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News Update
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Three Winners Announced at the United States (U.S.)-Tanzania Tech Challenge
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Launched in June, the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge sought innovative solutions to promote information integrity, fostering greater participation and involvement in civic activities
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DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, September 20, 2024/ — Three organizations, Jamiii Forums, Smart Foundry Ltd., and The Launchpad Tanzania were today named the winners of the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge, which brought together leading technologists, government officials, civil society, academia, and media professionals to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions in the realms of civic participation, media literacy, and information integrity.
Through the program, Jamii Forums will receive US$100,000, Smart Foundry will receive US$80,000, and The Launchpad will receive US$70,000. Guest of Honor Jerry Silaa, Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, provided opening remarks at the event, which was also attended by Michel Toto, UNESCO Head of Office, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Lentz, and Daniel Kimmage, Principal Deputy Coordinator of the Global Engagement Center. “Partnering like we are today – government officials, private sector entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and consumers – can inspire the next great innovation and collaborative effort to shape our shared future,” said U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Dr. Michael A. Battle. “Together we can strengthen the free and open global information infrastructure.” Launched in June, the U.S.-Tanzania Tech Challenge sought innovative solutions to promote information integrity, fostering greater participation and involvement in civic activities, and strengthen the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and interpret information in the digital age. More than 100 entries were received and evaluated, and eight finalists were selected. These eight finalists then presented how their technologies can tackle pressing issues in the information space to a panel of judges from the United States and Tanzania on September 18. On September 19, finalists, participants, business and technology leaders, and government officials gathers to engage in a series of meaningful panel discussions and presentations centered around the themes of the Tech Challenge, as well as discussing the future of technology in Tanzania, the influence of artificial intelligence, and how to monetize and gain access to capital for technology businesses. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.
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Day: September 20, 2024
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News Update:International Monetary Fund (IMF) Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on a New 38-Month Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with Sierra Leone and Completes 2024 Article IV MissionThe staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Management and Executive BoardWASHINGTON D.C., United States of America, September 20, 2024/ — IMF staff and the Sierra Leonean authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms that could be supported by a new 38-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, with requested access of SDR 187 million (about US$253 million); The ECF would support restoring stability through continued macroeconomic adjustment to address debt vulnerabilities, reduce inflation, and rebuild international reserves; bolster inclusive growth and poverty reduction through structural reforms and targeted social spending; and revitalize the reform agenda to strengthen governance and institutions – all advancing the poverty reduction and growth aspirations outlined in the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30; The Article IV consultation focused on fiscal and debt sustainability, monetary policy operations, drivers of inflation, external sector stability, trade facilitation, macroeconomic implications of gender inequality, climate-related risks, and the adequacy of social policies.An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Christian Saborowski, visited Sierra Leone from September 4 to 13, 2024, to conduct the 2024 Article IV consultation and discuss with the Sierra Leonean authorities economic and financial policies that could be supported by a new 38-month ECF arrangement, with requested access of SDR 187 million (about US$253 million). The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF’s Management and Executive Board.
Today, Mr. Saborowski made the following statement:
“A new economic team took over last year and has since taken bold measures to tackle Sierra Leone’s macroeconomic imbalances including a severe cost-of-living crisis. The authorities reduced the domestic primary deficit by 2.8 percent of GDP in 2023 and are on track toward reducing it by another 2.1 percent this year. They also tightened monetary policy sharply by reducing year-on-year base money growth from a peak of 63.4 percent in June 2023 to 8.8 percent in June 2024, and raising the policy rate by 7.25 percentage points since end-2022.
“The reform momentum has borne fruit. Inflation declined to 25 percent in August 2024, down from a peak of 55 percent in October 2023, and the sharp exchange rate depreciation experienced in 2022 and early 2023 was arrested. However, T-bill rates remain stubbornly high at over 40 percent, international reserves have fallen to less than two months of imports, and the electricity distribution company (EDSA) continues to make losses, resulting in significant fiscal pressures.
“Economic growth reached more than 5 percent in 2022 and 2023, buoyed by strong mining activity. Sierra Leone’s public debt continues to be assessed as sustainable but at high risk of distress, while its external position in 2023 is assessed as broadly in line with the level implied by fundamentals and desirable policies.
