Author: AMA

OVID-19 cases in Africa have fallen for the past 16 weeks, and deaths have dropped during the last eight, marking the longest-running decline in infections on the continent since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday.  Infections have plummeted from over 308,000 cases weekly at the start of the year to less than 20,000 in the week ending 10 April.  Around 18,000 cases and 239 deaths were recorded over the past week, representing respective declines of 29 per cent and 37 per cent when compared to the previous week.  Record decline, no resurgence  This…

ASE studies across Africa demonstrate the positive impact that access to even the most basic mobile technology can offer smallholder farmers. This underscores the importance of driving inclusive access to digital technology, especially mobile-based, to help the continent’s farmers mitigate the impact of climate change.  This assertion is championed by Vodacom, Vodafone, Safaricom, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund in their co-authored report, Towards a Connected Climate. The paper is the third in a six-part series, published as part of the Africa.Connected campaign, established to help close digital divides hindering sustainable progress in Africa’s key economic sectors, like agriculture. Using…

IVA Technologyand the International Finance Corporation (IFC) today announced a call for applications for the first edition of the AfricaTech Awards, a pan-African initiative developed to recognize and support the most innovative and impactful tech start-ups across the continent. Entrepreneurship has been a key driver of economic growth in Africa, promoting competitiveness and fostering job creation, particularly among young people. According to reports from Briter Bridges, investment in African tech start-ups reached $4.9bn in 2021, marking a significant increase from the $2.4bn invested in 2020. Despite growing interest from investors, this is still a fraction compared to the funding that…

HERE is another scramble for Africa according to international media, but this time it is about who can best profit from the continent’s business opportunities. And the charge is being led by foreign powers, with 70% of coverage about business in Africa referencing China, the USA, Russia, France, and the UK, according to the newly launched The Business in Africa Narrative Report, by Africa No Filter and AKAS. The report shows that the keywords, stories, frames, and narratives associated with business on the continent are dangerously distorted. There is an overemphasis on the role of governments, foreign powers, and larger…

HE UN Secretary-General on Saturday said that Africa was “a source of hope” for the world, highlighting the examples of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Decade of Financial and Economic Inclusion for African Women António Guterres also argued that, for the last 20 years, the African Union (AU) ‘has helped to bring this hope to life, in order to enable the continent to realize its enormous potential.’ The UN chief addressed the just-ended 35th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU, in Addis Ababa this weekend, via a video message.  He was represented…

UTELSATCommunications and Intersat, one of Africa’s leading providers of Internet solutions, have signed a multi-year deal representing several hundred Mbps to address the connectivity needs of enterprises, institutions and individuals in Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal. Under the agreement, which represents the totality of the available capacity over these countries, Intersat will leverage the unparalleled coverage and reach of EUTELSAT KONNECT to provide a robust and high-quality Internet service to customers located beyond the limits of terrestrial infrastructure.  EUTELSAT KONNECT is a new-generation High Throughput Satellite offering unprecedented operational flexibility, delivering significant resources for broadband services across Africa. Since its…

MORE than $138 million is needed to assist rural communities affected by extended drought in the Horn of Africa, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Monday, launching a comprehensive response plan for the region.  A third consecutive year of poor rains is posing a major threat to food security in countries already facing natural resource limitations and conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic, and locust invasions during 2020-21.  FAO fears thata large-scale hunger crisis could break outif food-producing rural communities do not receive adequate assistance timed to the needs of the upcoming agricultural seasons.  Millions at risk  The bulk of the funding…

AWARD-WINNING global hospitality agency, TGP International, today announced their ambitious global expansion plans for their new food hall concept, Alkebulan. With an initial focus on culinary hotspots, London and New York, Alkebulan, guarantees to offer potential new investors an unrivalled opportunity to be part of this exciting new brand. Curated by former opera singer-turned-chef restauranteur, Alexander Smalls, and officially launched in collaboration with TGP International at EXPO 2020 Dubai earlier this year, Alkebulan is a celebration of African cuisine, art and music. The first-of-its-kind food hall, features ten chef-led concepts from across the African continent, allowing diners to savour a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia, 1 November 2021 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Start Network has made £150,000 available to help over 10,000 victims of ongoing civil unrest in Somaliland provinces of Baidoa, Gaalkacyo, and Beledweyneare. Start Network which is made up of a consortium of NGOs including ACTED, Concern, Relief International, Save the Children and Plan International have channeled the funds as an emergency response to the internally displaced persons – particularly women, children, persons with disability and households with chronically ill persons. Early in October, Somaliland authorities in Sanaag issued a statement calling for people from other parts of Somalia to leave Ceerigaabo…