Blog - Afrikan Heroes

China’s Road & Belt Initiative: The Beauty of Shared Arts Premieres on CCTV-1

October 6, 2023

Amidst the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China Media Group (CMG) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China jointly produced The Beauty of Shared Arts, a grand TV program focusing on international cultural exchanges, to showcase the charm of diverse cultures and promote their exchanges. Themed around the Cultural Silk Road, this program welcomes guests from BRI members and offers a panoramic view of cultural interplay, open collaboration, and interaction among diverse cultures through the BRI. Featuring artists in China and beyond, The Beauty of Shared Arts presents viewers with refreshing contents, including singing, dancing, theatrical performances, and acrobatics to showcase the profound fusion of different cultures, as the BRI builds a modern Silk Road for the shared benefit of countries around the world. The program premiered on October 5 at about 8:00 PM on CCTV-1 (https://www.CCTV.com/) and was simultaneously broadcast on online media platforms such as Yangshipin.cn and CCTV.com.

With concerted efforts from member countries, the BRI has yielded fruitful results over the past decade, as it has promoted public well-being and fostered cultural dialogues among BRI members. Following the initiative’s footsteps, The Beauty of Shared Arts shot VCRs and held interviews around the world to fully capture the BRI’s vision: We advocate respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

In one episode, the program introduced viewers to the touching mentorship between Chinese train conductor Dai Rui and her Laotian counterpart Tong Kangmi on the China-Laos railway. During the episode, the two conductors sang One Belt One Road, together with Laotian singer Atisal Ratana and Hong Kong actor/singer WONG Cho-lam. The BRI has not only connected economies but also created closer ties between people from different nations. Upcoming episodes of the program will also feature guests from African BRI members. Through the program, viewers feel the emotional side of the BRI, as they witness the similarities, mutual understanding, and friendship between different cultures.

From the story of joint BRI contribution to the artistic performances on stage, The Beauty of Shared Arts transcends national boundaries to present direct dialogues between different cultures and arts. For instance, through their shared love for the blue and white porcelain, Director of the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln Institute WANG Yanjun and famous Turkish artist Adil Can Güven struck an immediate connection on the program. Through innovative stage collaboration between the Turkish Fire of Anatolia Dance Troupe and Chinese dancers for the New Blue and White Porcelain, the program vividly illustrated the artistic charm of the distinct yet harmonious cultures of China and Türkiye, generating fresh cultural dynamics through mutual exchange.

The program offers many other highlights: Serbian singer Slobodan Trkulja and Chinese singer SHA Baoliang creatively adapted the classic song Bella Ciao/Goodbye My Friends; celebrated pianist LANG Lang engaged in a musical dialogue with Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen on the same stage. Through the program, touching stories are seamlessly incorporated into various art forms, including music, dance, and visual aesthetics, to create a series of impressive artistic feasts.

The Beauty of Shared Arts, broadcast on CCTV-1, invites all viewers to witness the evolution of the BRI, an epic story of our times.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

South Africa’s Rand Under Severe Pressure Weakens against Dollar

The rand weakened in early trade on Thursday, giving up some earlier gains after US treasury yields slipped from 16-year highs. At 9.28am, the rand traded at R19.42/US$, about 0.4% weaker than its previous close. The dollar last traded around 0.04% stronger against a basket of global currencies.

On Thursday, a plunge in oil prices and softer US labour data helped pull treasury yields off 16-year peaks, weakening the dollar and giving some reprieve to emerging market currencies such as the rand in earlier trade.

The rand has already lost about 2.2% against the greenback this month. It’s still not at its worst-ever level against the dollar, although it is close — the record low was set in May, when it sagged to R19.85 to the greenback.

Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from international factors like changes in US yields, in the absence of major local data points.

Meanwhile, Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said on Thursday that the rand was caught up in a realignment of global currencies that was outside of the bank’s control.

Kganyago told a webinar that his main worry was inflation and the bank was concerned about the exchange rate to the extent that it feeds through into price pressures.

South Africa’s consumer inflation edged up to 4.8% year on year in August from 4.7% in July, but it still remains comfortably within the central bank’s target range of between 3-6%.

