News - Afrikan Heroes

Mercy Ships Doubles Down Efforts to Bring Surgical Care and Training to Sub-Saharan Africa

December 31, 2023

More volunteers than ever are needed to devote their time to international charity Mercy Ships as it prepares to start 2024 with two hospital ships in service as the momentum to deliver improved surgical care across Africa intensifies.

The charity’s newest hospital ship, the Global Mercy®, continues to provide surgeries in Sierra Leone, where it has been since August 2023, while the Africa Mercy ™ will start service in Madagascar.

During 2023, Mercy Ships provided 3,295 surgeries, 1,437 of those took place on board the Global Mercy during field services in two ports – Freetown and Dakar. The ship served patients from three countries – Senegal, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone. This work was only possible thanks to 1,318 skilled volunteers from 67 countries, including more than 660 Senegalese, Gambian, and Sierra Leonean national crewmembers.

Mercy Ships International Chief Medical Officer, Mark Shrime

Mercy Ships was actively working in eight countries in 2023, including training 56 dentists and 1,297 healthcare professionals.

In December, gratitude for Mercy Ships’ work was publicly shared at the 3^rd Congress of the joint Senegalese Society of Pediatric Surgery and the 9th Congress of the African Society of Pediatric Surgery in Dakar. Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Social Action Professor Habib Ndiaye acknowledged the lack of pediatric surgeons in the country and thanked Mercy Ships for its considerable contribution in helping meet the very high demand for child orthopedic surgeries and surgeries on childhood deformities.

The new year marks two hospital ships being in service bringing even greater impact. But staffing those ships requires double the volunteers in order to target urgent surgical needs while also training in-country professionals to fill the significant surgical gaps highlighted by two recent studies.

It is estimated that five billion people around the world lack access to safe surgical care – and that approximately 1.7 billion of those are children and adolescents. A recent study in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery points out this burden is significant in sub-Saharan Africa, where nearly half the population is under 18 and yet children’s surgery is largely neglected by global health policies.

Accessing the National Surgical, anesthesia and obstetric plans (NSOAPS) for eight African nations, the study found that children’s care in not widely recognized as a public health priority even where a commitment to improving surgical care in general exists. It calls on greater prioritization of children’s surgery in surgical policy development to ensure robust and equitable surgical systems are developed.

This study and others show the need to accelerate access to surgery in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022 an International Symposium was held where key national and international representatives as well as the African Union designed a roadmap to accelerate access to surgical care and surgical education for everyone in Africa by 2030. This resulted in the Dakar Declaration, which was endorsed by African Heads of State on board international health charity Mercy Ship’s newest hospital ship, the Global Mercy™, as it docked in Dakar on May 20, 2022.

As the new year begins, Mercy Ships International Chief Medical Officer, Mark Shrime issued a rallying cry that the progress made needs continued and urgent action.

He said: “The Dakar Declaration calls upon all African nations, key partners, and stakeholders to commit to scaling up surgical services, infrastructure, and personnel available for patients who need them. Mercy Ships stands solidly behind this call, recognizing that one person dies of a surgically treatable disease every two seconds.”

Vital roles for the ships for 2024 include more nurses, an ophthalmic surgeon, radiology team members, IT professionals, cooks, teachers, plumbers, electricians. Roles also exist within the education, training and advocacy department who work to increase the number of surgical providers in country and co-create sustainable education programs with host countries whilst advocating for improved access to surgery on an international level

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

Smart Africa Hosted Inaugural Digital Skills Forum in The Congo

December 30, 2023

Smart Africa hosted the inaugural Digital Skills Forum, a pan-African event promoting the development of digital skills. Organized through the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy (MPTEN), the Centre Africain de Recherche sur l’Intelligence Artificielle (CARIA) and the Africa Digital Academy (ADA), the event aims to highlight the importance of developing digital skills among African pupils and students, and to promote effective strategies and programs to prepare them for the digital age.

