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Spiralling violence between armed groups in Nigeria’s northwest has driven thousands of people from their homes; Conditions in the resulting displaced people’s camps are dire, with a lack of food, water and shelter; We are urging for an immediate scale up in the humanitarian response in Zamfara state to meet people’s basic needs.

Rising violence in northwest  Nigeria’s Zamfara state is causing a humanitarian crisis, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF is calling for an urgent humanitarian response for people in the region, who are desperately short of food, drinking water, shelter, protection and basic services, including healthcare.
 “Our teams in Zamfara state have witnessed an alarming rise in preventable illnesses associated with a lack of food, drinking water, shelter and vaccinations,” says MSF’s Dr Godwin Emudanohwo, speaking from the hospital MSF supports in the town of Anka. “Children keep on arriving here in a very bad condition.”
“In the first four months of 2021, our teams in Anka, Zurmi and Shinkafi treated 10,300 children for severe acute malnutrition, measles, malaria, watery diarrhoea and respiratory infections,” says Dr Emudanohwo. “This is 54 per cent higher than in the same period last year.”
What began as occasional clashes between farmers and herders, competing over increasingly scarce land and water resources, has now evolved into generalised random violence by armed groups, who use kidnapping and plundering as a lucrative source of income.
People who make it to MSF health facilities say that the surge in violence has driven them to flee their homes, farms and grazing lands. Some have sought protection in Zamfara’s larger towns, such as Anka, where they are sheltering in camps, both formal and informal.
Living conditions in the camps are dire, with no regular food distributions or proper shelter and with insufficient water and sanitation facilities, according to MSF teams. Other people have stayed in villages, too afraid to travel on insecure roads and delaying their trips to seek healthcare or fulfil other basic needs.
“There’s hardly any food to give to my children,” says Halima, two of whose children are being treated for severe acute malnutrition by MSF in Anka hospital. “We can no longer grow crops because criminals attack our farms.”
“Two of my children got measles and they were growing very thin. The roads are very dangerous, but I had to risk our lives and bring them to hospital,” says Halima. “Last time, when their elder sister got measles, I decided too late to travel by road and bring her to hospital. She had complications and now she is blind.”
In February 2021 there were more than 124,000 displaced people living in in Zamfara state, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – an increase of more than 12,000 since August 2020. In Anka town alone, our teams have counted more than 14,000 displaced people, with around 1,599 arrivals in the past four months.
“We had to flee our grazing lands and most of our cattle were stolen,” says Nana, who is sheltering in a camp for displaced people on the edge of Anka. “Now there’s very little for us to eat. I make a living by selling cows’ milk to local people.”
The 150 beds in MSF’s paediatric ward in Anka hospital are already full, but staff fear the worst is yet to come.
“We are currently running over our bed capacity in Anka hospital,” says Dr Emudanohwo. “Families tell us they won’t be able to farm for the new season, which means a new cycle of hunger.”
“And the rainy season is yet to start, when malaria and other seasonal diseases increase,” continues Dr Emudanohwo. “People here need food, safe water and vaccinations now.”
“The survivors are afraid to take the roads, so they usually arrive at our clinics too late to prevent sexually transmitted infections, with serious mental trauma and in desperate need of protection”. Dr. Noble Nma, Msf Medical Activity Manager in Shinkafi.
Rise in kidnapping and sexual violence
As the violence spirals, reports of kidnappings, killings, armed robbery and sexual violence have multiplied.
“From January to April, our teams in Zamfara have received over 100 victims of sexual violence,” says Dr Noble Nma, MSF medical activity manager in Shinkafi, where we run a clinic for survivors of sexual violence. “Women and sometimes men are abducted by armed men and subjected to violation for a few weeks before being returned to their community. This is in addition to the violence faced by women within the community itself.”
Fear of travelling along dangerous roads means that rape survivors often seek support late, or not at all. “The survivors are afraid to take the roads, so they usually arrive at our clinics too late to prevent sexually transmitted infections, with serious mental trauma and in desperate need of protection,” says Dr Nma. “They tell us that there are more survivors out there who are afraid to travel here, so we fear that we’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg.”
MSF is one of just a few aid organisations working in Zamfara state. This is not the first time we have raised the alarm on the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance and protection in the region.
“Our teams have witnessed the speed at which the situation in Zamfara state has deteriorated,” says Froukje Pelsma, MSF head of mission in Nigeria. “The lives of people in northwest Nigeria are now dominated by hunger, abuse and preventable diseases.”
“What is happening here is a humanitarian emergency that needs urgent attention and a fast and proper response,” says Pelsma. “The authorities and all relevant stakeholders should assume their responsibilities towards affected communities.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).
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Zamfara state gripped by humanitarian crisis as violence escalates

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COVID-19 daily update, 3rd June: we report 825 new cases out of 10,949 tests (8% positivity); 212 recoveries and four new deaths (MTSRIP).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI).
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Coronavirus – Zambia: COVID-19 Daily Statistics Update (3 June 2021)

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122 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-105 Imo-4 Kaduna-4 Akwa Ibom-3 FCT-2 Delta-1 Rivers-1 Oyo-1 Ekiti-1
166,682 confirmed 162,521 discharged 2,117 deaths
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (3 June 2021)

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Tests conducted: 11,757,176 Positive cases identified: 1,680,373 Total recoveries: 1,567,635 Total deaths: 56,765 New cases: 5,361
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health.
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Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 Statistics in South Africa (3 June 2021)

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Three stage victories in just five days at the 2021 Giro d’Italia proved to be the most successful in our team’s history at the race. In this piece we take a look back at an incredible week for the team with further insights from those involved, who all played their part in putting their hands up for our team and its purpose.

