterday by the
Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said.

 

The report showed a marginal increase in the previous month's production
which was 1.276m bpd and 1.251m in the month of May.

 

Our correspondent reports that the above figure was sourced from direct
communication with Nigerian officials.

 

>From secondary sources, the report indicated that the oil production rose to
1.386 million barrels per day in the month of July 2024, increasing by
16,000 bpd as against 1.369m bpd and 1.359m in the months of June and May
respectively.

 

 

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria has continued to struggle with meeting its
OPEC quota of 1.5m bpd and the production capacity has hovered around 1.2m
to 1.3m barrel per day since 2022 when it reached 1.210m bpd according to
OPEC.

 

This is despite the fact that the 2024 budget was benchmarked around 1.78m
bpd; an indication of the widening deficit in the budget.

 

However, as the report indicated Nigeria still remains the largest producer
of crude oil in Africa.

 

In the log, Saudi Arabia remains the largest producer of crude oil among
OPEC members with 9.015m bpd from secondary sources.

 

The report also acknowledged the market disruption caused by Dangote
refinery to the European market, saying, "Upside potential for higher
production levels from Nigeria's Dangote refinery coupled with strong flows
from the Middle East and new supplies from the Mexican Olmeca refinery are
set to exert pressure on NWE gasoil performance in the mid term."

 

The report added, "In July, gasoline showed the largest monthly increase
across the barrel and recovered the ground lost in the previous month. The
product's margin rose to a two-month high, averaging $8.48/b. This was up
$3.17, m-o-m, but down $4.32, y-o-y.

 

"The Asian naphtha crack spread continued to trend upward despite modest
demand from the region's petrochemical sector. Lower naphtha supplies from
Russia and discontinuous output from Nigeria's Dangote refinery supported
naphtha crack spreads. The Singapore naphtha crack spread against Dubai
averaged minus $8.91/b, which is $1.14 higher, m-o-m, and $8.99 higher,
y-o-y."

 

Daily Trust.

 

 

 

 

Uganda: MTN to Pay Shs 147.8bn As Interim Dividend

Kampala — MTN Uganda is set to pay shareholders an interim dividend of Shs
6.6 per share, amounting to Shs 147.8 billion, following a strong financial
performance in the first half of 2024.

 

The dividend payout, scheduled for September 20, comes on the back of a
remarkable 29.7% increase in net profit, which reached Shs 295.7 billion,
driven by robust growth across voice, data, and fintech services.

 

MTN Uganda's voice revenues rose by 15.1% to Shs 626.7 billion, while data
and fintech services experienced impressive growth of 28.6% and 23.5%,
reaching Shs 373.3 billion and Shs 442.3 billion, respectively.

 

 

Overall, the company's service revenue surged by 20.4% to Shs 1.5 trillion,
supported by a 14.6% increase in mobile subscriber numbers, which now stand
at 20.7 million.

 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also
saw significant growth, rising by 22.4% to Shs 784.7 billion. This positive
financial trajectory reflects MTN Uganda's continued momentum in aligning
with the broader economic growth, as the Ugandan economy expanded by 6.0%
during the 2023/24 financial year.

 

MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge attributed the company's strong performance to
strategic investments aimed at enhancing network quality, capacity, and
resilience, particularly in 4G and 5G technologies.

 

She said the company invested Shs 219.1 billion in network improvements,
resulting in a 4.4 percentage point increase in 4G LTE population coverage
to 87.8% and an expanded 5G rollout to 538 strategic sites, achieving full
coverage of Kampala.

 

 

"Our 2G and 3G population coverage also rose to 98.9% and 93.2%
respectively, as we continue to extend connectivity across Uganda to ensure
that all citizens enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life," Mulinge
said.

 

In the fintech space, Mulinge highlighted MTN's efforts to advance the
ecosystem by enhancing appreciation of its advanced services and expanding
core services. Notably, the company introduced a comprehensive loan suite,
Wesotinge, in partnership with five financial institutions to address
customers' short- and long-term liquidity needs. Additionally, the
introduction of a short-term credit facility, Merchant Xtra Stock, and an
increase in cashpoints for agent top-ups led to a 25.2% year-on-year
increase in transaction volumes to 2.0 billion.

