Vertiv Introduces Monitoring Solution Delivering Powerful

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkssGIis7-Slm76CYtEDY90p1ISGwWfIREHLCyaW-iJZrMiNaElUfdcJyyfIs7Z9eVMQpz7ENcUpYAscgfkAsztxO7ZPDZnTaPObnnNz7pDSRRgnRDeM41pUCR5XX2Ujg663LkQXaBKoc/s300/serv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="91" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkssGIis7-Slm76CYtEDY90p1ISGwWfIREHLCyaW-iJZrMiNaElUfdcJyyfIs7Z9eVMQpz7ENcUpYAscgfkAsztxO7ZPDZnTaPObnnNz7pDSRRgnRDeM41pUCR5XX2Ujg663LkQXaBKoc/s0/serv.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <a href="http://www.vertiv.com/en-emea" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; outline-width: 0px !important;" target="_blank">Vertiv</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">, (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, today introduced</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.vertiv.com/en-emea/products-catalog/monitoring-control-and-management/software/vertiv-environet-alert/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">Vertiv™ Environet™ Alert</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">, a new software offering that brings enterprise-level</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.vertiv.com/en-emea/products-catalog/monitoring-control-and-management/software/vertiv-environet-alert/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" target="_blank">infrastructure monitoring and management</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> capabilities to smaller data centres and edge facilities. Available globally, Vertiv Environet Alert is affordable and easy to use, eliminating the two most common barriers to the deployment of monitoring and management tools in these types of environments.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv2927147131MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Vertiv Environet Alert delivers real-time, vendor-agnostic monitoring of critical infrastructure systems and alerts the appropriate personnel immediately when those systems are at risk.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background: yellow; font-size: x-large;">The software acts as a single pane of glass, with a new, modern and intuitive user interface that delivers visibility and data to users.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Users can customise the data points that are monitored and reported to focus on what they need to most effectively protect and optimise their business.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“Purpose-built data centre monitoring is crucial to provide visibility to operations and to reduce risks and costs, but few solutions have been able to economically scale for smaller operations,” said Mike O’Keeffe, vice president for service and software solutions at Vertiv in Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Vertiv Environet Alert provides essential monitoring services for small and medium sized businesses to stay connected with their critical infrastructure and ensure business continuity.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Vertiv Environet Alert provides superior monitoring, alerting, trending and data organisation capabilities for companies in such verticals as healthcare, financial services, government, education and other industries that rely on smaller data centres and edge facilities. It is compatible with SNMP devices and integrates via a published API with other network management tools, data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) software, and building management systems to enable a complete view of network operations and streamline management of those systems.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv2927147131MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vertiv.</span></span></i></p></div>

Vertiv Introduces Monitoring Solution Delivering Powerful

  Vertiv , (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, today introduced   Vertiv™ Environet™...

Read more »

TECNO Never Disappoints

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqEvinf6KPvCUyTV7RJE0hVqo0oUqNSw374gc_X6m7zfM08RzeU02TFHj0616C_34g0KmckZkgFqqjkMwtct9EQO02V2ExJiutkglDJIIgzuauLvkRtGb2KVKDGjl3LM0vIniW9SkoLOG/s250/techno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="91" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqEvinf6KPvCUyTV7RJE0hVqo0oUqNSw374gc_X6m7zfM08RzeU02TFHj0616C_34g0KmckZkgFqqjkMwtct9EQO02V2ExJiutkglDJIIgzuauLvkRtGb2KVKDGjl3LM0vIniW9SkoLOG/s0/techno.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As smartphones are becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, it is essential to choose one that fits your lifestyles and your needs. Every mobile phone brand is trying to stand out from the rest by upgrading their technology and introducing new functions; however, the best way to measure their value is through their performance side by side. Today, we have selected three android phones for comparison: the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier, Huawei Y9 (2019), and Samsung A41.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv8727654931MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><strong style="font-size: x-large;">Mobile phone screen design</strong></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">While the three phones consider the different needs of users, they differ quite a lot when it comes to design. TECNO focused on the user’s convenience and has shifted its fingerprint scanner to the side so that it will be easier to gain access to the phone. This was a good move on TECNO’s part as it was a concern when we tested Huawei’s Y9 (2019) that was rear-mounted. This stopped me from unlocking the phone accidentally every time my fingers brushed the scanner. The CAMON 16 Premier also opens faster and is extremely convenient to do so, so much so that it felt intuitive after a while. The unlocking time of CAMON 16 Premier is less than a second, and this is a marked improvement from even their own CAMON 15. This allows users to save time over minute actions, making the Samsung A41 and Huawei Y9 (2019) appear inferior. It seems that TECNO has done a lot of user research on this aspect, and the attention to detail made us feel very good about the CAMON 16 Premier.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In terms of screen size, which is a crucial consideration for users today, the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier takes the lead with its display with over 6.85” of high-resolution screen while 6.53FHD hole screen on Samsung A41 and 6.59”FHD notch on Huawei Y9 (2019). This is the real estate for users to watch their favorite TV shows or make video calls, users can enjoy greater visual details. The bigger screen is more comfortable to watch for extended periods, allowing users more considerable viewing time before getting tired. The CAMON 16 truly shines when users watch their favorite high-resolution videos. The widescreen works in perfect sync with the 90Hz ultra-clear resolution, so users do not have to strain their eyes to enjoy a high quality viewing experience.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Camera function - front and rear cameras</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The camera qualities of a phone have become a clear determining factor for users when it comes to buying a phone. After much consideration, the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier once again stands out with their ultra-clear visuals that reflect what you see with your eyes. It boasts a 64MP ultra quad-camera while the Huawei Y9 (2019) only has a rear camera of 13MP. The Samsung A41 comes a little closer with a 48MP triple rear camera and a panorama function but still shy of the quality that CAMON 16 Premier can produce.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">TECNO’s CAMON series has always been notable for its superior camera and photography capabilities. They put the user’s needs first and develop technology around that, bringing the user an unprecedented clear photography experience. Each camera lens has its mission and an outstanding feature, genuinely living up to their expectations that each picture could be a masterpiece. Based on the MTK flagship-level G90T core chip, the CAMON 16 Premier supports 64MP full-size output. As we understand, this is an industry-first, and not many phones can compete with this configuration. With five rear flashes, the user can get clear and bright photos regardless of the darkness of their environment.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Camera function - anti-shake function</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Clear photos will always be a priority when shooting. TECNO CAMON 16 Premier uses the Super Hybrid Video Anti-Shake (Super HIS) to stabilize and has produced fantastic photography results. Another advantage is that it supports 960 frames of super slow-motion shooting, thus expanding the potential of video shooting exponentially. The CAMON 16 Premier’s 8Gb of RAM aslo helps tremendously in accelerating the video processing time.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems to us that the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier is not merely a phone but a professional camera integrated with many other easy-to-use phone functions. These functions ensure the users get the best photo quality everywhere, every time. It is impressive that TECNO managed to fit something of this quality into a mobile phone.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Battery life</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Battery life is a significant feature that determines how long your phone can last while you complete your tasks. The TECNO CAMON 16 Premier has a 4500mAh battery and a quick charge of up to 70% in just 30 minutes. This is an upgrade compared to the smaller 4000mAh and 3500mAh capacity of Huawei Y9 (2019) and Samsung A41. Furthermore, the user’s safety is TECNO’s priority as CAMON 16 Premier comes with its newest safety features. TECNO has engineered the CAMON 16 to reduce overheating during fast-charge and lowered the surface temperature by two degrees. It does this while simultaneously offering two types of charging options as CAMON 16 Premier has managed to even add a Type-C fast charging capability inside its lithe frame.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This is complemented with another safety function that automatically shuts the phone down when the battery is fully charged. This is a breakthrough in the industry, TECNO has integrated into the CAMON 16 Premier to better protect the mobile phone and the user.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The promising future of AR</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">One critical measure of a good smartphone is how they approach new technology. In this aspect, TECNO’s CAMON 16 Premier is already off to a strong start with its unique AR Graffiti function that Huawei Y9 (2019) and Samsung A41 do not have. This new function gives users the ability to unleash their creativity digitally and re-imagine their surroundings. The AR Graffiti function has countless brushes and unlimited colors that you can use to customize your photos. This took us by surprise because it is something refreshing on the market, and also we had a lot of fun playing around with this technology.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">To make it even better, TECNO CAMON 16 Premier also has other complimentary AR features. AR Sticker and AR Emoji, for example, allows users to interact in many creative ways. The features will enable you to capture any expression you want with over 200 facial features available. This technology also includes light beautification and localization features to make sure you look your best, even in AR. We know AR in smartphones is still an experimental technology, but if this is the direction that it is going to be in the future, then we think the CAMON 16 Premier will become popular very fast.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">After reviewing so many functions, the clear winner amongst these three phones is clearly TECNO’s CAMON 16 Premier. TECNO has not only continually integrated advanced technologies into their products, but also makes sure they are an economical product. The CAMON 16 Premier offers outstanding value for money, which is only one of the many other benefits that this phone offers.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv8727654931MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.</span></span></i></p></div>

