Some 95% of mothers breastfeed their newborns in Switzerland. But there are still many prejudices over if and how you should breastfeed. swissinfo.ch spoke to two experts to gain a bigger picture.
GHANA – Government has awarded indigenous Ghanaian companies and joint ventures contracts worth $799 million in the upstream petroleum industry last year in accordance with the Local Content and Local Participation law
"The future of our continent is looking very promising indeed," African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina declared in the opening words of his address to diplomats at a lunch organised recently in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The BBC has begun the search for the fifth BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. Following a launch event in Lagos on 5 February 2019, journalists from across the continent are invited to apply for the prestigious prize, which aims to uncover some of Africa’s rising stars.
The installation of the statue of Emperor Haile Selassie 1 will be unveiled during the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on the 10th February 2019, reflecting on the history of African liberation, integration, and his role in the evolution of Africa’s development agenda.
A new step to build regional integration and trade has been taken through a joint agreement signed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community Of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) on the construction of a 1,000 kilometre highway linking Cote d’Ivoire’s commercial capital Abidjan and Nigeria’s business capital Lagos.
LIBERIA – True to pronouncements in his second State of the Nation Address barely a week ago, that he would give the agriculture sector the same focus he gives to “paved road” construction efforts, President George Manneh Weah Monday, February 4, 2019 visited the Ministry of Agriculture in Gardnersville. The President used the visit to compare notes and brainstorm with authority of the Ministry and other partners on how to make agriculture a major centrepiece of Liberia’s economic development.
LIBERIA – Mr. George Manneh Weah, the President of Liberia has introduced a number of legislations to see that his Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD) sees the light of day. This was made known during his second State of the Nation Address presented at the end of January.
Emmanuel Leslie Addae, co-founder of AIA
The academy’s major plan this year is to set up an ‘Africa Youth Skills & Data Badge’ across the continent where young people will be required to undergo a particular training to get certification
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has reminded the United Kingdom, United States and the European Union that Nigeria was no longer a colony hence it can handle its internal affairs, reported Nigeria’s Metrowatchonline.com
The Federal Government says the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, does not signify the onset of dictatorship or tyranny, as some people have insinuated.
For its 20th year, the International Festival of Independent Films Geneva Black Movie has experienced exceptional attendance of 32,000 festival goers.
Currently, only 13% of Sierra Leonne’s population has access to internet. Bakarr Tarawally communication manager of the country’s ICT ministry and member of the Internet society Sierra Leone (ISOC-SL), bemoaned the fact on January 25, 2019, during a meeting of the ISOC-SL.
While a small chunk of Nigerians are yet to come to terms with President Muhammadu Buhari’s courageous suspension of embattled Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, their counterparts in the diaspora have lauded the move.
This year will be key for the advancement of new exploration and production development projects from West to East Africa.
Baba Madugu ( R ) and Engr Niyi Agbelese during the call
BOIS Switzerland chapter decided to support the re-election of Buhari because of his Integrity, Discipline, Achievements and Sense of purpose.
The Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Manuel Sager presented Water Management at the agency's annual press conference held recently as the agency's priority for 2019 and its main focus on international cooperation for 2021–2024.
NIGERIA – The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu recently warned compliance officers in banks against colluding with politicians who are repatriating stolen funds for general elections.
Through the Safe Savings (SaVa) Project a number of street children will be given a new lease of life secure means to collect and bank their hard-earned income
TOGO – Ecobank, the pan-African bank, is partnering with leading international children rights NGO Terre des Hommes to offer digital financial services to some of the most vulnerable children in Togo – those under the age of 18 who work or live on the streets.
Togo’s government has set up a ministerial department that will be in charge of promoting local consumption through products “made in Togo”. The portfolio was assigned to Kodjo Adedze, the newly appointed minister of trade according to Togo First report.
CAMEROON – Banana exporters in Cameroon shipped a total of 15,605 tons during the last month of 2018, nearly 2,000 tons down the 17,137 tons shipped in November.
NIGERIA - The central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced that it was planning to invest NGN 75 billion (about €182.5 million) in the refinery project initiated by Aliko Dangote.
Algeria and Tunisia have decided to further bring their population together via telecommunications by suppressing surcharges on international calls usually called roaming fees.
