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EATNOW.NG: PIONEERING FOOD TECH STARTUP REDEFINING SUSTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE CONSUMPTION IN NIGERIA

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

In Nigeria, where millions of dollars’ worth of food goes to waste annually, Eatnow.ng is at the forefront of a movement to revolutionize the way food is consumed. This pioneering food technology startup, founded with a strong commitment to sustainability and affordability, is transforming the landscape by salvaging food items nearing expiration and making them available to consumers at significantly reduced prices.

A Vision Beyond Profit: Addressing Food Waste and Hunger

Every year, tons of edible non-expired foods end up in landfills across Nigeria, representing not just waste but missed opportunities for families to eat, supermarkets to profit, and the nation to progress. Eatnow.ng presents a simple and intuitive platform that connects users with nearby supermarkets offering discounted items approaching their expiry dates, with discounts reaching up to 80%.

“We envision a future where no edible food goes to waste, where affordable nutrition is accessible to all. Our mission is not just about business; it aligns with global objectives. By reducing food waste and hunger, we actively contribute to the United Nations goals of eradicating poverty and hunger,” says Noah Ibrahim, MD of Eatnow.ng.

Building a Sustainable Future: The Eatnow.ng Approach

Eatnow.ng is more than just a food tech startup; it’s a movement towards sustainable and affordable food consumption in Nigeria. By partnering with local grocery stores, the company rescues food items that are often overlooked and unsold, offering them to consumers through a user-friendly e-commerce platform. This approach not only alleviates hunger by providing affordable food options but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.

“At Eatnow, we believe in the power of community and technology to create a better, hunger-free Nigeria,” adds Noah Ibrahim

Connecting Consumers with Quality, Affordable Food

Eatnow.ng’s main offering is a platform that connects consumers with a range of food items nearing expiration but still perfectly safe and nutritious to consume. Sourced from local grocery stores, these items are offered at heavily discounted prices. The platform features a dynamic and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily identify participating supermarkets within their vicinity, view product details, expiry dates, and prices.

Noah Ibrahim emphasizes, “At Eatnow.ng, we believe that if food is to be eaten immediately, then the public should get it cheaper.”

Tackling Challenges, Offering Solutions

In a country where millions face food insecurity and where the high cost of food compounds the problem, Eatnow.ng aims to address these challenges head-on. The platform’s core values—Quality of Food, Affordability, and Sustainability—guide its operations. The company adheres to NAFDAC guidelines, ensuring the sale of only non-expired foods, and collaborates with supermarkets to properly dispose of expired items.

“We hope to make food more accessible and affordable, especially for the underserved who can’t keep up with the rapid rate of food price increase,” says Amaka Osamor, Chief Operations Officer.

A Vision for Growth and Impact

Eatnow.ng has already secured partnerships with over 20 local supermarkets within the Victoria Island and Lekki axis of Lagos State. The company has ambitious plans to raise this figure to 50 by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Amaka highlights the company’s vision for expansion, “We are not just changing how people access food; we are changing the narrative of waste. Our goal is to expand this impactful initiative beyond Lagos, reaching over six states in Nigeria by the end of next year.”

A Win-Win Solution: How Eatnow.ng Works

Eatnow.ng offers a unique solution that tackles both food waste and hunger. By rescuing food items close to expiry and selling them at discounted prices, Eatnow provides an affordable way for people to access quality food while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste.

“Supermarkets stand to save figurative amounts in operational costs and reduce food waste by listing their products on our platform. By doing so, they not only contribute to a sustainable future but also experience a boost in revenue through increased sales,” Amaka emphasizes.

Mission and Vision: Eatnow.ng’s Commitment to a Better Nigeria

Eatnow.ng’s mission is clear: to combat food waste and hunger in Nigeria by connecting consumers with affordable, quality food that would otherwise be discarded, promoting a more sustainable and equitable food system. The company’s vision is to be a leading force in Nigeria’s food tech sector, transforming the way the country approaches food consumption and waste.

