Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 09 December 2024

Mon Dec 9 10:21:19 CAT 2024

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Major International Business Headlines Brief:::  09 December 2024 

 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

ü  Kenya: KRA Invites Public Input On New Draft Tax Rules

ü  East Africa: EAC Currencies Struggle Amid Mixed Inflation Trends in
October 2024

ü  Uganda: Museveni Heads to Sebei for PDM Assessment

ü  Liberia: Speaker Koffa Flexes Authority, Declares Majority Bloc's Budget
Hearings Invalid

ü  Rwanda Fertilizer Company Recognises Outstanding Agro-Dealers, Farmers

ü  Somalia: Somali Pirates Hijack Chinese Fishing Boat, Demand Ransom for
Crew's Release

ü  Egypt: Finance Minister Outlines Key Priorities to Drive Economic Growth

ü  Egypt's Unemployment Rate Reduced to 5.6% - PM

ü  Nigeria: Tax Reform - No Govt Agency Will Be Scrapped, Says Govt

ü  Ghana: Economy's Top Determinant As Ghanaians Elect New President

ü  Nigeriens Demand Greater Environmental Action, but Not At Expense of Jobs
and Incomes

ü  Kenya: No New Banknotes Released By Kenya's Central Bank, Ignore
Circulating Images

ü  Nigerians Turn to Community Savings Amid Financial Struggles

ü  Liberia: Heath Workers Reject U.S.$50 Pay Rise

 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

Kenya: KRA Invites Public Input On New Draft Tax Rules

Nairobi — The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced the development of
a comprehensive set of draft statutory instruments aimed at refining the
country's tax framework.

The draft rules include the Income Tax (Pay As You Earn) Rules, 2024; the
Income Tax (Advance Tax) Rules, 2024; the Income Tax (Withholding Tax)
Rules, 2024; the Income Tax (Guidelines on Allowability of Bad Debts
Guidelines), 2024; the Income Tax (Retirement Benefit) Rules, 2024; and the
Income Tax (National Social Security Fund) (Exemption) Rules, 2024.

Also proposed are the Tax Procedures (Distraint) Rules, 2024; the Income Tax
(Leasing) Rules, 2024; the Income Tax (Registered Collective Investment
Schemes) Rules, 2024; Income Tax - Declarations of Crops; and Income Tax -
Prescribed Limit of Medical Benefit.

The taxman in a notice to the public called on Kenyans to share their views
with its commissioner, General Humphrey Wattanga.

"In compliance with the same Act, the Commissioner General, on behalf of the
Cabinet Secretary, the National Treasury and Economic Planning, invites
interested members of the public, professionals and stakeholders to submit
their inputs and comments for consideration in finalizing the Rules," read
the notice in part.

KRA has emphasised its commitment to fostering public participation in
shaping tax policy, encouraging individuals, professionals, and stakeholders
to review the drafts and provide feedback.

Capital FM.

East Africa: EAC Currencies Struggle Amid Mixed Inflation Trends in October
2024

East Africa's economic landscape presented a mixed picture in October 2024,
with local currencies largely under pressure and inflation trends diverging
across the region, according to the Finance Ministry's report for the state
of the economy of October 2024

Most East African Community (EAC) currencies leaned toward depreciation.

The Tanzanian Shilling fell by 0.8%, while the Rwandan and Burundian Francs
weakened by 1.0% and 0.2%, respectively. Bucking the trend, the Kenyan
Shilling remained stable, holding steady at an average midrate of KShs/USD
129.2 for both September and October.

On the inflation front, a downward trend in annual headline inflation was
observed across several EAC economies.

Kenya and Tanzania recorded declines, with inflation rates easing to 2.7%
and 3.0%, down from 3.6% and 3.1% in the previous month, respectively.

Similarly, Somalia's inflation rate fell from 5.9% to 5.3%, while the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) saw inflation drop from 22.2% to 16.4%
over the same period.

However, the situation wasn't uniform across the region. Burundi experienced
a sharp inflation spike, climbing from 18.2% in August to 23.3% in
September.

South Sudan faced the most severe challenge, with its annual inflation
soaring from 97.3% in June to an alarming 107.3% in July 2024.

