Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the launch of two new affordable full frame RF lenses, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM. The RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is a lightweight, bright f/1.8 prime lens featuring a 24mm focal length, and the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is an ultra-wide angle zoom lens covering a range of focal lengths from 15-30mm. Continuing the expansion of the RF series of lenses, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM feature the same advanced optical technology and superior handling for sharp, high-quality imagery, even when shooting on the go. Versatile lenses, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM are suited to a variety of genres of photography and vlogging, enabling users to unleash their creativity and instinctively capture each shot.
Introducing the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM; Sharp, light, wide
The RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is a compact and versatile wide-angle 24mm prime lens, made possible by the intelligent design of Canon’s RF mount. A fast, bright, image stabilised lens, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM excels in low light scenarios with a f/1.8 maximum aperture and circular, 9-blade design. This also creates a beautifully soft background, that makes the subject stand out sharply in the image. When used with an APS-C sensor camera, this lens also gives an effective focal length similar to 35mm.
Weighing just 270g and featuring a gear type STM motor which enables fast and quiet focusing in a small form factor, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is perfect for travel and landscape photographers wanting to shoot on the go. With a minimum focusing distance of 14cm (0.5x magnification), this lens offers huge creative potential, enabling photographers and vloggers to focus extremely close to their subject, while still being able to capture the wider environment around it.
The RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM offers superb optical performance and enhanced operation. Equipped with a customisable Lens Control Ring, photographers can easily fine tune ISO, aperture and switch between AF methods. With a dedicated focus ring, this model also gives greater control during manual focusing. When used with compatible cameras, the lens information is displayed to offer even greater focusing assistance with the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM. With 11 elements in 9 groups, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM employs super spectra coating to prevent ghosting and flare, for high-quality images every time. Offering super smooth and steady stills and videos, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM employs a 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer which increases to 6.5-stops of IS when used alongside an EOS R series body featuring In Body Image Stabilizer.
Energy Capital & Power (ECP) (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) is proud to announce that Amadou Doumbouya, Managing Director of Guinea-Conakry’s newly formed Société Nationale de Petroles (SONAP), will be coming to the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2022 (https://bit.ly/3Rvf2Nf) conference and exhibition to discuss exploration, production and hydrocarbon trade across the MSGBC region. With the full potential of Guinea-Conakry’s energy sector yet to be realized, Doumbouya will be coming to the conference in September to promote the range of opportunities present across the country as he moves to unlock multi-sector investment and position the country as an energy secure nation for years to come.
As Managing Director, and with a range of experience across the Guinean energy landscape, Doumbouya has placed securing investment and international participation at the forefront of both SONAP’s and the country’s developmental agenda. Having previously worked for the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and the National Petroleum Office (ONAP), among other high-level organizations, Doumbouya’s expertise makes him both an ideal and instrumental figurehead for SONAP as the company moves to transform Guinea-Conakry’s energy landscape.
Representing the country’s national oil company (NOC) responsible for implementing government policy in the oil sector, SONAP is committed to driving investment across the entire hydrocarbon value chain in Guinea-Conakry, viewing oil and gas as key drivers of sustainable socioeconomic growth. Following SONAP’s establishment in December 2021 – through a merger of the ONAP and the National Petroleum Import Company – the government has ensured sector activities and regulations are streamlined. In this regard, SONAP is undergoing a number of exploration and production campaigns that center on the unknown, yet potentially high, energy landscape.
On the oil and gas front, the organization is looking at increasing activity across the upstream sector, working towards unveiling sizeable discoveries that will kickstart the country’s hydrocarbon industry. Sharing promising sedimentary zones to that of regional neighbors such as Senegal, Guinea-Conakry’s potential to hold significant offshore oil and gas reserves is unparalleled. To this effect, 2021 saw ONAP establishing the bidding terms to award exploration licenses for 22 of the country’s unexplored offshore blocks. Now, SONAP is working on strengthening this campaign, while improving energy information and research, improving the country’s fuel storage capacity and unlocking investment across the mid- and downstream industries.
