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Cumulative Cases: 17,569 Total Recoveries: 16,845 COVID-19 Deaths: 119 COVID-19 Associated Deaths: 238 Active Cases: 367
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Coronavirus – Zambia: Daily status update (27th November 2020)

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1,554 people have tested positive for the virus, from a sample size of 9,389 tested in the last 24 hours.

599 patients have recovered from the disease. 14 patients have succumbed to the disease.
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 updates (27 November 2020)

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As at 27 November 2020, Zimbabwe had 9 714 confirmed cases, including 8 470 recoveries and 275 deaths.
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Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 Update (27 November 2020)

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246 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria: Lagos-81 FCT-73 Plateau-39 Kaduna-25 Ogun-13 Bauchi-5 Rivers-4 Ekiti-2 Taraba-2 Kano-2 67,220 confirmed 62,686 discharged 1,171 deaths
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (27 November 2020)

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Preparation for Listing in Frankfurt and London early 2021; SunMirror share tradable on Vienna&#39;s Xetra system from November 30th 2020; sees strong tailwind from boom in demand for gold, tech and renewables.

SunMirror AG (&#8220;SunMirror&#8221;; Ticker: Xetra Vienna: ROR1, ISIN: CH0396131929) (www.SunMirror.com), the mining and exploration firm specialising in raw materials powering the technological future such as gold, lithium and other metals and minerals, is planning to switch the listing exchange of its shares from the open to the regulated market of the Dusseldorf Stock Exchange (&#8220;DSE&#8221;). The change of segment is subject to the approval of the securities prospectus to be filed shortly with the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (&#8220;CSSF&#8221;) and the DSE. In addition, the Company is preparing for admittance onto the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (&#8220;FRA&#8221;) and the London Stock Exchange (&#8220;LSE&#8221;), respectively. In the interim period, SunMirror shares become tradable using the fully electronic Xetra trading system in Vienna with (Ticker: ROR1), effective November 30th 2020.
SunMirror&#39;s plan to have its shares quoted on the Frankfurt and London stock exchanges aims at increasing visibility and tradability for its investors, amidst an unprecedented and sustained &#8220;bull run&#8221; in strategic resources like gold, lithium and beyond. &#8220;By doing so, we wish to offer partner investors the possibility of investing in SunMirror and gain exposure to our unique growth story,&#8221; says Dr Heinz Rudolf Kubli, a Director of SunMirror AG.
At a recent investor roundtable, Kubli presented SunMirrror&#39;s prospects in economic terms. &#8220;When we see how technology is driving consumer and industrial demand for innovation, which in turn, is powering global growth everywhere, we then see clearly the enabling role SunMirror can play in helping to supply raw materials for this historic transformation.&#8221;
SunMirror continues to attract renowned partners for both the intended listing on national and international exchanges, as well as its future capital markets activities. Fulfilling its function as Lead Advisor, Opus Capital Switzerland AG was entrusted with structuring transactions and evaluating investors.
Additionally, the Board of Directors of SunMirror decided to propose Deloitte AG (Zurich) as its new Auditors. The shareholders of SunMirror will resolve their appointment at the shareholders&#39; meeting in December 2020.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of SunMirror AG.
Press Contact: edicto GmbH Doron Kaufmann/Axel MÃ¼hlhaus Phone: +49 69 905505-53 sunmirror@edicto.de Eschersheimer Landstrasse 42 &#8211; 44 60322 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
About SunMirror AG: SunMirror (www.SunMirror.com) is a natural-resources holding company with a strategic focus around gold and other critical resources &#8211; those metals and minerals powering demand for next-generation sustainable technology. The company was formed out of Dynastar AG&#39;s reverse-merger into modern mining player, Couno Resources S.A. Several other important acquisitions are expected in 2021. The Company is listed on Xetra on the Vienna (Ticker: ROR1) and the Dusseldorf and Berlin Stock Exchange with Ticker Code ROR and ISIN CH0396131929. For more information please visit: www.SunMirror.com
About Opus Group: Opus Group (www.Opus-Capital.ch) specializes in bringing-to-market tomorrow&#39;s next-generation natural resource firms, today, by combining strong industry expertise together with one of Switzerland&#39;s leading independent financial services firms. For more information please visit: www.Opus-Capital.ch

SunMirror AG will upgrade Listing for Regulated Exchange on Dusseldorf Stock Exchange

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Ministers from African countries representing nearly three-quarters of the continent’s energy consumption and more than half of its population met with global energy leaders today to consider how to revitalise the African energy sector and enable a sustainable economic recovery after the pandemic.

Under the theme of Securing Africa’s Energy Future in the Wake of COVID-19, the Second AUC-IEA Ministerial Forum was chaired by Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, and Mr Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy of South Africa.
High-level officials at the virtual Ministerial meeting represented a diverse range of African economies. Energy leaders from major global economies also took part, along with senior figures from international organisations, companies and civil society.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy at the African Union (AU) underscored the importance of concerted efforts in addressing the different elements of securing Africa’s energy future following the devastating effects of COVID-19. “It is critical that the recovery is fast, resilient and sustainable. It is equally important that the recovery delivers jobs, supports livelihoods and leaves no one behind, especially women and youth. For this to happen, we must work in partnership to expand public and private investments and encourage innovations”, emphasized Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid.
The AU Commissioner further added that a robust energy sector is necessary building upon policy gains so far made in encouraging grid and off-grid investments with high participation of the private sector. “The AU Commission has been at the fore front of leading harmonisation of policy and regulatory framework in the energy sector in Africa to stimulate investments and build a strong energy market. Another important aspect is the need for tapping into the innovations of digitalisation and creative business models especially from the private sector”, said the Commissioner. “Today’s forum will benefit from the inputs of private sector and other stakeholders as well as the experiences of different Member States to shape further improvements to policy and strategy for the fast recovery and increased investments that Africa to drive the recovery”, concluded the Commissioner Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid.
“I’m delighted that so many Ministers and other energy leaders from across Africa and around the world came together today to focus on how Africa can emerge from this crisis with stronger momentum behind the development of its energy sector – notably through clean energy technologies like solar power&#8221;, said Dr Birol. &#8220;I’d like to thank Commissioner Abou-Zeid and Minister Mantashe for the excellent collaboration that resulted in today’s valuable dialogue. I’m sure the insights from our discussions will help inform and enhance the work of the IEA and other organisations that took part&#8221;, concluded the IEA Executive Director.
Addressing the virtual Ministerial meeting, H.E. Mr. Samson Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, South Africa said “We appeal to developed economies to support developing economies to develop systematically. Allow us to have a balanced approach &#038; have access to a combination of energy technologies &#038; sources as we move to low carbon emissions”. The Minister shed light on the development of an Economic Reconstruction &#038; Recovery Plan, that gives targets &#038; responsibilities to sectors in the productive economy.
Recognising the severe impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on African economies and the importance of the energy sector for continued economic development across the continent, participants agreed on the urgent need to enhance actions to ensure sustainable economic recovery and significantly scale up energy investments over the next three years.
Discussions covered areas such as innovation and how to counter the negative effects of the pandemic on efforts to increase the number of people with access to electricity and clean cooking in Africa, with an emphasis on cooperation and collective action. Participants underscored that Africa is facing major challenges in obtaining the financing and new investments it requires to meet its immense structural transformation needs – an essential part of ensuring a resilient and dynamic energy sector that can power a successful economic recovery.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

