Category: BUSINESS

  • AfriCapitol Unveils 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya

    Martin Githinji CEO AMG address the forum

    Africapitol Celebrates the Daughters of Africa: Honoring Kenya’s 50 Most Influential Women at Gala Dinner Awards

    In a grand celebration of empowerment and achievement, Africapitol, under the visionary leadership of CEO Dr. Audi Suleiman Ndoro, hosted a spectacular gala dinner to honor the 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya.

    The prestigious event, held at KICC ,Nairobi was a testament to the remarkable contributions of Kenyan women across various sectors.

    The 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya Award is a prestigious platform for acknowledging and honouring the achievements of Kenyas exemplary women across 9 categories organized by Africapitol ventures.

    Dr. Audi Suleiman Ndoro, known for his passion for celebrating individuals and sharing his knowledge and skills through writing and speaking, expressed his deep fulfillment in recognizing these extraordinary women. “I feel fulfilled when I celebrate people and when I share my knowledge and skills, either through writing and speaking,” Ndoro stated. His commitment to uplifting others was evident throughout the evening, as he highlighted the achievements and impact of each honoree.

    The gala dinner was generously sponsored by AMG, with its CEO, Martin Githinji, playing a pivotal role in bringing the event to life. Githinji’s dedication to supporting initiatives that empower and inspire was reflected in his heartfelt address to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements in Kenya and beyond.

    The evening was a blend of elegance and inspiration, featuring keynote speeches, performances, and the much-anticipated awards ceremony. The 50 Most Influential Women in Kenya were celebrated for their exceptional leadership, innovation, and contributions to their respective fields. From business and politics to arts and social activism, these women have not only excelled but have also paved the way for future generations.

     

    Influential leaders and past honorees shared their journeys and insights, inspiring the audience with their stories of resilience and success.

    Award Presentations: Each honoree received a beautifully crafted award symbolizing their impact and influence.

    The gala dinner was not only a celebration but also a call to action for continued support and recognition of women’s contributions. Africapitol and its partners remain committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive and lead.

    Africapitol is dedicated to celebrating and empowering individuals across Africa. Through events, publications, and initiatives, Africapitol aims to highlight the achievements and potential of African leaders, fostering a culture of recognition and inspiration.

    AMG is a leading organization committed to supporting and promoting initiatives that drive positive change and empowerment. Under the leadership of CEO Martin Githinji, AMG continues to play a crucial role in uplifting communities and individuals across Kenya.

  • KNCCI Signs Memorandum of Understanding with FINSCO Consulting Limited

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) proudly hosted the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FINSCO Consulting Limited, a Platinum Member of KNCCI, and GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, based in Atlanta, Georgia (USA).

    The MoU marks the beginning of a strategic
    partnership wherein GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC will invest in various FINSCO AFRICA
    projects.

    The partnership is as a result of the recent historic state visit to the USA by the Head of State H.E Dr.William Ruto in May 2024 in Atlanta, GA and Washington DC. FINSCO Africa was part of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry private sector delegation representing real estate and property developers in Kenya and participated at the “Prosper Africa Forum” where they met with Go Green Bank.

    The event took place at the KNCCI headquarters in Nairobi, bringing together key stakeholders from both organizations and the wider business community. This collaboration aims to enhance the economic landscape of Africa by injecting substantial investments into diverse projects spearheaded by FINSCO Consulting Limited.
    GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, known for its commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment, has identified FINSCO AFRICA’s projects as pivotal in driving sustainable development across the region. These projects encompass a range of sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, technology, and agriculture, aligning with the bank’s strategic goals to support transformative initiatives.
    Mr. John Mwaura, CEO of FINSCO Consulting Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “This MoU signifies a major milestone for FINSCO AFRICA. We are excited to collaborate with GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, whose investment will significantly bolster our capacity to implement projects that are critical for Africa’s growth and development. We believe this partnership will not only bring financial benefits but also foster innovation and sustainable practices.

