Nigeria: Solar energy system keeps lights on for off-grid community
It is backed up by 240kW battery storage during the night…”The solar mini-grid system uses solar panels embedded in the community, distributing power to the entire community without passing through the national grid. “The solar hybrid mini-grid project has significantly alleviated energy poverty, empowering residents to enhance their businesses and utilise acquired skills effectively,” he said. Adelabu said the government had set up about 27 mini-grid solar systems spread across the state and other locations in Nigeria. Nigeria: Solar energy project to up electricity supply in largest stateDuring his inspection of the region, the minister also visited the 132kV substations in Oyo and Ogbomoso. Solar hybrid mini-grids deployed across NigeriaESI Africa reported previously that in just four years, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) of Nigeria has deployed more than 100 solar hybrid mini-grids and more than 1.6 million solar home systems.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 15:11 UTC
Asset-light healthcare chain Rivia launches operations in Ghana
Rivia, a startup that collaborates with clinics to enhance service quality in the healthcare sector, has launched operations in Ghana. Currently operating in Ghana, with plans to expand to West and East Africa, Rivia partners with clinics, offering comprehensive support in customer acquisition, financing, and technology to elevate patient service quality and expand clientele reach. Rivia is founded by two-time entrepreneur, Isidore Kpotufe, who previously sold his startup, stabus, to the Nigerian mobility startup Treepz after raising US$1.2 million. “Patients have lost trust in Africa’s healthcare system. The funds will be used to onboard 10 clinics and provide them with the needed support to scale their business.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 15:02 UTC
Business Leadership in an AI World in 2024
Speaking with business leaders across the region, several common themes have emerged. The same KPMG study found that only 5% of supply chain emissions stem from direct manufacturing; emissions from the broader supply chain are five to ten times greater. Trend 3: Unlocking AI’s true business valueOn the topic of AI, the year ahead will undoubtedly see more companies leverage Generative AI and AI for business to drive innovation, efficiency, and productivity. However, companies can unquestionably accelerate the value from their AI deployments by leveraging AI that is purpose built for business. 2024 will be a pivotal year for many business leaders across EMEA – while daunting in many respects, also an incredibly exciting time to lead.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:49 UTC
Meadow brown butterflies are losing their spots as temperatures rise
Meadow brown butterflies may lose their spots as a result of climate change, according to a study from the University of Exeter. “Meadow browns always have large ‘eyespots’ on their forewings, probably for startling predators. Thermal plasticityFor years, the variation in eyespot number on the meadow brown butterfly has been a classic example of “genetic polymorphism,” as noted in the works of biologist EB Ford. We tend to think about species moving north, rather than changing appearance.”More about meadow brown butterfliesThe meadow brown butterfly, known scientifically as Maniola jurtina, is a common and widespread species especially prominent across Europe and extending into Asia and North Africa. BehaviorAs adults, meadow brown butterflies feed on nectar and are commonly seen visiting various wildflowers.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:40 UTC
Guatemala’s Democracy Defenders Won Out in the End
News about attempts to subvert democracy have become a staple of our time. But amid this deeply worrisome trend, it’s easy to miss one encouraging development: Those attempts appear to be failing with some regularity. And they have been failing because those who support democracy are getting better at defending it. In the United States, Brazil and most recently Guatemala, where democracy was hanging by a thread, clean elections were disparaged as fraudulent amid wide-ranging campaigns to deprive voters of their choice for president. In all these cases, those muscular, even violent efforts ended in failure.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:33 UTC
Turkey, Burkina Faso seal several agreements – The North Africa Post
Turkey and Burkina Faso have inked several agreements spanning over many areas including health, energy, and education, Anadolu news agency reports, citing Turkish Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca. Koca on X, formerly known as Twitter, said the deals were signed during the third meeting of the joint Economic Committee. “As co-chairmen, we signed the minutes of the meeting, and also agreed to develop our cooperation in all areas, from health to energy, from trade to education,” he said. The joint committee meeting was co-chaired by Koca and Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:33 UTC
Review of ApeMax, Stellar, Polygon, Tron, Litecoin, Polkadot, Stellar - Disrupt Africa
Amidst recent positive developments in the crypto market, including the Bitcoin Spot ETF approval, enthusiasts are eager to discover alternative coins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum to diversify their portfolios. One Altcoin gaining popularity among crypto aficionados is ApeMax; an altcoin with a fun persona, robust tokenomics, and innovative features. Stellar’s blockchain network boasts fast transaction speeds and incredibly low fees, making it ideal for international money transfers and micropayments. While Bitcoin and Ethereum remain dominant figures, emerging contenders like Stellar, Polygon, ApeMax, and many more, are making their mark, each presenting distinctive features and functionalities. Those interested to be early adopters of ApeMax, can explore the official website for comprehensive details regarding purchasing requirements and eligibility.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:24 UTC
Opportunities for Mysuru businesses in UAE highlighted
The event is being held in association with government of UAE to explore the possibilities that exist for Mysuru businesses to connect to the global market through Hamriyah Free Zone. Mr. Ali Saeed Al Jarwan, Deputy Executive Director, Commercial Affairs, Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, Govt. He said the business community from Mysore could benefit by doing business from the Hamriyah Free Zone and pointed out that nearly 50 per cent of the investors in Hamriyah Free Zone were from India. Explaining the concept of Free Trade Zones in the UAE, Geomon George from Hamriyah Free Zone, said Mysuru-based industries can leverage the Hamriyah Free Zone as a re-export base for Africa and Europe. I certainly believe that they can greatly benefit from the Hamriyah Free Zone offerings for win-win situation for both sides,” he added.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:14 UTC
