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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-ZW link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=878 style='width:658.85pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:solid #D9D9D9 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:33.35pt;line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://bullszimbabwe.com/"><span lang=EN-ZW style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=246 height=120 id="Picture_x0020_4" src="cid:image001.png@01DA5822.B4D43770"></span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#002060'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Bullszimbabwe.com </span></b></a></span><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'> </span></b><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw?subject=View%20and%20Comments"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Views & Comments</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://bullszimbabwe.com/category/blogs/bullish-thoughts/"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Bullish Thoughts</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.twitter.com/BullsBears2010"><b><span 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style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://chat.whatsapp.com/CF6wllAfScU9Wr6dXxoQnO"><b><span style='color:#70AD47;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'>WhatsApp</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span lang=EN-US style='color:#70AD47;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:bulls@bullszimbabwe.com?subject=Unsubscribe"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'>Unsubscribe</span></b></a></span><span class=style30><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;color:#00B050'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoSubtitle style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span lang=EN-US style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:32.1pt;text-indent:7.5pt;line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'>Major International Business Headlines Brief::: 05 February 2024 </span></b></span><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.0pt'><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:33.35pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://www.firstcapitalbank.co.zw/"><b><span lang=EN-ZW style='color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=811 height=268 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image002.png@01DA5822.B4D43770"></span></b></a><span class=style30><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span 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style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Tanzania: Zambia, TZ Reaffirm to Facilitate Cargo Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span 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style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa: National Minimum Wage Increases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:72.0pt;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-18.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1;background:white'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Wingdings;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>ü<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Sudan Govt - 'New US Sanctions Unjust'<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=873 colspan=4 rowspan=3 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal 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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><a href="https://www.cloverleaf.co.zw/"><img border=0 width=419 height=590 src="cid:image004.jpg@01DA5822.B4D43770" align=left hspace=12 title="" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_5"></a><![endif]><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria Fails to Meet Oil Production Targets in 10yrs</span></b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Despite having crude oil in abundance, Nigeria has consistently failed to meet oil production targets as stipulated in national budgets over the last 10 years, investigations by Daily Trust have shown.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The country has, over time, maintained a mono-economy with crude oil sales constituting about 90 per cent of its foreign exchange earnings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>However, experts have projected that non-oil exports should be the nation's primary concern due to the volatility in the oil sector which Nigeria is susceptible to.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ambitious projections<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Data obtained by this newspaper showed that the country consistently failed to meet its oil production targets by an average of 300,000 to 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) recorded shortfalls from 2013 to 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A breakdown of the data showed that in 2013, Nigeria produced between 2.1 million and 2.2 million barrels of crude oil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The then Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had said that Nigeria was losing $1 billion revenue monthly, following the drop in oil production and the falling prices of crude oil at the international market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Total losses, which stemmed from shut-in due to force majeure declared by oil companies, oil theft and illegal bunkering, was put at 300,000 barrels per day. The current production ranged from 2.1 million bpd to 2.2 million barrels per day, less than an estimated 2.5 million barrels per day for the 2013 budget," she had said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In the 2014 budget, crude oil production was pegged at 2.3883 million barrels per day. However, the figures from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), then a public corporation, showed that 2.05 million barrels per day (mbpd) of crude were produced that year, a shortfall of at least 450,000 barrels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the budget with a projection of 2.27 million bpd, and a crude oil price of $65. However, Nigeria's oil production averaged 1.9 million bpd in 2015, representing a shortfall of over 300,000 bpd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Subsequently, the 2016 budget was prepared as Nigeria was on the verge of exiting recession, and oil production was pegged at 2.2 million bpd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>By May 2016, Nigeria's oil production had fallen drastically to 1.4 million bpd, nearly a 30-year low. After some government interventions, some of the disrupted productions were restored, and crude oil