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The communities of Limpopo’s Vhembe District are calling for the Children’s Amendment Bill to improve the child support services and the grants children get from the government.

The call was made by children’s parents during the public hearings on Children’s Amendment Bill that were kick-started by the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in the Vhembe District’s Thulamela Local Municipality.
The parents told the committee that it was important for the Bill to guarantee equal parenting rights to both parents without giving more parenting rights to mothers. The committee was informed that in the border towns, cases of children with foreign parents were not uncommon. The communities pleaded that the matter of documentation for such children should be resolved speedily.
Another issue that was raised by parents was birth certificates which are important for grant applications and Early Childhood Development (ECD) registration.
The Acting Chairperson of the committee, Ms Kate Bilankulu, said the committee came to listen from the people and afford them an opportunity to express their views on the Bill so that they can own the legislation that is going to be delivered in the end.
“We want to get a better understanding of the views of the people on this Bill and ensure that they are part of making a law that they can own. This legislation seeks to improve the welfare of children,” said Ms Bilankulu.
Ms Bilankulu told the people who raised concerns that some of those concerns will not be attended to by the committee, but it will forward them to the relevant government departments. The Provincial Department of Social Development told the committee that it was always willing to resolve challenges when they are reported to it.
Limpopo’s programme continues as follows:.
District: Capricorn Date: Tuesday, 8 June 2021 Venue: Jakes Botes Hall (Polokwane) Time: 10h00
District: Sekhukhune Date: Wednesday, 9 June 2021 Venue: Moses Mabotha Civic Hall (Makhuduthamaga) Time: 10h00
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Communities in Vhembe District call for improved Services for Children

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Every year 600 million cases of foodborne illnesses are reported.  In 2010, 420 000 people died due to such diseases as salmonella and E.coli infection, a third of them children under five years of age. It is estimated that this figure is increasing year after year, but it is difficult to get a clear picture of the real impact foodborne diseases are having around the world.

To address this problem the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a handbook to help countries measure their foodborne disease burden and identify food safety system needs and data gaps so they can strengthen national infrastructure and better protect people’s health.
“Food should sustain and support human health, not harm it,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “WHO’s new handbook will help countries to collect and analyze data to inform sustained investments in food safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and the planet that sustains us. WHO will continue to work with partners with a One Health approach to keep communities safe from foodborne disease.”
In 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted a new resolution mandating WHO to monitor the global burden of foodborne and zoonotic diseases at national, regional and international levels and to report on the global burden of foodborne diseases with up-to-date estimates of global foodborne disease incidence, mortality and disease burden by 2025.
The Organization is reconvening its foodborne disease burden epidemiology reference group (WHO FERG) with 26 new international experts. The group’s main functions are to advise WHO on methodologies to estimate the global burden of foodborne diseases, to monitor global food safety indicators and measure progress being made in food safety.
There are over 250 different food hazards that cause various health issues such as acute or long-term illness or even death. In 2015, the previous FERG helped WHO publish a historic report that revealed, for the first time ever, the global public health burden of foodborne diseases based on 31 foodborne hazards[1].  The report showcased the massive health impact of unsafe food and highlighted the need for strong and sustained action.
A webinar on 29 June will provide further details about the handbook.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO steps up action to improve food safety and protect people from disease

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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org).
I am just a little country boy and I don’t believe we have to be diplomatic about this stuff. I love the Oil and Gas industry and will always stand up for it even when it is unpopular to do so. I don’t care taking the heat for this industry and for the so many Africans that this industry is doing a lot of good for.

Like every other sector we also know how to mess it is up. Africa Oil Week is messing it up and I will not be going to Dubai for that event. Heck, they probably don’t expect us to be there in the first place. Sometimes you have to stand on principle. I can’t go along with an initiative that will show disrespect to the African Continent and the people whom you will come back tomorrow wanting their resources.
Their reasons are so bizarre. They make up stuff as they go. Covid is their excuse. Dubai has Covid just like Cape Town does and Dubai has more variants than Cape Town. Most of the people that go to conference will have to be vaccinated or be subjected to same day onsite testing. So Africa Oil Week’s excuses makes about as much sense as tits on a bull. Sometimes they just have to quit going around their ass to get to their elbow.
Africa Oil Week leaving Africa for Dubai is just the first step. I don’t believe in boycotts because they hurt the working-class person its bad for free markets. But corporations do need to be held accountable on where they put their dollars especially when the same people would come to me talking about ESG and being nice to local communities. It’s not about your words anymore. It’s about your deeds.
I am a firm believer in free market capitalism, and this is one of those difficult situations for me. You can’t build an African narrative going into COP26 from Dubai. It is unfortunate for those who will be impacted by this, but how many more million will be impacted if we don’t do the right things now. And so in weighing it out, for me and the African Energy Chamber, tongue in cheek, that this is a necessary evil, but it has to happen in order for the good to happen.
We will stay in #Africa and support all event organizers who want to lead this discussion in Cape Town. It can be done. Let’s do it in Africa for Africa and for Oil and Gas.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
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We Must Take pride in our Oil and Gas Sector and Africa – Never Ever Give Up on Africa

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As part of its ongoing commitment to educate and prepare future leaders and professionals in Africa with 21st century skills, Honoris United Universities (www.Honoris.net) &#8211; the first and largest pan-African network of private higher education institutions – has announced a new partnership with Area9 Lyceum (www.Area9Lyceum.com), a world-renowned leader in personalized and adaptive learning platforms.

