Nigeria makes case for Abuja to headquarter Africa Energy Bank
Nigeria has gone on the charm offensive in its bid to host the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) as it met with the influential Africa Petroleum Producers Organisation (APPO) in Abuja this week. On 4 June, APPO and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) met for the “historic signing” of the Establishment Agreement and the Charter of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) at a ceremony in Cairo. Nigeria, alongside Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Benin Republic, Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire are in the running to host the AEB. “… providing the bank with unparalleled access to key energy markets and decision-makers across Africa.”“Nigeria’s rich endowment of oil, gas, and renewable energy resources presents an unparalleled opportunity for the Africa Energy Bank to harness the continent’s vast energy potential and drive sustainable development,” he said. Africa Energy Bank: Favourite emerges as race to host heats upAPPO consists of 18 countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 14, 2024 09:09 UTC
MMC North and West Africa 4Mi Snapshot – June 2024, Unpacking migrants’ information access in the Central Sahel - World
Therefore, this snapshot delves into the information gaps experienced by people on the move in the Central Sahel, and explores how information is accessed as well as the sources of information most relied upon and trusted. Key findings• The majority of respondents (61%) experienced information gaps, either before and/or during their journey. • Safety/security (40%) and costs (34%) were the most reported information gaps:• Access to safety and security information was reported as a need, whether respondents had travelled through dangerous locations (42%) or not (38%). • Amongst respondents who reported information gaps and used a smuggler, almost half (49%) indicated challenges in obtaining costs-related information. • During their journey, surveyed migrants obtain information from a broader array of sources such as other migrants (42%), local communities (37%), travel agents (35%), and smugglers (24%).
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 14, 2024 08:39 UTC
Opportunities for business in Africa’s green economy landscape
Tomas Sales, Special Advisor, UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub (ASFH), spoke to ESI Africa about the organisation’s recent report into Africa’s green business market. He unpacks the opportunities for financiers and investors who want to get into the business of green in Africa. Find out more about UNDP Africa. This interview took place at Enlit Africa 2024.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 14, 2024 05:18 UTC
Stagecoach to cut bus services amid north Scotland review
Stagecoach to cut bus services in north Scotland1 day ago ShareGetty Images Stagecoach said some services would be stoppedBus operator Stagecoach is to cut services as it launches a review of its north Scotland operations. From August, a number of services will be stopped in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with changes made to others. 'Change can be unsettling'Stagecoach North Scotland managing director David Beaton said: "We are a significant local employer and we understand the importance of bus services for the local community. "That's why we are working closely with both the trade union to protect as many jobs and as much of the local bus services as possible. Stagecoach said customers could find details of the upcoming changes, and proposed timetables, on its website.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 14, 2024 03:20 UTC
Greece closes ancient tourist sites as heatwave persists
ATHENS: Greece shut more ancient tourist sites in Athens on Thursday and elderly people took refuge at designated air-conditioned spots as the first heatwave of the summer persisted for a third day. Locals sat in air conditioned rooms set up by the city, using hand held fans to create a breeze. Firefighters who put out several wildfires on Wednesday remained on high alert as strong winds were expected to hit several parts of the country. Scientists warn that summer temperatures there could rise by an average of 2 degrees by 2050. Our first goal shall be to lower the median temperature, the felt-air temperature,” he told Reuters.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 14, 2024 02:54 UTC
Tanzania: Police Linked to Killings at Gold Mine
Police in Tanzania guarding the North Mara Gold Mine have been linked to the killing of least six people and injury of several others during clashes since February 2024, Human Rights Watch said today. Barrick Gold, a mining company headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and the Tanzanian government have jointly owned the mine since 2019. A copy of a police form, seen by Human Rights Watch, cites “unnatural death” as the circumstances of his death. The day after Nyakorenga’s death, residents reported that they found the body of an unidentified person at a mine dumping area outside the mine premises. “For years, residents of areas near Tanzania’s North Mara Gold Mine have complained about the brutality of the police,” Nyeko said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 23:33 UTC
Long-term Nokia exec Corker to exit in corporate shake-up
