Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
By Jasser Hammami, Field Editor

The underlying offshore exploration potential of Guinea-Bissau has long been recognized given the country’s functional hydrocarbon system, good potential reserves, and several drillable prospects in a vast shallow water shelf setting.

According to the country’s national oil company Petroguin, Guinea-Bissau authorized international businesses to begin prospecting for hydrocarbons in 11 offshore blocks where oil is likely to exist since October last year. In light of this, Energy Capital&#038;Power will host MSGBC Oil, Gas&#038;Power 2021, which will create a national platform for constructive dialogue on natural resource management, investment and initiatives for enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the current power matrix.

Offshore exploration might be the future of the energy sector in Guinea Bissau, with various projects underway to expand the country’s oil and gas sector.

Onshore Blocks 4 and 5

Onshore blocks 4 and 5 are licensed to the Equatorial Guinean corporation Ada Business GE Lta. Petroguin announced that it had signed a contract of association and participation with Ada Business GE Lta last September for “exploration, and exploitation of oil resources in blocks 4 and 5 on the mainland” of Guinea-Bissau.

AGC Shallow Block

The Agence de Gestion et de Coopération entre Le Sénégal et La Guinée Bissau (AGC) Shallow is only 100 km from Bissau and has sea depths ranging from 25m to 100m, with known oil between 50m to 70m. There are a total of 14 wells, however, only one has been drilled after the acquisition of 3D seismic data. The first 3D data was acquired in 1982 and re-shot in 2003. The most recent acquisition of 3D was in 2012.

Early wells in shallow reservoirs atop the salt-induced Flore Dome and Gea Dome have yielded significant amounts of oil. The AGC Authority is looking for offers of a future work program from interested parties who have reviewed all past data and can demonstrate competence to operate abroad. The AGC Authority will send additional information to interested parties explaining the block and its potential, as well as specifics on the awarding process.

The database, which includes both legacy data from past operators and more recent studies on shallow oil and reservoirs, has been given to Marine Geological and Geophysical Servicesto administer and license. The new data was used to conduct a study of existing wells and reprocessed seismic packages, which was then linked to potential commercial development options.

The Sinapa and Esperanca permits

The contiguous Sinapa and Esperanca licenses are located offshore Guinea-Bissau in the Casamance salt sub-basin. Australian independent FAR Limited owns a non-operating interest in these two licences, which are divided into three blocks (2, 4A, and 5A) and encompass almost 5,000 km2. Over 70% of the land is above a water column of less than 100 meters, with a maximum water depth of 1,500 meters to the west.

The Sinapa permit hosts the Sinapa oil discovery – a shallow water salt-related feature with contingent resources of ~13.4 mmbbls of recoverable light oil. The geotechnical assessment of this original discovery by FAR revealed additional possibilities around the salt diapir. These additional resources support a potential recoverable resource of over 72 mmbbls.

In 2017, a complete prospectivity evaluation of the blocks revealed an attractive shelf-edge geological setting along the western parts of the licences – a proven play fairway in Senegal. Two prospects, Atum and Anchova, have been prioritized for further exploration.

In order to meet the remaining commitments on the licenses, the Joint Venturers, Far Limited, Svenska Petroleum, and Petroguin agreed to ask for an additional three-year extension to the current exploration phase, with the backing of the National Oil Company of Guinea-Bissau, Petroguin.

Blocks 2 and 4A&#038;5A offshore

According to  independent Norwegian oil and gas exploration company PetroNor E&#038;P, a full-cycle Africa-focused independent oil and gas exploration and production business, drilling for Blocks 2 and 4A&#038;5A offshore Guinea Bissau under the Sinapa and Esperança Licences will take place between the end of this 2021 and next year.

The Norwegian entreprise made the statement while providing an update on its acquisition transaction of SPE Guinea Bissau AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Svenska Petroleum Exploration AB, Sweden, and the Operator of Block 2 of the Sinapa Licence, and Blocks 4A&#038;5A of the Esperança Licence.

PetroNor also has operational interests in the Rufisque Offshore Profond and the Senegal Offshore Sud Profond licenses in Senegal.

Offshore Guinea-Bissau is due to see some potentially transformative exploration drilling in the new future, and this drilling can have a great role in reshaping the energy sector in the West African country. 
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&#038;Power.

Offshore Exploration: The Future of Guinea Bissau’s Energy Sector (By Jasser Hammami)

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Preparations for the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) (www.CorporateCouncilonAfrica.com) 13th U.S.-Africa Business Summit being held virtually on July 27 &#8211; 29, 2021 are well under way. The Summit is CCA’s flagship conference that is considered essential for those doing business on the continent as well as the U.S. and African leaders shaping U.S.-Africa economic engagement. The theme of this year’s Summit is “New Pathways to a Stronger U.S.-Africa Economic Partnership” and will focus on the unique opportunity for the new U.S. Administration and its African partners to reset and redefine their relationship, working together to shape the path for economic recovery needed as a result of the COVID pandemic. The Summit will host African Heads of State and key ministers, USG Cabinet and senior officials, and more than 1,000 private sector executives and stakeholders from across the United States and the African continent.

The Summit opening plenary will be a high-level dialogue between H.E. Filipe Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, and SADC Chairman, H.E. Pravind Jugnauth, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, the Hon. Gina Raimondo, Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Al F. Kelly, Jr. Chairman and CEO, Visa.  Over the Summit’s three days, participants will hear from other African leaders, including H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and AU Chairman, H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, and H.E. Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. African Ministers of trade, energy, agriculture, investment, ICT, and infrastructure from across the continent will participate in the Summit, and will engage the audience on sector and country specific issues.

In addition to Commerce Secretary Raimondo, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Hon. John Kerry, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power, and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Chief Operating Officer David Marchick are among the U.S. Cabinet officials, agency heads, and other senior executives from the Biden-Harris Administration who will participate in the Summit.  And White House Senior Director for Africa Dana Banks will be making an exciting announcement on the next chapter of the U.S. Prosper Africa initiative.

The Summit is known as the premier business event bringing together captains of industry from the United States and Africa. We are delighted to announce that among the more than 500 CEOs and senior private sector executives at this year’s Summit, we will hear from Visa Chairman and CEO Al F. Kelly, Jr.; Bruce Cleaver, CEO, DeBeers Group; William Killeen, CEO, Acrow Bridge; Tewolde GebreMariam, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines; Karan Bhatia, Vice President, Government Affairs&#038;Public Policy, Google; Angela Hwang, President, Biopharmaceutical Group, Pfizer; Admassu Tadesse, President, and CEO, Trade and Development Bank; Bassem Bibi, Divisional Vice President, Middle East, Africa, and Global Accounts IDEM/ARDX, Abbott; Vilo Trska, Senior Vice President for Sub-Sahara Africa, Procter&Gamble; Olugbenga Agboola, Founder&#038;CEO, Flutterwave; and Akin Dawodu, Head, Sub-Saharan Africa Cluster, Citi.

This year’s Summit is specifically designed to facilitate and elevate business-to-business and business-to-government engagement, and provide a platform for U.S. and African business and government leaders to engage on key sectors including agribusiness, energy, health, infrastructure, ICT, finance, and more. The Summit’s nearly 1500 private sector and government decision makers registered to date will be able to network, meet potential business partners and explore new business opportunities.