TECNO Never Disappoints

  As smartphones are becoming increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, it is essential to choose one that fits your lifestyles and y...

Read more »

LNG Project Could Be Transformational for Mozambique

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgS3AwZrqjBxdxm4wmqowMtIUYf-1vuxsknB5rtO1E-_xAg6zm6r31iL40TMbT6V0PsKSlEDdywcve6uVcfhhv6NBmdPI6K8dSXjNlKAOARteVxGtuPPAPLRVFpt77gea3bwSEFf8Q2WP/s250/chamber.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="158" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLgS3AwZrqjBxdxm4wmqowMtIUYf-1vuxsknB5rtO1E-_xAg6zm6r31iL40TMbT6V0PsKSlEDdywcve6uVcfhhv6NBmdPI6K8dSXjNlKAOARteVxGtuPPAPLRVFpt77gea3bwSEFf8Q2WP/s0/chamber.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, <a href="www.EnergyChamber.org">African Energy Chamber</a></span></span><p></p><p class="yiv3064699254MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When Anadarko Petroleum Corp. confirmed last year it would be constructing a $20 billion liquified natural gas (LNG) plant in Mozambique, this was major news. Mozambique’s first onshore LNG plant would be creating tens of thousands of jobs - and contributing to sustainable, long-term economic growth that would impact millions of people.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Two additional LNG projects have been announced since then: the $4.7 billion Coral FLNG Project by ENI and ExxonMobil, and the $30 billion Rovuma LNG Project by ExxonMobil, ENI, and the China National Petroleum Corporation. While these two have been postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the original LNG Mozambique project has been moving forward.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">French oil major Total acquired the project and finalized project funding in July, even in the face of recent terror attacks in northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province, where Total’s LNG plant will be constructed.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">That’s why it’s so disheartening to learn that a UK-based environmental group is pursuing actions that could jeopardize the project’s timely progression, all in the name of preventing climate change. Friends of the Earth has said it will initiate a legal challenge against the UK’s decision to provide $1 billion in funding for the Mozambique LNG project.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Never mind the project’s importance to everyday Africans. Never mind its potential to grow and diversify the economy. Never mind that projects like this are just what Mozambique needs to address its energy poverty, or that the Mozambique government has invested considerable time and resources into making this LNG project possible.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This is not the first time that not so well informed radical activist have attempted to interfere with Africa’s energy industry in ways that do not help poor Africans but serve their own interest. International organizations, including the World Bank, and private investors, under pressure by environmental groups, have been dropping support for African fossil fuel production. A lot of poor people are suffering from this and hundreds of millions more will if we to change direction.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I find it stunning that, during a time when much of the world is talking about the need to respect black perspectives, environmental groups seem to have no qualms about dismissing African voices.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As I’ve said in the past, I agree that climate change should be taken seriously. And I understand the risks it poses to Africa. The thing is, why are non-African organizations trying to dictate how African countries address those risks? The message in this case seems to be that “they know best.” That idea is insulting, and interfering with an African country’s efforts to build up its economy – simply because fossil fuels are involved – is completely unacceptable.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>A ‘Missed Opportunity?’ Really?</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">UK Export Finance (UKEF) is one of eight export credit agencies to provide funding for Total’s Mozambique LNG project, which includes the construction of a two-train liquefaction plant with a capacity of 12.9 million tonnes per year.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">UKEF’s $1 billion commitment includes awarding $300 million in loans to British companies working on the gas project and guaranteeing loans from commercial banks worth up to $850 million. The UK’s parliamentary under-secretary for the Department for International Trade, Graham Stuart, has pointed out that Total’s LNG project could be transformational for Mozambique and create 2,000 jobs in the UK as well.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But Friends of the Earth has said they will seek a judicial review into the UK government’s decision to help finance a project that, as they put it, will “worsen the climate emergency.” The group’s director, Jamie Peters, also expressed his disappointment in a letter to the UK government. The UKEF’s funding decision, Peters said, represents a “lost opportunity” for the UK to be a world climate leader.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">My question to Mr. Peters is, what about Mozambique’s opportunities? To help everyday people improve their lives? To earn a decent living? To have a reliable source of energy? I’m talking about an opportunity to nudge the average life expectancy in Mozambique above 59 years, where it stands now.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Mozambique LNG project is poised to make those things possible. As far as I’m concerned, losing that opportunity would devastating.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What Mozambique Stands to Gain</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I can’t overstate the far-reaching implications and potential that Total’s Mozambique LNG project represents for local businesses, communities, and individuals.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Total estimates that its plant will generate about $50 billion in revenue for Mozambique’s government during its first 25 years in operation. That revenue can be directed toward much-needed infrastructure, educational programs, and economic diversification programs.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Consider direct foreign investment in Mozambique: Total’s US$25 billion investment in the LNG plant is more than twice Mozambique’s current GDP.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">How about the plant construction project? Not only will it generate tens of thousands of local jobs, but it also will provide training opportunities for local people. Indigenous companies will be contracted to provide goods and services.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This pattern will continue once the plant is operational. Locals can train for and take a wide range of positions, including professional and leadership roles. Over time, subject matter experts who can share their knowledge in Mozambique, and with other African companies, will be cultivated. And, once again, the plant will be looking to local companies to provide products and services.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>LNG Can ‘Em-power’ Mozambique</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to these far-reaching economic opportunities, the LNG produced at the plant will provide affordable energy for Mozambique.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The need is urgent. Only about 29% of the population has access to electricity today. Medical care is hindered. Education is impacted. And sustainable economic growth is an uphill climb.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Earlier this year, I praised the government of Mozambique for negotiating for part of the LNG production to be diverted to the domestic market, meaning it can be used for power generation. Since then, the government secured financing for a 400MW gas-fired power plant and transmission line to Maputo, the country’s capital, which will dramatically improve power reliability there.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">By the way, when the Mozambique government ensured that some of the plant’s LNG production would be available for domestic use, it also laid the foundation for monetization and economic diversification. In Mozambique, LNG will be available to serve as feedstock for fertilizer and petrochemical plants. It can be exported by pipeline to neighboring companies. And that, in turn, can help Mozambique build even more infrastructure and contribute to even greater widespread prosperity.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mozambique Has Been Working for This</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I’d also like to point out the thought and preparation that the Mozambique government has put into making its natural gas operations beneficial for the country as a whole since approximately 180 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves were discovered there in 2010.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Mozambique’s national oil company, ENH, hired global energy research and consulting firm Wood Mackenzie to help it prepare for the responsibility of managing and selling its corresponding portion of the resources. Since then, ENH formed a consortium with international oil and gas trader, Vitol.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The government also has sought the support of more experienced energy producers and international partners. Earlier this year, President Filipe Nyusi met with Norway's Crown Prince Haakon and signed an agreement for support on natural gas resource management.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">But even before that, Mozambique laid the foundation for a successful oil and gas industry with the new Petroleum Law of 2014. And with that legislation in place, the country completed a successful bidding round for exploration blocks. These efforts, along with careful negotiations with international oil companies, is what brought Mozambique to where it is today: on the cusp of becoming a major LNG producer. And these efforts are what will make Mozambique’s LNG industry a success, not just in terms of government revenue, but also in improving the lives of everyday people.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>We Must Put People First</strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Mozambique is not asking for aid to lift its people out of poverty. It’s attempting to capitalize on its own natural resources. The government isn’t trying to make a quick buck. It’s working to lay a foundation for long-term growth. And efforts like the Exxon and Total Mozambique Projects are more than an opportunity for international oil companies, or even Mozambique’s government. They have the potential to improve the lives of millions of everyday people.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I recognize the need to protect our planet and prevent climate change. But interfering with financing for Africa’s fossil fuel projects is not the right path. We must not dismiss the value of projects like these or their ability to make meaningful changes for the better in Mozambique. And we must not put environmental ideals ahead of the pressing needs that are facing people right now.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv3064699254MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.</span></span></i></p></div>

