Know Afrika

  When the European Union (EU) abruptly ended its election monitoring mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it sent shockwaves across the diplomatic community. The EU faced insurmountable obstacles preventing the deployment of its observers across the large country, citing unforeseen "technical" restrictions. The EU spokesperson, Nabila Massrali, cited "security reasons" as the main obstacle, making the mission unfeasible in the current environment. The EU was forced to terminate the mission entirely due to the severe lack of essential communication equipment, which made matters worse. The DRC's parliamentary and presidential elections, scheduled for December 20, are in doubt due to the EU's abrupt withdrawal from the observer mission. The country, which is home to roughly 100 million people, is currently facing serious issues about the legitimacy and impartiality of the electoral process. The 60-year-old president Félix Tshisekedi is consid...

  In a landmark development, the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) have solidified their commitment to a Human Rights Pact, marking the latest collaborative effort between the two entities. The seventh high-level meeting in New York witnessed the formalization of this agreement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat. This significant pact, focusing on human rights, adds to previous agreements addressing peace, security, and development, highlighting an intensified commitment to mutual cooperation. During interactions with the media, both Guterres and Faki underscored the necessity for a restructuring of global financial systems to better align with contemporary realities. Guterres drew attention to Africa's demand for justice in international relations, citing historical structural injustices that have marginalized the continent on the global stage. Faki painted a stark picture of Africa's challenges, describing i...

 More than 50 Premier League players face potential call-ups for both the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup, with ramifications for their respective clubs. As January and February unfold, some Premier League sides may have to navigate through up to four matches without key African and Asian players, posing challenges for team dynamics. While powerhouses like Newcastle United and Manchester City may remain largely unaffected, teams like Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United could contend with the absence of up to four players during the tournaments. The actual impact hinges on the progress of each country in the competition, with players from teams eliminated early likely to miss only two Premier League fixtures. Nevertheless, the potential absence of crucial players, rather than the sheer number, could prove decisive in determining the competitive landscape. The 2023 AFCON garners significant attention due to the notable contingent of Premier Le...

  In a groundbreaking move, MasterCard has successfully established a state-of-the-art technological infrastructure in South Africa, culminating in the launch of advanced data centers. This strategic development marks a significant step toward fostering more secure and efficient processing of local transactions, contributing substantially to the modernization of South Africa's payments industry. Aligned with the South African Reserve Bank's Vision 2025, the initiative focuses on bolstering the digital ecosystem and promoting the adoption of locally relevant technology. MasterCard's commitment to South Africa extends beyond four decades, showcasing the company's adaptability in the face of an environment that is both robust and continually evolving. Gabriel Swanepoel, MasterCard Southern Africa country manager, emphasized the company's dedication to adding one billion people and 50 million small and microenterprise businesses to the formal digital economy. This forwa...

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE and the CEO of ADNOC, played a key role in the Africa Climate Summit 2023 held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The summit, attended by African presidents, focused on climate change and environmental priorities. Dr. Al Jaber, set to preside over the upcoming COP28 summit in the UAE, emphasized the urgent need for global collaboration to address the growing challenges posed by climate change. During the summit, Dr. Al Jaber acknowledged the world's insufficient progress in meeting climate goals. He urged collective action and collaboration among African leaders to effectively combat the climate crisis. As the chairman of Masdar, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, he called for a transformation in global climate financing to achieve tangible results in the fight against climate change. In a significant commitment, Dr. Al Jaber announced that the UAE pledges $4.5 bil...

Germany, a key player in Europe's transition to carbon neutrality, has committed to investing $4.37 billion in African green energy projects by 2030. Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced this ambitious pledge during a German-African business forum in Berlin, emphasizing the need for large-scale imports of green hydrogen to achieve Germany's net-zero emissions goal by 2045. The commitment reflects Germany's dual objective of leveraging Africa's rich natural resources and supporting the continent in sustainable development. The announcement unfolded at the precursor forum to the "G20 Compact with Africa" summit, a gathering focused on rallying investment for the world's fastest-growing continent. The summit aims to synchronize the development plans of reform-minded African nations and pinpoint lucrative business opportunities. Although Chancellor Scholz did not unveil specific projects, he underscored the importance of processing materials in the African countri...

