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Fighting adversity and faced with extreme poverty in the Kampala urban slum of Nakawa, was no deterrent for Rugby Africa Unstoppable (www.RugbyAfrique.com) and international player Samiyah Ayikoru who used rugby to provide a better life and stand as a shining beam for young women in Uganda.

Twenty-two-year-old Samiyah is a confident, young woman, who despite what life had offered her, used it as a springboard to become a certified World Rugby level one coach for both rugby and touch rugby.
The three-time Uganda Sports Press Association Female Rugby Player of the years 2015, 2017 and 2019, is a force to be reckoned with.
Reflecting on her start in rugby Samiyah recalled tossing the oval ball, at the age of seven, mostly with boys, at the Kyadondo rugby grounds, where she found a safe place.
“I started my life on the frontline facing a life of poverty in which education, clothing and shelter were a luxury. On most days we would go hungry and as the child head of my household I had to fend for myself and siblings to earn a living. There was a lot of hard work and sacrifices made to survive slum life. Rugby became a safe space for me, and I began to dream of better and see a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Learning about keeping fit and healthy, while making friends, Samiyah remembers looking forward to the buttered bread and bananas they would receive which would ensure that she did not go to bed on an empty stomach.
Becoming hooked on the game, by the age of 16 she made her first national team appearance for the Lady Cranes 15’s and later for the Uganda 7s. Now as a Rugby Africa Unstoppable the petite player is making a way for other young women, who come from a similar background, to reach for their dreams.
“I appeal to all young girls and women especially in marginalized communities like the urban slum to use a sport like rugby to find a safe space and voice to deal with everyday challenges. The core values of integrity, discipline, respect, solidarity, and passion will guide you to make better life-long decisions.
Secondly, rugby opens many doors as there are many opportunities. As a player, coach, team manager, referee, or administrator, you can build confidence and self-esteem, while living a healthy and responsible life. It also allows you to make friends and new connections while travelling the world and becoming a role model to young girls.”
She added that rugby was a powerful tool to transform lives and as one of the 12 African females who represent as a Rugby Africa Unstoppable, she herself has gone through various life changing activities and gained invaluable experience.
“My hard work, commitment, determination and resilience has paid off over the years. I have become more confident and can address issues affecting young women including breast cancer awareness, gender-based violence and inspire young women with my story. Rugby is a sport for all sizes, and it has taught me to survive in all situations and to never give up in life.”
Besides being a multi award-winner, Samiyah has engaged in self-development courses in coaching, first aid and referee officiating to improve her knowledge, skills, and attitude as she prepares for life on and off the field.
“Despite my size l am recognized as a role model among my peers and young girls. Being a Rugby Africa ambassador for Uganda has been a great honour and privilege. I have been able to reach out to more girls and women in slum areas as well as rural areas, and teach them about rugby and its benefits to an individual and the community they live in.”
Rugby Women’s Advisory Committee President, Paula Lanco, said it was the likes of young women like Samiyah that spoke to the success of women in rugby.
“Samiyah is a beautiful story of how sports and in particular rugby elevated the life of a young woman in Africa. It has opened doors for her that she never imagined, and she has shown immense growth and capability to take a lead in women’s rugby.”
Women’s Rugby Manager at Rugby Africa Maha Zaoui said that Samiyah was the essence of what a Rugby Africa Unstoppable stood for.
“Samiyah has proven repeatedly that she has unstoppable qualities and is a trailblazer in Uganda women’s rugby. She comes with a compelling story that raises the profile and promotes diversity in the game.”
For more information log onto Samiyah Ayikoru &#8211; Rugby Afrique (https://bit.ly/3eEzJ7M).
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
Women’s Ruby in Africa On the African continent, women’s rugby has seen tremendous growth. In the last decade it increased from 50 000 female players in 2012, to over 260 000 in 2018 and 350 000 in 2020.
For this tremendous growth to continue, strong leadership in women’s rugby needs to continue, the Women’s Executive Leadership Scholarship is one of the tools that will enable this.   
Africa will also be well represented when South Africa participates in the next rugby World Cup women in New Zealand in 2022 and Kenya in the Olympic Games in 2021.
About Rugby Africa: Created in 1986, Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), 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.

From an urban slum to playing in the Ugandan Women’s Rugby National team, World Rugby Unstoppable Samiyah Ayikoru is breaking barriers for young women

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The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia announces the donation by the United States Government of 453,600 doses of the Johnson&#038;Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as part of the U.S. government’s global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.  The donated vaccines are part of the U.S. pledge to initially provide 25 million doses to Africa of 80 million doses globally.  The U.S. government coordinated closely with the African Union and Africa CDC on the country allocations.   The vaccine doses arrived via COVAX in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Monday, July 19, 2021. This donation will help protect the Ethiopian people from the ravages of the COVID-19 virus and begin reducing barriers to building back Ethiopia’s economy.

“Ventilators, medicine, test kits, oxygen concentrators, personal protective equipment….and today, we are proud to add “vaccines” to the list of support that the American people are providing Ethiopia to save lives in the fight against COVID-19,” said Ambassador Geeta Pasi.
These 453,600 doses are part of the U.S. commitment to share the U.S. vaccine supply to the world. We continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at home and work to end the pandemic worldwide, and as President Biden has said, the United States will serve as an arsenal of vaccines for the world. We firmly believe that, working together, we can defeat COVID-19.
“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.” — President Biden
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: The United States Announces Donation of 453,600 Doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine to Ethiopia

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The last week of unrest across South Africa resulted in the reported deaths of at least three children – a 15-year old boy a 14-year old boy and a 14-year old girl.

