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The Taarab music and improvisation take stage in the 36th Bienal de São Paulo Invocation in Zanzibar

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfey8a4RdiEKqPQU2mYh2UjMgM3NYohhqrdUp09kL-oLu8-OYmBYN21EwH9zO1IraMNv6wUQO68TStTCdLn8hNmZ6IEBsItzhbdzSLsj6IxI2Hka_clU_C9z9jFh-lqWh3vq3rggCOVTfU2EqDW8LitAuo9eHbsk2N6DG_h3b4Z6GEUjz_jn8flS1_PWO/s1080/lo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="907" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfey8a4RdiEKqPQU2mYh2UjMgM3NYohhqrdUp09kL-oLu8-OYmBYN21EwH9zO1IraMNv6wUQO68TStTCdLn8hNmZ6IEBsItzhbdzSLsj6IxI2Hka_clU_C9z9jFh-lqWh3vq3rggCOVTfU2EqDW8LitAuo9eHbsk2N6DG_h3b4Z6GEUjz_jn8flS1_PWO/w372-h320/lo.jpg" width="372" /></a>The 36th Bienal de São Paulo continues
its global journey with its third Invocation, titled Mawali–Taqsim:
Improvisation as a Space and Technology of Humanity</div>

This event it will take place in Zanzibar on February
11th to 13th, 2025. The Invocation will be hosted by Maru Maru Hotel and
Golden Tulip Stonetown Boutique, together with the Dhow Countries
Music Academy (DCMA) as a partner institution.

This
 program it will  delves into the multifaceted world of Taarab
music, exploring improvisation as a space and technology of humanity. The
program is also inspired by the concept of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo,
entitled Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice, which
draws from Afrobrazilian poet Conceição Evaristo’s poem “Da calma e do
silêncio” [Of calm and silence].

Under
the curatorial leadership of Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung,
alongside co-curators Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, and Thiago de Paula
Souza, co-curator at large Keyna Eleison, and strategy and communications
advisor Henriette Gallus, the 36th Bienal explores the idea of humanity as a
practice rooted in shared histories and cultural intersections.

The
Invocation in Zanzibar focuses on the philosophical and artistic
dimensions of Taarab, a genre that epitomizes the island’s cultural hybridity
and resonates as a profound medium for expression, sentiment, and resilience.
Improvisation, a fundamental part of Taarab music, offers a profound metaphor
for human adaptability and interconnectedness.

Echoing
the complexities of Zanzibar’s history – a crossroads of African, Arabic, Asian,
and European influences – the third Invocation offers the possibility of
reflecting on nuances and accents of humanity on an island that is a point of intersection
of multiple cultures,  philosophies and
sciences.

In
the words of Djibril Diop Mambéty, art serves as “the grammar of our
grandmothers,” and Taarab embodies this ethos through its eclectic blend of
musical instruments, poetic lyrics, and improvisational techniques. Zanzibar’s
cultural tapestry, reflected in its language, Swahili, and its emblematic
Taarab music, provides the setting for this Invocation.

In
preparation for the 36th Bienal de São Paulo – Not All Travellers Walks
Roads – Of Humanity as Practice, and to introduce and tune in to the
conceptual thread, a series of public programs called Invocations takes
place in four different cities around the world: Marrakech; Guadeloupe;
Zanzibar; and Tokyo. <o:p></o:p>

Each
edition it will have the exhibition concept of Humanity as Practice from a
specific local context, reconfiguring and expanding it through live events and
a publication.

The
aim of the Invocations is to expand the vocabulary of humanity, at
points of intersection between different longitudes and latitudes. Either if
humanity were a verb, how would it be conjugated in these different
geographies? The Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambéty once described film –
and therefore art – as “la grammaire de ma grande mère” [my grandmother’s
grammar], alluding to the familiarity of art, the intergenerational aspects of
artistic practices, the colloquialism of art and art/artistic practice as
grammar. The four Invocations will explore how artistic practices around
the globe help to situated and to enrich and expand the grammars.

Either
Ms. Aisha Bakari, known professionally as DJ Hijab, is a trailblazing Tanzanian
music producer and DJ celebrated as the first female DJ from Zanzibar. Dj Aisha
was born in 1995 on Pemba Island, she grew up in Unguja, where her passion for
music was ignited at an early age. Deeply inspired by the rhythms of Taraab
music she loved as a child, her journey into the music world would later make
her a pioneer in the industry.

In addition to that Mr.Bernard Ntahondi is a Tanzanian professional
specializing in film curation and heritage management. He is currently a
curator at the Dar es Salaam Center for Architectural Heritage, where he
integrates his knowledge of architecture and history into his film-related
endeavors and so forth.

Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung born in 1977 in Yaoundé, Cameroon,
Ndikung is the chief curator of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo, director and
chief curator of Berlin’s Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW), founding director
of SAVVY Contemporary, and also a professor at the Weißensee Academy of Art
Berlin.

Among of them the DCMA Young Stars, is among
the project which
composed of students from Zanzibar’s Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA). The
DCMA Young Stars program was established to perform at Alliance Française’s
world music festival at Dar es Salaam. This band features a diversity of styles
and instruments and performs unique combinations of taarab, dance, African and
Latin genres.

Neverthe less Keyna Eleison  is curator, writer, researcher, and Griot
heiress. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was part of the African Heritage
Commission for the Cais do Valongo UNESCO World Heritage designation and
managed Rio’s cultural centers (2015–2017). Former pedagogical coordinator at
Escola de Artes Visuais – Parque Lage (2018–2019), curator of the 10th SIART
Biennial in Bolivia, and artistic director of MAM Rio (2020–2023). Curator of
the first Amazon Biennial (2023). Works in the development of exhibitions and
meanings of works of art and artists, guiding artistic processes, curating
exhibitions, teaching art, with the precedent of coordinating art education and
storytelling reinforcing the relationship of passage and capturing oral
knowledge.

Mr.Khamis Muhamed Juma a highly accomplished artist, curator,
and cultural advocate from Zanzibar. With over three decades of experience in
fine arts, cultural management, and community development, he has dedicated his
career to preserving and promoting African and Swahili art forms through
education, exhibitions, and creative projects.

Therefore, Ms.Mariam Hamdan an accomplished journalist,
musician, and cultural advocate. After retiring, Maryam used her pension to
purchase musical instruments, often second-hand, and became the first woman in
Zanzibar to play the qanun instrument publicly. In 2009, she founded Tausi
Women’s Taarab (meaning "Peacock"), Zanzibar’s first all-woman taarab
orchestra. This group delivers performances of Swahili taarab music,
revolutionizing a traditionally male-dominated art form. Maryam also serves as
the Chairperson of the Taarab Association, which includes seven taarab groups
in Zanzibar.

In addition Mr.Mohamed Ameir Muombwa as accomplished media
professional, government advisor, and social development advocate with a career
spanning over three decades in public service and journalism. His extensive
experience in government, media relations, and community development has
positioned him as a key figure in promoting Zanzibar’s cultural and political
narrative.

Among the famous artist and taarib singer Mr.Mohamed
Ilyas is one of
Zanzibar’s most iconic taarab musicians, known for preserving and enriching the
islands' cultural heritage. His music blends the Arabic roots of taarab with a
distinctly Zanzibari style, often incorporating European-inspired melodies into
his songs.

Ms.Rukia
Ramadhan is among the celebrated Zanzibarian singer and musician whose journey
into the world of Taraab music reflects her lifelong passion and dedication to
the art form. Together with Ms. Siti
Muharam She reimagined  as
she have  been formal court music into a
private form of improvisation, laced with a spirit of inclusivity that combined
Arabic and Swahili lyrics. In doing so, she paved the way for other female
taarab singers, including Bi Kidude.