The addition of adaptive learning, that recreates at scale personalized learning with the benefits of a one-to-one personal tutor, to the Honoris curricula reflects the network’s emphasis on academic innovation by providing students with access to advanced learning technologies. Greatly differing from traditional models of education, adaptive learning cuts training time to focus on creating higher proficiency in learners, improving outcomes and uncovering unconscious incompetence.

Personalized learning to improve skills acquisition Adaptive learning uses proven data analytics and technologies that deeply understand the learning patterns of every unique individual through algorithms from billions of learning experiences, automatically adjusting to the needs of each learner. It gives institutions the opportunity to continuously tailor-make learning according to the needs of each student, delivering an optimal experience that puts the outcomes of the learner at the center which is aligned with Honoris’ student centric approach to education. Capitalizing on Area9’s proven experience in the health science sector, Honoris has introduced the platform in the strategic verticals of Health in Tunisia and Business in South Africa.

Commenting on the partnership, Laura Kakon, Chief Growth &#038; Strategy Officer, Honoris United Universities, explains how, “Higher education is undergoing a fundamental reorganization, with a pivot towards new learning systems that accelerate and improve skills acquisition. We are delighted to partner with the Area9 Lyceum’s Rhapsode™ adaptive learning platform to create a personalized learning approach that is critical for improving the outcomes of our students. At Honoris, we are committed to continuously investing in academic innovation and exploring new methods of delivery with a strong focus on student success. 21st century skills development requires 21st century teaching and learning approaches.”

Developed with 25 years of scientific cognitive research and having served over 30 million learners globally, the Area9 Adaptive Learning Platform – Rhapsode™ &#8211; guides learners step-by-step using continuous adaptive learning technology whilst eliminating boredom and frustration. The platform can cut the time to proficiency by as much as 50%, with the potential for 100% competency achieved by all.

Dr. Khurram Jamil, President &#8211; Strategic Initiatives, Area9 Lyceum, added, “Honoris is the first higher education organization in Africa to bring Rhapsode™  adaptive learning technology to students in higher education in the continent. As we continue to examine the seismic impact that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is having on the needs of the future workforce, we are glad to provide this transformative, data-backed, 21st century training approach to Honoris students and support the provision of the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the technology-enabled workplace.” 

Honoris is committed to creating transformative impact in education across Africa by remaining at the forefront of academic innovation, leveraging adaptive learning, AI, AR and VR, simulation, and alternative academic models such as coding bootcamps and more to prepare world-class African talent that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding and increasingly digitized labor and start-up markets.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Honoris United Universities.
Media Relations: (Djembe Consultants) NanaYaa@djembeconsultants.com (English) Marjorie@djembeconsultants.com (French)
About Honoris United Universities: Honoris United Universities is the first and largest pan-African private higher education network committed to educating the next generation of African leaders and professionals able to impact regionally in a globalized world.  Collaborative intelligence, cultural agility and mobile mind-sets and skills are at the heart of Honoris’ vision of higher education. Honoris United Universities joins the expertise of its member institutions to develop world-class African Human talent that is competitive in today’s fast-paced, demanding and increasingly digitized labour and start-up markets.

Honoris United Universities gathers a community of 57,000 students on 70 campuses, learning centres and via on-line, in 10 countries and 32 cities. The network counts 14 institutions: multidisciplinary universities, specialized schools, technical and vocational institutes, contact, distance, and online institutions.  Students have an opportunity to experience exclusive partnerships and exchange programs in more than 85 universities across Europe and the United States. Over 300 degrees are offered in Medicine, Health Sciences, Engineering, IT, Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Arts and Design, Media, Political Science and Education. Honoris United Universities. Education for Impact. www.Honoris.net
About Area9 Lyceum: Area9 Lyceum brings together more than two decades of learning research and advanced computer science in its next-generation learning platforms for K-12, higher education, and workforce education. As a leader in personalized and adaptive learning, as well as comprehensive infrastructure for learning engineering, design, delivery and analytics at scale, Area9 Lyceum enables clients to realize the future of personalized, multidimensional learning: mastery-based learning. A mastery-based approach enables learners to become proficient in the knowledge and skills that are highly relevant to them, their teams, and organizations. The technologies developed by Area9 are used by millions of learners of all ages and by leading organizations and companies around the world. www.Area9Lyceum.com  
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Honoris United Universities announces Adaptive Learning partnership to bolster academic innovation in Africa

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The WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Djamila Cabral, met in Luanda the Minister of Education of Angola, Dr. Luísa Grilo, to whom she addressed issues related to the cooperation with WHO, on the availability to support the country in developing a robust school health plan.