Kganyago reiterated on Thursday that risks to the inflation outlook included food prices, oil prices and exchange-rate moves.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

CrossBoundary Access and Mobile Power Announce $10 Million Initiative for MOPO Hubs in Nigeria

CrossBoundary Access and Mobile Power have announced a significant partnership valued at $10 million, aimed at introducing Mobile Power’s MOPO Hubs in Nigeria. This initiative seeks to provide access to clean energy for approximately 300,000 people through an innovative battery service. To initiate this collaboration, CrossBoundary Access has initially committed $2.25 million, with the potential to extend their investment up to $10 million.

Gabriel Davies, Managing Director and co-founder of CrossBoundary Access

Key Takeaways:

CrossBoundary Access and Mobile Power have joined forces to deploy MOPO Hubs in Nigeria, with a total investment of $10 million.
This partnership marks a pioneering approach in Africa by utilizing infrastructure financing to invest in battery-swapping technology.
The primary goal is to offer access to clean energy to 300,000 individuals without requiring upfront payments, thanks to solar-powered, pay-per-use MOPO batteries.

Solar energy has revolutionized electricity generation, and MOPO Batteries, along with their associated hardware and software, are poised to transform electricity distribution. For Mobile Power, this partnership accelerates the deployment of their technology in Nigeria. Simultaneously, for CrossBoundary Access, MOPO Hubs complement their existing mini-grid portfolio, offering a more cost-effective and rapid deployment method compared to traditional distribution infrastructure.

CrossBoundary Access will oversee the financing, development, and ownership of the projects, while Mobile Power will ensure the delivery of clean and reliable electricity to residents.

MOPO Hubs, powered by solar energy, enable customers to access energy without upfront costs, utilizing secure pay-per-use MOPO batteries distributed by local Mobile Power agents. Additionally, each MOPO Hub creates employment opportunities for local individuals, supporting both men and women. The cost-effective deployment strategy, coupled with data collection capabilities, allows CrossBoundary Access to optimize the placement of future mini-grid sites and connections, ultimately enhancing socio-economic opportunities and expanding energy access.

Legal counsel for CrossBoundary Access in this transaction was provided by Foley Hoag LLP, while Mobile Power received legal advice from Knights PLC.

Lynne Wesonga, Associate Director and lead for the transaction at CrossBoundary Access, highlighted the impact of combining innovative financing with technology, emphasizing the potential to efficiently allocate capital and deliver electricity to a broader population.

Chris Longbottom, CEO of Mobile Power, sees this partnership as a turning point in energy infrastructure investment in Africa, offering scalable solutions to previously challenging infrastructure issues.

Gabriel Davies, Managing Director and co-founder of CrossBoundary Access, believes that battery-based electricity distribution represents a significant revolution in the power sector, allowing for better alignment of distribution costs with customer needs.

Michiel Bakker, CFO of Mobile Power, views this partnership as a substantial step towards channeling investment capital into affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to boost economic productivity in African communities.

CrossBoundary Access is Africa’s leading blended finance platform for mini-grids, employing innovative financing to provide grid-quality electricity to rural households and businesses in Africa. The platform has secured substantial investments and aims to bring clean energy to one million Africans over the next three years.

Mobile Power is a growth-focused company specializing in deploying practical and affordable energy infrastructure across Africa. Their MOPO Batteries offer energy-as-a-service to a diverse customer base, with integrated payment technology for convenient access to clean energy. Mobile Power aims to connect millions of households in the years ahead through its expanding network of solar-powered hubs.

Apple’s iPhone’s FineWoven Fabric Has Become Major Headache

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard

What to Expect: Eight Features of the Upcoming Startup Silver License in Egypt

In the heart of Egypt’s startup ecosystem, a remarkable transformation is underway — a transformation driven by the introduction of the “Silver License” by Egypt’s Investment and Free Zones Authority. This development promises to redefine the startup landscape in the country.

The Silver License is a streamlined licensing initiative designed to simplify the establishment of startups and provide them with a host of benefits and incentives. It addresses the challenges faced by emerging companies, particularly in terms of bureaucracy and costs.