The report underscores the persistent economic challenges in the EAC,
including currency vulnerabilities and inflation volatility.

While some countries benefited from eased inflation pressures, others remain
burdened by surging costs, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and local
economic constraints.

Regional policymakers will need to strike a delicate balance between
addressing currency depreciation and maintaining inflationary stability to
sustain economic growth across the bloc.

Nile Post.

Uganda: Museveni Heads to Sebei for PDM Assessment

President Museveni will in the next days hit the road running as he assesses
the progress of the Parish Development Model program in the Sebei
sub-region, State House has said.

According to State House, Museveni will be in Sebei Sub-Region from December
10 to 12, 2024, in continuation of his Parish Development Model (PDM)
performance assessment tour.

"During the tour, H.E the president will visit some beneficiaries, meet
stakeholders including various categories of leaders and technical staff,
and address a public rally in Kween district."

The president has previously visited Teso, Bukedi and Karamoja sub-regions
as part of the Parish Development Program assessment.

During his tours, Museveni has emphasized the four-acre model and wealth
creation to ensure Ugandans move from subsistence to commercial production.

This is aimed at ensuring they join the money economy.

Nile Post.

Liberia: Speaker Koffa Flexes Authority, Declares Majority Bloc's Budget
Hearings Invalid

Monrovia — Speaker J. Fonati Koffa has drawn a hard line following the
Supreme Court's recent ruling, urging all government spending entities to
disregard invitations for budget hearings extended by unauthorized
committees set up by "absent members" of the House of Representatives. In a
statement issued by the leadership of the House, Speaker Koffa stated that
only Representative Dixon Seboe, Chair of Ways, Means, and Finance, has the
authority to convene budget hearings.

"It has come to the attention of the leadership of the House that certain
absent members have organized themselves into committees to conduct budget
hearings," the statement read. "This action is inconsistent and contrary to
the Supreme Court's decision in the matter In Re the Constitutionality of
Certain Members of the House of Representatives, as decided on December 6,
2024."

Speaker Koffa declared any hearings or decisions made by these unauthorized
committees as "ultra vires" and invalid. "All spending entities are hereby
advised not to honor any invitation or appear for any hearing not scheduled
by Hon. Dixon Seboe. Any sittings or actions to the contrary will not be
cognizable at law," he added.

"Let us prioritize unity, legality, and our shared responsibility to the
citizens of Liberia," Koffa said.

The Supreme Court ruled that legislative actions must adhere strictly to
Articles 33 and 49 of the Constitution, which require that the Speaker
presides over all sessions unless unavailable. It also reaffirmed that a
quorum of a simple majority is needed for legislative proceedings.

Liberian Investigator.

Rwanda Fertilizer Company Recognises Outstanding Agro-Dealers, Farmers

Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC), a subsidiary of OCP Africa has inaugurated
the Agro-dealer Champion Program (ACP), a customer loyalty initiative
designed to recognize and reward agro-dealers and farmers who play a vital
role in strengthening Rwanda's food system by improving farmers' access to
agricultural inputs.

This programme not only acknowledges their loyalty but also contributes to
strengthening Rwanda's food system by improving farmers' access to
agricultural inputs through the awarded incentives.

ALSO READ: Fertiliser blending plant to begin operation in May 2023

As part of the RFC Agro-dealer Champion Program 2024, the top three
agro-dealers were awarded brand-new motor tricycles to enhance their last
mile services for farmers, while seven additional agro-dealers and the top
10 most loyal farmers received valuable gifts.

The awarding ceremony was held on December 6, 2024, at the factory's
facility located in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone.

It was preceded by a tour of the factory by the agro-dealers and farmers to
understand its operations.

These rewards are designed to empower champions, streamline communication,
and simplify the process of placing input orders --ultimately fostering a
thriving and united RFC community.

ALSO READ: PM lays out govt plans to contain fertiliser costs

Agrodealers play a pivotal role in the agricultural value chain, as they are
the only market actors authorized by the government to distribute subsidized
agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds directly to farmers.

One of the awardees, Claudine Mushirarungu , expressed her gratitude,
highlighting how working with RFC has positively impacted her livelihood.

She noted that RFC's uniqueness of selling fertilizers on credit at
affordable prices has transformed her family's well-being.

