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Total cases: 25,773 (+59) Recovered: 24,333 (+178) | 94.4% Active cases: 1,100 In critical condition: 0 Tests: 1,350,982 (+3,602) Test positivity rate: 1.6% Vaccinated: 350,400  Deaths: 340 (+2) | 1.3%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (11 May 2021)

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Stage four of the Giro d&#39;Italia saw the general classification race spark to life, and Team Qhubeka ASSOS&#39; (www.TeamQhubeka.com) Domenico Pozzovivo able to test his climbing legs for the first time as he finished strongly in Sestola.

Pozzovivo crossed the line just over two minutes behind the day&#39;s winner and is now 20th in the general classification, just over two minutes behind the new maglia rosa, Alessandro de Marchi.
The stage was won by Joe Dombrowski in a late surge to the finish after a long, wet and cold day with Pozzovivo limiting his time loss to the main GC contenders in the final kilometre.
Earlier on it had been Victor Campenaerts who was among the early animators from the start in Piacenza and he spent the majority of the day in the breakaway before some of the sharp climbs took their toll in the latter stages.
Campenaerts and compatriot Quinten Hermans attacked from the start opening up a narrow gap which eventually saw 23 other riders join them in the day&#39;s breakaway, after which a trio rode away and nearly stayed away until the final stages.
Stage five from Modena to Cattolica is a flat 177km and should result in a bunch sprint with European and Italian champion Giacomo Nizzolo once again taking the lead for Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
Domenico Pozzovivo
It was a hard stage because of the weather; five hours in the rain while the last 100km was all up and down and so you needed to be very focused throughout the stage to not make any mistakes in positioning, it was quite hard for me to hold my position in these conditions.
The feeling was not so bad but finally in the last kilometre when the GC guys, the best riders attacked, I just had to manage my own pace and I lost a few seconds. I think I can expect more in the next few days, my shape is not too bad and I think with the bad weather it (performance) was okay today.
We&#39;ve just started this race and there are a lot of climbs in this first week, so we&#39;ll try to improve.
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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Pozzovivo tests his legs following Campenaerts breakaway in Giro d’Italia 4th stage

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On Monday 10 May, FIFA (www.FIFA.com) held a virtual meeting with several member associations and confederations to discuss workers’ welfare reforms and broader human rights in Qatar in connection to the country’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022™.

The virtual event was organised in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Delivery &#038; Legacy (SC), FIFA’s local partner in Qatar. Member associations that had expressed an interest in the matter heard from the SC’s Secretary General, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, as well as presentations from industry experts from independent international organisations, human rights organisations and workers unions (Amnesty International, BWI, ILO, ITUC1) with direct knowledge of the situation on the ground.
The meeting provided an opportunity to clarify a number of facts related to the country’s labour reforms programme, look at the important progress achieved since Qatar was awarded the tournament in 2010 and discuss the challenges that still remain, while stressing the role that FIFA and football can continue to play in promoting a lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ in the field of workers’ welfare and human rights in the host country.
“I very much welcome the constructive engagement with our member associations on this important topic,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We all want to ensure the protection of everyone engaged in the delivery of the FIFA World Cup, and we are confident the event can serve as a catalyst for broader positive social change.”
“We know there is still work to be done, but we need to recognise the significant progress achieved in a very short time, thanks to the commitment of the highest authorities in the country, and to ensure that any debate on this complex matter should be based on verified facts,” he added. “It is important for our member associations to hear directly from independent international experts that the conditions on the FIFA World Cup construction sites have reached the highest global safety standards, and that the recent landmark legislative reforms have already benefitted tens of thousands of workers across Qatar.”
The exchanges with member associations focused on the concrete steps towards full implementation of the changes introduced, and the expansion of the measures put in place within Qatar’s construction sites to the service sector that will become more involved as the competition approaches.
The international organisations, human rights organisations and workers unions that have been directly involved in Qatar’s labour reform programmes since 2010 welcomed the national reforms and the work specifically being conducted by the SC and FIFA on the country’s World Cup projects. The same organisations also outlined the need for strict implementation of the new and existing legislation and pointed to some additional reforms that are expected later this year.
The meeting followed a series of previous exchanges with individual member associations on the same topic, and FIFA and the SC committed to continue to engage with the global football community to keep its stakeholders regularly informed on preparations for the FIFA World Cup, and to address any concerns that may arise.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Contact for African media: AfricanMedia@fifa.org
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FIFA and Qatar invite MAs to discuss human rights with international experts ahead of FIFA World Cup

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A development forum for talent and infrastructure in Africa was held; Event held as part of the FIFA Forward Programme (https://FIFA.fans/3bfMYKo); The aim is to create a forum for dialogue between the MAs, FIFA (www.FIFA.com) and experts.

