NBD News Article Links

Egypt water minister lauds 'new chapter' with Nile Basin states

Water minister Hisham Kandil points to good relations with upstream states but reiterates refusal by Cairo, Khartoum to sign on to 2010 Nile-sharing agreement. Water minister Hisham Kandil points to good relations with upstream states but reiterates refusal by Cairo, Khartoum to sign on to 2010 Nile-sharing agreement Hisham Kandil, Egyptian minister of irrigation and water resources, said at a Monday meeting with Ain Shams University professors (20^th February, 2012) http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/34967/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-water-minister-lauds-new-chapter-with-Nile-B.aspx

Sudan: Ethiopian Electric Cable to Country Completed

Addis Ababa — Ethiopia has completed a power transmission line that links its power grid with neighbouring Sudan, state Electric and Power Corporation (EEPCO) announced. Funded by the World Bank, the $41 million dollar power project, will now enable Ethiopia to export an initial 100 MW of electricity to Sudan making Khartoum the second beneficiary next to Djibouti which imports 35 MW of electricity and in return pays Ethiopia up to $1.5 million every month. (19^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202200629.html

Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan to jointly fund new oil pipeline

February 20, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) – The cost of a massive a transportation corridor project aimed to link Kenya to South Sudan and Ethiopia will be shared among the three east African countries, according to a report. The $22billion dollar Lamu-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project is expected to be launched next month. To cope up financial constraints, the LAPSSET master plan report has proposed that the subjects - Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia should share part of the project cost, although the countries are seeking an external finance source. http://www.sudantribune.com/Ethiopia-Kenya-and-South-Sudan-to,41662

Sudan: Minister of Water Resources Affirms Sudan Keenness to Cooperate With Nile Basin Countries

Khartoum — The Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Saif-Eddin Hamad Abdalla, has affirmed Sudan keenness to cooperate with the Nile Basin countries and to build a basis for cooperation that leads to enhancement of the integration between these countries. In a statement to the press at the Council of Ministers on the occasion of the River Nile's Day, coinciding with February 22, the minister said that Sudan supports the comprehensive cooperation between Nile Basin countries. http://allafrica.com/stories/201202170984.html

Ethiopian electric cable to Sudan completed

February 19, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopia has completed a power transmission line that links its power grid with neighboring Sudan, state Electric and Power Corporation (EEPCO) announced. Funded by the World Bank, the $41 million dollar power project, will now enable Ethiopia to export an initial 100 MW of electricity to Sudan making Khartoum the second beneficiary next to Djibouti which imports 35 MW of electricity and in return pays Ethiopia up to $1.5 million every month. http://www.sudantribune.com/Ethiopian-electric-cable-to-Sudan,41651

Egypt: Nation to Host African Water Meeting

Egypt will host the fourth African week for water from 20 to 24 May 2012 to lay down an African vision in the water field, Egypt's irrigation minister Hisham Qandeel said on Wednesday 15/2/2012. The week, to be attended by the African water ministers and sponsored by the African Council for Water Ministers (17^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202161030.html

Kenya: Only People-Centred Solutions to Climate Change Woes Stand Chance of Succeeding

It is fitting that the last UN Climate Change Conference was held in Africa, where both the current and future consequences of climate change are clearly discernible. The short and medium-term impacts of floods and drought, and the long-term prospect of rising global temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, will continue to make Africa Exhibit A in discussions about the implications of climate change. (17^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202170098.html

South Sudanese officials visit Kenya over new oil pipeline

A high-level delegation from South Sudan has been in Kenya through the week to initiate negotiations with over rights of passage for the 2,000 km crude oil pipeline the country has decided to build to connect its oil fields to the Kenyan coastal town of Lamu (13^th February, 2012) http://www.individual.com/storyrss.php?story=151946981&hash=b7caee5e97f0458504967b606b90b9d2

Rwanda: Improved Water Management to Impact On Development

Over the last few years, the water level of several rivers and lakes in the country has decreased significantly, often due to human activities. At the same time, floods occur regularly due to lack of good water containment techniques, yet shortage of water has become great issue due to many factors including climate change. (13^th February, 2012 by Didier Karinganire in the Rwanda Focus) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202160058.html

Arid Food Insecure Regions Can Benefit From Intensified Irrigation Programmes

One of the causes of poverty in Turkana County is food insecurity. This is manifest in the fact that people here rely on livestock, which is managed using traditional free range production systems that have suffered in recent years due to climate change. One solution to this problem is irrigated agriculture (12^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202131005.html