    Mr.Ray Glover, President of GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC, echoed these sentiments: “Investing in Africa’s future is at the core of our mission. We are thrilled to partner with FINSCO Consulting Limited, a leader in driving impactful projects. Our joint efforts will pave the way for new opportunities and contribute to the prosperity of communities across the continent.”

    Dr. Erick Ruto, President of Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the importance of such collaborations: “Today’s signing is a testament to the vibrant and growing economic relationship between Kenya and international investors. KNCCI is dedicated to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive through strategic alliances. We look forward to witnessing the positive outcomes of this MoU.”

    The partnership between FINSCO Consulting Limited and GO GREENWOOD Bank LLC is
    expected to set a precedent for future investments and collaborations, contributing to the overarching goal of sustainable development in Africa.

  • Coastal MPs Denounce Finance Bill and school Teargas Incident, demands Accountability and Reforms

    As the country is on the verge of economic growth, there is an uproar over the ongoing countrywide demonstrations over the punitive finance bill recommendations, igniting fireworks across the nation right from parliament.

    As a section of coastal region MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the finance bill, Azimio La Umoja legislators have raised unrest over the finance bill, saying it’s a punitive measure to close down the country’s expectations to grow.

    Mombasa Woman MP Zamzam Mohamed revealed that the Finance Bill 2024 has sneaked in the price hike of the X-ray machines through a backdoor, saying it’s a corrupt funding scheme.

    “That radiology and X-ray equipment will be heavily taxed; the finance bill’s page 592, article 43, highlights this under the heading “Cancer patients.” Sadly, the patients will pay highly, and we ask for the removal of that section. This finance bill is all about financing corruption where over 1 trillion cannot be accounted for.” Zamzam quotes.

    Zamzam added, “Whatever you’re doing will get into your generation, and it shall eat you more than how it will hit us, and the removal of fuel and bread was a strategy to cool the hit, it will not be as usual as you may think under the Kenya Kwanza regime.”

    Mishi said, “Kenyans are tired and poor with this government, you’ve done zero implementations on the finance bill of 2023, and now here you come with a punitive 2024 finance bill, so you want us to be like Dubai, we are still developing, and you need t give us a break, the country is tired.”

    Mombasa County legislators have expressed their profound outrage over the tear-gassing incident at Coast Girls School during the recent nationwide protests, characterizing the action as a reprehensible act of cowardice, calling for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the involved police officers and the imposition of appropriate disciplinary measures.

    “We call upon the investigation of those police involved in the lobbing of teargas into a school, demonstrations and picketing are constitutional rights and the government should stand its ground to listen to the voice of the people at all times,” Mishi Mboko said.

    Leading the condemnation, the MPs emphasized the incident’s seriousness, its unacceptable nature, and the pressing need for accountability. They also emphasized that such actions not only jeopardize students’ safety and well-being but also reveal a concerning contempt for human rights and the rule of law.

    “The deployment of tear gas within the confines of an educational institution, where young girls were present, is an egregious violation of their safety and dignity,” Chimba stated.

    Zamzam, on her side, said, “This act not only reflects poorly on the integrity of our law enforcement agencies but also poses serious questions about their operational protocols during public demonstrations.”

    Mboko, however, stressed the importance of protecting educational spaces from the volatility of political unrest.

    “Schools should be sanctuaries of learning, not battlegrounds for political agendas. The incident at Coast Girls School is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in how security forces engage with civilians during protests,” she asserted.

    Kisauni, a legislator and former GSU officer, added, “We call for a collective and thorough investigation into the incident, that those responsible be held accountable and the police officers involved be subjected to stringent disciplinary actions to prevent future occurrences and save the integrity of the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

    Mvita Mp, Mohamed Soud Machele, said, “The act created tension for the young girls and our children have been hospitalized We call every parent whose child was involved in that incident to record a statement in police and we shall take the matter as legislators to bring sanity in these institutions.”

