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Meat Naturally and Agricool Finance were awarded joint first place in the 10th Annual Social Innovation Awards, while Leafline Washable Sanitary Wear scooped first place in the Disability Empowerment Awards. All three winners were awarded R1.3 million in grant funding. A total amount of R12.6 million in grant funding and business development support was given away to all our 17 Finalists.

The Social Innovation Awards are aimed at innovators, entrepreneurs and institutions with prototypes or early-stage businesses that solve a social problem through a sustainable business model.

Joint first place Social Innovation winners were: Agricool Finance, based in KwaZulu-Natal, is a digital crowdfunding platform developed by Zamokuhle Thwala, that creates financial inclusion by providing small holder farmers with finance and market opportunities through its digital platform;

Meat Naturally, social enterprise based in Mpumalanga, founded by Sarah Frazee, that supports communal farmers in building a sustainable farming model and provides market access for red meat producers.

Third place and R850 000 in funding was awarded to Invisio Al, founded by Kathryn Malherbe. Invisio AI uses machine learning to identify, segment and predict breast cancer type by means of ultrasound images and algorithms.
Disability Empowerment Award Winners 
The Disability Empowerment Awards are aimed at promoting social innovations that improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through assistive devices, training or employment.

Leafline Washable Sanitary Wear, founded by Candy Androliakos and based in Port Alfred, was awarded R1.3m. Leafline employs people living with disabilities to manufacture affordable and biodegradable sanitary products, nappies, chair and bed protectors made from natural fibre.

Three other businesses were each awarded R500 000 in development funding. These businesses were:

Sipokuhle Community Development founded by Sithembele Dlutu is a sustainable agricultural project based in East London that aims to empower young and vulnerable people with intellectual disabilities through skills development and job creation.

Digital Interactive Educational Books, launched by the National Institute for the Deaf aims to promote language acquisitions through play.

Virecom founded by Jabu Blose is a video remote communications company that provides high-definition video remote interpreting, on-site interpreting, written-text-to-sign language translation and training.

“Over the past nine years, we have invested R80 million in supporting 170 talented South African innovators,” says Bridgit Evans, SAB Foundation Director. “After all of these years of being involved with social innovation at the SAB Foundation, I am still amazed and humbled by what each new round of our annual awards presents to us, and the levels of commitment and sacrifice that these unique entrepreneurs are prepared to make. This year in particular we were so inspired by the entrepreneurs that we have met – despite a challenging year due to the ongoing pandemic, we have seen these incredible people not just surviving, but in some cases, thriving”

All our other finalists were awarded development and seed funding. Below is a full list of our winners.

Social Innovation Award winners

(First place, R1.3 million) Meat Naturally, Mpumalanga: A social enterprise supporting communal farmers to build a sustainable farming model that provides market access for red meat producers. Meat Naturally aims to revolutionise livestock production in South Africa by addressing environmental degradation and social inequality through supporting communal farmers. Farmers receive formal training on regenerative grazing techniques, rangeland restoration, cattle management, stock theft patrol and predator control. Mobile auctions and abattoirs also provide them with the opportunity to reach new markets.

(First place, R1.3 million) Agricool Finance, KwaZulu-Natal: A digital crowdfunding platform that creates financial inclusion by providing small holder farmers with finance and market linkage opportunities. These farmers are offered affordable, efficient and reliable options, and are linked to a network of informal vendors and supermarkets to sell their fresh produce.

(Third place, R850 000) Invisio Al, Gauteng: A web-based software and patient application platform that receives images for ultrasound units in practice. The images are fed into a unique deep machine learning system that identifies any abnormal breast cancer masses. This system speaks to both the specialist physician and patient to provide diagnostic solutions and educational platforms.

(Development Award, R650 000) Umoya Foods, Gauteng: Premium health food products that are sourced from small scale farming operations. Umoya Foods creates nutritionally valuable products using ingredients sourced from crops that are optimised for small scale farming production. The aim is to increase income in rural communities by commercialising local crops. They have developed a premium range of health food products based on amaranth, using both the leaf and seeds.

(Development Award, R450 000) Word of Mouth, Western Cape: A digital market system that connects informal micro-enterprises with customers looking for local services. Customers are able to find local services faster, at affordable prices, from reliable service providers. Business owners, meanwhile, have access to benefits such as group discounts on suppliers and training.

(Development Award, R450 000) OYI Medical Card, Gauteng: A prepaid medical expense credit card for individuals and families that do not have access to funds for unexpected medical and healthcare needs. It works as a savings card for medical spend only and is supported by secure payment technology.

(Development Award, R450 000) Healthforce, Gauteng: A user-friendly web-based application that enables nurses to improve their clinical care with the support of remote general practitioners via a video telemedicine service. Doctors are HPCSA registered and are able to provide medical advice and treatment, repeat or first-time prescriptions and vaccinations, family planning, chronic and acute illnesses, referrals and sick notes.

(Development Award, R450 000) Zenzeleni Community Networks, Eastern Cape: A solar powered wireless community network that works closely with cooperatives in rural communities. It aims to deliver affordable voice and data services, charge mobile devices and to transfer skills. It also tackles unemployment by empowering these cooperatives to generate an income from the sale of voice and data services.

(Development Award, R450 000) Syked, Gauteng: A virtual private counselling platform for individuals looking for alternative ways of seeking support without putting themselves at risk. This online wellness platform provides a full turnkey solution that connects patients with suitable qualified counselling practitioners. This is done via video call in the comfort of their own homes and can be conducted outside normal operating office hours.

