afrol News, 15 May - Namibia is sought to be one of the fastest travel and tourism destinations in the world in the next years. In a State of the Nation address presented this week by the President of Namibia, Hifikepunye Pohamba, he said the country's tourism has consistently soared in recent times.
"I am happy to report that according to the latest Tourism Satellite Account research released by the World Travel and Tourism Council for the period 2009 to 2018, Namibia is projected to have the fastest growth in travel and tourism industry in the world," he said. According to the Namibian tourism board, tourism is already one of the four main pillars in the country's economy, next to mining, fishing and agriculture.
Namibia already is one of the Southern African region's most successful tourist destinations, following South Africa. Political stability, security and astonishing nature have contributed to Namibia's success as a destination. The booming tourism industry is said to have an important impact on rural development.
In his speech, the Namibian Head State further noted that efforts to expand and improve service delivery on priority areas are paying off. "The social sectors of health, education and housing and provision of water and social grants have continued to enjoy government attention," he said.
Among the priority areas, the health sector was said to stand out. About 110 health facilities currently offer voluntary counseling countrywide.
The President also added that government would continue to intensify efforts on expansion of electricity with special emphasis to rural areas, promotion of sanitation where special focus to peri-urban areas, provision of portable water, expansion of infrastructure, employment creation and food production.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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