LNG Project Could Be Transformational for Mozambique

  By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber When Anadarko Petroleum Corp. confirmed last year it would be constructing a $20 bi...

Read more »

Rugby shimmers of hope in Libya

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F-jZC5sg_IHt3bSkB15L_tJr45oaad4P5NM9T_G-M9DslW2LMUGeeV5VPWdZsnWvgzknHbYkt0-qiBzq5q2iTWvAFqstxh6pxRhlSqiZ-oSAt2K1aGh-flYq2X6GdEJsGJ81M2AGsF1Y/s250/rughb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="116" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F-jZC5sg_IHt3bSkB15L_tJr45oaad4P5NM9T_G-M9DslW2LMUGeeV5VPWdZsnWvgzknHbYkt0-qiBzq5q2iTWvAFqstxh6pxRhlSqiZ-oSAt2K1aGh-flYq2X6GdEJsGJ81M2AGsF1Y/s0/rughb.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The Rugby Federation of Libya under the presidency of Mustapha Hoty inaugurates today their first state-of-the-art rugby stadium at the university of Benghazi, home to 150,000 students of which 2,000 are studying sports. The modern facility complies with international standards and will facilitate trainings and the organization of national as well as international competitions in Libya in the future.</span></span></span><p></p><p class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The project has been a team effort of everyone involved, namely the Ministry of Youth and Sports and National Olympic Committee of Libya, and all the individual contributions. Managers, trainers, referees and officials have all invested their time and resources extensively to make the construction of the stadium possible.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Forgani Abdulkarem, General Secretary of Libya Rugby, welcomes the new stadium: “This is a historic landmark for Libya Rugby and the result of many years of hard work of everyone involved. Up to date our trainings and competitions had to take place on inappropriate grounds as we had no dedicated rugby field. I am proud to say that Libya has now the first rugby facility in line with international rules in terms of sizing and set up. Special thanks to the National Olympic Committee of Libya and everyone involved to have made this happen. We are excited to see the first match and are confident that this will only be the beginning of rugby in Libya. We hope to attract the young Libyans living in the region and develop many future talents here.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Khaled Babbou, President of Rugby Africa sees the inauguration of the new facility as a very positive sign: “This is a shimmer of hope for normality in a country that is struck by tensions and armed conflicts. Rugby is a fantastic sport to keep fit, stay healthy and experience respect and fraternity in order to preserve the unity of Libyan sport and make it even more visible internationally. The new rugby ground in Libya will provide a bit of ‘normality’ in times of adversity. This infrastructure is a great win for Libya as well as Rugby Africa. The effort everyone involved has put in is truly impressive and the results are only possible thanks to great dedication and teamwork. I am convinced we will see many talented players in Libya in the years to come. Finally, I hope very soon to be able to visit this infrastructure and convey to President Mustapha Hoty in person all the admiration of Rugby Africa for its dedication to promoting Libyan rugby.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Since 2017 Libyan rugby has been structured with the following objectives that were set and achieved:</div></span></span><p></p><ul style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0cm;" type="disc"><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discovery of rugby for 5,000 students in primary schools</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Recruitment and training of 500 players of different ages</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Organization of a school championship over three editions</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Organization of a regional competition for young players spread over six days</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Organization of a federal competition for senior players</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Participation of the national team in the past three editions of the Arab rugby championship</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Organization of several training courses in Tunisia</span></span></li><li class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Participation in three training courses delivered by Rugby Africa: for rugby 7s coaches in 2017, referees in 2018 and Get Into Rugby in 2018</span></span></li></ul><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv5302451701MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.</span></span></i></p></div>

Rugby shimmers of hope in Libya

  The Rugby Federation of Libya under the presidency of Mustapha Hoty inaugurates today their first state-of-the-art rugby stadium at the un...