 

Future outlook

 

Looking ahead, MTN Uganda Chief Finance Officer Andrew Bugembe reaffirmed
the company's commitment to its medium-term guidance framework, focusing on
delivering mid-teen service revenue growth, maintaining stable EBITDA
margins above 50%, and managing capital expenditure intensity at mid-teen
levels.

 

"Leveraging our network investments, we are dedicated to providing reliable
and affordable voice and data services to empower our loyal customer base,"
Bugembe said. He emphasized that the continued investment, particularly in
5G and 4G LTE, will enhance customer experience and sustain the momentum
achieved in the first half of the year.

 

Richard Yego, Managing Director of MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd, added that
the company will continue to prioritize liquidity requirements for its
merchants and agents while developing solutions to encourage cashless
transactions.

 

He also noted that the Bank of Uganda's directive for mandatory verification
of customers conducting mobile money transactions above Shs 1 million has
not negatively impacted the fintech services.

 

Independent (Kampala).

 

 

 

Ethiopia: Raising Red Flag On Banks' Competitiveness

The entry of foreign banks into Ethiopia is expected to impose fierce
competition on local banks, pushing them to develop new products, adopt
advanced technologies, and strengthen their operations, according to
experts.

 

As Ethiopia opens its financial sector to foreign competitors, local banks
will need to innovate and adapt to the new competitive landscape, which
poses a significant challenge to the country's banking industry. Getachew
Beshahwred, Founder and CEO of Bruh Finance, told The Ethiopian Herald that
while the participation of foreign banks can be advantageous, it must be
managed properly within Ethiopia's financial sector.

 

 

Getachew noted that this development could present opportunities for local
banks if they collaborate with international counterparts. He emphasized
that the Ethiopian financial sector, including both banks and insurance
companies, remains relatively small but has immense potential for growth.
Over the past twenty years, the sector has seen significant expansion, yet
there is still much room for improvement.

 

Having worked as an accountant in London for the past 30 years, Getachew
highlighted that the impending entry of foreign banks will bring intense and
beneficial competition, ultimately benefiting consumers and the economy. He
pointed out that Ethiopia currently has 31 operating banks, which are quite
small compared to banks in other countries. To compete effectively, these
banks must increase their capital base, either through new capital infusions
or mergers, as the government has recently suggested.

 

 

Moreover, Getachew stressed that foreign banks could introduce new
technologies and skilled labor, which would enhance competition and
significantly improve the banking and insurance sectors-provided if it is
managed properly. He also pointed out that most local bank activities are
currently limited to cities and major towns, and they must expand their
reach to rural areas where a significant number of people live. Without such
changes, local banks will struggle to compete once foreign banks enter the
market.

 

The Ethiopian government has allowed foreign banks to acquire shares in
local banks and establish subsidiaries, and in some cases, they may be
permitted to take over local banks. While this scenario could have
advantages if managed well, it will also introduce a considerable level of
competition, which Getachew believes will benefit consumers and the economy
as a whole.

 

He emphasized that finance is the engine of growth, and equitable access to
financial services is critical for the development of the country.
Additionally, the expert noted that banks and insurance companies employ
many people and contribute significantly to tax revenues, making the
maintenance of peace crucial for sustained growth.

 

Public policy expert Costantinos Berhtesfa (PhD) added that the entry of
foreign banks into Ethiopia's financial sector would help address the
scarcity of foreign capital flow. While the participation of foreign banks
could alleviate some financial challenges, Costantinos cautioned that
policies must be carefully implemented in line with the country's economic
interests.

 

He emphasized that Ethiopia has previously prohibited foreign banks from
participating in the sector, allowing only domestic investors to purchase
bank shares. As a result, the country missed the opportunity to benefit from
the contributions of potential foreign banks, which have facilitated
development in nations such as the UAE, Singapore, China, and Vietnam.

