Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Total cases: 11,259 (+227) Recovered: 7,412 (+49) | 65.8% Active cases: 3,701 Tests: 799,817 (+2,950) Deaths: 146 (+4) | 1.3% Test positivity rate: 7.7%
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Daily: Laboratory Test: 4,980 Severe Cases: 224 New Recovered: 188 New Deaths: 3 New Cases: 351

Total: Laboratory Test: 1,891,919 Active Cases: 13,176 Total Recovered: 116,335 Total Deaths: 2,033 Total Cases: 131,546
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
New cases: 557 Total active cases: 6416 Lost to follow-up: 134 Total number of tests conducted: 110214 (1439 new) Total confirmed cases: 13027 Total recovered: 6080 (44 new) Outcome under investigation: 76 Total deaths: 321 (7 new)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Active cases: 106 New cases: 23 New tests: 643 Total confirmed: 3933 Recovered: 3697 (+5) Deaths: 128 (+1)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, The Gambia.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Download logo
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Tarek Ladeb (Tunisia):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack perpetrated on 15 January 2021 against the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) near Tessalit in Kidal region, which resulted in one peacekeeper from Egypt killed and another one seriously injured.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, as well as to Egypt and to MINUSMA. They wished a speedy and full recovery to the peacekeeper who was injured. They paid tribute to the peacekeepers who risk their lives.
The members of the Security Council called on the transitional Government of Mali to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. They underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. They stressed that involvement in planning, directing, sponsoring or conducting attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers constitutes a basis for sanctions designations pursuant to United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. They underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice. They stressed that those responsible for these killings should be held accountable, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.
The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Mali and Head of MINUSMA, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, MINUSMA and the other security presences in Mali and in the Sahel region, as mentioned in resolution 2531 (2020).
The members of the Security Council expressed their concern about the security situation in Mali and the transnational dimension of the terrorist threat in the Sahel region. They urged the Malian parties to fully implement the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali (“the Agreement”) without further delay. They noted that the full implementation of the Agreement and the intensification of efforts to overcome asymmetric threats can contribute to improving the security situation across Mali. They underlined that the efforts of the Force Conjointe of the G5 Sahel to counter the activities of terrorist groups and other organized criminal groups will contribute to create a more secure environment in the Sahel region.
The members of the Security Council further stressed the importance of MINUSMA having the necessary capacities to fulfil its mandate and promote the safety and security of the United Nations peacekeepers, pursuant to Security Council resolution 2531 (2020).
The members of the Security Council stressed that these heinous acts will not undermine their determination to continue to support the peace and reconciliation process in Mali.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations &#8211; Security Council.

Security Council Press Statement on Attack against United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Download logo
Project Africa GRADIENT calls on local researchers to submit proposals exploring the link between genetic diversity and response to malaria and tuberculosis drugs in African patients; combined funding commitment of GBP 2.8 million (USD 3.6 million) over five years; researchers based at universities, science councils and other public research organizations across Africa are invited to express ‘intent to submit’ by March 1, 2021.

GSK and Novartis (www.Novartis.com) today announced the launch of a collaboration to support high-quality scientific research investigating the link between genetic diversity across different regions in Africa and its potential impact on response to drug therapeutics.
The Project Africa Genomic Research Approach for Diversity and Optimising Therapeutics (GRADIENT), with a combined funding commitment of GBP 2.8m (USD 3.6 million) over five years, calls on African researchers to submit robust research proposals on the relevance of African genetic diversity to the treatment of malaria and tuberculosis.1 
Pauline Williams, Senior Vice President Global Health Pharma at GSK said: “At GSK, human genetics is a core pillar of our R&#038;D strategy. Genetic diversity is greater in Africa than in any other continental population resulting in some African patients having varying response to treatments. We are excited to launch Project Africa GRADIENT which aims to catalyse the best science in the continent to optimize treatment responses for malaria and tuberculosis, two infectious diseases that disproportionately affect African populations.”
Lutz Hegemann, M.D., Chief Operating Officer for Global Health at Novartis said: “Novartis has a long-standing commitment to improving and extending the lives of patients around the world.  Our efforts include seeking innovative ways to improve the standard of care where possible. This is why we are excited by this important collaboration on scientific research on genetic diversity in Africa. It has the potential to improve the efficacy and tolerability of current and future medicines, starting with two of the most deadly diseases, malaria and tuberculosis. In alignment with our ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific capabilities in lower-resource settings, this project also provides opportunities for training young African scientists in the use of advanced research methodologies and mentoring on drug development.”
Project Africa GRADIENT comprises three funding mechanisms to support:
 	Fellowships: A limited number of fellowships in academic institutions with a reputation for global excellence to collect and analyse data on determinants of drug response. 	Investigator-sponsored research: Hypothesis-driven research focused on understanding genetic regional variation in drug response. 	Seed-Fund: A limited number of projects to enable the exploration of new research goals, depending on the results from 1 and 2. 
Within the scope of the agreement, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) will administer the project, and a Joint Steering Committee will oversee the review of submitted proposals. Priority will be given to research aimed at collecting data from currently under-represented regions and improving the scientific robustness of inconsistent data. All datasets collated are planned to be released in a public database to catalyse a positive change in approach to understanding variations in treatment efficacy and safety for patients across the continent.
Prof. Glenda Gray, SAMRC President and CEO, said: “It is exciting to see more and more global partners taking interest in the challenges of Africa. We are delighted that partners are now seeking to address the challenges of Africa by their quest to understand the fundamental differences between genetics of Africa and the rest of the world.”
As a first step, researchers based at universities, science councils and other public research organizations across Africa are invited to express their ‘intent to submit’ through the SAMRC website (https://bit.ly/3bS43es). Final award recipients are expected to be announced by end of 2021.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Novartis. 	 		 			 			
GSK enquiries:


