Tag: AFRICA

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UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE and Dubai seek to serve as a bridge between markets to enable countries across the world access new opportunities…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has attended the 6th Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa 2021 in Dubai, a high-level business conference organised by Dubai Chamber in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai.

“Against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving global environment, the UAE and Africa have a unique opportunity to usher in a new phase of growth in their economic relationship. The 6th Global Business Forum (GBF) provides the ideal platform for both sides to explore ways to tap fresh synergies and add new dimensions to their ties,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

SHEIKH HAMDAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, CROWN PRINCE OF DUBAI AND CHAIRMAN OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF DUBAI: “The countries of the African continent represent some of the world’s fastest-growing markets, and as a leading global commercial and trading hub, Dubai is well placed to offer them the infrastructure, connectivity and expertise required to expand their worldwide reach. The UAE and Dubai seek to serve as a bridge between markets to enable countries across the world to access new opportunities. We look forward to working closely with African nations to explore new avenues of cooperation and development that will contribute to accelerating the momentum of global recovery and growth,” Sheikh Hamdan added.

Held under the theme ‘Transformation Through Trade’, this year’s Forum is joined by two presidents, 45 ministers and high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa to discuss trade and business opportunities in a post-pandemic world.

Highlighting the global economic recovery and the road ahead for Africa, GBF Africa 2021 outlines a roadmap for the next stage of Dubai’s partnership with the continent and lays the foundations for a future where companies, businesses and investors can tap into the wealth of opportunities provided by the African market.

Welcoming the delegates at the opening of GBF Africa 2021, Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, highlighted the resilience of commerce and trade between Africa and Dubai, despite the unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic.

ALSO READ: Hamdan launches Dubai Future Solutions initiative

“What Dubai has done exceptionally well is transform global challenges posed by the pandemic into opportunities for growth. The emirate has adopted a new plan to boost its foreign trade to AED2 trillion ($544.5 billion) as part its new five-year Dubai International Trade Roadmap, which will also establish new shipping and air routes to connect Dubai to more than 400 cities around the world. These new linkages will further improve the ease of doing business in Dubai and the wider region,” he said.

“Judging by economic indicators, it is clear that our efforts in Africa are bearing fruit. Dubai’s non-oil trade with the continent amounted to $50 billion in 2020, reaching the highest level in a decade despite unprecedented challenges. Meanwhile, the number of African companies registered with Dubai Chamber has increased by over 15 percent since 2019 to reach 24,800 today, reflecting growing confidence in Dubai among African businesses and investors.

Taking part in the session titled Unleashing Africa’s Power, were Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai; and Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Tshilombo said that the Democratic Republic of Congo is open for business and offers great potential in terms of international trade and commerce, as well as resource-rich lands and a young population. He elaborated on government efforts to rebuild and modernise the African country, expand infrastructure, diversify the economy and boost its appeal to foreign investors.

UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

“GBF Africa highlights the recovery of African economies in the COVID-19 era, as well as new structures and policies that promote economic integration on the continent. Congo can learn important lessons from the UAE in building new capacities and leveraging the power of public-private partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth,” the President of Congo said.

For her part, Al Hashemy noted that the UAE sees tremendous opportunity in Africa, not only in business connections, but also people connections, which she described as crucial in building cross-border partnerships that drive sustainable growth. She pointed to the wealth of opportunities in Congo, and the country’s infrastructure, logistics and mining sectors in particular, adding that digitalisation itself is expected to create exciting growth prospects in the African market.

In addition, she pointed out that all African countries are represented at Expo 2020 Dubai, which she described as an important platform for these nations to showcase their ambitions and potential to the world. Africa continues to see UAE as a base for exploring other markets around the world, she noted, adding that the UAE and Africa can learn from each other on how to tap into new digital opportunities and use technology to drive progress.

