The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop):Uganda-Tanzania Crude Pipeline Advances with New Coating Facility Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 27, 2024 ​ An image of part of Uganda-Tanzania Pipeline The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (Eacop) initiative has reached a pivotal phase with the launch of a state-of-the-art coating plant in Sojo village, Tabora region, Tanzania. This critical facility is set to insulate the 1,443 km pipeline stretching from Hoima, Uganda, to the Tanzanian port of Tanga, marking a significant stride in the project's construction phase. Eacop, the entity behind the pipeline's construction and operation, announced the thermal insulation plant's completion alongside the signing of corridor lease agreements as key milestones. The plant will ensure the pipeline's efficiency by maintaining the transported fluid's temperature, akin to a thermos flask's functionality. The inauguration ceremony saw key figures like Tanzania's Deputy Prime Minister Doto Mashaka Biteko and Uganda's Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, alongside Eacop executives, emphasizing the project's role in bolstering regional economic growth and energy security. The initiative is poised to create substantial employment, with around 500 construction phase jobs and 270 operational roles in oil production activities. Constructed and operated by the Wasco Isoaf joint venture, the coating facility symbolizes Eacop's commitment to safety, sustainability, and regional development. With TotalEnergies holding a majority stake in Eacop Ltd, alongside significant shares by Uganda National Oil Company, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation, the project is a testament to international and local collaboration in advancing East Africa's energy infrastructure . 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 ascends to the top 10 in the FIFA Futsal Men's World Ranking. Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 7, 2024 ​ Morocco has made a significant leap to 6th place in the FIFA Futsal Men's World Ranking, marking their entry into the top ten for the first time. This announcement was made by FIFA on May 6th and comes after a remarkable period of success for the Moroccan team. In 2023, Morocco showcased their dominance in the sport with a series of emphatic victories, starting with a 7-1 thrashing of Kuwait in the Arab Futsal Cup final. They continued their impressive form by defeating Argentina 7-0 in a friendly match, highlighting their tactical prowess and strong team cohesion. Throughout the year, Morocco remained unbeaten, a testament to their strategic planning and execution on the court. Their winning streak extended into 2024, beginning with their triumph at the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Here, they defeated Angola with a convincing 5-1 score in the final, securing their third continental title and tying with Egypt for the most championships won in the competition's history. Key players have been central to Morocco's rise in the futsal world. Figures like Bilal Bakkali, Soufian Charraoui, and Soufiane El-Mesrar have not only contributed exceptional skills and goals but have also brought leadership and inspiration to the squad. Their performances are now setting the stage for Morocco to potentially become the first nation outside Europe or South America to win futsal's most prestigious trophy. This ascent in the futsal rankings is part of a broader success story for Moroccan football, which includes their first-ever Confederations Cup victory in September 2022 and their third Arab Futsal Cup title in 2023. These achievements reflect Morocco's growing stature in international futsal and football, signaling their emergence as a formidable force on the global stage. 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

Afreximbank Reports 31.73% Increase in Q1 Net Interest Income to $393.4 Million Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire May 25, 2024 ​ The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has released its consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2024, revealing a significant 31.73% increase in Net Interest Income to $393.4 million, up from $298.6 million in Q1 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a 40.07% rise in interest income, which reached $721.8 million due to an expanding portfolio of loans and advances. The bank's Net Interest Margin improved to 4.82% from 4.40% in the same period last year, attributed to higher benchmark rates and effective borrowing cost management. Operating efficiency also saw notable improvement, with the cost-to-income ratio decreasing to 14.50% from 16.82% in Q1 2023, despite a 10.63% rise in operating expenses to $61.4 million. Afreximbank's staff costs increased by 28.55% year-on-year, reflecting an expanded headcount to support business growth and strategic initiatives. These costs accounted for 52.93% of the group's total expenses. The Q1 2024 performance underscores Afreximbank's resilience and strategic growth amid challenging geopolitical and macroeconomic conditions, enhancing shareholder value. 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

