GRUNGECAKE

Category: World

  • African Development Bank president praises Saudi Arabia for $5.3 billion investment in Africa

    Projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities

    Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group, has praised Saudi Arabia for its generous “support, dedication and friendliness” to Africa where it is supporting a host of projects touching virtually all aspects of people’s everyday life on the continent. Adesina was speaking at the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration in Riyadh on Sunday. He said the fund translated the pulse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into development support in Africa.

    “Its work covers 407 projects in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with support of over $5.3 billion”, he declared, in an address congratulating the Fund on the landmark occasion of its golden jubilee.

    Projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities.

    The Bank Group president said the Fund was part of an ongoing attempt to forge a deeper friendship and engagement of Saudi Arabia with Africa. He said this “was evident during the Saudi-Africa Summit held by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, attended by over 40 heads of state and government.” That landmark summit in November 2023 set out a blueprint for Saudi-Africa cooperation.

    Adesina said one thing that makes the Saudi Fund for Development to stand out in the development financing landscape was its “unlimited territorial scope”. What is important to it is: “countries need”, making it different from the approaches of other developmental partners.

    “That means: Open heart. Open hands. Open purse. Its success is rooted in its values, reflected by its acronym, SDF, which I call: Supportive. Dedicated. Friendly. That’s why countries appreciate the SDF”, he said.

    Adesina noted he had visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia more than any president in the history of the African Development Bank since 1964 and had forged strategic alliances with major Saudi institutions delivering billions of dollars of co-financing for projects in Africa.

    “The African Development Bank is your friend and strategic partner in Africa…I wish the Saudi Fund for Development another fifty exciting years ahead, as we partner together to support Africa with renewed dedication to accelerate Africa’s development”, Adesina concluded.

  • Ecobank Uganda partners with Ria Money Transfer to enhance remittance services

    Both account holders and non-account holders will also have the option to collect cash transfers promptly at any Ecobank branch or through the bank’s wide sub-agent network across the country

    Ecobank Uganda Limited has formed a strategic partnership with Ria Money Transfer, a renowned global leader in cross-border remittance services. This partnership will significantly improve remittance options across Uganda, allowing customers to receive funds directly into their Ecobank accounts. Both account holders and non-account holders will also have the option to collect cash transfers promptly at any Ecobank branch or through the bank’s wide sub-agent network across the country.

    Commenting on the partnership, Ms Grace Muliisa, Managing Director of Ecobank Uganda, emphasised its importance for Ugandans at home and those in the diaspora, particularly in the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Middle East. She noted that this collaboration makes it easier for Ugandans abroad to send money to their loved ones in Uganda.

    “There is a growing need to provide seamless financial solutions to Africans in the diaspora. We are excited to collaborate with Ria Money Transfer to enhance the security and efficiency of remittance services for all Ugandans”, Ms Muliisa said.

    She also highlighted how this partnership aligns with Ecobank’s mission to offer unmatched convenience in global funds transfer services and strengthen its position as a trusted partner for the Ugandan diaspora.

    Mr El Hadj Malick Seck, Managing Director of Ria Money Transfer – Africa, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that this collaboration is a valuable addition to Ria’s network, which spans over 580,000 physical locations in almost 200 countries. He noted the importance of East Africa, particularly Uganda, in Ria’s operations and emphasized how this partnership would provide even greater convenience to Ugandans sending money to their families back home.

  • Hospital ship returns to Sierra Leone to deliver life-changing surgeries over the next ten months

    The world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the “Global Mercy”, was welcomed back to Freetown yesterday in a partnership between international charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org) and the Government of Sierra Leone to deliver more than 1,400 life-transforming surgeries and continued training opportunities for Sierra Leonean healthcare workers.

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    The Global Mercy departed the country in June after spending the previous ten months performing 1,979 life-changing surgeries for 1,728 patients and training 145 healthcare professionals on board in that time.

    The ship’s return followed an invitation from President Julius Maada Bio for Mercy Ships to extend their stay to continue supporting the delivery of safe surgery and training in Sierra Leone.

    In his address last week, President Bio highlighted his commitment to affordable and quality healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans, aiming for Universal Health Coverage, and affirmed the partnership with Mercy Ships, which began in 1992.   