Ethiopia: African Dev. Bank Signs 234.5 Million Br Loan for Roads to Neighbors

Lamin G. Barrow , resident representative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Ahmed Shide, state minister of Finance & Economic Development (MoFED), signed a loan agreement on Friday, February 2, 2012, at the headquarters of the MoFED. In a bid to foster regional trade between Ethiopia and its neighbors (12^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202140582.html

Egypt: Irrigation Minister - Positive Outcome for Meetings of Ethiopia's Dam Assessment Experts

The tripartite technical committee assigned to assess the impact of Ethiopia's Millennium Dam has completed choosing the four required international experts who will participate in the process of assessment as members of the committee. The step prepares for starting the executive measures of the assessment process that will include reviewing technical studies (13^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202131486.html

Outcome of the Nairobi Nile Council of Ministers Meeting – An Inevitable Consequence of a level-playing field?

The Ministers of Waters Resources of the Nile Basin countries (Nile Council of Ministers, or Nile COM) were supposed to hold an extra-ordinary meeting on January 27, 2012, in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the legal and institutional ramifications of the entry into force of the Nile Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) http://www.internationalwaterlaw.org/blog/2012/02/14/outcome-of-the-nairobi-nile-council-of-ministers-meeting-%E2%80%93-an-inevitable-consequence-of-a-level-playing-field/

Meeting of Tripartite Committee On Ethiopia's Millennium Dam

The tripartite committee in charge of assessing Ethiopia's Millennium Dam will convene on Saturday 11/2/2012 in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to choose international experts who will join the membership of the committee. http://allafrica.com/stories/201202081179.html

Power Raises Fuel Cost Charge As Water Levels Fall

Kenya Power has increased the fuel cost segment on its billing, signalling that electricity prices that had fallen in November are unlikely to sink further. The power distributor has served notice to consumers that the fuel cost adjustment -- a varying item on the bill linked to power generated from diesel engines (12^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202131239.html

Rwanda, Burundi sign cross-border trade pact

Rwandan and Burundian traders have received a major boost after the launch of a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) at the Gasenyi-Nemba border in Bugesera District that is expected to significantly reduce non-tariff barriers in both countries. It officially became operational yesterday after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (14^th February, 2012) http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?i=14901&a=50110

Khartoum and Juba sign non-aggression pact

February 10, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The governments of Sudan and South Sudan have signed a non-aggression treaty in the Ethiopian capital that is hoped to de-escalate growing tensions between the neighboring states. "The moment has come for the leaders of both countries to make the necessary compromises... that will guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for both nations," http://www.sudantribune.com/Khartoum-and-Juba-sign-non,41574

Egypt: Irrigation Minister Announces All-Out Cooperation Strategy With Nile Basin States

Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hisham Qandeel on Wednesday 8/2/2012 announced a comprehensive strategy for cooperation with other Nile Basin countries. At a seminar hosted by the Anglican Church in Egypt, Qandeel added that several quarters took part in devising the strategy including national security, foreign affairs, international cooperation, agriculture, trade, education and media experts. (9^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202091101.html

Tanzania: Subsidising Electricity Right Move - Experts

Dar es Salaam — The government is right to subsidise the power utility firm, Tanesco, to boost industrial production so as to save the economy from collapse, activists and experts say. But they cautioned that government financial assistance on electricity should be directed towards facilitating long-term power production efforts and improving the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco)'s infrastructure than towards funding emergency power production. (9^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202091180.html

Ethiopia dam to generate electricity, foreign minister says

Ethiopia will use its Grand Millennium Dam to generate electricity, the country’s foreign minister said at a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Monday in the capital of Addis Ababa. Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr said has he met with Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia three times over the past five months, and that the two countries have set up a committee http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/629696

East Africa’s energy dilemma: Uganda MPs reject increment

KAMPALA - The power price increases that were proposed by the Government of Uganda may fail to take off as they received strong resistance from manufacturers and legislators immediately. The Uganda Government through the energy ministry proposed new power tariffs saying it wants to save money and ensure more power production through construction of more dams (3^rd February, 2012) http://www.businesstimes.co.tz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1756:east-africas-energy-dilemma-uganda-mps-reject-increment&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=57

Field Marshal Tantawi Meets Speaker of the Sudanese National Council

Cairo, February 08 (QNA) - Chief of the Supreme Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi conferreed here on Wednesday with Speaker of the Sudanese National Council Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tahir now visiting Egypt. They discussed the economic relations between the two countries and how best to revitalize joint cooperation in all fields with a special emphasis on the agricultural domain. http://www.qnaol.net/QNAEn/News_Bulletin/News/Pages/12-02-08-2147_748_0087.aspx