Key features of the Silver License include:

Streamlined Licensing Procedures: The Silver License aims to simplify and expedite the process of obtaining licenses for startup companies. This streamlined approach will significantly reduce the time and effort required to establish a business officially.

Incentives for Startups: Startups granted the Silver License will benefit from various incentives. These incentives include the removal of penalties that often burden emerging companies, making it more attractive for entrepreneurs to start their businesses in Egypt.

Enhanced Investment Climate: The Silver License is expected to have a positive impact on the investment climate in Egypt. By reducing bureaucracy and offering incentives, it is likely to encourage more investments in the country’s startup ecosystem, revitalizing the sector.

Focus on Strategic Activities: The Investment and Free Zones Authority will determine specific activities that startups should focus on, particularly those that contribute to covering the state’s needs and provide dollar liquidity. This strategic focus aims to align startups with the nation’s economic priorities.

Support for Manufacturing Companies: Manufacturing companies, in particular, are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of the Silver License. They may receive higher benefits or even a “golden license,” further incentivizing their operations.

Professional Support Teams: To ensure the success of the Silver License initiative, there is an emphasis on appointing professional teams capable of motivating startup companies and swiftly addressing any obstacles they encounter. This approach aims to provide comprehensive support to emerging businesses.

Reduced Tax and Insurance Rates: The story mentions a potential reduction in tax and insurance rates for workers. Lowering these costs can ease the financial burden on startups and make it more affordable for them to operate.

Encouraging Local Operations: The Silver License aims to encourage Egyptian founders of startup companies to establish and operate their businesses within the country, rather than opting to set up abroad before opening branches in Egypt.

Silver License Startup Egypt Silver License Startup Egypt

Senegal’s Data-Driven Startup Lengo AI Attracts Investors for African Retail Revolution

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard

BCX Launches Alibaba Cloud in South Africa

October 5, 2023

Telkom-owned IT services firm BCX – previously Business Connexion – has launched Alibaba Cloud public cloud services in South Africa, providing an alternative to US cloud services from Amazon, Microsoft and Google. BCX partnered with the Chinese-owned and Singapore-based cloud services provider Alibaba Cloud as it aims to expand its share of the burgeoning African cloud services market.

The new offering, called Africa Local Public (ALP) Cloud, was launched at an event at BXC’s headquarters in Pretoria on Thursday.

Telkom Consumer and Business CEO Lunga Siyo

BCX aims to combine its physical presence in five African countries with Alibaba Cloud’s software catalogue. “Seventy-five percent of African organisations are going to build digital transformation models based on cloud technology and run their operations in the cloud by 2026,” said BCX CEO Jonas Bogoshi. At the same time, African economies are growing faster than the world average with end-user spending expected to grow to US$597-billion in that time. “This represents a huge opportunity.”

BCX aims to combine its physical presence in five African countries – South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zambia – with Alibaba Cloud’s software catalogue, which boasts “more than 200 offerings” of XaaS (anything -as-a-service) solutions, some with a sector specific focus.

“We are focusing on enabling businesses that are at the vortex of digital transformation: health care, retail, financial services and media – with government just outside of that,” said Bogoshi.

According the terms the two parties have agreed to, BCX is the exclusive provider of Alibaba Cloud solutions in regions where the Telkom subsidiary has a presence.

“We understand the needs of our customers in South Africa and on the continent, so we determine and guide Alibaba on what products to bring to the cloud based on customer demand,” said BCX chief digital platforms solutions officer Jan Bouwer. “We have an agreement to bring their products into the environment on the timelines that we determine.”

Bogoshi explained that ALP Cloud will protect its clients against exchange rate volatility by charging in local currency while using BCX’s local presence to ensure data sovereignty for high-security clients such as the public and financial sectors.

ALP Cloud has been deployed in two data centres locally, both of which are in Gauteng. BCX aims to build a third data centre in Cape Town as well as another one outside of the country to serve as a disaster recovery centre “in one of South Africa’s neighbouring countries”.