Short-Term Goals: A Glimpse into Eatnow.ng’s Future

Eatnow.ng has outlined short-term goals that include expanding partnerships with local grocery stores, increasing the user base, improving the platform’s technology for a better user experience, launching awareness campaigns about food waste and sustainability, and establishing a reliable logistics network for efficient food distribution.

As Eatnow.ng continues to innovate and grow, it stands as a beacon of change in Nigeria’s fight against food waste and hunger. With a vision that extends beyond profit, Eatnow.ng is not just a company; it’s a movement paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.

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AgricultureBusinessEconomyFood ProductionKenya News

 Cost Of Exporting Fresh And Dry Produces Drops 62 Per Cent

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

 The cost of exporting fresh and dry produces have dropped 62 per cent on reduced administrative cost through harmonization of export trade procedures.

The Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) and the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) have made it easy for export application of coffee, tea, flowers, beans, peas, avocados, nuts and oil crops products, cotton, sisal, among others.

KEPHIS is a regulatory and permit issuing state agency, which processes export clearance through the National Electronic Single Window System, the trade facilitation portal managed by KenTrade.

KenTrade Acting Chief Executive Officer David Ngarama said the simplification of KEPHIS’ registration procedure has reduced administrative burden cost
from Sh40,197.35 to Sh15, 287.29, saving businesses Sh24,910.06 in additional cost.

“KEPHIS has since implemented the short-term proposals identified. It is important to note that these significant simplification results were achieved without changing any law and regulation,” Ngarama said.

“The measures to simplify were implemented right away thanks to effective managerial oversight at KEPHIS and cooperation with KenTrade and the NTFC Secretariat,” he added.

ALSO READ:  Government to provide Sh300 million to Twiga Foods suppliers and Customers

Lowering of administrative cost follows series of simplification workshops held by the National Trade Facilitation Committee and KenTrade with an aim to reduce export procedures on coffee, tea, flowers, beans, among other exportable products.

Currently, administrative steps have reduced to five 5 from 10, mandatory requirements to just 2 down from 13 while the duration of procedure is now at 6 to 14 days.

Further to the reduction of the required documents, KEPHIS has also implemented the proposed application form in the registration procedure.

Previously, traders were required to submit a cover letter addressed to the Managing Director, stating their intent to export, the market of export, crop to export, among other details – which is complex to structure.

Implementation of the form has drastically reduced the number of attachments to accompany the cover letter, as the required information is now outlined on the new application form.

“KEPHIS is happy with the efforts made to simplify its procedures as this has eased their work when it comes to registration,” said KEPHIS Managing Director Theophilus Mutai.

“Further, availing the information through the Portal has led to less inquiries, walk-ins and call-ins by traders enabling KEPHIS to better focus on its core objective of ensuring phytosanitary control,” he added.

SOURCE: Capital business

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BuildingEconomyFood ProductionNigeriaOil & Gas

foreign exchange scarcity and fuel price push inflation to 21.09%

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

The increase in the price of fuel, scarcity of foreign exchange, and disruption in food supply chain pushed headline inflation to a new record high of 21.09 per cent in October, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

This is 0.32 per cent higher than 20.77 per cent reported in September. This means that the cost of living is rising rapidly in Africa’s most populous nation.

The NBS said, “Likely factors responsible for the increase in annual inflation rate (year-on-year basis): disruption in the supply of food products; increase in cost of importation due to the persistent currency depreciation; and a general increase in the cost of production e.g., increase in energy cost.”

While inflation has been on the increase year-on-year, the statistics body revealed that there had been a decline in headline inflation month-on-month in the last three months due to a decline in the changes in the food index. It stated this might be because the nation was currently in its harvesting season.

Speaking in its, ‘Consumer Price Index October 2022’ report, the NBS said, “In October 2022, on a year–on–year basis, the headline inflation rate was 21.09 per cent. This was 5.09 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in October 2021, which was 15.99 per cent.

