It is a bumper edition of policy developments across the continent!
Policy Vault
An online repository of government policies, regulations, laws, investment guides of countries.
Welcome back to the Vault. Here’s our bulletin on recent policy developments.?
NIGERIA?
KENYA?
GHANA?
SOUTH AFRICA?
ETHIOPIA?
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Data Vault: Kenya Inflation Drops To 3.6%, Lowest since 2012.?
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In other news:??
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NIGERIA?
Telcos alarmed by renewed excise tax moves. Gaming, betting and lotteries also impacted?
After at least two previous attempts since 2022, the Nigerian Government has initiated another bill to impose excise tax on telecommunications services, gaming, betting, gambling and lotteries.??
A new bill recently presented to the National Assembly, which seeks “to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and Related Matters” would, if passed, cause post-paid and prepaid telecoms services in Nigeria to attract a 5% excise duty that is payable to the Federal Government. Other activities such as gaming, betting, gambling and lotteries will also become subject of excise tax.?
The goods/products that are presently excisable in Nigeria include tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, corrugated paper and paper boards.?
Beyond becoming subject of additional tax, manufacturers of affected goods are required to register with the Nigeria Customs Service and take on the associated responsibilities – leading to increased cost of doing business and regulatory obligations. It is also unclear whether the government, through its telecommunications regulator, would now be willing to approve change in tariff by the operators who are likely to seek to transfer all or a part of the additional tax burden to consumers.?
Education Ministry floats skill-oriented curriculum change for primary and secondary schools?
The Federal Government is launching a new curriculum for primary and secondary schools aimed at transforming the basic education systems in Nigeria. Said to be aligned with the National Skills Framework, the new curriculum requires students to gain at least two practical skills at the elementary level to make them more productive, self-reliant and globally competitive. The curriculum is also targeted at inculcating moral values.??
In the case of primary schools, the new curriculum will take effect nationwide in January 2025, while that of secondary schools is expected to kick off in September 2025. The changes will affect both public and private schools.?
According to the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Sununu, the curriculum is also aligned with the STEM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) initiative. Further, while initial roll-out is expected in January next year, there will be a transition period preceded by various stakeholders’ engagement and other preparatory activities, including preparation of the classrooms and teachers’ development.?
Government considers policy for comprehensive gas distribution to urban buildings?
In continuation of the country’s energy diversification drive, Nigeria’s ministry of petroleum resources has set up a technical working group (TWG) to design a comprehensive policy to implement best practices for gas reticulation (i.e. the process of creating a network of pipes or tubes to distribute gas or other utilities to buildings or industrial sites), using LPG, PNG and Bio-Gas across Nigeria’s building sector.?
The TWG, which comprises members of the National Gas Expansion Programme and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, has also been tasked with review of the National Building Code, examination of global gas distribution systems and recommendation of quality standards for materials used in gas installations. The TWG’s report is expected to be delivered to the ministry by 15th November.??
88 is the number for CNG vehicle safety standards?
Also in connection with Nigeria’s gas adoption objectives, the Government has announced adoption of eighty-eight international standards for compressed natural gas products. In a statement issued by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (“SON”), the agency confirmed that it adopted the international standards so that CNG products in the country meet rigorous safety and quality benchmarks for the transportation sector.?
Adoption of the international standards supports the government’s push for expedited transition from petrol to compressed national gas and obviates the need for constitution of local technical committees that would require time to complete its work. On the other hand, however, it is unclear whether due consideration was taken to ascertain whether the international standards align with local realities and do not result in unintended consequences.?
The SON has also disclosed that several technical committees have been set up to review other national standards, but the affected standards were not identified.??
KENYA?
Kenya Senators push for revision of Tobacco Law?
A bill to amend Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act (enacted in 2007 and previously amended in 2009) is now making its way through the legislative process within the country’s Senate. The bill was sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma and is presently being considered by the Senate Committee on Health.??
Some of the key changes that the bill seeks to introduce are as follows:?
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Policy to restrict export of key minerals in raw form to be developed?
The Ministry of Mining in Kenya has disclosed its plan to develop a new policy to restrict the export of materials such as gold, gemstones and granite, until after value addition in the country. The policy is expected to become operational after construction of processing plants (in the country) has been completed.
Kenya’s government recently signed a deal with investors for establishment of a gold refinery, as well as a granite processing plant, and expects that post-construction, all gold mined in Kenya should be refined in the country. Both factories are expected to be completed by mid-2025.??
Like several African countries, Kenya has suffered from illegal exploration and export of minerals over the years.?
领英推荐
Tenure policy change proposal unlikely to succeed, as President Ruto disowns ally?
Kenya’s Senate is considering public input into the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill 2024, that proposes extensive constitutional changes - including extension of the terms of the President, Members of Parliament (MPs), County Governors, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) from five to seven years. The ruling political party, United Democratic Alliance, and the President have, however, distanced themselves from the move.?
The bill, introduced by Senator Samson Cherargei, an ally of President William Ruto, also seeks to create the position of Prime Minister, give the Senate power to approve military deployments, and provide clearer procedures for removing Governors or Deputy Governors from office.?
In view of the public distancing from the bill by President Ruto and the ruling party, it appears that the term extension proposal is unlikely to succeed.??
Government kicks off new policy for eco-friendly coffee and tea sector?
