Uganda emerges next energy investment destination

From HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, Uganda,KAMPALA, (CAJ News) – UGANDA'S immense power potential and enormous energy investment opportunities will be under the spotlight in September when stakeholders and decision makers converge for the inaugural Future Energy Uganda.The capital city Kampala will host the event from the 12th -13th."The numbers in Uganda's energy sector speak for themselves: the country is without a doubt the next energy investment destination," said Future Energy Uganda event director Le-ann Hare-Keymer.She explained Uganda aimed to grow installed capacity from 868MW to 4100MW, 2002km of transmission lines and 100 percent of household electrification – all by 2030, as part of projects worth US$92 billion.Furthermore, IPPs account for 58 percent of generation capacity which is set to grow as a number of renewable energy projects develop."Future Energy Uganda aims to facilitate and fast track the progression and growth of the energy sector," Hare-Keymer said.The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development supports the two-day conference."We welcome this initiative, realising that it fits within our plans of providing adequate and reliable energy for social and economic development of our country. we recognise the importance and role power plays in fulfilling the industrial, economic and social potential of Uganda," said Minister of State for Energy, Simon D'Ujanga.In a recent World Bank study on the "Financial Viability of Electricity Sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa", Uganda was reported as one of only twocountries (together with Seychelles) with a financially viable electricity sector. Spintelligent, a multi-award-winning Cape Town-based exhibition and conference producer, is organizing Future Energy Uganda.– CAJ News

Short URL: http://cajnewsafrica.com/?p=20867

Source: Uganda emerges next energy investment destination

Africa: China Tops U.S. and UK As Destination for Anglophone African Students

analysis By Nathan Moore And Victoria Breeze

The surge in the number of African students in China is remarkable. In less than 15 years the African student body has grown 26-fold - from just under 2,000 in 2003 to almost 50,000 in 2015.

According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the US and UK host around 40,000 African students a year. China surpassed this number in 2014, making it the second most popular destination for African students studying abroad, after France which hosts just over 95,000 students.

For years, these numbers have remained untranslated in the online archives of the Chinese Ministry of Education. But a recent initiative by Michigan State University researchers to translate them introduces the reports to a wider audience.

Not only have these reports revealed the growth in China-Africa ties. They also make it possible to compare China's international education trends in a global context.

China's targeted focus

Chinese universities are filled with international students from around the world, including Asia, the Americas, Europe and Oceania. The proportion of Asian international students still dwarfs the number of Africans, who make up 13% of the student body. But this number, which is up from 2% in 2003, is growing every year, and much faster than other regions. Proportionally more African students are coming to China each year than students from anywhere else in the world.

This dramatic increase in students from Africa can be explained in part by the Chinese government's targeted focus on African human resource and education development. Starting in 2000, China's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summits have promised financial and political support for African education at home and abroad in China.

Since 2006, China has set scholarship targets to aid African students coming to China for study. For example, at the most recent 2015 summit, China pledged to provide 30,000 scholarships to African students by 2018.

Although China stopped publishing regional scholarship data in 2008, our data analysis using the 2003-2008 data to generate scholarship estimates suggests that this target is on the way to being met. China seems to be upholding the pledges made towards African education.

Mutual Benefit - in education and business

For the Chinese government, providing education to Africans is an extension of China's soft power - cultivating the next generation of African scholars and elites. The experience that these students get in China can translate into a willingness to work with China and view China's internal or external policies favourably in the future.

But what do African students gain in return? China-Africa scholars have found that students head to China for many reasons. Some simply go to pursue an education that is affordable, even without a scholarship, while others go for the chance to develop business connections or learn the language of a country presumed to be a rising power.

Based on several surveys, most students tend to be enrolled in Chinese-language courses or engineering degrees. The preference for engineering may be due to the fact that many engineering programs offered by Chinese universities for international students are taught in English.

The quality of education has received mixed reviews. Some studies have shown that African students are generally satisfied with their Chinese education, as long as they can overcome the language barriers. Others found that even if students were not impressed with their education, they appreciated the trade and business opportunities that a Chinese education made available to them back home.

The next generation

It's difficult to know exactly which African countries are sending the most students to China. These details are not kept by the Chinese Ministry of Education. But the statistics from Tsinghua University provide an insight. In the 2015-2016 academic year, the majority of the university's 111 African students came from Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Morocco, Eritrea, and Cameroon - slightly favouring East Africa.

African students in France overwhelmingly come from francophone West Africa. If Tsinghua's profile holds true for the larger African student body in China, it means China is an increasingly important player in the education of countries outside of West Africa.

Due to Chinese visa rules, most international students cannot stay in China after their education is complete. This prevents brain-drain and means that China is educating a generation of African students who - unlike their counterparts in France, the US or UK - are more likely to return home and bring their new education and skills with them.

It's still too early to tell how these new dynamics might be shaping geopolitics on the continent.

Note: The original, untranslated Chinese Ministry of Education reports are available as follows: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The Ministry archives were missing reports for 2010 and 2013. Student numbers for these years were calculated using the percent-growth reported in 2011 and 2014 reports, respectively.

Disclosure statement

Victoria Breeze receives funding from the National Science Foundation as part of a Graduate Research Fellowship.

Nathan Moore does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.

Source: Africa: China Tops U.S. and UK As Destination for Anglophone African Students

Why Uganda is the next energy investment destination

Uganda's immense power potential and enormous energy investment opportunities will be in focus when stakeholders and decision makers meet for a strategic two-day conference and showcase during the inaugural Future Energy Uganda in Kampala in Sep

Future Energy Uganda investment forum launches in Kampala in September

KAMPALA, Uganda - June 28, 2017 - PRLog -- Uganda's immense power potential and enormous energy investment opportunities will be in focus when stakeholders and decision makers meet for a strategic two-day conference and showcase during the inaugural Future Energy Uganda in Kampala from 12-13 September 2017.

"The numbers in Uganda's energy sector speak for themselves: the country is without a doubt the next energy investment destination," says Future Energy Uganda event director Le-ann Hare-Keymer.

She explains: "Uganda aims to grow installed capacity from 868MW to 4100MW, 2002km of transmission lines and 100% of household electrification – all by 2030, as part of projects worth USD92 billion. Furthermore, IPPs account for 58% of generation capacity which is set to grow as a number of renewable energy projects develop. Future Energy Uganda aims to facilitate and fast track the progression and growth of the energy sector."

Future Energy Uganda will provide a meeting pl atform for project developers, finance houses and multilateral investors, construction and planning companies as well as technology providers from Uganda, the region and from the rest of the world. The event will demonstrate the proactive nature of Uganda to develop the sector efficiently and effectively.

"We welcome this initiative"Future Energy Uganda is officially supported by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. "We welcome this initiative, realising that it fits within our plans of providing adequate and reliable energy for social and economic development of our country," says the Ugandan Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Eng, Simon D'Ujanga, in a letter of support, adding: "we recognise the importance and role power plays in fulfilling the industrial, economic and social potential of Uganda".

He adds: "we are glad that you have chosen to have this conference hosted here in Uganda. We note that Future Energy Uganda will be part of a national event "The E nergy Week", which has been running for over 10 years, and highlights the need to use renewable and alternative sources in a sustainable manner."

Uganda's energy futureSome more exciting, current statistics about the Ugandan power sector and development plans include:

-          Grid expansion is set at 1.42 million new rural connections by 2030 to connect 570 000 rural households - a USD 6.2 billion project.-          Uganda has commissioned a 10MW solar power plant, the largest in East Africa.-          The country has a strong focus on renewable energy going forward with renewable energy share goals of 96% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.-          From 2011 to 2015, USD 274.96 million was invested in clean energy in Uganda.-          The country is targeting a combination of on-grid and off-grid power generation through 2030 with a projected connected 11,097GWh to 14,080GWh and an off-grid projection of 233GWh to 267GWh.-          Uganda's sola r PV market is rapidly growing with government incentives such as tax breaks and consumer subsidies aimed at attractive private sector investment.-          Uganda has an estimated geothermal resource potential of 450MW.-          Three main large hydropower sites are planned for Uganda, with the first expected in 2018. Current hydropower projects include:- Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Station 250MW- Kiira Hydroelectric Power Station 200MW- Nalubaale Power Station 180MW- Karuma Power Station (under construction) 600MW- Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station (under construction) 183MW- Ayago Power Station (proposed) 600MW

World Bank: Uganda has made substantial progressIn a recentWorld Bank study on the "Financial Viability of Electricity Sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa", Uganda was reported as one of only two countries (together with Seychelles) who have a financially viable electricity sector. According to the study, "although these results should be looked at in contex t, these two countries have continued to display good operational performance. Uganda has made substantial progress in reducing transmission and distribution losses."

