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1,400 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-536 FCT-129 Anambra-87 Rivers-82 Benue-80 Oyo-76 Plateau-61 Kaduna-54 Delta-51 Nasarawa-38 Kwara-36 Edo-32 Katsina-26 Kano-24 Taraba-18 Ogun-14 Sokoto-11 Gombe-10 Jigawa-7 Akwa Ibom-6 Cross River-6 Zamfara-5 Bauchi-5 Osun-4 Ekiti-2
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

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As insecurity in the Central African Republic (CAR) has displaced more than 200,000 people within the country and in neighbouring states in less than two months, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is warning that tens of thousands are facing dire conditions.

Refugee arrivals into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reached 92,000 according to local authorities and some 13,240 people have crossed into Cameroon, Chad, and the Republic of Congo, since violence erupted in December 2020 ahead of CAR’s general elections. Refugees continue to arrive.
Some 100,000 people remain internally displaced inside CAR, according to figures compiled by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The continuing volatility has hampered the humanitarian response and made access to the internally displaced more difficult. The main road used to bring supplies has also been forced shut. 
Armed groups are reportedly present in the Batangafo and Bria sites where displaced communities are sheltering, in violation of the humanitarian and civilian nature of those sites. Such presence poses a grave protection risk for those displaced, from risk of forced recruitment to restriction of movement to extortion or threats.
In the DRC, new arrivals have crossed the Ubangi, Mbomou, and Uele rivers that form the country’s natural border with CAR and into 40 localities in the provinces of North Ubangi, South Ubangi, and Bas Uele.
Refugees have told UNHCR that they fled in panic when they heard gun shots, leaving their belongings behind.
Most refugees are living in dire conditions in remote, hard-to-reach areas close to the rivers without basic shelter and facing acute food shortages. They are dependent on catching fish and on what the local villagers can spare. Unfortunately, the host communities in these remote areas have extremely limited resources.
For many, the river is also the sole water source for drinking, washing, and cooking. Malaria, respiratory tract infections, and diarrhoea have become common among the refugees. UNHCR partners are treating patients and distributing medicine but the needs are mounting.
Vast distances and extremely poor road conditions mean that humanitarian assistance takes time to reach people in need. UNHCR is already distributing emergency supplies to the most vulnerable families in South Ubangi Province while additional supplies arrived last week in the North Ubangi and Bas Uele Provinces.
Refugees urgently need food and shelter, drinking water, essential aid items, sanitation and healthcare to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. They also need documentation.
UNHCR is biometrically registering up to 1,000 new arrivals per day, which enables the early identification of people with vulnerabilities. UNHCR is working closely with the government, is scaling up registration activities, and will update the population figures based on actual registrations.
UNHCR is pre-positioning emergency supplies in Yakoma, North Ubangi province, before vast areas become inaccessible by road with the looming rainy season. In six weeks, the rains will prevent the delivery of assistance to refugees in Bas Uele and North Ubangi unless supplies are airlifted at considerable cost for which UNHCR must raise funds.
Funding for UNHCR’s humanitarian response is already critically low and under severe pressure as the numbers of refugees and their needs have continued to increase. Our funding requirements for the CAR Situation in 2021 amounts to US$151.5 million and is just two per cent funded. Needs are likely to grow with the new displacement.
UNHCR is urgently appealing to the international community to mobilize funds, so humanitarian organizations can deliver life-saving assistance to the Central African refugees and their hosts.
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Conditions dire as Central African Republic displacement tops 200,000

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To respond to the urgent needs of an estimated 530,000 people displaced by violent conflict in Cabo Delgado, UNFPA has supported the government’s installation of sexual and reproductive health tents, women and girl-friendly spaces in relocation sites, distribution of female dignity kits and deployment of mobile clinics to provide remote-based care.

