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Results of COVID-19 tests done on 12 January 2021 confirm 137 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are now 38,085. 

One COVID-19 death. The total deaths are 304.
The breakdown of the new cases are: 137 contacts and alerts: Kampala (86) Wakiso (22) Kabarole (6) Iganga (4) Mbale (4) Kiruhura (3) Mukono (2) Jinja (2) Mbarara (1) Soroti (1) Tororo (1) Butaleja (1) Amuru (1) Kyenjojo (1) Pader (1)  Bundibugyo (1).
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Coronavirus – Uganda: COVID-19 update (12 January 2021)

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On 12 January Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, as vice president of the Federal Council, and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter signed two cooperation agreements – on civil aviation and on migration – during the official visit to Bern by a delegation from the Republic of The Gambia, headed by Vice President Isatou Touray. The agreement on migration allows Switzerland and The Gambia to strengthen their respective efforts in fighting illegal migration.

Ms Keller-Sutter and Gambian Vice President Isatou Touray and his delegation discussed migration issues and the way in which the two countries can strengthen their cooperation. Approved by the Federal Council on 7 October 2020, the agreement signed at this occasion opens up new opportunities for cooperation between Switzerland and the Republic of The Gambia in the field of migration.
Many Gambian citizens are leaving their country for other countries in the region, Europe or the United States. Gambian nationals account for a significant proportion of migrants crossing the Mediterranean each year to reach the Italian or Spanish coasts. After a peak in 2016, the number of asylum applications from Gambian nationals in Switzerland has since fallen sharply.
Faced with these challenges, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) intends to continue to support the Gambian authorities in handling migration, not least by helping to implement projects locally. So far, SEM has organised ad hoc training to enable The Gambia to increase its capacities and is supporting a project with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cooperation over returnees
Operational cooperation with The Gambia over returning citizens generally works well. The agreement covers issues relating to the practical organisation of returnees, such as identification and the issuing of replacement documents. Switzerland has so far concluded eight similar migration cooperation agreements with countries on the African continent, among them Angola, Cameroon, Benin and Tunisia. These are in addition to the 56 other agreements on return migration that Switzerland has concluded.
Agreement on aviation services
In discussions between Mr Ignazio Cassis and Dr Touray, the two countries expressed their wish to strengthen their bilateral relations and cooperate more closely. In this respect, Mr Cassis thanked the vice president for opening an embassy with double accreditation in Geneva. The two parties signed an aviation services agreement which allows airlines to offer passengers and shipping companies competitive prices and services on open markets, while preserving strict safety standards.
Other international issues were addressed, such as the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the efforts of Switzerland and The Gambia in dealing with it. Mr Cassis officially invited The Gambia to join the ‘Remittances in Crisis: How to Keep them Flowing&#39; appeal launched by Switzerland and the United Kingdom in May 2020. The two countries reaffirmed the importance of good international cooperation in addressing this health crisis.
Coronavirus prevention measures were strictly observed during the discussions.
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Switzerland and The Gambia sign cooperation agreements on migration and civil aviation

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Daily: Laboratory Test: 4,949 Severe Cases: 221 New Recovered: 699 New Deaths: 1 New Cases: 376

Total: Laboratory Test: 1,859,648 Active Cases: 12,724 Total Recovered: 114,262 Total Deaths: 2,004 Total Cases: 128,992
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Coronavirus – Ethiopia: COVID-19 update (12th January 2021)

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Total cases: 9,950 (+166) Recovered: 6,974 (+0) | 70% Active cases: 2,851 Tests: 771,275 (+1,937) Deaths: 125 (+1) | 1.2% Test positivity rate: 8.6%
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (12 January 2021)

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Oke Kehinde Afolabi is at the helm of four businesses: tech, showbiz; hospitality, and logistics. For some, that would be too much to juggle, but to the Nigerian, “Impossible is nothing. The attitude of Nigeria is of a go-getter country. The attitude of, why not have this and why not have the tallest, boldest, loudest?” he says. “That entrepreneurial spirit is in this country’s DNA.&#8221; 