According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Luísa Grilo, health represents a fundamental pillar for the education system, in particular for school development and achievement, the joint work with WHO and the Ministry of health is covered it is very important for the improvement of education in the country.
“In times of COVID-19 pandemic, we mustn’t forget the issues of school health and the need to build robust programs that include, among others, reproductive sexual education, malaria, the promotion of healthier lifestyles and other elements that serve to prevent diseases in the future”. said Dr. Luísa Grillo
Based in the Ministry of Education data, endemic diseases in the country, particularly malaria, represents the main causes of school absenteeism, which has been compromised children&#39;s learning.
In response to this situation, the Ministry of Education has been working with the health sector and partners to carry out actions to fight childhood diseases, as well as awareness to children about the importance of washing hands with soap and water, reproductive health and prevention of early pregnancy.
The support from WHO for the development and implementation of a robust school health program is welcome. The Ministry of Education and WHO agrees that it is necessary to create conditions for students to have access to disease prevention and health promotion services, including periodic assessment of hearing and vision, awareness and monitoring of children and communities in order to adopt healthy lifestyles and nutrition, as well as strengthening access to primary health care for students and their communities.
Dr. Djamila Cabral, highlighted that WHO is pleased to work together with the Ministry of Education, to promote health and well-being programs for students and their families.
“WHO has extensive experience in working with the education sector, in terms of training teachers to include contents on disease prevention and health promotion, and at school health level for a general approach to promoting children, teenagers and young people&#39;s health. Therefore, it will be an honor for us to work with the Ministry of Education of Angola, to improve health in schools and well-being of communities”
Currently, within the framework of the Covid-19 pandemic, WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, has been supporting the Ministry of Education in the preparation of the proposal for the National Action Plan to keep schools open and safe, in order to avoid a greater impact of school closures on learning, as well as on deworming campaigns for school-age children (5-14 years old), carried out in communities and primary schools.
The meeting was also an opportunity for the WHO Representative to inform the Minister of Education about the process for the elaboration of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) between WHO and Angola, in which the participation and contribution of partners, namely the Ministry of Education, will be fundamental for the definition of WHO&#39;s priorities for action in the country over the next five years.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) &#8211; Angola.

WHO Angola supports to the Education sector to improve School Health

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As a United Nations high-level meeting convenes from 8-10 June in New York, the World Council of Churches (WCC) is joining the UN and other faith-based and civic groups to review progress on commitments to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

The high-level meeting is an important opportunity for the global HIV response to reflect on the progress made thus far and reevaluate targets for HIV prevention, treatment and care in the current context. The meeting will also yield recommendations to guide and monitor response to HIV and AIDS beyond 2021, including new concrete commitments and accelerated action.  
The WCC has been responding to communities affected by HIV from the very onset of the pandemic in 1984, and has engaged with every UN high-level meeting on HIV along the way.
“As commitments are strengthened, and actions outlined to move forward, the WCC will be participating and observing thoughtfully,” said WCC deputy general secretary Prof. Dr Isabel Apawo Phiri.
“For more than three decades, the WCC has been able to provide resources and inspiration to help churches and communities respond courageously and prophetically to the ongoing AIDS epidemic,” said Phiri. “It is critical to keep our attention on ending AIDS by 2030, and to not lose faith in the power of working together with accurate information and the prayers of the people.”
On the occasion of the High-Level Meeting (HLM), the UNAIDS-PEPFAR Faith Initiative, which WCC is part of, is organizing a side event Faith2EndAIDS – Faith2EndInequalities on June 7th, which will focus on the importance of accelerating the response to HIV by faith groups and communities over the next five years.
The WCC Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy Programme has touched many lives through its work ranging from ending stigma to treatment adherence. With funding from PEPFAR through UNAIDS, the WCC has conducted several consultations in many regions to promote mutual understanding of the critical barriers and to share good practice among WCC member churches and other faith communities, people living with HIV, adolescents and youth, people with disabilities and others.
WCC, through its initiatives, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance and the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiatives and Advocacy, has been actively engaged in bringing the concerns of people living with HIV from the grassroots to the international forum and mobilising the central role of positive faith in action to end AIDS as a public health threat, from the first UN High-level meeting on HIV and AIDS in the year 2001.  WCC joins all faith communities to advocate for and support a clear and action-oriented political declaration to be agreed upon by member states to advance towards achieving the commitment of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Council of Churches (WCC).

