Africaandca

I am excited about this offer. For one thing, it comes from Corney & Barrow, wine merchants to the Quality. One does not normally look to them for cheap wines, any more than a gentleman goes to Trumper’s for a short back and sides.

Yet there are five ways you can save. For one thing, C&B have graciously stuck to their old prices, even though their new list has already kicked in. Secondly, Adam Brett-Smith has knocked 5 per cent off the old prices. And there is the fabled Brett-Smith Indulgence, whereby you save a further 6 [pounds sterling] a case if you buy three cases or more, or two cases if you live within the M25. Delivery is free, and the Chancellor failed to add yet more duty in the Budget. But the government is planning a minimum price for alcohol. I rather suspect that this will not apply to delectable, spicy Côtes du Rhônes or superb New World Chardonnays.

And all these wines are superb. We start, as ever, with C&B’s admirable house white (1) and red (5). Regulars know how good these are, and they make a perfect way of bumping up your order up to trigger the Indulgence. Great daily glugging wines.

I have sometimes been disappointed by white Côtes du Rhone, which can be a little dull. But this Les Becs Fins Blanc from Michel Tardieu, 2010, (2) is glorious. It is 60 per cent Viognier, a lovely perfumed grape, given more oomph by the 30 per cent Grenache Blanc and the 10 per cent Marsanne. Velvety, intense without being overwhelming, wonderfully dry–a wine that just makes you happy. Well, it made me happy during a depressing cold. Just 9.45 [pounds sterling].

I know people are still resistant to German wines. It’s a shame, given that a century ago hocks were as highly prized as first-growth clarets. My theory is that in our youth we drank too much ghastly Liebfraumilch. But this Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling 2010 (3) is so subtle, so sinuous, so rich with flavour that I don’t see how anyone can resist it. No German wine is really dry, but if it were you would miss out on those delectable floral and tropical notes. 10.45 [pounds sterling] is great value.

Our final white is expensive, but worth it. The Waipara Muddy Water 2009 (4) is from New Zealand, and it gives the lie to anyone who thinks that New World Chardonnays are OTT, like drinking milkshakes with foie gras. This is subtle, layered, perfectly balanced, with backbone and a real sense of the earth it’s grown in (terroir as the Kiwis don’t call it). At 17.55 [pounds sterling], they are not giving it away, but it would be very hard to find a white Burgundy as good at a similar price. Get it in the sample case if you don’t believe me.

Reds. The Côtes du Rhone from Gonnet, 2009 (6) is stunning. When I heard C&B were selling it for 8.55 [pounds sterling], I couldn’t quite believe it. Spice, herbs, perfume, damsons, cherries–I’ve had inferior Châteauneuf-du-Pape at much higher prices. If you’re a C du R fan, and many readers are, you need lots of this, now.

Claret fans will probably adore the Chilean Reserva Especial 2010 (7) from Viña Mar. This is so good, so deep, so rich, so redolent of ageing in cellars, and it’s barely two years old! At 8.99 [pounds sterling] a bottle, a real snip.

And finally, and amazingly, a Vin de Pays, a Merlot from the Dme André Perret, 2009 (8). It comes from the Collines de Rhodaniennes, an area which is producing some dazzling wines. Imagine a Pomerol or Saint-Emilion, smooth, creamy, delicious, and all for just over a tenner a bottle.

As I say, delivery is free. There is a very reasonable sample case. And don’t forget the Indulgence.

What is digital currency?

Digital currencies are electronic token representations of value, primarily used for value exchange. They can either be fully backed by physical world equivalent: Egold, Mobile Money, Chama Dhahabu or NOT backed by physical equivalents, but rather on their perceived value and trust by the community: Bitcoin, Bonga points. Digital currency technologies are also architectures/platforms, like the internet on which innovative products & services are built eg the Bitcoin protocol, ricardo

How does digital currency work?

Digital currencies allow seamless electronic value exchanges and transactions without the need for cash. This significantly lowers the burden and costs associated with handling cash & takes us closer to a cashless economy. Cashless economies have tremendous advantages.

How does one acquire digital currency?

There are multiple ways to do this including:

• As payment for goods or services.
• Purchase from an exchange.
• Digital currency agents.
• Exchange with someone near you

What are the benefits of digital currency?

Payment freedom – It is possible to send and receive any amount of money instantly anywhere in the world at any time. No bank holidays. No borders. No imposed limits. Bitcoin for example, allows its users to be in full control of their money.

Low transaction fees – by reducing the costs associated with handling cash, the cost of transacting is significantly reduced.

Financial control – it enables its users to have full control over their financial resources.

Financial inclusion – digital currency enables everyone to participate in the formal financial system through financial access and financial services.

I’d like to learn more. Where can I get help?