In late 2020 it looked likely that the dream to exist at cycling’s highest level – the UCI WorldTour – for what is now Team Qhubeka ASSOS, could well be over. Without a major sponsor, hopes of survival looked slim with riders and staff encouraged to take up offers from elsewhere.
Fast-forward just over six months and Africa’s only UCI-registered WorldTour team, stunned all in winning three stages in just five days at the 2021 Giro d’Italia. In so doing, the team finished the race with the second most stage victories of any team, just one victory behind the Ineos Grenadiers; who also won the race overall.
The team’s survival into 2021 alone had been miraculous but this particular run of success gripped those in the sport and beyond, and once again shone the spotlight on the team’s continued messaging of its purpose to truly reach a global audience.
The spirit of Ubuntu – &#8220;I am because we are&#8221; – was showcased for the world to see.
Team Qhubeka ASSOS’ success at the Giro was not only down to its three stage wins but also featured two second-place stage finishes for Giacomo Nizzolo, two superb top-10 time trial performances from Max Walscheid, countless eye-catching breakaway efforts from Victor Campenaerts, a brilliant time trial from Domenico Pozzovivo who, as the team’s general classification hope, was sadly forced to withdraw due to injury after six stages and the hugely impressive supporting roles played by Bert-Jan Lindeman, Lukasz Wisniowski and Kilian Frankiny.
For Mauro Schmid, Giacomo Nizzolo and Victor Campenaerts their respective wins were a first at a Grand Tour. Each rider carried a completely unique story into the race, and with the support of their team they were able to deliver on a lifelong dream. As importantly, each of these successes spoke to exactly the value system that forms the foundation of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
SUCCESS
Mauro Schmid at just 21 years of age, was only informed of his selection for the Giro d’Italia a fortnight ahead of the start, after impressing in his debut season. In 2020 he rode for the Leopard Continental Team and with the “baby” Giro cancelled due to the Covid pandemic, had all but given up a chance of finding a WorldTour spot in 2021. Less than year later he was a Grand Tour stage winner.
11 times Giacomo Nizzolo finished second on a stage at the Giro d’Italia. Two of those came in the earlier stages of this year’s race. It looked like once again he was destined to head home empty-handed with just one final opportunity in Verona on a fast, flat boulevard finish. In a stage not necessarily suited to him, the reigning European and Italian champion – finally – delivered a popular victory.
While for Victor Campenaerts, who for a long period was seen as one of the world’s best time trialists, 2021 brought the realisation that he needed to “reinvent” himself as a rider. In doing so he rode races he’d never ridden before, developed his race-craft to become a leading member of the team and then meticulously planned his own chance to achieve a life-long dream on stage 15.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Mauro Schmid: Winner of Stage 11 – Montalcino
FOR ME IT WAS THE GOAL TO BE IN THE BREAKAWAY BECAUSE I ALREADY RACE STRADE BIANCHE THIS YEAR AND REALLY LIKED THE RACE, SO FOR THAT REASON I WAS READY FROM THE START. I DID A GOOD WARM-UP ON THE ROLLERS AND LUCKILY WE GOT AWAY PRETTY QUICKLY AND I WAS REALLY HAPPY TO HAVE BERT-JAN (LINDEMAN) THERE, HE WAS A HUGE SUPPORT.
I’m not sure how many people know but Bert-Jan had actually done the specific recon of this stage with Pozzo after Tirreno-Adriatico so he could tell exactly where to be at every corner, in every sector on the course. From the profile alone it was difficult to tell which sector could be a tough one, or which wouldn’t have an effect, but he knew exactly where I needed to be in front and this helped me a lot.
Then in the first two hours, on the flat, he definitely pulled a lot to ensure that we had a big gap over the peloton. This was very important for me as I could relax a bit as it meant that when we got closer to the finish I could focus on just beating the other guys in the break. He also did a very hard pull on the second sector, which in my opinion was the hardest one, but still far from the finish. This was crucial to see who could be strong, and he was able to create some pressure on the other guys.
In the final downhill, after the climb, I was fairly certain that nobody would come from behind us, so I sat on Covi’s wheel and waited for the upcoming sprint. I knew the final, more or less, but when you’re in the race sometimes it’s difficult to remember all the finer details. This is where the Sports Director (Aart Vierhouten in this instance) comes into his own and for me I was sure that my sprint was not bad. I knew that Covi had a good sprint too so I was planning to approach the final turn in second place; but Aart then told me to take the corner in front as it wasn’t that far to the line.
Why? Because it was uphill, it was important – perhaps it also would have worked if I’d taken it second – but I’ll never find out! As I went around the corner I thought that I needed to launch the sprint then as you had the advantage of the bike length which he needs to overtake you and I didn’t want to give him that. I launched my sprint with 200m to go, it was uphill and quite long but I knew that.
In the end it was hard to describe the feeling – I didn’t plan it at a marker on the course – I just felt when I needed to go. I wasn’t going full but quite hard and then I saw he came up and nearly overtake me; but I still had something left in the tank with 100m to go I shifted one gear up and pulled away.
He knew then that he couldn’t come back and it was a huge relief for me, you feel like you’ve won with 50m to go, and it’s a strange feeling as you just need to ride to the line.
It was a big shock (crossing the line). In the moment I didn’t realise what I’d just done because you’re so focused. You obviously race the whole race to win but when it eventually happens it’s a strange feeling.
Even one hour later I didn’t realised what I’d achieved in my first Grand Tour, it was amazing, and I needed some time for it to sink in so that I could realise what I had done. As Gabrielie Missaglia had said before the race “this race could change our lives”, and in that moment my life was changed forever.
Giacomo Nizzolo: Winner of Stage 13 – Verona
IN THE LAST COUPLE OF METRES I WAS THINKING THAT SOMEBODY ELSE WAS GOING TO PASS ME ON THE LINE – AGAIN – BUT IT DIDN’T HAPPEN AND I REALISED THAT FINALLY I GOT A VICTORY. AS EVERYONE HAD SEEN IN THE PREVIOUS SPRINTS THE TEAM WAS WORKING REALLY WELL AND WE’D JUST MISSED OUT TWICE, THIS TIME WE PUT A GOOD PLAN IN PLACE AND EXECUTED IT.