In
turn of Ms.Siti Muharam now animates the life and legacy of her legendary great
grandmother. With support from The Vinyl Factory, Songlines, Pan African Music,
British radio DJs Gilles Peterson and Tom Ravenscroft and ecstatic reviews from
The Guardian, The Financial Times, The Wire and Mojo,
Siti Muharam’s first music release ‘Siti of Unguja’ looks set to be rated among
the Top African music albums of 2020.

Thania Petersen is a multi-disciplinary artist
who uses photography, performance and installation to address the intricacies
and complexities of her identity in contemporary South Africa. Petersen’s
reference points sit largely in Islam and in creating awareness about its religious,
cultural and traditional practices. She attempts to unpack contemporary trends
of Islamophobia through her analysis of the continuing impact of colonialism,
European and American imperialism, and the increasing influence of right-wing
ideologies.

Tryphon Evarist  A musician, composer, traditional dancer, and
teacher from Zanzibar, Tanzania, where he serves as the Artistic Director of
the Dhow Countries Music Academy. Tryphon has mastered a diverse array of
musical instruments, including the accordion, clarinet, qanun, and traditional
drums, with a commitment to preserving African cultural arts.

Either Mr.Thabit Omar Kiringe  A highly respected music educator and one of
the founders of the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA). His contributions to music
education and the preservation of traditional taarab music are widely
celebrated.

The Uwaridi Female Band is a group of talented, passionate,
energetic, and active female musicians. The group combines different types of
instruments, traditional with modern to create the sound of victory, evolution
of women in, aim of preserving Zanzibar culture and fuse with modern themes.
Uwaridi band compose, arrange, create, produce the Sound of New Hope and
Rejoice with their packages, Taarab Asilia, Tarafusion, Kidumbaki, Traditional
ngoma , Gogo music, and Fusion Music.  The
Fundação Bienal de São Paulo thanks its master sponsors: Itaú, Bloomberg,
Bradesco, Petrobras, Instituto Cultural Vale, and Citi.

Fundação Bienal de São Paulo  it was founded in 1962, the Fundação Bienal de
São Paulo is a private, nonprofit institution with no party political or
religious ties, whose actions aim to democratize access to culture and foster
interest in artistic creation. Every two years, the Fundação holds the Bienal
de São Paulo, the largest exhibition of the Southern Hemisphere, and its
traveling exhibitions program in several cities in Brazil and abroad. <o:p></o:p>

The
institution  also
the custodian of two items of Latin American artistic and cultural heritage: a
historical archive of modern and contemporary art that is a standard reference
in Latin America (the Arquivo Histórico Wanda Svevo), and the Ciccillo
Matarazzo Pavilion, the head office of the Fundação, designed by Oscar Niemeyer
and listed as historical heritage. The Fundação Bienal de São Paulo is also
responsible for conceiving and producing Brazil’s representations at the Venice
Biennales of art and architecture, a prerogative bestowed upon it decades ago
by the Federal Government in recognition of the excellence of its contributions
to Brazilian culture.

The
Dhow Countries Music Academy Zanzibar (DCMA) is a non-profit, educational, and
cultural organization registered in March 2001. DCMA opened Zanzibar’s first
music school in September 2002 providing music lessons as well as instruments
at minimal cost to anyone interested in studying music related to their
cultural background or acquiring mastery of an instrument. Special emphasis has
been placed on teaching traditional musical instruments and styles such as
Taarab, Beni, and Kidumbak. The overall aim of DCMA is to preserve and promote
the musical heritage of Zanzibar and the Dhow region.<o:p></o:p>

The Taarab music and improvisation take stage in the 36th Bienal de São Paulo Invocation in Zanzibar

The 36th Bienal de São Paulo continues its global journey with its third Invocation, titled Mawali–Taqsim: Improvisation as a Space and Technology of Humanity This event it will take place in Zanzibar on February 11th to 13th, 2025. The Invocation will be hosted by Maru Maru Hotel and Golden Tulip…