UNICEF is devastated for the individuals, families and communities affected.
We’ve also seen widely shared and shocking images of a two-year-old girl thrown from a building to be saved from a fire in Durban, with other social media content showing the participation of children in looting.
This comes at a time when the country is battling a third COVID-19 wave and with schools already closed due to high infection rates, children are more at risk of being caught up in or involved in unrest.
Safeguarding children from voluntary or encouraged involvement in the lawlessness is critical and communities must come together to protect children.
Law enforcement agencies also need to exercise restraint and protect children at every step of the way, in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and national legal instruments.
Similarly, for the many communities that have taken a stand in saying no to criminality and looting, ensuring that children are kept safe from harm must be a priority. 
The unrest has also affected the COVID-19 response. Some vaccination sites have temporarily closed, while health clinics have been damaged and medical stocks reportedly looted.
Just as the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out had been gathering pace, statistics showed a drop in vaccinations in areas where the unrest was at its worst. This puts more lives at risk. Large crowds that are not practicing COVID-19 prevention measures could further fuel the spread of the virus.
UNICEF’s community engagement work, with the National and Provincial Departments of Health, on COVID-19 prevention messaging, vaccine registration support and broader health services was temporarily halted during the unrest.
But as South Africa works to slow the spread of COVID-19, including by getting more shots into people’s arms, the impact of the unrest will hit children and the most vulnerable communities the hardest.
Routine child and family health services could be further disrupted. National routine immunization coverage for children under one year is at 79 percent, already 4 percent below pre-COVID-19 rates and well under the 90 percent target. Catch-up drives are bringing the numbers back up, but these efforts cannot afford any further shocks.
The disruption to food supplies comes as latest figures show that child hunger has not declined from the high rate of 14 percent and three million children live in households affected by hunger. Screening for malnutrition in the early days and years of life, promoting breastfeeding and improving education on good nutrition can help but only when there is access to nutritious food for all.
And the high levels of youth unemployment, at nearly 75 percent, are unsustainable.  Initiatives such as Generation Unlimited, which brings together the private sector, academia, Government, UN and many others, are working to provide young people with relevant 21st century skills, mentorship and support young entrepreneurs so some of the most vulnerable young people can transition into working lives.
Despite the unrest, we are now seeing communities, including youth, actively coming together to support each other, to stop the unrest, to clean-up and to begin the process of healing in their communities.
Ahead of Nelson Mandela Day this Sunday, it is these acts of kindness and community that require all our support in rebuilding and reimagining a safer, fairer and better South Africa.
We have seen through the COVID-19 pandemic how children and young people play an active role in their communities. Youth volunteers have been helping people over 60 and younger to register for their COVID-19 vaccines. Many young people are engaging in productive dialogue online to tackle misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 with facts and science-based evidence.
UNICEF and partners will stand up to support children and young people who are doing what they can to create a better tomorrow. We will support community dialogues and continue to focus on a whole of society approach to foster an environment that is safer and more conducive for a childhood in which children not only survive but thrive.
It is child and youth-led actions that give expression to Madiba’s words that children are the ‘rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth who care for and protect our people’.
As we move forward, we must give children every opportunity to do just that.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations In South Africa.

Coronavirus – South Africa: Put children and young people first in South Africa’s recovery out of unrest and COVID-19

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On 18 July, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) facilitated the voluntary and safe return of 28 Gambian migrants stranded in Algeria through a special return flight.

Made possible through the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration, funded by the European Union, the return movement also comprised of 9 unaccompanied minors. Prior to the movement, IOM established contact with their families to ensure their safe return.
All beneficiaries were assisted with remote identity verification through virtual interviews and subsequent issuance of emergency travel documents, with the crucial support of the Government of The Gambia.
“I was in Algeria since 2018. My purpose of leaving was to go to school and study, while I would work to make a leaving. Life was not easy” remarks Lamin*. “Now that I’m home, my future plan is to further my studies in business and information technology.”
The Gambia also served as a transit point for 19 Senegalese and 16 Sierra Leonean migrants. The Sierra Leonian migrants continued their travel on commercial flights with an accompanying escort, while the Senegalese migrants continued their trip home via land. IOM provided vital transit assistance, including temporary accommodation where needed, verification of documents and assistance with exit procedures.
Prior to departure, IOM staff in Algeria provided all returning migrants with pre-departure counselling services, vulnerability screening, health assessments and facilitated COVID-19 PCR tests. Throughout the return process, COVID-19 preventive measures were diligently followed in line with international health protocols; returnees were provided with masks, hand sanitizers and COVID-19 information materials in different languages.
“As part of its continued support to the protection of migrants, the European Union is proud to contribute to this safe and dignified voluntary return of Gambian and ECOWAS migrants to their countries. We thank the Gambian authorities for facilitating these returns from Algeria, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has disrupted transport on the continent. With our partner, IOM, the EU will support the returnees in their reintegration into their communities,” said H.E. Corrado Pampaloni, the EU Ambassador to The Gambia.
“In light of continued pandemic-related restrictions, travel remains challenging for many migrants around the world,” adds Fumiko Nagano, IOM’s Chief of Mission in The Gambia. “This has highlighted the life-saving nature of IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, which provides a viable option for migrants who wish to return home but need assistance to do so.”
Upon arrival in The Gambia, returnees received a comprehensive orientation on the process of receiving reintegration assistance – which may include economic, social and psychosocial support, tailored to each returnee’s needs.
Since 2017, IOM has supported the return and/or reintegration of over 6,000 Gambians stranded along key migration routes and destination countries.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Organization for Migration (IOM).

28 Gambians Return Home from Algeria with IOM, EU Support

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Voices from Sudan 2020, published this week, is the first-ever nationwide qualitative assessment of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country, where a transitional government is now in its second year. 

Addressing the issue is a critical priority, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Government’s Combating Violence against Women Unit (CVAW), co-authors of the report. 
“The current context of increased openness by the Government of Sudan, and dynamism by civil society, opens opportunities for significant gains in advancing women’s safety and rights,” they said. 
Physical violence at home 
The report aims to complement existing methods of gathering data and analysis by ensuring that the views, experiences and priorities of women and girls, are understood and addressed. 
Researchers found that communities perceive domestic and sexual violence as the most common GBV issues. 
Key concerns include physical violence in the home, committed by husbands against wives, and by brothers against sisters, as well as movement restrictions which women and girls have been subjected to. 
Another concern is sexual violence, especially against women working in informal jobs, but also refugee and displaced women when moving outside camps, people with disabilities, and children in Qur’anic schools.  
Pressure to comply 
Forced marriage is also “prominent”, according to the report. Most of these unions are arranged between members of the same tribe, or relatives, without the girl’s consent or knowledge. 
Meanwhile, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains widespread in Sudan, with varying differences based on geographic location and tribal affiliation.  Although knowledge about the illegality and harmfulness of the practice has reached community level, child marriage and FGM are not perceived as key concerns. 
Women’s access to resources is also severely restricted.  Men control financial resources, and boys are favoured for access to opportunities, especially education. Verbal and psychological pressure to comply with existing gender norms and roles is widespread, leading in some cases to suicide.  
The deteriorating economic situation since 2020, and COVID-19, have increased violence, especially domestic violence and forced marriage, the report said. Harassment in queues for essential supplies such as bread and fuel has also been reported.  
Data dramatically lacking 
Sudan continues to move along a path to democracy following the April 2019 overthrow of President Omar Al-Bashir who had been in power for 30 years.  
Openly discussing GBV “has not been possible for the last three decades”, according to the report.   
“GBV data is dramatically lacking, with no nation-wide assessment done for the past 30 years, and a general lack of availability of qualitative and quantitative data,” the authors said. 
To carry out the assessment, some 215 focus group discussions were held with communities: 21 with GBV experts, as well as a review of existing studies and assessments. 
Research was conducted between August and November 2020, encompassing 60 locations and camps, and the data was scanned through a software for qualitative analysis, followed a model first used in Syria. 
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Domestic Violence, Forced Marriage, Have Risen in Sudan: UN-Backed Study

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Following the approval of the first ever Regionally hosted Pooled Fund to boost humanitarian operations in West and Central Africa, OCHA has launched the Niger envelope starting with the release of US$ 15 million.