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has scooped the prestigious overall energy management award at the 18th edition of the EnergyManagement Awards (EMA) hosted by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) through its Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation for making significant cuts in their energy consumption without negatively affecting their output.
KBL also bagged five more awards: Renewable energy; Water conservation; Electricity savings award for large consumers; Energy management; Best energy thermal saving award, large consumer; Sustained high-performance.
The Energy Management Awards seek to promote excellence in energy management by recognizing industrial and commercial enterprises that demonstrate excellence in energy efficiency and conservation.
KBL Managing Director, John Musunga, said the company has set ambitious environmental targets, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We have a responsibility as a local manufacturer and employer in Africa to grow our business sustainably while creating shared value. I am delighted for the recognition for our efforts towards reducing our carbon footprint and addressing climate change by embracing the use of clean and affordable energy. This is a demonstration of the strength of our commitment to pioneering grain-to-glass sustainability, positively impacting the communities in which we live and work.”
* The U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe have been piled on since 2001, following a government decision to repossess land from minority white farmers for redistribution to landless indigenous Zimbabweans.
* The sanction-induced economic mire has inflicted a myriad of real challenges on Zimbabweans, especially amid an unprecedented global pandemic.
* Given the distressing effect of the sanctions on the viability of businesses in Zimbabwe, there have been outcries against the economic punishment in and outside the country.
by Tichaona Chifamba, Zhang Yuliang, Cao Kai
HARARE, July 11 (Xinhua) — Opposite the U.S. embassy northwest of the Zimbabwean capital of Harare sits an anti-sanctions camp marking 1,200 days of protest.
On July 4, the organizer of the camp — Broad Alliance Against Sanctions (BAAS), organized a demonstration outside the U.S. embassy compound while the Americans were observing their Independence Day.
“We’re demonstrating against the Americans for celebrating their Independence Day while we are suffering because of their sanctions,” said protestor Jesca Vhiyai, a BAAS member and mother of five.
The 48-year-old woman spoke out partly due to the agony afflicting millions of Zimbabweans from decades of sanctions imposed by the United States and its western allies. The anti-sanctions lobby BAAS said their camp set up on March 29, 2019, would only be removed when the sanctions are lifted.
UNREMITTING ANTI-SANCTION FIGHT
The sanctions against Zimbabwe have been piled on since 2001, following a government decision to repossess land from minority white farmers for redistribution to landless indigenous Zimbabweans.
Though the Zimbabwean government said the land reform would promote democracy and the economy, Western countries launched repeated sanctions with little regard for the average person’s suffering.
Over the years, Zimbabweans have spoken out against the sanctions. BAAS is one of the staunchest. “So we are here to stay until they remove these illegal embargoes that they have enforced on our nation,” said BAAS spokesperson Sally Ngoni.
“We realized that most industries closed due to sanctions, meaning that sanctions are actually the major cause for all our other problems in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Ngoni said they would soon build an anti-sanctions village at the campsite, which will be molded along the traditional African huts in rural areas, adding that they want the Americans to “feel the pinch” by seeing firsthand how the sanctions have impacted the lives of the poor.
Sally Ngoni, spokesperson of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions, shows the pool where members of the group fetch water to the tents they live in Harare, Zimbabwe, on June 22, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
According to BAAS Chairperson Calvern Chitsunge, officials from the U.S. embassy have tried to bribe the group’s four leaders.
“They even offered us money,” Chitsunge said, noting the American staff have promised them each 100,000 U.S. dollars, a car and free accommodations at a location of their choosing.
“We said no. Paying us will not empower the 15 million Zimbabweans. Paying us will not change our industry,” he said. “We want our industry to function. We want our people to go to school. We want our people to seek medication which will be affordable.”
The U.S. embassy in Harare did not comment on the alleged bribe in its reply to Xinhua.
Linda Masarira, president of the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) political party, said sanctions have been used as a tool of economic warfare against Zimbabwe.