Leading energy platformsFuture Energy Uganda is organised by Spintelligent, a multi-award- winning Cape Town-based exhibition and conference producer across the continent in the infrastructure, real estate, energy, mining, agriculture and education sectors. Other well-known events by Spintelligent include African Utility Week, Future Energy East Africa (formerly EAPIC), Future Energy Nigeria (formerly WAPIC), Future Energy Central Africa (formerly iPAD Cameroon), Agritech Expo Zambia, Kenya Mining Forum, Nigeria Mining Week, DRC Mining Week and EduWeek. Spintelligent is part of the UK-based Clarion Events Group.

Future Energy Uganda dates and location:Strategic conference: 12-13 September 2017Venue: Serena Hotel, Kampala

Websites: http://www.future- energy-uganda.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ Fut ureEnergyHubLinkedin: FutureEnergyAfrica (https://www.linkedin.com/ groups/4922799)

Contact:Senior communications manager:  Annemarie RoodbolTelephone:  +27 21 700 3558Email:  annemarie.roodbol@ spintelligent.com

End

Source: Why Uganda is the next energy investment destination

Africa Destination Guide

A continent of contrasts, Africa is both wild and enchanting

Conjuring images of open savannas, dense jungle interiors and colourful coastal cities, Africa is as vast as it is complex. From the exotic influence of the Maghreb in the north, all the way to the multicultural nations of the far south, modern Africa is jam-packed with cultural attractions and stunning sights to discover. See the pyramids of Giza, explore exotic Timbuktu or take to the surf in Cape Town with the help of our Africa travel guide.

Featured Destinations Discover the incredible landscapes of Africa

Africa is a stunningly diverse continent of 54 countries, spanning a landscape of unforgettable sweeping grandeur and delight. There is so much to see and do it's hard to know where to start, but with our handy Africa travel guide you'll be on your way in no time. With such a wide range of African tours on offer, the entire continent is practically at your fingertips – be bewitched by flocks of fluttering flamingos, but watch out for the infamous black mamba!

When most people think of Africa, they think of the trademark African safari. Running along Mozambique's border and rubbing up against Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park in South Africa offers nearly two million hectares of species diversity, as well as archaeological hot spots. It's here you'll catch the majesty of the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinoceroses. Time your trip to coincide with the dry seasons: you don't want to be on safari when the roads have turned to rivers of mud!

Iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, stretching an impressive 5.8 kilometres tall. There are six official trekking routes up the mountain, but prepare carefully if you are planning to make the ascent as it's an adventurous climb to say the least. If you'd rather keep your head out of the clouds exploring vibrant city streets, consider Cape Town, Johannesburg or Morocco.

From snow-capped peaks to bone-dry deserts

Almost 85 per cent of Botswana, southwest of Tanzania, is covered by a semi-arid expanse of sandy valleys known as the Kalahari Desert – it's here you can explore the magnificent Okavango Delta, sluiced by the Okavango River. For a real African experience, hire a mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) and coast down the river spotting wildlife. In Botswana's Chobe National Park, you will be left breathless at the sight graceful elephant herds.

Uganda is home to the impressive Parc National Des Volcans, a chain of seven volcanoes that form a natural border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park is the ultimate destination for those who want to track and view the rare mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – this is where the book (and film) Gorillas in the Mist is set.

In the far north of the continent, Egypt is a must-see for its ancient pyramids of Giza and limitless historical significance. With an assortment of great value Africa holiday packages available, you will be gazing up at the timeworn face of the mysterious Great Sphinx before you know it.

Africa's wild side

The animal kingdom is at its most spectacular in Africa, where monkeys scramble through cedar trees in the Atlas Mountains, hippos stand staunchly in the fierce ocean surf and giraffes crane their necks to the treetops. Undoubtedly, a safari is the quintessential African experience – the word itself is Swahili for long journey. Countries including Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe offer a variety of safaris, from boutique overnight journeys to eco-educational tours. What can you expect to see as you make your way through the big game reserves and national parks like the Serengeti? Herds of migrating wildebeest and zebra, prides of lions lazing in the sun and many more endangered and revered fauna.

Travel by train

One of the best ways to take in the diverse landscapes of Africa is by riding the rail. Slow down and enjoy the charms of a bygone era from the comfort of your cabin as you make your way north from Cape Town to Cairo. There are plenty of different African rail holidays that can take you from the savannah to the souks. Regarded as a mobile five-star hotel, the Blue Train is synonymous with luxury featuring elegant suites, private lounges and fine dining. Embark on a South African safari on the restored 1920s Rovos Rail trains, or jump on board the Shongololo Express and see a half dozen countries on one unforgettable journey.

Beyond the desert

While Africa is best known for its spare savannas and arid desert plains, there's another side to the continent often overlooked. Africa's coastline stretches an impressive 26,000 kilometres with beautiful beaches aplenty. If you've ever wanted to swim with the biggest fish in the sea, Mozambique's Tofo whale shark central. Cape Town's Boulders Beach is home to the quirky black-footed penguin, while South Africa's Durban boasts some of the best surf for all levels. To the north, scour the reefs of the Red Sea off Egypt or enjoy the exotic seasides of Morocco, Agadir and Tunisia. Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar will satisfy any cravings for sun, sand and surf, embodying the ideals of island paradise off Africa's mainland.

Getting there and around

The majesty of the savanna, the brooding heart of the jungle and clear blue skies await when you book your flights to Africa. Better yet, why not pack your safari shorts and set sail on an African cruise? From the coastlines of Cape Town to the old-world charm of Casablanca and several ports in between, take advantage of the many cruises en route to Africa and see the country from a different point of view. For a convenient way to see everything the continent has to offer, consider booking a hire car and travel in comfort at your own pace.

Want to spend more time seeing the sights and less worrying about the finer details of overseas travel? Consider booking one of our African holiday packages and we'll take care of every last detail for you; from airfares to accommodation to tours. Speaking of which, there's no bigger thrill than the chase of big game and an outstanding way to spot some of Africa's unique wildlife is on a safari tour, getting you up close to the action.

Featured Destinations
Source: Africa Destination Guide

4 Most Loved Apps in South Africa

These days, everyone has their mobile device glued to the palm of their hand for most of the day. We love the convenience that mobile apps have brought to our lives; and the exponential growth of mobile users over the past few years has proven that developers are doing a serious job to make things faster and easier.

As soon as you think you've mastered the latest gadget and all the apps that make it tick, new ones are released with even better features. There are some applications that always come out tops that make life just a little bit sweeter:

Whatsapp Messenger

According to MyBroadBand.co.za, when Google released its top ten, Whatsapp came out top of the list of free apps for South African mobile users. This instant messaging app is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends, and these days, even your boss can get hold of you in a flash. Whatsapp has advanced from a simple contact-to-contact text app with basic features to a global sensation where you can chat individually and in groups via voice and video chats, and send media and documents. It's not hard to believe that more than 10 million South African users are sending a quick message, doing business deals or sending a funny meme via this green-icon-app for over three hours a day.

SA Phonebook

Just because search engines provide us with virtually all the answers we want, a phone directory is still a much needed thing, but definitely not in the traditional white/yellow pages sense. The SA Phonebook app is one of best contact storage apps from South African tech developers. You can find absolutely any phone number of anyone using the app, send SMS's or chat via this app. This is an excellent application to store and find all your contacts in a few clicks.