Africa: Politics May Be Real Climate Hazard - Experts

Climate change impacts - from worsening droughts to new pots of climate-related cash for fragile states - may turn out to be a catalyst for worsening conflict. If so, keeping an eye on local politics and the quality of governance could be as important in heading off climate crises as breeding drought-resistant crops or protecting forests, climate security experts said at a recent meeting in London. (6^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202070672.html

Rusumo residents in the dark over power project

Local leaders and residents who will be affected by the construction of a 90MW hydro-power plant at Rusumo Falls, have pleaded with consultants working on the feasibility studies to share their findings to keep them informed and primed for possible displacement. http://in2eastafrica.net/rusumo-residents-in-the-dark-over-power-project/

Nairobi, Addis in landmark 400MW power purchase deal

Details of the high-stakes negotiations before Kenya signed a 400MW electricity deal with Ethiopia two weeks ago are emerging, revealing that Nairobi managed to talk down the initial charges proposed by Addis Ababa as too high. The deal, which analysts say presages a new era of power trading in the region, was arrived at after a great deal of haggling, with the Ethiopians pressing for a higher price on the grounds that Kenya is currently buying even more expensive power from thermal plants. http://www.newsdire.com/news/2467-nairobi-addis-in-landmark-400mw-power-purchase-deal.html

Egypt: Irrigation Minister - Nile Basin Cooperation to Witness Tangible Progress

Cooperation between Egypt and the Nile Basin states will witness tangible progress during the coming stage, said Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hisham Qandeel on Monday 6/2/2012. This will be reflected via bilateral meetings and dialogues at the ministerial and technical levels, he said. A three-way committee will hold meetings next week to evaluate the Grand Millennium Dam to be built in Ethiopia, he added. http://allafrica.com/stories/201202071169.html

Uganda: Raised Power Tariffs Push Water Rates Up

Kampala — Consumers will have to part with extra cash to get some water after the National Water and Sewerage Corporation increased prices of every unit of water by 10 per cent. This means for a 20 litre-jerry can, one will have to pay Shs23, Shs3 extra from the original price. (7^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202070867.html

Uganda: Bioelectricity Project Takes Off

The World Bank in partnership with the Agency for Promoting Sustainable Development Initiatives (ASDI) and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, last week inaugurated a pilot project for the promotion of bioelectricity in Uganda at Kayei Landing Site, Akokoro Sub-County, Apac District. (7^th February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202070315.html

Sudan urges Ethiopia to sign employment deal

February 2, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government has called on its Ethiopian counterpart to sign an agreement regularizing employment between the two neighboring countries. Sudan, which shares a 723 km borders with Ethiopia, says it has been grappling with increases in the number of Ethiopians who arrive illegally in search of job opportunities, citing concerns of concomitant social problems. http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudan-urges-Ethiopia-to-sign,41497

Kenya: World Bank to Invest Sh157 Billion in Water, Energy

The World Bank has announced that it will invest Sh157.7 billion in water and energy industries in Kenya within the next two years. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, World Bank's Group vice president for sustainable development Rachel Kyte said the bank was keen on growing its investment portfolio in Kenya with special focus on strategic projects. Currently, the bank has invested Sh182.6 billion in various projects in energy, water resource management and other infrastructure. (3^rd February, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201202060190.html

Egypt should address climate change immediately, experts say

An Egyptian-German panel at a Cairo conference Sunday night shared its views on Egypt's future challenges and opportunities in fending off the effects of climate change. Considering Egypt's ongoing political and economic turbulence, many believe it is the wrong time to address climate change, bringing an issue considered important for wealthier countries to a nation still struggling with mass poverty. http://www.egyptindependent.com/node/616586

Ethiopia: Concerns about Gibe 3 Dam

There is a powerful economic argument for Gibe 3 Dam. But there are also powerful arguments for ensuring that large-scale river-basin development projects provide genuine and sustainable development opportunities for the affected people. http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/79590

Talks over Nile abort after Egypt, Sudan absence

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 27 – Plans to have an Extra Ordinary Nile Council of Ministers meeting to discuss the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) aborted on Friday after Egypt and Sudan failed to attend the gathering in Nairobi. Only ministers drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan attended the meeting. “The initial plan was to have an Extra Ordinary Nile Council of Ministers meeting to discuss the CFA. http://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2012/01/talks-over-nile-abort-after-egypt-sudan-absence/

