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.

Total daily tests: 983 New confirmed cases: 5 Cumulative confirmed cases: 18,492 Active cases: 37 Recoveries: 17,784 (0 new) Currently admitted: 1 New deaths: 0 Total deaths: 671 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 (12 May 2021)

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Total cases: 25,846 (+73) Recovered: 24,411 (+78) | 94.4% Active cases: 1,095 In critical condition: 1 Tests: 1,354,868 (+3,886) Test positivity rate: 1.8% Vaccinated: 350,400  Deaths: 340 (+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 (12 May 2021)

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Canal+, ESPN, beIN SPORTS, NBA TV, Tencent Video, TSN, American Forces Network and Voice of America to Broadcast BAL Games Around the World; Inaugural BAL Season Will Reach Fans in 215 Countries and Territories in 15 Languages; Rwanda’s Patriots Basketball Club to Face Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers in First BAL Game on May 16 at 4:00 p.m. CAT.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced partnerships with Canal+, ESPN, beIN SPORTS, NBA TV, Tencent Video, TSN, American Forces Network (AFN) and Voice of America (VOA) to broadcast BAL games throughout Africa and around the world. The inaugural BAL season will tip off Sunday, May 16 at 4:00 p.m. CAT when Rwanda’s Patriots Basketball Club takes on Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers at the Kigali Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

The other opening games in the group phase will feature Senegal’s Association Sportive des Douanes vs. Algeria’s Groupement Sportif des Pétroliers, Egypt’s Zamalek vs. Mozambique’s Ferroviàrio de Maputo, Tunisia’s Union Sportive Monastirienne vs. Madagascar’s Gendarmerie Nationale Basketball Club, Angola’s Petro de Luanda vs. Mali’s Association Sportive de la Police, and Morocco’s Association Sportive de Salé vs. Cameroon’s Forces Armées et Police Basketball. The first BAL Finals will be held Sunday, May 30 at 4:00 p.m. CAT.

Canal+ and ESPN will air all 26 BAL games across Francophone and Anglophone countries and territories in sub-Saharan Africa. Canal+ will also produce and distribute original ancillary programming, including weekly magazine show “BAL Action.” VOA will broadcast 24 games, including select games in English, French, Portuguese, Kinyarwanda, Bambara and Wolof across its extensive radio network in Africa, with additional programming across its online and mobile platforms. beIN Media Group, the global sports and entertainment broadcaster, through its flagship channel beIN SPORTS, will air all 26 games in Arabic in the Middle East and North Africa, including the opening game, quarterfinals, semifinals and Finals.

Select free-to-air channels throughout Africa will also air BAL games, including the opening game, quarterfinals, semifinals and Finals.

In the U.S, all games will be available on ESPN+ while the opening game and Finals will also air on ESPNews. ESPN will air the opening game and Finals in select countries in Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America, and all BAL games will air on ESPN’s digital platforms in those same regions. BAL games and programming will also be available in Canada on TSN and in China on Tencent Video. AFN, which is distributed in 168 countries and territories to American military bases and ships at seas, will air select games live and on delay throughout the season.

NBA TV will broadcast 12 live games and select games on delay in the U.S. and around the world across the group phase, quarterfinals, semifinals and Finals. All BAL games will livestream on the NBA App, the official NBA website www.NBA.com and the official BAL website, www.theBAL.com.

“We’re excited to work with this group of world-class distribution partners to broadcast our historic inaugural season,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall. “I encourage basketball fans in Africa and around the world to tune in on May 16 and throughout the season to see the best talent in Africa and beyond compete for the right to be crowned the first BAL champion.”

BAL game broadcasts will utilize the NBA’s Global Statistical System (NGSS), which has been built and supported by NBA partner Genius Sports.

The BAL will tip off with an 18-game group phase with the 12 teams divided into three groups of four. During the group phase, each team will face the three other teams in its group once. The top eight teams from the group phase will qualify for the playoffs, which will be single elimination in all three rounds.

             GROUP A
GROUP B
GROUP C
GNBC (Madagascar) (https://bit.ly/2SAHAL9)
Petro de Luanda (Angola) (https://bit.ly/3w1u95v)
GSP  (Algeria) (https://bit.ly/3hkne34)
Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria) (https://bit.ly/33GrIct)
FAP (Cameroon) (https://bit.ly/3xZHBbM)
Zamalek (Egypt) (https://bit.ly/33QSe33)
Patriots BBC (Rwanda) (https://bit.ly/3eIn1oA)
AS Police (Mali) (https://bit.ly/3oaNJJO)
Ferroviàrio de Maputo (Mozambique) (https://bit.ly/2QgEUBM)
US Monastir (Tunisia) (https://bit.ly/3fsUDX5)
AS Salé (Morocco) (https://bit.ly/3tIP1g6)
AS Douanes (Senegal) (https://bit.ly/3uUq2b2)

Additional details about the BAL will be announced in the coming days.  Below is the complete BAL game schedule:

2021 BAL Regular-Season Schedule

DATE
TEAM 1
TEAM 2
GROUP
TIME (P.M. CAT)
16/05/2021
Patriots BBC
River Hoopers
A
4:00
17/05/2021
AS Douanes
GSP
C
2:00
17/05/2021
Zamalek
Maputo
C
5:30
17/05/2021
US Monastir
GNBC
A
9:00
18/05/2021
Petro de Luanda
AS Police
B
5:30
18/05/2021
AS Salé
FAP
B
9:00
19/05/2021
GNBC
Patriots BBC
A
2:00
19/05/2021
Maputo
AS Douanes
C
5:30
19/05/2021
Zamalek
GSP
C
9:00
20/05/2021
FAP
Petro de Luanda
B
2:00
20/05/2021
US Monastir
River Hoopers
A
5:30
20/05/2021
AS Salé
AS Police
B
9:00
22/05/2021
GSP
Maputo
C
2:00
22/05/2021
AS Douanes
Zamalek
C
5:30
22/05/2021
Patriots BBC
US Monastir
A
9:00
23/05/2021
River Hoopers
GNBC
A
2:00
23/05/2021
AS Police
FAP
B
5:30
23/05/2021
Petro de Luanda
AS Salé
B
9:00
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2021 BAL Playoffs Schedule