African Ministers Stress the Need for Greater Investment to Revitalise Energy Sector and Drive Sustainable Recovery

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Following a mission to Bamako, the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) (https://www.TrustFundforVictims.org/) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced new rehabilitation measures for victims in Mali. These measures are intended to address the harms suffered by the victims in the centre and north of the country, in complementarity with the measures already in place in Timbuktu and the mechanism deployed by the State of Mali.

“Crimes under international law have multiplied in Mali in recent years, particularly in the centre and north-east of the country. While waiting for justice to be done, we have decided to put in place measures to help rehabilitate victims in these regions. Many of them are currently in an extremely precarious situation and some of them have lost all of their property. In making this decision, we want to enable survivors to move forward and thus contribute to the transitional justice process,” stated Ms Mama Koité Doumbia, Chair of the Trust Fund for Victims.
The Trust Fund for Victims will implement this new programme in partnership with organisations established in Mali. The victims who are eligible for these new measures will thus be able to benefit, inter alia, from medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation measures, including trauma counselling, and material support, particularly in relation to developing means of subsistence.
These measures, of which implementation is expected to begin in 2021, will complement the judicial reparations ordered by the International Criminal Court following the conviction of Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi for the destruction of the mausoleums and the gate of the Sidi Yahia Mosque. The Decision of the judges at the ICC provides for individual, collective and symbolic judicial reparations for the community in Timbuktu and also for the Malian and international communities, in order to compensate for the harm caused by the destruction of a world heritage site. The initial measures are in the process of being implemented.
These measures are also intended to complement the national mechanism for transitional justice and reconciliation. During a mission to Bamako, which included meetings with government authorities, the Trust Fund for Victims was able to assess the efforts undertaken by the State of Mali to enable the victims to receive reparations. In this respect, the national reparations policy proposal, which is currently being reviewed, provides for the establishment of an Administration Committee for Reparations to Victims (Commission d’administration des réparations aux victimes). This committee would be able to take over the function of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Committee (Commission Vérité, Justice et Réconciliation), whose mandate expires in 2021, and which has already interviewed almost 18,000 victims across the entire territory. It would therefore, be able to make proposals for compensation and complete the transitional justice initiatives adopted in the 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali resulting from the Algiers Process, which also provides for the prosecution of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes. The measures implemented by the Trust Fund for Victims will operate in complementarity with this initiative and will be aimed at supporting the reparations measures being implemented by the State of Mali.
“Although they do not replace the judicial proceedings to which they are entitled, these new measures are very good news for victims in Mali, as well as for the victims in Timbuktu. At a time when the victims of Al Mahdi are preparing to receive their first reparations, this decision is a beacon of hope for those affected by the most serious crimes committed anywhere within Malian territory”, stated Mr Mayombo Kassongo, counsel for the victims in the Al Mahdi case before the International Criminal Court.
The Trust Fund will continue its efforts to mobilise resources and partners to benefit the victims in Mali.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Trust Fund for Victims.
Media Contacts: In Bamako Aude Le Goff +223 82 56 43 50 aude.legoff@icc-cpi.int
In The Hague Moureen Lamonge +31 06 19 55 25 69 moureen.lamonge@icc-cpi.int
About The Trust Fund for Victims: Although it is separate from the ICC, the Trust Fund for Victims (https://www.TrustFundforVictims.org/) was established in 2004 by the Assembly of States Parties of the ICC, pursuant to article 79 of the Rome Statute. The Trust Fund addresses the harm resulting from crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC: it ensures that the rights of the victims and their families are upheld by providing them with assistance and reparations. The Trust Fund therefore has a two-fold mandate: i) to implement orders for reparations issued by the ICC and ii) to provide the victims and their families with physical rehabilitation, psychological rehabilitation and material support. By funding the programme, and thus helping the victims to recover a life of dignity and participate in the life of their community, the Trust Fund for Victims will be contributing to the establishment of a long-term, sustainable peace through its promotion of restorative justice and reconciliation.
About the ICC in Mali: Mali ratified the Rome Statute on 16 August 2000 and referred the situation that has existed within its territory since 2012 to the ICC (https://www.ICC-CPI.int/). After conducting a preliminary investigation of the situation, on 16 January 2013 the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC, opened an investigation into alleged crimes committed on the territory of Mali since January 2012. Two cases have so far been initiated:
Al Mahdi: Following his trial, Trial Chamber VIII, in its judgment of 27 September 2016, found Ahmad Al Mahdi guilty of the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against buildings of a religious and historical character in Timbuktu, Mali, during June and July 2012. It sentenced Ahmad Al Mahdi to nine years of imprisonment. On 17 August 2017, Trial Chamber VIII issued a Reparations Order setting Mr Al Mahdi’s liability for the individual and collective reparations to be made to the community of Timbuktu at €2.7 million. On 8 March 2018, the Appeals Chamber delivered its judgment confirming, for the most part, the Reparations Order. As Mr Ahmad Al Mahdi is indigent, the Trust Fund for Victims was encouraged to complement the reparations award. In collaboration with its implementation partners, the Trust Fund for Victims will begin the reparations activities in December 2020.
Al Hassan: an arrest warrant was issued against Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud on 27 March 2018. He was transferred to the ICC on 31 March 2018 and is currently in the custody of the Court. His trial opened on 14 July 2020 before Trial Chamber X for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Timbuktu and is currently in progress.