CCA&#39;s U.S.-Africa Business Summit is regarded as one of the essential conferences on doing business and investing in Africa. The virtual event will address today’s most important challenges to investors in Africa by facilitating high-level roundtables, sector-focused discussions, as well as breakout sessions, and three country-focused sessions on doing business in Botswana, Angola, and Liberia.

Much has happened since the last U.S.-Africa Business Summit held in Maputo, Mozambique in 2019.  As countries and companies look to recover from the health and economic impacts of the COVID pandemic, 2021 presents a special time and opportunity to relaunch and even redefine the commitment to developing and, more importantly, implementing business-friendly initiatives and policies that foster a stronger U.S.-Africa economic partnership.

The 2021 U.S.-Africa Business Summit is proudly sponsored by leading global businesses and organizations including Abbott, Acrow Bridge, All Africa Global Media, Caterpillar, Chevron, Citi, Computer Frontiers Inc., Covington&#038;Burling, Creative Associates International, Development Finance International (DFI), Inc., ExxonMobil Corporation, Fayus Inc., Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, Flutterwave Inc., General William, and Joyce Ward, Gilead Sciences, Google, Jean Boulle Group, Jeune Afrique, Pfizer Inc., Prosper Africa, P&#038;G, Rabin Martin, Sun Africa, Trade and Development Bank, Visa, and Vulcan.

To find out more about the 13th U.S.-Africa Business Summit on July 27 &#8211; 29, visit www.USAfricaBizSummit.com. 

 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).
Learn more about Corporate Council on Africa at www.CorporateCouncilonAfrica.com

Corporate Council on Africa prepares to welcome Heads of State and Global Business Leaders to the 13th U.S.-Africa Business Summit

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A record 121 NBA (www.NBA.com) and WNBA players are featured on national team rosters for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The men’s and women’s 5&#215;5 competitions will feature a record 49 current NBA players and a record 29 current WNBA players, as well as 16 former NBA and 22 former WNBA players. The inaugural 3&#215;3 basketball tournament features four current and one former WNBA player.

The previous records for current NBA and WNBA players in the Olympics were 46 and 26, respectively, at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Outside of the U.S., Nigeria has the most current NBA players on its roster with eight, followed by Australia with seven and France with six. Eleven of the 12 teams competing in the men’s tournament have at least one current NBA player, and national team rosters include 13 players who have been NBA All-Stars.

Twenty-seven NBA teams are represented in the men’s 5&#215;5 competition, with the Miami Heat featuring a league-high four players. The Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz each have three players competing.

In the women’s 5&#215;5 competition, outside the U.S., Australia has the most current WNBA players with five followed by Canada and Spain with three each. Eight of the 12 teams in the women’s tournament have at least one current WNBA player, and 10 of the 12 WNBA teams are represented on national team rosters. The Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm lead with five players each, followed by the Minnesota Lynx with four players.

The inaugural women’s 3&#215;3 basketball tournament is being held from July 24-28 and features five current and former WNBA players.

In addition, 29 players on Olympic rosters have NBA G League experience, including a league-high six on Nigeria. France and Japan each feature four players who played in the NBA’s official minor league.

Francisco Cáffaro of the Argentina Men’s National Team and Han Xu of the China Women’s National Team become the first NBA Academy participants to make an Olympic roster. Cáffaro, who was a member of the University of Virginia’s NCAA championship team in 2019, attended NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia. Han, who attended NBA Academy Shandong in China, became the first NBA Academy participant to be drafted into the WNBA or NBA when she was selected 14th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft.

In addition, 45 players on Olympic men’s and women’s rosters participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB), including Danilo Gallinari (Atlanta Hawks; Italy; BWB Global 2003), Han (New York Liberty; China; BWB Global 2018), Marc Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers; Spain; BWB Europe 2003) and Rui Hachimura (Washington Wizards; Japan; BWB Global 2016).  BWB is the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has seen 79 former campers drafted into the NBA or signed as free agents since 2001 and five former campers drafted into the WNBA since 2019.

Below please find a complete list of current NBA players on 2020 Olympic 5&#215;5 rosters*:
*As of July 24, 2021 (all rosters subject to change)

Country
First Name
Last Name
NBA Team
Argentina
Facundo
Campazzo*
Denver Nuggets
Argentina
Gabriel
Deck*
Oklahoma City Thunder
Argentina
Luca
Vildoza*
New York Knicks
Australia
Aron
Baynes
Toronto Raptors
Australia
Matthew
Dellavedova
Cleveland Cavaliers**
Australia
Dante
Exum
Houston Rockets
Australia
Josh
Green*
Dallas Mavericks
Australia
Joe
Ingles
Utah Jazz
Australia
Patty
Mills
San Antonio Spurs
Australia
Matisse
Thybulle
Philadelphia 76ers
Czech Republic
Tomas
Satoransky*
Chicago Bulls
France
Nicolas
Batum*
Free Agent
France
Evan
Fournier
Boston Celtics
France
Rudy
Gobert
Utah Jazz
France
Timothé
Luwawu-Cabarrot
Brooklyn Nets
France
Frank
Ntilikina*
New York Knicks
France
Vincent
Poirier
Philadelphia 76ers**
Germany
Isaac
Bonga*
Washington Wizards
Germany
Moritz
Wagner
Orlando Magic
Italy
Danilo
Gallinari*
Atlanta Hawks
Italy
Nico
Mannion
Golden State Warriors
Italy
Nicolò
Melli
Dallas Mavericks**
Japan
Rui
Hachimura*
Washington Wizards
Japan
Yuta
Watanabe
Toronto Raptors
Nigeria
Precious
Achiuwa
Miami Heat
Nigeria
Chimezie
Metu
Sacramento Kings
Nigeria
Jordan
Nwora
Milwaukee Bucks
Nigeria
Jahlil
Okafor
Detroit Pistons
Nigeria
Josh
Okogie
Minnesota Timberwolves
Nigeria
KZ
Okpala
Miami Heat
Nigeria
Miye
Oni
Utah Jazz
Nigeria
Nnamdi
Vincent
Miami Heat
Slovenia
Vlatko
Čančar
Denver Nuggets
Slovenia
Luka
Dončić
Dallas Mavericks
Spain
Marc
Gasol*
Los Angeles Lakers
Spain
Willy
Hernangómez*
New Orleans Pelicans
Spain
Ricky
Rubio
Minnesota Timberwolves
United States
Bam
Adebayo
Miami Heat
United States
Devin
Booker
Phoenix Suns
United States
Kevin
Durant
Brooklyn Nets
United States
Jerami
Grant
Detroit Pistons
United States
Draymond
Green
Golden State Warriors
United States
Jrue
Holiday
Milwaukee Bucks
United States
Keldon
Johnson
San Antonio Spurs
United States
Zach
LaVine
Chicago Bulls
United States
Damian
Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers
United States
JaVale
McGee
Denver Nuggets
United States
Khris
Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks
United States
Jayson
Tatum
Boston Celtics

*Participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB)
**Appeared on an NBA roster during 2020-21 season

Below please find a complete list of former NBA players on 2020 Olympic 5&#215;5 rosters*:
*As of July 24, 2021 (all rosters subject to change)