    This incident has ignited a broader discourse on the necessity of safeguarding educational environments from the collateral impacts of civil unrest and ensuring that law enforcement agencies adhere to the principles of proportionality and respect for human rights.

     

  • China Square Newest Lang’ata Branch Comes With Exciting Discounts

    Branch Chinese retail merchant China Square has opened the most recent outlet in Nairobi as it seeks to grow its footprint in the Kenyan capital and beyond.

    The newest Lang’ata Branch, unveiled over the weekend at a colourful ceremony in full glare of the media, is testimony that China Square continues to penetrate the Kenyan retail market.

    Speaking during the grand opening, China Square Managing Director Mr. Lei Cheng hailed Kenya as the preferred investment destination in the East African region, urging other investors to seize the opportunity and invest in the country.

    During the opening session, management of the retail mall ensured that prices of all available merchandise retailed at 20 percent lower as an incentive to draw more buyers and enhance trust.

    Sources indicate that China Square invested Sh600 million to lease the branch owned by Uchumi Supermarkets.

    It goes without saying that the China Square Langata launch was a big success as many Kenyans from all walks of life turned up to get a first-hand experience of the occasion punctuated by pomp and grandeur.

    The management led by Mr. Lei Cheng expressed their gratitude to all who joined in the grand opening.

    On top of enjoying a 20 per cent discount on all items on the launch day, customers will also take advantage of a 12 per cent to 40 per cent price cut on available home appliances until July 15, 2024 at the new branch in Lang’ata.

    Curious Kenyans who thronged the China Square Lang’ata Hyper (formely Uchumi Lang’ata Hyper) got an exciting experience sampling a wide array of merchandise and the pricing before they indulge in a shopping spree, just as a previous day post would suggest.

    “Get ready to laugh and shop till you drop! We’re bringing the fun and excitement to China Square Langata’s Grand Opening!  Crazy Discounts of up to 40 per cent on home appliances and 20 per cent off all items except home appliances!” read a post on one of their social media pages.

  • Sole Kenyan Supermarket to be Awarded Prestigious Superbrands Certification

    Naivas Supermarket proudly announces its recognition as the sole Kenyan supermarket to receive the esteemed Superbrands Certification. This prestigious honor highlights Naivas’ exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, solidifying its status as a leader in the retail industry.

    The Superbrands Certification is awarded to brands with outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries.

    The certification process involves rigorous evaluation by leading market research firms such as Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, and TNS. Qualified brands, like Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising, marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.

    Research indicates that the Superbrands Award Seal significantly influences consumer behavior, with studies showing that consumers are over 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the seal. This underscores the value and impact of the Superbrands Certification.

    Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated the supermarket’s commitment to delivering a world-class shopping experience. “We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers,” Mukuha stated.

    Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself in the retail industry through its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Naivas has built a strong reputation among Kenyan consumers by consistently delivering value through innovation and quality.

    The supermarket offers a wide range of products, including fresh offerings, and boasts convenient locations, all of which contribute to its reputation for excellence.

    As a homegrown Kenyan brand, Naivas has successfully brought a global shopping experience to the country while staying true to its values. The supermarket’s dedication to serving every customer with unmistakable Kenyan hospitality has earned it one of the greatest global honors a brand can achieve.

    With the Superbrands Certification, Naivas Supermarket continues to set the standard in the retail industry, reinforcing its position as a trusted and beloved brand among Kenyan consumers.

  • NORWAY FOREIGN MINISTER H.E ESPEN BARTH EIDE COMMITS TO SUPPORT KENYA’S E-MOBILITY AGENDA

    Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs – His Excellency Espen Barth Eide has committed Norway’s support in Kenya’s e-mobility sector.

    Eide, who is on an official visit to Kenya, visited BasiGo’s BuruBuru Charging and Service Depot on Thursday 6th June, 2024 as part of showcasing the strong partnerships between Kenya and Norway in the area of sustainable development.

    “Our visit to BasiGo is a testament to Norway’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s growth through strategic investments. We are excited about the future possibilities that our continued partnerships can bring to the region and especially e-mobility,” said Eide.