Africa Media enquiries
UK Media enquiries:
Omongiade Ehighebolo
Ben Agina

Simon Steel
+234 9087 261662
+25 4722 337072

+44 (0) 20 8047 5502
(Lagos)
(Nairobi)

(London)

Simon Moore
+44 (0) 20 8047 5502
(London)
US Media enquiries:
Evan Berland
+1 215 432 0234

(Philadelphia)
Analyst/Investor enquiries:
Sarah Elton-Farr
+44 (0) 208 047 5194
(London)

Danielle Smith
+44 (0) 20 8047 7562
(London)

James Dodwell
+44 (0) 20 8047 2406
(London)

Jeff McLaughlin
+1 215 751 7002
(Philadelphia)

Novartis Media Relations: E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com
Antonio Ligi Novartis External Communications +41 61 324 1374 (direct) antonio.ligi@novartis.com
Eric Althoff Novartis US External Communications +1 646 438 4335 eric.althoff@novartis.com
Katerina Kontzalis Global Health &#038; CR Communications +41 61 324 1631 (direct) +41 79 797 8393 (mobile) katerina.kontzalis@novartis.com
Kara Cournoyer Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research +1 617 871 3208 (direct) kara.cournoyer@novartis.com
Novartis Investor Relations: Central investor relations Line: +41 61 324 7944 E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

Central

North America

Samir Shah
+41 61 324 7944
Sloan Simpson
+1 862 778 5052
Pierre-Michel Bringer 			Thomas Hungerbuehler  			Isabella Zinck
+41 61 324 1065 			+41 61 324 8425 			+41 61 324 7188
Cory Twining
+1 862 778 3258

About Project Africa GRADIENT: GSK is committed to improve global health impact through R&#038;D for infectious diseases that affect children and adolescents in the developing world, with a particular but not exclusive, focus on malaria, TB and HIV/AIDS. Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives. The Novartis Global Health &#038; Corporate Responsibility organisation drives global efforts in the elimination or control of four flagship diseases: malaria, leprosy, sickle cell disease and Chagas disease.

In 2018, GSK and Novartis entered into an agreement to fund projects to explore genetic variation across Africa with a potential to influence drug response, which may lead to differences in drug efficacy and safety. Both parties are jointly funding the Project Africa Genomic Research Approach for Diversity and Optimising Therapeutics (GRADIENT), which will commence with key infectious diseases affecting African populations (i.e. tuberculosis and malaria) with the possibility to expand to other diseases in the future. In 2019, GSK and Novartis appointed the South Africa Medical Research Council as the administrator of the project.

Project Africa GRADIENT builds on GSK’s Africa NCD (non-communicable diseases) Open Lab facilitating research in Africa and contributing to building research excellence and networks across Sub-Saharan African scientists, and follows research supported by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research on African genetic diversity.2

About GSK: GSK (www.GSK.com) is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information please visit www.GSK.com/about-us.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements: GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under Item 3.D &#39;Principal risks and uncertainties&#39; in the company&#39;s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2019.

