AI Collaboration to Boost Africa’s Economic Landscape Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Jun 6, 2024 ​ Microsoft Africa and Zindi, the premier African AI community, have unveiled a transformative year-long partnership aimed at enhancing AI skills across the continent. This initiative is set to prepare a new generation of tech-savvy young Africans for the evolving workforce. This groundbreaking alliance marks a pivotal moment in Africa's digital education landscape. Addressing the Digital Skills Gap Celina Lee, co-founder and CEO of Zindi, spoke with us about how this collaboration is poised to bridge the digital skills gap across Africa. Partnership Highlights Upskilling Initiative : The collaboration focuses on comprehensive AI upskilling programs designed to equip young Africans with cutting-edge skills. Long-term Impact : By investing in digital education, this partnership aims to foster sustainable economic growth and innovation across the continent. Community Engagement : Zindi's extensive community network will play a crucial role in the success of this initiative, ensuring broad participation and impact. Why It Matters The partnership between Microsoft Africa and Zindi represents a significant investment in Africa’s future. As digital transformation accelerates globally, equipping the next generation with AI skills is crucial for economic development and competitiveness. This collaboration not only addresses immediate educational needs but also sets the stage for long-term economic empowerment. By focusing on AI upskilling, Microsoft Africa and Zindi are helping to shape a brighter, tech-driven future for Africa. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Morocco and East African co-bid to have future Africa Cup of Countries finals Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Joel Arnold Sep 27, 2023 ​ Soccer Football - Africa Cup of Nations - Final - Senegal v Egypt - Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon - February 6, 2022 General view of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on display before the match REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany/File Photo CAIRO, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Morocco were granted the facilitating of the 2025 Africa Cup of Countries finals on Wednesday, supplanting Guinea who were deprived of the option to have the competition last year, while the 2027 rights were given to a co-bid from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Morocco won as a matter of course after Algeria, Zambia and a joint bid from Benin and Nigeria all pulled out before the vote of the Confederation of African Football's leader council in Cairo on Wednesday. The north African nation was an out of control #1 and will see the choice as a lift to their expectations of co-facilitating the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain yet triumph for the joint East African bid for 2027 was a shock. It returns the finals to the locale interestingly starting around 1976 as they beat Botswana, Egypt and Senegal in a vote. Algeria were likewise an up-and-comer however pulled out on Tuesday. Kenya had recently been granted the facilitating in 1996 however were stripped as a result of unfortunate readiness. The nation as of late had a long FIFA boycott for government impedance in the running of their football organization lifted. The competition must be spread around the districts and add to the improvement of football," CAF president Patrice Motsepe said. The 2025 finals will be just the second time that Morocco will have Africa's most well known game, right around forty years after the past time in 1988. Enthusiastically Censured Morocco were to have facilitated the 2015 Cup of Countries finals yet pulled out in the midst of worries over the spread of the Ebola infection in west Africa. It was a choice vivaciously denounced at the time by CAF, who prohibited the country from African rivalry for quite a long time. However, Morocco have since left on a conciliatory appeal hostile across the mainland, utilizing football to foster ties. They have facilitated different CAF occasions at ladies' and age bunch level and furthermore permitted numerous African nations, who have been hit with prohibitions on facilitating global games in view of unfortunate pitch or arena conditions, to involve stadia in Morocco. At the point when Morocco last facilitated Some Countries, it was an eight group occasion played in just two scenes, Casablanca and Rabat. For 2025 they have proposed utilizing six arenas, in Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Rabat and Tanger. The facilitating of the Cup of Countries has had a checkered history somewhat recently, beginning with South Africa venturing into supplant war-torn Libya in 2013. In 2014 Guinea were grant the option to have the 2023 finals, alongside Cameroon (2019) and Ivory Coast (2021). However, Cameroon were pronounced not prepared for the 2019 finals, so Egypt stepped in. Cameroon then, at that point, facilitated the 2021 version, deferred by one year by the Coronavirus pandemic. Ivory Coast were assumed the host the 2023 occasion in June however it has been deferred by a half year due to worries over the blustery season in West Africa. The following Cup of Countries finals are being held from January 13-February 11. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Uganda's Anti-Gay Law Upheld by Constitutional Court Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Apr 4, 2024 ​ State Minister Henry Okello Oryem, remain defiant, accusing Western countries of using aid and financial leverage to impose their views on same-sex relationships. In a significant decision, Uganda's Constitutional Court has upheld the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, amidst international outcry and calls for human rights respect. The court, led by Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera, stated it would not invalidate the law, which prescribes life sentences for same-sex relations and the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." This ruling followed a petition challenging the law's constitutionality, spearheaded by academics from Makerere University, government representatives, and human rights advocates. They argued that the legislation infringes upon fundamental rights such as non-discrimination and privacy, and contravenes Uganda's international obligations, including those under the UN Convention against Torture. The law has garnered substantial support within Uganda, reflecting the country's conservative stance and resistance to what some politicians term "immoral" Western influences. However, it has sparked severe criticism from the global community, including the UN, LGBTQ rights groups, and several Western nations. In response to the law and related human rights abuses, the United States has imposed visa restrictions on certain Ugandan officials, and the World Bank has halted new loans to Uganda, citing a clash with its core values. Despite international pressure, Ugandan officials, like State Minister Henry Okello Oryem, remain defiant, accusing Western countries of using aid and financial leverage to impose their views on same-sex relationships. The law's enforcement has already seen legal actions, with a young man facing the death penalty under the "aggravated homosexuality" provision, marking a precedent in the country's legal history . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

A Critical Analysis of Rwanda's Youth Volunteer Program with Paul Kagame as a Propaganda Tool Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 8, 2024 ​ Kagame addressed over 7,000 youths from across Rwanda at the 10-year Youth Volunteers celebration at BK Arena in Kigali on May 7 President Paul Kagame recently met with over 7,500 youth volunteers at the BK Arena to show unity. However, critics claim the event is just a facade, designed to falsely demonstrate his strong support among the youth. Attendees received T-shirts with his name and praised him, which critics say is a way to manipulate public opinion and regain international attention and support. This comes as Rwanda prepares for presidential elections on July 15, 2024, despite his government facing accusations of human rights abuses and political repression The BK Arena event, while presented as an opportunity for the President to interact with the youth and discuss their role in the country's development, has been criticized as a propaganda tool aimed at portraying Kagame as a benevolent leader who enjoys the support of the younger generation however it is far from reality, as many young people in Rwanda face significant challenges, including limited opportunities for political participation, economic hardship, a lack of access to basic services, and a low rate of employment among youths according to the world-bank statistics. The lack of financial compensation for these volunteers is particularly concerning. Many of them are living in poverty and struggling to make ends meet, yet they are expected to work for free in the name of national development. This has led some to compare the situation to a form of modern-day slavery, where individuals are exploited for their labor without being given the means to improve their lives. In conclusion, the recent meeting between President Kagame and thousands of young volunteers at the BK Arena has brought to light the shortcomings of Rwanda's youth program. While it may be well-intentioned, the program fails to provide the support and opportunities that young people need to thrive. Instead, it perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exploitation, leaving many volunteers no better off than they were before. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Sudan Faces Famine Risk Amid Escalating Conflict Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 27, 2024 Sudanese women and children lined up for food A global hunger monitor has warned of a realistic chance of famine in 14 areas across Sudan if the ongoing conflict between military factions intensifies. The affected regions include parts of the capital Khartoum, Darfur, Kordofan, and El Gezira State, according to an update from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). As per the latest IPC assessment, approximately 755,000 people in Sudan are facing "catastrophe," the most severe level of extreme hunger. Overall, 8.5 million people, representing 18% of the population, are experiencing food shortages that could lead to acute malnutrition and death or necessitate emergency coping strategies. The conflict between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April last year, has spread throughout the country, triggering ethnically driven violence in Darfur and causing the world's largest internal displacement crisis. The IPC's warning suggests that famine could occur with reasonable probability under a worst-case scenario in the 14 identified areas. The IPC's criteria for declaring a famine include extreme food shortages affecting at least 20% of the population, acute malnutrition in at least 30% of children, and a daily death rate of two people per 10,000 due to starvation, malnutrition, or disease. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Do2dtun Shares Struggle in Gaining Custody of Children Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Mar 11, 2024 ​ Media personality Do2dtun has candidly discussed his ongoing custody battle with his estranged wife, Taiwo Oyebanjo, in a recent interview. Image/@Do2dtun Renowned broadcaster Do2dtun has openly discussed the significant challenges he is encountering in securing access to his children amidst an ongoing custody dispute following his separation from estranged spouse, Taiwo Oyebanjo. The separation came into the public eye in December 2022, when Oyebanjo initiated divorce proceedings, levelling serious accusations against Do2dtun, including emotional abuse, domestic violence, and coercion into an abortion. The couple, who had been united in matrimony for almost a decade, share parental responsibilities for their two children. In a heartfelt revelation on the Goldroom show, Do2dtun detailed the emotional strain of being apart from his children during the legal tussle. Despite the complexity of the divorce process, he remains dedicated to his parental role and is actively pursuing legal avenues to be reunited with his children. Do2dtun also touched upon the financial implications of the dispute, highlighting his determination to ensure financial stability for his children's sake. He believes that as they grow, his children will be free to choose the parent with whom they wish to reside. Throughout the dialogue, Do2dtun maintained that he has been transparent about the divorce and custody issues. He emphasized the personal struggles he faces in striving to maintain a relationship with his children during this tumultuous period. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

SADC's Decisive Mission to Restore Peace in the Eastern DRC Amidst Escalating Conflicts and Rwandan Tensions Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Erin Brewer Jan 6, 2024 ​ The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) The deployment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) was initiated on December 15, 2023, as a response to escalating conflicts and instability in the eastern DRC, largely attributed to the resurgence of armed groups. This mission, approved at the Extraordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in May 2023, is a collective effort involving forces from Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, and elements of the DRC's Armed Forces (FARDC). It represents a regional response to the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern DRC, emphasizing the principle of collective self-defense and action as outlined in the SADC Mutual Defence Pact of 2003​​. (SADC Deployment) Brigadier General Monwabisi Dyakopu. The mission, led by Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu from South Africa, is a testament to SADC's commitment to support the DRC in achieving lasting peace and stability, thereby fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development and prosperity. The deployment aligns with the principle that any armed attack against one of the States Parties is considered a threat to regional peace and security, warranting immediate collective action​​. Regarding the effectiveness of the SADC force, it is essential to note that previous missions, such as those by MONUSCO and the East African Community Regional Force, have not been able to neutralize the main rebel groups operating in the eastern DRC for the last 20 years. The new intervention force must be sizeable, well-equipped, and capable of special forces operations in challenging terrain. However, there are concerns about the resources and capabilities of the forces involved, particularly the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), which is leading the SADC intervention force. The SANDF is reportedly overstretched and underfunded, facing discrepancies between its expected roles and the available resources. In terms of the impact on the current Rwandan regime under President Paul Kagame, the situation is highly contingent on the outcomes of these interventions and diplomatic efforts. President Tshisekedi's stance against Kagame, particularly if re-elected, could escalate tensions. However, the effectiveness of the SADC mission, Rwanda's response, and international diplomatic efforts will significantly shape the future course of these tensions. In summary, the deployment of the SADC mission represents a significant regional effort to restore stability in the DRC. However, its success and the broader impact on the M23 conflict and Rwanda's regime will depend on various factors, including the mission's effectiveness, the cooperation between different regional forces, and the evolving political dynamics between the DRC and Rwanda. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Kylian Mbappe Reveals Dream Serie A Club: AC Milan Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 29, 2024 Kylian Mbappe, the 25-year-old football sensation Kylian Mbappe, the 25-year-old footballer, has expressed his admiration for AC Milan, stating he would love to play for the Serie A giants if he ever moved to Italy. After playing his last game for Paris Saint-Germain last weekend , Mbappe is widely expected to sign with Real Madrid as a free agent. However, in an interview with Sky Italia, he revealed a childhood affection for AC Milan. "When I was a kid, I was a fan of Milan. I always said that if I come one day to Italy, I’m going to play for Milan. I watch every game of Milan," Mbappe shared. As Mbappe prepares for his next chapter, Milan fans can dream of a future with the star forward in their lineup. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

South African Ex-Parliament Speaker Released on Bail Amid Corruption Allegations Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Apr 5, 2024 ​ South African politics, former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula in Court Pretoria, South Africa - In a significant development within South African politics, former Speaker of Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, was granted bail after surrendering to Pretoria police over bribery charges. The arrest highlights ongoing corruption issues within the African National Congress (ANC) as the nation gears up for forthcoming elections. Mapisa-Nqakula, accused of accepting roughly $135,000 in bribes from a defense contractor during her tenure as Defence Minister (2016-2019), firmly denies the allegations, citing political motives. Following a raid on her Johannesburg residence, she faces 12 charges of corruption and money laundering. Read also: South Africa's Parliament Speaker Steps Down Amid Corruption Allegations Despite resigning from her parliamentary positions, Mapisa-Nqakula contends her commitment to facing trial, emphasizing the personal losses at stake, including her state pension and family connections. With the prosecutors not contesting her bail, set at 50,000 rand ($2,670), the case is now adjourned to June 4, with expectations of additional defendants joining . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