New measures for victims in Mali

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Team Qhubeka ASSOS is delighted to confirm the arrivals of Lukasz Wisniowski, Sean Bennett and Karel Vacek to Africa&#39;s only UCI-registered WorldTour team in 2021.

All three riders will offer a wide variety of skills that will be crucial as part of our team’s performance ambitions in the future, alongside our continued purpose in changing lives together with the Qhubeka Charity.
28-year-old Wisniowski is a an excellent addition who will bring a wealth of experience into the team. A career highlight thus far undoubtedly was his second place finish at the 2018 Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and his performances at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, where he’s twice fnished in the top-10.
In his role as a crucial support rider, Wisniowski’s 2020 season started at the Tour Down Under and finished at the Vuelta a Espana in early November highlighting his wide-ranging skillset. He will look to build on that in 2021, forming an integral part of the leadout train for the European and Italian champion Giacomo Nizzolo.
Californian Bennett joins us from EF Pro Cycling and follows on from the announcement of Simon Clarke’s move earlier in the week. The 24-year-old American is a rider brimful with potential and entering a crucial next phase in his career.
He’s previously secured top-10 stage finishes at the Giro d’Italia, as well as placing second on a stage at the Tour of California, and in 2020 was an impressive 8th in tough conditions at the Royal Drome Classic which was won by Clarke.
His time previously spent with the US National team in the Netherlands sees his eyes drawn firmly to the Amstel Gold Race as one that he would like to excel at, as he looks to take the big next step in his career.
For Vacek, who hails from Prague, his arrival is seen as one for the future. Having only just turned 20, the Czech neo-pro hails from both a cycling and cross-country skiing background. Previous teams include the excellent programme at Hagens Berman Axeon, and more recently Team Colpack Ballan, and the youngster has his future sights sets on developing into a GC contender in some of the biggest races on the calendar.
This announcement follows on from the confirmation of Giacomo Nizzolo, Simon Clarke, Dimitri Claeys, Kilian Frankiny, Nicholas Dlamini and Carlos Barbero all securing their places in our squad next season.
Lukasz Wisniowski
I’m incredibly happy to be a part of team Qhubeka ASSOS for 2021 and can’t wait to get to know all of the team members – staff and riders.
2020 was a very hard year for everyone but I’m convinced that next year will be much better and I’ll be able to help the team to achieve some excellent results across the calendar – from the Spring Classics to the Grand Tours.
Also, at this point in my career I believe that I’m still developing as a rider and this environment will provide the perfect conditions for that.
Sean Bennett
I’m really excited to join the team and be a part of something that’s so much more than bike racing. I can’t wait to find out more about the Qhubeka Charity and the huge difference it’s making in people’s lives.
After a couple of great years, I’m really excited looking to the future now as I think some of my best on the bike are still to come.
Karel Vacek
When I was 15 I moved to Italy with a view to one day in the future becoming a professional cyclist. I finished my schooling there despite not being able to speak the language when I arrived, something I’m very proud of.
I spent one year with Hagens Berman Axeon and then returned to my roots in Italy and Team Colpack Ballan. I’m super happy that I can now be a part of Team Qhubeka ASSOS, which is amazing. It is incredible to be a part of such a team and an organisation like Qhubeka which is providing incredible support and opportunities, it’s a project with huge importance in the world and that makes me proud.
I’m now looking forward to getting into the best shape for next season and of course one of my biggest dreams would be to race the Tour de France or one of the Grand Tours, and to target a good GC result (in the future). That’s my career goal but firstly I’m glad and grateful to be part of this superb team, and I hope that I can make the team happy and proud with my performances.
Lars Michaelsen – Head Sports Director
Lukasz is a rider who has gained a lot of experience from his first six years with WorldTour teams starting out with two years at Quick Step, two at Team Sky and then most recently at CCC. His experience lies in the cobblestone Classics but also his capabilities to look after our race leader and pulling for our sprint opportunities, are going to be crucial.
His result at Omloop in 2018, where he sort of won the run-in behind Michael Valgren, demonstrated his ability among the best Classics riders in the world.
Sean is a different rider having had the experience of Axel Merckx in the Hagens Berman Axeon team, where he was once second in a hard stage at the Tour of California.
His move then on to the professional ranks with EF was notable, securing some good results and performing well; at the Giro he showed he’s a fast guy too being in the mix in the top-10 a few times. Actually we don’t consider him purely as a sprinter but somebody like a semi-classic rider who can assist on climbs but also be aggressive.
He was 8th at the Drome classic where Simon Clarke won, so he’s a rider who can persist and can be an asset in the both Grand Tours and the Ardennes Classics. He lives in Girona and will be part of a group that we create in that area.
Karel’s a very interesting young rider and it remains to be seen where his real strength lies. He considers himself as someone who climbs well and has a strong TT but at this level we don’t know just yet. But he’s a talented neo-pro so we will unearth all of those talents.
We’ve spoken to people who think he has real potential so we will spend some time with him to see how to unlock that and see exactly where his true capabilities lie before we can expect something big from him.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of NTT Pro Cycling.
Media Contact:  Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 4701 1710 or +31 625 739 033
About NTT Pro Cycling: Founded in 2007, NTT Pro Cycling (formerly Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka) (http://www.NTTProCycling.com) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a WorldTour license, in 2016. With the support of our headline sponsor and technology innovation partner, NTT, we are the most purpose-driven, performance-led, and technology-enabled team in pro cycling today. 
Our ambition is to continue to race at the highest levels in world cycling, to develop riders to realise their full potential and to inspire and motivate people across the African continent to ride bicycles.
We have bases in South Africa, Denmark, the Netherlands and Italy. 
We also ride to raise awareness for Qhubeka, a global charity operating in South Africa, through our #BicyclesChangeLives campaign. 
The hands on the back of the team race jersey are a reminder that every Qhubeka bicycle is a helping hand up to a beneficiary, which are provided through Qhubeka&#39;s learn-to-earn and work-to-earn programmes. 
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka (https://Qhubeka.org/) 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.
Visit us at our new website hello.global.ntt
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Exciting trio to bolster Team Qhubeka ASSOS