The fund will initially give priority to countries in the Sahel, to help meet rising humanitarian needs across the region. In 2021, a record 29 million people in six countries &#8211; Burkina Faso, northern Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and north-east Nigeria &#8211; are in need of humanitarian assistance.

The Regionally hosted Pooled Fund will support the humanitarian response in countries by prioritizing urgent needs whilst promoting regional coordination and synergies to face the interrelated challenges of the Sahel. The fund expands the types of funding available, to help ensure that humanitarian partners can effectively deliver assistance in the most underserved location, access the most difficult to reach vulnerable populations, and respond to new and emerging crises. “The Regionally-hosted Pooled Fund represents an opportunity to strengthen coordination and coherence of humanitarian action in one of the most interconnected regions in the world. The analysis of regional trends and priorities will feed into each country advisory board discussions, and lessons learned and best practices will be shared among the countries receiving funding envelopes. Cross border initiatives will be supported, where and when relevant,” said Julie Belanger, Head of the OCHA Regional Office for West and Central Africa.

A first envelope of $15 million will be released for Niger. The country is facing a complex humanitarian emergency where continuous violence and insecurity, has been compounded by endemic poverty, demographic pressure, and climate shocks. Armed conflict in neighboring Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria continue to aggravate instability and displacement in border areas and spillover effects are strongly felt in Niger’s cross-border regions.

As of 19 July 2021, the Humanitarian Response Plan for Niger is only 14 per cent covered, with only $75 million received out of $523 million total requirements, currently being the most underfunded in the region. This mirrors the general increasing financing gap in the Sahel where funding levels struggle to match increasing needs. In 2020, response plans in the region were funded at an average 53 per cent, and halfway into 2021 only 21 per cent of the required funding has been received.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

UN launches first regional fund to respond to growing humanitarian needs in West and Central Africa

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Fatma Samoura, who worked on United Nations projects for 21 years before becoming the first African and first woman to become FIFA Secretary General in its 117-year history, features in the tenth episode of ‘Living Football’, FIFA&#39;s new football magazine. She discusses women in leadership roles and the unique power of football to unite the world.

Copyright free broadcast-quality footage are available for media to download for free and unrestricted news use.
Download the B-roll: https://bit.ly/3xNEmUp
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Contact for African media: AfricanMedia@fifa.org

B-roll: Interview with FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura

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<iframe loading="lazy" height="360" width="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4RPNuNoke2c"></iframe>
New analysis identifies challenges and solutions to transform clean energy; In-depth research in Nigeria, Uganda and Rwanda provides framework for continent; Study provides specific policy guidance for African countries based on barriers; EIB (www.EIB.org) confirms financial and technical support for off-grid to transforming energy access for 120 million African households lacking electricity.

The European Investment Bank and the International Solar Alliance today published a new study outlining solutions to overcome key affordability and investment challenges holding back off-grid solar investment across Africa.
“Increased use of off-grid solar technology across Africa is essential to harness clean and affordable energy and transform the lives of millions of people. The new European Investment Bank and International Solar Alliance study published today combines experience and expertise from successful off-grid deployment to outline how investment can be unlocked to increase access to solar power. The ground-breaking analysis demonstrates how closer cooperation between African, European and global partners can unlock investment and technical barriers that hold back sustainable development and the green transition.” said Ambroise Fayolle, European Investment Bank Vice President.
“The joint International Solar Alliance – European Investment Bank study outlines a pathway to unlock access to off-grid solar in Africa. This builds on proven success, expert insight and commercial experience to identify and overcome investment gaps and financial barriers holding back off-grid solar. The study details what can be done to increase access to clean energy to off-grid rural areas including refugee camps, urban areas and remote villages across Africa.”  said Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance.
Unblocking off-grid energy investment to enable a better future for millions
At present more than 120 million households across Africa lack access to reliable and affordable energy, with 60 million households expected to remain without electricity by 2030 unless urgent action is taken.
The new in-depth overview of recent private sector led deployment of small-scale solar energy systems across sub-Saharan Africa identifies five key challenges that can be addressed to unlock high-impact local energy investment essential for sustainable development and economic growth on the continent.
The study, based on detailed consultations in Uganda, Rwanda and Nigeria and analysis of off-grid markets across the region, provides recommendations for effective intervention to scale up off-grid solar deployment depending on specific local issues.
Sharing best-practice that allows investment and technical barriers holding back off-grid solar is key crucial to scale up off-grid solar, allow vulnerable and remote communities to access clean energy and deliver the sustainable development goal of universal access to reliable and affordable energy.
New study provide technical and business solutions to scale up off-grid solar across Africa
Commissioned by the European Investment Bank, in partnership with the International Solar Alliance, and compiled by development advisors Dalberg, the new study gathers local technical and financial experience and insight from successful deployment of off-grid solar investment in Africa.
This includes examining how off-grid solar investment has benefits refugee communities in Uganda and enabled cost-effective energy access in Nigerian cities.
Sharing best-practice with development finance partners
Investment challenges including affordability, working capital and exchange rate risks and political and economic stability holding back private sector investment in off-grid solar can be reduced through combining commercial financing and support form development finance partners.
The key recommendations of the study outline different models of intervention to overcome financing, technical and customer challenges to scale up off-grid solar deployment were highlighted ahead of final publication in specialist workshops attended by representatives of AfD, KfW, FMO and the European Commission.
Breaking down barriers to scaling up off-grid solar
The report published today examines off-grid solar investment across Africa and assesses how investment barriers including affordability, equipment supply, access to working capital, regulatory challenges, insurance and technical expertise influence and hinder deployment.
The analysis uses solutions developed in local case studies to suggest how examples such as aggregated purchase of solar home systems can reduce costs and rapidly enable low-income, urban and rural communities and refugees to access reliable energy through sustainable private sector led off-grid solar projects.
The study, based on the analysis by specialised development consulting firm Dalberg, was compiled following in-depth research on government policy, on discussions with energy, business and development finance stakeholders across Africa and stakeholder workshops in Nigeria, Uganda and Rwanda.
The European Investment Bank is supporting 8 off-grid solar projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Last year the EIB provided EUR 5 million for private and public investment across Africa and is supporting off-grid solar across Africa including projects in, Chad, Comores, Gambia, Kenya, Mozambique and Uganda.
Link to Commercial and Economic Feasibility Study for Enhancing Off-Grid Solar Inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa report: https://bit.ly/2Ut7bag
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Investment Bank (EIB).
Background information: The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
The International Solar Alliance is undertaking joint efforts to reduce financing costs and the cost of solar technology applications and services. The ISA seeks to help countries mobilize $1 trillion of investment for a massive deployment of solar energy technologies and expand solar markets. This would help achieve three different but interlinked objectives: promoting a clean energy transition, enabling energy access and energy security, and delivering a new economic driver for all countries. 
Press contacts: EIB: Richard Willis r.willis@eib.org Tel.: +352 43 79 82155 Mobile:  +352 621 55 57 58 Website: www.EIB.org/press
Press Office: +352 4379 21000 press@eib.org
ISA: Cécile Martin-Phipps cecile.martinphipps@isolaralliance.org Mobile:  +33 6 32 95 41 53 Website: https://ISolarAlliance.org
Follow us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/EIB Facebook: https://bit.ly/2UD2VVm Instagram: https://bit.ly/3AX9fIa YouTube: https://bit.ly/2T8QFvw RSS: https://bit.ly/3r1TGtS LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2VtdJ8V

Scaling-up off-grid solar across Africa – EIB and International Solar Alliance study identifies solutions to unlock energy access for 120 million households

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With digital transformation a top priority on the corporate agenda as companies identify new ways to grow their business, cyber attackers and opportunist cybercriminals remain very active. And although Africa is not necessarily considered a focus area for the more sophisticated types of cybercriminal activity such as targeted attacks or advanced persistent threats (APTs), the continent is certainly not immune to these or other types of cyber risks, warn Kaspersky (https://africa.Kaspersky.com) researchers.