The first edition has been held for three days under the theme “Building a digital talent pipeline for Africa”. The main topics addressed at this event were digital education, professional training, digital inclusion, access to infrastructure and technologies, and the promotion of entrepreneurship and digital innovation.

The forum saw the launch of two majors steps towards digitalisation namely the Smart Devices blueprint developed under the leadership of the Republic of Congo, which seeks to ensure a sustainable framework of affordable devices for Africa. The Smart Africa Youth Chapter in Congo was also launched, as a platform for education, collaboration, and empowerment, aiming to foster a new generation of tech-savvy and innovative business leaders. The Smart Africa Youth Chapter is focused specifically on equipping youth and entrepreneurs with the necessary digital competencies.

Smart Africa CEO, Mr. Lacina Koné highlighted the urgent need to bridge the digital skills gap.

“Lack of relevant skills in this digital age can limit opportunities for African countries to make the most of Digital technologies as they will continue to play catch up with the rest of the world if the gap is not bridged” he explained.

“To ensure that Africans are prepared for the digital jobs of the future, they must possess the necessary digital skills,” he added.

“The average 4.5% increase in GDP in Africa thanks to digital technology shows that this sector is making a real contribution to the development and diversification of economies. That’s what this forum is all about” declared Mr. Léon Juste Ibombo, Honorable Minister of Posts and Telecommunications and Digital Economy at the opening of the forum.

The event is a dynamic gathering featuring insightful panel discussions, training and master classes, digital skills experts’ keynotes, exhibitions and demonstrations, job datings and competitions and other exciting activities. Over 700 participants including representatives of government and international organizations, private sector members, students and educators, entrepreneurs attended the event.

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

Kenyan Family Dedicates to build Relationship With China

At a reception organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Kenyan government early this month in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, to celebrate six decades of China-Kenya diplomatic relations, Wendy led a group of children singing a lovely song, titled Jambo, in Swahili and Chinese. She also performed a guzheng solo show with ease and grace, winning rounds of applause from about 500 senior officials, diplomats, industry executives, students, and artists in attendance. Guzheng is a classical Chinese zither with more than 21 strings and the one Wendy uses has 24 strings.

Wendy came from a Kenyan-Chinese family: her father, Henry Rotich, hails from Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, western Kenya; and her mother, Xu Jing, from northeast China’s Jilin Province. Rotich, who did his undergraduate major in chemistry at the University of Nairobi (UoN), now serves as director of metrology and testing at the Kenya Bureau of Standards, a government agency, and chairperson of the Kenya China Alumni Association. Xu teaches Mandarin at the Institute of Confucius of the UoN.

FIRST ACQUAINTANCE

Xu said that she first met Rotich in 1999 when he was sent by the Kenyan government to study as a graduate student at the Northeast Normal University based in Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province. She was at the time a freshman at the same university.

When she first met Rotich, Xu recalled, she didn’t expect to become attached to Africa. What she knew about Africa then was limited to China helping Africa build the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) even when China was still poor, and that Africa did not forget China’s selfless assistance, and played an important role in helping China resume its lawful seat at the United Nations in 1971.

“With Henry becoming my love from an acquaintance, I felt his respect not only for me but also for China. He fell in love with China because he fell in love with a Chinese girl,” Xu said. After completing his graduate courses at Northeast Normal University, Rotich studied for a doctoral degree at Jilin University. Upon getting his doctorate in 2006, he married Xu in China and started a family the same year.

Xu said she decided to move the family to Kenya after realizing how much Rotich missed his home country: when Rotich was alone, he would keep looking at photos of his Kenyan relatives from time to time. Upon his return, Rotich started to work in the Kenya Bureau of Standards. The family grew larger with two new members: their son Owen Xu Kipkoeach Bett in 2010 and Wendy in 2012.

FAMILY MAN

According to Xu, Rotich is very much like a Chinese man. He is the first in the family to get up every morning and prepare breakfast for the family and would hand in his monthly salary in full, saying that Chinese women are good at managing the family.