Country
First Name
Last Name
Argentina
Nicolás
Brussino
Argentina
Patricio
Garino*
Argentina
Nicolás
Laprovittola
Argentina
Luis
Scola
Czech Republic
Jan
Vesely
France
Nando
De Colo
France
Guerschon
Yabusele
Iran
Hamed
Haddadi
Nigeria
Ekpe
Udoh
Slovenia
Zoran
Dragić
Slovenia
Mike
Tobey
Spain
Alex
Abrines
Spain
Victor
Claver*
Spain
Rudy
Fernández
Spain
Pau
Gasol
Spain
Sergio
Rodríguez*
*Participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB)

Below please find a complete list of current WNBA players on 2020 Olympic 5&#215;5 rosters*:
*As of July 24, 2021 (all rosters subject to change)

Country
First Name
Last Name
WNBA Team
Australia
Rebecca
Allen
New York Liberty
Australia
Ezi
Magbegor*
Seattle Storm
Australia
Leilani
Mitchell
Washington Mystics
Australia
Alanna
Smith
Phoenix Mercury
Australia
Stephanie
Talbot
Seattle Storm
Belgium
Julie
Allemand
Indiana Fever**
Belgium
Emma
Meesseman
Free Agent
Canada
Natalie
Achonwa
Minnesota Lynx
Canada
Bridget
Carleton
Minnesota Lynx
Canada
Kia
Nurse
Phoenix Mercury
China
Xu
Han*
New York Liberty**
France
Marine
Johannes
New York Liberty**
France
Gabby
Williams
Los Angeles Sparks**
Republic of Korea
JiSu
Park
Las Vegas Aces
Spain
Maite
Cazorla
Atlanta Dream**
Spain
Maria
Conde
Chicago Sky**
Spain
Astou
Ndour
Chicago Sky
United States
Ariel
Atkins
Washington Mystics
United States
Sue
Bird
Seattle Storm
United States
Tina
Charles
Washington Mystics
United States
Napheesa
Collier
Minnesota Lynx
United States
Skylar
Diggins-Smith
Phoenix Mercury
United States
Sylvia
Fowles
Minnesota Lynx
United States
Chelsea
Gray
Las Vegas Aces
United States
Brittney
Griner
Phoenix Mercury
United States
Jewell
Loyd
Seattle Storm
United States
Breanna
Stewart
Seattle Storm
United States
Diana
Taurasi
Phoenix Mercury
United States
A’ja
Wilson
Las Vegas Aces

*Participated in Basketball Without Borders (BWB)
**Under contract with WNBA team but did not report to training camp this season

Below please find a complete list of former WNBA players on 2020 Olympic 5&#215;5 rosters*:
*As of July 24, 2021 (all rosters subject to change)

Country
First Name
Last Name
Australia
Cayla
George
Australia
Tess
Madgen
Australia
Jenna
O&#39;Hea
Australia
Marianna
Tolo
Belgium
Kim
Mestdagh
Belgium
Ann
Wauters
Canada
Kayla
Alexander
Canada
Miranda
Ayim
Canada
Nirra
Fields
Canada
Kim
Gaucher
Canada
Nayo
Raincock-Ekunwe
China
Ting
Shao
France
Sandrine
Gruda
France
Endy
Miyem
Nigeria
Adaora
Elonu
Nigeria
Ify
Ibekwe
Nigeria
Victoria
Macaulay
Puerto Rico
Jazmon
Gwathmey
Puerto Rico
Jennifer
O’Neill
Serbia
Jelena
Brooks
Serbia
Ana
Dabovic
Serbia
Sonja
Vasic

Below please find a complete list of current WNBA players on 2020 Olympic 3&#215;3 rosters*:
*As of July 24, 2021 (all rosters subject to change)

Country
First Name
Last Name
WNBA Team
United States
Stefanie
Dolson
Chicago Sky
United States
Allisha
Gray
Dallas Wings
United States
Kelsey
Plum
Las Vegas Aces
United States
Jackie
Young
Las Vegas Aces

Below please find a complete list of former WNBA players on 2020 Olympic 3&#215;3 rosters*:
*As of July 24, 2021 (all rosters subject to change)

Country
First Name
Last Name
Romania
Gabriela
Marginean
 			 		 	 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Media Contact: Aaron Stewart NBA astewart@nba.com 212-407-8982
Ron Howard WNBA rhoward@nba.com 212-407-8641

Record 121 NBA and WNBA Players to Compete in 2020 Tokyo Olympics

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At a virtual ceremony today, the United States donated 176 tablet and 53 laptop computers, as well as 250 remote temperature monitoring devices and 2,000 terabytes in hard-drive capacity to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) to support the country’s COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. The electronic equipment will be used for data entry at vaccination sites and for monitoring purposes. 

“Getting the population vaccinated is key to fighting COVID-19 in the country and for the world,” said Jessica Long, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy during a virtual handover ceremony in Windhoek. “The U.S. government remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Services in its battle against this horrible pandemic.” 
In addition to the computer equipment, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also funded the production of 5,000 registers, 100,000 forms and 750,000 vaccination cards, as well as 11 district level trainings for over 500 health ministry staff.  The combined value of this support from the American people is US$675,000 (approximately N$9.6 million).
The United States recognizes that COVID-19 is a global challenge requiring a global response. The Biden-Harris administration has prioritized defeating COVID-19 through multilateral approaches to stop the global pandemic, increasing vaccine production and global access, strengthening supply chains, hastening economic recovery, and preparing for future pandemics.
To date, the United States government has provided N$100 million in support of Namibia’s COVID-19 response.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.

Coronavirus – Namibia: United States Donates Electronic High-Tech Equipment to Support Namibia’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program

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The World Bank approved the Improving Healthcare Services in Somalia Project, known as “Damal Caafimaad,” which is financed by a US$75 million International Development Assistance (IDA) grant and an additional US$25 million grant from the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF). This project is the first World Bank investment in Somalia’s health sector in 30 years.

The project will deliver essential health and nutrition services and improve health service coverage and quality in some of Somalia’s most disadvantaged areas, including Nugaal (Puntland), Bakool and Bay (South West), Hiraan, and Middle Shebelle (Hirshabelle). Around 10 percent of Somalia’s population, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and nomads in the target regions, will benefit from the project activities. To build effective institutions for stability and economic growth, the project will also strengthen stewardship capacity of Somalia’s Federal and State Ministries of Health.  
“We are using the best of our resources by combining IDA and trust fund investments to help Somalia strengthen its essential healthcare services and working with government leadership in the health sector to meet its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3 and 5) commitments,” said World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, Kristina Svensson. “The project will help catalyze Somalia’s resilient growth by improving health and productivity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Somalia’s lagging health outcomes reflect the country’s insecurity, vulnerability, and poverty, limiting opportunities for people to access basic social services, including health and education. The average life expectancy is 56 years and the fertility rate, at 6.9 children per woman, is among the highest in the world. Moreover, poor health outcomes are underlined by weak health service delivery: for example, only 11 percent of children in Somalia are fully immunized. The ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed Somalia’s weak health system, underlining the need for increased investment to the nascent health sector and its institutions.
“The Somali people have long suffered from recurrent humanitarian and health emergencies. There are substantial challenges in the health sector, and the country needs to lay the foundation for a resilient health system to improve health outcomes and respond to external health challenges.” said World Bank Task Team Leader, Naoko Ohno. “The Damal Caafimaad Project will help the Government build its leadership and stewardship capacity in the sector, while responding to immediate service gaps by rapidly increasing essential service coverage through working with partners”.
The Project incorporates lessons learned from other health projects supported by the World Bank in Fragile and Conflict-affected Situations (FCS), as well as from ongoing World Bank-financed projects in Somalia. To build the capacity of the government to oversee and regulate health services, the project will support government contracting of health service delivery to NGOs, an approach that has successfully been used to expand access to high quality health services in FCS and low capacity contexts, including Afghanistan and Cambodia. 
Likewise, with support from the GFF, the government is prioritizing the delivery of a set high-impact interventions within its updated 2020 Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) and is working towards aligning partner support to ensure consistent and equitable delivery of essential services throughout the county.
“Setting priorities based on what will be the highest impact investments and aligning partner support behind a country-led process is critical for accelerating progress for women, children and adolescent health,” said World Bank Task Team Leader, Bernard Olayo. “The support from the GFF has been instrumental to maximize impact towards a shared approach and build a health system that works for all.”
With World Bank support, Somalia is increasing its investments in human capital development for greater equity and economic growth, which will be essential for the country to sustain a path of growth and reform.
*The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.6 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $21 billion over the last three years, with about 61 percent going to Africa.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Somalia’s Women and Children are Among the 1.84 Million to Benefit from Improved Healthcare Services