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.
For more information visit www.Novartis.com or contact media.relations@novartis.com
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,” “seek,” “look forward,” “believe,” “committed,” “investigational,” “pipeline,” “launch,” “commitment,” “to support,” “to submit,” “ongoing,” “aims,” “to enable,” or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for our investigational or approved products, or regarding potential future revenues from such products; or regarding collaboration efforts between Novartis and GSK to support high-quality scientific research investigating the link between genetic diversity across different regions in Africa and its potential impact on response to drug therapeutics. 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 our investigational or approved products will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Neither can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. Nor can there be any guarantee that the activities and efforts related to the collaboration between Novartis and GSK described in this media update will be achieved or succeed in the expected time frame or at all. In particular, our expectations regarding our collaboration with GSK and 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.

References:
 	Rajman I, Della Pasqua O.  Introducing Project Africa GRADIENT, Drug Discov Today (2019 ),24, 2229-30. https://bit.ly/3swoBPo 	Rajman I, Knapp L, Morgan T, Masimirembwa C. African genetic diversity: Implications for cytochrome P450-mediated drug metabolism and drug development. Ebiomedicine (2017) 17: 67-74.   https://bit.ly/39Ib3Yt

GSK and Novartis announce collaboration to support scientific research into genetic diversity in Africa

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
New Cases: 8 Total Confirmed: 3,014 Deaths: 77 Recovered: 2,107 Total in quarantine: 665 Discharged from quarantine: 12,908
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information and Communication, Sierra Leone.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
African Union Member States (55) reporting COVID-19 cases (3,262,243) deaths (78,911), and recoveries (2,676,896) by region:

Central (82,128 cases; 1,545 deaths; 71,144 recoveries): Burundi (1,236; 2; 773), Cameroon (28,010; 455; 26,861), CAR (4,973; 63; 4,873), Chad (2,895; 111; 2,130), Congo (7,709; 114; 5,860), DRC (20,908; 631; 14,807), Equatorial Guinea (5,356; 86; 5,189), Gabon (9,899; 66; 9,658), Sao Tome &#038; Principe (1,142; 17; 993)

Eastern (343,603; 6,421; 269,299): Comoros (1,592; 45; 1,075), Djibouti (5,905; 61; 5,822), Eritrea (1,877; 6; 1,073), Ethiopia (131,195; 2,030; 116,147), Kenya (99,162; 1,731; 83,350), Madagascar (18,301; 273; 17,609), Mauritius (547; 10; 516), Rwanda (11,032; 142; 7,363), Seychelles (705; 2; 539), Somalia (4,744; 130; 3,675), South Sudan (3,670; 63; 3,181), Sudan (26,279; 1,603; 15,688), Tanzania (509; 21; 178), Uganda (38,085; 304; 13,083)

Northern (1,025,152; 27,124; 858,126): Algeria (103,833; 2,836; 70,554), Egypt (156,397; 8,583; 122,993), Libya (109,088; 1,665; 86,125), Mauritania (16,039; 402; 14,509), Morocco (459,671; 7,942; 434,925), Tunisia (180,090; 5,692; 128,992), Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (34; 4; 28)

Southern (1,527,673; 40,180; 1,232,409): Angola (18,875; 436; 16,347), Botswana (17,365; 71; 13,519), Eswatini (12,944; 376; 8,222), Lesotho (6,371; 93; 1,635), Malawi (12,470; 314; 6,036), Mozambique (26,551; 241; 18,607), Namibia (30,363; 285; 26,931), South Africa (1,337,926; 37,105; 1,098,441), Zambia (37,605; 546, 26,159), Zimbabwe (27,203; 713; 16,512)

Western (283,687; 3,641; 245,918): Benin (3,413, 46; 3,245), Burkina Faso (9,188; 102; 7,391), Cape Verde (12,993; 119; 12,219), Côte d&#39;Ivoire (25,241; 141; 23,331), Gambia (3,910; 127; 3,692), Ghana (57,714; 346; 55,592), Guinea (14,114; 81; 13,338), Guinea-Bissau (2,509; 45; 2,405), Liberia (1,887; 84; 1,701), Mali (7,839; 310; 5,562), Niger (4,156; 140; 3,044), Nigeria (110,387; 1,435; 89,317), Senegal (23,028; 515; 19,224), Sierra Leone (3,006; 77; 2,082), Togo (4,302; 73; 3,775)
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus: African Union Member States reporting COVID-19 cases as of 18 January 2021, 9 am EAT

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
As of 17th Jan 2021, in the last 24 hrs, we had 1,531 new cases (out of 8,749 tests), 1,053 recoveries &#038; 9 new deaths (7 facility deaths, 2 BID) [MTSRIP].
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Download logo
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) today announced the addition of two new countries &#8211; Mauritius and Morocco &#8211; to its Bloomberg African Bond Indices (ABABI), marking a steady progress in the Bank’s efforts to deepen the continent’s local currency bond market.

