VA Speak, Weekly Economic Index, and Somalia’s new anti-graft bill.

VA Speak, Weekly Economic Index, and Somalia’s new anti-graft bill. VA: MID-WEEK UPDATE [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( mailto:your@email.com [Email](mailto:your@email.com) Photo Credit: The Africa Exponent VA Speak: Its 2019, Why Is The Internet Off? Business VA Speak: Internet shutdowns and the future of democracy in Africa. Over the years it has not only become a trend, but also a new form of repression used by African governments. Between 2016 and 2018 alone, [there were 46 shutdowns in Africa]( at an average of about 15 per year. This year is on track to beat that number as there have been internet shutdowns in more than 10 African countries. Weekly Economic Index: CBN introduces new charges for cash transactions. This is the Ventures Africa Weekly Economic Index, for [the week ending September 20, 2019](. This economic index gives you a glimpse into recent activities in Nigeria’s economy as well as changes and prices that could affect the economy. Activists protest against Airtel over kidnappings in eastern DR Congo. The sit-in protest in front of Airtel’s office last week [was held to call for]( better services at lower prices from the firm, which is one of the three main telecom operators in the central African country. It follows a similar one held in May for the same purpose. In the DRC, the average income is below $2 a day. President Farmajo passes new anti-graft bill in Somalia. Like in most African societies, corruption is rife in Somalia, which is often judged to be [the most corrupt country]( in the world. The Horn of African nation has been ranked bottom of Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index every year since 2006, performing worse than Yemen, South Sudan, and Syria. AfDB approves funding for education in post-conflict South Sudan. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved [a proposal of $17.7 million]( to finance a social sector project in South Sudan. This fund is expected to increase access to education for children in the Upper Nile, Unity, Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states and regions. The project will also improve access to primary education for 30,000 children. Adebola Williams, Edmund Olutu attend the global launch of Glendfiddich Grand Cru in Singapore. At the beginning of the month, William Grant & Sons, the [world’s foremost distiller]( and makers of Glenfiddich, unveiled their new expression Glenfiddich Grand Cru at a spectacular event in Singapore with the worlds top influencers including Adebola Williams, entrepreneur and group CEO of RED and Edmund Olotu, Founder and CEO of TechAdvance. Luno takes cryptocurrency awareness to eastern Nigeria with Enugu meetup. Global cryptocurrency platform, Luno is working to improve cryptocurrency education and awareness for [consumers across Nigeria](. At the weekend, the firm held a meetup in Enugu, in the eastern part of the country to boost the understanding of the digital currency and its potential benefits. Barrick Gold completes takeover of Acacia Mining in Tanzania. In July, Ventures Africa reported that the Canadian-based Barrick [had reached an agreement]( to buy out fellow shareholders in Acacia Mining. The deal, which values the firm at $1.2 billion, was finalized after a Dar court approved the acquisition on September 13. Following the approval, Barrick’s board was rearranged and Acacia’s shares suspended from the London Stock Exchange. Social Media – Instagram A female farmer in Kitgum, Uganda - [View here]( Cartoon by Asukwo - [View here]( We’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. Please drop us a note at hello@ventures-africa.com. We’re active on [Facebook]( and [Twitter]( as well throughout the day with more stories. Like us on [Facebook]( and follow us on [Twitter](. For advertising opportunities please contact: Business Unit [manager@ventures-africa.com](mailto:inyang@ventures-africa.com) Tel: +234-909-328-4213, +234-909-328-4214 [Share]( [Tweet]( [Forward]( [+1]( This email was sent to {EMAIL} [why did I get this?]( [unsubscribe from this list]( [update subscription preferences]( Ventures Africa · 1 Rima street · Maitama, Abuja 100211 · Nigeria