When looking at the general cyberthreat landscape as it impacts consumers and businesses, Kaspersky research shows that in 2020, worldwide, approximately 10% of computers experienced at least one malware attack. Interestingly, in some African countries, including South Africa, the figure was only slightly under the global 10% average, making the African region comparable to that of North America or Europe in terms of cyberattacks. On some parts of the continent, in countries like Liberia Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco as examples, Kaspersky has seen a slightly higher rate, while other parts show a lower rate – a 5% or 6% average. For the first quarter of 2021, the figures are only slightly lower than 10%, both in relative and absolute terms.

Says David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky; “Generally speaking, and based on our research, Africa has the same hit rate as we would see for other parts of the globe when it comes to cyberattacks and activity. This only emphasises that the cyber threat landscape truly does incorporate the whole globe where no continent or country is free of this growing danger and where all consumers, businesses and industries alike need to pay attention to effective cybersecurity measures – and especially during the current pandemic and resultant turbulent times.”

No respite in an evolving cybercrime landscape

In South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, Kaspersky’s research has identified the top malware families as ransomware, financial/banking trojans, and crypto-miner malware. When comparing Q1 2021 with Q2 2021, Kaspersky saw a 24% increase in ransomware in Q2 2021 in South Africa, as well as an increase of 14% in crypto-miner malware. In Kenya and Nigeria, Kaspersky saw a large increase in financial/banking trojans in Q2 2021 when compared to the figures for Q1 2021 – a 59% increase in Kenya and a 32% increase in Nigeria.

While on a technical level, not much has changed when it comes to cyberattacks, what is different is that the pandemic presents a persistent topic in which the world has a vested interest in. So, unlike the Olympics or Valentine’s Day which are limited in terms of a timeline, the pandemic offers a wealth of opportunities for cybercriminals to use malware to attack. Everything from the daily numbers and lockdown restrictions to vaccinations, hackers are leveraging on every aspect of the current situation to compromise systems.

“While the bulk of attacks are still speculative and randomly targeting individuals and businesses, there is a shift happening with the increase of APTs and more strategically targeted based attacks. These use continuous, clandestine, and sophisticated hacking techniques to gain access to a system and remain inside for a prolonged period, with potentially destructive consequences. Because of the time and effort required to perpetrate such an attack, these are often levelled at high value targets, such as nation states and large businesses,” adds Emm.
Furthermore, another concern is that as the cyberthreat landscape evolves, the nature of malware is changing.

Continues Emm; “Take ransomware as an example. In the beginning, it was very random targeting as many people as possible hoping for a relatively small amount of money paid in ransom. During the past five years, there has been a shift with a decline in the number of ransomware families being developed as well as an overall global decline in attacks. However, attackers are now focusing on specific companies and individuals where they can get the maximum benefit. The new approach of ransomware is to expose data, negatively impacting the reputation of a company. To this effect, financial crime has become more sophisticated and organised.”

Financial institutions a top targeted industry

The financial services sector remains a top targeted industry in Africa when it comes to cybercriminal activity and such cyberthreats – not surprising when one considers the digital first approach this sector continues to take, driven by the needs and expectations of its customers.

“It is relatively easy for a hacker to target an individual and capture passcodes, one-time passwords, and install malware on their computers to get financial information. Increasingly, this is expanding to financial institutions given the sheer number of new entrants in the market emerging. For hackers, online or cyber fraud offers direct monetisation of an attack and gives them access to money as quickly as possible,” adds Emm.

Financial based malware and cyberattacks are also becoming more targeted, complicated, and difficult to prevent, and with digital transformation progressing at a rapid rate within such a sector, there is no shortage of attack surfaces for cybercriminals to exploit.

“In a world where cybercrime remains rife and is only fuelled by aspects like the pandemic, there is never a moment one should not consider the implications of a cyberattack, especially as the cyberthreat landscape evolves and become even more targeted and sophisticated than it was a mere few years ago. Cybercrime is a business. This means that consumers and companies alike must remain vigilant against an increasing attack surface. Not only does this entail a more focused cyber training approach for staff within an organisation, but also using the latest technologies that feature artificial intelligence and machine learning for accurate and proactive protection and prevention in real-time,” concludes Emm.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact: Nicole Allman INK&#038;Co. Cell: +27 83 251 2769 nicole@inkandco.co.za

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Cyberattacks in Africa comparable to other parts of the globe, says Kaspersky

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Relentless attacks on patients, health staff and medical facilities in Central African Republic (CAR) during a countrywide surge in violence are forcing the suspension of medical activities and seriously constraining people’s access to healthcare, says international medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