ALSO READ: ICAN advises Central Bank of Nigeria on currency redesign and economic growth

“This shows that the general price level for the headline inflation rate increased in October 2022 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., October 2021) by 5.09 per cent. On a month-on-month basis, the Headline inflation rate for October 2022 was 1.24 per cent, this was 0.11 per cent lower than the rate recorded in September 2022 (1.36 per cent). This means that in October 2022 the general price level for the headline inflation rate (month–on–month basis) declined by 0.11 per cent.”

According to the NBS, urban inflation rate had risen to 21.63 per cent while rural inflation was now 20.57 per cent. It further revealed that increases in the prices of bread, cereals, potatoes, yams, other tubers, oil and fat pushed food inflation to 23.72 per cent in October. Flood-ravaged Kogi is the worst hit, with inflation hitting 25.15 per cent in the month.

The nation’s statistics body said, “In October 2022, all items inflation rate on a year-on-year basis was highest in Kogi (25.15 per cent), Bauchi (23.45 per cent), Ondo (23.45 per cent), while Plateau (19.02 per cent), Borno (19.31 per cent) and Nasarawa (19.39 per cent) recorded the slowest rise in headline y-o-y.”

In October, fuel scarcity hit different parts of the nation, with filling stations selling petrol above the approved price of N180-N185/litre. This affected the price of transportation as public transport workers transferred this increase in cost to commuters.

SOURCE: Punch news

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BusinessEconomyFood ProductionKenya NewsUncategorized

Kebs suspended 10 Edible oil and cooking oil brands over quality standards

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

Edible oil and cooking fat manufacturers Bidco Africa, Pwani Oil, Kapa Oil and Menengai, have been ordered to recall some of their products from the shelves for non-compliance with standards.

The Kenya Bureau of Standard (Kebs), while suspending the sale of the 10 brands, did not indicate the extent to which each of the products had breached standard KS EAS 769: KS 2019 Fortified Edible Oils and Fats-Specification.

In a letter to the Retail Traders Association CEO Wambui Mbarire dated Wednesday, Kebs said it took action to protect consumers from using substandard products in the market.

Bidco was ordered to recall Bahari Fry and Gold in Pure Olive Gold oils, with Pwani Oil removing its three oil brands –Fresh Fri, Fresh Fri with Garlic, and Salit.

ALSO READ: Kenya to introduce a regulatory Framework for Cryptocurrencies says Dr Patrick NJoroge

Kapa Oil Refineries is recalling Postman and Rina oils, as well as Tilly cooking fat, with Menengai withdrawing its Top Fri oil.

“Kindly note that this is not a ban on the brands but a temporary suspension to facilitate protection of consumers from potentially unsafe products, safeguard economic interest of manufacturers of compliant brands and to allow the manufacturers of non-compliant brands to initiate and put in place effective corrective action under Kebs supervision,” the agency said in the letter.

The standards agency said that the withdrawn products would only be allowed back in the market when they get a clean bill of health.

SOURCE: Business daily

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BusinessEconomyFood ProductionKenya News

Kenyans witnesses High prices of Juice, Beers over KRA’s Adjustment on Excise Tax

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

Kenyans are staring at more costly beer, juice, wine, water, and chocolates starting next month as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) moves to implement the annual inflation adjustment of excise tax.

The Excise Duty Act 2015 proposes an adjustment in excise duty every year in consideration of the cost of living.

In relation to this, KRA said the Commissioner General will adjust the tax rates on the items using the average inflation rate for the financial year 2021/2022 of six decimal three per centum (6.3 per cent), as determined by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

Goods and Services Subject to Addition of KRA’s Excise Tax

The new taxes will see the tax on a bottle of water go up from Sh6.6 per litre to Sh7.02, while juice sellers will part with Sh14.14 for every 12 litres, up from Sh13.3.

