President Lourenco (Photo: African Energy Chamber)
SOUTH AFRICA -- President João Lourenço reform is yielding dividends, evident in the growth in Angolan oil and gas sector and the opportunities awaiting businesses in all sectors for those who are keen to increase their exports into new markets.
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.
For years the Office of the Prosecutor was seen as the problematic organ harming the reputation of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Now the ICC judges have triggered multiple controversies on their morality, integrity or independence. The latest incident involved a French judge.
After its highly successful 5th edition of Seedstars Forum last month, and the launch of $100 million breathtaking pan-African venture fund in partnership with First Growth Ventures on April 17, Seedstars was selected at WorldBlu 13th annual award event that took place in Geneva on May 14, 2019 to receive Worldblu Freedom-Centered Cultures’s certificate.
Vanessa Moungar (Photo AfDB)
IVORY COAST -- The Governing Committee of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) has approved a funding allocation of $61.8 million for the African Development Bank’s Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) program.
Panel Discussion
There was a call for urgent implementation and policy strategies that would safeguard diaspora investments at the 3rd Diaspora Engagement Forum 2019 (AIR – DEF) held in The Hague, Netherlands from 2 - 3 May.
DG Bishar A. Hussein
The Second Committee (Universal Service Obligation, Regulatory Affairs, and Postal Regulation) of the UPU’s Council of Administration, the body responsible for ensuring the continuity of the UPU’s work between Congresses, reviewed options for revising the present postal remuneration system.
Ana Dias Lourenço (photo: Joaquina Bento)
A campaign dubbed “Nascer Livre para Brilhar" Born Free to Shine launched by Angola’s First Lady Ana Dias Lourenço in December 2018 will help reduce HIV transmission rate from mother to child from 26 percent in 2019 to 14 % by 2021, reported Angola Press
Ambassador Mourad Bourehla welcoming guests to the reception
The Embassy of Tunisia in Bern, Switzerland initiated in 2017 the promotion of the country by featuring local event during the independence anniversary celebration. That year it organized a fashion show to promote Tunisian haute couture by designer Najeh Derbal dagdoug followed last year by a musical concert entitled “ Treasures” by a renowned Tunisian violinist Anis klibi, whose “works and sounds were inspired by history, Arabic and Tunisian traditional music.”
Amb. Mthembi-Mahanyele and DDG Yunus Hoosen (2nd & 3rd from right respectively) flanked by some members of the delegation.
“South Africa offers opportunities for investments in many areas of the economy, and the regulatory framework has been improved to make it possible for you to invest.”
Federico Hernandez founder of Blended wins 2019 Global Seedstars Prize
All roads led to Lausanne on April 5, 2019 where over 1,000 people, among them were entrepreneurs, startups, investors, mentors and corporate bodies, took part in the grand finale of the 6th edition of Global Seedstars Summit to select the winner of the 2019 Global prize.
President Akufo-Addo says persons who resort to use violence to win an election are, automatically, not the people's choice, adding the cycle of politically-related acts of violence and vigilantism that occurred in Sankore, in the Asunafo South Constituency of the Ahafo Region is coming to an end.
Nigeria bets on special economic zones to double its manufacturing output by 2025, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment announced this week.
In 2018, the flow of official development assistance from the OECD zone toward Africa shrunk by 4%, a report published this week by the OECD reveals.
Côte d’Ivoire has signed a Partnership Agreement with Belgian firm SEMLEX for the development and operation of its National Natural Persons Registry.
In the Gambia, two witnesses before the country’s Truth Commission, including the first confessed killer, have implicated former president Yahya Jammeh in ordering killings of soldiers in November 1994 and of a minister in June 1995. This is the first time that testimonies point directly to Jammeh in such crimes.
ANGOLA – Bestfly, the Angola-based aviation services company, has been awarded International Standard for Business Aviation Operators (IS-BAO) Stage 2.
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.
NIGERIA – The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu recently warned compliance officers in banks against colluding with politicians who are repatriating stolen funds for general elections.
Through the Safe Savings (SaVa) Project a number of street children will be given a new lease of life secure means to collect and bank their hard-earned income
TOGO – Ecobank, the pan-African bank, is partnering with leading international children rights NGO Terre des Hommes to offer digital financial services to some of the most vulnerable children in Togo – those under the age of 18 who work or live on the streets.