Shareholders of Ecole Supérieure Privée d'Ingénierie et de Technologie, a higher education institute in Tunisia, required the services of the investment bank Rothschild to help it find a strategic partner for its expansion in Africa and even in Europe, the local website Ilboursa reveals.
[Monitor] Kamapala -The managers of Mulago National Referral Hospital and Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) are locked in a dispute over the use of a house that Uganda Women's Health Initiative built as hostel for female cancer patients.
[Observer] Prof Anthony K. Mbonye's book; Uganda's Health Sector Through Turbulent Politics (1958-2018), serves up nearly 156 pages of a scathing critique of the ministry of Health and its officials, which makes it that much more controversial - coming from a senior medical doctor and former employee of the ministry.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -The Office of the Controller of Budget now wants the Mombasa County Government to stop paying enhanced nurses' allowances until the approval is granted by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
[Citizen] Dar es Salaam -Three medical universities including the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas) have embarked on a joint project to come up with a common training curriculum to boost education for health professionals in Tanzania.
[Capital FM] Nairobi -The Ministry of Health and Council of Governor's have decided to employ nurses on contract basis, in a bid to mitigate the impact of the ongoing strike in over 10 Counties.
[Citizen] Dar es Salaam -Risks of increase of sexually transmitted infections, HIV as well as unplanned pregnancies might increase in Tanzania, following reports of shortages of condoms.
[The Herald] What could be going on in Daisy Mtukudzi's mind?
[New Zimbabwe] 'Mudendere' hitmaker, Dobba Don, has said he shuns collaborations because other artists want to "sabotage" his music.
[New Zimbabwe] Legendary American artist and producer Teddy Riley has endorsed Zimbabwean Dancehall chanter Nutty O after the latter's performance at the Bob Marley Birthday Festival.
[Leadership] Trevor Smith Jr. a.ka. Busta Rhymes, an American rapper, has announced a release date for his remix of a single, 'Fall' by David Adeleke. a.ka. Davido.
[Zimbabwe Standard] Over the years Zimbabwean music has been finding it difficult to make it on the international music arena, save for a handful of artistes who appealed to a global audience.
[Zimbabwe Standard] Gospel musician Trymore Bande has promised his fans a lot of pleasant surprises this year and also heaped praises on God the Almighty, who has blessed him with his manager Munei Nyoni.
[Observer] In 2017, first lady Janet Museveni attended the annual selection/placement exercise as Education minister for the first time.
[Observer] There is a section of Makerere University semi-senior academics whose hysteria with Mahmood Mamdani is difficult to explain.
[Observer] Seven Ugandan universities have each received a Shs 20 million grant from African Child (AfriChild) to undertake child-focused research.
[The Patriot] The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development Vincent Seretse took a rare step by a Minister when he broke ranks with his colleagues in cabinet to thrash the country's education system, saying it has taken a nose dive.
[News24Wire] North West police are investigating a report that a 9-year-old boy was raped in the bathroom of a Curro Academy school.
[Daily News] PRESIDENT John Magufuli has appointed Dr Michael Ng'umbi as a new director for Institute of Adult Education (IAE).
[Daily Maverick] SAA executives say they have a plan. The airline will be restructured into three units, although differently from Eskom, with a new focus on innovation and profitability. It just needs to get out of the woods first.
[ANGOP] Luanda -Angola and Uruguay signed Tuesday two cooperation agreements in the areas of Tourism and Social Action, Family and Women's Promotion, as part of three-day visit to Angola by Foreign Affairs minister of Uruguay, Rodolfo Nin Novoa , at the invitation of his counterpart, Manuel Augusto.
[Daily Maverick] The agreement by Oppenheimer-owned Fireblade Aviation to operate its private terminal at OR Tambo International Airport is all above board. This was the embarrassing back-pedal by Home Affairs before MPs on Tuesday, after months of a furore that traversed the courts and the Public Protector's desk, leading ultimately to Malusi Gigaba's resignation over findings that he had 'told untruths' in the judicial proceedings. It's an episode that shows how politicking and political noise scuppers governance.
[Monitor] Kampala -The Miss Curvy Uganda beauty pageant will proceed as originally planned in spite of misgivings by a cross-section of Ugandans, including some religious figures, the organisers announced yesterday.
[Monitor] Kampala -Despite the eternal perceptions related to participation in the sport, golf is one of the technical disciplines with infrastructure spread across Uganda.