DATE
TEAM 1
TEAM 2
GAME
CAT
QUARTERFINALS
25/05/2021
Seed 1
Seed 4
G19
5:30
25/05/2021
Seed 2
Seed 3
G20
9:00
26/05/2021
Seed 5
Seed 8
G21
5:30
26/05/2021
Seed 6
Seed 7
G22
9:00
SEMIFINALS
28/05/2021
W19
W22
G23
5:30
28/05/2021
W20
W21
G24
9:00
THIRD PLACE
29/05/2021
L23
L24
G25
4:00
FINALS
30/05/2021
W23
W24
G26
4:00

 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Media Contact: Yvon Edoumou Basketball Africa League +221 77 637 3401 yedoumou@thebal.com
About the BAL: The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA, is a new professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa. The BAL, which is headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Regional Office Africa has organized in Africa and marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL @theBAL on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and register their interest in receiving more information at www.theBAL.com.

Basketball Africa League Announces Broadcast Partners and Game Schedule Ahead of Inaugural Season

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Team Qhubeka ASSOS (www.TeamQhubeka.com) sprinter Giacomo Nizzolo took yet another second place Giro d&#39;Italia stage finish after being pipped on the line by Caleb Ewan on the stage five in Cattolica.

The European and Italian champion also placed second on stage two of the race, and so today&#39;s result sees him take the lead in the points classification and so he will don the maglia ciclamino on Thursday in stage six.
After a fairly quiet opening 150km of the race day the very technical final 7km, as predicted, required excellent teamwork in order to position Nizzolo in the final kilometre. The Italian saw his opportunity and surged clear on the left-hand side, only to be beaten just on the line by the man from Lotto-Soudal.
That result was the 11th career second-place stage finish for Nizzolo on a stage at the race, where he also won the points classification in 2015 and 2016.
The rest of the team also safely navigated themselves home with Domenico Pozzovivo finishing the day in 18th position overall on the general classification.
Giacomo Nizzolo
Today the final was quite technical and I think I did a good sprint but yet again came up again against somebody just stronger than me on the day, hopefully the victory will come the next time.
As a team we did great today, we had a good plan, and we tried to make it happen. In the finale I asked the guys just to stay around me as I knew that in the corners I could take care of myself and everybody did exactly what I asked. I&#39;m really proud of them and with this attitude we can really look forward to the next sprint. This sort of result speaks to the teamwork in our camp and the great spirit we have in wanting to fight for one another.
I want to thank all of the fans of the team for their support. I really hope to give them a stage victory the next time.
Hendrik Redant &#8211; Sports Director
The boys have had a great spirit and working really hard. It was weird to see that after 150km of straight line racing we had a very hectic final from the town of Rimini but they did everything was said this morning in the meeting: being in front, taking the roundabouts the way that we wanted them to do&#8230;.they really did a great job.
At 4.5km to go there was a really tricky point where it was very dangerous but there everybody was still in a good position. And then Nizzolo took a really good decision in taking the wheel of Tim Merlier who was still very fast and strong and then he had a problem. In the end Caleb was really fast and beats us on the line, and it&#39;s a well deserved victory for him, no regrets about that. We were close and hopefully next time we can take the next step.
The riders took a huge confidence boost from today. When I spoke to them afterwards I thanked them for following the instructions and their commitment to our team, this gives a big boost to us all. Seeing Giacomo there means all of that hard work is not for nothing and he gets the points jersey, so they can be proud.
We now look forward to the opportunities still to come!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
Media Contact: 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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Nizzolo takes the Giro d’Italia maglia ciclamino after nailbiting second on stage 5

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Algeria and Burundi achieve full member status of international federation; World Rugby (www.WorldRugby.org) membership stands at 128 countries, including 19 associate members; Both nations will enter Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifying via the Rugby Africa Cup 2021; Rapid growth in African rugby being led by strategic focus on youth and women&#39;s rugby; More than 350,000 registered female players recorded in Africa in 2020, up from 50,000 in 2012.