As UN meeting convenes, World Council of Churches (WCC) takes stock of progress on ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030

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Attacks on the community of Solhan, in the Sahel region, have killed more than a hundred people, including several children and people who already had fled their homes.

The Director of Save the Children in Burkina Faso, Benoît Delsarte, said he was horrified that children are victims of such atrocities, as well as others facing extremely difficult situations. He said:
&#8220;This is unfortunately another attack in the Sahel region that affects children who only want to be safe and have an education to prepare for their future.&#8221;
&#8220;This heinous attack in Solhan has resulted in the deaths of several children, and has made life difficult or even impossible for hundreds more, as they had to leave their homes and schools behind. Some might have even been separated from their parents in the chaos as they were finding a way to safety.&#8221;
&#8220;This attack has caused people to flee towards the provincial capital, Sebba, and other parts of the country. They will face a very precarious situation, often sheltered by communities that are already living in poverty, without space to accommodate more people. Burkina Faso is the fastest growing crisis for internally displaced people in the world, and there are already more than 1.2 million in the country.&#8221;
&#8220;The attacks are leading to the closure of schools and the displacement of children who are left without an education, and even more vulnerable to abuse. Already 2,235 schools, more than 10% of the country’s total, have closed, affecting more than 300,000 children.
&#8220;If nothing is done and attacks continue, a whole generation of children could be at risk in an area where the recruitment of children into armed groups and the serious violations against children are increasing.
&#8220;We stand with the people of Burkina Faso in this difficult time. This is the time to act decisively to stop attacks on children.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.

Save the Children shocked by recent killings of children in Burkina Faso

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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes EUR 37 million from the European Union (EU) to support the humanitarian response in Yemen and provide emergency food assistance in response to an alarming rise in food insecurity which has left millions on the brink of famine.

The EU funds will allow WFP to continue to address the urgent food needs of nearly 13 million people in the country through food distributions or cash assistance. Over half of all Yemenis are unable to afford basic food items as over six years of conflict has displaced millions, destroyed livelihoods and left the economy in tatters.
Conditions in Yemen have worsened over the past 12 months and pockets of famine have returned to the country for the first time in two years.
“Thousands of Yemenis are already experiencing famine-like conditions and many more are threatened by intensified fighting and the COVID-19 surge. How much more will Yemenis be forced to bear? The EU will not abandon them in their hour of need,“ said European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič.  “The new EU funding to WFP shows our sustained commitment to ensuring lifesaving food assistance and humanitarian aid reach those most in need. This is the time for everyone to step up and for warring parties to end the conflict that has inflicted years of suffering on the population.”  
New contributions from the EU and other key donors have allowed WFP to resume monthly food distributions in Yemen’s worst hunger hotspots over the last few months, a year after funding shortfalls and operational challenges forced ration cuts in Yemen’s north.
More than 350,000 people in 11 districts facing famine-like conditions (IPC5) have received monthly assistance since February. While nearly 6 million people in the nine governorates with the highest rates of emergency food insecurity (IPC4) will receive monthly support from June.
“Hunger is on the rise around the world, but nowhere more than in Yemen, where the scale of the crisis is truly staggering and famine is knocking on the door,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. “The European Union has been a strong and consistent supporter of WFP’s work in Yemen, helping deliver life-saving food assistance to the most vulnerable children and their families. But ultimately we are just treating the symptoms of this crisis – the suffering will only end when there is peace in Yemen.”
With the EU’s support, WFP will expand the use of cash transfers to deliver food assistance. Cash transfers provide immediate relief for struggling families while also having a multiplier effects on the local economy, building economic resilience.
EUR 2 million of the EU’s new contribution will go towards the WFP-run United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), transporting humanitarian workers and cargo. UNHAS recently opened an air route to Marib to support the emergency response for families displaced by fierce ongoing clashes.
Over the last six years, the EU has contributed over EUR 250 million to WFP’s Yemen operation and been a vocal advocate for the need for an accountable and transparent humanitarian response in the war-torn country. Responding to the acute humanitarian crisis requires the support and action of many. Resources remain stretched at a time when needs are rising. Despite strong support so far this year, WFP’s ability to maintain famine prevention efforts through to the end of the year hangs in the balance.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

The European Union provides support for WFP’s famine relief efforts in Yemen

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ABH (www.AfricaBusinessHeroes.org) has joined forces with a broader network of partners from across Africa to identify and support talented African entrepreneurs for the 2021 prize competition; In response to the strong level of interest from across the continent, ABH has extended the deadline for applications from June 7 to June 21.

The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) prize competition, a philanthropic program established by the Jack Ma Foundation to spotlight and support African entrepreneurs, has extended its network of local and international partners (https://bit.ly/2RzMAzK) for its 2021 edition.