In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI's ousted CEO, Sam Altman, is set to make a triumphant return to lead the company. The announcement, made through a post on X, revealed that Altman will head the "new initial board," with Salesforce's former co-CEO, Bret Taylor, as its chairman. This development seems to bring an end to the recent turmoil within OpenAI, with implications for the evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence. The real winner in this shakeup appears to be Microsoft, OpenAI's largest shareholder. Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding Altman's role, a post by Microsoft's Satya Nadella on Monday hinted at Altman joining the tech giant to lead a new AI research division. Although OpenAI employees threatened to leave if the board didn't resign and reinstate Altman, Microsoft's significant influence, backed by a promised $13 billion investment, secures its control over the future direction of OpenAI. While Altman emerg...

Francis Uzoho, the accomplished Nigerian goalkeeper for the national team, may be on the verge of leaving the Super Eagles, as he recently deactivated his social media account on X.com, formerly known as Twitter. This decision comes in the aftermath of Nigeria's disappointing performance in the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, where they secured a draw. The lackluster results have left fans disheartened, questioning the team's chances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The deactivation of Uzoho's 'Uzohof' account has stirred speculation about the intense scrutiny and pressure faced by footballers in Nigeria. The goalkeeper faced criticism for his role in the team's earlier defeat to Ghana and for conceding what some deemed as "cheap goals" in recent international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. With fans expressing disappointment and dissatisfaction, there are growing concerns that Uzoho may soon part ways with the Super Eagles...

  Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) stands at the forefront of Nigeria's cultural landscape, embracing emerging technologies, fostering skills development, nurturing business acumen, and championing social change. Organized by the Livespot Foundation and executed by Livespot360, a leading 360° creative solutions company, EWL is more than just an event—it's a convergence of professionals and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Prepare for a week-long extravaganza as Entertainment Week Lagos returns with its much-anticipated 2.0 edition, aptly themed "The Next Wave." From December 13 to 20, Lagos will be abuzz with a myriad of activities, ranging from thought-provoking panel sessions featuring industry leaders to captivating movie screenings of cinematic masterpieces. EWL 2.0 promises to be bigger and better, ensuring there's something for everyone in this immersive and enriching experience. Under the visionary leadership of Deola Art Alade, Co-founder and CEO of Livespot...

  Airtel Nigeria, a leading provider of prepaid, postpaid mobile, and 4G services in the country, has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing Fifth Generation Network (5G) connectivity across Nigeria. The company has announced plans to deploy additional 5G sites, building upon its existing network of over 200 sites spread across Lagos, Rivers, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Ismail Adeshina, Director of Marketing at Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the company’s substantial investment in 5G infrastructure within Nigeria. This strategic investment aims to bolster 5G towers, base stations, and spectrum licenses, contributing to the widespread availability of 5G coverage throughout the country. Airtel Nigeria has actively collaborated with technology partners, device manufacturers, and local businesses to explore and develop innovative 5G use cases, fostering a comprehensive 5G ecosystem. Femi Adeniran, the Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria, comme...

  In a recent revelation, Hanks Anuku, a seasoned Nollywood actor known for his villainous roles, has disclosed that he has been unemployed for an extended period and is appealing for assistance during challenging times. The actor, who once portrayed iconic characters in Nollywood films, reached out to Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his fan base for support. A viral video depicted Anuku working as a fuel attendant at a gas station in Delta State, shedding light on his financial hardships despite his notable contributions to the film industry. Hanks Anuku, reflecting on his current situation, expressed gratitude for his past achievements as a legendary figure in Nigerian entertainment. However, he emphasized the dire need for financial aid to address both his health challenges and basic necessities. Speculations arose among fans, suggesting a potential need for rehabilitation due to a presumed prolonged battle with drugs. Despite the swirling discussions about his wel...