 

According to Costantinos, foreign capital is essential for development;
without it, governments may become reliant on aid, remittances, or export
income to obtain the foreign currency needed for importing goods and
implementing projects.  Ethiopian Herald.

 

 

 

 

Tanzania Inflation Exhibits Stability

The country has maintained the monthly inflation level at around 3.0 per
cent, signifies the success of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) in
controlling the inflation.

 

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a latest statement that the
annual headline inflation rate for July eased by 10 basis points (bps) to
3.0 per cent from 3.1 recorded in June on lower food and non-food items
index.

 

Orbit Securities' Executive Director, Research, Innovation and Projects Mr
Fortius Rutabingwa said the inflation level has been maintained for quite
some time which shows the effectiveness of recently adopted monetary policy
using policy rate.

 

 

"Since January, we've observed a consistent trend of using interest rates as
a tool to regulate liquidity.

 

"The actions of the MPC have played a significant role in this continued
tightening of liquidity," said Mr Rutabingwa.

 

"However, what is crucial for inflation is stability, consistency without
frequent changes, which is what we are observing right now."

 

In July the MPC maintained the central bank rate (CBR) at 6.0 per cent for
three months to September.

 

"MPC decision is supported by successful implementation of monetary policy
in the previous two quarters which help to anchor the inflation forecast
below the target of 5.0per cent," MPC report shows

 

The inflation in the last two months has gone down by 0.2 per cent
attributed to price decrease for some food and non-food items.

 

Some food items that contributed to a decrease of the index are including
wheat grains by 0.9 per cent and rice by 4.3 per cent.

 

 

Others are finger millet grains by 1.7 per cent, maize grains by 2.9 per
cent, wheat flour by 0.3 per cent, maize flour by 0.5 per cent, vegetables
by 2.4 per cent and fresh cassava by 0.7 per cent.

 

While some non-food items that contributed to a decrease of the index are
including clothing materials by 0.3 per cent, footwear for men by 0.1 per
cent, and materials for the maintenance repair of the dwelling by 0.1 per
cent.

 

Others are charcoal by 1.3 per cent, parts for personal transport equipment
by 1.4 per cent, petrol by 1.6 per cent and mobile telephone handsets by 0.1
per cent.

 

ALSO READ: How government tamed inflation

 

However, Tanzania has the lowest inflation in comparison to Kenya and
Uganda.

 

Nairobi and Kampala experienced inflation increase in July.

 

In Kenya the inflation slightly decreased from 4.6 per cent in June to 4.3
per cent in July.

 

Equally, Uganda's inflation increased from 3.9 per cent posted in June to
4.0 per cent last month.

 

Daily News.

 

 

China firm claims world's fastest-charging EV battery

Chinese car maker Zeekr says its new electric vehicle (EV) batteries charge
faster than any of its rivals, including industry leader Tesla.

 

The firm says its upgraded batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% capacity
in 10 and a half minutes using its ultra-fast charging stations.

 

In comparison, Elon Musk’s Tesla says a 15 minute charge allows its Model 3
to cover 175 miles (282km), a little under half the car’s full range.

 

Zeekr's 2025 007 sedan, which will be available from next week, will be its
first vehicle to have the new battery.

 

"Tesla’s charging technology is not industry leading anymore and has not
been for some time," said Tu Le, founder and managing director of
consultancy firm Sino Auto Insights.

"These bold claims by Zeekr are believable, but more importantly even if
it’s not the fastest charging EV battery, being one for the fastest is still
quite a leap for them".

The company says the battery performs well even in cold weather, charging
from 10% to 80% of its capacity in less than half an hour at temperatures as
low as -10C.

BBC News has contacted Tesla to request a response to Zeekr's announcement.

Zeekr is owned by Chinese car making giant Geely, which also owns UK-based
luxury sports car brand Lotus and Sweden's Volvo.

In May, Zeekr's shares started trading on the New York Stock Exchange,
marking the first major US market debut by a Chinese company since 2021.