Betway Sports

A newcomer on SA's tech shores is British betting company, Betway. Not only is this mobile app a great place for sports enthusiasts to get updated fixtures of their favourite events but it is convenient, easy to navigate and as safe as any banking app for online transactions. Betway allows users to choose from local and international soccer, boxing, cricket, tennis and an array of global sports. Punters can make quick and easy deposits through multiple banking methods linked to major South African banks; keep track of their personal betting slip and check on live scores anywhere, anytime on their handset. The Betway group is also a key sponsor for African football development, partnering with local teams and their primary English Premier League team, West Ham United to provide better training and exchange facilities to young, upcoming stars. When you visit https://www.betway.co.za in your mobile browser you get instant access to a world of sporting action where the betting and w inning never stops.

Uber

Since its launch in South Africa, Uber has sped ahead of its competitors at a rapid pace. This transport application makes it easy for customers to request a ride in just a few clicks, pin their destination and follow a live GPS map and see how much a trip will cost before confirming  – with the option of paying via their preloaded debit/credit card or cash. The high-tech software takes taxi rides to a whole new level, with driver and car details clearly visible, the option to change destination while en route without having to direct your driver and a feedback feature to rate your ride. Uber has even expanded by bringing customers Uber Eats: a food delivery service via the in-app request software. According to a comparative article on www.moneyweb.co.za, since Uber entered the African market in 2013 it has well surpassed its taxi hailing competitors, making Uber the most downloaded ride-sharing app and over 2-million trips requested in just the first half of a particular year. We may soon be waving bye-bye to the conventional carpool and taxi cab structure because Uber is definitely here to stay.

Developers are constantly coming up with new innovations to make consumers lives as convenient as possible. We love having access to anything we need by just a few clicks on our smartphones, from banking to communication, from service delivery to entertainment. If this is how fun and on-the-go we are now, imagine what we could do in the decades to come!

Source: 4 Most Loved Apps in South Africa

Ivory Coast seeks top investment destination status for West Africa [Focus]

Ivory coast is witnessing impressive growth, with a GDP rate of eight percent last year according to the World Bank. Now, the world's biggest exporter of cocoa beans wants to diversify.

The government hopes it can perform an economic makeover and finally put an end to the violence and political turbulence that has dominated it since 2002.

A National Development Plan (NDP) 2016- 2020 has been set to lay the foundations for an emerging economy and boost business in the upcoming years. We met the prime minister who explained his economic vision.

"This 2016-2020 plan is valued at 60 billion dollars, our goal is to fund this plan by 40 percent from the public sector, to support all infrastructure-related activities, and about 60 percent from the private sector. And we also have a strong investment in human capital, supporting education, professional training and the healthcare sector," said Amadou Gon Coulibaly, Prime Minister of Ivory Coast.

More than 60 percent of the population is under 35 years old and with this in mind the government says it will boost the education sector as well as elevate women's status in society.

If it is going to attract foreign investment, Ivory Coast must boost the skills that young people entering the jobs market possess. Meanwhile the government has promised to cut business taxes.

"We have an investment code, that is one of the most attractive laws, it includes an important exemption in terms of tariff reduction but also the exemption on VAT. But we will ask investors both foreign and locals to return. Creating jobs should be considered as important part of the investment," the prime minister added.

The Ivory Coast is one of the best bets in Africa with a diverse sector for investment such as banking, telecommunications, energy, real estate, mining and big opportunities in agriculture.

Ivory coast investment promotion centre (CEPICI) is essential to help in matching opportunities with potential investors and providing useful connections.

The first step of the new investor when he arrives in the country is to seek information. (The Ivory coast investment promotion center) CEPICI was created precisely to act as a single interlocutor for this quest, so it is a one-stop shop.

At CEPICI, you will get the information, you will have the assistance; you can create your business in one day, so it is this one-stop shop, that allows investors to not waste time, says Emmanuel Essis, CEO , Ivory coast investment promotion center (CEPICI).

"The Ivory Coast has the advantage of having a diverse community for investment, which starts from agriculture to services; In Ivory Coast there is the agricultural raw material, the first opportunity is agro-industry, industrial processing," Emmanuel Essis said.

Ivory Coast is ranked as the world's biggest producer of cocoa, a record crop of about 1.9 million tonnes, it is one of the most promising industries in the Ivory Coast.

CEMOI, a french chocolate producer and one of first investors in 1997 established itself in Abidjan and then in 2015 invested six million euros in a chocolate factory which produces chocolate hundred percent "Made in Ivory Coast".

"The activity here makes it possible to process 70,000 tons of cocoa. So we receive cocoa with cooperatives and we do all the transformation from the cocoa bean to the finished chocolate," Benjamin Bessi, General Manager, CEMOI – Ivory Coast.

What is the magic recipe of success for foreign investors?

"The key to success first of all is training. International groups, when they invest here, they look for these types of profiles: well trained Ivorians who have expertise. So we come back to a point of convergence between a national policy of promotion of national executives and the need of international investors who seek local competence," Benjamin Bessi explains.

For the government, the vision of development is about exporting confidence and trust to the international markets. And they want to send the signal that the ambition is there in Ivory Coast for it to rise far above fifteenth place in the current African economy rankings.

Source: Ivory Coast seeks top investment destination status for West Africa [Focus]

Top African Countries That Are Heavily Visited- They Are The Top Ten Tourists’ Destinations In Africa

South Africa is always a tourist favorite, but there are some new African hotspots.

With global tourism accounting for almost 10% of the world's GDP, this is an industry which holds a lot of promise for Africa's future. Here's a look at the top ten most competitive tourist destinations in Africa basing on the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report.

1. South Africa

Having hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and several other sporting events, it comes as little surprise that South Africa is the continent's most popular destination for international travelers. Rich with culture and heritage, the Rainbow nation boasts of beach fronts that stretch for thousands of miles, an abundance of wild life parks, and a nice warm temperate climate to boot.

Tourism and Travel Index: 4.08

Main Attractions: Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Cape Winelands

2. Seychelles

Located off East Africa, the Seychelles are perhaps the quintessential example of paradise on earth. The country is famous for its tropical islands, nature reserves, and its breathtaking beauty. Blessed with sunshine and warm weather all year round, the Seychelles are the perfect destination for a spontaneous adventure. And between its mountain trails, beaches, museums and botanical gardens, there's always something to keep busy with in this little slice of nirvana.

Tourism and Travel Index: 4.00

Main Attractions: Anse Intendance, Morne Seychelles National Park, Marine National Park

3. Mauritius

For those that dream of tropical island adventures, Mauritius is a must see. Revelers can bathe in the sun, pursue hiking trails, and explore the island's diverse landmarks. Whether you're looking for a pulsating experience or a more relaxed vacation, Mauritius has just the right attractions. What's more, the island is famous for its rich culture and traditions, visitors can enjoy and partake in famous local dances like the Sega.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.90

Main Attractions: Black River Gorges National Park, Gabriel Island, Casela Nature Park

4. Morocco

Revered for its beautiful coasts, amazing architecture and bustling markets, the Kingdom of Morocco has plenty to offer tourists. With Berber, Arab and European cultural influences, Morocco has created its own distinct elegance. Now home to a wealth of restaurants and high end hotels, tourists can visit ancient cities and temples while enjoying lavish facilities and lush beaches.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.81

Main Attractions: Djemaa el Fna, Essaouira, Chefchaouen

5. Namibia

Namibia is renowned for its spectacular national parks. Three of the continent's largest game parks are located on its lands. With safari tours, horseback riding and beautiful sand dunes, tourists have an abundance of choice. To top it all off, the country's magnificent landscapes also make for remarkable viewing just about anywhere you can visit.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.69

Main Attractions: Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, Skeleton Coast

6. Kenya

With stunning lakes, beautiful beaches, tropical islands, and a wealth of national parks, Kenya pretty much runs the gamut in terms of tourist attractions. The country generally has a pleasant tropical climate that is compatible with all sorts of thrills and adventures. If you're looking for an all-round experience, then Kenya should definitely top your destination list.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.58

Main Attractions: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Malindi, Lake Naivasha

7. Tunisia

Tunisia is steeped with enough ancient architecture and structures to make a history lover out of just about anyone. Its museums are world renowned and make it an appealing destination to a much broader tourist demographic. For those seeking a much more leisurely time, Tunisia has more than enough beach fronts to cater for your needs.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.54

Main Attractions: El Djem Amphitheatre, Sidi Bou Said, Bulla Regia

El Jem Amphitheatre | Image Credit: Tunisia Tourism 8. Egypt

The land of the Pharaohs needs little introduction. Egypt is famous for its many monuments,some dating as far back as 2560 BC. Its rich history and culture always make for a compelling and transformative visit. The country has an abundance of beautiful hotels and resorts to compliment the many ancient sites-all definitely worth experiencing.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.49

Main Attractions: Great Pyramid of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings

Great Pyramid of Giza | Image Credit: Wikipedia 9. Cape Verde

With a plethora of beaches, Cape Verde is the perfect place to unwind while bathing in the sun and enjoying the island nation's gorgeous scenery. The nation is blessed with sunshine almost all year round, practically making it a paradise. Tourists can enjoy kite surfing, hiking and scuba diving among many other activities, enough to keep even the most avid thrill seekers busy.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.46

Main Attractions: Cabo Verde Safari, Mindelo, Museu Municipal

Windsurfing at Cabo Verde Safari | Image Credit: windsurftrips.eu 10. Botswana

Peaceful, serene and harmonious, Botswana makes for a perfect holiday destination. The country is rich with wildlife and is home to many safari camps. It also boasts of rich traditions and culture, tourists can revel in San rock art while also enjoying the country's beautiful landscapes.