Oke Afolabi, an Associate member of the Business Continuity Institute UK, is a result-oriented Marketing Professional with a proven record of accomplishment in planning and leading comprehensive marketing strategies in support of business goals and objectives. In his current role at Global InfoSwift Consulting Limited (GICL) as a co-founder and CEO, he provides strategic direction, articulates corporate vision, mission and strategy as well as values that define the culture of the team.
“Everything is changing and the newer generation are coming up with these great ideas, so banks need to evolve too,” he says of the GICL, he’s helped establish. “It’s been nice that I can make an impact. I hope that I can leave a legacy, like martin Luther king Jr. says “never follow where the path may lead rather follow where there is no path and leave a trail “
The company, Global InfoSwift Consulting Limited (GICL) www.GlobalInfoSwift.com, a Lagos based IT company that provide solutions and services to Nigerian financial institutions and beyond.
The firm is also a promoter of Omni channel Solution with its Cr2 partners which provides digital banking platforms for Nigerian Banks.
CR2, led by Fintan Byrne, is a world-leading vendor within the Digital Banking Platform market, with a market leadership position in Africa.
The platform provides banks with Digital, Self-Service and Payments solutions to grow their business, optimize their customer service cost and deliver an enhanced customer experience. Headquartered in Ireland, Cr2 enables over 100 banks in 60 countries seamlessly connect and engage with their customers on the most critical banking channels today.
Global Infoswift’s partnership with CR2 is an ongoing successful relationship which has highlighted the importance of the self-service channels in supporting Nigeria’s retail banking growth, with the deployment of CR2’s BankWorld Suite of products. The partnership enhances the impact and effectiveness of action through a combined and more efficient use of resources, it promotes innovation and it is distinguished by a strong commitment displayed by both parties in jointly delivering projects like Access Bank Plc. which is currently one of the biggest Banks in Africa.
“We’re a massive country,” says Oke, adding that more than half of his country’s population are younger than 24. We’re growing, and we have this huge, youthful population. What’s going to happen when the country’s economy relies on these people to drive it forward? How will they fund themselves and be aware of their finances?”
In May 2013, Oke was sought after by the Irish Government (Enterprise Ireland) to help facilitate a financial service seminar to inspire business men in Ireland to see investment opportunities in Nigeria, His exceptional facilitation style was attested to when the Government led several business men to Nigeria on a major trade mission to the country in conjunction with representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Projects:
The ISO 27001 (Information Security Project) project delivered by Afolabi Oke for the Central Bank of Nigeria in particular led to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria at the time, Lamido Sanusi Lamido, mandating all the commercial Banks they regulate to implement the same ISO standards to ensure we have a more secured financial sector. Oke currently works with the central Bank to also help audit some of the commercial Banks in compliance to the standard. In the Nigerian Financial Industry today, Global InfoSwift (GIS) has established herself as a driving force behind the successes achieved by most Banks in the area of their compliance with the CBN IT Standard requirements and other Technology related solutions and services
Some of the other organizations are;
 	Zenith Bank (Integrated Management System ISO 27001, ISO 22301, ISO 20000) 	MTN Nigeria (Backup and Recovery solutions) 	Wema Bank (ISO 27001, ISO 22301,20000 &#038; Cobit Framework) 	Providus Bank (ISO 22301, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, Cobit &#038; PCIDSS) 	Special Court of Sierra Leone (backup and recovery solutions) 	Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (Symantec antivirus / backup and recovery sols) 	Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (ISO 27001) 	Heritage Bank (ISO 27001 and PCIDSS) 	Polaris Bank (ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and ISO 20000) 	Guaranty Trust Bank (ISO 27001, 22301 and ISO 20000) 	Central Bank of Nigeria (The First Regulator to be certified to ISO 27001 in West Africa) 	First Bank of Nigeria (First commercial Bank to be certified to ISO 27001) 
He is a sought-after speaker and provides mentorship for the youth, start-up seed funding, and entrepreneur development.

The Showbiz side of Oke Kehinde Afolabi
In fulfilling the UNESCO initiative, which is promoting Global Peace, Unity &#038; dialogue through music, Runway Jazz founded by Oke Afolabi was birthed to include Nigeria as one of the participating 196 countries and to serve as a platform to engage music and art enthusiasts and jazz aficionados, giving stylish expression to art and culture through music and fashion. The focus on Jazz music really broadens its appeal, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, and introduces an innovative music/fashion franchise onto the Nigerian entertainment scene. 
Runway Jazz engages stakeholders from a broad spectrum of industries, including fashion houses and brands, food &#038; beverage, entertainment, private and public sectors in Nigeria and from its international communities.  

He is redefining luxury and African culture in hospitality industry through The Grandeur
Its Majestically situated in the plush Victoria Island of Lagos, The Grandeur, which was recently opened by Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor features elegantly bespoke Rooms and Deluxe Suites, as well as a Conference Center (and Meeting Rooms) which are perfect for all types of meetings and events. The epitome of sheer luxury boasts an amazing roof-top terrace that offers a transcendent view at the heart of the island, allowing guests an elevated experience and a secluded ambience of serenity. The lavish decor combine African, American / European inﬂuences with modern designs and the very latest technology in most breath-taking and stunning Luxury rooms, also offers a world-class restaurant, bar and lounge which serve both continental and local cuisines. In addition, The Grandeur provides a world-class gym and enchanting state-of-the-art swimming pools.
Among numerous other hospitality services and premium offerings, The Grandeur offers guests the convenience of a documentary studio, conference room, video conferencing facilities, executive work spaces and as well as a business center.
Oke Afolabi came up with the idea to utilise the Grandeur to showcase the work of the local art community to exhibit their work to guests who will be visiting “This will provide a much-needed platform for local artists to showcase their talent, at the same time nurturing the enjoyment and appreciation of arts and culture on the Grandeur.
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Located at: Block 120 Plot 2, Bosun Adekoya Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: +234 706 234 0010, +2348023040754 Email: enquiries@thegrandeur.com.ng Web: www.TheGrandeur.com.ng IG, FB: @thegrandeur_lagos
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How Nigerian Entrepreneur Oke Afolabi is Accelerating Digitalization of Banks in Nigeria