03Feb2025

Salovey trip to Africa marks a decade of increased engagement

<div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1200" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5zHj45vQDeTHDKdcK_f0dtkSz8gDxlinmA3AcQ4SP3M3e5AkHFATjbk2Ki7z1yyNiMyMJbZtN2wYkzhzWqodwZGaFpH2Mx0f79Em20KdYJ1xm5k6bKAkeeeCaGAKbOy5Tsh0U00b5o7mukDvdbXdrKpRwG-brqi00C6eUZu8WmEngs9q4gxAWE4_1H0A8=w640-h550" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>During Yale’s spring break, President Peter Salovey is traveling in Africa, his third visit to the continent as the university’s leader, reinforcing Yale’s commitment to global collaboration and extending the university’s outreach to foster educational partnerships. <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233layout yiv1989365233layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv1989365233column yiv1989365233column--1 yiv1989365233scale yiv1989365233stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233text yiv1989365233text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv1989365233text_content-cell yiv1989365233content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">The trip, which includes visits to Côte d'Ivoire and Rwanda, marks a broadening of this outreach to cultivate new and ongoing collaborations with Francophone African countries, with a focus on issues of global importance. Among these are environmental conservation, economic growth, and access to higher education.  “I was thrilled to visit Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire this week to mark a decade of Yale’s increased engagement across Africa,” Salovey said. “My goal is to expand our outreach for new and ongoing collaborations, and as this was my first time visiting a Francophone African country, my travels underscore the importance of engaging broadly in the continent. “The discussions I had on this trip with institutional partners and alumni are helping us to explore how Yale might continue to build networks and establish educational and research initiatives with colleagues across Africa to address global challenges.” Strengthening educational and cultural ties in Côte d'Ivoire Salovey arrived Friday in the Côte d'Ivoire capital of Abidjan, where he met with government ministers and officials from the African Development Bank, underscoring the trip's focus on fostering educational collaborations and economic development initiatives. A reception followed, providing an opportunity for networking and strengthening the bond between Yale and its Ivorian counterparts and alumni.   Salovey attended a roundtable discussion with students from the International Community School of Abidjan, hosted by the U.S. embassy. During his conversations with students, the Yale president answered questions, shared insights into Yale’s educational philosophy, and encouraged them to be lifelong learners. The visit also included a meeting with local university presidents which focused on enhancing educational exchanges and partnerships between Ivorian institutions and Yale. </td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233image yiv1989365233image--padding-vertical yiv1989365233image--mobile-scale yiv1989365233image--mobile-center" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv1989365233image_container yiv1989365233content-padding-horizontal" style="outline: none !important; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="yiv1989365233image_content" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fd917b230401%2F34f12a12-dfbc-4517-9328-9fd144007093.jpg%3Frdr%3Dtrue&t=1712861416&ymreqid=55d738a2-f71a-ca11-1caf-f6000701ff00&sig=XO4wfT8oXqz48c_HW3ByiA--~D" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; text-indent: -9999px;" width="453" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233layout yiv1989365233layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv1989365233column yiv1989365233column--1 yiv1989365233scale yiv1989365233stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233text yiv1989365233text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv1989365233text_content-cell yiv1989365233content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">President Salovey pictured with Junaid Munir, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, and students from the International Community School of Abidjan Engaging in environmental and educational collaboration in RwandaEarlier in the trip, Salovey visited Rwanda to meet with those involved in Yale’s environmental and educational initiatives there. During a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Salovey paid homage to the victims of the Rwandan genocide. This visit underscored the importance of remembrance of the past to inform efforts to prevent future conflicts, he said, highlighting Yale's commitment to the study and promotion of human rights. That same day, Salovey addressed environmental research during meetings with Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, Rwanda’s minister of environment, and other Rwandan environmental leaders. He explored avenues for collaboration between Yale and Rwanda on sustainability and conservation projects, emphasizing the role of academic institutions in tackling global environmental challenges. The Yale delegation was joined by representatives from the Yale School of the Environment (YSE), for a trip to Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, to observe the country’s conservation efforts firsthand, reinforcing Yale's commitment to biodiversity conservation.   YSE, which offers Yale master’s and Ph.D. students the opportunity to travel to Rwanda to study conservation of wildlife and wildlands, has learned from several highly successful Rwandan government and public-private initiatives.  “This year for the first time, through a partnership between YSE, the University of Rwanda, and the Smithsonian Institution, we will be able to bring an equal number of Rwandan master’s or Ph.D. students to join a major portion of the study tour, experiencing the outstanding biodiversity of the parks, their management, and their relationship to communities at their borders,” said Amy Vedder, a lecturer at Yale School of the Environment who participated in the president’s visit. “We look forward to the networking and joint learning that will ensue, knowing that such an experience can contribute significantly to leadership development here in Rwanda as well as with our globally recruited students.”  Subsequently, Salovey observed the work of a women's cooperative group to learn more about their vital role in rural adaptation to climate change, showcasing the university’s engagement with partners to support community-driven environmental initiatives.  In Rwanda, Salovey also delivered welcoming remarks that described Yale’s contribution to transforming research into policy in Africa at a policy dialogue titled, “Collaboration through Research: Pathways to Evidence-based Policy in Rwanda."   The event brought together researchers from Yale’s Economic Growth Center (EGC), Yale Inclusion Economics, and the International Growth Centre, and featured presentations by Yale professors Lauren Falcao Bergquist, from the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs and Yale’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Kevin Donovan, from the Yale School of Management. Falcao Bergquist and Donovan, who are both economics faculty members and EGC affiliates, spoke about their research on industrial policies to boost exports and rural infrastructure investments to mitigate climate change effects. </td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233image yiv1989365233image--padding-vertical yiv1989365233image--mobile-scale yiv1989365233image--mobile-center" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv1989365233image_container yiv1989365233content-padding-horizontal" style="outline: none !important; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="yiv1989365233image_content" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fd917b230401%2F212136e1-ce26-4213-a741-ce7f10fbf29d.jpg%3Frdr%3Dtrue&t=1712861416&ymreqid=55d738a2-f71a-ca11-1caf-f6000701ff00&sig=BACieGd1POGVPVgIdZKcaQ--~D" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; text-indent: -9999px;" width="466" /></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233text yiv1989365233text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv1989365233text_content-cell yiv1989365233content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Participants in a policy dialog in Kigali, Rwanda, March 11 titled, “Collaboration through Research: Pathways to Evidence-based Policy in Rwanda” Underlining the importance of research-policy partnerships in Rwanda and the mutual benefits of academic collaboration, the event was chaired by Rwanda Minister of Commerce and Industry Jean-Chrysostome Ngabitsinze. The event also provided a chance for participants to engage with Rwandan counterparts and organizations, such as Bridges to Prosperity, which helps build bridges to better lives in rural communities, to discuss research and pathways to impact in Rwanda to address economic and environmental challenges. Learn more about the policy dialogue by <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Kquhf4Is0G1LthJkRjcGm6sorhcct2C8_LBG4sSjv76f7_mDTKPRL95iQAtfVKm1yuK8R3J9wtmswCvd9jip8JT0lRkVUXV9uG6mySKIaJVzXEncJ7ynkg6gSZod1T9yGJgoc8K-lluW2QOHtDr6QhvrxMYfzl-CLQHabLIjEdeQZgeuhF96V7RCRjWcl-R04b5eZSCXOe_A3G987MLLUQ==&c=_WjDJuJM41kB8mL4YbgMKLmjhweWF9GbNqg6XZFGMLXD-wN2FNTO7A==&ch=kzzRE6IDB1iOq51J4EPeVEZvVMFcDN3ax3NklIGrdUq3RlEZY33fgQ==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #315fc3; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">visiting the EGC website</a>. The visit also included a meeting with Eric Kneedler, the U.S. ambassador to Rwanda, which included an overview of the country and a discussion on the importance of increased collaboration between U.S. and African institutions.  Fostering global partnerships for a sustainable future The visit to Côte d'Ivoire and Rwanda exemplifies Yale’s dedication to strengthening global partnerships in education, environmental conservation, and economic development, Salovey said. In addition to underscoring the university’s commitment to addressing global challenges, the trip also highlighted the potential for academic institutions to contribute significantly to international diplomacy and collaboration.   In his inaugural remarks as Yale’s president in 2013, Salovey launched an initiative to strengthen ties between Yale and Africa by fostering new directions in research on Africa, and identifying new partnerships and deepening existing ones, all while transforming the educational experiences and career opportunities of students at Yale and in Africa. Throughout his tenure as president, Yale has continued to leverage the power of partnerships and global networks across the continent to create new knowledge in science, public health, business, and other disciplines — and to improve lives around the globe.   As Yale continues to build and strengthen these partnerships, Salovey said the impacts of these collaborations across the African continent are expected to resonate far beyond the immediate participants, to foster a more interconnected and mutually supportive global academic community.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233layout yiv1989365233layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233layout yiv1989365233layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv1989365233column yiv1989365233column--1 yiv1989365233scale yiv1989365233stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv1989365233text yiv1989365233text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv1989365233text_content-cell yiv1989365233content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Distributed by <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Kquhf4Is0G1LthJkRjcGm6sorhcct2C8_LBG4sSjv76f7_mDTKPRL_kVqjY_85Lt3sNfjpWjZeyOJiIkKL9dLPKD6XZZDNTJoIl8uTmmDfn0pcuQebP9bUjQ9ZhQwgAVzYTm9rv4t6p8Apaa9SFr4Zzw9B5fPFqSlQONoSi5jfRAWr3o8jD14CeT2h3jvinagI8FTOtHkr4Zso0jKKQAleqjQf0ov4ii&c=_WjDJuJM41kB8mL4YbgMKLmjhweWF9GbNqg6XZFGMLXD-wN2FNTO7A==&ch=kzzRE6IDB1iOq51J4EPeVEZvVMFcDN3ax3NklIGrdUq3RlEZY33fgQ==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #5e81ca; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">African Media Agency (AMA)</a> on behalf of Yale</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Salovey trip to Africa marks a decade of increased engagement

During Yale’s spring break, President Peter Salovey is traveling in Africa, his third visit to the continent as the university’s leader, reinforcing Yale’s commitment to global collaboration and extending the university’s outreach to foster educational partnerships.The trip, which includes visits t…