    In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the charity selected patients in twelve locations across the country for the upcoming field service and supports ongoing training for staff at Connaught Hospital and students at the University of Sierra Leone, in line with Sierra Leone’s strategic healthcare plan. 

    The ship’s return, after a brief annual maintenance period in Tenerife to fulfill maritime law, was celebrated as the Global Mercy docked. 

    The Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby welcomed the ship for the second time expressing his excitement about the possibilities of free surgeries for people in desperate need. 

    He said: “I’m extremely happy that Mercy Ships honoured the President’s call to stay longer to provide life-changing surgeries and train our healthcare professionals. In the next ten months, the ship will perform over 1,400 free surgeries and will continue on-ship training for 130 healthcare workers. As Minister of Health, I am excited about this possibility and very proud of the partnership with Mercy Ships.”

    Dr Sandra Lako, Mercy Ships Country Director for Sierra Leone, said: “We are delighted that the Global Mercy has returned to Sierra Leone. With the strong partnerships formed, we will build upon the existing impact and momentum, to support government plans towards the sustainable development of the surgical care system.”

    The ship, its volunteers and the Sierra Leonean day crew will now prepare the hospital on board the ship to deliver the next phase of free surgeries for surgical programmes including maxillofacial/head and neck, general, paediatric orthopaedic, paediatric general, reconstructive plastic, and ophthalmic.

  • Afreximbank supports Angolan partners to drive industrialisation and boost food security

    Afreximbank is arranging the required debt funding in its capacity as Mandated Lead Arranger and is also supporting the equity raise as one of the Financial Advisers

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    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank or “The Bank”) and Amufert SA announced that they have signed terms for a USD 1.4 Billion facility to support the establishment of a fertiliser plant in Angola. Afreximbank is arranging the required debt funding in its capacity as Mandated Lead Arranger and is also supporting the equity raise as one of the Financial Advisers through its Advisory and Capital Markets unit. Other strategic sponsors of the transaction are the OPAIA Group and Sonangol Natural Gas (Sonagas).

    The fertiliser plant which will be located in Soyo, a mineral-rich part of Angola with easy access to natural gas, energy, water and a commercial port, will serve to boost industrialisation, provide increased food security and position Angola as the food basket of the region.

    In an ever-evolving and often volatile world of trade, local fertiliser production will help mitigate shortages caused by supply chain disruptions and rising prices. It will also reduce the huge foreign exchange expenditure that Angola is currently incurring from the importation of fertilisers. Additionally, the plant is expected to create approximately 4,700 jobs, 3,500 of which will be during the construction phase and 1,200 jobs when the plant is operational.

    While speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank, said: “As we witness the signing of the terms of the USD1.4 billion Project Finance Facility with Amufert SA, I would like to thank the Government of Angola, in particular, His Excellency Joao Lourenco, President of the Republic of Angola, for the support provided to the Project and his overall desire for resource-based industrialization in Angola.”

    He added: “This Project was conceptualized in the wake of the Ukraine crisis which brought about a shortage of grains and fertilisers in Africa, with the attendant implications for food security on the continent. The challenge of depending on traditional supply markets outside the continent for our food security needs was laid bare for all to see. This is why projects like the one we are signing today, should be supported not just in Angola but across the continent. This is exactly why, at Afreximbank, we are fully committed to supporting the fertilizer plant.”

    Mr Agostinho Kapaia, the Chairman of OPAIA Group said: “This project would not have come to life without the invaluable collaboration between the OPAIA Group, Sonangol and the African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), to whom we express our sincere gratitude, in the person of His Excellency Professor Oramah. Your strategic and unconditional support has been crucial to the materialization of this project.”

    He added: “Partnering with Afreximbank not only facilitates our journey but also reflects trust and a shared vision of a promising future for Africa’s development initiatives.”

  • NBA Africa and Agence Française De Développement launch Youth Development Programme in Kenya

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    NBA Africa and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France’s inclusive public financial institution committed to financing and technical assistance for projects that improve the lives of people in developing and emerging economies, today announced the launch of the Jr NBA & AFD Basketball Experience in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Basketball Experience is a youth development program that will feature weekly basketball and life-skills sessions to educate Kenyan youth about the importance of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

    The initiative builds on NBA Africa and AFD’s existing Basketball Experience programming in greater Casablanca, Morocco and Lagos, Nigeria, and aims to use basketball as a platform to promote social inclusion and inspire secondary school children as change makers in their local communities.

