Switzerland’s President Simonetta Sommaruga. (Photo: File copy)
SWITZERLAND: The Federal Council has decided to increase the guarantee assistance programme for COVID-19 bridging credit facilities by additional 20 CHF billion making in total CHF 40 billion according to government release.
CHINA: TECNO Mobile recently released its new camera phone, CAMON 15 series through an online launch event, which became a milestone event in the smartphone industry as the first online product launch in Africa.
In Sotheby’s First-Ever Online-Only Auction for this Category; With World Auction Records for 5 Artists, including Bertina Lopes and Samuel Fosso (Source: Sotheby’s)
UNITED KINGDOM: Newly converted to an online-only format, Sotheby’s sixth sale of Modern & Contemporary African Art realised £2,359,375 / $2,881,741, featuring over 100 works from 58 artists across 21 countries. The auction saw a 46% increase in the number of bidders in comparison to the equivalent sale last year.
Akinwumi Adesina (Photo: Ecogreen News)
IVORY COAST, The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) “Fight Covid-19” social bond listed on London Stock Exchange (LSE) is now available through its Sustainable Bond Market.
On the same day President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone announced the country’s confirmation of its first COVID-19 victim, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also announced that a senior minister in the Bio Administration had been charged to court for the missing 49,000 bags of rice donated by China to assist the government in feeding hundreds of thousands malnourished school children across the country according to Sierra Leone Telegraph.
“Passenger road transport is the backbone of the global economy. It contributes to the success of numerous sectors, but not limited to, the tourism industry and is essential to business and leisure travel.
(Ecofin Agency) - Ralph Mupita, Head of MTN Group, announced the company plans to sell 15% of its stake in MTN Nigeria. If the operation is completed, MTN will hold 64% in the subsidiary.
Zurab Pololikashvili (Ecofin Agency)
(Ecofin Agency) - The stringent restrictive measures adopted by governments to control the propagation of the novel coronavirus pandemic across the world are expected to drop international tourist arrivals by 20% to 30% this year, compared to the last one. This, in turn, could cost between $300 billion and 450 billion, or about one-third of the $1.5 trillion generated in 2019.
Photo: African Energy Chamber
SOUTH AFRICA: The African Energy Chamber has named the five most vulnerable African countries amid the Covid-19 and oil price plunge. In its recent analysis the chamber named the countries as Angola, Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria.
The following link will take you to the FOPH’s official main page. There you will find information on the current situation in Switzerland and abroad, FAQs, recommendations for travellers and for the workplace, and information for health workers.
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Members at the meeting
The meeting and urged Member States to put in place National Preparedness and Response Plans and encouraged preventive measures
2nd from left VP Osinbajo and Dr. Jumoke Oduwole,
Robust collaboration would help improve business climate, says VP. - To further improve the country's business climate, there will now be a direct connection between the anti-corruption agenda of the Buhari administration and the reform efforts of the Federal Government, in a bid to secure the reforms through criminal investigation and prosecution of public complaints.
The Federal Councilors at the press conference on Monday
SWITZERLAND: As a result of the increased spread of the coronavirus, (COVID-19) the Swiss government has declared a state of emergency “extraordinary situation” and taken extraordinary measures to counter the spread of the virus across the country.
The participants at the meetingThe participants at the meeting
EGYPT: The Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amr Talaat recently met with the heads of the four telecommunication operators, operating in the Egyptian ICT sector to discuss launching initiatives for supporting education, as school and university have been suspended as a precautionary measure taken by the government to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
President Museveni (Photo: ste.india.com)
UGANDA: President Yoweri Museveni has called on the people of Nakasongola who include the Baruli and migrants from other parts of the country, to live in harmony and peacefully and stop fighting and killing each other over land.
Arriving at the Federal Square for the welcome ceremony and the inspection of the Guard of honour (Photo FDFA)
One word to describe Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo’s state visit to Switzerland is “HISTORIC.” Prior to his, only two other Sub Saharan leaders had made similar visits and those date back to more than six decades. Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie was there in 1954 and two years later in 1956, Liberia’s President William Tubman made his own visit.