This year, ABH has consolidated its long-standing collaboration with Anchor Partners, including African Leadership Group (www.ALGroup.org), Janngo (www.Janngo.com), and RiseUp (www.RiseUp.co), to work together to mobilize talented and mission-driven entrepreneurs from across the continent. This year, the Africa Women Innovation &#038; Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) has also joined ABH’s partner ecosystem and will help to ensure greater participation of female entrepreneurs and business owners. ABH has also partnered with the Research Institute for Innovation &#038; Sustainability (RIIS) (www.EnablingInnovation.africa), a group working at the intersection of corporate strategy, socio-economic development and entrepreneurship &#038; innovation; VC4A (www.VC4A.com), a leading platform for startup funding in Africa, and Briter Bridges (www.BriterBridges.com), a data-driven research company with a focus on emerging markets.

Mrs. Bogolo J. Kenewendo, global economist and former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Botswana, has also joined ABH as Special Advisor. Her unparalleled background and expertise in the field of economic development will be key to shaping initiatives that will help foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“We are immensely grateful to all our partners as we work hand in hand to give the talented entrepreneurs from across Africa a platform to grow their businesses and share their stories,” notes Zahra Baitie-Boateng, Head of Partnerships and Programs at ABH. “With their unparalleled expertise, they serve a critical role in engaging with entrepreneurs from a diverse range of regions and industries. With the support of this robust network of partners, we will be able to do even more to support African entrepreneurs.”

ABH’s partner network also includes media outlets such as CNBC Africa, Pulse.Africa and StarTimes; incubators and accelerators such as the Moroccan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Ethiopia Entrepreneurship Development Center, Impact Hub Dakar and i4policy; communications platforms like Sasai, and telecoms operator Liquid Telecom.

Furthermore, ABH has continued to build out its pool of expert judges. More than 100 judges will take on the critical task of reviewing applications throughout the initial phases of the competition. The judges include investors and VCs, members of the media, academics, senior consultants and advisors, incubators and accelerators, and other recognized business leaders.

To date, the 2021 edition of the ABH prize competition has received strong applications from candidates representing all 54 countries in Africa. In recognition of the level of interest from across the continent and the challenging circumstances that entrepreneurs and SMEs continue to face, ABH has extended the deadline for applications from June 7 to June 21. To apply and for more information about ABH, please visit: AfricaBusinessHeroes.org and follow us on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3im0iRw), LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/3v0lhMD), Instagram (https://bit.ly/3w1cV8P) and Facebook (https://bit.ly/3uWkYSL).

Commenting on their ongoing collaboration with ABH, partners noted:

 	“The Africa’s Business Heroes prize aligns with our mission of supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. We are eager to support by identifying high potential Young African entrepreneurs and preparing them for the competition. I am personally excited to be serving as a judge for the 3rd time. Best of luck to all applicants!&#8221; &#8211; Fred Swaniker, Founder, African Leadership Group. 	“I am proud of our partnership with the Africa’s Business Heroes prize. At AWIEF, we want to see more women entrepreneurs becoming winners in this coveted competition. It’s really African time and there are many amazing women innovators and business owners driving that change to an inclusive African economic growth.” &#8211; Irene Ochem, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Africa Women Innovation &#038; Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) 	“Our partnership with Africa&#39;s Business Heroes empowers African entrepreneurs to rewrite their continent&#39;s narrative of innovation, resilience and humanity. Entrepreneurs have a grand opportunity to benefit from this competition and I hope that entrepreneurs from all walks, show their stripes and apply.” &#8211; Buntu Majaja, Director of Ecosystems and Digital Innovation, SA Innovation Summit 	“Founders across the continent are working hard to bring about important innovations and solutions that address some of the world&#39;s most pressing problems. It is important we celebrate these efforts and work together to support these entrepreneurs.” &#8211; Ben White, Founder and CEO, VC4A 	“Briter Bridges is excited to be partnering with players such as Africa&#39;s Business Heroes that brings fresh and strategic resources into Africa&#39;s tech ecosystem. Briter brings its expertise in leveraging its data and network to help the team focus on targeted market opportunities.” &#8211; Dario Giuliani, Director, Briter Bridges Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contacts: Holly Zhao (+1)5054693316 holly.zhao@alibaba-inc.com
Miriam Forte  +44)7534247780  m.forte@alibaba-inc.com
About Africa’s Business Heroes: The Africa’s Business Heroes prize competition is the flagship philanthropic initiative spearheaded by the Jack Ma Foundation aimed at supporting and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors, who are building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future of the continent. Over a ten-year period, ABH will recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and commit to allocating grant funding, training programs, and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Each year, the ABH prize competition and show will feature ten finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of $1.5 million in grant money. Jack Ma, Founder of Alibaba Group and the Jack Ma Foundation, created the prize after he made his first trip to Africa in 2017 and was inspired by the energy and entrepreneurial potential of the young people he met with. 
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Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Expands Ecosystem of Partners and Extends Application Deadline

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Marking a key milestone for Africa’s continental trade system and export-led growth, under the umbrella of Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-idb.org), in cooperation with the Egyptian Export Development Authority, and under the patronage of Her Excellency Nevin Gamea, Minister of Trade and Industry, launched the first training program for exporters entitled &#8220;Entering African Markets&#8221; in Cairo.