[Nation] Coast region counties face tough times after basic services such as healthcare, education, water and sanitation were allocated meagre amounts in the next financial year.
[This Day] Maiduguri -Médecines Sans Frontières (MSF), popularly known as Doctors Without Borders on Friday revealed that 58 people had been killed by measles in Borno State since January.
[Leadership] The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested four officials of Port Health Service of the Federal Ministry of Health, Benin City, the Edo State capital, over e-yellow fever travel card racketeering.
[Daily News] Dodoma -COME September this year, the government is expected to table in the National Assembly, a bill that will compel all Tanzanians to enrol in the mandatory health insurance for all.
[Seychelles News Agency] That was the message from the Seychelles' President Danny Faure on Friday at the launching of a national strategic plan for HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis.
[Citizen] Mwanza -Public health officials have blamed ignorance of expectant mothers on the importance of going for early checkups and diagnosis to increased rate of child and pregnancy-related deaths in Mwanza Region.
[Ghanaian Times] Ghanaian rapper Edem has taken his creativity to the next level as he creates a new sweet melody titled Edem Politics.
[This Day] With three highly-rated studio albums and an EP to her credit, Nigerian Afro-pop artiste, Yemi Alade is getting ready to release her new body of work titled 'Woman of Steel'. Just fresh off the release of 'Oh My Gosh' remix, featuring American rapper, Rick Ross, this fourth studio album and the fifth project by the 'Igbo-Yoruba girl' is coming five years after the release of her debut record in 2014.
[Leadership] Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has revealed that his new artiste, Rema, was discovered on Instagram after he did a freestyle of a Mavin song, 'Gucci Gang'.
[Vanguard] Nigerian music stars Burna Boy, Teni and Mr Eazi have been nominated in different categories for the Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards.
[Guardian] It is not uncommon for celebrities to be called out on social media every now and then and in recent times, one Nigerian celebrity that has been constantly called out is Burna Boy.
[New Zimbabwe] Fast-rising Zimdancehall chanter, Enzo Ishall has made sensational claims he was being threatened and physically abused by fellow artists who follow him to concerts.
[Ghanaian Times] Six Colleges of Education have been affiliated to the University of Ghana (UG) as part of reforms to boost teacher training in the country.
[Premium Times] A student of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ikot Akpaden, has been suspended "indefinitely" from the school for allegedly calling the university vice chancellor 'foolish' on Facebook.
[GroundUp] Children at a Port Elizabeth primary school have to step over exposed electricity cables on their way to school every day.
[Nation] Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha on Wednesday told off those opposed to the new curriculum, saying the train has already left the station.
[Nation] Kenya's education system is going through a major transformation that will change the way learners are taught and examined and how they will transit from one level to the other.
[Nation] The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) has stepped up its opposition to the new curriculum and poked holes in the review led by the Education ministry.
[Leadership] Africa Region president of World Crafts Council and director general, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has advised the Chinese and other nationals to disregard any negative narrative about Nigeria, noting that Nigeria and Black Africa present the best pictures of cultural tourism destination in the next few years.
[Ghanaian Times] Government revenue from the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture has increased in four folds due to the introduction of a pilot electronic payment system at the ministry.
[Govt of SA] Tourism Minister and Airbnb meet on proposed regulation for short-term home rentals
[Dalsan Radio] Against the backdrop of already fragile relations, the Kenyan Government has banned direct flights from Somalia into Nairobi. Tensions between the two neighbours date back to 2014, when Kenya accused Somalia of auctioning off oil, gas and mineral blocks falling within disputed territory along their shared border in the Indian Ocean.
[New Era] Kamanjab -Arriving in the sleepy village of Kamanjab, about 550 kilometres from Windhoek, one is tempted to believe this is a ghost town. Alas, somewhere in the middle of this dead town lies Oppi-Koppi, the hidden treasure of Namibia.
[Monitor] In his opening remarks at Africa's travel exhibition-indaba, South African tourism minister, Derek Hanekom reiterated the need for Africa to tell her own stories and showcase her successes.
The leaked news that the "Queen of Pop" would perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv was followed by rumors of her backing down. But then she gave an out-of-tune performance of her anthem, "Like a Prayer."
