Pensioners maintain to pay people to queue for them at Nyanga clinic
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Basketball Africa League Playoffs & Finals in Kigali
The video below is copyright free and can be used at will, without asking for authorization
The Playoffs and Finals will tip off on Saturday, May 20 at BK Arena in Kigali, and conclude on Saturday, May 27.
The top four teams from the Nile Conference group phase will join Abidjan Basket Club (ABC Fighters; Côte d'Ivoire), AS Douanes (Senegal), Rwanda Energy Group (REG; Rwanda) and Stade Malien (Mali) in the BAL Playoffs, which will feature a single-elimination tournament and Finals at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda in May.
Fans can purchase tickets at BAL.NBA.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Mining companies urged to register tailing dams, mine residue deposits
Cabinet is calling on all mining houses to register their tailing dams or mine residue deposit dams on the Department of Water and Sanitation database in order to ensure compliance with dam safety regulations.
Shopping the correct way at Centurion Mall
Centurion, South Africa – Families are in for a treat at Centurion Mall with the family-friendly activities and entertainment. Located in the heart of the central business district of Centurion, Centurion Mall offers an array of over two hundred shops and diverse eateries, including Parrots, o’Galito, Mozambik, Ocean Basket, Hawk Lake Spur, and the soon-to-be …
Mother’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Footwear For Every Kind Of Mom
When it comes to Mothers, there’s none like yours. Why not find her the perfect fashion piece that evokes her unique personality this Mother’s Day? Shopping for friends and family seems to be easy, however finding a thoughtful gift for your mom can seem like a hard thing to do especially when you are looking …
Umalusi welcomes recognition of SA Sign Language
Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, has welcomed the recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the 12th official language of the country.
Tingg by Cellulant Transforms Billing and Collections for Zambian Utility Companies
Tingg, Cellulant's (https://www.Cellulant.io) digital payments platform, is challenging Zambia's traditional bill payment method. With Tingg, individuals and businesses can quickly and easily pay their water and power bills on an app or via USSD.
Pay-as-you-go mobile utility bill payments have been used in the energy, water, and sanitation sectors due to mobile money ecosystems' expansion and global complexity. Utility service providers and end users gain from mobile utility bill payments because they increase payment transparency, reduce leakage, lower operating costs, and open up opportunities for financial inclusion. Additionally, they support mobile operators by increasing the adoption of mobile money frequency, average transaction value, and transaction frequency.
Cellulant is leading the charge in digitising payments across multiple African countries through its digital payments platform - Tingg. Cellulant is driving digital transformation in Zambia's utility sector by enabling seamless and efficient payment processes for a range of utility companies, including those providing water and power services, facilitating a smoother experience for their customers.
With Cellulant's innovative digital payment solutions, customers of these utility companies can now pay their bills from the comfort of their homes, offices or on the go, using their mobile phones, tablets or computers. This has significantly reduced the need for customers to visit physical payment outlets, saving them time and effort.
In addition to addressing long-standing sector issues like water losses and financial stability, technological advancements are giving utility managers new tools to confront the upcoming problems of growing urbanisation and climate change. The way utilities and customers engage is changing due to digital payment alternatives. While IoT devices have created new opportunities to monitor services and automate procedures, mobile money is revolutionising revenue collection. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools and digital platforms are enabling more efficient utility administration and laying the groundwork for the digitalisation of utility operations.
In 2022, Cellulant partnered with 5 water utility companies in Zambia to allow customers in the provinces to pay their water bills conveniently and selected bank accounts with their preferred mobile money. With over 300,000 customers, Nkana Water, Kafubu Water, Mulonga Water, Chambeshi Water and Western Water are now offering better payment services for their customers and are experiencing exponential growth in digital payments. Cellulant has also been powering digital payments for Zesco, the national power utility of Zambia, to ensure that its customers can make payments seamlessly from anywhere in Zambia. The company's digital payments platform provides real-time data analytics and reporting, enabling companies to make informed decisions about their payment processes and improve their cash flow management.