World Rugby’s reach across Africa grew further as Algeria and Burundi became full members of the international federation following approval at the World Rugby Council meeting, held virtually today.
The African nations were successful after achieving all the necessary criteria and their elevation to full member status sees World Rugby’s membership stand at 128, including 109 full members and 19 associate members.
See full List of World Rugby Member Unions >> (https://bit.ly/3tE9SRP)
The announcement follows the launch of World Rugby’s new Strategic Plan 2021-25 in April, which provides a framework for the continued development and expansion of rugby, supporting unions and regions in building capacity and capability, as the international federation strives to continue the journey towards becoming a global sport for all.
Both the Fédération Algérienne de Rugby and the Federation Burundaise de Rugby are full members of Rugby Africa and have sustainable women’s rugby and development programmes in place as they continue to grow as rugby nations.
Burundi currently has 2750 registered players and has been an associate member of World Rugby since 2004, while Algeria has over 80 men’s and 40 women’s teams and became an associate member in 2019.
Both countries will enter the qualification journey for Rugby World Cup 2023 as they are set to compete in the Rugby Africa Cup 2021. The competition begins with a repechage event in June before the group phase sees four pools of three teams each playing a round-robin tournament at a single venue per pool.
Burundi will compete in the Rugby Africa Cup repechage in Burkina Faso from 5-13 June which also includes Burkina Faso and Cameroon. The winner of the repechage will join Rugby Africa Cup Pool D in Tunisia in July together with Tunisia and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile Algeria will play in the Rugby Africa Cup Pool C in Kampala against Ghana and hosts Uganda from 10-18 July.
The best two teams from each pool qualify for Rugby Africa Cup 2022, which serves as the final round of the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifier for Africa. The eventual winner of the Rugby Africa Cup in August 2022 will qualify for RWC 2023 as Africa 1, entering group A alongside hosts France, while the runner-up will enter the final qualification tournament for another chance at qualifying.
Increasing the reach and diversity of the international federation’s membership represents a key element of World Rugby’s global growth strategy, ensuring that upon meeting the relevant criteria unions are provided with a framework and support to continue their growth and development as part of the World Rugby family.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “We are very pleased to welcome Algeria and Burundi as full members, reflecting their commitment and progress in achieving the relevant criteria, thanks to the many talented coaches, administrators and volunteers involved in growing the sport.
“We are dedicated to the sustainable global growth of our sport, combined with strong governance and there is no doubt that Africa is a key region with huge potential for the future development of rugby. Africa is home to the current men’s Rugby World Cup winners and we will continue to work closely with Rugby Africa to ensure we provide emerging unions such as Algeria and Burundi with continuous support and a solid framework to further accelerate the growth of the sport across the region.”
Mr Khaled Babbou, President of Rugby Africa said: &#8220;I am delighted to welcome the Burundian and Algerian rugby unions as full members of World Rugby, bringing the total number of African member unions of World Rugby to 20. Rugby in Africa is growing rapidly and our strategic focus on youth and women&#39;s rugby is evidence of this dynamic growth.
“In 2020, we recorded more than 350,000 registered female players in Africa, up from 50,000 in 2012. This is the result of a firm collective commitment from all African unions. I wish to congratulate Mr Albert Havyarimana, President of the Fédération Burundaise de Rugby and Mr Abdelkader Sofian Ben Hassen, President of the Fédération Algérienne de Rugby for their dedication and relentless efforts culminating in this recognition today. Both countries are in the running for Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification for the first time in their history and the entire African rugby family wishes them good luck in this new chapter.&#8221;
Albert Havyarimana, President of the Fédération Burundaise de Rugby: “This affiliation was long awaited by all the participants of Burundian rugby and comes as a reward for many years of hard work. From now on, it becomes a rugby legacy for Burundi, that we will seek to preserve and build upon for the development of rugby. It is an unforgettable event for the Fédération Burundaise de Rugby (FBR). Joining the global rugby family will enable Burundian rugby players to develop rugby on all levels.
“Although this recognition comes at a time when the world is going through a difficult situation with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are confident that we will overcome these challenges. Achieving this membership required great effort from all of us and it will now enable us to accelerate our growth. The FBR takes this opportunity to express its appreciation to all companies and individuals who committed themselves to bringing this journey to fruition, including various players and coaches of the clubs and their technical and medical staff.
“This membership, far from being an end in itself, is rather the beginning of a challenge and calls on all of us to step up our efforts to make Burundi Rugby shine at the regional and international levels.”
Sofiane Abdelkader Benhassen, President of the Fédération Algérienne de Rugby said: &#8220;This long-awaited membership of World Rugby as a full member will provide us with support in four main areas. It will allow us to accelerate the growth of the game in the country. Secondly, Algeria is currently ranked sixth in the African rankings, and will now come into the world rankings. We will from now on be able to participate in World Rugby&#39;s General Assemblies and have a voice that counts. And finally, with this membership, Algeria can enter the qualification journey for the Olympic Games and the Men&#39;s and Women&#39;s Sevens and Rugby World Cups. I would like to thank Rugby Africa and its President, Khaled Babbou, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Olympic Committee and ACNOA as well as our private partners for their support. And I congratulate all the clubs presidents and founders of Algerian rugby and the entire union staff for their relentless efforts that have led us to this wonderful day.&#8221;
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Media Contact: Philip.Wilkinson@worldrugby.org +353 87 287 8732
Rugby@APO-opa.com
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Rugby’s global expansion increases in Africa

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Anta Al Batal reinforces Riot Games’ (www.RiotGames.com) commitment to regional gamers with first-of-its-kind Arabic music video; Creative Partnership with Dubai based Regional Record Label Sony Music Entertainment Middle East.

Riot Games MENA today unveiled a first-of-its-kind Arabic music video and track for gamers across the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, uniting its VALORANT fanbase under a common language, love of music and passion for gaming.

The VALORANT Music Beat ‘Anta Al Batal’ (You Are The Champion), produced and conceptualized by RIOT Games MENA and Sony Music Entertainment Middle East, brings together some of the Arab world’s biggest and emerging music stars; Moroccan rap sensation, Issam Harris; Egypt’s Trap Legend, Marwan Moussa; and female vocalist, Fafa, a rising star from the UAE and regional music scene.

Celebrating the passion of MENA gamers for VALORANT, which has quickly established itself as a fan-favorite in the first-person shooter community, Anta Al Batal is the latest milestone in Riot Games’ growing commitment to its Arab-speaking fanbase and follows the launch of the Bahraini servers, localization of VALORANT into Arabic and Strike Arabia.

Riot Games worked in partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East to conceptualize the unique audio and video style of Anta Al Batal, that merged languages, melodies and cultural themes from Egypt, Morocco, UAE and beyond. The project took inspiration from the many cultural banners that exist across MENA, to unite gamers under their common passion for VALORANT and music.