Crossing the line was an explosion of emotions and I’m still enjoying that moment right now. I really hope the next time that it won’t take 11 second -places for it to happen again!
The people around me felt that moment a lot. What I was able to give them as a sensation from this result – it was crazy and just nice, super-emotional.
Verona was the last chance for the sprinters but it was not actually my favourite chance as it wasn’t very technical finish but everything went well. I was calm at the right moments, waiting for the right opportunity and I just had good legs on the day. Even if it wasn’t my favourite finish line – now it certainly is!
Victor Campenaerts: Winner of Stage 15 – Gorizia
FINALLY, A GRAND TOUR STAGE WINNER! I’VE BEEN HUNTING FOR THIS FOR A LONG TIME, IT WAS REALLY ONE OF MY LIFE GOALS AND I’M JUST SO THRILLED TO HAVE ACHIEVED IT LIKE THIS, AND WITH THIS TEAM.
Already at the first rest day it was quite clear that if I wanted to win a stage that this would be my day; the parcours (race route) suited me perfectly. Things were just going incredibly well with the team from that rest day.
The day after Mauro wins the Strade stage, which was an incredible personal effort but also that of the team to get all the equipment ready for the Strade stage which was not easy, then two days later we managed to pull it off in the sprint with Giacomo and we’d been trying so hard – twice second – we messed it up twice.
It was an incredible feeling to get this incredible team victory with him, a sprint is always incredible, it has to come from the team as it’s almost impossible to do on your own at the highest level, and this day for me personally was very important.
I started out by talking with Max and saying well maybe we can do it together. We were chatting at the dinner table, everyone was excited and we were joking to have all the rollers ready at the start, for a flat start, while all the other teams were a lot more relaxed. I think that this was more or less the basis of the success of that day: a real belief as we prepared for the day as a team, and really going for it. It was great.
We did it exactly like we planned. We took off right from the start, all out, and then there was a crash. Of course we were frustrated as we were already away in the break, we wanted the race to go on as we’d put so much effort in. But soon it was quite clear it was a very dramatic crash with quite a lot of riders involved – almost every team had a rider down – we had Mauro in there. We were standing around for quite a long time and we just said that we stay right behind the bumper of the car because as soon as we lose the spot we lose our advantage. So in this chaos at that time there was a lot of talking in the radio, nobody really knew what was going on but we defended our position and we did exactly the same thing again.
It’s never happened to me in a road race before that in the team meeting it’s said: “today is a day for Victor” and Missa in the meeting really said “guys, we are all super-focused, we all want to be in the breakaway, we want to be represented with the most possible riders,” we had 50% of the team in the breakaway; but he also highlighted that if we’re in the breakaway that I am the man to finish the job.
It added a bit of pressure but I was ready for it and the guys showed me so much confidence. They just asked me what to do and they did it perfectly. Also, the moment that I did the right attack I also had Max in the radio that said and felt it, he was the one that gave me the instruction: “this is when you need to go”.
There was a 5km section that we planned my final attack and the ultimate point of that was actually chosen by Max, and then together with Wizzy they did a great job of slowing the pace behind me because it was clear the two riders I was away with, those were riders I could manage myself against against.
As a time trialist focusing on road racing you think about yourself winning stages from a solo effort but I also did a lot of effort in improving my sprint, working on being more explosive. To then win eventually in a sprint I think is even more emotional as you have to fight right until the last moment.
Sports Director – Gabriele Missaglia
THIS GIRO FOR US HAS JUST BEEN AMAZING. BEFORE THE START OF THE RACE MY GOAL WAS TO TRY AND WIN A STAGE AND A TOP-10 IN THE GC BUT AFTER THE CRASH FOR POZZO WE CHANGED OUR STRATEGY.
As a result won three incredible stages with this incredible team; because this is really a special, special organisation. Our spirit is Ubuntu – I am because we are – and I am happy. I am really proud of the team, the staff and everyone.
We cried (in the car) after Victor’s victory because this guy is very special. It was the same, just incredibly happy when Mauro won, I wanted him 100% in this race because I believe in him.
And for Giacomo, I was so emotional. I know just how much he wanted a victory after 11 second-places, and to be with him as an Italian director in our home race – this was a moment I will remember forever.
Team Principal – Douglas Ryder
I WAS SPEECHLESS AFTER WATCHING VICTOR’S WIN. YOU COULD SEE FROM THE START THAT THE COMMITMENT FROM THE TEAM, WANTING TO GO INTO THE BREAKAWAY AND KNOWING THAT IT WAS ONE OF THE LAST STAGES THAT WE HAVE IN THIS RACE.
For us to play to our strengths, to race for the stages that we prepared for and focused on then for it to come together the way it did was absolutely brilliant.
Three stage wins, three different riders with different qualities but with the same focus, passion and commitment from the whole team was amazing. Rarely does this happen in our sport where you have this run of success, especially in cycling where there are 180 guys going for the win on stages.
When you think there are 23 teams racing for 21 stages all trying to win and for us to win 3 stages, be second on two others, it’s just special.
Why? I think it’s our greater purpose; humanity is suffering and for us to have this greater purpose with Qhubeka – mobilising kids on bicycles and the happiness that we see when these bicycles are distributed so they can have hope and opportunity, that’s what’s given the team hope and connected us.
Ubuntu – we speak about it often and it’s printed on the back of our jersey – we cannot exist in isolation but only together resonates so deeply with our riders and it’s definitely shown during the Giro d’Italia.
It was an amazing, amazing Giro.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
For Further Enquiries: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 4701 1710 or +31 625 739 033
About Team Qhubeka ASSOS: Team Qhubeka ASSOS (www.TeamQhubeka.com) is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles.  People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.
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Insights: Five Days in May

