Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 08 January 2024 -

Bulls n Bears info at bulls.co.zw
Mon Jan 8 10:43:49 CAT 2024


	
 


 <https://bullszimbabwe.com/> 

 


 

 <http://www.bullszimbabwe.com> Bullszimbabwe.com         <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw?subject=View%20and%20Comments> Views & Comments        <https://bullszimbabwe.com/category/blogs/bullish-thoughts/> Bullish Thoughts        <http://www.twitter.com/BullsBears2010> Twitter         <https://www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe> Facebook           <http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bulls-n-bears-zimbabwe/57/577/72> LinkedIn          <https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF6wllAfScU9Wr6dXxoQnO> WhatsApp         <mailto:bulls at bullszimbabwe.com?subject=Unsubscribe> Unsubscribe

 


 

 


Major International Business Headlines Brief:::  08 January 2024 

 


 

 




 


 

 


 

ü  Nigeria Ranks 22nd Country With Cheapest Petrol - Report

ü  Malawi: State House Ordered to Compensate Brian Banda K103 Million for Unfair Dismissal

ü  Angola: Road Repairs in Lunda-Sul's Priorities

ü  Nigeria: Dangote Gives Updates On EFCC's Raid of Its Headquaters

ü  Mozambique: Vehicles Banned From Using Bridge Over Zambezi

ü  Nigeria: Govt Approves Air Peace, Two Other Airlines as Official Carriers for Hajj 2024

ü  Nigeria: Oil Theft - Govt Strengthens Collaboration With Traditional Rulers

ü  Angola: Interbank Rate Allows Availability of More Cash At ATM - Emis

ü  Nigeria: Dangote Refinery Receives Fifth One Million Barrels of Crude Oil Cargo

ü  Nigeria: Illegal Miners on the Prowl in North East Despite Ban

ü  Nigeria: Bauchi Govt Bans Traditional Rulers From Issuing Mining Consent

ü  China sanctions five US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales

ü  US budget: Spending deal reached as shutdown deadline looms

ü  Japan earthquake: The tiny firm that alerts millions about disasters

 


 

 


 <https://www.cloverleaf.co.zw/> Nigeria Ranks 22nd Country With Cheapest Petrol - Report

A report has disclosed that Nigeria is the 22nd country with the cheapest petrol price across the globe, adding that the majority of nations paying over 100 times more for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

 

The new report titled 'Global Petrol Prices, Octane-95, January 1, 2024', published on its website added that richer countries have higher prices of fuel than the poorer ones.

 

It said, "The average price of gasoline around the world is 1.29 US Dollars per litre. However, there is a substantial difference in these prices among countries.

 

"As a general rule, richer countries have higher prices while poorer countries and the countries that produce and export oil have significantly lower prices. One notable exception is the U.S. which is an economically advanced country but has low gas prices.

 

 

"The differences in prices across countries are due to the various taxes and subsidies for gasoline. All countries have access to the same petroleum prices of international markets but then decide to impose different taxes. As a result, the retail price of gasoline is different."

 

According to data compiled by Global Petrol Prices and presented on a chart in the report, as of January 2024, Iran has the world's cheapest gasoline at just $0.029 (N26.52) per litre, while Hong Kong has the highest price at $3.101 (N2,835.77) per litre.

 

Many major oil-producing countries, including Libya, Venezuela, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, enjoy very low domestic fuel costs. Iran tops the list at $0.029 (N26.52), followed by Libya at $0.031 (N28.35) and Venezuela at $0.035 (N32.01).

 

 

At the other end of the list are cities and countries with high taxes on fuel. Hong Kong remained high in the ranking with gasoline at $3.101 (N2,835.77) per litre. Prices in Europe are consistently higher, with drivers in Monaco paying $2.353 (N2,151.75) and those in Norway paying $2.052 (N1,876.49).

 

Among other sample countries, the United States came in at $0.911 (N833.08) per litre, putting it near the global average of $1.30 (N1,188.81). Nigeria stands at $0.722 (N660.25), Brazil at $1.150 (N1,051.64), and India at $1.252 (N1,144.92).

 

According to data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Nigeria has struggled to meet its expected oil production levels in recent months.

 

As of November 2023, Nigeria remained Africa's largest oil producer, churning out 1.37 million barrels per day, according to secondary sources tracked by OPEC. However, Nigeria's self-reported production figures directly to OPEC for November showed output of only 1.25 million barrels per day.

 

 

"According to secondary sources, total OPEC-13 crude oil production averaged 27.84mb/d in November 2023, lower by 57 tb/d, m-o-m. Crude oil output increased mainly in Venezuela, Libya, and Kuwait, while production in Iraq, Angola, and Nigeria decreased," OPEC said in its December 2023 report.

 

Some of the countries listed and their prices, according to Global Petrol Prices, Octane-95, January 1, 2024, are (in no particular order):

 

Iran: $0.029

 

Libya: $0.031

 

Venezuela: $0.035

 

Kuwait: $0.342

 

Algeria: $0.342

 

Egypt: $0.403

 

Kazakhstan: $0.534

 

Russia: $0.617

 

Saudi Arabia: $0.621

 

Nigeria: $0.722

 

UAE: $0.738

 

Argentina: $0.818

 

Indonesia: $0.874

 

USA: $0.911

 

Pakistan: $0.958

 

Bangladesh: $1.136

 

China: $1.146

 

Brazil: $1.150

 

Turkey: $1.169

 

Australia: $1.173

 

South Korea: $1.203

 

South Africa: $1.205

 

Canada: $1.239

 

Japan: $1.242

 

India: $1.252

 

Ukraine: $1.410

 

Mexico: $1.423

 

Chile: $1.441

 

Czechia: $1.607

 

Spain: $1.688

 

UK: $1.801

 

Germany: $1.910

 

Italy: $1.954

 

France: $1.968

 

Finland: $1.980

 

Switzerland: $2.028

 

Norway: $2.052

 

Netherlands: $2.085

 

Denmark: $2.114

 

Monaco: $2.353

 

Hong Kong: $3.101

 

    Vanguard.