Theme: “I am generation equality: realising women’s rights - African Union scales up actions towards gender parity”.
ETHIOPIA Today, (08 March, 2020) the African Union Commission joins the global community to celebrate and honour African women for their contributions in the development and well-being of this beautiful continent.
President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo and President Simonetta Sommaruga on his arrival at Zurich airport ( Photo: FDFA)
It was a visit with a difference. A two-day state visit (February 28-29). The first in more than six decades paid by a Sub-Saharan African leader. The invitation to Ghana’s President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo is a result of the longstanding cordial relations between Ghana and Switzerland.
Business Leaders Share Ideas on Solving Africa’s Biggest Social Challenges ( Photo: Shift Social Development)
Many of the continent’s top decision-makers to converge at Kigali Summit
SOUTH AFRICA: The African Business leaders will meet in Kigali, Rwanda on 4 to 5 June 2020 to look for to some of the continent’s most challenging social issues at the Africa Shared Value Leadership Summit.
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A fleet of shacman truck heads produced at ANAMMCO Emene for Dangote
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo www.theage.com.au
An Interview with the creator Giselle Rufer
DELANCE SWISS WATCHES
UAE makes Avani Barbarons Resort Available to Seychelles
SEYCHELLES, 04 April 2020
Under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the ‘Avani Barbarons Seychelles Resort’ will be made available to the Government of Seychelles to be used by the Department of Health as a facility to accommodate their health personnel and supporting frontline service members, in the efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to our weekly brief on the spread of COVID-19 and the actions that Africa CDC is taking to help member states, Africa CDC has begun to share a weekly brief detailing the latest changes in scientific knowledge and public health policy changes, as well as updates to the latest guidance from WHO and others.
(Ecofin Agency) - The Central Bank of Ghana (BoG) has postponed the implementation of the minimum capital requirement for electronic payment service providers to 31 December 2020. The measure, which was scheduled for 30 June at the latest, was reviewed due to the impacts of the current Covid-19 on economies and investments.
(Ecofin Agency) - West Africa recorded $10.2 billion in private equity transactions between 2014 and 2019, ahead of all other African regions. Overall, the continent had 1,046 PE transactions over the period for an amount of $25.3 billion, according to the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA).
NIGERIA: Ringier Africa Digital Publishing (RADP.Africa), an Africa’s media groups is unifying its assets across the continent to form one integrated media company under the name Pulse.
TOGO: Ecobank Group, the pan-African banking group, is inviting African fintech entrepreneurs to enter the 3rd edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The Fintech Challenge gives African start-ups the opportunity to promote their fintech solutions, and potentially partner with Ecobank to roll-out their solutions across Ecobank’s 33 markets in Africa as well as France.
(Ecofin Agency) Ivan G. Brown, the Director-General of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has recently -signed the country's Act of Accession to the Memorandum of Understanding on Basic Principles for the Implementation of Free-Roaming as part of the ECOWAS Roaming Reduction Initiative. This was in Conakry, at the premises of the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (Arpt) of Guinea, which currently coordinates the free-roaming initiative in the region.
(Togo First) - At the end of 2019, the property registration process in Togo took only five days on the average, against eight at the beginning of the same year, recent data from the national land registration office shows.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday slammed remarks made by South Africa's last apartheid-era leader, F.W. De Klerk, saying it was "treasonous" to deny race segregation was a crime against humanity.
Interested parties have until Friday to comment on legislation amending Section 25 of the Constitution.
[News24Wire] Gauteng police officers arrested 572 suspects, across the province, on Thursday during Operation O Kae Molao. Among the arrested suspects, 95 were wanted for gender-based violence.
[Vanguard] The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed deaths of two COVID-19 patients in Lagos and Edo.
