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.
A data collection and analysis initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the African Union Commission (AUC) has revealed 7 billion trees outside forests for the first time, among other findings. The survey is the first consistent land use representation of the continent and discloses more forests and more arable lands than were previously detected.

FAO and the AUC presented the findings today of the Africa Open DEAL (Data for Environment, Agriculture and Land) initiative which has made Africa the first continent to complete the collection of accurate, comprehensive, and harmonized digital land use and land-use change data. It provides a detailed snapshot of the continent, captured through more than 300 000 sampling points between 2018 and 2020.
&#8220;The Africa DEAL shows that science and innovation can provide real solutions and that collaboration and pooling experience leads to the best results. It supports the transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better lives for all,&#8221; said QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General, speaking by video at the online event.
Other findings announced today are that the area of the continental Great Green Wall initiative has 393 million hectares of land with restoration potential and opportunities and that 350 million hectares of cropland are cultivated in Africa, more than double that of the European Union. 
The findings reveal huge opportunities for the management of the environment, agriculture, and land use in Africa, and increase countries&#39; ability to track changes and conduct analyses for informed sustainable production, restoration interventions, and climate action. Attendees at today&#39;s event also heard how countries can detect where deforestation is happening, where settlement land is encroaching on cropland or grassland, and where wetland is being lost.
&#8220;This collaboration has provided an assurance that we can still turn the tide, that we can still restore degraded land for agricultural use, through models such as agroforestry, that we can still halt desertification, that we can still fight climate change, and above all that we can still restore hope for humanity despite the odds,&#8221; said Josefa Sacko, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment.
Pan-African environmental data collection brings exciting knowledge
FAO and the AUC, with the support of the Panafrican Agency for the Great Green Wall, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), and 30 African countries, coordinated the data collection operation on a scale unseen before in agriculture, environment, and land use.
Analysts were trained to use Collect Earth, an open-source tool developed by FAO with the support of Google. Over 100 parameters were collected on each sampling point of about 0.5 hectares, including tree counts, farmlands, wildfires, and existing infrastructure. Data were analysed to highlight land-use change over the past 20 years and the potential for restoration at the national level for every country. The very high-resolution imagery allowed analysts to assess places with difficult field accessibility which led them to discover the 7 billion previously unrecorded trees.
&#8220;The Africa Open DEAL tells us there are 350 million hectares of cropland cultivated in Africa, double the amount of the European Union. So why should we still be talking about continued hunger in Africa? We now have new, accurate information to use in our fight against hunger on the continent,&#8221; said Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa.
Empowering data users with geospatial technology
This new digital geospatial technology brings great opportunities to data users and provides open access to earth observation and climate data with free computational capacity. Africa Open DEAL data and information are embedded within FAO&#39;s Hand-in-Hand Initiative geospatial platform and are accessible to anyone through EarthMap (bit.ly/3kcEJ74).
The fact-based information builds on the data foundations of the Great Green Wall which has created unique knowledge and biophysical baseline data through the Action Against Desertification programme. &#8220;The proof of the concept of the Africa Open DEAL is firmly anchored in FAO&#39;s large-scale restoration model in support of the Great Green Wall,&#8221; said Moctar Sacande who coordinates the Action Against Desertification programme at FAO.
The Africa Open DEAL initiative is possible thanks to partnerships with and funding support from the European Union, Germany, and Turkey.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

7 billion trees outside forests in Africa reported for the first time in new data survey

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Mr. Ayman Amin Sejiny, the CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (www.ICD-PS.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group, and Mr. Tokhir Djunaydullaev, Chairman of the Board of Orient Finans Bank, signed an Advisory Services Agreement in relation to launching of an Islamic Window at the Bank.

Recently, the Uzbek Government decided to introduce Islamic financial services in Uzbekistan. Accordingly, Orient Finans Bank aimed to implement Islamic banking in its operation. The intended Islamic Window will create an opportunity for Orient Finans Bank to be one of the foremost wholly profit-sharing Islamic Windows, offering Islamic products and services in Uzbekistan. As a result, the Bank will diversify its products, funding sources and increase its profits.
The Advisory services provided by ICD is a turn-key solution, aiming to support the banking and Islamic finance industries in Uzbekistan. Through this initiative, ICD will assist Orient Finans Bank in launching its first dedicated Islamic Window by providing them with a comprehensive solution covering the development of the Shariah compliant products, assistance in accounting, Islamic Window IT solution selection, human resources, and legal aspects of the operations; combined with on-site extensive theoretical training, to be supported by on-the-job training within one of the partner Islamic banks of ICD.
Orient Finans Bank is one of the more recent partners of ICD and has utilized USD 17 million two Lines of Financing Facilities granted by ICD to finance SMEs in Uzbekistan.
On this occasion, Mr. Sejiny, commented: “This is the next level of successful cooperation between our institutions, which will enhance our strategic partnership”
On his part, Mr. Djunaydullaev added: “Our mission as an actively developing financial institution in Uzbekistan is to satisfy demand of each client with the aid of modern high-quality banking services. Our partnership with ICD will assist us to fulfill our mission with excellence”.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD): The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ICD was established in November 1999 to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to the governments and private companies, and encouraging cross-border investments.  ICD is Rated A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A-’ by S&#038;P and, A+ by Fitch. ICD establishes and strengthens cooperation and partnership relationships with an aim to establish joint or collective financing. ICD also applies financial technology (Fintech) to make financing more efficient and comprehensive. For more information, visit: www.ICD-PS.org

About Private Joint-Stock Commercial Bank “Orient Finans”: PJSCB “Orient Finans” was founded in June 2010 as a universal commercial bank and has been providing a high level of banking services for the private sector in Uzbekistan. At present, the international rating agency S&#038;P Global Ratings has affirmed the long-term credit rating of PJSCB “Orient Finans” at «B+», the short-term credit rating at «B», and the outlook for the rating change is «Stable». PJSCB «Orient Finans» was recognized as the best bank of Uzbekistan in 2020 by The Banker magazine.
In order to provide high-quality banking services to its customers, the Bank actively expands its branch network. At present, the Bank has 7 branches, 4 banking service centers, and 8 mini-banks (points of sale) across the country.

The main activities of PJSCB “Orient Finans” include providing wide range of banking services to corporate clients, small and private entrepreneurs, individuals and developing cooperation with foreign and local partner banks.

For more information, you can contact Mr. Murod Gulyamov (m.gulyamov1@ofb.uz) and Ms. Lobar Karimova (l.karimova@ofb.uz) or visit www.OFB.uz.