&#8220;We need to stop saying that we have to &#39;develop&#39; football in Africa. The time has come to &#39;propel&#39; it to the top of world football,&#8221; said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in his speech at the 43rd CAF Ordinary and Elective General Assembly on 12 March 2021.
&#8220;The time for talking is over. What we now need to do is go forward, and we need to do it as a team: a CAF team and a FIFA team, also bringing together all the confederations and member associations from around the world.&#8221;
Soon after this call for action, a Forum for Talent and Infrastructure Development in Africa was held on 5 and 6 May, and it was a great success, with no fewer than 54 members associations sending representatives.
&#8220;FIFA, via the Forward Development Programme, is making the necessary resources and structures available to support the 211 member associations and the six confederations when it comes to developing football throughout the world,&#8221; explained Kenny Jean-Marie, Director of Member Associations Services. &#8220;The Forum is part of FIFA’s duties in helping to strengthen and develop the skills of football’s leaders and administrators within our member associations.&#8221;
The forum took place over two days via videoconference. The presidents and general secretaries of the federations were the main people involved on the first day, which was dedicated to exchanges of ideas and strategic reflection. The following day, the general secretaries were joined by national technical directors, administrative and financial directors and heads of marketing for what was described as &#39;operations-focused&#39; discussions.
The following subjects were on the agenda:
 	Infrastructure maintenance 	Infrastructure location, balancing the theory and the footballing reality 	The challenges faced by structured administration when implementing a strategic plan 	Diversification of financing 
&#8220;The aim of this inaugural event is to open up a forum for listening and discussion between the member associations, FIFA and experts, to come together and work out not only what the issues are, but to formulate potential systemic responses to the themes we identify,&#8221; Jean-Marie said. &#8220;The member associations will be more involved and will become the drivers of their own skills development plans.&#8221;
The development of strategic planning and the diversification of revenue-generating activities were identified as priorities, as was the ability to work in teams, infrastructure maintenance and the development of cooperation between the federations. Furthermore, the innovative character of the forum, with co-construction of ideas between MAs, was a big plus.
&#8220;I sincerely hope that this proves to be a positive new step as we – the African member associations, the CAF and FIFA – collectively steer African football towards a higher level in every sense of the term,” Jean-Marie concluded.
The forum was certainly appreciated by its participants. &#8220;Many thanks for a very enriching, refreshing, motivating and inspiring workshop,&#8221; said Malawi&#39;s Limbani Cliff Matola, Commercial and Marketing Director. &#8220;It&#39;s been so useful and empowering for us in Malawi.&#8221;
Mohamed Silimane, the Niger FA&#39;s General Secretary, added: &#8220;Thanks to FIFA for this great initiative. the exchanges were very interactive and fruitful. Many great ideas for the development of football.&#8221;
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Contact for African media: AfricanMedia@fifa.org
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Reflection and cooperation key at Forum for Talent and Infrastructure Development

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New cases: 66 Sample size: 1,833 Positvity rate: 3.6% Recoveries: 1,737 Recorded deaths: 12 Cumulative tests: 1,721,122 Total confirmed cases: 163,620 Total recoveres: 112,298 Cumulative fatalities: 2,907
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (10 May 2021)

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Tests conducted: 10,906,020 Positive cases identified: 1,597,724 Total recoveries: 1,517,350 Total deaths: 54,825 New cases: 1,129
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 (10 May 2021)

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Total daily tests: 553 New confirmed cases: 2 Cumulative confirmed cases: 18,482 Active cases: 27 Recoveries: 17,784 (1 new) Currently admitted: 2 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 (10 May 2021)

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Total cases: 25,714 (+62) Recovered: 24,155 (+2) | 93.9% Active cases: 1,221 In critical condition: 0 Tests: 1,347,380 (+2,730) Test positivity rate: 2.3% Vaccinated: 350,400  Deaths: 338 (+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 (10 May 2021)

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Digital customer platform myDHLi now also includes road transport via DHL Freight; New features and functionalities presented at the first myDHLi Digital Summit hosted by DHL.

DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, the leading international freight specialist division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has today announced new features and greater functionality for myDHLi, coinciding with the digital platform’s first anniversary. After a successful launch of myDHLi and increase, the logistics expert has expanded the global availability of the platform from initially eight to meanwhile 62 countries. In addition, online bookings and sales rose by +56% (yoy Q1/2020 to Q1/2021). The expansion comes along with improvements to existing functionalities, for example, the integration of a “save and edit” option and new services such as myDHLi Reports to increase shipment transparency. In addition, for the first time, the platform is now available for road freight customers, with the roll-out starting in Turkey. To frame the success of speedy innovations along the digital transformation in logistics in general and myDHLi in particular, there will be an annual myDHLi Digital Summit, which was launched with the first event at the DHL Innovation Center in Troisdorf.
“For us, myDHLi translates digitalization into customer-centricity. That&#39;s why we put an enormous amount of work in the roll-out. Customers can easily book shipments through the platform that follows modern design principles while having full control over the quotes through 360-degree visibility. By the end of 2020 we had 1,000 customers on the platform. Now, just four months later, we have reached a new high with 3,000 customers spread across 62 countries using myDHLi as of today,” says Tim Scharwath, CEO Global Forwarding, Freight. “In light of this successful launch to market, we will continue to expand the platform by adding more languages over time.”
With a “customer first” approach, the Quote + Book functionality offers improved usability based on user behaviour analysis and modern design principles. Customers can save at any point and resume later during offer validity. This means that, should key details not yet be available at the beginning of the booking process, it is easy to pick back up at a later point to complete. As well as improving usability, the platform offers with myDHLi Reports a new feature that provides full visibility of past and current shipment data for further detailed analysis.
All improvements to the platform follow defined guiding principles for the further development of myDHLi. This includes 360-degree visibility of shipments from start-to-finish, no matter which stage the shipment is at, a multi-channel approach, so that all information is available combined in one place, regardless of which channel a customer uses, and a signaling action process, so that customers can always see where to focus their attention. What’s more, built-in popular social media features like Follow + Share simplify communications along the supply chain by enabling customers to exchange information with their own clients, colleagues, and suppliers.
“At the heart of myDHLi are the needs and experience of our customers,” says Uwe Brinks, CEO DHL Freight. “In light of demand and feedback of the myDHLi users, we have decided to make myDHLi also available to our road freight customers, so they can benefit from the myDHLi features and services already available to our air and ocean freight customers.”
The myDHLi customer platform was successfully launched a year ago and thereby set a new benchmark in a still less digitized industry. It is characterised by a modular structure, allowing subscribers to conveniently personalise their portal. Customers can choose whether they only use the Quote + Book functionality to compare available options and directly book one of the logistics services. They can also access shipment tracking, document management or myDHLi Reports and myDHLi Analytics, which with the latest update now also provides insights into transit times and cost per unit. By adding road freight shipments, myDHLi can satisfy even more customers in the future, making it the one-stop platform for all DHL Global Forwarding, Freight customers. In addition, DHL’s sustainability efforts are integral part of the platform: Since January 2021, DHL Global Forwarding reduces the carbon emissions of all less-than-container load (LCL) ocean freight shipments with sustainable marine biofuels &#8211; at no additional cost for the customer. For all other transport modes an offsetting option or neutralization of CO2 emissions via biofuels can be selected if preferred.
Digitalization is one of the strategic pillars at DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, and to further drive developments in this area for the logistics industry, the myDHLi Digital Summit was established and will now take place annually. Besides presenting innovations around myDHLi, this event will continue to create a unique opportunity to drive the progress of digital transformation in logistics, just in line with Deutsche Post DHL Group’s strategy “Delivering Excellence in Digital World”.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.
You can find the press release for download as well as further information on DPDHL.com/pressreleases
Media Contact: Deutsche Post DHL Group Media Relations David Stöppler Phone: +49 228 182-9944 E-mail: pressestelle@dpdhl.com
On the Internet: DPDHL.com/press Follow us at: twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL
About DHL – The logistics company for the world: DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialised solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing &#038; energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
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DHL Global Forwarding, Freight: myDHLi boosts online bookings by 56%

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Following President Biden&#39;s Interim National Security Strategic Guidance signalling for continued growth in partnerships with African economies, at the African Energy Chamber (&#8220;AEC&#8221;) (www.EnergyChamber.org), we believe it is vital to engage U.S. companies and investors to counter the often-wrong preconceptions about investing in the continent, as Africa has some of the fastest-growing economies globally and possesses significant investment and development opportunities for U.S. firms. U.S. companies stand to play a significant role in the road to a lower-carbon future in the continent, and to continue leading some of the most important markets in the energy industry.

From majors like Chevron, ExxonMobil and Kosmos Energy making significant discoveries and operating in multiple countries like Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Ghana, and others, to large companies like General Electric, Halliburton, and hundreds of Houston and Oklahoma based companies, some U.S. companies have successfully developed some of the most important projects in the continent. One of the reasons behind their success is a deep and actual understanding of the risks involved and their mitigating factors, as well as a strong connection to the project country and its people.
“Africa, we believe offers a tremendous opportunity for US companies to invest and make returns that are far superior to market returns in many other investment destinations” said Jude Kearney, Chairman of the US-Africa Committee at the AEC. “We would therefore like to encourage more US companies to look beyond unjustified risk perceptions on Africa and actively pursue opportunities in Africa” Mr Kearney concluded.
In preparation for the upcoming U.S.-Africa Energy Forum organized by Energy, Capital &#038; Power in partnership with the AEC, the AEC is pleased to announce the launch of its series &#8220;Changing the Risk Perception About Africa,&#8221; comprising of five articles on the following topics:
 	Opportunities in Africa&#39;s natural gas, gas-to-power, rare earth elements (&#8220;REEs&#8221;) industries, as well as the opening of an M&#038;A market from assets left by IOCs. U.S. firms should take advantage of these opportunities to add lower-carbon projects to their portfolio, to remain at the helm of technological development for energy transition. Large and mid-sized U.S. companies stand to lead Africa’s road to Energy Transition due to its engineering, technology, ingenuity, and ability to create markets. Examples like RWE’s Roscoe wind farm, the largest onshore wind farm in the world installed in Texas, as well as other renewable energy companies as SHYFT Power Solutions, African Renewable Energy Distributor and Juabar, set an example of how the use of that technology and ingenuity can lead the way to a lower-carbon future. 
 	Mitigation of political and security risks. While some events in the past decades in Africa, like on other continents have undoubtedly endangered the economic stability of the projects or the physical security of the infrastructure, many African countries have responded by showing resilience, changing policies, practices, and procedures to provide certainty to energy projects. Private companies, including some U.S. companies, have participated jointly with the governments in such efforts, and have become experts in mitigating those risks.    
 	Background and projections dematerializing the perceived finance risk on the continent. Considering the recent history of many African countries, companies and investors should not be afraid of developing projects on the continent, as most projects have reasonable returns, with no issues for private companies to take their fair share of the revenue. The article will also discuss the challenges for securing financing in the past and how investors can align their African investments to the current energy transition drive.  
 	Mitigation of legal risks and misconceptions of corruption in the continent. Unfortunately, very few countries are free from corruption; however, African governments have adopted policies and practices to mitigate these practices. From a legal standpoint, the article will discuss the standardization of agreements and the remedies available for private companies to settle disputes with other companies or the government.  
 	How to mitigate exploration and operational risk in the continent. The article will address the importance of technological developments to reduce these risks in the continent and experiences from industry specialists in managing such risks. Large U.S. operators as ExxonMobil and Kosmos Energy have successfully navigated through such risks in the continent. Its experience can set an example for other U.S. firms to learn how to mitigate such risks. 
For the last six decades, every U.S. administration has created programs to provide guarantees, loans, and advice to U.S. companies desiring to enter the continent. Such programs have also provided funding, negotiation advice, and capacity-building for African countries to develop their economies. Some of such initiatives include the African Growth and Opportunity Act passed under the Bush Administration, President Obama&#39;s Doing Business in Africa Campaign, Power Africa, and Trade Africa. Despite his infamous comments against the continent and his administration&#39;s America First foreign policy, even President Trump&#39;s administration launched Prosper Africa to increase U.S. – Africa trade and investment.
Despite these initiatives, trade and investment with sub-Saharan Africa have decreased in the past years. Per the Center for Strategic &#038; International Studies, in 2020, the U.S. did approximately $32.6 billion worth of trade, down from $36.8 billion in 2019, representing less than 1% of all U.S. trade in goods. Particularly U.S. involvement in energy and mineral resources falls short compared to Chinese involvement, making investments in the continent a matter of national security. 
The AEC invites all U.S. companies to participate in the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum and get involved in the wide range of opportunities the continent offers. We believe the forum is an excellent opportunity to address the stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding investments in Africa. 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
To learn more about how U.S. firms can advance the agenda of sustainable, long-term investment in the African energy sector, please visit www.EnergyChamber.org or contact Amina Williams at amina.williams@energychamber.org. To sponsor, speak or attend the U.S.-Africa Energy Forum, please contact James Chester at james@energycapitalpower.com.
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African Energy Chamber calls for more US-Africa Energy investments with series about unjustified risk perceptions on Africa