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Test conducted: 7,287,060 Positive cases identified: 1,259,748 Total recoveries: 1,019,123 Total deaths: 34,334 New cases: 13,105
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Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (12 January 2021)

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The continent’s chances of moving towards circular business models are easier than in other continents where most infrastructures were built without their next life cycles in mind. Africa is potentially one of the most ‘ready-for-circularity’ continents because its ecological footprint is still very low. Join REVOLVE Circular and circular experience on 14 January to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of circularity in Africa.

Circular economy approaches can ensure affordable and eco-friendly infrastructure development, provide jobs for millions of Africans working in the informal economy, and help preserve the productive capacity of critical natural capital. But what exactly is this new concept, and how can it inspire investments, policy-making and socio-ecological as well as economic development challenges in Africa? Join four high-level panelists for answers and insights in a free live-stream (https://bit.ly/2XCtjgo) on 14 January at 2 pm (WAT). 

“Our reporting (https://bit.ly/3sky24u) and the live-stream aim to address a perception challenge: too many people, in Africa and elsewhere, equate the circular economy to recycling and waste management,” explains Sören Bauer, President of REVOLVE Circular (www.Revolve.media/Circular). “The concept is much bigger than that. For example, one of the so-called ‘action imperatives’ of the circular economy is ‘Refuse’ &#8211; with implications for different stakeholders: product designers refuse certain materials in the first place, to avoid waste; producers refuse the use of specific hazardous or toxic materials or any virgin material; consumers refuse certain products, choose to buy less, use less, or to reject packaging waste and shopping bags. Once all the action imperatives of the circular economy are better understood, people start realizing just how innovative and potentially disruptive the concept, and a ‘circular lifestyle’, is.”
In addition to recycling, at least two other action imperatives of circularity present big opportunities for Africa: remanufacturing and refurbishment. Remanufacturing hubs across the continent can be created in many African countries and would generate sustainable jobs. A network of remanufacturers in charge of restoring products back to their original state can satisfy local and regional demand or resell remanufactured products to Europe and the Middle East.
Co-produced by REVOLVE Circular and Circular Experience, two Vienna-based non-profit organisations, the live-stream on 14 January will address the opportunities and challenges of the circular economy in Africa. Four distinguished panelists from finance, academia, policy-making and civil society will offer insights into four different perspectives:

 	Dr Anthony Nyong (https://bit.ly/2XB5OEq) from the African Development Bank Group (https://bit.ly/3skDOTw) 	Dr Olawale Olayide (https://bit.ly/2KgsLd6) from the Africa Circular Economy Research and Policy Network (ACERPiN) [https://bit.ly/3i6KK29] 	Ms. Jocelyne landry Tsonang (https://bit.ly/3ib5NQQ) from the African Circular Economy Network (https://bit.ly/38FYJc1) 	Mr. Hezekiah Okeyo (https://bit.ly/2XExmsk) from the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development in Kenya (https://bit.ly/3i7bOhw) 
The panelists will discuss questions such as:
 	What should young African entrepreneurs know about the opportunities and the potential of the circular economy and circular practices? 	To what extent are circular policies and practices part of Africa’s industrial transformation? 	How can African-led research on the circular economy inform policy-making? And what should the research focus on? 
Michael Boyle, founder of circular experience, will co-moderate the event; he offers his perspective on circularity: &#8220;I believe that Africa is one of the centers of frugal innovation, the process of reducing the complexity and cost of a good and its production.  This allows us to overcome scarcity and optimize what we have. For me, frugality is the main source of innovation, and it can help turn the circular economy into the game-changer we need to reach sustainability goals globally.&#8221;
The circular economy is indeed an emerging paradigm and ‘umbrella concept’ which includes many various views, concepts and schools of thought. Among those usually referred to are industrial symbiosis, cradle-to-cradle and biomimicry; while the concept is rightly criticized for mainly being rooted in such theory that emerges from the Global North, the CRESTING research project, a partner of REVOLVE Circular, now provides an interactive timeline of over 70 circularity concepts (https://bit.ly/39wmJ0i) from the Global South and North alike; they also include Ubuntu, Vivir Bien or the second encyclical of Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, in which the pope critiques consumerism and irresponsible development, and laments environmental degradation.

