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Results of COVID-19 tests done on 17 March 2021 confirm 18 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are 40,625. 
The breakdown of the new cases are: 18 contacts and alerts: Kampala (10) Arua (2) Nakapiripirit (2) Adjumani (1) Kasese (1) Soroti (1) Wakiso (1).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health &#8211; Republic of Uganda. Media files

Coronavirus – Uganda: COVID-19 update (17 March 2021)

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Tests conducted: 9,524,854 Positive cases identified: 1,532,497 Total recoveries: 1,459,056 Total deaths: 51,634 New cases: 1,531
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa, Department of Health. Media files

Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (17 March 2021)

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Sixteen patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in the Central and Gash Barka Regions.

Out of these, eleven patients are from Quarantine Centers in Asmara, Central Region. The other five patients are from Quarantine Centers in Om-Hajer (3), and Adibara (2), Gash Barka Region.
On the other hand, thirty nine patients who have been receiving medical treatment in hospitals in the Central Region have recovered fully and have been discharged from these facilities.
The total number of recovered patients to-date has accordingly risen to 2,770 while the number of deaths stands at seven.
The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has increased to 3,078.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea. Media files

Coronavirus – Eritrea: Announcement from the Ministry of Health (17 March 2021)

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1,279 tested positive out of a sample size of 7,450. 

This means our positivity rate today is also 17%.
This situation continues to deteriorate as with more testing positive; CS Health, Senator Mutahi Kagwe. 
The total confirmed positive cases are now 116,310 with cumulative tests so far conducted now being 1,387,440.
Nairobi has 608 new cases, Kiambu 117, Mombasa 84, Uasin Gishu 82, Nakuru 78, Machakos 63, Turkana 35, Kilifi 29, Kajiado 28, Busia 17, Kisumu 16, Nyeri 10, Taita Taveta 10, Makueni 10, Garissa 9, Embu 8, Meru 8, Narok 8, Siaya 7, Kakamega 7, Trans Nzoia 6, Nyandarua 5, Kisii 4, Kisii 4, Kericho 3, Kitui 3, Laikipia 3, Nandi 3, Elgeyo Marakwet 2, Murang’a 2, Nyamira 2, Bomet 2, Isiolo 2, Kwale 1, Lamu 1, Migori 1, Samburu 1, Bungoma 1 and Homa Bay 1.
While we celebrate 280 patients that have just recovered from the disease today &#8211; &#8211; 154 from the Home Based  Isolation Care and 126 from health facilities, the reality is we are also mourning the loss of an additional 12 patients.
Its therefore important that all adhere to the measures in place to stem the tide of the rising cases.  This includes the strict adherence to public order and curfew measures as per the directives of His Excellency the President.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (17 March 2021)

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Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi&#39;s COVID19 update on 17 March 2021:

New cases: 14 Total cases: 17,257 Active cases: 695 New recoveries: 44 Total recoveries: 15,885
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (17 March 2021)

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The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, received on 11 March 2021, the credentials of H.E. Ms. Jainaba Jagne, the new Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, at the AU Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa.

The Chairperson and Amb. Jagne exchanged views on the agenda of the AU towards the realization of the institutional goals, focusing on priority areas such as Peace and Security, Regional integration, the AU Reforms and the theme of the year ‘Art, Culture and Heritage’.
The two officials also discussed issues pertaining to elections in the continent and the importance of the upcoming election in the Gambia.  H.E. Amb Jagne recalled and expressed gratitude for the key role played by the continental organization in the peaceful resolution of the crisis that arose during the last elections in her country. The Ambassador also reiterated the willingness of her country to contribute troops in the AU peace keeping programmes.
In conclusion, H.E. Amb Jainaba Jagne conveyed an invitation to H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat to pay a second visit to the Gambia.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

African Union Commission Chairperson Receives Letters of Credence Of H.E. MS. Jainaba Jagne, Ambassador of The Gambia to the African Union