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ATI (www.ATI-aca.org) has shown great resilience and posted a net profit growth of 43% and a Gross Exposure of USD 6.3 billion amidst the COVID-19 Global Pandemic; ATI is increasing its capital base and footprint across the African continent through support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the German Development Bank (KfW); As it marks its 20th Anniversary, the Nairobi based Pan-African insurer has pledged a more robust, reliable and transformational strategic approach to its business offerings.

The African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) held its 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually, announcing its record results for the 9th consecutive year for financial year 2020, which was marked with turbulence and uncertainty due to Covid-19 global pandemic. As it marked its 20th Anniversary, ATI reaffirmed its role in the economic transformation in Africa, ensuring effective trade and investment, making the continent more resilient post Covid.
ATI has navigated the initial impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, managing both short and medium term effects of the pandemic on its balance sheet. It closed the year with a Net Profit of USD 39.4 million and a Gross Exposure of USD 6.3 billion. The AGM also approved the proposed dividend distribution of USD 9.9 million, an annual growth rate of 139% from 2019. This growth reflects ATI’s resilience and the Board’s confidence in the underlying strength of the business.
 Amongst the key highlights of the 21st AGM were also the following:
 	A record Net Profit of USD 39.4 million, a 43% increase between 2019 and 2020; 	A record Gross Exposure of USD 6.3 billion, representing only a minor decrease of 3% between 2019 and 2020; 	A record Gross Written Premium of USD 125.6 million, representing a 12% increase between 2019 and 2020; 	A Return on Capital of 12.6% despite 18% the growth in Equity; 	3 new shareholders joined (Niger, Togo and CESCE); and 	Maintained its A/stable rating by Standard &#038; Poor’s and A3/Stable rating by Moody’s 
As ATI strives to be fully Pan-African, its membership base continues to grow, underpinned by its increased relevance and support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the German Development Bank (KfW). Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Gabon, Mali and Senegal are at an advanced stage of finalizing membership, while additional funding has been secured for capital increase for some existing members. With the growth of membership comes other advantages such as increase in ATI’s equity and investment earnings, as well as upgrading its credit rating of A/Stable by both Moody’s and Standard &#038; Poor’s.
The outgoing Chairman of the AGM, Honorable Matia Kasaija, Uganda&#39;s Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development noted &#8220;ATI has worked with Ministries of Finance to help manage growing debt levels by re-profiling costlier and riskier debts and replacing them with longer term, affordable debts from top rated international commercial lenders. This has not only resulted in improvements in institutional framework for debt liability management, but also brought significant cost savings and lowered debt ratios. This is in addition to the support offered to commercial entities that facilitate private sector development in ATI member countries.&#8221;
The CEO, Mr. Manuel Moses, commented “I am extremely proud of the twenty-year track record that ATI has set in the provision of Credit and Political Risk Insurance to support Trade and Investments in Africa. While we embark on our third decade, ATI pledges a more robust, reliable and transformational strategic approach to its business offerings. We continue to be the de-facto business risk mitigation tool that propels intra Africa trade in support of AfCFTA.”
The AGM bureau confirmed Hon. Kenneth Ofori-Atta, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of the Republic of Ghana as the incoming Chairperson of the General Meeting. H.E. Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of the Republic of Rwanda was confirmed as Vice Chairperson.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI).
Press Contact:  Sheila Ongas Communications Officer Sheila.Ongas@ati-aca.org Mobile +254 728 600 180
About The African Trade Insurance Agency: ATI was founded in 2001 by African States to cover the trade and investment risks of companies doing business in Africa. ATI predominantly provides Political Risk, Credit Insurance and, Surety Insurance. Since inception, ATI has supported US$66 billion worth of investments and trade into Africa. And for over a decade, ATI has maintained an ‘A/Stable’ rating for Financial Strength and Counterparty Credit by Standard &#038; Poor’s, and in 2019, ATI obtained an A3/Stable rating from Moody’s.
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ATI Announces Profits for the 9th Consecutive Year as it Marks 20 Years of supporting Trade and Investment in Africa