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The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) (www.KFAS.org) announced the appointment of Dr. Khaled Ali Al-Fadhel as the new Director General of the Foundation in March. In this capacity, he will also serve on the Board of Trustees for the Al-Sumait Prize for African Development (www.AlSumaitPrize.org). Dr. Al-Fadhel succeeds Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin, who retired earlier this year, and had served as Director General of KFAS since 2011, as well as a member of AlSumait Prize Board of Trustees since 2015.

When asked about his vision for Al-Sumait Prize for African Development, he stated: “It is our goal to elevate the impact and standing of Al-Sumait Prize. One of the most certain ways to ensure that humanitarian efforts and initiatives continue their momentum, and their perceptible success, is to establish awards such as Al-Sumait Prize that aim to recognize the accomplishments of organizations and researchers dedicated to the creation of infrastructures and solutions related to issues of Health, Food Security, and Education on the African continent.”
H.E. Sheikh/Dr. Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, and Chairperson of the Abdulrahman Al-Sumait Prize commended Dr. Al Fadel’s commitment to deepen the impact of Al-Sumait Prize, saying: “Dr. Khaled Ali Al-Fadhel is a leader of remarkable abilities, tremendous energy, and a boundless passion for the values and objectives of Al-Sumait Prize for African Development. He is capable of promoting further the valued relationship between KFAS and African scientific circles, thus increasing The Prize’s outreach and impact.”
Dr. Al-Fadhel has held several prestigious leadership positions in Kuwait, including Minister of Oil, Chairman of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Minister of Electricity and Water, and Undersecretary at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Prior to that, he held many administrative and academic positions at the College of Engineering and Petroleum and Kuwait University. Dr. Khaled Al-Fadhel received his PhD from Lehigh University in 2005.
The Call for the 2021 Al-Sumait Prize in Health was launched in January 2021 and will close on 30th June 2021. The Prize has a monetary value of 1 million US dollars.
The Health category includes but is not limited to initiatives, program, and research projects in the following areas:  Combating the prevalence of diseases in Africa, with a special focus on the utilization of effective frameworks and programs, to address and manage health crises such as SARS, COVID-19, and infectious zoonotic diseases; National capacity building in medical research and medical education; Upgrading and maintenance of national medical facilities; Developing national health policies and successful implementation of the outcomes.
Eligible candidates include organizations and research institutions whose initiatives and programs contributed significantly to solving health challenges in Africa, as well as outstanding researchers who are nominated by their institutions and peers.  
Nominators can find AlSumait Prize Criteria as well as the Application Form at: www.AlSumaitPrize.org/nominations
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
@AlSumaitPrize @kfasinfo
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Recognition of accomplishments in Africa key to continued development says new Director General of KFAS

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The COVID-19 pandemic has indisputably reshaped the current reality of businesses, industries and professions globally. The crisis’s undeniable impact has caused major disruption bringing forward an unprecedented reality of the ‘new normal’. A new reality that is full of complexity, ambiguity and opportunities.

