News - Afrikan Heroes

African Music Streaming Start-Up, MePlaylistTM Attracts Global Investors

March 30, 2020

One of Africa’s music streaming and promotional start-up MePlaylistTM founded by Olakunle Oladehin, a seasoned entertainment industry insider, is poised to revitalize the streaming market with investment options from some of the world’s well known entertainment companies as it partners with the likes of Mr Mathew Knowles, father of artists Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. Mr Knowles is of the view that MePlaylistTM offers music consumers in Africa a unique experience that is much more simplified for a continent where internet penetration and the use of smartphones is projected to experience significant growth. Speaking on the development, he noted that “MePlaylistTM is Africa’s own answer to the popular music streaming platforms, but it takes streaming a step further by personalizing the experience for each consumer based on their consumption patterns and the technology available to them. This and the population of Africans both on the continent and in the diaspora is why I am proud to have invested in MePlaylistTM”, he said in a statement.

With increasing mobile phone usage in Africa and the global prominence of African acts like Diamond Platinumz, Davido, Tiwa, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and Burna Boy, convenient and reliable platforms with expansive catalogues of streamable are far from the norm on the continent. Many streaming platforms prioritize commercialization efforts in high-income countries and pay less attention to low and middle-income countries. This has created a gap between Africa’s rich musical contents and the need to reach fans through channels that make monetization and exchange of value easier and convenient.

It is solving this challenge that birthed MePlaylistTM; a music streaming platform that presents music content to users in an intuitive and data-friendly fashion, projecting African acts to the world and vice versa. The platform comes with a unique administrative royalty distribution, multiple plan types and subscription currencies, high-quality audio, plus DDEX standards for ingesting and reporting usage. These amongst others have attracted global music stakeholders to the platform, hence making it possible to partner with music distributors globally.

According to a year-end report (https://bit.ly/2UELjEM) from the RIAA, revenues from streaming services grew nearly 20% in 2019 to $8.8 billion, accounting for 79.5% of all recorded music revenues, which means the streaming music services’ share of total music revenues is bigger than ever. With the global music industry now worth about $19.1 billion, the African market is still largely untapped with its 1 billion-plus mostly young population and still accounts for a mere 2% of the global recorded-music sector and less than 1% of the royalties collected.

Unfortunately for music consumers in Africa, many of whom fall between the ages of 17 and 22, streaming services though ubiquitous, are not without their challenges. Consumers have over time complained about the high cost of subscribing to some platforms, the unresponsive and unexciting user interfaces and catalogues not as exhaustive as consumers would love. This has presented a challenge for content creators in Africa to earn suitable revenue from their work.

MePlaylistTM is a 100% African solution to music consumption and promotion. The company which was founded by Olakunle Oladehin, a seasoned entertainment industry insider, is poised to revitalize the streaming market by providing a music consumption and promotion service that will make music consumers enjoy their listening experience on an optimized app without breaking the bank or running out of options. MePlaylistTM users will also be able to curate their own playlists and get followers to enjoy new music from all over the world.

According to Olakunle, “our focus is to put our users and their music consumption habits first; our platform has been designed with the understanding that people are mobile and constantly in need of new content, so from our interface to our catalogue options, we are making the MePlaylistTM experience the best in the market”. Olakunle further emphasised the increasing importance of user-generated content (UGC) to give more visibility to music that matters. In his words “MePlaylistTM has been designed to be an intelligent music App that applies artificial intelligence to give each user a unique experience.”

His words are echoed by Ayodeji Oyenekan the Head of Technical Innovation at MePlaylistTM who says the MePlaylistTM app has been built to make expanding the catalogue on offer and other features as seamless as possible. “Because of the innovative app we have built, MePlaylistTM will offer artists, aggregators and other content owners the opportunity to better monetize their content and reach a wider audience.”