Signing of the Advisory Services Agreement between the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Orient Finans Bank, Uzbekistan

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Rural businesses, which are so vital for transforming our food systems, will get a much needed boost from an ambitious new financing programme launched today by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) (www.IFAD.org), as part of its broader efforts to address rising hunger and poverty levels in the world’s poorest countries.

The Private Sector Financing Programme (PSFP) aims to spearhead an increase in much-needed private investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), farmers’ organizations and financial intermediaries servicing small-scale farmers, which are too often neglected by investors. It will provide loans, risk management instruments (such as guarantees), and equity investments.
“We can end poverty and hunger! But to achieve this, we urgently need to stimulate more private sector investments to rural areas and unlock the immense entrepreneurial potential of millions of rural SMEs and small producers,” said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of IFAD. “With access to capital, they can attract more investors and partners, grow their businesses and create employment opportunities &#8211; especially for young people and women.”
As part of its launch, the PFSP announced its first loan of US$5 million to a Nigerian social impact enterprise, Babban Gona, which has a strong background in successfully moving small-scale farmers from subsistence to a more market-orientated model.
The loan will help Babban Gona support 377,000 small-scale rice and maize producers in Nigeria with a comprehensive package of training, quality inputs, and marketing services. Babban Gona will also store and sell the harvest on behalf of its farmers when prices are higher. They aim to create up to 65,000 jobs for women and 66,500 jobs for youth by 2025. By committing these funds, the PSFP aims to stimulate larger contributions from other investors and help Babban Gona meet its target to raise $150 million to reach millions of small producers.
Lack of financing and access to financial services prevents rural SMEs and small-scale farmers from harnessing opportunities offered by a growing demand for more diverse and nutritious food globally. SMEs involved in food processing, packaging, transport and marketing are essential to small-scale farmers, providing them with services, inputs, and market opportunities, which contribute to increasing their income and employment.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, financial service providers only met about 30 percent of the $240 billion that rural households required in their demands for finance. In addition, the lending gap to agricultural SMEs was around $100 billion annually in Sub-Saharan Africa alone.
IFAD aims to mobilise $200 million for the PSFP from public, private and philanthropic sources to leverage a total of $1 billion in private investments. This will improve the lives of up to 5 million small-scale farmers. The PSFP will focus its investments on job creation, women’s empowerment, building farmers’ resilience and accelerating climate change mitigation.
“With growing hunger and poverty and the urgent need to make our food systems more sustainable and equitable, business as usual is not an option. We need to innovate now,” said Houngbo. “This is why IFAD is creating new instruments to catalyse increased private sector investments to rural areas where they are needed most.”
IFAD’s investments, combined with its 40 years of experience working with rural communities, global field presence and large portfolio in agriculture, give it an advantage in attracting private investors who may be cautious about investing in agriculture and rural economies.
The PSFP is part of IFAD’s wider ambition to increase its engagement with the private sector to reach millions more rural people and double its impact on eradicating hunger and poverty by 2030. To this end, in 2019 IFAD amended its founding agreement to enable it to invest directly in private sector entities. Previously, IFAD only channelled investments to rural areas through grants and sovereign loans to governments. IFAD’s loan to Babban Gona is IFAD’s first loan to a private sector entity.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Media Contact: Caroline Chaumont Mobile: +39 3496620155 Email: c.chaumont@ifad.org
About IFAD: IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided US$23.2 billion in grants and low-interest loans to projects that have reached an estimated 518 million people. IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub.

International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s new investment programme to boost private funding of rural businesses and small-scale farmers

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Kenya will play Colombia in their rescheduled Rugby World Cup repechage qualifier on 25 August 2021 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

This fixture was originally set for Saturday 18 April 2020 before being postponed in support of the Kenyan Government’s precautionary measures to protect public health against the COVID-19 pandemic which ravaged local and international sport.
Head Coach Felix Oloo, currently in Tokyo for the Olympics with the Kenya women&#39;s national sevens team said, &#8220;The team has been preparing quite well. Our sessions have been quite eye opening. A number of my players are away on Olympic duty with the sevens team but I believe the remaining players have received a taste of elite international rugby in the two tests against Madagascar.  As a technical bench we are spoiled for choice and pretty positive heading into the clash against Colombia.&#8221;
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Oduor Gangla said, &#8220;This is the first time we have an opportunity to be able to compete for the right to play in the RWC and it is a testament to the growth of the women&#39;s game in our country.
Obviously it is unknown territory and we have started our preparations for the game and are really looking forward to the particular match where we will be able to test ourselves against Colombia and hopefully proceed on to the repechage.
The women&#39;s team has been evolving and making a lot of progress. We&#39;ve also now split our sevens and fifteens teams just to ensure that we are able to field a very competitive side going into the competitions.  We&#39;ve just had two fixtures in the Rugby Africa Women&#39;s Cup as part of our preparations, the first time that we have played without our sevens players and that is a pointer of the depth that we are developing in the women&#39;s game in Kenya.
The opportunity to be able to compete at the highest level is always the dream of every player or coach and we really appreciate World Rugby for  giving us that opportunity and for the support they have given us towards the growth and development of women&#39;s rugby. I just want to wish the Lionesses the very best as they prepare for the Colombia match.&#8221;
Kenya’s Lionesses earned their ticket to this stage of the competition after finishing second behind South Africa in the 2019 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup while Colombia’s Las Tucanes defeated Brazil 23-19 in their Sudamérica Rugby region playoff fixture on Saturday 7 March 2020.
The repechage tournament will consist of the second placed teams in the Asia, Europe and Oceania regional tournaments and the winner of the play-off between South America and second-placed team from the Africa regional qualifier.
The 2021 Rugby World Cup is scheduled to be the ninth edition of the Rugby World Cup for women, to be held in New Zealand in the cities of Auckland and Whangārei. It was originally to be held in 2021, but was officially postponed by a year in March 2021 due to COVID-19 and will now take place from 8 October to 12 November 2022.

 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

Rugby World Cup Repechage Qualifier Date Confirmed for Kenya vs Colombia

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Urging unity and action to accelerate nutrition targets amid the global Covid-19 pandemic, representatives of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Big Win Philanthropy renewed their commitment to end child stunting and other forms of malnutrition through the Banking on Nutrition Partnership (https://bit.ly/3wEhp4H).