(Seed Grant, R200 000) Respo, KwaZulu–Natal: A mobile application offering an effective way of requesting emergency services through a GPS tracking system. Respo offers people an easier way of requesting an ambulance in the event of life-threatening emergencies. The mobile app uses GPS tracking and data capture technology where patients’ medical information is preloaded to match them with the closest available emergency services vehicle.

(Seed Grant, R200 000) MALII, Gauteng: A mobile application that enables taxi commuters to make payments without the use of cash. Commuters are able to load their monthly taxi fare into an e-wallet and pay via a QR code sticker in the taxi window. The driver gets an instant notification of their payment and the funds reflect immediately in the driver’s bank account.

Disability Empowerment Award winners

(First place, R1.3 million) Leafline washable Sanitary Wear, Eastern Cape: An affordable and biodegradable sanitary product range made from natural products using the inner part of the cayenne pineapple leaf. This washable, cost effective and environmentally friendly sanitary product range that is manufactured by people living with disabilities includes sanitary towels, adult and children’s nappies, breast pads, as well as chair and bed protectors The leafline fibre absorbs moisture and odours, and is easy to wash and dry.

(Development Award, R500 000) Sipokuhle Community Development, Eastern Cape: A sustainable agricultural project that aims to empower young and vulnerable people with intellectual disabilities through skills development and job creation. The project equips these young people with food production, vermiculture and administrative skills to enable them to produce premium quality vegetables that are suitable to be sold to the local market.

(Development Award, R500 000) Digital Interactive Educational Books, Western Cape: A digital interactive educational book launched by the National Institute for the Deaf. It aims to promote language acquisitions through play. The book provides parents and caregivers without South African Sign Language skills the opportunity to interact with their deaf child or infant. The digital book is also a useful resource to stimulate linguistic development for deaf children, whilst developing the child emotionally, socially and academically.

(Development Award, R500 000) Virecom, Gauteng: A deaf-owned video remote communications company that provides high-definition video remote interpreting, on-site interpreting, written-text-to-sign language translation and training. It was developed in response to the shortage of qualified sign language interpreters. The tool allows deaf people to gain opportunities and resources to ensure equal communications access.

(Seed Grant, R350 000) Para-Tube, Gauteng: A cost effective retro-fitted seating device with a built-in toilet enables those that are wheelchair-bound to utilise the toilet without having to be lifted out of their wheelchair. The device works using biodegradable disposable bags, the seat is breathable and waterproof, and its height protects the user’s lumbar spine.

(Seed Grant, R350 000) Carel Du Toit Trust E-Training Platform, Western Cape: An e-learning digital platform that assists hearing impaired children to learn to hear and talk, while providing parental and professional guidance. The objective of the app is for these children to develop adequate spoken language, enabling integration into the hearing society.
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Media Contact: Claire Watt The Friday Street Club Tel: 082 490 3796 Email: claire@thefridaystreetclub.co.za
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R12.6 million in funding awarded to 17 of South Africa’s most promising Social Innovators

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UNITLIFE, the United Nations initiative dedicated to fighting chronic malnutrition through innovation, and the Ecobank Group’s Foundation (www.EcobankFoundation.org) &#8211; the pan-African banking group with operations in 33 countries across the continent-announce the launch of the “Make the Connection” campaign, which aims to raise awareness and funds to prevent chronic malnutrition in Africa.

144 million children under the age of 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition worldwide. The prevalence is highest in Africa, where as many as 24 African countries have rates above 30%. In other words, 1 in 3 African children do not eat a diet that meets their nutrient needs during the first 1,000 days of their lives. As a result, they face life-long consequences affecting their physical growth, cognitive development and immune systems.
The disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to countries’ health systems and the global economy have exacerbated the malnutrition crisis in Africa. Nutrient-rich foods such as vegetables, fruit and animal-sourced foods have become less accessible and less affordable for millions of families.
“Everywhere in Africa, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a disastrous effect on people’s income and ability to access nutritious foods. The Standing Together for Nutrition Consortium projects that an estimated 1.2 million additional children in Sub-Saharan Africa will be stunted in 2022 compared to 2019 due to interruptions in nutrition services and increased household poverty. It is imperative that we shine more light on chronic malnutrition in these challenging times. UNITLIFE is excited to partner with the Ecobank Foundation to raise awareness and funds to fight this disease”, says Assia Sidibe, Head of UNITLIFE Secretariat.
Ecobank is supporting the communication efforts of the campaign and bringing the necessary expertise to set-up the fundraising mechanisms. Carl Manlan, Chief Operating Officer, Ecobank Foundation explains: “At the Foundation, our aim is to create a positive impact on the lives of people across Africa. Supporting UNITLIFE helps us achieving our mission. We are glad we can contribute to allowing a healthier and more prosperous future for children in Africa.”
The “Make the connection” campaign stands in line with the ongoing global effort to mobilise additional resources for development and contributes to the achievement of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, especially SDG2 “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Foundation.
Media Contact: Elisa Desbordes-Cissé Communications and Advocacy Specialist UNITLIFE elisa.desbordes-cisse@uncdf.org
Christiane Bossom Group Manager Corporate Communication groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com Tel: +228 22 21 03 03 
About chronic malnutrition: Chronic malnutrition is a disease that develops when children do not receive the nutrients they need during the first 1,000 days of life (through a women’s pregnancy until the child’s second birthday). The consequences of chronic malnutrition – stunted growth, impaired brain development, and a weakened immune system &#8211; are largely irreversible, preventing affected children from reaching their full potential. Today, 1 in 5 children worldwide are chronically malnourished. Compared to their peers, chronically malnourished children struggle to do as well in school and on average earn 20% less as adults. The presence of chronic malnutrition is not only a human tragedy, but also an enormous obstacle to countries’ economic development. In Africa, where chronic malnutrition affects 1 in every 3 children, the cost of undernutrition in some countries is estimated to be up to 16% of GDP. Despite affecting 144 million children worldwide, chronic malnutrition lacks public awareness.
About UNITLIFE: UNITLIFE (www.UNITLIFE.org) is the United Nations initiative dedicated to fighting chronic malnutrition through innovation. It was established by established by UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and UN Women.
​UNITLIFE finances nutritious food systems and invests in women&#39;s empowerment and climate-smart agriculture. With this approach, UNITLIFE aims to save the next generation.
For more information, visit: www.UNITLIFE.org.
About Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’ or ‘The Group’): Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (‘ETI’) is the parent company of the Ecobank Group (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: www.Ecobank.com.
About Ecobank Foundation: The Ecobank Foundation (www.EcobankFoundation.org) was created to positively impact the lives of people across Africa. Established by the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African bank, the Foundation is positioned to contribute towards the continent’s transformation, particularly in the communities in which the bank operates.
For further information, please visit: www.EcobankFoundation.org.
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UN initiative UNITLIFE and Ecobank Foundation work to prevent chronic malnutrition amongst children in Africa and protect its human capital