The first pan-African circular economy conference

The 14 January live-stream is also an important stepping stone towards “Africa Circular”, the first pan-African Circular Economy Conference planned for 2022 by the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), a civil society group; it will bring together policy-makers, academia, corporate decision-makers and circular economy specialists from around Africa and beyond.
&#8220;As part of our policy advocacy we are planning five regional online workshops in 2021; they shall prepare and culminate in &#39;Africa Circular&#39; next year, the first pan-African multi-stakeholder event to inform about and drive the circular agenda in Africa&#8221;, says Jocelyne landry Tsonang, Executive Team member ACEN. &#8220;We are pleased to collaborate with REVOLVE Circular on the event and invite governments, international organisations, development banks and companies with a sustainability mind-set to join us in this effort and make it happen.&#8221;

Towards a compelling Circular Economy narrative

Stuart Reigeluth, founder of REVOLVE Group and Vice-President of REVOLVE Circular explains the reasons behind creating this new non-profit organization: &#8220;The circular economy is a key concept that can and needs to set different priorities in different world regions. We created REVOLVE Circular as a non-profit organization with the goal of informing and driving the necessary transformation from a linear to a more circular economy with policy advocacy and strategic communication. Part of our work is to collaborate with media decision-makers and journalists to help ensure they understand the concept and report in an informed manner.”

More than 1 000 attendees from over 30 countries have already signed up for the free live-stream. Media representatives and media decision-makers are particularly invited to join and learn more about the circular economy, circular polies and practices and what they can offer Africa.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of REVOLVE Circular.
Media contact:  info@revolve.media  T. +32 (0)2 318 39 84 E. info@revolve.media W. www.revolve.media/circular

About REVOLVE Circular REVOLVE Circular (www.Revolve.media/Circular) is a non-profit organization based in Vienna, Austria. It advocates globally for a more circular economy by showcasing its contours, ripples and clusters: contours as it provides independent and constructive reporting; ripples by brokering knowledge; and clusters by researching and teaching the circular economy. For more information: www.Revolve.media/Circular 
About Circular Experience Circular Experience (www.CircularExperience.com) is a brand of Procurro Solutions, an LLC based in Southern California. Its expertise lies in customer sustainability insight, allowing to reveal those desires which are imperative for reaching a meaningful circular experience. Customers are waiting for sustainable products and services, so the sale is already half-complete. For more information: www.CircularExperience.com
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Africa: the most ‘ready-for-circularity’ continent?

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By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (EnergyChamber.org)

I won’t sugarcoat it: The situation in Mozambique’s northern Cabo Delgado province is dire. Armed conflicts between security forces and the militant Islamic group, Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jamo (ASWJ), known locally as “al-Shabab” even though it has no connections to the Somali group with that name, have left dozens of people dead and displaced thousands since last fall.

The violence is not new: The insurgents have been mounting brutal attacks within Cabo Delgado since 2017. Some argue that these brutal incidents are a response to poverty and feelings of marginalization among the residents of the province. Others claim ASWJ is motivated by a desire to control the region’s vast natural gas and mineral resources. Government leaders have blamed global jihadism. Any certainly, many of these factors have played a role in the current situation to varying degrees.

In any case, the violence is now escalating and intensifying the area’s misery. People live in constant fear. Families are struggling to feed themselves. Many are still reeling from the aftermath of Cyclone Kenneth, which struck in 2019, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, so this situation is a particularly painful blow.

The violence is not only contributing to deaths and hardship, but also perpetuating the cycle of poverty and desperation that helps feed terrorist activity in the first place. It is jeopardizing one of Mozambique’s most promising paths to economic growth and diversification: strategic development of the area’s offshore gas reserves. In early January, Total began removing staff from the site where it is leading efforts to build onshore facilities for the Mozambique LNG (liquefied natural gas) project. It did so after fire was exchanged between government troops and insurgency members in Quitunda, the resettlement village Total built for local people who’d lived within the boundaries of the site.

Mozambique LNG is still alive, but progress has been delayed. And we don’t know how yet conditions in Cabo Delgado will impact other projects in the area. The stakes are high: Total’s Mozambique LNG is only one of three consortia that are slated to invest close to US$60 billion in large-scale LNG projects over the next few decades.

All of this is troubling. But there is hope. There is a path to a lasting solution. And the African Energy Chamber would like to help. Our goal is to offer solutions and to finance peacebuilding measures and a negotiation initiative.

To be clear, I’m talking about working toward a thoughtful, well-planned roadmap to peace and stability, not throwing money at the problem.

I’m certainly not talking about paying the militants in hopes of appeasing them, as some have proposed. This is a bad idea. A payoff cannot be expected to solve a complex, volatile problem like this. It might provide a temporary bandage, but it would not be a cure. Without more meaningful solutions, other armed groups could easily replace the current one.