The partners convened during a high-level panel discussion held on 8 July, organized by the African Development Bank. They shared lessons learned, experiences, achievements of the Banking on Nutrition Partnership since its inception five years ago. They also discussed its implementation within the African Development Bank and its Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan, as well as measures to encourage other organizations and development banks to integrate nutrition into their portfolios.
“The Bank is relentless in pursuing bold targets to unlock Africa’s human and economic potential. It is our aim to inspire other actors to recognize nutrition as central to that agenda,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development Complex, African Development Bank  in her opening address. “We need urgent action from all sectors to rise and renew commitment towards nutrition to help speed up the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerate achievement of nutrition targets,” she added.
Other interventions during the program came from Kesete Admasu, CEO of Big Win Philanthropy, Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Joel Spicer, CEO of Nutrition International and Martin Fregene and Chanda Osward, directors from the African Development Bank.
Each speaker reaffirmed their commitment to the Partnership and to help countries end child stunting on the continent.
Malnutrition continues to rob generations of Africans of the chance to grow to their full physical and cognitive potential, hugely impacting health outcomes and economic development. The Banking on Nutrition Partnership aims to generate long term economic growth for Africa by investing in “Grey Matter Infrastructure.” In 2020, 61.4 million African children were registered as stunted, with Africa being the only region where the number of stunted children has risen and 40% of all stunted children in the world live on the African continent.
The Banking on Nutrition Partnership is a prime example of African leadership in health and nutrition. “When we have a practical result driven success story based on partnership, it is important to showcase it”, said Youssoufou.
“The value of the Partnership is for all of us to come together and look at how to incorporate nutrition more deliberately as part of a comprehensive protective wall of immunity around people from the inside and out,” Spicer said.
The Partnership has demonstrated its effectiveness through numerous initiatives and programs such as support for Ethiopia’s Seqota Declaration &#8211; a commitment to end stunting in children under two by 2030. The African Development Bank approved $48 million in funding for the Government of Ethiopia’s Multi-Sectoral Approach for Stunting Reduction Project (MASReP).
Positive results of the Banking on Nutrition Partnership include integration of nutrition into 18% of African Development Bank projects, with 21% of project interventions prioritizing focus on women and children. The Bank also surpassed its 2025 targets of 15% and 10% nutrition-smart investments in the WASH and social protection sectors respectively.
In its next phase, the Banking on Nutrition Partnership will prioritize 10 countries using the African Development Bank’s Grey Matter Infrastructure Investment Index, a criterion based on country rankings centered on their stunting burden and borrowing headroom. These countries include Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Sudan, Madagascar, Kenya, Burundi, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
“It will take a healthy and skilled workforce to put Africa on the recovery path after COVID-19 and, more importantly, to move the needle in transforming the continent and the quality of life of its people,” said Martha Phiri, Director of Human Capital, Youth and Skills Department.
Launched in 2018, the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (https://bit.ly/3r8KVyk) 2018-2025 is an ambitious plan to leverage additional financial resources through nutrition smart investments across sectors such health, agriculture, WASH, social protection and education to support a 40% stunting reduction across the continent by 2025.
 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
Download the banking on Nutrition Progress Report 2015-2020 here: Banking on Nutrition Progress Report 2015 &#8211; 2020 (https://bit.ly/3egN6Lc).

African Development Bank, partners, renew commitment to end child stunting in Africa

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In line with its commitment to investing in and amplifying African music, Audiomack (www.Audiomack.com) has teamed up with leading entertainment provider, Ziiki Media. This partnership will see Audiomack propel the craft of artistes across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Africa through a couple of marketing campaigns.

Through this partnership, Audiomack will have access to artistes under Ziiki Media’s platform while offering them an opportunity to amplify their music to millions of fans through Out-Of-Home advertising (billboards, posters, bus branding) and live event activations for their music projects.

Speaking about the initiative, Charlotte Bwana, Head of Business Development and Media Partnerships for Audiomack Africa said, “At Audiomack, we constantly work to identify challenges that exist in the music industry and pull our resources to overcome these challenges. We recognize the need for artistes to reach existing and potential fans within their region and beyond through impactful marketing tactics, making this initiative a good step in the right direction. With this partnership, we aim to support the growth of the African music industry and we look forward to spearheading similar initiatives that propel the region’s music ecosystem.”

Also commenting, Arun Nagar, Chief Executive Officer of Ziiki Media said, “Ziiki Media is home to prominent artistes across sub-Saharan Africa and we are excited to combine efforts with Audiomack to help provide exposure and support to these talents. We believe that Ziiki Media and Audiomack’s shared value in spotlighting and elevating local talent will drive positive tangible change to the region’s music industry.”

This partnership will kick off in July 2021.

With a presence in all 54 African countries, Audiomack remains committed to moving music forward and connecting with its African audience by investing resources into the region’s culture and communities.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Audiomack.
About Audiomack: Audiomack is a music streaming and discovery platform that allows artists, labels, and distributors to share unlimited music, and fans to discover new artists, songs, albums, mixtapes, playlists, podcasts and more. Breaking the best and hottest new music through a mix of real-time trending, top charts, and expertly-curated playlists, Audiomack showcases music’s up-next stars.
Download the Audiomack app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
About Ziiki Media: Ziiki Media (www.ZiikiMedia.com/about) is Africa’s leading entertainment provider that is committed to creativity and quality that leads to tangible change. Through partnerships across Africa, India and South East Asia, Ziiki Media works with a broad array of businesses engaged in content aggregation and distribution in various formats i.e. recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audio-visual content. Ziiki Media identifies and develops recording artists, and produces, distributes and promotes content that is sure to entertain fans around the world. Our vast catalogue of content positions us as a distributor of one of the largest and most entertaining catalogues.

Audiomack partners with Ziiki Media to promote African artistes

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Although it’s only two weeks after PHANTOM X’s global launch on July 1st, TECNO’s (www.TECNO-mobile.com) new flagship has received heavy recognitions from tech media and consumers. PHANTOM X proved to uphold a brand essence of be bold and be extraordinary to bring exceptional individuals with fantastic innovations in design, technology, and total user experience. This article gives a close shot of its camera capability and experience.

