HiPipo Money

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Wednesday, 26^th June 2014; Today, CNOOC Uganda opened a new office in Hoima, their second office in the country. This new office is located at Plot 48, Kitara Courts Hoima town.

This function was attended by the area MP Hon. Henry Kajura, the woman MP, Hon. TophaceKaahwa, local leaders, kingdom officials, representatives from Kyangwali sub county, representatives from other oil companies, CNOOC partners, CNOOC staff and Hoima journalists, CNOOC Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Zack Lubega thanked all of the people in Hoima for accommodating them and allowing them peaceful access to the land in the areas where the drilling is to be done.

“This office is open to all of you people in Hoima. We have dedicated staff here who are more than willing to answer all your questions about our past and present activities both in Uganda and internationally.” He said.

The area woman MP, Hon, TophaceKaahwa thanked CNOOC for opening an office closer to the Hoima people who are directly affected by their activities. “There were some reports that communication with CNOOC management is not easy since they are mainly located in Kampala. I would like to applaud CNOOC for quickly and positively reacting to this report and establishing a ground office.” She said.

Representatives from the kingdom thanked CNOOC for responding to the requests they make for funding and sponsorship for their activities. They encouraged people in Hoima to embrace the development that CNOOC was bringing to the region and to continue co-operating with them whenever approached.

The brief event ended with CNOOC serving refreshments to its guests as they toured the new office. The Hoima journalists were later treated to a meet and greet dinner, courtesy of CNOOC.

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HOIMA, Uganda – As Uganda edges towards the production phase of the nascent oil and gas sector, one area that is already getting a feel of the anticipated results is Hoima District.

The town that is now rightly referred to as ‘Uganda’s Oil hub’ is a bee hive of activity as its old one-storied, clay walled and rusty iron sheet houses give way to larger offices, hotels and recreational centers.

The town now boasts of several commercial properties, bigger financial institutions as well as several large offices that have instantly changed the infrastructure of this oil hub.

A statement released by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development on Tuesday (June 24, 2014) announcing that the process of selecting a contractor to build Uganda’s first refinery and related downstream infrastructure has narrowed down to two companies, has only aroused the appetite for infrastructural development in the district.

Chinese oil firm, CNOOC is the latest entrant in this mix as the company recently unveiled a magnificent office overlooking the town.

During a dinner organized to officially open CNOOC’snew offices in Hoima, AminahBukenya, CNOOC’s Public Relations Supervisor said that the building will help take services closer to the people.

“This office now makes it easier for our people to access us rather than trekking all the way to Kampala. We are optimistic that this step will help cement our relationship with the locals,” she said.

She also added that the new offices open an avenue for employment opportunities for the locals.

CNOOC is so far the only oil company to have been granted a production license and is managing the Kingfisher field that was granted in September 2013. According to the company’s management, development is already in place at the field.

Zakaria Lubega, the Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at CNOOC says that the company plans to construct roads, widen an air strip as well as increase their funding to the education sector in Hoima.

Information from the Ministry of Energy indicates that 115 exploration and appraisal wells have drilled in the AlbertineGraben to date. 101 of them have encountered hydrocarbons with a drilling success rate stand at over 85%. 28 wells have so far been flow tested.

The ministry adds that investment by the oil and gas industry in seismic surveys, exploratory and appraisal drilling stood at over US$2.5billion by the end of 2013.

“There has been sharp increase in investment after the first commercial discovery. This investment has been important in progressing the country’s oil and gas sector and is expected to increase significantly during development,  production, refinery development and attendant pipelines development,” reads a report from the Ministry in part.

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This month, the ever-cool Channel O is collaborating with hot Nigerian music label Mavin Records to offer one lucky SuperFan the incredible opportunity of being included in the upcoming DoroBucci music video, alongside celebrated Mavins Don Jazzy, Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello and Di’Ja.

In keeping with its SWAG theme (Something We Africans Got), Channel O is rolling out a year of great surprises, and this exciting new competition which will be run over social media platforms, is just the latest!