She said that the awarded motor tricycle would further facilitate fertilizer
distribution to smallholder farmers in remote areas.

"This initiative has helped us invest in agro-dealerships more easily," she
noted.

The mother of six children said that some of her children are employed in
her agro-dealership operations after completing their education.

"This shows how the fertilizer company is helping us curb unemployment in
our communities," she said.

Mushirarungu said she purchased a Rwf 12 million plot of land in Musanze
District, where she built a decent house worth about Rwf 100 million, thanks
to her work with Rwanda Fertilizer Company.

ALSO READ: Call for more support to women farmers

She is also engaged in modern farming with support from the company, which
analyzed her soil to determine the suitable fertilizers.

"The company tested my soil and provided fertilizers suitable for the land.
My potato production has increased from 10 tonnes to 20 tonnes on my
farmland," she added.

Epimaque Barihenda, another agro-dealer, said he has been in agro-dealership
for two years and has managed to build a Rwf 60 million house from it.

"While banks delay in giving loans to purchase fertilizers for retail, the
factory can supply me with 20 or 30 tonnes, and I can pay back the credit
later. This season, they gave me 30 tonnes, which I will pay for in one
month," he said.

Angelique Nyiramuhanda, an agro-dealer from Nyagatare District, who was also
awarded a tri-motorcycle to supply fertilizers, said the vehicle will
improve fertilizer distribution to smallholder farmers in remote areas.

The Agrodealer Champion program will be held annually at the close of
Rwanda's two farming seasons and is expected to build a strong relationship
between RFC and agro-dealers who are the company's client and farmers, the
ultimate users of RFC's products.

During the event, RFC's Managing Director, Anass Khanchoufi, commended
agro-dealers and farmers for their dedication to distributing and utilizing
RFC's blended fertilizers, which are tailored to specific soil and crop
nutrient requirements to boost agricultural productivity.

"We gathered our key customers, mainly agro-dealers and farmers. It was a
moment to thank and support them for their commitment to contributing to
Rwanda's agriculture sector because they do a lot and they feed us. We
brought them to the factory to see the production process, as it is the only
fertilizer blending unit in Rwanda, having started operations this year. We
want them to personally witness the quality of the fertilizers, how they are
made, and their impact on yield to increase productivity and farmers'
incomes," he said.

He added that the company also conducts soil testing and analysis to help
farmers choose suitable fertilizers as the company has an advanced
laboratory at the factory. This analysis is also conducted via OCP School
Lab, a project that has already covered 14 districts of the country.

"This year, we started a large program to help farmers understand the soil
profile and determine what fertilizers are needed," he noted

Rwanda Fertilizer Company, which has a fertilizer blending unit in Rwanda,
is part of OCP Africa, a subsidiary of OCP Group, a global leader in plant
nutrition and the world's largest producer of phosphate-based fertilizers,
according to information from the company.

The factory was built under Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC), a joint venture
between the Moroccan fertilizer company OCP Africa, Agaciro Development
Fund, and Agro Processing Trust Corporation Ltd (APTC).

Rwanda Fertilizer Blending Plant produces fertilizers tailored to specific
soil and crop nutrient requirements.

The facility aims to increase crop yields by 40 percent, thanks to the
fertilizers tailored to the specific soil and crop nutrient needs, according
to its owners and the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources
(MINAGRI).

The the plant has a capacity to blend 100,000 tonnes of fertilisers
annually, which exceeds Rwanda's current annual demand of 85,000 tonnes of
fertilizers, supplied through imports, according to data from MINAGRI.

Since its launch on December 20, 2023, it has already produced 12,000
tonnes.

So far one blend namely NPK 17-17-17 Tweze is one the market. It is blended
with lime to restore Rwandan soils which are more acidic. Other products
such as DAP and Urea are also available in all 5 RFC's warehouses.

New Times.

Somalia: Somali Pirates Hijack Chinese Fishing Boat, Demand Ransom for
Crew's Release

Somali pirates have hijacked a Chinese fishing boat and taken its 18 crew
members hostage, demanding a ransom for their release, local officials
reported on Saturday.

The pirates, who had initially been hired to provide protection for the
vessel, later turned on the crew, reinforcing their numbers with additional
pirates.