Egypt Celebrates the Return of a 3,400-Year-Old Stolen Statue of King Ramses II Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Apr 22, 2024 ​ 3,400-Year-Old Stolen Statue of King Ramses II Cairo, Egypt – In a significant cultural triumph, Egypt has successfully reclaimed a priceless artifact: a 3,400-year-old statue depicting King Ramses II. The ancient relic, which was stolen over three decades ago, has now found its way back to its homeland, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announced on Sunday. The Journey Home Originally pilfered from the temple of Ramses II in the historic city of Abydos, Southern Egypt, the statue's theft dates back to the late 1980s or early 1990s. Its absence was noted until it resurfaced in 2013 at a London exhibition. From there, the statue passed through multiple countries before ending up in Switzerland. The Egyptian government, in collaboration with Swiss authorities, was able to establish and prove its rightful ownership, leading to the artifact’s repatriation. Restoration and Display Currently housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the statue is not yet available for public viewing. "The artifact will undergo a thorough restoration process to ensure its preservation for future generations," stated the Ministry. Shaaban Abdel Gawad, who leads Egypt's antiquities repatriation department, emphasized the historical significance of the statue, noting that "This head is part of a group of statues that portray King Ramses II seated alongside various Egyptian deities." A Symbol of Egypt’s Rich Heritage King Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, is one of Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs, ruling from 1279 to 1213 B.C. His era is marked by vast building programs and numerous military expeditions, cementing his reputation as one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful rulers. The return of the King Ramses II statue not only marks a win for Egypt's cultural heritage but also highlights the ongoing global efforts against the illicit trafficking of antiquities. Egypt continues to advocate for the return of stolen artifacts and remains committed to preserving its rich historical legacy. The Egyptian Museum plans to feature the restored statue in a special exhibit dedicated to Ramses II, aiming to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of his reign and Egypt's formidable history in antiquity 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

After 150 year UK returns looted Ghana artefacts on loan Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe ​ ​ Here is an alternative phrasing: An image displaying a cast gold badge, utilized as an emblem of authority by the 'soul washer' of the Asantehene ('ruler') in Asante, Ghana, before 1874. The United Kingdom has returned 32 gold and silver treasures looted from the Asante Kingdom in what is now Ghana over 150 years ago. The items, taken during clashes between the British and the Asante people in the 19th century, include regalia from the Asante Royal Court. Ghanaian negotiators have confirmed that 15 items from the British Museum and 17 from the Victoria and Albert Museum will be on a six-year loan to Ghana. These artefacts will be displayed at the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi as part of celebrations honoring the king’s silver jubilee. Ivor Agyeman-Duah, the chief negotiator, highlighted the significance of the return, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual importance of these artefacts to the Ashanti people. The exhibition is scheduled to begin on May 1. This return follows global calls for the repatriation of African artefacts, with Nigeria also negotiating the return of items looted from the ancient kingdom of Benin. Two years ago, Benin received treasures stolen by French colonial forces in 1892. The returned items from the UK include a 300-year-old Mponponso sword and gold peace pipe, among others, used in royal ceremonies. The loan agreements are initially for three years, with the possibility of renewal for another three. 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

Rwandan opposition leader Victoire Ingabire faces political exclusion from participating in the forthcoming presidential elections Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Serge Kabongo Mar 13, 2024 ​ Rwanda court upholds election ban on opposition politician Victoire Ingabire In a recent development in Rwanda's political landscape , the High Court in Kigali has ruled to reject opposition politician Victoire Ingabire's request to have her presidential clemency conditions reviewed. This decision effectively bars Ingabire from running in the forthcoming presidential elections in July. Ingabire, a prominent figure in Rwanda's opposition , had previously been convicted of threatening state security and minimizing the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She was released in 2018 after serving eight years in prison. In her bid to run for president, Ingabire sought "rehabilitation" to have her rights restored. The court's decision was based on the fact that Ingabire had not fully met the conditions of her presidential pardon, which included a ban on running for office. The court maintained that these conditions were necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the electoral process. In response to the court's ruling, Ingabire released a statement expressing her disappointment and determination to continue her fight for democracy and human rights in Rwanda. She also pointed out that the decision highlights broader issues in the country, such as the lack of independence of the judiciary and the suppression of opposition voices. The Rwandan government, however, maintains that the court's decision is fair and by the law. They argue that Ingabire's past actions and convictions make her ineligible to run for public office. The rejection of Ingabire's request has sparked debate among human rights organizations and development partners of Rwanda, who have long criticized the country's political environment for limiting opposition and free speech. As Rwanda prepares for its presidential elections in July, the absence of a prominent opposition figure like Victoire Ingabire raises questions about the state of democracy and political competition in the country. 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