Geothermal Project to Receive Sh10 Billion Funding Boost

Plans to set up a 400MW geothermal power generating station at Menengai has received a boost, following approval for its funding by the African Development Bank (AfBD). In an interview with the Daily Nation, Gabriel Negatu AfDB's regional director, confirmed that at the end of last year, the board approved a Sh10.2 billion loan to fund the project. The funds are expected to be released by March this year. (26^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201270096.html

New EAC committee to expedite Common Market protocol

Following the slow implementation of the Common Market Protocol, ministers in charge of East African Community (EAC) affairs have now formed a focal point committee to be based in each of the partner countries to purposely facilitate the implementation process. The resolution is one of the recommendations reached during the 15th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers for EAC Affairs (30^th January, 2012) http://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/index.php?issue=14886&article=49506

Egyptian-Sudanese initiative to settle Nile Basin disputes

Cairo - Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hisham Qandil said that Egypt, in cooperation with Sudan, has reached a new initiative to end disputes between Nile Basin countries over the Entebbe framework agreement on the equitable use of Nile water. (24^th January, 2012) https://www.arabfinance.com//News/newsdetails.aspx?Id=216956

South Sudan and Kenya sign memorandum on construction of oil pipeline

January 24, 2012 (JUBA) - South Sudan and Kenya have signed a memorandum of understanding on the building of a oil pipeline from South Sudan to the Kenyan port of Lamu. The agreement comes four days after South Sudan passed a resolution in cabinet to shut down the oil operations through the pipeline which passes through Sudan to its sea port of Port Sudan http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-and-Kenya-sign,41394

Ethiopia: Nairobi, Addis in Landmark 400mw Power Purchase Deal

Details of the high-stakes negotiations before Kenya signed a 400MW electricity deal with Ethiopia two weeks ago are emerging, revealing that Nairobi managed to talk down the initial charges proposed by Addis Ababa as too high. (22^nd January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201220029.html

Egypt: Local-Sudanese Initiative for Nile Basin Legal Disengagement

Minister of water resources and irrigation Hisham Qandil confirmed on Sunday 22/1/2012 that Egypt in cooperation with Sudan has reached a new initiative to end the legal disagreement between Nile Basin countries over the Entebbe framework agreement on the equitable use of Nile water. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201231720.html

Egypt: Country Supports Nile Basin States' Right to Establish Dams Without Affecting Its Water Quota

Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Fayza Abul-Naga asserted Egypt's stance regarding the establishment of any water projects by other Nile Basin States on condition that they do not affect its water quota in conformity with the related international agreements (22^nd January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201230285.html

Shs 450bn lost in Bujagali delay

Uganda stands to lose an astronomical Shs 450 billion annually as a result of the failure to complete Bujagali hydro-power dam on time. The turbines were expected to be roaring by July 2011. According to a confidential document seen by The Observer, energy technocrats warned that any further delays of the project, whose completion remains a subject of speculation, would not only hurt a fragile economy, but prove costly. (22^nd January, 2012) http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=16782:shs-450bn-lostin-bujagali-delay-&catid=78:topstories&Itemid=116

Kenya says Bashir and Kiir agree to hold summit in Ethiopia

January 18, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Kenyan foreign minister Moses Wetangula revealed that Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir expressed readiness to meet with South Sudan leader Salva Kiir on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa scheduled for late January. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss the status of outstanding issues between the two countries http://www.sudantribune.com/Kenya-says-Bashir-and-Kiir-agree,41337

Egypt: Ganzouri Receives Report From Foreign Minister On His Tour in Nile Basin States

Prime Minister Dr. Kamal al-Ganzouri will receive a comprehensive report today 16/1/2012 from Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr on the results of his one-week tour in 6 River Nile Basin countries. Mohamed Amr wound up his tour by visiting Khartoum. The tour reflects the interest of the Egyptian foreign policy http://allafrica.com/stories/201201181043.html

South Sudan seeks Ethiopia premier’s help

January 19, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - South Sudan has asked the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) chairman, Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, to play a role in resolving its oil pipeline dispute with Khartoum. According to Ethiopian state media, South Sudan’s presidential special envoy, Emmanuel Lawilla, on Wednesday paid a visit to Addis Ababa where he met Zenawi and delivered him message sent from President Salva Kiir http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-seeks-Ethiopia-premier,41343