In addition to starring alongside some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, the one lucky SUPERFAN will get to hang out with the artistes who’ll answer their questions about life in music’s fast lane. You’ll be backstage and in front of the cameras, so if you have ever wanted to know what it takes to make the phenomenal music videos you see on television, then wonder no more!

The competition is simple to enter. First make you sure are following @channeloafrica and @donjazzy on both Twitter and Instagram. Then use these platforms to tell us why YOU are the ULTIMATE MAVIN fan!  Remember you must use the hashtag:  #CHOMavinSuperfan on all your messages. The competition runs from 28^th June until July 4^th and on July 2^nd, Don Jazzy will reveal who he’s chosen as the CHANNEL O MAVIN SUPERFAN! Details of the music video will be announced later this year, so for now, just make sure you are part the competition!

Commenting on the competition, Channel O Africa’s Lee Kasumba says, “Channel O’s audience are incredibly loyal supporters of the channel and its line-up, so anytime we can offer them an amazing opportunity to engage up close and personal with the stars that are lighting up the airwaves, then we want to be able to do that. We are delighted to be partnering with the wonderful team at Mavin Records to make one SuperFan very, very happy!”

Meanwhile the legendary Don Jazzy, who heads up Mavin Records, is equally pleased with the partnership. “Channel O have enthusiastically supported African music for over 15 years, and are always willing to engage with the industry and the fans. So to work alongside them to create a memorable experience for one SuperFan is something we were happy to do. Of course, at Mavin Records, we are expecting to make the DoroBucci video one of our best ever so it’s gonna be something very special to be a part of!”

Channel O is available to over 50 countries on the African continent on DStv (channel 320) and on GOtv (in selected markets). For more information on Africa’s first ever dedicated music channel, home of the annual Channel O Music Video Awards, visitwww.channelo.com. Highlights on the channel this month include the new music video for the epic Africa Rising anthemfeaturing Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Davido, Micasa, Diamond Lola Rae & Diamond, plus a behind the scenes look at the making of the video!

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24 June 2014: Africa’s leading Pay TV provider, MultiChoice Africa has kicked off its Content Extravagaza in style – driving the message that it will continue to deliver the best local and international television content in Africa.

The event, held in Mauritius and themed “Only the best” featured over 50 television and music celebrities who appear on various DStv and GOtv channels including BBC Lifestyle, BBC Entertainment, E! Entertainment, Style, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Telemundo, Comedy Central, MTV Base, Nickelodeon, History Channel, Crime and Investigation, Africa Magic, Ebony Life TV, Channel O and  SuperSport.

The CEO of MultiChoice Nico Meyer, expressed his pride at being part of a company that has pioneered Pay TV on the continent and re-emphasised his commitment to ensuring that MultiChoice subscribers receive world class news and entertainment on DStv and GOtv services.

Sharing the story of the incredible MultiChoice journey which dates back 20 years and is one of the first subscription television services outside of the United States, Meyer said, “We faced many hurdles, as a new company and we needed to build and develop credibility not only with the market in which we were offering services, but also with international channel suppliers and satellite companies.  20 years ago many people called us crazy!”

In 2013, the company saw the launch of 13 fantastic new channels on the DStv platform which include three M-Net Series Channels, M-Net Movies Zone, Fox, Ebony Life, Telemundo, Hip TV, Spice TV, CBS Action, CBS Drama, JimJam and MGM.

Furthermore, its launch of GOtv in 2011, a low cost digital television service using the latest generation Digital Video Broadcast standard represents the most advanced digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcast system and infrastructure established in Africa to date and leapfrogs the out-dated T1 systems utilised by first movers in the Digital Migration process, putting Africa at the forefront of technology in the digital migration process.

“MultiChoice Africa remains committed to the digital migration process in Africa and will continue to work closely with governments and all stakeholders to ensure that this is a seamless platform, ensuring great family entertainment at affordable prices,” he said.