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As he assumed functions yesterday, the UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ján Kubiš continued his interactions with Libyan interlocutors, following his telephone calls with President of the Presidency Council Mr. Fayez Serraj and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohammed Siala the day before.

He held telephone conversations with Mr. Agila Slaeh, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) and discussed the current situation, following the Libyan Political Dialogue Forum (LPDF) meeting in Switzerland and the way forward, including convening the HoR soon.
Special Envoy Kubiš held telephone conversations with Mr. Mohammad Younes Menfi, President of the Presidency Council designate and Mr. Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah, Prime Minister designate. They discussed the way forward to ensure a smooth transition of power to the new unified interim executive authority. Mr. Kubiš noted the intention of the Prime Minister designate to form an inclusive and representative Cabinet, within the timeline set by the LPDF Roadmap, that will reflect the richness and diversity of the Libyan society and its components, including women and youth, capable of addressing the most pressing issues in Libya including delivery of services to the people on an just and equitable basis and national reconciliation. Of critical importance for the government and the people is to prepare and hold the national elections on 24 December 2021.
Mr. Kubiš stressed the United Nations commitment to a stable, prosperous, sovereign and unified Libya, building on the momentum generated by positive developments achieved in the past months in the political, security and economic files, including ceasefire agreement through Libyan-led and Libyan-owned efforts and  processes.
The Special Envoy Ján Kubiš continued also with his telephone and video calls, reaching out to high representatives of regional countries and broader international community.
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Ján Kubiš takes up functions as the UN Secretary-General Special Envoy For Libya, stresses UN commitment to a stable, prosperous, sovereign and unified Libya

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat continues to closely monitor the developments in Somalia.

The Chairperson calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, the Federal member state leaders and the entire Somali national leadership, to work constructively together to resolve the political differences that have led to the present electoral and political impasse. He acknowledges that the recent Dhusammareb consultations have made progress on a number of contentious points but did not reach agreement on the remaining issues. It is therefore, imperative that the political leadership reach consensus on these outstanding issues in order to allow for the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections without much delay.
The Chairperson notes, with grave concern, that the considerable gains made by AMISOM and the Somali Security Forces (SSF), in fighting Al-Shabaab, extending state authority over large parts of the country, and improving security and rule of law for the Somali people, are now being threatened by the escalating political tension.
The Chairperson stresses that the stability of Somalia is at stake and calls on all Somali stakeholders to put national interest first and constructively seek solution to their differences through dialogue and compromise.
The African Union, which has since 2007 shown its solidarity and commitment to the people of Somalia through the deployment of AMISOM, stands ready to continue providing support to the Somali political leadership to implement the outcomes of an inclusive process.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Mission in Somalia.

Chairperson of the African Union Commission calls for the Resolution of the Somali Electoral Impasse

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UN agencies have received approval from the Ethiopian Government for 25 international staff to provide humanitarian assistance inside the country’s conflict-torn Tigray region, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday. 

“This clearance is a first step towards ensuring that aid workers in Tigray can deliver and ramp up the response given the rapidly rising needs in the region”, Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the daily press briefing. 
He recalled a number of positive engagements between the Government and senior UN officials, including with Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Gilles Michaud chief of UN Safety and Security and most recently, David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP). 
“Mr. Beasley has just wrapped up a trip to Ethiopia and he says that WFP has accepted the Government’s request to help authorities and aid partners transport aid into and within Tigray”, informed Mr. Dujarric.  
Moreover, WFP has also agreed to provide emergency food aid for up to one million people in Tigray.  
The conflict between the Government and regional forces of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) began in early November, when the Prime Minister ordered a military offensive after rebels attacked a federal army base. Government forces reported that the region had been secured at the end of November, but TPLF resistance has continued amid accusations of extrajudicial killings and rights abuses.  
Escalating humanitarian needs 
Meanwhile, around 60 more humanitarian workers from the UN and non-governmental organizations are awaiting approval in the capital Addis Ababa for deployment to Tigray.
They also look forward to rapid authorizations for any further requests put forward. 
“While we welcome these clearances, we remain deeply concerned about the significant escalation in humanitarian needs in Tigray, where people have endured more than three months of conflict with extremely limited assistance”, said the UN spokesperson.  
He also expressed unease over continued reports of grave violations against civilians. 
“We reiterate our call for the full resumption of free and unconditional access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to the Tigray region”, Mr. Dujarric said, adding that it should include “blanket clearances” for organizations operating in the area, “so that we can immediately reach all the people in need with all the assistance they urgently require”.
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Ethiopia: Government approves ‘first step’ towards Tigray emergency assistance

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Results of COVID-19 tests done on 08 February 2021 confirm 23 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are 39,883. 