Tourism and Travel Index: 3.42

Main Attractions: Okavango Delta, Tswapong Hills, Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Summary of Top Ten Tourist Destinations in Africa Rank Country Tourism and Travel Index Main Destinations 1 South Africa 4.08 Kruger National Park, Table Mountain, Cape Winelands 2 Seychelles 4.00 Anse Intendance, Morne Seychelles National Park, Marine National Park 3 Mauritius 3.90 Black River Gorges National Park, Gabriel Island, Casela Nature Park 4 Morocco 3.81 Djemaa el Fna, Essaouira, Chefchaouen 5 Namibia 3.69 Etosha National Park, Fish River Canyon, Skeleton Coast 6 Kenya 3.58 Maasai Mara National Reserve, Malindi, Lake Naivasha 7 Tunisia 3.54 El Djem Amphitheatre, Sidi Bou Said, Bulla Regia 8 Egypt 3.49 Great Pyramid of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings 9 Cape Verde 3.46 Cabo Verde Safari, Mindelo, Museu Municipal 10 Botswana 3.42 Okavango Delta, Tswapong Hills, Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Source: Top African Countries That Are Heavily Visited- They Are The Top Ten Tourists' Destinations In Africa

South Africa - Bollywood’s new favourite destination

Bollywood often plays a major role in influencing our travel and vacation decisions: Be it the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995) which made Europe seem like a dream destination or Dil Chahta Hai (2001) that forever stamped Goa as the ultimate getaway.

One of the most sought-after locations for film-makers, South Africa has recently also become a favourite among Bollywood celebrities, with many choosing the Rainbow Nation for a quick escapade with their families. Last year, Akshay Kumar and his family explored the South African city of Cape Town and was mesmerized by the tranquility the place offers.

Hrithik Roshan was also seen spending time with his sons adventuring in South Africa.

Reasons behind South Africa's popularity

There are several features that make South Africa one of the most desired locations for filmmakers and tourists alike. These include its stunning beaches, beautiful mountains, wildlife and adventure spots, luxury experiences, and overall scenic landscapes—combined with the vibrant nightlife found in the cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

While most Indians are familiar with these cities (courtesy another shared passion – cricket) there's a lot more to the country. Here's a sneak peek into some of the best locations in the Rainbow Nation.

1) Maiden's Cove Beach - This gorgeous spot lies between two beaches and has great views of the sea and mountains. There's a tidal pool for swimming, big boulders for relaxing and enjoying the view, as well as grassy patches to sit on. The popular song 'Tum Hi Ho Bandhu' from the movie Cocktail (2012) was shot here.

The song 'Tum Hi Ho Bandhu' from the 2012 Bollywood film (SantaBanta.com)

2) Chapman's Peak Drive - Chapman's Peak Drive along the Atlantic Coast, near Cape Town is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. It is a must-see for anyone who is passionate about majestic scenery. The 2016-movie – M.S Dhoni – The Untold Story features a scene shot at the Chappies.

Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Town (www.istockphoto.com)

3) Muizenberg beach – The ultimate family beach destination, Muizenberg is known for its colourful Victorian bathing boxes that add bold hues to the dramatic landscape—a memory that most tourists will cherish for decades. It is also a Blue Flag Beach, which means that it gets full marks for safety, recreational facilities, and eco-consciousness. Aamir Khan shook a leg for his movie Ghajini (2008) on this iconic beach.

Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town (www.istockphoto.com)

Whether you crave the untouched wild, sun-soaked coastlines, vibrant culture, outdoor adventures, or bustling city life – South Africa will ensure that you return from your holiday with a lifetime of memories.

Source: South Africa - Bollywood's new favourite destination

Europe most favoured travel destination for Chandigarh residents

For Chandigarh residents, Europe has emerged to be among the most preferred overseas travel destination during summer vacation.

With a spike in demand, travel agents across the city have a variety of offers to Europe readily available. Most travel agents agree that there has been a 20% rise in tricity residents looking to travel to Europe and other international destinations such as Singapore and Dubai.

According to the travel agencies, 30% of Chandigarh residents travelling this summer have booked their tickets for Eastern Europe, followed by Singapore and Dubai. Direct international flights from Chandigarh are also flying full capacity.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of leisure travel and MICE at Thomas Cook (India) Limited said that from an international perspective, the highest demand from family segment of the tricity this year has been for Europe and USA, followed by South Africa and Australia-New Zealand. "Couples and millennials are preferring Bali, Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai," Kale said.

"In the summers, domestic travel has grown by 30% while a growth of 20 % has been observed in the outbound space," said Karan Anand, head, relationships, Cox and Kings.

"European destinations such as UK, France, Switzerland and Germany are in maximum demand. There is also a growth in demand for cruise holidays. Double digit growth has been seen in fly-cruise packages to Singapore and Mediterranean," Anand added.

Tailor-made travel packages and other offers of free nights, 5-10% discounts on international tours and cashback up to Rs 4,000 are also attracting the residents.

"Singapore and Hong Kong are most preferred destinations for cruises, followed by Europe," Ezeego1 CEO and director Neelu Singh said. "In the past two years, there has been a rise in the number of travellers ready to experiment with unexplored places. More than 40% of the travellers from the north are booking holidays to exotic places.

SOTC's Amod Thatte agrees. "There has been a growing demand for international destinations like Europe and USA, and domestic destinations like Leh, Ladakh and Bhutan from the tricity," he said. "Other popular destinations are Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, along with short-haul destinations like Mauritius, Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, Bali, Hong Kong," he added.

WHY EUROPE?

Cooler climes, single currency across multiple countries, relaxed border crossing are among the many reasons city residents are preferring Europe over run-on-the-mill destinations such as Thailand and Bali. Travel agents said tricity residents have started looking for niche destinations, which are more experimental and expensive as well. In domestic destinations, Nainital-Masoori-Corbett, Shimla-Manali, North Eastern destinations such as Gangtok-Pelling-Darjeeling and Ladakh are among best-sellers. Ranthambore and Bharatpur are popular among wildlife enthusiast, while Uttarakhand has emerged among the most-preferred adventure destinations.

Source: Europe most favoured travel destination for Chandigarh residents

Free mapping: plotting development in Africa

By Afp

Published: 00:28 EDT, 18 June 2017 | Updated: 00:29 EDT, 18 June 2017

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Crowdsourced mapping applications adapted for use in Africa are trying to help people find their way in cities where haphazard development means many streets and buildings are unmarked

In Benin's economic capital of Cotonou, as in many other African cities, finding a house, office or restaurant is often like a treasure hunt.

Luck, if not a miracle, is required as easy clues such as street names, even where they exist, are usually not posted and address numbers are rarely marked.

Most people in Cotonou formulate complex combinations of landmarks and directions to navigate around town.

Typical directions might be: "My office is after the big market, past the apartment block on the right with the mobile phone mast, and it's the third road on the left, tiled building."

Can't see the apartment block with the mobile phone mast? Game over, back to square one.