 

 

 

 

Malawi: State House Ordered to Compensate Brian Banda K103 Million for Unfair Dismissal

In a recent ruling by the Industrial Relations Court (IRC) on December 23rd, Deputy Chairperson Mike Kandulu mandated that State House must pay former President Lazarus Chakwera's spokesperson Brian Banda K103,316,418 for unjust termination of employment.

 

Additionally, the Times Television presenter has been granted a severance allowance of K1,251,418.50.

 

Banda was dismissed from his role as press secretary in July 2022 although the State House initially said Banda was leaving his post to pursue further studies in China. He was immediately replaced by journalist and former Blantyre City Council spokesman Anthony Kasunda.

 

 

However, Banda commenced a legal action, represented by his lawyer Mauya Msuku, on September 28, 2022, against State House.

 

The claim sought compensation for constructive dismissal, severance allowance pay and recompense for unfair labor practices.

 

According to the court documents, the IRC Form 1 was filed on September 28, 2022, and officially served to the respondent on October 26, 2022, at 2:45 pm.

 

The respondent, in this case, State House, failed to file a reply within the stipulated period by law, leading to the applicant obtaining a default judgment on November 7, 2022. A notice of assessment of compensation was duly issued and served on the respondent on the same day.

 

Despite the default judgment, the respondent filed a motion to set aside the decision, scheduled to be heard on June 20, 2023.

 

On the scheduled date, neither the respondent nor their legal representative appeared in court, and no explanation was provided. Consequently, the motion was dismissed.

 

 

Following this, the court issued a notice for the hearing of the assessment of compensation trial, which was served on the respondent on August 11, 2023, at 1:50 pm.

 

The acknowledgment of service was received on behalf of the Attorney General by C. Chitsonga. In response, the Attorney General's Chambers filed an ex parte motion for a stay of proceedings, pending the hearing of an application to set aside the default judgment.

 

This motion was slated for August 25, 2023, the same day the court had scheduled the assessment of damages. However, neither the respondent nor the Attorney General's representative was present in court when the motion was called.

 

Due to the continued failure of the Attorney General to appear before the courts, the court ordered the commencement of the assessment of damages proceedings.

 

State House has now been granted a 30-day period to fulfill the court-ordered compensation to Brian Banda.

 

    Nyasa Times.

 

 

 

 

Angola: Road Repairs in Lunda-Sul's Priorities

Saurimo — The Government of Lunda-Sul will be focused, this economic year, on the rehabilitation of some access roads to the district, among other priorities, the provincial governor, Daniel Neto, reiterated in Saurimo.

 

Speaking to ANGOP, regarding the actions to be developed in 2024, the government official said that the priority will be the improvement of the Cacolo/Cucumbi and Xassengue, Muriege/Chiluange and Cassai-Sul sections, covering a length of more than 500 kilometers.

 

The Cacolo/Alto-Chicapa and Luma-Cassai and Gambo/Sombo sections, with more than 300 kilometers, will also be rehabilitated, as well as the National Road 230, towards Saurimo/Muconda and Luau.

 

 

Daniel Neto said that the rehabilitation of these roads will make it possible to change the economic and social life of the various localities where the roads are located, as it will improve the circulation of people and goods, as well as attract more investors and, in this way, boost the commercial exchanges.

 

On the other hand, the official said that the Government will continue the process of requalification and maintenance of towns and cities, in order to give greater dignity to city dwellers, having already started and completed some actions to requalify sidewalks and curbs.

 

The plan also includes the public lighting system, basic sanitation infrastructure and cleaning and beautification services for the city.

 

He added that the Government will continue with the project to seal the ravines in the four municipalities of the province, namely, Cacolo, Dala, Muconda and Saurimo.

 

Daniel Neto announced that in 2024 he will continue working with the Ministry of Construction to see the construction of the Dala industrial park materialize, as well as the streamlining of the financing process for national production.

 

He guaranteed that the year 2024 will be one of enormous challenges in the most varied sectors, such as economic and social, which will require unity, patriotism, tolerance and solidarity from all citizens to achieve the common good.QB /JW/IZ/DOJ

 

    ANGOP.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Dangote Gives Updates On EFCC's Raid of Its Headquaters

Contrary to speculations in some sections of the media that the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), carted some documents away from its head office, last Thursday, the management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has debunked the claim, stating that the officials truly visited, but left the office without any document.

 

In an advertorial published in some National dailies, the Management of DIL stated that EFCC officials truly came to its head office on the 4th of January 2024, and left after some time. The statement revealed that the officials did not take any documents with them as its staff, were in their office with the said documents already. "...our team took the first batch of documents to the EFCC, on the same day they visited us. The officers, who saw our staff in their office did not accept the documents, insisting on visiting our offices.

 

 

"Whilst our representatives were still at the EFCC's office to deliver the documents, a team of their officers proceeded to visit our offices to demand the same documents in a manner that appeared designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment. Worthy of note is the fact that the officials did not take any documents or files from our Head office during their visit as these were already in their office."

 

The Management asserted that the company did not have anything to hide as it operates open and transparent transactions. The documents they wanted were from 2014, about 10 years ago and we sought clarification on the subsidiaries or companies within the Group that they required information on and pleaded for time, to be able to put all the documents together.

 

"However, the EFCC did not provide the clarification sought and did not honour the request for an extension and insisted on receiving the complete set of documents within the limited timeframe."

 

Despite the constraints, DIL Management through the advertorial stated that: "We assured the EFCC of our commitment to providing the information and pledged to share documents in batches as we complete the compilation."

 

"As a law-abiding and ethical corporate citizen, we remain committed to providing the EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation. We have already delivered the first batch of documents and are actively working to compile and submit the remaining documents, in good time, to aid their investigation."

 

Vanguard News

 

 

 

 

 

Mozambique: Vehicles Banned From Using Bridge Over Zambezi

Maputo — Mozambique's National Roads Administration (ANE) has forbidden all vehicles from using the Samora Machel Bridge over the Zambezi river, in the central city of Tete.

 

A statement from the ANE said the ban is intended to make possible urgent repairs to the bridge cables. The damage was caused by overloaded trucks.

 

The latest incident with an overloaded truck occurred on Thursday night, said the ANE. "Overloading has caused early deterioration of structural elements of roads and bridges throughout the country', said the statement.