The program takes place over five days with the participation of representatives of 50 Egyptian companies.

The conclusion of the training program, which is set to take place on June 10, will be in the presence of HE. Mrs. Nevin Gamea Minister of Trade and Industry, HE. Dr. Hala Al-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and the Governor of Egypt at the Islamic Development Bank, HE. Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, CEO ITFC, and H.E Mr. Mamdouh Salman, Executive Director of the Export Development Authority.

In his opening speech, Eng. Nasser Al-Thekair, General Manager of the Trade and Business Development at ITFC, noted that Egypt is a key partner and supporter of the Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, which was launched in 2019. Since the outbreak of the “COVID-19” pandemic, AATB had shaped a COVID-19 Action Plan to provide critical assistance to contain and mitigate the negative repercussions of the pandemic in cooperation with the Egyptian government.

To strengthen and enhance the export capacity of Egyptian exporters, Al-Thekair explained that the AATB Program included a series of workshops to catalyze investment into African markets, with the first workshop being held in Cairo on December of last year followed by a workshop in Damietta for the furniture sector in March of this year.

He added that the importance of the current training program lies in formulating a clear integrated export strategy to enter the African market, in addition to introducing marketing and promotion strategies to help Egyptian exporters connect with African consumers.

To facilitate trade in pharmaceuticals and medicine between African countries, he stressed on the need to harmonize standards and regulations for medicine and medical supplies, which will open the way for the development of Egyptian exports of pharmaceutical industries to African markets.

From his side, Mr. Mamdouh Salman explained that this training program is a result of the implementation of the joint activities program under the AATB Program, which is a regional trade promotion program launched by ITFC and is implemented by the Export Development Authority, since December of last year.

The program was initiated through a workshop that aimed to educate exporters about market opportunities in Africa, followed by another workshop in Damietta in March of this year, which aimed to enhance the potential of young entrepreneurs and prioritize productive capacities to tap the financing and e-trade opportunities.

Lack of information on key market opportunities as well as the legal rights of exporters in the market often creates barriers to their success, he added, which is why it is significant to support exporters to build long-term resilience into their business models and outline strategies to succeed in the world’s next big growth market, Mr. Mamdouh Salman noted.

Major General Hafez Hassan, Assistant Minister of Industry and Trade and supervisor of the Foreign Trade Training Center, noted that the Ministry aims to build a bridge of communication between African countries and Egypt in order to support President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi&#39;s initiative to increase Egyptian exports to US$100 billion, adding that this requires a major shift in perceptions towards the African market.

He added that Africa is a key promising market that is open to a range of diverse sectors, and that Egyptian exporters can benefit from the assistance provided by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation to boost Egyptian exports to Africa and replace imported goods with local goods that are already existing in the Egyptian market.

Sherif El-Gabaly, Head of the African Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, said that holding this training is a positive step in taking practical and tangible actions to enter the African market, as while Africa was always talked about in terms of strategic relevance, there were no clear practical or strategic steps to support the implementation process.

He added that the African market is the only market that can help Egypt to achieve its national objectives by increasing its exports by more than 20% annually.

Al-Gabaly added that the African Affairs Committee has taken measures to develop cultural interlinkages between Africa and Egypt through conducting a number of tours for Egyptian exporters to African countries, stressing the need to pay attention to logistic centers and for on-ground direct communication with the African consumers to truly have impact in the market.

Spotlighting opportunities for trade in Africa, the training program aims to forge an integrated export strategy for the African market and map the opportunities across Africa’s diverse countries and cities, focusing on promising industrial goods such as building materials, chemical industries, medical and pharmaceutical industries, engineering industries, printing and packaging and paper products, furniture, as well as food industries.

On top of that, the program also creates a collaborative structure and environment to help solve logistics, infrastructure and transportation issues while entering the African market, all of which are aimed at facilitating trade through trainings to embed skills and boost the capacity of enterprises.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).
Contact Us: Tel: +966 12 646 8337 Fax: +966 12 637 1064  E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org 
About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC): The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided US$55 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Twitter: @ITFCCORP  Facebook: @ITFCCORP  LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
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Under the Umbrella of the Arab Africa Trade Bridges Program: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and Export Development Authority launch First Training Program for Exporters ‘Entering African Markets’ in Cairo

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The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) (https://bit.ly/3ppC4re) jointly hosted a 3-day virtual workshop (https://bit.ly/3gfbzjZ) to train development finance experts in Africa on climate finance action strategy and management.