With the extraordinary PHANTOM X, you are carrying cutting-edge mobile technology in your pocket. PHANTOM X&#39;s main camera is equipped with an industry-leading 50MP Ultra-Night Camera with ultra-large sensor that supports one hundred-million-pixel photo mode. The 48MP Ultra-clear Selfie Camera with 105°Ultra-Wide Angle and 50mm Golden Portrait creates magically perfect shots, whether for individual or group photos. What’s more, our Super Night Mode enables you to capture the extraordinary moments of a clear and vivid night. To PHANTOM X users, it captures what everyday life should be like on its best day &#8211; vivid, bright, and rich in detail. With PHANTOM X, you can be a photo master and a video expert.
Being a Photo Master&#8211; 50MP Ultra-Night Camera with 1/1.3-inch Ultra-Large Sensor
With PHANTOM X’s extraordinary camera features, users can become professional photographers producing high-quality photos. PHANTOM X adopts the industry-leading 50MP Ultra-Night Camera with a 1/1.3-inch Ultra-Large Sensor, making it easy to shoot crisp professional photos. With a pixel size of 2.4um in 4-in-1 pixel mode, PHANTOM X’s 50MP camera with 1/1.3-inch ultra-large sensor can take in a 33% more light from outer environment compared to camera featuring 108MP camera with 1/1.5-inch sensor, bringing a wider ISO range and less noise. It also comes with better exposure and detailed reproduction in complex lighting. The ultra-clear image is achieved by redecoding the image quality of Re-mosaic, providing ample space for post cropping and re-creation, supporting one hundred million level shooting.
Being a Selfie Lover &#8212; 48MP Ultra-clear Selfie Camera with 105°Ultra-Wide Angle
PHANTOM X features a 48MP Ultra-clear Selfie camera offering greater color vibrancy and natural quality when snaping a selfie. Users can have clearer skin textures, sharper facial features, and brighter smiles to capture all their beauty in its glory. Layered with AI to add that extra glimmer and sparkle, every selfie will be picture perfect. Additionally, PHANTOM X will automatically expand the field of view to 105°Ultra-Wide Angle, fitting more in group selfies. Magic to cheese not squeeze with more friends!
Being a Portrait Magician &#8211; Magic of 50mm Golden Portrait
As for the important portrait photo performance, PHANTOM X uses a 50mm focal lens to present the Golden Portrait natural images without distortion, capturing and enhancing the quality. By accurate scenery separation and aesthetic spot effect, each portrait is filled with vivid details. Users can also choose seven diversified portrait lighting effects without changing the photo background. Three professional portrait color schemes are provided by PHANTOM X for the skin color needs of different groups, in line with multi-regional aesthetics. And there are more: PHANTOM X uses AI to restore the portraits by automatically learning how to sharpen the fuzzy image taken from less desirable conditions such as low light, sports events, or shaking hands. Be bold to capture the best portrait with PHANTOM X.
Being a Super Night Geek &#8211; Super Night View 3.0 and Super Night Portrait
With the increased 4-in-1 pixel size, PHANTOM X can bring the night alive and capture more than the eye can see. When paired with AI assistance to add those finishing touches, the glow of the city night can be vividly captured from a simple click. And with the meshing of low light HDR and AI, your nightlife snaps will also shine with exuberance. It is your opportunity to capture the beauty of night city scenes with the Super Night View 3.0, and you can have elegant portraits in the glorious night view with the help of Super Night Portrait.
Even in an extremely dark environment, PHANTOM X can increase the amount of light captured to reveal fine details hidden in the dark. With the powerful Super Night Mode, users can shoot an unexpectedly bright and clear night scene at any time. 
Being A Video Expert &#8211; Night Video Algorithm and the 960fps Slow Motion
“What should life be like on its best day?” PHANTOM X answers by making its users become video experts. With Night Video Algorithm, users don’t have to worry about those low lighting conditions. The leading Night Video Algorithm enables users to capture ultimate clarity, highly defined colors, and the finest details. In addition, the film mode of PHANTOM X makes it possible to edit your own cinematic films on your hands with different film schemes, whether it is for party, travel, or business meetings. Even for an exciting fast sports event, the 960fps Slow Motion can help users freeze every fleeting moment just like memories frozen in time. Whether it is for days or nights, dynamics or statics, PHANTOM X records every moment, sharp and clear.
Featuring the industry’s leading camera specs, the powerful camera functions of PHANTOM X are expected to make you a photo master and video expert. The great leap in camera functions guarantees a satisfying photo and video quality and leaps beyond expectations by empowering camera performances with extraordinary photography and AI technologies. PHANTOM X is bound to accompany users to capture the most extraordinary moments.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.
About PHANTOM: PHANTOM is the newest redefined sub-brand from TECNO dedicated to high-end consumers. As an all-new sub-brand created for exceptional individuals who use every opportunity to break borders, reshape things, and be extraordinary, TECNO PHANTOM is committed to bringing them bold and extraordinary innovations in design, technology, and total user experience, empowering them to feel their extraordinary qualities and successful moments in life. PHANTOM X, the newest addition to PHANTOM, brings many extraordinary innovations &#8211; elegant and chic in design, borderless in view, fearless in its operation, and extraordinary in inspiring users to achieve more. By combining inspirational technology and unique aesthetics, PHANTOM presents technologies in the form of elegance that sits at the heart of the brand spirit of “Be bold and Be extraordinary”, allowing consumers enjoy the unlimited pleasure that technology brings. To learn more about PHANTOM brand and shop for PHANTOM X online, please visit PHANTOM’s exclusive one-stop website www.mobile-PHANTOM.com
About TECNO: TECNO is a premium smartphone and AIoT devices brand from TRANSSION Holdings. With “Stop At Nothing” as its brand essence, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals across global emerging markets, giving them elegantly designed intelligent products that inspires consumers to uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations and design breakthroughs demonstrated through their mastery of serving consumers who are “young at heart” and never stops pursuing excellence. TECNO’s portfolio spans across smartphones, tablets, smart wearables and AIoT devices made for consumers in over 60 emerging markets world-wide. TECNO is also the Official Partner of Manchester City, Premier League Champions 2020-21. For more information, please visit: www.TECNO-mobile.com.

Camera Master PHANTOM X Encapsulates the Extraordinary Moments in One’s Life!

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The Lady Cranes; head coach Leonard Lubambula has today named the squad to take part in the Rugby Africa Cup game vs Zimbabwe today.