 

 

"This emergency intervention will be preceded by an inspection and exhaustive assessment of the damage, and it is expected that this will be concluded by 10 January', said the ANE.

 

The bridge was built in the closing years of the colonial epoch, and was inaugurated on 20 July 1972. At the time, it was baptised with the name of the Portuguese fascist Prime Minister, Marcelo Caetano.

 

Currently, only pedestrians may use the bridge. Even motor-cycles are banned until the repairs are complete.

 

The bridge is part of the road through Tete province to the neighbouring countries of Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Travellers can, however, cross the Zambezi on the Kassuende bridge, a further six kilometres downstream.

 

With Samora Machel bridge currently unusable, vehicles from Tete airport, and from the Chingodzi neighbourhood, can no longer easily reach the centre of the city.

 

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Govt Approves Air Peace, Two Other Airlines as Official Carriers for Hajj 2024

The government also approved Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd, Nahco Aviance and Qualla Investment Limited as the official cargo companies for the exercise.

 

The federal government has approved Air Peace, FlyNas and Max Air as the official carriers for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

 

The government also approved Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd, Nahco Aviance and Qualla Investment Limited as the official cargo companies for the exercise.

 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclose this on Friday in a statement by its Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara.

 

"The Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted approval to three distinguished airlines to serve as exclusive carriers for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, they are Air Peace Ltd., FlyNas and Max Air.

 

 

"Also approved are three other air cargo companies that will airfreight pilgrims' excess luggage. They are Cargo Zeal Technologies Ltd, Nahco Aviance and Qualla Investment Limited," the statement said.

 

According to the statement. Air Peace will lift passengers from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Kwara, Ondo and Rivers States.

 

Flynass is to lift pilgrims from Borno, Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe and Zamfara States.

 

Furthermore, Max Air will be responsible for moving pilgrims from Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Oyo, Taraba, Kaduna, Armed Forces, Gombe, Jigawa and Plateau States.

 

NAHCON stated that "the allocation of pilgrims to the airlines was in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on airlift of pilgrims under government quota.

 

"However, state governments may choose to designate any of the approved freight companies to convey their pilgrims' excess luggage. Should any state enter such exclusive arrangement, the decision should be communicated to the Commission accordingly," the statement said.

 

NAHCON alao said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, will on 7 January lead a delegation from NAHCON to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

 

"In another development, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, is set to lead a delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to partake in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage on 7th January 2024," the statement reads.

 

    Premium Times.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Oil Theft - Govt Strengthens Collaboration With Traditional Rulers

The minister stressed the imperative of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalization and oil theft.

 

Nigeria's Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, says the government has strengthened collaboration with traditional rulers in Bayelsa State in a bid to address persistent challenges in the country's oil sector.

 

Nneamaka Okafor, the special adviser on media and communication to the minister, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

 

"The Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, has embarked on a series of insightful and collaborative courtesy visits to traditional rulers in Bayelsa State.

 

 

"This strategic initiative aligns with the minister's unwavering commitment to foster cooperation with key stakeholders in the oil industry, specifically aimed at addressing persistent challenges such as pipeline vandalization, crude theft, and security uncertainties in oil-bearing communities across the region," the spokesperson said.

 

She explained that one of the meetings took place with the Pere of Ekpetiama clan and Chairman of the Traditional Rulers' Council of Bayelsa State, His Royal Majesty (HMR), King Bubaraye Dakolo.

 

In this encounter, the spokesperson said, the minister stressed the imperative of collective efforts in curbing pipeline vandalization and oil theft.

 

Sheadded that the minister called on the monarch to utilise his esteemed position to rally other traditional rulers in the state for a unified front in addressing these challenges.

 

 

Recognizing the crucial role traditional leaders play in the socio-economic fabric of the region, the minister emphasized the need for a joint commitment to securing the oil infrastructure.

 

Continuing the dialogue, the spokesperson said the minister extended his courtesy visit to the King of Nembe Kingdom and former Minister of Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru.

 

The discussions during this meeting, Ms Okafor said, were focused on the importance of collaborative action in ensuring the security of pipelines and combating illicit activities in the oil sector.

 

The minister expressed deep appreciation for the support and valuable insights provided by Mr Daukoru, acknowledging his wealth of experience in the petroleum industry as an asset to the ongoing efforts in the region.

 

In another significant engagement, according to the statement, the minister met with the Pere of Kumbowei Kingdom, Boloye Embareba.

 

Ms Okafor said the discussions with the monarch revolved around the critical need for collaboration between the government and traditional rulers to effectively address security challenges and enhance crude production.

 

The minister reiterated the government's commitment to creating a secure and prosperous oil sector, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between a thriving oil industry and national prosperity.

 

"These meticulous visits underline the minister's dedication to leaving no stone unturned in achieving the federal government's objective of increasing crude production for the prosperity of the nation.

 

"By actively engaging with traditional rulers, the minister aims to build a strong and enduring alliance with local leaders, fostering a secure environment that is conducive to sustainable growth in the oil industry," the spokesperson said.

 

In recent years, Nigeria has failed to meet its OPEC production quota.

 

The country has recorded a surge in pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in its oil-producing region, a development that worsened the nation's revenue challenge.

 

The Nigerian government has said it is targeting 2 million barrels per day (bdp) of crude oil production by the end of next year.

 

    Premium Times.

 

 

 

 

Angola: Interbank Rate Allows Availability of More Cash At ATM - Emis

Luanda — The emergence of more Automatic Teller Terminals (ATM) and, consequently, the availability of more money in ATMs are among the main benefits of the increase in the interbank commission, from 350 to 700 kwanzas.

 

The measure, in force since January 1st, covers all banks that issue payment cards and install ATMs across the country, without impacting the "pocket of customers holding multi-cash cards", according to the Interbank Services Company (EMIS).

 

The interbank commission is a rate agreed between commercial banks on reciprocal services provided to each other, without directly impacting the bank customer's pocket, that is, it refers to the amount that one bank pays to another whenever one of your customers uses another's ATM.

 

 

Until December 31, 2023, the interbank fee for withdrawing monetary values from ATMs at different banks was 350 kwanzas, a commission that, this year, increases to 700 Kwanzas, which represents an increase of 100% of the previous value.