Sam Agbadonou, a 34-year-old former medical technician, knows how frustrating it can be to get around and describes Cotonou as a "navigation challenge".

"I was called when there were break-downs and went to health centres to repair machines that save lives," he said.

"But some centres are really in the middle of outlying neighbourhoods and it is difficult to get there."

Now, to put an end to the hassle and quickly find their destination, locals are turning to crowdsourced mapping applications adapted for use in Africa that are challenging Google Maps for dominance on the continent.

- 'Map party' -

Mapping initiatives aim to provide more detail about what is found along streets and roads

In 2013, when Agbadonou heard about OpenStreetMap, an international project founded in 2004 to create a free world map, he knew it was a good idea.

Agbadonou founded the Benin branch of the project, which today boasts 30 members.

With his friend Saliou Abdou, a trained geographer, Agbadonou regularly organises "map parties" -- field trips to identify the city's geographical data.

They start with the basics -- street names and address numbers -- and move on to other details that set their maps apart from the Silicon Valley competition.

"We write down everything: the trees, the water points, the vulcaniser (tyre repairer) on the street corner, the tailor's shop... . You don't see that on Google Maps!" Agbadonou said with pride.

Thanks to his work over the last four years, Cotonou is slowly revealing itself.

For example, the Ladji district, which never used to feature on most maps, is now included.

Armelle Choplin, an urban planner at the Institute of Research for Development (IRD) in Cotonou, has no choice but to use Google Maps for her work.

But she is relying more and more on the crowdsourced maps which are more adapted to an African context.

"IGN France (the French national institute of geographic and forest information) carried out an aerial mapping of Benin between 2015 and 2016 and it should be available in September," Choplin said.

"But we don't know if we will have access or the terms."

- Social inclusion -

Rapid population growth, lack of regulation in real estate and haphazard urbanisation are a headache for most big cities in Africa.

Along the coast in Ghana, Sesinam Dagadu created a similar mobile app called SnooCode, which targets the poorest in society and the illiterate.

His goal is to give "an address for every man, woman and child" by issuing an individual "location code" as a substitute address.

"I wanted to make sure our system was accessible to those at the bottom of the social pyramid," Dagadu said about his app, which is free.

"Without addresses, many important features of the modern society no longer work, from tracking diseases and emergency response services to e-commerce and deliveries," said the 31-year-old.

- Citizenship -

OpenStreetMap is already being used by humanitarian organisations during epidemics.

Enthusiastic communities of amateur cartographers participating in 'mapathons' have been inputting geographical data from satellite images available on the internet into the online map.

Some have recently focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo, where several cases of Ebola have been reported.

In particularly remote areas of a country, maps only show the outline of roads.

The cartographers add houses and, crucially, water points -- essential data to stop the spread of an epidemic.

For volunteers or the app's creators, map-making isn't just a passion, it's become a part of what it means to be a citizen.

As geographer Abdou puts it, working on the maps is his way of "contributing to the development of my country".

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Source: Free mapping: plotting development in Africa

Where does Bollywood love to holiday? Here’s a peek into the travels of stars

Film and serial shoots and brand endorsements keep them busy, but Bollywood and television actors do find time to travel and have fun — whether with their rumoured partners, or with friends and family. As we see from their photos and status updates, these hard-earned holidays are the time when the stars can be themselves, exploring their love for food or indulging in some crazily exciting adventure sports.

In the second part of our Celebrity Lifestyle series, we look at the favourite holiday spots for actors and how they rejuvenate themselves on these trips.

Shah Rukh Khan

While London tops the list of Shah Rukh Khan's favourite destinations, he often spends his holidays in Dubai and Paris. For many years now, SRK has been taking an annual summer break and goes for a family vacation to London, where he even owns a house. Now, Shah Rukh's son Aryan is studying in London, and the actor often visits the place. SRK has also shot in London for various films, including Jab Tak Hai Jaan. "It's so nice to be in London. My favourite place and my favourite city in all ways and things that I like, including releasing the movie. My films belong here, and so even if I hadn't come, you'd all enjoy the film," Khan was quoted as saying.

***

Salman Khan

Sallu bhai is known for spending his New Year's Eve in Dubai — it remains his favourite holiday spot, where he is mostly joined by his friends and family. Another place where Salman loves to chill is his farmhouse in Panvel, a few hours' drive from Mumbai. The actor often throws parties at his farmhouse that are star-studded affairs. The Panvel retreat is not only the best getaway for him to relax after wrapping up a hectic film shoot, but he also feels that it's refreshing to feast on the vegetables and fruits from his own garden. "My work takes me to far-flung places, but when left to myself, I love to drive down to Panvel," Salman was quoted as saying.

***

Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma is a wanderer and loves to explore different places around the globe. But when it's about her favourite spot, the Himalayas tops the list, followed by Italy. The actor feels that a trip to the tranquil Himalayas makes for an ideal holiday. And if it's about a touristy trip, Italy is the next choice, where Anushka gets to enjoy a perfect blend of food, beaches, and cobbled streets. Sometime ago, the actor shared pictures from her Italy vacation, when she had the time of her life enjoying the beaches. Not just the city, Anushka also likes the men there. "Italian men genuinely compliment women without making them uncomfortable, a trait that Indian men lack. I had a great time across the beaches in Italy," she was quoted as saying after returning to India.

***

Karan Johar

Whenever Karan Johar needs to take a break, he takes a flight to New York. Besides being his favourite holiday destination, NYC also happens to be the place where KJo writes most of his film scripts — now that's how you make the most of work and leisure. Maybe Karan's love for New York City is the reason he shot his films Kal Ho Naa Ho and Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna over there. If you didn't know, he wrote the script for Student of the Year while he was in New York. Surprisingly, unlike many in Bollywood who opt for secluded places to take a vacation and stay away from the glare of publicity, Karan is not a fan of quiet places.

***

Kareena Kapoor Khan

#freezing 💙

A post shared by Kareena Kapoor Khan (@therealkareenakapoor) on May 3, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

The stunning Swiss landscape, showcased in so many Bollywood films, captured Kareena Kapoor Khan's heart long ago. Switzerland is where she loves to spend her me-time, falling in love with the snow-clad peaks on every visit. "It's the snow. It keeps my mind off everything else and brings me a lot of peace. I go to Switzerland after my shoots and before the promos of my forthcoming films," Kareena was quoted as saying. It has been reported that Bebo developed a liking for the place when her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, took her there for their annual vacations, including their honeymoon. She even said that she'd love to buy a house in Switzerland and wouldn't mind spending a few months there every year. While holidaying there, Bebo loves to indulge in hot-air balloon rides and golfing, besides other regular sightseeing. Recently, Kareena flew to London, which is another top holiday spot for her, for a brand shoot, without her little baby Taimur. Reportedly, because the weather in London is unpredictable, Bebo did not want Taimur to fall sick due to it and also, she wanted Taimur to spend sometime with daddy Saif.

***

Sonakshi Sinha

Actor Sonakshi Sinha often posts amazing pictures from her holidays. Although busy with her films, she makes time to travel to exotic locations. "I love going to beaches. I love the sea. I'm more of a summer person, so I like going to warm places," she was quoted as saying. In May last year, she went to Miami, US. In September last year, Sonakshi was off to Seychelles for a solo vacation and posted marvellous pictures from there. In February this year, Sonakshi chilled in Maldives, and looked stunning in her holiday pictures. For her birthday in June, she went to Goa with her friends. For her, the closest beach destinations outside India would be Dubai and Thailand.

***

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar went to Cape Town in January this year and called it his favourite holiday destination. The actor often takes a family break, heading out with wife Twinkle Khanna and children Aarav and Nitara. In June last year, Akshay and Twinkle went on a holiday with actor Asin and her husband, businessman Rahul Sharma. They met up at Lake Como, Italy, and posted pictures from there.

***

Aamir Khan

Actor Aamir Khan has often been quoted as saying that his favourite holiday destination is London. But, he has been to many exotic locations as well. After his film Dhobi Ghat, he took off to the south of France, for a family vacation. Last year, after Diwali, Aamir and his wife Kiran took off to Arunachal Pradesh to celebrate Kiran's 43rd birthday. This year, before he began work on his film Thugs of Hindostan, Aamir went for a holiday with his family to Thailand.