Egypt: Foreign Ministry - Nile Basin Countries Top Country's Political Priorities

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Amr Rushdi said on 18/1/2012 that a recent visit by Foreign Minister Mohammed Amr to six Nile Basin states attests to the importance Egypt attaches to the Nile Basin file. Egypt, he added, is seeking to carry out development projects in the Nile Basin nations. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201200540.html

Egypt: Tantawi Sends Message to Bashir, Confirms Nation's Support to Sudan

Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) Chairman Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi sent a message to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Egypt's political and economic support for Sudan. The message was conveyed by Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr as part of his multi-leg tour of the Nile Basin. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201181046.html

Minister of Water Resources discusses with EU representative, France Ambassador opportunities of cooperation between Nile Basin countries

Khartoum, Jan. 18(SUNA) ) The Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Saif-Eddin Abdalla Hamad, Tuesday received the representative of the European Union (EU) to Khartoum and discussed the cooperation with Nile Basin countries, the situation of the the legal institutional framework, the Nile Basin Initiative and the endeavor of Sudan to reach a comprehensive agreement that includes all the countries (18^th January, 2012) http://www.fananews.com/en/?p=79872

East Africa: High Cost of Power to Dim Investments in Trade Bloc

The investment profile of the East Africa common market is coming under focus for sharp increases in electricity tariffs that threaten to escalate the cost of doing business. Policy changes in Tanzania and Uganda have seen the cost of power climb by 40.29 and 42 per cent respectively starting this week. (17^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201161758.html

Africa: What Risks Lie Ahead for African Water Security?

Africa is home to some of the largest lakes in the world, both in size and volume. These lakes play a significant role in the political, social, economic and environmental life of many of the continent's people and their importance is set to increase. However, the strain placed upon these water resources is also forecast to pose significant challenges for their future sustainable development (17^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201170943.html

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam Warned of Higher Power Tariffs

HIGHER and prohibitive power tariffs will adversely affect the government's plans to create more jobs and bring about better life to all Tanzanians, the Deputy Minister for Industries and Trade, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, has said. "The ministry is not happy with the ever rising of electricity tariffs since they will lead to higher production costs, inflation and decimate the capacity of industries to create new jobs," (16^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201170435.html

Millennium Dam committee to meet in Sudan

Khartoum is hosting a two-day meeting of the tripartite technical committee that will evaluate Ethiopia's Millennium Dam on Sunday. Four international experts from different specializations will be chosen to join the committee. At some point within the next month, a meeting will be held in Cairo to discuss the evaluation process for the project. (15^th January, 2012) http://masress.com/en/almasryalyoumen/601846

Tanzania: Dar, Cairo in Talks Over Nile Waters

Dar es Salaam — Tanzania and Egypt have jointly called for a meeting of Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) member countries to discuss and find solutions to impending problems. The meeting will focus on finding out how each country could benefit from the resources without jeopardising interests of other members. (13^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201130877.html

Egypt: Foreign Minister - Cairo, Khartoum Have Identical Views on Nile Water

Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr asserted that Cairo and Khartoum have identical views as regards the Nile water issue. Addressing a joint news conference with his Sudanese counterpart Ali Karti in Khartoum, he added he expressed this stance during his six-leg Nile Basin trip. (15^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201160235.html

New Local Initiative to Develop Nile Basin Countries

Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr held on Tuesday 10/1/2012 talks with Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka in Nairobi. This came during Amr's Nile Basin tour that takes him to a number of the Nile Basin countries.  The talks dealt with developing bilateral relations between the two countries, boosting investments and increasing trade. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201131140.html

Egypt looks to make up for lost ground with Nile Basin countries

Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr is currently on a six-country tour of the Nile Basin countries as Egypt increases its attempts to engage its neighbors to the south lobbying for a greater share of Nile water. Amr's visit is being advertised as promoting Egyptian investment in the Nile Basin countries, but Egyptian foreign policy experts say that the trip is really aimed at improving relations with the six countries (13^th January, 2012) http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/599196

Ethiopia and Sudan power grids soon to be linked

January 14, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - The Ethiopia-Sudan power transmission line will be completed earlier this year connecting Ethiopia to Sudan’s power grids, according to the Ethiopia Electric and Power Corporation (EEPCO). The energy link is expected to be completed by first quarter of this year and will allow power trading between the two east African neighbours. http://www.sudantribune.com/Ethiopia-and-Sudan-power-grids,41291