What I’m calling for is the beginning of a dialogue. We recommend an investment not in payoffs, but in socio-economic projects that would empower youths in the region. We recommend replacing desperation with hope. We recommend replacing promises with tangible shows of support and respect for the community. That’s how we can create stability and make Mozambique less vulnerable to violence and turmoil.

We’re also convinced that arriving at a solution will require an “all hands on board” effort: Both the international community and oil and gas industry stakeholders have roles to play, ranging from financial support to contributions of expertise and resources.

Here are some of the steps that will get us there, along with potential hazards we must avoid along the way.

Mozambique’s Military Needs Support — Not Mercenaries

Mozambique’s armed forces are struggling to contain the insurgents, who appear to be increasingly more sophisticated in their tactics. I agree with Jasmine Opperman, an Africa analyst with the conflict-monitoring group, Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), who recently pointed out that government forces are in a defensive mode. “They are spread thinly, and the insurgents have too much leeway in terms of time and pace with which they move, and in terms of attacking at free will,” Opperman told VOA News.

Mozambique should not be spending valuable resources on foreign guns for hire: That creates, at best, a checkmate that could drag out indefinitely. It would be much wiser to invest in Mozambique’s military and to devote national resources to creating stability through socioeconomic programs.

Mercenaries are not Mozambique’s only option. Mozambican troops should be properly trained to address the insurgents effectively while protecting – and rebuilding the trust of – civilians. They must have the resources they need to be successful. To achieve this, the international community should provide financial and training assistance. Once the training is complete, the troops would take the lead in protecting communities, and Mozambique could send the foreign mercenaries home.

We Must Empower Communities

But Mozambique’s military response is only part of the answer. To develop a long-lasting solution, we should think about the kinds of things that make an area ripe for insurrection. Desperation. Feelings of powerlessness. Of being unseen and unheeded. One factor contributing to those feelings in Cabo Delgado is a sense among the people there that gas projects like Mozambique LNG will turn into another instance of the resource curse, becoming enterprises that benefit a select few while bringing hardships down upon surrounding communities.

It doesn’t have to be that way. I already believe that community members stand to benefit from Total’s Mozambique LNG and other gas initiatives because of the long-term opportunities they will create to ease the area’s widespread energy poverty, support capacity building, and contribute to economic diversification and growth. But I realize that community members need to know they can count on tangible benefits; they don’t want to be asked to trust in potentials or opportunities on the horizon. That’s why we must create a framework that ensures community members reap concrete benefits from the LNG project sooner rather than later. I suggest creating a community trust, an oil-money management strategy that I wrote about in my book, “Billions at Play: The Future of African Energy and Doing Deals.” This would allow an agreed-upon percentage of LNG project revenues to be set aside to meet residents’ most pressing needs — needs they themselves identify — which might include infrastructure, widespread power access, healthcare, education, and jobs.

This would be doable with the cooperation of Mozambique’s government and the oil and gas companies operating there.

As I wrote in my book, establishing carefully managed trust funds for communities can overcome a multitude of problems.

 	Instead of watching an elite few put petroleum revenues into their pockets while they deal with the consequences of extraction, everyday Africans would see tangible benefits in their own communities. 	Individuals would finally have a say on how oil revenues are invested and how returns are spent. Their voices and insights would be valued and capitalized upon. 	Communities would not have to rely on governments to be ‘middlemen.’ Companies would make the payments directly into the fund. 	Communities could invest fund returns into programs that translate into improved quality of life and job opportunities. As a result, disenfranchisement, desperation, and violence would decrease. 
Give Rebels a Safe Way Out

Our strategy must also consider the concerns of those who already have been recruited into the insurgency. Rebels need to feel they have another option – not just that their communities will be treated fairly, but also that they and their families can safely move forward.

To achieve this, Mozambique’s government should be prepared to create an amnesty deal for the rebels. Government leaders will need to reach out to militant groups and begin a confidence- and trust-building process that will, hopefully, culminate in a mutual ceasefire agreement. That should be followed by a disarmament and demobilization project, one that oil companies in the area should back.

This Must Be a Cooperative Effort with all Energy Companies

What’s more, the oil and gas industry should work with the government to make sure that Mozambique’s massive natural gas reserves, and efforts to capitalize upon them, truly benefit local communities. And, both government leaders and oil and gas companies need to inform, educate, and build awareness among the people of Cabo Delgado — from elders and youths to militants to local authorities — of the critical importance of a successful ceasefire and the need to support President Filipe Nyusi’s administration in its determined bid to ensure a sustainable solution to the current crisis.

I call upon the U.S. and French governments to support Mozambique’s efforts. Building stability and ongoing economic opportunities is in their countries’ best interests. The Biden and Macron administration have a unique opportunity to use economic support to develop one Africa’s most promising economies.