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The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, on 11 March 2021, received the credentials of H.E. Mr. Mahamat Ali Hassan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union. The audience took place at the AU Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The AUC Chairperson and the Ambassador exchanged views on the agenda of the AU and its priority goals including: Peace and Security, Regional integration, the AU Reforms and the 2021 theme of the year on ‘Art, Culture and Heritage’. The issues of Peace and security on the continent, the security threats in the Lake Chad region and in East and West Africa, and more recently in southern Africa, received the attention of the two officials. They also discussed regional integration with specific focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the progress made and the importance of its effective operationalization. The AU Reform was also discussed with emphasis on the key contribution of the Permanent Representatives Committee in the implementation of the AU Reforms.
While wishing the newly appointed Ambassador success in his new functions, the Chairperson assured the latter of the availability of his office for a fruitful collaboration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

African Union Commission Chairperson Receives Letters of Credence of H.E. Mr. Mahamat Ali Hassan, New Ambassador of the Republic of Chad to the African Union

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Guided by the findings of its World Disasters Report, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is embarking on an ambitious strategic direction aimed at eradicating hunger by 2030 in Africa, while mitigating climate change. One of the flagship climate adaptation actions is the plantation of five billion trees by the end of the decade.

The World Disasters Report 2020, “Come Heat or High Water: Tackling the Humanitarian Impacts of the Climate Crisis Together” presents analyses and recommendations designed to help local and national governments, as well as donors and civil society organisations, take urgent action to protect at-risk communities from the current and future impacts of climate change.
The Commissioner for Agriculture Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), for the African Union Commission, H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, said:
&#8220;The World Disaster Report 2020 has come at a time when the entire humanity is facing complex risks. This report provides important lessons for building synergies and narrowing of divide between Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction.&#8221; 
In her opening remarks during the launch of the World Disasters Report, Amb. Sacko said “In record time a vaccine has been found to protect us from coronavirus infection. This has strengthened my trust in our common humanity that we are capable to find solutions that safeguard both humans and the natural environment, including from the impacts of climate change.”
Mohammed Mukhier, the IFRC’s Regional Director for Africa on his remark said:
“Many communities in Africa are being affected by concurrent and consecutive crises, leaving them with little time to recover before the next shock arrives. There is so much to be done here to help people to adapt to the realities of the climate crisis, reduce their risks, and build their resilience.
“Everyone has a role to play. To tackle food insecurity, we will support 10 million families to initiate food production initiatives by 2030.”
The impacts of global warming are already killing people and devastating lives and livelihoods every year, and they will only get worse without immediate and determined action.
The World Disasters Report 2020 insists that urgent action must be taken at the community level, where it is needed the most. But all actors have to be smarter about how they do this.
Informed by the recommendations of the World Disasters Report, IFRC is urging all to become climate smart, by getting their priorities right, by integrating and localising their approach.
In Africa, IFRC is launching 4 initiatives which will aim to adapt to and mitigate climate change; reduce poverty; provide effective and timely response to localised crises and disasters—among other goals.
IFRC’s Mukhier said: “The pandemic has shown the entire humanitarian sector that the future is local. The Red Cross volunteers and staff in Africa have been supporting communities in over 20 climate-related emergencies this year already, as well as trying to keep people safe from COVID-19.”
The report is available for download on this link: World Disaster Report 2020 (https://bit.ly/2OPOMS5).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Climate crisis: Red Cross report calls for immediate action to protect communities in Africa

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The African Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) (www.AECFafrica.org) has today launched a US$1.2 million Innovation Fund to unlock the potential of renewable energy to create new business opportunities.