The listing came just days before the Biden administration announced major
tariff hikes on Chinese-made electric cars, solar panels, steel and other
goods.

The White House said the measures, which included a 100% border tax on EVs
from China, were a response to unfair policies and intended to protect US
jobs.

Officials in the US, the European Union and other major car markets have
grown increasingly concerned about the rapid overseas expansion of Chinese
EV companies.-BBC

 

 

 

 

More cattle kept in UK ‘megafarms’, BBC finds

More cows could be kept indoors for the whole of their productive lives,
animal welfare campaigners have warned, after the BBC found a rise in
“megafarms”.

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the BBC show the number of
larger-scale beef and dairy cattle farms in Britain has increased from 756
to 802 in five years, now holding more than 915,000 cows.

Campaign group Compassion in World Farming (CiWF) said the rise in
large-scale cattle farming was “deeply concerning” as many would be
intensive megafarms housing cattle all year round.

The NFU said it was not farm size or whether cattle were kept outdoors or
indoors that dictated welfare but how livestock were managed.

 

Fraser Jones Fraser JonesFraser Jones

Fraser Jones says more farmers are turning to continuously housed cattle
systems

The BBC submitted an FOI request to the Animal and Plant Health Agency
(APHA) which revealed that there were currently 802 farm operations in
England, Wales and Scotland that held more than 700 dairy or beef cattle.

One farm business has a recorded capacity of up to 12,000 cows, although any
one farm may hold its cattle in smaller herds over a number of different
sites.

In Northern Ireland, there are 141 farms with more than 700 cattle, holding
a total of more than 141,000 cows, according to the Department of
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera).

None of the UK's devolved administrations could provide the exact number of
large-scale farms using continuously housed cattle systems, which animal
welfare campaigners often refer to as "megafarms".

The UK government's most recent Cattle Farm Practices Survey, published in
2019, found that 8% of larger farms in England with at least 150 cows kept
their herds indoors all year round.

The survey found that up to 3% of smaller farms with fewer than 150 cattle
used no-graze systems.

 

Fraser Jones Cows in dairyFraser Jones

Mr Jones says animal welfare standards are not linked to the size of the
farm or whether a cow is allowed to graze outdoors

One farmer, who continuously houses up to 1,000 dairy cattle on one site,
told the BBC he believed the current estimate of the number of farms using
such ‘no-graze' systems was “too low”.

Fraser Jones, a third-generation farmer in Powys, Wales, who has 5,000
cattle in total across seven sites, said: “A lot of people are doing it but
they don’t always say it because they know it causes a backlash.”

Mr Jones said more and more farmers were turning to such indoor systems
because they protected cattle from the impacts of extreme weather and
allowed greater monitoring and control of their health and nutritional
intake, producing a better milk yield.

Mr Jones said the key to ensuring high animal welfare standards centred on
the staff a farm employed, the training they received and how livestock was
managed.

“If you are not treating your animals right they are not going to perform.
They are not going to produce enough milk. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

 

'Serious concerns'

CIWF said the rise in cattle "megafarms" had “gone unnoticed” as many were
hidden from public view.

Anthony Field, CIWF’s UK head, said of the figures obtained by the BBC's FOI
request: “This deeply concerning data clearly illustrates their sheer scale
and the desperate, broken, and unsustainable food system we have created.”

Critics say intensive no-graze systems can lead to poor health conditions,
with disease spreading in crowded sheds and the routine overuse of
antibiotics, leading to the potential growth of antimicrobial resistance.

The RSPCA said it was opposed to a "move towards permanently housing cattle,
whether beef or dairy”.

Cows in field

A government survey found that smaller farms were more likely to have
year-round grazing

 

However, the NFU said that continuously housed cattle “megafarms” were still
not common in the UK.

It said there were less than 20 farms with more than 5,000 beef cattle and
just a "few farms” with more than 1,000 milking cows.

