War in Gaza: To What End and At What Cost?
In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group experts Mairav Zonszein, Robert Blecher, Tahani Mustafa and Heiko Wimmen to discuss what has happened over the past week in Gaza and where the war might be headed. Richard first talks to Mairav and Robert about Biden’s visit to Israel this week, Israel’s looming ground invasion of Gaza and whether the devastating blast at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, for which responsibility remains unclear, might change calculations in Israel or Washington. He then talks with Tahani about escalating violence in the West Bank and risks of further worsening bloodshed. Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. For more analysis of the conflict in Israel-Palestine, you can check out our latest statement A Ceasefire in Gaza and our Israel/Palestine page.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 21:49 UTC
Airtel Money Tanzania inks UAE pact
Airtel’s Tanzania mobile money division linked-up with international payment network provider TerraPay to open the ability for users to make purchases through its system while travelling in the UAE. In a statement on the launch of the service, Airtel Money director Andrew Rugamba cited a desire by the operator to address challenges its users had making payments while travelling to Dubai. “The rising number of Tanzanian travellers visiting the United Arab Emirates for diverse purposes, such as trade, tourism, official visits, and government missions, is a clear reflection of the increasing demand,” he added, explaining its deal “eliminates the need for travellers to carry large sums of cash or go through the hassle of currency exchange each time they journey to the UAE.”Transactions in the country made through Airtel Money will carry no additional charge, TerraPay noted. The move is the latest between an Airtel Money company and TerraPay targeting travel to the UAE with the operator’s division in Uganda signing a similar deal earlier this year.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 21:25 UTC
CASH PLUS Secures $60M Funding to Broaden Morocco’s Digital Finance Reach.
CASH PLUS has risen as a prominent contender in the financial services sector, providing a comprehensive range of online payment and transfer solutions. The substantial €57 million equity investment is set to propel CASH PLUS even further, enabling them to expand their branch network both nationally and internationally. CASH PLUS is a company we are intimately familiar with, and it perfectly aligns with our mission of enriching lives through responsible investments. With its impressive history of promoting financial inclusion and offering essential financial services to underserved communities in Morocco, CASH PLUS epitomizes innovation and a visionary approach. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed partners, Mediterrania Capital Partners, IFC, and FMO, for their steadfast belief in our vision.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 21:08 UTC
WBI Energy's Eastern North Dakota Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion Project Approved by FERC
BISMARCK, N.D., Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WBI Energy, Inc.'s Wahpeton Expansion project was approved on Thursday by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This authorizes the company to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline expansion in eastern North Dakota, which will provide more natural gas to customers in Wahpeton and extend natural gas service to Kindred. "Reliable natural gas service supports economic development and is a critical heating fuel in the region." For the project, WBI Energy will construct approximately 60 miles of 12-inch natural gas pipeline and ancillary facilities to Wahpeton from an existing compressor station at Mapleton, North Dakota. Demand for natural gas service currently exceeds the current volume of gas that can be delivered on an uninterruptible basis to the city through the existing transmission pipeline.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 20:36 UTC
Tunisia: Olive harvest estimated at 120,000 tonnes in Mahdia
The olive harvest in the governorate of Mahdia for the 2023-2024 agricultural season, is estimated at 120 thousand tonnes, equivalent to 24 thousand tonnes of oil. The local Authority for Agricultural Development announced that the harvest season will run from November 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024. "The aim is to ensure a smooth harvest and quality olive oil production," he pointed out. Over the last five years, annual olive production reached 100,000 tonnes. The olive sector provides 2 million working days during the harvest season.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 17:11 UTC
FDI Intelligence sheds light on Morocco’s automotive success story – The North Africa Post
Imagine: in only 10 years, the Tanger [plant] is as big as any large-scale car plant in the world,” he adds. Behind the success story of the export of cars and automotive components, the industrialization of Tanger-Med spans textiles, aeronautics, electronics and agri-food processing, says FDI Intelligence. Kenitra is located outside the industrial zones of Tanger Med but relies on it as a “partner”, says Mounir Kharbouche, general manager of Stellantis’s Kenitra plant. Stellantis uses Tanger Med to export cars but also to import parts from elsewhere. The plant sources 40% of its imports from TAC, 30% from nearby Kenitra and 30% from international imports which come through Tanger Med.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 17:01 UTC
Daily Memo: More Fallout From the Israel-Hamas Conflict
We deliver cutting edge analysis and intelligence so you can stay ahead of the news. Take it from them: I can't emphasize enough my appreciation for you and the rest of the staff at Geopolitical Futures. Kevin G. Some times the politics and journalism of the world gets in the way of clear thinking (at my own peril). Full accessto our content With any paid subscription you get full access to our entire content. There are indications that the Israel-Hamas conflict is expanding and drawing in more players.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 16:42 UTC
The Israel-Hamas War Did Not Happen in a Vacuum
Among the former are WPR columnist Paul Poast, who argued the conflict must be seen in the context of a global security order frayed by the war in Ukraine; and David Leonhardt and Noah Smith, who posited that it reflected—and was facilitated—by the end of the so-called Pax Americana. Arguing the latter case is Andrew Exum, a good friend and former WPR columnist who also has first-hand professional experience of the local dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict from his time as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Middle East policy from 2015-2017. * Exum characterizes the claim that the current conflict demonstrates U.S. weakness as one of the “four misconceptions” about the war. As counterexamples, Exum points to the Second Intifada in 2000 and the Israel-Hezbollah war of 2006, when the U.S. was at the height of its unipolar power. “Disregard pundits searching for any deeper geopolitical meaning in this war,” he counsels.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 16:37 UTC