Osimhen Joins Elite List of Goal of the Week Nominees with Spectacular finish Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Feb 23, 2024 ​ The Eye of the Storm: Nigerian Icon Shows No Fear Against Barcelona © photograph by Daily Post Nigeria Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has earned a nomination for the prestigious UEFA Champions League Goal of the Week following his standout performance on Wednesday night. In a thrilling encounter at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Napoli faced off against Barcelona, resulting in a 1-1 draw where Osimhen showcased his scoring prowess. Securing an equalizer just 15 minutes from the final whistle, Osimhen's goal balanced the scales after Robert Lewandowski's initial strike. The decisive moment unfolded when Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa delivered a precise through ball, guiding Osimhen strategically inside the penalty box. Demonstrating both skill and strength, the Nigerian forward executed a remarkable spin to evade Inigo Martinez's defense, culminating in a clinical finish from 14 yards out. This particular goal marked Osimhen's debut in this season's UEFA Champions League, making the nomination even more significant. Competing for the Goal of the Week accolade alongside accomplished players such as Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven, Gelano of Porto, and the aforementioned Lewandowski, Osimhen's performance has undeniably left a lasting impression in the footballing arena. As the anticipation builds, football enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the winner, recognizing the extraordinary feats achieved on the grand stage of the UEFA Champions League [ UEFA ] 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

Kenyan Lawyers Challenge Government's Plan to Send Police to Haiti, Seek Contempt Ruling Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 17, 2024 ​ Lawyers Ekuru Aukot contested the deployment in the High Court in October Kenyan lawyers and their opposition party have petitioned a court to hold the government in contempt over its plans to deploy police to Haiti, according to a recent filing. In response to Haiti's urgent appeal for assistance, Kenya offered in July 2023 to send 1,000 officers to address a deteriorating security crisis that has forced about 200,000 people to flee their homes due to gang violence. Lawyers Ekuru Aukot, Miruru Waweru, and their Thirdway Alliance Kenya party initially contested the deployment in the High Court in October. In January, President William Ruto announced Kenya's intention to proceed with the deployment, despite a court ruling that officers could only be sent abroad if a "reciprocal arrangement" existed with the host government. People also read: Kenyan Lawyers Challenge Government's Plan to Send Police to Haiti, Seek Contempt Ruling "The applicants are reliably informed that the impugned deployment may be done any time from now," the plaintiffs stated in their application on Thursday, emphasizing that the urgency of the matter is underscored by a May 23 deadline for the next step in the deployment process. In March, the Kenyan government announced a pause on the deployment following the resignation of Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry. 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

Kigali to Host Innovate Africa Symposium on Data Governance Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire May 8, 2024 ​ 2023 Innovation Africa in Lusaka Zambia The African Development Bank, in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics Rwanda, is set to host the Second Edition of the Innovate Africa Symposium from October 2-4, 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. This year's theme focuses on "Strengthening Data Governance in the African Data Ecosystem," aiming to spotlight the critical role of robust data governance frameworks in utilizing data for socio-economic growth in the digital era. The event promises a rich agenda with plenary and panel discussions along with parallel sessions that delve into different dimensions of data governance such as Innovation & Strategy, Platforms & Process, and Case Studies & Technology Demos. Leaders from government, civil society, the private sector, academia, and international organizations will come together to discuss ways to enhance transparency, efficiency, and innovation through effective data governance. Interested participants are invited to submit presentation proposals that may cover a range of topics including data catalog and lineage, data quality management, privacy, compliance, data protection, and more. The symposium offers a unique platform for networking, learning, and collaborative innovation, encouraging submissions from those affiliated with national agencies, academia, international organizations, and the private sector. Presentation proposals can be submitted online, and selected presenters may be eligible for sponsorship to participate in the symposium. This event represents a significant opportunity for anyone involved in data governance to share experiences , tools, and strategies, and to contribute to advancing data governance across 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