The training aimed to equip participants, particularly those from the financial and private sectors, with knowledge on how to scale up climate actions. Over 200 participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of the roles of national development finance institutions in climate risk management.

In his opening remarks, Al-Hamdou Dorsouma, Officer-in-Charge of Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, stated: “This initiative and the Bank’s activities in mainstreaming climate finance is to strengthen African countries’ drive to realize their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) goals. It will also boost partnerships and knowledge sharing on how to pull finance for various climate action projects.”

Davinah Milenge, Coordinator of the African Financial Alliance on Climate Change (AFAC) (https://bit.ly/34UQXbA) spoke about managing climate risks and the role of the AFAC. “The pan-African alliance aims to put the financial sector at the center of climate action in Africa. AFAC brings together Africa’s key financial institutions, including central banks, insurance companies, sovereign wealth and pension funds, stock exchanges, as well as commercial and development banks, to mobilize private capital towards continent-wide low-carbon and climate-resilient development.”

There were presentations and demonstrations of two business screening toolkits – the climate risk and opportunity toolkit and the business carbon footprints toolkit – which were developed by experts from Natural Eco Capital (https://bit.ly/2SfyT9l), which coordinated the workshop.

Dr. Eugene Itua, Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital, spoke on the importance of environmental, social and governance criteria in the financial sector. He explained how this aligns climate risk with the Paris Agreement.

Stefan Nalletamby, the Bank’s Director of Financial Sector Development, noted that climate change impacts were reshaping the way people viewed the environment and business. He said the workshop would provide delegates with enhanced knowledge of climate change-related risks, as well as tools to mitigate its impacts and an understanding of how to mobilize climate finance for organizational operations.

Nalletamby also announced that both the Bank’s Climate Change and Financial Sector Development teams are working together to develop a financial sector credit facility to scale up financial flows to green SMEs through financial intermediaries across the continent.

Patricia Ojangole, the AADFI’s first Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Uganda Development Bank, said while climate change causes major risks with cross-boundary effects, it holds opportunities, especially development finance institutions. Consequently, there is a need to prepare for its negative impacts and work to significantly mitigate its risks. She stressed that the gap experienced by African countries to solve related impacts could be bridged through adequate funding and skills in climate finance, which can be aided by scaling up capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Kwasi Kpodo Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: w.kpodo@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.

African Development Bank trains experts from development finance institutions on climate finance action strategy and management

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As at 06 June 2021, Zimbabwe had 39 189 confirmed cases, including 36 728 recoveries and 1 606 deaths. To date, a total of 687 321 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe.

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 Daily Update (6 June 2021)

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Daily: Laboratory Test: 3,835 Cases: 109 Severe Cases: 399 New Deaths: 8 Recovery: 599

Total: Laboratory Test: 2,751,987 Active Cases: 22,456 Total Cases: 272,914 Total Deaths: 4,209 Total Recovery: 246,247 Total Vaccinated: 1,882,719
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Ethiopia.
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Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 Reported Cases in Ethiopia (06 June 2021)

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New Cases: 6 Cumulative Confirmed Cases: 34,390 Active Cases: 334 Total Recovered: 32,667 (7 New) Currently Admitted in Treatment Units: 10 (2 New) New Discharges from Treatment Units: 2 Total Tests Conducted: 248,986 (272 New) Total Deaths: 1,157 (1 New) Total Vaccinated to Date: First Dose &#8211; 358,989 (0 New). Second Dose 19 (0 New)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi.
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Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 Daily Info Update (06 June 2021)

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COVID-19 daily update as on 6th June: we report 738 new cases out of 6,987 tests (11% positivity); 338 recoveries and 5 new deaths (MTSRIP).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).
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Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 Statistics Daily Status Update (06 June 2021)

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Orange Middle East and Africa (www.Orange.com) and AXA CIMA entities led by AXA Assurance Maroc announce that an agreement has been signed on the joint acquisition of a majority stake in DabaDoc (www.DabaDoc.com), alongside the company’s founders.

DabaDoc, founded by Zineb Drissi-Kaitouni and Driss Drissi-Kaitouni in 2014, is a platform that digitalizes access to healthcare in Africa. DabaDoc has developed solutions that are used by thousands of healthcare professionals in Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Orange and AXA’s investment and network will accelerate DabaDoc’s growth and extend DabaDoc’s services to other regions, in particular Sub-Saharan Africa. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2021.

Orange Middle East and Africa is thereby confirming its ambition to be the leading multi-services digital operator in the region. Through its partnership with DabaDoc and relying on AXA’s globally recognized expertise in healthcare, Orange is positioned as a key player in e-health.