Tingg by Cellulant is providing businesses with a safe and secure payment environment, giving them peace of mind knowing that their transactions are protected. The company's payment platform is built to meet the highest security standards, using the latest encryption technologies and complying with international security standards. Customers in Zambia can pay for their utilities on Tingg by dialling the USSD code- *265# and choosing whichever utility they want to pay for.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cellulant.
For More Information, please contact:
Prudence Komu
Email: Media@cellulant.io
About Cellulant:
Cellulant (https://www.Cellulant.io/) is a leading Pan African payments technology company that provides locally relevant and alternative payment methods for global, regional and local merchants.
Cellulant provides a single API payments platform – Tingg (https://apo-opa.info/3Ma89R4) – that enables businesses to collect payments online and offline while allowing anyone to pay from their mobile money, local and international cards or their bank.
Binance’s current Auto-Invest makes investing in crypto even easier
Whether you’re new to investing in cryptocurrency, still trying to get your head around currency that can’t be stashed in your wallet, or a seasoned trader, chances are you’ll appreciate a tool that can make investment even easier. That’s why Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has introduced Auto-Invest. “We understand that many people regard …
Africa’s Business Heroes Prize Competition 2023
The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) (https://www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) Prize Competition, a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, has extended its deadline for entries to May 17, 2023. This extension has been made in response to the strong level of interest from entrepreneurs across the continent.
ABH aims to identify, support and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their local communities by working to solve the most pressing problems and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future.
The new deadline gives potential applicants who are interested in challenging themselves but have yet to apply a chance to complete their applications. Successful applicants will have access to training, mentoring and learning opportunities as well as a community of like-minded African business leaders. The top 10 finalists will share US$1.5 million in grant funding, with the first prize winner taking home US$300,000.
This year, all successful applicants to the ABH Prize Competition will enjoy the bonus offer of complimentary access to the Alibaba Netpreneur E-learning Course provided by Alibaba Global Initiatives (AGI) [1]. Designed as a self-learning program, the course will equip participants with fundamental knowledge in business management and digital transformation. In collaboration with AGI, ABH will also facilitate the top 10 finalists' participation in a sponsored trip to Hangzhou, China to attend an offline immersion program on digitalization.
To date, ABH 2023 has already received more than 25,000 applications from entrepreneurs from all 54 countries in Africa. ABH is putting out a special call to entrepreneurs whose countries are currently underrepresented – including Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, to apply for this year's competition and inspire millions of others with their unique stories.
Every year, ABH spotlights outstanding participants through traditional media and social media channels, including providing significant exposure to the top 10 finalists via the ABH Show and other contents. This year's edition, which follows the ABH journey of the 2022 top 10 finalists and delves into their entrepreneurial stories, will come in 4-5 8-minute episodes that are slated to be broadcast online and across the continent in more than 40 countries. The first episode of the series has recently been released and is now available here (https://apo-opa.info/3Mf3nBB).
ABH is also continuing to call on venture capitalists, investors, corporations and NGOs from around the world to join the 2023 competition as judges, who are a core part of ABH's success. Interested parties are invited to register here (https://apo-opa.info/3HbA9AA).
For more information about ABH 2023, please visit https://apo-opa.info/41MUCo0 and follow ABH on Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3KY3OQs), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3L1Cgda), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3ylgNE9), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).
For more guidance on the application process, visit the ABH official website (https://apo-opa.info/3N9S3aN), or watch a video here (https://apo-opa.info/3n5s8X3).
[1]Alibaba Global Initiatives is a flagship training program under the electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) initiative, which strives to create equitable access to cross-border trade opportunities for youth, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women globally.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room:
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English:
Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French/Arabic:
Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com
About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over a 10-year period, each year the ABH Prize Competition and show features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
Score Huge with Sound and Tech Gifts for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your appreciation for your Dad than with a thoughtful and practical gift? This year, consider choosing an audio tech gift for your dad that he will love and use regularly, from high-quality speaker systems to smart home automation devices. Here are some …
Mashatile to host Colombia’s Vice President
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, host his Colombian counterpart Francia Elena Márquez, for an Official Visit to South Africa.