Mr Knowles’ Music World Entertainment Corporation is joining other global industry majors who have invested in Nigeria’s rapidly growing music industry. Mr Michael Kay Kiladejo, Managing Partner of Music World International, and CEO of Track Record Entertainment LTD, UK, expressed optimism in the African music landscape and cited reasons for investing in MePlaylistTM. In his words “We are very confident in the technical capabilities and expansion strategies for MePlaylistTM to deliver world-class service to music lovers in Africa and beyond. To this end, it is a timely move to be able to facilitate the availability of the iconic Music World catalogue on the MePlaylist platform, and simultaneously take advantage of access to the dynamic new market it offers to artists on the Track Record Entertainment label.”

MePlaylistTM Founder Olakunle Oladehin believes that everyone will find their favourite kind of music on the app and anticipates that pre-launch subscription figures will shoot up significantly in the coming days as more Nigerians experience the seamless features of the MePlaylistTM app. “Whether you are looking for the next Wizkid, Burna Boy or Tiwa Savage song or your taste is more Obesere and King Sunny Ade, we have something for you on an app that makes the music more interesting for you”.

Legal and Transaction advisory services for the MePlaylistTM project was provided by leading Entertainment Law Firm in Nigeria, RBMM Solicitors. According to Demilade Olaosun, the Lead Solicitor at the Firm, it was a privilege working with the MePlaylistTM Management Team to iron out critical equity acquisition terms between the Company and Mr Mathew Knowles and his team. Olaosun strongly believes the African Entertainment industry stands to gain a lot from this strategic collaboration and he is excited about the prospects of MePlaylistTM in shaping music consumption in Africa and across the world.

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

Africa’s Dilemma: as Health Disasters Snowballs into Economic Crises

As the dangers of the Covid-19 diseases mounts globally, policy makers and experts are most worried about the timing of the Virus arrival in Africa which sets up the continent to likely be the last epicenter of the disease. A timing many see as the last straw that will devastate a continent already struggling to stay afloat in the face of global economic meltdown. While many focus on the potential health disaster looming for African countries where some of the inexpensive preventive measures prescribed for developed countries such as social distancing are costly and difficult to enforce for people in an informal economy, few are seeing the ancillary economic effects.

Unlike in Europe where the virus is peaking with deaths over 10,000, Africa has recorded relatively lower numbers with over 4,000 cases in 46 African countries but the rate the numbers are climbing is enormous judging from the poor healthcare system across the continent. However, a school of thought claims that Africa’s relatively low number is as a reflection of the continents low testing capacity. Whichever it may, the key issue is that even if Africa avoids a catastrophic health hazard as many fear, the economic impact will still deal a heavy blow on its lean resources as recession stares it in the face.

Over the last decade, over 10 African countries joined the league of petroleum producing countries, with the crash in price of crude oil, and its attendant impact on gas, these countries that depend mostly on natural resources for foreign exchange earnings will suffer an economic blow. A country like Nigeria is already in a quagmire as the price of crude oil falls lower than its 2020 national budget projections. South Africa has recently gone into recession with major rating agencies grading its bonds as junk in the as junk in the last one week.

Not only are African countries fully integrated into the global economy but many states are often playing a weak hand as exporters of commodities whose prices have been falling precipitously. And for those who are importing goods their currencies are losing value against the dollar in an uncertain global economy. For several countries they have both of these challenges even as international investors start to turn away from Africa to worry about the problems at home.

For now, few are predicting a continent-wide recession, but the biggest economies Nigeria and South Africa, which have been treading water in recent quarters are going to take a big hit. Nigeria, like another big oil producer Angola, has seen oil prices drop by some 50% since the start of the year. IMF estimates “each 10% decline in oil prices will, on average, lower growth in oil exporters by 0.6% and increase overall fiscal deficits by 0.8% of GDP.” South Africa, which last week completed the trifecta of junk ratings even as it was forced to shut the economy, is expected to tip back into recession for the year from its anemic growth.

“The pullback from African markets as well as a projected decline in export revenues has led to depreciations of local currencies,” writes Brahima Sangafowa Coulibaly, director of Brookings institution’s Africa Growth Initiative. “These exchange rate depreciations will push up local inflation and trigger monetary policy and financial tightening.” This means the repayments on the rising dollar debt will be even more difficult to cover. “Across the region, growth will be hit hard. Precisely how hard is still difficult to say. “But it is clear that our growth forecast in April’s regional outlook will be significantly lower.,” write IMF Africa director Abebe Selassie and Karen Ongley, head of IMF’s Sierra Leone office.