Read more »

ensuring COVID-19 vaccine compliance

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CM_Wdu5qGwvh4-BRIw58zo2e2_3PKLdfw_CvDLhiStCCRXgv12Z9nw2lGaEB8zKYpf_Bz0RI7m_t3sDropXcMbD7PALwJqdlhtiF3ndgKQwbil4esnTOVziB2i2zC0AGlrLAEb6jik5c/s250/foundation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-CM_Wdu5qGwvh4-BRIw58zo2e2_3PKLdfw_CvDLhiStCCRXgv12Z9nw2lGaEB8zKYpf_Bz0RI7m_t3sDropXcMbD7PALwJqdlhtiF3ndgKQwbil4esnTOVziB2i2zC0AGlrLAEb6jik5c/s0/foundation.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">NEW YORK, United States of America</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">By Derek Yach, MBChB, MPH</span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">An effective COVID-19 vaccine could help us emerge from isolation and end the social distancing required during this pandemic; but it will only work if people are willing to be vaccinated [1].</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We conducted a survey in June of 2020 that addressed whether people’s willingness to use a COVID-19 vaccine and adopt other preventive healthcare measures was associated with trust.  The survey was conducted in nine countries: China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A thousand individuals were surveyed in each country, and the responses were weighted to the most recent census data [2].</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">While an average of 86% of the respondents had increased the number of times they washed their hands in April and May of 2020, an average of 21% said that they would not get vaccinated. These figures were highest in Sweden (31%) and South Africa (30.6%), but were not much better in the United States (28%) and Italy (23%) (Figure A). Unfortunately, many of these levels barely reach the cusp of vaccine coverage needed to achieve population-wide herd immunity against COVID-19 [3], [4], [5].</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Sources show that the public is most concerned with vaccine effectiveness and the risk of vaccine side effects [5], [6], [7], [8]. Worry about side effects has historically had a big influence on vaccine acceptance. In the UK, concern about reported neurological complications from common childhood vaccines lowered the vaccination rate from 81% in 1974 to 31% in 1980, leading to a resurgence of pertussis that resulted in over 100,000 cases [6]. In 2018, 20% of respondents to the Wellcome Global Monitor survey in the UK said they believed that the risk of vaccine side effects was fairly high or very high [7].</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Interestingly, our survey showed that respondents who said they would get vaccinated had more education than those who said they would not get vaccinated. These results were highest in the U.S. and Sweden (Figure B). This may mean that people with more education have more information, but this correlation will need to be further explored before it can be explained.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Bruce Gellin, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of the National Vaccine Program in the Department of Health and Human Services, has said that the foundation that underpins vaccination acceptance is trust [9]. Our survey explored respondents’ trust of both their national government and the medical profession (Figures C and D). With the exception of China, India, and Indonesia, most respondents had relatively low levels of trust in their national government, but most of the respondents said they trusted the medical profession. Trust in both entities, but especially in the medical profession, was generally higher among those who said they would get vaccinated. These findings emphasize the importance of having medical professionals lead messaging about vaccine safety, effectiveness, and benefits. [10] [11]</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">A recent piece in the Journal of the American Medical Association [12]on flu vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic stated that strong, unified messaging is essential to vaccine compliance. The article cites the CDC’s call to action that urges physicians to make every effort to get their patients vaccinated and acknowledges that physicians and healthcare professionals are the most trusted source for accurate information on vaccine risks. The role of medical professions in preventing larger public health crises that could overwhelm the world’s healthcare resources cannot be overestimated. </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large;">We suggest that healthcare professionals partner with their national governments and international healthcare experts, such as the World Health Organization, to create consistent, accurate messages about the benefits of vaccination for COVID-19. These messages should use simple language that people with no more than an elementary education can understand; acknowledge peoples’ fears about vaccine side effects and cite accurate, verifiable data on side effect risks; and state whatever data is available on vaccine effectiveness. This will ensure that the greatest number of people will get vaccinated as soon as a vaccine is ready leading to a potential end to the current COVID-19 pandemic</span><span style="font-size: 16px;">.</span></div></span></span>

ensuring COVID-19 vaccine compliance

  NEW YORK, United States of America By Derek Yach, MBChB, MPH An effective COVID-19 vaccine could help us emerge from isolation and end the...

Read more »

Facebook announces its New Office in Lagos

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">As part of its continued commitment and ongoing investment in Africa, <a href="www.Facebook.com">Facebook</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> today announced it will be opening an office in Lagos, Nigeria - its second office on the African continent. Aimed at supporting the entire Sub-Saharan Africa region, the office is expected to become operational in H2 2021 and will be the first on the continent to house a team of expert engineers building for the future of Africa and beyond.</span></span></p><p class="yiv1688022910MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Facebook’s office will be home to various teams servicing the continent from across the business, including Sales, Partnerships, Policy, Communications as well as Engineers.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Commenting, Ime Archibong, Facebook's Head of New Product Experimentation said:<em> “The opening of our new office in Lagos, Nigeria presents new and exciting opportunities in digital innovations to be developed from the continent and taken to the rest of the world. All across Africa we’re seeing immense talent in the tech ecosystem, and I’m proud that with the upcoming opening of our new office, we’ll be building products for the future of Africa, and the rest of the world, with Africans at the helm. We look forward to contributing further to the African tech ecosystem.”</em></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The investment of the new Facebook office follows the 2018 opening of NG_Hub, its first flagship community hub space in Africa in partnership with CcHub, and the 2019 opening of a Small Business Group (SBG) Operations Centre in Lagos, in partnership with Teleperformance. Providing outsourced support to all English-speaking advertisers across Sub-Saharan Africa, the SBG office supports Small Medium Businesses (SMBs) through its Advocacy, Community & Education (ACE) programme, as well as its Marketing Expert sales programmes – all aimed at enabling SMBs to accelerate the growth and development of their businesses.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><em style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>“Our new office in Nigeria presents an important milestone which further reinforces our ongoing commitment to the region”, commented Kojo Boakye, Facebook’s Director of Public Policy, Africa. “Our mission in Africa is no different to elsewhere in the world - to build community and bring the world closer together, and I’m excited about the possibilities that this will create, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.”</em></div></em><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Since the opening of its first office in 2015, Facebook has made a number of investments across the continent, aimed at supporting and growing the tech ecosystem, expanding and providing reliable connectivity infrastructures and helping businesses to grow locally, regionally and globally. This includes the recent rollout of its SMB Grants programme in Nigeria and South Africa, aimed at supporting over 900 businesses by providing a combination of cash and ad credits to help small businesses as they rebuild from COVID. The development of 2Africa, the world’s largest subsea cable project that will deliver much needed internet capacity and reliability across large parts of Africa, as well as its ongoing training programmes across the continent which support various communities including students, SMBs, digital creatives, female entrepreneurs, start-up’s and developers. </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><em style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa,said: “We’re delighted to be announcing our new office in Nigeria. Five years on from opening our first office on the continent in Johannesburg, South Africa, we’re continuing to invest in and support local talent, as well as the various communities that use our platforms. The office in Lagos will also be key in helping to expand how we service our clients across the continent.”</em></div></em></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv1688022910MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Facebook.</span></span></i></p></div>

Facebook announces its New Office in Lagos

    As part of its continued commitment and ongoing investment in Africa, Facebook  today announced it will be opening an office in Lagos, N...