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The U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger announces the donation by the United States Government of 151,200 doses of the Johnson&#038;Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.  The donated vaccines are part of the U.S. pledge to provide initially at least 25 million of 80 million doses globally to Africa.  The U.S. government coordinated closely with the African Union, Africa CDC, and COVAX on the country allocations.  COVAX supported delivery of these vaccine doses, which arrived in Niamey on July 21, 2021.

This donation will help protect the Nigerien people from the ravages of the COVID-19 virus and begin reducing barriers to building back the Niger’s economy.  “These vaccines are in addition to the 400,000 vaccines we already helped deliver to Niger via COVAX.  As part of our enduring commitment to Niger, we have also spent $12 million dollars to strengthen community engagement, ensure better risk communication, and supplies needed to prevent infectious diseases such as COVID,” said Ambassador Eric Whitaker.
These 151,200 doses are part of the Biden-Harris Administration commitment to share U.S. vaccine supply with the world.  As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at home and work to end the pandemic worldwide, President Biden has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world.
As President Biden said: “From the beginning of my presidency, we have been clear-eyed that we need to attack this virus globally as well.  This is about our responsibility — our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can — and our responsibility to our values. We’re going to help lead the world out of this pandemic, working alongside our global partners.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Niger.

Coronavirus – Niger: United States Donates an Additional 151,200 COVID-19 Vaccines to Niger

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Ahmed Yahya is African football’s man of the future. Under his leadership, the Mauritanian federation went from being suspended by FIFA to playing in their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. He’s now Chairman of CAF’s Interclub Competitions Committee. One of his first tasks involves developing the African Super League project &#8211; officially titled the African Supranational League &#8211; which the CAF Executive Committee approved in Morocco last weekend. The Super League project has already received the thumbs up from Patrice Motsepe, CAF President since March, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “This is my first interview since taking on the role,” Yahya reveals.

What is the African Super League?
A project seeking to create a new African club competition to excite African fans, but also arouse interest on other continents. A tournament to attract TV audiences and sponsors, which unlike the current formats, will help African clubs to keep talented African players and benefit from their skills for longer.
With a Champions League and Confederation Cup, why do we need to set up a Super League? What will happen with these tournaments?
I think we can launch the African Super League and find a way to keep the current competitions. These factors will be considered when we further examine things in the coming months.
What are the differences between the African Super League and the European Super League?
In Europe, the project was announced outside the football structure and in open conflict with UEFA. The African Super League will be created within football structures, respecting the football pyramid, and seeks to help African soccer clubs grow or, in some cases, survive, providing the financial stability to continue their valuable work of developing young talents and taking them to a higher stage.
What requirements do participating clubs need to meet?
This will be one of the advantages of the African Super League: the ability to establish good practices and requirements that will ultimately benefit football across the continent. The details of these requirements will also take shape in the coming months but will relate to the need for teams to invest in stadiums, academies, education, women&#39;s football, adequate training facilities, transparent financial management and sustainable exercises and budgets.
In January 2020, Infantino put forward the idea of creating this Super League. Why in Africa and not in Europe?
He kickstarted the debate, but it was ultimately African football’s decision to make. Our obligation as leaders is to engage in these discussions openly and transparently. We must examine, analyse, and decide what is best for our sport. Concerning Gianni Infantino’s comments, he has repeatedly stated (and I fully agree) that we cannot compare the project in Europe with ours. The CAF Super League is an entirely different project. We&#39;ve seen that our current competitions, despite their prestige, generate losses year after year. Our leading club talent leaves for Europe at the earliest possible opportunity, and sometimes only for second or even third division clubs. It can&#39;t go on like this.
Initially, African fans and journalists have voiced a great deal of opposition to the African Super League project. What would you say to put their minds at ease?
I&#39;ve seen plenty of enthusiasm too. Not just criticism. However, everyone has a right to voice their opinion and we’ll listen all points of view. I think much of the criticism is based on misunderstandings. I believe that, as soon as the competition kicks off, even the sceptics will realise that this is a good move.
Have any long-term goals been set for the Super League, either financially or in terms of raising the level of African football?
We want stronger clubs in Africa. We want fans to be able to enjoy watching their idols play for their clubs in Africa for longer. We want players to feel rewarded and attracted to playing in this new competition. We want to create conditions for them to think twice or even say no to some bids from Europe if they are not offers they can’t refuse. We know that we will not be able to close the gap between African clubs and clubs from other continents, but we certainly think that this competition can contribute to reducing that gap by giving African clubs more tools to compete with clubs on other continents, at a sporting, organisational and financial level.
You were an extremely successful President of the Mauritanian Football Federation. You changed the country’s football and achieved success. Are you expecting the same with the new format you’re leading? Do you think a Mauritanian club will be able to compete in the Super League?
I think my success was due to hard work and my commitment with a good team, but also to introducing different formulas and some innovative ideas. If we try to compete with much stronger opponents on their terms and with the same methods, we will most likely fail. Therefore, I believe the African Super League can be a turning point for African club football. As for a Mauritanian club taking part, of course I hope this happens at some stage.
Changing topic, with the last Committee, the CAF backed FIFA’s proposal to hold the World Cup every two years. Why?
We strongly believe that the World Cup should be played more regularly. Competitions drive development. The more you play at the highest level, the more you learn and the faster you improve. The more opportunities we have to take part, the more countries, including their governments, will be able to support a football development project. Four years is too long. I heard certain folks in Europe say this doesn’t make sense, that things are fine the way they are and that nothing should change. But they say this because things are in their favour. They see the best players showcase their talents every weekend. Their national teams are world class. They are rich and powerful. Things are perfect for them. But they shouldn’t discriminate against the rest of the world, starting with Africa. Solidarity also involves putting ourselves in other people’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. We are waiting to see the results of the feasibility study that congress asked FIFA for. But on principle, Africa backs the idea of a World Cup every two years. The World Cup has been played every four years for almost 100 years. We must see that the world has changed and has moved forward greatly since 1930!
This article was originally published in www.Marca.com. The author of that article is Víctor Romero (@Futbolconkarma).
Read the article: https://bit.ly/3rq71wm
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marca.

