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.
World Business Logistic Networks (WorldBLN) a brain child of Anis Khan, is a vision to connect freight forwarding enterprises for mutual benefit.
This year’s Seedstars Summit will focus on five key industries - finance, healthcare, education, agriculture and energy to address the global challenges and find efficient tech solutions for each sector.
Seedstars World [SSW], the largest startup competition for emerging markets and fast-growing startup ecosystems, is hosting the sixth edition of the annual Seedstars Summit in Lausanne, Switzerland on April 2-5, 2019.
“Miraculous weapons” provides an enthralling story of quest of human freedom, freedom of expression, in a spirit of absolute dignity
BURKINA FASO – The Cameroonian “Miraculous weapons” produced by Jean-Pierre Bekolo was judged to be the film that gives the most positive image of Africa, at the influential 2019 Festival Panafricain du Cinéma et de la Télévision de Ougadougou (FESPACO).
Some 95% of mothers breastfeed their newborns in Switzerland. But there are still many prejudices over if and how you should breastfeed. swissinfo.ch spoke to two experts to gain a bigger picture.
GHANA – Government has awarded indigenous Ghanaian companies and joint ventures contracts worth $799 million in the upstream petroleum industry last year in accordance with the Local Content and Local Participation law
"The future of our continent is looking very promising indeed," African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina declared in the opening words of his address to diplomats at a lunch organised recently in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The BBC has begun the search for the fifth BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. Following a launch event in Lagos on 5 February 2019, journalists from across the continent are invited to apply for the prestigious prize, which aims to uncover some of Africa’s rising stars.
The installation of the statue of Emperor Haile Selassie 1 will be unveiled during the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on the 10th February 2019, reflecting on the history of African liberation, integration, and his role in the evolution of Africa’s development agenda.
A new step to build regional integration and trade has been taken through a joint agreement signed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community Of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) on the construction of a 1,000 kilometre highway linking Cote d’Ivoire’s commercial capital Abidjan and Nigeria’s business capital Lagos.
LIBERIA – True to pronouncements in his second State of the Nation Address barely a week ago, that he would give the agriculture sector the same focus he gives to “paved road” construction efforts, President George Manneh Weah Monday, February 4, 2019 visited the Ministry of Agriculture in Gardnersville. The President used the visit to compare notes and brainstorm with authority of the Ministry and other partners on how to make agriculture a major centrepiece of Liberia’s economic development.
LIBERIA – Mr. George Manneh Weah, the President of Liberia has introduced a number of legislations to see that his Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) sees the light of day. This was made known during his second State of the Nation Address presented at the end of January.
Emmanuel Leslie Addae, co-founder of AIA
The academy’s major plan this year is to set up an ‘Africa Youth Skills & Data Badge’ across the continent where young people will be required to undergo a particular training to get certification
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has reminded the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union that Nigeria was no longer a colony hence it can handle its internal affairs, reported Nigeria’s Metrowatchonline.com
The Federal Government says the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, does not signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny, as some people have insinuated.
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.
Togo’s government has set up a ministerial department that will be in charge of promoting local consumption through products “made in Togo”. The portfolio was assigned to Kodjo Adedze, the newly appointed minister of trade according to Togo First report.
CAMEROON – Banana exporters in Cameroon shipped a total of 15,605 tons during the last month of 2018, nearly 2,000 tons down the 17,137 tons shipped in November.
NIGERIA - The central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it was planning to invest NGN 75 billion (about €182.5 million) in the refinery project initiated by Aliko Dangote.
[The Conversation Africa] South Africa has had to focus heavily on the fight against HIV and AIDS given the country's high infection rates. As a result, sexually transmitted infections have often been ignored.
[Premium Times] Does eating before taking our drugs or taking them after a meal affect the efficacy of the drugs?
[The Conversation Africa] While fertility levels have declined rapidly in most parts of the world, many countries in the sub-Saharan African region of the Sahel have seen their reproductive rates go down very slowly, and only very slightly.
[MSF] In Somalia, maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the worldUNICEF Somalia. One in 12 women is likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period because of a lack of access to health services. Infant mortality is exceptionally high with one in seven children not reaching the age of five.