***

Sidharth Malhotra

Actor Sidharth Malhotra has often spoken about how much he loves to travel. His father being a Merchant Navy officer, an urge to see the world is in his blood. "When I'm shooting in a new place, I make sure that I step outside and go around exploring the place. I did that when we shot in Glasgow recently," he was quoted as saying. Sidharth is the Indian ambassador of Tourism New Zealand; he visited the country in 2015 and indulged in many adventure activities such as sky-diving. He often takes off with his rumoured girlfriend Alia Bhatt to interesting locations — last year, they went to Bangkok and also rang in the New Year in New York. They went on another vacation in June this year.

***

John Abraham

John Abraham is quite a globetrotter and loves to go on a holiday by himself — he calls travelling close to his heart. While London and Los Angeles top his list of favourite destinations, he is keen on a trip to the Himalayas, as that would mean "real travel". There's one more thing that John would like to do as a traveller. "If I had to take time off now, I'd like to do a road trip on a motorcycle around the world. The one place that I love in terms of culture, architecture, food and technology and which I have never been to is Japan, so that is on my list," he was quoted as saying. While most celebrities want to leave work aside when they take a break, John feels otherwise. "I get worried when I go on a holiday, because I feel I could use that time constructively. I am a complete workaholic and may have to go into rehab for being one. I am at a point where it has reached monstrous proportions, and I am working even while I am sleeping. Sometimes I sit up in bed t hinking about work and then I get out, sit at the table and start writing. That's the level of craziness and fervour... But let me tell people that even though I don't take time off, they must. Because for me, I want eight days in a week, I want 366 days in a year, and 32 days in a month and be at work all the time," he had said the past.

***

Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra has given us many vacation goals by posting gorgeous pictures from her trips to Australia, her favourite holiday destination. Last year, before she started work on her film Meri Pyaari Bindu, she took off to Australia, calling it her "14-year-old dream". Also, in February last year, she visited Egypt. It started as a work trip, but she explored the country, too. This year, she was in Dubai in February and posted pictures of herself trying the local cuisine and sightseeing.

***

Sushant Singh Rajput

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput frequently travels for leisure. After the release of his 2016 film MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, he went on a solo vacation to the Andaman islands in December. Then, in January this year, he went to Dubai for a holiday. Back in 2015, when Sushant was dating actor Ankita Lokhande, they went to Dubai for a 10-day vacation.

***

Arjun Kapoor

Arjun Kapoor might not be a regular when it comes to taking annual breaks, but he does post pictures of his travels, whenever he has one, on Instagram. The actor has always thanked his job, which lets him travel extensively. Arjun recently spent time in London while shooting for his film Mubarakan, and he gave his fans a sneak peek into his daily activities through social media posts. On his favourite holiday destinations, Arjun was quoted as saying, "I love New York, I have gone there so often. I had also gone to Istanbul and that's another fantastic place to visit. The place that I want to visit is Australia — I wanted to go for [cricket] World Cup [in 2015] but couldn't go. Hope I visit the place soon."

***

Shraddha Kapoor

Actor Shraddha Kapoor goes on holidays regularly to destress. Last year in September, she went to Dubai with her family. In March this year, she took off for a trip to Europe to ring in her birthday with her friends, and posted lots of photos. In May, she went to Seychelles with her family. There were also reports of her holidaying in a secret vacation with her rumoured boyfriend Farhan Akhtar.

***

Rani Mukerji

Actor Rani Mukerji has often been spotted on holidays with her husband, filmmaker Aditya Chopra. In January 2013, the couple went to Europe, which is their favourite destination. The couple had a daughter in December 2015 and went on a holiday with their baby to Paris. Rani and baby Adira were recently in Dubai for a vacation.

***

Ajay Devgn and Kajol

Ajay Devgn's favourite holiday destination is London. He loves England so much that he owns a house in the country. The actor goes on a trip at least twice a year with his family, and mostly does it before starting a movie project. Apart from England, Ajay loves jetting it to Bulgaria. He has also recently vacationed with his family in the Maldives.

***

Badshah

The Delhi-based singer-songwriter's family lives in England. So whenever Badshah gets the time, he heads for London to spend quality time with them. Hong Kong is the next favourite place on his list; the rapper has a lot of local friends there. He loves the city for its amazing vibes and food. New Zeland is another one of Badshah's favourite destinations for its natural beauty — it make him feel peaceful.

***

Amitabh Bachchan

Actor Amitabh Bachchan loves going to Goa for a holiday. (srbachchan.tumblr.com)

Although Big B isn't big on the idea of vacations — he doesn't really leave Mumbai much — the 74-year-old has a few favourite places whenever he does take a break from the entertainment capital. According to multiple reports online, Goa is one of his favourite destinations; the veteran star loves the state for its relaxing beach scene. Among world cities, London reportedly appeals to Bachchan.

***

Hrithik Roshan

Actor Hrithik Roshan often whisks his sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan to exotic destinations. From London to Swiss Alps to Africa, Hrithik loves travelling. However, when asked if there's one place that he'd love to visit, he said, "My favourite holiday destination is wherever my family is... if it's at home, then so be it."

***

Ranbir Kapoor

Actor Ranbir Kapoor often goes to the United States for holidays. However, his last holiday was with mother Neetu Kapoor in London. His other favourite destinations are Venice and Puglia in Italy.

***

Varun Dhawan

Varun Dhawan loves going to London. While recently shooting for his film In London, he took the time to go around the city as well. In March this year, the actor went to Thailand with his girlfriend Natasha Dalal, and spent four days there.

***

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and husband Abhishek Bachchan like going to Dubai and New York for vacations. They rang in New Year 2017 in Dubai and later went to America. The Bachchans love spending family time on their holidays.

***

Saif Ali Khan

Actor Saif Ali Khan enjoys holidaying at the Swiss Alps and in London. There were reports of Saif and wife Kareena vacationing in Dubai for their babymoon in October last year. Recently, the couple headed to London for a vacation; when they returned, their infant son Taimur wasn't seen with them at the airport. However, there are reports that Kareena is about to sign an ad campaign in London and will take Taimur for his first holiday soon.

***

Ranveer Singh

Actor Ranveer Singh is the Indian ambassador for Switzerland Tourism and loves going there. "I can never get enough of Switzerland! I am so excited to explore this gorgeous country again, this time as its brand ambassador. It's the best place to relax after a tight schedule and get re-energised," he was quoted as saying. The actor visited Switzerland in March this year and posted some pictures of his travel on Instagram. This was his second visit to Switzerland. When he was there last, Ranveer tried paragliding and skydiving, wakeboarding and chocolate-making. In May, this year, he went on a solo vacation to the UK.

***

Shilpa Shetty

Actor Shilpa Shetty loves spending time in London and Spain. She makes frequent visits to London and posts cool pictures on social media. In May, she was in London for a 25-day vacation with her husband Raj Kundra and son Viaan. On her love for Spain, she said in an interview, "I love the weather in Spain and the fact that you can see all these orange trees laden with fruit, so every time I saw one, I would pose in front of it like a fan. I adore the mixture of Portuguese and Spanish architecture and the paella is gorgeous." In September last year, she visited Dubai for a family vacation.

***

Karan Mehra

Karan Mehra aka Naitik of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain last went for a two-month vacation to the United States with his actor wife Nisha Rawal. The couple just had a son, so the next holiday might be with their baby.

***

Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya

Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya enjoys going on vacations. For her honeymoon, she went to the UK and visited a few parts of France last December. Her profile is filled with photos from her vacations. Divyanka's long list of vacations before that included those in San Francisco, Srinagar, Kerala backwaters, and Rajasthan.

***

Arjun Bijlani

Travelling with family is something that Arjun Bijlani always does. Whenever he gets a few days off from work, he visits Goa, which is close to Mumbai. The actor, who has been to Europe a couple of times, is thinking of visiting more foreign destinations. He also wants to visit Austria and Amsterdam again.

***

Nakuul Mehta

The actor enjoys travelling with his wife Jankee Parekh Mehta. They've been to Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kerala to name a few. The actor, who went to London for a work trip, turned it into a vacation as well.