Anta Al Batal serves as an anthem for MENA teams vying for the ultimate prize at VALORANT’s professional and semi-pro tournaments. Teams across MENA are gearing up for the second season of the Strike Arabia Championship in June and July for a spot in the Grand Finals. Winners of the regional tournament will earn the right to take part in VALORANT Last Chance Qualifier in Europe and potentially the global showdown that pits the world’s best teams and players against each other.

Anas al Hakim, Content Manager at Riot Games MENA, who masterminded creative direction of the music video, said: “Prior to online multiplayer games, music was the number one thing that transcended the MENA region. Now, with music and gaming we have a winning combination to unite our players through unique experiences that they can all enjoy. Our hope is that the bridges we build are not only between us but also with players from all around the world.”

Mike Fairburn, General Manager at Sony Music Entertainment Middle East commented ‘Music is a global connector – it binds us all and reflects the varied cultural narratives of our region. Our company culture is built around this positive force and with the Riot Games team, we found a perfect partnership focused on collaboration, as well as an openness to use music and gaming to make deep connections. We are incredibly excited and proud to share our collective creative efforts with the world”.

The vision behind Anta Al Batal was to create a celebratory moment in the region&#39;s history of gaming, give VALORANT players a soundtrack that is truly theirs, and mark another significant milestone of Riot Games’ commitment to Arabic gamers.

<iframe loading="lazy" title="أنت البطل - Anta Al Batal // (Feat. ISSAM, FAFA, Marwan Moussa) // VALORANT" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zs9TN7BdZdI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Riot Games.
Media Contact: Riot Games MENA PR &#038; Communications Manager Luciano Rahal Lrahal@riotgames.com
About VALORANT: VALORANT is a competitive 5v5 character-based tactical shooter for the PC developed by Riot Games. VALORANT is a precise and lethal multiplayer game with high-fidelity gunplay, a diverse arsenal of guns, agents with unique abilities, and competitively tuned maps for thousands of hours of play.
VALORANT is a free-to-play game and optimized to perform on a wide variety of PC hardware, allowing for a global audience to compete. Demonstrated by the game’s best-in-class game server quality, global infrastructure, and proprietary anti-cheat technology, Riot Games is committed to preserving the core tenets of the tactical shooter genre and upholding the competitive integrity of the gameplay experience.
VALORANT quickly established itself as a fan-favorite among the global first-person shooter community after launching its closed beta in April 2020. The game made history on its first day, breaking viewership records with 34 million hours-watched in a single day, and surpassing 1.7 million peak concurrent viewers, a peak concurrent record second only to Riot Games’ 2019 League of Legends World Championship Finals. Over the course of VALORANT’s two-month beta testing period, an average of nearly 3 million players logged on each day to play. Fans also demonstrated their enthusiasm for the shooter by watching more than 470 million hours of VALORANT closed beta streams on Twitch, the world’s leading service and community for multiplayer entertainment, and Korean video-streaming service AfreecaTV.
About Riot Games: Riot Games (www.RiotGames.com) was founded in 2006 to develop, publish, and support the most player-focused games in the world. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports.
As League enters its second decade, Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with VALORANT, Legends of Runeterra, Teamfight Tactics, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles, while exploring the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, TV, and more. Founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, Riot is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and has 2,500+ Rioters in 20+ offices worldwide.
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Riot Games MENA breaks cultural barriers to unite gamers with the launch of Anta Al Batal a new music beat for VALORANT

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A global coalition of public development banks today emphasized the urgency of immediate resources for Africa’s recovery post-Covid 19. Together, they committed to deepening cooperation to boost investment opportunities across the continent.

Participants in the meeting, hosted by the African Development Bank, brainstormed on joint actions that could help boost a strong and inclusive recovery in Africa. This would be recovery grounded in a dynamic private sector. The African Association of Development Finance Institutions co-organized the meeting in collaboration with the International Development Finance Club, which is hosted by the Agence Française de Développement.
The meeting was held virtually and follows the first Finance in Common Summit held in November 2020. At that summit, public development banks committed to work together to support the transformation of the global economy and society towards sustainable and resilient development.
During the three principal sessions of the meeting, heads of public development banks and international partners focused on concrete proposals and innovative financial solutions to unlock the potential of African financial institutions to promote sustainable development investments in Africa.
“The African Development Bank is strongly supportive of public development banks,” African Development Bank president Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina said in opening remarks.
He added: “As public development banks, we must deepen our ability to reach all parts of Africa. To ensure financial inclusion, especially for the unbanked, and expand access to finance, savings and insurance products and services, we need to work as one unified system. Public development banks must strengthen their capacity to deepen domestic capital markets and stock exchanges. He said this would hasten access to financing and unlock new opportunities.”
Rémy Rioux, chairperson of the International Development Finance Club, said: “African challenges, more than anywhere else, require us all to go seek coordinated responses and actions. Because in Africa, we need to leave no one behind. Let’s Finance in Common and build now a common and positive story of innovation and investment in Africa, leveraging ODA and mobilizing all willing stakeholders. The days of pure aid are over. Africa is ready for sustainable investment.”
Public development banks have a key role to play in Africa. From the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions like the African Development Bank have channeled resources to various sectors and clients, particularly underserved areas like health, social investments, housing, agriculture and climate.
The African Development Bank’s $10 billion Covid-19 Response Facility has been instrumental in mitigating macroeconomic shocks for African countries. The Bank also announced a $3 billion social bond to support its Covid-19 funding efforts.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented global health and economic crisis, affecting African economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, most deeply.  A historic recession of 2.1%, the largest contraction for the sub-Saharan region in more than half a century, is threatening gains made over the last decade and attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The pandemic has negatively impacted the debt situation for African countries. Without a resolution of Africa’s $700 billion external debt, the continent’s economic recovery will be delayed and financial market stability will be affected in the short and medium term.
“Think of the impact that this debt is having: in 2019, Africa paid $221 billion for debt service, which is 44% of the total government revenue of $501 billion in the same year,” said Dr. Adesina.
Discussions covered measures that could be taken to strengthen the balance sheet of African public development banks and provide financing and additional tools to support the private sector in Africa. Participants also discussed challenges faced by African public development banks.
The African Development Bank president will convey the outcomes of the Spring Meeting to a May 18 Summit on Financing African Economies in Paris. That summit is being convened by French President Emmanuel Macron. It is expected that there will be further pledges and announcements of financial and technical assistance to support the commitments made by the African public development banks.
African public development banks, in a  joint declaration (https://bit.ly/3vZUTmP), called for the heads of state and international organizations to support our role in the African financial system and provide us with the necessary means and incentives: a clearer mandate for climate and SDGs, additional capacity building, greater access to concessional resources as well as reinforcement of our capital bases, taking advantage of the expected SDRs issuance by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)”.
The following public development banks and partners participated in the panel discussions:
Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI), Association of European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI), African Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), European Commission (EC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), European Investment Bank (EIB), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), International Development Finance Club (IDFC), KfW Development Bank, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB), and West African Development Bank (BOAD).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contacts: African Development Bank: Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
Finance In Common: contact@financeincommon.org
International Development Finance Club (IDFC) Sabrina Hadjadj Aoul Communication Officer email : hadjadjs@afd.fr
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Finance in Common Summit Spring Meeting: public development banks call for new financing for Africa’s recovery post-Covid-19

