Biniam Girmay Becomes First Black African to Win Tour de France Stage Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jul 2, 2024 Eritrean Cyclist Biniam Girmay's Historic Victory in Turin Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a Tour de France stage, triumphing in a dramatic finish in Turin. Eritrea's Girmay clinched victory in a reduced sprint, beating Colombia's Fernando Gaviria and Belgium's Arnaud de Lie. The stage, a 230.8km route from Piacenza, was marred by a late crash that disrupted many riders, including Mark Cavendish. Cavendish, aiming for a record 35th stage win, was caught out of position due to the crash just over 2km from the finish. He and several others avoided serious injury but lost the chance to compete in the final sprint. Richard Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey, leading the general classification tied on time with Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard. At the finish, an emotional Girmay, 24, reflected on his victory. "I would say thanks to God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support," he said. "Since I started cycling I was never dreaming to be part of the Tour de France but now I can't believe it. I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, Eritrea, and Africa. We must be proud. Now is our moment, now is our time. This is for all Africa." Cavendish and his Astana-Qazaqstan teammates were on the right side of the road when the crash occurred. The 39-year-old expressed relief at avoiding injury, having crashed out last year on stage eight. "Something was going to happen," Cavendish said. "You could feel it but you didn't know where or when. I heard it happening ahead so you're on the brakes, you skid and you wait for somebody to hit you from behind. Thankfully we were OK and I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. We didn't sprint but we're safe and that's the main thing." The Tour heads into the Alps on Tuesday, tackling the mighty Col du Galibier on the mountainous 139.6km route from Pinerolo to Valloire. 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

Tanzania's Ambitious Leap: A Tsh49.34 Trillion ($19.35 billion) Blueprint for Elections and Afcon 2027 Glory Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 17, 2024 ​ Tanzania's Finance Ministry has announced a proposed budget of Tsh49.34 trillion ($19.35 billion) for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking an 11% increase from the previous year's Tsh44.4 trillion ($17.41 billion). This significant boost in budget allocation is primarily aimed at supporting the upcoming elections and the preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. The budget emphasizes increased recurrent spending, set to rise to Tsh33.55 trillion ($13.15 billion), in anticipation of the local government elections in October and the 2025 general election. Development spending is also on the rise, with Tsh15.78 trillion ($6.19 billion) earmarked for key infrastructure projects, including the renovation and construction of stadia for Afcon 2027. Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba highlighted the government's focus on infrastructure and social services, such as subsidized public education, as priority areas for the coming fiscal year. The budget aims to be predominantly funded through domestic revenue, targeted at Tsh33.26 trillion ($13.04 billion), and supplemented by domestic and external loans, alongside a slight reduction in external grants and concessional loans. The Tanzanian government is committed to enhancing domestic revenue collection methods, including tightening Tanzania Revenue Authority systems and investing in sectors that expand the tax base. Initiatives to formalize the informal business sector and improve tax compliance are also underway, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships to alleviate the government's financial burden on development projects . 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