It remains unclear when the ship was seized, but the European Union's
anti-piracy force, Atalanta, raised alarm over the incident on Thursday.
Mohamed Dini, a police officer from Eyl, a known pirate stronghold on
Puntland's east coast, confirmed the hijacking and stated that the pirates
were moving the vessel in search of a safe haven.

"The pirates are moving the ship off the coast ... they are looking for a
safe haven," Dini said.

Ali Warsame, a local elder, shared that a Somali company acting on behalf of
the boat's owners had offered a ransom of $300,000. However, the pirates
rejected the offer, holding firm on their demand. Local fishermen reported
seeing the hijacked boat near Eyl on Friday, but the pirates retreated into
the sea to avoid detection by Puntland's coastguards.

Despite this, the pirates feared moving further into the ocean due to the
presence of foreign military ships monitoring the area.

The European Union's Atalanta force, which is responsible for anti-piracy
operations in the region, confirmed that the incident is being treated as an
"armed robbery at sea" but reassured that the crew was unharmed.

This hijacking is part of a troubling rise in Somali piracy after several
years of relative calm. In March, Somali pirates also hijacked a Bangladeshi
cargo ship, demanding a hefty ransom for its release.

Experts believe these incidents highlight a resurgence of piracy in the
Indian Ocean, as pirates exploit a security gap following the drawdown of
international naval forces in the region.

As Somali piracy regains momentum, global concern grows about the safety of
maritime shipping routes and the stability of the region.

Radio Dalsan.

Egypt: Finance Minister Outlines Key Priorities to Drive Economic Growth

Ministry of Finance has outlined a comprehensive plan to address key
economic challenges and drive growth through strategic reforms and enhanced
private sector collaboration.

In a speech at the Scientific Association for Tax Legislation Conference,
Minister Ahmed Kouchouk highlighted three main priorities aimed at boosting
economic activity, encouraging private sector participation, and enhancing
Egypt's economic competitiveness. He emphasized that the relationship
between the government and businesses is a vital partnership focused on
achieving robust growth and advancing national economic objectives.

The first priority is to strengthen cooperation with the private sector,
expanding its involvement in economic, investment, and development
activities. Kouchouk stressed that the private sector is essential to
improving Egypt's competitiveness and driving sustainable economic growth.
The government aims to create a more business-friendly environment to
attract private investment and stimulate job creation.

The second priority focuses on improving liquidity and reducing financial
burdens on businesses. This includes measures such as sample-based tax
re-evaluations and the introduction of a centralized clearing system in its
pilot phase. These initiatives aim to offset investors' dues against
government obligations, streamlining operations and alleviating financial
pressures on businesses.

The third priority is the advancement of inclusive fiscal policies that
support key economic sectors, particularly production and exports. Minister
Kouchouk announced plans for an ambitious export support program, aligned
with national economic objectives and addressing the specific needs of
exporters. The government is also considering new initiatives to boost
industrial sectors and promote the transition to clean energy, reflecting a
commitment to sustainable economic development.

These priorities form part of an integrated strategy to strengthen Egypt's
economic resilience and competitiveness, ensuring that both citizens and
investors benefit from a dynamic and inclusive economic environment. The
Ministry of Finance aims to position Egypt as a leader in regional and
global economic growth through these efforts.

Egypt Online.

Egypt's Unemployment Rate Reduced to 5.6% - PM

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized that Egypt has made substantial
strides in reducing its unemployment rate, which now stands at 5.6 percent,
a significant decline compared to the higher levels of a decade ago.

Speaking at the Doha Forum 2024, he highlighted that over the past 10 years,
the government has consistently worked to create new job opportunities while
navigating economic challenges.

"Since 2014, Egypt has implemented major reforms aimed at boosting the
private sector, revising laws and procedures to attract investment, and
improving the investment climate. A key result of these efforts has been the
substantial reduction in unemployment, from 13 percent to 6.5 percent, with
the latest figures showing that the rate now stands at 5.6 percent," he
stated.

Madbouly noted that the government initiated a policy shift two years ago to
reduce the state's role in the economy and bolster the private sector to
foster fair competition. This strategic shift has been essential for driving
economic growth and job creation.