President Nyusi and Mozambique’s leadership has embraced the support of oil and gas industry stakeholders and the international community. They must deepened their ties and to work with them to develop long-term solutions – strategies that transition Mozambique from reacting to attacks and crises to proactively preventing violence and setting the stage for a better future. And as all of this unfolds, we must support the government in its efforts to maintain open communication:

Currently, insurgents are creating disorder and disrupting economic development in the region.  We need to give President Nyusi’s government our unlimited support and empower his team. We need to offer hope and support the aspirations of everyday citizens in the region. We need to do this together, starting now.
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Ending Violence in Mozambique Will Require United Effort; African Energy Chamber Stands Ready to Assist (By NJ Ayuk)

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In a major milestone in the fight against deadly diseases, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners announced on Tuesday, the establishment of a global Ebola vaccine stockpile, to help control future epidemics by ensuring timely access to vaccines for populations at risk, during outbreaks. 

Ebola virus disease is a severe and often fatal illness, with fatality rates varying from 25 per cent to 90 per cent. Thousands of people have lost their lives to the disease, since the virus was first discovered in 1976. 
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), underscored the importance of the vaccines to save lives from deadly viruses. 
“Ebola vaccines have made one of the most feared diseases on earth preventable. This new stockpile is an excellent example of solidarity, science and cooperation between international organizations and the private sector to save lives.” 
The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (ICG), which includes WHO, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), led efforts to establish the stockpile, with financial support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.  
The stockpile is stored in Switzerland, and vaccines are ready to be shipped to countries for emergency response. 
Preparedness is key  Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF, said that when it comes to combatting disease outbreaks, “preparedness is key.” 
“This Ebola vaccine stockpile is a remarkable achievement – one that will allow us to deliver vaccines to those who need them the most as quickly as possible,” she added. 
UNICEF, on behalf of ICG will manage the stockpile, and as with stockpiles of cholera, meningitis and yellow fever vaccines, will be the decision-making body for its allocation and release. 
As Ebola outbreaks are relatively rare and unpredictable, there is no natural market for the vaccine, and doses are only secured through the establishment of stockpiles and are available in limited quantities. 
According to the UN agencies, an initial 6,890 doses are available for outbreak response and quantities will be added over the coming months to take the emergency stockpile to 500,000 doses, the amount recommended by health experts. 
Important and positive milestone  Partners MSF and IFRC, which have worked tirelessly to stop Ebola outbreaks, also hailed the stockpile establishment. 
IFRC Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain recalled the devastating impact of Ebola on communities in West and Central Africa, adding “through each outbreak, our volunteers have risked their lives to save lives. With this stockpile, it is my hope that the impact of this terrible disease will be dramatically reduced.” 
Natalie Roberts, Programme Manager at MSF Foundation, said that the Ebola vaccine stockpile “can increase transparency in the management of existing global stocks and the timely deployment of the vaccine where it’s most needed.” 
Ebola vaccine  According to the UN agencies, the injectable single-dose Ebola vaccine (rVSV∆G-ZEBOV-GP, live) is manufactured by Merck, Sharp &#038; Dohme (MSD) Corp. and developed with financial support from the US Government. The European Medicines Agency licensed the Ebola vaccine in November 2019, and the vaccine is now prequalified by WHO, and licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as in eight African countries. 
Before achieving licensure, the vaccine was administered to more than 350,000 people in Guinea and in the 2018-2020 Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under a protocol for “compassionate use”. 
The vaccine, which is recommended by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization for use in Ebola outbreaks as part of a broader set of Ebola outbreak response tools, protects against the Zaire ebolavirus species which is most commonly known to cause outbreaks.  
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UN agencies and partners establish global Ebola vaccine stockpile

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first and second reviews of the Central African Republic’s (CAR) economic and financial program supported by an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. Completion of the reviews enables the disbursement of SDR 23.87 million, about US$ 34.4million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 35.8 million, about US$ 51.6million.

In completing the two reviews, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for waiver of non-observance of performance criteria.
CAR’s ECF arrangement was originally approved by the Executive Board on December 20, 2019 for SDR 83.55 million, about US$ 115.1 million, or 75 percent of the Central African Republic’s quota in the Fund.
The IMF-supported program aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen administrative capacity, governance and the business climate, and address the country’s protracted balance of payment needs.
Following the Executive Board discussion on CAR, Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on C.A.R.’s economy but appears to be somewhat contained. Performance under the ECF arrangement has been adversely affected by the pandemic and early policy and reform shortfalls. Program implementation has, however, improved over recent months, during which the authorities focused on ensuring that emergency donor financing is efficiently and transparently used to fight the pandemic and alleviate its impact on the most vulnerable. Substantial progress was also made in implementing structural reforms.
“Looking ahead, the authorities will pursue their efforts to support the economic recovery and make progress toward poverty reduction. They aim to prioritize social spending, improve domestic revenue mobilization, consolidate the single treasury account, and enhance public sector supervision. They will also implement reforms to strengthen governance and the business climate, including through the submission to parliament of a new anti-corruption law and the publication of public procurement contracts.
“Continued financial and technical support from development partners remains critical to the program’s success. Given its high risk of debt distress and limited revenue base, C.A.R. will have to continue to rely heavily on grant financing for its most pressing spending needs.
“C.A.R.’s program will continue to be supported by implementation of policies and reforms by the CEMAC regional institutions, which notably aim at supporting an increase in regional net foreign assets.”
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