***

Mouni Roy

The Naagin actor loves to travel. She enjoys expeditions with her besties, actors Sriti Jha and Sanjeeda Shaikh. Mouni reportedly also travels with her beau Mohit Raina. She often visits Goa. Mouni's recent trips were to London, Udaipur and the United States.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

Source: Where does Bollywood love to holiday? Here's a peek into the travels of stars

Adesina: Its time to reboot and boost US-Africa Commerce and Investments

Flagging data showing the steep fall in trade between Africa and the United States of America, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina called for a reboot and boost of the erstwhile robust economic relations that existed between the two sides.

Adesina, who made the call at a US-Africa business summit organized by the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, 14 June 2017, said that while business and economic cooperation between Africa and Asian countries were on the rise, the continent's transactions with the United States have nose-dived.

Africa's exports to the US fell from an all-time high of US$113 billion in 2008 to US$26.5 billion in 2015. The continent's exports from January to April this year have only reached US $10 billion. Similarly, US exports to Africa have also declined to US$ 22 billion from an all-time high of US$38 billion in 2014.

China has become the largest trading partner for Africa with its exports to China rising to US$67 billion, a 153% increase over those of the USA in the same year. By 2015, China's exports to Africa were US$102 billion, while US exports were US$27 billion, or 26% of that of Chinese exports to Africa.

"We must change the lenses with which we look at Africa, from the traditional development mindset to an investment mindset. And I agree completely with Secretary Wilbur Ross about the importance of the shift from aid to trade, to which I would add the extra insight that it should be from aid to investment. Africa is the place to be, so let me make the case," Adesina said.

Adesina gave many reasons it would be in the US's interest to re-engage with Africa, especially at a time when African economies are performing well despite the tough global economic environment.

Africa's GDP growth rate, which averaged 2.2% in 2016, is estimated to rise to 3.4% this year, and to 4.3% in 2018 – above the global averages. In 2016, 12 African countries recorded more than 5% while 20 others achieved growth rates ranging from 3 to 5%.

Furthermore, most of the best performing countries are the non-oil or non-commodity dependent economies such as Côte d'Ivoire which grew at 8.2%, Ethiopia at 8%, Tanzania at 7.2%, Senegal at 6.7%, and Rwanda and Kenya at 6%, respectively.

"So we are swimming with our heads above water. Africa is buoyant and robust. The African economies are doing better than the global average. The message is clear: African economies are resilient," Adesina said.

In addition to macroeconomic stability, Africa is witnessing a spate of good governance, rising domestic demand, and increasing regional trade. African countries are also implementing economic reforms, to the point where the continent accounted for 30% of all global improvements in business and regulatory reforms in 2016.

Adesina cited World Bank data which indicates that 34 out of 48 countries in sub Saharan Africa had at least implemented one business regulatory reform in the previous year.

"Foreign direct investment is growing in Africa. From just $2 billion in 1990, it rose to $56.2 billion in 2016, and is expected to rise to $57.5 billion this year. Africa is still the second fastest growing destination in terms of foreign direct investments," he noted.

In Berlin early this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel launched the G20 Compact with Africa, which will focus on expanding private investments, in the presence of Adesina and nine African Presidents. In addition, China, Japan, South Korea and India have launched initiatives for Africa cumulatively valued at US$ 110 billion in recent months.

"They are looking for a place where investments will be sure to grow," Adesina told the summit noting that the world cannot ignore a continent where household expenditures will rise to US$1.4 trillion in the next three years.

"Think of the continent where business-to-business investments will rise to $3.5 trillion in the next eight years. Think of the continent where the population by 2050 will be the same as India and China together today. Think of the continent that will brim with huge demand from a rising youth population that will reach 840 million by 2050, all buying and owning consumer products," he said.

There has to be a close partnership between the US, the most powerful nation in the world, and Africa, the next investment growth frontier in the world, Adesina said.

Adesina and President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique later engaged the audience in a question and answer session. There was a panel session with African ministers on the promotion of small and medium sized businesses, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and business and regulatory issues.

The forum was attended by some 700 participants including Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross who gave the opening speech; the President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa Florizelle Liser; and the Chairman, Jeffrey Sturchio.

Related

Source: Adesina: Its time to reboot and boost US-Africa Commerce and Investments

Lufthansa announces new destinations from Munich and Frankfurt in summer 2018

Jun 14, 2017: Lufthansa has expanded its route network and will offer new intercontinental destinations from Frankfurt and Munich in summer 2018.

From Frankfurt, the airline will offer five weekly flights to San Diego. Lufthansa will reintroduce the Singapore route into its flight schedule from Munich. Five times a week, passengers will be able to fly from the Bavarian capital to the lively economic metropolis in Asia. At the same time, the airline will offer more additional flights from Munich to Chicago, USA. Instead of seven times a week, Lufthansa will fly from Bavaria to the Windy City ten times per week.

The German carrier will introduce the Airbus A380 in Munich on long-haul destinations to Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Beijing. For this reason, the airline will transfer five of its 14 Airbus A380s from Frankfurt to Munich. As a result up to 500 new positions will be staffed in Bavaria.

Harry Hohmeister, member of the executive board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and responsible for Hub Management, said, "With the A380 we can offer our Munich customers a premium aircraft at a 5-Star Hub. In recent years, we have made great progress in steering our hubs. We harmonised and integrated processes and are now more flexible in utilising our aircraft at different locations. Quality, efficiency and growth will always remain our top priority."

Lufthansa is showing a clear sign for continued growth in Bavaria. Over the next two years, the Lufthansa long-haul fleet in Munich will be receiving two more aircraft.

Source: Lufthansa announces new destinations from Munich and Frankfurt in summer 2018

A First for Africa as Durban gets Set to Host Mrs Universe 2017

Durban is set to dazzle by hosting the Mrs Universe 2017 pageant in September. The event, the first time on African soil, will take place at People's Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium attracting contestants fro m 84 countries.

Packing a powerful punch to the local economy, Mrs Universe 2017 will see women from 84 countries jetting in to take part in the World Final at People's Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium on 2 September 2017.

Each contestant will be accompanied by family, supporters and members of the media, giving Durban nine days to dazzle in the global tourism spotlight.

Durban is set to dazzle by hosting the Mrs Universe 2017 pageant in September. The event, the first time on African soil, will take place at People's Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium attracting contestants from 84 countries.

Tapping into the theme, Empowering women. Creating change, Mrs Universe 2017 unites and celebrates married women between the ages of 25 and 45, who are doing phenomenal work to uplift and enhance their local communities through CSI (Corporate Social Investment) initiatives, business development and global trade opportunities.

Durban resident, Tracey-Anne Aggett, was crowned Mrs Universe First Runner-Up at the 2016 pageant in China in September.

In addition to showcasing Durban, KZN and South Africa as a must-visit tourist destination, Mrs Universe 2017 will showcase local artists, dancers and entertainers to a worldwide audience and provide a global catwalk for local fashion designers to exhibit their unique creations.

Tracey-Anne has been awarded the rights to host the first Mrs Universe on African soil.

"Unlike other pageants, Mrs Universe is purpose-driven, highlighting real concerns and areas for positive change," says Durban resident and Mrs Universe 2017 Hosting Director: Africa, Tracey-Anne Aggett.

"The global driving message of the event, namely women empowerment and women's rights, comes at a time when South Africans are uniting against crimes against women and urging society stakeholders to create more awareness and take more action to protect our women and children.

"This pageant pools together women from all backgrounds, all of whom have overcome challenges to bring about positive changes in their respective communities."

Aggett is a tireless campaigner for women empowerment and plays an integral role in projects that improve the lives of women and children in South Africa.

"The overarching mission of this pageant is to empower women and create change. Strengthen a woman, and you strengthen the world," she adds.

Named First Runner-up at the Mrs Universe 2016 event in China and the winner of the Mrs Universe 2016 Charity award, Aggett, a former Mrs KZN, won over the International Mrs Universe organising committee with her charitable projects and vision for the continent and has been awarded the right to host Mrs Universe around Africa for the next 10 years.

To ensure that Mrs Universe 2017 leaves an indelible mark on Durban, contestants will be engaging in various CSI initiatives to raise funds for Verulam-based LIV Village for orphaned and vulnerable children, facilities that support abused women and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

Contestants will also visit local schools in and around Durban to engage with young women and girls about the importance of education and self-development.