Alluding to the company’s latest innovations, the Explora, Catch Up and Box Office which significantly change the way subscribers experience and control their viewing, the CEO promised subscribers additional future technology to ensure that they have access to the best information and entertainment anytime, anywhere, on any devise.

Meyer concluded by reminding his audience that MultiChoice believes in uniting Africans to address the social and economic needs currently facing our continent. “We have a pivotal role to play in both the economic and social transformation of our continent, and corporate social investment provides the ideal vehicle through which to bring about meaningful change and upliftment to our people.

“We strongly believe that the quest for good corporate citizenship starts with an acceptance of responsibility, not only from citizens of Africa but to the broader African community and corporates,” he said.

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Pierre Branco is Vice President Southern Europe and Africa and General Manager France and Portugal.

He holds two Master’s degrees in Political Sciences (Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris) and Media Management (Université de la Sorbonne, Paris) and a Bachelor in Contemporary History (Université de la Sorbonne, Paris).

He is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese and he also speaks Italian.

He started his career at France Télévisions (the French Public broadcaster) in the Content Strategy Department. After an experience as Media Consultant at NPA Conseil, he worked for Canal+ in Sports Rights Acquisitions.

He joined Turner in 2006 where he managed Distribution and Business Development during four years. In 2010, Branco took over all other revenue generating activities of the French & French speaking business.

Immediately after, he was promoted to Deputy General Manager, adding the kids channels management (Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Boing) to his commercial responsibility.

After less than a year, in September 2012, he was nominated VP & General Manager TBS France with full editorial & commercial responsibilities for Kids brands & TCM cinema.

Since March 2014, Pierre Branco is Vice President Southern Europe and Africa & General Manager France and Portugal with direct responsibility for all French & Portuguese speaking territories in EMEA, as well as an involvement on Turner’s strategy for all territories in the cluster.

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Over 730 brand new episodes on CN and Boomerang in 2014

LazyTown brand new Season 4 to premiere on Boomerang

CN’s Animation Generation launches in Kenya!

26 June 2014: Today Turner Broadcasting captivated local children with its kids channels Cartoon Network and Boomerang, during the first MultiChoice Content Extravaganza in Mauritius.

The two channels are all about imagination and fun and this was experienced first-hand as superhero Sportacus from Boomerang’s LazyTown got everybody moving, encouraging children to eat healthy and exercise, while Cartoon Network’s Animation Generation inspired creativity, challenging the children to tap into their creativity by drawing exciting characters.

With a jam packed total of 405 brand new episodes for their African audience still to come between June and December, and a total of over 730 new episodes this year, Cartoon Network and Boomerang are truly offering fresh and entertaining content as part of their biggest programming line-up ever.

On Cartoon Network, DStv channel 301, viewers can look forward to warming up this winter with brand new Original Productions Uncle Grandpa, Steven Universe and Clarence; Warner Brothers’ Teen Titans Go!; DreamWorks: Dragons Defenders of Berk; and the brand new live action series Incredible Crew. Towards the summer time, from September onwards, kids can expect new episodes of hit shows such as the ever impressing Ben 10, the global hit Adventure Time and the award winning The Amazing World of Gumball. There will also be the Powerpuff Girls Mini-Movie in August for viewers to look forward to!

Included in this winter’s line-up on Boomerang, DStv channel 302, will be Steven Spielberg’s Tiny Toons, Road Runner as part of the Looney Tunes All Stars stunt, and the show that gets kids moving all over the world: LazyTown launches its fourth season this November. Among some of the brand new shows are The Tom & Jerry Show and CGI Inspector Gadget and new episodes of popular classics are set to continue entertaining new generations such as Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated andThe Garfield Show.

“It is another extraordinary year for Turner’s kids channels in 2014 and viewers can expect it to continue in 2015. With a mixture of new original productions and old favourites, our offer has never been stronger. Our shows are truly talent driven and thus made with passion. We look for unique and surprising stories that have great characters which feel authentic to kids and this is more apparent than ever with our upcoming slate.” says Pierre Branco Vice President Southern Europe and Africa for Turner Broadcasting System.

