David Levy, an Israeli politician born in Morocco who fought against deep-seated racism against Jews from North Africa and went on to serve as foreign minister and hold other senior governmental posts, died June 2 at 86. Mr. Levy was born in Rabat on Dec. 21, 1937, and moved at 20 from Morocco to Beit Shean, an isolated town in Israel’s north. He served in the Knesset, or parliament, from 1969 to 2006, holding the posts of foreign minister, deputy prime minister and housing and construction minister at various times. During his tenure as foreign minister, starting in 1990, Mr. Levy renewed relations with many countries, including China and what was then the Soviet Union. He was the foreign minister during the Madrid Conference in 1991, which helped launch the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, though he did not attend.

Business Jet Market Growing Roots in AfricaDemand for business aircraft is on the upswing as business expands across the continent

Most tourist-friendly places of India FacebookTwitterPintrestIn a recent update, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has topped the chart in the Travel and Tourism Development Index. The place has shown its leadership in the Middle East and North Africa region by securing the top spot and ranking 18th globally in the index.recently published by the World Economic Forum. Serving as a vital strategic tool, the index aids businesses, governments, and international organizations in shaping the development of the travel and tourism industry.The United States leads the index, followed by Spain and Japan, maintaining their positions from the previous edition. The report forecasts a global tourism industry rebound, surpassing pre-crisis levels, driven by heightened demand, expanded flight options, enhanced international accessibility, and increased investments in natural and cultural attractions.In addition to its impressive global ranking, the UAE's commitment to sustainable tourism practices has garnered international acclaim. Initiatives such as eco-friendly infrastructure development, cultural preservation efforts, and community engagement programs underscore the nation's dedication to responsible tourism.

Saidi said that cigarette use among women and young girls was also on the rise, adding that 18% of cigarette-related deaths in Tunisia are attributed to passive smoking.

Johannesburg, South Africa — After suffering a stunning blow in last week’s election, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents to begin talks about forming a coalition government. It suffered its worst blow in KwaZulu-Natal, where former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party swept up support. Former president Jacob Zuma and his uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party) were the biggest election winners. Meanwhile, the MK said it was open to talks with the ANC — but not with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in charge. But the election verdict has not only exposed the deep political fissures among South Africa’s parties — it could also set off internal scrutiny within the ANC, said Pooe.

Morocco is preparing to launch a tender this summer to build a floating regasification unit in the port of Nador West Med, an energy ministry official said. Morocco, so far, has relied on imported gas from Spanish LNG through the reverse flow of a pipeline that once carried Algerian gas. The new terminal would help meet the gas needs of the country which are estimated to surge to 8 bcm in three years, Reuters reported. Coal is still the main source of electricity production in the rapidly developing country, where industrial operators are increasingly opting for gas as a low-carbon and competitive source of energy. The new terminal will be linked to the existing pipeline along with gas fields in Tendrara and gharb regions, the media said citing officials.

The country’s Ministry of Energy and Water recently signed a contract with Off-Grid Europe, for the supply of 62,250 solar home systems. National Director of Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification (DNERER) Serafim da Silveira signed the deal. Solar systems to jumpstart rural areas across AngolaSolar Home Systems are smaller PV systems with batteries that can cover the basic energy needs of households or small businesses. Angola: Solar plant to provide clean energy to 90,000 homesOff-Grid Europe, an Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE) member, also announced plans to open a subsidiary, Off-Grid Angola, having already established one in Senegal. $900m Solar energy project underpins US-Angola infrastructure deal

Morocco’s economic growth is expected to reach 3.5 pc in 2024 and 3.8% in 2025, driven by higher investment, according to latest projections released by the African Development Bank. In its African Economic Outlook 2024 report, the Bank said inflation is projected to fall slightly to 4.1% in 2024 and 3.8% in 2025, as world food prices decline. Growth prospects in Morocco could however be reduced by poor rainfall or slower economic growth in the European Union, warned the experts of AfDB, saying rising tensions related to Russia’s war in Ukraine could trigger another shock in food prices. The current account in the North African Kingdom is projected to record a small deficit of 0.4% of GDP in 2024, before slightly increasing to 0.9% of GDP in 2025, as a result of higher imports. The AfDB report said Morocco has prepared a new development model to strengthen its structural transformation by making it more inclusive.