“The launch of ALP Cloud serves multiple purposes, one of which accentuates our dedication to maintaining a local presence. As a result, when our customers opt for BCX local cloud services, they will be directly connecting with and supported by a South African company,” BCX said.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Rising Crime is Hurting e-Commerce in South Africa

Rising crime rates are dampening the growth of e-commerce in South Africa, leading industry players have warned. As the number of criminal incidents rises, e-commerce businesses have been forced to spend more on staffing and technology to secure their operations.

For some businesses – food delivery platforms in particular – revenue is also being lost as they are forced to serve some areas during daylight hours only or pull out of unsafe areas completely.

“We can confirm that the number of criminal incidents is rising, as is the cost to protect our drivers and our clients’ cargo, which of course makes up the day-to-day products South Africans buy from stores around the country,” said Candice Liebenberg, GM at logistics firm DSV.

DSV offers freight-forwarding services at different points in the value chain, which includes getting goods from producers to retailers (stores or warehouses) and from retailers to consumers. Liebenberg said the criminal “appetite” has changed with the evolution of the logistics industry and the type of packages in transit.

“Where once secure logistics was the preserve of financial services and then high-value electronics, it is now in demand for fashion, food and beverages, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals, and other product lines.”

There is a direct correlation between macroeconomic pressures, such as the high-interest-rate environment, and an increase in criminal activity. The type of criminals that DSV comes across, said Liebenberg, are a mixed bag.

“We can see that historically South Africa has long suffered cargo truck hijackings and the situation has worsened in the last 24 months with both well organised gangs and opportunistic thieves responding to the tough economic conditions and rising unemployment.”

Nothing quite captures “touch economic conditions” as poignantly as the rise in food delivery vehicle robberies. Major food delivery service providers such as Mr D Food and UberEats have had to limit, and in some instances suspend, their services to certain areas due to high levels of criminality.

“We have multiple security protocols and measures in place. These include removing the availability of delivery and reducing operating hours in certain areas. These protective measures are strictly enforced to ensure overall staff safety,” said MR D Food CEO Alex Wörz.

Uber Eats drivers get new safety featuresLike many other e-commerce businesses, both Mr D Food and UberEats have had to pay more attention to driver safety. Initiatives around driver vigilance training and trauma counselling for those who become victims of crime are now part of the food delivery businesses’ operations.

“We have various safety features tailored to our drivers. These include emergency contacts and an in-app emergency button that dispatches private security to the delivery person in the event of an incident. We also have injury protection provided by AIG Insurance to help support delivery people with the costs associated with injury while on the trip,” said an Uber Eats spokeswoman.

By striving to provide services despite high crime levels, e-commerce businesses have seen their costs rising. Investments in staffing and technology for the sole purpose of combating crime could otherwise have been used to grow the business.

“The increased costs we and the industry commit to for a wide range of security protocols and interventions ultimately find their way into the price consumers pay. The situation is a lose-lose for the courier industry and the country’s economy,” said DSV’s Liebenberg.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Senegal’s Data-Driven Startup Lengo AI Attracts Investors for African Retail Revolution

Lengo AI, a SaaS startup based in Senegal, has announced a pre-Seed investment round led by Acasia Ventures, an Egypt-based venture capital firm. This funding round also saw the active participation of Ventures Platform, P1 Ventures, Launch Africa, Voltron Capital, and several other venture capital firms and individual angel investors.

The infusion of capital from this investment will be instrumental in Lengo AI’s expansion strategy. It will enable the company to grow its technology and sales teams, advance the artificial intelligence (AI) component of its product, and facilitate its entry into untapped African markets.

Max Smith, Roger Xavier Macia, and Ismaila Seck — Lengo AI

Why the Investors Invested

The investors’ decision to allocate capital to Lengo AI can be attributed to several compelling factors:

Untapped Market Potential: Lengo AI’s innovative approach addresses a pressing need in Africa’s informal retail sector. By leveraging AI and real-time data, it provides a solution to the challenge of limited market visibility for FMCG brands. Investors recognize the vast untapped potential in this market and its potential for explosive growth.

Experienced Leadership: Lengo AI boasts a leadership team with a combination of skills and experience. Max Smith brings a wealth of knowledge in sales and market research across the African landscape, while Roger Xavier Macia, formerly the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Jumia in Senegal, offers deep insights into the local retail landscape. Ismaila Seck, with a PhD in machine and deep learning, adds expertise in AI and technology development. This blend of expertise instills confidence in investors regarding the startup’s ability to execute its vision.

