APO News from Africa:
Local content is one of important policy levers in industrial policy action plan:
Local content is one of the important policy levers in the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP) as it leverages public expenditure and respond to a myriad of economic challenges facing South Africa. This was said by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies at the Buy Local Summit which took place in Sandton.
According to Minister Davies, localisation is an extremely important policy tool for industrialisation. Through local content procurement, a policy lever is provided amongst others, to minimize import leakages which represent an outflow of funds whilst at the same time attempting to increase both aggregate demand and supply in the South African economy.
“This is a tool that has been deployed by almost every country in the world at any time when embarking on industrialisation. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) regulations require all organs of state to purchase only locally-produced goods at a prescribed level of local content. For each designated product, except pharmaceutical products, there are instruction notes which regulate the environment within which government departments and public entities may procure designated products,” said Davies.
Davies said that twenty-one products and commodities have been designated for local procurement with stipulated minimum thresholds of local content and more are in the pipeline. He further added that the economic objective of local procurement is for local manufacturers to receive a substantial share of government business, where sustainable order books will contribute to the development of local industries and the creation of jobs.
“Local content, therefore, must not be seen only as a supply chain instrument to be implemented by procurement officers. Well designed and implemented local content can open up opportunities for local economic development in the furniture, clothing, textiles, and cable sectors. This will require pooling of purchases through transversal contracts at national, provincial and local spheres of government,” added Davies.
Total current investment in building and construction is about R380-billion, the industry having grown seven fold since 2000 when investment was only R55 million. Public sector expenditure accounts for 55% of this at R210-billion. From March 2015 to July 2016, almost R57.06 billion has been locked into the country as a result of local content requirements, mainly as a result of the rail rolling stock fleet procurement.
“It is imperative that the majority of this expenditure benefits the SA economy and leveraged to develop domestic manufacturing supply chains. Government must buy locally-produced goods at a massive scale. South African manufacturing companies have and are developing capabilities, skills and expertise to manufacture, assemble and supply most priority sectors,” said Davies.
Distributed by APO on behalf of The Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa.
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Source: APO – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa
Africa: On the Occasion of the Republic of Senegal’s National Day:
Press Statement by Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State:
On behalf of the American people, we send our best wishes to the people of Senegal as you celebrate your independence on April 4.
Your role in ensuring peace and security in the region as a member of the United Nations Security Council, your robust contributions to peacekeeping missions throughout the continent, and your efforts to help mediate regional disputes attest to your strength and vision as a nation.
The United States remains committed to strong relationships with valued partners like Senegal. We will continue to support Senegal’s ongoing efforts to grow its economy and attract investment, and to assure safety and security for all its citizens.
Congratulations on your 57th anniversary and best wishes for a year filled with peace and prosperity.
Distributed by APO on behalf of U.S. Department of State.
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Source: APO – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa
More children with disabilities get the chance to access mainstream school:
Thousands of children with mild to moderate disabilities in Ghana now have greater access to mainstream schools thanks to a recently established Inclusive Education Policy.
UNICEF, with funding support from USAID, is working with the Ghanaian Government through the Ghana Education Service to support 20 districts in the implementation of Inclusive Education.
“It is encouraging to see that all children especially those with special needs now have a chance to learn in an inclusive environment,” said Susan Namondo Ngongi, UNICEF representative in Ghana.
Today’s announcement comes as UNICEF and USAID jointly hand over essential assistive devices and basic screening materials procured by UNICEF worth USD $ 100,000 to the Government of Ghana for use in assessment centres in all ten regions across the country. The handover takes place at the flagship assessment centre in Central Region, located within the Cape Coast School for the Deaf/Blind.
The equipment, which includes assistive devices (child-sized wheelchairs, crutches, complete spectacles, and hearing aids) and basic screening materials (including snellen charts, tossing rings, tennis balls, drums), will provide the much needed support for the community, especially pupils and students with special educational needs.
“Inclusive education is a particularly strong priority for USAID,” said USAID/Ghana Mission Director Andy Karas. “I have seen first-hand the power of these efforts to not only open up opportunities for children with special needs, but to help all children receive a better education.”
Despite the commitment made by the Government in its Inclusive Education policy, children with disabilities are still at risk of stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination particularly within their local communities. Such discrimination hinders a child’s chance to receive a quality education. UNICEF will therefore continue to support the Ghanaian Government, through the Ministry of Education/Ghana Education Service, and Civil Society Organizations to create awareness of the IE Policy and its implementation at both national and sub-national levels.
“Children with disabilities will never be able to achieve their full potential unless they are given a fair chance to learn like any other child. While Ghana’s Inclusive Education policy plays an essential role, we need greater collaboration with family members, communities, Development Partners, Civil Society, and all stakeholders to allow every child a chance to thrive. The UNICEF and USAID partnership is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together,” said Susan Namondo Ngongi, UNICEF Representative in Ghana.
Distributed by APO on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
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Source: APO – Africa-Newsroom: latest news releases related to Africa