[Guardian] Yenagoa -I've delivered on another ambitious project, says Dicksom
The rail system in Germany isn't perfect, but it definitely connects people throughout the country — not only geographically, but also as a topic of conversation familiar enough for everyone to join in on.
He was more than a legendary designer. Gerd Müller-Thomkins, director of the German Fashion Institute, discussed with DW Lagerfeld's French and German sides, his irony and his unique twist on today's selfie society.
As German-Japanese artist Hito Steyerl is honored by Berlin's Academy of Arts, here's more about the first woman to have been listed as the "most influential personality in the international art world."
She was a divorced single parent, politically active and a tireless advocate for women, children and workers. On February 19, 1919, Marie Juchacz also became the first woman to address a German parliament.
Chanel's leading designer for 30 years, Karl Lagerfeld was a brand in his own right with an unmistakable look and outrageous comments. The German-born designer has died at the age of 85.
Government corruption, drug trafficking and extreme levels of violence in Mexico have left their mark on the arts. As DW hands out its Freedom of Speech Award, a look at the state of artistic freedom in the country.
[News24Wire] A woman bravely tried to fight back against one of her assailants after two men accosted her and made off with her bag while she walked down a street in the coastal Cape Town suburb of Muizenberg.
[Daily Trust] Wife of Kaduna State governor and co-ordinator of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign in the state tagged 'APC Gida-Gida,' Hajiya Aisha Ummi El-Rufai, has been leading her team round the state creating awareness on the giant strides of President Muhammadu Buhari and Malam Nasir el-Rufai, and why they should be re-elected. She bares her mind on the journey so far. Excerpts:
[This is Africa] Recent comments made by Uganda's Minister for Tourism, when he described curvy women as potential tourist attractions, have brought the debate around the objectification of women back into the spotlight.
[Public Agenda] "Africa is a marvellous continent. Girls are beautiful and very sexy. All they want is a man who has money, and the worst is when he is white. In all, I slept with more than 1,400 girls in six different countries. I have all their pictures in my album" ~ Jean Michel, French sex tourist
[Guardian] One of the leading campaigners of #ArewaMeToo, an online campaign against sexual violence, especially against women, in northern Nigeria was arrested on Tuesday.
[GroundUp] Babalwa* says she has been raped many times. Despite laying charges and even getting to court, the cases against her assailants have never gone anywhere.
Despite the rapid growth and popularity of esports, it's not clear whether the pursuit is good or bad for gamers' health. What does the evidence say about the effects of gaming on the body? DW takes a look.
After years of Bundesliga domination, Bayern Munich are in a rebuild and Serge Gnabry is aiming to be part their long-term plans. He spoke to DW about chasing Dortmund and learning from veteran teammates at Bayern.
In his state-of-the-nation address, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the US of unilaterally withdrawing from the INF treaty. He said he would target the US if it deployed its missiles in Europe.
Five H&K employees who conspired in a sale of G36 assault rifles to Mexico await their sentences in Stuttgart. The trial has offered insights into the weakness of Germany's arms export control laws.
The rail system in Germany isn't perfect, but it definitely connects people throughout the country — not only geographically, but also as a topic of conversation familiar enough for everyone to join in on.
Banks in Germany have finally gotten serious about enabling private account holders and businesses to transfer money in a lightning-fast way. Payment systems industry expert Leo Lipis tells DW about the benefits.
[News24Wire] As the 2019 general elections approach, a new survey shows that the majority of South Africans would vote for the ANC were the country to head to the polls tomorrow.
[New Times] A local official who requested anonymity said more than 50 other people that had been abducted alongside the students were released.
[Observer] A study commissioned by Makerere University's Human Rights and Peace Centre (Huripec) has confirmed a long-held suspicion that Uganda is a more militarised country today than before, with more cases of human rights abuse.
[Nyasa Times] European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malawi, Sandra Paesen, has expressed shock at the deteriorating standards of infrastructure in public schools.
[Nyasa Times] Government has challenged president of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lazarus Chakwera, to expose the syndicate he claims is behind the gruesome abductions and murdering of persons with albinism.
[The Herald] Primary and Secondary Education Minister Paul Mavima last week said Government would modernise 6 000 schools through adoption of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) before year-end.
Banks in Germany have finally gotten serious about enabling private account holders and businesses to transfer money in a lightning-fast way. Payment systems industry expert Leo Lipis tells DW about the benefits.