Apart from dealing with office work and affairs related to the Kenya China Alumni Association, Rotich spends as much time as possible with his family. He bought a farm in the suburbs of Nairobi and would take his family there on weekends, tending to crops such as corn, beans, and potatoes. Only hardworking people get cared for, Rotich said in Mandarin, citing a Chinese saying, “Heaven rewards hard work.”

Rotich recalled the difficult life in his childhood and mentioned gratitude many times — gratitude for life, gratitude for his family and gratitude for everything he has. He was born in a small mountain village in western Kenya. As his parents died early, his grandmother brought him up with his brothers and sisters.

One episode that is still fresh in his mind was a trip to town as a teenager to sell milk and buy maize flour to make ugali, the staple food for East Africans. He fell while crossing a river and spilled the two buckets of milk. He cried in despair. He was later enrolled at the University of Nairobi, an elite Kenyan university, through hard work.

Xu, who was from a peasant family in northeast China, said the couple’s similar, humble upbringing only brought them closer.

AFFINITY WITH CHINA

Rotich’s affinity with China began when he was sent by the Kenyan government to study in China in 1999. He sent both Owen and Wendy to attend summer camps in Jilin Province, where they were well-liked by their teachers and classmates.

“China is the motherland, Kenya is the fatherland,” he often tells the two children, encouraging them to be grateful and be immersed in both Kenyan and Chinese cultures.

Owen likes reading Chinese literary classics and can recite some ancient Chinese poems. Wendy loves Chinese cartoons and Chinese classical music. She has been learning to play guzheng with a Chinese tutor for more than five years. She is already a celebrity guzheng player in Kenya, performing at some major events, enabling more Kenyans to experience the beauty of Chinese folk music.

Owen and Wendy would also try to promote Kenyan-Chinese cultural exchange in their own ways. When prejudice or misunderstanding about China crops up among classmates and friends, they would come forward to explain and clarify. They would feel very sad if someone speaks ill of China.

When watching international sports events, they would cheer for both Kenyan and Chinese players.

Rotich said that there are indeed differences between Chinese and Kenyan cultures and civilizations, but such differences can be overcome by respect and tolerance, just like what brought him and Xu together.

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

11 Tips to Increase Household Energy Efficiency

December 29, 2023

Energy is important in our daily life, and how to efficiently utilize and store energy is a hot topic recently. This not only provides financial advantages, helping us save money along the way, but also benefits the environment.

Simple actions like turning off lights, adjusting the thermostat, and using energy-efficient appliances can lower our energy consumption. In this article, we are going to share clever strategies for improving household energy efficiency.

Whether you want to reduce your monthly utility bills, contribute to environmental preservation, or create a cozy and eco-friendly sanctuary, these tips will guide you towards a more energy-efficient future. Join us on this exciting journey as we reveal the keys to a greener and more sustainable life at home.

1. Use energy-saving appliances:

Using energy-saving appliances is one of the important measures to save household electricity. Energy saving appliances are designed with advanced technology, optimizing working methods and reducing energy consumption to achieve the same function with lower energy consumption. Choosing appliances with energy efficiency labels, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc., with high energy efficiency levels, can effectively reduce electricity consumption.

2. Reasonable use of air conditioning:

Air conditioning is an indispensable electrical appliance in summer, but excessive use of air conditioning can also lead to energy waste. To save electricity, you can moderately increase the indoor temperature to avoid setting the air conditioning temperature too low. Increasing the temperature by 1 °C can save approximately 10% of electricity consumption. To maintain the cool air, close doors and windows when using air conditioning. Additionally, use curtains and blinds, to help lower the indoor temperature.

3. Turn off the electrical standby mode:

Many appliances still consume electricity in standby mode, so it is very important to turn off the standby mode of appliances such as TVs, computers, and printers in a timely manner. Long term standby mode not only wastes electricity, but also increases unnecessary energy consumption and environmental burden. Developing a good habit of turning off the power switch of electrical appliances in a timely manner can effectively save household electricity.

4. Reasonable arrangement of lighting:

Lighting accounts for a considerable proportion of household electricity consumption, so the rational use of lighting measures is also one of the key to saving electricity.