The impending economic downturn has seen the UN Economic Commission for Africa estimate the continent will see growth drop to 1.8% from a previous estimate of 3.2% due to, among other things, the disruption of global supply chains and a crash in oil prices that will cost up to $65 billion in export revenues. Brookings lowered its forecast for Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP growth in 2020 to between 1.5% to 2.5% from a previous forecast of 3.6%. Coulibaly thinks even if African governments are quick to contain the spread of the virus and global conditions stabilize, the region’s growth will decline by one percentage point. The worst case scenario of long-lasting pandemic and slow global economic recovery will see a decline of two percentage points.

Another key problem on many policy makers’ minds now is debt. After a decade of cheap credit many African countries have piled on debt to meet various needs from infrastructure to health and education. But the terms of that credit haven’t always been the best and the repayments will be much more onerous in the changed economic environment. The IMF and the World Bank have already called for debt relief for the world’s poorest countries, but also those with an unsustainable debt situation. Many of African countries fall into both camps. The concern here is obvious, if governments are paying down international debt rather than focusing on the potential health catastrophe in their country it could have long-term disastrous consequences for neighbors and beyond. “

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

Ethiopia Asks Foreign Students to Leave the Country

The confusion trailing closures of national borders took a different turn as Ethiopia ordered foreign students to leave the country due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Most of those affected are South Sudanese students studying on government scholarship in Ethiopia. However, the students stated that the Ethiopian government has not given them a specific period to leave the country. Speaking on the development, the Chairperson of South Sudanese Student’s Association in Ethiopia, Gatwech Nhial while confirming that the Ethiopian government has ordered all foreign students to leave the country, including S. Sudanese, said that “the Ethiopian government has requested any foreign nations to evacuate their citizens in Ethiopia including South Sudanese. We have been asked to evacuate Ethiopia within a limited time,” adding that “no days were given but we are just there waiting until there is a flight. If there is a flight tomorrow, maybe we can come.”

Unconfirmed sources at Addis Ababa said that so far all the national students have evacuated and nobody is at the premises of the campus because the order was issued by the Ministry of General Education of Ethiopia. The sources noted that “It is now only the South Sudanese students who are actually living on the campuses, but students from other neighbouring countries, adding that “we actually do not know what the government is doing about this. The only thing we know is the government approved the money. But so far everything is quiet we don’t know what is happening.”

Reacting, the South Sudanese Minister of Higher education Denay Jock Chagor has requested the Ethiopian government to retain South Sudanese who are studying there. “The government of the Republic of South Sudan is kindly requesting you [Ethiopia] that, all South Sudanese students who are studying in Ethiopia shall remain there during this difficult time of pandemic disease Covid19,” saying that “the government of South Sudan will be responsible for their feeding and other needs.”

Similarly, the High-Level Taskforce over the weekend directed the Ministry of Finance to act fast to ensure students in Ethiopia are supported within the shortest time. Last week, the government of South Sudan agreed to offer $3 million to students studying in coronavirus-affected countries. These countries include Zimbabwe, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, India, and China. However, some students studying in various universities in Ethiopia said that they are yet to receive the money promised while others claimed that they are the only students still staying at the campuses of those countries affect by the coronavirus.

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

Uganda’s Restriction Orders Turn Violent as Police Shoots People for Violating Covid-19 Restrictions

March 28, 2020

The restriction orders handed down by Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni as part of efforts aimed at curtailing the Covid-19 spread in the country turned violent Friday as two men were hospitalised after being shot for violating restrictions on transport. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has urged people to stay home but has stopped short of ordering a lockdown. To this end, schools, places of entertainment and worship and some agricultural markets have been shut for a month and people have been banned from using public transport, and being more than three to a car, or one on a private motorbike.

Police however said that two men on a motorbike in Mukono on Thursday failed to abide by the directive and when they were stopped, they attacked one of the officers, he fired the warning shot in the air but they charged at him and he shot one of them in the leg and another in the stomach in self defense. The Police noted that the men who were in hospital, had said they were not aware of the directive banning public transport and private motorbikes carrying more than one person.