On the other hand, sugar confectionery taxes will rise from Sh40.3 for every 36 kilos to Sh42.9. The tax for every two beer bottles or a litre of your favorite drink will increase to Sh142.4 from Sh134 and Sh4.06 for filtered cigarettes up from Sh3.82.

ALSO READ: Furniture Manufacturer and PG Bison Kenya has Expanded its Manufacturing factory in Nairobi

Further, KRA will increase the excise for wines demanding Sh243.4 for every 208 litres up from Sh229 and Sh356.4 for 278 litres of spirit from Sh335.

Other goods to be subjected to the tax increment include fuels and motor vehicles, while services include telephone and internet data services, fees charged for money transfer services, and other fees charged by financial institutions.

KRA had invited public submissions on the new inflation adjustments to be sent to the Commissioner General by the close of business on Friday, September 16. Once approved, the adjusted specific rates will be effective from October 1.

The adjustment signals tough times ahead for taxpayers already grappling with a high cost of living. The country’s inflation hit a record high of 8.5 percent in August, attributed to high fuel and food prices.

SOURCE: The Kenya wall street

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AfricaAFRICA NEWSBusinessFood ProductionNewsSouth AfricaSouthern Africa

Tiger Brands SA recalls baby powder products after traces of asbestos were detected

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

South Africa’s largest food company Tiger Brands Ltd is recalling its Purity Essentials baby powder products as a precautionary measure after traces of asbestos were detected in test samples, it said on Wednesday.

Tiger Brands said the test samples were from a batch of pharmaceutical-grade talc powder used as raw material in the production of finished powder products. This batch did not meet the company’s strict quality and safety standards, it said.

Products forming part of the recall include the 100g, 200g and 400g pack sizes of Purity Essentials Baby Powder. Purity Essentials baby cornstarch powder or any other baby care products under the Purity brand are not affected by the recall, it added.

“In the best interest of consumers and as a precautionary measure, the company made the decision to initiate a product recall of the affected products after consultation with the National Consumer Commission,” the company said.

Tiger Brands said the recall would not have a material impact on its financial results.

ALSO READ: South Africa halts exports of Valencia oranges to the European Union

The recall by Tiger brands is coming after US multinational Johnson & Johnson announced that it would stop selling and making talc-based baby powder around the world.

The company stopped sales in the US and Canada two years ago, after the US authorities found trace amounts of asbestos in its baby powder.

This triggered tens of thousands of lawsuits from women who alleged that the use of the powder caused their ovarian cancer.

Source: Reuters

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AfricaAFRICA NEWSBusinessEgyptEnergyFood ProductionNewsNorth AfricaNorthern Africa

Egypt aims to increase wheat productivity by 33% with atomic energy

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

Egypt’s Atomic Energy Authority succeeded recently in expanding the peaceful uses of atomic energy in different fields, which sends a clear message to the world on the country’s keenness to adhere to standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Nuclear Research Center of the Atomic Energy Authority succeeded in discovering a new mutation of wheat that was developed inside the center, which achieves an increase in wheat productivity by up to 33% over the traditional local product.

This comes in a bid to Egypt’s efforts to benefit from this technology to serve society and achieve safety, and expand the peaceful uses of atomic energy in the medical, agricultural, health and industrial fields.

The Atomic Energy Authority began working on the strategic project since 2002, and the scientific plan was to elicit new agricultural booms in Egypt to confront climate changes.

Mutation breeding is the fastest way to confront the problem that all countries of the world suffer from, which is the narrow genetic base of crops, and the reason for which many countries seek to obtain such distinguished genetic assets.

The most important characteristic of these mutations of wheat produced by the authority is that it has a different genetic base, which helps in its ability to resist diseases and bear adverse environmental conditions, as well as increase the productivity per unit area by 33% over the current commercial varieties, and it is completely safe in terms of food safety.