Scalable Business Model: Lengo AI’s unique approach, combining “Lengo Eagles” (field agents) with AI, offers a scalable business model that can effectively bridge the gap between retailers and FMCG companies. This scalable model positions Lengo AI for rapid expansion and increased market penetration.

Positive Market Traction: The company’s early achievements, including real-time market monitoring for over 2,000 products and the mapping of thousands of corner shops in Dakar and other cities, provide tangible evidence of its market impact. Such traction serves as validation for investors.

Collaborative Investment Ecosystem: The participation of multiple prominent venture capital firms in this funding round signifies a collaborative effort to support Lengo AI’s ambitious business plan. Investors believe in the potential for synergistic growth by pooling resources and expertise.

A Look at Lengo AI

Lengo AI, founded in 2022 by a dynamic team comprising Max Smith, Roger Xavier Macia, and Ismaila Seck, is a pioneering data-driven operating system designed specifically for the informal retail sector in Africa. The startup aims to bring a data-driven revolution to this sector by providing actionable insights and intelligence to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands. These insights are derived from the vast network of corner shops that constitute a staggering 90 percent of retail purchases across the African continent.

The company operates out of Dakar, Senegal, and has identified its primary focus as empowering FMCG brands with actionable insights drawn from the vast network of corner shops that constitute the majority of retail transactions in Africa.

The startup’s unique value proposition lies in its hybrid approach, combining field agents known as “Lengo Eagles” with advanced AI technology. This approach allows it to provide real-time performance data on product sales, benefiting both retailers and FMCG companies.

Lengo AI’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform also introduces the concept of the “Lengo Club,” designed to empower shopkeepers by providing insights into customer behaviors, alerts about new products, and a loyalty point system. On the corporate end, the platform helps local FMCG companies optimize their resources and offers purchasing behavior data to international companies looking to invest in the African market.

As of now, the company has mapped out over 30,000 corner shops across various cities. Max Smith serves as the CEO, leveraging his extensive background in sales and market research across Africa. Roger Xavier Macia, the CCO, brings his experience from Jumia in Senegal, and Ismaila Seck, the CTO, is a respected figure in Senegal’s AI community, holding a PhD in machine and deep learning.

Paratus Says it Will Offer SpaceX’s Starlink in Africa

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard

Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Progress Uneven

October 4, 2023

Africa’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations has been uneven, with significant differences among subregions, countries, and rural and urban areas. This calls for accelerated efforts to ensure that Africa achieves the global goals by the 2030 deadline, the latest Africa Sustainable Development report has stated.

The 2023 report, titled “Accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and African Union Agenda 2063 at all levels”, was released on the margins of the 78th United Nations General Assembly. It was produced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the African Development Bank.

The report assessed Africa’s progress in implementing five main SDGs, highlighting progress, the challenges, and the numerous opportunities for improving Africa’s development prospects. Its findings suggest steady progress on key SDG targets, particularly on 4G mobile network coverage, and access to potable water and electricity.

“Africa’s steady progress on the SDGs is commendable. It is heartening to learn that the continent is on track to achieving some targets, particularly the goals related to innovation and technology, which are powerful enablers for advancing sustainable development,” noted Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP.

The report warns that although Africa is progressing toward achieving the SDGs, the number of on-track targets is less than those requiring acceleration or reversal. It calls for timely interventions to accelerate countries’ progress on key SDGs and the Agenda 2063 aspirations, goals, and targets.

António Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary of ECA, stated: “Africa must create green growth by adding value to its green minerals. This green growth through green minerals must be central to Africa’s SDG rescue strategy. Africa also needs scaled-up concessional financing to regain momentum on the SDGs and the Agenda 2063.”

Albert M. Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, called for improved communication between parties working on Africa’s sustainable development. “The time has come for the Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda, and the African Development Bank’s ‘High 5’ (https://apo-opa.info/3OiFCJL) agenda to be aligned to make it easier for member states to domesticate,” he reiterated.