Egypt’s FM visits Juba, Khartoum

January 14, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – Egypt’s foreign minister Mohamed Amr on Saturday visited both Sudan and South Sudan, one week after Cairo offered to mediate between the recently separated countries on their outstanding issues. Amr first arrived in South Sudan’s capital Juba, where he said his country plans to increase development support to the newly independent state. http://www.sudantribune.com/Egypt-s-FM-visits-Juba-Khartoum,41299

Uganda’s $200m electricity subsidy gravy train

n January 11, the Uganda Cabinet agreed to increase electricity tariffs. If it had removed all electricity subsidies, which amount to $202 million annually, prices would have gone up by over 300 per cent on average. In the end, it increased the tariffs by 40 per cent, suggesting that many rounds of price hikes will come in the near future. (16^th January, 2012) http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/Uganda+s++200m+electricity++subsidy+gravy+train+/-/2558/1305998/-/132bww9/-/index.html

Rwanda, Egypt Seek To Strength Security Cooperation

The Minister of defense Gen. James Kabarebe on this Thursday, received the minister in charge of foreign affairs of Egypt. The two discussed bilateral relationship between the two countries, both countries’ army cooperation and cooperation peacekeeping. Speaking to IGIHE.com, Mohammed Kamel the Egyptian minister in charge of foreign affairs said that the two countries have good relationships (12^th January, 2012) http://en.igihe.com/spip.php?article1535

Egypt: Foreign Minister - Country-South Sudan Relations Are Strong

Foreign Minister Mohamed Amr confirmed on Saturday 14/1/2012 that South Sudanese President Salva Kiir said that he will not take any decision that would affect Egypt's quota of Nile water. Minister Amr said that his meeting with Kiir, during a visit to Juba, was friendly noting that he conveyed greetings of Field Marshal Tantawi, the head of the Supreme Council (15^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201160236.html

Egypt: Communications Minister to Enhance Cooperation With Ethiopia

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Mohamed Salem said in a press release on 11/01/2012 that he will head a delegation of high-ranking leaders of the ministry to visit Addis Ababa on 18/1/2012. The visit will enhance means of cooperation between Egypt and Ethiopia http://allafrica.com/stories/201201120882.html

Ethiopia: Country, Sudan and Egypt Begin Studying Nile Dam Impact

Addis Ababa — A joint tripartite technical committee set up by Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan has began assessing the possible impacts of the massive hydro-power dam project Ethiopia intends to build in the Blue Nile River. Ethiopia proposed the establishment of the technical team to create transparency and to guarantee Sudan and Egypt (11^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201120999.html

Sudan softens its stance on Kenya’s warrant row

January 12, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese ambassador to Kenya Kamal Ismail Saeed announced today that a ruling made by a judge in Nairobi last year ordering the arrest of President Omer Hassan al-Bashir will not impact bilateral relations. “We are ready to take into greater heights the bilateral relations which the two countries have developed in the past decades. Sudan currently enjoys excellent relations with Kenya and this will be bolstered further,” Saeed told http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudan-softens-its-stance-on-Kenya,41278

Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt begin studying Nile dam impact

January 11, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) - A joint tripartite technical committee set up by Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan has began assessing the possible impacts of the massive hydro-power dam project Ethiopia intends to build in the Blue Nile River. Ethiopia proposed the establishment of the technical team to create transparency and to guarantee Sudan and Egypt that the construction of the dam will not negatively affect their water share downstream http://www.sudantribune.com/Ethiopia-Sudan-and-Egypt-begin,41257

Uganda: Electricity Authority to Hike Tariffs Today

The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) will today announce electricity power price increment, a direction that will ensure that the energy sector raise money to sustain its operations. It is not clear the new rates will be but sources say that domestic consumers will have to pay about sh506 per unit up from the current sh385.6. (11^th November, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201120037.html

Sudan cuts hard currency carried by travelers to Ethiopia, Egypt and Eritrea by 50%

January 11, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The union of foreign exchange bureaus issued a decision further limiting the amount of hard currency Sudanese travelers can carry with them to Ethiopia, Egypt and Eritrea. The pro-government al-Rayaam newspaper said that effective immediately the amount travelers to these countries can purchase is now down to $500 from $1,000. http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudan-cuts-hard-currency-carried,41266

Egypt offers to mediate between Khartoum and Juba

January 9, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Egyptian government has offered to mediate between Sudan and South Sudan to resolve the outstanding issues between the two sides, an official said today. The Sudanese foreign ministry spokesperson Al-Obeid Marwih told the independent al-Sahafa newspaper that the Egyptian foreign minister Mohamed Kamil Amr will visit Juba and Khartoum next week to discuss the matter. http://www.sudantribune.com/Egypt-offers-to-mediate-between,41245