“It was an action that the United States of America decided to do on Zimbabwe to ensure that they make our economy scream, they make things hard for Zimbabweans and imply that black Zimbabweans, native Zimbabweans cannot do their own farming, or run their own economy,” she said.
REAL PAIN FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE
When asked about the impact of the sanctions, the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe directed Xinhua to a 2021 briefing by U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price in which he repeated that the sanctions target only 83 individuals and 37 entities, denying the Zimbabwean people as the targets.
However, the sanction-induced economic mire has inflicted a myriad of real challenges on Zimbabweans, especially amid an unprecedented global pandemic.
Members of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions hold anti-sanctions placards in front of the U.S. embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, on July 4, 2022. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua)
“The sanctions are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the poorest and most vulnerable in our society,” said Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Celia Rukato, founder of Chjaa Enterprises, a textile print and garment manufacturing company based in Harare, is one of the entrepreneurs suffering under sanctions.
Like many modern retailers, her brand promoting a Zimbabwean identity has utilized online platforms to reach a more extensive customer base in and outside Zimbabwe. However, payment options have been a problem due to Western sanctions.
“There are certain companies that are not allowed to interact or work with Zimbabwean-based companies,” she told Xinhua, citing U.S. firm PayPal.
“We have to make alternative plans that cause the customers to pay more for transaction costs or a middleman’s commission in a third country,” said Rukato, adding that these barriers have made Zimbabwe-based startups miss opportunities and funding.
In early June, The Herald newspaper reported that Andela, an international job placement network for software developers, had denied Zimbabwean national Michael Nyamande’s attempt to join the service because he resided in a country under U.S. sanctions.
“Sanctions are actually targeted at the ordinary men and women in the street, in the townships, in the rural areas,” said Obert Gutu, member of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission and former deputy minister of justice and legal affairs.
Describing the sanctions as a weapon of mass destruction, Gutu said Zimbabwe has failed to build new roads, hospitals, clinics or even rehabilitate old infrastructure because it “has been denied access to affordable finance by international institutions.”
“Since 2002 when the sanctions were effected, this economy has never been the same again because the most deadly effect of sanctions on Zimbabwe was just to first and foremost paint Zimbabwe as a pariah state,” said Gutu.
Denford Mutashu, president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers, said the sanctions had a devastating impact on the Zimbabwean economy and the competitiveness of local businesses.
“The business operating environment changed for the worse, and foreign direct investment ceased to flow into the country,” he said.
“We will not allow the U.S. to continue lying to the people of Zimbabwe that the sanctions are targeted,” LEAD President Masarira said.
OUTCRIES FOR LIFTING SANCTIONS
On a public occasion in March 2022, Zimbabwean Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the country is reeling from the effects of sanctions. “Banks lost over 100 corresponding resources. We experienced massive loss of jobs, and we were unable to create jobs easily.”
The minister said foreign direct investment was 95 million dollars in the 1990s before plummeting to around 20 million yearly in the 2000s.
Given the distressing effect of the sanctions on the viability of businesses in Zimbabwe, there have been outcries against the economic punishment in and outside the country.
“You cannot do much when you are under a yoke,” said Mutashu, adding that some regard the sanctions as a new form of neo-colonialism.
“We should be seeing countries being able to determine and chart their own destiny according to their own traditional cultural, political, socio-political and socio-economic backgrounds,” Mutashu said, urging an immediate removal of the sanctions.
Led by President Mnangagwa, Zimbabweans embarked on a march to demand an end to foreign sanctions in 2019, which has gained support from various regional and international organizations.
In a statement released in October last year, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat said the AU calls “for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions imposed against the Republic of Zimbabwe.”
The Southern African Development Community, a 16-country regional bloc, has designated Oct. 25th of each year as Anti-Sanctions Day since 2019 to show solidarity with Zimbabwe against illegal Western sanctions.
The United Nations special rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, Alena Douhan, also called for the lifting of the sanctions after her 10-day visit to Zimbabwe to assess the impact of the sanctions in October last year.