Uganda has recorded 18 confirmed cases of Covid-19, many of them — as in Rwanda — travelers who had come from Dubai. On Thursday police and soldiers in the capital beat fruit vendors, market-goers and people in bars with batons in a bid to disperse people gathering in groups. Trade and industry minister Amelia Kyambadde said in a statement that security forces should “refrain from beating people. Please explain to them through the community radio towers in the local language”.

Ugandan legislator Muhammed Nsereko representing Kampala Central in the parliament said on Friday that “we support the government’s efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus but banning public transport without giving time for people to prepare for the shutdown was wrong”. He added that “now that people can’t move due to lack of public transport and are staying home we are having cases of households running out of food and unable to pay rent or medical services,” said Nsereko. Bans on movement, or complete lockdowns, are hitting the poor hard in Africa, where many live hand to mouth on the money they can make any given day.

In East Africa, Rwanda and Mauritius are the only two nations to implement a total lockdown, while Kenya and South Sudan have a night-time curfew. Case numbers spiked in Mauritius on Thursday from 48 to 82, with two deaths so far. South Sudan and Burundi are the only two countries in the region yet to confirm cases of the virus.

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

African Development Bank Launches $3 billion “Fight COVID-19” Social Bond

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group

As the Covid-19 cases continue to rise across many African countries, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has raised an exceptional $3 billion in a three-year bond to help alleviate the economic and social impact the Covid-19 pandemic will have on livelihoods and Africa’s economies. This “Fight Covid-19” Social bond with a three-year maturity garnered interest from central banks and official institutions, bank treasuries, and asset managers including Socially Responsible Investors, with bids exceeding $4.6 billion. This is the largest Social Bond ever launched in international capital markets to date, and the largest US Dollar benchmark ever issued by the Bank. It will pay an interest rate of 0.75%.

The African Development Bank Group is moving to provide flexible responses aimed at lessening the severe economic and social impact of this pandemic on its regional member countries and Africa’s private sector. “These are critical times for Africa as it addresses the challenges resulting from the Coronavirus. The African Development Bank is taking bold measures to support African countries. This $3 billion Covid-19 bond issuance is the first part of our comprehensive response that will soon be announced. This is indeed the largest social bond transaction to date in capital markets. We are here for Africa, and we will provide significant rapid support for countries,” said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group.

The order book for this record-breaking bond highlights the scale of investor support, which the African Development Bank enjoys, said the arrangers. “As the Covid-19 outbreak is dangerously threatening Africa, the African Development Bank lives up to its huge responsibilities and deploys funds to assist and prepare the African population, through the financing of access to health and to all other essential goods, services and infrastructure,” said Tanguy Claquin, Head of Sustainable Banking, Crédit Agricole CIB.

Coronavirus cases were slow to arrive in Africa, but the virus is spreading quickly and has infected nearly 3,000 people across 45 countries, placing strain on already fragile health systems. It is estimated that the continent will require many billions of dollars to cushion the impact of the disease as many countries scrambled contingency measures, including commercial lockdowns in desperate efforts to contain it. Globally, factories have been closed and workers sent home, disrupting supply chains, trade, travel, and driving many economies toward recession.

Commenting on the landmark transaction, George Sager, Executive Director, SSA Syndicate, Goldman Sachs said: “In a time of unprecedented market volatility, the African Development Bank has been able to brave the capital markets in order to secure invaluable funding to help the efforts of the African continent’s fight against Covid-19. Not only that, but in the process, delivering their largest ever USD benchmark. A truly remarkable outcome both in terms of its purpose but also in terms of a USD financing”. The Bank established its Social Bond framework in 2017 and raised the equivalent of $2 billion through issuances denominated in Euro and Norwegian krone. In 2018 the Bank was designated by financial markets, ‘Second most impressive social or sustainability bond issuer” at the Global Capital SRI Awards.