Swiss banking giant UBS has been fined €4.5 billion ($5.1 billion) for tax evasion and money laundering. The conviction follows a seven-year investigation by French authorities.
The skies over Asia Pacific are more crowded than ever thanks to the rise of low-cost airlines. Profit margins, however, are razor thin as flyers are tempted with fares for just a few cents, while costs continue to rise.
During talks with the US president, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said he wanted to prevent an escalation in the trade war between the US and the EU. However, Trump said he isn't taking car tariffs off the table.
[The Herald] Government has issued 500 eviction letters to illegal settlers who have been disrupting production at commercial farms in the Midlands Province and causing massive land degradation.
[Nation] The Norwegian consultancy firm that gathered data on Mogadishu's oil stock in the Indian Ocean says it only worked on blocks in Somali territory.
After years of Bundesliga domination, Bayern Munich are in a rebuild and Serge Gnabry is aiming to be part their long-term plans. He spoke to DW about chasing Dortmund and learning from veteran teammates at Bayern.
Two late goals have handed Manchester City a 3-2 win over Schalke in the Champions League Round of 16. But Schalke can hold their heads high after a battling display saw them come within minutes of a shock victory.
Schalke almost pulled off a memorable result against Manchester City, but their task was made harder by malfunctioning VAR. While it's great that the technology exists, it still must prove its reliability.
[New Times] APR athletic Club runner and half-marathon gold medalist Noel Hitimana says he will be gunning for podium finish at the forthcoming 43rd IAAF World Cross Country Championships slated for March 30 in Denmark.
[The Herald] NETONE, who were the principal sponsors of Dynamos last year, have said they will not comment on reports that their partnership with the Glamour Boys is now on the rocks.
[The Herald] Zimbabwe's junior motocross champion rider Emmanuel Bako will miss this weekend's opening round of the 2019 South African National Championship series at Rover in Port Elizabeth following the death of his grandfather in Harare yesterday.
[SNA] Khartoum -The First Vice President of the Republic, Lt. Gen. Bakri Hassan Salih, chaired Sunday at his office at the Republican Palace,a meeting assigned for discussing sponsorship of the development and services projects in Gedarif state, in the presence of the states' Wali (governor), and officials of a number of ministries and concerned institutions.
[Nation] "It cuts across from the Inland Container Depot (ICD), up to Maasai gate for about seven kilometres," Mr Josphat Wambua, the Senior Warden at the Nairobi National Park, notes as he trails a line on the map of the park hanging in his office.
[Foroyaa] President Adama Barrow has urged the commissioners of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to prioritize the needs of the poor, marginalized and hard to reach communities of this country.
[Ghanaian Times] AngloGold Ashanti says the Obuasi Redevelopment Project has completed its first week of underground development blasting as the work to pour first gold by the end of the year gathers momentum.
[Shabelle] The United States is proud to support the people and government of Somalia as they seek to create a better tomorrow, including through economic development and job creation. The United States is committed to providing up to $74 million in investment for these programs.
[SNA] Khartoum -Assistant of the President of the Republic, Dr Faisal Hassan Ibrahim, was informed on implementation of development projects and progress the harvest season in Gedarif State.
[Observer] Liberia is blessed with numerous talented people yet remain poor and undeveloped.
[CIO] CarePay Limited recently announced that they are looking into innovating around emerging technologies such as Blockchain, AI and Machine Learning in a bid to improve their M-TIBA platform, which is the preferred health financing technology platform for the government, retail and private health sector, for their 4 million plus users.
[New Era] Lüderitz -One should always plan ahead, and not only when you want something specific to happen that time, this is a lesson, a young entrepreneur, Angelina Shetu Fillemon, 25, learnt last year from the challenges she met in her business.
[Ghanaian Times] The 101 entrepreneurial young Ghanaians selected to take part in the 2019 AgriTech Challenge, run by the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC), are halfway through their 12-day market research tour.
[U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa] The U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is sponsoring the second SolveIT! A national innovation competition, where Ethiopian youths will develop tech-based solutions to address community challenges.
[The Herald] Construction of innovation hubs in six tertiary institutions throughout the country is nearing completion, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister, Professor Amon Murwira said. In an interview in Harare yesterday, Professor Murwira said innovation hubs are meant to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial skills.