Bookies favorite Duncan Lawrence has won the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv with his power ballad "Arcade." An exclusive performance by a 60-year-old pop diva also ensured the night would never be forgotten.
This year's Eurovision Song Contest entries varied from a call to action to end capitalism to pure party songs. The winner won on a personal note, says DW's Rick Fulker.
President Vladimir Putin has called for compromise after an outcry over plans to build a cathedral in a park in Russia's fourth-largest city. Locals have protested, saying the building would take away rare green space.
Architect I.M. Pei, one of the most famous and prolific architects of the 20th century, has died at the age of 102. He was best known for his renovation of the Louvre in Paris, which at first attracted huge criticism.
The members of S!sters, Carlotta Truman and Laurita Spinelli, are representing Germany at the ESC 2019 final. Their chances of winning look pretty slim, but their spirits are high after a whirlwind week in Tel Aviv.
[Citizen] Dar es Salaam -After a successful 2019 edition of the Sauti za Busara music festival, organizers this week have announced the call for entry for the next edition of the annual East African festival.
[Foroyaa] Kanifing Municipal Council in collaboration with Reliance Financial Services Company has launched a hundred-million-dalasi women empowerment project called 'Dollel Jigeen'.
[Ghanaian Times] Ho -AGRO-CHEMICAL and animal drugs and feed company, Doelyne Enterprise Limited, has donated GHc 800.00 towards an on-going kitchen project of the Ho Female Prison, in the Volta Region..
[Ghanaian Times] Access Bank Ghana has emerged "Bank of the Year" at the maiden edition of the Women's Choice Award Africa, held in Accra.
[IPS] Johannesburg -Does the name Ihsan Al Fagiri ring a bell? How about Heba Omer or Adeela Al Zaebaq?
[Premium Times] The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced hearing on the alleged harassment of women during the recent raids of nightclubs in Abuja.
[Guardian] Sadio Mane scored from close range after 17 minutes and again after 81 to join Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the Premier League's top scorer on 22 goals.
[Thomson Reuters Foundation] Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
[Thomson Reuters Foundation] Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
[Thomson Reuters Foundation] Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
[Digital Content Africa] South African reading platform BookBeak has created an African reading platform with a news angle. It's both about crowd-sourced stories and writing from more experienced contributors. Russell Southwood spoke to co-founders Kamo Sesing and Cameroon Naidoo about creating a different kind of African reading platform.
[ISS] On 17 December 2010, young Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi set himself alight in front of the local governor's office in an ultimate attempt to denounce corruption and injustice in his country. This act of despair triggered the Arab Spring.
[Nyasa Times] Government has said business will go-on as usual on polling day next Tuesday but has quickly appealed to the citizenry to go and cast their votes en masse.
[Vanguard] Kano -Sir Muhammadu Sanusi I (1905-1990 ), the grandfather of the present Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II reigned for only five years as Emir of Kano before he was forced to resign. He was said not to be in the good books of the authorities of the day due to his views which were considered offensive. He was perceived to be too independent minded by the political authorities and a web of intrigues were weaved around him in order to remove him as Emir. In the course of his reign, a panel was set up to investigat
[Vanguard] THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has filed a 19-paragraphed affidavit to disqualify the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, from presiding over the petition challenging President Muhammadu Buhari's re-election.
[Vanguard] The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has Commissioned a number of projects in the State built by Governor Rochas Okorocha, Congratulating the people of the State for the great achievements of the governor.
[Nyasa Times] President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has called on Malawians to entrust the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government with another five-year term of leadership so that it continues developing the country.
[New Zimbabwe] HEALTH and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo says those who are against the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa's philanthropic work should think otherwise because she has done so much to help the needy countrywide especially in the health sector.
[This Day] Awka -The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has said that the federal government would ensure completion of the Onitsha section of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Road project on the scheduled date of 2021.
[New Zimbabwe] A Bulawayo High Court has thrown out an urgent court application filed by the Zvishavane-Mberengwa Mining Association (ZMMA) seeking to bar controversial Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) president, Henrietta Rushwaya from continuing to represent the interests of the miners group.
[The Herald] The Republic of Ghana has expressed its willingness to strengthen and extend trade relations with Zimbabwe saying more should be done to improve private-public partnerships between the two countries. Ghana's ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Eric Odoi Anim said his country was more than willing to establish and extend cooperation in education, mining, research and tourism sectors.
