UNDP and Ooredoo Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Arab States
#Technology UNDP and Ooredoo Partner to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Arab States UNDP and Ooredoo Group launch a collaborative initiative to create a unified digital policy framework, fostering innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth across the Arab States region. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) joined hands with the Ooredoo Group to announce a joint initiative to establish a comprehensive policy framework to accelerate digital transformation across the Arab States region. This initiative is a decisive step toward creating a unified digital policy framework tailored to our region’s unique landscape. Phase 1 will identify global best practices and develop assessment criteria to benchmark each country’s digital policy context. UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Arab States and the Ooredoo Group will further explore developing additional collaborative regional projects under this initiative.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 12:30 UTC
Canon Central & North Africa to Bring World Unseen to Kenya
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (https://Canon-Cna.com/), a leader in imaging solutions, is proud to announce the showcase of its World Unseen exhibition in Kenya in partnership with Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS). This innovative initiative, designed to promote inclusivity and accessibility in photography, will take place from December 3–8, 2024, at the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS) in Nairobi. The World Unseen exhibition will be unveiled on December 3, 2024, in recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming Canon’s commitment to empowering individuals of all abilities. Through collaboration with the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenyan National Library Services (KNLS), Canon is set to redefine inclusivity in the creative arts. Visit us from 3rd-8th December between 10AM- 6PM at Kenya National Library Services, Nairobi and learn more about World Unseen: https://apo-opa.co/3ZkhlbPDistributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 12:26 UTC
Egypt: Seventeen people missing after tourist boat sinks in Red Sea – The North Africa Post
Egyptian authorities announced on Monday, November 25, that 28 individuals were rescued after a tourist boat capsized off the Red Sea coast, with search efforts underway to locate 17 others still missing. The vessel, identified as Sea Story, was carrying 31 tourists from various countries and 14 crew members when it sent out distress signals, early in the morning, according to a statement from the Red Sea Governorate. Amr Hanafi, the governor of the Red Sea region, stated that the rescue operations involved a combination of air and sea efforts. The incident underscores the allure and risks associated with Egypt’s Red Sea region, renowned for its pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs, which attract millions of tourists annually. Search operations, led by the Egyptian navy and armed forces, are expected to continue around the clock until all missing individuals are accounted for.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 12:20 UTC
Former Bowmans lawyer joins Dentons
Former Bowmans lawyer joins DentonsPublished by: Dippy Singh on 26/11/2024A public affairs specialist and lawyer with over 20 years in the field has joined Dentons in South Africa...A public affairs specialist and lawyer with over 20 years in the field has joined Dentons in South Africa. Dentons has added Neetesh Ramjee as a partner in its Cape Town office as it marks the launch of its government relations and commercial diplomacy practice. Ramjee brings over two decades of experience in public affairs, complex regulatory matters and law. Prior to this, he served almost four years as a lawyer at Bowmans in the same region. His advisory work has covered a range of areas including regulatory, policy insight, fiscal and communications matters for multinational companies operating across Africa, as well as other jurisdictions.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 12:12 UTC
Tunisia to Host African Lion 2025, Strengthening Ties With US and EU
Tunisia to Host African Lion 2025, Strengthening Ties With US and EUThe 2025 edition of the African Lion drills is scheduled to take place in Tunisia, marking the “most extensive exercise” hosted in the country. African Lion is an annual US-led exercise that brings together several nations to enhance interoperability among participating armed forces. The African Lion announcement follows the conclusion of another annual multinational exercise initiative hosted by Tunisia, the Phoenix Express. During a security cooperation meeting in August, American and Tunisian officials discussed strengthening bilateral relations in cyber defense, emergency management, and border security. Border Control and EU RelationsIn addition to US support, the EU plays a significant role in joint exercises and has provided substantial funding for security cooperation in the region.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 12:06 UTC
Rapid temperature rise for Middle East and North Africa?
Some of the hottest countries in the world are in North Africa and the Middle East. But parts of the Middle East and North Africa have already exceeded 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. But parts of the Middle East and North Africa have already exceeded 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. But in parts of the Middle East and North Africa, warming has already surpassed 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. Stenchikov said:Adaptation will be necessary, and these adaptation measures could be tested and developed in the Middle East and North Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 11:50 UTC
Morocco prepares to launch first tenders for Atlantic gas pipeline – The North Africa Post
Morocco plans to launch in 2025 the first tenders for the initial phase of a major gas pipeline that will connect Nigeria to the Kingdom, state hydrocarbons and mines agency ONHYM said. The first phase of the pipeline will connect Morocco to Mauritania and Senegal, giving a much-needed export outlet for newly found gas offshore the two west African countries. Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania are expected to sign final agreements to launch the project next year. The African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, expected to be achieved at an estimated cost of 26 billion dollars, will enhance energy security in 13 West African states. The project has the full backing of the Nigerian government and the West African regional grouping, the ECOWAS.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 11:02 UTC
Egypt’s AAIB bank raises $500 mln in green bond – The North Africa Post
Egypt’s Arab African International Bank (AAIB) issued Africa’s largest private green bond worth $500 million to fund its sustainable development operations. The bond is also reflective of a strong commitment to supporting Egypt’s green transition and economic development. To support the move to a greener, climate-resilient economy, in 2023 Egypt’s government announced its aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37 percent by 2030. The sustainability bond will help Egypt advance towards this target by increasing access to finance to businesses and projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or otherwise protect the environment. The proceeds from green bonds are exclusively used to finance or refinance projects that contribute to environmental sustainability.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 11:02 UTC
