Opposition rejects latest Mozambique poll results
The latest municipal polls were held on Sunday amid a low turnout and renewed allegation of fraud by the opposition. Opposition parties, the main Mozambican National Resistance Movement (RENAMO) and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) have rejected the latest set of results as they did the outcome of the October 11 elections. RENAMO has since the announcement of the elections in October been organizing so-called victory parades, claiming they were the outright winner of the municipal elections. The Constitutional Council, the last body of appeal in the electoral process, in November ruled that FRELIMO won 56 municipalities, RENAMO four and the MDM one. The South African-based Institute for Security Studies warned “fraudulent” municipal elections were crippling democracy in Mozambique.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 09:35 UTC
SA experiencing rise in travel scams
Several cases of travel fraud have stood out as prime examples of how vulnerable South Africans can be caught in criminal activity. He noted the so-called holiday swindler’s company touted luxury getaways, complete with first-class air tickets and five-star accommodation, to destinations such as the Maldives and Dubai. CS Forensics recently investigated a case in which a travel agency was defrauded of an amount over R3 million. The agent received two upfront payments from the school, however, the agent failed to make the necessary bookings. The agency has since been contacted by numerous airlines and passengers who purchased air tickets, but subsequently discovered that their tickets had been voided without their permission.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 09:10 UTC
Under the overcoat: The death of a clerk
How do Russian officials “coexist” with the war nearly two years after the invasion? Do officials who openly endorse the invasion or are deployed to work in occupied territories receive better roles or resources ? ECFR’s new podcast on Russia, “Under the Overcoat”, will explore the deeper trends beneath the surface of daily politics. To investigate the role of Russian bureaucrats, our host Kadri Liik is joined by ECFR visiting fellow Mikhail Komin and Russian political scientist Ekaterina Schulmann. Bookshelf:Legislation as a Political Process and Practical Political Science: A Guide to Contact with Reality by Ekaterina SchulmannNomenklatura by Voslenskiy
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 08:17 UTC
Efficient agricultural practices in Africa reduce crop water footprint despite climate change, but rely on blue water resources
These crops account for 61% of the African crop production (kcal capita-1 day-1) and 62% of African harvested area (ha). Future scenarios of crop water footprintTo compute the water footprint of every crop for each scenario, the high-resolution crop water footprint model WaterCROP24 was used. Accordingly, we have adapted our methodology to include the non-linear linkage between crop yield and crop water use to obtain water footprint results mirroring the GAEZ attainable crop yields. Regarding climatic and yield data estimates, we use the ensemble obtained as the average of all the GCMs realizations available. 5, according to current extensification trends, while assuming the same total crop production as the hard-intensification scenario is achieved.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 07:43 UTC
DRC: Solar energy project to be built across three provinces
A 15MW solar project is set to be developed and constructed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) first pilot project under its Global Solar Facility (GSF). The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to “mobilise efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions.”In collaboration with Nuru, a solar power company in the DRC, the project aims to develop and construct 15MW of solar metro grid capacity across three provinces in the Eastern Congo. It is expected to attract private capital to flow into off-grid solar projects, rooftop solar projects, and productive use solar projects. “This financing vehicle, bolstered by payment guarantees, insurance and investment funds, aims to mitigate project risks, provide technical assistance to address regulatory gaps, reduce currency risks, and resolve contractual and financial uncertainties in the solar energy sector.”Have you read? Goma hybrid solar project in the Democratic Republic of CongoAccording to the World Bank, only 19% of the DRC’s around 102 million people have access to electricity.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 07:21 UTC
Consultancy Middle East Recognizes J.S. Held as a Top Forensic & Litigation Consulting Firm
Held recognized among leading Forensic & Litigation consulting firms in the Middle East. DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm J.S. Held receives recognition from Consultancy Middle East, ranked as one of the top Forensic and Litigation consulting firms in the Middle East region. As part of Consultancy, Consultancy Middle East works with top-tier consulting firms active in the Middle East and North Africa, following the developments and publications of consulting firms across 60+ industries and functional areas. The Middle East Consulting Firm ranking is based on assessments of the firm's capabilities in forensic & litigation consulting, company reputation, analyst benchmarks, industry recognitions, thought leadership, and other criteria, as evaluated by thousands of industry executives and consultants.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 07:03 UTC
Scatec Secures 103 MW Battery Storage Project in South African Government Tender
Scatec ASA, a prominent renewable energy player, has clinched the preferred bidder status for the Mogobe (Ferrum) battery energy storage project, a significant move in South Africa’s renewable energy landscape. This achievement comes under the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. The project, totaling 103 MW with a 412 MWh capacity, signifies Scatec’s pivotal role in the country’s transition towards renewable energy. Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec, expressed enthusiasm, highlighting this award as a testament to their standing in South Africa’s renewable energy domain. The overarching aim of the program is to procure 513 MW of battery storage across specific Eskom transmission substations in the Northern Cape province.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 06:27 UTC
Meet the sibling-founded Egyptian sports e-commerce platform that’s expanding fast