He added that Egypt is actively managing population growth and creating new
opportunities, signaling that the country's economy is poised for continued
expansion.

Madbouly underscored that these reforms were carried out amid regional
tensions and a population increase of 25 million over that period. He also
highlighted ongoing economic initiatives, such as the State Ownership Policy
document, which supports a greater role for the private sector and aims to
create more job opportunities.

Despite regional challenges, these measures have helped Egypt achieve
positive growth rates and lower unemployment, with the government continuing
to develop opportunities to manage population growth and advance the economy
to its next stage of development, according to the Prime Minister.

Egypt Online.

Nigeria: Tax Reform - No Govt Agency Will Be Scrapped, Says Govt

Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General, National Orientation Agency
(NOA), has said that the proposed tax reform bills are not targeted at
scrapping any agency of government.

Issa-Onilu made the declaration at the flag-off of the National
Sensitisation Campaign on the World HIV Day, Security Awareness,
Discouraging Get Rich Quick Syndrome, World Human Rights Day and the Tax
Reform Bills held in Jalingo.

The director general, represented by Mr David Akoji, Director Special Duties
and State Operations, said that the agencies would be made to produce
budgetary provisions of their activities.

He explained that the tax reform bills comprised four different components:
the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria
Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment
Bill.

Issa-Onilu said that the four bills, when passed, would eradicate double
taxation, provide support for low income earners as businesses and earnings
below N1 million would be tax free.

He explained that the new reforms would put in place visible impact,
pointing out that tax proceeds would be used to improve services like
schools, hospitals and infrastructure across the country. He urged Nigerians
to understand details of the policy.

The director general stated further that NOA had deployed its machinery to
reach out to all the local government areas across the country.

He said that HIV/Aids was among the areas to carry out sensitisation
campaign to the people at the grass roots.

He explained that the agency in collaboration with health authorities would
carry out the assignment.

He also said that the 'get money quick syndrome' was another key area that
Nigerians needed to be discouraged. He said that the menace had led many to
indulge in criminal ventures with the zeal to get money quick.

He said that the government had introduced many programmes where people
could get money with integrity and honour.

The director general also said that sensitisation campaign on human rights
was another rucial aspect.

In his address earlier, Mr Zakari Mohammed, State Director of NOA in Taraba
State, said that the directorate was working on modalities to reach out to
the 16 local government areas in the state for the campaign.

He stated that many people were not enlightened about many policies of
government which created room for rumour mongers to mislead the generality
of the population.

Daily Trust.

Ghana: Economy's Top Determinant As Ghanaians Elect New President

As Ghanaians head to the polls to elect the head of the Cocoa-rich West
African country on Saturday, the state of the economy rings across as the
core determinant of who emerges as president.

When Theophilus Ntow, 25, resumed his waiting job at a restaurant in 2021,
20 Ghanaian cedis (about $4 at the time) could cover the day's
transportation. Today, the same amount has become insufficient for one-way
transport.

When PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Ntow what his major concern was ahead of
Saturday's election, he said, "economy."

"The people of this country, including me, need change," he said, lamenting
the dwindling exchange rate of the cedi to the dollar. "The dollar rate was
at Gh5 per dollar if I'm not mistaken, but it's about Gh16 per dollar as we
speak."

The cedi, Ghana's currency, has lost 70 per cent of its value in the last
eight years.

As Ghanaians head to the polls on Saturday to elect the head of the
cocoa-rich West African country, the state of the economy is seen as the
core determinant of who emerges as president.

Ghana's economic woes peaked in 2022 when inflation reached 54 per cent, the
highest in almost 20 years. In the same year, the West African country also
defaulted on its external debts, leading it to approach the IMF for a $3
billion bailout.

Ato Micah, a Ghanaian businessman, echoed Mr Ntow's concerns about the
economy. "The impact of inflation and depreciation of the Cedi against major
trading currencies has impacted consumer purchasing power, that is a
concern."

The World Bank in 2022 said as many as 850,000 Ghanaians may have been
pushed into poverty because of the rising prices of goods and services. This
number joined the six million who were already living in poverty.

The Elections and key contenders

The November 7 elections will see 12 candidates participate in the country's
ninth presidential election since 1992.