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47 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Adamawa-19 Lagos-16 Enugu-3 Kaduna-3 Akwa Ibom-2 Delta-2 FCT-2
165,515 confirmed 156,358 discharged 2,065 deaths
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (11 May 2021)

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COVID-19 daily update &#8211; 11th May: we report 40 new cases out of 5,697 tests (0.7% positivity), 38 recoveries, and 4,399 new vaccinations; with 1 new death (MHSRIP).
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 (11 May 2021)

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Sixty-four patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in Gash Barka, Anseba, Northern Red Sea, and Central Regions.

Out of these, fifty-one patients are from Quarantine Centers in Ghirmaika (25), Agordat (22), Ali Ghidir (3), and Adibara (1); Gash Barka Region.  Six patients are from a Quarantine Center in Keren, Anseba Region.  Five patients are from Quarantine Centers in Massawa (2), Ghindae (2), and Tio (1); Northern Red Sea Region.  The last two patients are from Quarantine Centers in Asmara, Central Region.
On the other hand, fourteen patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in Gash Barka (7), Anseba (4), and Northern Red Sea (3), Regions have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities.
The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly risen to 3,627 while the number of deaths is 12.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has increased to 3,818.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
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Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (11 May 2021)

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Team Qhubeka ASSOS (www.TeamQhubeka.com) will head to Mallorca, Spain, this week for the four UCI 1.1 races that make-up the Challenge Mallorca, starting tomorrow.

Trofeo Calvia, Trofeo Serra de Tamuntana, Trofeo Andratx and the Trofeo Alcudia are the four events taking place on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca this week.
Each of the races will include a significant amount of climbing, with only the final Trofeo Alcudia looking likely to be a race that the pure sprinters might feel they have a chance of success. Team Qhubeka ASSOS have sent a squad of 12 riders that will rotate between the 4 events, based on the team&#39;s strategy for each of the races.
We are excited to have our Eritrean continental team rider, Henok Mulubrhan joining our 11 world tour riders of Carlos Barbero, Dimitri Claeys, Michael Gogl, Reinardt Janse van Rensburg, Dylan Sunderland, Karel Vacek, Emil Vinjebo Sean Bennett, Connor Brown, Nicholas Dlamini and Andreas Stokbro for the Challenge Mallorca.
Henok Mulubrhan I am excited for the opportunity to race with the World Tour Team in Mallorca. I think these races can suit me very well. When I am selected to race, I will give my best for the team and show the level I know I am capable of.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
Media Contact: 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 take on Challenge Mallorca

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Energy Capital &#038; Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) is excited to announce the confirmation of several high-profile sponsors for its South Sudan Oil &#038; Power 2021 (SSOP) conference on 29-30 June 2021, in Juba; Event sponsors include Nilepet, DPOC, GPOC, SPOC, Petronas, CNPC, Atlas-Oranto, Centurion Law Group, Trinity Energy, Nile Petroleum Service Co., IPTEC and Stanbic Bank; ECP invites all international solution providers and investors to attend and participate in this transformative conference.

Energy Capital &#038; Power (ECP, formerly Africa Oil &#038; Power) is excited to announce the official confirmation of several high-profile sponsors for the fourth edition of its national energy conference, South Sudan Oil &#038; Power (SSOP) 2021. Returning to Juba on 29-30 June 2021, and in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Energy and Dams, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, SSOP 2021 will be held in a hybrid format, with international speakers and delegates participating online alongside the local in-person event.
Official event sponsors include Nilepet and its joint ventures as Host Sponsors; Dar Petroleum Operating Company, Greater Pioneer Operating Company, and Sudd Petroleum Operating Company, Petronas and CNPC as Lead Sponsors; Atlas-Oranto and Centurion Law Group as Gold Sponsors; and Trinity Energy, Nile Petroleum Service Co., IPTEC and Stanbic Bank. ECP extends its thanks to all sponsors and exhibitors for making this highly anticipated and valuable event possible.
“With immense resource potential, and against a backdrop of reformed political stability, South Sudan is well on its way to become an established regional energy producer. Our event partners pave the way for a successful conference in which critical investment and energy deals can be made to elevate South Sudan to economic prosperity,” states Kelly-Ann Mealia, Chairperson, ECP.
Under the theme #BuildtheNation, SSOP 2021 looks forward to welcoming ministers from Egypt, South Africa, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as other key international stakeholders.
SSOP 2021, being the first event in ECP’s 2021 calendar, will take place in partnership with the South Sudan authorities and Juba-based MedBlue Laboratories under strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of all attendees. All in-person attendees will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test with sample taken within 72 hours of the event opening. International delegates will be permitted to use the tests they used to enter the country, provided they entered Juba airport no earlier than 28 June. Rapid test facilities will be available on-site for all delegates.
“With sponsorship confirmations by top energy companies and stakeholders, SSOP 2021 is able to unite industry leaders and international stakeholders in one, essential gathering. With significant infrastructure opportunities available in the energy, power, and transport sectors, South Sudan is seeking regional and international investment and collaboration. SSOP 2021 connects investors with opportunities, enabling the country to realize its developmental goals,” says James Chester, Senior Director, ECP. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital &#038; Power.
Very limited space is still available for sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and delegates. Find out more at www.SSOP2021.com and contact James Chester, Senior Director, at james@energycapitalpower.com if you wish to participate.
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Energy Capital & Power Confirms High-level Sponsors for South Sudan Oil & Power 2021 Event

