CHASE BANK EYES HORTICULTURAL SECTOR WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP

Nairobi: January 21, 2015 – Chase Bank is targeting the one-billion shilling horticultural sector as it braces for its next phase of growth, Chase Bank Business Development Director Ken Ouko, has said.

“Horticultural sector is one of the key sectors in the Kenyan economy and as a bank we are keen in developing this sector,” said Mr Ouko. “Our agricultural division, Chase Agri offers financial solutions that are drawn from a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, as well as the diverse and unique needs of our clients who include small, medium and large scale players within the various agribusiness value chains.”

Mr. Ouko was speaking when the bank signed a partnership agreement with Green Farming, a group of Dutch horticultural technical suppliers and knowledge partners.

The partnership will see Chase Bank customers gain easy access to greenhouse technology, input supplies, capacity building and access to financial services and the domestic market under Growing Solutions, a programme managed by Green Farming and aims at improving local entrepreneurship in Kenya on the theme of food security and food safety and is executed by a consortium of Dutch private partners in close co-operation with local partners.

“Green Farming works together with Kenyan partners to find sustainable solutions adapted to the Kenyan climate and economic circumstances.  This partnership with Chase Bank enable us to tie together financial and technical aspects of our project to ensure their success," said Green Farming President Harm Maters.

With the proof of concept complete and commencement of business development phase of the program, Chase Agri will leverage on the program to target, SME Vegetable Growers, to finance the acquisition and implementation of the greenhouse packages.

“As a bank, we cherish strategic partnerships that help us satisfy the ever changing needs of our customers. We believe this partnership will be useful to our current and prospective customers in the agricultural sector by creating added value for horticulture entrepreneurs through the continuous marketing of innovative and contemporary services and products,” said Mr. Ouko. 

“Our strategy included working closely with partners in the horticulture industry who offer technical support, optimal inputs and access to market such one the one we have signed with Green Farming,” he added.

Green Farming has a reputation in the field of agro-consultancy, and undertakes its own scientific research, as well as providing operational, strategic planning and turn-key consultancy across all sectors in Agriculture and Horticulture.

Green Farming is headquartered in the Netherlands with presence in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, East Africa, and Latin America.

Tigo subscribers to enjoy 36m music tracks on their smartphones

Music content is already the second most popular mobile phone feature in sub-Saharan Africa

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 14, 2015/ -- Tigo  today announced the launch of Tigo Music through a partnership with Deezer, the international music streaming service that will provide Tanzanians with unlimited music experience.

Announcing the launch of the new service in Dar es Salaam, Tigo Brand Manager, William Mpinga said through pre-paid data bundles from January 24, Tigo customers will be able to access more than 36 million tracks, including African and Tanzanian artistes, on their phones and tablets.

 Additionally, Tigo will also be sourcing exciting new and local content through a new venture with the digital music company, Africa Music Rights, which funds, acquires and manages music rights across the African continent. Mpinga said.

There will be a launch ceremony for Tigo Music at Dar es Salaam’s Leaders Club grounds on January 24 where members of the public will be treated to live performances by leading local musicians such as Diamond Platinum, Ali Kiba, Professor J, Vanessa Mdee, Ben Paul, Isha Mashauzi, Malaika Band, Khadija Kopa, Yamoto Band, Msondo, Sikinde among others. Apart from giving Tigo customers unlimited access to local and international music, Tigo Music, according to Mr. Mpinga, will accord local artists with an opportunity earn extra payment from their songs listened to through the service.

Tigo will provide them training on how to use and benefit from the service, he said. “Tigo Tanzania is a company built on innovation. We are excited to be the first telecommunication company in Tanzania to give our customers such access to unlimited music. “As a digital lifestyle brand, our goal is to impact the music industry by providing a platform that not only allows for easy access to content by local artists, but also train our musicians on important issues such as intellectual property rights and marketing. This is our way of supporting local talent and growing the local music industry.” he added.

Tigo will introduce a variety of music service packages which will allow customers access through *148*00#. The introduction of Tigo Music in Tanzania follows the success of its launch in Ghana in 2014 and Latin America in 2013.

It has since become an integral part of people’s daily digital lives and synonymous with live music events headlined by some of the world’s best-known artists as well as with close-up studio recordings.

Music streaming is the fastest growing area for the global music industry and music content is already the second most popular mobile phone feature in sub-Saharan Africa.