With 36 per cent of health facilities in the province damaged or destroyed, the sexual and reproductive health tents and mobile clinics offer family planning, antenatal consultations, and postpartum care services to ensure that the many women and girls of reproductive age have access to the life-saving services they require. The women and girl-friendly spaces offer psychosocial support and first aid, as well as gender-based violence case management, and empowerment activities including vocational and livelihood training for income generation, for vulnerable women and girls.
They were viewed during a joint mission of United Nations Regional Directors to the northern province, as well as to the capital of Maputo, in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Cabo Delgado, in December.
“While immediate support is needed for internally displaced people in Cabo Delgado, particularly as the rains come, the resilience and laughter of young girls gives us hope!” said Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
She joined the mission led by the Regional Director for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), accompanied by Regional Directors from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Resilience Unit of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The UN delegation saw at first hand the needs and challenges of those displaced, the strain on host communities where social services are already stretched, and discussed how to reinforce the UN’s support to the Government of Mozambique and partners to respond to this humanitarian crisis.
Women bear the brunt of the crisis
The humanitarian situation in the three provinces – with people displaced across Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa – continues to worsen, with women and girls fleeing violence and insecurity from Cabo Delgado bearing the brunt of the crisis as they face an increased risk of gender-based violence, unwanted and unintended pregnancies, and preventable death due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth.
More than 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are women, of which 126,000 are of reproductive age (15 to 49 years), and 15,000 are pregnant, with 1,660 expected to deliver within the month. In addition, 747 pregnant women will experience life-threatening complications while giving birth in the next three months and up to 2,530 women and girls could seek care in response to sexual violence (UNFPA MISP calculations based on a displaced population of nearly 530,000).
The number of people displaced by the crisis more than quadrupled from March to November 2020, with children accounting for an estimated 45 per cent of the displaced. More than 90 per cent of displaced people are staying with family and friends in host communities, whose already limited resources are being strained by the growing influx (UN Humanitarian Response Plan Launch Press Release).
The number of people displaced by the crisis more than quadrupled from March to November 2020, with children accounting for an estimated 45 per cent of the displaced. More than 90 per cent of displaced people are staying with family and friends in host communities, whose already limited resources are being strained by the growing influx (UN Humanitarian Response Plan Launch Press Release).
Insecurity has damaged or destroyed 36 per cent of health facilities across Cabo Delgado and there are limited functioning health facilities in the districts hardest hit by the conflict – Mocimboa da Praia, Macomia, Muidumbe and Quissanga. This has reduced capacity to detect and respond to disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, and to provide critical care, such as access to sexual and reproductive health, immunization, anti-retroviral medicine and treatment for tuberculosis (Humanitarian Response Plan 2021).
Meeting displaced women, girls and families in resettlement areas
The delegation visited several resettlement sites now hosting a growing number of displaced families. The first visit was to Chiure district, the most highly populated district in Cabo Delgado, with about 300,000 inhabitants hosting some 25,000 displaced people across resettlement sites in the district.
At Marrupa village, the UN Directors learned that interactions between the IDPs and the host community are marked by solidarity and support, but are quickly being stretched beyond capacity. Displaced women, girls and families spoke of their basic needs, including clothing, while others wished for schools to reopen and to gain access to farmland, seeds and tools.
The Regional Directors travelled to two neighbourhoods in Cabo Delgado’s provincial capital, Pemba, where they witnessed the dire situation of IDPs living with host families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some families living on tiny plots are hosting up to 45 people and barely coping. While the host communities have shown tremendous generosity, that may soon run out, which makes the need for humanitarian assistance and relocation of IDPs even more urgent.
The IDPs in Pemba are hosted in neighbourhoods that are prone to flooding and with the rainy season projected to begin at any time, there is an even more complex imminent humanitarian situation unfolding in Pemba.
Working as &#39;One UN&#39; to support the most vulnerable
The delegation ended the mission with a visit to Nanjua village, one of the sites identified by the Cabo Delgado Provincial Government for the relocation of some 150,000 displaced people currently living in the provincial capital of Pemba city. Around 850 families have already been resettled in this village.
The Regional Directors met displaced families who urgently need food, non-food items like cooking and eating utensils, clothing, health care, agricultural seeds, and tools before the start of the rains.
In response to the growing number of displaced families that will resettle in this village, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, UNFPA has installed a sexual and reproductive health tent and a women and girl-friendly space at which emergency sexual and reproductive health and GBV response services are being provided to those in need.
The mission enabled the Regional Directors to share their impressions, advocate for those in need, and coordinate integrated support for the Government of Mozambique. Meetings of the donor community and diplomatic corps are taking place in Maputo to discuss the unfolding situation in Cabo Delgado.
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Meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable women and girls and those displaced by violence in Cabo Delgado – joint UN mission

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Investing in African Mining Indaba (Mining Indaba) (www.MiningIndaba.com), part of Hyve Group Plc has been at the vanguard of African mining and acknowledges the challenges faced but also opportunities presented to the industry. Resolving to take its role more serious than ever before, hosting Mining Indaba Virtual, taking place next week 2-3 February 2021.

With less than a week to go, the excitement is mounting amongst the Mining Indaba community for the industry to come together. The overarching theme for this year’s online event is ‘Resilience and Regrowth: adopting the new mindset for African mining’ offering a comprehensive agenda filled with cutting-edge topics and critical information from the industry’s eminent minds and most influential companies including 4 heads of state, Anglo American, Minerals Council South Africa, Exxaro Resources, Rio Tinto, Gold Fields and many more. Each sharing unique insights helping to shape the industry and what the future holds for the mining sector.

“We’re excited to provide a world-leading programme for the global mining community, even though we’re unable to welcome everyone to Cape Town. The agenda is full of actionable information and vital perspectives to help shape the industry and pave the way for innovation and collaboration”. states Simon Ford, Portfolio Director, African Commodities Portfolio. “Mining Indaba remains committed to delivering an inspiring and truly transformative event”.

The packed two half-day online conference will feature a high-level of expert-led discussions, presidential keynotes and multi-stakeholder strategic conversations. The conference will cover thought-provoking topics including ESG investing in a Covid-recovery world, harnessing technology and automation to help grow economies, government and private sector collaboration on resilience and resourcing of African minerals, the rise of gold in the pandemic and exploration of the role of PGMs, battery metals and rare earths in the energy transition. As well as a 10-minute conversation with Anglo American’s Chief Executive Mark Cutifani and Deloitte’s Andrew Lane discussing how resilience is shaping the performance of mining companies.

This free to attend online conference is CPD certified meaning attendance counts towards professional development. For more information about the programme, visit the website here (https://bit.ly/2MzKTzg).

The online conference is supported by major industry names including Anglo American, Minerals Council South Africa, Sibanye-Stillwater, Exxaro Resources, Standard Bank, Rio Tinto, PAC Capital, Trafigura, Absa, Vedanta, Vivo Energy, Centric, Investec, Deloitte, White &#038; Case and Webber Wentzel.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba.
Media Contact: On behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba Amy Neville Email: amy.neville@hyve.group
About Investing in African Mining Indaba: Investing in African Mining Indaba (www.MiningIndaba.com) is solely dedicated to the successful capitalisation, development and widening perspective of the African mining industry. Bringing together the world’s industry giants to tomorrow’s barrier-breaking disruptors from across the spectrum. It’s the place where multi-million deals are done, and life-long partnerships are discovered.