[New Zimbabwe] NEWLY-APPOINTED Energy Minister Fortune Chasi says his ministry shall soon follow up on all companies that were issued licences in the energy sector to see if they were delivering on set targets.
[New Zimbabwe] PARLIAMENT'S mines committee chair, Edmond Mkaratigwa has bemoaned the policy of non-disclosure in government loans, contracts and other agreements with outsiders saying this disarmed Zimbabwe and SADC parliaments' mandates to exercise oversight on the executive.
[Leadership] The Federal Government is exploring all possibilities and opportunities to ensure that broadband connection is available to Nigerians.
[Monitor] Kampala -South-Africa-born, former Manchester United legend, Quinton Fortune has called on corporate companied to embrace the culture of sponsoring sports in order to inspire the men and women who take part.
As the last matchday of the Bundesliga season approached, many were thrilled by the prospect of Borussia Dortmund winning the title. Despite that not happening, their fans had their reasons to celebrate.
The Bundesliga season is over, and although Bayern Munich have won the title for the seventh consecutive time, DW's Jonathan Harding thinks this has still been a season for the ages.
Though Niko Kovac has led Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title, his long-term prospects are anything but secure. The Croatian, in his first year at Bayern, has both supporters and detractors in high places at the club.
For the first time in nine years the Bundesliga title race came down to the final day. Bayern Munich thumped Frankfurt, leaving Borussia Dortmund's win in Gladbach irrelevant and confirming yet another title.
On the final day of the 2018-19 Bundesliga season, there was plenty of drama and a hatful of goals. Bayern Munich ended the season on top and Leverkusen snuck into fourth on a final day to remember.
[Concord] From left to right: Dr. Bangura, Samuel Doe (UNDP Rep.),Prof. Sankoh, Hon. Dr. Chakanda, Hon. Tunis and Dr. Moikowa
[Ghanaian Times] President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured the chiefs and people of Buem Traditional area that the Jasikan-Hohoe-Dodi-Pepesu road captured under the Sinohydro projects will commence in the third quarter of the year.
[Ghanaian Times] The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ayawaso Central constituency, Henry Quartey has urged the constituents to bury their political differences and support the newly created assembly develop the area to benefit from the government's policies and programmes under the 'Ghana Beyond Aid' agenda.
[East African] Kenya is a great country to live in if you are rich. There are certain protections that the rich get.
[New Dawn] Local water sellers in Barnesville a Monrovia suburb are seeking government's intervention in addressing the high exchange rate so the prices of water sachets and other commodities can correspondingly fall.
[News24Wire] The City of Cape Town is racing to deal with a newly identified infestation of the Polyphagous shot hole borer in the metro.
[263Chat] The Zimbabwe Farmers' Union, (ZFU) through support from Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) is distributing 300 Android mobile phones to Agricultural Extension officers who will be information contact persons, disseminating important information on Climate Smart Agriculture practices from the Union to the farmers.
[263Chat] Zimbabwe will by 2030, have done away with diesel and petrol powered vehicles and is likely to adopt electrically powered engines, in an effort to reduce carbon emissions that are largely blamed for fast-tracking global warming, 263Chat has learnt.
[Microsoft Africa] It was almost three decades ago that Microsoft opened its first offices in Africa. In this time, we've witnessed incredible growth on the continent -- more internet connectivity, more digital capability and more innovation. Africans have expanded the applications of technology, changing the way communities bank, farm and even access healthcare.
[PR Newswire] Lagos, Nigeria -Farmcrowdy Group, owners of Nigeria's first digital agriculture platform Farmcrowdy and the newly launched Farmgate Africa, a leading online agro-commodity aggregator, have today announced a strategic partnership with Best Foods Livestock and Poultry Limited one of Nigeria's most respected agribusiness companies with more than 16 years of operations and a focus on the processing and marketing of livestock produce.
[Vanguard] Mr Emmanuel Gabriel, a 41-year-old Nigerian Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, has developed a global Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform, known as 'OBTranslate', for over 2,000 African language translation.
[SAnews.gov.za] Transport Minister Blade Nzimande has encouraged the business sector in South Africa to invest in innovation.