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On May 6th, TECNO (www.TECNO-mobile.com), a rising superstar as a global smartphone brand of the new generation, has successfully launched the TECNO CAMON 17 Pro and get back their focus on the seflie for the users in post-epidemic era with48MP AI selfie camera and 90 Hz super-high refreshing rate at 6.8 inch FHD Screen. Not only that, TECNO showed sincerity in understanding their consumers by inviting industry professionals to discuss an important social phenomenon: the selfie and selfie culture.

Stephen Ha, General Manager of TECNO Mobile, said,” We always seek for break-throughs of product and technology to touch human spirit and inspire positive energy. The social phenomenon of selfies has been gaining serious momentum in recent years and have become central to how people express themselves. The world has shifted permanently due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the selfie function has become even more important as people use it to keep in touch with loved ones safely. The CAMON 17 Pro is the first product to put this behavior into focus as users nowadays in post-epidemic era associate selfie with their identity.”
TECNO is always upholding the brand motto ‘young at heart’ and never stop pursuing excellence in deeply plying the global emerging markets. TECNO constantly upgrade product design and qualities, which is increasingly elegant, energetic, durable and constantly pioneering and touches human spirit. TECNO CAMON 17 is such a brand-new product in post-epidemic era.
48MP AI selfie camera enables the beauty  in all the glory 
The 48 MP selfie camera can capture the beautiful details in an elegant way of the user with an added professional finish. The embedded artificial intelligence (AI) technology can elevate selfie through accurate algorithms which can identify features based on gender and also adjust the environment light to make the user front and centre of the shot. The wide selection of user-friendly tools equipped at TECNO CAMON 17 Pro help users personalize the images they want to portray. Users can now conceal blemishes, hide dark circles, perfect body shape, and do a lot more to fine-tune beauty as they please. Extensive studies have been carried out to make sure the beautification works seamlessly on every skin tone. 
TECNO Camera LAB &#8211; The TAIVOS™ Imaging Laboratory 
The TECNO CAMON 17 Pro comes with trademarked TAIVOS technology. TAIVOS, which stands for TECNO AI Vision Optimization Solution provides users with an unprecedented visual experience, especially in low-light environments. TAIVOS can filter image noise better and optimize image clarity, thereby enhancing night photography effects. TECNO is always working hard to push the limits of performance of mobile phone photography and has carried out much research to incorporate better technology. Its research involved a large volume of photos and hundreds of professional photographers, making the film credible and technology reliable. This allows TECNO to bring the best camera technology into the TECNO CAMON 17 Pro, making it an industry leader in photography.
The Super Night Mode of TECNO CAMON 17 Pro supported by TAIVOS™ lets in more light and optimizes details against a low-light background, adding unrivalled clarity to the  photos, which allows users to, literally, find light even in the dark. The AI technology is also used to make the user’s skin look absolutely stunning, no matter what skin tone they may have. 
Stunning Elegant Appearance with both Aesthetics and Functionality
The 6.8-inch 1080&#215;2460 FHD display provides incomparable clarity and is a feast for the eyes. Every edge feels sharper and every color is brighter so the user can truly immerse the photos in high-definition video and intense games. The 90 Hz super-high refreshing rate offers it a smooth, snappy and refreshing experience.
The phone’s appearance has been constructed with ample consideration of both practicality and aesthetics of elegance. The designers made use of light and shadow, as well as meticulously crafted nanoscale textures. Optical coating has also been incorporated to make the phone fingerprint resistant.The phone had been designed with a strict set of ergonomic principles in mind. The body is slimmer, and the edges are adjusted in order to give the user an easy hold.
Long Lasting Battery with Peak Performance
It is able to give users the performance they deserve; Animations are smoother, games are more immersive, and networking is faster. It contains the 8 core CPU with HyperEngine game optimization, making it TECNO’s fastest chip yet, and at the same time still providing users with exceptional performance. Network optimization with the prediction engine allows for WIFI/LTE concurrency so your connection remains uninterrupted while gaming. With an enormous 5000mAh battery you do not need to worry about your phone dying during crucial moments. Furthermore, the TECNO CAMON 17 Pro comes with fast charging so users do not have to wait – the TECNO CAMON 17 Pro will be ready to leave when they are.
G95 Chip , Smoother&#038; Faster Performance
Animations are smoother, games are more immersive and networking is faster. The 8 core CPU with HyperEngine game optimization is the fastest chip yet giving the users exceptional performance. Additionally, intelligent scheduling and balancing allows reallocation of resources to ensure maximum power efficiency so the battery will last longer. Network optimization with the prediction engine allows for WIFI/LTE concurrency so the connection remains uninterrupted while gaming. 
Fitted with the Latest OS7.6 System Carefully Designed with Users in Mind
TECNO understands that privacy matters. The TECNO CAMON 17 Pro allows users to use fingerprints to lock apps away and keep data as secure as possible. The phone also comes with a privacy film that ensures only the user looking directly at the screen can see what is being shown.
One-click blockbuster allows the users to pick from professional templates to create dynamic and exciting albums to be played back for the friends and family. Sharing breathtaking moments could not be easier.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.
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The Newest TECNO CAMON 17 Pro raised the bar for selfie smartphones, allowing users to express their true selves creatively in their own way

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The COVID-19 pandemic unearthed the fault lines for what could be a generational catastrophe in education.