Mining Indaba Virtual announces next week’s packed two half-day agenda

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On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, CCA (www.CorporateCouncilonAfrica.com) hosted an exclusive high-level dialogue with H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, focused on how digital technologies and partnerships can unlock new pathways for economic growth in Africa. The dialogue was moderated by award winning journalist, Zain Verjee, Founder &#038; CEO of Zain Verjee Group.

CCA President and CEO, Florizelle Liser kicked off the dialogue, expressing that CCA was pleased to facilitate the conversation and connect the Silicon and Savannah Valleys. Ms. Liser noted the significance of U.S.-Africa partnership, stating, “If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that we are better off working together, and our ability to collaborate is critical for post pandemic economic recovery both here in the United States and in Africa.”
During the discussion, H.E. President Kenyatta underlined the notable impact of technology as a driver of growth in Kenya over the past 20 years. “Today as we speak, as a result of digitization, technology, internet penetration, almost 95% of all Kenyans have access to financial services as opposed to less than 20 years ago when only 25% of the population had a bank account.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO Google and Alphabet shared in President Kenyatta’s optimism and emphasized Google’s commitment to supporting governments, businesses, and job seekers in Kenya and across Africa. Last year, in response to COVID-19, Google launched a 1 million USD grant for Kenyan women financially affected by the pandemic, a digital hub to help 300,000 Kenyan SMEs get online, and initiatives to help students learn remotely.
Looking to the future, President Kenyatta stressed the need for collaboration in translating the facilitative role of technology in Kenya into economic opportunity and growth. “We want to work together, partnering with American companies and American companies partnering with Kenyan SMEs. This is where the true growth potential exists so that the facilitative work we have done is actually now leapfrogged upon by the opportunities created by the linkages that we can establish, through the work of, for example, the Corporate Council on Africa.”
Mr. Pichai in explaining what Google is doing to support businesses in these challenging times, announced a new 10 million USD fund to support economic recovery in Kenya. He said “it is comprised of 3 things &#8212; 2 million USD to local non -profits which are serving underserved communities in Kenya, 3 million USD to SMEs… and 5 million to support technology startups to help them grow and develop.”
Ms. Liser concluded the discussion by restating CCA’s commitment to promoting linkages between Kenyan SMEs and U.S. markets. She noted that working with the new Biden Administration, “CCA will continue to engage and support our member companies and U.S. and African public and private sector partners as we all work to drive economic recovery and develop solutions to promote investment and economic development in Africa.”
Watch the high-level dialogue HERE (https://bit.ly/3afDGN6).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Corporate Council on Africa (CCA).
Media contact: Olaotan Awoyomi oawoyomi@corporatecouncilonafrica.com
About Corporate Council on Africa (CCA): Corporate Council on Africa (www.CorporateCouncilonAfrica.com) is the leading U.S. business association focused solely on connecting business interests between the United States and Africa. CCA uniquely represents a broad cross section of member companies from small and medium size businesses to multinationals as well as U.S. and African firms. Learn more at www.CorporateCouncilonAfrica.com.
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Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) hosts exclusive High-Level Dialogue featuring H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet

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The Brave Generation Academy (www.BraveGenerationAcademy.com), a disruptive approach to education that will change the course of schooling, is now looking for people with the passion to make the difference to become partners in opening new educational Hubs across Africa.

With an online curriculum that is recognized by the world’s leading universities as the gold standard of international education, the Brave Generation Academy has a network of Hubs that integrate with the community and democratize education for their learners. Moreover, The Brave Hubs are where online meets offline education. They promote an environment of collaboration and mutual growth, facilitating a classroom environment that is dynamic, collaborative and supported by effective tutors and an active Learning Coach.

Now more than ever business cannot exist for the sole purpose of profit and business objectives cannot be separated from surrounding social issues. Opening a Brave Hub is an opportunity to combine profit with purpose by having a ground-breaking business model that will allow for profit while helping young people to find their passion and talent from an early age, so they can stand out and do amazing things.

“Technology is changing education in dynamic and positive ways. Students now have access to a wide range of tools that fundamentally changes where, when and how they learn. Not all educational models embrace these innovations so it&#39;s important to understand how exactly technology is changing education for the better, and whether it would be beneficial for your child. What we are really offering our partners is an opportunity to change Africa, one student at a time”, said Brave Generation Academy Founder Tim Vieira.

For those who want to create an impact in their communities and are up for the challenge of opening a new Hub in their cities, the Brave Generation Academy will provide full support and guidance throughout the whole process, offering a tailor-made solution for each initiative. Furthermore, access to the Brave Curriculum and Platform will be granted. More information: www.BraveGenerationAcademy.com/partners.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Brave Generation Academy.
Media Contact: contact@bravegenerationacademy.com
About: The Brave Generation Academy (www.BraveGenerationAcademy.com) is a highly personalized and flexible learning institution that helps guide children towards their passion. It provides an online curriculum that is recognized by the world’s leading universities as the gold standard of international education. This is fully integrated with projects and courses, which create a holistic learning experience to prepare our learners for the future.
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Education technology offers African entrepreneurs an opportunity to combine profit with purpose by having a ground-breaking business model

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Today, African media stakeholders, will launch the first digital online platform aimed at improving the protection of journalists, address threats and violence against them, foster early warning mechanisms and enhance response capacity within the continent.