Following its first investment in DabaDoc in 2018, AXA Assurance Maroc is once again consolidating its partnership with the company to accelerate the digitalization and integration of its customers&#39; healthcare journey, facilitating its policyholders’ interactions with healthcare professionals, notably via DabaDoc’s appointment booking and remote consultation infrastructure and network.

In cementing this tri-party partnership, DabaDoc will benefit from the broad experience of AXA, one of the global leaders in health insurance, and Orange’s technological expertise and payment solutions to enable digital solutions to be developed that rapidly scale and benefit patients and the entire African healthcare ecosystem.

Zineb Drissi-Kaitouni, co-founder and CEO of DabaDoc, said: “DabaDoc, a leading health-tech platform in Africa, is supporting the digital transformation of healthcare professions. Orange’s investment in DabaDoc and AXA’s renewed investment will strengthen DabaDoc’s growth ambitions through Orange and AXA’s presence in Africa and the Middle East. The pandemic has strengthened our belief that the digitalization of healthcare services is essential and inevitable.” 

Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, said: “We are delighted to commit to this ambitious partnership with AXA and DabaDoc to serve the healthcare needs of everyone in Africa and the Middle East through digital technology. At Orange, we are convinced that the digital transformation is a source of progress and that e-health has huge potential. As a responsible operator on the continent, we want to contribute to this major social challenge, especially during a pandemic. The deployment of this type of solution in the countries where we are present will greatly facilitate populations’ access to healthcare services, which is essential to the continent’s development.” 

Meryem Chami, CEO of AXA Assurance Maroc and AXA CIMA, said: “AXA is a global leader in health insurance and related services. This is one of the Group’s strategic priorities as part of the Driving Progress 2023 plan. This ambition is even stronger as we are facing an unprecedented health crisis. Through this partnership, we therefore aim to enable patients to access a better healthcare journey in Morocco and to support DabaDoc through its development in the CIMA countries as well.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange.
Press Contacts: Orange Nathalie Chevrier +33 6 48 52 75 83 nathalie.chevrier@orange.com  
Khadija Komara +33 6 76 45 96 18 khadija.komara@orange.com 
AXA Assurance Kenza El Ofir +212 5 22 88 93 06
About Orange Middle East and Africa: Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has around 130 million customers as at March 31, 2021. With €5.8 billion in turnover in 2020, Orange MEA is the Group’s main growth region. Orange Money, with its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has 50 million customers. Orange, a multi-service operator, benchmark partner of the digital transformation, provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
About Orange: Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with sales of 42.3 billion euros in 2020 and 140,000 employees worldwide at March 31, 2020, including 80,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 262 million customers worldwide at March 31, 2021, including 217 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. In December 2019, the Group presented its new &#8220;Engage 2025&#8221; strategic plan, which, guided by social and environmental accountability, aims to reinvent its operator model. While accelerating in growth areas and placing data and AI at the heart of its innovation model, the Group will be an attractive and responsible employer, adapted to emerging professions.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN).
For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.Orange.com, www.Orange-Business.com or to follow us on Twitter:  @orangegrouppr.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.
About AXA Assurance Maroc: A major player in its business sector, AXA Assurance Maroc offers a comprehensive range of products adapted to individuals and companies’ needs. The company’s turnover in 2020 was 4,871 million dirhams. It is one of the insurance market leaders in Morocco. As part of its CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategy, AXA Assurance Maroc leads many initiatives, in particular surrounding prevention and education to reduce risk.  www.AXA.ma
WARNING  Certain statements in this press release may contain predictions relating to future events, trends, projects or objectives. Due to their nature, these predictions bear risks and uncertainties that may or may not be identified, and may be affected by many factors that could result in a significant discrepancy between the actual outcomes and those indicated in these statements. Please refer to Part 4 ‘Risk factors and risk management’ in the Group reference document for the financial year ending December 31, 2016 to obtain a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties which may influence AXA’s activities. AXA does not under any circumstances commit to publishing an update or a revision of these predictions, or to provide new information or communicate about future events or any other circumstances.
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Orange Middle East and Africa and AXA Assurance Maroc sign an agreement to acquire a majority stake in DabaDoc, the Moroccan health-tech company digitalizing access to healthcare in Africa

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

A total of 35 821 tests were conducted in the last 24 hrs, with 5 074 new cases, which represents a 14.2% positivity rate. A further 45 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 56 974 to date. Read more here http://ow.ly/pdDi50F42iG.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa (NICD).
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Communities in Vhembe District call for improved Services for Children

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Orange Middle East and Africa and AXA Assurance Maroc sign an agreement to acquire a majority stake in DabaDoc, the Moroccan health-tech company digitalizing access to healthcare in Africa

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