 

In an interview with ANGOP, the executive administrator of EMIS, Joaquim Caniço, clarified that the respective commission "does not apply to the payment card user", highlighting that the measure contributes to the existence of more ATMs with cash available in the country, avoiding constant flooding in ATMs.

 

Joaquim Caniço said that the measure aims to encourage banks to make more money available in ATMs, adding that banks with a reduced number of operating equipment and little financial availability to load ATMs will pay more, because their customers use other people's machines.

 

 

Here is the full interview:

 

ANGOP - The year 2023 ended a few days ago, with a new measure from EMIS, which decided to increase the interbank commission, from 350 to 700 kwanzas. What assessment do you make of the actions carried out by your company last year?

 

Joaquim Caniço (JC) - The balance is positive. We are growing as expected and managed to implement some initiatives that will contribute to improving the electronic payment system in Angola.

 

ANGOP - Specifically, what were the main initiatives that positively impacted the lives of users in 2023?

 

JC - Without a doubt, the biggest milestone was the launch of the Instant Transfer System, which is serving as the infrastructure for the new payment instrument called 'KWiK' (Instant Kwanza). This new instrument is already in use by around 10 participants in the system and we hope that it will begin its revitalization process very soon. Therefore, we are very convinced that KWiK will contribute to improving the provision of a financial inclusion instrument for Angolans.

 

 

ANGOP - Last December, EMIS announced the increase in the interbank commission for withdrawing via ATM, from 350 to 700 kwanzas, a measure that has been in force since January 1, 2024. This is a 100% increase. What is the real objective of this measure?

 

JC - It is important, firstly, to remember that the interbank commission has always existed and has never impacted users' pockets. This fee is part of a set of incentives for banks to better manage the logistics of loading money into their ATMs. In this process, banks that maintain the largest number of ATMs and make more money available to the population earn more.

 

In short, it is a commission that does not apply to the payment card user, but contributes to the existence of more ATMs with cash available, a fact that will avoid constant flooding at ATMs. Therefore, one of the main advantages of this measure will be the improvement in the availability of cash at ATMs.

 

ANGOP - Specifically, how many banks will be covered by this measure?

 

JC - All banks are covered by the interchange commission, as they all issue payment cards and install ATMs. Theoretically, if each bank installs enough ATMs to serve the number of its customers with payment cards and, cumulatively, maintains the respective ATMs with cash, we reach an equilibrium in which the amount payable between banks is residual or even zero.

 

ANGOP - To what extent will the increase in the interbank fee on ATM transactions not affect customers? In other words, will there be no possibility for commercial banks to pass on the cost of each transaction to the final consumer or to the user of the ATM card?

 

JC - The Multicaixa network has existed for more than 20 years with this commission, but users confirm that over the years they have not been charged. Therefore, it is only about a few weeks ago that this issue has been repeatedly posed by the press in these terms, as a result of the sharing of a document that only concerns the participants of the Multicaixa system that was irresponsibly passed on to social networks.

 

ANGOP - What is the current number of active ATM cards and the number of ATMs in the country?

 

JC - EMIS registers the existence of about 7.6 million ATM cards and close to 3.5 thousand ATMs (CA or ATM) in Angola.

 

ANGOP - On average, how many ATMs does each commercial bank have?

 

JC - The average is around 184 ATMs per bank. In any case, CAs are installed by banks depending on the number of payment cards that each bank has distributed to its customers, that is, the larger ones tend to install more CAs, the numbers of which vary from 20 to 570.

 

ANGOP - Using this data, what is the current ratio between the number of ATMs and the number of cards or users in the country? In other words, what is the relationship between demand and supply of ATMs in the Angolan banking market?

 

 

JC - Around 2.2 thousand users per month, that is, on average, each CA serves close to 73 users per day. Sometimes, ratios do not help to understand concepts in their entirety. Therefore, it is essential to note that the multicaixa network somewhat follows the logic of the bank branch network, whose CAs are installed, as a general rule, in bank branches, which are located in areas with greater accessibility and where there may be better installation conditions.

 

ANGOP - So far, what is the amount or percentage that a customer pays for each movement they make with the multicaixa card (checking available balance, withdrawing money, transfers, paying for services, collecting receipts/paper, among other movements)?

 

JC - So far nothing has been paid for, unlike what happens in other geographies where there is a user-pays principle. The card is an important payment instrument so that its users do not feel the need to go to banks to withdraw large amounts of money. This must be the understanding so that our country increases, as soon as possible, the use of electronic payments, thus reducing the pressure on the need to use physical money.

 

ANGOP - For EMIS, what are the main reasons for the constant flooding/queues at ATMs at the end of each month and, especially, in December?

 

JC - Among the various reasons with a significant impact, we can mention the geographical distribution of the ATM fleet, which is not in line with large population settlements, generating what we commonly call 'urban macrocephaly', that is, more equipment available in urban hulls to the detriment of peripheral areas. This is a structural situation arising from the options that banks have considered over time to incorporate contextual costs into their operations, in contradiction with large population settlements that generally precede infrastructural conditions.

 

Another situation that also aggravates ATM flooding is the concentration of salary payments, especially public service payments, in very short periods around the last day of the month. The reasons also include the fact that the population uses cash excessively, due to low financial and digital literacy, as well as the high level of informality in many economic activities.

 

ANGOP - Regarding the availability of Automatic Payment Terminals (TPA), what are the criteria used for the distribution of these devices? Specifically, who should have a TPA, for example?

 

JC - TPA are assigned by banks to merchants, which can be large, medium, small and micro, in accordance with the regulations that govern acceptance activity, that is, in this sequence, the levels of demand tend to be lower, exactly to massify them.

 

ANGOP - How many TPA are available on the Angolan market?

 

JC - There are about 179 thousand TPAs.

 

ANGOP - How is the use of these devices controlled to avoid possible fraud?

 

JC - As the use made by merchants is typified in the rules and contracted by banks, it is up to these institutions to ensure KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures, under the legislation in force, without prejudice to the regulated limits, which help to mitigate the risks of fraud.

 

ANGOP - Is the use of TPA on any street corner or on the street legal? Does this practice ensure security for customers?