“Over the last 20 years, sanctions and various forms of over-compliance with sanctions have had an insidious ripple effect on the economy of Zimbabwe and on the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, including access to health, food, safe drinking water and sanitation, education and employment,” Douhan said.
Despite minimal progress with several individuals and state entities removed from the sanctions list, mainly by the European Union, Zimbabwe and its anti-sanctions fighters have never given up.
Photo taken on June 22, 2022 shows two tents pitched by members of the Broad Alliance Against Sanctions in front of the U.S. embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)
“We have seen some institutions such as the Infrastructural Development Bank of Zimbabwe being removed from the sanctions list as well as some individuals,” said BAAS spokesperson Ngoni, who is confident that their efforts yielded some results.
“We can’t really say it was a direct result,” said Ngoni, “but it did contribute to the removal of those sanctions.” (Video reporters: Zhang Yuliang, Sukala; video editors: Yang Zhixiang, Li Qin)■
HARARE, July 11 (Xinhua) — A Zimbabwean group has been demonstrating for around 1,200 days and nights near the U.S. embassy in the country, calling for the removal of U.S.-imposed sanctions that have lasted more than two decades.
Nairobi, July 6th, 2022… Kwezi Safaris, Kenyan-based tours and travel operator has been recognized in the UK for sustainable operations. The company was awarded the coveted Travelife Partner level award in recognition of its commitment to sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility.
Travelife is a training, management and certification initiative for tourism companies committed to reach sustainability with a primary focus on hotels, accommodations, tour operators and travel agencies. On its online platform, it offers educational tools, exams and a step-by-step certification process.
“We are proud to become one of the first Kenyan tour and travel companies to be recognized for sustainable operations. Our goal has always been to run a company that creates unforgettable memories for our customers and yet contributes to the sustainable development of local communities and the protection of the environment,” Kwezi Safaris CEO Mr. George Nchau said.
Kwezi Safaris Ltd complies with more than 100 criteria related to an operator’s office management, product range, international business partners and customer information. The Travelife Partner level standard is covering the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relation.
Commenting on the Award, Travelife for Tour Operators General Manager Mr. Naut Kusters said that the tourism sector must not remain indifferent to the sustainability challenges of our times. He further congratulated Kwezi Safaris for incorporating sustainability principles into their decision-making and day-to-day operations.
“I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is gaining momentum. I am confident that Kwezi Safaris’ recognition will inspire more Kenya companies to integrate sustainability in their operations,” Mr. Kuster said.
Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (1) Travelife Engaged; (2) Travelife Partner, and (3)Travelife Certified. Kwezi Safaris is the first company in Kenya to have reached the Travelife Partner award(Stage2).
The idea of sustainability – and its three pillars of economic, environmental and social action – is now a part of decision-making in many fields. In the tourism sector, as for other industries, the implementation of sustainable development relies on companies accepting their social and environmental responsibilities towards society, and making changes to their business practices to improve their sustainability performance.
Travelife is the leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector. More than 35 national travel associations are promoting the scheme to their members, including the Kenyan Association of Tour operators (KATO), Tanzanian Association of Tour Operators (TATO), ABTA (formerly Association of the British Travel Association) and the Pacific Asian Travel Association (PATA).
In Kenya, Travelife works in close partnership with Ecotourism Kenya, who is managing the customized scheme. Jointly, Travelife, Ecotourism Kenya and KATO are presently implementing an EU funded initiative (Green Tour Kenya) to work towards a sustainable travel sector in Kenya. The project aims to support more than 100 KATO members in the adaptation of common sustainability standards.
Grace Nderitu, Ecotourism Kenya CEO, noted that: “The Partner award of sustainable tourism to Kwezi Safaris Ltd marks a major milestone for the tourism industry in Kenya. The tour operator certification complements the eco-rating certification standard for accommodation facilities and jointly works to give an assurance that Kenya’s tourism is sustainable.”
Saturday, 9th July, 2022 Arusha, Tanzania: The Chief Executive Officer of the East African Business Council (EABC) Mr. John Bosco Kalisa has urged EAC Partners States to have common regional policies on future global shocks to enhance economic resilience and rebound amid COVID-19.