The Atomic Energy Authority is currently conducting the registration stages for obtaining a permit to trade them as new items in the Egyptian market, especially since all the tests carried out by the Items Registration Committee are the same tests carried out by the authorities that produce mutations.

It is worth noting that the mutation is exposed to a dose of radiation using gamma rays, which is completely safe for human health. They have no side effects, and these mutations have been tested and ensured that their quality is superior to that of the traditional product.

In the medical field, Dr. Nashwa Kamal Radwan, researcher at the National Center for Radiation Research and Technology and head of the radioactive amino tissue project, succeeded in developing a production laboratory at the highest levels of safety and quality that comply with international standards for the production of amniotic tissue extracted from the placenta at the Atomic Energy Authority, where experimental production was carried out.

The product has proven excellent efficacy compared to traditional methods of treatment and compared to competing products internationally. These successes have been proven in scientific journals and international conferences. These researches were recorded on the official US website to record clinically innovative successes.

The amniotic fluid was tried as a treatment to remove facial wrinkles and acne scars, and the results were impressive. The experimental production of the amino tissue project at the Atomic Energy Authority was successful with all researchers who tested it clinically and expressed their desire to use the product, whose cost in America is 700 dollars for one patch while it can be saved in Egypt, at a price of only 250 pounds.

ALSO READ: Egypt in final stage of talks with IMF on new funding, says PM

Gamma irradiation units services are provided in the center’s locations in Cairo (Nasr City) and Alexandria, and they are the only units in the Arab Republic of Egypt that provide irradiation services such as treating and preserving food by radiation.

One of the goals is to achieve food security through:

1- Preventing storage operations in onions, garlic and potatoes, which are strategic crops, in order to reduce the amount of wastage.

2- Eliminate spoiling microbes that cause corruption and damage to meat, pourtly and fish, which works to maintain their quality.

3- Achieving food safety by eliminating pathogenic bacteria in food, fungi that secrete mycotoxins, and parasites harmful to human health.

5- Enhancing exports abroad by getting rid of pests and insects that infect many foods (fresh fruits and vegetables, dates, grains…etc), which facilitates and overcomes plant quarantine requirements when exporting them.

The number of companies that request this service is about 440 companies, of whom about 60% are medical supplies and 40% are food products.

The National Center for Radiation Research and Technology in Egypt also produces blood irradiation reagents, which are used in blood irradiation and some of its components for tumor patients.

These reagents are used by sticking them on blood bags or plasma or some of its other components during the irradiation process using gamma rays or x-rays in order to visually verify the irradiation process.

Source: Egypt today

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BusinessEconomyFood Production

China blocks some Taiwan imports but avoids chip disruptions

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

China blocked imports of citrus, fish and other foods from Taiwan in retaliation for a visit by a top American lawmaker, Nancy Pelosi, but has avoided disrupting one of the world’s most important technology and manufacturing relationships.

The two sides, which split in 1949 after a civil war, have no official relations but multibillion-dollar business ties, especially in the flow of Taiwanese-made processor chips needed by Chinese factories that assemble the world’s smartphones and other electronics.

They built that business while Beijing threatened for decades to enforce the ruling Communist Party’s claim to the island by attacking.

Two-way trade soared 26% last year to $328.3 billion. Taiwan, which produces half the world’s processor chips and has technology the mainland can’t match, said sales to Chinese factories rose 24.4% to $104.3 billion. “The global economy cannot function without chips that are made in either Taiwan or China,” Carl B. Weinberg of High-Frequency Economics said in a report.

On Wednesday, Beijing blocked imports of citrus and frozen hairtail and mackerel from Taiwan after Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives, arrived on the island. China has not disrupted the flow of chips and other industrial components, a step that would send shock waves through the shaky global economy

Also this week, China blocked imports of hundreds of other food items from Taiwan including cookies and seafood, though the timing was unclear. The customs website showed their import status was switched to “suspended.”