 

JC - In practice, and given that the POS is a wireless device, it offers great mobility to the merchant who owns it. POS is very useful to allow the merchant to receive payments for purchases and also to carry out cash withdrawals. The latter, in addition to being a fundamental vehicle for depositing the trader's money into their bank, serves to complement the services of withdrawals in CA.

 

For this purpose, the customer must pay the merchant a commission of 1%. However, what is unfortunately done by merchants is the use of the first feature, intended for purchases, to carry out irregular withdrawals with illegal charges, which is why it is a police case.

 

ANGOP - What is the real fee or commission that the user must pay when using a POS in the formal and informal market?

 

JC - According to Instruction No. 12/2021 of the National Bank of Angola (BNA), the commission on cash withdrawals at POS is 1% of the withdrawal amount, with a minimum of 50 kwanzas, which will be automatically transferred to the merchant's bank account.

 

ANGOP - In August 2023, EMIS announced the launch of the multi-brand card called 'Multicaixa/Mastercard', which aims to meet the banking needs of citizens in Angola and abroad, with a single card. What is the current state of play of this system?

 

JC - When EMIS launches products and services, it implies, as a general rule, development on the banks' side. At the moment, the process of certifying the banks is under way. Therefore, the process of issuing Mastercard by commercial banks has not yet begun.

 

ANGOP - What challenges or prospects does EMIS have for 2024?

 

JC - We will continue to develop the technological infrastructure that supports the payment system in Angola, with a view to contributing to the massification of electronic payments in the country. Therefore, we believe that the year 2024 will be the period of consolidation of KWiK, as well as the launches of payment with QRC (QR code) in POS and the contactless Multicaixa card (contact less card).

 

In addition, EMIS has an ongoing free program called 'Digital Citizen', which aims to train or empower people, from the age of 15, in financial and digital literacy, as well as mitigate misinformation about payment systems and instruments that still exist in Angola, including in the journalistic class. Therefore, EMIS extends this initiative to any interested public, at no associated cost. QCB/AC/DOJ

 

    ANGOP.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Dangote Refinery Receives Fifth One Million Barrels of Crude Oil Cargo

Plans are in top gear to start oil refining operations at the 650,000 barrels per day Lagos-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery as the company on Thursday, received the fifth crude oil shipment of one million barrels of Bonny Light grade supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

 

Dangote Group announced the fifth crude shipment to the refinery in a statement issued yesterday, as the upcoming oil refiner was already preparing to welcome the sixth one million crude oil cargo to the facility tomorrow or Monday next week, barring any unforeseen delay.

 

The latest development was a significant step for the refinery as it hopes to begin operations and ultimately help Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in petroleum products and save foreign exchange expended on importation of finished products from abroad.

 

 

According to the statement, the latest fifth consignment to be delivered to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery facility out of the six million barrels of crude being expected, arrived at the Single Point Mooring (SPM)-C2 Dangote Offshore Oil Terminal on Thursday, and had already been discharged to the refinery's crude oil tanks.

 

The Lagos Free Trade Zone-housed Dangote Refinery had earlier received four million barrels of crude.

 

Managing Director of Dangote Ports Operations, Mr. Akin Omole, had told journalists then at the Dangote Quay, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos that the Refinery would receive about four million crude oil shipments before the end of 2023 and the remaining two by the early of January 2024.

 

He added that the crude supply would put the refinery in good stead to commence operation.

 

 

Once the six million barrels are fully delivered, it will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG( before subsequently progressing to the production of petrol.

 

The company noted that this latest development would play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.

 

Designed for 100 per cent Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.

 

The promoters said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has the capacity to meet 100 per cent of Nigeria's requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also has a surplus of each of these products for export.

 

The refinery was built to take crude through its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore and to discharge petroleum products through three separate SPMs. In addition, the refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries.

 

Dangote Refinery has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability to handle the largest vessel globally available. In addition, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

 

The refinery is designed to comply with US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.

 

While receiving the first consignment, President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote, had stated: "We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity. I look forward to the next significant milestone when we deliver the first batch of products to the Nigerian market."

 

    This Day.

 

 

 

 

Nigeria: Illegal Miners on the Prowl in North East Despite Ban

Illegal mining operations have continued to thrive in North East states despite the ban and strict regulations promised to be enforced by governors, Daily Trust Saturday reports.

 

Checks revealed that activities of the illegal miners in the North East states have further exacerbated the already precarious security challenges bedevilling the region.

 

The six governors of the northeastern states: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe, under the auspices of the North East Governors Forum, had resolved to deal squarely with illegal mining in the region.

 

 

In a communiqué issued at the end of their eighth meeting, which was held in Maiduguri, Borno State on September 9, 2023, the governors said proliferation of legal and illegal miners in the region was becoming a problem.

 

They noted that there was a link between mining activities and insecurity, especially the abuse of mining leases; and therefore, resolved to enforce compliance with the provision of local consent as contained in Nigeria's mining policy.

 

However, months after the meeting, investigation by our reporters revealed active presence of miners in the remote bushes of Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe. But heavy security was deployed at the mining sites in Borno.

 

Miners outsmart task force in Taraba

 

In Taraba, findings revealed that illegal miners in their hundreds are taking advantage of the difficult terrain of the state to carry out the illegal activities.

 

 

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that illegal mining is ongoing in some parts of Sardauna, Yorro, Gashaka, Bali and Takum local government areas.

 

Our correspondent learnt that the miners are carting away precious stones that include gold in hard-to-reach locations in some of the listed local government areas.

 

One of the miners who would not want his name in print revealed that the main targets of the miners are sapphire and gold in all the areas.

 

He their operations were nocturnal in hard-to-reach locations, making it very difficult for the Brigadier-General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa-led task force against illegal mining and other security agents to access and enforce the ban.

 

Governor Agbu Kefas, upon assumption of office, banned all mining activities and also set up a task force against illegal mining under the chairmanship of General Faransa (retd).

 

 

The committee, it was learnt, has arrested hundreds of illegal miners, including foreigners, in parts of Bali and Sardauna local government areas and closed numerous illegal mining sites.

 

An official of the state government who pleaded anonymity told Daily Trust Saturday that government was losing billions of naira to illegal miners annually.