“The resurgence of the conflict in CAR since December has taken a heavy toll on the civilian population and on medical care,” says MSF head of mission Rhian Gastineau. “We are very alarmed by the repeated attacks on patients, health workers and medical facilities.”
Over the past six months, MSF teams have witnessed dozens of health facilities ransacked, damaged and occupied by armed men. Armed incursions into hospitals have seen patients subjected to violence, physical abuse, interrogation and arrest. Community health workers in rural areas have been threatened and assaulted, while motorbike riders delivering lifesaving drugs and transporting sick and wounded patients to hospital have been attacked, injured and robbed at gunpoint. These acts of violence are usually attributed by the warring parties to uncontrolled elements of various armed groups.
Health facilities ransacked
In February this year, fighting between government forces and non-state armed groups inside an MSF-supported health centre in Elevage camp for displaced people, near Bambari, left the building damaged after it was hit by a rocket. In June, a nearby health post was destroyed after 8,500 displaced people were expelled from the site, which was then burned to the ground.
Over the past six months, MSF mobile teams in the prefectures of Ouaka, Ouham-Pendé and Ombella-Mpoko have witnessed multiple health facilities ransacked and partially destroyed, with solar panels, medical supplies and mattresses stolen, and doors and windows smashed.
In Bangui and elsewhere, armed men have entered health facilities managed and supported by MSF to interrogate or arrest patients. In February, armed men attempted to kill a patient in the MSF-supported hospital in Bouar.
Health workers attacked
In May, near the town of Kabo, two community health workers, trained by MSF to treat people in remote areas for common diseases such as diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition, were shot in the legs and head during armed robberies, while two others were too fearful to carry on working after receiving death threats.
In June, a convoy transporting patients to MSF’s hospital in Batangafo was caught in an ambush by armed men, leaving a patient’s caretaker dead and a motorbike rider and two patients injured. Two other attacks took place nearby in the same month, while similar attacks occurred near Bossangoa and Bria.
“Since December, moving around on the outskirts of major towns has been extremely difficult and dangerous due to checkpoints, robberies and attacks,” says MSF deputy programme manager Gisa Kohler.  
MSF forced to suspend activities
As a result of these incidents, on several occasions MSF has had to temporarily suspend its medical activities, including providing lifesaving care, supervising health centre staff, supplying drugs and transporting patients. “Being forced to suspend our activities only exacerbates people’s vulnerability and results in the avoidable deaths of young children and women with complications in pregnancy and childbirth, among others,” says Kohler.
In Paoua, Bria and elsewhere, the growing insecurity has prevented MSF teams from making regular visits to the outlying health centres they support. This has a profound impact on the quality of care provided and disrupts the supply of essential drugs.
MSF has had to reduce referrals of patients by motorbike from rural areas to Kabo since April due to the risks involved; as a result, the number of patients referred each month has nearly halved. In June, MSF community health workers in some areas around Kabo managed to carry out just a quarter of their usual number of weekly consultations due to the insecurity.
“The suspension and reduction of medical outreach activities across numerous areas where we work is very concerning, particularly with the ongoing rainy season, when cases of malaria and other life-threatening diseases peak,” says Kohler.
Fear and panic disrupt healthcare
As a result of the increased insecurity, many people are too scared to leave their homes to visit a doctor, while many health staff have fled their places of work to seek safety.
On occasion, the violence has triggered large numbers of people to arrive at hospital compounds in search of protection, disrupting health services. Sometimes, as happened in Kabo in July, just the rumour of an attack is enough to create a sudden movement of panicked people.
“Unfortunately it is not new for violence to impact medical care in CAR,” says Gastineau. “It is a structural problem in periods of conflict. The multiplicity of armed groups and the active fighting have caused a very volatile situation, which also affects areas that were previously considered relatively stable, and further constrains access to healthcare for a population already struggling to get the basics.”
MSF urges the government and all parties to the conflict to respect the neutrality of health facilities and to allow people access to medical and humanitarian assistance.
“Now, more than ever, all parties to the conflict should reinforce respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and medical facilities, transport and staff,” says Gastineau.
MSF has worked in Central African Republic since 1997 and currently runs 13 regular projects – in Bangui, Bria, Bangassou, Bambari, Kabo, Batangafo, Paoua, Bossangoa and Carnot – and one mobile emergency team. Since the conflict intensified in late-2020, MSF has worked to ensure continuity of care in all its projects and has launched emergency projects in the conflict-affected areas of Boguila, Bossembélé, Bouar, Grimari, Mbaiki, Damara, Boali, Dékoa, Liton, Kouango and Ippy. 
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

Central African Republic: Repeated attacks on medical care leave people vulnerable to disease and death

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Exciting premier mixed-use development in Mauritius, set to become Grand Baie’s most prestigious office address; Futureproof design for business flexibility, combining work, wellness, and social lifestyle; Considered spaces placing well-being and efficiencies at the forefront

 	natural flow of air and light 	green features to reduce carbon footprint 	incorporating nature elements 
Strategic location next to the M2 motorway, at the entrance to Grand Baie; Unrivalled amenities, including a Sky Bar with magnificent views of Grand Baie.
The development of The Precinct in Grand Baie, Mauritius, is set to bring a new standard in the way businesses work and connect on the island.
Developed by Mauritius based Gateway Real Estate Africa (“GREA”) at an estimated cost of US$ 31 million (MUR 1.2 billion), The Precinct offers a futureproof design that can accommodate corporate tenants’ fluctuating space needs in addition to catering for the gig economy with rentable desks, access to shared boardroom and conference facilities as well as individual work pods.
Sustainability and employee wellness are further key differentiators, aimed at creating a sense of community through unique lifestyle offerings.
Commenting on the development of The Precinct, co-founder and CEO of GREA, Greg Pearson, said:
“The pandemic has forever changed our perspectives around integrating work, lifestyle and the environment. The design of The Precinct is revolutionary in that it will combine work, wellness, and a social lifestyle through well considered and contemporary spaces.
“The amenities offered at The Precinct are unrivalled in Mauritius and respond to both the global move to morph the workplace into many functionalities and to the Island’s business culture. 
“Real estate development forms an integral part of the Mauritius Government’s economic recovery plan. At the same time well-being is now very much at the top of many employees’ agendas. Tenants are moving towards creating a sense of community and how they can improve the whole office and work experience for their employees – with a focus on lively eateries, boutique retail outlets and lifestyle offerings that promote wellness and balance.
“The development of The Precinct not only stimulates local employment and investment, but its design and location incorporate several green principles to ensure a lower carbon footprint and better sustainability.”
Apart from the central atrium, which will provide a dynamic, active interior street, the office includes a ground floor eatery with an extensive outdoor deck for the benefit of all tenants and business visitors. Security is provided at the entrance to The Precinct, with bicycle parking, shower facilities and change rooms accommodated in the basement parking. The uppermost floor is an expansive entertainment space complete with skybar, barbeque, and catering kitchen. This exclusive space opens fully onto two covered verandas which enjoy panoramic views over Grand Baie and the ocean providing an extraordinary entertainment or conferencing facility. 
The 10 000m2 development will offer 250+ parking bays and forms part of a larger complex to be developed in phases. With its prime position strategically next to the M2 motorway at the entrance to Grand Baie, The Precinct will ultimately form part one of three interconnected environments, all set in a lush green landscape.
“At the heart of the project is its accessibility, offering exceptional connectivity and convenience to all businesses located within the office park,” explains Pearson.
“In line with our corporate philosophy of local empowerment and re-investing back into the communities in which we operate, we have partnered with a number of local professional firms and will make use of local artisans and materials wherever possible. We expect approximately 500 jobs to be created during the construction phase and several temporary and permanent positions on completion of the project,” he said.
The Mauritian offices of well-known international companies have been mandated to provide professional services for the project, including Elphick Proome International Architects, Novospace for interior design, Arup as consulting engineers, RLB Hooloomann for cost consultancy, and Hodari Africa for project management.
Construction commenced in June 2021 with the breaking of ground and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. London and Mauritius listed Grit Real Estate Income Group and Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, are key anchors of The Precinct, with strong interest from other premier local and international companies registered. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Gateway Real Estate Africa.
About Gateway Real Estate Africa: Gateway Real Estate Africa (www.GREAfrica.group) is a private real estate development company registered in Mauritius. It specialises in turnkey construction of accommodation for international companies and retailers who wish to expand their operations in the African continent. The company creates value for shareholders through development, through rental income from tenanted developments and through the sale of assets at the appropriate time.
Since formation in 2018, Gateway Real Estate Africa has raised and deployed capital into development projects in Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, Mauritius, and Mozambique and is currently delivering on a construction pipeline of US$400 million (approx. MUR16 billion).