Fruit, fish and other foods are a small part of Taiwan’s exports to China, but the ban hurts areas that are seen as supporters of President Tsai Ing-wen.

Beijing has used import bans on bananas, wine, coal and other goods as leverage in disputes with Australia, the Philippines and other governments.

Beijing also announced four days of military exercises with artillery fire in waters around Taiwan. That might delay or disrupt shipping to and from the island, one of the biggest global traders.

The potential disruption adds to concerns over weakening global economic growth, but Asian stock markets rose Wednesday after there was no immediate sign of Chinese military action.

The communist party says Pelosi’s visit might embolden Taiwan to make its decades-old de facto independence permanent. Beijing says that would lead to war.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has tried to mollify Beijing, saying there is no change in Washington’s “one China policy.” That says the United States takes no position on the status of the two sides but wants their dispute settled peacefully.

Washington has no formal relations with Taiwan but maintains unofficial ties and is obligated by federal law to see the island has the means to defend itself.

Meeting leaders in Taiwan, Pelosi said she and members of Congress traveling with her were showing they will not abandon their commitment to the island democracy.  “America’s determination to preserve democracy, here in Taiwan and around the world, remains ironclad,” Pelosi said in a short speech during a meeting with the president, Tsai. she departed later in the day for South Korea. “Facing deliberately heightened military threats, Taiwan will not back down,” Tsai said.

Taiwanese companies have invested nearly $200 billion in the mainland over the past three decades, according to the island’s government. Entrepreneurs, engineers and others have migrated to the mainland to work, some recruited by Chinese chipmakers and other companies that want to catch up with Taiwan.

A 2020 census found 158,000 Taiwanese living on the mainland, according to the police ministry.

Taiwan plays an outsized role in the chip industry for an island of 24.5 million people, accounting for more than half the global supply.

Its producers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. make the most advanced processors for smartphones, tablet computers, medical devices and other products.

Beijing has invested billion of dollars in developing its own industry, which supplies low-end chips for autos and appliances but cannot support the latest smartphones, tablet computers, medical devices and other products.

Chips are China’s biggest import at more than $400 billion a year, ahead of crude oil.

That concentration has fueled concern in the United States and Europe about relying too heavily on supplies from East Asia. The U.S. government is trying to expand America’s production capacity. 

Overall, China is Taiwan’s biggest trading partner, taking more than twice as much of its exports as the United States, the island’s No. 2 foreign market.

Beijing has tried to use access to its markets to undermine Tsai and other Taiwanese leaders it accuses of pursuing independence.

ALSO READ: Morocco and Israel’s trade reaches $63.9 Million

The Communist Party also has used military action in the past to try to hurt Taiwanese leaders by disrupting the island’s economy.

The mainland tried to drive voters away from then-President Lee Teng-hui ahead of the island’s first direct presidential elections in 1996 by firing missiles into shipping lanes.

That forced shippers to cancel voyages and raised insurance costs but backfired by allowing Lee to brag about standing up to Beijing in front of cheering supporters. Lee won the four-way election with 54% of the vote.

SOURCE: AP news

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BusinessEconomyFood ProductionFood ProductionGlobal NewsNewsWestern Africa

A day of relief for the world as Ukraine’s first grain ship set sail

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

The first consignment of grain left the Ukrainian port of Odesa for Lebanon on Monday under a safe passage agreement, Ukrainian and Turkish officials said, the first departure since the Russian invasion blocked shipping through the Black Sea five months ago.

Ukraine’s foreign minister called it “a day of relief for the world”, especially for countries threatened by food shortages and hunger because of the disrupted shipments.

The sailing was made possible after Turkey and the United Nations brokered a grain-and-fertiliser export agreement between Russia and Ukraine last month – a rare diplomatic breakthrough in a conflict that is grinding on with no resolution in sight.

“The first grain ship since #RussianAggression has left port,” Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said. “Today Ukraine, together with its partners, makes another step to prevent world hunger.”