On another front, Cartoon Network will be launching their extremely popular drawing competition, Animation Generation in Kenya Mid-July, 2014. The campaign will target 40 000 learners in and around Nairobi and the theme will be “Ben 10 Protecting the Wildlife”. Learners will be challenged to draw a Ben 10 alien with special powers that will be able to protect and save elephants and rhinos in Kenya against poachers.

In partnership with the Britam Foundation, the initiative aims at inspiring the youth to express their thoughts on the topic of wildlife conservation through their artwork. “We believe that the youth is the present and future of the conservation message and through our initiative we would like to emphasise the importance of wildlife and encourage learners to come up with ideas on how they can be better protected. We are very excited about the launch of our initiative in Kenya!” adds Pierre Branco.

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Qalaa Holdings (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange, formerly Citadel Capital), an African leader in infrastructure and industry, and Saudi Arabia’s Construction Products Holding Company (CPC), through its subsidiary CPC Emirates, announced that they have signed today a sale and purchase agreement for the sale to CPC of 100% of Sphinx Glass.

The size of the transaction will imply an enterprise value of around US$ 180 million (EGP 1,280 million), which translates into a cash consideration of US$ 114.2 million (EGP 815 million) for 100% of the shares after deducting debt and liabilities to be assumed by CPC.The transfer of cash and shares is expected to conclude in July.

Qalaa Holdings’ 73.3% stake in Sphinx Glass will result in cash proceeds of around US$ 73 million (EGP 521 million)to Qalaa Holdings after the estimated capital gains tax.

Sphinx Glassis a 200,000-ton-per-annum, state-of-the-art float glass production facility that began full operations in April 2010 and is today one of the largest independently operated float glass producers in the MENA region. In addition to being a key player in the Egyptian market, Sphinx Glass is also a significant regional and international exporter.

The company specializes in the production of clear and tinted float glass and online coated glass in varying thicknesses. The company recorded EGP 393 million (USD 54.95) in sales in 2013and is currently on target to exceed its budget for the second consecutive year.

“Sphinx Glass was an idea born on the eve of a global recession and commissioned mere months before the start of the 25 January 2011 Revolution,” said Qalaa Holdings Co-Founder and Managing Director Hisham El-Khazindar. “Despite these headwinds, we have worked closely with management and our co-investors to create over375 new jobs and catapult Sphinx Glass into the ranks of both key national players in Egypt and leading regional and global exporters.

“We wish CPC great success in capitalizing on Sphinx Glass’s potential,” he said.

“Sphinx Glass is one of the most technologically advanced plants in Egypt with a strong management team complementing CPC’s existing portfolio of building materials and is a perfect fit with our existing industrial presence in Egypt,” said CPC Chief Operating Officer Riad Kiwan.

“This acquisition is an important step in line with our group’s international expansion strategy, enabling us to capitalize on increasing demand for building materials and glass in Egypt and Africa, where the construction industry is booming with economic progress and increasing urbanization,” he added

Under CPCownership, Sphinx Glass will remain committed to supporting its valued customers in Egypt and in export markets, Kiwan concluded.

CPC is a leading construction products company providing “Complete Building Solutions” for all construction needs. Its product offering ranges from precast, glass & aluminum, steel, ready mix concrete, electric cables, wood & gypsum works, marble & granite, adhesive, construction equipment rental, finishing, steel structures, transportation, electromechanical, renewable energy, along with logistic support to serve the building industry all under one umbrella.

From proceeds of the transaction, Qalaa Holdings and its co-investors will distribute a significant one-time exit bonus to employees of Sphinx Glass, from line staff to senior management.

Qalaa Holdings was advised on the transaction by Arab Legal Consultants acting as the Seller’s Legal Counsel and PharosInvestment Banking SAE acting as the Sell Side Advisor.CPC was advised by Helmy, Hamza & Partners and Crédit Suisse.