[Premium Times] The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Saturday corrected the figures of confirmed cases of COVID-19 from 210 to 209.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -Jayden, one of the children at Thindigua Heights along Kiambu Road could not understand why they are no longer being invited at the estate Sunday school teachers' home.
[New Zimbabwe] Villagers in drought-ravaged Silobela are feeling the pinch during the current government-imposed national lockdown period in efforts to tame COVID-19.
[Premium Times] Ondo State on Friday recorded its first COVID-19 case after several suspected cases had turned out negative.
[Cameroon Tribune] The album titled "Mwaye" was presented to the public on Sunday March 22 in Douala.
[Daily Trust] As a DJ who knows his onions, playing the right music for the right audience is not only sacrosanct but the name of the game.
[Nyasa Times] Blantyre-based up-and-coming gospel musician, A'chanza (real name Jameson Makande) is set to release a single titled 'Manyazi' in order to inspire young people to continue preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.
[This Day] An up-coming UK-trained Nigerian Afro beat musician, Tobechukwu Ukairo, has called on the Federal Government to support and rev up the music industry by enhancing the standard of education and financial equality.
[Zimbabwe Standard] South Africa-based sungura musician Ronnie Mudhindo says he is not seeking fame by assisting Tongai Obed Moyo Junior after he failed to work with the son's father, the late Tongai.
[Namibian] THE Namibian Annual Music Awards (NAMAs) nomination event, which was scheduled to take place on 27 March, has been postponed until Wednesday, 1 April and will be screened live on NBC at 16h00.
[The Herald] The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has dismissed as false a story circulating on social media advising that O' and A' Level examinations for both June and November 2020 had been cancelled.
[Daily News] VODACOM Tanzania is set to empower more students by engaging in education and development partners to increase access to digital tools, usage and information.
[Daily Maverick] Like other sectors of society, South Africa's education system is unequal. Some schools are funded, others aren't. Too many schools can't move curricula online, because there's no, or not enough, infrastructure to do so.
[Vanguard] Skool Media Nigeria Limited is putting necessary resources together to launch online platforms for Nigerian students to enable them learn from home. This initiative will be carried out through its subsidiary, Edufirst Nigeria Limited as its corporate social responsibility for students whose academic has been affected as a result of the spread of COVID-19 in some states in the country.
[Malawi News Agency] Mulanje -Minister of Education, Science and Technology William Susuwele Banda Thursday said that there was no chance that students in country would go back to school until schools are declared safe.
[Daily News] THE government has expressed its commitment to double enrolment of children with special needs into public primary schools.
[This Day] Chinedu Eze
[Daily Maverick] Despite the start of the evacuation flights from SA, hundreds of South Africans still stranded aboard remain uncertain if they will be able to come home soon.
[This Day] The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria is faced with the challenge of managing unprofitable airports built by state governments, which further depletes its revenues.
[The Herald] Hotelier, Cresta Hotels has temporarily closed down its hotel properties across the country as the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic continues to spread and affect key economic sectors such as tourism.
[Daily Maverick] South Africa's 'new gold' industry - tourism - is one of the first to feel the shockwaves of the Covid-19 global economic shutdown. This is a forewarning of what's to come as the global economy begins its inevitable and rapid decarbonisation in order to slow climate collapse. The coronavirus is a reminder that we can either plan for this change, or be sunk by it.
[SAnews.gov.za] Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has confirmed that the Queen Mary 2 passenger vessel has departed the Port of Durban after refuelling and the disembarkation of six South African crew members.
Rain or shine? Today, people consult a weather app. For millennia, ancient weather lore, often in rhymes, would help predict weather patterns.
It's not easy to laugh right now. But finding cheerful distraction during the coronavirus crisis is legitimate, says DW film expert Jochen Kürten. He has selected 10 legendary comedies for home viewing.
There is a shortage of protective masks and gloves amid the coronavirus pandemic. Now, fashion companies are switching from haute couture to protective gowns. Even TV shows are donating their props to hospitals.