The launch will be presided by Cyril Ramaphosa Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of South Africa. Notable speakers expected to take part are Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, Jamesina King, Commissioner of the AU’s African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (AU-ACHPR) and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa. A number of African heads of State are scheduled to take part, as are representatives of the media and civil society.
The journalists’ safety platform will facilitate real time response across Africa with a view to ending impunity for attacks against African journalists including harassment, arbitrary arrests, assault and killing. It will constitute a cooperative mechanism to keep track of attacks against journalists in the continent, and support reporting on attacks as well as follow-up actions to combat impunity. It will also help create synergies among African media stakeholders in holding the perpetrators of violence against journalists and media outlets to account.
The digital platform will notably monitor: 
 	Threats to the physical integrity and security of journalists and other media actors (including bloggers, writers, human right defenders and other persons communicating in the public interest); 	Impunity in the abovementioned cases; 	Threats to the confidentiality of journalists’ sources or threat to their physical integrity and security relating to their collaboration with journalists, media or human right defenders or organizations; 	Threats to journalists’ privacy; 	Restrictions on media freedom such as judicial and political intimidation of journalists (including hate speech and incitement to violence against journalists). 
The platform was inspired by the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalists and Safety of Journalists and has been developed by African stakeholders, with support from UNESCO via its Multi-donor Programme for Freedom of Expression and the Safety of Journalists (MDP). It will be sustained through a joint mobilization of partnering organizations, namely four organs of the African Union (Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, of AU-ACHPR, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the African Governance Architecture (AGA), the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights), Civil Society Organizations, media networks and development partners.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

UNESCO supports African Union’s launch of continent-wide digital platform to monitor attacks on journalists

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Total cases: 14,529 (+363) Recovered: 9,234 (+192) | 63.5% Active cases: 5,109 Tests: 858,262 (+5,024) Deaths: 186 (+3) | 1.3% Test positivity rate: 7.2%
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

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Tests conducted: 8,156,239 Positive cases identified: 1,437,798 Total recoveries: 1,272,197 Total deaths: 43,105 New cases: 7,150
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

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Novartis (www.Novartis.com) leprosy medicine donation program with WHO extended to 2025; Program has already treated over 7 million patients since 2000; New evidence from contact tracing and preventive treatment program shows route to accelerate elimination.

A renewed partnership agreement signed by Novartis and the World Health Organization (WHO) will drive the global push towards making leprosy history. The five-year extension of the partnership – which was first signed in 2000 – will see Novartis continue to donate multidrug therapy (MDT) medicines to treat leprosy up to the end of 2025.
Widespread use of MDT has led to a 95% reduction in leprosy prevalence world-wide since its introduction the 1980s, though more than 200,000 cases are still seen every year [1]. Despite the huge impact of MDT, governments, donors, civil society and the private sector will need to collaborate on deploying additional tools if the world is to get to zero leprosy.
&#8220;Leprosy can be cured and prevented. With a comprehensive approach, we can see the end of leprosy,” said Dr Lutz Hegemann, Chief Operating Officer for Global Health at Novartis. “By supplying this treatment free of charge to WHO over the last 20 years we have helped over seven million people be cured of leprosy. We look forward to helping increasingly few over the coming years.”
Novartis is working with WHO and the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy – together with other stakeholders – to develop improved access to MDT globally. An additional future step seems certain to include the rollout of prophylaxis programs in affected countries. New evidence from a Novartis Foundation initiated operational research program [2] covering 170,000 people across seven countries has shown that giving prophylactic treatment with a single dose of a low-cost and widely available antibiotic to contacts of people diagnosed with leprosy is feasible, generally well accepted and is likely to have a key role in accelerating the elimination of the disease.
“WHO welcomes the extension of this long-standing partnership with Novartis. Multidrug therapy has been a cornerstone of the program to eliminate leprosy,” said Dr Ren Minghui, Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage / Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, WHO. “We need to ensure we are reaching the last patients who are often in remote areas or informal settlements. It is in these deprived communities where much of the world&#39;s remaining leprosy is concentrated.”
The new agreement with WHO also covers the continuing donation of triclabendazole for the treatment of fascioliasis. This condition, more commonly known as liver fluke infestation, is a neglected tropical disease that infects 2.4 million people worldwide [3] with an additional 180 million at risk of infection [4]. Novartis has been donating the treatment to the WHO since 2005, helping to treat around two million fascioliasis patients in more than 30 countries. Triclabendazole is currently the only medicine for fascioliasis recommended by the WHO and is on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. It is supplied by WHO during epidemic outbreaks and for periodic use in endemic countries.
For over 30 years, Novartis and the Novartis Foundation have been working with partners around the world on innovative approaches to leprosy elimination. Leprosy is now part of the Novartis Global Health &#038; Corporate Responsibility Unit as a Flagship program. Novartis Global Health &#038; Corporate Responsibility aims to transform health in lower income populations through applying expertise, people and full organizational capability to address major, unresolved global health challenges.
References:
 	World Health Organization, Weekly Epidemiological Record, 1 September 2017, vol. 92, 35 (p.501). Available at: https://bit.ly/2Yrdf1w (accessed October 2020) 	Richardus JH et al. Leprosy post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (LPEP): an international feasibility programme. Lancet Global Health, published online on 29 October 2020. Available at: https://bit.ly/39qhxwk 	World Health Organization. Human fascioliasis: review provides fresh perspectives on infection and control. Available at: https://bit.ly/3iXIuuz (accessed January 2020) 	Nyindo M, Lukambagire A-H. Fascioliasis: An Ongoing Zoonotic Trematode Infection. Biomed Res Int. 2015; 786195. Available at: https://bit.ly/3pvDNdE (accessed January 2020) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Novartis.
Novartis Media Relations: E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com
Antonio Ligi Novartis External Communications +41 61 324 1374 antonio.ligi@novartis.com
Eric Althoff Novartis US External Communications +1 646 438 4335 eric.althoff@novartis.com
Arzum Ustun Novartis Global Health &#038; CR Communications +41 79 108 5314 arzum.ustun@novartis.com
Novartis Investor Relations: Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com
Central Samir Shah +41 61 324 7944
Thomas Hungerbuehler +41 61 324 8425
Isabella Zinck +41 61 324 7188
North America Sloan Simpson +1 862 778 5052
About leprosy and MDT: Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease) has afflicted people since biblical times, and even today, millions of people are still suffering the long-term consequences of the disease. It is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae, which attacks the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa).
Figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that the global burden of leprosy (defined as ‘numbers of patients on treatment’) has been reduced by 95% since the 1980s.1 This is due in large part to the WHO’s distribution of multidrug therapy which has reached over 17 million patients.
Multidrug therapy (MDT) consists of three drugs (rifampicin, clofazimine and dapsone) and has made it possible to cure nearly all patients, thereby reducing the transmission of leprosy and preventing disabilities.
Since 2000, Novartis has donated more than 68 million blister packs of MDT through WHO, helping to treat more than 7.3 million patients worldwide. The new agreement extends the program from 2021 up to 2025.
People with leprosy who are diagnosed early and treated can continue to work and lead a normal life. However, early successes in eliminating leprosy have actually obstructed the goal of achieving zero transmission – with fewer patients infected, funding and political commitment as well as awareness of the disease have declined. In the last decade, new case detection has broadly plateaued between 245,000 and 208,000 cases a year, with 95% occurring in 16 countries.
Experts suggest that in addition to the cornerstone of early diagnosis and prompt treatment with multidrug therapy for all leprosy patients, a successful elimination strategy also requires tracing and prophylactic treatment for contacts, improvements in diagnostic tools, and strict epidemiological surveillance and response systems to monitor progress.
About Novartis: Novartis (www.Novartis.com) is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world’s top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 110,000 people of more than 140 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.Novartis.com.