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50 Winners from 16 African Countries were celebrated at Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards Ceremony; 6 new awards 2021 were announced by Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation) in partnership with the 20 African First Ladies; During the online video conference, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej welcomed the winners of the awards to the Merck Foundation Alumni.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, celebrated the winners of ‘Merck Foundation More Than A Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards 2020 during the Award Ceremony held via a Video Conference. The winners were applauded for their best media coverage about infertility, infertile women &#038; couples, with the aim to raise awareness about infertility prevention and male infertility. The awards were announced by Merck Foundation in partnership with the African First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother emphasized “I am proud to recognize and appreciate our winners, who became the voice of the voiceless and the storytellers of infertile women and break the stigma around them and also raised awareness about male infertility. I am extremely happy to meet and celebrate our winners, through our online Award Ceremony. As you know, I truly believe that Media plays a crucial role in educating and sensitizing our communities through their influential media work. Through these awards, we were able to inspire many African journalists to write and create awareness about infertility stigma in their communities. We would like to encourage our winners to become Merck Foundation Champions and work together towards further eliminating infertility stigma and empower girls through education in developing countries and underserved communities”.  
“We also welcome the winners as Merck Foundation Alumni, to join us to create a culture shift as a part of ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ and ‘Educating Linda’ programs”, Senator, Dr. Kelej added.
Here is the list of Award Winners of ‘Merck Foundation More Than A Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards 2020:
Here are the winners from Southern African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Malawi, H.E. MONICA CHAKWERA; The First Lady of Namibia, H.E. MONICA GEINGOS; and The First Lady of Zimbabwe, H.E. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA:
SOUTHERN AFRICAN COUNTRIES
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position: 
 	Roselyne Sachiti, The Herald Newspaper, ZIMBABWE 
SECOND Position:
 	Memory Kutengule, Malawi News Agency, MALAWI 	Mugugunye Moses, The Standard, ZIMBABWE 
THIRD Position:
 	Patrick Musir, The AfroNews, ZIMBABWE 	Takudzwa Chihambakwe, Zimpapers Group, ZIMBABWE 
SPECIAL AWARD FOR A NOVEL
 	Nyasha Clementine Rwodzi, ZIMBABWE 
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position: 
 	Sharon Kavhu, The Southern Times, NAMIBIA 	Gracious Mugovera, The Patriot, ZIMBABWE 
SECOND Position:
 	Happy Njalam&#39;mano, Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), MALAWI 
THIRD Position:
 	John Manzongo, The Herald, ZIMBABWE 
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position: 
 	Abel Dzobo, HELA TV, ZIMBABWE 
SECOND Position:
 	Rosa Teixeira, Independent Journalist, NAMIBIA 
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position: 
 	Linda Banda, Chanco Community Radio, MALAWI 	Veronika Haulenga-Haufiku, Omulunga Radio, Future Group, NAMIBIA 	Tashie Masawi, ZBC Radio Station Classic 263, ZIMBABWE 
SECOND Position:
 	Mathilde Ndinelao Hinanifa, Independent Journalist, NAMIBIA 	Ikemisetseng Marou, Radio Lesotho, LESOTHO 	Rutendo Makuti, ZBC Radio Zimbabwe, ZIMBABWE 
THIRD Position:
 	Memory Nkwe Ndhlovu, ZBC Radio Station Classic 263, ZIMBABWE 
Here are the winners from West African Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Liberia, H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH; and The First Lady of Nigeria, H.E. Dr. AISHA MUHAMMADU BUHARI:
WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS:
 	Chioma Obinna, Vanguard Media Limited, NIGERIA 
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position: 
 	Martins Ifijeh, ThisDay Newspapers, NIGERIA 
SECOND Position:
 	Never G Lomo, New Public Trust, LIBERIA 	Chinedu Asadu, Cable Newspaper Limited, NIGERIA 
RADIO CATEGORY 
 	Abubakar Sulaiman, Sawaba FM 104.9 Hadejia, NIGERIA 
Here are the winners from East African Countries:
EAST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
ONLINE CATEGORY
 	Sharon Kantengwa, The New Times, RWANDA 
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY
 	Walter Mwesigye, NTV, UGANDA 
RADIO CATEGORY 
 	Mercy Tyra Murengu, Upendo FM, KENYA 
Here are the winners from African French Speaking Countries in partnership with The First Lady of Burundi, H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE; The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI; The First Lady of Guinea Conakry, H.E. CONDÉ DJENE; and The Former First Lady of Niger, H.E. AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU:
AFRICAN FRENCH SPEAKING COUNTRIES
PRINT CATEGORY
FIRST Position: 
 	Richard TAMONE, Le Standard, GUINEA 
SECOND Position:
 	Koami Agbetiafa, Le Républicain, NIGER 
ONLINE CATEGORY 
FIRST Position: 
 	Lokale Odia Prisca, ACTUALITE.CD, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 
SECOND Position:
 	Ndèye Fatou Diery Diagne, dierysquare.blogspot.com, SENEGAL 
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY 
FIRST Position: 
 	Fatou Fadiga, House Media RTG, GUINEA 
SECOND Position:
 	Jean Népomuscène Irambona, Radio TV Buntu, BURUNDI 
RADIO CATEGORY 
FIRST Position: 
 	Remy Rukundo, Radio TV Buntu, BURUNDI 	Makan Soumaoro, ESPACE FORET, GUINEA 
SECOND Position:
 	Magendero Bénigne, Radio TV Buntu, BURUNDI 	Aminata Bah, GUINEA 	Innocent Ndihokubwayo, Radio TV Buntu, BURUNDI 
THIRD Position:
 	Paulette Mugisha, Radio TV Buntu, BURUNDI 	NZEYIMANA Emelyne, Radio TV Buntu, BURUNDI 
Here are the winners from Ghana in partnership with The First Lady of Ghana, H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO:
GHANA
PRINT CATEGORY 
FIRST Position: 
 	Jonathan Donkor, The Ghanian Times 
SECOND Position:
 	Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Graphic Online 
THIRD Position:
 	Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, New Times Corporation 
ONLINE CATEGORY
 	Dzifa Tetteh Tay, New Times Corporation 
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY 
FIRST Position: 
 	Esi Benewaa Otoo, TV 3 Network 
SECOND Position:
 	Akua Oforiwa Darko, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation 
RADIO CATEGORY 
 	Doreen Ampofo, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Radio 
Here are the winners from Zambia in partnership with The First Lady of Zambia, H.E. ESTHER LUNGU:
ZAMBIA
PRINT CATEGORY 
 	Jessie Ngoma -Simengwa, Times of Zambia 
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY 
 	Effie Mphande, Zambia Broadcasting Corporation Radio 
RADIO CATEGORY 
 	Josias Muuba, Radio Musi-O-Tunya 
Link of the Award Ceremony livestreamed on social media: https://bit.ly/2THP5AE
Merck Foundation additionally rewarded the winners by providing them with one-year access to an online educational training program called “MasterClass”. The MasterClass is an immersive online experience and self-paced learning course in English that can be accessed anywhere with the Internet.
To underscore the important role that media, art, fashion, music and film plays in raising awareness about sensitive issues like Infertility Prevention, and Empowering Girls and Women through Education, and continuing the best prevention practices during the second wave of coronavirus, Merck Foundation in partnership with 20 First Ladies of Africa announced the following 6 awards:
1. Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about Infertility Prevention, Breaking Infertility stigma, and Empowering Girls and Women through Education.
Submission deadline: 30th August 2021. Click here (https://bit.ly/3vSlWRx) to view more details.
 2. Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021: All African Filmmakers and Students are invited to create and share a FILM or a DOCUDRAMA to deliver strong and influential messages to break Infertility stigma, and /or Empowering Girls and Women through Education and at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30th August 2021. Click here (https://bit.ly/2TKoZgx) to view more details.
3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about Infertility Prevention, Breaking Infertility stigma, and/or Empowering Girls and Women through Education.
Submission deadline: 30th August 2021. Click here (https://bit.ly/3wZc7B8) to view more details.
4. Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to Empower Girls and Women through Education and at all levels.
Submission deadline: 30th August 2021. Click here (https://bit.ly/34JwxSD) to view more details.
5. Merck Foundation “Mask Up With Care” Media Recognition Awards 2021: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness on how to adapt best protection measures such as wearing your masks to show you care and love your family &#038; community; to encourage your community to choose to vaccinate when it is available and to sensitize them to support healthcare workers who are at the forefront of COVID 19 pandemic.
Submission deadline: 30th September 2021. Click here (https://bit.ly/3prXl3C) to view more details.
6. Merck Foundation “Make Your Own Mask” Fashion Awards 2021: All African Fashion Designers and Students are invited to create and share designs of masks and other clothing items that carry messages to encourage people to wear masks to show they care and at the same time make it creative and fun!
Submission deadline: 30th September 2021. Click here (https://bit.ly/3vSuvLY) to view more details.
Entries for all the awards to be submitted via email to submit@merck-foundation.com
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej also emphasized, “Through the awards under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, we would like to join hands with media, film, music and fashion fraternity to make a change and Break Infertility Stigma, a message that must reach every door, every community, every mind, and every heart. Another important message is to emphasize the importance of girl education in our communities. Moreover, given the unprecedented times and second wave of coronavirus, it is important to sensitize communities and raise awareness about following best practices. Raising awareness about coronavirus in our communities will also contribute to supporting health workers who are at the forefront of COVID-19 response &#8211; providing high-quality, respectful treatment, and care. Hence, we came up with awards for media persons and fashion designers, so as to encourage people to wear masks during the Coronavirus pandemic and protect themselves and others. The two Media Awards have also been launched for Latin American countries.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: bit.ly/2LdbD8F Twitter: bit.ly/2LesKH8 YouTube: bit.ly/3sdHMxm Instagram: bit.ly/2LC26rm Flickr: bit.ly/2XqzQdU Website: Merck-Foundation.com Download Merck Foundation App: bit.ly/2MmNvAU
About ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign: “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe, effective and equitable fertility care solutions. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &#038; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.
With “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child. 
The Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” are:
H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, 			The First Lady of Botswana
H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia
H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia
H.E. SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso
H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana

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

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

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as; • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Fashion Awards • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Film Awards • Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it • Children storybook, localized for each country
About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &#038; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit Merck-Foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (bit.ly/2MU6Fht), Twitter (bit.ly/3scVf8t), Instagram (bit.ly/3boJ0jr), YouTube (bit.ly/3sf4aWX) and Flicker (bit.ly/3snPHZ8).
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Merck Foundation CEO felicitates winners of ‘Merck Foundation More Than A Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards 2020 through a virtual award ceremony

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432 people have tested positive for the disease, from a sample size of 3,800 tested in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate is now 11.4%. Total confirmed positive cases are now 171,658 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,822,216.