Ahmed Yahya, Chairman of CAF’s Interclub Competitions Committee: “Africa backs the idea of a World Cup every two years”

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Analysis released today show that up to 400,000 women, men and children in Tigray, Ethiopia are now facing acute food insecurity. At least 33,000 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, with a real risk of dying from hunger if they do not receive urgent treatment.

Action Against Hunger, a nonprofit leader in hunger prevention and treatment, today warned that the humanitarian crisis will continue to deteriorate – with deadly consequences – if action is not taken now. In the coming months, nearly 4.4 million people in the region – roughly 3 in every 4 people – are expected to face serious acute food insecurity.
Humanitarians have been warning of the dire situation in the region since the conflict began in November 2020. Conflict continues to limit humanitarian access to parts of Tigray and the border areas of Amhara and Afar, where entire communities remain cut off from lifesaving supplies and assistance.
After nearly nine months of conflict in Tigray, many farmers were forced to miss planting season and will not have harvests. Warring parties have targeted and destroyed health centers and looted medicine and other lifesaving supplies. Many doctors, nurses, and other health workers fled and have not returned to work; some have not been paid for months. In response to humanitarian needs, Action Against Hunger’s work in Tigray has focused on responding to health and nutrition needs, restoring access to clean water and safe sanitation, and providing protection and mental health support to vulnerable people. Yet, significant additional investment is needed to address this growing humanitarian disaster.
“We are alarmed at the severity of this hunger crisis, and we urge all parties involved in the conflict to uphold International Humanitarian Law to allow unimpeded humanitarian access so that aid can reach communities in desperate need,” said Hajir Maalim, Action Against Hunger’s Regional Director for the Horn and East Africa. “Additionally, we call on the global community to dramatically scale up its funding for emergency food assistance, nutrition treatment, and livelihoods support.”
“Famine is always man-made, and its solutions must be, too. We must step up and act now before more lives are lost to hunger and conflict in Tigray and the border areas,” said Maalim.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Action Against Hunger.

New Data Show Tigray, Ethiopia at Risk of Famine

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As attacks on civilians and security forces by jihadist groups in Burkina Faso become more frequent and increasingly violent, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for concerted action to address record-breaking numbers of people forced to flee inside the country and across international borders.

According to new figures from the Burkinabè government &#8211; released this week, more than 1.3 million Burkinabè have been internally displaced in just over two years. Six per cent of Burkina Faso’s population is now displaced inside the country.
The speed of internal displacement shows no sign of slowing as attacks on civilians and security forces continue unabated. In the first half of 2021, 237,000 people fled their homes to other parts of Burkina Faso, a sharp increase compared to the 96,000 registered during the second half of 2020.
UNHCR is equally alarmed by an acceleration in the numbers of people from Burkina Faso forced to cross a border to reach safety. Since January, more than 17,500 people have fled to neighbouring countries, nearly doubling the total number of refugees from the country in just six months. There are now 38,000 Burkinabè refugees and asylum seekers across the region.
Neighbouring Niger is home to 11,400 Burkinabè asylum seekers, up from 7,400 at the beginning of the year. UNHCR, its partners and the authorities are providing food, shelter, relief items and health care. Unfortunately, as violence and insecurity continue to impede humanitarian access. 
Last month, some 900 asylum seekers arrived in Niger from Solhan in Burkina Faso after fleeing the deadliest attack in the country since 2015, when 130 people were killed.
Mali currently hosts 20,000 Burkinabè asylum seekers, with 6,600 people arriving in Timbuktu region this year alone. As security conditions limit humanitarian access in this part of Mali, it is possible this number is higher.
In northern Benin, a UNHCR mission recently registered 179 Burkinabè asylum seekers. But thousands more are reportedly living in border areas inaccessible to humanitarian workers for security reasons. UNHCR’s government partner in Benin, the National Committee for Refugees, is currently preparing a contingency plan to assist at least 4,500 asylum seekers.
Continuing this worrying trend, Côte d’Ivoire received its first Burkinabè asylum seekers in May when some 430 people arrived seeking safety. UNHCR, together with UNICEF, Caritas and our governmental partner have provided shelter and hygiene kits.
UNHCR reiterates its call for concerted action towards peace and stability in Burkina Faso and neighbouring Central Sahel countries, Mali and Niger, which are also experiencing a sharp rise in violence and displacement. Together with our partners, we stand ready to assist those newly displaced and to support the authorities and host communities on the frontlines of the response.
More resources are urgently needed to address growing humanitarian needs in Burkina Faso and neighbouring countries. UNHCR’s funding requirements for the Central Sahel in 2021 is US$259.3 million. So far only half of the funds requested have been received.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Record numbers forced to flee ongoing violence in Burkina Faso

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, applauds Togo’s accession to the two UN Conventions on Statelessness.

Togo has now become the latest country to join the 1954 Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, helping to advance the global fight to end statelessness.
Statelessness, the situation of people who are not recognized as citizens by any country, is a global phenomenon that continues to affect millions of people worldwide, leaving them marginalized and highly vulnerable.

In depositing instruments of accession to both treaties on 14 July, Togo signaled its political will to tackle the root causes of statelessness as well as its support for UNHCR’s #IBelong Campaign to End Statelessness by 2024.

The move comes as the international community marks the 60th anniversary of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and as UNHCR is stepping up advocacy efforts on the issue generally.

“I congratulate Togo for acceding to the two UN statelessness conventions,” said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “This step demonstrates Togo’s strong commitment to improving the lives of stateless people throughout the country and helping to eliminate statelessness around the world.”

“Togo’s accession builds on the great momentum in West Africa’s fight against statelessness”.

Togo and other West African States had previously adopted the 2015 Abidjan Declaration of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State on the eradication of statelessness in West Africa, and the 2017 Banjul Plan of Action to Eradicate Statelessness.

Its accession last week to the two UN conventions is in line with its commitments to the ongoing reform of the Togolese nationality code to make it consistent with international standards that prevent and reduce statelessness, including by ensuring equal nationality rights to women when it comes to their ability to acquire, retain, and confer their nationality.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

UNHCR welcomes Togo’s decision to intensify its fight against statelessness

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In celebrating the Madiba spirit and honouring the iconic leader for Mandela Day, APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications and press release distribution service, was honoured to participate alongside 66 other businesses and respected creative designers in the South African 67 Logos Designathon in order to assist a local South African business with a creative logo design.