    The transport sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and transitioning to electric vehicles presents a sustainable solution to mitigate environmental degradation and address the negative effects of climate change. “Together, we are not only fostering economic growth but also ensuring that we contribute to a safer and more sustainable public transport system in Kenya,” said Jit Bhattacharya, CEO and Co-Founder of BasiGo.

    Kenya plays a crucial role in Norfund’s development mandate and holds the position of the largest country exposure within its portfolio. Norfund has reinforced its dedication to Kenya with a contracted portfolio totalling USD 307 million (KSh 40.2 billion).

    Since its inception, Norfund has been a key investor in Novastar’s funds and has committed to the new fund launching in 2024. Norfund’s commitment total USD 18 million (KSh 3.2 billion) across Novastar’s three funds.

    “Trade between Norway and Kenya increased by 30 per cent between 2021 and 2022, and the balance of trade is in Kenya’s favour. About 45 Norwegian companies are operating here – dealing with fertilizers and agritech, ICT, startups in different sectors, and renewable energy,” added Eide.

    BasiGo has deployed 24 Electric Buses with 7 different bus operators in Nairobi. The company plans to deploy 1,000 locally assembled E-Buses for Kenyan bus operators over the next three years, an investment that will create 300 green manufacturing jobs in Kenya. Already, BasiGo has over 500 orders from bus operators in Nairobi and an additional 100 reservations from bus operators in Kigali, Rwanda.

    Norfund is the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries. Our mission is to create jobs and to improve lives by investing in businesses that drive sustainable development. Norfund is owned and funded by the Norwegian Government and is the Government’s most important tool for strengthening the private sector in developing countries, and for reducing poverty.

  • Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference 2024 Kicks Off

    The second Edition of Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024 Kicked off today and highlighted the need to shape the Africa’s economic landscape through innovation of impactful blockchain projects.

    The Conference saw the attendance of
    Various industry stakeholders like; Global BlockChain Business Council (GBBC), KBBC, Kotani Pay, Little Cabs and other stakeholders.

    During the conference, critical ideas were discussed including, Policy development,
    Contribution to the creation of forward-thinking policies that will shape the future of Kenya’s digital asset landscape, Well-formulated policies that will support the growth of the digital asset industry in Kenya, Increased awareness and understanding of the potential of digital assets to drive economic growth, stronger position for Kenya as a leader in the African blockchain and crypto space.

    “Kotani Pay is here to make sending money simpler, faster, and more secure than ever before,Gone are the days of complex and costly remittance processes with innovative approach involving converting your money into stablecoins. We are a blockchain startup that operates in four African countries.
    I think the focus areas of the various panels today are very timely, because we have issues to do with regulation, we have issues to do with taxation and issues to do with stability.
    There are people from the public sector here, lawyers, people from various regulatory bodies here as well, KRA, CBK and others.
    Regarding regulations the draft bill has already been tabled in Parliament and it’s only a matter of public participation and preparing for the various readings.
    There’s a mandate that has also been given to the National Treasury  to set up a multi-agency task force focused on matters of digital assets.
    The thing about the blockchain space is it’s a very wide ranging space and it usually requires some personal research on the part of the consumer or the customer.” Said Felix Masharia Co-Founder and CEO Kotani Pay.

    The digital asset landscape in Africa is a complex and evolving landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for all involved. The Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference (KBCC) 2024 is dedicated to addressing these complexities and fostering crucial discussions that will shape the future of blockchain regulation in Africa.
    As part of this commitment, we’re excited to introduce the Virtual Assets Strategic Policy (VASP) Hackathon, an initiative designed to position Kenya as a leading digital asset hub in Africa. The VASP Hackathon is an integral part of the Kenya Blockchain and Crypto Conference.

    John Walubengo who is tech policy thought leader and has over 20 years experience in ICT sector observed that, there are cases of scams in Blockchain and the Government should come in place to put parameters or regulations around the Blockchain Space and virtual assets are more than just financial.