M23 Rebels Seize Key Smartphone Mineral Mining Town in Eastern Congo Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah May 3, 2024 ​ M23 War lord Sultan Makenga In a significant development, the M23 rebel group , allegedly linked to Rwanda, has seized control of Rubaya , a mining town in eastern Congo. Rubaya is known for its deposits of tantalum , a key mineral used in the production of smartphones. The Situation in Rubaya Rubaya holds significant deposits of tantalum, which is extracted from coltan. This mineral plays a crucial role in smartphone manufacturing. Eastern Congo has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict involving over 100 armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich region near the border with Rwanda. The violence in this area has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing approximately 7 million people, many of whom are beyond the reach of aid. The fall of Rubaya represents the embodiment of systemic plundering, where armed groups exploit valuable resources for their benefit. Recent months have witnessed increased fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese army forces. The United Nations plans to withdraw peacekeepers from the region by year-end. The rebels are reportedly advancing toward Goma , the largest city in eastern Congo and the capital of North Kivu province. Supply routes to Goma are currently blocked. Regional Dynamics Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of destabilizing Congo by backing the M23 rebels. U.N. experts and the U.S. State Department have also made similar claims, although Rwanda denies them. French President Emmanuel Macron recently urged Rwanda to halt its support for the M23 rebel group during a joint press conference with President Tshisekedi in Paris. The capture of Rubaya by the M23 rebels underscores the ongoing conflict and the strategic importance of controlling mining towns in the region. As tensions escalate and the situation remains volatile, the fate of Rubaya and its valuable mineral resources hangs in the balance. The international community closely monitors developments in this troubled corner of Africa. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

Somalia Warns of Impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 22, 2024 ​ Raging storm in the Indian ocean Somalia's disaster agency issued a warning on Tuesday about the impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy, expected to make landfall in the southwestern and southern regions, including the capital, Mogadishu. The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) advised people living near coastal areas to be on high alert and exercise extreme caution. Heavy rains and flash floods have caused significant damage and displacement across Somalia since the beginning of the year. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) , as of May 14, approximately 225,760 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding of the Gu season, which spans from April to June. This includes nearly 38,730 people who have been displaced or relocated. The adverse weather conditions have led to the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and the destruction of small businesses. The damage to water sources and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities is exacerbating a cholera outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded at least 10,640 cholera cases, including 120 deaths, across seven states. More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024

MTN Group exists two west African countries to focus on high-growth markets Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 26, 2024 ​ The divestiture comes after MTN Guinea-Bissau's financial challenges, highlighted by a significant loss of R1.69 billion ($89.39 million) due to adverse EBITDA performance and currency translation impacts Johannesburg – MTN Group, the leading telecom operator in Africa, is refocusing its strategy on high-growth markets, announcing the divestiture of its operations in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry. The move, part of the company's strategic reorientation, was disclosed in its 2023 financial statements. Telecel, a prominent telecom entity with widespread operations across Africa, has acquired MTN's stakes in these markets for an undisclosed sum. This transition aligns with MTN's objective to consolidate its resources and bolster its presence in more lucrative markets within the West and Central Africa (WECA) region. The divestiture comes after MTN Guinea-Bissau's financial challenges, highlighted by a significant loss of R1.69 billion ($89.39 million) due to adverse EBITDA performance and currency translation impacts. This decision underscores MTN's commitment to optimizing its portfolio for enhanced profitability and shareholder value. With a strategic pivot towards Ghana, Cameroon, and Cote d’Ivoire, which collectively contribute significantly to the group's revenue, MTN is poised to fortify its market leadership in the region. This streamlined focus is expected to drive sustainable growth and technological advancement in its key markets, reaffirming MTN's dedication to connecting the African continent . More Stories Ethiopia Death Toll from Ethiopian Landslides Rises to 157, Official Says Read More Community Jul 22, 2024 South Sudan South Sudan's Basketball Team: Forging a New countie's image Read More Sports Jul 22, 2024 Nigerian Manchester United Secure NIgerian-Danish Wonderkid Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal Read More Sports Jul 21, 2024