MTN Expands 5G Footprint with Launch in Benin and Republic of Congo
MTN Group has officially launched 5G networks in Benin and the Republic of Congo, marking a significant milestone in its mission to deliver cutting-edge digital solutions that advance Africa’s progress and enable the benefits of a connected modern life. This deployment of 5G technology represents a transformative step in reshaping how communities and businesses across Africa connect, innovate, and grow. Beyond offering dramatically faster speeds and lower latency, 5G serves as a catalyst for progress, unlocking opportunities in education, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Highlighting this achievement, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer Mazen Mroue stated: “The launch of 5G in Benin and Congo-Brazzaville underscores MTN’s role in shaping the digital future of Africa. We are proud to contribute to a connected, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”MTN’s 5G journey began in June 2020 with its first commercial launch in South Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 10:58 UTC
Rizwan Soomar shares insights at 97th AGM and Annual Convention hosted by FICCI
Rizwan Soomar shares insights at 97th AGM and Annual Convention hosted by FICCIShare This News Story:NEW DELHI : At the 97th Annual General Meeting and Annual Convention hosted by FICCI, Mr. Rizwan Soomar, CEO & MD, North Africa, Middle East, and India Subcontinent, DP World shared insights on the integral role of logistics in building a better future, in line with India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He discussed challenging age-old industry practices in cold storage and frozen food transportation, which can save carbon emissions equivalent to removing approximately 4 million cars from the road annually. With BoxBay, we have a fully electric-powered bay container storage system, which can significantly increase yard capacity utilisation. Our partnership with the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center will drive research and the implementation of practical methods to manufacture alternative fuels, such as green ammonia, at scale. In his concluding remarks, he reiterated that the development of alternative multimodal trade corridors is vital for enhancing the efficiency of goods movement and creating jobs in renewable energy, EV fleet management and sustainable shipping.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 10:13 UTC
Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) make an impact on the Maritime Sector
Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) make an impact on the Maritime SectorShare This News Story:ABU DHABI : Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and in cooperation with the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), Abu Dhabi Maritime – part of AD Ports Group announced the winners of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) during a ceremony on 23rd November. The awards bestowed in the ceremony held during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) recognised outstanding contributions across several key metrics. The response to this year’s Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards was overwhelming, with 120 submissions from marinas in eight countries – triple the participation level for the 2023 edition. Commenting on the Awards, Dr. Saif Al Nasri, Department of Municipalities and Transport, said, “The Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards (Marinas Edition) are part of our unwavering commitment to developing the sector across Abu Dhabi and the region. I look forward to the return of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards next year.”Abu Dhabi Maritime, operating under the AD Ports Group in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Mobility, is tasked with safeguarding Abu Dhabi’s waterways while supporting the growth of the emirate’s maritime sector.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 10:13 UTC
Cannes Critics’ Week closing film ‘Animale’ sells to North America (exclusive)
Film Movement has picked up Emma Benestan’s French-language supernatural horror Animale for North America. London and Paris-based Film Constellation is handling world sales and has also signed new deals with Cai Chang in Taiwan, Weirdwave in Greece and Ricochet Digital Media for inflight. Animale was the closing night feature at Cannes Critics’ Week in May before its North American premiere at Fantastic Fest in the Next Wave programme where it earned Benastan the best director prize, and at Sitges Film Festival where it won the best fantastic film award. It is co-produced by Cassandre Warnauts and Jean-Yves Roubin of Belgium’s Frakas Productions, whose credits include Titane and Vincent Must Die. Wild Bunch Distribition will release the film in France on Wednesday (November 27) before a December 18 launch in Belgium via O’Brother and a January 18 release in the Netherlands from Gusto Entertainment.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 09:57 UTC
Insight Partners-Backed India Fintech Yubi Plans New Fundraising
Indian fintech platform Yubi is looking to raise up to $200 million early next year to finance its global expansion, as the company embarks on a new funding round after narrowing its losses. Founded in 2020 and formerly known as CredAvenue Pvt., Yubi is capitalising on the growing debt market in India. Yubi’s operating revenue grew 48% in the year ended March to 4.8 billion rupees ($57 million), according to company filings. The sales growth helped the company narrow its loss by 22% to 3.9 billion rupees, the filings showed. Currently valued at $1.5 billion, Yubi entered the unicorn club in 2022, after raising $137 million in a round led by Insight Partners, B Capital and Dragoneer.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 09:56 UTC
Spain’s worst nightmare: ‘Algeria’s Su-57 is coming in 2028’?
Algeria has become the first international customer to place an order for the Russian Su-57 fighter jet. “We must prepare for the worst in this case, a stealth fighter that Algeria [supposedly] plans to acquire in 2028,” the press notes. “Given this arsenal, the Su-57 will be the cherry on top of the Algerian threat to Spain,” the author writes. The first customer of the MiG-25, now the first export customer of the Su-57,” says Kad-Ghani in a post. The acquisition of the Su-57 by Algeria would provide the country with a significant strategic advantage, significantly enhancing the combat capability of Algeria’s air force.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 09:26 UTC
Kenyan energy startup Hydrobox raises $9m debt funding to support 8 hydro projects
Kenyan energy startup Hydrobox has secured US$9 million in debt funding to support eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids in Kenya, providing over 10,000 people and local businesses with reliable, affordable electricity. The containerised hydro power plants lower construction costs, reduce production time, and facilitate deployment in hard-to-reach off-grid areas. The investment will support eight small hydro projects across four mini-grids, and is expected to provide electricity to approximately 2,582 households, benefiting over 10,000 individuals. These projects will deliver vital electricity to communities and businesses in need of reliable, affordable power. We thank everyone who has believed in and supported our journey,” said Thomas Poelmans, CEO and co-founder of Hydrobox.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 26, 2024 09:17 UTC