Rwandan Electric Motorcycle Company Ampersand Secures $19.5 Million Investment
ShareAmpersand, a pioneering electric transport energy company based in Kigali, recently secured a significant investment of $19.5 million through debt and equity funding. Established in 2016, Ampersand has been at the forefront of innovating in the electric vehicle sector. Since its inception in May 2019, the Ampersand fleet has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing a thousand vehicles. Whale stated that the recent funding will enable them to deliver thousands more electric motorcycles in the upcoming months. This new round of funding ensures that Ampersand will maintain its momentum in expanding its operations.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 13:07 UTC
Lemken Brings South African Equalizer No-Till Drill to North America
Among the newest unfamiliar names to appear on these shores: the Equalizer no-till drill. The Equalizer firm was recently acquired by Lemken, and the German firm expects to soon retail Equalizer drills through its Canadian dealer network. We’ve had a lot of success with the same single-pass system.”The Equalizer drill was designed primarily to work with small grains. While most typical Canadian-built drills place fertilizer slightly below and to the side of the seed trench, the Equalizer places it differently. Related ContentPlanter & Drill Attachments Product Roundup 2024No-Till Roundtable: No-Till Drill Tops Poll of Most Important On-Farm ToolNo-Till Makes Farming Possible, Profitable Amid Africa's Changing Climate
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 12:02 UTC
India among most vibrant fintech hubs: WEF study
January 18, 2024 04:38 pm | Updated 05:49 pm IST - DavosIndia is among the most significant operating countries for hosting a thriving cluster or fintech headquarters, a WEF study showed on Thursday. "The study reveals that vibrant hubs such as Singapore, the UK, the US, and India have hosted a thriving cluster of fintech corporate headquarters. "Among the countries surveyed, the most significant operating countries for fintechs include the US, the UK, Singapore, Mexico, and India," it added. Also Read |Indian FinTech startups raise $1.2 billion in first quarter of 2023: reportAccording to the report, the global fintech industry remains strong, with customer growth rates averaging above 50% across industry verticals and regions. The report said the global fintech industry is demonstrating strength and resilience and continues, despite an unclear economic outlook, to expand financial services offerings to traditionally underserved consumers and businesses.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 11:33 UTC
Niger, Russia agree to develop military ties as part of efforts to stabilize situation in Sahel – The North Africa Post
Filling the void left by French troops who withdrew from Niger just a couple of weeks ago, the Sahel country and Russia have announced an agreement to develop military cooperation as part of the efforts to stabilize the situation in the region. Russian Deputy Defense Ministers Yunus-Bek Yevkurov and Alexander Fomin met Niger’s junta-appointed Defense Minister Salifu Modi on Tuesday (16 January), according to the Russian Defense Ministry. It added that both sides welcomed the positive trends in the development of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation and outlined promising cooperation areas. During a working meeting, the senior officials also “agreed to invigorate efforts to stabilize the situation in the region”, the Russian Defense Ministry stated, adding that it aims to continue dialogue on “increasing the combat readiness” of Niger’s military. As the last remaining French soldiers were leaving Niger, Deputy Defense Minister, Colonel General Yevkurov, was already being welcomed by Abdourahamane Tiani’s junta.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 11:32 UTC
Telecom Egypt bags first 5G licence for $150M
Telecom Egypt secured a 5G licence from the country’s telecoms regulator for $150 million, putting it on course to launch services powered by the technology. The operator stated the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) granted it a licence valid for 15 years to support the country’s digitalisation ambitions. Telecom Egypt stated 5G “will ultimately benefit the entire economy and improve Egypt’s international ranking in the ICT sector”. He said being the first operator to receive the licence solidifies its infrastructure and ability to provide mobile services. In May 2023, the state sold a 9.5 per cent stake in Telecom Egypt under a wider privatisation push.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 11:30 UTC
Secretariat Adds Senior Investigations and Regulatory Advisory Team in Dubai
DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Secretariat, the global disputes, economics, and expert witness advisory firm, announces the expansion of our Dubai office by establishing a new team focused on global investigations and compliance services. Bhavin Shah - Managing Director - Secretariat May Mhanna - Managing Director - Secretariat Stephen Millington - Managing Director - SecretariatBhavin Shah's career spans more than 20 years, helping clients navigate intricate legal matters, conduct multi-jurisdictional investigations, steer regulatory negotiations, manage crises, and implement robust anti-money laundering (AML) strategies. Stephen Millington is an expert in forensic accounting, financial investigations, and disputes with more than 20 years of experience. Speaking on behalf of the team, Managing Director Bhavin Shah says, "Secretariat's stellar reputation and multidisciplinary capabilities are second to none. Managing Director Stephen Millington adds, "The opportunities for our team to put their expertise to work and grow their careers are endless with Secretariat.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 11:22 UTC
Innovation in green economy investment opportunities in Africa
Investing in the green economy presents a host of options as innovative investment practices are being introduced in a quickly evolving space. She will deliver a keynote speech at Africa’s Green Economy Summit where she would like to remind people that the continent is the place where green investment innovation is happening. Use promo code ESI10 to get a discount on your delegate ticket when you register for Africa's Green Economy Summit in Cape Town from 21 to 23 February 2024. The five categories supporting Africa’s climate finance landscapeGreen economy investment to help people and planetFrannie Léautier. Find out what else Léautier had to say about the role of African governments in enabling a green economy and the innovation happening in this space at Africa’s Green Economy Summit.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 18, 2024 09:42 UTC