Amb. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme
The Swisscham Southern Africa (SCSA), with the support of the Embassy of Botswana recently organised an African summer barbeque to go with a presentation: An Audio–visual presentation on Botswana as a tourism and investment destination held in Georg C. Umbricht Law office at Bahnhofstrasse in the heart of Zurich.
Founder of Africa's leading film studio speaks to AB2020 about the company's acquisition by French TV company Canal+ and what it means for Nollywood.
Last month, Africa’s leading film studio and international TV network ROK was acquired by French TV company Canal+ Group for an undisclosed amount.
The buyout gives ROK studios, which already reaches 15 million subscribers across DSTV and GOTV platforms on the continent, the opportunity to produce Nollywood content for CANAL+ channels in French Speaking Africa and globally.
AGCO has revealed plans for further development of the Future Farm project in Zambia. This will involve the upgrades of Phase II to include the construction of 24 rooms for students and staff, communal amenities such as a canteen that sits over 80 people and an Insaka homestead – a traditional complex of grass gazebos with a central court yard to encourage interactive learning.
As Central and Eastern Europe become increasingly popular for South Africa’s property sector due to subdued growth potential and earnings locally, should these funds not be investing closer to home?
A three-day conference organized by CRU (www.CRUgroup.com and the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) slated to take place in South Africa from 1 – 3 October 2019 and expected to discuss investment, partnership, and innovation of the industry, will boost agric industry in Africa.
The 4th Edition of Prix Les Afriques (Africa Literary Book Prize Award) created by La Cene Littéraire in 2016 was won by Elnathan John, with the French translation of his novel Born on a Tuesday. The novel is the debut of the highly promising young Nigerian lawyer and writer.
Photo : L – R: Deji Alli, Ute Redecker, Philippe Valahu and Jens Zimmerman
Speakers and panellists at the 5th Edition of Africa Business Day (ABD) held recently in Zug, Switzerland discussed the issues of infrastructure deficit in Africa and agreed that Africa should prioritise its power sector to boost the continent’s economy.
Overcoming the infrastructure gap is a big challenge in Africa but is one that can bring huge opportunities, [for the continent and Swiss investors] asserted Mr. Jürg Sprecher, Head of Section Bilateral Economic Relations Middle East and Africa, Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in his address at the 5th Edition of Africa Business Day (ABD) a business platform between Africa and Switzerland organised by the Swiss-African Business Circle (SABC).
Under the banner of “International Geneva”, some consider Geneva as a city rich in cultural diversity. While it welcomes a varied cultural life, it is a commonly accepted reality that this diversity must be created and brought to life by those who wish to experience it fully.
William Kentridge during Conversations talk
Art, art and more art!! For art collectors and art lovers, there are a lot of major art events taking place in Europe this year. From the eponymous Venice Biennale to the FIAC in Paris, Frieze in London, to Art Basel in Switzerland, there is a lot to see and buy. It will of course require quite a bit of travelling and an investment in sturdy shoes but it is all worth it.
The South Africans celebrated the 25th anniversary of Freedom Day that ended Apartheid rule in 1994 after decades of obnoxious era.
A PAUWES Class of 2017 graduate smiles at her graduation ceremony on 29 October 2017 (Photo PAUWES)
ALGERIA -- The Pan African University Institute for Water and Energy Sciences including Climate Change (PAUWES) in Tlemcen, Algeria provides higher education and applied research in the fields of water, energy and climate change – an important contribution to sustainable development in Africa.
Verena Utzinger, President, Swiss-African Business Circle, (Photo SABC)
It is no gainsaying that the growth of Africa’s economy has been hampered by poor and inadequate infrastructure. This is notable in poor and unreliable energy, transportation and communication systems, and health among others.
The finalists for the Royal Academy of Engineering’s 2019 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation have been announced. They were chosen for the innovative ways engineering was used to solve every day problems, and come from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda.
As announced earlier by Business in Cameroon, President Paul Biya issued a presidential order May 29, amending and supplementing certain provisions of the 2019 Finance Act.
Dr Bahle Zondo & Leon Rohrs shaking hands and Nuradin Osman standing next to them in a Burgundy silk jacket(Source: AGCO Corporation
SOUTH AFRICA -- Six months ago, founder and chairman of the Bahle Zondo Foundation, philanthropist and entrepreneur Dr. Bahle Zondo walked into the AGCO Africa (www.AGCOcorp.com) office announcing that he would like to set up a successful agribusiness in his community of Msinga. He was quick to add, that he knew nothing about farming.
Cyril Ramaphosa Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
National Treasury has welcomed and noted the key risks identified and proposed policy recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a recent visit to the country last month.