The Women’s Rugby Africa Cup games in Uganda will take place at Kyadondo. Due to the pandemic, fans will not be allowed at the grounds but will watch the games on Uganda Rugby Union’s YouTube channel.
“We looked at three things when selecting the starting twenty-three. We looked at who understands our game mode as Uganda Lady Cranes, the attack structures, our defense patterns and having an open mind of creativity. We also looked at the fitness of the team and those that were up to the challenge of collusion dominance as we take on the Zimbabwe women. ‘’- Coach Leonard Lubambula.
The Uganda Lady Cranes will be led by Peace Lekuru the new captain assisted by Charlotte Mudoola and Patricia Anek.
‘’It is exciting that the Zimbabwe ladies are here which is a big a step of return to play in Uganda. Hoping to learn from each other but also display the skills we have because the team is full of young players and new talent which is an amazing project im excited to be part of as we build womens rugby in Uganda.’’- Charlotte Mudoola (Vice Captain).
Uganda Lady Cranes Squad 
Forwards Patricia Anek (Vice Captain), Yvonne Najjuma, Faith Namugga. Winnie Atyang, Sarah Kirabo, Angella Nanyonjo, Mary Gloria Ayot, Lydia Namabiro
Backs Julie Nandawula, Charlotte Mudoola (Vice Captain), Agnes Nakuya, Peace Lekuru, Emilly Lekuru, Grace Auma, Samiya Ayikoru
Reserves Fazila Namukwaya, Peace Mirembe, Lyton Nakabugo. Teddy Iwutung, Maimuna Nassozi, Asha Nakityo, Masitula Namboozo and Suzan Adong
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Uganda Rugby Union.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com

Uganda Lady Cranes Squad vs Zimbabwe Named

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The Human Rights Council this morning adopted three resolutions on human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, human rights in the context of HIV and AIDS, and on violence against women and girls: preventing and responding to all forms of violence against women and girls with disabilities.

Concerning the situation of human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the Council expressed grave concern at the reports of serious human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law allegedly committed by all parties in the Tigray region since the start of the conflict on 4 November 2020; and called for the swift and verifiable withdrawal of Eritrean troops from the Tigray region. It underscored the need to hold accountable all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses. The Council requested the High Commissioner to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its forty-eighth session during an enhanced interactive dialogue. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 20 in favour, 14 against and 13 abstentions.
On human rights in the context of HIV and AIDS, the Council urged States to break the cycles of HIV transmission by ensuring that all people receive adequate HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support throughout their life cycles. It requested the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report describing the action being taken and recommending action to be intensified or initiated to meet the innovative targets on societal enablers, and to present the report to the Human Rights Council at its fiftieth session. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 42 in favour, none against and five abstentions.
On accelerating efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls: preventing and responding to all forms of violence against women and girls with disabilities, the Council called upon States to take immediate and effective action to respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, and to support and protect all victims and survivors by, inter alia, ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are fully realized, including for victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council&#39;s forty-seventh regular session can be found here.
The Council will next meet at 2:15 p.m. this afternoon to continue taking action on draft resolutions.
Action on Resolution under the Agenda Item on the Annual Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General
Action on Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
In a resolution (A/HRC/47/L.20/Rev.1) on the situation of human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, adopted by a vote of 20 in favour, 14 against and 13 abstentions, the Council expresses grave concern at the reports of serious human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law allegedly committed by all parties in the Tigray region since the start of the conflict on 4 November 2020; and calls for the swift and verifiable withdrawal of Eritrean troops from the Tigray region. The Council underscores the need to hold accountable all those responsible for human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed in the context of the Tigray conflict, and recognizes in this regard the importance of preserving and analysing evidence with a view to advancing accountability. The Council requests all parties to comply with obligations under international humanitarian law to respect and protect all civilians, including humanitarian personnel and civilian objects, and all medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, as well as hospitals and other medical facilities, and to take all steps required to allow and facilitate the full, safe, immediate and unimpeded access of humanitarian actors for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to all persons in need, while respecting the humanitarian principles and applicable international law. The Council also requests the High Commissioner to present an oral update to the Human Rights Council at its forty-eighth session during an enhanced interactive dialogue, and at its forty-ninth session during an interactive dialogue, on the situation of human rights in the Tigray region and on progress made in the context of the joint investigation.
The results of the vote were as follows:
In favour (20): Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Republic of Korea, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay.
Against (14): Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Cote d&#39;Ivoire, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Namibia, Philippines, Russian Federation, Somalia, Togo, and Venezuela.
Abstentions (13): Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Gabon, Indonesia, Libya, Malawi, Mauritania, Nepal, Pakistan, Senegal, Sudan and Uzbekistan.
Prior to adopting the resolution, the Council voted on and rejected 16 amendments, namely L.30, L.31, L.32, L. 66, L. 68, L.69, L.70, L.71, L.72, L.73, L.74, L.75, L.76, L.77, L.78 and L.79.
Action on Resolutions under the Agenda Item on the Promotion and Protection of All Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the Right to Development
Action on Resolution on Human Rights in the Context of HIV and AIDS
In a resolution (A/HRC/47/L.15) on human rights in the context of HIV and AIDS, adopted by a vote of 42 in favour, none against and 5 abstentions, the Council urges States to break the cycles of HIV transmission by ensuring that all people receive adequate HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support throughout their life cycles, including specialized care for HIV and other chronic conditions linked to ageing, response to drug-resistant strains of HIV, and resistance to antiretrovirals as well as antimicrobial resistance, and, in this context, to establish effective systems for monitoring, preventing and responding to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of HIV and antimicrobial resistance.  The Council further requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare a report, in consultation with Governments, civil society, community-led organizations and other stakeholders, describing the action being taken and recommending action to be intensified or initiated to meet the innovative targets on societal enablers, as recognized in the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS adopted by the General Assembly in 2021, and to address the remaining gaps, and to present the report to the Human Rights Council at its fiftieth session.  The Council also requests the High Commissioner to invite contributions to the report by Member States and all other stakeholders, including relevant United Nations bodies, agencies, funds and programmes, the special procedures, in particular the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, the treaty bodies, regional human rights and health organizations and bodies, national human rights institutions and civil society, including persons living with, presumed to be living with, at risk of or affected by HIV.
The results of the vote were as follows:
In favour (42): Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d&#39;Ivoire, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Venezuela.
Against (0):
Abstentions (5): China, Eritrea, Gabon, Libya and Russian Federation
Prior to adopting the resolution, the Council voted on and rejected 10 amendments, namely L.33, L.34, L.35, L.36, L.37, L.38, L.39, L.40, L.41, and L.42.
Action on Resolution on Accelerating Efforts to Elimination All Forms of Violence against Women and Girls
In a resolution (A/HRC/47/L.18/Rev.1) on accelerating efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls: preventing and responding to all forms of violence against women and girls with disabilities, adopted without a vote as orally revised, the Council calls upon States to take immediate and effective action to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls by, inter alia, fostering respect for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities, promoting empowering portrayals of women and girls with disabilities and awareness-raising campaigns of their capabilities and contributions, and refraining from supporting or funding campaigns that perpetuate stigmatization or stereotyping of women and girls with disabilities. The Council also calls upon States to take immediate and effective action to respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, and to support and protect all victims and survivors by, inter alia, ensuring that sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights are fully realized, including for victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, by addressing the social and other determinants of health, removing barriers, developing and enforcing policies, good practices and legal frameworks, and strengthening health systems that make quality comprehensive sexual and reproductive health-care services, information and education universally accessible and available and inclusive.
Prior to adopting the resolution, the Council voted on and rejected 2 amendments, namely L.57 and L65.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Human Rights Council Adopts Three Resolutions on Human Rights in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia, Human Rights in the Context of HIV and AIDS, and on Violence against Women and Girls with Disabilities

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I am extremely concerned about the conditions of Eritrean refugees in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Since the outbreak of hostilities in November 2020, they have been deeply affected by the violence and insecurity that has engulfed the region. They have been caught up between warring groups, two refugee camps have been completely destroyed, and tens of thousands of Eritrean refugees were forced to flee – yet again – for their lives. We have received credible and corroborated reports of reprisal attacks, abductions, arrests, and violence meted out against Eritrean refugees for their perceived affiliation with one side or the other throughout this bloody conflict.