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DR Congo First Lady partners with Merck Foundation (http://www.Merck-Foundation.com) to build healthcare capacity, break infertility stigma and empower girls through education; Merck Foundation CEO underscored their long term commitment to the social and economic development of Democratic Republic of The Congo through their partnership with The First Lady and Ministry of Health.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, underscored their long term commitment through starting their partnership with The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo, H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI.
During the high level meeting held this week, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, appointed The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo as The Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother to work closely with Merck Foundation to break the stigma of infertility , build healthcare capacity , and empower girls through education in the country.
H.E. Madam DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother emphasized, “I am very happy to partner with Merck Foundation and start their valuable programs in our country as their Ambassador. These programs will help us to transform our public health care sector and create a future shift to empower infertile and childless women through access to information, health and change of mindset as well as empower girls through education which is very close to my heart.”
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President, Merck More Than a Mother emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with The First Lady Of Democratic Republic of the Congo and welcome her as the Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother, and new member of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative-MFFLI. With the outbreak of the global coronavirus pandemic, building healthcare capacity is of the highest importance, and through our partnership, we are planning to provide specialty training to equip the local doctors with the skills they need to improve access to equitable and quality healthcare solutions.”
Along with appointing The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo as the Ambassador of Merck More Than A Mother, Merck Foundation also marked the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”.
“Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations, and on the occasion of ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’, We must work together to eliminate violence against women and girls once and for all“ Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
Merck Foundation has enrolled 32 doctors from Democratic Republic of the Congo to master course in Diabetes in French accredited by Diabetes UK as part of their “Diabetes Blue Point Program” to help the doctors prevent and manage the disease in their communities.
Merck Foundation has also provided Fertility and Embryology training to 5 Doctors from Democratic Republic of the Congo with the aim to establish a strong platform of first Fertility specialists and Embryologists to assist infertile couples in the country as part of their historic campaign “Merck More than a Mother”.
Merck Foundation has also enrolled 1 Oncologist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of their Merck Oncology Fellowship Program to increase the limited number of oncologists in the country and plans to enroll more doctors after coronavirus lockdown is over.
COVID-19 has severely affected the families of casual and daily workers. To aid this issue, Merck Foundation made a community donation to the casual workers and women to support poor families in Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of their coronavirus response program.
“We are also planning to support 20 girl students as part of Merck Foundation – ‘Educating Katty’ which aims to empower girls through education in Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are closely working with The First Lady on this new program with the aim to empower girls through education”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej, One of the 100 Most Influential Africans (2019, 2020).
Merck Foundation also announced 9 winners from Democratic Republic of the Congo for their “Stay at Home” Media Recognition Awards 2020 which been launched earlier this year in partnership with The First Lady of Democratic Republic of the Congo with the aim to build media capacity and raise awareness about Covid-19 pandemic.
The Merck Foundation “Stay At Home“ Media Recognition Awards winners from Democratic Republic of the Congo are:
ONLINE CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position:

 	Cassien Tribunal Aungane &#8211; Radio Centrale &#038; &#8220;Diplomacy &#038; Development&#8221; (500 USD) And 

 	Mukanya Kafuata Andre – Mbote Africa (500 USD) 
SECOND Position:

 	Stéphie Manza Mukinzi – Alert Coronavirus (300 USD) 
PRINT CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position:

 	Mathy Musau Dinyika &#8211; Forum Des As (500 USD) 
MULTIMEDIA CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position:

 	Muemba Wa Muemba Donat – Jua Magazine (500 USD) 
SECOND Position:

 	Jessy Nzengu &#8211; Palmier Radio-Télévision Communautaire (300 USD) 
THIRD Position:

 	Kazadi Lukusa Nicolas &#8211; Radiotélévision Happy Day (200 USD) 
RADIO CATEGORY WINNERS:
FIRST Position:

 	Aly Bukasa Kabambi – Radio Communautaire Butook (500 USD) 
SECOND Position:
Jody Daniel Nkashama- Radio Okapi (300 USD) 
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
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About ‘Merck More Than a Mother’ campaign: “Merck More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe, effective and equitable fertility care solutions. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &#038; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.
With “Merck More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child.
The Ambassadors of “Merck More Than a Mother” are:

H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of Botswana
H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia
H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia
H.E. ANGELINE NDAYISHIMIYE,
The First Lady of Burundi
H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana

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

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as;
• ‘Merck More than a Mother’ Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training
• ‘Merck More than a Mother’ Fashion Awards
• ‘Merck More than a Mother’ Film Awards
• Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it
• Children storybook, localized for each country
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About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com), established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &#038; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.merck-foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation, (Merck-Foundation.com) Facebook (bit.ly/2MmUl3p), Twitter (bit.ly/2NDqHLR), Instagram (bit.ly/2MtCKsu), YouTube (bit.ly/318obQe) and Flicker (bit.ly/2P7AICN).
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Merck Foundation CEO and DR Congo First Lady mark the International day of ‘Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls’ after appointing her as Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother

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On the occasion of this year’s Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, I join the calls for a world free of violence against women and children.