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Disclaimer: This media update contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as “potential,” “can,” “will,” “plan,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this media update, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this media update will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this media update as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this media update as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
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Novartis renews WHO medicine donation pledge with aim of ending leprosy

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Help is on the way for the global cocoa supply chain, severely threatened by climate change.

A new project by the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the International Agroforestry Agency [ICRAF (www.WorldAgroForestry.org)] would bring relief to two Ivorian smallholder cocoa farmers’ communities in Soubre and Vavoua currently grappling with declining yields caused by climate change and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Without help, some 800,000 Ivorian smallholder farmers, who produce the largest share of the world’s cocoa supply, could suffer heavy production losses due to production and supply chain disruption.

“Our experience has proven that agroforestry practices, knowledge, and skills transfer enhance the sustainability of cocoa plantations and improve the resilience of smallholder farmers’ communities, particularly of women and youth,” said Christophe Kouame, ICRAF’s Director for Central and West Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer, followed by Ghana. Together, the two West African neighbours account for more than two-thirds of the global supply. Cocoa plantations, which are the backbone of the world’s chocolate supply, are highly vulnerable to climate hazards, such as heatwaves, droughts, seasonal shifts, and erratic rainfall.

Under the Bank’s new initiative, the two smallholder farmer communities will receive climate-resilient and sustainable agroforestry assistance in 2021. The scheme will be implemented by the ICRAF and its partners – Mars Confectionaries, and the Rainforest Alliance.

“Agroforestry and climate-smart landscapes can generate nature-based solutions that reduce climate risks, as well as losses and damages caused by climate change,” Kouame said.

The Adaptation Benefits Mechanism (ABM) – a first-of-a-kind results-based non-market mechanism for financing adaptation, piloted by the African Development Bank in the period 2019-2023, will be used to mobilize new finance to replicate the successful practices in other Ivorian cocoa farmer communities and in at least three other cocoa-growing countries in the region.

“The current levels of climate finance for Africa are only a fraction of what is needed to ensure a smooth transition to a sustainable, low carbon and resilient continent,” said Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank. “The African Development Bank aims to mobilize at least $50 million by 2023 to pilot the ABM and operationalize it for global use.”

Under the ABM, adaptation project developers can sign off-take agreements with a variety of public, private and non-profit actors for payments upon delivery of certified adaptation benefits and use those agreements as collateral for achieving equity and raising finance. This additional revenue stream will make adaptation projects that will not be implemented otherwise feasible.

Unlike mitigation projects, the vast majority of adaptation initiatives struggle to raise finance because they deliver public good and rarely generate cash flows. Without an incentive to address this issue, such as through the ABM, many vulnerable communities will become even more exposed to the devastating impacts of climate change.

“The ABM promises to be a game-changer in better engaging the private sector, non-profit organizations and local governments to address the huge adaptation deficit,” Nyong said.

More information about the ABM is available here (https://bit.ly/3t4phf4).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

African Development Bank’s Adaptation Benefits Mechanism helps to climate-proof Ivorian smallholder farms’ cocoa yields

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New climate action support welcomed by Ministers and Mayor of Ouagadougou; 50MW Sonabel solar plant to transform clean power generation and reduce imports; flood protection to improve public health, protect property and urban development.