output averaged 1.6 million bpd in June, and continued in that trajectory until the end of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Similarly, in the 2017 budget, oil production was pegged at 2.2 million bpd and the oil price was $42.5 bpb. However, crude oil production has been far below projections as the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for 2018 showed that the 2.2 million bpd was not met as average oil production fell to 2.04 million bpd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A similar situation recurred in relation to the 2018 budget which had a proposal of 2.3 million bpd but actual production was pegged at 1.84 million bpd by the then NNPC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Also, in 2019, oil production was projected at 2.3 million bpd with crude oil price pegged at $60 per barrel. However, crude oil production by Nigeria fell for the third month in a row in December 2019, to a new low of 1.5 million bpd as against a target production level of 2.18 million bpd at $57 per barrel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In 2020, the assumption of oil production of 2.18 million bpd was presented by the federal government with an oil price benchmark of $57 per barrel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>However, in the year under review, total crude oil production in Nigeria dropped to about 900,000 barrels per day as a result of the effects of COVID-19.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In the same vein, the 2021 budget was based on an oil price benchmark of US$40 per barrel, and an oil production output of 1.86 million barrels per day, although Nigeria had to shed off about 313,000 bpd for the first half of 2021 in line with Organisation of Petroeleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)+ cut agreement to stabilise global oil prices. Nigeria produced an average of 1.4 million bpd of crude. At the end of the year, the country ended up producing a maximum of 1.5 mbpd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In 2022, the projected crude oil production was 1.88 million bpd. However, reports from the NNPCL showed that Nigeria was barely able to produce 70 per cent of the total production forecast, losing roughly the rest to oil theft and sabotage, leading to incessant shut-in of planned output for the period. Nigeria's production hovered around 1 million to 1.5 million bpd in 2022.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In the 2023 budget, the crude oil price benchmark was $75 per barrel with crude oil production pegged at 1.69 million bpd.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>However, in the middle of that year, the country produced 998,602 bpd of crude oil, 66,317 bpd of blended condensates, and 180,110 bpd of unblended condensates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>These figures made up 1.2 million bpd recorded, according to the NNPCL.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Consequently, with an average of N1 billion monthly loss, the country lost N12 billion annually due to its inability to meet crude oil production target, which translates to N120 billion in the last 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Crude theft, vandalism remain our nightmare<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Although crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are not peculiar to Nigeria, the inability of the petrochemical refineries to become fully operational has compounded Nigeria's woes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In a recent report posted on its X account formerly Twitter, the NNPCL said it recorded 127 crude oil theft incidents between December 2 and 8, 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>During the period, the NNPCL and its security partners said they discovered several incidents, including 51 illegal refineries that were uncovered, 29 illegal connections were identified, vessels were found to have AIS (Automatic Identification System) infractions and six acts of pipeline vandalism were detected.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The report specified that crude oil theft incidents occurred across various locations in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Abia and Imo states, though some arrests were said to have been made.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In a recent interview, the Group Managing Director of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, said pipeline vandalism was being tackled, adding that when "The Dangote Refinery starts churning out products, they will be transported across the country using trucks."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Deploy AI in pipeline surveillance to curb theft - Expert<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>A development expert, Joseph Momoh, said it was high time the federal government, through the NNPCL, commenced the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pipeline surveillance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We cannot succeed in tackling pipeline vandalism with only human beings watching over it. We also require artificial intelligence to always alert those in charge of imminent danger," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Momoh further advised the NNPCL not to renege on its promise to resume full operations at the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries as Nigeria not only needed to meet the crude production target, but must also start refining the crude it produces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Daily Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Tanzania: Dar Port - No Sugar Stranded<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Port on Sunday came out strongly turning down reports that consignments of sugar were stranded at the port amid ongoing crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The port management reacted to the media reports which have caused panic among the members of the public.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The reports caused public panic yesterday (Saturday) that sugar has been stranded in the port. This is not true, sugar can't be stranded in the port, anything that has public interest can't be stranded here," Mr Mrisho Mrisho, Port Director, affirmed while speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Explaining, Mr Mrisho said last month they received a letter from the Sugar Board of Tanzania (SBT), asking the port to facilitate activities of their three vessels carrying sugar cargo.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The vessels are JPO AQUARIUS, MSC Alizee II ship and Okahama Star.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The SBT letter asked the port to give the ships a priority berthing as emergency case.