Tiwa Savage Transforms into 'Boss Lady' for Her New Film 'Water and Garri' Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Apr 16, 2024 ​ The original film on Prime Video, directed by Meji Alabi, is set to begin streaming on May 10, 2024. Instagram/tiwasavage Tiwa Savage Steps into Executive Producer Role for New Prime Video Original 'Water and Garri' Tiwa Savage has taken on the mantle of executive producer for the upcoming Prime Video original film, "Water and Garri," set to start streaming on May 10, 2024. In a recent interview with ABC, Savage shared her experiences working on the project, which was directed by Meji Alabi. "Executive producing was like me just putting my boss hat on and trying to be a boss lady in all aspects of my life. It was fun and it was stressful doing that and also starring in it. But it just showed me that I can do anything I put my mind to. There are so many things that I have dreams of accomplishing and now I’m really motivated,” she expressed. Savage also revealed her long-standing passion for acting, which predates her music career. "I've always wanted to do acting. I've always wanted to do movies. Actually, that was my first love before music. So it felt like a full circle moment for me. I just felt it was time for me to finally get into that. I never wanted to let go of music, so it's a great way for me to still embody that,” Savage added. The film "Water and Garri" tells the story of a Nigerian fashion designer who returns to her homeland after establishing a successful career in the United States. Savage was particularly drawn to the project for its female-driven narrative. “It's a story first of all told by a female from a female point of view. I'm always an advocate for that and I don't think we have enough of that in the space of Nollywood and just in Africa in general. We do have but I don’t think we have enough. It's refreshing for me. It's a story about love, female empowerment,” she highlighted. Additionally, Savage discussed the growing influence of Afrobeats in Western music, noting its roots in African musical traditions. “I feel like genres like RnB, jazz, soul all originated from Africa, so it's a full circle moment to have Afrobeats having its moment right now. And then hear elements of it from the rhythm to the soul in the music. I felt like we were losing a bit of that in commercial music these days. It's good to see that African music is getting its shine again,” Savage commented. The full interview can be viewed below. 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 to Begin Rwanda Asylum Seeker Deportation Flights on July 23, 2024 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 3, 2024 ​ Prime Minister Rishi Sunak The UK government has announced its intention to start deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda on July 23, 2024, as revealed by court documents on Monday. This controversial plan hinges on the Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, winning the upcoming election. Despite being one of Sunak's key policies, the plan has faced numerous legal and parliamentary challenges, preventing its implementation thus far. Sunak recently indicated that deportation flights would not commence before the election on July 4. However, he assured that if the Conservatives win, the flights would begin shortly thereafter. Currently, the Conservative Party trails the opposition Labour Party by approximately 20 points in opinion polls, and Labour has pledged to abandon the deportation scheme if it comes to power. In documents submitted to the London High Court as part of a legal challenge by a charity, government lawyers stated the plan to "effect removals with a flight to Rwanda on 23 July 2024 (and not 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

Equity Bank Uganda Probes Alleged $16.7M Fraud in Loan Services Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 13, 2024 ​ Random equity bank employees at discussion table,note that people in the image do not represent the actual people alleged of fraud For Bank represantation purposes only Equity Bank Uganda Ltd is currently addressing an internal investigation concerning alleged fraudulent activities linked to its stock loan and agent float financing services. The issue, involving approximately Ush65 billion ($16.7 million), has led to the involvement of some employees and customers in ongoing legal inquiries. Despite the situation, the bank reassures that its operations remain unaffected, emphasizing its commitment to high standards of accountability and transparency. Stock financing, designed to provide working capital against goods, and agent float loans, aimed at supporting bank and mobile money agents, are at the center of this scrutiny. Equity Bank's firm stance on addressing any misconduct aligns with its dedication to ethical practices and legal compliance. Amidst the investigation, industry experts, including Dr. Fred Muhumuza, reassure depositors that their savings remain secure, attributing potential losses to the bank's accountability. The Bank of Uganda, represented by Dr. Adam Mugume, has yet to acknowledge the alleged fraud but confirms the bank's robust financial standing as of the latest audits. As part of Equity Group Holdings Plc, Equity Bank Uganda boasts significant assets and an extensive network, including 50 branches and over 9,000 agents, dedicated to serving more than two million customers across Uganda. The bank's leadership is focused on resolving the matter while continuing to empower communities through financial services . Read our related article about uganda's removal from financial grey list . 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

Erling Haaland Double Puts Manchester City on Brink of Title Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Griffith Sarah May 15, 2024 ​ Erling Haaland's double secured Manchester City a 2-0 victory Erling Haaland's double secured Manchester City a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, bringing them within reach of a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Haaland scored early in the second half and sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty, marking his 27th league goal of the season. Despite a lackluster first-half performance and key saves by substitute keeper Stefan Ortega, City ended their winless streak at Tottenham's new stadium. With 88 points, they lead Arsenal by two points and can clinch the title by defeating West Ham United on Sunday . Pep Guardiola praised Ortega's crucial saves, which kept City's destiny in their own hands. Tottenham's defeat dashed their hopes of a top-four finish, while City, unbeaten in 22 league games, remain poised to make history with another title. 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