Businesses and entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe can apply for funding. The fund is aimed at strengthening market readiness of emerging innovations, as well as secure financial, technical, and networking support for taking existing proven prototypes to scale.
Solutions that reduce the negative impacts associated with the use of traditional cooking options at the household and institutional levels, build climate change resilience among communities and support productive uses such as water pumping, agro-processing, cooling, and refrigeration services are examples that the Fund seeks to support. In applying, businesses and entrepreneurs will need to demonstrate how their proposed innovations will transform livelihoods of low-income households through creation of jobs and diversification of livelihoods.
Under the Sustainable Development Goals, the world has set an ambitious target of ensuring universal access to reliable and sustainable energy by the end of the decade. But with half of the African continent without access to electricity, and two-thirds lacking access to clean cooking solutions, additional investment is needed to drive innovation and accelerate the uptake of modern energy.
The Innovation Fund builds on AECF’s Renewable Energy and Adaptation to Climate Technologies (REACT) initiative, which was launched to support the private sector develop and expand its clean energy technologies to Africa’s rural communities. The Fund will invest in technologies that meet market needs as well as accelerating the development of existing solutions to better serve African communities and not technologies in the prototype stage.
Chief Executive Officer of AECF, Victoria Sabula, said:
“The Innovation Fund is key to enhancing large scale transformation within local communities. Investing in affordable and accessible renewable energy solutions can create jobs, grow economies, and build more sustainable livelihoods. Through the fund, we hope to unearth new ways that renewable technology – be it domestic, communal, or commercial – can be used to generate income and create jobs,” she said.
The deadline for the applications is 29th April 2021.  
For more information visit: www.AECFafrica.org
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF).
For Media Enquiries Contact: Sophie Bochaberi Communications Email: Sbochaberi@aecfafrica.org
About AECF: The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) (www.AECFafrica.org) is a leading development organisation that supports businesses to innovate, create jobs and leverage investments in order to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalised communities in Africa. Launched in 2008, AECF has invested in 292 businesses across more than 40 value chains and 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. AECF focuses specifically on agribusiness, renewable energy, and climate technologies, while also addressing the cross-cutting themes of gender, youth, and fragile contexts. In just over a decade, AECF has impacted more than 27.7 million lives, created close to 24,000 jobs, and leveraged over US $740 million in matching funds.
Media files

US$1.2 million Innovation Fund launched to unearth emerging technologies

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The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of Uganda on Tuesday signed a $229.5 million financing agreement for the first phase of the Kampala-Jinja Expressway Project, which will cut travel time and boost trade along an important artery linking Uganda with its neighbors.

The Kampala-Jinja Expressway Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project-Phase I would improve travel flow, thereby “reducing travel time from more than three hours to under one hour” between Jinja and Kampala along the northern corridor linking Uganda to neighbors Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Kenya, said Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
Minister Kasaija, who signed the accord on behalf of the government, noted that the African Development Bank was the second-largest multilateral donor to Uganda, contributing 20% of the country’s development assistance in the areas of roads, energy, agriculture, education, health and sanitation.
He said the Kampala-Jinja road was a major gateway for all imports and exports into and out of Uganda and its successful implementation would spur trade volumes and economic growth in Uganda and among its neighbors.
The Bank’s Country Manager for Uganda, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, who signed on behalf of the Bank, said the agreement demonstrates the Bank’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development and enhancing the well-being of its people.
“The Public-Private Partnership model will bring in private sector participation and financing of a key infrastructure in Uganda and will yield a significant economic return for the country with an estimated net revenue of $2.1 billion over the 30-year concession period,” Ngafuan said.
The KJE project would boost local industries, with the agreement stipulating that at least 30% of subcontracting in the project would be awarded to local companies under the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy. It would create at least 1,500 direct jobs during the construction phase and 250 jobs during the operational phase, Ngafuan said.
The financing of the Kampala-Jinja Expressway Project is part of the Bank’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the people of Africa through regional integration and is in line with its Ten-Year Strategy (2013-2022) for Africa.
The project comprises the Kampala-Jinja Mainline Expressway and the Kampala Southern Urban Bypass (KSB). The works will be implemented in two sections: Section 1 is an urban expressway including KSB (18km) and 35km of the main expressway from Kampala to Namagunga. Section 2 is a rural motorway covering 42km from Namagunga to Jinja.
The proposed concession period is 30 years, including an eight-year construction period. The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) is the executing agency and has already commenced the procurement of a private concessionaire on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer (DBFOT) basis under the Availability Payment PPP model.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Ms. Allen Kagina, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) and Mr. Peter Lokeris, Minister for State Works and Transport.
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 (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.