The European Investment Bank today confirmed EUR 38.5 million of new financial and technical support to transform renewable power generation in Burkina Faso and better protect its capital city from future flooding. The new clean energy and climate adaptation projects will improve access to energy in the country and address public health challenges and economic risks caused by extreme weather.
The latest European Investment Bank support for climate action in the Sahel was announced during a virtual event earlier today by Ambroise Fayolle, European Investment Bank Vice President.
The importance of accelerating high-impact investment in Burkina Faso was highlighted by the Minister of the Economy, Minister of Energy, Mayor of Ouagadougou, European Union Ambassador and representatives of financing partner Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
“New investment to Improve access to energy and better protect against climate change is essential for social and economic progress in Burkina Faso, the Sahel and Africa. The European Investment Bank has been a key partner for Burkina Faso for more than 50 years providing financial support and sharing unique global technical expertise for priority investment in our country. Today’s new agreements will scale up renewable energy generation and better protect our capital city Ouagadogou from future floods and extreme weather and protect our citizens from malaria.” said  M. Lassané Kaboré, Minister of the economy, finance and development of Burkino Faso.
“Citizens of Ouagadougou face the impact of a changing climate on a daily basis. Support and technical expertise from the EIB, AFD and the EU will help to better protect Ougadougou from future floods, reduce the risk to live and property and improve access to key services during heavy rains.” said Armand Roland Pierre Béouindé, Mayor of Ouagadougou.
“The European Investment Bank has supported long-term investment in Burkina Faso since 1970 and is committed to strengthening economic opportunities, supporting sustainable development and accelerating climate action across the Sahel. As the EU climate bank and a member of Team Europe, the EIB is pleased to back Sonabel’s first solar power plant that will transform renewable energy generation in Burkina Faso and to support investment to better protect thousands of people in Ouagadougou from floods. Cooperation between Burkinabé partners and AFD, the European Union and the EIB is unlocking priority investment that highlights the social, economic and public health impact of climate action in Africa.” said Ambroise Fayolle, European Investment Bank Vice President.
“Team Europe is committed to delivering sustainable development in Burkina Faso and Africa and strengthening cooperation with African partners. This new agreement will enable thousands of people in Burkina Faso to benefit from more reliable access to clean energy and address flood risks.” said Wolfram Vetter, European Union Ambassador to Burkina Faso.
Harnessing solar power to enhance national energy production
The EIB supports renewable energy projects worldwide and will provide EUR 38.5 million to the solar power plant operated by national electricity authority Sonabel.
The EIB backing will help expand the capacity of the plant from 37 MW today to 50 MW.
The EUR 70.5 million scheme will increase domestic electricity production to address the 10% annual increase in demand and reduce the need for imports. Electricity supply in Burkina Faso is currently restricted by the limited interconnector capacity used to import power from Cote d’Ivoire.
Protecting Ouagadougou from climate change
More than 24,000 homes were destroyed and 150,000 properties damages by recent floods. New investment backed by the EIB and Agence Française de Développement will contruct a 5km water evacuation channel and improve flood protection in the Tanghin district of Ouagadougou.
The new scheme will protect property, improve public health by reducing waterborne diseases including malaria and improve access to key services, incuding schools and markets, during seasonal rains.
Backing high-impact investment in the Sahel
The European Investment Bank, as part of Team Europe and member of the Sahel Alliance, recognises the need to scale up investment that tackles these challenges and improves stability in the Sahel region.
Unlocking Supporting transformational public and private sector investment in 11 Sahel states most vulnerable to climate change is a key priority for the EIB as part of broader support for high-impact investment across Africa.
The European Investment Bank is the world’s largest international public bank and owned directly by the 27 European Union member states
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Investment Bank (EIB).

EUR 38.5m EIB backing for solar power and flood protection in Burkina Faso

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COVID-19 cases and deaths are surging in Africa as new, more contagious variants of the virus spread to additional countries.

Over 175 000 new COVID-19 cases and more than 6200 deaths were reported in Africa in the last week while infections rose by 50% on the continent between 29 December 2020 and 25 January 2021 when compared with the previous four weeks. In the past week, there has been a small dip in cases in South Africa, but 22 countries continue to see their case numbers surge. Deaths rose two-fold in the same four-week period, with over 15 000 concentrated in 10 mainly southern and northern African nations. 
The 501Y.V2 variant, first identified in South Africa, is predominant and powering record case numbers in South Africa and the sub-region. It has been found in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, the French Indian Ocean region of Mayotte, Zambia and in 24 non-African nations. 
“The variant which was first detected in South Africa has spread quickly beyond Africa and so what’s keeping me awake at night right now is that it’s very likely circulating in a number of African countries,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.
The variant that was initially detected in the United Kingdom has been found in The Gambia and Nigeria. Further research is needed to determine whether the new strain causes more severe illness.
WHO is working to track and tackle new variants by helping countries build and boost the complex genomic surveillance capacities needed to detect and respond to new variants, shipping samples to sequencing laboratories and providing supplies and technical guidance. 
With the Africa Centres of Disease Control and Prevention, WHO helped set up a COVID-19 genomic sequencing laboratory network with laboratories in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda.
WHO calls on all countries to ship at least 20 samples to sequencing laboratories every month to help map the fast-evolving situation and best target responses at all levels. 
“In addition to the new variants, COVID-19 fatigue, and the aftermath of year-end gatherings risk powering a perfect storm and driving up Africa’s second wave and overwhelming health facilities,” said Dr Moeti. “Africa is at a crossroads. We must stick to our guns and double down on the tactics we know work so well. That is mask wearing, handwashing and safe social distancing. Countless lives depend on it.”
Facing a second wave of infections, African nations must ramp up testing, the isolation of contacts and the treatment of patients, as well as enhancing proven prevention measures. 
“Our shared goal is to get ahead of the virus. Unfortunately, the journey will be longer, harder and far more costly in the absence of consistent, all-of-society commitments to blocking infection,” said Dr Moeti.
Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Professor Tulio de Oliveira, Director, KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Dr Amadou A Sall, Director of Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

New COVID-19 variants fuelling Africa’s second wave

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The Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Future Investment Initiative (FII) and OriginAll S.A. announced today a partnership representing a historic effort and opportunity to harness their respective strengths in an effort to eradicate counterfeit and illicitly traded products from the AfCFTA nations. The cooperation is expected to benefit over 1.2 billion people, protect the national interests of the 55 AfCFTA nations and the safety and wellbeing of their citizens. The initiative will deprive criminal, terrorist and disruptive structures from one of their main sources of revenues, channeling back billions of dollars into the region’s legitimate economy.