“The new ECF arrangement would aim to (i) restore stability by bolstering debt sustainability, addressing fiscal dominance, bringing down inflation, and rebuilding reserves; (ii) support inclusive growth through reforms—including to narrow gender gaps—and targeted social spending; and (iii) confront corruption, as well as strengthen governance, institutions, and the rule of law. These objectives would advance the poverty reduction and growth aspirations outlined in Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-30.
“Restoring stability in the Sierra Leonean economy will require a continued ambitious macroeconomic adjustment over the program period. Enhancing revenue mobilization, boosting spending efficiency, and managing fiscal risks will be critical to make room for priority spending on social policies and investment. Strengthening the monetary policy framework and maintaining appropriately tight monetary conditions will be important to safeguard internal and external stability.
“Making durable progress in fighting poverty and raising standards of living will require a commitment to reform, sustained political and social consensus, and well-targeted social policies. Promoting gender equality and increasing women’s economic participation are crucial to boosting Sierra Leone’s growth potential. So too are reforms to enhance the business environment by improving EDSA’s operational and technical efficiency, strengthening customs administration and transparency, and addressing climate change risks. Guided by the MTNDP 2024-30, steadfast progress in addressing these challenges will be critical.
“The staff team is grateful to the authorities for the open and productive discussions. The team met with President Bio, Finance Minister Bangura, Deputy Finance Ministers Alie and Kalokoh, Financial Secretary Dingie, Bank of Sierra Leone (BSL) Governor Stevens, Deputy Governors Tucker and Sesay, Commissioner General Bangura of the National Revenue Authority, and senior government and BSL officials. The mission also had fruitful discussions with representatives from the private sector and development partners.”
More information about ECF: Extended Credit Facility
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).SOURCE
International Monetary Fund (IMF) -
The Saharawi Struggle: A Fight for Decolonization and Statehood
- The Saharawi Struggle: A Fight for Decolonization and Statehood
The question of Western Sahara, home to the Saharawi people, is one of the most enduring and complex decolonization struggles in modern history. The Saharawi, represented by the Polisario Front, have been fighting for their right to self-determination and recognition as an independent state for decades. This struggle, however, is not just about territorial disputes—it is rooted in the incomplete decolonization process initiated during Spanish colonial rule.
For nearly a century, Western Sahara was under Spanish control. When Spain, the administrative power, was expected to facilitate the decolonization process, it failed to fulfill its international obligations. Instead of allowing the Saharawi to decide their future, Spain signed an illegal agreement in 1975, handing the territory to both Morocco and Mauritania. This agreement, known as the Madrid Accords, disregarded the rights of the indigenous Saharawi people and set the stage for a long-standing conflict.
Following the Madrid Accords, Morocco claimed sovereignty over much of Western Sahara, leading to a territorial dispute that persists to this day. The Saharawi, determined to achieve independence, have consistently resisted Moroccan occupation, calling for their right to self-determination as recognized by international law. Mauritania, which initially laid claim to parts of Western Sahara, withdrew its territorial ambitions in 1979 and has since enjoyed peaceful relations with the Saharawi.
The Saharawi’s fight Is a question of decolonization—a process that was left incomplete when Spain illegally transferred the territory without considering the will of the Saharawi people. The United Nations has long called for a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara, but the road to achieving this goal has been fraught with political and diplomatic obstacles, leaving the Saharawi in limbo.
Today, the Saharawi people continue to push for recognition as a sovereign state. Their case is not just about land or political autonomy; it is a quest for justice and an affirmation of their identity. Despite living in exile, many in refugee camps, the Saharawi remain committed to their cause, seeking the support of the international community, particularly Africa, in realizing their right to self-governance.
The Saharawi struggle is a reminder of the unfinished business of decolonization in Africa. Their fight is not only for the recognition of their state but for the principles of self-determination, justice, and the correction of historical wrongs. As African nations, once colonies themselves, continue to address the lingering impacts of colonization, the Saharawi issue should resonate deeply.
Africa must stand in solidarity with the Saharawi people, advocating for their right to determine their own destiny. Their cause is a continuation of the continent’s broader decolonization movement, and it is a call for the world to complete the process that Spain left unfinished decades ago.
In the end, the Saharawi’s fight for recognition is about more than just borders. It is about affirming the right of a people to exist, to govern themselves, and to correct the injustices of the past. This fight, long overdue, deserves global attention and African leadership in ensuring that the Saharawi achieve the recognition and independence they seek. The struggle for Western Sahara is, in essence, a continuation of Africa’s larger story of liberation.