Uganda: African Development Bank signs $229.5 million financing agreement for the Kampala-Jinja Expressway Project

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The reigning European and Italian champion Giacomo Nizzolo will spearhead Team Qhubeka ASSOS&#39; (www.TeamQhubeka.com) hopes at Milan-Sanremo on Saturday.

For Africa&#39;s WorldTour team this race is particularly poignant with Gerald Ciolek&#39;s 2013 victory, in epic conditions, catapulting the team onto the global stage.
Nizzolo finished an excellent fifth at La Classicissima (sic) in 2020 and will be hoping for a repeat of a similar level of performance this Saturday, on a day of racing that will cover 299km.
A big thank you to Janice Mueller and her son Luke for announcing our Milan Sanremo lineup, with their unique video (https://bit.ly/3vFzobt).
Milan-Sanremo lineup [squad numbers]: Giacomo Nizzolo [33] Victor Campenaerts [55] Simon Clarke [09] Michael Gogl [07] Bert-Jan Lindeman [02] Emil Vinjebo [34] Lukasz Wisniowski [99]

Giacomo Nizzolo
Preparation for Sanremo this year has been good but it hasn&#39;t been perfect because I had a few issues a month ago so that for sure could have made things a bit better. Besides that I feel like I&#39;m improving, getting better and I feel a step higher than two weeks ago, so I&#39;m confident.
Last year&#39;s race was special because of being in August but also for me personally it was the first time I started in Milan with good, actually perfect, condition. In some of the previous years I&#39;d always had some problems but last year I can say that I was well set for Sanremo and I felt very good in that period. It was also nice for myself that I proved that I could be there playing for a good result, when I&#39;m in shape.
The goal or dream is of course always to win. Realistically if the race takes a good turn for the sprinters then I believe that I can be there to play for a good result, and in a sprint you never know what can happen. But the first thing is to feel good all day long and be there when the race is decided, and hopefully I can sprint in the front group.
I&#39;m super-proud to wear the European and Italian champion jersey. For me it&#39;s an extra motivation of course and I also feel an additional responsibility. It gives me a &#8220;nice&#8221; pressure to perform to my absolute maximum. So I think it&#39;s going to be an incredible feeling to start Milan-Sanremo in this jersey.
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 (TeamQhubeka.com) is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka (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. 
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.
Media files

Nizzolo to lead Team Qhubeka ASSOS at Milan-Sanremo

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Nearly 7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Africa, where after months of waiting on the side-lines for vaccines, many of the first wave of countries to start campaigns are rapidly vaccinating high-risk groups.

Countries have accessed vaccines through the COVAX Facility, bilateral deals and donations. Altogether 38 African countries have received more than 25 million COVID-19 vaccines and 30 have started vaccination campaigns. Through the COVAX initiative – which is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the World Health Organization (WHO) in partnership with UNICEF – more than 16 million vaccine doses have so far been shipped to 27 countries.
“Although Africa received vaccines late and in limited quantities, a lot of ground has been covered in a short space of time. This is due to the continent’s vast experience in mass vaccination campaigns and the determination of its leaders and people to effectively curb COVID-19,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Compared with countries in other regions that accessed vaccines much earlier, the initial rollout phase in some African countries has reached a far higher number of people.”
Just two weeks after receiving COVAX-funded AstraZeneca vaccines, Ghana has administered more than 420 000 doses and covered over 60% of the targeted population in the first phase in the Greater Accra region – the hardest hit by the pandemic. In the first nine days, it is estimated the country delivered doses to around 90% of health workers. In Morocco, more than 5.6 million vaccinations have taken place in the past seven weeks, while in Angola, vaccines have reached over 49 000 people, including more than 28 000 health workers in the past week.
To ensure the most impact, initial vaccine doses are being limited to priority population groups including health workers, older people and people with health conditions placing them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness. While the rollout is going well, there is an urgent need for more doses as Ghana, Rwanda and other countries are on the brink of running dry.
“Countries are clocking an impressive vaccination pace, but we must ensure this speed doesn’t slow down to a crawl,” said Dr Moeti. “Additional supplies are urgently required to narrow the gap between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.”
A few countries in Africa have halted or postponed their use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, following the suspension of the vaccine by some countries in Europe. This precautionary measure is based on reports of rare blood coagulation disorders in people who had received the vaccine. The suspension is regarding one specific batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which has not been distributed to Africa.
WHO’s Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety is carefully assessing the reports on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to gain full understanding and will communicate its findings. Based on what is currently known, WHO considers that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh its risks and recommends that vaccinations continue.
Vaccinations are occurring as more than 4 million COVID-19 cases have now been reported on the African continent, with 43 000 new cases in the past week, and 108 000 lives lost. In the past month, new cases have decreased by 41% compared with the previous month, but there is an upward trend in 12 countries including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya and Guinea (where an outbreak of Ebola is also ongoing).
Dr Moeti spoke during a virtual press conference today facilitated by APO Group. She was joined by Hon Dr Silvia Lutucuta, Minister of Health of Angola, Professor William Kwabena Ampofo, Chairperson of African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative and Dr Salam Gueye, Director, Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response, WHO Regional Office for Africa. Also on hand to answer questions was Dr Richard Mihigo, Immunization and Vaccine Development Programme Coordinator, WHO Regional Office for Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Africa’s COVID-19 vaccination gains pace, nearly 7 million doses given