Egypt’s WayUp Sports is an e-commerce platform specialised in performance-based sports gear – so far, so normal, until you discover its founded by three siblings and is already set for international expansion after banking funding. Founded in 2021 by siblings Omar, Mohamed and Basma Afif, WayUp Sports aims to meet the demand for diverse specialised and performance-based sportswear and equipment, sourced directly from local and international brands, suitable for young aspiring athletes to professional champions. WayUp’s three sibling founders are backed by 35 years of expertise in their family’s B2B sports gear business, and their individual passion for sports. WayUp Sports was first funded by the three siblings’ family business to launch in 2021, and raised a pre-seed round in 2022. WayUp Sports will use the funding to aid its regional expansion, launch a private WayUp Sports brand, and continue enhancing user experience.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 06:07 UTC
Hezbollah’s Last Stand
Hilal Khashan is a Professor of political science at the American University of Beirut. He is a respected author and analyst of Middle Eastern affairs. He is the author of six books, including Hizbullah: A Mission to Nowhere. He is currently writing a book titled Saudi Arabia: The Dilemma of Political Reform and the Illusion of Economic Development. He is also the author of more than 110 articles that appeared in journals such as Orbis, The Journal of Conflict Resolution, The Brown Journal of World Affairs, Middle East Quarterly, Third World Quarterly, Israel Affairs, Journal of Religion and Society, Nationalism and Ethnic Politics, and The British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 04:48 UTC
Ryanair to launch 11 domestic Morocco flights in 2024, Jet Lux opens office in Kingdom – The North Africa Post
Ryanair plans to launch 11 domestic flights in Morocco in summer 2024 linking 9 cities, tourism ministry said. In another development, Jet Luxe, a private jet management company, revealed during the Dubai Air Show it is opening a new office in Morocco as part of its expansion strategy in the African market. Chief Business Officer at Jet Luxe, Yassine el Moussi, highlighted, in this regard, the significance of the expansion into Morocco, considered a vital hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Jet Luxe’s goal is to redefine luxury travel in Africa and make it more accessible to a broader range of travelers. Morocco plans to attract 17 million tourists by 2026, as it bolsters air and rail travel between cities ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 14, 2023 01:08 UTC
Northern Kenya’s roadmap for tapping post COP28 billions
Columnists Northern Kenya’s roadmap for tapping post COP28 billionsThe outlet of a man-made channel at the site of Thwake Dam. FILE PHOTO | NMGBy ROBA ADANMore by this AuthorWhereas the start of devolution a decade ago was a game changer for Kenya's northern region, climate change's effects and hazards still plague it. The mini-grid solutions are so far largely dependent on diesel generators which only exacerbates the environmental problems for the region. The leadership must come together and push the government towards ensuring all mini-grids solutions are green, affordable, renewable and sustainable. Employment creation must be at the core of ensuring the youth can actively participate in economic development for the region.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 13, 2023 22:39 UTC
Water & Sewage Construction Projects Valued at $397.5 Billion Underway Globally – New Research Insights Revealed
Company LogoDublin, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Water and Sewage Construction Project Insights and Analytics (Q4 2023)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides a detailed analysis of water & sewage construction projects globally, based on projects tracked by the publisher. The publisher is currently tracking water and sewage construction projects with a total value of $397.5 billion, which includes all projects from the early stages of pre-planning (announcement and study) through to the execution stage. The top 20 projects per region are listed giving country, stage, value of projects. Key Report BenefitsGain insight into the development of the water & sewage buildings construction sector.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 13, 2023 21:44 UTC
Global Top 20 Port Construction Projects Insights and Analytics 2023
Company LogoDublin, Dec. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Port Construction Project Insights and Analytics (Q4 2023)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report provides a detailed analysis of port construction projects globally, based on projects tracked. The publisher is currently tracking port construction projects globally, from the early pre-planning stages (of announcement and study) through to execution, with a combined value of $501.5 billion. Report ScopeThe report provides analysis based on the construction projects showing total project values and analysis by stage and funding for all regions. The top 20 projects per region are listed giving country, stage, value of projects.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 13, 2023 21:39 UTC
Nigeria’s Primed E-Health is automating hospital via SaaS solution to improve health outcomes
Nigerian startup Primed E-Health says it is having tangible impact in terms of healthcare outcomes from its automation of hospitals via a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution. Primed also improves the overall patient experience by providing a mobile app to book appointments and make payments to hospitals or doctors in their network. With over 45 hospitals currently signed up to the platform, Primed E-Health has successfully trained and onboarded over 10,000 doctors, and directly impacted the lives of over two million patients. He said Primed E-Health’s platform has already had a tangible impact on healthcare outcomes. Primed E-health bootstrapped until its first investment, from The Baobab Network, in 2022, and recently secured US$18,000 in funding after being selected to take part in the latest ASIP accelerator programme run by Startupbootcamp AfriTech.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 13, 2023 17:59 UTC
Is the EU–Africa innovation plan toothless?
Whether the agenda will make a substantial difference to African research and the working lives of its scientists is another matter. ARISE, the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence, was set up in 2020 with funding of €25 million (US$27.20 million) from the EU. “I have seen what I would call the real impact of the EU–AU partnership on African scientists,” he says. Although many EU–AU initiatives have been beneficial, governance and coordination of resources across the African continent can be a challenge. At the same time, China is deepening scientific links with countries on the continent, including training African scientists and investing in infrastructure.
Source:The North Africa Journal
December 13, 2023 16:39 UTC