[Observer] Once a burial ground for Ebola victims, the cemetery is now receiving unclaimed bodies those dead from non-infectious causes
[Shabelle] An extremely sick Queensland mum who took her two daughters to Somalia for painful genital mutilation will go to prison as a deterrent to others.
[Vanguard] Nigerian singer and songwriter, Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly called Mr Eazi has postponed his US tour scheduled to hold in March due to a delay in his visa.
[Botswana Daily News] Gaborone -Being a member of the choral group can contribute positively to an individual's music career development.
[Premium Times] Nigerian music legend, Innocent Idibia, has been honoured with the award of the Fellow of the school of music by the Department of Music, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.
[Guardian] If this is not the biggest collaboration of the moment, we don't know what is. The Baba Nla himself Wizkid comes through in a song with Teni with something to light up your world.
[Concord] Former Accountant at the Ministry of Youth Affairs has testified at the Commissions of Inquiry presided over by Justice Biobele Georgewill that the All Stars musical group headed by Milton Coker aka Colabo, received L500 million from the Youth in Drainage clearing project's fund.
[The Herald] Women in the gospel music sector should be respected and appreciated as they add value to the genre, a UK-based Zimbabwean singer, Lesley Madzorera, has said.
[Guardian] As part of its corporate social responsibility, SOS Children's Villages is spending over N50m to upgrade infrastructure of eight schools in Lagos State.
Tunisia: Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry Offers 10 Academic Scholarships in Canada
[Tunis Afrique Presse] Tunis/Tunisia -The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is offering 10 academic scholarships for the 2019-2020 academic year (2019 fall session), to Tunisian students (laureates) seeking to continue their studies (research master and PhD) at the Quebec University in Canada.
[Government of Mauritius] An award ceremony was held yesterday at the Vuillemin Government School in the context of "Leader in Me" project which aims at encouraging a whole-school transformation process developped in partnership with educators to empower students with leadership and life skills. The Minister of Education and Human Resources, Tertiary Education and Scientific Research, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun, the Director of FranklinCovey (Mauritius), Mr Cyril Chee Kim Ling, and the President of the Rotary Club of Ebè
[The Conversation Africa] South Africa's public schooling system is riddled with problems. Drop-out rates are high, pupils lack proper support and mentoring, and the transition from school to tertiary education is often overwhelming. But what happens when universities, NGOs and schools work closely together to address these issues? The Conversation Africa's Natasha Joseph spoke to Professor Di Wilmot about an initiative in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) to improve the outputs of the small town's public schools.
[Nation] Primary school headteachers have now joined the Kenya National Union of Teachers in questioning the implementation of the new curriculum which started in January this year in pre-primary 1 to Grade 3.
[News24Wire] A lecturer moonlighting as a fairy godmother is looking to expand her network of assistants as she helps fund needy students' travelling expenses, graduation attire and monthly groceries - all with the tap of a mouse.
[Foroyaa] At the first ordinary session of the National Assembly in the 2019 Legislative year, the Minister for Tourism and Culture Hamat N K Bah, on Tuesday 19th March 2019, appeared before Members to orally reply to their questions, for which due notice(s) was given.
[Deutsche Welle] One year after Cape Town's water crisis, tourists are coming back to South Africa's "Mother City." But is the water crisis entirely averted? Sertan Sanderson reports from Cape Town.
[New Times] With an average 1.3 million foreign tourists visiting Kigali City every year, tour operators continue to tap into the opportunities by developing more products and services.
[New Times] 100 women working in the tourism and hospitality sector across the country have completed training and been certified as internationally accredited hospitality sector professionals.
[Daily News] PREPARATIONS for the second 'Zanzibar International Tourism Show' have kicked-off with the launch of committees, which will ensure that the exhibitions become successful and fully visited by several participants.
[Monitor] In 2013, the tourism sector overtook coffee and diaspora remittances as the country's highest foreign exchange earner. It has been number one since then. The sector has been growing steadily over the last 15 years. Between 2008 and 2016, the number of tourists doubled from 650,000 to 1.3 million. The earnings too doubled from $540m (about Shs1.9t)to $1.37b (about Shs5t) in the same period. It is no secret, therefore, that the tourism industry is big business in Uganda.