Even before the pandemic resulted in school closures affecting over 1.6 billion students in at least 161 countries (https://bit.ly/3ydxErB), more than 250 million school-age children (https://bit.ly/3eGd6QM) were out of school globally.
In much of the developing world, the gap between the levels of learning that education systems provide, and the needs of students, communities and countries, has been steadily growing over the years.
Barriers to education in developing countries include political and security instability, costs, health and nutrition, distance to school, insufficient budgetary allocations to education, and poor-quality environments, content and processes. And now, even more school-age individuals are at risk of falling behind or dropping out of school permanently as the pandemic persists. This would widen inequality across an already unequal region with stark wealth, gender and social disparities, as well as stymie opportunity, innovation, and economic growth prospects—education is the cornerstone of building human capital.
In a recent interview with AfricaLive.net (https://bit.ly/3tEmFDX) Dr Nicos Nicolaou, the founder and CEO of Unicaf (www.Unicaf.org), a leading higher education online platform with students in 158 countries, set out his vision for a more robust education sector supported by digital infrastructure.
“In August last year, the UN Secretary-General stated that the education sector must invest in digital literacy and infrastructure and look to evolve towards learning how to learn, rejuvenate lifelong learning, and strengthen links between formal and non-formal education,” said Dr Nicolaou.
“He suggested the need to draw on flexible delivery methods, digital technologies and modernised curricula while ensuring sustained support for teachers and communities.”
Optimising Higher Education
A sustained increase in demand for access to education across Africa is unavoidable as populations grow, and given the role of education in modernisation and development, it is critical that governments increase higher education opportunities.
“Central to the discussion on sustainable development is the imperative of equality in higher education opportunities. Universities should offer holistic and transformational education with high-level quality content. Learning should be stimulating, engaging and learner-centric, leading to successful outcomes for the learners. Universities should inspire learners to be global citizens, assume active roles in the society they live in, and contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable world,” says Dr Nicolaou.
“Taking into consideration that tens of millions of additional students will become of university age in the next decade and the fact that there are no plans to build hundreds of new universities in the continent, the only solution is online learning,” he adds.
“The skilful use of modern technologies can enhance teaching and learning effectiveness and, thus, may substantially contribute towards the goals and objectives associated with sustainable, inclusive growth and development.”
“Distance education can eliminate current barriers to higher education in Africa, imposed by space and time, and can dramatically expand access to lifelong learning. Using flexible delivery models, students will no longer have to visit a physical location at specific times and days. A modern higher education institution, such as Unicaf University, no longer has to be at any specific physical location but, through the use of technology, can exist anywhere, anytime for students who wish to access study materials and complete a particular academic programme fully online.”
COVID-19 Has Changed Education Forever
There has been a high growth and adoption in education technology around the world in recent years, with edtech investments of up to USD 18.66 billion in 2019 (https://bit.ly/3y8qPrg), and projections for the online education market expected to reach USD 350 billion by 2025 (https://bit.ly/3uG4sqS). COVID-19 has accelerated the transition to the wider use of technology in delivering education.
“Because of COVID-19 online learning expanded dramatically. Almost all universities had to shift to remote learning to serve their students. In a very short time, everyone had to shift from face-to-face teaching to online, using a variety of technologies. The pandemic provided the catalyst needed for universities to move online and to use digital platforms for teaching and learning,” says Dr Nicolaou.
“What was considered to be the future has been accelerated to become the present; and my expectation is that this shift is here to stay, in one form or another. Various technologies, which are employed for online teaching, will reshape learning, both inside the classroom and beyond, well after the present pandemic subsides. In the same token, regulators have realised how crucial online education is and started encouraging universities to offer online programmes,” he adds.
The Future of Online Education in Africa
Africa accounts for about 20 per cent of the world’s youth population (aged 15-24), which is also the fastest growing in the world; however, there is a dearth of quality and affordable higher education. School enrolment rates at the tertiary level stand at 8 per cent, according to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics (https://bit.ly/3eGhkYq), significantly below the global average of 32 per cent. Online education has the potential to increase access to higher education, making it cheaper, more flexible and more accessible to a wider range of students, and that is what Unicaf does.
“Founded in 2012 and with headquarters in Europe, Unicaf is a leading higher education online platform with students in 158 countries, and also a scholarship programme, facilitating higher education studies at affordable cost. The state-of-the-art Unicaf digital platform provides access to quality university degree programmes and professional courses from reputable partner institutions in the UK, the USA and Africa, and is addressing an underserved part of the higher education market through an affordable and flexible online learning model,” says Dr Nicolaou.
The platform’s current partners (https://bit.ly/3eH3Snk) include Liverpool John Moores University (UK), the University of East London (UK), the University of Suffolk (UK), the University of California, Riverside Extension (USA), and a multi-campus Unicaf University in Africa—offering high-quality Bachelor, Master’s and Doctoral degrees at a fraction of the cost.
“During the pandemic, Unicaf has been able to demonstrate its capabilities and increase its reach. Unicaf’s state-of-the-art digital platform has helped thousands of students to study online towards an internationally recognised degree without being affected by lockdowns and other restrictive measures. Within the last 12 months, we have received thousands of applications from students interested to study through online programmes. This is additional proof of Unicaf’s dominance in Africa’s online education market and the strengthening of its brand and reach,” says Dr Nicolaou.
Spotlight on Africa’s Largest Online University
Developments in technology and changes to the global approach to teaching—including collaborative and project-based learning, mobile-friendly learning platforms, and adaptive personal learning—are not yet used at scale in Africa. Unicaf is expanding across the continent through a growing network of university campuses and learning centres offering blended and open learning options. Unicaf currently has a physical presence in 12 African countries and has plans to expand to five additional countries within the next two years.
“Unicaf and Unicaf University’s (www.UnicafUniversity.com) strategy is to continue expanding throughout Africa by obtaining additional university licences in new countries and enriching the portfolio of programmes they are offering. Along with its partner universities, Unicaf has already served more than 40,000 students, by awarding them over USD 100 million worth of scholarships to study for internationally recognised degrees at a fraction of the cost, and to positively transform their lives,” says Dr Nicolaou.
“Our software development team will continue developing new state-of-the-art technologies, aiming towards enhancing the existing technologies we use in our digital platform. Such technologies help all our operations become more efficient and more scalable,” he adds.
Unicaf’s platform provides students with several key benefits, including:
 	Flexible delivery allows students to accommodate work and family responsibilities. Everything students need to complete their studies is embedded into the platform, including a digital library, e-books and other learning resources. 	Qualifications: Students can earn internationally recognised degrees from Unicaf University, or its British partner universities, at a fraction of the cost. It is accredited by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education in the UK as an Independent Higher Education Provider. Students are therefore given the opportunity to earn degrees with international recognition and obtain valuable skills and credentials to enrich their professional qualities and help them advance in their careers. 	Scholarships considerably reduce the cost of fees, and any remaining balance can be paid in easy monthly instalments. 	Employment: Most students declare that they were able to find a better job, get a promotion in their current job and/or earn more money as a result of their studies with Unicaf. Unicaf University programmes are developed in collaboration with employers to meet their specific needs. 
Accelerating Online Teaching Through Partnerships Between Universities and EdTech Companies
Unicaf has been a pioneer in international partnerships to provide opportunities for students in Africa to earn internationally recognised degrees for almost a decade. Dr Nicolaou believes that the success of such partnerships depends on “a shared understanding of the market, goodwill, close collaboration and shared interests and goals.”
The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) this year will facilitate pan-African collaboration in higher education.
“With a population of 1.2 billion projected to reach 1.4 billion by 2040, Africa will become one of the biggest free trade areas with a very high commercial significance. This is good news for higher education too, and will heighten collaboration opportunities among universities in Africa in the areas of teaching, learning and research,” says Dr Nicolaou.
“For the African leaders of the future, Agenda 2063 sets out the need to refocus and reprioritise Africa’s agenda. Educating Africa’s future leaders is very important, as they are the ones who will strive to reposition Africa as a dominant global player. To support this goal, Unicaf continues to develop a suite of modern and affordable programmes, which offer specialist knowledge, underpinned by values-based ethical principles and practices.”
“Employability is vital for university students in Africa and is central to the mission and operation of Unicaf University.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Unicaf.
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UNICAF Sets Out Plan to Expand to 17 African Countries Following UN Call for Investment In Digital Education