“We are thankful for the exceptional level of interest the Fight Covid-19 Social Bond has raised across the world, as the African Development Bank moves towards lessening the social and economic impact of the pandemic on a continent already severely constrained. Our Social bond program enables us to highlight our strong development mandate to the investor community, allowing them to play a part in improving the lives of the people of Africa. This was an exceptional outcome for an exceptional cause,” said Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Treasurer, African Development Bank.

Fight Covid-19 was allocated to central banks and official institutions (53%), bank treasuries (27%) and asset managers (20%). Final bond distribution statistics were as follows: Europe (37%), Americas (36%), Asia (17%) Africa (8%,) and Middle-East (1%).

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

4G Capital Provides Operational & Services Update on COVID-19 Outbreak in East Africa

March 27, 2020

Wayne Hennessy-Barrett, CEO and Founder of 4G Capital

4G Capital, a market leader in technology-driven financial inclusion, announces an update on its operations across Kenya and Uganda and shares its approach to safeguarding its clients, employees, and services amid the COVID-19 outbreak. For over six years, 4G Capital’s primary focus has been the removal of barriers that inhibit financial inclusion and unlocking the potential of East Africa’s micro and small businesses through the provision of working capital credit combined with financial literacy and business enterprise training.

As Kenya and Uganda go into ‘lock-down’, the COVID-19 outbreak threatens the most vital yet vulnerable segment of the economy, the informal sector. In Kenya, according to the FSD Kenya and Kenya Revenue Authority, approximately 95% of the country’s businesses and entrepreneurs operate within the informal sector, and only 24% of them own a business bank account. The majority of 4G Capital’s clients are traders operating within the informal sector, typically located in crowded open-air markets, where isolation and social distancing protocols are incredibly challenging. Restricted access to running water and sanitation will also create enormous difficulties as these businesses do their best to follow safety guidelines.

The survival of small local businesses is critical to the welfare of local communities as they provide affordable food and daily provisions. In response, 4G Capital and other industry leaders have formed a coalition to enable access to sanitizer and handwashing facilities across market places in greatest need.

4G Capital is committed to helping its clients throughout this challenging period while supporting government policies. The company has adjusted processes to ensure business continuity and the safety of clients and employees. 4G Capital has over 100 local branches across Kenya and Uganda, and all will remain open while government policies allow; however, changes have been made to field activities to minimize social interaction. Existing clients can access 4G Capital’s services seamlessly over its mobile technology platform, while new clients are advised to contact the Customer Service Centre by email: contact@4gcapital.com.

To safeguard the wellbeing and sustainability of the company, 4G Capital are enforcing strict financial disciplines across the Group while maintaining balanced and controlled operations. All non-priority projects have been postponed until further notice, and all non-essential operating expenses have been deferred in favor of efficiency and strengthened liquidity.

Wayne Hennessy-Barrett, CEO and Founder of 4G Capital, said: “We have a clear mission to not only drive growth across the informal economy but to protect it. Our investors, management and employees are committed to the wellbeing, safety, and success of our clients. We stand proudly with those who continue to serve in times of greatest need and pray for those who find they cannot.”

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

Conex Signs Deal to Acquire TOTAL Liberia, Sierra Leone

Indigenous Liberian energy firm, Conex Oil and Gas Holdings Limited (Conex) has entered into an acquisition agreement with global energy giant Total Group to acquire Total Liberia and Total Sierra Leone. These two subsidiaries of Total in Liberia and Sierra Leone are leaders in the importation and marketing of petroleum products throughout their respective countries via the industrial and wholesale channels under the trademarks pertaining to the Total group. With this change in ownership, Conex is expected to take over within six months and will keep the Total brand name for two years says a Conex official who is in the know of the details of the deal.

Total has been operating in Liberia since 2005 provider of product to the aviation industry. The French company now has approximately 30 service stations operating in the country. Every year, Total does a review of all 130 countries in which they operate and determine whether to stay or leave. The bid for Total Liberia and Sierra Leone was announced about a year ago. Conex says it will maintain the same source and quality of product, as well as the same management and staff. The transaction, according to Conex, represents a unique opportunity for the Liberian company to become a market leader in the fuel marketing business in West Africa with specific emphasis on the Mano River Union basin, due to Total Liberia and Total Sierra Leone leading positions as vendors for fuel in the aviation industry.