Government has called on young people to enter an international contest on social anti-corruption advertising by designing a poster or developing a video to raise awareness on corruption.
Group photo of the participants
COMOROS -- The AU Technical Customs Working Group on Pre-Shipment Inspections deliberated on the termination of contracts with inspection companies at a meeting held in Comoros Island on 31 May 2019.
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President Lourenco (Photo: African Energy Chamber)
On 18 January, the President of the International Criminal Court, Chile Eboe-Osuji, opened the 2019 judicial session, already marked five months later by four major controversies.
NIGERIA -- MTN Nigeria has paid the whole $1.6 billion fine it received in 2015 for not deactivating 5.1 million unregistered SIM cards. The operator has indeed paid the NGN55 billion, which is the sixth and last tranche of these payments started in 2016.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) will introduce new banknotes, Patrick Njoroge (photo), the governor, announced last weekend.
Fayez al-Sarraj
LIBYA -- The national unity government (GNA) has threatened to suspend the activities of 40 European firms among them Total and Siemens operating in the country.
Government’s political will is to ensure the tough enforcement of the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila wanted his successor, Felix Tshisekedi, to appoint Albert Yuma, a Kabila ally and chairman of state mining company Gecamines, as prime minister, but Tshisekedi refused, sources familiar with the matter said.
President George Manneh Weah. (Photo: Executive Mansion)
LIBERIA - The President, His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, has signed into law two major legal instruments, the Kamara Abdullah Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom and the Act to name certain Roads and Bridges within the Republic of Liberia.
The eCommerce Africa Conference and Exhibition, delivered by DHL, is hosted by South African conferencing company, Kinetic
SOUTH AFRICA – DHL Express (www.DHL.com) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has announced that the company has once again signed on as lead sponsor for the 2019 DHL eCommerce Africa Conference and Exhibition, which will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Center on the 19thand 20thof March 2019.
The Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Manuel Sager presented Water Management at the agency's annual press conference held recently as the agency's priority for 2019 and its main focus on international cooperation for 2021–2024.
[WHO] The current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains precarious, with infection transmissions continuing to occur in communities and health facilities. As of 23 July 2019 a total of 2,612 and 1, 756 deaths have been recorded. Although the number of cases have remained constant its geographical spread to Goma is of concern. As such, the United Republic of Tanzania remains at risk of cross-border transmission of Ebola, because it borders and has significant human traffic with the DRC.
[Citizen] Ladies, there is a new fad in town -- vaginal steaming. But watch out, for it can be harmful.
[Daily Trust] Damaturu -The Coordinator of National Agency For Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Yobe state, Lawan Musa Dadingelma, has warned residents against buying drugs from hawkers and unregistered medicine sellers.
[Observer] A German philanthropist, Petra Windisch de Lates, has donated an ambulance to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). The Mercedes Ambulance with 14500 km capacity is valued at US$20,000.
[Observer] As part of efforts to help with trauma healing in Liberia, the Bates Foundation, a Christian organization based in the United States of America, has concluded a 3-day trauma healing seminar for religious and community leaders at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship Center in Sinkor.
[Ghanaian Times] As I write this piece, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is reeling from an Ebola crisis with the World Health Organization (WHO) having declared it a global health emergency. It is reported to have killed about 1,800 people so far. The crisis has been worsened by internal conflicts and mobility of people fleeing from the conflicts. I will continue with information gleaned from the BBC and Bloomberg on the Ebola crisis and deployment of vaccines.
[Nation] Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has come under fire from artistes who are unhappy with their share of royalties.
[allAfrica] Cape Town -Babes Wodumo has been at the centre of controversy after a video of her insulting Lady Zamar surfaced on social media, and people are not having it!
[The Herald] Organisers of the most popular out-door music event dubbed Madirirano have said the recent gig was their last edition after it was marred by disturbances caused by bouncers who manhandled revellers.
[The Herald] South Africa-based gospel musician Ray Bopoto is this Friday scheduled to launch a nine-track album titled "Wandinonamata".
[allAfrica] Cape Town -Burna Boy has been making a lot of big moves internationally.
[Daily Trust] The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Wednesday unveiled Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy, Simi, Wizkid, Kizz Daniel, Teni, Yemi Alade, Niniola along other international artistes nominated for 2019 edition of the prestigious award.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -The Ministry of Education has assured of smooth transition of pupils in Grade III to Grade IV next year with Cabinet Secretary Prof George Magoha saying there will be "no turning back" on the ongoing rollout of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).
[Observer] ... Dr. Wulu challenges graduates
[Vanguard] ActionAids Nigeria, has urged Kogi State government to invest more in education and use it as a tool to curtail violence and extremism in the state.