11Apr2024

waziri Jafo ana kwa ana na Balozi Denmark

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV101Q3fUjlBkqkp1pzamEnQaBHEFKv9CSRtyRzhdudoVnVNbXtDKN7oPHR6vx5A7FLiefGosTJ7AiQ5Y3itKWlxr9Ldt3yU_ATb-9QIboQD7bC3Y-UkLyIMBPsyDBEg3n5sLo8tl3d3E32K1r7_CCTPVbLQwcWZvI4whGwHsTaxhmPXAbaJISd7lePii/s5760/2%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5760" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV101Q3fUjlBkqkp1pzamEnQaBHEFKv9CSRtyRzhdudoVnVNbXtDKN7oPHR6vx5A7FLiefGosTJ7AiQ5Y3itKWlxr9Ldt3yU_ATb-9QIboQD7bC3Y-UkLyIMBPsyDBEg3n5sLo8tl3d3E32K1r7_CCTPVbLQwcWZvI4whGwHsTaxhmPXAbaJISd7lePii/s320/2%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na
Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo amekutana na kufanya mazungumzo na Balozi wa
Denmark nchini Tanzania Mhe. Mette Nørgaard Dissing-Spandet jijini Dodoma leo
Machi 18, 2026.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Katika
mazungumzo hayo, Mhe. Dkt. Jafo amesema Tanzania inathamini ushirikiano uliopo baina ya
nchi hizo mbili na inatarajia kuendelea kushirikiana zaidi katika hifadhi ya
mazingira.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><o:p><div style="text-align: justify;">Amesema
kuwa Tanzania inashirikiana na Denmark katika kusukuma mbele ajenda ya matumizi
ya nishati safi ya kupikia ambayo itasaidia katika kupunguza kasi ya ukataji wa
miti kwa ajili ya kuni na mkaa.</div></o:p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kupitia
ajenda hiyo amemtaja Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mhe. Dkt. Samia
Suluhu Hassan kuwa ameonesha dhamira ya dhati ya kuhakikisha asilimia kubwa ya
wanawake wa Tanzania na Afrika kwa ujumla wanatumia nishati safi ya kupikia.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dkt.
Jafo amesema kuwa katika Mkutano wa Umoja wa Mataifa wa Mabadiliko ya Tanianchi
(COP28) uliofanyika Dubai, Falme za Kiarabu, Rais Dkt. Samia alizindua Mradi wa Nishati Safi ya
kupikia itakayowasaidia wanawake barani Afrika.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><o:p><div style="text-align: justify;">Kutokana
na umuhimu wa matumizi ya nishati safi ya kupikia, Waziri Dkt. Jafo amesisitiza
ni wakati sasa Tanzania inahitaji kuwabadilisha wananchi kuachana na matumizi
ya kuni na mkaa na kuanza kutumia nishati safi ya kupikia.</div></o:p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ameongeza
kwa kuwashukuru wawekezaji wa nishati safi ya kupikia hususan gesi kwa kuunga
mkono Serikali kwa kutoa mitungi ya gesi kwa taasisi mbalimbali zinazolisha
watu zaidi ya mia moja.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Halikadhalika,
Dkt. Jafo amesema Tanzania inatekeleza mikakati mbalimbali ya kukabiliana na
athari za uharibifu wa mazingira ambapo ilizindua Sera ya Taifa ya Mazingira ya
mwaka 2021, Mpango Kabambe wa Taifa wa Hifadhi na Usimamizi wa Mazingira
(2022-2032).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kwa
upande wake Mhe. Balozi Dissing-Spandet amemuhakikishia Waziri Jafo kuwa nchi
yake itaendeleza ushirikiano wake kwa Tanzania katika sekta mbalimbali ikiwemo
ya mazingira.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div></div>

waziri Jafo ana kwa ana na Balozi Denmark

Waziri wa Nchi Ofisi ya Makamu wa Rais (Muungano na Mazingira) Mhe. Dkt. Selemani Jafo amekutana na kufanya mazungumzo na Balozi wa Denmark nchini Tanzania Mhe. Mette Nørgaard Dissing-Spandet jijini Dodoma leo Machi 18, 2026. Katika mazungumzo hayo, Mhe. Dkt. Jafo amesema Tanzania inathamini ushiri…

11Apr2024

Vaccinations Across Kinshasa and Lualaba Provinces in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