Firstly, you can choose energy-saving light bulbs or LED lights, which have higher light efficiency compared to traditional incandescent lamps and can provide brighter light with less energy.

Secondly, to save electricity, open curtains or blinds to let in natural light instead of relying on indoor lighting.

In addition, timely turning off unnecessary lighting equipment to avoid prolonged lighting time is also an important measure to save electricity.

5. Reasonable use of electric water heaters:

Electric water heaters are often used in household life, but excessive use of electric water heaters can lead to energy waste. To save electricity, it is possible to control the water temperature and usage time well. Reasonably adjust the water temperature, do not set it too high, as it can meet daily needs and reduce heat loss. In addition, try to avoid using the electric water heater continuously for a long time, and flexibly use the switch as needed to avoid unnecessary energy waste.

6. Regular cleaning of household appliances:

Regular cleaning of household appliances helps improve equipment efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The radiator, air filter, and TV dust can affect equipment’s heat dissipation, causing heat and reduced energy efficiency. Regularly cleaning these devices and maintaining them in good working condition can not only extend their lifespan but also save electricity.

7. Reduce the number of times refrigerated food doors are opened:

Every time the refrigerator door is opened, it leads to the loss of cold air, resulting in energy waste. In order to save electricity, it is possible to arrange food intake reasonably and reduce frequent opening of doors. Before using food, make a list or plan to reduce the number of times you open the door. In addition, open the refrigerator door as quickly as possible to retrieve items, and do not let the cold air dissipate outside for a long time.

8. Try to avoid using high-power appliances during peak electricity consumption periods:

During peak electricity consumption periods, the power system will experience high supply pressure and unstable voltage. Therefore, using high-power appliances during this period will increase the energy consumption of the power grid. To save money and energy, avoid using high-power appliances now. On the contrary, electricity consumption is dispersed by washing clothes and cooking at different times.

9. Reasonable use of induction cookers and microwaves:

Compared to traditional stoves, induction cookers and microwaves are more energy-efficient. An induction cooker uses electromagnetic induction heating to directly transfer energy to the cookware, resulting in higher efficiency and faster heating speed. Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat food without the need for preheating, with short time and high efficiency. Therefore, when choosing the heating method, priority can be given to using induction cookers and microwaves to reduce energy consumption.

10. Stop unnecessary electrical accessories:

Many electrical accessories, such as mobile phone chargers, socket extenders, etc., can consume power even without connecting the appliances. These unnecessary power consuming devices may bring unexpected energy waste. Therefore, we should promptly stop using these unnecessary electrical accessories, unplug them, in order to save electricity and reduce unnecessary power consumption loads.

11. Install an ESS (Energy Storage System):

This intelligent decision, exemplified by options like Hinen Pro Series ESS, can significantly improve your home energy efficiency. Here are the reasons why it holds such significance:

1) Contributing to a greener future:

a. Energy independence: By storing surplus energy generated by your solar panels, an energy storage system allows you to utilize this stored energy during periods of low sunlight or grid disruptions. This enhances your energy independence and reduces reliance on the traditional power grid, ensuring a continuous power supply.

b. Maximizing solar energy: While solar panels generate electricity during sunny hours, your energy needs may not align with this schedule. Solar batteries store excess energy, enabling you to access clean, renewable energy day and night. This reduces dependence on grid electricity, leading to lower energy bills and significant cost savings.

c. Environmental benefits: Opting for solar energy and storage is an eco-friendly choice that opposes the use of fossil fuels. It directs us toward cleaner, renewable energy sources that are more sustainable for our planet.

2) Increased home value: Installing a solar battery storage system adds value to your home. Potential buyers or renters are often attracted to properties equipped with renewable energy solutions and backup power, increasing the appeal of your home in the real estate market.

Moreover, when you can ensure your lights and appliances remain functional during power outages while also benefiting from selling excess power back to the grid, solutions like Pro Series ESS offer an ideal combination.