67 Logos is an Over The Rainbow (OTR) initiative launched in 2018 with the aim to design 67 logos for 67 businesses in one day. The 2021 67 Logos Designathon was hosted by OTR on Monday, 19 July. The initiative saw professionally designed logos being handed over to 69 entrepreneurial businesses and SMEs at no cost to the businesses.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on July 18, where the day is dedicated to honouring the former president of South Africa and humanitarian, by providing 67 minutes of service to helping and aiding others less fortunate. In celebration of Mandela Day, designers dedicated their time to create unique logos for small businesses in need of a professional logo.
The brainchild of rainmaker Lesley Waterkeyn and education specialist Sandy van Dijk, OTR knows that for many small businesses, owning an expertly designed logo is an elusive goal. With that in mind 67 Logos aims at having a lasting impact by helping these entrepreneurs stand out in the market.
With the dismal economic impact of COVID-19 on many SMMEs, leaving many people unemployed and many businesses hit hard, OTR has united through the power of design to make a difference.
Strongly supporting the initiatives drive to encourage larger businesses to empower and help give entrepreneurs and small businesses the boost they need, APO Group, who believes that there is strength in unity within the business community, reached out to OTR and applied to be part of the designathon. Once qualified, Head of Design at APO Group, Max Roussinov was given the task to work on two ideas for a design brief in less than two weeks.
With submissions done on July 15, Roussinov’s successful designs were both applauded with one of his designs done for The Intern secured as the final logo look and feel.
The Intern is a small business that helps businesses to grow by connecting them to top talent, whilst simultaneously developing the next generation of youth for a brighter future. They hand-pick motivated and quality interns and connect them to an organisation&#39;s specific needs and culture.
APO Group’s Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, said he was proud to have partnered together with other businesses to support the Mandela Day initiative.
“Nelson Mandela is an icon recognised world over for his legacy of peace, human rights and social justice. The 67 Logos Designathon allowed larger businesses to assist small to medium size businesses, especially during these times. It is not often that smaller entities have the privilege of working with leading agencies and designers. This initiative certainly brought us together and made the business community stronger as we allied to support SMMEs growth and development during this time.”  
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

APO Group Supports Iconic Mandela Day through the 67 Logos Designathon Initiative

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When crises hit, the instinct of the novice investor is to act quickly and move their affected assets without much consideration to the return on investment (ROI), but when it comes to investing, this can have disastrous consequences.

Research has shown that as many as 80% of South Africans who invest offshore lose money, and one of the main reasons for this is crisis investing. No one makes good decisions when they are stressed and emotional; the best investment decisions are made when you are calm and able to take the time to do your homework.

“The two most important things to successfully preserving and growing your wealth, especially during times of volatility, are to have access to (1) the right information and (2) the right partners. With mature FinTech investment platforms, you can now get access to the best investment partners worldwide and have access to trustworthy and transparent market information. Both enable you to make educated and informed decisions on your investments,” says Scott Picken, CEO of online investment platform Wealth Migrate.

Mature FinTech investment platforms like Wealth Migrate disrupt the industry by cutting out the middlemen (also known as brokers), which means costs to the individual investor fall and their ROIs rise. About 20 years ago, you needed at least $100,000 to invest in one opportunity offshore – just to cover the deposit. Today, you can invest that same $100,000 in 10 different opportunities at $10,000 each – ensuring your eggs are not all in one basket, thus reducing your risk.

Investing offshore gives people greater freedom in the choices they make for themselves and their families, but it can also give you access to securing another passport. One way to do this is to buy property in another country – for example, Portugal, the US, Mauritius or Panama – giving you access to a passport. But you will need at least $300,000 in cash, and all your capital will be tied up in that one asset for years.

“A far smarter way to do this is to follow my uncle who was based in Zimbabwe. In 1980 he started investing in First World assets and earning a First World income. He grew his diversified asset base and became a Global Citizen. In 2003 he had the freedom to move with his family to Australia,” says Picken.

The technology available today via FinTech investment platforms makes it possible to become a Global Citizen, and with platforms like Wealth Migrate, your journey can begin with a simple investment of only $100.

When life becomes chaotic and frightening it is easy to make hasty decisions that you come to regret. Rather follow the lead of the wealthiest people – make good, solid decisions based on thorough research and get trustworthy partners in your corner.​
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wealth Migrate.
Media contact: Annie Hodes Angelfish PR&#038;Events 011 264 0881 083 325 4445 annie@angelfishpr.co.za Twitter: @anniehodes
About Wealth Migrate: Wealth Migrate is a trusted global real estate marketplace which allows investors to safely invest internationally, in quality opportunities, thus achieving wealth preservation. They have members in 133 countries and have facilitated real estate investments of over $600 million USD on 4 continents with investors earning an average of 8% cash on cash in USD for the last 6 years and IRR’s of 13% to 20%. For further information please visit WealthMigrate.com
@Wealthmigrate #Wealthmigrate

Wealth Migrate CEO Scott Picken says: &#8220;You don’t even need four figures to get started; with Wealth Migrate, you can invest offshore for as little as $97. Once you have invested on our platform, you can manage everything about your portfolio online without the hassle of navigating foreign structures, taxes, bank accounts, etc. You just get access to the best partners, with the best returns. It is simple and safe, with your money protected by European regulation.&#8221;

Why crisis investing will cost you but treading carefully can get you an overseas passport

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The Hyve Group (https://Hyve.Group/), organisers of Africa Oil Week, are surprised and concerned about factual inaccuracies carried in various articles, including Sekunjalo Investments’ IOL Business Report (https://bit.ly/3x34M3c), dated 19 July 2021. The publication reported that Africa Oil Week (AOW) was being replaced by Africa Energy Week –which is not true. The information contained in all false media articles pertaining to AOW should have been verified by the organisers, as per the Press Code (https://bit.ly/37anXOl), but was not.

To confirm &#8211; Africa Oil Week has temporarily moved to Dubai for the 2021 edition and their mandate remains the same – to stimulate upstream deals and transactions, drive investments into African projects and facilitate new partnerships and networking opportunities as per their 27-year history and legacy.
AOW does not have any partnership or connection to Africa Energy Week, nor the organisers Africa Energy Chamber. The false media articles state that the event would be run in Cape Town, despite events  being prohibited  due to strict Covid-19 protocols at the time of the publication  and for the foreseeable future.
AOW is set to reunite the African upstream industry from 8-11 November in Dubai, with over 57% of countries across the continent sending Ministers of Energy, including: Mauritania, Ghana, Senegal, Namibia, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event also hosts industry CEOs across the energy value chain, along with sponsors TotalEnergies, Chevron, ENI, Equinor, Africa Oil Corp, Seplat and Famfa.
“After a hiatus in 2020, this year’s event is more important than ever for our industry to reconnect. Africa Oil Week will unite our attendees face-to-face under the theme &#39;Succeeding in a Changed Market&#39; as we embrace the energy transition for the sustainable future of the African Upstream,”said Paul Sinclair, Vice President of Energy and Government Relations for Africa Oil Week.
“Our attendee’s safety was our number one priority in temporarily moving the event to Dubai for this year’s edition . South Africa has entered a fourth national lockdown and this includes the temporary banning of events nationwide by law. Furthermore, our regular venue, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) has recently been utilised as a mass vaccination centre for which we send them our best wishes and continued support.” Sinclair said he wanted to reassure the public and stakeholders that AOW would return to Cape Town in 2022 and beyond.
“To show our long-term commitment to Cape Town, our natural home, we’ve signed a three-year deal until 2024 with the CTICC,” he said.
“We wish the organisers all the best as our industry recovers from the global pandemic – but we do not have any connection to Africa Energy Week and Africa Energy Week therefore will not replace Africa Oil Week given that we are committed to running it in 2021 and beyond.”
“We are delighted to announce our continuing partnership with Hyve Group as their venue of choice for Africa Oil Week for at least the next three years, taking us to 2024. We are confident we can continue to host these senior, market-leading events at the highest standard expected by all attendees through a robust and collaborative relationship.  