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We (port management) knowing this matter has public interest, we have facilitated access. The first vessel we served on January 29th and some journalists observed. The sugar containers were all offloaded in one day and the board thanked us," he explained.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The port then waited for the second ship (MSC Alizee II), which was expected to arrive on January 26th.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Since January 26th we kept the berth open waiting for it, but it arrived on February 2. When it arrived, we served it on the same day and journalists were also invited to witness offloading of the sugar consignmets," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The third vessel (Yokohama) also arrived on February 2, noting that these two vessels delayed, because they arrived first in neighbouring country's port where they were delayed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Our work here is to load and offload and we ask other institutions also to play their part in ensuring that the cargo reaches the clients, so if the cargo delays to reach the client(s), we should then ask which institution has caused the delay," he added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He further assured that the activities were ongoing without any obstacles at the port at all berths from berth number zero (Ro-Ro berth) up to number 11 as well as at the Kurasini Oil Jetty (KOJ).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Vessels are continually being handled, as we talk in this month alone in four days, we have handled over 10 vessels. In January we have handled 86 ships, despite the rain challenges, we have managed to go at good speed. We expect that speed will further continue," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He explained that the port receives a vessel carrying over 50,000 tonnes of cargo, or three ships with over 3000 containers each that makes a total of about 9000 or 10,000 containers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The question to ask here if you don't clear those containers, do you think there could be any space here at the port. In fact, there could be no space remaining," he argued.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Therefore, let me say that it is not true that the cargos are not released. The customers take their cargo and we receive other consignments, just go and observe the port's gate and you would see a queue of trucks leaving the port with cargos," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Meanwhile, SBT Director General, Prof Kenneth Bengesi, told the Daily News yesterday that MSC Alizee II and Yokohama vessels arrived on Friday with a total of 4000 tonnes of sugar, expressing hopes that when distributed to the market, the current shortage would have been lessened.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He added: "The port management has given priority to dock and offload immediately due to high demand from consumers."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Elaborating, he noted that on January 29th, another ship docked at the port with consignment and completed offloading sugar according to the customs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Likewise, he directed that the imported sugar must be sold at the price of 2,700/- to 3,200/- as expected by the government, saying: "Hence, business people who do not want to adhere to this order will risk facing legal measures."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Daily News.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Rwanda: Govt Leases Land in 9 Districts to Expand Network Coverage<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Ministry of Environment has leased state land to TRES Infrastructure Ltd, a telecommunication company specializing in optical fiber transmission and network optimization, to expand network coverage across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The allocation of the state land was among cabinet resolutions that were released on January 25, 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The firm will leverage on allocated state land to expand network coverage nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya the minister of environment told The New Times that the allocated plots are strategically located in key districts that include; Kamonyi, Nyanza, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Musanze, Gakenke, Karongi, and Nyagatare.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"This expansion initiative underscores government commitment to providing reliable and high-quality telecommunication services to residents nationwide. The establishment of antennas in these diverse regions aims to bridge connectivity gaps and contribute to the overall development of the country," she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The firm will establish antennas, aligning with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation policy and Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) standards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The intervention comes after complaints about the lack of network in some parts of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"In Rubavu district, especially in Nyakiriba sector, we have network issues. We struggle with calling and internet networks," said Rodriguez Neza, a resident of Rubavu district.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Peter Imanishimwe, a resident of Jabana sector in Gasabo district said: "Three years have elapsed without network in Bweramvura locality in Jabana sector. Calls, SMS, and Internet do not work properly. To get network, we have to first go to Karuruma."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Residents of Nyakariro sector in Rwamagana district and those from Ruhuha sector in Bugesera district have also been complaining about poor network which makes calling on mobile phones difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In 2021, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) ordered local telecommunications companies to solve all problems related to its call services as members of the public have over the years been raising concerns about call and internet connection services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>2,000 antennas needed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In October 2023, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire said that Rwanda needs more than 2,000 antennas to solve the problem of network across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>ALSO READ: Deal to increase connectivity in rural areas<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Currently, 2,800 antennas are installed countrywide.