Marrakech, Morocco:OneClickDrive, the leading car rental marketplace in Dubai, has some exciting news! Since its inception, OneClickDrive has been setting new standards in the car rental industry. Some key statistics highlighting their success include:Partnerships: Over 250 car rental suppliers offer a diverse selection of vehicles. Fleet Size: More than 5000 vehicles, making it the largest car rental marketplace in Dubai and other major cities worldwide. Building on this success, they have expanded car rental in Marrakech and other cities in Morocco.

Mr. Ryzhenkov started by saying that Metinvest has managed to produce about 50 types of new steel products even during the war. Also, it was able to supply steel products to southern Europe, Turkey, Egypt and China, following the opening of the Black Sea trade corridor in 2023. With that in mind, the company plans to increase its steel exports especially to North Africa and Turkey this year. Metinvest’s iron ore beneficiation plant Kryvyi Rih GZK will provide high-quality iron ore that can be used for direct reduction iron production. The construction of the green steel plant will take about two to three years.

The EU’s approach to managing migration flows depends heavily on outsourcing border control to non member countries, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Many far-right politicians enthusiastically back this policy: 19 nations recently signed a letter calling to go “beyond the EU’s migration pact” and further externalise migration control. However, much of the money is funnelled instead into violent, even deadly, anti migratory measures that take place outside the EU’s jurisdiction. These outsourced humans rights violations contravene the EU values of freedom, justice and dignity, and jeopardise its influence as a values based power. One example of how this has played out is the EU’s cooperation with Libya to stem migration across the Mediterranean.

I completely shifted to peace journalism to see how I can contribute to the peace and stability of my region and country. Jennifer Lazuta, who happened to be the former Editor of formerly IRIN Network now (The Humanitarian), linked me up with the Peace Journalist Network through the pioneer Editor of Peace News Network, Kate Roff. All these individuals have in a way or the other impacted positively on my life as a practicing peace journalist. But I will say thank you to the Peace Journalist Network for providing the platform. My dreams and goalsMy dream is to see a peaceful Nigeria, peaceful Northern Nigeria, peaceful West Africa, and also to see a peaceful world.

Women Who Build Africa (WWBA), a community designed to convene and support women leaders, investors and builders across Africa, has announced its second annual WWBA Assembly will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 5-6. Founded in 2022 by Gwera Kiwana and Thea Sokolowski, WWBA is an intentional community designed to bring together women and non-binary founders, investors and operators across Africa, with a goal of enabling essential connections and support. The second day will include an early-stage pitch showcase for 10 women founders from across Africa, plus a full conference day, with panels, fireside chats, discussions, and social events. We saw firsthand that a coordinated effort like the WWBA Assembly generates positive outcomes for female founders, operators and investors and has a net-positive ripple effects on our whole ecosystem. Women founders interested in applying to pitch at the event can do so here.

Moroccan agri-tech startup YoLa Fresh, which is building a transparent and sustainable fresh food supply network, has secured a US$7 million pre-Series A funding round to help it expand. Founded by Larbi Alaoui Belrhiti and Youssef Mamou, YoLa Fresh has developed a platform that connects farmers directly with retailers and food service companies. The startup’s US$7 million pre-Series A funding round was led by Al Mada Ventures, with participation from Algebra Ventures, E3 Capital, Janngo Capital, and FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. YoLa Fresh aims to expand beyond Morocco to become a leading player in Africa’s agri-tech space, tackling food security challenges and fostering economic growth across the continent. “We have achieved remarkable traction and demonstrated product-market fit in less than one year, reinforcing the effectiveness of our innovative business model, which this funding round recognises and supports,” said Youssef Mamou, co-CEO of YoLa Fresh.

Several federal universities and teaching hospitals in Nigeria have been equipped with hybrid solar grids, the country’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has confirmed. Landmark hybrid solar project at learning institutions across NigeriaThe project falls under the auspices of the $550 million Nigeria Electrification Project and is funded by the World Bank and the African Development Bank. More financing for renewable energy projects in NigeriaAt the Forum event, European Union delegates announced new commitments of €4m (around $4.3m) for the upcoming GET.invest country window for renewable energy investment pipeline development. It also confirmed another €20m (around $21.6m) for a dedicated Nigerian investment facility for renewable energy and agri-business. Nigeria: Solar energy system keeps lights on for off-grid community