US$31 Million “The Precinct” to Revolutionise the Way Businesses Work and Connect

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Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany announced the call for applications of Merck Foundation Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother. The awards are open for all African Filmmakers and Students. They are invited to create and share a FILM or a DOCU-DRAMA to deliver strong and influential messages about breaking Infertility stigma, Empowering Girls and Women through Education at all levels.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, President of Merck Foundation More than a Mother emphasized, “We have launched the award in partnership with my dear sisters 20 African First Ladies. The aim is to encourage promising filmmakers and new talents across the continent to use their talent to create a film or docu-drama to convey messages to break the stigma of infertility and remind our communities that Women are more than Just Mothers and Men are more than Just Fathers. It takes both a man and a woman to have a child. Also, empower girls and women through education at all levels”.
“Films have played a significant role in bringing about a culture shift in society in the world over for many years. I strongly believe that this visual medium plays an important role in raising awareness about sensitive issues such as infertility stigma and supporting girls’ education. Films are invited in three languages: English, French and Portuguese”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation selection committee will select the top three films from the incoming entries.
&#8220;Merck Foundation More Than a Mother&#8221; is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education, and change of mind-set. With &#8220;Merck Foundation More Than a Mother&#8221; campaign, Merck Foundation has initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility and empower women and girls through education at all levels.
“Filmmakers, it’s time to showcase your talent and contribute towards making a difference in society with your unique films with strong and relevant messages about infertility stigma and women empowerment, especially infertile and childless women. And to also showcase the importance of girl education”, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Details about Merck Foundation Africa Film Awards ‘More Than a Mother’ 2021
Who can apply?
All African Filmmakers and Students are invited to create and share a FILM or a DOCUDRAMA to deliver strong and influential messages to break  Infertility stigma, and /or Empowering Girls and Women through Education and at all levels.
Last Date of Submission &#8211; 30th August 2021
How to Apply?
Please share your work as YouTube links on: submit@merck-foundation.com.
The subject line of the mail should mention: Merck Foundation FILM Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021.
Please specify your name, institution name, country and contact details in the mail.
Prize Money:
Position
First Award
Second Award
Third Award
Prize money
USD 1000
USD 700
USD 500

For more information on the awards, please visit our website: www.Merck-Foundation.com.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
About ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe, effective and equitable fertility care solutions. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education&#038;Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.
With “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.
The Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” are: 

H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, 			The First Lady of Botswana
H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia
H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia
H.E. SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso
H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana

H.E. AISHA BUHARI, The First Lady of Nigeria
H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE,
The First Lady of Burundi
H.E. CONDÉ DJENE, The First Lady of Guinea Conakry
H.E FATIMA MAADA BIO, The First Lady of Sierra Leone
H.E. BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic
H.E. CLAR WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia
H.E. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia
H.E. ANTOINETTE SASSOU-NGUESSO, The First Lady of Congo Brazzaville
H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA, The First Lady of Malawi
H.E. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe
H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, THE First Lady of Democratic Republic of Congo
H.E. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of Mozambique

The Former First Lady of Burundi, H.E DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The Former First Lady of Chad, H.E. HINDA DÉBY ITNO, The Former First Lady of Malawi, H.E. PROFESSOR GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA and The Former First Lady of Niger, H.E AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU have worked successfully with Merck Foundation as Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Ambassadors to break the stigma of infertility and empower infertile women in their countries.

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as;
 	•  ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training 	•  ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Fashion Awards 	•  ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Film Awards 	•  ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Song Awards 	•  Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it 	•  Children storybook, localized for each country 
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: http://bit.ly/2LdbD8F Twitter: http://bit.ly/2LesKH8 YouTube: http://bit.ly/3sdHMxm Instagram: http://bit.ly/2LC26rm Flickr: http://bit.ly/2XqzQdU Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com Download Merck Foundation App: https://bit.ly/2MmNvAU
About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&#038;equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (http://bit.ly/2MU6Fht), Twitter (http://bit.ly/3scVf8t), Instagram (http://bit.ly/3boJ0jr), YouTube (http://bit.ly/3sf4aWX) and Flicker (http://bit.ly/3snPHZ8).

Merck Foundation and African First Ladies announce “More Than a Mother” Africa Film Awards 2021 to break infertility stigma and support girl education in Africa

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Speaking at an event organised by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) Jeanine Mabunda Lioko, an MP in the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighted activities that had demonstrated success in her own country in relation to conflict-related sexual violence, but stressed much more action was needed globally.

The NDI is working on developing an International Mechanism to Support Accountability and Justice for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Conflict. Whilst there has been some progress, the absence of accountability for sexual and gender-based violence can prevent healing and reconciliation as well as weakening the rule of law and undermining the strength of institutions.

Ms Mabunda said that the under-reporting of crimes was a concern, as highlighted in a UN Report of the Secretary-General to the Security Council in June 2020. There is a need for countries to empower people to report sexual and gender-based violence safely and anonymously. In the DRC, a hotline was set up, in 2014, to do so had proved successful, in part because it allowed crime to be reported but also provided a ‘safe space’ where women could be heard. This is particularly important where a physical safe space is not accessible.

The reporting of sexual violence would also aid countries in understanding the issues they have and dealing with them. Some of the most successful initiatives are designed and implemented by the community but this needs to be supported by the rule of law. She said that victims needed to be given confidence that justice will be served should crimes be reported.

Ms Mabunda called on all Governments to act to combat gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination, saying a global conversation was needed to address the issues that many faces across the world. Mabunda said, “There is a role for the international community which has demonstrated previously that it can react and have an impact. Linking international financial support to improvements being made in certain areas is one such way that international bodies could influence countries to take action against this problem.” If there was a better understanding of the levels of gender-based violence, then clear targets, and actions to meet those targets, could be set. Failure to meet targets could result in a reduction of international aid a country could receive.

For many, there are still stigmas that are attached to sexual and gender-based violence and this needed to be addressed. Countries should take responsibility and make sure that they raise awareness of the issues. It is also essential that the judiciary are trained in handling cases of this type and that perpetrators face justice and are held to account.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Jeanine Mabunda Lioko.
Contact Media: Gladys Mambulu mambulugladys@gmail.com

Jeanine Mabunda Lioko calls for international financial support to be linked to countries performance on tackling gender-based sexual violence

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The Milwaukee Bucks have come within one win from their second NBA (www.NBA.com) Championship, defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-119 in Game 5 and taking a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. They will have an upper hand when the series shifts back to Milwaukee for Game 6 on Tuesday night, a must-win on the road for the Suns.