Conclusion：

Through the above eleven measures, we can effectively save household electricity, reduce electricity costs, reduce energy waste, and play a positive role in environmental protection. Integrating these measures into daily life can not only save household expenses but also contribute to sustainable development

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

Fawry and Simple Touch Join Forces for Digital Payment Overhaul in MENA Restaurants

December 28, 2023

In a move set to reshape the future of fintech and digital payments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) restaurant sector, Fawry, a leading Egyptian digital banking and payments technology company, has proudly announced a strategic partnership with Simple Touch, a key player specializing in cutting-edge business management software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions for the food and beverage sector in the region.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to enhance Simple Touch’s restaurant management systems by integrating Fawry’s latest innovative financial technologies within the MENA region. Speaking on the significance of this alliance, Mohamed Kamel, Head of Acceptance Business Development and Billers Relationship Management at Fawry, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted about this fruitful collaboration with Simple Touch, aiming to revolutionize the restaurant sector by infusing innovative technology into their extensive customer base across the MENA region.”

Kamel emphasized Fawry’s proven track record in digital payment solutions, highlighting the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of the food and beverage industry through this strategic partnership. “Our goal is to provide an integrated and innovative solution that caters to the needs of companies in this sector, ultimately enhancing their efficiency and elevating the overall customer experience,” he added.

Hady Samir, co-founder and head of the commercial sector at Simple Touch, echoed Kamel’s sentiments, expressing pride in the partnership with Fawry as a significant opportunity to strengthen their presence and expand their business innovatively across the region. Hady stated, “This collaboration marks a milestone in combining our expertise in developing business management software in the food and beverage industry with Fawry’s innovative technologies in the realm of fintech and digital payments.”

Samir highlighted the cooperation’s goal of delivering cutting-edge solutions in the regional restaurant sector, clarifying its potential to improve performance and efficiency across the industry. The agreement is poised to empower food and beverage business owners, facilitating advanced technological solutions that streamline financial operations and digital payments for restaurant customers throughout the MENA region.

This strategic alliance unfolds within the broader context of ongoing development in the food and beverage sector in the MENA region, aiming to align with evolving industry needs. The collaboration is anticipated to be a catalyst for the advancement of digital payment systems within the food and beverage sector across the region, paving the way for further extensive cooperation in the future.

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.

African-European Partnerships Shaping Oil & Gas Regulations

Growing partnerships between European and African companies are playing a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s oil and gas regulatory frameworks. Through cooperative efforts and shared mandates, these partnerships aim to drive energy security, industrialization and environmental sustainability through advancing mutually beneficial projects across the continent.

The upcoming Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2024 forum – scheduled for May 14-15 in Paris – will explore how European investors and African energy markets are working together to revamp oil and gas regulations and foster sustainable development, while still attracting oil and gas investment. Renewed collaboration with European international oil companies (IOCs) like Equinor, Shell, TotalEnergies, bp and Technip Energies is serving to strengthen African energy policies and fiscal terms, with tangible results.

In Senegal, bp’s partnership with national oil company Petrosen resulted in the flagship discovery and development of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, and prompted Senegal to revise its existing oil and gas code. The revision resulted in the introduction of a new Petroleum Code in 2019 that targets improved revenue collection for the West African country, while attracting further investments into upstream exploration.

In Angola, the government’s longstanding partnerships with operators like Eni, TotalEnergies and bp have not only boosted exploration and production activities, but also directly shaped the fiscal and regulatory framework. A Presidential Task Force established in 2019 engaged the country’s leading IOCs to assist with the amendment of three presidential decrees and enactment of two new laws. Focus areas included simplifying the oil concessions management process and implementing incentives for investment in marginal fields, with the task force serving as a model for successful public-private sector engagement.

In Nigeria, European IOCs – which also represent the top hydrocarbon producers in the country – have played a significant role in shaping the development and enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. The long-awaited piece of legislation serves to facilitate a just energy transition, revamp upstream, midstream and downstream operations, and enhance the country’s competitiveness on a global scale. As a result, it is considered one of the biggest achievements in Nigeria’s energy sector to date.