New cases by County; Kisumu 145, Nairobi 52, Siaya 34, Mombasa 26, Migori 21, Nakuru 19, Kilifi 18, Nyamira 14, Vihiga 11, Kitui 10, Uasin Gishu 10, Nandi 9, Turkana 7, Kericho 7, Baringo 6, Bungoma 6, Kajiado 5, Homa Bay 4, Kiambu 3, Kisii 3, Busia 3, Meru 3, Tharaka Nithi 3,Embu 2, Kakamega 2, Narok 2, West Pokot 2, Elgeyo Marakwet 1, Garissa 1, Laikipia 1, Machakos 1 and Mandera 1.
306 patients have recovered from the disease, 217 from the Home Based &#038; Isolation Care while 89 are from various health facilities countrywide. Total recoveries now stand at 117,345 of whom 85,264 are from Home Based Care &#038; Isolation, &#038; 32,081 are from various health facilities.
17 people have succumbed to the disease, two of them in the last 24 hours while 15 are late death reports after conducting facility record audits on diverse dates in April. This now pushes the cumulative fatalities to 3,223.
A total of 1,227 patients are currently admitted in various health facilities, while 4,957 patients are on Home Based Isolation and Care.  102 patients are in the ICU, 23 of whom are on ventilatory support and 59 on supplemental oxygen. 20 patients are under observation.
95 patients are separately on supplemental oxygen with 88 of them in general wards and 7 in High Dependency Units.
Vaccination: As of today, a total of 972,601 persons have so far been vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease countrywide.  Of these 294,865 are aged 58 years and above, Others 276,658, Health workers, 165,881, Teachers 152,769, while Security Officers 82,428.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (3 June 2021)

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Total daily tests: 710 New confirmed cases: 5 Cumulative confirmed cases: 18,623 Active cases: 64 Recoveries: 17,886 (4 new) Currently admitted: 7 New deaths: 0 Total deaths: 673 Total vaccinated to date: 35,227
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
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Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 daily update (3 June 2021)

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Total cases: 27,119 (+55) Recovered: 26,028 (+80) | 95.9% Active cases: 733 In critical condition: 5 Tests: 1,457,954 (+4,074) Test positivity rate: 1.3% Vaccinated: 350,400 Deaths: 358 (+0) | 1.3%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (3 June 2021)

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.

The GP Gippengen will see the return to racing for the European and Italian champion, Giacomo Nizzolo. This will be his first race back following the Giro d&#39;Italia where he sprinted to his maiden grand tour stage victory on stage 13.

The GP Gippengen is an undulating 172km course that usually ends in a reduced group sprint. Lining up alongside Nizzolo will be Reinardt Janse van Rensburg who finished 3rd at the last edition of GP Gippengen and previous to that, the South African was also 5th at the race in 2017.
Completing our team for Gippengen will be Simon Clarke, Andreas Stokbro, Nicholas Dlamini, Connor Brown and Karel Vacek.
 Reinardt Janse van Rensburg &#8220;I am really excited for Gippingen tomorrow! As a team we had some good results in the past here and we are definitely looking to try to repeat those successes.&#8221;
 &#8220;It’s a hard race with a hard climb in the circuit and this year it is even harder again, with a new climb added into the final 2 circuits. I think this race can be in the balance between the attackers and sprinters and it&#39;s hard to predict what might happen. So it should be exciting!&#8221;
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
For Further Enquiries: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 4701 1710 or +31 625 739 033
About Team Qhubeka ASSOS: Team Qhubeka ASSOS is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles.  People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go.
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.
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Team Qhubeka ASSOS target GP Gippengen

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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved $134 million (half of the funds in grants), from the International Development Association (IDA) to enable safe, affordable, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, and ensure effective vaccine deployment in Senegal. The Senegal COVID-19 Response Project will help further strengthen the vaccination system and national systems for public health preparedness.

According to Mr. Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, Senegalese Minister of Health and Social Action, “this additional funding of $135 million will support the Government of Senegal&#39;s efforts to procure vaccines to improve availability and increase geographic accessibility to populations. We welcome the World Bank&#39;s response to the request for additional resources to further support the COVID-19 response.”
&#8220;Senegal has been considered a model in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and this project will further reinforce the Government’s efforts providing the necessary financing to support the acquisition of vaccines and accelerating deployment efforts across the entire country,&#8221; said Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director for Senegal. &#8220;We realize that this is a huge challenge but we believe that Senegal will succeed by engaging in an effective and inclusive communication campaign, as well as by ensuring the availability of vaccines in all health centers throughout the country,&#8221; he added.
Specifically, the project will contribute to vaccinate nearly 9,500,000 people &#8211; about 55% of the country’s population. This will include the deployment costs of vaccines fully subsidized by the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Advanced Market Commitment (AMC) Facility for 20% of the population, as well as the purchase and deployment of vaccines for an additional 35% of the population through the COVAX Facility, direct from manufacturers and other mechanisms.
“The project will support a communications campaign which will be part of a broader social engagement and mobilization strategy to address vaccine hesitancy. The content will be tailored and targeted to specific priority groups to increase acceptance of the vaccine among the population”, indicated Djibrilla Karamoko, World Bank Task Team leader.
The World Bank was among the first development partners to offer support to the Government of Senegal in its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included technical assistance for the implementation of the National COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan. On April 2, 2020, the Senegal COVID-19 Response Project with an amount of $20 million, was approved under the Strategic Preparedness and Response Program. The country received also $4 million from the REDISSE 1, and $1.5 million from the Pandemic Emergency Facility. As of June 1, 2021, about 454,304 people have received at least their first dose of vaccine.
The World Bank, one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, is taking broad, fast action to help developing countries respond to the health, social and economic impacts of COVID-19. This includes $12 billion to help low- and middle-income countries purchase and distribute COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments, and strengthen vaccination systems. The financing builds on the broader World Bank Group COVID-19 response, which is helping more than 100 countries strengthen health systems, support the poorest households, and create supportive conditions to maintain livelihoods and jobs for those hit hardest.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

New World Bank Support to Enable Equitable Access to COVID-19 Vaccines in Senegal

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As part of his West African tour, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF, carried out a two-day visit to Guinea-Bissau.

Mr. ANNADIF had a series of meetings with Bissau-Guinean authorities. He was received in audience by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló. He also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Communities, Ms. Suzi Carla Barbosa; the Deputy Prime Minister, Soares Sambú; and the First Vice-President of the Parliament, Ms. Adja Satu Camará. The Special Representative also held meetings with the main political parties represented in parliament.