In yet another thought-provoking session of its ‘Africa Frontiers of Innovation’ series, Canon brought together a prestigious panel of accomplished African women from the arts and film background to discuss the pandemic’s impact on the African film industry, current trends, road to recovery and scope of opportunities in the future. Moderated by the award-winning journalist Victoria Rubadiri, the session involved Nse Ikpe-Etim, Azza Elhosseiny and Dr. Zippora Agatha Oktoh.
PERILS OF THE PANDEMIC
According to the latest edition of the ILO Monitor, 114 million jobs were lost in 2020, which resulted in working-hour losses approximately four times as high as during the global financial crisis in 2009. The African film industry has been no exception to the pandemic’s dreadful impact, with small businesses and independent film-makers bearing most of the brunt. Closure of sets, rescheduling of shoots, and abrupt termination of film-production triggered huge financial losses for the industry.
Azza Elhosseiny – a filmmaker based in Egypt &#038; the executive director of Luxor African Film Festival, dubs the pandemic as a major disruptor. Citing that the impact has been felt by the grower (film producers) and the reapers (film-watchers) alike, she highlights the monetary repercussions faced by the industry today. With limited funding opportunities, filmmakers are currently writing a grim chapter in the art of cinema-making. Elhosseiny remarks, “The entire experience from making a film to watching a film has been lost, it is certainly a huge blow to producers and audiences alike and one that will bring in many reforms in terms of how content is created and consumed in Africa. It will be interesting to see how the younger talent in the industry navigates through this crisis with their creative innovations.” 
While the thrill of watching cinema in a hall with big crowds remains unparalleled, Dr. Zippora Agatha Oktoh who is a film and arts lecturer as well as the founder of the lake international Pan-African film festival remarks, “Cinema is not just about watching a movie, it is an amalgamation of different experiences and emotions that result from the entire process. The absence of that human element of connection has somehow stolen the magic from movies and also denied us all the direct opportunity of receiving valuable feedback from verbal and non-verbal cues made by the audience during the premier of films”.
OFFLINE TO ONLINE
The lockdown ushered in a new trend of online film-festivals, making a transition from on-ground festivals. “A step in the right direction for sure but it is not quite the same experience” notes Azza Elhosseiny. The idea of meeting, connecting, networking and celebrating with new people gets diluted in the online version of film festivals, according to festival-goers. Dr. Zappora acknowledges the loss of physical connection although she perceives the integration of off-line and on-line mediums to be the solution for the future. She also highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between staying safe and continuing our jobs, accentuating the need to reinvent ways for people to watch movies, visit festivals and consume content whilst being safe.
SCIENCE HAS KEPT US ALIVE, ART HAS KEPT US SANE 
Nse Ikpe-Etim, an award-winning actress, sheds lights on pandemic’s distressing impact on the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood despite being the second largest movie producing industry in the world.
“It has been hard for all of us and especially actors to adjust to the new normal, following social distancing norms and doing tests every week takes some sort of an invisible mental toll on you and exposes you to the fear of unknown. It is totally remarkable to see raw human emotions coming out when we are faced with the fear of something unknown. But like everything else in life, we have to sail through the storms and look out for that silver lining.”
Stressing on the need to prioritize our mental health, Nse urges people to look within to stay sane during these unpredictable times pointing out that while science will keep us alive, it is art that keeps us sane. “Resilience, co-operation and creative collaboration is the mantra to sail through this storm”, she adds.
COLLABORATION IS CURE
The pandemic has propelled a need for re-invention, with artists and filmmakers looking out at alternate ways to tell their stories. The Egyptian Center for Economic Studies (ECES) states in a report, that the film industry in Egypt employs at least half a million people, forty percent of whom are contract workers. As a result, there is a big pool of young talent rendered jobless after the pandemic who are now looking at newer and unique ways to churn out content. Azza Elhosseiny reflects, “All you need is a small crew, a great camera and a brilliant idea to be a filmmaker in today’s day and age.” She encourages the youth to explore different creative outlets such as writing, photography, documentary-making to navigate through these tough times while keeping the artist in them alive.
Counting on collaboration is key to win in a small scale film industry like Kenya, Dr. Zappora remarks. “Effective collaboration during a crisis and sharing resources to create a final output as one team has become the go-to strategy for many in Kenya amidst the Pandemic. That said, there are still costs that need to be incurred in the production stages such as logistics, operations and maintenance, hence it is imperative to not only find different avenues of creating content but also to find different revenue generating streams”, she notes. Finding ways to collaborate with international producers and brands is essential for film-makers world-wide.
DISTRIBUTION – A DIGITAL DISRUPTION
Distribution of content in countries like Kenya remains a key problem as Dr. Zappora puts the spotlight on this issue, claiming that 90% of the country’s original content remains undistributed. However, advent of services like private online streaming and video on demand seem to be saving the face, providing a ray of hope to content creators especially during the pandemic. The change in content consumption patterns has positively given a boost to social media platforms and unlocked different avenues of monetization for artists and creators worldwide.
Private streaming services like Netflix and Showmax have altered the game and created a disruption like never before. According to a recent study, in 2020, Netflix added 36.6 million subscribers as lockdown forced people to stay at home, the highest increase in a year. Consequently, content creators are looking up to streaming and social media platforms like YouTube and Tik Tok for active monetization.
VOCAL FOR LOCAL
“Cinema as an art-form has touched millions of hearts all over the world, changed lives, and also predicted the behavioral patterns from one generation to another. It is not just an industry but a mind-set, a trend-setter, a model of bringing about change and a way of celebrating human emotions and experiences. Canon has always been at the forefront of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, all of which are inherent characteristics of the film industry.” commented Mai Youssef, Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director, Canon CNA.
The uptick of local content consumption has also inspired content-creators around the globe to tell heart-warming local stories rather than solely focusing on Hollywood trends. The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for creators to share authentic stories from their communities and culture, invoking a wave of change. On a closing note, the panelists encouraged African content creators and film makers to produce authentic content that is close to home and heart, to be proud of the African history and heritage and to showcase that same spirit in their stories.
“The session gave us an opportunity to get up, close and personal with frontiers from the film industry giving invaluable insights and learnings about the growing trends in the industry. The platform of cinema is also a platform for making a difference, encouraging the young talent through such sessions remains our priority for where there is creativity, there is Canon.” added Youssef.
Canon’s Africa Frontiers of Innovation will continue to explore contemporary challenges with African thought-leaders every month through 2021. To be part of the conversation follow Canon (Canon-CNA.com) on Facebook (bit.ly/3sEGDyO) or LinkedIn (bit.ly/2P9VK4N).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com APO Group &#8211; PR Agency
Rania ElRafie e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region &#8211; by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
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Canon Central and North Africa ‘African Frontiers of Innovation’ Series Sheds Light on Studying African Cinema & Media