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Rwanda needs at least $30 million (approx Rwf30 billion) to expand cellular and internet networks to 300 sites identified across the country, Ingabire said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The latest Mobile Connectivity Index by Global Systems Mobile Telecommunications Association shows that Rwanda has 61.5 per cent internet infrastructure, 30.3 per cent affordability, and 42.1 consumer readiness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>This is while internet connectivity in Rwanda stands at 60.6 percent of the entire population while mobile penetration is at 81.4 percent, according to the latest data available.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Improving cellular and internet networks would mean that more people would get connected through Telco players in the country to efficiently tap into opportunities at hand in a service-led economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-New Times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria: Darkness in Major Cities As National Grid Collapses<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria yesterday witnessed its first national blackout this year following a national grid collapse at 11:21am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The situation led to all 20 power plants, except Ibom Power (31MW), being offline by 11:51am.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Confirming the incident, the management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), released a statement explaining that the power outage was a result of a system failure from the national grid.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>While appealing for patience among its customers, it assured that it is working with the relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid is stabilized.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>On its part, Kaduna Electric lost bulk power supply hence the outage being experienced currently in Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The DisCo promised to restore electricity to its customers as soon as it received its consignment at its load centres across its franchise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Reacting to the outage, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stated that the grid experienced a partial disturbance at about due to gas constraints at its Ibom power islanded, feeding Eket, Ekim, Itu & Uyo transmission substations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Nididi Mbah, said during the period of partial disturbance, total generation on the grid was 3,901.25 Megawatt (MW) at 08:00Hours, a little over three hours before time of partial collapse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>While stating that it has restored the affected part of the grid, she said the low power generation has persisted in the country since January 2024, to date, exacerbating daily generation to the lingering gas constraint.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Before now, Distribution Companies across the country had complained that gas shortages in Generation Companies had caused supply hiccups in their franchise areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In Sokoto, the power supply went off in most parts of the state around 9am, but it was briefly flashed to Arkilla areas around 7pm, a resident of the area, Muhammad Yakubu, confirmed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>However, Daily Trust observed that as at the time of filing this report, the state was in total darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State and Funtua LGA of Katsina State, the power outage was experienced immediately after the Subhi prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The power supply went off immediately after the 6am prayer and up till this time that I am speaking with you there is no supply of electricity from the distribution company to the state," a resident of Kofarmata Kara, Aminu Musa, said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Another resident, Husaini Ibrahim Funtua, told Daily Trust that "I was at the mosque when the electricity went off and up till this moment supply has not been restored."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>150 grid collapses recorded in 11 years<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Daily Trust reports that yesterday's blackout made it the 150th time the country recorded grid collapse since 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Analysis showed that in 2013, the country recorded 24 power system collapses. The collapse incidents stood at 13 in 2014. In 2015, the grid collapsed 10 times; in 2016, it rose to 28, while 21 cases were recorded in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Grid collapse cases in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 13, 11, four and four, respectively. It collapsed about 10 times between 2022 and 2023 while one was recorded in 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>While the reasons for the collapses vary, Daily Trust reports that outdated infrastructure, vegetation growing along grid lines, vandalism of grid, and shortage of gas have been some of the issues that cause national blackouts in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The country witnessed the recent grid collapse yesterday at 11:21am, which plunged the country into complete darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The generation companies said the inability to recoup their funds from the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) has stifled their capacity to purchase adequate gas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Data showed that GenCos recorded a N136 billion monthly deficit as of July 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>NBET which purchases electricity in bulk from GenCos through power purchase agreements sells it through contracts to the distribution companies, who in turn supply to the consumers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The GenCos were paid N69 billion out of the total invoice amount of N123.36 billion for July 2023. In the first quarter of 2023, the power producers got N171.67 billion out of the N235.92 billion due to them, according to NBET.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>NBET's data also revealed GenCos were paid N245.98 billion out of the total invoice amount of N299.81 billion for the second quarter of 2023.