UK Monarch Extends Condolences and Calls for Climate Action Amid Kenya Flood Crisis Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe May 8, 2024 ​ Britain's King Charles III (L) with Kenyan President William Ruto during the ceremonial welcome at the state house in Nairobi, Kenya on October 31, 2023. King Charles III of the United Kingdom has extended his condolences to Kenyans affected by the devastating floods sweeping across the nation. In a heartfelt message to Kenya's President William Ruto, King Charles emphasized the urgent need for global collaboration to combat and adapt to climate change. The message follows his state visit to Kenya in October last year, underscoring the close ties and shared challenges between the two nations. The King expressed his deep sadness over the increased loss of lives and livelihoods due to the floods, urging for immediate action to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. His statement highlighted the critical role of emergency workers and volunteers who are tirelessly aiding those impacted by the floods. Recent reports from Kenya's Interior Ministry reveal a troubling increase in the impact of the floods, with the death toll rising to 238. Additionally, 174 people have been wounded, 75 are missing, and approximately 47,000 families, or 235,000 individuals, have been displaced. Emergency camps have been established in 22 counties, providing shelter to over 70,451 people. The UK monarch's message aligns with his longstanding commitment to environmental issues , reinforcing the shared responsibility to address climate change and biodiversity loss for the sake of global well-being and survival. 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

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan Join Forbes' 30 Under 30 Class of 2024 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Apr 15, 2024 ​ Only two Nigerian athletes secured spots on the prestigious Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list for 2024. Credit: GettyImages Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and track star Tobi Amusan have been recognized as part of the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2024, highlighting their athletic achievements and impactful contributions both within and beyond their sports. Their selection not only celebrates their professional success but also their roles as community influencers and national icons in Nigeria. This year's selection process by Forbes Africa was particularly rigorous, involving a panel of high-profile judges and experts, along with contributions from previous honorees, to identify truly deserving young talents across the continent. Osimhen and Amusan are the only Nigerian athletes to make this prestigious list, underscoring Nigeria's strong presence in the international sports arena. Osimhen, at 25, has become the highest-paid Nigerian footballer following a significant contract with Napoli in December 2023. Similarly, 26-year-old Amusan has risen to become the top-paid Nigerian in track and field, securing multiple endorsement deals thanks to her continued dominance in the sport. Their careers are characterized by resilience, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to their disciplines. The inclusion of these athletes in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 roster not only marks personal milestones but also reflects the vast potential and rich talent pool within Africa. Their stories of perseverance and success are set to inspire a new generation of athletes to chase their dreams with determination, further elevating the continent's standing on the global sports stage. 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

UK Deportation Flights to Rwanda Delayed Due to Missing Asylum Seekers Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah Apr 30, 2024 ​ The UK government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda faces a significant hurdle as more than half of those allocated for removal cannot be located by the Home Office, according to an impact assessment. Of the nearly 6,000 individuals slated to receive a "Notice of Intent" regarding the inadmissibility of their asylum claims, only just over 2,000 can be accounted for. The Home Office admits that while Rwanda has agreed "in principle" to accept 5,700 asylum seekers from the UK, only 2,143 are regularly attending check-ins and can be located for detention. The whereabouts of the remaining 3,557 asylum seekers remain uncertain. They may have gone underground to evade deportation or could be victims of administrative errors stemming from transitions between taxpayer-funded accommodations. This situation raises questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the deportation process, especially considering the upcoming first deportation flights scheduled for July. Notably, individuals who arrived in Britain via small boats between July 1, 2022, and June 29, 2023, will not be included in this initial wave of deportations. Furthermore, the policy document acknowledges the likelihood of significant attention from Members of Parliament on individual cases and the potential for Home Office staff to be overwhelmed. As the government grapples with these challenges, it remains to be seen how it will address the missing asylum seekers and ensure a smooth implementation of its deportation plan to 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