“Counterfeiters and illicit traders have been taking advantage of our continent for centuries, depriving our nations from substantial revenues, fostering corruption and costing the lives of hundreds of thousands of African citizens every year. This can no longer be tolerated, it needs to stop, and it must stop now. We must put our national interests and the safety of African citizens first.” Said H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA. “I am proud to be at the forefront of this initiative and grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for standing by our side during this historic moment” the Secretary General added.
Richard Attias, CEO of the FII Institute commented: “This initiative fully embraces our vision and mission, representing a concrete, unprecedented and decisive action to bring together experts and innovators with the power to shape a more prosperous and safer future for the African continent. May this be a strong start of a global movement to eradicate the world from counterfeit and illicitly traded products and its deep-rooted consequences.”
OriginAll will serve as the bridge to harness this highly fragmented environment and provide a single window, for business, government, and consumers to identify and verify the authenticity and conformity of any product sold within the AfCFTA. Starting with the integration of existing traceability solutions, regardless if imposed by nations or adopted by brands, the “OriginAll Africa” team will work with the AfCFTA leadership to develop a roadmap in harmony with the various industry sectors to ensure a smooth implementation.
“This initiative will channel critical resources back into the AfCFTA economies and contribute to the wellbeing and safety of AfCFTA citizens. By next year, counterfeiting is projected to cost the global economy up to $ 4.2 trillion – somewhere in between the GDP of Japan and Germany, or about 2.5 times all defense budgets of the world combined. These funds are primary sources of revenues of criminal, terrorist and disruptive structures and a major enabler of corruption. We all share the blame for letting this problem get out of control and losing visibility over its complexity and have a joint responsibility to address this global economic and social disease. We are immensely privileged to be part of this initiative and to work with innovators and visionaries such as H.E. Wamkele Mene and Mr. Richard Attias. To our hosts and the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we owe our gratitude and appreciation” stated Hans Schwab, Co-Founder and CEO of OriginAll.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Historic partnership aimed at securing over 1.2 Billion people and 55 nations from counterfeit and illicitly traded products, to be launched during Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh

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The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is appealing to donors for 20 million Swiss francs to urgently expand its response to the acute humanitarian needs created by the Tigray crisis in Ethiopia, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is appealing for 27 million Swiss francs to support the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the Djibouti Red Crescent Society to address other drivers of vulnerability in the region.

Many people have been displaced within Tigray, and almost 60,000 sought refuge in Sudan.  Refugees and people displaced within the region suffer from a lack of food and essential services, like water and healthcare. Some healthcare facilities in Tigray were abandoned and looted, while others are running short of supplies and are struggling to cope with the growing demand. Thousands have lost contact with their loved ones.
&#8220;The needs in Tigray are overwhelming. Government responses need to accelerate, and humanitarian organizations urgently need access so people can receive lifesaving assistance before it&#39;s too late,&#8221; said Patrick Youssef, the ICRC’s regional director for Africa. &#8220;Humanitarian access outside major towns remains challenging and there is little visibility on the humanitarian situation in rural areas.&#8221;
&#8220;The recent developments in Tigray have compounded other existing vulnerabilities in Ethiopia and in neighbouring Sudan and Djibouti. Even before the fighting, the region was dealing with acute food insecurity, an invasion of desert locusts, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic,&#8221; said Mohammed Mukhier, regional director for Africa at IFRC.
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), present across the country, including Tigray, has been providing humanitarian assistance since the first day of the fighting, working alongside the ICRC. The ERCS counts on a large network of volunteers who remained active despite being affected by the crisis themselves. 
The ICRC has been working in Tigray for decades and maintained its operations throughout the  fighting that erupted almost three months ago. Supporting hospitals in Mekelle, Axum, Adwa and Shire has been a priority. Following some of its initial assistance missions, which included sending the first humanitarian convoy into Mekelle and helping some 11,300 families reestablish contact, the ICRC is appealing to donors for funds needed to reinforce its operational capacity. It is expanding its presence in Mekelle and re-opening an office in Shire.
Besides scaling up its presence in Tigray, the ICRC will continue addressing the alarming humanitarian situation in Benishangul-Gumuz, Western Oromia and Guji, where armed violence episodes have been recurrent.
The Sudanese Red Crescent has been distributing food, household items and providing primary health services to refugees and communities hosting them. The IFRC released emergency funds to enable the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to assist 40,000 people. The Djibouti Red Crescent Society maintains a presence in Hol Hol refugee camp and Obock, where it provides water and sanitation services and works to promote hygiene and raise COVID-19 awareness.
The IFRC is appealing for funds to enable the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society and the Djibouti Red Crescent Society to deliver humanitarian assistance and recovery support to 660,000 people.
 The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the world&#39;s largest humanitarian network. It consists of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. 
ICRC action: 
 	The town of Mekelle has been struggling with a shortage of water in recent months and the ICRC has been supplying water to 3,700 people a day through water trucking and storage tank installations. 	It provided medical assistance to 4,500 people wounded by weapons and 10,900 primary healthcare patients. 648 weapon-wounded people received physical rehabilitation services. 	The organization has distributed 35 metric tons of food received from the Ministry of Health and Catholic Relief Services to four hospitals in Tigray.  	Almost 9,500 displaced people in Mekelle received essential household items.  	11,300 families reestablished contact through the Ethiopian Red Cross, the Sudanese Red Crescent and the ICRC services in Sudan and Ethiopia. 
IFRC action: 
 	In November, the IFRC released funds to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society to target 7,500 affected people in Amhara to improve their access to health, water and sanitation, shelter and livelihood support for four months. 	The IFRC also released emergency funds to the Sudanese Red Crescent Society to provide emergency services to 40,000 Ethiopian refugees in Sudan. The Sudanese Red Crescent Society works in Hamdayit and Al Lukdi centres and Um-Rakoba settlement to provide shelter, household items, health services, improved water and sanitation, and to carry out gender protection and inclusion activities. 
In all the three countries, the IFRC continued supporting national societies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement scales up its humanitarian response to meet urgent needs in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti

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Tests conducted: 8,107,833 Positive cases identified: 1,430,648 Total recoveries: 1,263,476 Total deaths: 42,550 New cases: 7,070
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (27 January 2021)

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Africa Oil &#038; Power (AOP) (www.AfricaOilandPower.com) launched its Africa Energy Series: Africa Renewables 2021 digital report, dedicated exclusively to renewable development and investment within the African energy sector; Africa requires approximately $70 billion in annual investment in renewables until 2030 to implement a clean energy transition; AOP will co-host the Africa Renewables Forum as part of the fifth edition of its flagship Africa Oil &#038; Power Conference &#038; Exhibition in Cape Town (October 5-7, 2021).

Africa Oil &#038; Power (AOP) has launched its Africa Energy Series: Africa Renewables 2021 digital report, dedicated exclusively to outlining pan-African investment opportunities in clean energy development, on the back of global initiatives that call for an increasingly decarbonized energy sector.
With renewables accounting for 52% of total capacity expansion in Africa in 2020, the downloadable report identifies the government targets, large-scale projects and strategic opportunities shaping renewable development across the continent. In addition to providing insight into Africa’s renewable potential – as well as the socioeconomic benefits initiated by increased renewable penetration in the market – the report provides a pathway for public and private sector alike to reduce associated risk, mobilize financial instruments, build capacity and establish strong regulatory frameworks to facilitate clean energy investment.
Successful case studies include the development of hydropower in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the Inga III Dam project; the role of private sector participation through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement program in South Africa; transformative regional opportunities via the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam; and the emerging use of blue and green hydrogen in South Africa and Botswana.
Recognizing the potential of renewables in alleviating energy poverty and spurring economic development continent-wide, AOP will host the Africa Renewables Forum, co-hosted as part of the fifth edition of its flagship Africa Oil &#038; Power Conference &#038; Exhibition on October 5-7, 2021, in Cape Town. Aligned with the vision of South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and continental partners, the Forum will provide insight into the scale of Africa’s renewable potential, under the conference theme, “Invest without Boundaries.”
To download the AES: Africa Renewables 2021 report, please click here (https://bit.ly/36jDgnK)
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil &#038; Power Conference.
To get in touch regarding sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the AOP 2021 Conference &#038; Exhibition, please contact the sales team at sales@africaoilandpower.com and to learn more about the event visit www.AOP2021.com.
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

Conditions dire as Central African Republic displacement tops 200,000

Meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable women and girls and those displaced by violence in Cabo Delgado – joint UN mission

Mining Indaba Virtual announces next week’s packed two half-day agenda

Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) hosts exclusive High-Level Dialogue featuring H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet

Education technology offers African entrepreneurs an opportunity to combine profit with purpose by having a ground-breaking business model

UNESCO supports African Union’s launch of continent-wide digital platform to monitor attacks on journalists

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

Novartis renews WHO medicine donation pledge with aim of ending leprosy

African Development Bank’s Adaptation Benefits Mechanism helps to climate-proof Ivorian smallholder farms’ cocoa yields

EUR 38.5m EIB backing for solar power and flood protection in Burkina Faso

New COVID-19 variants fuelling Africa’s second wave

Historic partnership aimed at securing over 1.2 Billion people and 55 nations from counterfeit and illicitly traded products, to be launched during Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement scales up its humanitarian response to meet urgent needs in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (27 January 2021)

Africa Oil & Power Releases Africa Renewables Report 2021

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APO

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

Conditions dire as Central African Republic displacement tops 200,000

Meeting the urgent needs of vulnerable women and girls and those displaced by violence in Cabo Delgado – joint UN mission

Mining Indaba Virtual announces next week’s packed two half-day agenda

Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) hosts exclusive High-Level Dialogue featuring H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet

Education technology offers African entrepreneurs an opportunity to combine profit with purpose by having a ground-breaking business model

UNESCO supports African Union’s launch of continent-wide digital platform to monitor attacks on journalists

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (28 January 2021)

Novartis renews WHO medicine donation pledge with aim of ending leprosy

African Development Bank’s Adaptation Benefits Mechanism helps to climate-proof Ivorian smallholder farms’ cocoa yields

EUR 38.5m EIB backing for solar power and flood protection in Burkina Faso

New COVID-19 variants fuelling Africa’s second wave

Historic partnership aimed at securing over 1.2 Billion people and 55 nations from counterfeit and illicitly traded products, to be launched during Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement scales up its humanitarian response to meet urgent needs in Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (27 January 2021)

Africa Oil & Power Releases Africa Renewables Report 2021

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Advertise With Us

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