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>But the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said he had held crucial discussions with power Generating Companies (GENCOs) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to address the ongoing issue of blackouts in parts of our country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Adelabu said that investigations showed that the main cause of poor power supply is the low supply of gas to GENCOs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He added that during a meeting, he also addressed the indebtedness to GENCOs by Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), while acknowledging the sector's liquidity challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We are working on validating the debt and determining a fair resolution. I emphasized the importance of GENCOs establishing contractual arrangements with gas suppliers to ensure a steady gas supply. Recognizing concessions may be needed, I assure you that we are committed to working on this to stabilize the power sector."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He said to tackle the gas supply and liquidity challenges, he decided to form a committee involving all stakeholders to work on recommendations to resolve the issues and ensure a more reliable and consistent power supply for our citizens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Daily Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Tanzania: How Kabwe Port Stimulates Cross Border Trade<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Sumbawanga — RUKWA: FARMERS and local entrepreneurs in Rukwa Region are reaping the benefits of the Kabwe port on Lake Tanganyika which has boosted cross-border trade between Tanzania and the land-linked Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The port serves as an opportunity for traders in Nkasi District and Rukwa Region as well as small farmers to supply goods and services to Moba and Kalemie provinces in DRC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The increased cross-border trade has increased money circulation and lifted the livelihood among dwellers in Nkasi District.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>People from DR Congo largely depend on Tanzania for cereals such as rice, maize and sugar as well as cement and other building materials.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Geographically, Moba Port lies about 24 kilometres from Kabwe Port and 78 kilometres from Kalemie Port, which is linked by air and train with Lubumbashi in Katanga Province, the third largest city of DRC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"More traders from within and outside Tanzania are now buying food crops and ferrying them to DRC, Burundi and Kigoma. Our economies have improved substantially" said Issack Mdude, a maize grower.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He further reveals that before the construction of the port, traders were finding it hard to find reliable markets, but now buyers are coming to their area, hence guaranteeing farmers markets for their produce.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Now we don't have to travel to as far as Sumbawanga town or to coastal towns to sell our crops as buyers are coming to Nkasi," says Peter Simwela from Namanyere town.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Ms Cricensia Godgiven, who buys maize and rice from Nkasi District, ferrying the commodity to the markets in Kigoma Region, commended the government for improving water transportation, which is cheaper compared to other transport models.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"I have been doing this business for decades now, and we're grateful to the government for constructing this port, which has eased business, and movement of people," she said, noting that TPA charges are fair since they pay 7,000/- for each tonne.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kabwe Port handles an average of 1,200 tonnes of cargo and 400 passengers a month, with a large per cent destined for DRC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>This paper witnessed busy labourers unloading cargo from trucks and loading it onto vessels for shipment from a small Kabwe terminal to the neighbouring DR Congo and other towns along Lake Tanganyika, the world's longest freshwater body.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The terminal site gives a glimpse of the government's commitment to bolster water transport infrastructure across the country; a well-constructed modern jetty and other essential port infrastructures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Kabwe Port, whose construction started on April 2, 2018, was officially commissioned in April 2020, with the government through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) coughing up 7.49bn/- for the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The port has a small cargo shade, passenger lounge, refurbished offices and 5.5 metres deep berths which allow big boats to dock, also serves as a key gateway for traders as well as farmers to supply cereals such as cassava, maize, rice and sugar to Moba Port in DRC which is about 24 kilometres away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Before the construction of Kabwe Port, the cross-border trade was conducted on a small scale along the lake shore, typically on smaller wooden vessels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>With the new port, big vessels with more loading capacity dock at the port, thus, boosting trade between Nkasi residents and people in the neighbouring countries. They no longer travel to Kigoma to ferry their produce to land-linked DRC and Burundi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Mohamed Swedi, a truck owner, who transports cargo to DR Congo, says Kabwe port has improved business and hails the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for good customer service.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He, however, called for the improvement of the road that connects Kabwe Port to the Katavi-Rukwa highway.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"There is good customer service and businesses are performing well, but we are asking relevant authorities to improve the road that links the port with the Katavi-Rukwa highway, once this road is improved, we'll do more business," he stated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Mr Swedi also called for the timely issuance of permits to traders who transport food crops to DRC, saying the delay increased the costs of doing business.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>It takes 7-8 hours from Kabwe port to Kalemie port in DR Congo on the western shores of Lake Tanganyika.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Kabwe Port officer Mr Said Bakari says during peak times, the port handles about 30 trucks on average.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He added that the port has enhanced safety and security for traders, passengers and their properties.