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New newsroom trends offer so many opportunities to take business marketing to the next level, more freedom and scope than ever for PR or brand communications teams to publish whatever, however and whenever you want.

In the past many companies may have been content with a publishing diet of new corporate appointments, new account wins and awards announcements, and while these may still form a basis of sound reputation management, new newsroom trends offer so many more opportunities to take business marketing to the next level, more freedom and scope than ever to publish whatever, however and whenever you want.
How do new newsroom management trends benefit brands?
These days there’s no need for the brand communications journey to end on TV, YouTube or even social media. Consistency and credibility are key. Owning a newsroom allows marketing communicators and PR agencies end-to-end control over brand content strategy in the valuable business-to-business space, on behalf of the client companies and organisations they represent.
A newsroom on Bizcommunity is where PR and business marketing meet
A Press office newsroom acts as a company’s very own digital communications hub, instantly accessible by your PR and brand communications teams to be able to publish, monitor, track and archive communications as frequently as necessary, with quick turnaround in a high-traffic business marketing environment.
“Biz Press Office newsrooms are a must for seamlessly extending the life of brand campaigns into the business media.”
The press release is still king, but best outcomes now see marketers and brand managers seamlessly and creatively mixing and matching content, integrating brand stories and backstories, ad campaigns, video and stakeholders into the marketing communications calendar.
“Gone are the days when the online newsroom simply hosted press releases.”
10 benefits of owning a Press Office newsroom on Bizcommunity:

 	Your content published on the biggest marketing and advertising platform in Africa 	A huge amount of additional knock-on awareness 	Value worth many times the amount you pay per press release in exposure 	Control of your content to publish whatever and whenever you like 	No need to wander or wonder how your content is impacting, easily login to stats and share your great content analytics with stakeholders and clients 	Exposure on Bizcommunity adds currency to global awards pitches and agency credentials 	Credibility of exposure in the business-to-business media 	Gives your brand longevity and adds to its virality 	Gets picked up by media, bloggers and tweeters and these may be used in post-campaign case studies and social posts 	Newsroom visits on Biz can reach 3000-5000 visits per month 
“Unlike other channels, Press Office newsrooms on Bizcommunity are an owned asset for brands, the place where PR or brand communications teams can communicate whatever, however and whenever they want, allowing more freedom and scope than ever before to really tell their stories.” Terry Levin, Bizcommunity brand manager.
A few recent examples of brand stakeholder communications in newsrooms on Biz were Mazda CX-30 ‘You’d swear it was made for you’, Savanna flighting spots featuring SA’s top comedians to drive home their ‘Deadly Serious’ campaign for Arrive Alive; and Nahana Communications Group sharing FCB’s campaign for Toyota&#39;s Agya for first time car buyers. The very raison d’etre of brand content now.
Multi-brand, multi-region, multi-media
The Biz Press Office allows the showcasing of multiple brands or marques in the brand stable under one newsroom. Companies with a global or pan-African footprint, may also wish to publish news by region via multi-brand Press Office newsrooms. Also enquire about sponsored multimedia stakeholder interviews!
We invite you to find out more about the use of a Biz Press Office newsroom on the indispensable platform for the sharing of company news, brand marketing, brand communications and advertising, within 19 industry communities, from Africa, to the world.
We absolutely love talking brand content strategy. Contact us to take your brand communications to the next level. Sales@bizcommunity.com
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Bizcommunity. Media files