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Temenos Multifonds Global Accounting platform enables Curo Fund Services to deliver seamless back office service; Curo is a third-party administrator for 3,000 funds with assets under management in excess of $150 billion; Agility and scalability of Temenos (www.Temenos.com) platform supports Curo’s large multi-client fund base and rapid pace of product evolution in the investment industry.

Temenos (SIX: TEMN), the banking software company, today announced that Curo Fund Services (www.CuroFund.com), South Africa’s largest third-party administrator, has gone live with Temenos Multifonds Global Accounting platform, completing the first phase migration of funds from its five legacy systems to a single instance of Temenos’ award-winning funds administration platform. 
The move to Temenos’ platform has transformed Curo’s operating model by simplifying its architecture and enabling more automated exception-based processing to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and open up new opportunities for growth.
Curo provides investment operations and fund accounting services to life companies, asset managers and multi-managers. It employs 300 people and services 3,000 funds with assets under administration of more than $150 billion. Its clients include Sanlam and Old Mutual, South Africa’s largest asset managers.
With Temenos’ platform, Curo is able to deliver a seamless back office service with a higher degree of automation and straight through processing. This reduces risk and cost by reducing human processing and enables Curo to deliver a best-in class service to clients with automated information flows between the administrator and asset managers.
Having successfully completed a first phase migration of funds, Curo expects to transition all 3,000 funds to the Temenos platform during 2021.
Temenos’ platform has proved it can easily scale to meet the needs of Curo’s large multi-client fund base. It has also demonstrated it supports requirements specific to the South African market, including complex life and pension portfolio structures and reporting; market specific requirements for asset classes such as bonds and swaps; and South Africa tax reporting and regulatory reporting.
Curo is now looking ahead at international opportunities. Operating its business on Temenos Multifonds Global Accounting gives Curo the agility to expand geographically and support its local clients that operate in international markets.
Barri Maggott, Chief Executive Officer, Curo Fund Services, commented: “We are delighted to complete the first migration of funds to the Temenos platform. Temenos’ single, scalable platform delivers cost-efficiency benefits and provides the agility and flexibility we need to deliver a best-in-class service to our clients. With Temenos technology, we can more efficiently support our clients’ key asset servicing, position keeping, valuation and accounting functions. We can also support their rapid pace of product evolution to bring timely, creative investment offerings to their markets. In the fast-paced investment industry this gives Curo and our clients a competitive edge.”
Oded Weiss, Managing Director, Temenos, said: “We are delighted the largest fund administrator in South Africa is now live on the Temenos platform. Temenos is trusted by leading fund administrators and asset management firms around the world to administer, service and value assets for their global client base. Curo is building a world-class fund administration service and we are proud to support them as they continue to innovate and expand their offering on our platform.” 
Temenos was awarded the highest ‘best in class’ status in Aite’s Matrix Evaluation of Investment and Fund Accounting Systems (https://bit.ly/33ukpoa) report. Temenos Multifonds Global Accounting also gained the highest status in five portfolio management and accounting solution categories by Adox Research (https://bit.ly/3bhSqMA)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Temenos.
Media Contacts: Jessica Wolfe &#038; Scott Rowe Temenos Global Public Relations Tel: +1 610 232 2793 &#038; +44 20 7423 3857 Email : press@temenos.com
Alistair Kellie &#038; Andrew Adie Newgate Communications on behalf of Temenos Tel: +44 20 7680 6550 Email: allnewgatetemenos@newgatecomms.com
About Temenos: Temenos AG (SIX: TEMN) is the world’s leader in banking software. Over 3,000 banks across the globe, including 41 of the top 50 banks, rely on Temenos to process both the daily transactions and client interactions of more than 1.2 billion banking customers. Temenos offers cloud-native, cloud-agnostic and AI-driven front office, core banking, payments and fund administration software enabling banks to deliver frictionless, omnichannel customer experiences and gain operational excellence.
Temenos software is proven to enable its top-performing clients to achieve cost-income ratios of 26.8% half the industry average and returns on equity of 29%, three times the industry average. These clients also invest 51% of their IT budget on growth and innovation versus maintenance, which is double the industry average, proving the banks’ IT investment is adding tangible value to their business.