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Daily News.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria: Shell to Supply 100m Cubic Feet of Gas Per Day to Dangote Fertiliser<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has concluded plans to supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical Plant in Lekki, Lagos State.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The SPDC said it took the final investment decision alongside its joint venture partners - Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited, and Nigerian Agip Oil Company.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>According to a statement by Shell's spokesman, Abimbola Essien-Nelson, this was made known by the Managing Director of SPDC, Osagie Okunbor, in Port Harcourt, where he noted that the final investment decision was a significant step in supporting the Nigerian government's "Decade of Gas" ambition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The statement noted that the decision was to "build a dedicated upstream facility to supply 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to Dangote Fertiliser and Petrochemical Plant in Lekki, Lagos State, for 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Daily Trust.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Tanzania: Zambia, TZ Reaffirm to Facilitate Cargo Transportation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA and Zambia have expressed commitment to jointly fast-track setting up of a centre within the Kwala Dry Port, in Coast Region, specifically for facilitating transit cargoes destined for the latter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The centre will be established on the 20-hectare piece of land which President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan offered to Zambia when she visited the country last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The aim is to ease business between the two SADC member states.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>On October 24, 2023, President Samia provided the land to her counterpart, Mr Hakainde Hichilema while she was invited as guest of honour at the Zambia 59th Independence Day celebrations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The two countries reaffirmed their commitment over the weekend when Zambia's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Mr Mathew Jere, visited the Kwala Dry Port to see its progress aimed at cutting cost to transporters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He said the Zambian government will speed up the legal process for acquiring the land and title deeds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The High Commissioner Jere thanked President Samia for the decision of allocating them a special area in order to reduce business operations' cost and deepening diplomatic relations between two nations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>For his part, Tanzania's Permanent Secretary of Transport, Professor Godius Kahyarara said the country will timely finalise all remaining procedures for the land to be handed over to Zambia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Prof Kahyarara commended the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) for the great achievement of putting in place the Kwala Dry Port.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He directed the port authority to make sure within one week from February 2 this year to complete the agreements with different companies that have shown interest in using the dry port.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"So far, a total of nine companies submitted their application for establishing container freight stations at the Kwala Dry Port. The move will prevent queue of trucks coming to Dar es Salaam via the Coast Region," Prof Kahyarara said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He said the Kwala Dry Port will provide all shipping services and it will be complemented with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) officers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In another development, he noted that all cargo will be transported by trains to the Kwala Port in order to prevent congestions at the Dar es Salaam Port.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>He mentioned Ihumwa and Bahi Dry Ports in Dodoma, Isaka in Shinyanga and Fela in Mwanza as part of the ports, which are renovated in bid to cut distance covered by vehicles to the Dar es Salaam Port, reduce transport cost and boost railways usage across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The construction of the Kwala Dry Port is being implemented by Tanzania's government at a cost of over 88bn/-.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Daily News.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria: Darkness in Major Cities As Nigeria's Electricity Grid Collapses<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Be rest assured that we are working with the relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid is stabilized," a power distribution company said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria's electricity grid on Sunday collapsed yet again, throwing several cities including the nation's capital Abuja, into darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) announced Sunday that the collapse occurred at around 11 a.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) wishes to inform its valued customers that the power outage being experienced is a result of a system failure from the national grid at 11:21 hours today, 4th February 2024 which has led to a nationwide power outage," the company said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"Be rest assured that we are working with the relevant stakeholders to restore power as soon as the grid is stabilized. We appeal for your patience," it said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The latest collapse occurred less than two months after the national grid system collapsed in December and Nigerians were thrown into darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In recent years, Nigeria's power sector has experienced broad challenges such as electricity policy enforcement, regulatory uncertainty, gas supply, transmission system constraints, and major power sector planning shortfalls.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Last Friday, the Nigerian government attributed the main cause of poor power supply in the country to the low supply of gas to generating companies (GenCos).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Nigeria's Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who disclosed this in a statement, said "Power supply during the yuletide improved, but unfortunately, we've experienced setbacks in the new year. After investigations, it's clear that the main cause of poor power supply is the low supply of gas to GenCos."