The NFU’s Vice-President, Rachel Hallos, said: "Animal husbandry, health,
welfare and adherence to established biosecurity protocols are the most
important factors for good on-farm practice, not the size or type of farm
system."

Liam Sinclair, professor of animal science at Harper Adams University, said
economic pressures had been forcing dairy farms to increase herd size for
the past 50 years.

'Inside from birth'

That, he said, often came with the problem of lack of available land for
grazing.

“As herds increase in size and grazing becomes more difficult to manage it
is more likely that cows will remain inside continuously - and from birth,”
he said.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it could
not comment on the business decisions of farms that chose to develop and
operate large-scale units.

All the UK's devolved governments said they were committed to upholding the
highest standards when it came to farm animal welfare.-BBC

 

 

 

 

Starbucks replaces boss after sales slump

The boss of Starbucks is leaving the company after less than two years in
charge as the coffee chain looks for a fix for its flagging sales.

Chief executive Laxman Narasimhan is stepping down and will be replaced by
Brian Niccol, the head of Mexican grill chain Chipotle, the company said.

The shake-up comes as Starbucks is grappling with a slump in sales amid a
backlash to price increases and boycotts sparked by the Israel-Gaza war.

Howard Schultz, a former executive who oversaw the growth of the coffee
chain into a global powerhouse, said he believed Mr Niccol was "the leader
Starbucks needs at a pivotal moment in its history".

 

"He has my respect and full support," Mr Schultz said.

Shares in Starbucks jumped more than 20% following the announcement.

A change in leadership at the coffee chain has been brewing for the last two
months, Starbucks board member Mellody Hobson told the Wall Street Journal.

Last month, the firm said global sales fell 3% annually in the three months
to the end of June amid weakness in the US and China.

The company has faced criticism for long waits for drinks and a sharp rise
in prices.

Activist investors such as Elliott Investment Management, a firm known for
taking stakes in companies and pushing for leadership and other changes,
have also been piling on pressure.

Mr Schultz had selected Mr Narasimhan, a former executive at PepsiCo and
Reckitt, as his successor in 2022, who took up the reins full-time in March
2023.

But despite his choice, Mr Schultz voiced concerns publicly about the
direction of the company in the spring, after it reported an unexpectedly
severe sales fall.

'Tougher challenge'

Getty Images Headshot of Brian Niccol on a street smiling in a suit grey
suit and colourful tieGetty Images

Mr Niccol has also been chief executive of Taco Bell

Incoming boss Mr Niccol has led Chipotle since 2018, helping the brand
recover from a crisis after food poisoning outbreaks.

Sales doubled during his tenure and the chain's share price surged from less
than $7 to more than $50, as the burrito-maker opened nearly 1,000 new
stores and introduced robotic grills and automated processors to make
guacamole.

In recent months, it has been seen as a bright spot in the restaurant
industry, where many businesses have reported customers cutting back.

"It's hard to leave such a great company and all of the talented people I've
had the pleasure to work with, but I depart knowing the business is in great
shape and poised for growth with a strong, experienced leadership team," Mr
Niccol said.

Shares in Chipotle dropped more than 9% after his departure was announced.

But Sharon Zackfia, an analyst at investment bank William Blair, said the
new chief executive could be inheriting a tougher challenge at Starbucks
than at Chipotle, noting that the company is both bigger and its problems
more complex.

"While we cannot help but be more optimistic on today's news, we suspect the
path to recapturing lost sales will be less linear than it was at Chipotle,
which did not face boycott pressures, perceived value questions or material
speed of service issues," she wrote.

Starbucks saw its sales boom as the economy re-opened from the Covid
pandemic lockdowns.

But the firm soon found itself embroiled in fight with staff in the US,
thousands of whom have voted to join a union, tarnishing its progressive
reputation.

Last year, after Starbucks sued the union for a social media post expressing
"solidarity" with Palestinians, the dispute landed it in the middle of
debates over Israel's war in Gaza, sparking global boycott calls.

 

Starbucks has blamed misinformation about its views, after issuing a blanket
statement condemning violence in the region.-BBC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


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