Over 18.7 million registered voters will vote across over 40,000 polling
stations.

Although 12 candidates will be on the ballot, Saturday's election will be,
again, a two-horse race between the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the
National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has remained the main opposition
party.

While the NPP is fielding incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, as the
first Muslim to be a candidate of a major political party since 1992 and the
first non-Akan to lead the party, the NDC is fielding former President John
Mahama.

The NPP has hinged its campaign on continuity and a digital economy. The
ruling party is seeking a third term to consolidate what they claim is a
resilient economy. The party's candidate, Mr Bawumia, is, however,
confronted by the failures of his party and has the economic realities of
the country trailing him.

The opposition, on the other hand, insists that it is time for a reset and
has proposed a policy that will incentivise businesses to run for more than
eight hours, which will, in turn, spur them to employ more people.

Mr Mahama has, however, been criticised for his performance as president
(2012 - 2017), including corruption allegations and the 'Dumsor' (an
electricity crisis) that plagued the country at the time.

Ghanaians like Yaw Okyere insist that what the country needs is "quality
leadership to lead our country so that we can grow our economy, improve our
standard of living, quality infrastructure to make life more comfortable,
good governance that ensures the rights and safety of all Ghanaians."

Another major determinant in the election is perhaps the mining 'galamsey'
crisis, which saw Ghanaians take to the streets in large numbers to protest
the pollution of water bodies caused by indiscriminate mining practices. The
current government has received backlash from citizens and environmental
activists in the country accusing it of complicity and refusal to curb the
menace caused by the mining activities.

Possible Violence

Although parties have signed the peace pact and Ghana has a history of
peaceful elections, there are concerns about possible violence in this
year's election.

The electoral commission has also noted a few flash points and deployed
security to ensure a peaceful election.

Mr Ntow says that even though Ghana is known to be a peaceful country, "I
fear there may be disagreement at some point even with the final result. As
it stands now, the opposition party still believes the sitting government
rigged the last elections."

Similarly, Mr Okyere noted the tension between the two main parties and
their foot soldiers is a cause for concern.

"NPP wants to remain in power and NDC has been in opposition for 8 years,
which means their finances are draining out (incumbency), so they would want
to win at all costs."

Premium Times.

Nigeriens Demand Greater Environmental Action, but Not At Expense of Jobs
and Incomes

Most favour tighter regulation of natural resource extraction to reduce its
negative impact on the environment.

Key findings

More than seven in 10 Nigeriens (72%) say pollution is a "somewhat serious"
or "very serious" problem in their community. Citizens cite deforestation
(36%), trash disposal (18%), and human waste management (16%) as the most
important environmental issues in their community. An overwhelming majority
(87%) of citizens say plastic bags are a major source of pollution in Niger.

While half (51%) of Nigeriens think the government is doing a good job of
reducing pollution and protecting the environment, an overwhelming majority
(84%) say it needs to do more.

But if environmental protection policies threaten jobs and incomes, a
majority (65%) of citizens say jobs and incomes should be prioritised.

More than half (53%) of respondents say the primary responsibility for
reducing pollution and keeping communities clean rests with the national
government. Others would defer that responsibility to ordinary citizens
(20%) or the local government (19%).

Nearly six in 10 Nigeriens (58%) say the benefits of natural resource
extraction, such as jobs and revenue, outweigh negative impacts such as
pollution. But most (74%) want the government to regulate natural resource
extraction more tightly to reduce its negative impact on the environment.

Majorities of interviewees believe that citizens have a say in decisions
affecting natural resource extraction (63%) and that communities in Niger
receive their fair share of revenues from extraction activities (55%).

Niger is endowed with abundant natural resources, including oil and coal,
minerals ranging from uranium to gold, as well as a rich variety of flora
and fauna (World Atlas, 2019).

But with a rapidly growing and urbanising population (Goujon, Marois, &
Sabourin, 2021), the country faces significant environmental threats
exacerbated by the effects of climate change, including pollution of the air
and the Niger River, drought, flooding, soil degradation, deforestation, and
desertification (Favreau et al., 2009; Potts, Gidi, Campbell, & Zureick,
2011; World Bank Group, 2024; Forum Environnemental National, 2021). On
average, drought affects about 4 million Nigeriens each year, while floods
impact 100,000 (Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, 2024).

