Nigeria: Entrepreneur identifies opportunity in cold chain logistics for the agriculture sector
How did you come up with the idea to start Kennie-O Cold Chain Logistics? In cold chain logistics, temperature is key. There is currently very little competition because of the high barrier of entry into cold chain logistics. Another hurdle is the training of personnel, particularly technicians to maintain the chillers as cold chain logistics is still in the infant stage in Nigeria. Kennie-O Cold Chain Logistics CEO contact informationContact details are only visible to our Monthly/Annual subscribers.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 14:15 UTC
Moody’s downgrades Tunisia’s ratings to B3 with negative outlook
New York-based credit rating agency, Moody’s, Tuesday downgraded Tunisia’s long-term foreign-currency and local-currency issuer ratings to B3 from B2 with negative outlook. “Moody’s has also downgraded the Central Bank of Tunisia’s senior unsecured rating to B3 from B2 and the senior unsecured shelf rating to (P)B3 from (P)B2, and maintained the negative outlook. The Central Bank of Tunisia is legally responsible for the payments on all of the government’s bonds. In addition, the country witnessed repeated social protests denouncing economic hardship caused by government’s measures to contain the pandemic. Moody’s last year maintained the country’s B2 rating with downgrading review citing economic, financial, social and political challenges.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 14:03 UTC
Emirates NBD approves 40% cash dividend to shareholders for 2020
Emirates NBD chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said 2020 was an unprecedented yearEmirates NBD, a leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa and Turkey) region, held its 14th General Assembly Meeting virtually and approved cash dividend of 40 per cent to shareholders. Emirates NBD chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum said 2020 was an unprecedented year. I am proud that Emirates NBD played its part in supporting customers and the economy by providing financial assistance as well as actively participating in community initiatives,” he said. He said Emirates NBD’s significant investment in digital and technology over the last few years allowed the Group to seamlessly adjust to this change in customer banking behaviour. Excluding the Network International gain in 2019, net profit was down 31% y-o-y> Total assets at Dh698 billion, up 2% from 2019> Customer loans at Dh444 billion, up 1% from 2019> Customer deposits at Dh464 billion, down 2% from 2019> Common equity tier 1 ratio of 15%— business@khaleejtimes.com
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:59 UTC
Morocco, Serbia Show Great Potential for Trade, Cooperation
Spread the loveRabat – Morocco and Serbia’s potential for trade and cooperation was highlighted during a videoconference held by the two countries’ Chambers of Commerce on February 23. The aim of this meeting is to boost trade relations between Moroccan businesses and their Serbian counterparts. During the February 23 meeting, Morocco’s Ambassador to Serbia Mohammed Amine Belhaj underlined the North African country’s achievements in establishing and improving its position in the international business climate. He highlighted the opportunities available to both domestic and foreign investors, in sectors such as industry, agribusiness, and tourism. While in 2019, bilateral trade added up to €26 million (MAD 282 million), of which €20 million were Serbian exports to Morocco, the two markets show enormous potential for future cooperation.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:41 UTC
Mediterranean wineries are in a climate hotspot. Climatologists are helping them adapt
The Mediterranean Basin – comprising countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea – is a climate hotspot. ‘Climate change is not only a thing of the future it is happening now. ForecastsVISCA has developed seasonal forecasts which are helping farmers assess the best times to apply these techniques. The longer-term impacts of climate change on the Mediterranean are likely to be severe. SupportEU policy needs to change to support producers adapting to climate change, he says.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:30 UTC
February warm spell sees UK temperatures reach 17.5C
It is officially the warmest day of the year so far after temperatures reached 17.5C in Weybourne, Norfolk, today. It comes after the Met Office issued two rain warnings for north-west Wales and Cumbria today. "With air coming up from north Africa and Spain across England and Wales that's where the temperatures are at their most unusual. Temperatures will probably reach 18C across parts of east of England which is very unusual for February." Despite the warm weather, the Environment Agency has issued four flood warnings for England today, meaning flooding is expected.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:21 UTC
Combating the Islamic State’s Spread in Africa: Assessment and Recommendations for Mozambique
The Salafi-jihadi insurgency in northern Mozambique risks adding two significant economies—South Africa and Tanzania—to this list of vulnerable countries. This report identifies several implications should the Islamic State in Mozambique (IS-M) continue its current trajectory. The Salafi-jihadi insurgency in Mozambique, like others in Africa, is co-opting and stoking local conflicts by translating historical narratives of grievance into extremist ideological terms. Part I of this report provides an assessment of the IS-M insurgency, including its development and capabilities. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project’s curated Mozambique dataset is available at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, “Cabo Ligado: Mozambique Conflict Observatory,” https://acleddata.com/cabo-ligado-mozambique-conflict-observatory/.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:07 UTC
Egypt registers Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine
Recasts with official confirmation from RDIFMOSCOW, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Egypt has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, becoming the 34th country outside of Russia and third in North Africa to do so, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said in a statement on Wednesday. RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund responsible for marketing the vaccine abroad, said Sputnik V had been approved by the Egyptian Drug Authority using an emergency use authorisation procedure. Tunisia and Algeria have already approved the shot. (Reporting by Polina Devitt; Writing by Polina Ivanova, editing by Louise Heavens)((p.ivanova@thomsonreuters.com;))The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:07 UTC