<div> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010layout yiv9684981010layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010column yiv9684981010column--1 yiv9684981010scale yiv9684981010stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Amidst the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, leaders have taken unprecedented steps to combat the virus. Most recent statistics show that about 52% of Africans have now been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 versus about 70% globally .2, 4 Although there is still work to be done to catch up to global levels, this number shows a massive improvement thanks to public health interventions.  As of June 19, 2023, the DRC in particular had a vaccination rate of 19%.2 While seemingly low in comparison to Africa, this rate represents a major improvement from early 2023, where vaccination rates were just below 10%. The DRC, one of Africa’s largest nations, has seen a significant spike in vaccinations since early 2023, in part because of targeted mass-media campaigns to reach the last mile.  <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010text yiv9684981010text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv9684981010text_content-cell yiv9684981010content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"> </td><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010image_container yiv9684981010content-padding-horizontal" style="outline: none !important; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="yiv9684981010image_content" height="486" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fd917b230401%2F6b8e7a62-f16f-4d29-84ac-0bd27158d840.png%3Frdr%3Dtrue&t=1694196635&ymreqid=55d738a2-f71a-ca11-1ca4-cf0017012a00&sig=eBYGS527JC8Ltb23JpS8zg--~D" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; text-indent: -9999px;" width="640" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010layout yiv9684981010layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010column yiv9684981010column--1 yiv9684981010scale yiv9684981010stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010image yiv9684981010image--padding-vertical yiv9684981010image--mobile-scale yiv9684981010image--mobile-center" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010layout yiv9684981010layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010column yiv9684981010column--1 yiv9684981010scale yiv9684981010stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010text yiv9684981010text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv9684981010text_content-cell yiv9684981010content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">One of the major initiatives that contributed to DRC’s increase in vaccination rates is a partnership between The African Union COVID-19 Bingwa Initiative and The Access Challenge, who  joined forces to implement a COVID-19 vaccination campaign under the Saving Lives and Livelihoods Programme in partnership with The Ministry of Health of DRC in the Kinshasa and Lualaba provinces of DRC. The campaign implemented vaccination roadshows in both provinces, followed by a social media campaign with local and trusted influencers.  The African Union COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa Initiative was launched in 2022 in response to South African President H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for distinctive ways to accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations across Africa through the empowerment of the continent’s youth. The African Union and Africa CDC led the initiative as part of the Africa CDC’s Programme of Saving Lives and Livelihoods funded by the Mastercard Foundation. This campaign emerges as a network of COVID-19 vaccination youth called “Bingwa” (Swahili word for “Champion”) who are empowered to drive mobilization and engagement within their communities to take the vaccine. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is making a deliberate effort to ensure that Africa’s greatest asset, its young people, are fully involved in all public health strategies, including COVID-19 recovery strategies. The AU Bingwa Initiative brings together young people to use non-health ways such as community focus group and roadshows, entertainment, and influencer engagement to drive vaccinations. By keeping youth at the center of all strategies, together with utilizinginnovative partnerships with private and public sector partners as shown in this campaign, we have no doubt that Africa can achieve its vaccination goals by the end of 2023. - Dr. Chrys Promesse Kaniki, Africa CDC, Senior Technical Officer for Strategic Programmes “The Ministry of Health identified the mass vaccination campaign as one of the strategies to rapidly increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake by the eligible population in DRC. ‘We encourage community influencers to support social mobilization, strengthen risk communication, and community engagement through local communication and youth engagement using the Bingwa Initiative in getting more of the populations vaccinated” Dr Fabrice Kankolongo, Chief Medical Special Advisor, Office of the Minister of Health, Hygiene and Prevention Kinshasa.  In order to ensure vaccinations reach the last mile, the campaign engaged trusted influencers, together with innovative approaches that link health advocacy with community activities that appeal to the DRC’s youth. These activities included mobile vaccination roadshows in various communities in Kinshasa and Lulalaba provinces, where they featured music performances, dance and acrobatic shows, motorbike taxi drivers engagement, comedy shows, and health expert talks to encourage people to get vaccinated. Additionally, a social media campaign complemented the vaccination roadshows, and leveraged local influencers to disseminate Africa CDC approval COVID-19 toolkit in local languages, debunking myths through real life influencer and citizen testimonies, and finally, using videos from the vaccination roadshows as a way to inspire more people to get vaccinated.  </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010layout yiv9684981010layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010column yiv9684981010column--1 yiv9684981010scale yiv9684981010stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010image yiv9684981010image--padding-vertical yiv9684981010image--mobile-scale yiv9684981010image--mobile-center" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010image_container yiv9684981010content-padding-horizontal" style="outline: none !important; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><img alt="" class="yiv9684981010image_content" src="https://ecp.yusercontent.com/mail?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffiles.constantcontact.com%2Fd917b230401%2Fa2943cd6-9834-445a-ae72-6ed10dcf8055.png%3Frdr%3Dtrue&t=1694196635&ymreqid=55d738a2-f71a-ca11-1ca4-cf0017012a00&sig=pJQLlQ4qMsdWKgfbHJo7gQ--~D" style="display: block; height: auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important; text-indent: -9999px;" width="360" /></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010layout yiv9684981010layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010column yiv9684981010column--1 yiv9684981010scale yiv9684981010stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010text yiv9684981010text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv9684981010text_content-cell yiv9684981010content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"> Influencers played a major role in the campaign, being involved through every step of the way from planning to execution—and, ultimately, affecting behavior change in their audiences. Whether major national celebrities like Miel De Son and Cynthia Kapash, or micro-influencers like Béatrice Munguba and the Shekina Dancing Group, all of these influencers effectively utilized digital media to reach their respective audiences to get vaccinated. Social media included Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, while traditional media included Media houses: Kin 24, Top Congo, Digital Congo, and RTGA Congo.  A major – and very well-received – aspect of the initiative was reaching the last mile through <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BdPUpdyfzQcMZ_OKycnWJ3pMC8Eq_hb5v49fyXbvSsmyJg9mNPF_zjKvO6tJcJX7kbfk95iWxDEr4ALsFcD0argLJhdl21LAGMbfAQwOU-b91nHHYDLbiVFufCyi9zlGZ8eixQ2bNGGTTEADRLV3tn35DqdCn_nVJdAknVy_ulB9wzL2GveEB7JdFPgYHf58Qzl54HVhwKU0TQSqPx243w==&c=3BxbOoukfyGuva2Zr93ZYDcRPrR2lidx4V797gQyvdDM-5i8348adA==&ch=ezDpI7alGoY--TXVsT8AGQghHj6_61pvqbvfjJ8U4WMemwguJXdXww==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">vaccination-themed mobile roadshows</a>. Using campaign-branded mobile vaccination trucks containing a mobile stage and sound system, the roadshows traveled to populous areas within Kinshasa and Lualaba Provinces and featured vaccination “pop-ups” as well as performances and appearances by various influencers. Seven-day roadshows were held in Kinshasa, and four-day roadshows in Lualaba Province. Incentives, such as free shirts and caps, were also leveraged to drive vaccinations.  A particularly special moment occurred during the second day of the roadshows in Lualaba province, where the mobile vaccination truck was able to pull hundreds of people to get vaccinated, to the point where 100% of the vaccinations for the day ran out. With more than 300 people vaccinated that day, with more people wanting to get vaccinated - this highlights the power of these community roadshows to reach the last mile to remove vaccine hesitancy and drive vaccination demand.   Another notable moment were influencer testimonies, both during the roadshows and social media campaign, where famous DRC singer and media personality Miel De Son shared his <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BdPUpdyfzQcMZ_OKycnWJ3pMC8Eq_hb5v49fyXbvSsmyJg9mNPF_zjKvO6tJcJX7WmbxPYP_iA9JcGJsdjObKfk3wgw43ooDX6JPHsKcPOVmaQuH2Eq6PWcNJDEjLb6IQBj3T8iAZ_WDeUXv4G3qW8WEtI42Rfc4Rcq05ljOjslkg2EC6dzaKDPUo1pVQIXh3ECgeKeqYGZJfuMUIuL_YQ==&c=3BxbOoukfyGuva2Zr93ZYDcRPrR2lidx4V797gQyvdDM-5i8348adA==&ch=ezDpI7alGoY--TXVsT8AGQghHj6_61pvqbvfjJ8U4WMemwguJXdXww==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; outline: none !important; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">t</a><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BdPUpdyfzQcMZ_OKycnWJ3pMC8Eq_hb5v49fyXbvSsmyJg9mNPF_zjKvO6tJcJX7WmbxPYP_iA9JcGJsdjObKfk3wgw43ooDX6JPHsKcPOVmaQuH2Eq6PWcNJDEjLb6IQBj3T8iAZ_WDeUXv4G3qW8WEtI42Rfc4Rcq05ljOjslkg2EC6dzaKDPUo1pVQIXh3ECgeKeqYGZJfuMUIuL_YQ==&c=3BxbOoukfyGuva2Zr93ZYDcRPrR2lidx4V797gQyvdDM-5i8348adA==&ch=ezDpI7alGoY--TXVsT8AGQghHj6_61pvqbvfjJ8U4WMemwguJXdXww==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">estimony</a> on taking the vaccine, then performed a rendition of his <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BdPUpdyfzQcMZ_OKycnWJ3pMC8Eq_hb5v49fyXbvSsmyJg9mNPF_zjKvO6tJcJX77QkF3Gg2B6iyQ1ASn7x-hZQ2F1mcCRDfQk8o-S94yBSSEpbfqJmv5d1zQPZcLiZjqzls0fpQf-AjXIyjnLrSpE6cqBEg3V_IQGe5KKCg4h7E6-C4qr8WwSqTCG5kWtYbg3CaN6RqQUyjYaoRpnKspg==&c=3BxbOoukfyGuva2Zr93ZYDcRPrR2lidx4V797gQyvdDM-5i8348adA==&ch=ezDpI7alGoY--TXVsT8AGQghHj6_61pvqbvfjJ8U4WMemwguJXdXww==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">song</a>, incorporating pro-vaccination lyrics in his song.  Amidst the unprecedented public health challenges, we face today- this campaign strives to highlight our innovative “surround sound” approach that leverages non-health ways such as influencer engagement, trending youth activities, bajaji taxis, community-based roadshows, and faith leader engagement to reach the last mile and save as many lives as possible. When all sectors of society come together, great progress is made, and that is evident through this campaign which was able to reach over 5.6 million people across the country, and significantly contributed in raising DRC’s COVID-19 vaccination rates by over 10% through this campaign - Asad Lilani, Director, The Access Challenge.   In terms of impact, the campaign was able to reach 5.6 million people, create 24 million impressions, and generate approximately 11,000 engagements on social media alone (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok). The content was constructed in a way to captivate the youth audience through engaging captions and calls-to-action which influenced them to take the vaccine and become advocates in their communities.  The AU COVID-19 Vaccination Bingwa Initiative’s partnership with Access Challenge demonstrates the power of innovation, youth engagement, and multi-sectoral partnerships to advance critical public health goals, which is highlighted through the campaign. Not only has it achieved notable success in vaccinating the DRC’s population from the COVID-19 virus, but it has also cultivated a sense of responsibility and unity within communities to lead Africa to a brighter future.  </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010layout yiv9684981010layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="center" class="yiv9684981010column yiv9684981010column--1 yiv9684981010scale yiv9684981010stack" style="outline: none !important; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv9684981010text yiv9684981010text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td align="left" class="yiv9684981010text_content-cell yiv9684981010content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Distributed by <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BdPUpdyfzQcMZ_OKycnWJ3pMC8Eq_hb5v49fyXbvSsmyJg9mNPF_zhW0mXp0wUaHmhyduQX88a3z7ItRuRiYOzzfDgzn_tT8hNR3fvJCBFMS5lwEcIIFpmbi9p0EjZo37JfEhHeaqgWL-95LIR0Ehp9r46863aLw&c=3BxbOoukfyGuva2Zr93ZYDcRPrR2lidx4V797gQyvdDM-5i8348adA==&ch=ezDpI7alGoY--TXVsT8AGQghHj6_61pvqbvfjJ8U4WMemwguJXdXww==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #2961d9; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">African Media Agency</a> on behalf of the AU Bingwa Initiative and The Access Challenge. </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Vaccinations Across Kinshasa and Lualaba Provinces in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Amidst the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, leaders have taken unprecedented steps to combat the virus. Most recent statistics show that about 52% of Africans have now been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 versus about 70% globally .2, 4 Although there is still work to …