A lightweight and easy-to-use vlogging camera
Canon (https://www.Canon-CNA.com/) today introduces the PowerShot V10, a lightweight and easy-to-use vlogging camera for those who want to take friends and followers along on their adventures, without having to carry a lot of equipment. Weighing just over 211g and fitting neatly into your pocket, the PowerShot V10 offers lifestyle and travel content creators an all-in-one solution that combines high-quality microphones with a built-in stand. It allows you to produce compelling content for your community, thanks to shake-free 4K UHD movie recording and professional looking background blur.
The sturdy vertical body is an entirely new design for Canon - a device so portable and unobtrusive that creators can comfortably blend in when recording themselves in crowded places. Never miss spontaneous moments and candid reactions as the centred record button is tailor-made for quick and agile one-handed camera control.
Incredible video quality, right in the palm of your hand
The PowerShot V10 features a large 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of delivering stunning 4K video quality, while also offering stills shooting capabilities [1]. For added cinematic atmosphere, creators can quickly switch up the ambiance using any of the 14 included colour filter effects and Smooth Skin mode.
The Movie Digital IS mode [2] is ideal for handheld videography as it helps with avoiding camera shake, offering sharper, cleaner footage with more detail and clarity.
Matching the broad capabilities of various social media platforms, the PowerShot V10 can shoot in both orientations [3] and record up to an hour of continuous video [4]. On top of this, its auto level feature can help keep your video straight and avoid slanted clips [5], reducing time needed to edit your content.
High-quality sound to make your message clear
Perfect for any outdoor or urban environment, the PowerShot V10 is equipped with two large stereo microphones designed for narration and a third audio noise reduction microphone. On top of the built-in wind filter, an optional windshield can be purchased as part of the advanced accessories kit [6], further improving sound quality in outdoor conditions.
Designed to capture all aspects of your life
Housed in a vertical body and designed with simplicity in mind, the PowerShot V10 can be operated almost completely single-handedly. Equipped with a 2.0-inch LCD touchscreen which you can flip to the front, perfect for self-vlogging or recording others, it lends itself to handheld shooting, allowing you to easily capture emotions and create that intimacy between you and your viewers. The built-in stand gives you the option to record more free-standing [7] content like cooking tutorials, hauls or popular formats like ‘Get Ready With Me', ‘Unboxing', ‘AMA' or listicle videos.
Connecting you to your followers – no matter where you are
The PowerShot V10 is fully compatible with Canon Camera Connect app, so you can transfer your videos to a smartphone or tablet over Wi-Fi with ease. Managing your video workflow has never been easier with built-in image.canon (https://image.Canon/) integration for temporary cloud storage, from which you can directly transfer to your platform of choice. Its smart, intuitive design also includes both HDMI and USB ports for easy transfers to a laptop or PC, or to use as a webcam. For those who are constantly out and about, the device can be recharged on the go via USB-C.
Take your content straight from the camera to your viewers, with simplified live streaming capabilities [8] included in the PowerShot V10 – allowing you to go live to your followers with dedicated menu options for live streaming on YouTube and Facebook [9].
Accessories suitable for any journey
The Canon PowerShot V10 can be purchased as part of two different bundles. The standard kit, with power cable, soft case, lens cap, windshield and wrist strap. For those who want more creative options, an advanced kit, designed in collaboration with SmallRig, includes a cage which can be used to attach a ring light or hold an external microphone.
To find out more about the new Canon PowerShot V10, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/3VTs35H
PowerShot V10 - Key Features:
- Compact and lightweight vertical body
- Wide angle lens focal length 6.6mm (35mm equivalent focal lengths are 18mm in stills and 19mm in video mode), f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Movie recording in 4K UHD at 29.97/25.00 fps and Full HD at 59.94/50.00 fps
- Face-tracking AF
- Smooth Skin movie shooting mode
- Large stereo microphone
- Tilt-up screen
- Built-in stand (easy tilt adjustment up to 30 degrees)
- 14 colour filters
- JPG still image shooting, equivalent to Scene Intelligent Auto
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Webcam [UVC/UAC]
[1] 15.2 megapixels when shooting photo stills
[2] Using Movie Digital IS results in cropped movies. The feature cannot be combined with auto level, digital zoom or Smooth Skin mode.
