The strategy of mobilising capital from foreign investors through setting up effective industrial parks has been adopted as government economic policy for some time. It was formally introduced as part of Ethiopia’s first Growth and Transformation Plan I. Fostering industrialization was also one of the development priorities under GTP-II, (2016-2020). The Ethiopia 2030: The Pathway to Prosperity – Ten Years Perspective Development Plan (2021 – 2030) targets an annual growth rate of 13 percent over the ten years with the manufacturing sub-sector constituting 20 percent. The Ethiopian Industrial Development Strategic Plan (2013-2025) also provides a policy direction to establish an industrial zone development program. The Strategic Plan focuses on the development of integrated economic development zones that build and develop industrial parks, business centres, as well as residential areas for employees.
Insight type: Legal Alert
Amendments to Trust Legislation in Kenya and UAE
On 24 April 2024 the Trustees Perpetual Succession Act Cap 164 (the TPSA), which governs the procedure for incorporation of trustees into a corporate body and maintenance of a register of trusts in Kenya, was amended.
Nigeria Launches 2024 Licensing Round for 17 Oil Blocks
The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA) empowers the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to conduct bid rounds for the award of petroleum prospecting licences. In 2022, the NUPRC initiated the 2022 Mini-Bid Round for seven deep offshore blocks namely PPL 300-DO, PPL 301-DO, PPL 302-DO, PPL 303-DO, PPL 304-DO, PPL 305-DO, PPL 306-DO. However, the process was postponed due to the 2023 national elections.
Safeguarding Employers Trade Secrets: Insights from a Landmark Legal Case in Uganda
In the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, new frontiers continually emerge, posing dilemmas for employees and employers alike, especially in cross-border contexts. With the advent of the digital age, where company data is integral to business operations, instances of employees misappropriating such data upon leaving employment have become increasingly common. This presents significant challenges in addressing such breaches, particularly for employers with operations spanning multiple jurisdictions. Further, the transient nature of digital assets adds another layer of complexity, as they can easily be deleted, destroyed, or exploited inappropriately. What recourse, then, should an employer have in such situations?
High Court: Banks Should Prevent Withdrawals of Erroneously Deposited Funds in Customer Accounts
In a recent important High Court decision, the court found a bank liable for repayment of money erroneously credited into a customer’s account by a third-party, even though the initial mistake was that of the third-party.
Recent Developments Shaping Kenya’s Betting and Gaming Sector
The betting and gaming landscape in Kenya is undergoing significant shifts, with the Kenyan Government implementing new regulations in a bid to regulate the sector. From higher taxes to stricter advertising regulations, these measures are reshaping the industry.
Enhancing Privacy and Security in the Digital Age in Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s legislative landscape experienced a significant development with the recent approval of the Personal Data Protection Proclamation (PDPP) by the House of Peoples’ Representatives.
Directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements 2024
On 28 February 2024, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria issued a directive on Local Content Compliance Requirements (the Directive) aimed at improving foreign participation in the Nigerian oil and gas industry (the industry) and attracting investments into the industry by enabling a conducive operating and investment environment.
The Directive was issued pursuant to Section 100 of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 (the NOGICD Act) and was published in a Federal Government Gazette on 6 March 2024.
Guidelines for Employment Termination on Medical Grounds
In Kenya’s dynamic employment landscape, terminating employees on medical grounds poses significant challenges for employers as employers must weigh between productivity and being sensitive in the face of medical incapacity. While the Employment Act, 2007 (the Employment Act) provides criteria for dismissal by referencing physical incapacity, gaps exist regarding medical incapacity terminations such as mental health issues, creating a dilemma for employers navigating the dismissal process. Given the lack of clarity in the legislation employers have to turn to judicial decisions which play a pivotal role in interpreting and applying employment laws.
Analysis of the Key Provisions and Implications of the Affordable Housing Act, 2024
The Affordable Housing Act, 2024 was gazetted on 19 March 2024 after being signed into law by the President on the same date. The Act serves to implement constitutional mandates regarding the right to accessible and adequate housing and sanitation standards while establishing a mechanism for levies to support affordable and institutional housing. Additionally, the Act provides the legal framework for executing affordable housing programs and projects.