 

"The miners are carrying out their activities in deep forests and behind mountains, which are difficult to reach," the source said.

 

He said the state needed effective monitoring and surveillance, including the use of helicopter to check illegal mining.

 

Miners smuggle precious stones to Chad

 

In Adamawa, findings by our correspondent revealed that illegal mining of copper, lithium, aluminium, monozide and iron is taking place in many local government areas of the state.

 

According to an insider who pleaded anonymity, illegal mining is on the rise during the dry season due to the nature of activities like digging.

 

He said raw materials that include gemstones and guza were being mined in Michika and Guyuk, while diamond mining is taking place in Toungo, which shares border with Gembu in Taraba State.

 

He said copper and lithium were mined in Toungo, aluminium in Muchela community of Mubi, copper, monozide and iron in Maiha Local Government Area.

 

"In addition, the Bole community, adjacent to Yolde Pate in Yola South Local Government Area, is also involved in gemstone mining," the source stressed.

 

He further revealed that the mining of gemstones is taking place in Kilange and Bangshika villages in Hong, as well as Ganye Local Government Area, where locals are responsible for mining monazite.

 

"These precious stones are sold very cheap at the rate of N2,500 within the state and N7,000 in Jos," the source further disclosed.

 

Another source revealed that most of the mining managers are foreigners - white men - along with some people from N'djamena, Chad Republic.

 

"Also, the mined raw minerals are usually taken to border places in Borno State, where they are sold to dealers that smuggle them out of the country," he said.

 

He said miners in the Mubi area were acquiring monoxide in significant quantities.

 

"Some reports suggest the presence of iron ore, but it is not being mined in commercial quantities," he said.

 

 

He further said that many Chinese were involved in the mining industry in the region.

 

He said off-takers and buyers were also abundant in Jos, with many conducting the same business for more than two decades.

 

"But majority of the buyers, approximately 90 per cent, are of Chinese origin, who have diversified interests," he added.

 

Asked about the impact of insecurity on mining, the source said there had been no reported incident of miners being attacked. Additionally, many miners are currently operating in Mubi and Maiha.

 

Demand for gypsum on the rise in Yobe

 

In Yobe, illegal activities are mostly concentrated around Fune and Fika, a border local government close to Gombe State. Maiduwa, Fika, Zamba and Daura in Fune Local Government Area are also witnessing the infiltration of illegal miners.

 

A village head in the area told our correspondent that mining activities are still ongoing in those locations, including digging of gypsum and other precious stones.

 

"When you go you will see artisanal miners, mostly underage boys and girls, doing it freely, which attracts buyers.

 

"Unlike in other states where mining activities attract insecurity, we don't have that problem here, but it is causing environmental degradation," he said.

 

Illegal miners arrested in Gombe

 

In Gombe, areas where the illegal miners operate include Gamawa, Jauro Sale in Akko Local Government Area and Tukulma and Tulmi in some parts of Balanga Local Government Area.

 

According to the state Commissioner for Energy and Solid Minerals, Sanusi Ahmad Pindiga, illegal mining activities were banned in the state to avoid the escalation of banditry to Gombe, like other states of the country.

 

He reeled out the numerous mineral resources like gypsum, limestone, coal and granite, among others that are scattered across the nooks and crannies of the state.

 

Emphasising the state government's directive, the state's commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Muhammad Bello Muazu, said they

 

had arrested some individuals involved in illegal mining activities.

 

The suspects were apprehended in the course of their illegal activities at a site in Gamawa community in Akko Local Government Area of the state.

 

According to the NSCDC commandant, illegal mining has been a source of concern in the country due to its dangers and contribution to environmental degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution, as well as other forms of security challenges.

 

Mining sites turn hideouts for criminals in Bauchi

 

In Bauchi State, illegal miners are on the prowl in different parts of the state, fuelling armed robbery and banditry in the affected communities.

 

Investigation revealed that illegal mining is currently taking place in five local government areas, including Toro, Alkaleri, Ningi, and some parts of Tafawa Balewa.

 

It is, however, more prevalent in 20 different sites in Gumau, Rishi, Tulu, Rimin Zayan, Filin Kokawa, where tin ore, gold, columbite, monoxide, among other minerals are mined.

 

A resident of one of the mining communities, the chairman, Alkaleri branch of the National Youth Council (NYC), Comrade Bala Mohammed Duguri, said the activities of illegal miners in the Nahuta mining site had become a source of concern due to the security threat associated with it.

 

"The turnout of illegal miners from Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna and foreigners to Nahuta site is scary because the area is gradually becoming a hideout for criminals.

 

"Two weeks ago, criminal elements among them (illegal miners) burnt down many shops and houses of residents of Nahuta village," Duguri added.

 

He said that in Ningi there are also many illegal mining sites, including Shende, Kuluki, Dana, Yadagungume, Kyata, Tipchi and Kwangi, where the miners are mining tin ore, monoxide, columbite and other minerals.

 

Legislators raise the alarm in Borno

 

In Borno State, Jara Gol, Wuyo, Jara Dali and Balbaya areas of Bayo Local Government Area have been identified as places where illegal mining activities are taking place.

 

The Borno State House of Assembly recently the raised alarm over a looming security threat in the state as a result of illegal mining in various communities.

 

The lawmakers consequently passed a resolution which forced the state government and agencies to halt illegal mining in the communities.

 

The member representing Bayo State constituency, Maigari Abare, said illegal mining breached security and caused environmental degradation in the area.

 

He also said illegal mining had thrown the communities into fear of banditry.

 

Experts in the sector warned that the involvement of foreigners in mining activities raised questions about the regulation of the industry in the states and the potential for exploitation of Nigeria's natural resources.

 

On December 12, 2023, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, blamed unnamed 'powerful Nigerians' for the illegal mining activities and acts of terrorism going on in different parts of the country.

 

Alake made the allegation when he led a delegation of top officials of the ministry to defend the 2024 budget estimates before the House Committee on Solid Minerals at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

 

"Nigerians are those powerful people behind them (illegal miners). We are identifying them with both kinetic and non-kinetic means. The insecurity in the mining areas is sponsored by illegal miners and these are powerful individuals in the society who are Nigerians," he said.