Read more »

Anzisha Prize Announces Top 20

<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMUZEpSLz82NF6jbZ1dQARthg-f8d27eJI3vDuRkLCJJoLJIPULOvxykOGTKhNe8m55yQPIqawwKDX9UN3iHZOdXb4FbAzCuXQaDxrGXqTRYOTW1muDRJu5ZDHxtTEW_RHKRjpabS-fZQ/s560/anzisha.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="98" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMUZEpSLz82NF6jbZ1dQARthg-f8d27eJI3vDuRkLCJJoLJIPULOvxykOGTKhNe8m55yQPIqawwKDX9UN3iHZOdXb4FbAzCuXQaDxrGXqTRYOTW1muDRJu5ZDHxtTEW_RHKRjpabS-fZQ/s320/anzisha.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The<a href="http://www.AnzishaPrize.org"> Anzisha Prize</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.AnzishaPrize.org"> </a>has revealed its top 20 finalists for 2020. Winners will be announced at this year’s Anzisha Prize Conference on the 27</span><sup style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">th</sup><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">of October, where the programme will be celebrating 10 years of supporting very young entrepreneurs.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv9771916748MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This year’s application season saw a record number of 1 200 applicants vying for a chance to join the Anzisha Prize fellowship. From these applications, 20 businesses emerged that were forty-five percent female-owned and represented sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and education.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background: yellow; font-size: x-large;">Young entrepreneurs from Morocco, South Africa and Tanzania displayed impressive ventures that are tackling critical issues within their communities while also turning a profit.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Through their businesses and entrepreneurial leadership skills, these job starters are paving a way for other young Africans to pursue entrepreneurship.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Selected as a top 20 finalist is 21-year-old Alaa Moatamed who is the co-founder of Presto, a company she describes as one of the leading delivery management platforms in Egypt. The venture provides business owners with an affordable and convenient delivery service for their customers. Joining Alaa is 20-year-old Benjamin Mushayija Gisa from Rwanda who manufactures and packages natural organic products for consumption and for cosmetic purposes in the form of lotions and coconut soap.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“2020 has seen a global shift in the future of work. This year’s applicants have personified the resilience and innovation that Africa needs as we navigate our way into a post-COVID-19 future,” says Melissa Mbazo-Ekepenyong, Deputy Director of the Anzisha Prize.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">For the past decade, the Anzisha Prize, which is a partnership between African Leadership Academy and Mastercard Foundation, has championed and supported very young African entrepreneurs such as Alaa and Benjamin. The programme has supported 122 entrepreneurs and 77 of those businesses have created over 2 000 jobs, with 56% of those being employment provided for young Africans under 25.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Peter Materu, Chief Program Officer, Mastercard Foundation says, “The success of the Anzisha Prize over the last decade stands as a resounding testament to the creativity and entrepreneurial potential of Africa’s very young people—a hugely under-tapped resource. Through Anzisha, we’re reminded of what they can achieve when challenged and enabled to own and solve the problems they see around them. Now, as ever, the innovations that have emerged through the Anzisha Prize inspire and renew our faith in and commitment to their promise.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This year, the top 20 will gather virtually from their various countries to share knowledge and learn from expert coaches and mentors as they prepare for their final pitches to a panel of external judges. All the entrepreneurs will receive a cash prize of $2 500. The grand prize winner will receive $25 000, while the 1st runner and 2nd runner receive $15 000 and $12 500 respectively.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As the programme celebrates its 10th year, the announcement of the grand prize winner will take place at the Anzisha Prize Conference on the 27^th of October. This will be a virtual gathering of key stakeholders within the youth entrepreneurship community.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">As an advocate of young people starting businesses and hiring their peers to combat youth unemployment, the Anzisha Prize is confident that these top 20 entrepreneurs exemplify the importance of young Africans choosing entrepreneurship to build sustainable businesses.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">To see who will be crowned the grand prize winner, register for the Anzisha Prize Conference and vote for your favourite entrepreneur at <a href="https://bit.ly/3hElqyr" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3hElqyr</a>.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><i>The 2020 finalists for the Anzisha Prize are:</i></strong></div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong><i>Mustapha Zeroual, 22, Morocco: </i></strong>Founder of IA4YOU, a business/social initiative that designs different systems and digital platforms using artificial intelligence.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Aseitu Olivia Kipo, 22, Ghana: </strong>Founder of agribusiness Kobaa-Ok that focuses on the production and sales of vegetables and providing training and advisory services for other agri-entrepreneurs with farming businesses.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Omonlola Loïs Aniambossou, 21, Benin: </strong>Founder of Abiathar Services, a business that offers installation, monitoring and repair services for owners of electrical appliances.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ian Khonje, 20, Malawi: </strong>Founder of an innovative agri-business called Ian Khonje Food Processers (IKFP) that procures raw baobab from smallholder farmers - both within Malawi and from Mozambique - and produces and packages baobab jam.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mohamed Bah, 22, Sierra Leone: </strong>Founder of Information For All (IFA) an NGO that constructs drills and repairs water wells and toilets - enabling water sustainability and hygiene for water deprived communities.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Benjamin Mushayija Gisa, 21, Rwanda: </strong>founder of Kaso, a manufacturing company that manufactures and packages natural organic products both for consumption (e.g. honey, tea, oils, baking soda) and for cosmetic purposes (e.g. lotions, bee wax, coconut soap).</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Joshua Adabie Armah, 22, Ghana: </strong>founder of PopKing Ghana, a business that sells fresh popcorn in multiple flavors to vendors in Ghana.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Adjei Nyamekye, 17, Ghana: </strong>founder of Mosquito Trapping and Emergency LED Bulbs, an initiative that sells state of the art light bulbs that provide 12 hours of emergency electricity during power outages and trap mosquitoes.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Wilfred Chege, 20, Kenya: </strong>co-founder of Shulemall Limited, an e-commerce platform that sells uniforms, textbooks, stationary, etc. for students in boarding schools.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Abdelouahab Toukkart, 22, Morocco: </strong>founder of Isla Pack, a business that processes used industrial paper into boxes and wrappings for confectionery items.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mahlatse Matlakana, 22, South Africa:</strong> the founder of Wozilex, an agri-business that produces and sells vegetables.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Abdul Dumbuya, 21, Sierra Leone: </strong>co-founder of a social enterprise that produces raw ginger and processes it into ginger powder. The social enterprise uses 25% of its generated revenue to support educational programs.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Saly Sarr, 22, Senegal: </strong>founder of SallyMaa, a fashion brand that designs and manufactures leather accessories such as heels and sandals for women of all ages.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Frida Agbor-Ebai Nenembou, 20, Cameroon: </strong>founder of Supreme Sparkle, a multifaceted business that offers tailoring, salon and spa services.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Jonathan Paul Katumba, 22, Uganda</strong>: founder of Minute5 - an online grocery delivery service with a focus on fresh farm products. Minute5 sources fresh fruits, vegetables, and other produce from small scale farmers and then delivers to consumers and businesses.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Alaa Moatamed, 21, Egypt: c</strong>o-founder of Presto, one of the leading delivery management platforms in Egypt. The venture enables business owners to provide an affordable and convenient delivery service to their customers.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Hamidu Biha, 22, Uganda: </strong>founder of Biha Eco Venture, an innovative recycling company that uses poultry eggshells to make various eco-friendly products including eco-charcoal and eco-tiles.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>David Denis, 22, Tanzania: </strong>founder of Cutoff Recycle, a Tanzania-based human hair waste recycling venture.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Matina Razafimahefa, 22, Madagascar: </strong>founder of an innovative EdTech venture based in Madagascar. The business sources, trains, and produces highly equipped young Africans in industry-specific digital skills.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><strong style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Ijeje Hephzibah, 20, Nigeria: </strong>Co-founder of Recyclift, a Nigerian based recycling company with the sole focus of recycling plastic bottles and plastic bottle caps.</div></strong><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Keep up with the latest news on our website and social media at @anzishaprize.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv9771916748MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Anzisha Prize.</span></span></i></p></div>