Speaking at the News Editors Round Table on Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses and Economies in the EAC organized by EABC with support from TradeMark East Africa (TMEA) Safe Trade Project, Mr. Kalisa said “EAC should strengthen regional value and supply chains to support local production in order to minimize the dependence on imported goods and services.” He elaborated that EABC championed Buy East African Build East Africa and Tembea Nyumbani campaigns to support the rebound of the manufacturing and tourism sectors amid COVID-19.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, EABC partnered with TMEA in the Safe Trade Project to reduce barriers to trade through 1) Strengthening trade data tracking and analysis & rapid impact assessments on COVID-19 on businesses 2) Organizing Private sector consultations and developing proposals for Public-Private Dialogue developed 3) Rolling out advocacy through media to build awareness of the impact of COVID-19 and recovery strategies for businesses in the EAC, through robust media advocacy.
Tourism, transport & logistics are among the sectors that were heavily negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. East African Community Partner States lost 4.2 billion international tourism receipts in 2020 and over 2 million jobs in the tourism sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the positive side, UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, shows international tourism saw a 182% year-on-year increase in January-March 2022. Africa saw a +96% strong growth in Q1 2022 compared to 2021. The pandemic has taught businesses to be more ready in responding to future shocks and upscale the adoption of digital tools such as e-commerce to improve resilience.
The EAC bloc is resilient, rebounding and records positive economic growth amid the pandemic. World Bank Global Economic Prospects June 2022 forecasts real GDP growth as follows: Burundi 2.5%, Kenya 5.5%, Tanzania 5.3%, Rwanda 6.8%, Uganda 3.7% and South Sudan -0.8.
Investing more in agriculture, Financing a regional fund for unenforceable shocks, Improving regional health infrastructure & vaccination; Liberalization of EAC Airspace, Elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers and Fiscal incentives are among the top priorities businesses are advising the Governments of the EAC Partner State to implement to hasten business continuity and growth amid the pandemic and future disruptions.
The EABC -TMEA Safe Trade Project has recorded the following successes stories:
1. The EAC Council of Ministers agreed to facilitate free movements of goods and services in the region by allowing free movement of cargo across EAC borders during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic
2. EABC’s organized virtual webinars and surveys, studies and briefs on the impact of COVID-19 on Finance, Tourism, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Transport & Logistics sectors. The key recommendations of the studies were adopted by the EAC Secretariat in the EAC Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan in order to cushion businesses from the impact of COVID-19.
3. Due to COVID-19 countries having restricted air transport services, EABC successfully advocated for the resumption of air transport services in the EAC.
4. EABC successfully called upon EAC Partner States to mutually recognize COVID-19 certificates and measures.
· EABC successfully resolved COVID-19-related NTBs that led long traffic jam of trucks at the borders of Namanga, Malaba and Busia borders.
· EAC Partner States have now uplifted COVID-19 re-testing for fully vaccinated passengers.
In a bid to encourage more youths to join the construction sector , Jane Muigai,Founder and Director of ToolKit ISkills has partnered with National Construction Authority to provide youths with more opportunities and enough skills in the construction labor market.
Speaking during when they signed agreement, she said most youths don’t survive in construction sector due to lack of skills.
“Its is our responsibility as organization in partnership with government to come out and create that platform and room for our youths for jobs opportunities” ,she adds
National Construction Authority Director General Eng. Maurice Akech said this will ensure quality of jobs and more employment opportunities for the youths.
Engineer Maurice also added that as government, we have laid down policies and frame work to support the partnership.
Recognition of prior learning is expected to boost employment in Kenya Jane Muigai Kamphuis TTI founder and CEO said that due to lack of appropriate qualifications, a large number of the youth are disadvantaged when it comes to decent jobs and accessing further education.
‘This is the sad reality because even though these individuals may have some skills, they find themselves locked out of the opportunities that emerge,” Muigai said.