I have been disturbed by general criminality against refugees committed, mainly at night, by various armed actors in the Mai Aini and Adi Harush refugee camps. In the past weeks, hundreds of Eritreans have been arrested in Shire. We have sought clarity from the authorities in Mekelle and have requested access to and the immediate release of any unlawfully detained refugees and asylum seekers. We have also heard reports of other very serious allegations of violence against Eritrean refugees and have called on both the Federal Government and the Tigray Regional Government to launch formal investigations into all credible allegations.

The violence and intimidation of Eritrean refugees must stop. Refugees are civilians in need of and with the right to international protection. UNHCR calls on all parties and actors to not only comply with their international legal obligations, including the protection of civilians but also to stop using and manipulating refugees to score political points.
Our collective focus must instead be on ensuring their protection – including from violence, arrest, and abduction – and stepping up assistance to them. This means urgently constructing a safe new camp for Eritrean refugees who were previously living in the now destroyed Shimelba and Hitsats camps. It means being able to access fuel and cash to run our operations to assist refugees and the two million other displaced people in the Tigray region. It means restoring essential banking services, as well as electricity and communications networks, which are – along with security – essential to ramp up the humanitarian response. And it means opening the airports in Shire and Mekelle, as well as all land routes into Tigray from neighboring regions of Ethiopia so that humanitarians can get more help into the hands of those in need – Eritrean refugees and all other impacted civilians in Tigray.
UNHCR is scaling up its response both in the delivery of relief materials and in the deployment of more senior personnel. But protecting civilians, including Eritrean refugees, and greater efforts to facilitate the humanitarian relief effort are urgently needed by all parties.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Statement by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the situation of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region

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Pandemic Action Network, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union, 3M and over 50 global, regional, and local partner organizations announced today the launch of World Mask Week 2021 (July 12-18) — a global campaign underlining a universal truth: masking in public, in combination with handwashing and physical distancing, is still one of the best ways we can protect ourselves and others against COVID-19, especially our most vulnerable community members as countries race to vaccinate their populations. According to WHO, 2021 is already a deadlier year in the pandemic than 2020. Today, we are seeing a two-track pandemic emerge: some regions are up against the spread of variants and rising case numbers, while others with access to vaccines are lifting masking and other public health restrictions.

“Everyone who has worn a mask in public has helped slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Deputy Director of the Africa CDC, Dr. Ahmed Ouma Ogwell. “As the pandemic continues to spread and access to vaccines has been slow across much of Africa, we must fight against pandemic fatigue and continue to do what we can to keep everyone safe.”
The campaign encourages people and organizations around the world to rally behind the continued importance of wearing a mask. People will be asked to show their support by sharing a statement on social media with #WorldMaskWeek, and a picture, or video with their favorite mask, tagging others with the message of ”Thanks For Masking”.
“The pandemic is not over. We should rightly recognize and encourage our progress, but we must also put our expertise to work and stay vigilant in fighting the pandemic,” said Dr. Denise Rutherford, senior vice president and chief corporate affairs officer, 3M. “3M and our team members will continue to do our part. We are proud to participate in World Mask Week because when you wear a mask, you are helping protect the most vulnerable. To all who are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19, we thank you.”
Face coverings block the spray of droplets from sneezing, coughing, talking, singing, or shouting when worn over the mouth and nose. Consistent mask-wearing can also reduce the spread of the virus among people who are infected with COVID-19, but do not have symptoms, or are unaware they have it. While a COVID-19 vaccine will prevent serious illness and death, the extent to which it keeps people from being infected and passing the virus on to others is still emerging.
“Last year, with the first World Mask Week, we sparked a global movement in 117 countries to wear masks. This year, as the pandemic persists in much of the world, we’re coming together around the message that masking still matters and to show gratitude for those who have worn a mask and continue to mask up,” said Eloise Todd, Co-Founder of the Network. “In order to end this pandemic for everyone, we must deploy all the tools available around the world to fight COVID-19 – and that includes mask-wearing.” To mark the urgency of this moment, Pandemic Action Network has released a Why Masking Still Matters (bit.ly/36yMtrY) policy brief including key messaging and recommendations for governments, businesses, and individuals.
The Pandemic Action Network was launched in April 2020 to drive collective action to help bring an end to COVID-19 and to ensure the world is prepared for the next pandemic. Since launching, the Network has been working with influencers to promote mask-wearing, along with social distancing and handwashing. World Mask Week provides the opportunity for global unity around a single message: Let’s keep masking — not just for ourselves, but for our families, our communities, those who are most vulnerable, and the world.
For more information about World Mask Week, please visit: bit.ly/2Vz6lJb
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Wearing A Mask Still Matters: The World Rallies to Continue Masking to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

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The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo has lauded an initiative to mobilize community support in promoting good nutrition and called on all to help intensify efforts to promote six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