Anzisha Prize Announces Top 20

  The Anzisha Prize   has revealed its top 20 finalists for 2020. Winners will be announced at this year’s Anzisha Prize Conference on the ...

Read more »

TAIVOS™ Lab Brings CAMON 16 Premier an Unparalleled Night Shot Experience

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoVpvFx79D9cqcjkA1l4wSEr5uk_Msx4P2FpGm9f5dtKnWGD3mjQ3oXKbnzSMdzfrrtPF3domNIwDthC5Q9pIHVqtzhubK-tMMPuxgGGS9tA3i6iuQle6-8gGQ_zppVwwEdGIzhIq_GSI/s250/techno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="91" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoVpvFx79D9cqcjkA1l4wSEr5uk_Msx4P2FpGm9f5dtKnWGD3mjQ3oXKbnzSMdzfrrtPF3domNIwDthC5Q9pIHVqtzhubK-tMMPuxgGGS9tA3i6iuQle6-8gGQ_zppVwwEdGIzhIq_GSI/s0/techno.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.TECNOMobile.com">TECNO</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.TECNOMobile.com">,</a> the global premium smartphone brand, successfully hosted the first augmented reality (AR) online product launch that integrated technology and photography. TECNO launched its latest CAMON 16 Premier at the event, which boasts an industry-first rear 64MP quad camera and a front 48MP configuration. One of the main attractions is the trademarked TAIVOS™ technology, which is one of the key outputs of TAIVOS™ lab - providing users an excellent and unprecedented visual experience, especially at night and low-light environments.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv3973922830MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">TAIVOS™, which stands for</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><em style="font-size: x-large;">TECNO AI Vision Optimization Solution</em><span style="font-size: x-large;">, is an advanced signal processing technology that interprets raw data through an AI multi-framed, portrait segmentation based on tens of millions of data points. This capability means that TAIVOS™ can filter image noise better and optimize image clarity, thereby enhancing night photography effects. Not long ago, TAIVOS™ technology won the CVPR 2020 LIP global competition, the first place in the dark complexion segmentation track, which also validates the prowess of the CAMON 16 Premier.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">TECNO is always committed to bring products with the latest technology to consumers, with the goal to push the performance of mobile phone photography further. For this reason, TECNO has carried out a number of researches and tests on the core technologies of photography on the lab platform, in order to seek more refined technological breakthroughs. TECNO's research centers train deep learning algorithms through tens of millions of deep skin data that are supported by multiple visual algorithms, enabling users to record and take more sophisticated photos. When compared to other smartphones, the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier can better filter image noise and optimize image clarity. Combined with the ultra-clear 48MP front camera and 64MP rear camera to enhance night-time photography, TECNO's night shooting mode becomes a big selling point of the smartphone.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition, most of the mobile phones usually only sports 1080 pixels resolution for video recording and playing, while the TECNO CAMON 16 Premier makes use of its TAIVOS™ technology in tandem with the equipped 2.9 μm super-large lens pixels to be able to film better in dark environments than normal camera. This configuration delivers twice as effective results as that of ordinary mobile phones. TECNO CAMON 16 Premier can also use AI to intelligently identify super night scenes, dark environment and portrait, and divide and protect the portrait, so that the portrait can be captured but not exposed, and the night scene is more transparent, bright and dark environment is clearer, so as to take the most perfect photos. It can not only ensure the stable output of 1080P clear quality video but also enables filming in dark environments by allowing users to get brighter exposures, which other mobile phones cannot do.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">At the same time, TECNO CAMON 16 Premier can also perform intelligent recognition through AI, distinguish super night scenes, dark environments, and portraits with professional-level quality. The integrated software can segment and identify portrait-style photos, so that users can manipulate and edit videos to meet their creative vision, in both night and day. TECNO has painstakingly considered these details in the pursuit of empowering users to create the most perfect images, be it in video or photo form.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv3973922830MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.</span></span></i></p></div>

TAIVOS™ Lab Brings CAMON 16 Premier an Unparalleled Night Shot Experience

  TECNO , the global premium smartphone brand, successfully hosted the first augmented reality (AR) online product launch that integrated t...

Read more »