South Africa boosts vaccine spending in 'balancing act' amid debt worries
The Treasury said a mass vaccination programme would help spur GDP growth to 3.3% this year following a severe contraction of 7.2% in 2020. It is now planning to step up its vaccination programme, however, after administering the first doses of Johnson & Johnson'sJNJ.N vaccine last week as part of a research study. The budget allocates 1.3 billion rand for vaccine purchases in the current fiscal year, which ends next month, while 9 billion rand is earmarked for the roll-out over the medium term. To support the economy, the Treasury did not pencil in any additional tax revenue over the medium term, withdrawing previously proposed tax measures of 40 billion rand. The budget allocated 31.7 billion rand to Eskom for 2021/2022 while Land Bank, which supports farmers, was allocated 5 billion rand in 2021/22 and 1 billion rand in each of the two subsequent years.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 13:07 UTC
Ipsen, Pfizer Pharm and MSD Animal health topping the list of the Best Places To Work in Algeria 2021
ALGIERS, Algeria--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ipsen, Pfizer pharm and MSD Animal health are recognized among the top 3 Best Places To Work in Algeria in 2021 according to the annual prestigious “Best Places To Work” program. Our employees represent the most precious asset of our organization” said Abderrahmane Mekerba, General Manager for Pfizer Pharm Algeria. “Glad to know that MSD has been selected as the best place to work for our first participation in this program. Our goal is to invest in our employees by creating an adequate working environment to help them grow and improve their performance. ABOUT BEST PLACES TO WORK PROGRAMBest Places To Work is the most definitive ‘Employer of Choice’ certification that organizations aspire to achieve.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 12:56 UTC
Brazil's consumer confidence rises in Feb for first time in five months
By Jamie McGeeverBRASILIA, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Consumer confidence in Brazil rose in February for the first time in five months, a survey indicated on Wednesday, lifted by the start of a nationwide vaccination program against COVID-19 and prospects of the government resuming emergency income transfers to the poor. The rise was most pronounced among consumers in the lowest income bracket, although the overall level of confidence was still below that registered at the end of last year, the Getulio Vargas Foundation's (FGV) findings showed. "The start of the immunization campaign against COVID-19 and the possibility of extending emergency aid seem to have reduced consumer gloom in February," said FGV research manager Viviane Seda Bittencourt. FGV's consumer confidence index rose 2.2 points to 78.0 points in February. Current expectations and the outlook for the coming months improved, although both remained below December's levels, FGV said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 12:39 UTC
Odin’s Eye scores US, UK deals on animation franchise ‘Tales From Sanctuary City’ (exclusive)
Australian outfit Odin’s Eye Entertainment has closed a raft of deals on animation franchise Tales From Sanctuary City. Vertical Entertainment has snapped up US rights for all three titles in the series: The Wishmas Tree, Combat Wombat and Daisy Quokka: World’s Scariest Animal. Further sales include Canada (Equinoxe) for The Wishmas Tree and Combat Wombat; France (Koba Films) for Combat Wombat; and Taiwan (IPA Asia) and Russia (Voxell Films) for The Wishmas Tree. Universal Australia is aiming to release the third film, Daisy Quokka, in cinemas later this year. Odin’s Eye CEO Michael Favelle confirmed to Screen that discussion for a fourth instalment in the franchise is now underway.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 12:33 UTC
AU Urged to Get Member States to Reduce Ties with Israel
In addition, the North African states, despite some of them having their own relationships with Israel, continue to support AU resolutions critical of Israel and supportive of the Palestinians. Jeenah: Israel had good relations with many African states until the 1973 war, when the OAU adopted a strong resolution calling on member states to end ties with Israel. Sudan and Morocco recently normalized relations with Israel; Egypt had done so decades ago; Tunisia has not normalized diplomatic relations but has other relations with Israel. However, if the Palestine solidarity movement strengthens in individual African states, their national policies could also change and give effect to AU resolutions and statements. Also, AU member states often use AU resolutions when voting in international fora, such as in the UNSC or the Human Rights Council.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 12:00 UTC
Morocco to Coordinate African Group in UN For Second Year Running
At the UN, Morocco will be responsible for the green development of Africa, as well as the coordination of post-COVID-19 recovery. Spread the loveRabat – Morocco was chosen to coordinate the African Group in New York on economic and development issues, for the second consecutive year. Morocco’s role as the principal coordinator of the African Group to the United Nations will be primarily focussed within the framework of the Second Committee of the General Assembly of the United Nations. The Permanent Mission of Morocco to the UN will be tasked with negotiation, on behalf of the African Group, with other international partners and stakeholders. Morocco’s selection to coordinate the African Group confirms the country’s leading role in the continent, especially within the context of public diplomacy and leadership.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 10:18 UTC
Al-Qaeda Is Being Hollowed to Its Core
The shift to a more decentralized model (which we discuss more below) has exposed the varying objectives between core al-Qaeda and its branches. Core al-Qaeda has always sought to attack the West, even when it lacked such capabilities. This is evidenced by how little effort the branches have devoted to the core al-Qaeda desire to attack the West. More likely, branches could be in a better position to break with this al-Qaeda core if they desired to do so. The United States should not see al-Qaeda as requiring a uniform approach, but instead assess the independent threats posed al-Qaeda’s branches.
Source:The North Africa Journal
February 24, 2021 08:48 UTC