IMF Executive Board completes first and second reviews of the Central African Republic’s arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility and approves US$ 34.4 Million disbursement

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1,270 new cases of COVID-19 Nigeria; Lagos-435 FCT-234 Oyo-103 Plateau-86 Rivers-71 Enugu-51 Nasarawa-41 Delta-39 Edo-39 Osun-33 Niger-31 Sokoto-23 Ondo-16 Taraba-13 Ebonyi-12 Kano-10 Abia-9 Bayelsa-8 Bauchi-7 Imo-5 Katsina-3 Gombe-1
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 update (12 January 2021)

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Three consecutive years of drought coupled with a sharp recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic will leave a third of the population in Southern Madagascar struggling to put food on the table. With severe malnutrition rates continuing to spiral and many children forced to beg in order to help their families eat, urgent action is required to prevent a humanitarian crisis.

With drought conditions persisting into 2021 and a poor last harvest, weary communities have few resources to fall back on and many have had to leave their homes in search of food and work. Some 1.35 million people are projected to be food insecure &#8211; 35% of the region’s population. The figure is nearly double what it was in the same period last year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the hardship, causing seasonal employment to dry up. Many families relied on this income to get through the lean season, which peaks between January and April.
“To survive, families are eating tamarind fruit mixed with clay,” says Moumini Ouedraogo, WFP’s Representative in Madagascar. “We can’t face another year like this. With no rain and a poor harvest, people will face starvation. No one should have to live like this.”
Children are worst affected by the food crisis and most of them have dropped out of schools to beg for food in the streets. A WFP assessment in Amboasary in October 2020 found that three out of four children are absent from school &#8211; mostly to help their parents forage for food.
The prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) in children under 5 in the three most affected regions (Androy, Anôsy and Atsimo Andrefana) stands at 10.7%. This is the second highest rate in the East and Southern Africa region. The most recent projections put the number of children likely to suffer from acute malnutrition at more than 135,000, with more than 27,000 of these being classified as severe.
WFP currently provides food assistance for almost 500,000 severely food-insecure people in the nine hardest hit districts in the South. Given the rapidly deteriorating situation, by June 2021, WFP intends to scale up its assistance to reach almost 900,000 of those most vulnerable. However, support will be needed for struggling families well beyond the current lean season.
WFP urgently needs US$35 million to fund lifesaving food and cash distributions and malnutrition treatment programmes. This also includes emergency school feeding for 150,000 children to ensure they can stay in school and build a more secure future. 
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Humanitarian crisis looms in Southern Madagascar as drought and pandemic double number of hungry people

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Signs exclusive ten-year lease for approximately 13,000 square meters of office and warehousing space at the newly-developed Skyparks Business Estate near Oliver Reginald (O.R.) Tambo International Airport; the new facility will boast 10,000 square meters of warehousing space, doubling the existing capacity to meet future demand.

In a strategic move that reinforces its commitment to the country, DHL Global Forwarding (www.DPDHL.com) is investing ZAR 126.5 million into a new facility in Johannesburg. Aimed at cementing its market-leading position in South Africa, the new 13,000 sqm facility will be located within the bonded (http://bit.ly/35ucloI) zone at Skyparks Business Estate – a hair’s breadth from the O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Clement Blanc, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding, South Africa said, “While it’s too early to fully grasp the economic impact of the current pandemic, our confidence in investing ahead of the curve is abetted by our diverse service portfolio and long-established foothold in Africa. As the world’s largest free trade (http://bit.ly/38G1YAp) area moves toward economic integration, our five-year strategy (http://bit.ly/3oDkcbc) to sharpen our core business offerings and accelerate digitalization will further our growth in the region and specifically, in South Africa.”
Twice the size of its current set-up, this new facility will consist of a 10,000 sqm warehouse that enables the leading forwarder to consolidate all its customers’ warehousing requirements. There will be an exclusive and specialized cold chain (http://bit.ly/3oIIssA) facility that consists of three adjustable temperature controlled refrigerators geared to handle the life science and healthcare products in and out of South Africa. The warehouse will also support other value added services including cross-docking, storage for air, ocean and road freight services, and a platform for breakbulk cargo (http://bit.ly/3bzKaZk).
“Custom-built to our world-class specifications and located in proximity to the airport, arterial thoroughfares and upcoming industrial parks, this new facility will be the game-changer for DHL in the country. We are well-poised to focus on delivering excellence to our customers as we surround ourselves with the critical infrastructure that is needed to enhance our productivity and efficiency,” added Blanc.
Even as the South African economy is expected to inch forward by about 1-2% (http://bit.ly/2K7UTiv) in the next two years, industry observers are optimistic that the government’s commitment to improve investment and efforts to revitalize townships and industrial parks will reap much-needed benefits. Equally, a flourishing e-commerce sector will drive greater demand (http://bit.ly/35udHQk) for retail warehousing and distribution space, especially for perishables and fast-moving consumer goods.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Deutsche Post DHL.
Note to Editors: To find out more about Africa’s e-commerce (http://bit.ly/38CuKlf) industry, growth of intra-Africa trade (http://bit.ly/35zYRYB) or explore further insights on the logistics industry and global trade, please visit Logistics of Things (https://lot.dhl.com).
Media Contact: DHL Asia Pacific &#038; EEMEA                            Corporate Communications, Sustainability and Brand Jenny Yeo / Fiona Teo Tel: +65 6879 8332 / +65 6879 8333 E-mail: apeemeamediarelations@dhl.com 
About DHL – The Logistics Company for the World: DHL (www.DPDHL.com) is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfilment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing &#038; energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 63 billion euros in 2019. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.
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DHL Global Forwarding invests 126.5 million rand in new facility in South Africa