    “When you say you want to float a token or you want to tokenize an apartment, you know, we’ve heard about real estate tokenization. There’s a lot of opportunities around that space. We have standards. We audit white papers. We audit the codes that have developed because I’ll give you an example of exit scams or ragpulls. Ragpulls are scams that are designed by nature to fleece or take your funds after a specific duration. So basically what the coder or the fund of that particular.” Said Edwin Sikini Blockchain, Wallets, Vaults. Secretary-Security and Bank Fraud Sub-Committee at Kenya Bankers Association.

    GBBC is a leading advocate for the responsible adoption of blockchain technology, working with regulators, businesses, and changemakers worldwide. With over 500 institutional members and 300+ Ambassadors in 117 jurisdictions, GBBC fosters collaboration and dialogue across borders and disciplines. GBBC leads multiple initiatives focused on blockchain standards, financial services, legal frameworks, social impact and more.

  • Naivas graduate trainee programme 1st graduation

     

    Recruiting and training the best people is core to Naivas’ mission to provide Kenyans with a world-class shopping experience. For this reason,, the business has been running a graduate trainee program since 2023.

    The programme is aimed at upskilling fresh graduates with competencies in various business functions within retail. The GT
    programme is an intense 9-month period for fresh graduates, where they are taken through various parts of the retail business.

    Retail contributes 9% to Kenya’s GDP, making it an important industry. Developing the next generation of retail leaders is therefore critical to ensuring the sector’s continued growth. As the leading supermarket chain in Kenya, Naivas takes its role in this development seriously. From a career perspective, the retail industry has, in many instances, been looked at as a fallback plan, rather than a first choice.

    As Naivas has developed its business through innovation, such as the Foodmarket concept, the supermarket career option has become more attractive. Naivas is now looked at as an employer of choice, especially given the wide array of expertise required in fields such as finance, marketing, supply chain, IT and others.

    “Naivas wants to attract and retain the best talent in the country. Beyond this, we want to ensure that we develop career paths for our employees, and it is for this reason that we set out to create the Naivas Retail Academy, with the graduate trainee (GT) program being one of its pillars. We are therefore pleased to be celebrating the first graduation in this program, with 35 trainees becoming Naivas employees today. However, this is only the beginning, and we expect to expand this programme, including onboarding more learning institutions,” remarked Andreas von Paleske Naivas, Chief of Strategy.

    “A key measure of success for me is how we continue to transform the industry, and core to this is having the right people. For Naivas, a homegrown Kenyan brand, developing the next generation of leaders is an important step forward. This program is also a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the business will outlive all its founders,” said David Kimani

  • International Symposium on Intellectual Property, Protection, and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2) to Mark World Anti-Counterfeit Day 2024

     

    Kenya commemorated this year’s World Anti-Counterfeit Day by hosting the second edition of the International Symposium on Intellectual Property, Protection, and Enforcement (ISIPPE-2).

    The event, themed “Uniting Against Counterfeiting for a Healthy and Safe Future,” aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in intellectual property (IP) protection, raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit products, and highlighting the importance of safeguarding IP rights for economic growth and public safety.

    Graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, Ms. Rebecca Miano, the event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of IP protection in ensuring consumer safety and fostering innovation.
    In her opening address, CS Miano emphasized the importance of robust IP frameworks in safeguarding consumers from counterfeit products and promoting a healthy, competitive market.

    “Consumer safety is paramount, and strong intellectual property enforcement is essential to protect the public from the dangers of counterfeit goods. This forum underscores our commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers globally,” said Ms. Miano.

    The Principal Secretary, State Department of Industry, Dr. Juma Mukhwana, highlighted the government’s collaboration with WIPO and leading government agencies in formulating a comprehensive national IP policy and strategy to support innovation and competitiveness. “We have a draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS) which lays the groundwork for Kenya’s national IP policy and strategy for the period 2023-2027,” said Dr. Mukhwana.

