The Federal Government of Somalia has lifted the one-year-long ban on miraa imports from Kenya.

Somalia had stopped the importation of miraa last year when international flights were suspended due to fear of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, but when international air travels resumed, miraa importation from Kenya was still restricted while a different variety from Ethiopia was allowed into the country.

However, Somalia has imposed certain conditions for the commodity to be admitted in the country which includes traders obtaining import licenses from the government as well as paying the appropriate duties.

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Other demands Somalia gave Kenya ahead of lifting the blockade of miraa import includes:

*Kenya treating them as an equal

*Kenya desisting from interfering with their internal affairs

*Kenya to apologize for airspace violation

*Kenya to allow in goods including fish, rice, sugar, honey, meat and milk.

*Kenya must stop forcing flights from Somalia to make a detour to Wajir for inspection.

However, Kenya’s efforts to look for an alternative market in Djibouti are yet to bear fruits.

The private investment arm of the world bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has loaned a KSh1.1 billion to Kioo Limited to help the company mitigate the challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Kioo limited is based in Tanzania and is the largest producer of glass bottles in East Africa. The company which mainly supplies glass bottles to beverages companies has been adversely affected by the closure of bars and restaurants in some East African countries as well as the restrictions on public gatherings.

The IFC loan will provide the company with much-needed capital to continue operating even in a challenging environment.

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Kioo limited will use the funds to pay employees and invest in energy-efficient machinery to reduce its carbon emissions.

Kioo limited supplies glass bottles to more than 12 African countries including some island nations in the Indian Ocean. The company is also keen to protect the environment and aims to install energy-efficient machinery in its Dar es Salaam factory in order to cut down on carbon emissions.

IFC has been supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in East African through loans and equity investments.

In addition, the financial organization has over $5 billion invested in African businesses and financial institutions.

Telecommunication giant, MTN, has announced a donation of $25million to support the African Union COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Ralph Mupita, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, on Wednesday in Johannesburg, said that the donation will help secure up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for health workers across the continent.

This he said will contribute to the vaccination initiative of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

“The devastating impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and profound, therefore, Public and private partnerships are needed if we are to succeed in the fight against the pandemic.

“The sole objective is to restore social and economic norms for our continent and our communities and most importantly the determination to bring lasting solutions to the disease,

“On Jan. 14, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairperson of the African Union, announced that the African Union had secured a provisional 270 million COVID-19 vaccine doses on behalf of its Member States.

“Through advance procurement commitment guarantees of up to US$2 billion to the manufacturers by the African Export-Import Bank.

“This was an important milestone in efforts to ensure equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Africa’s people,’’ Mupita said.

He added that with a population of about 1.3 billion, Africa requires many more doses to achieve at least 60 per cent herd immunity.

Contributions by private organisations, like MTN, are therefore essential to help the continent reach its target.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, MTN has made significant contributions to help limit the spread of the disease and save lives and livelihoods within its African market.

This donation is another example of MTN’s efforts to help find lasting solutions to solve the challenges facing the continent and to guarantee a healthy Africa, for all Africans.

“We believe ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders across sectors are essential as vaccines are deployed in all our markets, with communication tools, technology and digital services being vital support infrastructure.

“Therefore, for a successful mass vaccination programme. in the coming months, MTN Group will look at similar support commitments for the markets in which we operate in the Middle East.”Mupita said.