Business

Beijing, China | AFP | China has traditionally rejected US-style interventionism, but its deepening economic involvement in volatile countries like Myanmar and Zimbabwe is thrusting Beijing towards a more assertive global role, analysts say. China’s foreign policy has been guided by its principle of “non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs”, …

Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Uganda is hosting a two day conference for the East and Central Africa Social Security Association (ECASSA) Policy Makers Conference to devise ways of improving social security coverage in the region. The conference started on Nov. 23 at the Kampala Serena Hotel. It was officially …

New York, United States | AFP | The photo op with Santa Claus has long been a holiday mainstay for American children. But this year, shopping malls in several states are scheduling glamour shots for man’s best friend. As the Christmas shopping season kicks into high gear on Black Friday, the …

By ignoring poor people’s needs, financial institutions are overlooking a massive potential market COMMENT | REETA ROY | In a sea of gloomy news, one bright headline appears on the horizon. The World Bank’s latest figures on individuals’ bank accounts, to be released early next year, are expected to show that …

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Umeme Limited Nov.16 held a media dialogue to highlight the utility’s investments in the power distribution infrastructure. Speaking at the event, Managing Director Selectino Babungi said Umeme had cumulatively invested over $500m in the distribution network. He revealed that the investments have led to the doubling …

Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | On Nov. 21, Sanlam Emerging Markets Proprietary Limited (SEM) announced that its subsidiary, Sanlam General Insurance Uganda Limited (SGIU), had successfully concluded the acquisition of close to a 100% interest in the share capital of Lion Assurance Company Limited (LAC) in Uganda, from Trans Industries …

But what are the real opportunities and the rituals? Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | If holding hands, beaming smiles, and signing piles of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) is a measure, then Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli’s visit to Uganda from Nov.9 – 11 was a total success. The brotherly romance …

Cotonou, Benin | AFP | South African mobile phone giant MTN is in talks with Benin’s telecoms regulator after its subsidiary was slapped with a bill of more than $200 million. The regulator (Arcep) wants MTN Benin to pay 134.4 billion CFA francs — the equivalent of $213 million (205 million …

Chicago, United States | AFP | It has stood alone, closed to visitors, for a decade — a historic replica built on the site of the first McDonald’s franchise restaurant in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines. The fast food giant on Tuesday said it will demolish the time capsule from …

Shanghai, China | AFP |  Top Chinese oil company CEFC China Energy on Tuesday denied any involvement in an alleged multi-million dollar bribery scandal that US investigators say helped the giant win business advantages in Africa. US officials announced Monday that they had arrested Hong Kong’s former home affairs secretary and …