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Africa News News World

New Tunisian PM announces line-up of Govt

New Tunisian PM announces line-up of Govt

New Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden Romdhane announced on the lineup of her government, said the country’s Presidency…reports Asian Lite News

Bouden and members of her cabinet took the oath in front of President Kais Saied during a ceremony held on Monday at the Carthage Palace, reports Xinhua news agency.

The new cabinet is composed of 24 ministers, including eight women, and one secretary of state.

New Tunisian PM announces line-up of Govt

In her speech, Bouden said her goal is “to restore confidence and hope, and ensure economic and health security for the citizens”.

“One of the most important goals is to combat corruption,” she noted.

ALSO READ: Africa reports 8.38 million Covid cases

On September 29, Saied appointed Bouden as prime minister after removing Hichem Mechichi from the post and suspended all activities of the Assembly of the People’s Representatives, or the parliament, on July 25.

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Africa News News World

Somali rejects AU’s proposal for a joint mission with UN

Antonio Guterres

The Somali government has rejected an African Union (AU) proposal for a joint mission with the United Nations (UN) to spearhead peacekeeping operations in the country…reports Asian Lite News

It said that the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) did not consider Somalia’s views, including that of a joint technical team created to assess the best option for the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan/IANS)

Mogadishu said it strongly disapproved of such arrangements, saying the pan-African body should have stuck with its original plan under the Somalia Transition Plan, instead of endorsing the AU-UN multidimensional stabilization mission in Somalia.

SOMALI MINISTRY OF DEFENCE: “The federal government of Somalia expresses grave concern at the AUPSC continued disregard of Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence by repeatedly pursuing an agenda that undermines the agenda of the AUPSC and violates the basic rights of a member state.”

Under the Somalia Transition Plan, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) ensures that the Somali Police Force is adequately equipped in preparation to assume full responsibility of maintaining law and order in the country when AMISOM leaves in 2022.

ALSO READ: Africa reports 8.38 million Covid cases

The Somali defence ministry statement came after the AUPSC endorsed the deployment of an AU-UN hybrid mission under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which would ensure predictable and sustainable multi-year financing for the future mission, through UN-assessed contributions.

AMISOM, whose mandate is due to expire in 2022, is a peace support operation with nearly 20,000 forces on the ground, mainly from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi and Djibouti.

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Africa News EXPO 2020 UAE News

Mohammed bin Rashid visits African dining hall at Expo

Mohammed bin Rashid visits African dining hall at Expo

His Highness’s visited the African dining hall Alkebulan, which showcases African culture through a colourful culinary lens…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE and Africa, backed by their deep historical ties, have a new opportunity to enhance their relationship for the mutual benefit of the people of the two regions, through strategic initiatives in various sectors.

Mohammed bin Rashid visits African dining hall at Expo

His Highness expressed his happiness at the participation of African countries in Expo 2020 Dubai saying they have showcased their rich cultural heritage and unique investment opportunities at their country pavilions at the mega global show. He emphasised that the UAE is keen to deepen engagement with countries across the African continent to identify new opportunities for cooperation, strengthen interactions in various spheres of life and establish partnerships in key sectors.

ALSO READ: FTA calls on Expo participants to avail VAT refund scheme

His Highness’s remarks came as he visited the African dining hall Alkebulan, which showcases African culture through a colourful culinary lens. His Highness was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Mohammed bin Rashid visits African dining hall at Expo

Capturing the essence of Africa, Alkebulan transports visitors on a journey into the continent’s cultural diversity and gastronomic landscape, bringing together people, communities and nations. The dining hall is a celebration of African cuisine, designed as a showcase of contemporary African food and music from across the continent. Each counter and concept has its own design that honours the individuality of the region, cuisine and chef.

For the first time in the 170-year history of World Expos, every African nation is participating, each with its own pavilion, while the African Union also has a pavilion – a colourful arena devoid of national borders, showcasing Africa’s vast potential and ambitions, reflected in its Agenda 2063 aspirations, which address agriculture, transport, science and technology, and health.

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Africa News COVID-19 News

Africa reports 8.38 million Covid cases

New Covid-19 variant detected in S.Africa

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, according to the agency…reports Asian Lite News

The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 8,383,097 cases as of Sunday afternoon, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.

The Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the African Union (AU), said the death toll from the pandemic across the continent stands at 213,877. Besides, some 7,733,014 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease so far, Xinhua news agency reported.

Africa reports 8.38 million Covid cases

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, according to the agency.

South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 2,911,497 cases, while Morocco, the northern African country, reported 938,801 cases as of Sunday afternoon.

ALSO READ: Brunei reports 381 new Covid-19 cases

In terms of the caseloads, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected region in the continent, according to the Africa CDC.

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Africa News News World

Nigerian security forces rescues 187 abducted victims

Nigerian security forces rescues 187 abducted victims

Nigerian security forces have rescued 187 abducted victims held by armed bandits in an operation in the country’s northwest, police confirmed…reprots Asian Lite News

On Friday, Muhammad Shehu, police spokesperson in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state, told Xinhua news agency the 187 victims were kidnapped from different parts of the state and neighbouring Sokoto state, and were rescued on Thursday in the Tsibiri Forest in Zamfara’s Maradun local government area.

Nigerian security forces rescues 187 abducted victims

“The abducted victims were unconditionally rescued following an extensive search and rescue operation that lasted for hours,” Shehu said.

Nigerian security agencies have been carrying out assaults on identified bandits’ locations in Zamfara following the implementation of new security measures, with a view to ridding the state of all bandits and other criminal gangs.

ALSO READ: S. Sudan approves $10 million to the victims of flood

Several bandits and their collaborators were arrested during the operation, Shehu added.

The northern part of Africa’s most populous country has witnessed a series of attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to numerous deaths and kidnappings.

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Africa News News World

S. Sudan approves $10 million to the victims of flood

S. Sudan approves $10 million to the victims of flood

The government of South Sudan has approved $10 million as an emergency relief package to support people affected by floods in seven states across the country since May…reports Asian Lite News

Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, said that the relief package approved by the cabinet will be used to help resettle those displaced from their homes, in addition to providing food relief to them, reports Xinhua news agency.

S. Sudan approves $10 million to the victims of flood

MICHAEL MAKUEI LUETH, MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING: “The people who are displaced are very much affected by floods, and after the floods have subsided they need to be resettled in their areas of origin because they don’t have anything at present and all that they need is to be rescued now.”

An estimated 400,000 people have been affected and displaced by heavy flooding, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

ALSO READ: China’s debt-trap strategy in South Sudan

OCHA recently revealed that the worst affected populations by floods are in Jonglei, Unity, Warrap, Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Lakes, Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal and Upper Nile state.

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-Top News Africa News UAE News

UAE aims to go Net Zero by 2050

UAE aims to go Net Zero by 2050

The UAE has become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

The United Arab Emirates has announced the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, a national drive to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, making the Emirates the first Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nation to do so.

The initiative, announced at Expo 2020 Dubai with the attendance of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, aims to underpin dynamic economic growth alongside positive environmental impact.

Commenting on the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said, “We are committed to seize the opportunity to cement our leadership on climate change within our region and take this key economic opportunity to drive development, growth and new jobs as we pivot our economy and nation to net zero. With an investment of over AED600 billion in renewable energy, our vision for a clean future is clear.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, “With our announcement today of our plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the UAE continues our effective role in climate control issues, adding our support to international efforts to mitigate climate change with a range of effective community and economic initiatives.”

“In achieving climate neutrality in the UAE by 2050, we aim to develop an approach that both drives sustainable economic growth and is an exemplar of working together to achieve a better future for humanity,” he added.

The announcement aligns with the Principles of the 50 – the UAE’s roadmap for accelerating national economic development to mark the country’s golden jubilee year, as the nation enters a new 50-year cycle of growth. The major economic opportunities offered by the path to net zero directly support a vision to develop the Emirates into the most dynamic economy in the world.