Take your brand and business marketing to the next level

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

The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has committed $530 million to finance the construction of a 343 km, 400 kV central-south transmission line that will connect the north and south transmission grids in Angola and allow for the distribution of clean energy between the two regions.

The north of Angola has a surplus of more than 1,000 MW of mostly renewable power, whereas the south relies on expensive diesel generators, supported by government subsidies.
Transmission capacity will increase by 2,250 MW and eliminate the need for polluting, diesel-powered generators in southern provinces. The project, once operational in 2023, will avert the consumption of 46.8 billion litres of diesel per year in the south, cutting 80 Megatonnes of CO2 emissions. The government of Angola will save more than $130 million per year in diesel subsidies.
The finance package, approved in December 2019 by the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank, consists of $480 million in financing from the Bank, along with $50 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund, a $2 billion facility sponsored by the People’s Bank of China and administered by the African Development Bank.
The funding covers the first phase of the Energy Sector Efficiency and Expansion Program (ESEEP) in Angola, which will assist the government to connect the country’s transmission grids and tackle limited operational capacity within the Angolan power distribution utility ENDE. Around 80% of residential customers in Angola are not metered, resulting in financial losses and reliance on government subsidies. As part of the ESEEP, 860,000 pre-paid meters will be installed and 400,000 new customers will be connected to the grid and effectively metered.
At the regional level, the ESEEP will be the first step to enabling a connection to the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP). The new transmission line will become the backbone for the distribution of power to the southern provinces of Angola and Namibia and will enable further power trading between countries in the region.
The funding follows two other recent Bank contributions to Angola’s energy sector strategy. In 2015, the Bank approved a $1 billion power sector reform loan for Angola, which resulted in the creation of an independent regulator and the unbundling of the sector into generation, transmission and distribution companies. The program encourages ownership of the reforms by the Government, and enhanced donor coordination, through project implementation and procurement support for the power utilities, provided in cooperation with Power Africa/USAID.
Angola (https://bit.ly/30RKZpJ) has significantly improved capacity, operational efficiency, and sustainability of the electricity sector. In the period 2015-2019, Angola’s total installed capacity in renewable energy (https://bit.ly/3vLeeJp) rose from 1,017 MW to 2,763 MW, mainly through the improved exploitation of the country’s abundant hydropower.
Editor&#39;s note:  Dear editors, this press release, first issued on 16 March 2021,​ has been updated to include more information on the Bank&#39;s partners on the project.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Gershwin Wanneburg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: g.wanneburg@afdb.org
Technical Contact: Stella Mandago Power System Development Department African Development Bank
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.
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CORRECTION – Angola: African Development Bank funds $530 million electricity project to expand renewable energy and regional connectivity

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Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo on behalf of his organisation and its members, addressed a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi upon his nomination as “African Energy Person of the Year 2020”.

The award represents a recognition by the energy industry for multiple years of consistent hard work, which culminated in the commencement of multibillion dollar gas projects in Mozambique, at a time when the industry was going through a crisis globally.

“It is impressive, heart-warming but not surprising that H.E. Barkindo would make Mozambique an important part of OPEC’s efforts to reach out beyond its core member states,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

“H.E. Barkindo knows first-hand the possibilities that energy can bring to Mozambique and his message to his brother, comrade and friend President Nyusi, sends a clear call to action to international community to work with Mozambique towards its path to stability and prosperity,” concluded Ayuk.