Women and girls around the world continue to be the victims of unspeakable crimes, from sexual and gender-based violence to harassment, human trafficking, child marriages, and being forced to serve as child soldiers.
Despite progress made in the fight against impunity for such crimes, they remain prevalent. These are crimes that have traditionally gone un-reported and un-punished for too long. Their impact on women and girl victims is profound, with sometimes irreversible physical and mental repercussions. The suffering is also extended to their families and communities.
This annual commemoration offers the international community writ large an opportunity to take stock of the progress made, but also the hurdles and challenges that still stand in the way and which must be addressed.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) serves as an important legal instrument in the fight against impunity for atrocity crimes.
Building on my Office’s Policy Paper on Sexual and Gender Based Crimes (“SGBC”) (https://bit.ly/3q6bp2A) and the Policy Paper on Children (https://bit.ly/2VlDSU5), we have sought to systematically investigate and prosecute sexual and gender-based crimes and crimes against or affecting children. The charges we have brought in the Prosecution’s cases and the successes we have secured in court attest to this reality. Much more work remains to be done but we are committed.
My Office will continue to exert all efforts to meet challenges and ensure a measure of justice for the victims of these crimes. Together, with the competent authorities at the national level, we can and must close the impunity gap for violence against women and children, each within our respective complementary mandates.
In the 21st century, violence against women and children is still a stain on our humanity; it must be eliminated for good.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Since 2003, the Office has been conducting investigations in multiple situations within the ICC&#39;s jurisdiction, namely in Uganda; the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Darfur, Sudan; the Central African Republic (two distinct situations); Kenya; Libya; Côte d&#39;Ivoire; Mali; Georgia, Burundi Bangladesh/Myanmar and Afghanistan (subject to a pending article 18 deferral request). The Office is also currently conducting preliminary examinations relating to the situations in Bolivia; Colombia; Guinea; Iraq/UK; the Philippines; Nigeria; Ukraine; and Venezuela (I and II), while the situation in Palestine is pending a judicial ruling.
For further details on &#8220;preliminary examinations&#8221; and &#8220;situations and cases&#8221; before the Court, click here (https://bit.ly/2KMet3J), and here (https://bit.ly/37c3AzH).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Criminal Court (ICC).
Media Contact: OTPNewsDesk@icc-cpi.int
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Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, on the occasion of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

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Industry experts meeting this week for a virtual discussion focused on resetting, retooling and restarting regional integration in Africa in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscored the importance of putting small scale traders at the heart of any initiatives.

The joint webinar, organized on Tuesday by  the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and Korea Customs Service(KCS), looked at service sectors, e-commerce, digital platforms and value chain development as critical factors for accelerating trade and investment in Africa against the backdrop of the global pandemic. The webinar was delivered in three sessions, moderated by Stephen Karangizi, Director, African Legal Support Facility; Dr. Stephen Karingi, Director at Regional Integration and Trade Division of UNECA and Acha Leke, Senior Partner at McKinsey
History has demonstrated the success of countries and businesses that seize new opportunities during times of crisis, said Sukhwan Roh, Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service. “The COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed health and livelihoods of individuals across the world in less than a year,” he said. “Korea wishes to share all the achievements in system enhancement utilizing new technologies with African countries.”
The workshop’s audience heard how regional integration is increasingly central to the continent’s future economic prospects and to attracting foreign direct investment. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement, (AfCFTA), already ratified by 30 countries, is expected to come into effect on 1 January, 2021. Uniting all 55 member states of the African Union, the pact will create a market of more than 1.2 billion people, including a growing middle class, and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of over $3.4 trillion
COVID-19 has deepened pre-existing trade frictions within the continent yet offers important growth  opportunities and great stories of innovation and highlights the importance of protecting Africa’s place in local value chains, said Anabel Gonzalez, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics, with the need to “put small scale traders at the heart of the effort.” She urged governments to strengthen national agencies to provide support to small traders.
“AfCFTA creates a new trade and integration reality…integrating unequal partners across the continent,” said Trudi Hartzenberg Executive Director of the Trade Law Center (TRALAC). Trade facilitation  enjoys specific focus within the AfCFTA, with digital, e-payments, and e-commerce particularly important, she added, citing a 2020 WTO report that emphasized education and healthcare as fundamental to industrialization.
From the outset, the African Development Bank has lent strong support to the AfCFTA, financing the set-up of its secretariat as well as supporting member countries with technical assistance to comply with  a range of AfCFTA regulations, said Bank Vice President, Infrastructure, Private Sector &#038; Industrialization, Solomon Quaynor in his introductory remarks read by Abdu Mukhtar, Bank Director, Industrial and Trade Development Department.
Still, Quaynor warned, post-crisis recovery efforts are likely to be slow. “The AfCFTA will not in one dramatic swoop alter existing commercial and economic realities on a vast scale. However, through strategic measures and the right investments, policy frameworks and political backing, intra-African trade will be enhanced.“
African countries innovate to enhance local value chains
Presentations provided examples from Ghana and Zambia of strategies the private sector can adopt to leverage the AfCFTA within the context of the pandemic.
Ghana previously imported most of its Personal Protective Equipment or PPE, but, since the pandemic, the government galvanized 14 local garment firms to manufacture PPE. These firms now produce 1,000 items daily,  according to Ghana’s deputy trade minister, Robert Ahomka Lindsay. The development has created 10,000 jobs.
“Traditional value chains have been challenged… it made us realise that we cannot rely on those value chains,” Lindsay said.
Some of the worst-affected sectors in Africa such as tourism, aviation and education, had shown resilience, for example, in the food industry, which harnessed e-commerce for marketing during the pandemic, noted Kenneth Baghamunda, Dir. General, Customs and Trade, East African Community Secretariat. Zambia’s success with cashless payment solutions at its border and other innovations since COVID-19 was another example of favourable results.
“We need to see which value chains need to be developed and we need to interconnect our policies with the right institutional framework,” he said.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Amba Mpoke-Bigg African Development Bank Communication and External Relations Department Email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Put small-scale traders at the heart of efforts to accelerate trade and investment in Africa post COVID-19

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The Kenya Rugby Union (https://www.KRU.co.ke/) has entered into a partnership with Mediamax Networks Limited that sees the media organization become the KRU’s Official Broadcast Partner for the next five years.