ALSO READ: The world’s first Net Zero Carbon building

The announcement took place at the conclusion of a government-wide accelerator programme initiated earlier this year. The Government Accelerator for Climate Ambition and Economic Development took a holistic approach to developing the framework for the UAE’s pathway to net zero, leveraging strategies for green economic growth and job creation.

The initiative integrated the work of ministries and private sector entities in cross-sectoral teams focused on fast-tracking effective policymaking and implementation.

“The UAE Net Zero Strategic Initiative is an open invitation to the world to collaborate with the UAE in developing practical solutions, boosting multilateralism, and creating opportunities for sustainable socio-economic development,” said Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change.

“Critically, we will leverage the development pathway to net zero as a vehicle to create economic value, increase industrial competitiveness and enhance the UAE’s standing as an attractive destination for investment, in line with the UAE’s vision of progress for the next 50 years.”

“The UAE net zero by 2050 strategic initiative offers new opportunities for economic progress and also further establish the UAE as an ideal location to live, work, raise families and create communities,” he added.

The UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative aligns with the Paris Agreement, which calls on countries to prepare long-term strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 C compared to pre-industrial levels.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) will lead and coordinate efforts to execute the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and ensure collaboration at national level to fulfil this objective.

Stakeholders in key sectors, such as energy, economy, industry, infrastructure, transport, waste, agriculture, and the environment, will update relevant plans, strategies, and policies, and implement initiatives and projects to achieve net zero by 2050 in line with their needs and growth requirements.

The implementation of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative will entail close cooperation with civil society, foreign governments, and international organizations, including the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which is headquartered in the UAE and currently engaged with 184 countries.

“The whole of the government’s approach, combining the strategic thinking of key ministries together with the private sector, will leverage innovation and the breakthrough technologies of the Fourth Industrial Age. In so doing, we will call on the contribution of our academic institutions, large scale industrial players and innovative SMEs to create solutions that both drive down emissions, while creating jobs and sustainable economic growth,” added Al Jaber.

“We will also partner with our friends and allies around the world to share knowledge, expertise and practical lessons so that our experience contributes to global progress and the UAE can benefit from best-in-class approaches from around the world.”

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Africa News News World

Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa

Etihad Cargo expands pharma sector to Africa

Etihad Cargo is committed to shipping and storing pharmaceuticals with passive packaging between main temperature ranges…reports Asian Lite News

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Aviation Group, has expanded its pharma sector reach into Africa with the signing of a Service Legal Agreement (SLA) with Astral Aviation and Kenya Airways to provide reliable and cost-effective airfreight solutions across the continent.

Operating a fleet of 14 freighters out of its Nairobi and Johannesburg hub, Astral Aviation services a network of 15 African destinations, which Etihad Cargo will leverage for increased vaccine distribution across Africa. Both carriers are members of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) and Pharma.Aero, whose joint Project Sunrays initiative offers cross-industry collaboration for pharma shippers managing complex vaccine distribution logistics.

The SLA, a first Pharma Interline agreement, ensures Etihad Cargo partners are fully compliant with latest GDP and IATA Pharma regulations and standards, and guarantees processes, from booking to handling of such sensitive goods, are standardised and performed to the highest quality.

Etihad Cargo defined the steps and responsibilities of the SLA to ease the transfer between the two airlines, boost transparency and make sure pharma specific documentation, labelling and messaging are used and shared under a precise order and form.

MARTIN DREW, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SALES AND CARGO, ETIHAD AVIATION GROUP: “In addition to significantly expanding Etihad Cargo’s reach across Africa, this inter-airline agreement ensures complete adherence to the specific requirements of pharmaceutical product transportation. Customers can be reassured that Etihad Cargo partners will expertly maintain cool chain integrity.”

Etihad Cargo is committed to shipping and storing pharmaceuticals with passive packaging between the main temperature ranges known as COL (+2 to +8°C), CRT (+15 to +25°C) and ERT (+2 to +25 °C).