Download Postgame Monty Williams: https://bit.ly/36LOfpS Download Postgame Mike Budenhozer: https://bit.ly/3rj0lA4 Download Postgame Middleton Cannaughtton: https://bit.ly/3Bskys2 Download Postgame Booker and Paul: https://bit.ly/3BgFhim Download Postgame Jrue Holiday: https://bit.ly/3eyaDHw Download Postgame Giannis: https://bit.ly/3isehDI

The Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo who recorded 32 points and nine rebounds, with some big plays down the stretch from Khris Middleton (29 points and seven rebounds) and Jrue Holiday (27 points, 13 assists and three steals).

Devin Booker had a spectacular night for the Suns, scoring 40 points, but was stripped off the ball by Jrue Holiday in the Bucks’ pivotal defensive play late in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul had 21 points and 11 assists, and Deandre Ayton added 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Game 6 will be on Wednesday, 3:00 a.m. CAT.

Please find the postgame transcripts attached and select quotes below.

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO (BUCKS): “I feel like we don&#39;t stop. I feel like &#8212; I&#39;ve been a part of different teams. Usually when you&#39;re down 15 or 16 or whatever, down 0-2 or whatever the case might be, you kind of like, stop. You kind of like &#8212; you kind of stop competing in a way. But I feel like this team, we don&#39;t do that. We haven&#39;t done that all year long, I think. I can&#39;t remember, I can&#39;t go that far back, but we keep competing.”

“I can&#39;t get too carried away. I have to stay in the present. I can&#39;t worry about the outcome. Obviously we know what the deal is. It&#39;s one game away from being an NBA champ, being in the history of this game, being always there. You know, nobody can take that away from you. Doing it in front of our families and our fans, it&#39;s big. It&#39;s going to be big. That can wait. We&#39;ve got to focus and keep playing good basketball. We&#39;ve got to go back home and we&#39;ve got to recover. I&#39;ve got to grab some burgers, eat something right now, because I&#39;m hungry. And then we&#39;ve got to watch the clips and see what we did well, what we didn&#39;t do well what can we do better. There&#39;s steps to it before the game.”

JRUE HOLIDAY (BUCKS): “Everybody. My brothers, my wife, my parents. I think during the game though, most of the time it&#39;s probably Vin Baker. Vin Baker is always in my ear continually telling me to be aggressive, continually telling me to pick up full court and make it hard on Chris and Book and continually telling me I&#39;m the greatest. Yeah, I give a lot of credit to him.”

PAT CONNAUGHTON (BUCKS): “We don&#39;t really care if it&#39;s Bucks in whatever; we just want it to be Bucks, right. I think it&#39;s been great to rally the fan base. I think they have actually had it for a few years, so it&#39;s been a cool thing to hear and see. But at the end of the day, we go out there every single night trying to win, trying to represent the city of Milwaukee to the best of our ability. We&#39;ve got to do it again. The job&#39;s not done. It was a great win tonight. We had each other&#39;s backs and there was ebbs and flows to the game that I think really brought us together and showed us that we can fight through adversity. But we&#39;ve still got one more.”

CHRIS PAUL (SUNS): “It&#39;s a 48-minute game. I&#39;ll go back and look at it and see, but we got to play the way we started off the game, we got to put a full game together like that, especially going there. We got to win a game in Milwaukee, so that&#39;s all that matters right now.”

MIKAL BRIDGES (SUNS): “We&#39;re ready, man, we&#39;re ready for next game. If you sulk about it, it&#39;s, the blink of an eye the season is going to be over. So, we&#39;ll learn from it, coach is going to show clips and what we have to do better, but we know what we have to do. But we&#39;re ready, man, just do or die. We lose it&#39;s over. So, we got to go out there and play our way and go get Game 6.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

The Milwaukee Bucks have come within one win from their second NBA Championship, defeating the Phoenix Suns 123-119 in Game 5 and taking a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals

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<iframe loading="lazy" height="360" width="640" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FDGAFSdWNWw"></iframe>
MPOWER Financing (www.MPOWERFinancing.com) the leading provider (http://bit.ly/3xPerLT) of education loans to high-promise students around the world, today announced that it has raised an equity investment of US$100 million. The funding underscores investors’ confidence in MPOWER’s position as the leading lender for students aspiring to study abroad.

Founded in 2014 by Emmanuel (Manu) Smadja, MPOWER Financing aims to democratize education by reducing financial barriers for high-promise students from around the world. MPOWER’s loans are approved instantly and are granted at competitive interest rates without requiring a cosigner or collateral. MPOWER additionally provides students with academic, financial and career guidance to position them for success both in school and after graduation.

“We’re delighted to be working with experienced investors who share our vision of empowering the brightest students from around the world,” said Smadja, Chief Executive Officer of MPOWER Financing. “The new funds will be used to directly support students, automate and scale our operations, and to grow our team. We look forward to supporting an even greater number of qualified students around the globe as they study in the U.S. and Canada.”

“When I did my M.B.A in the U.S., financing options like MPOWER, which don’t require collateral or a cosigner, didn’t exist,” said Ashwini Kumar, General Manager of MPOWER’s India Office. “So, the financial burden fell on not just me, but by my parents as well. MPOWER makes it possible for future generations of students to access the world’s top universities without this financial pressure, allowing them focus on their academics and career.”

The new funding is in addition (http://bit.ly/3iqRpEK) to the US$30 million MPOWER raised earlier this year from Tilden Park Capital Management, which also participated in the current round, and ETS Strategic Capital on behalf of ETS, the world’s largest non-profit educational assessment, research and measurement organization. Other investors in the current round include King Street Capital Management, Drakes Landing Associates, and Pennington Alternative Income Management.

“We are excited to partner with MPOWER Financing as it operates a truly differentiated business model where it not only lends to students, but also offers career guidance and supports students throughout their journey,” said Chris Gamaitoni, Managing Director of Tilden Park Capital Management. “The team’s mission and commitment to their students are inspiring. We are thrilled to support MPOWER Financing as it continues to expand its global reach and support even more students. We look forward to building on the company’s successes together.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MPOWER Financing.
For more information: Joy Dumandan Gutenberg joy@thegutenberg.com

About MPOWER Financing: MPOWER Financing, headquartered in Washington, D.C. and with offices worldwide, is a mission-driven fintech company and the leading provider of global education loans that do not require a cosigner. It is the only student lender worldwide that uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze overseas and domestic credit data and future earning potential to serve high-promise international and DACA students. MPOWER works with over 350 top universities across the U.S. and Canada to provide financing to students from 200+ countries. The MPOWER team, which consists heavily of former international students, helps build students’ credit histories and provides them with personal financial education and career support to prepare for life after school. MPOWER was named one of the best places (http://bit.ly/3zcEInP) to work, one of the best tech workplaces for diversity (http://bit.ly/2VLveRZ), and one of American Banker’s top fintech firms to work for (http://bit.ly/3xRSRX8) four years in a row. The team is backed by Zephyr Peacock, Breega, Potencia Ventures, Goal Solutions, Gray Matters Capital, Cometa, AI8, DreamIt, 1776, Village Capital, Fresco, K Street, and University Ventures.