They will have exclusive rights to cover KRU’s flagship competitions – The Kenya Cup, Eric Shirley Shield, Rugby Super Series, National Sevens Circuit and the Safari Sevens.
Mediamax will also have exclusive rights to fixtures involving the Kenya Simbas, Lionesses and Chipu in instances where permission has been granted by Rugby Africa and World Rugby.
KRU envisages reaching a broad and varied audience locally and globally through the Mediamax footprint which will, in addition to live broadcast, further publicize KRU activities using its outlets across digital, print and electronic media platforms.
Ken Ngaruiya, acting Chief Executive Officer of Mediamax said, “Mediamax continues to invest heavily in local sports content as some of the ways of increasing a broad and varied audience both locally and internationally. The matches will not only be broadcasted live on K24TV, Kameme TV but also Milele FM, Kameme FM, Meru FM, Mayian FM, Emoo FM, Msenangu FM (Coast) and the People Daily as well as our digital platform, at the comforts of your homes.”
Commenting on the partnership, KRU Chairman Oduor Gangla said, “The new partnership with Mediamax is a major breakthrough moment for rugby in Kenya.
As a result of the partnership with a leading Free to Air broadcast house, rugby will now be available to every household in Kenya through radio and television.
This will deepen the growth and recognition of the game as a rising national sport. All Kenyans will now have the unique opportunity to watch our national champion teams – Lionesses, Chipu, Shujaa and Simba on a national platform as these teams continue to bring pride to the country with their exceptional performances.
The KRU Board greatly appreciates the substantial investment by Mediamax into local rugby which is a strong endorsement of the standing of our game in this particular moment when sports have been adversely affected by the ravaging effects of the pandemic.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Media Contact: Rugby@apo-opa.com
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Mediamax Unveiled as Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Official Broadcast Partner

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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (https://www.AfDB.org/) have approved a $120 million loan to fund the construction of a 50 MW hydropower plant in Western Tanzania that will provide reliable renewable energy to households, schools, clinics and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kigoma Region.

The Malagarasi Hydropower project has several components: a run-of-the-river hydropower plant facility; a 54- km, 132 kV transmission line that will connect to Tanzania’s national grid; a distribution network expansion operation that includes rural electrification and last-mile connections; project management and contract administration support; and compensation and resettlement of affected persons.
Bank President Adesina Akinwumi noted that the approval of the project “is a reflection of the Bank’s commitment to assist the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to accelerate its transition to more inclusive and sustainable growth through the production of clean, reliable and affordable electricity.”
The project’s overall project cost is estimated at $144.14 million. The bulk of the funding ($120 million) will be sourced from the Bank Group’s sovereign window, with an additional $20 million contributed by the Africa Growing Together Fund – a co-financing fund with resources from the government of the People’s Republic of China that is administered by the Bank. The Government of Tanzania will provide the remaining $4.14 million.
The hydropower plant’s expected average annual output of 181 GWh will meet the electricity needs of as many as 133,649 Kigoma households, bringing the region’s electrification rate more closely in line with the rest of the country.
The project is expected to create about 700 jobs during construction, cut the region’s electricity generation costs to approximately $0.04/kWh from the current $0.33/kWh, and also reduce reliance on greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels. The cost of doing business will also fall because industry will no longer need to maintain costly back-up generators.
The project aligns with Tanzania’s national Development Vision 2025 and its Second Five-Year Development Plan (2016/17 &#8211; 2020/21) and complements other regional initiatives, including the North West Grid 400 kV Nyakanazi-Kigoma transmission line project, which the Bank is financing in parallel with the South Korea Economic Development Co-operation Fund.
The Malagarasi Project will also directly contribute to the Bank’s Light Up &#038; Power Africa High-5 development priority, which is being implemented through the institution’s New Deal on Energy for Africa strategy. 
Commenting on the Board’s approval, Henry Batchi Baldeh, Director of the Bank’s Power Systems Development Department noted that the project is “one of the flagship physical infrastructure investments in the Government of the Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025 and Tanzania’s current Five-Year Development Plan, and that it will increase the share of renewable energy in Tanzania’s energy mix.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Olufemi Terry Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: o.terry@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (https://www.AfDB.org/) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 37 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
For more information: https://www.AfDB.org/

Tanzania: African Development Bank approves $120 million loan to build Malagarasi Hydropower Project

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Harness civil society’s “incredible potential to accelerate social change at scale” &#8211; Graça Machel; “Africa’s time is now. This should not only be words or prayers. It is within reach. I’m sure (the African Development Bank (https://www.AfDB.org/)) will be able to meet this challenge” &#8211; Youssou N’Dour; “We will work much harder, collectively and in unison, to accelerate the impact of our work” &#8211; Akinwumi Adesina.

Artists should be on the frontline of Africa’s development, given their pivotal role as communicators, Youssou N’Dour, musician, businessman and former Culture and Tourism Minister of Senegal, said at the opening of the 2020 African Development Bank Civil Society Forum.
The two-day CSO Forum kicked off on Thursday under the theme “Engaging Civil Society in building back better after COVID-19”.
The virtual event opened with remarks from senior Bank officials, including Wambui Gichuri, Acting Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Vanessa Moungar, Director for Gender, Women and Civil Society, and President Akinwumi Adesina, with Graça Machel, Chair of the Graça Machel Trust, representing the civil society.
Adesina later engaged in a conversation with Machel and N’Dour.
“The role of civil society in monitoring interventions is crucial and important to ensure they are effectively deployed to reach the poor and vulnerable, who are most affected,” Adesina said, adding that the Bank would step up its efforts in the area.
Adesina said the critical issue was not the amount of funds that are provided by the Bank and others, but who they reach, adding that transparency and accountability are also critical.
Machel noted the Bank’s strong track record of working with governments and the private sector. She appealed for increased Bank funding to directly support civil society efforts to address the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach families in our societies.
“These organisations stepped up, often with limited resources and in very dangerous conditions, to save lives and restore dignity to communities in the midst of this pandemic,” she said. “Resources for organisations working with women, children and those living with disabilities and in the rural areas are desperately needed.”
Machel noted that channeling resources to strengthen the civil society sector as it responds to the challenges that COVID-19 has unearthed, would harness their “incredible potential to accelerate social change at scale”. Supporting women in particular would help to reap long-term dividends, she said.
For N’Dour, artists should be on the frontline of Africa’s development, given their pivotal role as communicators.
“Even in a place where there is oil, if there is no culture to explain this to the people, there is war…We should be able to say after (President Adesina’s) term that culture has been involved in the development of Africa,” he said, speaking in French via an interpreter.
“Culture is profitable and I’m available to provide my assistance, to work with my staff to create other champions in Africa, to take the African Development Bank’s work to another level,” N’Dour said.
The forum will explore cost-effective strategies and reflect on best practices to enhance collaboration between the Bank and civil society, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The second day of the forum will be dedicated to sessions led by civil society organizations, which will provide a space to develop innovative grassroots ideas.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Kwasi Kpodo Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: w.kpodo@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) (https://www.AfDB.org/) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 37 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
For more information: https://www.AfDB.org/

Youssou N’Dour, Graca Machel, Akinwumi Adesina discuss building back better after COVID-19 at Civil Society Forum

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The Ecobank Group (https://www.Ecobank.com/) launches ‘Ellevate’, a programme for women-owned and women-focused businesses across 33 markets. This programme is designed to help women reach their full potential by empowering, growing and supporting them with customized financial and value-added solutions.