European-African partnerships also extend to local content development, with a focus on capacity building and knowledge and technology exchange. Namibia has implemented the National Upstream Local Content Policy of 2021 to stimulate the participation of local entities in the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector. The policy comes in response to growing cooperation between Namibia and European firms including Shell and TotalEnergies in the exploration of the offshore Orange Basin, which has led to five large-scale oil discoveries in the past 24 months.

Finally, Europe is playing a key role in helping Africa to define its policy towards environmental stewardship and sustainability, leading to initiatives like Nigeria’s Methane Emissions Reduction Guidelines and Gas Flare Commercialization Program, which target the reduction of carbon emissions and minimize the ecological impact of oil and gas projects. Partnership initiatives like the Global Gateway Investment Package and the Just Energy Transition Partnerships have sought to foster cooperation between Africa and Europe, focusing on the development, utilization and monetization of gas resources to enhance energy security and facilitate an equitable energy transition. Recognizing the crucial role of natural gas in bolstering energy supplies, several African countries – such as those with integrated gas policies like Ghana’s Gas Master Plan and Mauritania’s Energy Vision 2030 – are actively implementing strategies to maximize sector expansion, in collaboration with European partners

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

West African Development Bank Acquires Equity Interest by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)

The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is pleased to announce that the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has joined its capital.

Following a favorable opinion issued by the Bank’s Board of Directors, at its 139^th meeting held on 20^th December 2023 in Cotonou, the WAMU Council of Ministers met on 21^st December 2023 and approved the participation of BADEA in BOAD’s capital. This opens up the second phase of the Bank’s capital increase process, the first phase of which was completed in December 2022 for an amount of XOF554.38 billion.

As a reminder, the BOAD capital increase process, referred to as “Peninsula” project, is structured into two phases: a first phase involving the issue of shares reserved for the Bank’s current shareholders, and a second phase involving the issue of shares open to new shareholders, whose accession is subject to approval by the Council of Ministers, as provided for by BOAD’s Articles of Association. The participation of BADEA in the Bank’s capital as a class B shareholder (non-regional shareholder) is part of this second phase, and involves an amount of US$30 million, or XOF18.47 billion. This stake is equivalent to 1.20% of BOAD’s subscribed share capital, giving this first-rate institution a seat on its Board of Directors.

Established on 28^th November 1973 and operational since March 1975, BADEA, with head office in Khartoum (Sudan), is a financial organization whose aim is to be a “world bank for Africans”, comprising 18 member countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Libya, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. It is rated Aa2 with a positive outlook by Moody’s.

The two institutions are breaking new ground for their long-standing cooperation, which to date has been marked by the provision by BADEA of resources on preferential terms, and by the co-financing of several infrastructure projects in WAEMU countries, as well as the granting of subsidies to BOAD to support structuring projects.

For President Serge Ekué, “BADEA’s participation as a new shareholder follows 10 years after the Kingdom of Morocco joined BOAD’s capital in 2013. This was the result of a series of discussions over the past two years. It is the translation of excellent relationships between both of our institutions, but also the result of a perfect common understanding between the President of BADEA, my dear friend and brother, Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, to whom I wish to pay a heartfelt tribute. My warmest congratulations to our respective technical teams”.

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

New Initiative to Boost Use of Data for Mental Health Research in Africa

December 27, 2023

The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) in partnership with Wellcome, is set to unveil a new initiative in 2024 that aims to address existing gaps in our understanding of anxiety, depression and psychosis and improve evidence-based decisions making practice in Africa.

The Mental Health Data Prize – Africa is embarking on a transformative journey, harnessing existing data and data-driven insights to ignite innovation and reshape the mental health landscape through research that solves challenges while enhancing the continent’s data capabilities. Under the initiative, multidisciplinary teams will be set up to generate scalable innovations and data driven insights that can contribute to our understanding of anxiety, depression and psychosis in Africa. The Wellcome-funded prize is the first of its kind and is open to innovators, researchers and startups, whose initiatives will be competing for up to 5-10 awards, each valued at £200,000 that come with funding over 12 months.