[SAPS] Former Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET), teacher, Tasmyn Lynn Dorothy (42) appeared at the Oudtshoorn Magistrate's Court for alleged fraud on Monday, 12 August 2019, following her arrest on the same day.
[This Day] Lagos and Abuja -Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN has assured all students coming to the school of their safety in all campuses.
[Nation] The government's commitment to integrity and honesty in national examinations is stronger than ever, President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Wednesday.
[Nation] There is a group of unscrupulous businesspeople, who are giving our country a bad name overseas and threatening a vital industry that earns some decent foreign exchange to meet basic needs and boost national development.
[This Day] Finchglow Travels, one of Nigeria's leading Travel Management Company (TMC), recently held training with its trade partners in Abuja, on how to collaborate and work with the new International Air Transport Association (IATA) payment and distribution system.
[This Day] There has been allegations that the downstream sector of the aviation industry is being neglected by the regulatory authority, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), other concerned agencies and that the Ministry of Transportation does not even pay attention to the sub-sector.
[This Day] Aviation industry stakeholders have said that for the planned national carrier to succeed political leaders in the Ministry, the Presidency and the National Assembly must put the right legislation and regulation in place to make it succeed.
[Ghana Presidency] The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday, 15th August 2019, cut the sod for the commencement of the 2nd Phase of the Tamale Airport project.
[News24Wire] The Johannesburg Zoo finds itself embroiled in another legal controversy after three elephants were caught on video in seeming distress on Elephant Day, according to animal experts.
The new president of the European Commission's musical wishes are the German army's command. As a military tattoo honors the outgoing minister of defense, here's what the three songs she picked reveal about her.
The pioneer filmmaker was behind many groundbreaking achievements even before the beginning of the 20th century. As the Silent Film Festival in Bonn pays tribute to her works, here's more on her largely forgotten legacy.
The choir's right to artistic freedom is decisive, a Berlin court has ruled after the parents of a 9-year-old girl sued when she was rejected by the prestigious State and Cathedral Choir.
From black clothes worn by Hong Kong demonstrators to orange banners at rallies in Ukraine or green scarves accompanying protests in Iran, here's how colors are adopted to represent the hopes of a movement.
Rammstein has a militant look and texts that break taboos. Really? The word most often growled by frontman Till Lindemann is "Liebe" (Love), and the lyrics are inspired by classical poets like Goethe.
The new president of the European Commission's musical wishes are the German army's command. As a military tattoo honors the outgoing minister of defense, here's what the three songs she picked reveal about her.
[Observer] President Weah has signed the Domestic Violence Act into law.
[This Day] The Nigerian Women Association (NWA) Verona Italy in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN) Kosofe, are bent on restoring the image of Nigeria through support of victims of human trafficking while combating the recurrent menace.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -The government has named an award for women leaders after the late Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso, in honour of her exemplary leadership.
[New Times] Built in 1932, Ngoma Prison in Ngoma District, Eastern Province, is one of the oldest prison facilities in the country.
[News24Wire] Just hours after the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) confirmed its decision to ask embattled eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede to step aside, the ANC Women's League lashed out at the party over a culture of "removing women from positions of power".
[Monitor] Women activists have urged Ugandan government to effect arrest of those people who make derogatory attacks on women via various social media platforms, if the nation is to get rid of cyber-crimes.
Humboldt returned to Berlin in 1827 after working for two decades in Paris. For the next 30 years, he labored over his most ambitious project to unite everything known about the whole universe in a single work, "Cosmos."
The new president of the European Commission's musical wishes are the German army's command. As a military tattoo honors the outgoing minister of defense, here's what the three songs she picked reveal about her.
China doesn't need the former Crown colony quite as much as it did back in 1997 when it switched from British rule. But the Special Administrative Region remains a valuable conduit for Beijing.
Several months after the EU's migrant rescue mission in the Mediterranean was suspended, Angela Merkel has called for the operation to be resumed once more. The EU rescues were halted following pushback from Italy.
Union Berlin hold cult status for many fans as a club that stands for more than just football. Yet before Union's historic first Bundesliga season, the balance between tradition and reality is already being challenged.
The pioneer filmmaker was behind many groundbreaking achievements even before the beginning of the 20th century. As the Silent Film Festival in Bonn pays tribute to her works, here's more on her largely forgotten legacy.
[VOA] In Sudan, women are well-represented in the workforce. They are not lacking in any public spaces. And over the past few months, they have made up half, if not more, of the protest crowds making demands of their new transitional government.
[New Zimbabwe] The United States government says it is deeply concerned over the abduction, assault, and torture of civil society and opposition activists at a time the country's main opposition has planned a massive anti-government protest in Harare this Friday.
[New Zimbabwe] The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called on Zimbabwean police to investigate reports of abductions on rights and MDC activists by alleged State agents.
