President Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday cautioned that the ambition for Eco regional currency could be in ‘serious jeopardy,’ unless member states complied with agreed processes of reaching the collective goal.
Dillibe Onyeama
The headmaster of Eton College has told the BBC he is “appalled” by the racism experienced by the first black person to complete his studies at the prestigious British public school.
Evariste Ndayyishimeye
Burundi's new president who was elected last month has been hastily sworn in to replace his late predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza, but who is Evariste Ndayyishimeye?
Mr. Onyeama
NIGERIA – With palpable anger in Nigeria over the perceived weakness or inability of the federal government to implement reciprocal or definitive measures over last Friday’s demolition of buildings of the Nigerian High Commission, Accra, Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, on Monday met Chargè d’ Affaires of the High Commission of Ghana to Nigeria, Ms Iva Denoo to demand urgent explanations.
Senate in session
WORLD STAGE – The Nigerian House of Senate has considered a bill seeking to give legislative backing for the establishment of the Federal College of Traditional, Complimentary and Alternate Medicine as an agency under the Federal Ministry of Health.
A 95-year-old Ghanaian World War Two veteran is to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth for his fundraising efforts.
The expansion of Ghana’s economy by 4.9 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020 and the detection of 32,756 suspected cases of multiple registrations dominate the headlines of Ghanaian newspapers on Thursday.
The Graphic reports that Ghana’s economy expanded 4.9 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020 compared to 6.7 percent in the same period last year, driven mainly by the services sector.
Sickle Cell patient Caleb from Ghana
SWITZERLAND – Novartis and its partners have announced the expansion of the Africa Sickle Cell Disease program to East Africa with the signature of two new memoranda of understanding with the Ministries of Health of Uganda and Tanzania. The program, first launched in Ghana in November 2019, aims to improve and extend the lives of people with sickle cell disease (SCD) in sub-Saharan Africa, with plans to reach a total of 10 countries by 2022.
(WorldStage Newsonline) The ECOWAS Ministerial Coordination Committee on Transport, Logistics and Trade has recommended a harmonised and gradual reopening of land, air and sea borders for restoring cross border economic activities.
MALI – Suguba (www.Suguba.org) is organizing their second 6-month investment readiness program in West Africa to support the 8 most promising startups in the digital sector in Francophone West Africa.
Paris Saint-Germain and France striker, Kylian Mbappe has been rated as the most valuable player in the world.
The brand’s latest launches are just a few of the innovative ways MAGGI is meeting its consumers’ digital and nutritional appetites
GHANA – Nestlé (www.Nestle.com) brand MAGGI has launched a first-of-its-kind website in Central and West Africa, offering fresh new twists to well-known African dishes.
In total, 136 fashion entrepreneurs, digital innovators and creative minds joined the discussion - Vanessa Moungar (Photo AfDB)
IVORY COAST – The Fashionomics Africa (www.FashionomicsAfrica.org) an initiative of African Development Bank held its first webinar discussion on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the total 136 participants were fashion entrepreneurs, digital innovators and creative minds.
The lack of access to clean water, or money to buy it, is among the major risk factors for migrants transiting through Djibouti. Photo: IOM/Alexander Bee.
Nairobi – Only 30 per cent of Ethiopian migrants seeking to find work in Saudi Arabia are aware that Yemen – the one country they must cross —is in its sixth year of conflict, while less than 50 per cent know of the dangers of boats capsizing at sea.
President Buhari
(GUN) – President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday said global solidarity was the hope for humanity, and called on developed countries and international financial institutions to cancel the debts of ”needy countries” especially in Africa to enable them reverse the devastations of Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the human race.
Swiss President Samaruga
Switzerland earmarks a total of CHF 994 million to the coffers of the International Development Association (IDA/World Bank) and of the African Development Fund (ADF) to help fight poverty, promote sustainable development and deal with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the world’s poorest countries, and also to the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI).
A displaced family stand outside their makeshift shelter in one of Yemen’s many displacement sites. Photo: O. Headon/IOM 2019
Geneva – We are increasingly alarmed about the situation in Yemen. COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across the country already experiencing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, driven by an unabated conflict. But we are ready to stay and deliver life-saving assistance to those who need it.