08Sep2023

Opera now offers up to 1.5GB of data per month for free to Safaricom users in Ethiopia, launching its first free data campaign in the country

<div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4250277004layout yiv4250277004layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4250277004column yiv4250277004column--1 yiv4250277004scale yiv4250277004stack" style="outline: none !important; text-align: center; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4250277004text yiv4250277004text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4250277004text_content-cell yiv4250277004content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: left; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr92Sri73Xu-mO538L4MwWl0XvHnUWX9pmGFtkm0tcYkq2466KMqoXPD48ukZyh9fw_MTjomwHJg_Dd7_1ydx6PYRBrA53F-5aSztr0Ff0EAYCkaH3di_laMwcWpDDjvR7BhoKCoMpAy4T/s225/mail.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr92Sri73Xu-mO538L4MwWl0XvHnUWX9pmGFtkm0tcYkq2466KMqoXPD48ukZyh9fw_MTjomwHJg_Dd7_1ydx6PYRBrA53F-5aSztr0Ff0EAYCkaH3di_laMwcWpDDjvR7BhoKCoMpAy4T/s0/mail.png" width="225" /></a></div> Opera – a leading global web innovator – is launching its free data campaign in Ethiopia. Partnering with Safaricom – which recently entered the Ethiopian market – the move follows Opera’s strategy of fostering increased internet access across the African continent.  Free data campaigns have been a key aspect of Opera’s <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nO8pbo1fxw7edMJ1EKAL5n6qK0JUW3EsqdofddrDZbIOtBzK_uoAU9eEkbCujp0obLi95N5LA47l2xxXTiX_g86oiXqwpC3u_SAB8h5oIieybr19ywWUs-wdWKRAFrE34BV70U7zFlVK3VufnpXcfLo06uX-30An08v3jIy-Xk2kVNHssiSBLP0mHenWI2gUdMqtRKG_Bd8mNacfGupdWA==&c=Sghqw_kruX5kK6_AVJVGY292eAq8xvMJofE1bDg8ta6e0X4jP1jstw==&ch=5Y_Hry_j2fwq7H0d81iDjoNobL27nkTi9LRs_xlopVGkr6HkxYoSUg==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #315fc3; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">Africa First strategy</a>. Announced in December 2017, the policy has meant that mobile products and services are developed first and foremost with the African consumer in mind. It has also seen the company invest significantly – <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nO8pbo1fxw7edMJ1EKAL5n6qK0JUW3EsqdofddrDZbIOtBzK_uoAU9eEkbCujp0oRx6YcVga74eAu49WziHvOIN6l2FGrvGj0J0eLR4exmB93QTn8ffsLNbsJWt7trpBgfn6Nl7tAZ_xQHJBCBO5WS5c5xbq5bIv7c3bag_AQA9VLhOM1slgHuQM7LdN7IU9SPgkKbUhi5bsnyZgAsAPHMe1rpE3iqSQQx9o0bqYub3qnyiutyJqEwwPuMWqIoLM&c=Sghqw_kruX5kK6_AVJVGY292eAq8xvMJofE1bDg8ta6e0X4jP1jstw==&ch=5Y_Hry_j2fwq7H0d81iDjoNobL27nkTi9LRs_xlopVGkr6HkxYoSUg==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #315fc3; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">over $100 million dollars to date</a> – in the region to bring more people online and offer them the fastest and most reliable internet connection possible. Opera regularly partners with local telcos to coordinate free data campaigns. Opera has already facilitated for nearly 40 million people across five countries to benefit from up to 3 GB of free browsing each month. This initiative has helped users establish businesses, connect with loved ones, and embark on educational journeys, all with greater ease and affordability. In Kenya alone, Opera has invested over $12 million in free data campaigns over the past three years.  “Ethiopia is a large and growing country in which we see a great deal of potential,” said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP Mobile at Opera. “But at this point, the internet penetration rate is only around <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nO8pbo1fxw7edMJ1EKAL5n6qK0JUW3EsqdofddrDZbIOtBzK_uoAU9eEkbCujp0o585LUz-eQYRAc8cW3HPOaqsSx5fbSZr8-SP-fZE2l-TFZpnJsN22utciQ16UXyD8_-gpF5vQuMpXBBwDb_-cgR9m_s8Y10F5397hl6ezvQYRvsiUO2LSYS-pq2r_Fiviwjeo82jZpqVJINnz7ofJOWiKXJdajYKLY4I4Jrt7SFA=&c=Sghqw_kruX5kK6_AVJVGY292eAq8xvMJofE1bDg8ta6e0X4jP1jstw==&ch=5Y_Hry_j2fwq7H0d81iDjoNobL27nkTi9LRs_xlopVGkr6HkxYoSUg==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #315fc3; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">16.7 percent nationwide</a>. So we’re excited to join forces with long-time partner Safaricom to help expand Ethiopia’s digital economy. In the past, our collaboration provided a first window to the web for many users across the continent, and we’re proud to work together to try to similarly bring millions of new users online in Ethiopia.” The campaign will enable Opera users to enjoy up to 50 MB of free browsing every day when using Opera Mini or Opera for Android on the Safaricom network. The deal excludes video streaming and file downloads, and is valid for the latest versions of Opera Mini and Opera for Android. Fast and secure browsersThe free data campaign is accessible through Opera’s mobile browsers Opera Mini and Opera for Android. Opera Mini has a user base of nearly 100 million people across Africa, largely due to its unique Data Compression technology that helps users save up to 90% of data while browsing. Opera Mini also supports offline file sharing and has a built-in ad blocker, making it a secure, flexible, and speedy option for users seeking to save as much data as possible. The platform additionally features <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nO8pbo1fxw7edMJ1EKAL5n6qK0JUW3EsqdofddrDZbIOtBzK_uoAUyRUraHaECYuLzTe_9PBNVef6YOi9c-qdQIi2yoko1LzFBB9lM0m_wlqkQliTTmzsSAdtrTJ9rA6MnAWgeMk8lwJnC-vcpbq1HI4tieJkqaYADxAICI7NCAGjx_XndY2FkBR3J3D0ppJEDD5vskEgek=&c=Sghqw_kruX5kK6_AVJVGY292eAq8xvMJofE1bDg8ta6e0X4jP1jstw==&ch=5Y_Hry_j2fwq7H0d81iDjoNobL27nkTi9LRs_xlopVGkr6HkxYoSUg==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #315fc3; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">Live Score</a>s, an in-depth football experience that allows users to stay on top of all the action. Opera for Android is Opera’s flagship mobile browser. The platform twins power with security, enabling users to explore the web with greater speed and safety. Opera for Android is additionally packed with user-friendly features, such as built-in free VPN and VPN Pro services, as well as a built-in ad blocker. So join the tens of millions of users across Africa who have already benefited from Opera’s free data campaigns: download Opera Mini or Opera for Android today.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4250277004layout yiv4250277004layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4250277004layout yiv4250277004layout--1-column" style="min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4250277004column yiv4250277004column--1 yiv4250277004scale yiv4250277004stack" style="outline: none !important; text-align: center; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4250277004text yiv4250277004text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4250277004text_content-cell yiv4250277004content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: left; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Distributed by <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001nO8pbo1fxw7edMJ1EKAL5n6qK0JUW3EsqdofddrDZbIOtBzK_uoAU-RDKHloZ8V85NybP4_ve5tpPs7zpmex6rDsuVYb5TNHqrabzEMM0vXEwea2pNsxNcrPgfrt-p4wpnqe8pj70v9nOkg6Hw6ftGF1fEOaUDkwGflfpQ10rmEzNyd5x_2Ux05-KENd40xt1IFbaCFIO5mypC98cQseHP_xYNSsn0pR&c=Sghqw_kruX5kK6_AVJVGY292eAq8xvMJofE1bDg8ta6e0X4jP1jstw==&ch=5Y_Hry_j2fwq7H0d81iDjoNobL27nkTi9LRs_xlopVGkr6HkxYoSUg==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">African Media Agency (AMA)</a> on behalf of Opera. </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Opera now offers up to 1.5GB of data per month for free to Safaricom users in Ethiopia, launching its first free data campaign in the country