Under President Nyusi’s leadership, Mozambique emerged in 2020 as the leading destination for investment in Africa. It is likely to continue being a leading destination for energy sector investments globally in the coming decade, with upwards of USD 100 billion to be invested across the entire energy value chain to monetize its gas resources. Investments to Mozambique’s gas industry, gas to power, and planned petrochemical developments will have a significant impact in improving not only the socio-economic conditions in Mozambique, but they are also likely to significantly impact the entire sub-region positively.

Gas to power developments, will make Mozambique a reliable exporter of power into neighbouring countries. Revenues coming from these developments will boost the entire economy and lead to jobs in all sectors, especially for Mozambique’s youthful population. Infrastructure development that is also projected to follow will connect Mozambique’s ports with modern highways to landlocked neighbours like Zimbabwe and Malawi, hence extending significant benefits of Mozambique’s growth to the entire sub-region. According to the African Energy Chamber, Mozambique is expected to grow, on average 10% year on year, between 2025 and 2035.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. Media files

OPEC congratulates Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi for his African Energy Person of the Year 2020 award

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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has launched a project to support development of domestic debt markets and financial systems in four West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) countries: the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. The Bank had earlier approved a grant of UA1.5 million, or about $2 million for the project.

The project, funded from the Bank’s Transition Support Facility, will provide technical assistance and capacity building to develop domestic debt markets in the four countries. Specifically, it will support the deepening of primary debt markets, improvement of debt market infrastructure, enhancement of institutional capacity in relevant agencies and authorities and a broadening of the investor base.
“We are delighted with the partnership with the African Development Bank to support financial systems development in the WAMZ, particularly in the area of technical assistance and institutional capacity building. It is our desire to see further deepening in financial integration and cross border operations in the Zone,” said Dr. Olorunsola Olowofeso, Director General of the WAMI, which is the implementing agency on behalf of the four countries.
Developing debt markets will underpin the emergence of effective capital markets in the region – a driver of investment and economic growth.
“Debt market development will facilitate increased intermediation of capital, both for public and private entities, and is aligned with our vision for the emergence of well-functioning and resilient financial and capital markets in African countries,” said the Bank’s Director for Financial Sector Development Department, Stefan Nalletamby. 
The West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) will cooperate closely with the participating countries to implement the project, which builds on the Bank’s earlier WAMZ payment systems project to support the upgrade of central bank payment systems in the four countries. The Bank funding will also complement existing initiatives to enhance the development of financial systems in the WAMZ countries.
 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) (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 44 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: www.AfDB.org

African Development Bank Group supports Domestic Debt Market Development in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia

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Canon Europe (www.Canon-europe.com) today announces the launch of a new remote camera system which includes three new pan-tilt-zoom cameras – the CR-N500, CR-N300 and CR-X500 &#8211; and the RC-IP100 controller, responding to the soaring demand for content and the need for smaller scale, efficient production methods. Over the past 12 months, remotely produced video has grown exponentially, with the live streaming industry experiencing a 45 per cent growth between March and April of last year [1].