The African Development Bank administers the ABABI, a family of African bond indices launched in February 2015 and calculated by the independent, global index provider Bloomberg.

At the launch, the indices included Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Botswana and Namibia joined in October 2015, and Ghana and Zambia in April 2017. Effective 1 January 2021, Mauritius and Morocco have become members of the ABABI, the Bank said.
“This is a positive development as the inclusion of Mauritius and Morocco, two of Africa’s better-rated issuers, will improve the overall credit quality of the ABABI, which now captures close to 90% of the outstanding amount of African sovereign local currency bonds,” said Stefan Nalletamby, Director of the Bank’s Financial Sector Development Department.
Mr. Nalletamby noted that in the current environment, the ABABI indices are a reliable tool for international investors to measure and track African sovereign bond markets. “This will be even more relevant following the COVID-19 crisis as sovereign debt managers, who will need to further diversify their local currency funding instruments, will also need to adjust their strategies, enhance transparency and widen their fixed income investor base, given the increased financing needs of the economies.”
The Index methodology for the current ABABI family can be found here (https://bit.ly/3sCP91C).
The African Development Bank works to deepen the continent’s local currency bond markets and create an environment where African countries can access long-term financing. By providing transparent and credible benchmark indices, the Bank and Bloomberg provide investors with a tool to better measure and track the performance of Africa’s bond markets.
The Bank has also structured and invested in an exchange traded fund, the African Domestic Bond Fund (ADBF), replicating the index and providing investors with an innovative tool to gain exposure to African local currency fixed income. ADBF is listed in US dollars on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and managed by Mauritius Commercial Bank Investment Management.
Click here (https://bit.ly/39HOuDo) for additional information on the ADBF.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact: Kwasi Kpodo Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: w.kpodo@afdb.org
Technical Contacts: Albin Kakou Senior Investment Officer African Development Bank Email: a.kakou@afdb.org
Anouar Ameziane Relationship Manager for Africa Bloomberg Email: aameziane@bloomberg.net

Mauritius and Morocco join African Development Bank (AfDB/AFMISM) Bloomberg® bond index

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
New cases: 685 Total active cases: 5910 Lost to follow-up: 134 Total number of tests conducted: 108775 (2304 new) Total confirmed cases: 12470 Total recovered: 6036 (42 new) Outcome under investigation: 76 Total deaths: 314 (14 new)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Download logo
80 people have tested positive to the disease, out of a sample size of 3,733 tested in the last 24 hours. The total confirmed positive cases are now 99,162. The cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,125,679. From the cases 62 are Kenyans while 18 are foreigners.

County distribution of new cases; Nairobi 62, Meru 4, Busia 3, Kwale 3, Kiambu 2, Kericho 1, Kilifi 1, Makueni 1, Mombasa 1, Nyandarua 1 and Uasin Gishu 1.

26 patients have recovered from the disease. 24 from the Home-Based Isolation and Care, while 2 are from our various facilities. The total recoveries now stand at 82,350. 3 patients have succumbed to the disease raising the fatality to 1,731.

There are 699 patients admitted in various health facilities countrywide, while 1,642 are on Home Based Isolation and Care.  30 patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 14 of whom are on ventilatory support and 13 on supplemental oxygen. 3 are under observation.

Another 13 patients are separately on supplementary oxygen with 12 of them in the general wards. 1 patient is in the High Dependency Unit.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Daily: Laboratory Test: 4,788 Severe Cases: 225 New Recovered: 102 New Deaths: 1 New Cases: 423

Total: Laboratory Test: 1,886,939 Active Cases: 13,016 Total Recovered: 116,147 Total Deaths: 2,030 Total Cases: 131,195
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
Total cases: 11,032 (+182) Recovered: 7,363 (+170) | 66.7% Active cases: 3,527 Tests: 796,867 (+5,395) Deaths: 142 (+2) | 1.3% Test positivity rate: 3.4%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
1444 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria

Lagos-901 Plateau-136 Kaduna-57 FCT-54 Ebonyi-53 Akwa Ibom-52 Nasarawa-32 Osun-29 Ogun-28 Imo-16 Oyo-16 Edo-15 Kano-14 Rivers-10 Ekiti-7 Borno-6 Abia-5 Benue-4 Yobe-4 Kebbi-3 Anambra-2

110,387 confirmed 89,317 discharged 1,435 deaths
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).Media filesDownload logo

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group. 
Download logo
African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) President Akinwumi A. Adesina and 10 African Heads of State and Government were on Friday honoured  for their leadership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) process.