Women constitute roughly half of the population in Africa. SMEs account for up to 90% of all businesses in Africa and women own about a third of all registered African SMEs. 1 in 4 of the adult female population in Africa starts or manages a business, making the African continent one of the highest in terms of women entrepreneurs across the world.
The Women-led Economy represents a largely untapped market. Ecobank’s commitment to positively contributing to the economic development and financial integration of the continent will be further strengthened by our investment in women.
A healthy collaboration between Government and Private sector is critical for the creation of a conducive environment in which women can thrive and succeed.
“The Government recognises the contribution women are making to the socio-economic development of Africa. We believe women are the catalyst for change and prosperity. The Government of Togo continues to develop and implement policies and programmes that will promote the economic empowerment of women of all ages and social status. Togolese women have always played a critical role in the economy. We are pleased to see that the Ecobank Group, through the Ellevate programme, offers to women an opportunity to take their rightful place in the economic development of our country and indeed across the continent. We will work with the private sector to tap into this great potential of African women and create inclusive business opportunities.”, stated Mrs Myriam Dossou-D’ Almeida, the Minister of Grassroots Development, Youth and Youth Employment, Republic of Togo.
“The empowerment of women is not only a developmental issue. It is very much an economic issue. Financial institutions that recognise the changes that are happening globally and are taking steps to ensure that they are participating in this emerging market, will more fully reap the economic benefit of their investment.”, said Graça Machel, Founder, Graça Machel Trust and, Foundation for Community Development.
The Ecobank Group recognises the strategic importance of women on the continent and the need to continually support them to reach their full potential.
“In developing Ellevate, we made time to understand the needs of women, what they really require from their bankers, and came up with practical solutions that will help bridge the identified gaps. Ellevate is an end-to-end comprehensive product suite that supports women-owned and women focused businesses with differentiated business solutions that will unleash their potential.”, stated Josephine Anan-Ankomah, Ecobank Group Executive, Commercial Banking.
“Ellevate by Ecobank is designed for businesses owned by women, managed by women, businesses with a high percentage of female board members or employees and companies that manufacture products for women. These businesses will benefit from smarter cash management solutions, favourable lending rates and value-added services such as leadership training and networking opportunities. All these will ensure that their businesses can scale and remain sustainable. We intend to allocate 10 percent of our Commercial Banking loan portfolio to help bridge the financing gap.”, added Josephine Anan-Ankomah.
To formally launch Ellevate by Ecobank, Ecobank Group will hold a webinar on November 27th 2020 with an English session at 9:00 AM GMT and a French session at 3.00 PM GMT.
Register here (https://bit.ly/3q5leh1) for the English session or here (https://bit.ly/2HFcKft) for the French Session to get additional information.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank.
Media Contact: Christiane Bossom Group Manager Corporate Communication Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com Tel: +228 22 21 03 03 
About Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’ or ‘The Group’): Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’) is the parent company of the Ecobank Group (https://www.Ecobank.com/), the leading independent pan-African banking group. The Ecobank Group employs over 14,000 people and serves over 24 million customers in the consumer, commercial and corporate banking sectors across 33 African countries. The Group has a banking license in France and representative offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Johannesburg, South Africa; Beijing, China; London, the UK and Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The Group offers a full suite of banking products, services and solutions including bank and deposit accounts, loans, cash management, advisory, trade, securities, wealth and asset management. ETI is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchanges in Lagos, the Ghana Stock Exchange in Accra, and the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières in Abidjan. For further information please visit https://www.Ecobank.com/.
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Ecobank Group Empowers Women Businesses through Ellevate, its new women-focused programme

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Saloodo! (https://www.Saloodo.com) seamlessly connects shippers and carriers in international markets; Digital freight platform is available on 4 continents and in more than 50 countries; Saloodo! is the most international digital road freight platform in the world.

The logistics start-up Saloodo! remains on course for expansion. The digital platform is now ready to be used globally for road freight transports. A milestone in the still young company history, which has been sustainably and strategical well prepared.
The intuitive and user-friendly digital road freight platform was launched in Germany in 2017 and has grown continuously since then. Initially Saloodo! was available in several other European countries, while expanding rapidly into emerging markets outside Europe like Middle East and Africa.
For Saloodo! CEO Thomas Grunau the roll out comes at exactly the right time: &#8220;Saloodo! was founded 4 years ago. Since day one, our goal has been to offer our customers real added value and make their lives easier. With this in mind, we have always given ourselves the freedom to develop functions that are close to the needs of our customers in the different markets. But now it was time to bring it all together on one platform so that Saloodo! customers around the world could benefit from all these efforts&#8221;.
Saloodo! seamlessly connects international markets
The global platform not only extends the range of functions, but also links the individual markets together. It is now possible, for example, to arrange international transports from the EU to Turkey or to Middle East &#038; Africa (MEA) and vice versa. Saloodo! thus ensures seamless cross-border and cross-market transport processing – and becomes even more attractive for large, globally active companies.
&#8220;We are already working with a number of global players. These customers have a high degree of digitalisation and operate worldwide with seamless processes. On the part of their transport and logistics providers, this often looks different, resulting in disruptions in the companies&#39; supply chain,&#8221; explains Anja Kappus, COO Saloodo!. &#8220;With the global digital road freight platform, we at Saloodo! can make precisely these processes more efficient and economical – worldwide.&#8221;
The launch of the global platform will not only unite the markets. From now on Saloodo! customers will also benefit from all features developed so far in the individual regions. “For example, customers in our region will now also benefit from the improved and further simplified user experience of the new Saloodo! interface. Furthermore, the global platform offers improved functionalities for organising convoy shipments, which is a big advantage.,” explains Tobias Maier, CEO Saloodo! MEA.
Conversely, European shippers will be able to order truck transports in convoy for the first time. This option has been extensively tested in the MEA regions in advance, and shippers of high-value goods in particular appreciate the security benefits of convoy transports.
A new feature that will also be introduced for the European road freight market in the near future is the possibility to submit transport offers via WhatsApp. Transport service providers can be informed about new transport requests via WhatsApp and then enter their offer. If the shipper agrees to the offer, the service provider will be informed and all transport-relevant information and documents will be sent automatically to him.
Just four years after its founding, Saloodo! is rolling out its digital road freight platform worldwide, setting an unprecedented milestone in digital road transport platforms.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Saloodo!.
Media Contact: Daniel Mahnken +49 (0) 173 4681891 daniel.mahnken@saloodo.com
About Saloodo!: Saloodo! (https://www.Saloodo.com) combines the best of two worlds: Founded in 2016 by Deutsche Post DHL Group, the digital road freight platform combines the logistics know-how and infrastructure of a global player with the flexibility and digital expertise of a start-up. Saloodo! simplifies the daily processes of shippers and transport companies by providing a powerful end-to-end digital solution for ordering and processing shipments. This maximises the transparency and efficiency of the entire transport process.
With the freedom of choice of a neutral online marketplace and the security and convenience of a digital forwarder, Saloodo! is the answer to the ongoing digitalisation in the highly fragmented transport market.