Lowering ICT Taxes on Broadband Penetration will boost internet Growth in Africa Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link louis Buyisiwe Mar 10, 2024 ​ The potential economic benefits of reducing taxes in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. A recent report by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) emphasizes the potential economic benefits of reducing taxes in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Presented by ECA's Deputy Executive Secretary Hanan Morsy during a technology-focused round-table in Zimbabwe, the report argues that lower taxes on ICT could lead to broader broadband penetration, enhanced economic growth, and ultimately, increased government revenue. The findings, derived from studies across six African countries, advocate for a gradual reduction in sector-specific taxes to mitigate immediate fiscal impacts while paving the way for substantial long-term economic and social benefits. The discussion, part of the 56th Session of the ECA Conference of African Ministers, brought to light the pivotal role of technology in advancing Africa's development agenda. Claver Gatete, the ECA Executive Secretary, and other experts stressed the importance of strategic investments in digital infrastructure and innovation. They highlighted that digital inclusivity and a unified digital market are essential for leveraging technology to foster economic transformation and development across the continent. Furthermore, the roundtable underscored the uneven growth of broadband in Africa and the challenges of digital penetration in certain regions. Experts like Charles Murito from Google and Njuguna Ndung’u, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, discussed innovative solutions such as blockchain for addressing issues like counterfeit medicines and enhancing financial markets. The collective insight was clear: Africa must prioritize digital advancement and cooperation among nations to achieve a more interconnected and economically robust 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

South Africa's Ramaphosa Sworn in for Second Term Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond Jun 19, 2024 South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa takes the oath of office for his second term as President at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on June 19, 2024. Cyril Ramaphosa has been sworn in for a second term as South Africa's president, despite his African National Congress (ANC) failing to secure a majority in last month's parliamentary elections. Lawmakers re-elected him last week following a coalition deal between the ANC, its long-time rival Democratic Alliance (DA), and other parties. The ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid in 1994, lost its majority for the first time after the 29 May election produced no outright winner. Several dignitaries, including African heads of state, attended the ceremony. Ramaphosa pledged to uphold the constitution and laws of the republic, with Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administering the oath of office. The ceremony included the national anthem, a 21-gun salute, and a fly-past by army helicopters, followed by Ramaphosa's inaugural address. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, formed six months ago by former President Jacob Zuma, did not participate in the inauguration, calling it a "farcical" event. The MK party, which won 15% of votes and obtained 58 parliamentary seats, also boycotted parliament’s first sitting last Friday. Ramaphosa has retained the presidency despite the ANC's vote share falling by 17 percentage points and losing 70 seats in parliament. This was achieved through a power-sharing agreement with the pro-business DA and other parties. The ANC received 40% of the vote, while the DA came second with 22%. This coalition, moving towards the political centre, excludes the ANC’s left-wing and populist breakaway parties. In the coming days, Ramaphosa is expected to appoint a cabinet that includes his coalition partners – the DA and three smaller parties. Together, the coalition accounts for 68% of seats in parliament. The president is also anticipated to outline plans to rescue the struggling economy, which has suffered from power cuts, rising crime, and unemployment under his leadership. Ramaphosa first assumed the presidency in 2018 after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, resigned amid corruption allegations, which Zuma denied. 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

2023 Rwanda overtook DRC in coltan exports Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Serge Kabongo Apr 17, 2024 ​ 2023 Rwanda overtook DRC in coltan exports It's no secret that the DRC is one of the world's leading sources of coltan, a vital mineral for the electronics industry. However, recent data reveals a concerning trend: in 2023, Rwanda overtook the DRC in coltan exports, with Rwanda exporting 2,070 tons compared to the DRC's 1,918 tons. This shift raises serious questions about the ethical sourcing of coltan and the role of international responsibility in preventing the exploitation of natural resources. Rwanda's rapid ascent in the coltan market since 2014 has been a source of tension between the two countries, and it brings to light issues of smuggling and the lack of traceability in the supply chain. Critics argue that Rwanda's rise in coltan exports is fueled by the illegal exploitation of coltan from eastern DRC, with the tacit support of certain international powers. This not only undermines the DRC's economy but also contributes to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. 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