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Seventeen top Egyptian students to pursue graduate educations at elite universities abroad with scholarships from Citadel Capital Scholarship Foundation[1]; awards are conditional on recipients returning to Egypt to work post-graduation

The Citadel Capital Scholarship Foundation (CCSF)^*announced yesterday the names of its eighth annual class of scholars. The seventeen members of the 2014-15 class of Citadel Capital Scholars will pursue master’s-level studies at top internationaluniversities and institutes in Europe and the United States. As a condition of acceptance, the recipients of a CCSF scholarship pledge to return to Egypt to work in their chosen field following the completion of their studies.

The scholarship recipients were announced at a reception held on 23 June 2014 in the presence of theHead of Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education, Egypt;the Ambassador of Kenya; the Ambassador ofMauritius; the Ambassador of Congo; theEconomic Attaché of the Netherlands; and arepresentative of the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan. Also in attendance were representatives from AMIDEAST, CARE, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), among others.

The CCSF is one of the largest private-sector-funded scholarship programs in Egypt; awards are open to scholars pursuing masters and doctoral degrees in all disciplines.

“The task of building a fair, vibrant and prosperous Egypt is a generational task, and one that is particularly relevant at this point in our nation’s history. We are honored to play a part not just by investing in these bright young men and women, but by serving as an example of how a private sector entity can help lead change,” said Ambassador Hussein El-Khazindar, Secretary General of the Board of Trusteesof the Citadel Capital Scholarship Foundation. By conditioning these awards on the scholars’ return to Egypt post-graduation, we are not just making a difference in the lives of 17 individuals, but of 17 communities.”

The CCSF was founded by Qalaa Holdings (formerly Citadel Capital), an African leader in infrastructure and industry, as a part of its commitment to sustainable education and human resource development in Egypt and across the region. The announcement of this year’s class of scholars brings to 122the number of talented young Egyptian men and women who have been granted scholarships to pursue graduate degrees.

“From nanotechnology to public policy, heritage conservation to political development, this year’s scholars are a remarkable group of talented young Egyptians who will help our nation tackle opportunities and challenges alike in the decade ahead. It is an honor to play a role in furthering their academic studies,” said Qalaa Holdings Chairman and Founder Ahmed Heikal.

Governorates represented by this year’s class include Fayoum, Alexandria and Cairo; students from 12 governorates have won CCSF Scholarships since the foundation was first endowed, studying in fields including medicine, engineering, architecture & design, telecommunications, environmental studies, molecular biology,economics, human rights, law, business, development and education. 

“We take a very wide view on what constitutes our duties as responsible investors,” said Qalaa Holdings Co-Founder and Managing Director Hisham El-Khazindar. “In that sense, we are careful to invest in education not for the direct benefit of our firm or our subsidiaries, but for the benefit of the communities in which we do business — be they major urban centers or rural areas.

“We believe across our footprint in the imperative of educational reform and funding — and that the private sector has a duty to both their nations and their shareholders to not just advocate for world-class education systems, but to also make direct contributions in any way they can,” El-Khazindar said.

In addition to supporting community-based vocational training initiatives at the subsidiary level, Qalaa Holdings has also endowed the Citadel Capital Services Center, while El-Khazindar has personally endowed the Khazindar Business Research and Case Studies Center, both at the American University in Cairo.Rift Valley Railways (RVR), the primary investment of Africa Railways, Qalaa Holdings’ subsidiary company for investment in the African railway sector, also offers training programs in management and entrepreneurship to further encourage sustainable development and private enterprise in the neighboring communities.

Recipients of Citadel Capital Scholarships have attended top international institutions including Harvard, Stanford, Duke, Wharton, Pratt, the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia universities in the United States; Oxford, Cambridge, the University of London, University College London, Imperial College Londonand the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom; Lund University in Sweden; University of Heidelberg in Germany; University of Helsinki in Finland;Ghent University in Belgium; and ESADE Business School in Spain,among other top universities and institutes. 

The 2014-15 Class of CCSF Scholars includes: