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The Coca-Cola System in Africa Unveils Water Stewardship Initiative

Location: Business

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The Coca-Cola Company in Africa (www.Coca-ColaCompany.com) and its bottling partners Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company (ECCBC) and Coca-Cola HBC announced a nearly USD 25 million investment to help address critical water-related challenges in local communities in 20 African countries, starting this year through 2030. The work will be led by Global Water Challenge (GWC) and implemented by a consortium of partners, including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The effort, called ‘The Coca-Cola System's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative', was introduced in Cape Town, South Africa, in presence of executives from the Coca-Cola system in Africa and NGO partners. During the event, Karyn Harrington, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company's Africa Operating Unit indicated “Water is a priority for The Coca-Cola Company and its local bottling partners because it is essential to life, the communities we serve and our beverages. As we face increasing water insecurity worldwide, with demand outstripping supply in many regions such as Africa, Coca-Cola is taking steps to help accelerate efforts to address water stress, protect local water resources, and build community climate resilience. Our 2030 Water Security Strategy focuses on helping enhance water security where we operate, source ingredients, and touch lives.”

“One in three Africans face water insecurity. The Global Water Challenge and ‘The Coca-Cola System's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative' partner coalition will seek to improve water security for millions across the African continent, helping advance community health and resilience through abundant, clean water. We applaud Coca-Cola's continued leadership on African water security” said Monica Ellis, CEO of GWC.

‘The Coca-Cola System's Africa Water Stewardship Initiative' aims to help protect and enhance the health of important watersheds and to help improve access to water and sanitation services in local communities. We will have projects in Algeria, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mayotte, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  

“CCBA has a responsibility to help those who face water scarcity and to help protect local water resources where we operate, especially in places with the biggest challenges. We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Company on this project,” says Layla Jeevanantham, Chief Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability Officer at CCBA.

“We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Company and fellow bottlers on this critical initiative to help tackle water challenges across Africa. By working together, we can leverage the expertise of our partners and the knowledge of local communities to help create sustainable solutions that enhance water access and safeguard vital water resources,” said Sonia Ventosa, Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability Manager at ECCBC.

“Coca-Cola HBC has been part of African communities for more than 70 years, and sustainability is an important part of how we operate. We're very happy to see this new water initiative come to life and to support the system's water stewardship efforts,” said Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer, Coca-Cola HBC.

Recognizing that partnerships are critical to support this work, the company and its bottlers are collaborating with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to design and implement strategic interventions. In addition to supporting the company's water strategy, this effort also aims to contribute to advancing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. 

This water initiative will build upon The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF)'s Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN), a groundbreaking collaboration with key partners and co-funders which helped improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for 6 million people across African countries between 2009 and 2019. Through 120 projects, the initiative positively impacted homes, schools and healthcare clinics in more than 4,000 communities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

Contacts: 
Amel Benchikh El Houcine 
abenchikh@coca-cola.com

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We are constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.Coca-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Instagram (http://apo-opa.co/3Ttw0hL), Facebook (http://apo-opa.co/3ToqwVu) and LinkedIn (http://apo-opa.co/4db5D6V).

 Forward-Looking Statements:
This update may contain statements, estimates or projections that constitute “forwardlooking statements” as defined under U.S. federal securities laws. Generally, the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements, which generally are not historical in nature. Statements about our sustainability goals, aspirations and anticipated progress also constitute “forwardlooking statements.” Forwardlooking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause The CocaCola Company's actual results to differ materially from its historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks include, but are not limited to, evolving sustainability regulatory requirements and expectations, including evolving processes, controls and methodologies for identifying, measuring, assuring and reporting sustainability metrics and data, which could result in significant revisions to our previously reported data; increasing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic bottles and other packaging materials; water scarcity and poor quality; increased demand for food products, decreased agricultural productivity and increased regulation of ingredient sourcing due diligence; climate change and legal or regulatory responses thereto; adverse weather conditions; unfavorable economic and geopolitical conditions; disruption of our supply chain, including increased commodity, raw material, packaging, energy, transportation and other input costs; an inability to successfully integrate and manage our acquired businesses, brands or bottling operations or an inability to realize a significant portion of the anticipated benefits of our joint ventures or strategic relationships; and other risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10Q, which filings are available through the SEC's website. You should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements. 

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SA must keep pace with international nuclear players

Location: News

SA must keep pace with international nuclear players

Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane says South Africa should “move with pace” to keep up with the global move towards new nuclear build.

Marokane was addressing stakeholders at the Nuclear Seminar held by the Ministry of Energy and Electricity on Thursday.

“We are for nuclear. We understand that the energy mix is an important component of us achieving our strategic objectives as a country. This is not a discussion about either or. We’ve always argued that it is about the use of [energy] technologies to be complimentary.

“We are looking forward to participating in the process that will be led by the Minister [of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] to show that we can get to a point of making decisions very quickly. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We have fallen behind and we have an opportunity to catch up and we need to move with pace,” he said. 

READ | Nuclear build will follow the science - Ramokgopa

Marokane emphasised that it is very important that government has a clear stance on the use of nuclear energy in the country’s ambitions to lower carbon emissions.

“What I would like to appreciate is the very clear government perspective on the strategy of nuclear and where it sits on the energy mix and its importance for us marching towards net zero targets.

“We exist within the global community and clearly there’ve been movements within the world…the world around has reawakened to the reality that [nuclear] is essentially an important component of baseload power generation going forward and us reducing emissions going forward.

“We have heard about the ambitions for nuclear on the continent, Egypt being quite advanced in this area. It would be sad of us to be overtaken having had so many years of operation…both from a perspective of skills and technical contribution to the continent and opportunities,” he said.

The GCE highlighted that the economic spinoffs from using nuclear energy are “quite huge”. 

“For us as a country that is emerging out of the history that it has, the social inequalities that it has, this is an element that is going to contribute meaningfully for us. Our presence in the Western Cape has contributed immensely to the economic activities in the value chain.

“We have experienced quite tremendous positive spin offs from a green stability point of view with the Koeberg [Nuclear Power Station] units that are contributing…into the system. We have just…[installed] new steam generators so that we can have a life extension for the next 20 years.

“We will continue to look at the opportunities for exploiting this for even longer,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:33

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National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Announces Finalists for Triple-Double Startup Accelerator Demo Day

Location: Sport

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners.  Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.

  • Backrest (Rwanda) provides a wearable technology solution called WristWrist for venues and event organizers to facilitate cashless payments at event venues.  WristWrist provides a payment system whereby attendees can load money onto wristbands before an event and spend it at the event venue through seamless, quick transactions.
  • Buzza (Nigeria) helps sports organizations improve their operations through digital solutions, including enabling organizations to transition from paper-based to digital management, setting up websites, collecting payment, and growing revenue.  Athletes can also sign up for the platform to track their matches and scores and build their profiles to become more prominent sports figures and influencers across Africa.
  • Festival Coins (Nigeria) is an event technology company that offers a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform called Tix Africa for events in Nigeria and Ghana.  It enables event organizers to sell tickets online, process payments, and handle on-site registrations.
  • Gara (Côte d'Ivoire) is a pan-African video gaming and comics platform that encourages and facilitates the distribution of digital entertainment experiences on the continent.  Through culturally relevant products, including games featuring local celebrities and adaptable payment systems for local currencies, Gara aims to facilitate greater reach and monetization of the creative and cultural industries on the continent.
  • HustleSasa (Kenya) provides live event services that support payment processing, attendee check-in, merchandise sales, customer data management, influencer tracking, and more.
  • Naemo Global (Nigeria) aims to revolutionize sports scouting on the African continent through its proprietary scouting software Afriskaut, which utilizes data analytics and AI.  The Afriskaut platform processes football match videos and extracts critical data, which it makes available to clients via a platform and application programming interface (API) to support scouting the next generation of elite talent.
  • Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana) provides a social connection and mentorship platform called My Power App dedicated to empowering and supporting girls and women ages 13-20.  The platform provides educational resources, connects users with mentors, offers a confidential helpline, and fosters a supportive community of like-minded girls, addressing critical growth areas such as education, mental health, and personal development.
  • Salubata (Nigeria) creates modular shoes repurposed from plastic waste.  With a global patent and two design rights for its innovation, the company aims to reduce the global carbon footprint through its environmentally friendly products.
  • UBR VR (Egypt) delivers state-of-the-art, fully immersive, in-person virtual reality (VR) experiences across Egypt.  Its rich historical and fantasy VR worlds are culturally relevant and localized, allowing players to roam freely in enclosed spaces and interact with each other in a designated play area.  These VR experiences are unparalleled in the country and foster a sense of connection to both the local community and fellow players.
  • Vambo Technologies (South Africa) provides a digital language technology platform that leverages AI to provide real-time translation, content creation, and language learning technology.  Not only does Vambo AI offer widely spoken languages such as Amharic, Yoruba, French and Portuguese, it also offers more niche languages spoken across Africa to facilitate true digital inclusion on the continent.

“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”

Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing.  The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.

The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.

Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024.  Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube

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Africa’s Trade Transformation: The Power of Technology for Sustainability (By Arnaud Bouraima)

Location: News
Webb Fontaine

By Arnaud Bouraima, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer, Webb Fontaine (https://WebbFontaine.com/). 

In the face of mounting global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and increasing focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) awareness, sustainable trade practices and supply chains have the potential to radically transform Africa's economic future.

From green logistics to fair trade and circular economy principles, sustainable trade practices have a significant positive impact on global and local trade. In addition to environmental benefits, they enhance market competitiveness and open access to new markets that value a commitment to sustainability.

However, the transition to eco-friendly and sustainable supply chains is reliant on several factors, not least a significant investment in the infrastructure and technology needed to streamline port and customs operations and ensure a smooth entry of goods into the country in question. An understanding of the importance of digital transformation by governments and regulatory bodies is also a key factor in adopting digital solutions over more traditional manual systems.

African countries that understand and embrace these requirements are well on their way to laying the groundwork for sustainable trade practices.

As an example, the port of Cotonou in the West African country of Benin handles an average of 80 to 90 merchant vessels monthly. According to the African Development Bank (https://apo-opa.co/3MF9Kxi), Cotonou deals with 90 percent of the country's international trade, serving up to 100 million consumers. In 2022, the port handled 12.5 million tonnes of goods, a figure that is predicted to almost double by 2038, reaching 23 million tonnes.

In a gesture of confidence, the recent extension of an €80 million loan (https://apo-opa.co/3MF9Kxi) by the African Development Bank for significant infrastructure upgrades will expand the port's operations even further. Yet despite the vast and complicated operations of one of Africa's busiest ports, Benin has jumped to 66th place on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index (https://LPI.WorldBank.org/), an astonishing leap of approximately 100 places in just under a decade, positioning the country as West Africa's key trade hub.

But this wasn't always the case. High shipping costs, low efficiency, and poor logistical facilities threatened to stifle any hopes the port had of becoming a key trade route, despite the fact that the country is a crucial transit route for West Africa, connecting millions of people in the landlocked countries of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and the northern regions of Nigeria.

Technology is revolutionising trade practices

The solution? Leveraging technology to break through the complexities, inefficiencies, and obstacles impeding effective trade, and transform Benin into an economically competitive trade hub.

This is a story that replicates itself in trade ports along Africa's entire coastline. Operators and customs entities are constantly looking for ways in which to alleviate the backlogs and delays caused by the high volumes flowing through these trade entry points, and digitisation, along with improved physical infrastructure, is proving to be an extremely effective solution. Partnerships and collaborations with specialist service providers hold the key to success.

The Webb Fontaine and Benin story

Backtracking from the current situation, and highlighting the importance of long-term public-private collaborations in modernising and streamlining trade landscapes, Webb Fontaine started working with Benin's Ministry of Finance and Benin Control in 2017. Implementing a suite of innovative solutions including Webb Single Window, Webb Transit Tracking, Webb Valuation, Webb Ports, and Webb Customs, we are proud to be playing a pivotal role in transforming trade in the country.

Webb Single Window has been a game changer. It forms the basis of GUCE Benin, a digital platform with over 6,500 users in the logistics chain that facilitates import, export, and transit operations, and incorporates electronic payment via Paylican, Webb Fontaine's official payments partner. Webb Single Window has also automated the processing of key administrative operations like issuing licenses and authorisations, overseeing currency exchange operations, managing exemptions, and communicating with tax services.

In practical terms, this means streamlining the process needed to get containers out of the port. Digitising processes to create efficiencies, using new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), reduces the time spent on clearance of goods, for both customs brokers and administrators. Benin now ranks as West Africa's top port and holds the third-highest rating in Africa behind Egypt and South Africa. Release times have been reduced by 30%, with a remarkable 50% of containers being released within only two days.

Along with operational efficiency at the ports themselves, economic growth is a key benefit. From digital skills development to higher revenues as a result of streamlined operations, technology is playing a crucial role. For example, reducing the clearance time from 47 days to only a few days allows for more cycles of importation, increasing tax revenue and creating a healthy economic cycle. This also attracts foreign direct investment, making the port more attractive for investors and traders.

However, the use of technology in port operations is just one aspect in a larger framework of sustainable trade. The resultant benefits, such as automated systems and data analytics have the potential to lead to more efficient operations, reduced emissions, and less waste, which are all key components of sustainable trade practices. For instance, quicker turnaround times not only reduce the carbon footprint of shipping and logistics operations, but they also reduce the need for extended storage, in turn decreasing energy consumption and waste.

Is Africa ready for sustainable and eco-friendly supply chains?

Despite the challenges faced by African countries, many are making great strides. Togo's new container platform, Nigeria's planned green port, Liberia's green economy reforms – all are notable examples. Yet much still needs to be done to fully embrace the digital transformation journey, while at the same time addressing issues like infrastructure development.

All stakeholders have a role to play in implementing sustainable and eco-friendly trade practices and policies. African governments, for instance, can make a commitment to investing the funds and resources needed to create infrastructure that will support both trade and digital advancements, as well as support sustainability initiatives. The African Continental Free Trade Area can play a crucial role in developing a standardised approach to these issues, based on learnings from other countries on the continent.

Africa is a continent that has immense potential when it comes to creating and maintaining sustainable trade practices that will drive economic growth. The continent's success stories demonstrate this, and serve as a call to governments, industry stakeholders, policymakers and the private sector to work together to find tangible solutions that will promote further growth and development. Webb Fontaine is already playing a crucial role in supporting Africa's governments on their trade facilitation journeys, with specialised port technology that is securing customs revenue, mitigating trade fraud, and streamlining clearance times. In the same way, when all stakeholders collaborate and contribute to improvements in their respective areas, Africa's economies will reap the collective rewards.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Webb Fontaine.

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Season Two of NBA Africa’s “Born & Bred” Original Content Series Featuring Raptors’ Ulrich Chomche and Jazz’s Babacar Sané Premieres on the NBA App

Location: Sport

Second Season Tells the Stories of Five Current and Former NBA Academy Africa (www.NBA.com) Prospects from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt and Senegal; All Five Episodes Will Be Available on the NBA App with One Episode Releasing Weekly Throughout September. 

NBA Africa announced the return of its first original documentary series “Born & Bred” which will premiere its second season on the NBA App today.  The docuseries returns with five episodes telling the stories of current and former NBA Academy Africa student athletes from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Egypt and Senegal as they pursue their basketball dreams at the academy and beyond. 

Season two of “Born & Bred” features the first NBA Academy Africa prospect drafted to the NBA Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), former NBA G League Ignite players Babacar Sané (Utah Jazz; Senegal) and Thierry Darlan (Central African Republic), and current NBA Academy Africa prospects Ali Assran (Egypt) and Modou Fall Thiam (Senegal). 

Chomche became the first prospect from one of the three NBA Academies around the world to be drafted directly to the NBA when he was selected 57th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft.  During his time at NBA Academy Africa, he was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2022 Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp and participated in the Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball Club (REG BBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police in 2022. 

The first episode, “Small Village. Big Dreams”, features Chomche and is available to watch today on the NBA App.  All five episodes will be available to stream on the NBA App, with one episode releasing each week throughout September.

Descriptions of each season two “Born & Bred” episode are included below:

  • Episode 1 (Aug. 29): “Small Village. Big Dreams” features Ulrich Chomche, an 18-year-old forward from Bafang, Cameroon, who is set to make his NBA debut later this year during the 2024-25 NBA season.  Chomche joined NBA Academy Africa in 2019.  He represented Team World at the 2024 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon in April, before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft.  He became the seventh Cameroonian to be drafted, joining Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje (NBA Draft 2001), Luc Mbah a Moute (NBA Draft 2008), seven-time NBA All-Star and 2022-23 Kia NBA MVP Joel Embiid (NBA Draft 2014), two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam (NBA Draft 2016), Christian Koloko (NBA Draft 2022) and Yves Missi (NBA Draft 2024).

  • Episode 2 (Sept. 5): “Birth of Young Ossoko” features Babacar Sané, a 20-year-old forward from Ziguinchor, Senegal.  Following his breakthrough performances during the BAL's second season, he spent two years with NBA G League Ignite, before going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft and signing with the Jazz earlier this month.  

  • Episode 3 (Sept. 12): “Breaking Ground” features Ali Assran, a 17-year-old forward from Cairo, Egypt.  Assran represented the U17 Egyptian national team at the 2024 FIBA Basketball World Cup and joined the NBA Academy Africa in 2023.  The episode follows him as he continues to discover his passion for basketball while channeling his struggles into determination and finding solace on the court.

  • Episode 4 (Sept. 19): “The Quiet Leader” features Modou Fall Thiam, a 19-year-old from Senegal who joined NBA Academy Africa in 2023.  Hailing from Yeumbeul, the athletic dunker faced an early injury which saw the young point guard sidelined in his second year at the academy.  Thiam details his journey of playing in several international tournaments, participating in the BAL's third season as a BAL Elevate member of Nigeria's Kwara Falcons, and the adversity of dealing with an injury as a young athlete.

  • Episode 5 (Sept. 26): “Against All Odds” features Thierry Darlan, who as a 20-year-old guard from Bangui, Central African Republic became the sixth NBA Academy graduate and third from the NBA Academy Africa to sign with NBA G League Ignite.  Named the MVP of the 2022 BWB Africa camp in Egypt, Darlan also led the academy team to a championship at the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, Georgia the same year.  Following his BAL debut with Angola's Petro de Luanda in 2022 as part of the BAL Elevate program, Darlan returned to the BAL in 2024, making his professional debut during the Nile Conference for Central African Republic's Bangui Sporting Club.  

“Born & Bred” season one (https://apo-opa.co/4e2kQbl) premiered on the NBA App last November, featuring current and former NBA Academy Africa prospects Nigeria's Rueben Chinyelu, Egypt's Seifeldin Hendawy, South Sudan's Khaman Maluach, Senegal's Khadim Rassoul Mboup, and Angola's Aginaldo Neto, spotlighting each prospect's basketball journey, including the communities where they were raised and the moments that have shaped them as players and young men. 

NBA Academy Africa is an elite basketball training center in Saly, Senegal for the top high-school-age prospects from across Africa and the first of its kind on the continent.  Since its launch in 2017, more than 40 male and female participants have committed to NCAA Division I schools in the U.S. or signed professional contracts.

The NBA App is free to download here (https://apo-opa.co/3T9WrZA).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024.  Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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Scaling up Financing Is Key to Accelerating Africa’s Structural Transformation

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

By Adamon Mukasa and Anthony Simpasa, African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org).

Document 1: http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM
Document 2: http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm
Document 3: http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk
Document 4: http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q
Document 5: http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y
Document 6: http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0
Document 7: http://apo-opa.co/47361TE
Document 8: http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t

The calls for structural economic transformation in Africa date back to the 1960s when newly independent nations aimed to eliminate poverty through economic diversification, sustained growth, and job creation. This agenda persists today, as Africa continues to face significant developmental challenges.

Pursuing post-independence economic agendas was particularly important because, behind the euphoria (http://apo-opa.co/4dZMCVX) of independence, laid significant developmental challenges in several African countries: unskilled labor force, political and institutional fragilities, poor health conditions, rapid population growth, wide income disparities, and the legacy of colonialism and exclusion from the modern world. The establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EVzM) in 1963 and the African Development Bank (http://apo-opa.co/473xTHm) a year later aimed to tackle these other challenges in a more coordinated and impactful manner. The African Union (http://apo-opa.co/475z3Sz), successor of the OAU, developed Agenda 2063 (http://apo-opa.co/4g3EQMu) in 2013 as a blueprint for turning Africa into the global growth pole and powerhouse of the future.

Africa's Economic Development Paradox

More than sixty years after independence (http://apo-opa.co/3AzLutK), Africa's structural transformation – the shift of workers from lower to higher productivity employment and intra-sectoral productivity growth (http://apo-opa.co/4dQj0KK) – has not progressed as quickly as hoped. Both policymakers and analysts within and outside the continent are genuinely concerned that achieving structural transformation could remain a mirage for many African countries in the absence of bold structural reforms and financing to support implementation of these policies. Why being so pessimistic? Because historical facts tend to support their pessimism. The African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4g2RATW) report, released in May by the African Development Bank, reveals that Africa's transformation has been slow and uneven. In countries showing signs of transformation, the process has been characterized by low industrialization and predominantly by employment in low-skill, low-productivity services. The agriculture sector, employing 42% of Africa's workforce, is 60% less productive than the economy-wide average. Consequently, many workers remain trapped in low-productivity, low-wage jobs, unable to escape poverty.

As a result, Africa was the only region of the world where the average real GDP per capita contracted in the 1980s and 1990s, the so-called lost decades (http://apo-opa.co/4fYqm0D).

Africa is off-track in achieving almost all SDG targets by 2030, consistently showing the lowest SDG performance globally since the 2000s (Figure 1). Without intervention, it is predicted that by 2030, nearly 9 out of 10 of the world's extremely poor will be in Africa (http://apo-opa.co/4e2weEn) and under current conditions[1], it could take African countries over a century on average to reach high-income status.

[1] This scenario assumes that real GDP per capita of each African country will grow according to its post-COVID-19 (2022–25) average growth rate as computed by the African Development Bank's Statistics Department.

But Africa is a very large, diverse, heterogeneous, region. Some countries have, over the past four decades preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, experienced episodes of growth accelerations, growth spikes and failed take-offs (http://apo-opa.co/4gcshPk). Cases of consistent good performance include Botswana, Seychelles, and Mauritius, routinely ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing economies globally. African countries have indeed exhibited remarkable resilience amid confounding shocks, and in 2024, 10 countries[1] in Africa are projected to be among the world's top 20 fastest-growing economies, sustaining the trend observed during the past four decades pre-COVID-19.

Importantly, over the past quarter century, thanks to strong economic reforms and macroeconomic stability, enhanced governance, relative peace and improved political environment and, public investments in soft and hard infrastructure, some African countries[2] have managed to transform their economies and recorded economic growth rates above the global average.

The role of finance in fast-tracking Africa's structural transformation

Many factors, both internal and external, could explain the relatively slow progress in structurally transforming African economies. Among them: over-reliance on commodity-led growth (http://apo-opa.co/4fZJTxI), inadequate infrastructure (http://apo-opa.co/4dV5DZE); insufficient pool of skilled workers (http://apo-opa.co/4g49x4g) and low access to affordable finance (http://apo-opa.co/47361D8); weak institutional governance (http://apo-opa.co/4e0O5LG), recurrent conflicts (http://apo-opa.co/4g49rtq), effects of climate change (http://apo-opa.co/3ABuuTU), tightening of global financial conditions (http://apo-opa.co/4fZSFvC) and rising debt vulnerabilities (http://apo-opa.co/4724oWk).

While all these factors are equally important and call for urgent actions from policymakers, financing Africa's transformation (http://apo-opa.co/4fTo1Uy) is a multi-layered overarching challenge that demands special attention and a pragmatic approach to move from billions to trillions. The cost of achieving the SDGs by 2030 in Africa is estimated at about $1.3 trillion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsi5Q) annually, equivalent to 42% of Africa's 2023 GDP. Infrastructure needs alone are estimated by the African Development Bank at $181-$221 billion per year over 2023-2030.  The climate finance gap is approximately $213.4 billion (http://apo-opa.co/4gcsiTo) annually through 2030.

Insufficient domestic resources (http://apo-opa.co/471DE8y), compounded by the failure of the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/471zU6K) to mobilize and at scale, affordable finance for sustainable development (http://apo-opa.co/4gcskL0), have led many African countries to resort to commercial borrowing on unfavorable terms. This has resulted in increased debt vulnerabilities. Africa's Public and Publicly Guaranteed external debt has nearly tripled since 2010, reaching $656 billion in 2022, accounting for 22.4% of the continent's GDP and exceeding Africa's public revenue-to-GDP ratio of 20.4%. In 2024, African countries are expected to spend around $74 billion on debt service, up from $17 billion in 2010. Out of the projected debt service, $40 billion is owed to private creditors.

Even more concerning, debt service payments now account for about 11% of the continent's total revenues. High debt service is diverting resources from crucial investments in infrastructure, education, and health – all critical for economic transformation and long-term growth. As of April 2024, 20 African countries[3] (http://apo-opa.co/47361TE) were either in external debt distress or at high risk of external debt distress.

The AEO 2024 report estimates that to accelerate Africa's structural transformation, the continent needs to close an annual financing gap of $402.2 billion (about 13.7% of its projected 2024 GDP) by 2030. Figure 2 shows that transport[4] infrastructure accounts for the largest share of the gap (72.9%), followed by education (10.4%), energy (9.9%), and productivity-enhancing technologies (6.8%). These figures reflect decades of underinvestment in critical areas for development.

The level of financing gap in transport infrastructure reflects the continent's shortfall explained by decades of public underinvestment to upgrade existing road infrastructure or open new roadways, to match the growing population and economic dynamism across the continent. For instance, Africa's median road density is about 12 km per 100 km2, compared with 42.5 km in high-performing developing countries and 136 km in high-income countries. Only about 27% of African roads are paved, far behind the rest of the world (about 49%) and other developing countries (35.4%).

[1] Niger, Senegal, Libya, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Benin, Djibouti, Gambia, and Uganda

[2] Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, eSwatini, Lesotho, Libya, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, and Tunisia

[3] Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

[4] Proxied by roads as road transport is the most frequently used means of transporting goods and people across the continent, carrying at least 80 percent of goods and 90 percent of passengers.

On education, vital for equipping the current and future workforce with the required skillset for structural transformation, African countries' median SDG index score was only 51.5 (out of a maximum of 100) in 2022, while other low-income developing countries reached a median score of 87. In addition, according to World Bank's World Development Indicators (http://apo-opa.co/3AGXw4N), African governments currently spend on average $312 annually per student in primary education, $473 on secondary education, and $2,227 on tertiary education, or about, respectively, 3, 2.3, and 1.1 times lower than high-performing developing countries on  SDG 4. On energy, Africa's median SDG 7 index score was 38.8 in 2022, suggesting that a typical African country was 61.2% further away from achieving the best possible outcome on SDG 7 targets. Despite its vast energy potential, electric power consumption per capita in Africa is still the lowest in the world, estimated at 638.4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2021, versus 2,056 kWh in other developing countries. Due to poor energy infrastructure, over 600 million Africans have no access to electricity http://apo-opa.co/46YZuJT and this is despite progress in recent years[1]. On productivity-enhancing technology and innovation, the continent lags other regions too. This impedes its ability to either innovate and introduce new products, technologies, and/or services that could support its structural transformation. African countries' average Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (GERD) represents about 0.4% of their GDP (against about 1% in the rest of the world) and they spend on average $10.7 per capita on GERD (compared to $403.2 per capita in other regions of the world). Furthermore, the continent displays the lowest concentration of researchers in R&D, with an average of 221 researchers per million people, against 742 researchers in other developing countries.

The financing gap varies significantly across countries. The cross-country heterogeneity is mainly explained by differences in current SDG performance related to structural transformation as well as differences in demographics (current and projected population size and composition, land size, and the like) and socioeconomic characteristics (current and projected GDP per capita, and spending on education, infrastructure, and so on). As shown in Figure 3, the estimated annual financing gap represents at least 10 % of 2024's projected GDP in 36 African countries, and in nine of these, at least 50 % of GDP. For such countries, closing the financing gap by 2030 is, therefore, realistically impossible.

[1] For instance, the average share of people with access to electricity increased from about 38 percent in 2000 to about 59 percent in 2022. In 28 African countries, the percent of people with access to electricity has more than doubled between 2000 and 2022, out of which it has increased at least fivefold in 8 countries (Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda).

Note: COG: Congo; CPV: Cabo Verde; GHA: Ghana; CIV: Cote d'Ivoire; GAB: Gabon; GNQ: Equatorial Guinea; MUS: Mauritius; SYC: Seychelles; ZAF: South Africa. Source: Authors' computation based on the African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024 database

A more realistic approach would be to allow for a gradual but steady transformation process over a longer period, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063. This would enable countries to mobilize more resources domestically and externally, without jeopardizing debt sustainability.

What next?

Scaling up finance to accelerate Africa's structural transformation should be a key priority for policymakers. While implementing structural reforms is crucial for sustainable growth, success depends on the availability, timeliness, and scale of long-term development financing and enhancing spending efficiency. African countries should therefore, inter alia, focus on: i) scaling up investment to build requisite human capital suited to local realities, circumstances, and development priorities; ii) boosting domestic resource mobilization and improving efficiency of public finance management; iii) creating targeted and streamlined incentives to attract private capital for key transformation sectors; and iv) launching ambitious national infrastructure programs with assured positive returns to attract affordable financing.

The international community should reform the global financial architecture (http://apo-opa.co/4dXk53t) to facilitate African countries' access to long-term, concessional development financing at scale, complementing domestic resources.

By addressing these financing challenges and implementing targeted reforms, Africa can accelerate its structural transformation and move closer to achieving its development goals as espouses in Agenda 2063.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

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Taboola Partners With Aleph Holdings to Accelerate Operations in Africa, Connecting Advertisers and Publishers With Consumers and Readers

Location: MyPR

Taboola (Nasdaq: TBLA), a global leader in powering recommendations for the open web, today announced an expansion of its operations to serve advertisers and publishers in Africa. Partnering with Aleph Holdings, Taboola’s advanced AI-powered technologies and consumer reach will now be accessible to advertisers and publishers in countries including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and …

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Stanbic Bank, NBA Africa and Luol Deng Foundation Celebrate First Jr. NBA/Jr. Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Finals in South Sudan

Location: Sport
National Basketball Association (NBA)

Stanbic Bank in South Sudan, NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and the Luol Deng Foundation today hosted the first edition of the Stanbic Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Finals, which took place at the Nimra Talata Basketball Stadium in Juba, South Sudan.  Juba One 76ers were crowned the inaugural season's champions, with Khalid Jibrin named the finals' Most Valuable Player.

Notable attendees included Stanbic Bank South Sudan Head of Business Fred Ouko, Luol Deng Foundation Founder and two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng, Luol Deng Foundation CEO Arek Deng, 1995 NBA All-Star and 1992 Slam Dunk champion Cedric Ceballos, Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall, and South Sudan national team members Wenyen Gabriel, Kuany Kuany and Nuni Omot.  The event builds on Stanbic Bank and NBA Africa's multiyear collaboration, which launched in 2022 and featured the unveiling of a new outdoor basketball court at St. Mark's Orthodox School in Juba last December.

“The remarkable performance of the South Sudan national basketball team at the Paris Olympics highlighted the tremendous sporting talent within South Sudan,” said Stanbic Bank Chief Executive for Kenya and South Sudan Dr. Joshua Oigara.  “Through our collaboration with NBA Africa and the Luol Deng Foundation, we are supporting the country to build on this potential and remain committed to driving South Sudan's growth through meaningful collaborations and initiatives.”

“The success of the first Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA league season in Juba speaks to the great passion for the game of basketball in South Sudan and its impact on local communities,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “The South Sudan national team's performance on a global stage in recent months demonstrated how much the sport is growing in the country and we look forward to further collaborating with Stanbic Bank and the Luol Deng Foundation to make the game even more accessible for young people here.”

“I knew South Sudanese children had what it takes when the stage is set right for their learning, so I was not surprised about the talent,” said Deng.  “What impressed me the most is the improvement in coaching and seeing how each school showed up to support players.  The joy, the competitive, but yet peaceful spirit that the spectating students showed was so amazing to see.” 

“This is my first visit to South Sudan, and it was incredible to see all the excitement on the court this afternoon,” said Ceballos.  “I have seen firsthand the impact basketball can make on young people's lives and continuing to build on such platforms for boys and girls to play the game will be paramount to their success on the court, and in life.”

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA is the league's global youth basketball program for boys and girls that teaches the fundamental skills and core values of the game – teamwork, respect, determination and community – at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents.  The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program has been launched in 19 African countries, reaching more than 170,000 youth from across the continent last year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contacts:
Rachel Nderitu
Stanbic Bank
NderituR@stanbic.com
+254723710540

Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 007 2666

About Stanbic Bank:
Stanbic Bank is a member of the Standard Bank Group, Africa's largest bank by assets.  Stanbic Bank is licensed and regulated by the Bank of South Sudan and has provided banking services in South Sudan since 2004, before the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005.  The bank provides corporate, business and personal banking services to the key sectors that drive the South Sudan economy, including Oil & Gas, Power & Infrastructure, Humanitarian & Development Assistance, Government, Telecommunications and Insurance.  

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024.  Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

About Luol Deng Foundation:
The Luol Deng Foundation (LDF) was established in 2005 to empower youth to realize their limitless potential through sport and development.  LDF creates pathways to opportunity through sport, education, wellness, and equality.  Over the years, LDF has grown beyond basketball and expanded its reach into areas of education, wellness, and equality for young South Sudanese.  We believe youth are the key to transforming our country and our world.

For more information visit www.LuolDeng.org, follow @ ldengf on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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Minister Blade Nzimande officially opens 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly

Location: News

South African Government
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The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, officially opened the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town last night. The Minister addressed 2 000 delegates from the global astronomy community.

The meeting, held every three years, is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas.

This year's general assembly, under the theme "It's Time for Africa – Ke Nako", will highlight the continent's growing role in the global astronomical community and its contributions to global astronomical research and development, as well as its potential for future contributions.

Africa is home to some of the world's oldest astronomical achievements. Astronomy in Africa began at least 7 000 years ago, with a stone circle known as Nabta Playa in Egypt that predates Stonehenge by 2 000 years.

IAU President, Prof. Debra Elmegreen, in her address to the gathering, emphasised that astronomy was rooted in all cultures and invited broad thoughts about our place in the universe and on our fragile Earth.

"We celebrate the rich history of astronomy in Africa as we present our research, initiate new collaborations, enjoy networking, share astronomy with the public, and explore the local beauty. August is designated as Africa Astronomy Month, an appropriate cap to the Vision 2024 efforts that have united Africans in their preparations to share astronomy with the world," said Elmegreen.

Over two centuries ago, international observational survey work was led by astronomers in Cape Town and this work continues to the present day under the South African Astronomical Observatory.

Among many other telescopes in Africa, Prof. Elmegreen mentioned the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope in Namibia, as well as the Southern African Large Telescope (the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere), the MeerKAT radio astronomy array, and the KELT-South and SuperWASP-South telescopes, all of which are located in South Africa.

Minister Nzimande spoke about how Africa's rich astronomy history continues to inspire, and the role of indigenous astronomy in South Africa's astronomy programmes. He praised the conference organisers for Cosmic Echoes, a Shared Sky indigenous art exhibition.

The Minister highlighted the trailblazing radio astronomy work that began in South Africa in Hartebeeshoek in 1961, in a partnership with NASA.

"Radio astronomy began in South Africa with a 26-metre dish built by NASA and placed in Hartebeesthoek in 1961 as a deep-space ground station used to get data from, and send commands to, many unmanned US space probes going beyond the Earth's orbit. This was later converted into a radio telescope that led to the establishment of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory, which is now part of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

"During the democratic era, the MeerKAT was built in Carnarvon as a precursor to the SKA project. The MeerKAT is another amazing achievement on the global science stage, and we wish to thank our international partners, Germany, Italy and China for their contribution to this project.

"We also have a growing gamma-ray astronomy community that actively participates in the HESS initiative," said the Minister.

He added that these strategic interventions had enabled the exponential growth of South African astronomers from 60 (only five of whom were radio astronomers) to about 300 over the last 30 years.

The Minister highlighted that the MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offered South Africa an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, driving transformation and human capital development.

The Minister thanked the IAU for giving South Africa the opportunity to host the prestigious IAU General Assembly.

"This gathering reflects the global astronomy community's commitment to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in astronomy and those faced by humanity," concluded the Minister.

The IAU conference runs until 14 August 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25: The Young Chef Finalists For The Africa, Middle East &Amp; South Asia Region Have Been Revealed

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The selected young chefs are ready to present themselves to the prestigious Local Jury, showing their unique vision of the future of gastronomy Cape Town, South Africa 2024 – S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the initial line-up of finalists selected for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, the global initiative to discover and mentor …

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The RMB Where to Invest in Africa 2024 report highlights Africa’s top investment economies

Location: Business
Rand Merchant Bank

RMB (www.RMB.com) has released the highly anticipated 2024 edition of its Where to Invest in Africa report, a comprehensive analysis of the top investment destinations on the continent. The report, which has been developed in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), leverages a robust methodology that has been updated to reflect new data sources, taking into account a variety of factors that have been proven to determine a country's progress and therefore its investment potential. 

“Africa is not a country, but a vast, diverse and complex continent with different cultures, economies and investment potential. Our report therefore is not a definitive guide, but rather it is designed to provide insight to uncover the underlying drivers of a country's performance that inform its ranking. This offers invaluable insights for investors, policymakers, and business leaders looking to navigate Africa's dynamic economic landscape,” says Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB.  

Expanded data, extended granularity 

Investment decisions need to be viewed through both an economic performance lens and an operating environment lens. As a result, the methodology used for this edition of the Where to Invest in Africa report builds and expands on previous editions, taking into account new data sets as well as changing geopolitical and macroeconomic climates.  

The scorecard for the 2024 issue highlights 31 countries that collectively represent 92% of the continent's economic activity (measured by GDP), and more than one billion people (three quarters of the continent's population). It draws on publicly available data sets from global institutions, including the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labour Organisation.  

The model is constructed from 20 metrics across four measurement pillars: economic performance and potential; market accessibility and innovation; economic stability and investment climate; and social and human development. Each metric is weighted, which translates into a weight for each pillar, and based on these metrics a standardised scorecard is produced, with rankings that enable effective comparison across Africa's complex and heterogeneous environment.  

Africa's top five investment destinations 

Combining these elements results in a ranking across the 31 countries measured. The results of the report show that the two small island economies of Seychelles and Mauritius rank first and second as the most attractive investment destinations on the continent, while the significantly larger economies of Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco rank in third, fourth and fifth places respectively. 

Seychelles leads the rankings thanks to high levels of personal freedom, human development, and a stable economic environment. Seychelles offers a unique and attractive investment climate. Despite scoring lower on economic size and potential, Mauritius is known for innovation, economic freedom, and high GDP per capita. It continues to be a top destination for investors seeking stability and growth opportunities in a well-regulated environment.  

Egypt represents Africa's largest economy by GDP (2023), offering a substantial market with diverse opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location and economic complexity further enhance its attractiveness. Despite facing significant challenges, South Africa remains a crucial hub for investment in Africa. Its robust financial sector, diverse economy, and potential for infrastructure development make it a key player. Finally, Morocco's strong performance in connectedness, innovation, and economic stability positions it as a top investment destination. Its strategic proximity to European markets adds to its appeal. 

Distilling diversity – investment archetypes explained 

Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, and no two markets are the same, which means there is no such thing as a universal success story. However, when we zoom out and view nations through the lenses of size and the relevant investability score, it becomes apparent that they fall into distinct groupings with shared traits. The 2024 edition of Where to Invest in Africa suggests five potential investment archetypes based on shared characteristics revealed through the four measurement pillars.  

‘Highflyers' represent the large, well-established economies that offer stability and a range of investment opportunities, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. Those ‘Cleared for Take-off' are countries with high economic growth and innovation potential thanks to factors like a young population and abundant resources, including Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. ‘People Potential' are markets with a young and growing demographic, creating a sizeable consumer base and a future workforce, such as Kenya, DRC and Uganda. ‘Global Connectors' are more advanced economies with a strong international presence, such as Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia and Seychelles. ‘Low-Base Boomers' are smaller markets with high potential for explosive growth but a corresponding higher degree of risk, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Benin. 

Additional insights unpacked

The report also highlights a number of trends across the various markets, and the role of innovation and economic complexity in driving growth is a central theme. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are noted for their strides in technological innovation and diversification of their economic bases, making them attractive destinations for investment. 

The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) holds significant potential for boosting intra-African trade, enhancing economic integration, and creating a more competitive continental market. Effective implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to drive economic growth and development across the continent. Africa's young and rapidly growing population also presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda poised to benefit from this demographic dividend, provided they can create sufficient employment opportunities and foster a conducive environment for economic participation.  

In addition, there are a number of emerging markets with significant growth potential, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and infrastructural deficits, these countries offer substantial opportunities due to their large and youthful populations, improving business climates, and diversification efforts. Africa's vast natural resources, including minerals and arable land, are pivotal for sustainable economic growth. However, the report cautions against the "resource curse" and underscores the importance of good governance and strategic management. Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are highlighted for their rich resources and potential for sustainable development. 

One area that requires critical attention across the continent is the need for infrastructure investment. Improved transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential, and South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are identified as key markets where infrastructure development could yield significant returns. 

Beyond the rankings – a deeper look at African investment 

Looking beyond metrics and scorecards, Africa holds massive potential but equally faces numerous challenges. The continent is rich in natural resources, which can be a major driver of economic growth, but they also present challenges in the form of corruption and environmental degradation. Increased activity around trade agreements can open new markets for foreign investors and boost economic activity, but lack of adequate infrastructure is a major hurdle for many African economies. Investment in this space will improve connectivity and create new opportunities, while rapid and increasing urbanisation will prove attractive to investors in consumer goods, retail, and financial services. Finally, countries in Africa are embracing new technologies, leapfrogging traditional development stages and creating new investment opportunities in the tech sector. 

“The richness of Africa's diversity makes fully analysing its nuance and contrast a challenging task, but an important one when it comes to understanding the varied markets that make up this vast regional economy. The 2024 RMB Where to Invest in Africa report aims to develop a balanced, robust and actionable view of the drivers, challenges and opportunities that characterise each of the 31 African markets included in the analysis,” Mhlanga concludes.  

Download the full report here to uncover the insights and drive more informed investment decisions. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.

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Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds

Location: News

Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds

by More Matshediso

Loving and supporting children who live with disabilities is key to enabling them to reach their full potential. 

Karabo Morapedi (22) of Welkom in the Free State is a perfect example of what children with special needs can achieve if they are supported by their families. 

He is among the South African athletes who will be flying the country’s flag high at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France. 

The Paralympic Games are the largest global sporting event for athletes with disabilities. This year, they will open on 28 August and close on 8 September. 

Despite being born with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and causes various physical and intellectual challenges, Karabo does not allow the disability to stand between him and his dreams. 

At the time of the interview, Karabo was at the World Boccia African Regional Championships in Cairo in Egypt. 

Boccia is a Paralympic sport, it is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.

Vuk’uzenzele spoke briefly to his mother and aunt about his life story, academic performance and sport. 

His mother, Sebolelo Morapedi, raised Karabo with the help of her sister Selloane Bochedi. 

“Karabo’s father passed away when he was just an infant. I raised him together with his aunt,” she explained. 

She said Karabo started playing Boccia back in Tswellang Special School in Bloemfontein, which provides Grade R to Grade 9 mainstream education and learner support services to learners who are physically challenged.

He continued with the sport when he joined Martie du Plessis School in Bloemfontein, which is a school for cerebral palsied, physically disabled and learning-disabled learners, where he completed his matric. 

Karabo continued to play Boccia at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus, where he graduated with a National Diploma in Public Management this year. He is currently studying towards a qualification in Advanced Diploma in Applied Public Management at the university. 

Bochedi said they had to accept his condition, but both committed to giving him love and support that he needed as a child. 

“Like any other child, we invested in enrolling him in schools that catered for his special needs, and we have always been actively involved in his educational journey. He has always performed well in school and he excelled in his tertiary education studies,” explained Bochedi. 

She believes that Karabo’s journey has so far shown everyone that living with a disability does not mean you have to be locked-up in the house. 

She added that Karabo is extremely proud of his achievements so far and he has made his family proud.

The support that he gets from CUT and his coach also encourages him to work harder. 

For more information about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games visit www.paralympic.org/paris-2024.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:16

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Afreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

Location: News

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African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).

ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.

Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.

“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.

“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.

Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”

The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.

SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com   

Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com  

About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.

For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com

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ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS: 
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change. 

Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. 

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI. 

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The head office for Bureau Veritas Middle East, Caspian & Africa region is based in Dubai, For more information, www.BureauVeritas.Africa  or  www. Middle-East.BureauVeritas.com/ 

Read moreAfreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

World Bank Group Executive Directors note progress and re-affirm support to South Africa and Namibia

Location: News

The World Bank Group
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A delegation of the World Bank Group's (WBG) Board of Executive Directors (EDs) noted South Africa's and Namibia's progress in achieving their development goals and re-affirmed World Bank Group's commitment to providing support. The 11 EDs and Alternate EDs were hosted by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) country offices during their recent visit on July 7-13.

The visit provided a platform to assess progress with projects and engage on the evolution of the World Bank Group's relationship with the countries, from a knowledge-focused to a broader knowledge and financing partnership. EDs met government and business leaders, local stakeholders, and project beneficiaries, and experienced first-hand how the countries manage development priorities and challenges. South Africa and Namibia have common challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Throughout the visit, the delegation discussed the ongoing and future support from the World Bank Group to boost inclusive economic growth and job creation.

In South Africa, over the past three years the country has shifted from being a non-borrowing client to borrowing over $1 billion per year from the World Bank. South Africa also constitutes the largest IFC portfolio in Africa and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency's (MIGA) second largest on the continent.

In Namibia, the World Bank Group is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the government that will strategically guide its support as the engagement continues to grow. The World Bank recently approved a $138.5 million renewable energy and transmission loan to NamPower, after 15 years without borrowing.

Key highlights of the visit included:

  • In South Africa, the delegation met with the Minister of Finance Honorable Enoch Godongwana, and the Minister of Electricity and Energy Honorable Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. EDs visited two IFC clients and two World Bank projects which showcased support for key government priorities and demonstrated how these projects link to global issues and corporate initiatives such as the just energy transition, health, urban development, and subnational government engagement. The delegation toured and engaged with stakeholders at the Komati power station – the site of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project; the Addo Elephant Park that houses the innovative Wildlife Conservation Bond; and the IFC-supported Trust for Urban Housing Finance and BioVac Institute that manufactures vaccines locally.
  • In Namibia, the delegation met with Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Honorable Ipumbu Shiimi and key stakeholders, including development partners and the private sector.  The delegation visited informal settlements near Windhoek to gain insights on housing related issues, a sector where IFC is investing and which the government has identified as a priority for World Bank Group engagement.

Matteo Bugamelli, the World Bank's Executive Director who represents the constituency of countries including Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste, expressed optimism about the countries' progress. He emphasized the World Bank Group's commitment to helping South Africa and Namibia address unemployment and inequality challenges. He particularly welcomed the increased financing to support the implementation of much needed reforms.

About the World Bank Group's Board of Directors: The Board of Executive Directors is responsible for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank, making decisions on loans, credits, grants, policies, and financial matters. The Board consists of 25 members who represent the 189 member countries, providing guidance for the institution's development activities.

Visiting Board Officials: The delegation included Mr. Abdulaziz E A Almulla (Executive Director for Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Republic of Yemen); Mr. Matteo Bugamelli (Executive Director for Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste); Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo (Executive Director Angola, Nigeria, South Africa); Mr. Floribert Ngaruko (Executive Director for Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe); Ms. Katharine Rechico (Executive Director for Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Vincent & the Grenadines); and Mr. Tauqir Shah (Executive Director for Afghanistan, Algeria, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia.

Visiting Alternate Executive Directors:  Mr. Louis Albisson (Alternate Executive Director for France); Mr. Felice Gorordo (Alternate Executive Director for the United States), Mr. Koji Uemura (Alternate Executive Director for Japan); Ms. Kerstin Sumana Wijeyewardene (Alternate Executive Director for Asia and the Pacific Constituency) and Mr. Weifeng Yang (Alternate Executive Director for China).

Included in the delegation was Ms. Mercy Tembon, World Bank Vice President and Corporate Secretary.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Read moreWorld Bank Group Executive Directors note progress and re-affirm support to South Africa and Namibia

African Players, Coaches, and Referees to Participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 Summer League

Location: News

Basketball Africa League (BAL)
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Twenty-Five Basketball Coaches from 15 African Countries Selected for NBA 2K25 Summer League; Five Players Who Featured in the 2024 BAL Season (https://BAL.NBA.com/) to Compete in Las Vegas.

Twenty-five basketball coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in the NBA 2K25 Summer League which will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 12 -22, 2024.  The selected coaches form part of the Africa Coaches Program, which builds on NBA Africa's and Basketball Africa League's (BAL) commitment to building capacity and expertise of coaches from across the continent, improving the quality of the on-court product, and contributing to the continued growth of basketball on the continent.  Eight of the coaches represent teams that have participated in the BAL.

Please see below for some of the notable storylines, followed by the full roster of the African coaches, players, and referees who will take part in the Summer League.

African Coaches Program

Building Continuity

  • Six teams that took part in the 2024 BAL season will have at least one coach participating – Al Ahly (Egypt), Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) City Oilers (Uganda), FUS de Rabat (Morocco), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and US Monastir (Tunisia). 
  • Sixteen of the 24 coaches will take part in the Africa Coaches Program for the first time.
  • Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu was named 2024 BAL Coach of the Year and led his team to a third-place finish this season.  Rivers Hoopers' head coach since 2009, Odaudu coached the team to five Nigerian Premier League titles.  Since 2019, Odaudu has been a member of the coaching staff on the Nigerian national team. 
  • Two coaches – Francois Enyegue (Cameroon; San Antonio Spurs) and Emmanuel Mavomo (Democratic Republic of the Congo; Milwaukee Bucks) – return to the Summer League for a third consecutive year.  Last year, they coached with the Orlando Magic and Utah Jazz, respectively.  Enyegue is currently the head coach of Bangui Sporting Club (Central Africa Republic) and served as head coach of Team Africa & Middle East Girls at the Jr. NBA Global Championship in 2018.  Mavomo is NBA G League's Austin Spurs assistant coach and served as an assistant coach of Paris Basketball and BC Espoir Fukash during the 2022 BAL season.

Empowering the Next Generation

  • Three players with BAL experience who have decided to take up a career in coaching will be part of this year's program.  John Wilkins (Rivers Hoopers), Mohamed Gaddour (US Monastir), and Radouane Slimane (US Monastir) will respectively join the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Miami Heat.

NBA Academy Africa Well-Represented

  • NBA Academy Africa players development coaches Goitsemang Ditsheko (South Africa) and Karim Nesba (Morocco) will coach with the Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings respectively.  Based at the NBA Academy Africa in Saly, Senegal since 2022, Ditsheko is part of the academy coaching staff who worked with NBA Academy Africa's first NBA draftee, Cameroon's Ulrich Chomche, selected with the number 57 overall by the Memphis Grizzlier and traded to the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft.  While enrolled at NBA Academy Africa, Chomche competed in the BAL as part of the BAL Elevate program, representing Rwanda Energy Group Basketball (REGBBC) in 2023 and Cameroon's Forces Armées et Police (FAP) in 2022.  Karim Nesba is a former AS Salé and Morocco National Team player.  He coached the Uganda City Oilers in the 2024 BAL season and the BAL Select Team at Quai 54 this summer.  NBA Academy Africa Alumni Ibou Badji (Senegal) and Babacar Sané (Senegal) will be playing with the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz respectively. Badji who signed a two-way contract with Portland Trail Blazers last season, played 22 games in the 2023-24 NBA season. Sané former BAL Elevate player has played with the G League Ignite since 2022.

Female Participants

  • For the first time, three female coaches will participate in the Africa Coaches Program – Sofia Bey (Morocco; Sacramento Kings), Aliaa Mahmoud Mohamed (Egypt; Washington Wizards), Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers).  They join the Africa Coaches Program as part of NBA Africa's and the BAL's efforts to provide more opportunities for women in basketball.  
  • Sofia Bey (Morocco, Sacramento Kings) is the head coach of Wydad Athletic in Morocco.  Bey participated 2022 FIBA Africa Regional Youth Camp and was selected for the FIBA Young Coach program in 2015.
  • Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Los Angeles Lakers) was the head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) which participated in Road to the BAL 2023.  Aliaa Mahmoud (Egypt, Washington Wizards) was the assistant coach of FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023.

Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K25 Summer League and the NBA teams coaching staff they have joined.

First name

Last name

Country of origin

NBA Team

Mohamed Lamine

Kriedeche

Algeria

New Orleans Pelicans

Stef

Pare

Burkina Faso

Orlando Magic

Francois

Enyengue

Cameroon

San Antonio Spurs

Victor

Samnick

Cameroon

Denver Nuggets

Pierrot

Ilunga

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Toronto Raptors

Emmanuel

Mavomo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Milwaukee Bucks

Ahmed

Elgarhi

Egypt

Minnesota Timberwolves

Alia

Mahmoud

Egypt

Washington Wizards

Ruth

Bibeyi

Gabon

Los Angeles Lakers

Ahmed

Salam

Morocco

Atlanta Hawks

John

Wilkins

Morocco

Phoenix Suns

Sofia

Bey

Morocco

Sacramento Kings

Karim

Nesba

Morocco

Sacramento Kings

Leonel

Manhique

Mozambique

Brooklyn Nets

Ogoh

Odaudu

Nigeria

Cleveland Cavaliers

Mohamed

Abdulrahman

Nigeria

Utah Jazz

Mugisha Igor

Keys

Rwanda

Boston Celtics

Prosper

Naci

Rwanda

Philadelphia 76ers

Matar

Mbodji

Senegal

Chicago Bulls

Goitsemang

Ditsheko

South Africa

Houston Rockets

Akech Wuoi Garang

Ajak

South Sudan

New York Knicks

Bechir

Hadidane

Tunisia

Memphis Grizzlies

Mhamed

Gaddour

Tunisia

Los Angeles Clippers

Radouane

Slimane

Tunisia

Miami Heat

Andrew

Senyondwa

Uganda

Trailblazers Portland

BAL Season 4 Players*

Five players who played in the 2024 BAL season are set to feature in this year's Summer League: Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. (South Sudan; Sacramento Kings), Samkelo Cele (South Africa; New York Knicks), Obadiah Noel (USA; New York Knicks) Devine Eke (Nigeria, Milwaukee Bucks), and Makhtar Gueye (Senegal; Atlanta Hawks).

  • Lual-Acuil Jr. averaged 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks during the last BAL season, helping Al Ahly Ly (Libya) to the 2024 BAL Finals.  Lual-Acuil Jr. won the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy as the 2024 BAL Most Valuable Player and the Dikembe Mutombo Trophy as the Defensive Player of the Year.  Lual-Acuil Jr. also emerged as the 2024 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2024 All-BAL First Team and the All-BAL Defensive Team.
  • Cele averaged 20.2 points per game and finished second in scoring in the league.  He led South Africa's Cape Town Tigers to the semifinals and was named to both the 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Team.
  • Obadiah averaged 19.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game with Armée Patriotique Rwandaise basketball (APR; Rwanda) in the Sahara Conference last season.
  • Eke registered 16.6 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, leading Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers to third place in the last BAL season.
  • Gueye represented Burundi's Dynamo Basketball Club in the inaugural Kalahari Conference last season.
  • Cele and Gueye were part of the BAL Select team that featured at the 2024 Quai 54 Streetball Tournament, the world's biggest streetball tournament in Paris, France, last month.

*Rosters are subject to change.

Referees with BAL Experience

Five referees who officiated in the 2024 BAL season will also join the program, including Annie Joyce Muchenu (Zimbabwe).  Muchenu became a FIBA international referee in September 2008 and was appointed to officiate at the FIBA Women's Champions Cup in Nairobi, Kenya the same year.  She has since officiated at major competitions on the African continent including junior and senior tournaments but has also officiated at two All Africa Games (2011 and 2015), three FIBA U-17 World Cups, two FIBA U-19 World Cups, pre-Olympic Qualifiers and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and the BAL since the beginning of the competition.  

Please see below the complete list of African referees:

NAME

COUNTRY

Oumar Sy

Mauritania

Yann Davidson

Madagascar

Annie Joyce Muchenu

Zimbabwe

Vitalis Gode

Kenya (Referee Supervisor)

Silver Houngbedji

Benin

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Read moreAfrican Players, Coaches, and Referees to Participate in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K25 Summer League

President Ramaphosa Receives Congratulatory Call From President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Republic of Egypt

Location: News

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa was honoured yesterday evening, Sunday, 7 July 2024, with a phone call from His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt who warmly congratulated President Ramaphosa on his new term of office.

President El-Sisi shared with President Ramaphosa his expectation that South Africa and Egypt will continue to cooperate on issues of common interest.

President Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation for President El-Sisi's good wishes and agreed on the importance of continued partnership between our two countries on matters of bilateral, continental and multilateral interest.

Of particular significance to the two leaders is the need to work together on the Palestinian issue and the crisis in the Gaza strip.

The Presidents committed themselves to deepening the fraternal ties between Egypt and South Africa as part of advancing continental solidarity.

President Ramaphosa and President El-Sisi were also in agreement on the expansion of trade, mutual investment and other areas of economic cooperation between the two states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa Receives Congratulatory Call From President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the Republic of Egypt

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp to Return to South Africa for 20th Edition

Location: Sport
National Basketball Association (NBA)

The National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced that the 20th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa will be held at the American International School of Johannesburg from Saturday, Aug. 3 – Tuesday, Aug. 6, marking the 16th time that the NBA and FIBA's global basketball development and community outreach program will be held in South Africa.  BWB Africa camps have also been held in Dakar, Senegal (2010 and 2019), Luanda, Angola (2016) and Cairo, Egypt (2022).  

BWB Africa 2024 will bring together 30 boys and 30 girls from more than 20 African countries to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches and compete alongside their peers from across the continent.  The campers and coaches, who will be announced prior to the camp, will also take part in life-skills, leadership development and NBA Cares programming.

“Bringing Basketball Without Borders back to South Africa for its milestone 20th edition reflects the incredible momentum we're seeing for basketball in the country,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “We look forward to welcoming some of the most talented boys and girls from across the continent for four days of high-level basketball training, competition, and leadership development that will have a lasting impact on their on-court and personal journeys.”

“Basketball Without Borders continues to be a real lever for basketball on the continent,” said FIBA Africa Executive Director Alphonse Bilé.  “As part of our ongoing collaboration with the NBA in Africa, which also includes the Basketball Africa League (BAL), BWB continues to elevate our sport and provide invaluable opportunities and experiences for African youth and coaches, both on-and-off the court.  I would like to extend my thanks to NBA Africa and wish all the participants a rewarding and successful camp.” 

BWB Africa 2024 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear, and Gatorade, which will keep players and coaches hydrated throughout the camp.

Forty-one former BWB campers were among the record 125 international players (https://apo-opa.co/3LfzKib) on opening-night rosters for the 2023-24 NBA season, including 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), who became the first former BWB camper to be named NBA MVP, and 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012).  In total, 13 former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003, including Ulrich Chomche (Cameroon), who was selected 57th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft last month.  Sixty-three former BWB Africa campers have also been featured on BAL team rosters over the league's first four seasons.

BWB has reached more than 4,400 participants from 142 countries and territories since 2001, with 127 former campers advancing to the NBA or WNBA.  The NBA and FIBA have staged 75 BWB camps in 50 cities across 33 countries on six continents.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 007 2666

About NBA Africa: 
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024.  Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

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Read moreThe National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) Basketball Without Borders Africa Camp to Return to South Africa for 20th Edition

President Ramaphosa receives congratulatory call from President of Egypt 

Location: News

President Ramaphosa receives congratulatory call from President of Egypt 

President Cyril Ramaphosa received a call on Sunday evening from his Egypt counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who expressed his sincere congratulations on his new term of office.

Last month, President Ramaphosa was re-elected to serve for a second term at the first sitting of the National Assembly after the highly contested elections in May where he won 283 votes, against Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema who received 44.

“President El-Sisi shared with President Ramaphosa his expectation that South Africa and Egypt will continue to cooperate on issues of common interest,” a statement from the Presidency said. 

According to the President’s Office, the country’s First Citizen expressed his appreciation for President El-Sisi’s good wishes and agreed on the importance of continued partnership between the two countries on matters of bilateral, continental and multilateral interest.

“Of particular significance to the two leaders is the need to work together on the Palestinian issue and the crisis in the Gaza strip.

“The Presidents committed themselves to deepening the fraternal ties between Egypt and South Africa as part of advancing continental solidarity,” the statement read. 

President Ramaphosa and President El-Sisi also agreed on the expansion of trade, mutual investment and other areas of economic cooperation between the two states, according to the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Gabisile
Mon, 07/08/2024 - 10:38

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa receives congratulatory call from President of Egypt 

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Health: The New Frontier in Social Innovation to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)

Location: News

BroadReach Group
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In the evolving landscape of global health, digital innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare access, quality, and affordability. A recent white paper by the World Economic Forum, produced in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, EY, and Microsoft, sheds light on an exciting paradigm shift: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social innovation, especially within healthcare. AI uptake has the potential to improve immunisation programmes, supply chains, referrals, diagnoses, drug safety, and overall health system efficiency.

The report finds three primary impact areas where AI is making significant contributions:

  • Healthcare, with 25% of innovators using AI to advance access to health;
  • Environmental sustainability, with 20% of social innovators applying AI to tackle climate solutions; and
  • Economic empowerment, notably prevalent in lower-income countries where 80% of all initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods are based.

Healthcare is by far the most prevalent impact domain that social innovators are addressing with AI. Corresponding to this, 1 in 4 Social innovators are deploying AI to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being. This is apparent across all geographies as innovators seek to adopt AI to address multiple challenges within the area of healthcare.

Referenced in this report is BroadReach Group, a social impact organisation, that is using AI and machine learning to equip health care workers, leaders and institutions to better manage their scarce resources and drive better health outcomes for all. Vantage Health Technologies, a part of BroadReach Group is harnessing its work across continents in the following ways:

  • Using AI in Africa to support large HIV and TB programs by identifying gaps in resources and supporting decision making and targeted actions to address those gaps. This has allowed many districts particularly in South Africa, with the largest HIV population in the world to come close to achieving the UN goals of 95-95-95. The 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression targets aim to close gaps in HIV treatment coverage and outcomes in all sub-populations, age groups and geographic settings.
  • Vantage has provided program oversight to Tuberculosis (TB) programs in Africa by providing a single system to manage all key areas.  TB outcomes are difficult to manage without daily insight into performance data. Vantage integrated already existing feeds from the national health data system to drive active decision making and launch interventions to address performance, data quality and reporting compliance.
  • A leading non-governmental organisation in Nigeria that provides prevention, treatment and care services across HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria uses AI and predictive analytics in Vantage to prevent missed appointments and bring patients back to care. The outputs are used to prioritise outreach to high-risk patients and monitor the effectiveness of interventions to proactively highlight areas needing attention.
  • In the US, Vantage is addressing Social Determinants of Health, by automating social care coordination for cancer patients. The early results have shown improved patient outcomes, improved equity and financial sustainability, while simultaneously reducing the administrative burden on the workforce.

Dr. Ernest Darkoh, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says, “the fundamental issue in healthcare, whether you are in Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, or the USA, is that demand outstrips supply in terms of health services, doctors, nurses, and medications. The healthcare sector is trying to deliver on an antiquated model of ‘sick care' without real-time intelligence on disease patterns, who is being affected the most, or the adequacy of healthcare resources. We need to change this paradigm to be more effective by leveraging data and digital solutions to ensure we are always spending the next hour and the next dollar in the in the most impactful way possible.”

Global Collaboration to Achieve Health Equity

The report also shows that Africa is emerging, with leaders like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Egypt and Kenya have developed national AI strategies. In other countries like Cameroon, individual social innovators are using AI to address healthcare challenges, such as developing low-cost diagnostic tools for malaria. The continent is also seeing AI applications in economic empowerment and various ML capabilities.

Paul Bhuhi, Managing Director of Vantage shares, ‘'AI is becoming more accepted, with healthcare leaders seeing the promise of AI to drive real improvement in health access, quality, and affordability. Yet, the education gap between innovators and the policy makers inhibits AI adoption, In our experience Rwanda and Kenya are leading that push but more needs to be done.” 

An important lesson that BroadReach Group is applying is that learning healthcare lessons in one country can have a profound global impact through collaboration. By sharing best practices, innovations, and research findings, countries can collectively address common health challenges more effectively. Collaborative efforts enable the adaptation of successful strategies to different contexts, promoting universal health improvements and accelerating progress towards global health goals like SDG 3. This exchange of knowledge fosters a more interconnected and resilient global healthcare community, where advancements in one region benefit all.

Dr. John Sargent, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says “an example of impact through collaboration is using our experience and learnings in Africa addressing health inequity and applying them to promote health equity in cancer care in the US. Our teams work across geographies and this collaboration has shown that we can more effectively and rapidly improve patient care because of this experience. Although every geography and market has its differences, many of the same core principles, critical lessons learned, and approaches apply, allowing us to rapidly adapt and implement solutions that have a real impact for populations in need while ensuring that the health system is using its resources in the most impactful way.” 

Embracing the Ethical Adoption of AI

The next generation of ethical generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) provides new hope for more equitable healthcare, but advances in technology must never come at the cost of patient rights. AI systems should start with guardrails and ethics within their foundational design.

Chris LeGrand, CEO of BroadReach Group emphasises, “regulatory frameworks for ethical use of AI in healthcare are still early stage but are progressing. The new Digital Trade Protocol recently adopted by African heads of state under the Africa Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) is an example of international bodies defining the desired digital landscape with rules based on common principles, including protecting personal data while promoting trusted, safe, ethical use of emerging technologies. Regulation is slowly evolving to create trust and confidence in the protection of health data.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BroadReach Group.

BroadReach Group is a group of social impact businesses focused on harnessing innovation and technology to empower human action. Since 2003 BroadReach Group has worked in over 30 countries to support governments, international NGOs, public and private sector to improve health outcomes for their populations.  

Read moreLeveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Health: The New Frontier in Social Innovation to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)

Beyond tooling-up with technology: Evolving education in the Digital Era

Location: MyPR

By Dr Andrew Hibling, Founder and CEO of EDGE Education Research indicates that the more educated a country’s citizenry is, the higher its GDP per capita and the more prosperous its economy (Bah, 2023). For this reason, it’s crucial for countries to ensure that their efforts in the education sector are effective. In South Africa, …

Read moreBeyond tooling-up with technology: Evolving education in the Digital Era

First National Basketball Association (NBA) Basketball School in Africa to Launch in Egypt

Location: Sport

National Basketball Association (NBA)
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NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and New Era Education, a Cairo-based educational services and school management company that seeks to bring high-quality educational institutions to Egypt to provide Egyptian students with the best possible education opportunities, today announced a multiyear collaboration for New Era Education to launch and operate the first NBA Basketball School in Africa. 

Located at Uppingham School Cairo, an international school in New Giza, Egypt, NBA Basketball School will launch in January 2025 for Uppingham School youth ages 5-18. The year-round, tuition-based basketball development program will cover on-court training, skill development and basketball education for all skill levels.

“The launch of Africa's first NBA Basketball School is a significant milestone in our continued efforts to grow the game in Egypt and across the continent,” said Head of NBA Egypt Mohamed Abdel-motaleb Soliman. “This landmark initiative will provide Uppingham School Cairo students with the opportunity to learn the game the right way and progress their development under the guidance of NBA-selected coaches.”

“The collaboration with NBA Africa on the NBA Basketball School program underscores our dedication to providing youth with opportunities for growth and development, both on-and-off the court,” said New Era Education Board Chairman Dr. Tamer Tammam. “Through this initiative, our students and their families will access a world-class training program that fosters leadership skills and promotes overall personal growth.”

NBA Basketball School will build on the league's previous initiatives in Cairo, including the last three Basketball Africa League Nile Conference group phases, Jr. NBA clinics for local youth, the 18th edition of Basketball Without Borders Africa, the launch of the NBA Egypt office in January 2023, and more.

The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, was created by the NBA's International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists. Since 2017, NBA Basketball Schools have been launched in Australia, Brazil, China, the Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Read moreFirst National Basketball Association (NBA) Basketball School in Africa to Launch in Egypt

Basketball Africa League To Participate in Quai 54 Streetball Tournament in Paris

Location: Sport

Basketball Africa League (BAL)
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For the second consecutive year, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://TheBAL.com/) will participate in the prestigious Quai 54 (https://apo-opa.co/3RBcBdH), the world's biggest streetball tournament, which will take place on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 at Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris, France.  The BAL's participation is part of the league's year-round strategy to engage new and existing fans across the African Diaspora and around the world.

The team representing the BAL will feature standout players from the 2024 season, including 2024 champion and Angolan basketball legend Carlos Morais (Angola's Petro de Luanda), 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-Defensive Team member Samkelo Cele (South Africa's Cape Town Tigers), and 2024 BAL 3-point leader Kelvin Amayo (Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers).  Below is the complete list of participating players:

First Name

Last Name

2024 BAL Team

Makhtar

Gueye

Dynamo Basketball Club (Burundi)

Samkelo

Cele

Cape Town Tigers (South Africa)

Kelvin

Amayo

Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)

Jean Jacques

Boissy

AS Douanes (Senegal)

Carlos

Morais

Petro de Luanda (Angola)

Yannick

Moreira

Petro de Luanda (Angola)

George

Williams

US Monastir (Tunisia)

John

Wilkins

Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria)

The team will be coached by Karim Nesba (Morocco), who served as head coach of the City Oilers (Uganda) during the 2024 BAL season, and Victor Samnick, who won the French National League (LNB) championship in 2008 and 2011 and played collegiately at Georgetown University. 

Quai 54 is renowned for its high-energy atmosphere and top-tier competition, bringing together the best streetball talent from around the world.  Last year, the BAL team that reached the semifinals featured 2023 BAL champion Ehab Amin (Egypt's Al Ahly), 2023 All-BAL First Team member Chris Crawford (Senegal's AS Douanes), and 2023 All-BAL Defensive Team member Ater Majok (Petro de Luanda).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Read moreBasketball Africa League To Participate in Quai 54 Streetball Tournament in Paris