Rwanda Announces New Finance and Foreign Ministers Ahead of Presidential Election Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Ayize claire Jun 14, 2024 ​ Rwanda has appointed Yusuf Murangwa, previously the director-general of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, as the new finance minister. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda's ambassador to the Netherlands, has been named the new foreign minister. Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente announced these appointments on Wednesday, along with new ministers for public service and labour, gender and family promotion, and the environment . The statement did not specify the reassignment of the former finance minister, Uzziel Ndagijimana, but mentioned that Nduhungirehe's predecessor will move to the interior ministry. Rwanda's presidential election is scheduled for July 15. 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

Bonang Matheba Channels Beyoncé Vibes with Her Latest Hairstyle Transformation Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Prince Jean Mar 20, 2024 ​ Bonang Matheba exuded royalty in her complete ensemble, featuring a majestic gold gown complemented by an intense makeup look, enhancing her regal presence. Image from Instagram/@bonang_m At the esteemed 2024 South African Style Awards, Bonang Matheba once again captivated attendees and fans alike with her impeccable fashion sense. The renowned media personality, known for her ability to blend elegance with contemporary trends, graced the event in a striking ensemble that underscored her fashion-forward reputation. Adorned in a radiant gold gown that tastefully showcased her figure, Bonang's choice of attire for the night exemplified the high fashion standards the South African Style Awards are celebrated for. Elevating her look with a touch of glamour reminiscent of global superstar Beyoncé , Bonang opted for a sophisticated platinum hairstyle arranged in a sleek low ponytail. Her makeup, bordering on the dramatic, flawlessly accentuated her features, adding to the regality of her overall appearance. The moment was immortalized by X blogger @MDNnewss, whose shared picture highlighted Bonang's regal and refined style choice for the evening. The South African Style Awards, now in its 26th year, continues to honor luminaries across various sectors who not only have a significant impact within South Africa but also serve as influential figures on the international stage. The event is dedicated to recognizing game-changers who excel in their respective fields, particularly those who make a fashionable statement, a criterion that Bonang Matheba effortlessly meets with her distinct and sophisticated style. 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

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Celebrate Community Spirit with Giants of Africa in Lagos Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Copy link Mbeki edmond May 13, 2024 ​ Prince Harry plays ball with kids Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Lagos, Nigeria, showcasing their support for youth empowerment through sports. On Sunday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were guests at Ilupeju Senior Grammar School, where they engaged with students and participated in basketball activities. The couple's visit highlighted their commitment to the Archewell Foundation's partnership with Giants of Africa, a non-profit initiative founded by former Toronto Raptors star Masai Ujiri that leverages sports to strengthen community ties and uplift young individuals. During their visit, Prince Harry praised the impact of sports in creating community and breaking down barriers. "The power of sport can change lives," he remarked, underscoring the universal language of sports in uniting people. The Archewell Foundation and Giants of Africa announced plans to construct a new basketball court in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, furthering their mission to empower the youth. Meghan Markle, dressed in a blend of local and international fashion —a Caroline Herrera shirt paired with a Nigerian skirt—shared her admiration for the Giants of Africa, recalling her introduction to the organization while living in Toronto. "Talk about full circle again – never did I think we would be able to be here all those years later supporting the expansion of this incredible organization," she expressed. The royal couple's visit culminated in attending a reception for a local charity, demonstrating their ongoing dedication to charitable causes. Residing in the United States with their two children, Harry and Meghan continue to forge connections globally, following Harry's departure from official royal duties in 2020. Their trip to Lagos marks their first visit to Africa's most populous nation, invited by Nigeria's chief of defense staff, and underscores their commitment to fostering international partnerships and community development. 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