 

He added that for mining to generate sufficient revenue, there was a need to have a formal structure that the multinationals could deal with, just like the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd.

 

Earlier in October, Alake had said state governments had no power to regulate mining activities.

 

He also said the ban by states on mining was illegal and not in line with the constitution.

 

Speaking in Abuja at a pre-event press conference for the 8th Annual Nigerian Mining Week 2023, Alake said, "The states' ban on mining activities across the country is a point that is really sore. And it is a constitutional matter.

 

"Mining belongs exclusively in the purview of the federal government, according to the constitution. It is in the exclusive legislative list. It is not in the residual list. It is not in the concurrent," he said.

 

The minister added that if states needed to engage in mining activities, they should go through the right process and apply for licence.

 

FG, states must work together to get it right - Expert

 

A registered miner in Jos, Plateau State, Umar Ismail, said the federal and state governments must work together to get it right.

 

"It is very unfortunate that various stakeholders in government at all levels are seeing the mining sector as a curse rather than blessing.

 

"Nigeria is enormously blessed with various mineral resources, enough to make majority of the citizens rich. Unfortunately, while the attention of the government is on oil revenue, some unscrupulous citizens weaponise their scramble for the minerals.

 

"I know what I am talking about; and security operatives also know what I am talking about. Some people simply ignite crisis to disorient people, force them out of their communities and use the opportunity to steal the mineral resources there.

 

"Government at all levels must come together and harness the sector for the benefit of all," he said.

 

Hamisu K. Matazu (Maiduguri); Magaji I. Hunkuyi (Jalingo); Amina Abdullahi (Yola); Haruna G. Yaya (Gombe); Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi) & Habibu I. Gimba (Damaturu)

 

    Daily Trust.

 

 

 

Nigeria: Bauchi Govt Bans Traditional Rulers From Issuing Mining Consent

The Bauchi State government has stopped traditional rulers from giving mining consent letters to prospective investors in their communities.

 

The state commissioner for natural resources, Maiwada Bello, disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters in Bauchi yesterday.

 

He said henceforth, it is illegal for individuals, groups or traditional heads to issue consent letter to any investor without obtaining clearance from the ministry of natural resources.

 

Bello said the decision was to address the effects of environmental degradation associated with mining activities coupled with security challenges.

 

He added that the state government through the ministry would continue to formulate policies that would provide the enabling environment for the mining sector to strive in the state, thereby enhancing investors' confidence in the solid mineral sector.

 

    Leadership.

 

 

 

 

China sanctions five US defence firms over Taiwan arms sales

China has announced sanctions on five Western defence firms over the latest round of US arms sales to Taiwan.

 

The announcement comes as Taiwan prepares to hold presidential and parliamentary elections on 13 January.

 

US weapons sales to Taiwan are a frequent source of tension between Beijing and Washington.

 

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, a claim Taiwan's government rejects.

 

Last month, the US State Department approved a $300m (£236m) sale of equipment to help maintain Taiwan's tactical information systems.

 

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that the sanctions were "In response to these gravely wrong actions taken by the US".

 

It also said the recent arms sales "seriously harm China's sovereignty and security interests, undermine the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait".

 

The companies being sanctioned were named as BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions.

 

China will freeze the assets of the companies and ban people and organisations in China from engaging them, the Foreign Ministry said.

 

The BBC has contacted the US embassy in Beijing for comment.

 

Beijing has ramped up its pressure on Taiwan ahead of the elections that could redefine the island's relationship with China.

 

In his annual New Year's Eve address, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his claim that Taiwan would "surely be reunified" with China.

 

He also struck a stronger tone than last year's message, when he spoke about Taiwan being part of the "same family".

 

China sees the self-ruled island of 23 million as a breakaway province that will eventually be under Beijing's control. Taiwan considers itself distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.-bbc

 

 

 

 

US budget: Spending deal reached as shutdown deadline looms

US Congress leaders have reached a deal over the total amount of spending for the rest of 2024 as they seek to avoid a partial government shutdown, local media report.

 

The $1.6tn (£1.2tn) figure includes $886bn for defence and more than $704bn for non-defence spending, according to Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.

 

However, there appears to be some discrepancy over the numbers.

 

The deal now needs approval from the House of Representatives and Senate.

 

They have less than two weeks to finalise funding and stop the suspension of some federal services.

 

According to a statement from Democrats Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer - House Minority Leader and Senate Majority Leader respectively - the non-defence spending amount agreed is $772bn.

 

Mr Johnson, announcing the deal had been reached in a letter to colleagues, accepted that the amount of funding "will not satisfy everyone, and they do not cut as much spending as many of us would like."

 

Republicans have been seeking to freeze overall government spending by cutting some budgets.

 

Sunday's deal includes greater protection from cuts to benefits and health - a provision demanded by Democrats.

 

The House Freedom Caucus, a conservative Republican group within Congress, called the deal a "total failure".

 

"Sad to say but the spending epidemic in Washington continues with both parties being culpable," said Andy Biggs, the group's former chairman.

 

In a statement, Mr Jeffries and Mr Schumer said the agreement "clears the way for Congress to act over the next few weeks in order to maintain important funding priorities for the American people and avoid a government shutdown".

 

President Biden, meanwhile, said it "moves us one step closer to preventing a needless government shutdown and protecting important national priorities".

 

Lawmakers are due to resume negotiations in Washington on Monday following the holiday break and have until 19 January to sort out funding for programmes including transport, housing and energy.

 

A second load of annual funding, for sectors including defence, expires on 2 February.

 

The agreement on an overall amount of spending comes after the government in October secured a short-term deal to avoid a federal shutdown temporarily, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden minutes before the deadline.

 

Shutdowns normally happen when both chambers of Congress are unable to agree on the roughly 30% of federal spending they must approve before the start of each fiscal year on 1 October.

 

With Republicans holding a slim majority in the House and Democrats holding the Senate by a single seat, any funding measure needs buy-in from both parties.

 

Repeated efforts to pass spending bills in the House in recent months have been thwarted in recent weeks by rebel right-wing Republicans.

 

Meanwhile, an agreement has still not been reached on a separate bill which includes a further $50bn of military aid to Ukraine, as Congress continues to argue over migration policy at America's southern border.