[3] Can shoot vertically by rotating the camera on its side. Users can set the playback as vertical via the camera's menu. Upon transfer to any software or social media, your video will then automatically change to vertical.
[4] Maximum recording time per movie up to 1hr. If the camera's internal temperature becomes too high, the recording time may reduce. Shooting 4K UHD 29.97p for approx. 20 minutes without heat limit is possible if starting from +23°C. In other modes there is no limit due to heat (apart from Smooth Skin movie recording in 4K which is limited to 5 minutes).
[5] Video is slightly cropped and the Auto Level function cannot be combined with Movie Digital IS, or with Smooth Skin movie modes.
[6] Bundles can vary, windshield will be sold separately on Canon Store
[7] The built-in stand enables set up at an angle of -30° to -10° for high-angle shooting and 10° to 30 ° for low-angle shooting.
[8] A stable Wi-Fi connection in a less crowded 2.4GHz wireless space with fast upload speed is recommended for best results.
[9] Please be aware that any platform may change, stop, or terminate their service at any time without notice. Please check with the respective platform for the latest requirements. Canon makes no representations or warranties with respect to any third-party product or service, including live streaming.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://www.Canon-CNA.com/) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: https://www.Canon-CNA.com/
DIRCO welcomes budget increase to fill critical posts, improve mission work
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says her department's budget allocation, which has increased from R6.8 billion to R6.9 billion for this financial year, will allow for the filling of critical vacant posts.
Master the Art of Time Off
Discover proven tips and techniques to maximize your well-deserved break We are already more than a quarter of the way through the year, and by now you’re probably eager to plan your next break. However, if you don’t have enough leave for an extended getaway, there are several ways to maximise any available days owing …
Southern Africa Countries Urged to Strengthen Legal Protections against Child Marriage
Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries have taken commendable action to strengthen legal protections; however, there has been little or no progress by other Member States, and greater efforts are needed across the board to end child marriage.
Child marriage remains a widespread and persistent problem across Southern Africa. Two policy briefs on ending child marriage, highlighting the Gaps and Opportunities in Legislative Frameworks (https://apo-opa.info/41qHdka) and Domesticating the SADC Model Law in Child Marriage (https://apo-opa.info/3O17ORN) by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Equality Now were presented to the Standing Committees of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum.
The policy briefs focus on the progress of domesticating the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage (Model Law) (https://apo-opa.info/41tqXiv) amongst SADC member countries, and focus on the gaps and opportunities in the laws that SADC countries have in place.
They identify obstacles impeding progress, including inconsistencies in national laws and a general lack of effective implementation of these laws, leading to low prioritization that impacts decisions to address child marriage. It also highlights positive legal advances, and makes recommendations to governments for strengthening eradication efforts.
SADC Model Law on child marriage
Child marriage is a formal or informal union where one or both parties are under 18 years old. Poverty, gender inequality, and cultural or religious beliefs affect girls. Child marriage places girls at increased risk of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and it keeps many trapped in a cycle of poverty. There is also a close correlation between early pregnancy and child marriage, which can be dangerous for the young mother and the baby.
The Model Law recognizes child marriage as a violation of children's rights, including the right to health, education, and protection from harm. It sets the minimum age of marriage as 18 for both boys and girls without exceptions and promotes a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to ending child marriage.
The Model Law calls for a range of actions, including the unequivocal prohibition of marriage of children, the elimination of all legal and customary laws that permit it, and legal penalties for violations. It promotes the registration of births and marriages and requires that any marriage involving a child be declared null and void.
Gaps in protection
Despite commendable efforts by some governments, UNFPA and Equality Now identified various gaps in applying the Model Law. Deeply entrenched cultural practices, poverty, and limited access to education and sexual and reproductive healthcare are slowing progress and hindering efforts to reform marriage and family laws.
While legal reform remains a key strategy in addressing child marriage, the report recommends that governments close the divide between legal approaches and approaches aimed at influencing social and community norms. This requires balancing community awareness-raising with the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators.