The AfCFTA, the largest free trade area in the world, began trading on 1 January 2021 and is expected to speed up the recovery of the continent and enhance its resilience by increasing the level of intra-African trade in goods and services.
The award was organised by AeTrade Group in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Business Council, the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture.
“As Africans, we are proud of the extraordinary effort made by our leaders towards the success of the AfCFTA,” said former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Boshe at an event held at the Addis Ababa headquarters of the African Union and joined virtually  by many participants.
Boshe, a patron of the AeTrade Group, thanked the awardees for their strong leadership in the process that led to the AfCFTA coming into force.
Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Trade and Industry, noted that the AfCFTA had generated strong support in Africa and the Diaspora, “and we are proud to acknowledge our champions who have been at the forefront of this process.”
He took the opportunity to thank the heads of state and governments whose countries have ratified the Free Trade Agreement and invited others to follow suit.
“We are also celebrating the key milestones achieved from when we laid the foundation for the initiative to the official start of trading on January 1. I would like to call on governments and the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities created by the continental initiative to make Africa more prosperous,” added Muchanga.
The Chairman of the AeTrade Group, Mulualem Syoum, thanked the African Development Bank, under the leadership of Dr. Adesina, for its outstanding technical guidance and financial support to the process.
“Moving forward, we want the private sector to speak with one voice.  The AfCFTA has shown the way. To ensure effective implementation, it is time for the private sector to play its role. The Africa that we want can only be achieved through working together,” Syoum said. “We are confident that there is no need for Africa to depend on aid. We can spur domestic mobilization of resources and synergies.”
Dr. Amany Asfour, Interim Chair of the African Business Council, emphasized the role of the private sector in implementing the AfCFTA. “We in the private sector are committed to the implementation of this initiative. We will support Africa to actualise the free trade area.”
Hajiya Saratu Aliyu, President of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Charles Kahuthu, CEO of the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, echoed Asfour’s sentiments.
“Jobs have to be restored and livelihoods and economies revived,” Kahuthu said. “We also need to come together to promote products made in Africa to effectively implement the AfCFTA.”
The awardees included Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo and incoming Chairperson of the African Union; Egyptian President Ahmed Fattah Al-Sisi; His Majesty King Mswati III, Ngwenyama of Eswatini; Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana; Alpha Conde, President of Guinea; Mahamadou Issoufou, President of Niger; Muhamadu Buhari, President of Nigeria; Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda, and Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, Chairperson of the African Union.
Two former heads of state, Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, were also honoured.
AeTrade Group is a multi-stakeholder group of African Diaspora professionals and businesspeople, with affiliation to the African Union Commission.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact: Emeka Anuforo Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: e.anuforo@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Africa Free Trade Agreement: President Adesina receives award for strong leadership and support

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
As at 17 January 2021, Zimbabwe had 27 203 confirmed cases, including 16 512 recoveries and 713 deaths.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe.Media filesDownload logo

APO

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Security Council Press Statement on Attack against United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

GSK and Novartis announce collaboration to support scientific research into genetic diversity in Africa

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus: African Union Member States reporting COVID-19 cases as of 18 January 2021, 9 am EAT

Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Mauritius and Morocco join African Development Bank (AfDB/AFMISM) Bloomberg® bond index

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Africa Free Trade Agreement: President Adesina receives award for strong leadership and support

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 Update (17th January 2021)

News Tips

Advertise With Us

APO

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Security Council Press Statement on Attack against United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

GSK and Novartis announce collaboration to support scientific research into genetic diversity in Africa

Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (18 January 2021)

Coronavirus: African Union Member States reporting COVID-19 cases as of 18 January 2021, 9 am EAT

Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Mauritius and Morocco join African Development Bank (AfDB/AFMISM) Bloomberg® bond index

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (17 January 2021)

Africa Free Trade Agreement: President Adesina receives award for strong leadership and support

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 Update (17th January 2021)

News Tips

Advertise With Us

Newsletters