    Hon. Josephat Kabeabea, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to supporting the government’s vision of industrial development and economic growth. “Our mission is to create an environment where innovation thrives, driving sustainable growth and ensuring that our SMEs and innovative enterprises can thrive in a secure and supportive environment,” said Kabeabea.
    Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the ACA, emphasized the importance of the symposium, stating, “ISIPPE-2 is a crucial platform for uniting efforts against the global menace of counterfeiting. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we can create effective solutions to protect intellectual property, which is vital for innovation, economic growth, and public health.”

    As part of efforts to tighten controls against intellectual property contraventions and provide redress mechanisms for aggrieved parties, the forum saw the launch of the ACA Integrated Information Management System (AIMS) for this purpose. The system allows owners or holders of intellectual property rights to record their products with the ACA as a safeguarding measure against potential infringements or to provide pathways for protection in case of violations.

    “This is an important step towards not only upholding the intellectual property rights and commercial interests, but also in positioning our country as competitive environment for doing business. Let me take this opportunity to thank out funders, namely, the UK and Danish development agencies, for supporting the development of this system,” TradeMark Africa Country Director, Ahmed Farah, remarked.
    The system also has an Enforcement and Case Management component, which allows for anonymous reporting, investigation, inventory management and prosecution of intellectual property infringers.

    The forum included panel discussions with representatives from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Japan Intellectual Property Office, and leading multinational corporations. Participants explored collaborative strategies to enhance IP enforcement, share best practices, and address emerging challenges such as the rise in online counterfeiting in this digital age.

     

  • INTERNATIONAL FLORICULTURE TRADE EXPO (IFTEX) KICKS OFF IN NAIROBI

    During the IFTEX Exhibition tour

    Kenya is hosting the global flower fraternity in Nairobi.The top flower trade show, International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX), opened June 4, 2024, at Visha Oshwal Centre, Parklands.

    The occassion was graced by Dr. Idris Dogota, Principal Secretary, State Department for Cabinet Affairs. Present were also various stakeholders like; IFTEX, Kenya Flower Council (KFC) , Horticulture Crops Directorate ( HCD-AFA), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service ( Kephis), Imani Flowers and other various Flower Industry Exhibitors.

    “The theme for the Expo is “Supporting Sustainable Floriculture in Kenya” As you are aware we are ranked top 4 in flower production, thanks to Kenyan farmers.
    The industry has employed kenyans directly and indirectly impacting more than 4 million kenyans.” Said PS, State Department for Cabinet Affairs Dr. Idris Dogota.

    Christine Chisaro Acting Director Horticulture who was present also observed that, the Horticultural industry contributes alot in the economy. Among the key Markets include the European Union, Asia and other UAE Kazakistan regions.
    Kenya majorly exports Cat flowers. However Climate change, Stringent Markets are among the challenges affecting the floriculuture.

    During the Expo Opening we met with Imani flower Managing Director Roy Gachoki who noted that, the company started as a family business and it was begun by her late mother in 2011.

    Sitting on 25 hectares of production, different varieties of summer flowers. And as the name states, faith, Imani is faith. And through faith we’ve gotten to where we are. Stride after stride, mistake after mistake. Doing business is not easy and doing business in Kenya is especially not easy. You have to have a thick skin.

    We’re members of the cooperative in Holland called Royal Flora Holland through which we also auction our flowers. And we also have direct markets in different regions in the Middle East, Australia and Japan.

    The dollar fluctuations, the currency fluctuations have affected business, makes things a bit unpredictable, a lot, very unpredictable actually to be honest with you. And then, doing business in Kenya is hard because again, unpredictability. The government is constantly changing policies. Like now we have the new finance bill that’s introducing a raft of proposals that are going to affect business.

    This is a business with small margins. The more they take, the more we’re losing and the more businesses will close down. That’s a fact. Recently they’ve introduced a new charge on every consignment. That means, the charge is $10 called UCR. This charge will affect small growers.