She made this call at the opening session of the Nutrition Advocacy and Community Mobilization Initiative, a forum to engage esteemed traditional and religious leaders to promote nutrition interventions for women and children in Ghana.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with the WHO Ghana, UNICEF Ghana, and Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation.
The forum brought together representatives of the National Queen Mothers Platform Ghana from across the country as well as school children to solicit their support in promoting good nutrition, breastfeeding and reduce anaemia in children.
Mrs Akufo-Addo in her keynote address indicated that public health experts had raised concerns about a possible risk of nutrition crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The world risks destruction to food systems, income loss which would prevent women and children from accessing nutrition and drugs and essential nutrition services, ultimately risking derailment to efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, she added.
She further stressed the need for nursing mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for at last the first six months after delivery and advocated for workplaces, markets, churches, and other places to have convenient spaces for mothers to breastfeed their children.
UNICEF Representative in Ghana, Anne-Claire Dufay said a well-nourished child can grow and learn better, participate in society and be resilient in the face of diseases such as COVID-19. She however bemoaned the case of Ghana, where millions of children are missing out on this opportunity as 1 in 5 children is still stunted.
She commended the Girls Iron Folate Supplementation Initiative to reduce anaemia among adolescent girls, which was launched four years ago in just four regions, but currently covers all the sixteen regions of Ghana with excellent results.
Country Representative for WHO, Dr Francis Kasolo noted that maternal nutrition during pregnancy and nutrition in the first 2 years of life (1000 days) are crucial in a child&#39;s neurodevelopment and set the very foundation for the health of the nation. He called for a cross-sectoral collaboration between the health, education, food, and agriculture sectors as well as water and sanitation among many others to address the challenges with nutrition for mothers and children.
The Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu hinted that together with key health partners, the Ministry has worked to develop a comprehensive roadmap for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the intent of leaving no one behind especially the vulnerable particularly mothers and children.
Mr. Agyeman-Manu believes that the initiative would strengthen existing partnerships to mobilize the requisite support to scale up interventions to improve child survival and nurturing care of children at community levels.
He further pledged his outfit’s commitment to the advocacy initiative and any community engagement initiative that would enhance service delivery at the CHPS and other operational levels.
Globally in 2020, 149 million children under 5 were estimated to be stunted, 45 million wasted, and 38.9 million overweight. These are coupled with micronutrient deficiencies affecting millions, particularly in the developing world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

Ghana’s First Lady Advocates for Good Nutrition

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The Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) was launched by H.E Felix Tshisekedi, Chair of the African Union and President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during a virtual summit hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on 12-13th April 2021 under the theme “Expanding Africa’s Vaccine Manufacturing for Health Security: Building back better, bolder and bigger.
 This landmark global summit was attended by over 40,000 participants from the Private sector, Industry, World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organization, Public Health, Ministries of Health and Finance, philanthropic foundations, academia, community health organisations and health professionals from over 100 countries. Strong political commitments were made to drive momentum for the African Union’s bold vision to manufacture about 60% of its vaccines on the continent by 2040, an initiative that will be led by Africa CDC. Amongst the African leaders in attendance were:
• H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. • H.E President Cyrill Ramaphosa, Champion and President of the Republic of South Africa, • H.E President Paul Kagame, Health Financing Champion and President of Republic of Rwanda, who called for more African countries to rapidly build capacity to adopt advanced technologies to enable manufacture of mRNA vaccines.
Since the Summit, several countries have made remarkable progress: • On the 10th of July 2021, Senegal, the European Union, the United States, several European governments, and partners, signed an accord to finance vaccine production at the Institut Pasteur of Dakar. • On the 5th of July 2021, Morocco; under the chairmanship of H.M King Mohammed VI, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Swedish company “Recipharm” to establish and scale-up COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capacity in the country. Moroccan pharmaceutical producers also discussed different public-private partnerships and subcontraction opportunities for vaccine manufacturing. • On the 28th of June 2021, South Africa; signed an agreement between Biovac, Afrigen Biologics&#038;Vaccines, a network of universities, WHO, COVAX, and Africa CDC established the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in Africa. • On the 29th of April 2021, Egypt; signed two agreements between Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines (VACSERA) and Sinovac for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in the country. • On the 7th of April 2021, Algeria announced production of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with Russia, and part of the production is intended for African countries.

You can find the post-summit communique by clicking on the following link – Communique (https://bit.ly/2TYUOTi)
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Statement on the remarkable progress made by several African countries as part of the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM)

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The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) approved seven high-impact projects worth $54 million in 2020, its best year in spite of challenging Covid-19 conditions, according to its recently released 2020 Annual Report.

SEFA (https://bit.ly/3hxDIEN), managed by the African Development Bank, focuses on green baseload, green mini-grid, and energy efficiency investments. The Fund, founded in 2011, transformed into a Special Fund on 31 October 2019.
The report, titled Building Foundations for Success (https://bit.ly/36Aern2), also details the Fund’s success in attracting increased donor funding. SEFA secured commitments worth $90 million from existing and new donors in the year, including from the German Ministry for Development Cooperation and the Nordic Development Fund, both of which joined SEFA in 2020.
The report covers four key areas: strategic priorities and instruments; key achievements in 2020, providing an overview of SEFA’s legacy (2012-2019) portfolio, and looking ahead to SEFA’s key priorities for 2021 and beyond to transform SEFA into the leading catalytic finance facility in the sustainable energy space for the African continent.
“SEFA’s potential was duly recognized, with the year culminating in a strong endorsement by the Fund’s donors,” noted Vice President Dr. Kevin Kariuki, of the African Development Bank’s Power, Energy, Climate&#038;Green Growth Complex. He said that the additional resources will enable SEFA to establish itself as the leading proponent of Africa’s energy transition and energy access agendas in line with the Bank’s New Deal for Energy in Africa.
The Fund responded swiftly to the onset of the pandemic by launching its COVID-19 Off-Grid Recovery Platform to extend recovery capital to energy access businesses. Other highlights include the provision of catalytic investments in the Spark+ Clean Cooking Fund, the first Africa-focused investment fund to support the clean cooking sector, as well as the Africa Renewable Energy Fund II, a private equity initiative to develop and invest in baseload renewable energy solutions involving hybrid renewable energy projects as well as battery storage.
The Bank’s acting Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Dr. Daniel Schroth, said, “SEFA’s role in supporting innovative solar initiatives in the decentralized renewable energy space led to the African Development Bank receiving the Development Finance Institution of the Year award by the Africa Solar Industry Association in 2020. SEFA is working on an exciting pipeline of new opportunities across all three focus areas for 2021 and beyond.” 
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Olufemi Terry Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank email: o.terry@afdb.org
Technical contact: Joao Duarte Cunha Division Manager/SEFA Coordinator PERN/SEFA African Development Bank

The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa reports record number of transactions in 2020, secures $90 million in new funding

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International rugby returned to Kenya for the first time in nearly two years when the Kenya Rugby Union (www.KRU.co.ke) concurrently hosted three Rugby Africa events at Nairobi&#39;s Nyayo National Stadium between June 26 and July 11.