Shown at Berlin's International Football Film Festival, "Pelé aus Neubrandenburg" highlights the little-known connection between the GDR and Africa. Its director told DW what's inspiring about Chérif Souleymane's story.
While an exhibition on Michael Jackson is set to open in Germany, a documentary on the pop icon's alleged abuse of young boys has renewed debate on how to consider his legacy. An ethics professor reacts.
Syrian writer Rabab Haidar had to flee her homeland because she resisted President Assad. She has now found refuge at the Heinrich Böll House in Germany. For World Poetry Day, we look into her story.
"Honig im Kopf" was one of Germany's top box office hits. Til Schweiger directed a remake of his own film, but "Head Full of Honey" bombed in the US. As it's released in Germany, a film expert compares comedy traditions.
[SAnews.gov.za] Libraries across the country are celebrating SA Library Week, which aims to promote a reading culture in South Africa.
After conquering Hollywood with his directorial debut, "Get Out," Jordan Peele is back with "Us," a horror film with a middle-class African-American family in the center. It stars Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke.
[Botswana Daily News] Gaborone -Irish Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Dr Katherine Zappone this week paid a courtesy call on First Lady Neo Masisi to touch base on issues of mutual interest.
[Observer] As part of efforts to address some economic challenges of citizens in Suakoko District, Bong County, at least 119 widows including single mothers have received assorted food items value at (L$92,160.00). The items were donated through the kind courtesy of Locula Foundation, a not-for-profit organization in Liberia.
[Radio Dabanga] Greater Khartoum -An elderly woman died from the complications of tear gas that spread in her house during one of the demonstrations against the Sudanese regime. At least sixteen people were wounded during Sunday's marches.
[Radio Dabanga] Atbara -Three women charged with participating in the demonstrations against the Sudanese regime, have been released Atbara Emergency Court in northern Sudan's River Nile state for a lack of evidence on Monday.
[This Day] In commemoration of this year's International Women's Day with the theme 'Balance for Better', the Save our Women and Girls (SOW&G) Foundation recently organised a health outreach for women and girls in Sangotedo area of Ajah, Lagos.
[Observer] Media reports have been awash with the resurgence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the Sebei sub-region, with the highest number of victims reported coming from Kween district.
The German chancellor has said she is open to a "short extension" to the Brexit deadline on certain conditions. She told the German parliament that the EU is committed to close cooperation with the UK in the future.
A 72-year-old man was suffering from severe hypothermia when Hamburg firefighters pulled him from the Elbe River. An internet user spotted him drifting from a webcam and called the authorities.
German Wikipedia took to the "drastic measure" in the hopes that the EU will amend its reform of copyright law. The proposed law has sparked anger from activists who worry the changes will hamper free speech.
One year after Cape Town's water crisis, tourists are coming back to South Africa's "Mother City." But is the water crisis entirely averted? Sertan Sanderson reports from Cape Town.
Shown at Berlin's International Football Film Festival, "Pelé aus Neubrandenburg" highlights the little-known connection between the GDR and Africa. Its director told DW what's inspiring about Chérif Souleymane's story.
The museum called on visitors to behave more respectfully after finding photos of people balancing on the tracks at the former Nazi death camp. "There are better places to learn how to walk on a balance beam," it said.
[Botswana Daily News] Serowe -President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will 'flatten' opposition parties in this year's general elections.
[Nyasa Times] People in the northern part of Malawi more than ready and also excited for their first ever presidential running mates debate in history scheduled to take place at Grand Palace Hotel in Mzuzu on Tuesday March 26 organised by private broadcaster Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS).
[Premium Times] An opposition presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, claims he won in four of the states that the electoral commission, INEC, declared were won by President Muhammadu Buhari.
[The Herald] High profile figures are among the list of 133 people who have been nominated for interviews to become commissioners of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
[Daily Maverick] The State Capture Commission has heard explosive claims that former Cabinet minister, Malusi Gigaba told a senior government executive to 'look after' the Guptas during a meeting at the family's Saxonwold mansion.
[New Zimbabwe] Former Daily News and Herald editors Geoffrey Nyarota and Tommy Sithole are among a list of over 130 locals vying for appointment to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
An order to shut down thousands of bankrupt state-run firms is being ramped up just as the economy slows to a 30-year low. China's leaders fear that a huge wave of layoffs could fuel social unrest.