The breakdown of the new cases are: 22 contacts and alerts: Kampala (14) Wakiso (4) Bugiri (1) Amuru (3).
1 Truck Driver from Elegu.
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Coronavirus – Uganda: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

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Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi announces three new COVID-19 deaths in Eswatini, taking total deaths to 607. &#8220;May their souls rest in peace.&#8221;

New cases: 30 Total cases: 16,234 Active cases: 3,878 New recoveries: 105 Total recoveries: 11,719 New deaths: 3 Total deaths: 607
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Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

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643 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Oyo-88 Lagos-86 Rivers-55 Edo-54 Akwa Ibom-53 Adamawa-52 Plateau-45 Kaduna-41 FCT-34 Kwara-27 Benue-20 Kano-19 Delta-18 Nasarawa-16 Niger-15 Bayelsa-11 Borno-5 Bauchi-2 Sokoto-2

140,391 confirmed 114,635 discharged 1,673 deaths
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

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New cases: 227 Total active cases: 14,582 Total currently admitted: 221 (34 new) Total number of tests conducted: 160,703 (937 new) Total confirmed cases: 27,422* Total recovered: 11,756 (155 new) New discharges from treatment units: 14 Total deaths: 874 (18 new)

*Out of these, 134 lost to follow-up and 76 outcome under investigation.
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Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

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Active cases: 276 New cases: 65 New tests: 819 Total confirmed: 4,302 Recovered: 3,891 (+5) Deaths: 135 (+1)
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Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

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Total cases: 16,621 (+170) Recovered: 12,629 (+287) Active cases: 3,769 In critical condition: 21 Tests: 921,282 (+3,453) Test positivity rate: 5% Recovery rate: 75.9% Deaths: 223 (+3) | 1.3%
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

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Mr. Ayman Amin Sejiny, the CEO of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-idb.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDBG), and Mr. Chori Sadibakosovich Mirzaev, Chairman of the Management Board of Turonbank, signed an Advisory Services Agreement in relation to launching of an Islamic Window at the Bank.

The intended Islamic Window will create an opportunity for Turonbank to be one of the foremost wholly profit-sharing Islamic Windows, offering Islamic products and services in Uzbekistan. As a result, the Bank will diversify its products, funding sources and increase its profits.
Turonbank is one of the more recent partners of ICD and has been utilizing USD 10 million Line of Financing Facility granted by ICD to finance SMEs in Uzbekistan.
On this occasion Mr. Sejiny, commented: “This successful cooperation between our institutions is the next step toward enhancing our recent strategic partnership. Advisory services provided by ICD is a strategic partnership, aiming to support the banking and Islamic finance industries in Uzbekistan. Through this strategic initiative, ICD will assist Turonbank in launching its first dedicated Islamic Window by providing them with a total solution covering development of the Shari’ah compliant products, assistance in accounting, information technology, human resources and legal aspects of the operations; combined with on-site extensive theoretical training, to be supported by on-the-job training within one of the partner Islamic banks of ICD.”
On his part, Mr. Mirzaev added: “As you all know, a large part of the population of our country are our citizens who follow Islam. In order to fully meet their needs and provide high quality financial services on the basis of the best practices, JSCB &#8220;Turonbank&#8221; has been working constantly and introducing new banking services, hence the initiative of Islamic Window will be one of the most attractive financial services in the country. In this process, of course, the development of Islamic finance is one of the most important tasks ahead of us. The reason is that today banking products based on world experience, corresponding to customer requirements, are in demand. Therefore, we are also working in the transformation of a modern banking network in line with Islamic finance. In this regard, I would not be mistaken to say that the “Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector” is one of the most important partners of Turonbank at the international level.
The above mentioned priority tasks were also defined in the decisions of the head of our state &#8220;On measures to further increase the effectiveness of cooperation with international and foreign financial institutions&#8221; on December 20, 2017, and &#8220;On measures to further expand and deepen cooperation with Foundations of the Islamic Development Bank Group and the Arab Coordination Group&#8221; on March 5, 2019.
There is no doubt that the launch of the &#8220;Islamic Window&#8221; in JSCB &#8220;Turonbank&#8221; will give impetus to further expansion of mutual cooperation and the implementation of joint projects. As a result, our bank will be able to expand the range of services provided to the population, accelerate the development of entrepreneurship and small businesses, and create an instrument that offers retail and corporate products based on Islamic principles. Most importantly, thousands of new jobs will be created.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Ayman Amin Sejiny, Chief Executive Officer of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, and the members of the delegation led by him for their cooperation.”
Read more and watch the video here (https://bit.ly/3ruXS4q).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD): The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-idb.org) is a multilateral financial institution established by the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) during its twenty-fourth (24) annual meeting held in Rajab 1420H (November 1999) in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ICD was established to be IDBG’s private sector window. The authorized capital of the Corporation is USD 4 billion. The shareholders consist of the IsDB (rated Triple A), 55-member countries and 5 financial institutions from the member countries. ICD is Rated A2’ by Moody’s, ‘A’ by S&#038;P and, A+ by Fitch.
ICD aims to play a complementary role to the activities of IsDBG and the national financing institutions in member countries by focusing on private sector institutions in their various activities and operations in full compliance with the principles of  Shari’ah. In addition to extending financing and financial services, ICD provides advisory and consultancy services to governments and private sector institutions in order to adopt policies for establishing, expanding and modernizing private sector companies, developing equity capital markets (ECM), debt capital markets (DCM) in the form of Sukuk, adopting better management practices, and strengthening the role of the market economy. ICD focuses its financing on development projects (such as infrastructure and private equity funds) that aim to create job opportunities and to encourage exports.
In order to achieve all these goals, ICD establishes and strengthens cooperation and partnership relationships with an aim to establish joint or collective financing. ICD also applies financial technology (Fintech) to make financing more efficient and comprehensive. Financial services institutions within ICD’s member countries are benefiting from fintech innovations by using artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, data analytics, and cloud computing services. ICD created a platform based on its relationships with 119 financial institutions, through which, IsDBG in general and the institution can have access to a concerned country and identify available financing opportunities. The platform allows financial entities to collaborate in identifying investment opportunities, sharing market information and laying the groundwork for actual financial transactions within the OIC member countries and across borders. For more information about ICD, visit www.ICD-idb.org.
About JSC “Turonbank”: The history of the Turonbank (www.Turonbank.uz/oz) started in 1990 and the Bank was one of the first commercial banks in Uzbekistan even before the Independence of the country. At present, Turonbank is one of universal banks in the country serving the broad layers of population, as well as credit institutions, enterprises and organizations operating in the republic. The bank consists of 20 branches, 71 banking services centers, 91 international money transfer points and 65 currency exchange points in which around 1,421 specialists are employed.
The Bank is a solely state-owned universal commercial bank, which carries out all kinds of banking operations represented in financial services market including servicing of private and corporate clients. Its principal activities are commercial and retail banking operations, transaction with foreign currencies, origination of loans, guarantees and letters of credit offered to private sector in the country.
For more information you can contact Mr. Sultan Kaldibaev (kaldibaev_s@turonbank.uz) or visit www.Turonbank.uz/oz.
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Signing of the Advisory Services Agreement between the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Turonbank, Uzbekistan