    To celebrate the announcement, NBA Africa and AFD today unveiled two refurbished outdoor basketball courts at Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) in Nairobi and hosted a basketball clinic for 150 boys and girls ages sixteen and under. The refurbished courts are expected to benefit more than a thousand boys and girls from the surrounding communities.

    The unveiling was attended by French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet, AFD Kenya Country Director Bertrand Willocquet, NBA Kenya Senior Director and Country Operations Lead Michael Finley and NBA Africa Director of Basketball Operations Kita Matungulu.

    “At AFD, we are team players. We strongly believe that greater impacts can be reached when we work together and connect”, said Willocquet. “The NBA was our first partner in the field of sport for development. Together, we have launched the Jr NBA & AFD Basketball Experience program that seeks to promote youth empowerment and improve access to sport for all.”

    “The launch of Jr NBA & AFD Basketball Experience reflects our commitment to making basketball more accessible to Kenyan youth and teaching them about the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle”, said Finley. “Our selection of the KAS as the venue also speaks to our commitment to developing elite talent in Kenya. We thank AFD for sharing that commitment and look forward to positively impacting the boys and girls who participate in this program in the months and years to come.”

    The Jr NBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. Last year, Jr NBA programming directly reached more than 170,000 youth across Africa.

  • Interview: Kokota Afrika discusses South Africa’s thriving culture, promoting Amapiano, and who’s up next from the scene

    Editor’s Note (July 2, 2024, 9:31 AM EST): An earlier version of this article referred to Modupi Ntisa as Module Ntisa, copied from an email from the company.

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    Three months ago, South Africa’s digital culture hub Kokota Afrika—run by two young South African men Modupi Ntisa (left) and Lesedi Mashilane (right)—and GRUNGECAKE connected to discuss South Africa from the lens of a native or tourist, building a brand from scratch, the nightlife in Johannesburg, the culture, Zone 6 and who we should be on our radar.

    GRUNGECAKE: Many Americans travel to South Africa before venturing out to other African countries. I’ve even suggested it to fellow Americans because of our similarities in culinary options, luxury living, and brand recognition. If I hadn’t been to Johannesburg, South Africa, how would you describe it to me as a foreigner or tourist? What makes the country and the people great?

    Kokota Afrika: Johannesburg is a city that was once describe[d] to be the City of Gold but today, it’s a social hub filled with talent. From musicians to painters Johannesburg has it all. Some describe it to be a jungle with everyone fighting their way to the top of the food chain. I think that’s the beauty of all. It create[s] a sense of culture within the city with everyone striving to bring something new and unique to the table. This is a city that never sleeps.

    GRUNGECAKE: I met you guys during my first trip to South Africa. Since then, we’ve witnessed growth in your business in six months. From the parties to the follower count (nearly 400,000), you’re running a popular platform, Kokota Afrika. How long has Kokota Afrika been in business? What would you say has been the most rewarding thing (or things) you’ve accomplished as a brand so far?

    Kokota Afrika: Kokota Afrika was established in 2021 in hopes of presenting the world the true African gem that was embedded in the core of the South African musical scene, Amapiano. Since then, we have become a major factor in the development of the genre, working so hard to discover the undiscovered. Artists like Uncle Waffles, Pcee, Justin99 and Toss, to name a few, are artists we worked so hard to place center stage of the industry and we do not plan to stop any time soon. Kokota Afrika is a reward on its own. We look at it as a community and not a social media page and leading the people in this community is the greatest reward we could ever ask for.

    GRUNGECAKE: How would you describe the music scene in Johannesburg? Which part of Johannesburg would you say has the best nightlife and why?

    Kokota Afrika: As I stated before, Johannesburg is a jungle. Every one that lives here is hungry for their top spot in the musical scene. This kind of environment is necessary in the development of music in South Africa because it forces everyone to bring their own uniqueness to the table allowing for the music here to become more and more diverse.

    GRUNGECAKE: How paramount is South African culture to you as individuals and as a brand?

    Kokota Afrika: South African culture is what built us, it’s what built Amapiano. Without the South African culture, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation as two individuals. So to answer your question, the South African culture is the most important thing to us and to our brand.