Nokia chief customer experience officer Ricky Corker, who previously led the company’s North America operation, is set to depart the company later this month as part of the vendor’s latest operating model shift. In a statement, Nokia revealed Corker is due to step down on 28 June following a decision to make individual business units responsible for operations previously handled by the customer experience unit he led. Corker (pictured, below) joined Nokia in 1993 and held his current role since 2021. Latest restructureNokia’s Customer Experience unit was formed in 2021 as part of a sweeping restructure instigated by then recently-installed CEO Pekka Lundmark, which split the business into four autonomous product line focused units. Nokia noted the structural shift would “empower its business groups with increased operational autonomy and move into a streamlined operating model”.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 23:03 UTC
Mitigating the factors that cause grid collapses
Dr Ekeminiabasi Eyita-Okon, a lecturer at the Wits School of Governance, spoke to ESI Africa about grid collapses, what causes them and measures that can be taken to mitigate them. She stressed the importance of governments updating and modernising grid infrastructure. Find out more about the Wits School of Governance. This interview took place at Enlit Africa 2024.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 19:52 UTC
Biden, G7 leaders focus on Ukraine, Gaza, global infrastructure, Africa
The G7 leaders arrived at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia, the summit venue, welcomed by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Biden is also lending his support to key themes in Meloni’s presidency – investing in Africa, international development, and climate change. Those topics were covered in the opening session of the G7 on Thursday, followed by discussions on the Gaza and Ukraine wars. Leaders will also discuss increasing tension along the Israeli border with Lebanon, Sullivan told reporters Thursday morning. The G7 statement will reflect the Nairobi/Washington vision that Biden signed with Kenyan President William Ruto, Sullivan said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 18:30 UTC
VOA 60: South Africa’s currency is stronger after progress is made in forming a new government, and more
The URL has been copied to your clipboardThe code has been copied to your clipboard. The South African rand was stronger in early trade on Thursday amid signs of progress in forming a new coalition government. The upcoming end to a two-month government ban on rapid construction along Senegal’s coastline has residents concerned. This, and more Africa-related news updates on today’s VOA 60.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 18:25 UTC
G7 summit updates: US, Ukraine sign 10-year security pact including F-16s
G7 summit updates: US, Ukraine sign 10-year security pact including F-16sUpdates from June 13, 2024: Speaking at a G7 event dubbed ‘Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment’, US president praises recent investments in Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 17:22 UTC
Acropolis shut down in Greece due to heatwave
A scorching heatwave has prompted the closure of tourist attractions, schools and even impacted essential services in Athens. Authorities have implemented various measures to safeguard public health. Red Cross medics distributed water bottles to tourists, while primary schools and nurseries in southern Greece were closed until Friday. Additionally, drones equipped with thermal cameras will be deployed to assist in coordinating the city’s public health response. Greece faces repercussions of climate changeThis heatwave signifies another extreme weather event for Greece, a country heavily impacted by climate change.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 17:10 UTC
Smartphone shipments in Africa surge
Smartphone shipments in Africa surged 24% in the first quarter of this year due to lowering inflation and new device launches. Analyst company Canalys said in its quarterly report, smartphone shipments in Q1 grew to 18.2 million units making Africa the third fastest growing smartphone region globally in the quarter. Sub-Saharan Africa saw “rapid growth” at a rate of 42% YoY, with Nigeria leading the charge despite its currency plunging against the dollar. Egypt saw significant growth in North Africa with 39%, while Algeria saw a 16% rise. IDC reported smartphone sales surpasses feature phones for the first time in Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 16:53 UTC
Even when Africans want to visit Europe legally, rejection rates are high. Algeria is one example
Visa applicants from Africa who want to visit Europe's Schengen Area face far higher rejection rates than people from anywhere else in the worldEven when Africans want to visit Europe legally, rejection rates are high. Algeria is one exampleALGIERS, Algeria -- France has twice rejected visa applications from Nabil Tabarout, a 29-year-old web developer from Algeria who hopes this year to visit his sister there. He's among the many people navigating the often arduous visa process throughout Africa, which faces higher visa rejection rates than anywhere else in the world when it comes to visiting Europe's Schengen Area. Every pleasure deserves pain,” said Tabarout, who has succeeded just once in obtaining a French visa. Beyond rejection rates, the difficulty of applying is also a policy choice by European governments, Maru said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 15:46 UTC
Modi 3.0 starts foreign engagements with encouraging prospects
Second, in continuation with the first perspective, greater engagements with Italy enhance India’s outreach to the Mediterranean Region. The Mediterranean Region, which was also a lesser focused area for India is gaining traction in India’s foreign policy. Barring France and Israel, India’s engagements with other countries in the Mediterranean Region have remained limited. However the Mediterranean Region is now becoming a major part of India’s foreign policy. All these regions had minimal presence in India’s foreign engagements.
Source:The North Africa Journal
June 13, 2024 15:31 UTC