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had in January said that there was a gradual decrease in available generation into the grid due to gas constraints.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The company said this impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The TCN has yet to officially speak on the issue as of press time Sunday afternoon. When contacted Sunday evening, an official told PREMIUM TIMES that the agency would soon speak on the new development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Premium Times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Sudan: Phone, Internet Falters in Eastern Sudan<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>El Gezira / Sennar — Subscribers to El Sudani and MTN communication and internet providers complain service interruptions in El Gezira, Sennar, and large parts of eastern Sudan since Friday morning. Both providers cite 'technical reasons'.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>El Sudani and MTN communication and internet providers both announced "an interruption in their service for technical reasons. "Technical teams are working to fix it," they said in statements yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"We apologise for the network outage currently, and our team is working hard to restore service as soon as possible to ensure your connection and communication," reads a statement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>MTN said in a post: "We regret the interruption of all services due to circumstances beyond our control. While we apologise for the inconvenience caused by this interruption, we assure you of our endeavour to restore the service as soon as possible. You will be notified of the return of the service."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Blackouts The ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in frequent communications, mobile phone, and internet blackouts, which have "plunged cities into a medieval communications abyss".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Dabanga.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>South Africa: National Minimum Wage Increases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has announced a new National Minimum Wage (NMW) determination which will go up from R25,42 to R27,58 for each ordinary hour worked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In a statement on Saturday, the Department of Employment and Labour said the new NMW will come into effect from 1 March 2024.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"The National Minimum Wage determination also includes the vulnerable sectors of farm workers and the domestic workers - whom since 2022 were aligned with the NMW rates.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"However, the workers employed on an expanded public works programme are entitled to a minimum wage of R15,16 per hour [up] from R13,97. Workers who have concluded learnership agreements contemplated in section 17 of the Skills Development Act, 1998, are entitled to the allowances as determined in the latest government schedule," the department said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The schedule of learnerships, sectoral determinations of Contract Cleaning, Wholesale and Retail sector employees will be published on the department's website - www.labour.gov.za<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Act applies to all workers and their employers except members of the South African National Defence Force, the National Intelligence Agency, and the South African Secret Service.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The act does not apply to a volunteer, who is a person who performs work for another person and who does not receive or is not entitled to receive, any remuneration for his or her service.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The NMW is the minimum amount of pay that an employer is legally required to remunerate employees for work done. The amount does not include payment of allowances (such as transport, tools, food or accommodation) payments in kind (board or lodging), tips, bonuses and gifts among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The National Minimum Wage is the floor level below which no employee should be paid. The NMW first came into implementation in 2019 at a minimum of R20 per hour. The NMW is enforced by law and violations are subject to fines.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-SAnews.gov.za.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Sudan Govt - 'New US Sanctions Unjust'<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Port Sudan — The Sudanese government has denounced the US Treasury Department's decision to impose sanctions on Zadna International Company "under the pretext of its affiliation to the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In a statement yesterday, the acting Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Port Sudan, Red Sea state, defended Zadna company as being "the largest national agricultural company that contributes to achieving food security in Sudan".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>It described the US decision as "unjust and based on fake justifications, reflecting the confusion and contradictions of the American administration's position".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Wednesday imposed sanctions on three companies implicated in "jeopardising Sudan's peace, security, and stability".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The targeted measures are an effort to identify and isolate funding sources supporting the SAF and RSF, fighting each other since April 15 last year and has led to the "staggering" number of 11 million people who fled their homes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>In its retort to the US measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that the "national army is entrusted with defending the country and its people, protecting national security, national sovereignty, and the supreme interests of Sudan". The SAF "plays an essential role in achieving regional peace and stability, as it is the oldest, most experienced, and professional army in the Horn of Africa".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The statement considers "the targeting any national institution under the pretext of its affiliation to the SAF as an attempt to weaken the national army.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>"This not only constitutes a threat to the stability and unity of Sudan, but will also contribute to the growing risks of terrorism, cross-border crimes, and security chaos throughout the region."