These events &#8211; U20 Barthes Trophy, Rugby Africa Women&#39;s Cup and the Rugby Africa Cup were held under a collaborative effort from Rugby Africa and its partners, the Government of Kenya through the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohammed of the Ministry of Sport , Culture and Heritage, the Local Organizing Committee  as well as the Kenya Rugby Union and its partners.
It saw Kenya&#39;s national teams battle it out against opposition from Madagascar, Senegal and Zambia.
Rugby Africa Women&#39;s Cup
When Kenya&#39;s Lionesses stepped out on the Nyayo National Stadium turf to play Madagascar&#39;s Lady Makis, everyone knew that the higher ranked Kenyans would dominate both fixtures against their visitors. The two sides had met once before, the Lionesses running off with the 35-5 result over Madagascar during the 2019 Rugby Africa Women&#39;s Cup.
Not even that fact that Kenya were breaking new ground, fielding a team devoid of their sevens players who are in Tokyo representing the country in the rugby sevens tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games was going to deter the puritans from proclaiming a Kenya sweep.
Well, the Lady Makis had other ideas, winning both fixtures 27-15 and 10-0 respectively. The two results not only saw Madagascar register their maiden test wins but they also soared to new heights in the global rankings, 27th overall while Kenya went down one place from 24th to 25th.
U20 Barthes Trophy
This was originally meant to be a four team fixture before former champions Namibia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kenya, Senegal and Madagascar played a round robin fixture to determine the African U20 champion for 2021.
Kenya started the tournament with a 50-3 win over Senegal on Saturday 26 June. Madagascar would then face the Senegalese a week later, defeating them 34-3 at the same venue, setting up an exciting title decider against Kenya.
This fixture did not disappoint!
Defending champions Kenya were made to fight by a never say die Madagascar side who took the game to their more illustrious opponents. Eventually it was Kenya&#39;s U20s, Chipu as they are fondly called, retained the African U20 title with a 21-20 result over Madagascar&#39;s Junior Makis.
Rugby Africa Cup
The senior national teams of Kenya, Senegal and Zambia converged in Nairobi in Pool B of the Rugby Africa Cup which is the African continent&#39;s pathway to the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
Kenya&#39;s Simbas and Senegal&#39;s Lions met in the opening fixture on 3 July, one that was expected to be straightforward for the Simbas who were ranked 32nd heading into this clash.
The 54th ranked Senegalese ripped the formbook to shreds, stunning the hosts 20-19 to have a foot in the tournament&#39;s quarterfinals in 2022. They then made sure of being in action next year with a business-like 20-5 defeat of Zambia&#39;s Copper Eagles on 7 July.
There was everything to play for when Kenya and Zambia faced off four days later, a winner takes all fixture. The Simbas raced into a 32-3 halftime lead, eventually claiming the 45-8 win at full time. The result saw them join Senegal in the next round of the Rugby Africa Cup, their Rugby World Cup 2023 dream staying alive.
The return of rugby action truly showcased the rugby values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. It further epitomized the resilience of the human spirit, rising from what had seemed a hopeless situation nearly two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, throwing the world into a spin.
Nairobi is set to host more international action when the Kenya Lionesses play Colombia in a Rugby World Cup repechage qualifier on a yet to be confirmed date in August.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Media contact: Rugby@apo-opa.com

Curtains fall on three weeks of Rugby Africa action in Nairobi

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We are delighted to announce that Henok Mulubrhan has signed his first professional contract and will join the Team Qhubeka NextHash (www.TeamQhubeka.com) WorldTour team from 1 January, 2022.

The 21-year-old from Asmara, Eritrea, makes the progression following two years spent with Team Qhubeka’s UCI Continental team based in Lucca, Italy.
2021 has proved to be an excellent season, so far, which has included placing second at Giro del Medio Brenta, third place on stage two of the under 23 Giro d’Italia where he also placed 17th overall on the general classification and a hugely impressive sixth at Giro dell&#39;Appennino, among others.
Mulubrhan has also raced this season with our WorldTour team, as a member of our squad that competed at Trofeo Andratx and Trofeo Calvia.
He joins an illustrious list of riders including the likes of Daniel Teklehaimanot, Merhawi Kudus, Nicholas Dlamini, Ryan Gibbons, Stefan de Bod, Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg and others, that have taken the step from our team to the WorldTour and gone on to compete consistently at the very highest level.
Henok Mulubrhan
I am very happy to receive my first professional contract. It was always a dream of mine to be a professional, from the age of 17 when I was racing with the Eritrean team. I need to thank my family for their support, particularly my father and my uncle. My Father always believed in me, he told everyone I will be a professional one day and supported me a lot.
He came to every race I did and if he could get a visa, I know he would want to come to all my races in Europe too. My uncle did a lot to help me financially in my career, even now he still helps me. I need to thank them a lot but also to the whole Eritrean community, my fans, who always support and encourage me.
To the team, I am very grateful to the Qhubeka Continental team for the opportunity. With them, my dream changed from just being a dream to becoming a realistic goal. They gave me opportunity to experience racing in Europe and to increase my level. Thank you to Kevin (Campbell) and Daniele (Nieri) and all the Continental team staff and also to my teammates who helped me. Last year I lived, trained and raced with guys like Natnael Tesfatsion and Leonardo Marchiori. They turned pro from this team so it gave me a lot of motivation to train hard and keep believing I can do it too.
Now I start from the beginning again, and it is time for a new dream as a professional. I want to start a grand tour, that is my next goal and after, in a few years my family dream is to see me win a stage in a grand tour. This is what I will work towards.
Douglas Ryder – Team Principal
One of the greatest pleasures that I have is seeing young riders taking the opportunity to establish themselves in our Continental team and then earning their spot to ride on the highest level with our WorldTour team. That is exactly what our team is about, to create hope and opportunity for a successful career as a professional cyclist and continue to inspire hope in others that their dreams can come true.
Henok’s hugely impressed all of us; he’s not only ridden so well with our Continental team but also spent some time racing successfully with the WorldTour team. His hard work and adaptation to international racing is showing incredible improvements which we hope will go from strength to strength, and we look forward to playing our part in that journey to see him realise his dreams.
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.

Henok Mulubrhan steps up to the WorldTour in 2022

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Belgium has decided to provide emergency assistance to Namibia, following a request transmitted by this country through the European Mechanism for Civil Protection, in the context of the fight against COVID-19. In recent weeks, Namibia has been facing a serious deterioration of its health situation and an increase in hospitalizations. This situation is leading to an important need for protective equipment.

The material sent comes from the strategic stock of the FPS Public Health and consists of 125 600 KN95 masks.
This aid will arrive in Windhoeck on Monday 12 July.
Belgium wishes to express its solidarity with the Namibian authorities and the population, currently facing a difficult phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation is coordinating this B-FAST mission, a mechanism involving the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, as well as the FPS Public Health, Defence, the FPS Interior and the FPS Strategy and Support for logistical and administrative support. For more information on the B-FAST mechanism: https://bit.ly/2TYoBeQ.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Belgium &#8211; Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

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