Africa’s climate change fight gets a boost as Global Center

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88JRzdIkOVNGwbw3gfvQhiBFpYFDsIseEyIegbDZugW-gC2aQ7qwfMWiYlanYX2ApQ-KM81tU3YVx-7jsKCZEwoa44mnADJP6YgL1S1mT2paSONQo4Vif3Xi4lTQtgtOYNh3NErSeBnkV/s250/Afica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88JRzdIkOVNGwbw3gfvQhiBFpYFDsIseEyIegbDZugW-gC2aQ7qwfMWiYlanYX2ApQ-KM81tU3YVx-7jsKCZEwoa44mnADJP6YgL1S1mT2paSONQo4Vif3Xi4lTQtgtOYNh3NErSeBnkV/s0/Afica.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">African leaders welcomed the opening of a regional office of the Global Center on Adaptation on Wednesday, voicing hopes it will spur the continent’s efforts to combat climate change.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv5536271501MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In speeches marking the virtual launch of GCA Africa, the leaders said the Center could also provide an impetus for a more resilient recovery after COVID-19, which they said had compounded climate-induced vulnerabilities.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“In the post-COVID period, our objective should not only be to recover and build better but to do so in a climate-conscious way,” said Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“There is no (more) stark reminder of the need for us to take urgent action than the devastating impact of climate change that we are witnessing now. We have no other option but to mobilize ourselves more than ever before to safeguard the planet. Time is not on our side,” Zewde noted.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Hosted by the African Development Bank at its headquarters in the Ivorian commercial capital, Abidjan, GCA Africa will work with partners across the continent to accelerate adaptation action that protects African communities from climate change.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Several regional and global leaders attended the high-level launch. Key speakers included the 8^th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, co-chair of the Global Center on Adaptation, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo; Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group and Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of GCA.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">There were also speeches by representatives from the African Union Commission, Dutch businessman and co-chair of the GCA Feike Sijbesma, United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed, Gabonese President Ali Bongo, who is also chairperson of the African Adaptation Initiative, <strong>Dag-Inge Ulstein, Minister of International Development for Norway, and Peter Eriksson, Minister for International Development Cooperation for Sweden.</strong></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Welcoming the opening of GCA Africa, President Akufo-Addo expressed the hope that it will work to scale up the “bright spots” of adaptation on the continent, including Ghana, where development partners have kicked off a project to enhance the resilience of national infrastructure systems against threats of climate change.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“We look forward to working with GCA and its partners to meet the challenges of climate change and ensuring resilience is built into Africa’s economic recovery plans.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">President Kenyatta noted that the climate change challenge is no longer a projected crisis. “It’s indeed a reality that we need to control urgently,” he said, citing the incidence of El-Nino-triggered floods and droughts in parts of East Africa, which has also been hit by a locust invasion.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">He commended the partnership between the Bank and the African Adaptation Initiative under the GCA. “I am optimistic that through this partnership Kenya and other African counties will attract more financing and other resources that we need to implement our various national adaptation plans.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Opening the regional office, Adesina said the occasion marked a major milestone in the Bank’s drive to build climate resilience for Africa. Adesina, who began his second five-year term as Bank President this month, said one of his key priorities over the next five years is for the Bank to drive investments in green growth and climate finance for Africa.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“As a Bank, we are committed to helping Africa build back from the COVID-19 crisis, better, stronger and with greater health and climate resilience,” he said, adding that the Bank’s financing for climate had quadrupled, from 9% of its total portfolio in 2016 to 36% by 2019. “By the end of 2021, we will reach our target of 40% of the total portfolio.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Also, the Bank has committed to providing $25 billion in climate financing by 2025, Adesina stated.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The GCA Africa programs include improving the food security of one billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 through a program on rural well-being and food security, as well as projects to support communities through water for urban growth and resilience; using nature for more resilient infrastructure; adaptation finance and building youth leadership.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv5536271501MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).</span></span></i></p></div>

Africa’s climate change fight gets a boost as Global Center

  African leaders welcomed the opening of a regional office of the Global Center on Adaptation on Wednesday, voicing hopes it will spur the ...

Read more »

<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">The African Energy Chamber will launch the book “African Energy Road to Recovery: How the African energy industry can reshape itself for a post-COVID comeback” in December; The book will contain data, insight, analysis and interviews, and will assess risks, opportunities and what is ahead for the African energy sector; Leading voices in African energy and global oil markets will create a valuable resource for the continent’s post-COVID-19 rebound.</span></p><p class="yiv3943960500MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />The <a href="https://energychamber.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">African Energy Chamber</a> (<a href="https://energychamber.org/" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://EnergyChamber.org/</a>) is pleased to announce the launch of a pivotal publication – “African Energy Road to Recovery: How the African energy industry can reshape itself for a post-COVID comeback”’ – in December 2020. This important work will unpack how Africa’s energy industry can overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the entire energy value chain.<br /><br />Produced by <a href="https://www.africaoilandpower.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Africa Oil & Power</a> (<a href="https://www.africaoilandpower.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://www.AfricaOilandPower.com/</a>) – the African continent’s leading investment platform for the energy sector – the book will highlight crucial aspects of Africa’s post COVID-19 energy industry recovery by harnessing the knowledge and expertise of the African Energy Chamber’s Advisory Board.<br /><br />Made up of 35 seasoned energy professionals, the Advisory Board will be central to the Chamber’s policy advocacy and advisory efforts across the continent to provide an enabling business environment for investors and entrepreneurs.<br /><br />The inaugural Advisory Board book will include interviews, moderated discussions, articles, resources, opinion pieces, round table discussions and vital data for moving beyond the pandemic. It will also provide a clear picture of how the African energy industry can not only recover, but make a strong comeback, offering a roadmap to create a strong and sustainable context within which energy companies can thrive.<br /><br />“The onslaught of COVID-19 has impacted every country and every sector around the globe – the energy sector has not been spared. Moving forward, it is critical that the African Energy sector unites around a shared strategy and on a unified path toward recovery post-COVID-19,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.<br /><br />The publication will further emphasise how to create a competitive environment that will attract investment, pinpoint how African countries can tackle the energy transition while also addressing issues of energy poverty across the continent. Through its incisive content, readers will better understand the range of recovery strategies which can be applied to Africa’s energy sector value chain, from upstream oil and gas to the renewable energy transition, while key insights from industry leaders will provide a framework for moving forward.<br /><br />“At the African Energy Chamber, we know the African energy sector can make an incredible rebound and that the opportunities for investment and growth will be exponential, but the energy industry must first be reshaped for a post-COVID-19 comeback — to be ready to spring into action once a recovery is possible,” Ayuk adds. <br /></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv3943960500MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil & Power Conference.</span></i></p></div>

  The African Energy Chamber will launch the book “African Energy Road to Recovery: How the African energy industry can reshape itself for a...

Read more »