To find out how it can help you, contact the ADCA at info@africandca.org or press@africandca.org

BitCoin Legislative Status

Remittances inarguably play a key role in the economies of East African countries (both macro-economic and household benefits). Africans working abroad periodically send money back home to family and friends. These monies, termed remittances, play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries and communities where it is received. Additionally, it contributes to the foreign exchange reserves of beneficiary countries. Remittances in SSA are far more stable than FDI and private financing inflows.

Kenya for example, receives over $1.2 billion in annual remittances. Sudan is a close second, receiving $1.1 billion. The chart below shows the comparative figures of Kenya, Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania.

ANNUAL REMITTANCE to East Africa

What’s the problem?

Migrant workers sending money home incur extremely high cost in fees. The figures in East Africa & Africa are particularly grim. Cross border bank remittances from Tanzania to Kenya, Tanzania to Uganda and Tanzania to Rwanda cost a whopping 24% in fees. Money transfer operators (MTOs) like Western Union & MoneyGram charge 9% fees in Kenya and as high as 39% in Ghana for International transfers. Remittance fees are a burden on migrant workers’ hard earned wages and by extension, hamper the socio economic status of their beneficiaries. It is estimated that by reducing these fees comparably to other remittance corridors and regions, $1.8 billion can be saved in fees – enough to put 14 million primary school-aged children into school.

Migrant workers from Africa pay the highest charges in remittances averaging 12% in fees; double the global average excluding Sub Saharan Africa.

Why does Africa face such high remittance charges?

The truth is there is no logical reason why. Comparatively, other regions corridors pay much lower fees for a similar service. South Asia for example, is the least costly region to send money to, with an average cost of 6.58%. 3 reasons are frequently fronted for these steep costs.

Limited competition in the African remittance space is a factor. The remittance business is largely dominated by an oligopoly of MTOs who exert their control by imposing opaque foreign exchange margins & hefty transfer fees. Western Union and MoneyGram control over 65% of remittance outlets in Africa. Their sway in the region allows them to unjustly set high fees. Cost reductions and efficiency gains that would arise from a free, competitive market are instead lost in MTOs’ murky business operations.

Secondly, exclusivity arrangements between MTO, agents and banks stifle competition and limit the options that exist for migrant workers & their beneficiaries. These agreements have come under heavy criticism by central banks in Nigeria, Ghana and Tunisia. Exclusivity clauses have been revoked in Tunisia while regulatory authorities in Nigeria and Ghana are reviewing these agreements.

Lastly, financial regulation in Africa dictates that only banks can play a role in remittance. Bank charges are as high as 16% from the US to Kenya. In several countries, ONLY banks are authorized to carry out money transfer operations. Micro finance institutions & Post Offices, despite being readily accessible to beneficiaries, can only act as payment agents for MTOs and banks.

In 2007, the governments of the G8 and G20 pledged to reduce charges to 5% by 2014. This target has not been achieved, especially in East Africa.

What is the Remedy – Bitcoin and more

This status quo can be remedied by a handful of solutions. One way is through new technology such as Bitcoin. Globally, several tech based startups are successfully tackling this problem in Kenya, Philippines, Mexico and Latin America by leveraging Bitcoin’s ultra-low transactions costs. BitPesa (in Kenya) has already drastically lowered the cost of remittance from the UK by charging a fee below the G8 & G20 target – a flat 3%.

Average % Cost of Transferring $200 by Type of Remittance Channel

Another way is by revisiting financial regulations in Sub Saharan Africa to get the best deal for migrant workers and their families. Exclusivity agreements by MTOs should be revoked and free market competition allowed to set in. Post offices and Micro finance institutions are well-poised to participate in their own capacity; they are well distributed and offer financial access to the unbanked.No measure would do more to unlock the full potential of remittances than a cut in charges. Achieving this goal will require some significant changes – in banking regulations, in the practices of money transfer operators, and in approaches to new technology” – ODI Report

Clearly, innovation, competition and fair regulation will lead to whole wide benefits for the peoples and economies of East Africa.For a ppt summary of the contents of this post view the slides here. comments powered by

I am excited about this offer. For one thing, it comes from Corney & Barrow, wine merchants to the Quality. One does not normally look to them for cheap wines, any more than a gentleman goes to Trumper’s for a short back and sides.

Yet there are five ways you can save. For one thing, C&B have graciously stuck to their old prices, even though their new list has already kicked in. Secondly, Adam Brett-Smith has knocked 5 per cent off the old prices. And there is the fabled Brett-Smith Indulgence, whereby you save a further 6 [pounds sterling] a case if you buy three cases or more, or two cases if you live within the M25. Delivery is free, and the Chancellor failed to add yet more duty in the Budget. But the government is planning a minimum price for alcohol. I rather suspect that this will not apply to delectable, spicy Côtes du Rhônes or superb New World Chardonnays.