A release quoting the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Conex, Cherif Abdallah, said several international companies participated in the competitive bidding process, which was conducted in compliance with Total Group’s rules and standards, and “I am pleased that Conex, a Liberian entity, emerged successful in the acquisition.” He expressed his excitement about the expansion of Conex throughout these countries because “this will create jobs and promote development in the areas into which we expand.”

Mr. Abdallah noted that during President George Manneh Weah inaugural message on January 22, 2018, he called said Liberians will not be spectators in their own economy but will take bold steps to create businesses and be a part of our country’s economic and developmental growth. “We at Conex, heard this message loud and clear. That is why we are here today. Our hope is that this achievement will encourage and motivate other Liberians to move in and begin the job of developing our private sector. It is time for local actors to actively participate in their economies,” he said.

Conex CEO and chairman also used the occasion to extend special thanks and appreciation to their respective advisors including Africa Finance Corporation, Nigeria; GT Bank Liberia; Sefton Fross, Lagos, Nigeria; Platform Capitol, Port Louis, Mauritius, and Montserrado Oil Infrastructure, Road Town-Tortola, British Virgin Island.

Conex, a holding company for a group of companies operating primarily in West Africa and headquartered in Liberia with representative offices located in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria and the UAE as well as Switzerland. With this acquisition deal, CONEX is set to become a powerful force in the oil and gas sector. As its ambition is to develop its activities, the acquisition of the entity in two countries is in line with the expansion strategy of the group.

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

COVID-19: Pastors Chris, Benny Hinn host world largest prayer event

March 26, 2020

In a clear response to recent happenings across the globe, President, Loveworld Incorporated Reverend (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome and Pastor Benny Hinn, have declared a Global Day of Prayer. This special prayer program is slated to hold tomorrow Friday, March 27, 2020 at 7pm GMT+1 or 2pm EST, and it will be broadcast LIVE on all LoveWorld TV networks, terrestrial TV stations, various Radio stations across the globe and also on various internet platforms.

This is a timely instruction of the Holy Ghost poised to change the narrative and free the world from the devastating effects caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. God’s generals will also be bringing a special message to the world during this program.

To this end, Christians around the world, irrespective of denominations, are now preparing to take a stand in unity against the forces of darkness causing panic and perplexity in the world today, as they observe this Global Day of Prayer. This is a special call to prayer according to the inspiration of God’s Spirit.

It is a faith response to restore hope amidst the growing fear and confusion expressed by different governments of the world in the wake of the Coronavirus epidemic. Through effective prayers, there is an assurance that the nations will be liberated from the siege of this pandemic.

In the featured video, Pastor Chris and Pastor Benny unveil deep truths about the events being witnessed across the world today in relation to Bible prophecies. They emphasize the need for the body Christ to unite in prayers and put a stop to the devil’s schemes as the Church is the only hope for the world.

Over One billion people are expected to participate in the #GlobalDayofPrayer as the publicity for the programme has reached top gear.

It will be recalled that LoveWorld President Pastor Chris Oyakhilome on March 1, 2020, during his Monthly Global Service and Communion prayed for the entire world going through anxiety as a result of a global pestilence that has been raging since late last year.

He prayed: “Father, in the name of Jesus Christ…thank you for your word that has been given to us. Lord you told us that in the last days, there will be perplexity of nations. Men’s heart failing them from fear because of the things they will see…because of the terrible experiences in the nations of the world,”

“Right now Lord, many are afraid because of this deadly virus orchestrated by the devil, but you gave us power over every unclean spirits…to cast them out and cure diseases. In the name of our Lord Jesus, we come against the Corona virus from the very cause of it…from the very root of it. And we come against the devils, the demons that spearheaded this project.

“You devils of sickness and disease…you evil spirit behind the Corona virus, it is said that your work started in China, but wherever you started from and whatever nations you have gone, we break your influence now in the name of Jesus and we command you to stop your operations and your maneuvers over the governments of the world.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, every demon of darkness that is involved in this wicked onslaught against the nations of the world. You devils of darkness that are responsible for destroying lives and economies of nations through fear of the Corona virus, we bind you; we break your influence in the name of Jesus.