About Tilden Park Capital Management: Tilden Park Capital Management LP (www.TildenParkCapital.com) is a multi-strategy fixed-income-focused alternative asset manager headquartered in New York City. The firm concentrates primarily on structured products and mortgages, fixed income relative value, and related corporate credit and equity strategies. Tilden Park is led by Chief Investment Officer Josh Birnbaum, who previously co-managed trading at Goldman Sachs’ Structured Products Group.

About King Street Capital Management:  King Street (www.KingStreet.com) is a $20 billion global investment management firm founded in 1995 with offices in New York, London, Singapore, Tokyo, and Charlottesville, VA. With over 25 years of experience as a global credit specialist, King Street employs a fundamental, research-intensive approach across multiple strategies, markets, industries, and asset classes including an expanding lending platform.

Education Platform MPOWER Financing Raises $100 Million in Equity to Support Studying Abroad

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The Covid-19 pandemic has provided the impetus for a stronger partnership between India and Africa with potential benefits to both as they build back sustainably after the crisis, experts attending the 16th CII-Exim Bank Digital Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership (https://bit.ly/3rgmnDG) affirmed.

Speaking at the virtual event’s opening, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India External Affairs Minister said the two sides must reinforce collaboration in public health, digital delivery, capacity building, and the green economy &#8211; “our goals must be to use these new tools and practices for better delivery on the ground.”

“India has always maintained that progress in the world is contingent on the development of the global south, nowhere is that more evident than in Africa, and that is why we adapt as the most priority to the India-Africa partnership,” Jaishankar said.

The three-day virtual conference, with the theme Harnessing the Africa-India Opportunity- Connect, Create, Collaborate, was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the India Exim Bank with support from the Ministries of External Affairs and Commerce and Industry. Sessions focused on healthcare including vaccine access and equity, and digitization of the information technology, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Participants said India and Africa should boost efforts to improve access to medicines, including vaccines and other essential drugs to tackle Covid-19 and future pandemics. Other sectors where there is scope for investment and partnerships include clean energy and digital technology.

During a panel discussion, Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank Group Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, said an infrastructure-led recovery from the pandemic is critical for Africa; he added that the Bank is ready to partner with Indian firms to transform Africa’s healthcare.

“We are focused on health defense systems, in dialogue with our 81 African and non-African government shareholders, including India,” he said.

The African Development Bank will invest up to $3 billion over the next 30 years to advance the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and the development of healthcare infrastructure across Africa, Quaynor said. The Bank has also been providing expertise to its members on preparing public-private partnerships and to deepen debt capital markets including through investment in pension funds and providing sovereign credit and partial risk guarantees.

“The pandemic has widened Africa’s financing gap to $345 billion and innovative solutions are needed,”  Quaynor said. “Africa needs financing to promote the private sector, create jobs, provide social protection for vulnerable groups, and drive inclusive growth.”

Noel Tata, Chair of the CII Africa Committee and Managing Director of Tata International Limited, a conglomerate, called on African leaders to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to spur the development of textile, pharmaceutical, automotive, agro-processing, and information and communication technology supply chains. The AfCFTA, a  pan-African economic bloc with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, came into force on January 1, 2021.  

“We must continue to focus and identify new cross-border partnership opportunities that are future-proof and directed at the welfare of the 2.5 billion people in India and Africa. AfCFTA will have a positive cascading impact on our bilateral relations and industrial economic partnerships,” Tata said.

One opportunity for Indian investment is special agro-industrial zones (SAPZ), an initiative the Bank is supporting to concentrate agro-processing within areas of high farming potential to boost productivity and competitiveness. 

The Asia External Representation Office of the Bank has been supporting and participating in the India-Africa conclave since 2014. India (https://bit.ly/3ewnSsj) joined the African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the Bank Group, in 1982; a year later it became a member of the African Development Bank.

Click here (https://bit.ly/3hNZK6t) to see photos of the event.
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

Close partnership between India and Africa could improve the welfare of 2.5 billion people post Covid-19, participants at 2021 Indo-Africa business conclave say

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Wout Van Aert (Team Jumbo Visma) sprinted to the final stage victory of the Tour de France, on the Champs-Elysée in Paris. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) defended his title from last year and was crowned the overall race winner.

Stage 21, the final stage, of the 2021 Tour de France was again a true spectacle for the sport of professional cycling as the peloton made its way to the most famous finish-line in sport, on the Champs-Elysée in Paris.
For Team Qhubeka NextHash, the day held even greater significance as the team celebrated International Mandela Day at the Tour, as it has always done so on the 18th of July. This was the first time though that the final stage took place on the 18th and so, it was a true privilege to celebrate Mandela Day in Paris, with various orange accents added to our team livery.
The stage itself was an exciting affair as once the celebratory procession into Paris was complete, the peloton raced over 9 exhilarating laps around the Champs-Elysee. The stage came down to the expected mass sprint finish and Wout Van Aert showed he was the fastest of all, taking a fantastic victory.
Team Qhubeka NextHash did a great job to look after Max Walscheid for the finale, with our 4 riders (Simon Clarke, Carlos Barbero, Sean Bennett and Sergio Henao) working well to position Walscheid up on the wheels of the favourites in the final kilometre. Our German then went on to sprint home in 10th place on the stage.
“It’s been an incredible year and I am very happy to have finished my second grand tour. Today was extremely fast and chaotic in the final, as expected. I got great support, particularly from Simon (Clarke) and Carlos (Barbero). I am happy to have scored a top 10 for us, more could have been possible but that is cycling for you. I have been happy to have had good legs the last three days of the Tour and to finish with my 4 other teammates. We worked amazingly well together, we always gave our best and I just really liked the team spirit and morals we kept through the race.” &#8211; Max Walscheid
The 2021 Tour de France was a gruelling race, which saw many crashes and injuries affect numerous riders throughout. Unfortunately, Nicholas Dlamini, the first black South African to start the Tour de France, as well as teammates Victor Campenaerts and Michael Gogl did not make it to Paris this year. However, the team showed its Ubuntu spirit, and fought for each other and the purpose we race for, #BicyclesChangeLives all the way into Paris.
Team road captain, Simon Clarke, who himself crashed on stage 3 and suffered a fracture to the L4 vertebrae of his spine, reflected upon the team’s tour after crossing the line in Paris.
&#8220;We are all professional and hold ourselves to the highest integrity and that doesn’t come with excuses. So, today was another opportunity (with Max Walscheid) to prove that we are a team and show that Ubuntu is alive and kicking, and strong within our team no matter the circumstances.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka NextHash.
Media Contact: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 470 1710 or +31 625 739 033
 About Team Qhubeka NextHash: Team Qhubeka NextHash is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka NextHash (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go. 
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.

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