“We call upon SADC Member States to prioritize legal reform to comply with international and regional human rights obligations and ensure that the minimum age of marriage is set at 18 across the board, without any exceptions. These laws also need to be effectively implemented using a multi-sectoral approach with adequate budgetary allocation,” summarises Divya Srinivasan, a human rights lawyer at Equality Now.
UNFPA East and Southern Regional Office Deputy Regional Director, Justine Coulson concludes, “Legal approaches need to be better embedded in the overall approach to ending child marriage. The Model Law is not just a proposed minimum standard indicating a need for compliance. It is an expression of social values and zero tolerance for child marriage, GBV and contributing to the improvement of SRHR such as reduction of teenage pregnancy.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Equality Now.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Daisy Diamante Leoncio,
UNFPA East and Southern Africa Regional Communications Adviser
E-mail leoncio@unfpa.org
Tara Carey,
Global Head of Media,
Equality Now,
E-mail: tcarey@equalitynow.org, M: +447971556340
Sylvia Obaga,
Regional Communications Manager- Africa,
Equality Now,
E-mail: sobaga@equalitynow.org,
M: +254706142804
About the SADC Model Law:
The SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage (‘Model Law' or ‘SADC Model Law') was adopted on June 3rd 2016 by the 39th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, which met in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
About Equality Now:
Equality Now (https://www.EqualityNow.org/) is an international non-governmental human rights organization that works to protect and promote the rights of women and girls around the world by combining grassroots activism with international, regional, and national legal advocacy. Our international network of lawyers, activists and supporters achieve legal and systemic change by holding governments responsible for enacting and enforcing laws and policies that end legal inequality, sex trafficking, online sexual exploitation, sexual violence, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage.
About UNFPA:
UNFPA (https://www.UNFPA.org/) is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. Our mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.
Condolences for community media journalist
Government has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Athule Mazula -- a young, bright and optimistic journalist.
First CSO Open Day in Seychelles
The Seychelles Country Team of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) held its first Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Open Day in Seychelles on Thursday, 27 April 2023.
A total of 25 representatives of CSOs, including the umbrella body, Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS), joined to discuss the bank's country strategy and portfolio and identify opportunities for collaboration towards sustainable and inclusive development in Seychelles. This includes addressing energy transition and youth development.
Attendees include the African Development Bank's Director General for East Africa, Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo, the Principal Secretary for National Planning in Seychelles, Ms. Elizabeth Charles Agathine, the Director for Special Programs at the Office of the President, Ms. Maria Mulindi, and the CEO of CEPS, Mr. Alvin Laurence.
Mrs. Nwabufo reiterated the Bank's commitment to engaging civil society organizations in implementing the Bank's High 5s for inclusive, sustainable growth and development in Seychelles.
The bank instituted CSO Open Day as a platform for sharing information on its portfolio, shared learning, and an opportunity for civil society bodies to provide feedback on the Bank's country engagement.
Ms. Agathine reaffirmed the government's commitment to working with CSOs and other stakeholders to solve the country's development challenges. “We believe working together can create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.”
Recognizing the role of CSOs in the development process, Ms. Mulindi encouraged the participants to develop a keen interest in the Bank's development projects. This would ensure the realization of the intended social benefits for the people while strengthening the Bank's impact on livelihoods.
The Bank presented its strategy and results achieved since 2021. The presentation made by Mr. Tilahun Temesgen, Chief Regional Economist, highlighted the key challenges, including cross-cutting issues.
CEPS CEO Laurence gave an overview of civil society engagement in Seychelles, challenges and possible opportunities for collaboration.
Some of the critical recommendations raised at the event were:
- Request for a more participatory development process. The CSOs recommended a platform for multistakeholder dialogue, which includes government, private sector and civil society with a particular focus on the energy transition and solutions for renewables
- Build capacity on the Bank's procurement processes, including for AFAWA and ACCF.
