80M USD to improve the skills and employability of women and youth in Burundi.
RegionWeek Newsletter Vol V, Issue #185 | Monday, August 16, 2021
This is RegionWeek Newsletter for the 5th Season (July-December 2021). The content targets Business leaders, Decision-makers, and Young professionals with interests in Burundi and East Africa. Subscribe to stay productive, and competitive in a pandemic and disrupted season.
Dear Readers
This Monday, August 16, 202, the World Bank and the Government of Burundi through the Ministry of Finance signed a USD 80 million agreement for a project to improve skills and the employability of women and young people.
The project will allow improved access to training and prepare the targeted beneficiaries to fit into the labor market, through skills development programs and entrepreneurial opportunities for women and young people. The project will lay the foundations for digital skills and invest in learning and entrepreneurship while building partnerships with the private sector.
According to IngoMag the funds will also support the creation of a new Institute of Computer Science / Computer Engineering and Digital Transformation, attached to the University of Burundi in partnership with world-renowned universities. This initiative represents an innovative shift in the design and delivery of relevant employability skills for years to come.
US$6,000,000 additional funds for the Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project
The National Assembly had this Monday a plenary session to analyze and adopt the draft law ratifying the grant agreement for additional funding for the Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project in Burundi, to be provided by the International Development Association.
The intervention area of the initial project consists of Buhinyuza and Isare communes, respectively in Muyinga and Bujumbura provinces, and 3 protected areas, in particular, Ruvubu Park, the part of Kibira Park and Bururi Natural Forest Reserve.
This additional funding, US$6,000,000, will be used to expand the initial project in Matongo commune, Kayanza Province, with degraded landscapes. The bill was passed unanimously.
Coronavirus Updates
According to the joint report of the Ministry of Health and the WHO Burundi released this Sunday, out of 7,598 people screened on August 13-14, 2021, 248 cases returned positive for COVID-19. As of August 15, 2021: 474,823 people tested, 10,103 confirmed cases, 9,898 cured, and 10 died
Meanwhile, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, from 10/08/2021, the Governor of Ngozi Province has suspended church activities such as crusades in stadiums or other playgrounds. Mr. Epipode Baranyikwa, the governor of the province announced this in a statement, and mentioned activities such as concerts (karaoke, nightclubs, dance parties, concerts) are banned. He reminded everyone to abide by the hygiene and other sanitation regulations to prevent the COVID19 pandemic that continues to be seen in many parts of Ngozi province.
IN THE REGION
EAC inks Joint Action Plan with India in readiness for Mutal Recognition Agreement to facilitate faster clearance times for Accredited Traders
Traders from the East African Community (EAC) stand to benefit from faster clearance of their goods and lower costs of running their business following the signing of a Joint Action Plan between the EAC and the Government of India.
The Joint Action Plan will pave the way for a full Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the two parties. The MRA once realized, will benefit companies under the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Programme run by the EAC Partner States under the coordination of the EAC Secretariat since 2008.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of India, the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Mr. M. Ajit Kumar, emphasized the crucial role of having in place a robust, safe, and largely digitized system, on one hand, and a pool of trusted and validated trading entities on the other hand.
Further to saving trading costs and time, the MRA between the EAC and India is set to foster growth in sustainable trade between the two trade partners while eliminating non-tariff barriers and enhancing cooperation between the Customs administrations of EAC and India.
Zambia elections
COMESA Election Observer Mission to Zambia has issued its preliminary statement on the conduct of the General Elections in Zambia. The statement was issued in Lusaka by the Mission Leader Amb. Ashraf Rashed, during a joint Press Conference with the African Union Observer Mission.
Read Also: 1st LD Writethru: Zambian opposition leader Hichilema wins the presidential election
Thanks for reading
Fabrice Iranzi, Editor in Chief | RegionWeek.com
RegionWeek is an Independent media project based in Burundi that needs resources to operate at its full potential. You can contribute now, and help the RegionWeek team to publish consistently. Click this link.
Contact us via +25771939153 (Whatsapp)
OUR NEW SERVICE
Briefing Call
(For executives, Professionals, or Investors with Interests in Burundi and East Africa)
Get Fabrice Iranzi to call you twice a week and brief you on recent news events and their impacts. Get to ask him questions and gain insight on the strategy to adopt in order to benefit from trends and upcoming events.
The first week is Free! Join today
To Check Availability and Book your calls Click here
What you get
30Min Call via Zoom
SMS and Telegram Alerts on Strategic breaking news.
Email directly with Fabrice Iranzi
Exclusive News Audio & Video commentaries
Service available in French or English
TO GET THE BRIEFING CALL CLICK HERE
Thank you very much!
Contact: editor@regionweek.com, Tel +25771939153