  The heartbeat of Africa's technological future resonates in Cape Town from November 13-16 as the Africa Tech Festival, the continent's largest and most influential tech event, takes center stage. Under the theme "Innovation and Inspiration Converge," this energy-filled gathering brings together government officials, business leaders, tech experts, and investors to shape the trajectory of Africa's tech landscape. At the core of the festival's offerings is a dynamic program that strikes a perfect balance between business opportunities, forward-thinking content, and festival fun. The agenda dives deep into critical aspects of Africa's digital transformation, exploring topics like connectivity, digital inclusion, enterprise transformation, and emerging technologies. Anchored by three main events – AfricaCom, AfricaTech, and the AfricaIgnite Pitch Competition – the festival culminates in a thrilling live pitch event on November 16, showcasing promising start-...

  In a groundbreaking concert titled 'RAVAGE UPRISING' at London's iconic O2 Arena, Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter Rema made history with a sold-out event witnessed by over 40,000 viewers on YouTube. The highlight of the evening was Rema's grand entrance, riding on the back of a horse adorned in striking red and black colors. This spectacle not only showcased Rema's showmanship but also solidified his standing as the "prince of Afrobeats." The O2 Arena quickly trended on social media, marking a significant milestone in Rema's career. Under the alias Divine Ikubor, Rema captivated the O2 stage in London, making a memorable entrance on horseback while dressed in a flowing black cape and a distinctive mask. Engaging with his 20,000-strong audience, he delivered soulful renditions of R&B tracks like 'Dirty' and 'Ginger,' along with crowd favorites such as 'Lady' and 'Soundgasm.' Rema's diverse setlist includ...

  South Africa is ready to move on from previous Cricket World Cup knockout setbacks as they get ready to play Australia in a pivotal semifinal match. The Proteas are determined to change the course of events despite losing all four of their prior semi-final matches, including two losses against Australia in 1999 and 2007. There is hope for redemption in the next encounter at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, as it could provide South Africa a chance to overcome their past defeats. The Proteas go into the match with confidence after securing a berth in the semi-finals with an outstanding record, which included the best World Cup total of 428 against Sri Lanka. Their campaign gains confidence from South Africa's recent domination against Australia, as they have won their last four meetings. Gerald Coetzee, the fast bowler, instills composure by highlighting the team's experience with the obstacles that lie ahead. Conversely, Australia, who has won five World Cups, is riding high after wi...

Kenya's Edwin Kiptoo made history at the 40th Athens Marathon, breaking records with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 34 seconds. The 30-year-old Kiptoo outpaced his compatriots and other challengers over the second half of the course, running the final 10 kilometers solo. As he crossed the finish line, a powerful message in support of Palestine unfolded in Athens' Panathenaic stadium, with spectators waving Palestinian flags along the course.   Kenya's Edwin Kiptoo made history at the 40th Athens Marathon, breaking records with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 34 seconds. The 30-year-old Kiptoo outpaced his compatriots and other challengers over the second half of the course, running the final 10 kilometers solo. As he crossed the finish line, a powerful message in support of Palestine unfolded in Athens' Panathenaic stadium, with spectators waving Palestinian flags along the course. In a thrilling race, Kenya's Rhonzai Lokitam Kilimo secu...

  According to Rystad Energy, geothermal power capacity in Africa is expected to experience significant increase in the near future, more than doubling in the next seven years. By 2050, this capacity is expected to reach 13 GW, a substantial increase from the current 1 GW, according to the consulting group. According to this estimate, Europe’s geothermal industry is not far behind Africa’s. In order to produce power from geothermal resources, superheated water and steam pools that are formed by magma deep beneath the Earth’s surface must be tapped. These resources can be extracted, brought to the surface, and used to generate electricity when geological conditions permit. While Ethiopia, Zambia, Tanzania, and Djibouti are among the other African nations with geothermal potential, their development has not kept up with Kenya’s. In particular, Ethiopia has had to deal with challenges including political unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic’s consequences, and the aftermath of the Tigray War...

  Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) saw the introduction of the SGE, which highlights Google's dedication to ensuring that information is accessible to all. Google Search's general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Wambui Kinya, highlighted the company's goal by saying, "Our mission is to make the world's information universally accessible to all." The SGE is intended to deliver thorough, AI-powered insights into important subjects and streamline challenging inquiries, providing effective solutions for African users. Google, the multinational technology company based in the United States, revealed its ground-breaking Search Generative Experience (SGE), which is available as an optional experiment under Search Labs in Africa. This AI-powered project, which aims to transform how search engines operate and how people interact with digital information, is currently available in a number of African nations. This is a major advancement in search technology for several African ...