(WorldStage Newsonline) – Lagos State Government is supporting local production of metres to enhance power capacity in the state, according to the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Olalere Odusote.
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
(GUN) –The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank on 25 May, 2020 approved a $500,000 emergency assistance grant to Egypt to provide food relief, and to contribute to restoring the livelihoods of vulnerable populations severely affected by Coronavirus (COVID 19).
Evelyn Anite ( Photo: THE INDEPENDENT Uganda)
Uganda's Minister of Finance, Investment and Privatization, Evelyn Anite has announced that the East African country has officially begun exporting mobile phones made locally.
AfDB President Adesina
(GUN) - President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, on Wednesday maintained his innocence and integrity after the bank’s board succumbed to pressure from the United States government by ordering “a new and independent probe” of his activities in the bank.
Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO, ITFC (Source: ITFC))
Report highlights impact of US$ 5.8 Billion financing towards Advancing Trade in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member Countries
Saudi Arabia: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has released its 2019 Annual Development Effectiveness Report (ADER). In 2019, ITFC approved US$5.8 billion trade financing, a 12% increase from the previous year, to advance trade in member countries.
VP Osinbajo
The Nigeria’s Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has asserted that although the Coronavirus pandemic has affected lives and livelihoods of Nigerians in different ways, “it however offers an opportunity for the Nigerian people and government to reset the critical sectors of the country’s economy and social services.”
(Ecofin Agency) - Over the first quarter this year, international tourist arrivals dropped by 22% due to the coronavirus pandemic, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reported. This resulted in a decrease of 67 million in international arrivals and about $80 billion in revenue. The most impacted regions are Asia and the Pacific with a drop of 33 million arrivals, and Europe with a drop of 22 million arrivals.
Four thousand CFC’s Flash Mobile Wallet Agents Can Now Send and Receive Western Union Global Money Transfers for their Customers.
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Sierra Leone’s Julius Maada Bio (Photo: www.mfwa.org)
An Interview with the creator Giselle Rufer
DELANCE SWISS WATCHES
UAE makes Avani Barbarons Resort Available to Seychelles
SEYCHELLES, 04 April 2020
Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the ‘Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort’ will be made available to the Government of Seychelles to be used by the Department of Health as a facility to accommodate their health personnel and supporting frontline service members, in the efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to our weekly brief on the spread of COVID-19 and the actions that Africa CDC is taking to help member states, Africa CDC has begun to share a weekly brief detailing the latest changes in scientific knowledge and public health policy changes, as well as updates to the latest guidance from WHO and others.
SOUTH AFRICA – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that his government had made missteps in efforts to control the coronavirus pandemic, but the lockdown was needed to lessen the disease from spreading among the people.
WorldStage Newsonline – The Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) have urged the Federal Government to intervene in the heavy import duties they used to pay for imported meters.
The Rwandan Ministry of Education is considering the recruitment of 7,200 teachers to support the development of a 12 year basic-education especially in remote rural areas as schools are set to reopen in September, an official source confirmed Tuesday to APA in Kigali.
According to Dr Irenée Ndayambaje, the Director General of the Rwanda Education Board, the recruitment intends to bridge the student-teacher ratio which stands at 59:1 in primary and 29:1 in secondary schools.
The new joint military and police operation tagged “Operation Accord” to root out bandits in some northern states and the new upward review of electricity tariff are the trending stories in Nigerian newspapers recently.
Namibia has been hit by an outbreak of red locusts in the central part of the country, a senior official announced recently.
Morocco's economy is expected to contract by 5.2 percent in 2020, followed by a rebound of 4.2 percent in 2021, according to predictions by the central bank.
Angola expects to implement a USD 400 million two-phase project in the clean energy segment, funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency
(Togo First) - Togo’s ministry of culture, tourism, and leisure will rehabilitate the Kara hotel in the northern part of the country.
[SAnews.gov.za] The devastating reality of COVID-19 continues to batter the country as South Africa reported a record of 13 674 new cases on Thursday, bringing the total to 238 339 infections.
[Nation] President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed that all pregnant schoolgirls be registered to ensure they access free pre and post-natal care, Education Chief Administrative Secretary Zack Kinuthia has revealed.
[Tunis Afrique Presse] Tunis/Tunisia -- Health Minister Abdellatif Mekki said Thursday the Tunisian territory is totally free of horizontal and domestic infection with the coronavirus, including in tourist areas.
[spotlight] The first COVID-19 antibody rapid blood test kit has been approved for use in South Africa, but it is strictly not for sale to the public or for use by general practitioners.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -- Kenya recorded the first death of a medical doctor to coronavirus on Friday, raising concerns on the safety of healthcare workers in the country.
[Malawi News Agency] Mangochi -- Director for Health and Social Services for Mangochi District Council, Dr. Henry Chibowa, has urged people in the district to observe Covid-19 preventive measures as the pandemic keeps spreading in the district.
[Nairobi News] Media personality Amina Abdi Rabar has revealed that she quit doing music because of rampant bribing she experienced in the Kenyan music industry.
[Nyasa Times] Gospel musician and former member of Parliament for Blantyre City South Constituency, Allan Ngumuya, has tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
[The Herald] Marondera-based journalist and musician Rutendo Rori has released a new single titled, "Mukwasha WaMai".
[SAnews.gov.za] President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deep condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of veteran actor and esteemed member of the Order of Ikhamanga, Mary Twala-Mhlongo, who passed away on Saturday.
[New Era] Tswazis, which hosted their winter bash in the capital to a captivating audience, informed Entertainment Now! that they are planning on being inclusive and with time spread out to the rest of the country, starting with Okahandja at a date to be announced.
[The Point] In the world of Jazz, the piano is considered its most fundamental musical instrument. It is a beautiful instrument with a lot of versatility and is ever present in most jazz ensembles. The instrument is played with a keyboard and has become one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is very much used as an aid to composing and rehearsals, and is considered one of the most familiar musical
[Nation] Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha has directed primary and secondary school heads to refund or give credit notes to parents who had paid the 2020 academic year fees in advance.
[Premium Times] The Kogi State Government has approved a bill for the establishment of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, in the state.
[Premium Times] The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reacted to the abrupt U-turn made by the federal government on the resumption of schools across the country, and its earlier announcement of dates for the commencement of the 2020 May/June diet of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
[Govt of SA] The Council of Education Ministers (CEM), led by the Minister of Basic Education; Mrs. Angie Motshekga held a meeting early this morning. The meeting discussed developments recorded since the second cohort of learners returned to school around the country on the 6 July 2020.
[SAnews.gov.za] The Council of Education Ministers (CEM) has noted with disappointment ongoing sporadic attempts by political and civic organisations to disrupt learning at some schools around the country.
[New Times] A school data management system that has started being used in public and private schools is expected to address the issue of delays in disbursement of the Government financial support to schools, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning has said.
[SNA] Khartoum -- The Acting Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Member of the Hihger Committee for Health Emergencies, Dr. Heba Ahmed Ali , on Thursday, affirmed the state's concern over the provision of all the needs of the Sudanese stranded abroad.
[New Times] The local tourism sector is showing signs of recovery following the reopening of the sector on June 17, preliminary statistics show.
[SNA] Khartoum -- The Civil Aviation Authority decided, Thursday, the partial opening the international flights from Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.
[This Day] Lagos and Abuja -- The resumption of scheduled domestic flight operations yesterday was marked by low turnout of passengers.
[Daily News] THE Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) is joining forces with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) in promoting the Mkomazi National Park.
[This Day] The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has lifted the suspension, which it placed on the services of Jet Support Services (JSS). The order voiding the suspension was communicated through a memo NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/152 , dated July 4, 2020.
Coronavirus restrictions have hit the film industry hard. The most recent Tom Hanks film will not be released in movie theaters. What about the upcoming James Bond?
Everywhere in the world, there are delightful little snacks – tasty and ready to go. In Copenhagen, even some street food is prepared by star chefs. What is a typical street food snack in your part of the world?
Travel warnings, risk areas, quarantine requirements: For many of our readers, the entry regulations for Germany remain confusing. Here are a few answers to the most important questions.
[Premium Times] Celebrated Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie, has revealed how she fell into depression after writing her book, 'Half of a Yellow Sun'.
[Premium Times] Nigerian novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, has said that the death of her dad has profoundly changed her life and that "grief is a cruel kind of education".
[Daily Trust] Award winning Nigerian Novelist, Chimamanda Adichie, said she was "heart broken" as she was writing about her late father, Prof. James Nwoye Adichie, in the past tense.
[Nation] For these women, getting a seat at the top of the decision-making table has not been an easy ride.
[The Point] Buzz women, The Gambia, yesterday awarded a contract of 430, 000 dalasis project to Water Point Company for the provision of water supply at the Sukuta women garden in the West Coast Region, in response to its support to women amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
[New Dawn] We, Concerned Civil Society of Organizations Liberia interested in the Safety, Education and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of Women: Taking note of measures announced by the government of Liberia to curtail the spread of the Corona Virus pandemic.
[SAPS] Media Statement
[UNFPA in WCA] Dakar -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Office for West and Central Africa held a virtual conference on Wednesday 08 July 2020 on the impact of COVID-19 on Gender-Based Violence in West and Central Africa. The webinar focused on two countries case studies from namely Cameroon and Mali.
As Indians board domestic flights, protocols are being put in place to protect passengers from COVID-19. However, some travelers say they feel unsafe as rules are ignored and airlines play down health risks.
239 researchers called for an update of the coronavirus guidelines by the WHO, as transmission via ultrafine suspended matter in the air was not sufficiently taken into account. Now the WHO also sees the danger.
Lawmakers in Greece have approved a law to curb public protests, prompting a mass demonstration that turned violent. Police responded to gasoline bombs with tear gas and flash grenades.
A new strain of pneumonia has a "much higher" mortality rate than the one caused by COVID-19 and is spreading in several Kazakh cities, Chinese officials have warned. The central Asian country has ridiculed the report.
Demonstrators think the searches of the offices of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev are an effort by the conservative prime minister to protect the country's oligarchy from graft investigations.
Investments in US offshore wind projects over the next decades are set to catch up with US offshore oil and gasoline investments. In only four years the sector has grown from scratch to a big deal.
[Nation] Malawi's new President Lazarus Chakwera has come under fire for going back on his electoral promises by appointing a Cabinet of recycled politicians and relatives of the powerful people.
[New Zimbabwe] ZANU-PF national commissar and minister Victor Matemadanda has declared MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa will not rule Zimbabwe because of his perceived disdain for First Chimurenga icon Mbuya Nehanda.
[SudaNow] Prime Minister, Dr Adalla Hamdok on Thursday relieved seven ministers in what appears to be a minor reshuffle within the cabinet, but said the move has come following thorough assessment of their performance.
[New Zimbabwe] The government is planning to impose tighter lockdown measures after the country's Covid-19 cases have surged beyond 800 with fears of more infections in the coming period.
[Botswana Daily News] Gaborone -- Live broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings requires close to P27 million, says clerk of the National Assembly, Ms Barbara Dithapo.
[Lesotho Times] Windhoek -- Members of Parliament who belong to the Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (TIFI) of the SADC Parliamentary Forum are calling for concerted and coordinated action towards macroeconomic convergence within the SADC Region.
Investments in US offshore wind projects over the next decades are set to catch up with US offshore oil and gasoline investments. In only four years the sector has grown from scratch to a big deal.
[Nation] The government paid more than Sh7 billion in penalties to investors behind the Lake Turkana wind power project for electricity that was not reaching Kenyans, in what could be the latest mega scandal.
[Botswana Daily News] Bobonong -- Motorists have been implored to exercise self-management and discipline in the face of fuel shortages sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Botswana Daily News] Gaborone -- The hospitality industry in Botswana, like so many others, is doing everything it can to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, with its resultant travel restrictions and lockdown measures.
[Zimbabwe Independent] The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has directed all mobile money service providers to cross over to Zimswitch Technologies (Pvt) Ltd as their national payments switch with immediate effect.
[Zimbabwe Independent] Opposition politician Jacob Ngarivhume, who is leading the July 31 nationwide protests, says the demonstrations will go ahead as Zimbabweans are reeling under corruption whose impact is more ruinous than Covid-19.
Salomon Kalou's six-year tenure with Hertha Berlin has come to a close, with the Ivorian moving to Brazil. RB Leipzig appear to have found their replacement for Timo Werner. DW has the latest transfer news and rumors.
Bayern Munich have learned which potential opponents await them in the quarterfinals, though they still have to complete their last 16 tie with Chelsea. RB Leipzig will face Atletico Madrid in the final eight.
After a four-month break due to the coronavirus crisis, the NBA is set to resume with games taking place in Orlando, Florida. Dallas center Maxi Kleber spoke to DW about the pandemic and the risks of returning to play.
As other European leagues look to finish their coronavirus-interrupted seasons, German football is looking toward the next. The DFB has unveiled the start dates for next season's Bundesliga and German Cup.
[New Times] The Ministry of Sports on Thursday, July 9, issued new instructions giving more sports activities an all-clear to resume outdoor training in compliance with safety guidelines.
[Daily Trust] The Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Football Association, Alhaji Abba Mouktar Mohammed has tasked Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that transparency and fairness is the main criteria in the appointment of national team coaches.
[FrontPageAfrica] Hamilton, Ontario, Canada -- Hamilton-based charity Empowerment Squared has received a five-year, $806,400 Youth Opportunities Fund (YOF) grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. With this funding, Empowerment Squared will work to strengthen the education system and outcomes for Black and racialized newcomer youth between ages 12-25 in Hamilton. This investment builds on Empowerment Squared's success in achieving significant, innovative, and consistent improvements in educational outcomes for newcomer and marginalized youth since 2
[FrontPageAfrica] Dear Hon. Kogar
[spotlight] As COVID-19 infections and deaths rise among older persons (people older than 60) in South Africa, old age residential facilities are battling with costly interventions to keep residents safe.
[UCT] PhDs are always a mountain to climb, says marine scientist and University of Cape Town (UCT) alumnus Dr Jock Currie. But recreating a demersal fisheries survey, first undertaken along the Agulhas Bank 111 years ago, was ambitious, he admits. There were the small matters of finding an old trawler and weaving the manila hemp nets used back then.
[FrontPageAfrica] Monrovia -- The Government of Liberia will shortly disburse the amount of U.S.$3.1 million as part of Social Development Fund's contribution to three counties. The amount, given by Arcelor Mittal, represents 80 percent of the company's required allocation to counties where it operates. The counties to benefit are Nimba, Grand Bassa and Bong.
[SciDev.Net] Accra -- Ghana's efforts to eliminate malaria could be in jeopardy as its improved economy results in reduced external funding for fighting malaria, a study suggests.
[Daily News] INNOVATORS have been advised to focus on the lower middle income economy status which the country has just attained to come up with new designs that will foster further development.
[Govt of SA] The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, officially released the results of the latest Business Innovation Survey (BIS) 2014-2016, which revealed that two-thirds (69,9%) of South African businesses are innovation-active.
[Tunis Afrique Presse] Tunis/Tunisia -- The National Institute of Meteorology (INM), on Tuesday, announced the launch of its first free Android application, allowing to receive weather forecasts and alerts instantly.
[This Day] Experts that spoke at the ongoing webinar series organised by Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria have stressed the need for business operators to embrace value addition in the agriculture and mineral resources sectors so as to promote the export of finished products.
[East African] Leandra Lyimo from Tanzania gave up a two-year career in architecture to pursue her passion for design.
[Daily News] TECHNOLOGICAL advancement and innovation are rapidly transforming the digital payment ecosystem in Tanzania.