And all these wines are superb. We start, as ever, with C&B’s admirable house white (1) and red (5). Regulars know how good these are, and they make a perfect way of bumping up your order up to trigger the Indulgence. Great daily glugging wines.

I have sometimes been disappointed by white Côtes du Rhone, which can be a little dull. But this Les Becs Fins Blanc from Michel Tardieu, 2010, (2) is glorious. It is 60 per cent Viognier, a lovely perfumed grape, given more oomph by the 30 per cent Grenache Blanc and the 10 per cent Marsanne. Velvety, intense without being overwhelming, wonderfully dry–a wine that just makes you happy. Well, it made me happy during a depressing cold. Just 9.45 [pounds sterling].

I know people are still resistant to German wines. It’s a shame, given that a century ago hocks were as highly prized as first-growth clarets. My theory is that in our youth we drank too much ghastly Liebfraumilch. But this Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling 2010 (3) is so subtle, so sinuous, so rich with flavour that I don’t see how anyone can resist it. No German wine is really dry, but if it were you would miss out on those delectable floral and tropical notes. 10.45 [pounds sterling] is great value.

Our final white is expensive, but worth it. The Waipara Muddy Water 2009 (4) is from New Zealand, and it gives the lie to anyone who thinks that New World Chardonnays are OTT, like drinking milkshakes with foie gras. This is subtle, layered, perfectly balanced, with backbone and a real sense of the earth it’s grown in (terroir as the Kiwis don’t call it). At 17.55 [pounds sterling], they are not giving it away, but it would be very hard to find a white Burgundy as good at a similar price. Get it in the sample case if you don’t believe me.

Reds. The Côtes du Rhone from Gonnet, 2009 (6) is stunning. When I heard C&B were selling it for 8.55 [pounds sterling], I couldn’t quite believe it. Spice, herbs, perfume, damsons, cherries–I’ve had inferior Châteauneuf-du-Pape at much higher prices. If you’re a C du R fan, and many readers are, you need lots of this, now.

Claret fans will probably adore the Chilean Reserva Especial 2010 (7) from Viña Mar. This is so good, so deep, so rich, so redolent of ageing in cellars, and it’s barely two years old! At 8.99 [pounds sterling] a bottle, a real snip.

And finally, and amazingly, a Vin de Pays, a Merlot from the Dme André Perret, 2009 (8). It comes from the Collines de Rhodaniennes, an area which is producing some dazzling wines. Imagine a Pomerol or Saint-Emilion, smooth, creamy, delicious, and all for just over a tenner a bottle.

As I say, delivery is free. There is a very reasonable sample case. And don’t forget the Indulgence.

I am excited about this offer. For one thing, it comes from Corney & Barrow, wine merchants to the Quality. One does not normally look to them for cheap wines, any more than a gentleman goes to Trumper’s for a short back and sides.

Yet there are five ways you can save. For one thing, C&B have graciously stuck to their old prices, even though their new list has already kicked in. Secondly, Adam Brett-Smith has knocked 5 per cent off the old prices. And there is the fabled Brett-Smith Indulgence, whereby you save a further 6 [pounds sterling] a case if you buy three cases or more, or two cases if you live within the M25. Delivery is free, and the Chancellor failed to add yet more duty in the Budget. But the government is planning a minimum price for alcohol. I rather suspect that this will not apply to delectable, spicy Côtes du Rhônes or superb New World Chardonnays.

And all these wines are superb. We start, as ever, with C&B’s admirable house white (1) and red (5). Regulars know how good these are, and they make a perfect way of bumping up your order up to trigger the Indulgence. Great daily glugging wines.

I have sometimes been disappointed by white Côtes du Rhone, which can be a little dull. But this Les Becs Fins Blanc from Michel Tardieu, 2010, (2) is glorious. It is 60 per cent Viognier, a lovely perfumed grape, given more oomph by the 30 per cent Grenache Blanc and the 10 per cent Marsanne. Velvety, intense without being overwhelming, wonderfully dry–a wine that just makes you happy. Well, it made me happy during a depressing cold. Just 9.45 [pounds sterling].

I know people are still resistant to German wines. It’s a shame, given that a century ago hocks were as highly prized as first-growth clarets. My theory is that in our youth we drank too much ghastly Liebfraumilch. But this Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling 2010 (3) is so subtle, so sinuous, so rich with flavour that I don’t see how anyone can resist it. No German wine is really dry, but if it were you would miss out on those delectable floral and tropical notes. 10.45 [pounds sterling] is great value.