Opera – a leading global web innovator – is launching its free data campaign in Ethiopia. Partnering with Safaricom – which recently entered the Ethiopian market – the move follows Opera’s strategy of fostering increased internet access across the African continent. Free data campaigns have been a …

08Sep2023

ApeX Pro’s New Smart Liquidity Pools Bring the Best of DeFi to Bybit

<div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4354124000layout yiv4354124000layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4354124000column yiv4354124000column--1 yiv4354124000scale yiv4354124000stack" style="outline: none !important; text-align: center; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4354124000text yiv4354124000text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4354124000text_content-cell yiv4354124000content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: left; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uccwSLlEX3zx0Pl7RB799YN7dn__HC-ERoxOBREsQaJXdUO5kweKyLaGF3IYwu6aaNUG1CdZr7JXd59r2z5xa--PnKbGCWpmCeLiazdYoX6uoSXD8CV9esm_hd8vQzb_Y3yyfexfThEsnnwrkJzZmw==&c=5_nUaIIThCPkikGUymO3x1BupIJvPwN-wg0pmttAgCX2lTd1ewNiQA==&ch=ZbpZ5jJz9EP9KxpGKj-uWet-ePc83qH0hQCgDfMqoI5_96X-FS3VUQ==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: #315fc3; outline: none !important;" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiQGHa0zBtIZ7Hg4mFBsECmGIPDvmQBEMxmPp_Fjy7yzBD3IvrEgGPBIQmY8jiNcd2CFtFggU6qEI7TppMDyjLlMm_tOvm6Mw4AZD2LX6fulbSPuKWIJh7YwAS8GxSZ9IgB6yOmr-BZ1B6k9Tq-KXb-XcGSf1Ih6nNXd4s8EBwOW_jKAWOq71u-Sc4qU3/s1000/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="1000" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiQGHa0zBtIZ7Hg4mFBsECmGIPDvmQBEMxmPp_Fjy7yzBD3IvrEgGPBIQmY8jiNcd2CFtFggU6qEI7TppMDyjLlMm_tOvm6Mw4AZD2LX6fulbSPuKWIJh7YwAS8GxSZ9IgB6yOmr-BZ1B6k9Tq-KXb-XcGSf1Ih6nNXd4s8EBwOW_jKAWOq71u-Sc4qU3/s320/mail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Bybit, the world’s third most visited crypto exchange, is again collaborating with permissionless and decentralized trading platform ApeX Pro to open the door to ApeX Pro’s new Smart Liquidity Pool (SLP) where users can easily earn an attractive real yield on USD-pegged stablecoin, USDC.  The SLP provides users with an opportunity to become professional market makers and earn profits with a high return-to-risk ratio. The pool market-making strategy automatically places buy and sell orders to capture profits from bid-ask spreads. Profits are shared among the pool subscribers, earning liquidity providers an attractive passive income.  Bybit users can access ApeX Pro directly from their Bybit account, foregoing the need to set up a decentralized wallet and navigate blockchains directly, and they can access the product with just $10 USDC. The total size of the SLP will increase from $500,000 to $2,000,000 million over the course of the first month allowing more users to gain from this passive income stream, while the pool cap will increase further in the upcoming months.  Another key advantage of the SLP is its ability to mitigate impermanent loss, a common concern in traditional liquidity provision. Unlike other liquidity strategies, where users only earn fees when trades are within a specific range, the SLP offers continuous yield opportunities, thanks to its vigilant monitoring of user positions and adjustment to market conditions.  “With the launch of the Smart Liquidity Pool, ApeX Pro continues to spearhead innovation in the DeFi space,” said Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit. “We’re proud to provide Bybit users easy access to the next-level opportunities offered in the world of decentralized finance, directly from their Bybit account.”</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4354124000layout yiv4354124000layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4354124000layout yiv4354124000layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4354124000column yiv4354124000column--1 yiv4354124000scale yiv4354124000stack" style="outline: none !important; text-align: center; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4354124000text yiv4354124000text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4354124000text_content-cell yiv4354124000content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: left; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Distributed by <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uccwSLlEX3zx0Pl7RB799YN7dn__HC-ERoxOBREsQaJXdUO5kweKyKW3E-uk2MzlN0pzsXaaQ30JVddHqW_M_7RCno_r8mRwNTON3vQJGKNpFM2Q9-tAlhp3Er26WM_AW5nnhYgf1VayTzykpvdz7jE8V52THZj9fBxPseHVxUMT7u6UbF1KWv9X-CM6KEAFmdo24VKFLwNDODTgCewe7lMr6Yz2Fosb&c=5_nUaIIThCPkikGUymO3x1BupIJvPwN-wg0pmttAgCX2lTd1ewNiQA==&ch=ZbpZ5jJz9EP9KxpGKj-uWet-ePc83qH0hQCgDfMqoI5_96X-FS3VUQ==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">African Media Agency (AMA)</a> on behalf of Bybit.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

ApeX Pro’s New Smart Liquidity Pools Bring the Best of DeFi to Bybit

Bybit, the world’s third most visited crypto exchange, is again collaborating with permissionless and decentralized trading platform ApeX Pro to open the door to ApeX Pro’s new Smart Liquidity Pool (SLP) where users can easily earn an attractive real yield on USD-pegged stablecoin, USDC. The SLP pr…

08Sep2023

Why Africa Needs to Find Solutions to its Own Problems?