“We are honoured to partner with Etihad Cargo and participate in the critical distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to and within Africa. The equitable access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa will be enhanced with the help of partnerships and collaborations within the aviation sector, such as the one enacted between Etihad Cargo and Astral, which will offer one-stop solution for the vaccines to and within Africa,” said Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation.

ALSO READ: Etihad to host global cabin crew recruitment drive

“Kenya Airways Cargo is excited to join Etihad Cargo in the HOPE Consortium initiative through providing logistical solutions in our home continent. With only 2.5 per cent of the African continent vaccinated against COVID-19, this will go a long way toward achieving the Africa Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) to vaccinate 60 per cent of the population by the end of 2022 which will result in. This is a fundamental need and pre-requisite toward aviation recovery in Africa,” commented Peter Musola, Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways.

With Etihad Cargo’s agreement with Kenya Airways and Astral Aviation providing a timely boost in Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a global logistics hub capable of facilitating vaccine distribution in Africa, which now covers 27 offline stations and four online stations, the partnership also enhances the capabilities of the Hope Consortium – the UAE capital-based private-public sector supply chain specialist which provides global COVID aid to the world.

“The World Health Organisation has recently reported that only 2.5 per cent of African citizens are vaccinated against COVID-19 and that millions more doses are required to meet even modest targets,” explained Drew. “Through Etihad Cargo’s ever-expanding portfolio of partnerships and collaborations, the HOPE Consortium can play a greater role in meeting vaccine demand.”

Since the pandemic, Etihad Cargo has carried almost 2,500 tonnes of pharmaceuticals to Africa, including 41 dedicated flights on behalf of the UAE government. The carrier currently services 72 network destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. It’s fleet of 65 aircraft operate 430 weekly rotations, in addition to charter flights which service demand across non-network destinations.

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-Top News Africa News Dubai

Dubai Chamber highlights untapped biz potential in W Africa

The initiative was launched in the lead up to the Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa 2021…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai Chamber has announced the launch of “Why Africa”, a new initiative highlighting untapped business potential in West Africa, as well as the region’s key economic indicators and competitive advantages.

The initiative comprises in-depth analyses conducted by Dubai Chamber and based on recent data from UNCTAD, up-to-date insights for prospective investors and recent trade trends.

HE Hamad Buamim

The initiative was launched in the lead up to the Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa 2021, which will take place between 13th-14th October, on the side-lines of Expo 2020 Dubai.

HAMAD BUAMIN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, DUBAI CHAMBER: “Africa is one of the world’s most promising regions for economic growth, which is featured prominently on many global indicators in recent years as one to watch out for. Market research is essential for UAE investors who are studying the possibility of expanding their businesses into key African countries. Dubai Chamber’s ‘Why Africa?’ initiative seeks to provide such insights that can help them make a more informed business decision.”

He added that the initiative serves as a reference point for UAE businessmen to evaluate opportunities across various economic sectors. Such prospects will be in the spotlight at the upcoming GBF Africa in Dubai, where industry players and key decision makers can offer an insider’s perspective.

Buamim described “Why Africa?” and the forthcoming GBF Africa as “important channels that can be leveraged to boost Dubai-Africa trade and investment flows in the coming years.”

Among the key data areas covered by the initiative are: population, GDP, FDI and trade trends.

Home to 412.4 million people (as per 2021 estimates), West Africa is Africa’s second most populous region and comprises sixteen countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Benin, Togo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Cabo Verde, and Saint Helena. It is also one of the most economically vital, accounting for 29 percent of Africa’s economy.

Sub-Sahara Africa is Dubai’s largest trading partner out of all African regions. In 2020, West Africa accounted for 33.2 percent of the emirate’s trade with Africa, with a total trade value of US$16.8bn (AED61.7bn), making up approximately 75 percent of the region’s overall trade. It is the continent’s second-largest region in terms of total real GDP, with average GDP value nearing the $709.2 billion mark.

GBF Africa 2021 is being hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme “Transformation Through Trade” with the forum bringing the trade and investment community together to explore bilateral trade opportunities between Dubai and sub-Saharan Africa.