Kenya

EPRA sets LPG dealer limit at 30,000 cylinders in new rules  

EPRA has mandated that investors have a minimum of 30,000 cylinders as a prerequisite for a liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) dealership. This requirement is to root out middlemen and cartels in the sub-sector. The current entry point is a minimum of 5,000 cylinders. Though the increase is a barrier to entry, the current market practice has seen middlemen hijacking equipment to profiteer, further violating section 99 of the Energy and Petroleum Act. The Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations, 2024, will contain the proposal. The new requirement will replace the minimum stock threshold in place since 2019, as EPRA seeks to implement regulations that mirror the steady growth in the sector.

(Business Daily)

Uganda

Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda promotes water stewardship with efficiency measures

Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU) has intensified its efforts to enhance water efficiency at its Rwenzori and Namanve plants by adopting innovative measures to reduce water consumption. As part of the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) group, the company is leveraging data as a key driver in its efficiency strategy. CCBU is implementing continuous monitoring systems, including hourly tracking of the returnable glass bottle line during bottle cleaning and daily reviews to assess overall water usage. These measures are intended to support ongoing improvements in production processes. In addition, the company is promoting a culture of water responsibility within its operations. This includes awareness campaigns and the designation of water champions at its plants to drive adherence to best practices, with water efficiency remaining a core operational focus.

(The Independent)

Tanzania

Stanbic Bank TZ wraps up campaign with TZS 7.5 million in prizes

Stanbic Bank TZ has concluded its three-month Tap Kibingwa Campaign, which aimed to encourage digital payments through Stanbic Visa Debit Cards. The final draw awarded TZS 500,000 each to five customers, bringing the total payout to TZS 7.5 million across 15 selected winners in February, March, and April. The campaign launched earlier in the year aimed to increase the adoption of card payment options while promoting financial awareness and reinforcing the bank’s role in advancing digital banking in Tanzania.

(The Citizen)

Rwanda

Rwanda Raises Vehicle Registration Fees: Here is What to Know

Rwanda has issued new vehicle registration fees, thereby raising the rates. The new rates will cover all engine sizes, introduce payment on number plates and costs on electric vehicles which were not covered previously. The Minister of Finance passed the order repealing the registration of the Vehicle Order, 2009.  Regarding engine capacity, the higher the capacity, the more the registration fees a vehicle is subjected to. For registration fees for an electric vehicle, the order is set at Rwf285,000 as a registration fee for an electric vehicle (car), and Rwf75,000 for an electric motorcycle. Meanwhile, other vehicles (unclassified or not indicated in the ministerial order) will be charged Rwf1 million each.

(New Times)

Ethiopia

“Made In Ethiopia” movement boosts quality, competitiveness of products

The Ethiopia Tamrit (Made in Ethiopia) movement has enabled the country to increase the quality and competitiveness of products. The movement aims to create a competitive manufacturing industry by overcoming the bottlenecks in the sector. The movement plays a crucial role in substituting imported products and enabling the production of various products, demonstrating that achievements have been registered during the past years in the sector. The same has also pushed for an increase in investment in the manufacturing sector, which has led to the establishment of a Manufacturing Council.

(ENA)