South Africa’s Largest Fund Administrator Goes Live with Temenos

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Orange (www.Orange.com) is accelerating its solar projects in Africa and the Middle East to reduce its carbon footprint to zero by 2040. Across the entire region, many sites are not connected to the electricity grid and when they are, the quality of the grid often requires alternative backup solutions. To avoid using generators that run on fuel (fossil energy that emits CO2), Orange is putting in place several initiatives such as solar panels.

In several of its subsidiaries, Orange is deploying innovative solar solutions and the latest generation batteries with partners specializing in energy. To reduce its environmental footprint, the Group is positioning itself in these countries as the biggest deployer of solar panels, with a renewable energy use rate already at over 50% for Orange Guinea, 41% for Orange Madagascar and 40% for Orange Sierra Leone. 

These solar panel solutions have also been or will soon be deployed in other African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange is present, like Liberia, for instance, where 75% of Orange&#39;s telecom sites are equipped with solar panels. In total, Orange has installed solar panels at 5,400 of its telecom sites (some 100% solar, others hybrid) saving 55 million liters of fuel each year.

Furthermore, in Jordan, Orange has launched three solar farms to switch to clean and renewable energy helping to reduce its carbon footprint. In 2020, these solar farm projects covered over 65% of Orange Jordan’s energy needs. Since 2018, the company has successfully reduced its CO2 emissions by 45 kilotons thanks to this solar infrastructure.

Alioune Ndiaye, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa says: “We are proud to be the first company by number of solar panels in 5 countries in Africa and the Middle East. As a stakeholder in the energy transition, Orange has included in its Engage 2025 strategic plan the objective of meeting 50% of the Group’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025. We are aiming for net zero carbon by 2040.&#8221;

Orange is present in 18 countries in Africa and the Middle East and has around 130 million customers as at March 31, 2021. With €5.8 billion in turnover in 2020, Orange MEA is the Group’s main growth region. Orange Money, with its mobile-based money transfer and financial services offer is available in 17 countries and has 50 million customers. Orange, a multi-service operator, benchmark partner of the digital transformation, provides its expertise to support the development of new digital services in Africa and the Middle East.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Orange.
Press contacts: Khadija Komara khadija.komara@orange.com +33 6 76 45 96 18
Nathalie Chevrier nathalie.chevrier@orange.com +33 6 48 52 75 83
About Orange: Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with sales of 42.3 billion euros in 2020 and 140,000 employees worldwide at 31 March 2021, including 80,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 262 million customers worldwide at 31 March 2021, including 217 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. The Group is present in 26 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. In December 2019, the Group presented its new &#8220;Engage 2025&#8221; strategic plan, which, guided by social and environmental accountability, aims to reinvent its operator model. While accelerating in growth areas and placing data and AI at the heart of its innovation model, the Group will be an attractive and responsible employer, adapted to emerging professions.
Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN).
For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.Orange.com, www.Orange-business.com or to follow us on Twitter: @orangegrouppr.
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

Orange leads solar panel deployment across Africa and the Middle East

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Twenty-five of the top 30 ranked unions to play tests in the July window; World champions South Africa and hosts Japan play first tests since Rugby World Cup 2019; The UK and Ireland set to host a number of nations, while New Zealand becomes Pacific hub; Samoa v Tonga play-off to deliver first qualifier for RWC 2023 in Oceania 1; Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifiers also to be played in Europe, Africa and South America.

A strong revised programme of men’s test matches is set to take place in July after all unions and World Rugby agreed a revised schedule within the existing window. The revisions have been made recognising an ongoing and complex global COVID-19 picture while aiming to limit further impact. 
The British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa headlines a busy July programme that will see 25 of the top 30 ranked unions in action with several hosting or being hosted for the first time since the pandemic began, including world champions South Africa and Rugby World Cup 2019 hosts Japan. 
With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to cause disruption, the underpinning principle for the schedule was the fixtures agreed in San Francisco in 2017. Where it was not possible or practical to honour that schedule, the hosting rights were reversed with key arrangements met. Where this contingency has not been possible for COVID-19 reasons, World Rugby has facilitated discussions to confirm an alternative schedule for teams consisting of a minimum of two matches for unions who sought replacement fixtures.  
This means that Argentina, Japan, USA and Canada will now travel to the UK and Ireland, New Zealand will host tests against Fiji, and Georgia travel to South Africa. The Samoa versus Tonga Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifier will also be hosted over two legs in New Zealand, creating a Pacific hub in the country across the July window. RWC 2023 qualifiers will also continue in Europe and get underway in Africa and South America.
VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE HERE >> https://bit.ly/3ezwqiw (Schedule details subject to union confirmation)
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “This has taken a monumental effort from all concerned. While there is light at the end of the tunnel in respect to COVID-19 in many nations, the challenges continue to be present, dynamic and impactful and therefore I would like to thank the unions, their respective governments, broadcast and commercial partners and players for their flexibility and full commitment to the process.
“Fans around the world can now look forward to an exciting bumper schedule of men’s test matches involving at least 25 teams, which will be a welcome sight for everyone. The road to Rugby World Cup 2023 also continues with key qualifiers for Samoa and Tonga and, of course, we are anticipating a fascinating British and Irish Lions series.”
World Rugby Vice-Chairman Bernard Laporte added: “Fans from all over the world will rejoice with this window of international rugby. I am delighted that match ups between northern and southern hemisphere teams can finally take place, this will act as a prelude to the exciting Rugby World Cup that we are all looking forward to in 2023.”
World Rugby and unions will continue to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation closely and respond if necessary, while any revisions to the November international programme will be confirmed in due course. World Rugby will also maintain its high performance support for emerging nations ahead of the July tests.” 
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “Confirmation of the programme of July tests is the culmination of a considerable amount of detailed consultation and planning across the respective unions. It is also a reflection of the strong collaboration across the game that characterises our drive to strengthen engagement with all stakeholders to deliver a more aligned, meaningful and effective men’s international calendar beyond Rugby World Cup 2023.”
World Rugby and unions will continue to monitor the dynamic COVID-19 situation closely and respond if necessary, while any revisions to the November International programme will be confirmed in due course. World Rugby will also maintain its high performance support for emerging nations ahead of the July tests. 
World Rugby continues to lead and facilitate focused and productive discussions with all stakeholders regarding the establishment of a globally integrated international calendar following Rugby World Cup 2023. International Rugby Players and the respective national leagues are central contributors within the dedicated working groups. Through these discussions, the sport is united in the mission to optimise the calendar for players, the international and club game.
Additionally, following the announcement of increased high performance support funding for RWC 2021 qualified and qualifier tests, World Rugby continues to be in discussion with unions regarding confirmation of a women’s test programme that will boost preparation for next year’s tournament.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com
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World Rugby and unions confirm men’s July test schedule