Niger has had a national plan for the environment for sustainable
development and a legal framework for environmental management since 1998
(Republic of Niger, 1998). The government also confronts the environmental
threats facing the country in its Economic and Social Development Strategy
and initiatives such as its Renaissance Program, focused on land restoration
and management to combat land degradation, ensure food security, and promote
sustainable practices (World Bank Group, 2023).

This dispatch reports on a special survey module included in the
Afrobarometer Round 9 questionnaire that explores citizens' experiences and
perceptions of pollution, environmental governance, and natural resource
extraction.

Findings show that Nigeriens are deeply concerned about pollution but rank
deforestation as the most important environmental issue in their
communities. Most Nigeriens say the government should do a lot more to
protect the environment, although two-thirds say this should not come at the
expense of creating jobs or boosting incomes.

Most citizens say primary responsibility for protecting the environment lies
with the national and local governments, while others call on their fellow
citizens to be at the frontline of environmental protection.

A majority of respondents say the benefits of natural resource extraction,
such as jobs and revenue, outweigh the costs, such as pollution, but an even
larger majority call for tighter government regulation of the extraction
industry in order to reduce its negative impacts on the environment.

Marcelline Amouzou is a PhD student in political science at the University
of Florida.

Afrobarometer.

Kenya: No New Banknotes Released By Kenya's Central Bank, Ignore Circulating
Images

IN SHORT: Images of banknotes have been widely circulated online, with users
claiming that Kenya has introduced new designs. This is false.

Several posts on Facebook, TikTok and X claim that the Central Bank of Kenya
(CBK) has introduced new banknotes.

One post, dated 28 November 2024, reads: "The New proposed Currency by the
Central Bank of kenya (CBK) as per the law on Currency. What's your
opinion?"

The posts include images of banknotes in denominations of KSh50, KSh100,
KSh200, KSh500, and KSh1,000.

The front and back sides of the circulating currency feature images of
wildlife, athletes and a mountain.

In August, the CBK announced changes to the country's banknotes, including
the addition of the signatures of CBK governor Kamau Thugge and the
principal secretary of the treasury, Chris Kiptoo.

The printing year has also been changed to 2024, and new security threads
with colour-changing effects specific to each denomination have been
introduced.

On 20 November, the CBK issued a statement announcing the start of the
release of the updated KSh50, KSh100 and KSh200 denominations.

But do these images circulating online show the updated notes released by
the CBK? We checked.

Old concept banknotes

Africa Check did a reverse image search of the images circulating online and
found the same banknotes in reports published in 2018.

The banknotes were featured in a Kenyan Citizen TV news report on 6 January
2018.

According to the article, the images were an artist's depiction of Kenyan
banknotes, titled "The Modern Shilling". They were first published on his
online portfolio on 28 December 2017.

The creative designer, known as Dicky Jr on the Behance platform, gave a
disclaimer that reads: "This is NOT legal tender and is NOT sanctioned by
the CBK or the Government of Kenya."

The fake banknotes also appear here, here, here, here, here and here with
the same claim.

Nigerians Turn to Community Savings Amid Financial Struggles

Abuja, Nigeria — As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, many are
turning to Ajo -- a community savings system rooted in trust and tradition.

For traders and low-income earners, it's a lifeline, providing lump sums of
cash for projects and urgent needs. But without regulation, Ajo users risk
losing their savings to fraud.

Trader Tessy Ajakaye, 50, is one of the millions of Nigerians relying on
Ajo. For her, it's more than just a savings tool -- it's the backbone of her
business. Ajakaye contributes daily, knowing her payout later will help
expand her inventory.

In the Ajo system, participants make cash contributions daily or weekly to a
money holder as part of a savings program. Each participant gets a periodic
lump sum that can be used for business needs.

"Ajo means small, small savings that you don't take to the bank," she said.
At year's end, she collects those amounts from Ajo, and "I use it for next
year to boost my business. When you take a loan, you pay back with interest.
But Ajo, this is your money. What you save is what they give to you."

Ajo isn't without its risks. Rose Ojoma, another trader, lost her savings to
a fraudulent collector during a festive period -- a common problem with
unregulated schemes.