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356 people have tested positive to the disease, from a sample size of 4,424 tested in the last 24 hours. Our positivity rate is at 8.0%. From the cases 329 are Kenyans while 27 are foreigners. Total confirmed positive cases are now 163,976 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,725,546.

County distribution of new cases; Nairobi 95, Kisumu 51, Mombasa 46, Kisii 18, Kericho and Nyamira 15 cases each, Kitui 13, Kiambu, Homa Bay and Kilifi 11 cases each, Kakamega 7, Trans Nozia, Uasin Gishu and Siaya 6 cases each, Nakuru 5, Bungoma and Tharaka Nithi 4 cases each, Nandi and Laikipia 3 cases each, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kwale, Machakos, Meru, Murang’a, Wajir, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Taita Taveta and Turkana 2 cases each, Vihiga, Baringo, Embu, Garissa, Migori and Makueni 1 case each.
129 patients have recovered from the disease, 65 from various health facilities countrywide while 64 are from the Home Based &#038; Isolation Care. Total recoveries now stand at 113,057 of whom 82,203 are from Home Based Care &#038; Isolation while 30,854 are from various health facilities.
21 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, 3 having occurred in the last 24 hours, 16 on diverse dates within the last one month and 2 are late deaths, reported after conducting facility record audits. This now pushes the cumulative fatalities to 2,928.
A total of 1,105 patients are currently admitted in various health facilities countrywide, while 4,749 patients are on Home Based Isolation &#038; Care.  128 patients are in the ICU, 23 of whom are on ventilatory support &#038; 76 on supplemental oxygen. 29 patients are under observation. Another 91 patients are separately on supplemental oxygen with 85 of them in general wards and 6 in High Dependency Units (HDU).
VACCINATION: As of today, a total of 921,546 persons have so far been vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease countrywide. Of these 281,704 are aged 58 years and above, Health workers, 161,271, Teachers 144,434, Security Officers 77,772 while 256,365 are in the Others category.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (11 May 2021)

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Tests conducted: 10,931,906 Positive cases identified: 1,599,272 Total recoveries: 1,519,258 Total deaths: 54,896 New cases: 1,548
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 (11 May 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.

Total daily tests: 1,068 New confirmed cases: 5 Cumulative confirmed cases: 18,487 Active cases: 32 Recoveries: 17,784 (0 new) Currently admitted: 0 New deaths: 0 Total deaths: 671 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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