Interview

In response to the economic devastation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, most sub-Saharan governments are developing economic recovery plans. These will require some different thinking, particularly when it comes to agriculture. Wandile Sihlobo, the chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, explains to Michael Aliber, a professor …

Presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was recently interviewed by CNN international host Christiane Amanpour. There has widespread interest since the programme aired on Dec.07. We reproduce a transcript of the interview due to public demand. Christiane Amanpour : So, now to another country, another continent where democracy …

What lies behind the success of TECNO’s smartphones in Africa? General manager Stephen Ha shares his insights on what gives the company its leading edge. How do you see the evolution of mobile phones and devices on the continent? Worldwide sales of smartphones to end users are on track to …

A growing demand for carrying out transactions conveniently and the need for 24-7 services means that more customers are now enjoying a greater sense of freedom. David Twinamasiko, Senior Manager Alternate Channels at Housing Finance Bank spoke to The Independent about the bank’s digital agenda. What is your assessment of …

Alemtsehay Meseret has made one and half years as the Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda. She spoke to The independent’s Isaac Khisa on a wide-range of issues; from trade relations between the two countries to the Renaissance Dam. What is your assessment of trade and investment levels between Ethiopia and Uganda? …

The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The Federation’s Executive Director, Douglas Opio, spoke to The Independent’s Ronald Musoke about the long journey and a wide range of employer-employee issues in the country. The Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) is celebrating 60 years this …

Interview with Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA) Wamkele Mene was recently appointed Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. Because of COVID-19, free trade for countries that have ratified the agreement did not begin, as planned, on 1 July 2020. In …

Nevin Bradford has been the Chief Executive Officer for Cipla Quality Chemical Ltd since November 2013. The Independent’s Julius Businge interviewed him about their COVID-19 experience and general company operations.  What has been your general business experience since March 2020 when the government of Uganda joined the rest of the …

John Walugembe is the Executive Director for Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, an umbrella body for SMEs in Uganda. The Independent’s Julius Businge had an interview him on the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. What major milestones has the federation recorded since its establishment? The Federation was established in …

The World Bank is one of several multilateral lenders on the frontline of Africa’s emergency economic response to Covid-19. World Bank vice president Makhtar Diop shares his insights on how the Bank will help overcome an unprecedented crisis that has plunged Africa into a period of great uncertainty. What’s been your perspective of …