To all his interlocutors, the Special Representative called for a continuous constructive dialogue for the national interest and renewed United Nations system commitment, and of UNOWAS, in coordination with other partners, in particular ECOWAS, to continue to provide the necessary support to the people of Guinea-Bissau. &#8220;We will remain a mobilized partner to support Guinea-Bissau in its efforts to consolidate democratic institutions, sustainable development and peace,&#8221; he declared.

At the end of his visit, the Special Representative met with the United Nations country team. He congratulated them for the work accomplished and encouraged them to redouble their efforts to further support the people of Guinea-Bissau in achieving their goals of peace and prosperity.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Mahamat ANNADIF reaffirms the mobilization of the United Nations to support Guinea-Bissau in its efforts to consolidate democratic institutions

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), S&#038;P Global Ratings in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH), jointly organized a webinar titled: “The Islamic Finance and Sukuk Markets” on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

The webinar focused on emerging markets to explore the effective tools for Sustainable Development in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and Turkey: The Islamic Finance and Sukuk Markets.

The discussions during the webinar revolved around key points including the outlook of the Islamic finance industry; progress on the standardization of the industry, and whether it is achievable; intersection between Islamic finance and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) principles; how Fintech could disrupt the industry and prospects for Islamic finance in CIS and Turkey.

Despite the severe consequences of COVID-19 pandemic, the Islamic capital markets and global Sukuk, both sovereign and corporate, have displayed some resilience. The webinar focused on the most current issues affecting Islamic capital markets and debt instruments such as Sukuk to keep all interested parties informed of the market developments and innovations, provide a platform for dialogue with peers and give all participants a voice in contributing to the future direction of the Islamic debt and capital markets. The integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment mandates is expected to drive the development of Green &#038; Socially responsible investing (SRI) sukuk offerings. Much work would be needed in order to encourage issuers to implement sustainable finance guidelines. While Islamic bonds still only make up a small part of green bonds, the sector is growing apace &#8211; and a number of high-profile deals over the past couple of months have really cast it into the spotlight.

Ms. Elena Eliseyenko, head of S&#038;P Global Ratings, Russia/CIS/CEE commented: &#8220;Having been honored with prestigious global awards in Islamic finance, we at S&#038;P Global Ratings see huge potential for the development of Islamic finance in the region. We are delighted to see positive movement in sustainability and progress in establishing better legal and regulatory infrastructure for Islamic finance in the region.&#8221;

Mr. Ayman Sejiny, CEO of ICD, stated that “Islamic finance and Sukuk markets are gaining traction, and they will help member nations achieve their long-term development goals. A concerted effort needs also to be made to uphold strong moral and ethical standards.”

The dialogue provided an avenue to exchange views and gather feedback on sovereign participation in the Sukuk market and raise public debt via Sukuk issuance. Also, the discussion provided an issuer’s road map which will ultimately lead to concrete solutions for potential sovereign issuers. In addition to sustainable Sukuk, the webinar shed light on the emerging trends the Sukuk market holds post-COVID and into 2021 in the CIS region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
About S&#038;P Global Ratings: S&#038;P Global Ratings is the world&#39;s leading provider of independent credit ratings. Our ratings are essential to driving growth, providing transparency and helping educate market participants so they can make decisions with confidence. We have more than 1 million credit ratings outstanding on government, corporate, financial sector and structured finance entities and securities. We offer an independent view of the market built on a unique combination of broad perspective and local insight. We provide our opinions and research about relative credit risk; market participants gain independent information to help support the growth of transparent, liquid debt markets worldwide.
S&#038;P Global Ratings is a division of S&#038;P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.SPglobal.com/ratings.
About ICD: The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. ICD was established in November 1999 to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to the governments and private companies, and encouraging cross border investments.
ICD is Rated A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A-’ by S&#038;P and, A+ by Fitch. ICD establishes and strengthens cooperation and partnership relationships with an aim to establish joint or collective financing. ICD also applies financial technology (Fintech) to make financing more efficient and comprehensive. For more information, visit: www.ICD-ps.org.
About the Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH): The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of IsDB Group, which operates under the umbrella of ICD. THIQAH facilitates contact and coordination between entities concerned with the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique and innovative platform for dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH leverages IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment and trade among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group&#39;s financial products and services. (www.IDBgbf.org).
To access the recorded webinar through YouTube: https://bit.ly/3wV6eVG.
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Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), S&P Global Ratings join hands to host webinar on ‘Islamic Finance and Sukuk Markets’

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The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (https://www.ISDB.org) has announced the seven winners of its Smart Economy Grants Program, which was launched to stimulate technology-enabled innovation in the economy through sustainable and inclusive interventions. The first-place award went to Pandai, an education app that helps school students learn, developed by a Malaysia-based company.

The winners were announced during a special webinar organized by the IsDB Institute on 30 May 2021.
Launched in 2020, the Smart Economy Grants Program called for projects involving the application of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain for business and economy with Islamic finance component.
In his speech during the webinar, the President of IsDB Group, H.E. Dr. Bandar M.H. Hajjar, congratulated the winners, describing them as “the embodiment of innovation and success”.
Dr. Hajjar said, “We are committed to supporting the development of Islamic finance in the age of fintech to successfully transform the enormous untapped potential into tangible benefits in Islamic finance through the empowerment of young innovators and entrepreneurs.”
A total of 47 grant applications were received from 23 countries around the world, covering an array of sectors of the economy, including education, agriculture, tourism, supply-chain management, and waste management.
The seven winners were selected through a rigorous process that involved internal and external experts. Each winner will receive up to USD 10,000 to implement their projects under the IsDBI Smart Economy Lab, anchored to the Regional Hub of the IsDB in Indonesia.
In his remarks, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, the Acting Director General of the IsDB Institute and IsDB Group Chief Economist, thanked H.E. Dr. Bandar Hajjar for his invaluable support to the IsDB Institute towards the success of the Smart Economy Lab and the Smart Economy Grants Program.
Dr. Al-Suwailem explained further: “The Smart Economy Lab was established with the objective to stimulate innovation and generate creative ideas involving advanced technologies to seek solutions to various economic problems guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance. The Grants Program is designed to support patentable ideas with significant entrepreneurial potential.”
Dr. Hilal Hussein, IsDBI Knowledge Solutions Team Leader, stated, “Our objective of instituting the Smart Economy Grants Program is to empower potential entrepreneurs engaged in technology-based solutions for the smart economy challenges, developed with emerging financial technologies, to realize their dreams and contribute to the digital transformation of our societies with high-quality projects leading to patentable and copyrighted products.”
The cash award to be given to each of the seven winners is an initial grant that is expected to serve as a catalyst for the winning projects and open new funding opportunities.
Meet the Seven Winners
1st Place Project: PANDAI (Minimum Viable Product) Project Description: An education app that helps school students learn. Country: Malaysia