Ojoma said unscrupulous collectors have taken her money during the Christmas
season. Some, she said, will take a month's worth of contributions "as an
opportunity to run away, and you cannot find them." She said that as a
result, she contributes less to reduce her risk.

Ajo, a Yoruba term for thrift or microsavings, has existed for generations
in Nigeria and across Africa under names like Esusu and Adashe. It thrives
in low-income communities, offering a simple way to save and access funds
without banks.

Economist Jide Ojo said Ajo fills the gap for Nigerians excluded from formal
banking systems. He said Ajo is simple and helpful because it lets
contributors do projects or access services much easier with their savings.
He said it also helps them to be prudent in their spending, because it's a
way of putting something aside, rather than using all your income.

But the lack of regulation leaves participants vulnerable.

Development economist Hauwa Mustapha acknowledges the system's benefits, but
he is calling for reforms to improve security.

"The government does not have any role directly to protect informal savings
schemes," Mustapha said. "The informal savings scheme, as it is, is
informal, it's personal, it's about your choice, it's voluntary. I think it
will be important, if they can be very well educated and enlightened, to
understand how to put some legal form into the concept of Ajo, so that can
help to secure the funds more. And I also think that the banks can become
more flexible and adopt that principle of Ajo into the bank."

Despite its flaws, Ajo remains a lifeline for millions in Nigeria's informal
economy.

Experts say that by blending tradition with regulation, Ajo could become a
safer and more powerful tool for financial stability in Nigeria's
challenging economy.

VOA.

Liberia: Heath Workers Reject U.S.$50 Pay Rise

The Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals terms the Government of
Liberia's US$50 top-ups for health workers across the country provocative
and a complete breach of the Health Sector Pay Grade and Salary
Reclassification Policy while threatening a nationwide strike beginning
December 10, 2024.

The Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals includes Pharmaceutical
Association of Liberia, the Liberia Nurse Association, the Liberia National
Physician Assistance Association, the Liberia Midwives Association, Liberia
Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the Liberian Society of Medical Imaging
Technologies, Liberia Association of Operating Room Technicians, Liberia
Association of Environmental Professionals, Liberia Association of Medical
Laboratory Technologists, and Liberia Medical and Dental Association.

The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine K. Ngafuan,
following the recent submission of the Draft 2025 National Budget to the
Legislature, said that within the current budget, nurses, midwives, and
physician assistants will receive US$50 top-ups per month, while other
health workers will receive US$25-40 based on their grades.

However, responding to the government's pronouncement in a news conference,
the chairperson of the group and President of the Liberia National Physician
Assistance Association, Theophilus Tamba Fayiah, says it's very saddening
that the government would ignore the Health Sector Pay Grade and Salary
Reclassification Policy and institute another policy to top up the salaries
of health workers.

He discloses that the Policy was originally scheduled to commence in the
2024 National Budget, but because of a delay in implementation, they urged
the government to include it in the 2025 National Budget to ensure its
timely execution.

"In the absence of the Reclassification Policy, we see the Government of
Liberia through the Ministry of Finance US$50 top-up as a provocation. This
is a provocation to address equity and salary disparities in the health
sector. People are already saying that we are doing the same work but not
earning the same money, and then the government does this. The government
signed onto this document, so ignoring it and bringing flat-rate is evil",
Mr. Fayiah laments.

According to him, they worked with the consultant recently provided by the
government and validated the policy, which the government signed to uphold.

He explains that some of the issues that were addressed at the validation
process include salary disparities. The current pay structure creates
inequalities among healthcare workers of various professional categories
despite the shared goal of delivering quality service.

He continues that following the adjustment, they respectfully requested that
the government sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the various
institutions for the implementation of the policy, which the government
launched and adopted.

"If no concrete action is taken within the timeline, we, the health workers,
will commence a nationwide strike. This collective action will cease all
services until the government is committed to addressing our demand. We
strongly urge you to take this matter seriously and engage with us to avert
a disruption of healthcare services nationwide. We remain committed to
advancing the health sector and the health and the welfare of healthcare
workers, and we hope that the government shares this commitment", Mr. Fayiah
says. Editing by Jonathan Browne

New Dawn.

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