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The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has extended financial support to a project that will strengthen the efforts of West African countries to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets under the Paris climate accord. The Bank will underwrite the preparation of concept notes exploring the use of internationally transferable mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) in selected West African countries.

The project is financed through the African Climate Technology and Finance Center and Network (ACTFCN), a Bank-managed initiative that draws on funds from the GEF Trust Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund. The project is being implemented by a consortium led by Triple E Systems.
“This intervention will put in place a robust platform, including processes, procedures and structures that will ensure real and practical participation of the West African sub-region in the use of ITMOs to deliver some of their NDC aspirations. It will form the basis for the replication of these activities in other African countries,” said Gareth Phillips, Manager of Climate and Environment Finance at the African Development Bank.
The initiative will help governments develop technical capacity and institutional infrastructure to enable the private sector to access new sources of climate finance as well as promote new financing mechanisms for energy efficiency and mitigation projects.
ITMOs promote low carbon technologies and accelerate the implementation of projects and programs for energy efficiency projects. The process involves the implementation of an approved project that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates mitigation outcomes utilizing approved accounting procedures. These steps are followed by the transfer of the mitigation outcomes from the host party to a buying party. Corresponding adjustments in the registries of both parties ensure environmental integrity.
The Paris agreement permits the use of markets for the transfer of ITMOs between countries to meet the commitments contained in their NDCs.
The project will also leverage the active engagement of several West African countries in climate negotiations, particularly around Article 6 of the Paris accord, and the activities of the West African Alliance for Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (the West African Alliance or WAA), which provide the opportunity to expand the reach of carbon pricing to enable full implementation of NDCs. 
ACTFCN aims to support sub-Saharan African member countries in scaling-up the deployment of low-carbon and climate resilient technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
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 (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.

African Development Bank assists West African countries to deliver carbon emission reductions and meet their Paris Agreement commitments

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
ACTING’s inaugural report offers most comprehensive resource on Sub-Saharan Africa’s natural gas market trends; Africa to witness increase localization and regionalization of LNG trade on the back of AfCTFA and competitive gas prices; Domestic gas monetization enters a new era of growth in West and East Africa, supported by significant gas-to-power capacity addition; African gas is entering a true decade of diversification with small-scale LNG (Nigeria, South Africa), coal-bed methane (Botswana, South Africa) and helium (Tanzania, South Africa) developments taking shape.

The African Coalition for Trade &#038; Investment in Natural Gas (ACTING) is pleased to announce the release and publication of its inaugural “State of Play: African Gas” report, providing the most comprehensive resource on Sub-Saharan Africa’s natural gas markets.

As several African nations seek to increase the consumption and monetization of natural gas across their economies, the ACTING report highlights that the continent remains one the lowest consumer of gas globally. Low gas penetration rates in sub-Saharan Africa contrast with the vast amount of natural gas reserves found onshore and offshore from Senegal to Mozambique and whose development could lift millions out of poverty and provide the resource the continent needs to industrialise.