2nd Place Project: LIBER HEALTH (Minimum Viable Product) Project Description: Digital solution that provides safe and contactless iris identification and Covid pre-screening for underserved communities. Country: Pakistan

3rd Place Project: HEAR ME (Minimum Viable Product) Project Description: The first Indonesian sign language 3D animation translator application for bridging the communication between the deaf and the hearing. Country: Indonesia

4th Place Project: Smart Irrigation (Prototype) Project Description: A system for collecting, storing, and processing data in order to automate irrigation and optimize water usage. Country: Niger

5th Place Project: IROSCA (Proof of Concept) Project Description: The purpose of the project is to provide necessary information and evaluations needed to present the iRosca to the investors as well as to conduct a feasibility study with financial projection. Country: Turkey

6th Place Project: SOSPESO (Proof of Concept) Project Description: A digital platform that brings together 3 parties:
 	The donors (who will buy forward meals from an online menu); 	(currently) the restaurants (and other e-commerce vendors); and 	The low-income families.  
Country: Bahrain

7th Place Project: Alumnia ID (Minimum Viable Product) Project Description: A fintech equity crowdfunding and security crowdfunding for small and medium enterprises. Country: Indonesia
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

IsDB Institute Announces Winners of Smart Economy Grants Program

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Technological advances combined with big data, artificial intelligence and distributed ledger technologies are opening new avenues for Islamic finance to achieve its objectives of integrating finance with productive activities and reflecting the moral values by adhering to its principles for good and sustainable outcomes.

This is part of the key findings of a new report issued jointly by the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), the knowledge beacon of the IsDB Group, and Al Maali Group, a leading firm specialized in providing Islamic finance and business consulting in Morocco.
Entitled “Bridging Islamic Finance and Sustainability through Fintech: Focus on The Maghreb Countries”, the new report focuses on how to leverage fintech in Islamic banking for linking finance to sustainable development.
It finds that the Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the need for sustainability and social orientation of finance to achieve development.
Linking finance to sustainable development has always been important. However, its significance has increased manifold during the Covid-19 pandemic, which has triggered GDP contraction and stymied the achievement of the SDGs. Building back in the post-Covid-19 era and keeping SDGs on track requires strong involvement of governments, the private sector, and financial institutions.
The report further sheds light on the role of participative financial institutions in closing the financing gap for SDGs in the Maghreb Region. It focuses on how to leverage fintech to align participative finance and sustainable development.
In his comments on the report, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, the Acting Director General of IsDBI and IsDB Group Chief Economist, said: “This report tries to strike a balance between the reality and the ideal. It elaborates on the use of technology in Islamic finance to achieve efficiency and greater impact on sustainable economic development in IsDB Member Countries.”
Dr. Wail Aaminou, CEO of Al Maali Group, meantime, stated: “The present report provides a valuable contribution to regulators, financial institutions, non-profit organizations as well as fintech companies in the Maghreb Region on how to create synergies and set up ecosystems that support doing well while doing good.”
The full report is available for download here: https://bit.ly/3g4V8XA.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).
Note to editors: The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), previously known as IRTI, is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Guided by the principles of Islamic economics and finance, the IsDBI is mandated to lead the development of innovative knowledge-based solutions to support the sustainable economic advancement of 57 Member Countries and various Muslim communities worldwide. In alignment with the IsDB Group’s 10-Year Strategy and the President’s 5-Year Program, IsDBI works as a catalyst for knowledge-based sustainable development.
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IsDBI – Al Maali Report Spotlights Leveraging Fintech to Bridge Islamic Finance and Sustainability

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.
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) (www.Vertiv.com/en-emea), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has kicked off a series of roadshow events to showcase latest technology innovations to channel partners (https://bit.ly/3cgP0KB), consultants (https://bit.ly/3g1ucYC) and end-users (https://bit.ly/3fMz5FZ) across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Vertiv’s “Keep IT Running” tour starts on May 27 in Lagos, Nigeria, and will cover 50 countries with over 130 events by the end of 2021.

From Dubai to Dublin, from Moscow to Johannesburg, the half-day events bring Vertiv experts to discuss latest market research and technology trends from the cloud to the edge, including insights in specific verticals such as telcos, finance, retail and colocation. From small individual server rooms to large multi-megawatt data centers, technology has significantly evolved, and attendees will have the opportunity to experience Vertiv’s latest innovations first-hand.

Following all covid-19 precautionary measures, these physical events will allow small groups of channel partners, consultants and end-users to experience live product demos and discuss key advances in their related markets. Innovations in software, cooling, power, as well as IT containment and remote monitoring will be showcased during a hands-on session with technical experts.

The Vertiv 2021 EMEA Roadshow, Keep IT Running, will be coming to over 30 cities in the Middle East and Africa region including Dubai, Nairobi, Lagos and Casablanca from 26th May until October. On the day, Pierre Havenga Managing Director of Vertiv in Middle East and Africa will open the event with a keynote speech, focusing on the data centre trends that drive customer spend now, and in the future.

“When it comes to technology, there’s rapid growth. According to Ericsson’s mobility report, global mobile network traffic is growing at about 50 per cent year-on-year” said Pierre Havenga Managing Director of Vertiv in Middle East and Africa. “Vertiv has invested 5% of 2020 revenue in research and development, with the aim of designing innovative solutions to support digital transformation in an efficient and sustainable way. As the IT sector continues to grow at increased pace, our latest initiatives will help customers and partners unlock their full potential.”

To learn more about the Vertiv 2021 MEA Roadshow and get latest updates, visit MEA Roadshow Websites: Visit these pages for channel partners (https://bit.ly/3cgP0KB), consultants (https://bit.ly/3g1ucYC) and end-users (https://bit.ly/3fMz5FZ).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vertiv.
Media Contact: Zenab Abbas E: Zenab.Abbas@Vertiv.com
About Vertiv: Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to ensure its customers’ vital applications run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centres, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs approximately 20,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. For more information, and for the latest news and content from Vertiv, visit www.Vertiv.com.
Forward-Looking Statements This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27 of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act. These statements are only a prediction. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement set forth herein. Readers are referred to Vertiv’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for a discussion of these and other important risk factors concerning Vertiv and its operations. Vertiv is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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