Gerald Esambe Njume, Principal Climate Change and Green Growth Officer at the African Development Bank said: “Harnessing Africa’s green growth opportunities requires significant efforts in putting forward a strategic vision and governance structure, ensuring sectoral planning, allocating adequate budgetary resources, and establishing sound institutional and coordination arrangements.”

Key findings:

On SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), African countries have improved access to safely managed drinking water services, but a significant disparity remains between rural and urban areas. Three in five Africans, or 411 million people, still lack safely managed drinking water. Also, only Egypt and Tunisia out of the 48 countries assessed are on track to achieve universal basic sanitation by 2030. The report calls on African countries to invest in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure and to strengthen integrated water resource management capacity.

On affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), the report finds that electrification rates have increased, but the use of clean cooking fuels and technologies remains limited. Also, the shift from non-renewable to renewable energy is slow. The report calls for funding increases for infrastructure and technology to boost sustainable power generation across Africa.

For innovation, industry, and infrastructure (SDG 9), the report reveals that Africa is on track in terms of its mobile network coverage, and based on current trends, the continent will meet the relevant Goal 9 target by 2030. The report, therefore, calls for the acceleration of rural road construction and expansion to achieve rural connectivity and regional integration to bridge the urban-rural divide. According to the report, this will advance intra-African trade and thus facilitate the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

Regarding sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), the report’s findings suggest a modest overall decline in the share of Africans living in urban slums. It recommends greater investment in infrastructure to improve access to public transport, waste management and air quality in African cities.

Concerning partnerships (SDG 17), mobilizing funding remains challenging for African countries. The report calls for higher domestic resource mobilization and efforts to address debt vulnerabilities.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Apple’s iPhone’s FineWoven Fabric Has Become Major Headache

The fabric used on iPhone 15 cases, called FineWoven, has been panned for being prone to scratches and stains. When Apple introduced a new material for phone cases and watchbands earlier this month, the company heralded it as a groundbreaking alternative to leather with “subtle lustre and a soft, suede-like feel”.

Consumers and reviewers haven’t seen it that way. The fabric, which Apple calls FineWoven, has been panned for being prone to scratches and stains — with an almost-slippery feel that’s off-putting to some. What began as a high-minded effort to make Apple’s products carbon neutral is now threatening to be one of the company’s biggest misfires of 2023.

Apple describes FineWoven as an all-new textile that’s made from 68% post-consumer recycled material. It’s part of a push to phase out leather throughout its product line, including iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands, in a step towards being carbon neutral across the company’s entire global operations.

FineWoven has yet to clear its first hurdle: winning over the Apple fanatics and early adopters

But FineWoven has yet to clear its first hurdle: winning over the Apple fanatics and early adopters that snapped up the product before anyone else. Federico Viticci, a blogger and podcaster who runs the MacStories site, is one such user. He posted on Mastodon that he saw a stain on his FineWoven case after going out for dinner.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry

Paratus Says it Will Offer SpaceX’s Starlink in Africa

Another major distributor for SpaceX Starlink in Africa as Paratus Group has become a Starlink distributor, though it won’t be able to sell the product in South Africa just yet. The pan-African telecommunications specialist Paratus Group has become a distributor of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in Africa, though it won’t be able to sell the product in South Africa just yet.

“This agreement will allow Paratus to provide Starlink to its customers across Africa, as operating licences are awarded to Starlink in those countries. Initially, and with immediate effect, Starlink will be available from Paratus in Mozambique, Kenya, Rwanda and Nigeria before being rolled out to more countries,” the company said.

Media reports said on Thursday that Zimbabwe is moving quickly to approve Starlink services, and that South Africa’s northern neighbour is poised to get access before South Africa, where an apparent standoff over licence conditions is holding things up. This map shows where in the world Starlink is available.

“Paratus will be able to provide its customers with both fixed mobility and maritime services with immediate effect. It will be able to provide its customers 24/7/365 enterprise support,” the company said.

Kelechi Deca

Kelechi Deca has over two decades of media experience, he has traveled to over 77 countries reporting on multilateral development institutions, international business, trade, travels, culture, and diplomacy. He is also a petrol head with in-depth knowledge of automobiles and the auto industry