By gathering several datasets in a single resource, ACTING’s “State of Play: African Gas” report combines the most up-to-date and accurate information on sub-Saharan African gas markets. It notably reveals that the growth of Africa’s natural gas consumption and production is set to be one of the world’s fastest until 2040 on the back of new LNG projects and strong policy support for natural gas consumption across industries, transport and power. It showcases true success stories in domestic gas monetization in Côte d&#39;Ivoire, Cameroon and Tanzania, and reveals the true diversity of African gas experiences with associated and non-associated gas, LNG, LPG, methane, coal-bed methane, helium and hydrogen.

“An in-depth look at the natural gas dynamics across the sub-continent shows the diversity of each country’s experience with natural gas and the tremendous potential there is for regionalization and cross-border gas cooperation. Natural gas has the potential to be a true enabler of economic recovery post Covid-19 and to support Africa’s energy transition, and this platform will unlock new investment and ultimately create jobs,” stated Nj Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber.

Chief amongst the report’s finding is the upcoming growth in gas-to-power generation capacity across sub-Saharan Africa. ACTING expects a 55% growth in grid-connected gas-to-power generation by 2025 on the back of greenfield and brownfield projects and the conversation of coal and diesel power plants to gas in Senegal and South Africa. West Africa is the region expected to see the biggest gas-to-power capacity addition by 2025, with at least 750 MW in Senegal, 643 MW in Côte d&#39;Ivoire, 450 MW in Nigeria, 200 MW in Ghana, 150 MW in Benin and 65 MW in Togo.

“The inaugural report of ACTING lays the foundation for the kind of work and research the Coalition wishes the grow with its institutional and industry partners,” declared Mickael Vogel, Director at Hawilti and coordinator of ACTING. “Information and data on gas markets in sub-Saharan Africa is extremely scarce, which negatively affects the ability of investors and developers to make proper deals and sound decisions. Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and build the kind of trust and confidence the market needs to benefit the continent at large.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Media Contact: Mickael Vogel ACTING Coordinator mickael@actingas.org
For news and updates, follow our social media: Twitter: @actinggas LinkedIn: African Coalition for Trade &#038; Investment in Natural Gas Hawilti channel: Gas 4 Africa
About ACTING: The African Coalition for Trade and Investment in Natural Gas (ACTING) is a joint and non-profit initiative of Hawilti and the African Energy Chamber to support the development of a robust natural gas value-chain across the African continent. ACTING gathers leading experts, executives and policy makers around key issues pertaining to natural gas in Africa, from upstream exploration &#038; production, midstream infrastructure, downstream monetization and gas-to-power.
ACTING focuses on all the benefits that a broader adoption of natural gas can bring to Africans, especially when it comes to securing access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. The Coalition believes in the promotion of transparent business practices and the adoption of sound environmental, social and corporate governance standards to promote investments across the African gas value chain. By collecting and sharing information and data, we seek to support a broad range of gas industries, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), piped natural gas (PNG), gas-to-power and hydrogen.
About the African Energy Chamber: Determined to promote growth in the African energy sector, the African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org) encourages collaboration between businesses and government and takes a leadership role in shaping policies, sharing best practices and using resources to create local value. The African Energy Chamber is the only pan-African and non-profit institution advocating for a better use of African natural resources to create jobs and work towards shared prosperity.
About Hawilti Ltd: Hawilti Ltd (www.Hawilti.com) is an investment research and sustainability reporting company that runs the Hawilti App, Africa’s most comprehensive energy investment platform. The company notably works with public and private corporations on the disclosing and distribution of key ESG information in order to make African markets more transparent and competitive globally. Within a single digital space, Hawilti offers the most comprehensive resources on African energy, allowing its users to get the latest information on African markets, track ongoing and upcoming projects and develop solid sector analyses on competitors and market trends.
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ACTING Launches African Gas 2021 Report, Forecasts Rapid Growth of Gas-to-Power

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Today, Canon Europe (www.Canon-europe.com) announces the latest addition to its best-selling imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX portfolio, the C5800 Series &#8211; a true hub for digital transformation in effortlessly bridging physical and digital workflows to empower hybrid workforces. Following the recent launch of the imagePRESS C170 Series*, which provides an alternative solution for businesses looking to push their creative limits, both devices are designed with productivity at their core. 

With accelerating societal changes and the emergence of remote and decentralised working, this fundamental shift in behaviour has impacted the role of the office and ultimately what is needed from office technology. To support business continuity, drive digital transformation and facilitate unrivalled user experience between the office and remote working locations &#8211; thanks to the seamless integration of uniFLOW Online &#8211; the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series has been developed to support businesses thrive in today’s hybrid working reality.