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Investing in African Mining Indaba (Mining Indaba) (www.MiningIndaba.com), part of Hyve Group Plc is honoured to announce that His Excellency, Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana has confirmed to deliver his presidential keynote address at the upcoming Mining Indaba Virtual.

The organisers are delighted to confirm that H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana will be joining the already confirmed H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, H.E. Félix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and H.E. Julius Maada Bio, president of Sierra Leone, at Mining Indaba Virtual which will be held next month, 2-3 February 2021.

The mining sector continues to be seen as the backbone of Botswana’s economy, and one of the largest contributors to gross domestic product, with minerals comprising almost 80% of export earnings. Over the years, Botswana has received widespread praise for the way in which it has converted mineral rents to fiscal revenues &#8211; combined with sound economic policies, these have helped build infrastructure and kept the economy stable.

In 2018, Botswana was the world&#39;s second largest diamond producer by value and volume, however there are significant investment opportunities in expansion and development of the country’s coal, coal bed methane, uranium, gold and silver as well.

Building into the overall theme of Mining Indaba Virtual, geared towards building resilience and regrowth, helping to adopt a new mindset for African Mining, H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi is expected to address Botswana’s mining sector development including: progress on production and volumes in diamonds, gold, copper, coal, and iron ore; new diamond and copper licensing opportunities for explorers and junior miners; developments of infrastructure in Botswana’s Western corridor to stimulate international investment; and safeguarding investors through transparency and sustainable fiscal regimes.

Botswana is currently looking to expand its renewable energy generation up to 15% by the end of this decade, but given its coal reserves and the fact that it imports approx. 50% of energy from neighbouring countries it will remain focused on domestic fossil fuels development, with coal on track to contribute 300 MW of new generation capacity and coalbed methane (CBM) providing 250 MW.

Registration for the Mining Indaba Virtual has now opened, the event is free to attend.  For more information about the programme, visit the website here (http://bit.ly/3gOrCVJ).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba.
For more information, please contact: On behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba Amy Neville Email: amy.neville@hyve.group
About Investing in African Mining Indaba: Investing in African Mining Indaba (www.MiningIndaba.com) is solely dedicated to the successful capitalisation, development and widening perspective of the African mining industry. Bringing together the world’s industry giants to tomorrow’s barrier-breaking disruptors from across the spectrum. It’s the place where multi-million deals are done, and life-long partnerships are discovered.

H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana confirmed for Mining Indaba Virtual

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Results of COVID-19 tests done on 11 January 2021 confirm 140 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are 37,948.

One COVID-19 death. The total COVID-19 deaths are 303.
The breakdown of the new cases are: 139 contacts and alerts: Kampala (88) Wakiso (24) Tororo (7) Gomba (3) Kapchorwa (3) Mbale (4) Arua (2) Nebbi (2) Jinja (3) Gulu (1) Nakaseke (1) Mukono (1).
1 Truck driver: Malaba PoE.
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Coronavirus – Uganda: COVID-19 update (11 January 2021)

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Test conducted: 7,236,389 Positive cases identified: 1,246,643 Total recoveries: 973,265 Total deaths: 33,579 New cases: 15,046
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Coronavirus – South Africa: COVID-19 update (11 January 2021)

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Total cases: 9,784 (+154) Recovered: 6,974 (+0) | 71.2% Active cases: 2,686 Tests: 769,338 (+1,890) Deaths: 124 (+4) | 1.3% Test positivity rate: 8.1%
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