  John Okafor, well known by his stage name Mr. Ibu, was in critical health and needed immediate financial support. The adored comedian and actor from Nollywood, whose sickness was first revealed in October, needed numerous surgery to survive. But the fight was far from finished, necessitating additional medical procedures. Fans worried about Mr. Ibu continued to pray, but his health took a sharp turn, necessitating an urgent choice. The actor recently had a major surgery to amputate one of his legs in an attempt to save his life. His family underlined that making this difficult decision was essential to ensuring his survival. In a statement posted on the actor's official Instagram page, the actor's family acknowledged the challenges presented by this event but stressed how important it is to accept this new reality in order for Mr. Ibu to live on. The Nollywood icon's difficult road to recovery is being supported by the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation, which stepped in t...

 Australia is getting ready for their match against South Africa in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 second semifinal. Australia is now among the main contenders in the present event, along with South Africa and India, after securing their spot in the last four. Australia defeated Afghanistan by three wickets in a dramatic recent match at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, securing their place in the semifinals against South Africa. The high-stakes encounter between Australia and South Africa is slated for November 16 in Kolkata, the state capital of West Bengal, India. It looks to be an intense rivalry between the two teams. The teams from South Africa and Australia are both in excellent shape and ready to win the next game. Cricket fans everywhere are looking forward to the grand finale, which is scheduled to take place on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, when the 13th Cricket World Cup takes place in India.

  The world-famous charity concert series Global Citizen and the Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free-founded label pgLang have launched 'Move Afrika,' a vast African music tour schedule. This project intends to engage local artists, vendors, agencies, and crews, promote the finest of African music worldwide, spark transformative investments in the community, and offer possibilities for on-the-job skill development and training. On December 6, Kendrick Lamar will launch the initiative with a performance in Kigali, Rwanda, starting an annual event that will take place in the African country for the following five years. With the goal of visiting five countries by 2025, the tour calendar will be expanded to include other countries. The success of Global Citizen's previous events in Africa, including the Global Citizen Festival: Accra and Global Citizen Live: Lagos, is a testament to their dedication to reducing inequality on the continent by providing opportunities for employment and...

  The 28th Soweto Marathon showcased South Africa's exceptional athletes with a breathtaking exhibition of running power. In the men's division, Ntsindiso Mphakathi finished the race in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 13 seconds, making his city happy. This made him the first male local champion in 12 years. In the meantime, Irvette van Zyl showed off her skill by winning the women's division of the Soweto Marathon for the fourth time and establishing a record-breaking time of 2 hours, 33 minutes, and 43 seconds. The Soweto Marathon's organizers and primary sponsor, African Bank, expressed their happiness at the runners' tenacity and the strong sense of community spirit that pervaded the event. Mphakathi's triumph is an important point in the marathon's history. Athletes exited Soccer City Stadium with their medals and hopes for the upcoming marathon, demonstrating that the Soweto Marathon is more than just a competition but rather a celebration of human tenacity a...

  This weekend, government representatives from all around the world are coming together in a last-ditch effort to fix the glaring differences in how financial aid is distributed to communities impacted by climate change. Funding for "loss and damage" resulting from extreme weather events is the main topic of discussion in these talks, which have been going on since March. Delegates have convened in Abu Dhabi for a two-day conference to find common ground and settle unresolved concerns ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which is set to commence at the end of this month in the United Arab Emirates. The climate action community's stakeholders see this gathering as critical, as they worry that a lack of broad agreement may obstruct the comprehensive negotiations at COP28. Closing the trust gap, getting the fund into operation, and giving critical assistance to the most vulnerable people are all necessary for the new loss and damage fund to be succ...

The Springboks have won the Rugby world Cup, 2023 for the fourth time, defeating the All-Blacks of New Zealand in a tight fought match. The fans of the game are jubilant and the entire nation is celebrating. The players were given a heroic welcome from the airport and all other places they travelled.  The team will be travelling across the country to share the joy with eager fans. The celebration tour started from Union Buildings, in Pretoria with the team and the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the crowds.  Siyamthanda Kolisi, the captain of the team, dedicated the trophy to the people of the country. The team visited Johannesburg, Soweto, and Pretoria. They will visit Cape Town, Durban, and East London in the coming days.  The Springboks created record for winning the title for a fourth time and a public holiday has been declared on 15th December, 2023 to celebrate the win. 