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The ministry further repeated its refusal to be equated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by the US administration and said that "the SAF is confronting their terrorism and atrocities against defenceless citizens". It cited UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 6712, which she said classified the RSF as a terrorist organisation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>The Darfur Bar Association (DBA) said in a statement last week that it appreciates "the measures, decisions and actions by international institutions and nations to combat impunity in the Sudan," though "they remain of no real value".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>-Dabanga.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:50.35pt;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:40.45pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:10.05pt'><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Invest Wisely!</span></i><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Bulls n Bears </span></b><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> </span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Cellphone: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="tel:%2B263%2077%20344%201674" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>+263 77 344 1674</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Alt. Email: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>bulls@bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> </span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Website: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'> </span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Blog: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="https://bullszimbabwe.com/category/blogs/bullish-thoughts/" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.bullszimbabwe.com/blog</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Twitter: @bullsbears2010</span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>LinkedIn: Bulls n Bears Zimbabwe</span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Facebook: </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBullsBearsZimbabwe&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhb_A5rp4biV1dGHbgiAhUxQqBXA" target="_blank"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Skype: Bulls.Bears </span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:33.35pt;line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><img border=0 width=278 height=115 id="_x0000_i1055" src="cid:image005.png@01DA5822.B4D43770"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--></span><span lang=EN-US style='mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:115%;background:white'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#222222;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:10.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><strong><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#345883'>INVESTORS DIARY 2024</span></strong><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=137 style='width:102.95pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:12.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Company</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Event</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Venue</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Date & Time</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=137 valign=top style='width:102.95pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=137 valign=top style='width:102.95pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=137 valign=top style='width:102.95pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=137 valign=top style='width:102.95pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=207 style='width:155.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:72.0pt;text-indent:-72.0pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=345 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:258.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Companies under Cautionary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=345 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:258.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=345 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:258.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>CBZH<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>GetBucks<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>EcoCash<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=345 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:258.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Padenga<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Econet<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>RTG<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=345 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:258.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Fidelity<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>TSL<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>FMHL<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=345 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:258.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=353 style='width:264.7pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:99.35pt'><td width=873 colspan=4 style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoBodyText align=center style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center;line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span lang=EN-ZW style='color:windowtext;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=804 height=268 id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image006.jpg@01DA5822.B4D43770"></span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#1F497D;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#1F497D;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:white'>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.</span></i><i><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>(c) 2024 <b>Web</b>:</span><span lang=EN-US><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'> www.bullszimbabwe.com </span></a></span><b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Email:</span></b><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> </span><span lang=EN-US><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>bulls@bullszimbabwe.com</span></a></span><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <b>Tel:</b> +263 4 2927658 <b>Cell:</b> +263 77 344 1674<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=873 colspan=4 valign=bottom style='width:654.45pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span lang=EN-US style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-US><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>