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World Rugby Sevens Repechage (www.WorldRugby.org) draw to take place at 10:00 BST (GMT+1) on Tuesday, 11 May; Monaco set to host the final Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualification event on 19-20 June; 12 women’s teams and 10 men’s teams to compete for the final two women’s and one men’s places at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics; Fans can follow the draw live on World Rugby digital and social media platforms here (https://bit.ly/3vU2gMz).

The draw for the World Rugby Sevens Repechage, the final qualification event for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, will take place on Tuesday, 11 May at 10:00 BST (GMT+1) and will be streamed live on World Rugby’s digital platforms.
The highly anticipated draw will be held at the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II as preparations continue to progress towards the hosting of the Olympic qualification event.
With 21 of the 24 teams already qualified for the Olympic rugby sevens competition, the remaining two women&#39;s and one men’s steams to participate at the Olympic Games in Tokyo will be determined at the Stade Louis II in Monaco on 19-20 June.
View Rugby Sevens Olympic Qualification Graphic >> (https://bit.ly/3oaBNYv)
Teams competing in the Repechage progressed through regional Olympic qualification tournaments with two men’s and women’s teams eligible to represent each of World Rugby’s six global regions at the Monaco event.
With player welfare at the forefront of our game, World Rugby has approved withdrawal requests from Brazil and China men’s teams due to the ongoing challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic meaning the Repechage draw will involve 12 women’s and 10 men’s teams.
Women’s competition The women’s competition will see the 12 teams drawn into three pools of four teams. The teams have been banded based on placements in their regional competitions alongside performances in World Rugby tournaments. One team from each band will be drawn into each pool.
Band 1: France, Papua New Guinea, Russia Band 2: Argentina, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan Band 3: Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico Band 4: Madagascar, Samoa, Tunisia
The top two teams in each pool, plus the two third-placed teams with the highest point totals will qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. As there are two Olympic qualification places available for women, the Repechage will feature two rounds of knockout games with the final round featuring four teams competing in two matches where both winners gain Olympic qualification and claim their tickets to Tokyo.
Men’s competition For the men’s competition, the 10 teams are drawn into two pools of five teams, including one team from each of the five pre-determined bands.
Band 1: France, Samoa Band 2: Hong Kong, Ireland Band 3: Chile, Tonga Band 4: Uganda, Zimbabwe Band 5: Jamaica, Mexico
Teams will play against all four opponents in their pools with the top two teams from each pool progressing through to the knockout stages, culminating in the final with the winner booking their place on the plane to Tokyo.
View Rugby Sevens Olmypic News >> (https://bit.ly/2R7HMkL) To ensure the teams are as best prepared as possible for the Olympic Games, and thanks to support received from the International Olympic Committee, World Rugby is investing US$4 million into Olympic qualified unions’ sevens programmes and towards the costs of hosting a number of high-performance preparation events.
The Olympic men’s rugby sevens competition will take place from 26-28 July, with the women’s tournament following on 29-31 July. All the action will take place at Tokyo Stadium, which was a venue for Rugby World Cup 2019.
Rugby sevens is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the Tokyo Games, following the outstanding success of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, which captured the nation’s imagination with record-breaking broadcast audiences and huge numbers of new rugby fans across Japan and Asia.
The inclusion of rugby sevens for the first time in the Olympic Games at Rio 2016 had a profound effect on the sport, attracting an estimated 30 million new fans globally.
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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Olympic excitement builds ahead of World Rugby Sevens Repechage draw

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New cases: 5 Cumulative confirmed cases: 34,171 Active cases: 725 Total recovered: 32,159 (3 new) Currently admitted in treatment units: 7 (0 new) New discharges from treatment units: 0 Total tests conducted: 236,020 (335 new) Total deaths: 1,153 (0 new) Total vaccinated to date: 319,323 (1,185 new)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Population, Republic of Malawi.
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