Driving the Future of Green Metals

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu_CTlQOkH7UsotSw7F0YdZucOEDN7ijpJWCGwhh-9uEPl0H4taNLTfS9PV1LB_UxMUOxzve8PdFawOQ_FOkmiFd-tfGpBGZ4b40qK-N_3PScYkWh7Jayc8TDOlmqgGe2ECzudN6THcDV/s250/indaba.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzu_CTlQOkH7UsotSw7F0YdZucOEDN7ijpJWCGwhh-9uEPl0H4taNLTfS9PV1LB_UxMUOxzve8PdFawOQ_FOkmiFd-tfGpBGZ4b40qK-N_3PScYkWh7Jayc8TDOlmqgGe2ECzudN6THcDV/s0/indaba.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Investing in African Mining<a href="www.MiningIndaba.com"> Indaba</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> hosted a highly anticipated Green Metals webinar that featured senior representatives from</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Anglo American Platinum, Aberdeen Standard Investments, BMO Capital Markets</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">and</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> World Economic Forum</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">. On the agenda were questions including “How will supply and demand for fuel cell and battery materials develop”, “Where is the sector going in the longer-term for the green market?” and “Is ESG lacking a fair case?”.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv0798181049MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The rise of green metals has been of increasing interest for the industry in the last few years, with growth opportunity but also controversy from various jurisdictions on the sourcing of such metals raising the question of whether “green” is a fair moniker. It cannot be disputed, however, that with the 4</span>^th<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Industrial Revolution and the global push for energy transition upon us, the need for battery materials is becoming stronger than ever. Pressure is rising from investors, regulators and social activists.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It is now apparent from Wednesday’s Mining Indaba webinar that innovation and scaling-up is a must to move forward within the battery metals sector, incorporating several discussion points around how investors questions have changed over time, building efficiency into the operating business model, and pertinently what the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 will be on industry supply and demand, <em>if any</em>.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Mining Indaba’s Green Metals webinar was moderated by the World Economic Forum and included contribution from experts spanning the sector’s value chain – from investment and operators - who provided insights from their side of the green metals supply chain. Over the webinar hour, ESG emerged as one of the strongest themes, with speakers and viewers alike questioning the cost and impact of the extraction of “green metals”. It’s no secret that pressure to prioritise ESG factors is rising from investors, regulators and activists alike, and increasingly mining companies have no choice but to incorporate ESG targets in their operating plans to continue receiving investment.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Another statement all speakers agreed on concerned the “greening” of operations, with one speaker asserting that not being involved in recycling of battery materials going forward would be an error for any mining company. Meanwhile, <strong>Colin Hamilton, MD Commodities Research, BMO Capital Markets</strong> remarked “recycling of the key metals is a difficult task, but not impossible”.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, the webinar outlined the challenges and opportunities of driving the future for green metals, which will no doubt explode in demand over the coming years. As many economies progress along their energy transitions, the global economy as a whole will depend on having enough of these materials in its transition towards electrification through lower-carbon energies and away from fossil fuels. Key learnings were that mining companies needs to stay looking investable and welcome the challenge that is yet to come, whilst improving sustainability metrics over time.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The webinar is available on-demand debating driving cleaner energy, examining platinum group metals used in hydrogen fuel cell technology and offer updates on cobalt supply for battery <a href="Watch now (https://bit.ly/3hAH5aT" style="color: #1d2228;">manufacturing</a>.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Continue the conversation live at Mining Indaba. The <strong>Green Metals Day</strong> will expand on our popular Battery Metals Day and showcase further innovations in fuel cell and clean energy technology. <a href="https://www.miningindaba.com/Page/register" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Register today</a> (<a href="https://bit.ly/3hw7Zk1" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3hw7Zk1</a>).</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv0798181049MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba.</span></span></i></p><p class="yiv0798181049MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></p></div>

Driving the Future of Green Metals

  Investing in African Mining Indaba  hosted a highly anticipated Green Metals webinar that featured senior representatives from   Anglo A...

Read more »

Global Philanthropy Forum panelists call for ‘smarter’ collaboration among funders to meet ambitious targets for a climate-resilient Africa

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0_FejIov592QwTupiKW_mqZB4-rEpn6bh9zngLpyP3xM1isKEHE8wd7gkKMsJZfoaiqxauZLMWrd_5hyphenhyphenepRWeyUd-0Yzq-M-8c_51ii-B9zHhXbtdOKfMO2ZWmoSNhjpm8bDaE363z63/s250/africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="68" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0_FejIov592QwTupiKW_mqZB4-rEpn6bh9zngLpyP3xM1isKEHE8wd7gkKMsJZfoaiqxauZLMWrd_5hyphenhyphenepRWeyUd-0Yzq-M-8c_51ii-B9zHhXbtdOKfMO2ZWmoSNhjpm8bDaE363z63/s0/africa.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Experts at the 2020 Global Philanthropy Forum on Tuesday called for greater collaboration among funders to address the severe threat that climate change poses to Africa’s development.</span></span><p></p><p class="yiv7742404963MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;"></p><div style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Participants highlighted the critical role of innovative approaches to mobilizing climate adaptation finance in Africa, in a session titled</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><em style="font-size: x-large;">Inclusive Green Economies - Harnessing Opportunities and Innovative Solutions for Investments in Climate-Resilient Development in Africa</em><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The virtual session, oranised by the African Development Bank, began with a call for sustainable ways for the continent to emerge stronger from the pandemic. The event was moderated by Emily Ojoo-Massawa. Senior Associate at the Global Climate Adaptation Partnership.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“The path to a sustainable COVID-19 recovery will therefore require investments that simultaneously tackle the pandemic and prevailing climate risks while offering attractive co-benefits,” said Al Hamndou Dorsouma, Manager of Climate and Green Growth at the Bank.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“The moment for adaptation has come. Interestingly, we have the attention of philanthropy, private sector and non-traditional investors, who want to invest in harnessing new opportunities in climate change adaptation,” said Arame Tall, Senior Adaptation and Resilience Specialist, Climate Change Group at the World Bank. “We need the ministries of finance to be involved in outlining adaptation investment opportunities in countries to better harness these opportunities, including clear investment and sectoral plans.” </div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">With less than 2% of philanthropic funding going to combat climate change, funders face a challenge. The solution is to collaborate more and in smarter ways in order to meet ambitious targets and rally support from all sectors, participants noted, drawing attention to the unprecedented challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“Collaboration is important to lay a solid foundation to achieve a greener post-COVID future,” said Atsuko Toda, the African Development Bank’s Director for Agricultural Finance and Rural Infrastructure Development.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">She called for a paradigm shift in adaptation financing, stressing the Bank’s willingness to work with partners to accelerate Africa’s adaptation.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In October 2018, the Bank’s Board of Directors approved a framework for the implementation of the Africa Disaster Risk Financing (ADRiFi) Programme, which offers regional member countries an opportunity to pool and transfer their climate-related risks by paying a sovereign insurance premium. “The payout is made immediately after a disaster happens,” Toda said. The Bank partners with the African Risk Capacity Insurance Company (ARC) to implement ADRiFi.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The COVID-19 crisis has underscored the urgency of building healthier, more inclusive and more resilient economies, the meeting heard.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Lesley Ndlovu, CEO of ARC, noted the need for countries to plan for exposures and build resilience. “At the African Risk Capacity, we work with countries to prepare them for the risk exposure they have and help them prepare for how to respond, including helping them to establish a rainy-day fund. We have also partnered with the African Development Bank for the Africa Disaster Risk Financing initiative and other financing instruments,” Ndlovu said.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“We need broader collaborations to solve the problem that our continent faces. The problem is so big that all of us have a role to play.”</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Africa is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, and the economic cost is high: as much as $15 billion in 2020, rising to potentially $50 billion by 2040, which is equivalent to 7% of the continent’s GDP.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Al Hamdou Doursouma noted that the Bank is on track to mobilize $25 billion between 2020 and 2025 to support investments in climate change.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2019, the  African Development Bank prioritized adaptation finance, with 55% of its climate-focused financing invested in adaptation actions. The Bank’s adaptation finance rose from $500 million in 2012 to $2 billion in 2019, cumulatively representing $18.6 billion over this period.</div></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-top: 11.25pt;"><p class="yiv7742404963MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).</span></span></i></p></div>

Global Philanthropy Forum panelists call for ‘smarter’ collaboration among funders to meet ambitious targets for a climate-resilient Africa

    Experts at the 2020 Global Philanthropy Forum on Tuesday called for greater collaboration among funders to address the severe threat tha...

Read more »