- Education curricula should match the respective industry, especially in the tourism and renewable energy sectors. They emphasized the need for a transition plan from fossil fuel to clean energy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Hunger Will Follow Sudan Violence
The grim prospect of record hunger levels in Sudan is becoming more likely by the day, as heavy fighting continues, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday.
In an alert on the situation, the World Food Programme (WFP) said that it expected between two and 2.5 million more people to face acute hunger in the coming months, because of conflict that erupted on 15 April between forces loyal to rival Generals Abdel Fattah Al Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.
This development would take the already dire food insecurity in Sudan to a “record high”, WFP said, with two-fifths of the country's population affected.
According to the UN agency, the biggest spikes in food insecurity could occur in West Darfur, West Kordofan, Blue Nile, Red Sea and North Darfur states.
‘Huge' needs, scarce resources
Meanwhile, the UH High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi shared on Twitter that more than 150,000 people have now fled Sudan – both Sudanese citizens and refugees hosted in the country.
“Needs are huge. Resources are scarce. Aid is required, urgently!” Mr. Grandi wrote.
Soaring food prices
UN humanitarians expect the price of basic food items to increase by 25 per cent in the next three to six months.
If the situation in the country bars farmers from accessing their fields and planting key staples between May and July, food prices could rise even more, WFP said.
Lifesaving aid
The UN agency has resumed its operations in Sudan, after a temporary pause following the killing of three of its aid workers at the start of the conflict. Since last week, and despite a dire security situation, WFP has reached over 35,000 people with food assistance.
The aid is a lifeline for the most vulnerable, including families who have recently fled the conflict, refugees living in Sudan and internally displaced people and their host communities.
Overall, the agency aims to support 4.9 million vulnerable people in areas where the security situation allows, in addition to “preventing and treating moderate acute malnutrition” for 600,000 children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
WFP also said that the UN Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS), which it manages, is starting “regular” air connections between Port Sudan and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to enable the “safe transportation of frontline humanitarians and critical aid”.
Support for neighbouring countries
The UN agency is also providing emergency food assistance to thousands who have fled Sudan to neighbouring Chad, South Sudan, Egypt and the Central African Republic, amid dire funding shortages.
In South Sudan for instance, where more than 40,000 returnees have fled across the border, WFP says that it is “cash-strapped” and that any extra pressure on resources could force it to take food and funding from others to support new arrivals.
According to figures from the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR's data portal, the largest outflows from Sudan have been to Egypt, which has seen the arrival of over 68,000 Sudanese refugees and close to 5,000 refugees of other nationalities fleeing the fighting.
Last week, the agency appealed for $445 million to support the displaced until October.
Relief chief hears from frontline responders
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Martin Griffiths, spoke by telephone with frontline responders on Wednesday in the capital, Khartoum, including doctors and engineers.
Briefing correspondents at the regular briefing in New York, Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, said that in the call, "Mr. Griffiths heard firsthand about this community-led humanitarian aid response and their courageous efforts to provide food, shelter and emergency health support amid the ongoing threat of violence and looting."
He commended once again the resilience and creativity of the Sudanese people, stressing that the UN and partners needed to continue supporting them.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Co.fi marks a modern chapter in Gqeberha
The cosmopolitan dining and upmarket lounge, Co.fi, launched its first coastal. Located in Summerstrand’s Boardwalk Casino Crescent, a stone’s throw away from the beach. This location is ideal for Co.fi as it aligns with the brand’s unique offering of an experience that caters to all your senses. Explaining the new location, Director, Jackie Mathebe says: …
Konica Minolta celebrates Earth Hour – ‘2020-Tree’ style
Konica Minolta celebrates Earth Hour – ‘2020-Tree’ style Konica Minolta South Africa employees donate trees, desks and chairs to Orange Farm primary school Konica Minolta South Africa’s commitment to the environment continues with a generous donation of 30 trees, desks and chairs to Imbali Combined School in Orange Farm, Johannesburg, during March; a month with …
RDP homeowners “encroaching” on municipal land told to tear down properties
Johannesburg Roads Agency plans to tar Mlilo Street soon. But some houses have been extended onto the road reserve
Oando Clean Energy at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris
Ademola Ogunbanjo, Executive Vice President of Nigeria-based renewables firm Oando Clean Energy – subsidiary of Oando plc - will attend and participate at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, scheduled for June 1 at the Westin Paris Vendome. During the forum – organized by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) in partnership with global energy market intelligence firm Rystad Energy and pan-African multilateral trade finance institution the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) - Ogunbanjo will discuss the state of play of Africa's renewable energy sector.