The event serves critical industries that play a significant role in the development of economies across Africa. We are delighted to play our part in hosting such impactful dialogue between leading stakeholders and governments worldwide. We welcome the commitment to South Africa, the wider continent and look forward to working with Hyve for many years to come&#8221; said, Wayne De Wet, Chief Financial Officer, CTICC

AOW is a global platform aimed at stimulating deals and transaction across Africa. Entering its 27th year, the event brings together governments, national and international oil companies, investors, independent people, and service providers.  It is a 4-day all-rounded event of pioneering insights from ministerial panels to strategic sessions designed to drive investment into the African upstream – all of which are CPD-accredited.  Exhibitions are a big part of this event where companies get to showcase their services and network with global leaders and moguls. What makes AOW unique is the seniority of delegates. In 2019, it hosted 26 global ministers, over 400 C-level delegates, and hundreds of Senior Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents – all experts in their fields.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Hyve Group plc.
About Hyve: The Hyve Group, formerly ITE Group, is an international organiser of exhibitions and conferences – focusing on over 130 trade exhibitions and conferences each year in 14 countries with a staff complement of over 1,200 staff in 17 offices worldwide.

Dubai to temporarily host Africa Oil Week In 2021; event not being replaced

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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated this week the voluntary and safe return of 113 Gambian, Liberian, Sierra Leonian and Senegalese migrants (5 women, 87 men, 1 girl, 20 boys) from Algeria through two special return flights.

The voluntary returns flights organized in close collaboration with the governments of Algeria, The Gambia and Liberia, departed on 18 and 19 July from Algiers to Banjul and Monrovia respectively. Thanks to a joint and coordinated effort, migrants were able to return home before the Eid Al Adha and spend the holidays with their families.
From Banjul International Airport, Sierra Leonian migrants continued their travel on commercial flights while Senegalese migrants continued their trip home using land transportation. Liberian migrants departed from Algiers directly to Monrovia. IOM has supported the migrants with airport formalities such as check-in, verification of documents and exit procedures.
Prior to departure, the returnees underwent health checks and got tested for COVID-19 (PCR). IOM has also provided them with pre-departure counselling services, protection screening and transportation assistance. IOM offered targeted assistance to migrants with specific situations of vulnerability such as unaccompanied migrant children, victims of trafficking and migrants with medical conditions.
&#8220;Due to the sanitary crisis, I decided to return home. I contacted IOM to benefit from a safe return to my country,” said Mohamadou, one of the returnees.
Throughout the return process, COVID-19 prevention measures were carefully followed in line with international standards. All returnees were also provided with prevention kits that include masks, hand sanitiser, information materials on COVID-19 prevention measures in different languages.
Upon arrival in their countries of origin, IOM staff received and supported the migrants. To ensure the sustainable reintegration of the returnees into their communities of origin, eligible returnees will receive reintegration assistance which may include economic, social and psychosocial support following the development of tailored reintegration assistance plans based on their needs.
The voluntary return movement was made possible thanks to the efforts and coordination between IOM offices and both government and consular authorities in Algeria, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. All beneficiaries, except Senegalese, were assisted with remote identity verification through interviews and subsequent issuance of emergency travel documents. IOM staff in The Gambia provided crucial support through transit assistance to migrants that arrived throughout the night from 18 to 19 July prior to their onward travel by air in the morning to Sierra Leone, as well as by land to Senegal, while IOM Liberia was able to complete necessary administrative arrangements thanks to the generous support of Liberian government.
The return movements were made possible with financial support from the European Union, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the US Department of State, and the Kingdom of Denmark. Since the onset of the COVID-19, IOM assisted over 1500 migrants to safely return to their countries of origin from Algeria. 
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Organization for Migration (IOM).

IOM Assists 113 West African Migrants to Return Home from Algeria

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Despite the challenges of COVID-19 and travel restrictions, 13 top African rugby men’s teams have been competing through more than a month of on field competition in the 2021-2022 Rugby Africa Cup (www.RugbyAfrique.com) pool play-offs which culminated this Thursday in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The 2021–22 Rugby Africa Cup, which doubles as qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup (https://bit.ly/3kLkuh5) for Africa began on 5th June 2021, where teams have been competing for one direct qualification spot into the final World Cup tournament and for one place in the final qualification tournament.
The World Cup qualification process doubles as a new two-year format for the Africa Cup (https://bit.ly/2UJmjAi). This year all games were live streamed as well.
Qualifying began with a round-robin tournament between Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Burundi. The winner of this tournament Burkina Faso advanced to the group stage of the tournament.
The top two teams from each of the four groups then advance to the final round in 2022. The top team from the final round qualifies as Africa 1. The second-place team advances to the final qualification tournament.
Round 2 consisted of four pools of three teams, competing from 3rd to the 22nd of July 2021. The top two teams in each pool advanced to Round 3.
Each tournament brought with it their own excitement and showcased African competitive talent at its best. On kick off day on 3rd July, Namibia, and Kenya, the top two teams in African ranking, were defeated respectively by Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal. In pool C, Ghana the underdogs managed to secure a last-minute victory against Algeria.
Now that the competition has ended the teams qualified for Rugby Africa Cup Pools 2022 are:
Pool A hosted in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
 	Namibia 	Côte d’Ivoire 
Pool B hosted in Nairobi, Kenya
 	Senegal 	Kenya 
Pool C hosted in Kampala, Uganda
 	Uganda 	Algeria 
Pool D hosted in Harare, Zimbabwe
 	Zimbabwe 	Burkina Faso 
Going into the Rugby Africa Cup 2022 quarter finals are:
 	Namibia v Burkina Faso 	Senegal v Algeria 	Uganda v Kenya 	Zimbabwe v Côte d’Ivoire 
Speaking about the tournament, President at Rugby Africa, Khaled Babbou, said despite the challenges it was great to see all unions and administrators pull together to run a smooth game and keep the integrity of the qualifying process.
“For the first time, Rugby Africa adopted a truly inclusive approach whereby all eligible Unions were offered a chance to compete in the World Cup qualification process. Due to various reasons a number of Unions were unable to participate but still in the end 13 countries fielded teams in the various tournaments which is a remarkable achievement. Botswana, Rwanda, Mauritius, Eswatini declined to enter the competition due to on-going Covid restrictions hampering their teams’ preparation, Morocco and Nigeria Rugby Unions are currently suspended while Tunisia was unfortunately faced with last minute challenges due to an escalating surge of Covid-19 in their country.”
Originally, Pool A was meant to be hosted by Namibia (https://bit.ly/3eQ00zR) at the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium (https://bit.ly/3kLL21w) in Windhoek (https://bit.ly/3wXFm7i). However, due to restrictions in Namibia, Rugby Africa moved the location of this pool to Côte d’Ivoire.
All matches of Pool D were due to be hosted in Monastir (https://bit.ly/3kKAwrl), Tunisia (https://bit.ly/36UyJYD), however due to the escalating COVID-19 situation in Tunisia, the group was moved to Zimbabwe. At the same time, the Tunisian  authorities did not clear the Tunisian team (https://bit.ly/2TtGjGz) to travel leading to the team’s withdrawal from the competition and allowing Zimbabwe – who is heading the pool &#8211;  and Burkina Faso to gain automatic progression to the next stage of the qualification process.
“The 2021 edition was particularly challenging due to the on-going pandemic of COVID-19, but Rugby Africa and the participating unions were determined to return to play safely, and it’s been a great success. We adopted and implemented strict COVID-19 protocols and it worked. Testing prior to travel, as well as every day before match day and observing social distancing including the wearing of masks and keeping the teams in their own sanitary bubble system. All match officials and volunteers were subjected to the same. Only two COVID-19 positive cases were recorded during the tournament, right after testing on arrival of teams, so they were isolated and treated and the close contacts were retested and fortunately were negative.”  Added Babbou.
Successfully executed, the tournament saw 400 players and management involved. When adding the U20 and women’s matches in the same period, there were a total of 23 games, with 650 delegates and 22 teams in total. Fifty match officials were deployed from Rugby Africa’s accredited panels which included match commissioners, citing commissioners, tournament doctors, referee managers and referees.
Reliving the game, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe men’s captains said it was an honour to play on their home ground and be able to qualify.
“The team was really pumped to deliver outstanding games to our fans. We were very pleased and thankful to our union and Rugby Africa for producing a seamless tournament and allowing us to compete against each other,” said Côte d’Ivoire captain Charles Zamble.
Kenyan captain Samson Onsomu added that the respect for each other was tangible on and off the field. “It was great to be able to see and have our fellow African teams’ bond together and deliver entertaining games. The officials and administrators were remarkable in their duties and allowed us to participate on a global standard.”
Ivan Magomu Kanindo, captain of Uganda applauded his Rugby Union and Rugby Africa for an effortless tournament that had its challenges. “With COVID-19 we were all a bit anxious as to how we would compete safely and protect ourselves. We knew that we would be facing teams travelling from across Africa. However, Rugby Africa were most compliant and strict in following COVID-19 protocols and always ensured that our wellbeing came first.”
Zimbabwean captain Hilton Mudariki was thrilled to have earned a place in the quarter finals. “As a team we prepared in anticipation for an action packed match, and so, therefore, we ensured that once we were on the field we put our best foot forward and we succeeded in doing so.”
Here is the link (https://bit.ly/3zvcK6K) to the full competition results.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
For media enquiries please contact: N: Lerato Chiyangwa E: Rugby@apo-opa.com
News&#038;results: Follow @RugbyAfrique on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Website: www.RugbyAfrique.com
About Rugby Africa: Created in 1986, Rugby Africa, previously the African Confederation of Rugby (Confédération Africaine de Rugby – CAR), is one of the six regional associations composing World Rugby (www.WorldRugby.org), the international organization responsible for the governing of Rugby Union and Rugby Sevens. Rugby Africa unites all African countries which play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes the qualifying competition for the Rugby World Cup, and Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. Rugby Africa has 39 members.