Catherine Kyobutungi, the Executive Director at APHRC

As part of this initiative, interested individuals can sign up for a free capacity building program over five months. This is meant to help them unlock the full potential of data science, advanced statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms tailored for mental health applications in the continent. APHRC will assist in forming multidisciplinary teams, match-making individuals, and providing access to identified data sources.

“The prize is a clarion call to the entire mental health fraternity across Africa to unite in the fight against anxiety, depression and psychosis, which are the most prevalent disorders in the region and globally. This prize exists to drive excellence and innovation in harnessing data to solve some of our biggest mental health challenges by bringing together the best minds in mental health research and data analytics from across the continent,” said Catherine Kyobutungi, the Executive Director at APHRC.

Dr Kyobutungi noted that significant gaps exist in data on mental health in Africa, limiting the understanding of the scale of the challenge as well as available evidence to inform interventions against anxiety, depression and psychosis, challenges that the prize seeks to address.

Ekin Bolukbasi, the Data Prize Manager at Wellcome said, “This ground-breaking prize demonstrates our commitment to help create a world where no one is held back by mental health problems. It aims to advance mental health science by transforming its ability to address existing challenges in continent through prevention, management and treatment. Together, we have the opportunity to improve understanding of the trajectory and resolution of common mental disorders for a better and more resilient future for all”.

The World Health Organization estimates that 116 million people in Africa were living with a mental condition before the COVID-19 pandemic. The high prevalence of mental health conditions has been driven by challenges of daily living, widespread conflict, public health emergencies and other factors. This has taken a heavy toll on the lives of people, disrupting their ability to function and thrive and leading to lost productivity, great suffering and emotional pain for individuals, their families and communities.

However, access to quality mental health care in the continent is limited, primarily attributed to inadequate investment in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services. Comprehensive, up-to-date data can help provide insights into anxiety, depression and psychosis, assess access to mental health services, and identify effective interventions. This serves as the foundation of targeted strategies to address existing challenges in mental health in Africa.

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

Algeria Commences Tax Convention With Japan

Japan has received from Algeria the notification confirming that its internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the “Convention between Japan and the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance” (hereinafter referred to as the Convention) (signed on February 7, 2023) were completed. Thus, all the necessary procedures for the entry into force of the Convention have been completed.

The Convention, therefore, will enter into force on January 20, 2024 (the thirtieth day after the date of receipt of the latter notification) and will have effect:
(a) with respect to taxes levied on the basis of a taxable year, for taxes for any taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025;
(b) with respect to taxes levied not on the basis of a taxable year, for taxes levied on or after January 1, 2025.

The provisions concerning the exchange of information and the assistance in the collection of taxes will have effect from January 20, 2024, without regard to the date on which the taxes are levied or the taxable year to which the taxes relate.

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

FBS Partners Education Africa for Poverty Alleviation

December 26, 2023

FBS, a global broker, and Education Africa, a non-profit organization committed to poverty alleviation through education, united again to distribute Christmas gifts and extend their warm wishes to families in need from Etwatwa, Daveyton. As part of their ongoing collaboration, FBS and Education Africa are eager to make a positive impact in local communities in South Africa.

On December 18, to kick-off the joint Christmas initiative, representatives of FBS and Education Africa visited the John Wesley Community Centre in Etwatwa, one of the many communities served by Education Africa, the community center plays a vital role in providing aftercare and youth development services in the region.

Before the organizations set off to present the festive gifts, the Education Africa Alumni Marimba Band, gave a cheerful performance to enhance the festive spirit.

Early Christmas Present

The joint initiative was an early Christmas present to the community of Etwatwa – over 100 children, youth, and adults received food parcels and basic necessities from FBS and Education Africa. With these gifts, the two partners for change hoped to make the festive season better for the locals of Etwatwa.

In continuation of their commitment to education, it is to be pointed out that earlier this year, both organizations collaborated to support Masibambane College in Orange Farm. This exemplifies FBS and Education Africa’s dedication to making a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

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