Representing one of Africa's leading investors, developers and operators of renewable energy projects, the presence and participation of Ogunbanjo at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris will be crucial for driving conversations around partnership opportunities for European investors and companies who are seeking a share of Africa's burgeoning clean energy industry and looking at making high returns on investment. The Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris provides the best platform for such connections to be made, uniting European investors with African stakeholders.
As the Executive Vice President of Oando Clean Energy – a subsidiary of one of Nigeria's leading oil and gas producers – Ogunbanjo has been crucial in driving the diversification of both Nigeria and Africa's energy mix for energy security and environmental sustainability through a series of high-profile energy investment deals and large-scale project deployment. Prior to his current role at Oando Clean Energy, Ogunbanjo served as CEO of energy services and logistics firm Proviant Integrated Services Limited, a role where was instrumental in driving and managing investments across the African energy landscape. He has also served in various positions including General Manager, Business Support Group, Oando plc and as Manager of Energy Investments at Ocean and Oil Holdings.
An industry executive with extensive experience in energy project strategy execution and management, organizational design, investment management, leadership coaching and opportunity assessment, Ogunbanjo's presence and participation at the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris will be important for showcasing Africa's renewables potential as the continent seeks to optimize the exploitation of its vast solar, wind and hydro potential in pursuit of improving energy access and affordability. In addition to socioeconomic benefits such as job creation, electrification and infrastructure roll-out, Africa's renewable energy resources are key in the continent's journey to a clean energy future, serving to support the decarbonization of the energy industry. As such, Ogunbanjo is expected to drive the discussion around the investment, partnership and broader capacity building opportunities in Africa, making a strong case for strengthened Europe-Africa relations across this growing industry.
“Ademola Ogunbanjo will drive discussions and push for investments into Africa's renewables sector including in solar, wind and green hydrogen markets. We believe improved cooperation between African and French energy players will not only support Africa's renewable energy agenda but usher in a new era of knowledge sharing and technology transfer. This is what the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris will center around, “stated NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC.
During the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris, Ogunbanjo will participate in exclusive networking sessions and high-level panel discussions and presentations showcasing Africa's renewable energy industry as the continent eyes industry expansion to meet growing energy demand while leading environmental sustainability efforts. The Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris unites African energy policymakers and stakeholders with European investors, providing a platform where industry experts can discuss and optimize investment opportunities within Africa's multi-faceted energy industry.
Taking place on June 1st 2023, the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris is open to all guests and RSVP is essential. RSVP to registration@aecweek.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
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We are after Quality International Investments
Kenya has begun a global campaign aimed at attracting quality investments.
The new move, President William Ruto said, will provide excellent returns on investment at a relatively low risk.
He argued that it is necessary but not enough to talk about the ease of doing business in the country.
Speaking during the Israel Investor Roundtable Forum in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, the President said the Government is keen on making Kenya one of the world's top business hubs.
“We have a legal system that provides robust protection for property rights and an equally strong rule of law mechanism,” he said.
Besides these, he noted, Kenya has enacted laws to protect investment and liberalised the foreign exchange regime.
“Our laws permit and support the repatriation of profits by foreign companies,“ he stated.
The President observed that the country's tax system is under steady review to align with the country's investment promotion plan.
He urged the investors to put their resources in Kenya's housing, renewable energy, health, water and irrigation as well as ICT sectors.
“We are also pursuing a plan of cooperation in tourism, culture and heritage and film production.”
President Ruto reiterated that Kenya is the ideal investment destination for foreign businesses due to its strategic location, highly-skilled human resources and stability.
“Direct your interest in the highly-rewarding investment opportunities in Kenya,” the President stressed as he wound up his two-day official visit of Israel.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.