In two different events, it is believed that some Boko Haram members attacked people in the Geidam area of Yobe state. Thirty-seven individuals have been killed in the attacks. The first attack happened on a late Monday night in a small village called Gurokayeya.  The attackers shot at the villagers, and 17 people were killed. The next day, while people came for the funerals of the victims, the attackers put a land mine on the road. When the vehicle drove over the mines, it exploded and killed 20 more people. The Yobe state government is very worried because there have been some attacks recently. They organized a special meeting and it is believed that the attackers came from a nearby state called Borno.  Police and soldiers have been sent to analyze the attack and to check what happened. The recent fighting shows that Nigeria's security forces are still struggling to deal with extremist groups in the northeastern part of the country. 

 Adam The First has launched its teaser and it is Ghana’s first sci-fi feature. The Ghanaian American Writer/Director, M Sayibu, is looking for distributing the film in North America. The genre of the film is Sci-Fi.  The story of the film was come up by M Sayibu who was previously in the U.S. Air Force. Inspite of lack of funds he believed in the story .  The movie ‘Adam The First’ was shot over thirty days in Ghana, mostly in Sege, Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Sayibu has to say this about the place “There was nothing there. You are not in Ghana or on Earth anymore.” The cast includes Bex, a Ghanaian actor, Majeed Suhuyini, Naa Ashorkor, Mensa-Doku, Samira Suhuyini, Jacob Ayanaba and Nikita Nuel. The story is on the lines where Adam arrives on Tiamat, a world with no forms of life. His mission is to activate an ancient outpost in order to save his people. January 5, 2024 is the release date of the film. 

 Nabda is a new sports center in Casablanca which aims at inclusivity providing access to sports for all. The main special focus is on people with less movement. It provides unique equipment, selective training programs that are customized, and facilities that are specific. There was a void in Morocco that this sports center has filled up. It offers sports infrastructure for all those who have disabilities and the relatively lesser mobile population. It is able to accommodate several varieties of disabilities with technologically advanced infrastructure facilities.  Aziza Guennoun,Nabda Founder states that, "We have received people with muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis. We've also had stroke survivors, tetraplegics. There are many people with varying and diverse physical abilities." This unique center has become a silver lining among the dark clouds for all those who have varying levels of physical disabilities. It is a place for people who are passionate about spor...

Lagos state of Nigeria bagged a collaboration with African Export-Import Bank or Afrexim and Access Bank for infrastructure projects and the investment is $1.35 billion. This has been confirmed by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos. This investment will be used to build a bridge project and a creek project also. Additionally it will be used to expand the light rail project in Lagos. The partnership deal was signed by the governor of Lagos with the two banks on Tuesday in Guyana. The light rail project of Lagos will be expanded. The bridge project is expected to help the congestion of the city. An international airport at its Lekki-Epe corridor is also in the offing, though investment is required for its completion.  This investment from Afrexim and Access Bank will assist in completion of this project.  The governor stated that “key projects, including the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Omu Creek Project, and the second Phase of the LRMT Blue Line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko,” w...

An elderly couple in France were clearing out their holiday home in Gard, Southern France with the intention of selling their home. They chanced upon a wooden mask that was lying in the attic with dust on it. The house belonged to the man's grandfather, who was in colonial administration in the Africa in the 20th century. They talked to a dealer for clearing out old items and sold the dealer many items including this mask.  What they were not aware was that it was a very rare artefact, it was the "Ngi" mask from the 19th Century, made by Fang people of Gabon. The mask was sold by the dealer for a whopping €4.2m while the couple had sold it for €150 to the dealer. The couple read of the auction in a newspaper. It is said only 10 such items are available of the Fang people.  The couple has approached court and filed a civil case against the dealer and they want the sale to be annulled or want a share of the proceeds. While campaigners in the Gabon government demand that the...