The Sierra Leone-flagged ship Razoni will head to Lebanon after transiting through the Bosporus Strait.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24 has led to a worldwide food and energy crisis and the United Nations has warned of the risk of multiple famines this year.

Russia and Ukraine account for nearly a third of global wheat exports. But Western sanctions on Russia and fighting along Ukraine’s eastern seaboard had prevented grain ships safely leaving ports.

The deal aims to allow safe passage for grain shipments in and out of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter: “The day of relief for the world, especially for our friends in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, as the first Ukrainian grain leaves Odesa after months of Russian blockade.”

Moscow has denied responsibility for the food crisis, blaming Western sanctions for slowing exports and Ukraine for mining the approaches to its ports. The Kremlin called the Razoni’s departure “very positive” news.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said the vessel would anchor off Istanbul on Tuesday afternoon and be inspected by a joint team of Russian, Ukrainian, United Nations and Turkish representatives.

“It will then continue as long as no problems arise,” Akar said.

Ukrainian presidential officials have said 17 ships are docked in Black Sea ports with almost 600,000 tonnes of cargo, mostly grain. More ships would follow, Kubrakov said.

ALSO READ: African Union hails landmark Russia-Ukraine grain deal

A junior engineer on the vessel, Abdullah Jendi, said all the crew were happy to be moving after their prolonged stay in Odesa. He had not seen his family in more than year, said Jendi, who is Syrian.

“It is an indescribable feeling to be returning to my home country after suffering from the siege and the dangers that we were facing due to the shelling,” he told Reuters. “The great fear knowing that at any moment something could happen to us because of the airstrikes.”

Of the voyage ahead, he said: “I am scared from the fact that there are naval mines. We need around two to three hours to exit regional waters. We hope that nothing will happen and that we will not commit any mistake.”

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv welcomed the shipping resumption, saying: “The world will be watching for continued implementation of this agreement to feed people around the world with millions of tons of trapped Ukrainian grain.”

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he hoped it would the first of many such shipments.

Source: Reuters

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Eastern AfricaEconomyFood Production

Keroche Set to Re-open After A New Court order

by Radarr Africa
written by Radarr Africa

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)  has finally agreed to re-open Keroche Breweries Limited (KRA) in compliance with a court order after it was cited for contempt.

The authority said it would reopen the factory’s plant in Naivasha on Friday after closure of about two months.

This follows a court order by Justice Abigail Mshila, who declined to give an audience to KRA’s Counsel to address the court unless initial orders to re-open the plant are complied with. “Therefore, based on the directions of the Honourable Abigail Mshila, the Keroche factory will be opened tomorrow (Friday) at 11am,” KRA said in a statement.

The Court has set the hearing for the contempt of court case for August 2. Keroche and KRA have been engaged in a tax impasse for more than two months which has seen both parties move in and out of court after the taxman shut the brewer’s factory.

The closure saw Keroche lay off over 400 workers who can now sigh relief after the reopening order. KRA said it shut the plant after the brewer failed to honour a repayment plan that would have seen it settle Sh957 million shillings in 24 months.

Owned by the Karanja family, Keroche previously linked its woes to a Sh351 million demand, but the KRA said the brewer owes the State more than Sh22 billion in unpaid taxes.

ALSO READ: 680 Hotel sold to Maanzoni in Sh1.2bn deal

The High Court on July 15 ordered KRA to open the Keroche Breweries plant in Naivasha pending the hearing and determination of a suit pitting the two parties.

KRA then moved to Court on July 23, seeking to stop the order. Justice Mshila declined to certify the case as urgent as sought by KRA and instead directed the case to be heard by Justice Mabeya on September 22.

On July 25, Keroche’s CEO then moved to Court seeking the arrest of KRA Commissioner General Githii Mburu for failure to reopen the brewery.

SOURCES: The Kenya wall street

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