China and Russia plan to work together for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians
BEIJING (AP) — China and Russia share the same position on the Palestinian issue and plan to try to work together to cool the situation and help establish a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, a top Chinese envoy said Friday. “China and Russia have the same position on the Palestine question, and China is ready to maintain communication and coordination with Russia to promote de-escalation of the situation,” Zhai said. “We believe that when dealing with hot spot issues in the international community, major powers should be objective and impartial,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday. Zhai also met with Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, the Chinese foreign ministry said. He said China “stands ready to strengthen coordination with Egypt and other Arab countries to work for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestinian question,” the Chinese statement said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 16:28 UTC
beIN SPORTS secures African Football League rights in the Middle East & North Africa
Deal means the inaugural competition will be broadcast in 24 countries across the MENA regionFile photoThe PeninsulaDoha: beIN MEDIA GROUP, the global sports and entertainment group (“beIN”), have today announced a new media rights agreement that will see beIN SPORTS, beIN’s flagship sports network, broadcast the inaugural African Football League (“AFL”) pan-African club-competition across 24 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”) this season. The 11-time African club champions, Al Ahly SC (Egypt), kick off the competition today against hosts Simba SC (Tanzania) at 3pm GMT+3 (Doha local time). Other regional favourites include Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), and Wydad AC (Morocco), competing alongside the Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), and Enyimba FC (Nigeria). beIN is delighted to broadcast this new and exciting competition showcasing the best of African football to fans across the Middle East and North Africa. beIN SPORTS is also home to the best football in the world, showcasing leading European leagues – the English Premier League, UEFA club and national team competitions, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and LaLiga – as well as FIFA and AFC competitions, among many others.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 14:58 UTC
The Future of Messaging Platforms Unveiled - IT News Africa
Squire Technologies is delighted to introduce Mirus, an all-inclusive, revenue-generating messaging platform designed for operators. Squire Technologies’ SMS solutions, with advanced campaign management, create a virtual platform for superior scalability, routing, availability, and monetization opportunities. Businesses often use A2P messaging to update customers on promotions, and deliveries, or for user authentication, such as in banking. Squire Technologies’ Mirus platform provides the flexibility that operators need in modern markets. It is suitable for any of our customers seeking an easy way to enter the A2P messaging market or enhance their existing messaging offerings.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 14:52 UTC
A history of South Africa vs England at the Rugby World Cup
PARIS (AP) — A brief history of Rugby World Cup matches between South Africa and England before they meet again on Saturday in the semifinals at Stade de France. 2003 pool: England 25, South Africa 6 in PerthThey were tied at halftime 6-6 after South Africa flyhalf Louis Koen missed four penalty kicks. 2007 pool: South Africa 36, England 0 in ParisOn a mid-year tour of the republic, England was outclassed by South Africa 58-10 and 55-22. 2019 final: South Africa 32, England 12 in YokohamaEngland demolished defending champion New Zealand in the semifinals, while South Africa scaped past Wales. South Africa’s first Black captain, Siya Kolisi, said, “We love you, South Africa, and we can achieve anything if we work together as one.”___AP Rugby World Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 14:51 UTC
Cape Town E-Prix will return in 2025 for green economic boost
The Formula E calendar for Season 10 in 2024 will not include a Cape Town E-Prix, but e-Movement and the City of Cape Town say the race will return in 2025. Cape Town E-Prix organisers e-Movement and City of Cape Town say they remain committed to bringing the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship back to the Mother City in 2025. CoCT Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said: “The City of Cape Town remains committed to the goal of bringing the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship back to Cape Town in 2025 and beyond. Cape Town E-Prix is city’s biggest events’ earner in decadeCape Town E-Prix not city’s only contribution to the green economyChairman of Formula E Cape Town, Iain Banner, said they plain to build on the success of this year’s event and do it again in 2025. Following a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, the Formula E calendar for Season 10 in 2024 has been announced.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 13:48 UTC
Botswana: Solar plants get commercial operation nod
Botswana has taken another step toward fulfilling a historic power purchase agreement between the state and an independent power producer for the running of two solar power plants. Sturdee Energy announced that it has achieved a Commercial Operation Date (COD) on October 12, 2023, as stipulated in the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) for the Shakawe (1MW) and Bobonong (3MW) Solar Plants in Botswana. Botswana pushing renewable energy planThe IEA points out that coal production is set to increase in Botswana, but exports remain limited and mainly involve trade with neighbouring countries. In October 2020, the government approved an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that provides a roadmap to achieve a reliable, safe and affordable electricity supply. This includes a target of renewable energy contributing 15% to the energy mix by 2030 from its current negligible contribution.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 13:41 UTC
Hundreds in Scotland told to evacuate as northern Europe braces for gale-force winds and floods
Soldiers helped with evacuation measures in the town of Midleton in County Cork, where more than 100 properties were flooded. Cork County Council said morAdvertisementIn the town of Brechin, near Scotland’s eastern coast, officials told residents of about 400 houses to evacuate to local rest centers. Several ferry lines between Danish islands were suspended, as were ferries to Rostock in northern Germany and to Oslo. They said that the water level in southern parts of Sweden may reach its highest level since the 1990s. Share this article ShareIn Germany, authorities warned of high water in bays in Schleswig-Holstein, south of the Denmark border, until Saturday.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 20, 2023 13:18 UTC