The CR-N500, CR-N300 indoor PTZ cameras and the CR-X500 outdoor camera combine Canon’s advance imaging and network technologies to offer high-quality 4K UHD footage with various IP protocol compatibilities, including the newly developed XC Protocol, that realises a simple and efficient remote production workflow. Along with the RC-IP100 hardware controller and Remote Camera Control Application, the new XC Protocol will enable other compatible Canon video products to work within the production system – helping content creators of all levels to customise their production system to suit their needs. Canon will be releasing new firmware which makes the Cinema EOS range cameras compatible with this new remote production system, providing a flexible, end-to-end offering that meets the versatile video requirements of the remote production market.
Versatile IP compatibility
Combining Canon’s video and network technology into a seamless solution, the CR-N500 and CR-N300 enable IP streaming and operation for high-quality live productions. Both cameras support multiple protocols such as RTMP/RTMPS, NDI|HX [2], RTP/RTSP and Canon’s newly developed XC Protocol – which is standard in Canon’s cameras – enabling streaming direct to the selected Content Delivery Network for more efficient production. Further streamlining workflows, the CR-N500 employs Canon Log 3 and Wide DR modes to produce the best possible HDR results for both live streamed or recorded content ready for post-production. Even when shooting outdoors, production teams can rely on the CR-X500 with its rugged and robust body that boasts IP55 Water and Dust proof rating, remote control capability over serial communication and an inbuilt wiper to ensure wet conditions don’t get in the way of great looking content.
Designed to fit into existing workflows, these PTZ cameras offer a range of popular connectivity options. Both the CR-N500 and CR-N300 offer huge flexibility to support a broad range of use cases, with Power over Ethernet (PoE+), HDMI, 3G-SDI, and the CR-N300 offers an additional USB port. Enabling broadcasters to deliver excellent image quality and integrate within existing workflows, the CR-X500 uses a high-quality 12G-SDI connection to achieve 4K UHD up to 60P with a single cable.
Superior image quality
Meeting the demand for 4K, all of the PTZ cameras incorporate Canon’s advanced imaging technology that achieves quality equivalent to Canon’s professional video products. The CR-N500 and CR-N300 are powered by a DIGIC DV6 processor to achieve stunning 4K UHD 30P at 4:2:2 10-bit; while the CR-X500 leverages Dual DIGIC DV6 processors to capture up to 4K UHD 60p, also at 4:2:2 10-bit. The CR-N500 and CR-X500 are reinforced with 1.0 Type CMOS Sensors for impeccable, broadcast-quality video and Canon’s industry renowned Dual Pixel CMOS AF focusing system boasts accurate and quick focusing that is especially challenging in 4K production. The CR-N300 utilises a 1/2.3-Inch Type CMOS Sensor and the renowned Hybrid Auto Focus system, providing sharp and quick focus onto objects even in low-light, perfect for live-streaming in ambient conditions such as a lecture theatre.
Says Amine Djouahra, B2C Sales and Marketing Director at Canon Central and North Africa “Leveraging Canon’s industry-leading optical technology, each of these models retains a 4K optical resolution throughout the zoom to help creators close the distance between the subject and viewers. The CR-N500 and CR-X500 employ a 15x optical zoom and CR-N300 a 20x optical zoom, all with image stabilisation that guarantees smooth, shake-free imagery from wide angle to telephoto. The CR-X500 also features an additional 30x advanced zoom when the camera is capturing in Full HD – great for capturing tight, close-up shots of an object in the distance”.
Simple, yet precise control
The CR-N500 and CR-N300 are capable of high-precision control, thanks to the pan and tilt drive mechanism which moves at 0.1° /second increments, enabling smooth operability at variable speeds to capture the perfect shot in any scenario. Canon’s versatile indoor PTZ models, the CR-N500 and CR-N300, are compatible with the RC-IP100 controller and the Remote Camera Control Application via IP and selected third-party controllers, for simple integration with existing set-ups. The CR-X500 is also compatible with the RC-IP100 controller via Serial Connection.
The RC-IP100 hardware controller can control 100 PTZ cameras at once from a single operator. Offering enhanced control over a number of settings including, focus, white balance and shutter speed, it also features a multi-function joystick and professional zoom rocker for incremental movement of the camera and smooth transition between wide and tele zoom. These multi-purpose controls make operation simpler than before and achieve professional, high-quality results. Both the RC-IP100 and the Remote Camera Control Application can control up to 100 pre-set positions, as well as the trace function setting, where 10 camera movements can be pre-determined in a rehearsal and then the sequence initiated with just the touch of a button.
Canon‘s two new PTZ controllers support any budget and workflow. The free Remote Camera Control Application is a software for computers and tablet devices [3] capable of controlling up to 20 Canon PTZ cameras with up to nine of them being shown as a preview on the user interface. The software control allows the image settings of the camera such as iris, white balance and gain, to be fine tuned from a laptop keyboard.
For more information about these products available from Spring 2021, please visit: https://bit.ly/3eOI6OR.
[1] https://bit.ly/38Usfud
[2] A protocol developed by NewTek that supports the workflow of live video production over IP networks. NDI is a trademark or registered trademark of NewTek, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
[3] The Remote Camera Control Application is only compatible with Windows OS.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media 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) (www.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.
For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com.
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