Empowering productivity
The imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series excels in streamlining document workflows by combining super-fast colour print speeds of up to 70 ppm and enhanced connectivity, with the latest scan technology, making it ideal for medium to large enterprises that require high volume, productive output. Designed to enable consistently secure, productive and effective working as part of technology ecosystem that is location-agnostic, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series truly empowers productivity.
This best-in-class device combines the reliability and durability of its predecessors in one flagship model through offering enhanced serviceability with long life part and easier replacement capabilities.  For maximum uptime and drive efficiency, this device features quick sleep recovery, powering on in just six seconds and quick starting in four. Anti-streak, multi-feed detection and blank page removal, further reduces processing time and improves the scan performance. To save valuable time getting documents ready for use, the series delivers a broad range of embedded finishing options.
Supporting digital transformation 
Digitisation is crucial to making sure teams can connect and collaborate, especially in today’s hybrid working reality. The imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series is the latest in the portfolio which is pivotal to customers embarking on their digital transformation journey. As a hub where print transforms into digital, it allows businesses to connect employees with workplace apps and plug documents straight into their workflows through one single platform.
With in-built connectivity &#8211; integrating with cloud-storage destinations like Dropbox and OneDrive &#8211; documents can be accessed, edited and shared by colleagues working anywhere. uniFLOW Online, Canon’s cloud-based software [1] provides a single platform to connect all working locations, through which companies can centrally manage their fleet, no matter where devices are located. It offers simple cost tracking, secure scanning, and robust device security. Users with the uniFLOW Online upgrade have advanced functionalities such as Filing Assist, allowing information to be extracted from paper documents and inputted directly and accurately into workflow software.  
“The last 12 months have seen immense shifts in working patterns, as well as business and technology requirements,” says Ben Gossage, Sales and Marketing Director, Canon Central and North Africa. “Hybrid ways of working, which were already present, have developed and accelerated during this time. With that in mind, we have continued to evolve our technology and broaden our portfolio to enable us to support our customer’s document workflow requirements wherever they are. From connecting distributed workforces and enabling digital transformation with the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 series, to offering in-house professional printing and finishing provided with the recent imagePRESS C170 Series launch, we are supporting the changing needs of our customers.
“Now, more than ever, businesses need their employees to be able to digitise documents quickly and efficiently, and be able to access them from anywhere, at any time. With today’s news, we’re confident that we’re helping our customers maintain business continuity and adapt to the demands of today’s hybrid working.”
For more information, please visit https://bit.ly/3cU1j0x.
[1] Please contact local Canon representative regarding compatibility with selected Canon devices.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Notes to Editors
*About imagePRESS C170 Series Launched on 1st February 2021, the imagePRESS C170 Series allows businesses to explore creative printing in-house. Designed to deliver high-resolution, personalised, vividly coloured prints, it offers an alternative solution for businesses looking to push their creative limits.

Combining office functionality and connectivity, with professional output, the imagePRESS C170 Series enables customers to broaden their print capabilities, capitalising on their investment.
Key Features &#8211; imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series
 	•  Print speeds up to 70ppm A4 (single sided) 	•  Scan up to 270 ipm A4 (300 dpi duplex) 	•  uniFLOW Online Express as standard 	•  10.1-inch fully digital colour touch panel 	•  Improved media handling supports smaller paper type formats, including A5 	•  Scan, search and store with OneDrive, SharePoint, Concur and Dropbox 	•  360° security with McAfee Embedded Control software  	•  TPM 2.0 providing stronger encryption technology 	•  Quiet ADF operation 	•  Produces up to 18% less CO2 over its entire lifecycle 	•  Consumes 15% less energy than its predecessor  	•  Eco-stapling up to 10 sheets 
Key Features &#8211; imagePRESS C170 series 
 	•  Print speeds up to 70 ppm A4 in colour and 80 ppm in black and white 	•  Scans up to 240 ipm A4 	•  Media size up 1300 mm in length and heavy media up to 350 gsm 	•  High quality output with accurate, precise and sharp image quality thanks to the imagePRESS R-VCSEL and 2400 x 2400 dpi print resolution  	•  360° security with McAfee Embedded Control software  	•  Consistent quality with Multi-Density Adjustment Technology 	•  Multi-functional Embedded Application Platform (MEAP) ready platform and print anywhere functionality with uniFLOW Online and Mopria 
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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Canon supports the accelerating demands of hybrid working with the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
CrossBoundary Group (www.CrossBoundary.com) and Brown Advisory announced the formation of a strategic partnership. CrossBoundary Group is a mission-driven investment firm serving underserved markets globally and Brown Advisory is one of the largest privately held U.S. investment management firms, with responsibility for over $100 billion in client assets.