    GRUNGECAKE: You guys also contribute to programming in Soweto (a 45-minute drive from Rosebank) at a thriving club called Zone 6. Tell us about some of the shows you’ve produced and what you have coming up in June and July.

    *Kokota Afrika didn’t answer this question, unfortunately.*

    GRUNGECAKE: You’re around and support many talented local artists through the performance series you produce and through artist management. Who are some artists you believe should be on our radar, and why?

    Kokota Afrika: Kokota Afrika prides itself on discovering the undiscovered. There are artists all around this country who deserve to sit centre stage of the musical scene and they are Tycoon, Jaylooks, Sjavas Da Deejay, Stixx.

  • MTN Rwanda named official digital partner of the 2024 Basketball Africa League Playoffs and Finals

    MTN Rwanda will enhance the digital experience for BAL fans throughout league’s Playoffs and Finals

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    The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda), a market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda, today announced a collaboration that makes MTN Rwanda the Official Digital Partner of the 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals.

    The collaboration will see MTN Rwanda enhance the digital experience for BAL fans throughout the Playoffs and Finals taking place this week at BK Arena in Kigali through promotions, sweepstakes, and access to Ayoba, an all-in-one free app developed by MTN that offers free instant messaging; voice and video calling; sports, fashion, food, and entertainment news; games; and other content. MTN Rwanda customers will also have access to BAL content on Ayoba, including highlight packages and episodes of ‘BAL Daily’, a magazine programme produced by the league featuring highlights of the games and surrounding events, interviews with players and coaches, and analysis from BAL commentators and other personalities.

    “Our collaboration with MTN will bring Rwanda’s passionate Basketball Africa League fanbase even closer to the excitement of the BAL Playoffs and Finals”, said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “As a pan-African mobile telecommunications brand deeply rooted on the continent, MTN has been instrumental in providing enriched experiences for its customers in Africa. We have a shared ambition to empowering communities, driving innovation, and building a sustainable ecosystem for long-term growth. We look forward to working together to extend this impact to BAL fans in Rwanda.”

    “We are thrilled to work with the BAL as their official digital partner”, said MTN Rwanda CEO Officer Mapula Bodibe. “Our customers can look forward to an unforgettable showcase of talent. As a token of appreciation, we will be giving out free tickets to our valued customers, so keep an eye out on our social media platforms for the giveaway. Additionally, BAL attendees will also receive a 35% discount when they pay for their tickets via MoMo. This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting initiatives that unite communities and empower Rwandan youth, fostering national unity.”

    MTN Rwanda joins the BAL’s roster of partners that also includes Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand, and Wilson, as well as marketing partners Afreximbank, Bank of Kigali, Castle Lite, Hennessy, and RwandAir.

    The 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals will continue on Wednesday, May 29 with two semifinals games. In the first game, Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) will take on Al Ahly Ly (Libya) at 5 PM CAT. In the second game, Petro de Luanda (Angola) will face Cape Town Tigers (South Africa) at 8:00 PM CAT. The complete game schedule is available at BAL.NBA.com and will culminate with the 2024 BAL Finals on June 1 at 4:00 PM CAT. Tickets for the Playoffs and Finals are on sale now at bal.nba.com and ticqet.rw.

  • David Beckham to promote Alibaba’s AliExpress for more global sales, launching campaign during UEFA tournament

    The goal? Apparently, “to sell cheap made-in-China goods to the world.”

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    On Monday, May 27, Reuters reported that Chinese tip-top retailer Ali Baba struck a deal with David Beckham to attract more global sales for its AliExpress component. The former England soccer captain will be a brand ambassador to compete aggressively against Temu. Reportedly, an advertisement campaign featuring Beckham will go live simultaneously with the UEFA tournament and encourage consumers.

  • Over 20 people killed in attack on central Mali village, report says

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    According to a report on Reuters, an attack on a village in central Mali left over twenty people dead. The unfortunate incident occurred in the Circle of Bankass in the Mopti region, known to be one of several areas in Northern and Central Mali where jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State have been for twelve years. According to Moulaye Guindo, the Bankass Mayor, said the villagers were on their way to work in their fields when unidentified armed assailants attacked them.