A wrap up of the Rugby Africa Cup games which double as Rugby World Cup 2023 Qualifiers

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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of Ethiopia have signed two separate grant agreements for new projects to boost youth employment and electricity trade between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

The grants fall under the Bank Group’s concessional lending window, the African Development Fund, and will go towards the Productivity Enhancement to Support Agro Industrial Parks and Youth Employment Project worth $47 million, and the $71 million Ethiopia-Djibouti Second Power Interconnection Project, which aims to boost electricity trade between Ethiopia and neighbouring Djibouti.

The industrial parks and youth project will see the development of irrigation and water management infrastructure around the Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks, offering opportunities for graduate “agri-preneurs” to establish agro-related, commercially viable businesses. The $102 million venture is being co-financed with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), with a $5.25 million contribution by the Ethiopian government.

Under the scheme, 12,607 ha of irrigated land would be developed and about 3,000 youths will receive both agronomic/agriculture and business development training. Bank financing is expected to cover 4,607 ha and BADEA financing another 8,000 ha.

The irrigation infrastructure will strengthen water users’ associations; protect the water-shed areas around the irrigation schemes; go towards training farmers and youth agri-preneurs on soil and water conservation practices, agricultural production, value addition and marketing; and support established youth SMEs to access credit.

The project will be implemented over a five-year period (2021-2026) under the supervision of the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy and the country’s Irrigation Development Commission.

The Ethiopia-Djibouti Second Power Interconnection Project follows an earlier Bank-financed power interconnection project between the two countries, and builds on its accrued benefits over the last 10 years. It will enable the construction of about 300 km of interconnector lines, 170 km of transmission lines to reinforce the network within Ethiopia, and new construction and expansion of substations in the two countries. In Djibouti, expected benefits include a 65% increase in customer connections and a sharp reduction in the use of thermal generation plants from 100% to around 16%. In Ethiopia, the project would lead to higher incomes from the power trade which over the last 10 years stood at over $275 million in revenue from power exports. 

Upon completion, Ethiopia’s revenue from power exports will increase, while at the same time boosting Djibouti’s access to reliable, affordable, and clean electricity and lowering its greenhouse gas emissions.

“By enhancing economic ties through increased cross-border power trade and improved economic competitiveness, the project will contribute towards harnessing regional peace and stability and addressing regional fragility,” said Dr. Abdul Kamara, Deputy Director General, East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office of the African Development Bank.

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group approved funding of both projects on 7 July 2021. The grant agreements were signed on 21 July 2021 by Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, and Kamara.

The African Development Bank is a major player in Ethiopia’s development agenda and currently has operations valued at about $1.76 billion, covering basic services, energy, transport, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, governance, and the private sector.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.

African Development Bank Group, Ethiopia, sign $118 million in grant agreements to support agro industrial park, youth employment and Ethiopia-Djibouti power interconnection

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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $20 million flexible loan to finance Seychelles’ Governance and Economic Reforms Support Program, expected to help drive the island nation’s macroeconomic stability and recovery from Covid-19 in the medium-term.

The government program aims to deepen reforms introduced through the Bank’s Covid-19 Crisis Response Budget Support Program, approved in June 2020 for $10 million. These reforms are expected to advance fiscal sustainability, improve the business environment and Seychelles’ climate change and environmental resilience.
The Bank’s financing will complement funds from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in support of reforms that will benefit Seychelles’ private sector, dominated by small enterprises. By ensuring that such businesses stay afloat during these challenging times, the operation will positively impact women and the youth, while creating employment and equal opportunities.
Seychelles’ Minister of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Naadir N.H. Hassan, thanked the Bank for being a trusted partner in the country’s development. “The facility comes at an opportune time and will provide much-needed relief given the economic hardship we are faced with in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will help the government meet the current budgetary financing gap and help achieve economic development targets as we steer the country on the path to recovery and debt sustainability,” Hassan said.
The global downturn emanating from the Covid-19 pandemic has unfavorably impacted Seychelles’ economy, in spite of government interventions.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has devastated the tourism sector, which contributes about 25% of GDP and accounts for the largest share of total employment,” said Nnenna Nwabufo, Director General of the Bank Group’s East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office.
She noted that on the same day the loan was approved, the IMF and the Seychelles government reached a staff-level agreement for a $107 million arrangement under the Fund’s Extended Fund Facility, which underscores the timeliness of the Bank’s intervention and the strength of the partnership between the Bank and the IMF.
The pandemic has severely impacted Seychelles’ macroeconomic performance. Real GDP growth, which averaged 4.2% in 2016-2019, contracted by 12.9% in 2020. The overall fiscal deficit of between -1.4% and 0.7% of GDP in the 2016-2019 period widened to -19.5% in 2020, while public debt that stood at 62.3% of GDP at end-2018, is now projected at 87.7% by the end of 2021, according to the Bank’s appraisal report.
The Bank’s approved and ongoing portfolio in Seychelles as at July 2021 comprises five operations in the public sector totaling $45.7 million. Of these 53% are in the water supply and sanitation sector, and 47% in the multi-sector.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Kwasi Kpodo Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: w.kpodo@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: j.mp/AfDB_Media.

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