Kenya says ready to work with Egypt's govt

NAIROBI - The Kenyan government said on Tuesday it was ready to work with Egypt's new administration which came into power after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak early last year. Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka assured visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr that Kenya is ready to work with the new Egyptian administration for the benefit of peace and prosperity of the African continent. (11^th January, 2012) http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2012-01/11/content_14419430.htm

Egypt: Five Medical Convoys to Tour Nile Basin Countries Starting January Till June

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hisham Kandil received a group of doctors participating in initiative aiming at strengthening the bonds between the Nile Basin countries by exchanging expertise in the fields of medical care and health training. The doctors will join five medical convoys which will tour Nile Basin nations to offer health services to their people from January till June (11^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201100654.html

$180 Million Egyptian Grants to Prop Nile Basin States Development

The Nile Sector of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation finalized listings of all bilateral cooperation enterprises between Egypt and the Rive Nile basin countries. The project's aggregate cost amounted to approximately $180 million (8^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201101035.html

Sudan-Egypt Review Preparations for Extra-Ordinary Meeting of Nile Basin Countries in Nairobi

Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Saif Eddin Hammad reviewed, Monday with his Egyptian counterpart, Hisham Gendil the progress of work of the implementation of the Nile Basin-Countries Cooperation Program . The two ministers, on the side lines of their participation in the (10^th January, 2012) http://www.fananews.com/en/?p=78300

Egypt FM starts tour of Nile Basin countries

Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr on Monday started a tour of six Nile Basin nations, Egyptian diplomatic sources said. Amr and his delegation will focus on boosting economic and political relations between Egypt and these countries and a potential increase in trade volume, the sources said. On the trip, Amr will visit Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan and South Sudan (10^th January, 2012) http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/591746

Egypt: A 400-Million-Dollar Loan From African Development Bank to Electricity Sector

Minister of Electricity and Energy Hassan Younis said on 8/1/2012 that Egypt has obtained a 400-million-dollar loan from the African Development Bank to fund the 1100-megawatt West Damietta and 6th of October power plants. The loan is part of a program aimed at supporting development policies in the clean economy, (9^th January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201091719.html

Egyptian foreign minister to start tour of Nile Basin countries

Foreign minister will visit newly independent South Sudan as well as other countries in Africa; rise of Islamist groups and the Nile Basin on the agenda. On Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr is expected to arrive in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, for talks with top state officials including head of state Silva Kiir. (5^th January, 2012) http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/31004/Egypt/Politics-/Egyptian-foreign-minister-to-start-tour-of-Nile-Ba.aspx

Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam: Egypt’s enemy or a blessing in disguise?

Preliminary construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GRD) began in April 2011 on the Blue Nile River near the Sudanese border. Scheduled for completion in 2014, it is planned to be the biggest hydropower dam in Africa, with more than twice the generating capacity of the Aswan High Dam (5^th January, 2012) http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/node/585731

Why should Egypt, Sudan decide for Rwanda?

As a Rwandan, I read with concern Egypt and Sudan’s endorsement of the Commission on Water Resources Development Project in Rwanda without our country’s consent. It was reported that the decision to endorse it was reached by the Joint Technical Commission for Nile water at the just concluded second meeting of the 55th session held in Cairo, Egypt (5^th January, 2012) http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14861&article=48788

Nile Basin countries want wind and solar

The Nile Basin Discourse (NBD) has proposed to include wind and solar in addition to hydropower into the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), to ensure greater access to electricity. Organisations within the Nile Basin are asking for more focus on wind energy and solar power instead of hydropower, as many residents will not have access to the grid that the hydropower will feed (5^th January, 2012) http://www.renewableenergyfocus.com/view/22974/nile-basin-countries-want-wind-and-solar/

Egypt: Ganzouri Discusses Framework Convention With Sudanese FM

Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri met Saturday 31/12/2011 with visiting Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti in the presence of Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr and Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt Kamal Hassan Ali. The two sides exchanged views on a number of issues of mutual interest, said Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr following the meeting. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201031451.html

Rwanda: Kamanzi Slams Egypt, Sudan Over Nile Decision

The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi, has criticised the decision by Egypt and Sudan to endorse the Commission on Water Resources Development Project in Rwanda without the country's consent. Kamanzi's reaction follows resolutions reached by the Joint Technical Commission for Nile water at the just concluded second meeting of the 55th session held in Cairo, Egypt from December 26-30, 2011. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201050357.html