Kenya is developing the “Green Supplement” (a new / proposed policy) to introduce environment-friendly policies for its coffee and tea sectors. Specifically, the new policy will guide production and trade in both key export crops in trade blocs.?
According to Salim Mvurya, cabinet secretary at the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the policy “will guide through providing opportunities for green intra-African trade trade and climate adaptation within the tea and coffee sectors in Kenya.”??
The latest moves are said to be in response to environmental concerns and push for sustainable farming practices.?
GHANA?
Ghana Launches National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2024?
In its bid to establish a robust legal system, secure infrastructure, coordinated cybersecurity efforts, a well-trained workforce, and collaboration with both national and international stakeholders, Ghana has launched a National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.??
The document outlines key directives for cybersecurity governance, creation of legal frameworks, adoption of advanced technologies, organizational development, capacity building and international cooperation to combat cyber threats.?
The strategy section translates the policy objectives into implementation plans, focusing on building a resilient digital ecosystem, securing critical infrastructure, developing national cybersecurity skills, deterring cybercrime, and strengthening cooperation with global partners. Each strategic focus area includes specific initiatives, timelines for implementation, and regular evaluation to monitor progress. Overall, the policy is expected to strengthen Ghana's cybersecurity, and foster public trust, economic growth, and global cooperation, while securing digital infrastructure.?
SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africa Education Policy Review Highlights Divisions?
President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act into law, introducing sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing equality in South Africa’s education system. Key provisions of the Act include making Grade R compulsory (discussed below), prohibiting corporal punishment and initiation practices, and tightening regulations on homeschooling. The most contentious change is the transfer of authority over school language and admission policies from school governing bodies to the National Department of Basic Education.?
Notable amendments include:?
The government argues that the BELA Act is aimed at addressing issues such as inequality in education and discriminatory admissions practices but two political parties (the Democratic Alliance and Action SA), some civil society groups and Afrikaans-speaking communities argue that the BELA Act undermines the constitutional right to mother-tongue education. They also argue that government control over language policies will disproportionately affect minority-language communities, particularly Afrikaans speakers. Increased regulation of homeschooling has also been viewed by some, as an unnecessary intrusion into parents’ rights to determine how their children are educated.?
As a compromise, the government has suspended implementation of sections 4 and 5 of the BELA Act, which grant the education ministry final authority over school language and admissions policies. A three-month consultation period has been set to allow time for public input from those who wish to contribute.?
South Africa rolls-out New Visa Policy?
South Africa has overhauled its (previously) restrictive visa regime to mark a significant change from past immigration policies that was faced with criticism for being overly protectionist. The country’s cabinet described the changes as a key step towards attracting international skills and investment, growing tourism and creating jobs. Required elements for implementation of the reforms have been gazetted and become operational.??
The visa reform includes the introduction of a points-based work visa system and launch of a remote work visa. While the points-based system aims to streamline the visa application process by granting automatic eligibility to individuals with certain qualifications, the new remote work visa is expected to appeal to the growing global cohort of digital nomads and professionals working remotely.??
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, says the new points-based system also introduces a transparent framework to adjudicate visas and tackle corruption in the visa process.??
ETHIOPIA?
Ethiopia’s central bank introduces new policy on FX spreads and fees??
The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has introduced a new policy on foreign exchange (FX) spreads and fees aimed at enhancing transparency and aligning with international standards. Key aspects of the policy include:?
This move comes a?few months after the National Bank overhauled its foreign exchange regulations to allow private authorized foreign exchange dealers to operate alongside banks, enhancing competition and fostering a more open foreign exchange market.?
Data Vault: Kenya Inflation Drops To 3.6%, Lowest since 2012.?
Last month, Kenya's inflation rate fell to 3.6% year-on-year, the lowest level since December 2012, down from 4.4% in August, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. However, month-to-month prices increased by 0.2%. Food and non-alcoholic drink prices, which account for a third of the inflation basket, rose by 5.1% compared to the previous year, marking the weakest growth since December 2020.?
The government aims for an inflation rate between 2.5% and 7.5% in the medium term. On October 8, the central bank announced a reduction in its interest rate to 12%, down from 12.75%, following a 25-basis-point cut to its benchmark lending rate in August. The central bank cited room for gradual policy easing as inflation remains below the midpoint of its target range.?
Other News????
We're also tracking some events in the news.??
Africa | China introduces zero-tariff policy for 33 African nations?
At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China announced a zero-tariff policy for 33 African nations, including Ethiopia, that will allow 100% of goods from these countries to access China's vast market.?
Nigeria| NBC, NCC to Ensure Effective Implementation of Digital Switch Over (DSO) Policy?
The Director General National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, Board of Management of the Commission and the NCC work to ensure the effective implementation of the DSO (Digital Switch Over) Policy.? The purpose of this is to move from analog television to digital terrestrial television where superior broadcast quality, enriched educational content will be displayed across multiple channels, providing increased opportunities for creativity and innovation.?
Ghana and Nigeria collaborate for Local Content in Petroleum Sector?
The Petroleum Commission of Ghana has partnered with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board for development and deepening of local content regulations in the upstream petroleum sector. Both parties recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) with the primary objective of building synergies through information sharing, as well as transfer of skills of mutual interest and benefits. The MoU is valid for three years.?
This development could lead to more aggressive local content integration in both countries’ petroleum (and associated) industries.?
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