[Lesotho Times] Embattled Lieutenant General Tlali Kamoli and fellow detained soldiers are pleading poverty and face a huge battle to retain the services of highly qualified, prominent lawyers to defend them in their upcoming murder and attempted murder trials.
[New Zimbabwe] Youths from the Thokozani Khupe led MDC-T have vowed to defy a party directive not to participate in a demonstration organised by the rival MDC, insisting the protest was necessary because people are suffering.
[New Zimbabwe] Zimbabwe's church leaders are planning to set up a meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his main opponent Nelson Chamisa in the wake of a crippling economic crisis.
China doesn't need the former Crown colony quite as much as it did back in 1997 when it switched from British rule. But the Special Administrative Region remains a valuable conduit for Beijing.
The European Union has slapped countervailing tariffs on imports of subsidized biodiesel from Indonesia. The southeast Asian country has threatened to retaliate but experts say counter tariffs could be self-destructive.
Calvin Klein, Coach, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana, Swarovski — and now, Versace. The list of foreign brands that have generated online fury in China would make for a glittering evening of luxury and fashion.
[News24Wire] Friday marks seven years since 34 mineworkers were shot dead in a burst of police gunfire during a protest at the then Lonmin Platinum's Marikana operations, but families have yet to see justice.
[New Zimbabwe] Police have banned the planned demonstration by the MDC which was set for this Friday, defying President Emmerson Mnangagwa who gave the nod for the opposition to proceed with its protest.
[VOA] Up to nine people were killed Saturday when a pickup truck stuffed with passengers overturned while trying to cross a flooded road near the South Sudanese capital, Juba.
Union Berlin hold cult status for many fans as a club that stands for more than just football. Yet before Union's historic first Bundesliga season, the balance between tradition and reality is already being challenged.
Bundesliga coaches are aghast at new rules that could see them face more disciplinary problems than their players. Other changes are also afoot. Here's our overview of all the key alterations.
Bayern Munich's title defense wasn't meant to begin with a score draw at home to Hertha Berlin. The performance of Niko Kovac's side might leave Borussia Dortmund feeling very optimistic about their chances this season.
[GroundUp] Landikhaya Makeleni of KwaNobuhle hopes to challenge world champion Lubabalo Kondlo of New Brighton
[Botswana Daily News] Molepolole -Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA)'s award winning official, Etsogile Ngwako will join the bench of top notch referees to officiate at the African Games billed for Morocco, Rabat from August 19-31.
[News24Wire] Cape Town -New Proteas team director Enoch Nkwe believes that South African cricket has made a sound decision to back Test batsman Temba Bavuma in a leadership role moving forward.
[Ghana Presidency] The Chiefs and people of the Builsa South, in the Upper East Region, have conferred the title Aniwoba Nab, meaning Chief for the Poor and Vulnerable, on the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
[Ghanaian Times] The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has launched an awards scheme as an incentive to influence positive behaviour among the citizenry.
[Ghana Govt.] The Minister for Business Development, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, has disclosed that government has trained 19,000 young entrepreneurs under the Presidential Business Support Programme (PBSP) in sourcing for funds, marketing,
[allAfrica] Cape Town -A male lion, that was popular with photographers, has been shot by trophy hunters on the outskirts of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe, Captured in Africa Foundation announced on their Facebook page.
[News24Wire] The City of Tshwane says its water may be discoloured, but it disputes the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse's (Outa) contention that it is not safe to drink.
[Daily News] TANZANIA coffee production has almost doubled to four years high, thanks to good weather and high crop circle boom this season.
[UCT] It may not be the prettiest showpiece at the MAK Design Lab in the Austrian Museum for Applied Arts/Contemporary Art in Vienna, but it's the thought that counts. UCT's world-first bio-brick, made using human urine, is there to get people thinking - and talking - about sustainable change.
[Nairobi News] A 17-year-old Mombasa student has received The Diana Award for going above and beyond his everyday life to create and sustain positive change.
[Innovation in Africa] Marieme Diop is in a really interesting position. As one of the people behind Orange Digital Ventures she has a really good view of the big three African investment countries. But coming from Senegal, she's been a moving force behind setting up Dakar Network Angels to address growth issues in Francophone Africa.
[Namibian] MORE than 120 exhibitors set up shop at the Namibia Biomass Technology Expo held at the Otjiwa Safari Lodge near Otjiwarongo last week Friday.
[Daily Maverick] The rebranded Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) joins the newly-created Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MHEST). What might this new positioning and designation imply, and what might one expect of the emphasis on innovation?
[Ghanaian Times] The Industrial Research Institute IRI, of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the maiden Technology and Industrial Innovation Centre in Accra last week.