Egypt prepares for unified power linkage

04 January 2012  - The Egyptian Electricity and Energy Ministry is to sign power linkage agreements with Saudi Arabia, as a prelude to a bid to implement the project after completing all necessary measures and studies.  The Egypt-Sudan power grid will be linked in 2012 to implement the power linkage between Nile Basin countries, Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia, added the minister. http://www.esi-africa.com/node/14003

Nile Basin Initiative names consultant

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia --- ESI-AFRICA.COM --- 03 January 2012 - The 10-nation Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has named international consultants to perform data processing and modeling for a Basin Decision Support System (DSS) for its water resources planning and management program. The NBI ‒ which includes Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda http://www.esi-africa.com/node/13993

Sudan commits machinery to assist Ethiopia’s power projects

December 30, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – Sudan has delivered a range of machinery to Ethiopia that it had pledged to contribute in support of ongoing development activities. Last October Sudanese president Omar Al Bashir offered Ethiopia $10 million USD worth of heavy machinery after a high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by the Minister of Water and Energy http://www.sudantribune.com/Sudan-commits-machineries-to,41135

Egypt: Country to Ink Power Projects With Six Countries

Electricity and Energy ministry will ink this month agreements of power linkage with Saudi Arabia as a prelude to a bid on implementing the project after completing all necessary measures and studies, said Electricity and Energy Minister Hassan Younis (2^nd January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201031560.html

East Africa: Talks On EAC Power Master Plan This Month

Energy ministers across East Africa are set to meet by end January to discuss a regional master plan, as they seek to end the bloc's crippling power shortages. The East Africa Community Secretariat is finalising details of the meeting which is expected to attract executives from regulatory authorities and private sector power producers. They will discuss regional priorities in terms of power generation and transmission (1^st January, 2012) http://allafrica.com/stories/201201031916.html

Kenya: Demand for Electricity Loans to Rise in 2012

Kenya Power expects the demand for credit financing for new electricity connections to rise in 2012. The power supplier is negotiating with Kenyan banks on modalities to make the funds available. National Bank of Kenya is already on board and a pilot test is ongoing (1^st January, 2012) by Kennedy Senelwa. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201031810.html

Egypt: Finance Minister - Implementing New Prices of Energy, Maximum Wages in January

Minister of Finance Momtaz al-Saeed announced on 31/12/2011 that the new prices of energy and the maximum wages in the state administrative body will be implemented as of January 2012. http://allafrica.com/stories/201201031450.html

Egypt: Tripartite Experts Committee Convenes to Assess Ethiopia's Millennium Dam

Tripartite committees of members from Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia convened here on 24/12/2011 to look into the expected effects of the construction of Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam on Down stream states, Egypt and Sudan. The meeting came in light of the agreement signed here on November 29 between Egypt's Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Hisham Qandil, Ethiopian Water and Energy Minister Alemayehu Tegenu and Sudanese Irrigation and Water Minister Kamal Ali Mohammed. http://allafrica.com/stories/201112272268.html

Egypt: Road Network Between Nation, Sudan to Be Completed in April

A project for establishing a network of roads between Egypt and Sudan will be completed by the end of April next year, said Egyptian Minister of Transport Galal Mostafa al-Saeed on Wednesday 28/12/2011. At a meeting with Sudanese Ambassador in Cairo Kamal Hussein Ali, Saeed added that the project, after its completion, will remarkablly help promote (29^th December, 2011) http://allafrica.com/stories/201112290842.html

Egypt: High Dam Not Affected By Aswan Tremor

A report presented to the Minister of Irrigation on Tuesday 27/12/2011 confirmed that the High Dam was not affected by a tremor that hit the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan on 26/12/2011. The body of the dam is intact and it is capable of enduring an eight-degree-earthquake, the report said affirming that such mild quakes do not affect the efficiency of the dam http://allafrica.com/stories/201112290317.html

Tanzania: Traders Appeal to Govt Over Electricity, Water

Muheza — Prominent businessmen here have appealed to the government to find a lasting solution to electricity problems before they are forced to close down their activities. They made the appeal when they met the district commissioner, Mr Mathew Nasei. The traders marched to the district commissioner's office to directly tell him how their activities have been affected by power and water problems (26^th December, 2011) http://allafrica.com/stories/201112271592.html