Our final white is expensive, but worth it. The Waipara Muddy Water 2009 (4) is from New Zealand, and it gives the lie to anyone who thinks that New World Chardonnays are OTT, like drinking milkshakes with foie gras. This is subtle, layered, perfectly balanced, with backbone and a real sense of the earth it’s grown in (terroir as the Kiwis don’t call it). At 17.55 [pounds sterling], they are not giving it away, but it would be very hard to find a white Burgundy as good at a similar price. Get it in the sample case if you don’t believe me.

Reds. The Côtes du Rhone from Gonnet, 2009 (6) is stunning. When I heard C&B were selling it for 8.55 [pounds sterling], I couldn’t quite believe it. Spice, herbs, perfume, damsons, cherries–I’ve had inferior Châteauneuf-du-Pape at much higher prices. If you’re a C du R fan, and many readers are, you need lots of this, now.

Claret fans will probably adore the Chilean Reserva Especial 2010 (7) from Viña Mar. This is so good, so deep, so rich, so redolent of ageing in cellars, and it’s barely two years old! At 8.99 [pounds sterling] a bottle, a real snip.

And finally, and amazingly, a Vin de Pays, a Merlot from the Dme André Perret, 2009 (8). It comes from the Collines de Rhodaniennes, an area which is producing some dazzling wines. Imagine a Pomerol or Saint-Emilion, smooth, creamy, delicious, and all for just over a tenner a bottle.

As I say, delivery is free. There is a very reasonable sample case. And don’t forget the Indulgence.

I am excited about this offer. For one thing, it comes from Corney & Barrow, wine merchants to the Quality. One does not normally look to them for cheap wines, any more than a gentleman goes to Trumper’s for a short back and sides.

Yet there are five ways you can save. For one thing, C&B have graciously stuck to their old prices, even though their new list has already kicked in. Secondly, Adam Brett-Smith has knocked 5 per cent off the old prices. And there is the fabled Brett-Smith Indulgence, whereby you save a further 6 [pounds sterling] a case if you buy three cases or more, or two cases if you live within the M25. Delivery is free, and the Chancellor failed to add yet more duty in the Budget. But the government is planning a minimum price for alcohol. I rather suspect that this will not apply to delectable, spicy Côtes du Rhônes or superb New World Chardonnays.

And all these wines are superb. We start, as ever, with C&B’s admirable house white (1) and red (5). Regulars know how good these are, and they make a perfect way of bumping up your order up to trigger the Indulgence. Great daily glugging wines.

I have sometimes been disappointed by white Côtes du Rhone, which can be a little dull. But this Les Becs Fins Blanc from Michel Tardieu, 2010, (2) is glorious. It is 60 per cent Viognier, a lovely perfumed grape, given more oomph by the 30 per cent Grenache Blanc and the 10 per cent Marsanne. Velvety, intense without being overwhelming, wonderfully dry–a wine that just makes you happy. Well, it made me happy during a depressing cold. Just 9.45 [pounds sterling].

I know people are still resistant to German wines. It’s a shame, given that a century ago hocks were as highly prized as first-growth clarets. My theory is that in our youth we drank too much ghastly Liebfraumilch. But this Schloss Schonborn Estate Riesling 2010 (3) is so subtle, so sinuous, so rich with flavour that I don’t see how anyone can resist it. No German wine is really dry, but if it were you would miss out on those delectable floral and tropical notes. 10.45 [pounds sterling] is great value.

Our final white is expensive, but worth it. The Waipara Muddy Water 2009 (4) is from New Zealand, and it gives the lie to anyone who thinks that New World Chardonnays are OTT, like drinking milkshakes with foie gras. This is subtle, layered, perfectly balanced, with backbone and a real sense of the earth it’s grown in (terroir as the Kiwis don’t call it). At 17.55 [pounds sterling], they are not giving it away, but it would be very hard to find a white Burgundy as good at a similar price. Get it in the sample case if you don’t believe me.

Reds. The Côtes du Rhone from Gonnet, 2009 (6) is stunning. When I heard C&B were selling it for 8.55 [pounds sterling], I couldn’t quite believe it. Spice, herbs, perfume, damsons, cherries–I’ve had inferior Châteauneuf-du-Pape at much higher prices. If you’re a C du R fan, and many readers are, you need lots of this, now.

Claret fans will probably adore the Chilean Reserva Especial 2010 (7) from Viña Mar. This is so good, so deep, so rich, so redolent of ageing in cellars, and it’s barely two years old! At 8.99 [pounds sterling] a bottle, a real snip.

And finally, and amazingly, a Vin de Pays, a Merlot from the Dme André Perret, 2009 (8). It comes from the Collines de Rhodaniennes, an area which is producing some dazzling wines. Imagine a Pomerol or Saint-Emilion, smooth, creamy, delicious, and all for just over a tenner a bottle.

As I say, delivery is free. There is a very reasonable sample case. And don’t forget the Indulgence.