[The Herald] Government has intensified efforts to partially privatise telecommunication companies Telone and NetOne and is offering the two entities to potential investors as a joint package.
[The Conversation Africa] India's engagement with Africa has involved peacekeeping, student scholarships, humanitarian relief, and private and public sector investments. This has been the case for over half a century dating back to the Bandung Conference in 1955 which was held in the spirit of South-South Cooperation.
[This Day] The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Thursday projected that the Nigerian economy would grow by three per cent in 2019, higher than the 1.93 per cent it achieved in 2018.
[Guardian] Abuja -The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday announced the commencement of rehabilitation of the 210,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity Port Harcourt Refinery in Rivers State.
[Nation] Families of the victims of the ill-fated Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 302 Boeing 737 Max jet have asked the government to make their lives easier as they mourn their loved ones.
Timo Werner is well established as Germany's first choice striker but has struggled to score lately. A country once blessed with goalscoring greats now looks short of alternatives. But is Joachim Löw missing a trick?
A derby match between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos was called off because of riots in the stadium. Such outbursts of violence plague the Greek Super League. Fans, police and clubs are pushing the blame onto each other.
The Portugese youngster wants more game time and has suggested it may be time to leave Bayern Munich. With the club planning a huge summer spending spree, it’s clear he needs to leave if he’s to realize his potential.
Season after season, ticket prices for Champions League matches get higher and higher. As clubs squabble, hardcore traveling supporters across Europe bear the brunt of the costs. UEFA must cap tickets to end this circus.
[Cameroon Tribune] The purpose of the visit was to show government's support ahead of the crucial encounter on Saturday.
[News24Wire] Durban -The Sharks have made numerous changes for their Super rugby clash against the Rebels in Durban on Saturday.
[Govt of SA] Earlier today the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson, launched the Gugulethu Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Initiative as part of the Good Green Deeds campaign, at the Gugulethu NY2 Indoor Sports Complex, in Cape Town.
[UNEP] An ambitious new conservation programme brings six nations together to ensure the future of one of the world's most vital ecosystems.
[The Conversation Africa] John F. May, Georgetown University
[Nation] The Meru County government is promoting the planting of bamboo trees in an effort to achieve 25 percent forest cover by 2022, conserve riparian areas as well as boost income for locals.
[Citizen] Dar es Salaam -WaterAid Tanzania has called for sustainable access to clean water for all, and stronger protection against overuse and misuse of the water supply in the country.
[Nation] Tempers flared in the National Assembly on Tuesday as MPs adjourned the normal House business to discuss the ravaging drought in the country.
[Innovation in Africa] The challenge for start-ups in francophone Africa is that individual country markets are relatively small and it's not easy to operate regionally across multiple countries. Russell Southwood talks to Issam Chleuh, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Suguba about how it is seeking to tackle the problem and its involvement with the L'Afrique Excelle programme.
[This Day] When Dr. Dele Sanni ran out funds for his innovative machine, he felt deeply frustrated. An opportunity later presented itself, leading to his eventual triumph. This has earned him a place on the 2019 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation long-list.
[Govt of SA] South Africa has put its signature on the international treaty establishing the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO) as an intergovernmental organisation tasked with building and operating the world's most powerful radio astronomy telescope.
[CIO] The Digital Innovation Group (DIG Africa) comprising of East Africa's top techies, recently launched the digital disruption caucus at the Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.
[CIO] In a new paper published recently in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution, mathematicians and conservationists from the UK, Africa and the United States discuss how they have used both machine-learning and citizen science techniques to accurately count wildebeest in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania more rapidly than is possible using traditional methods.
Morocco: The Long Plod of Local Loop Unbundling or a Short, Sharp Dose of Private Sector Innovation?
[Balancing Act] London -With a few exceptions, Sub-Saharan Africa's broadband markets are stuck. No-one currently has the capital or the focus to create a low-cost, high capacity mass market broadband offer. Might local loop unbundling might be one answer? Russell Southwood looks at Morocco's experience and argues for a short, sharp dose of more private sector innovation.