While CSI is a crucial part of the pageant, there will also be plenty of time to play! Contestants will be involved in a week of activities prior to the pageant including visits to KZN cultural attractions and Durban's tourist hotspots, stepping out in their swimsuits for East Coast Radio's First Swim of Spring, and putting their heads together at a business strategy workshop that is aimed at increasing inbound trade and tourism to South Africa.

The Mrs Universe 2017 pageant will take place at People's Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium on 2 September 2017.

Source: A First for Africa as Durban gets Set to Host Mrs Universe 2017

Dubai Now Among Top 10 Destinations For International Meetings

Dubai has emerged as one of the top 10 destinations for international meetings, according to the latest edition of the International Meetings Statistics Report published last week by Union of International Associations (UIA). The report ranked 1,157 cities globally based on the total number of international meetings that took place during the year. Previously ranked 14th in the 2015 edition, Dubai has moved up the list to claim the 10th spot with a total of 180 meetings taking place in 2016, reflecting a growth of 24% in comparison to 2015.

Dubai is the only city in the Middle East and Africa to appear in the top 25 in the rankings, further underlining its status as the region's number one destination for international meetings and conferences.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: "With these latest UIA rankings it is once again clear that Dubai is now not only the regional leader in the sector, but also a major destination on the global stage for business events. We will continue to strengthen our business events offering, and strive towards transforming Dubai into a global knowledge hub."

The total number of meetings assessed include those that are organised by international organisations, as well as ones organised by national organisations or branches but with significant international character. Dubai's current standing reaffirms the city's status of being a premier destination to host business events, and reflects the tremendous growth experienced over the past five years. In 2012, Dubai ranked 26th with a total of 76 international meetings that took place in the city. Dubai's business events offering has since evolved; the city's world-class infrastructure and global connectivity adds to the overall appeal resulting in a 138% increase in international meetings hosted since 2012.

Steen Jakobsen, Director, Dubai Business Events, said: "Dubai's business events industry has undoubtedly grown over the past decade, and we are very proud that the city is being regarded as one of the top 10 international meetings destinations by UIA, competing with over 1,100 worldwide destinations for the spot. We have worked very hard to achieve this status, with strong support from public and private partners, including Dubai World Trade Centre, hotels, Emirates Airlines, flydubai and other meetings industry suppliers, and are aiming to continue enhancing our offering to remain competitive and further propel Dubai's ranking in the years to come."

The latest UIA rankings report comes on the back of Dubai's recent announcement to launch the Dubai Association Conference which will be held on 11-12 December 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. A first-of-a-kind in the region, the conference acknowledges the crucial role associations play in Dubai's socio-economic development and its transition to a knowledge-based economy. Guided by the theme of 'Building a Community', the Dubai Association Conference will host association executives from regional and international associations, government representatives, university faculties and students as well as other professionals who are keen to develop associations.

In addition to the Dubai Association Conference, Dubai is also set to host key international business events this year, including: Academy of International Business Annual Meeting, Fédération Internationale des Déménageurs Internationaux (FIDI) Annual Conference, Annual Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, and the International Primary Immunodeficiencies Congress.

Source: Dubai Now Among Top 10 Destinations For International Meetings

Key strategies to developing Zanzibar into a world-class destination

Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Ramakrishna Sithanen recently paid a visit to Zanzibar to offer strategies employed that led Mauritius to become one of Africa's leading economies. Saleh Said, Director of Pennyroyal Gibraltar Ltd and Zanzibar Amber Resort, invited Sithanen to Zanzibar to discuss his experiences regarding the development of Mauritius to an upper-middle income economy, whereby poverty levels declined from 40% to 1%, and to address the development challenges faced by small island states.

Dr Ramakrishna Sithanen invited to Zanzibar to help eradicate poverty through tourism

Former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr Ramakrishna Sithanen has been invited to Zanzibar because of his knowledge and expertise on being a key role player in the transformation of Mauritius...

2 Jun 2017

Zanzibar had the opportunity to garner from Sithanen how to develop its own potential as a world-class luxury tourist destination and facilitate foreign direct investment.

Dr Ramakrishna Sithanen

Three key investment strategies On 7 June 2017, Said introduced Sithanen to 40 key stakeholders and contributors to Zanzibar's' economic growth - these were representatives from Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI), Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce, Zanzibar National Industry and Agriculture (ZNCCIA), Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO) at a meeting held at the Serena Hotel. Sithanen addressed members and suggested that Zanzibar should embrace three key strategies that helped Mauritius. "There should be investment in infrastructure, investment in people and in institutions," said Sithanen.Transformation through education Additionally, Sithanen stressed the importance of the private sector giving back to the local communities through CSR programmes and policies that capture back. He offers the example of his own successful enterprise, which contributes 2% of the company's profits to organisations and community programmes that focus on education, youth and women's programmes, social housing, and social integration. Sithanen remarks education and training is one of the key factors contributing to the transformational success, and thus primary to tertiary education, and vocational training in Mauritius is free for all Mauritians.

Image Supplied: Amber Resort

The transformational process in Mauritius is based on inclusion by way of education and employment, and economic diversification in order to move from a monoculture economy to one based on industry and services, finally reaching an innovation-driven economy.Diversifying the economy "Regional integration is also a vital aspect of growing the economy. Mauritius' success is based on its 'openness' and having a conducive environment to attract investors.

Another factor is diversification and transformation of the economy. It is key for a country to look into diversifying its economy and not only rely on one particular aspect of its core economy."

Sithanen suggested that Zanzibar finds its competitive advantage and use it as a tool to diversify its economy. He also mentioned that there are bound to be shortcomings, but it will be a learning process towards achieving the economic transformation. Furthermore, Sithanen said that having good marketing strategies and a need for a strong investment agency to build the country's reputation to the world and attract investors is an important asset.

During his last day in Zanzibar, he met with prominent government officials and discuss development strategies and other matters on investment.

Source: Key strategies to developing Zanzibar into a world-class destination

Majid Al Futtaim Launches Its First Shopping Destination In Ras Al Khaimah: My City Centre Al Dhait

Majid Al Futtaim—the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia— announced today its new up-coming neighborhood shopping destination in Ras Al Khaimah: My City Centre Al Dhait. The retail pioneer's expansion into the Northern Emirate comes as part of the company's strategy to increase its total investment in the United Arab Emirates by AED 30 billion by 2026. The new shopping mall will be serving Ras Al Khaimah's communities early next year.

The new community mall, which represents an investment of AED 68.5 million, is             Majid Al Futtaim's third 'My City Centre' mall. Located in a strategic location between two growing residential communities in the North and South-West of Al Dhait in Ras Al Khaimah, it will begin construction this month.

My City Centre Al Dhait will bring a diverse and tailored mix of shopping and dining outlets, offering nearby residents a convenient and accessible experience, ideal for everyday shopping needs.  It will be home to 30 stores across 5,494 sqm of gross leasable area, including a 1,178 sqm Carrefour Market, and will offer 117 parking spaces to visitors.

"The new My City Centre Al Dhait shopping destination underscores the success of         Majid Al Futtaim's 'My City Centre' brand, a neighbourhood retail brand focused on offering accessible, convenient and lifestyle-oriented stores to serve surrounding communities," said Ghaith Shocair, Chief Executive Officer Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

"My City Centre Al Dhait is the most recent example of Majid Al Futtaim's vision to create great moments for everyone, everyday, by providing accessible, convenient shopping and service destinations that addresses the immediate needs of residents through convenience and easy reach, while also acting as a social hub for the local community," he added.

My City Centre Al Dhait was designed to address the needs of Al Dhait's growing communities, as Ras Al Khaimah continues to expand its economy through manufacturing, tourism, and free zone activities. Both residents and tourists will benefit from a new range of shopping and dining options, delivered in line with Majid Al Futtaim's commitment to quality.

Complementing the growth in the UAE, Majid Al Futtaim has expansion plans ongoing in Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, while redeveloping a number of its 21 existing retail and leisure destinations.

Source: Majid Al Futtaim Launches Its First Shopping Destination In Ras Al Khaimah: My City Centre Al Dhait