Already getting ready for the time after the coronavirus crisis? Yes, say tourism experts in Germany. Some are renovating, others are planning marketing measures for next year. What else can they do?
The docuseries "Tiger King" achieves amazing things: It tells the incredible story of the big-cat collector Joe Exotic, distracting us from the coronavirus crisis. There's now a race for the most original memes.
An ultra-Orthodox Jew leaves her community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and finds freedom in Berlin. Deborah Feldman's bestselling memoir has been adapted into a series that reveals life in a secluded world.
[Premium Times] Two soldiers captured on viral video threatening to rape women in Delta State have been arrested, the Nigerian Army has said.
[Namibian] THE son of a former president was arrested today for assaulting his wife and has been charged under the Combating of Domestic Violence Act with malicious damage to property and common assault, police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi stated today.
[SAPS] More than five hundred and seventy two suspects have been arrested across Gauteng during this latest Operation O Kae Molao on Thursday 02 April 2020, led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt General Elias Mawela and the District Commissioners.
[News24Wire] Gauteng Education and acting Social Development MEC Panyaza Lesufi says the Alexandra Women's Hostel is in dire need of immediate intervention.
[Plan International] People with disabilities face many obstacles in their daily personal and professional life. These obstacles and constraints are largely fuelled by a general lack of knowledge about disabilities and the benefits offered by an inclusive society.
[Plan International] "Since Ebola passed through our communities, we have been aware of the importance of handwashing with soap, especially after using the toilet. We have also discovered that most of our children's diseases are related to hygiene," says Pauline, 30, who is president of a women's saving's group in her community in Guinea's Guéckedou prefecture.
Can an eclectic mix of hundreds of students brought together to work against the clock come up with technological solutions to the world's environmental problems?
The DFL have moved quickly to deny media reports that they plan to finish the Bundesliga season in June. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund will open a coronavirus treatment center at their stadium. Get up to date here.
The "Islamic State" was defeated one year ago. But Kurdish forces are still guarding thousands of former IS combatants. A recent prison riot demonstrates just how tense the situation has become in Kurdish regions.
The US company at the center of allegations that thousands of face masks destined for Germany were confiscated has denied the accusations. The global lack of protective gear has sparked a flurry of similar incidents.
Just like the men's league, the women's Bundesliga has been forced to halt due to the coronavirus outbreak. While money is much tighter in the women's game, mass bankruptcies are not expected. Not yet, anyway.
A former prosecutor from Labour's center-left wing has replaced Jeremy Corbyn. After years of dealing with Brexit, Starmer will now start his leadership head-on against the coronavirus pandemic.
[News24Wire] The Western Cape government plans on moving thousands of people, living in informal settlements, to temporary sites. The move is part of the City's plan to space people out and prevent a surge in Covid-19 infections.
[Nairobi News] Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has urged Kenyans to unite and use their social connections in the fight against the coronavirus.
[Vanguard] At the Government Technical College, Ikorodu, residents flocked out to get essential commodities after three days lockdown in the state to curtail the spread of Coronavirus in Lagos State.
[Reporter] In order to help in the tracking and surveillance of coronavirus cases, the government has installed a new digital system to improve the response for the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH). The new system, officially unveiled on Monday, is believed to be a more suitable digital tool that enhances result oriented surveillance, monitoring, and tracking of coronavirus cases in response to the COVID-19 pandemic broadly at national level.
[Monitor] The office of Masaka Resident District Commissioner is being overwhelmed by a big number of people seeking movement permits in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.
[The Herald] A new isolation centre in Chinhoyi needs at least US$1 million for personal protective equipment, oxygen, medicines and other requirements.
[Vanguard] Abuja -The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Friday, complied with President Muhammadu Buhari's order to release 70, 000 metric tonnes of grains and garri to vulnerable Nigerians over lockdown measures to contain the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic.