“We command you now to stop in your tracks in the name of Jesus Christ. Your works are now frustrated. We dispatch angels of God to go forth and cause the vaccines to be made available; to come into operation; solution to come to men in their various nations; the cure to be available and cheap by the wisdom of God, be released into the nations now. In the name of Jesus, there is an answer and there is cure right now in the name of Jesus Christ. And there will be no more fear of it by the power of the Holy Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ.”

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

Markus Villig, Bolt Founder Calls for Local Solutions to Africa’s Problems

March 25, 2020

Defying the raging Covis-19 Virus, the founder of Bolt app Mr Markus Villig is in Kenya to interact with the countries techies and budding techpreneurs to explore ways of collaboration and helping grow Kenya’s tech industry. Mr. Villig who runs the $1 Billion company with presence in 37 countries, including seven in Africa, used the opportunity of his visit to encourage tech start-ups to come up with affordable software products that solve local problems.

The 26 years old billionaire who founded the taxi-hailing app Bolt founder Markus Villig shrugged off coronavirus fears to visit Kenya for a meeting with the East African tech community at Nairobi’s iHub said that Africans should come up with African solutions to African problems, noting that home grown solutions are cheaper and far more effective. He added that “the future is tech-based, affordable and local. Bolt looks at building partnerships with drivers, authorities and customers. For you to succeed, look within for problems that generate a commercial opportunity.”

Tech start-up founders, he said, should concentrate more on developing products that give value to consumers away from running multimillion-shilling campaigns that drive uptake but consumers slip away after some time when they fail to offer value, access and convenience. He said his strategy for the Kenyan market was to build partnerships with other businesses that enhance the safety of riders and drivers as well as giving better commissions to their 25,000 drivers.

The Estonian said start-ups must keep their budgets low and source development funds from immediate families. The firm will consider introducing food-delivery services in Nairobi as it has the city covered round the clock, he said. Bolt business development teams are also looking at retail outlets’ integration that would see them automate client-purchase and delivery modules based on payment-driven purchases.

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

ROAM Africa announces remote work policy for employees due to COVID-19

March 24, 2020

In response to the plea by Africa’s leadership that organisations help to aid efforts being made to reduce the infectious rate of the Covid-19 Virus, ROAM Africa Group formerly known as Ringier One Africa Media, which operates in eight Sub-Saharan African countries has decided to shut down its physical offices across the continent. ROAM which is one of the continents leading digital classifieds group in Sub-Saharan Africa, unified by its mission to connect Africans to opportunities and be Africa’s most user-centric marketplace company said it wants to lead the charge. The company announced today that its 400 staff in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa are to work remotely as part of efforts to curb the spread of the Covid-19 across the continent. The Company noted that it is requiring all employees to work remotely as part of efforts to protect its workforce from the COVID-19 virus.

In February, ROAM Africa increased travel restrictions and implemented a self-quarantine policy for its staff traveling to countries with high numbers of COVID-19 cases. As COVID-19 continues to spread across the continent, ROAM Africa moved to mandate the new remote work policy. Starting this week, 400 staff in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Africa are working remotely.

The Africa CEO of ROAM Clemens Weitz said that this decision was arrived at after careful examination of the developments surrounding the spread of the virus across Africa adding that “Covid-19 pandemic is a global challenge, but African countries face particular headwinds from the virus given their fragile economies and underdeveloped health care systems. Its impact in the region could be severe. In these unprecedented times, we’re committed to the safety of our staff. Our employees’ well-being and health are critical to our ability to continue our important work of connecting people to opportunity.”

ROAM Africa’s Head of Talent, Heather O’Shea who is leading the shift to remote operations said that “the most important thing right now is the safety and well-being of our staff members – and we have been swift to move to a remote working policy. But working from home can be challenging, so this is only the start: the challenge is to equip our people and teams with the right mindset and tools to work effectively from home. This comes with investments that we are willing to make.”.

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