<div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ACmRa_le74UniDsreyQCQjoOlRbYGA6R-r3BqroSkH94lf2W7l94uQ6UlJY4aQug_fUaLzi8C5EAyXK5DiqJ8X7cApDIaWgR3Tvph2t7-ZMTAbmoWFZvMs6VJw4IlVcjhTnIP_JdasrowNU1Yi9kc2p_jEFPBPxdhiCWr4qljPKYQbAoRKhmlPaTEWwA/s922/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="922" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ACmRa_le74UniDsreyQCQjoOlRbYGA6R-r3BqroSkH94lf2W7l94uQ6UlJY4aQug_fUaLzi8C5EAyXK5DiqJ8X7cApDIaWgR3Tvph2t7-ZMTAbmoWFZvMs6VJw4IlVcjhTnIP_JdasrowNU1Yi9kc2p_jEFPBPxdhiCWr4qljPKYQbAoRKhmlPaTEWwA/s320/mail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> By Sola Adegbesan, Head of Sales, Africa Regions and International, Global Markets | Standard Bank</div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4842826910layout yiv4842826910layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4842826910column yiv4842826910column--1 yiv4842826910scale yiv4842826910stack" style="outline: none !important; text-align: center; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4842826910text yiv4842826910text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4842826910text_content-cell yiv4842826910content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: left; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Africa, the second-largest continent and home to 1 billion people, has long captured the imagination of the world. Today, different thinkers, political and business leaders are preoccupied with a single question – how to help Africa’s economy grow so it can trade with the world on better terms?  The answer is simple: Africa needs to craft its own solutions to solve its problems. It starts with the promotion of a mindset of self-reliance. There’s no better way of expressing that self-sufficiency than creating innovative financing solutions to fund projects that could lead to sustainable economic growth in all the continent’s 54 African countries. However, these funding solutions need to consider the specific needs of different African countries. If this could be achieved, Africa would prosper and the standard of living on the continent would rise. The need for alternative funding solutions has never been greater given the uncertain economic prospects the continent faces. While Africa’s prosperity rose dramatically in the past few years due to greater integration into the world economy, this picture has since changed. Economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa slowed to 3.6% in 2022, from 4.1% in 2021; and economic activity in the region is projected to further decline to 3.1% in 2023. Africa faces a grain shortage as a result of the Russian-Ukraine conflict. This calamity comes at a time when the continent’s economy was still recovering from the effects of the coronavirus a couple of years ago. The current pictureDevelopment finance has its limitations in amounts available, acceptable repayment risk and in some cases; financing cost vs project viability. In addition, such finance often comes with strictures on how African nations should run their economies. As such, solutions that are imported rather than developed at home, may inadvertently come at a hefty price. This is a legacy of the post-World War II era, when extraordinary efforts to provide provisional financial and technical assistance to European countries in the wake of the war’s devastation helped to set them back on the path to national unity. Since then, this approach’s foundations have become the cornerstone of development thought.  But there’s no denying that the traditional development finance model has not worked for Africa over the past six decades. Even though the world economy has grown in the past few decades, most African nations lag economically and grapple with abject poverty. Their commodities are highly susceptible to market fluctuations and natural disasters, and their societies are prone to instability, making it difficult to attract foreign investment. That is why most African nations turn to development aid to survive, which is not a viable model to achieve sustainable economic development. Since 1990, African countries have received over $1.3 trillion in development assistance; however, the continent’s financial, societal, and political fabric remains fragile. Time for a new thinkingIn fairness, Africa is hard at work pursuing Agenda 2063, a development blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future. But the chances of this plan to succeed could be enhanced if Africa stops importing solutions from the outside and, instead, develops its own solutions for its own local challenges. This is the best way to positively change the trajectory of its economic development.  In recent years, Africa has proved that it has the capability to champion local solutions. Take the phenomenal success of M-PESA, a mobile-based payment service targeting the unbanked that was launched in Kenya in 2007. The service has been so successful that it has expanded to Tanzania, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Ghana, Egypt, Afghanistan, and South Africa.   We live on a continent that is well endowed with mineral resources. If these natural resources could be well managed, the sky is the limit for African countries. We are also on a continent with a predominantly youthful population that needs jobs. If this human resource could be harnessed and groomed, Africa would be unstoppable. In fact, if this labour force could be skilled and exported around the world it could lead to greater inflows of Diasporic finance that could boost African economies – human resource is a commodity of the future! A case in point is Ethiopian Airways’ ongoing programme to train aviation personnel who can work anywhere in the world. Underpinning the programme is a realisation that aviation is essential for global business and generates economic growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism. Helping Africa growStandard Bank strongly believes in Africa’s potential and wants to drive her growth forward. Our destiny is tied to our continent. If Africa thrives, we prosper. For this reason, we are committed to play our part in making sure that Africa grows and delivers on its potential. As a bank, we offer banking and other monetary expertise for free to African governments to use to reform their economies.  To be sure, Africa is a continent, not a country. Each country faces different challenges. We are also keenly aware that we may not always get things right all the time, but we’d rather offer solutions rather than complain and criticise on the side-lines. We are prepared to partner with others who are concerned about the fate of our continent. In fulfilling our commitments to all our stakeholders, it is important to be in an environment where the economy is growing, where entrepreneurship thrives, and businesses are doing well. An environment where there’s regulation and civil society is stable. When all these factors are in place, the turnover of companies grows and so does the country’s GDP. That means more business for financial institutions. For this reason, Standard Bank is heavily invested in making sure that Africa works.  As a highly respected African bank with international presence, we use our expertise to guide African governments and institutions to understand the value of the resources they have so that they can use these assets to raise finance at a much cheaper cost. We also help them to invest in the value chain of these resources. The idea is to encourage African governments to use and develop what they have rather than simply borrow. We also encourage many African countries to create an enabling environment for innovation through changing legislation so that it can reflect new realities. Sticking to the status quo does not foster change. Hard work lies aheadHard work is required to turn the idea of African solutions for African problems into reality. It cannot be yet another slogan. Each African country will need to put in the hard work. While cognisant of the injustices of colonialism and the unequal manner in which African economies were incorporated into the world economy after independence, Standard Bank prefers to focus on solutions for the future, on what Africa can achieve if all nations could rally behind the idea of finding our own solutions to financing models.  For Standard Bank, it’s about what we can do in the present moment. Even developed economies that we envy today made economic strides on their own, with little or no outside help. We should do the same. It will require bold thinking. It will also require the triumph of pragmatism over idealism. Back in 1978, Deng Xiaoping, leader of a then-small China, famously said: “It doesn’t matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice.”. Today, China is the second-largest economy that continually seeks to be self-sufficient in key areas such as technology, finance, food and energy. Singapore is another economic marvel. In 1965, the country achieved independence with a GDP of $975 million. Its current GDP is close to $400 billion. Even more remarkable is the fact that this growth was accomplished with only three million people. This makes its GDP per capita the second-highest in the world. Another important aspect of doing things differently is for African countries to work a lot closer to find solutions to common problems. Even Kwame Nkrumah, the founding father of modern Ghana, realised this ideal many decades ago. “It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world,” Nkrumah said. Indeed, it’s time for Africans to heed this call. We are committed to help in the search for African solutions to African problems.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4842826910layout yiv4842826910layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"></tr></tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4842826910layout yiv4842826910layout--1-column" style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; min-width: 100%; outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; text-align: justify; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4842826910column yiv4842826910column--1 yiv4842826910scale yiv4842826910stack" style="outline: none !important; text-align: center; width: 600px; word-break: normal;" valign="top"><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="yiv4842826910text yiv4842826910text--padding-vertical" style="outline: none !important; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody style="outline: none !important;"><tr style="outline: none !important;"><td class="yiv4842826910text_content-cell yiv4842826910content-padding-horizontal" style="color: #403f42; display: block; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.2; outline: none !important; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: left; word-break: normal;" valign="top">Distributed by <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dlkrmvdJzaK0EvwND0TSfvMXzEwxz2uMlu_lMCn6em_JWrU2nGeAEFhqodsZ-9HtSnm64Diq0NkT7Q8Cg43QSthxbMPu-pjM-eiLcAwq6PmgfwjrsAWTCYCO8n2dBOQruJeI5dMuKorWwb-DuK4xZzXGyfr_eFYm9KIfkT9atglYhzg4qGurAuRVV-zflGSahK6gewJDPmuiHKBNII5eWnp2NymQaJ1F&c=uUAKLBGEDmUbW9MfL03hGEhKDmu8DAUoNqCaaL9aq0k5Wn0oFCpETQ==&ch=Ujr9xiS1Dogk2ZsuLgoFmqnevG2Khct2wIsBewaZeFjop-2aNpPVyA==" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" style="color: blue; font-style: italic; outline: none !important;" target="_blank">African Media Agency (AMA)</a> on behalf of Africa.com.</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div>

Why Africa Needs to Find Solutions to its Own Problems?

By Sola Adegbesan, Head of Sales, Africa Regions and International, Global Markets | Standard BankAfrica, the second-largest continent and home to 1 billion people, has long captured the imagination of the world. Today, different thinkers, political and business leaders are preoccupied with a singl…