 

October's short-term deal to prevent a shutdown excluded new aid for Kyiv in a blow for Democrats, for whom this was a key demand.

 

Some Republicans argue that any further funding would be detrimental to America's interests.

 

Congress has so far approved more than $100bn (£78bn) in military, humanitarian and economic aid to Ukraine since Russia began its full-scale invasion last year.

 

Negotiations are also continuing about providing further security aid to Israel as it seeks to eliminate Hamas following the 7 October attacks.-BBC

 

 

 

Japan earthquake: The tiny firm that alerts millions about disasters

When a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit Japan's remote Noto peninsula on New Year's Day, millions of people were alerted by a small company that has been punching above its weight for years now.

 

NERV is run by a small private firm called Gehirn - meaning brain in German - with just 13 full-time staff.

 

Still, its warnings of Japan's frequent earthquakes are often faster than those issued by official bodies and the country's public broadcaster, NHK.

 

NERV's Japanese-language account on X (formerly Twitter) has 2.2 million followers while another 35,000 people use it in English. Its app, which was launched in September 2019, has been downloaded more than four million times from both the Apple Store and Google Play.

 

It was created in 2010 as an account by then 19-year-old Daiki Ishimori.

 

X is huge in Japan and is the go-to social media platform for disaster information in the country - especially since the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

 

As well as offering real-time information on earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions NERV also provides updates on extreme weather events like typhoons, flooding and heavy snow.

 

The account collates and tweets out data from a number of agencies that track natural disasters - often releasing information faster than even they do.

 

Mr Ishimori said NERV is heavily influenced by hit anime TV show Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is set in a post-apocalyptic world after half of the human population has been wiped out.

 

The account's name "special service agency NERV" is a nod to an organisation in the show that issues alerts about threats to humankind.

 

"I created NERV as a parody account because Twitter was getting popular at the time," Mr Ishimori tells the BBC.

 

"It started as my programming hobby to post automated tweets about weather alerts using the Japan Meteorological Agency data."

 

At the time, the account only had around 300 followers.

 

But then in 2011, Japan's most powerful earthquake on record struck.

 

Best known for triggering a tsunami that caused a nuclear accident in Fukushima, the quake also caused great loss of life in his hometown Ishinomaki in Miyagi in the north-east of the country.

 

For four days, Mr Ishimori was unable to contact his family. "To be honest, I thought they must be dead," he recalls. He later found out that while his immediate family was safe, one of his aunts had died.

 

"I realised we needed to have other ways - not just TV and radio - to communicate disaster information," he says, as TV became useless during power cuts.

 

He started posting about earthquakes, and as Japan experienced more natural disasters, the account added hundreds of thousands of new followers.

 

However, recent changes to X had an impact on NERV during the New Year's Day earthquake.

 

Last year, X started charging users to access its application programming interface (API), which links X to external systems and enables automated posts on the platform.

 

The platform's API was previously free to use, but now only allows up to 1,500 free automated posts a month.

 

Gehirn subscribes to a basic plan, which allows 100 posts a day for $100 (£79) a month.

 

When it sent out earthquake and tsunami alerts on Monday, NERV said it appeared to have hit this cap and encouraged its followers to download its app.

 

Several hours later, it said that X had registered its accounts - both in Japanese and English - as "public utility", which resolved the issue.

 

But NERV had already started shifting away from the platform in 2019 when its account was locked for several hours during an earthquake.

 

"If we are on other people's platforms, their rules can suddenly change so we want to focus on our own platform," Mr Ishimori says.

 

He says his mission has always been to "make Japan safer" - not make money, adding he aims to make the NERV app as accessible as possible, including for those with disabilities.

 

However, Mr Ishimori acknowledges that as the app grows his company needs to bring in money.

 

The firm started a paid membership scheme called the "supporters' club" in 2020 to cover its costs, which currently stands at around 120 million yen ($829,200; £653,172) a year.

 

"We are still far from making money," says Mr Ishimori, adding that about a third of its running costs are funded by supporters.

 

"The more funding we get, the more new information we buy so that is why we are still in the red," he laughs.

 

Mr Ishimori says he continues to be driven by the guilt of not being able to help his aunt in 2011.

 

"We know that there will be another big earthquake and big tsunami. My mission is to solve the accessibility of our disaster information by then."-bbc

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


Invest Wisely!

Bulls n Bears 

 

Cellphone:      <tel:%2B263%2077%20344%201674> +263 77 344 1674

Alt. Email:       <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> bulls at bullszimbabwe.com  

Website:         <http://www.bullszimbabwe.com> www.bullszimbabwe.com 

Blog:            <https://bullszimbabwe.com/category/blogs/bullish-thoughts/> www.bullszimbabwe.com/blog

Twitter:         @bullsbears2010

LinkedIn:       Bulls n Bears Zimbabwe

Facebook:      <http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBullsBearsZimbabwe&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhb_A5rp4biV1dGHbgiAhUxQqBXA> www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe

Skype:         Bulls.Bears 



 

 

 


 

INVESTORS DIARY 2024

 


Company

Event

Venue

Date & Time

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


Companies under Cautionary

 

 

 


 

 

 

 


CBZH

GetBucks

EcoCash

 


Padenga

Econet

RTG

 


Fidelity

TSL

FMHL

 


 

 

 

 


 <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> 

 


 

 


DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has been compiled from s believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of any companies referred to in this report. Other  Indices quoted herein are for guideline purposes only and d from third parties.

 


 

 


(c) 2024 Web: <http://www.bullszimbabwe.com>  www.bullszimbabwe.com Email:  <mailto:info at bulls.co.zw> bulls at bullszimbabwe.com Tel: +263 4 2927658 Cell: +263 77 344 1674

 


 

 

 

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0001.html>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image001.png
Type: image/png
Size: 9458 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0003.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 301380 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0004.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image003.png
Type: image/png
Size: 34378 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0005.png>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image004.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 29361 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0003.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: oledata.mso
Type: application/octet-stream
Size: 65551 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0001.obj>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image005.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 90174 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0004.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image006.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 46866 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://listmail.bulls.co.zw/pipermail/bulls/attachments/20240108/3761669b/attachment-0005.jpg>


More information about the Bulls mailing list