Saloodo! Launches Digital Freight Platform Globally

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As the race to find a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is showing increasing promise, a new World Health Organization (WHO) analysis finds that Africa is far from ready for what will be the continent’s largest ever immunisation drive.

All 47 countries in the WHO African Region have received WHO’s Vaccine Readiness Assessment Tool which is intended to be used by Ministries of Health, with support from WHO and UNICEF. It provides a roadmap for countries to plan for COVID-19 vaccine introduction and covers 10 key areas: planning and coordination, resources and funding, vaccine regulations, service delivery, training and supervision, monitoring and evaluation, vaccine logistics, vaccine safety and surveillance and communications and community engagement.
Forty countries have updated the tool and provided data to WHO. An analysis finds that based on the self-reports by the countries, the African region has an average score of 33% readiness for a COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, which is well below the desired benchmark of 80%.
“The largest immunization drive in Africa’s history is right around the corner, and African governments must urgently ramp up readiness. Planning and preparation will make or break this unprecedented endeavour, and we need active leadership and engagement from the highest levels of government with solid, comprehensive national coordination plans and systems put in place,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
WHO together with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation and other partners is working to ensure equitable access to vaccines in Africa through the COVAX facility, the vaccines pillar of the WHO Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator. When vaccines are licensed and approved, COVAX will work to secure enough doses to provide protection to an initial 20% of the African population.
However, the WHO analysis of the country readiness data finds only 49% have identified the priority populations for vaccination and have plans in place to reach them, and 44% have coordination structures in place. Only 24% have adequate plans for resources and funding, 17% have data collection and monitoring tools ready and just 12% have plans to communicate with communities to build trust and drive demand for immunization.
“Developing a safe and effective vaccine is just the first step in a successful rollout,” said Dr Moeti. “If communities are not onboard and convinced that a vaccine will protect their health, we will make little headway. It’s critical that countries reach out to communities and hear their concerns and give them a voice in the process.”
WHO estimates the cost of rolling out a COVID-19 vaccine on the African continent to priority populations will be around US$ 5.7 billion. This does not include an additional 15% &#8211; 20% cost for injection materials and the delivery of vaccines, which require trained health workers, supply chain and logistics and community mobilization. This cost is based on COVAX facility estimates of the average vaccine price at US$ 10.55 per dose and that a two-dose regimen will be needed.
WHO and partners recently released guidance on COVID-19 vaccination planning and deployment for national governments, aiming to help them design strategies for the deployment, implementation and monitoring of COVID-19 vaccines and better integrate their strategies and financing to boost efficiency.
Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, Chairperson, African Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (RITAG) and Chairperson of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Other speakers were Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, Director Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and MRC/UVRI and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit; and Professor Fredrick N Were, Perinatal &#038; Neonatal Medicine, University of Nairobi and Chief Research Scientist, Kenya Paediatric Research Consortium.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

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Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, on the occasion of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Put small-scale traders at the heart of efforts to accelerate trade and investment in Africa post COVID-19

Mediamax Unveiled as Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Official Broadcast Partner

Tanzania: African Development Bank approves $120 million loan to build Malagarasi Hydropower Project

Youssou N’Dour, Graca Machel, Akinwumi Adesina discuss building back better after COVID-19 at Civil Society Forum

Ecobank Group Empowers Women Businesses through Ellevate, its new women-focused programme

Saloodo! Launches Digital Freight Platform Globally

Coronavirus – Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) urges African Countries to Ramp Up Readiness for COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

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Coronavirus – Zambia: Daily status update (27th November 2020)

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 updates (27 November 2020)

Coronavirus – Zimbabwe: COVID-19 Update (27 November 2020)

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (27 November 2020)

SunMirror AG will upgrade Listing for Regulated Exchange on Dusseldorf Stock Exchange

African Ministers Stress the Need for Greater Investment to Revitalise Energy Sector and Drive Sustainable Recovery

New measures for victims in Mali

Exciting trio to bolster Team Qhubeka ASSOS

Merck Foundation CEO and DR Congo First Lady mark the International day of ‘Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls’ after appointing her as Ambassador of Merck More Than a Mother

Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, on the occasion of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Put small-scale traders at the heart of efforts to accelerate trade and investment in Africa post COVID-19

Mediamax Unveiled as Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Official Broadcast Partner

Tanzania: African Development Bank approves $120 million loan to build Malagarasi Hydropower Project

Youssou N’Dour, Graca Machel, Akinwumi Adesina discuss building back better after COVID-19 at Civil Society Forum

Ecobank Group Empowers Women Businesses through Ellevate, its new women-focused programme

Saloodo! Launches Digital Freight Platform Globally

Coronavirus – Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) urges African Countries to Ramp Up Readiness for COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

News Tips

Advertise With Us

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