[Reporter] The economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia - in regards to the airline industry and allied businesses - could cost the country some USD 1.2 billion in GDP and affect more than 323,000 jobs, a global airline body disclosed.
[Reporter] Hotel owners and tour operators are seeking government assistance to withstand the severe impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak which brought the hospitality industry to a standstill.
[Premium Times] The federal government is working with stakeholders to structure medical and life insurance for health workers involved in the war against COVID-19 in Nigeria.
[Zimbabwe Independent] Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has warned that artisinal miners are at a great risk of being affected by the coronavirus scourge that has claimed more than 40 000 lives globally.
[Zimbabwe Independent] The 21-day national lockdown to contain the spread of the Covid-19 scourge which has seen the death of almost 40 000 people globally has caused uncertainty among workers.
The DFL have moved quickly to deny media reports that they plan to finish the Bundesliga season in June. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund will open a coronavirus treatment center at their stadium. Get up to date here.
Just like the men's league, the women's Bundesliga has been forced to halt due to the coronavirus outbreak. While money is much tighter in the women's game, mass bankruptcies are not expected. Not yet, anyway.
Hansi Flick has been appointed permanent Bayern Munich coach following a fine run of results as an interim. Flick is perfect for the role, as much for his loyalty as his coaching ability, writes DW's Michael da Silva.
[New Zimbabwe] Zimbabwe international midfielder Marvelous Nakamba could be set for a move away from English Premier League side Aston Villa after just one side after reportedly emerging as a potential transfer target for Turkish topflight side Trabzonspor.
[New Zimbabwe] Zimbabwe is fighting a losing battle in its bid to have its main stadiums approved to host international matches after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) yet again condemned the National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields following last month's inspection of the facilities.
Jürgen Klopp and his players deserve plenty of credit for their Champions League triumph. But paying attention to a hitherto neglected aspect of the game has been a big factor in the Premier League leaders' success.
[New Dawn] Dear Father:
[This Day] Ugo Aliogo examines efforts by an international organisation in tackling poverty
[FrontPageAfrica] Monrovia -In the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak in Liberia, the historic Providence Baptist Church has identified with scores of vulnerable groups and individuals in Monrovia and its environs.
[GroundUp] "Our rubbish has not been collected for four weeks. But the truck suddenly comes at the same time as the mayor today."
[VOA] South Africa is allowing bus and taxi service to resume this week to ease the burden on social grant beneficiaries collecting their funds, in the midst of the 21-day coronavirus lockdown.
[UNEP] The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Conservation Monitoring Centre and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology teamed up to undertake a microplastics research and Ocean Literacy project linked to the Japan-Palau Goodwill Yacht Race--celebrating 25 years of Palau's independence.
[Daily Maverick] South African Michael Lucas, a Wits doctoral student, has developed a futuristic Antimicrobial Coating Technology, which strengthens infection control measures in medical facilities, food processing plants and public transport environments, amongst others. His innovation will help to protect people against nosocomial infections, which are often acquired during hospital stays.
[The Herald] Masawara Holdings subsidiary, Dandemutande, has setup first public data cloud centre in the country as the company moves to align its infrastructure to match the needs of fourth industrial revolution.
[SAnews.gov.za] Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says the department will submit a Bill that will see e-hailing service providers like Uber and Bolt being fined up to R100 000 for allowing illegal operators to get on the roads without being licensed.
[New Frame] ACFS Community Education in Meadowlands provides daily meals and after-school support to children, and now has a computer lab. Parents can learn, too, and benefit from the vegetable garden.
[New Times] Based on projections that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to usher in transformation that will have an impact on job creation, Willy Nsabiyumva, the Chief Executive of Grow-Fast Ventures, believes that there is no better time to equip young people with skills and competencies that would enable them to embrace the era.
[Daily Maverick] One would expect the Department of Science and Innovation to be at the cutting edge of, well, science and innovation. But frustrated tech innovators say they are battling to get past the first hurdle -- a dysfunctional website.