The partnership includes a minority investment by Brown Advisory in CrossBoundary Group, and initiatives for both firms to collaborate on a global basis. The partnership underpins the shared belief of both firms in three major trends: an increasingly interconnected world and the rising importance of global frontier markets; the necessity of incorporating environmental, social, and governance elements into investment decisions; and a shift towards impact principles in the capital allocation philosophies of the next generation of wealth creators.
According to Brown Advisory CEO, Mike Hankin, “Investors all over the world are realizing how the intersection of financial, social and environmental ideas can lead to better investment results. Historically, many investors believed they needed to make a trade-off between returns and values. But over many years we have found that our focus on sustainability has contributed positively to returns. We expect that our partnership with CrossBoundary will provide us, and our clients, with increased access to the frontier of sustainable and inclusive investment opportunities.”
Jake Cusack, co-founder of CrossBoundary Group said, “We are fortunate to have found such an aligned partner in Brown Advisory. Together, we look forward to pursuing our mission of bringing private capital to underserved markets, which might be considered frontier today, but will be the mainstream growth stories of tomorrow.”
Matthew Tilleard, co-founder of CrossBoundary Group, spoke about the shared ethos between the two firms, noting “this partnership came about because of a shared sense of values, purpose, culture and mission. For CrossBoundary Group, this partnership gives us an opportunity to learn and benefit from Brown Advisory’s impressive growth story and strong foundations.”
Tom Flahive, partner of CrossBoundary Group said, “This does not represent a new direction for CrossBoundary, but an acceleration on our existing path that enables greater strategic flexibility to progress on our growth strategy and long-term vision.”
Elise Liberto, who led the deal for Brown Advisory noted, “Our investment was primarily driven by our strong belief in the team, our shared values and a wide range of strategic opportunities for collaboration in thought leadership and network expansion. As we worked with the CrossBoundary team, Dave Churchill, our CFO and COO, would remind us of the parallels between their firm and the early growth of Brown Advisory. We are excited to help CrossBoundary in its mission in whatever way we can.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CrossBoundary Group.
About CrossBoundary Group: CrossBoundary Group’s (www.CrossBoundary.com) mission is to unlock capital to make a strong return and a lasting difference in underserved markets globally. The firm has over 100 professional staff, and offices in Accra, Bamako, Bangkok, Beirut, Bogota, Chișinău, Dakar, Dubai, Ebene, Erbil, Johannesburg, Kabul, Lagos, London, Nairobi, Tunis, New York City and Washington D.C. CrossBoundary Advisory was founded in 2011 and provides a broad spectrum of investment and transaction advisory services across a range of sectors in underserved markets globally. CrossBoundary Energy was launched in 2015 and is sub-Saharan Africa&#39;s leading provider of renewable energy services to commercial and industrial businesses. CrossBoundary Energy Access was launched in January 2019 as Africa’s first project finance facility for mini-grids, delivering first time power to rural households and businesses. CrossBoundary Educational Infrastructure, the firm’s most recent investment platform, seeks to provide affordable student housing and related infrastructure in East Africa.
About Brown Advisory: Brown Advisory (www.BrownAdvisory.com) is an independent investment management firm committed to delivering a combination of first-class performance, strategic advice and the highest level of client service with offices in Austin, Baltimore, Boston, the Carolinas, Delaware, London, New York, Singapore, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The firm’s institutional and private clients are based in 50 states and more than 39 countries and territories and are served by over 700 colleagues worldwide, all of whom are equity owners of the firm.
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CrossBoundary Group and Brown Advisory announce strategic partnership

Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers, but does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
The African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org) participated earlier today in the launch of Team Energy, an initiative of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to create an informal grouping of African clean energy investors, project developers, and institutions dedicated to the fight again energy poverty. Team Energy aims at serving as a catalyst for transformative private sector investments in clean energy under the ECA’s SDG7 Initiative.

The initiative was launched at the end of the 4th Africa Business Forum of the ECA, which was opened by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Dr. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the ECA.
The forum echoed strong feelings amongst the African business community to rally around key issues of decarbonization and clean energy in order to fight against African energy poverty. Chief among them are the need to develop single-digit local currency funding mechanisms, building capacity within the African private sector and leveraging on the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to support real cross-border energy cooperation.
The launch of the AfCFTA should become a true enabler of the expansion of Africa’s energy industry, be it to support industrialization and trade or to help expand local and regional value-chains. Key participants such as Dr. Benedict Okey Oramah, President of the Afreximbank, Alain Ebobissé, CEO of Africa50 or Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, CCO at Mixta Africa, voiced the need for investment-focused interventions to ensure an enabling environment and build competitiveness within local manufacturing industries.
“Team Energy will become one of those transformational projects for the African energy sector, it is a great opportunity for us to work for an enabling environment, limited government and market-driven policies that work for entrepreneurs and investors and in this case, Africans investing and doing business in Africa,” declared NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber during the function. “We must get to work and ensure African entrepreneurs invest in innovation and technology that drives down emissions intensity and positions our industry and continent as part of the global solution needed to tackle the global climate challenge and energy poverty,” concluded Ayuk.
Finally, the inclusivity and diversity of the African energy value-chain as identified as a key pillar of its sustainability. Without gender diversity and inclusion, the African energy industry will not be able to build a long-lasting and prosperous industry that works for everyone. As the continent’s energy industry grows, it can only thrive on the back of economic participation, inclusion and diversity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.Media filesDownload logo

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African Development Bank assists West African countries to deliver carbon emission reductions and meet their Paris Agreement commitments

ACTING Launches African Gas 2021 Report, Forecasts Rapid Growth of Gas-to-Power

Canon supports the accelerating demands of hybrid working with the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series

CrossBoundary Group and Brown Advisory announce strategic partnership

The Launch of Team Energy Should be a Rallying Call for Africa’s Private Sector

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R12.6 million in funding awarded to 17 of South Africa’s most promising Social Innovators

UN initiative UNITLIFE and Ecobank Foundation work to prevent chronic malnutrition amongst children in Africa and protect its human capital

Ján Kubiš takes up functions as the UN Secretary-General Special Envoy For Libya, stresses UN commitment to a stable, prosperous, sovereign and unified Libya

Chairperson of the African Union Commission calls for the Resolution of the Somali Electoral Impasse

Ethiopia: Government approves ‘first step’ towards Tigray emergency assistance

Coronavirus – Uganda: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

Coronavirus – Eswatini: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

Coronavirus – Malawi: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

Coronavirus – Gambia: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (8 February 2021)

Signing of the Advisory Services Agreement between the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Turonbank, Uzbekistan

African Development Bank assists West African countries to deliver carbon emission reductions and meet their Paris Agreement commitments

ACTING Launches African Gas 2021 Report, Forecasts Rapid Growth of Gas-to-Power

Canon supports the accelerating demands of hybrid working with the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C5800 Series

CrossBoundary Group and Brown Advisory announce strategic partnership

The Launch of Team Energy Should be a Rallying Call for Africa’s Private Sector

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