Content provided by APO Group. CNBC Africa provides content from APO Group as a service to its readers and does not edit the articles it publishes. CNBC Africa is not responsible for the content provided by APO Group.
African Union Member States (55) reporting COVID-19 cases (4,812,313), deaths (130,025) and recoveries (4,351,816) by region: Central (172,873 cases; 2,781 deaths; 159,001 recoveries): Burundi (4,650; 6; 4,198), Cameroon (77,982; 1,270; 72,926), CAR (7,085; 97; 6,665), Chad (4,927; 173; 4,742), Congo (11,658; 153; 10,591), DRC (31,386; 782; 27,654), Equatorial Guinea (8,476; 113; 8,146), Gabon (24,365; 150; 21,791), Sao Tome and Principe (2,344; 37; 2,288) Eastern (647,406; 12,678; 536,199): Comoros (3,949; 146; 3,719), Djibouti (11,523; 153; 11,354), Eritrea (4,022; 14; 3,812), Ethiopia (270,944; 4,139; 235,850), Kenya (170,041; 3,124; 116,018), Madagascar (41,184; 828; 40,028), Mauritius (1,356; 17; 1,181), Rwanda (26,878; 352; 25,542), Seychelles (11,145; 40; 9,936), Somalia (14,647; 768; 6,717), South Sudan (10,688; 115; 10,514), Sudan (35,289; 2,600; 27,949), Tanzania** (509; 21; 178), Uganda (45,231; 361; 43,401) Northern (1,453,109; 43,808; 1,276,107): Algeria (128,198; 3,586; 89,292), Egypt (259,540; 14,950; 190,254), Libya (184,815; 3,116; 171,279), Mauritania (19,407; 462; 18,377), Morocco (518,458; 9,135; 506,443), Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (739; 46; 691), Tunisia (341,952; 12,513; 299,771) Southern (2,066,519; 64,531; 1,933,721): Angola (33,607; 745; 27,529), Botswana (56,313; 831; 50,494), Eswatini (18,587; 672; 17,855), Lesotho (10,825; 326; 6,434), Malawi (34,323; 1,154; 32,598), Mozambique (70,697; 835; 69,232), Namibia (54,268; 807; 50,053), South Africa (1,654,551; 56,293; 1,551,520), Zambia (94,430; 1,275; 91,443), Zimbabwe (38,918; 1,593; 36,563) Western (472,406; 6,227; 446,788): Benin (8,058; 101; 7,893), Burkina Faso (13,424; 166; 13,248), Cabo Verde (30,122; 261; 28,163), Côte d&#39;Ivoire (47,195; 301; 46,591), Gambia (5,990; 178; 5,767), Ghana (93,775; 784; 91,853), Guinea (23,110; 161; 20,840), Guinea Bissau (3,760; 68; 3,511), Liberia (2,179; 86; 2,033), Mali (14,262; 516; 9,559), Niger (5,409; 192; 5,080), Nigeria (166,254; 2,071; 156,546), Senegal (41,296; 1,138; 39,932), Sierra Leone (4,140; 79; 3,128), Togo (13,432; 125; 12,644)Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
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Coronavirus: African Union Member States reporting COVID-19 cases as of 29 May 2021, 9 am EAT

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Newly confirmed cases: 365 Recoveries: 383 Active cases: 3397 Deaths: 12
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia.

Coronavirus – Namibia: COVID-19 update (28 May 2021)

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New Cases: 7 Total Confirmed: 4,140 Deaths: 79 Recovered: 3,128 Total in quarantine: 75 Discharged from quarantine: 14,900
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information and Communication, Sierra Leone.
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Coronavirus – Sierra Leone: COVID-19 update (28 May 2021)

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After a near-decade long wait Nizzolo won his first-ever grand tour stage in Verona at the 104th Giro d’Italia, in a moment he describes as an “explosion of emotion”.

The 32-year-old also reflects on his evolution as a rider in recent years, his future goals and why he will be doing everything to be at the 2021 World Championships in Flanders.
 ‘Unclipped with Team Qhubeka ASSOS’ (TeamQhubeka.com) is available via all podcasting platforms including:
 	Apple podcasts (https://bit.ly/2RXP8HT) 	Spotify (https://spoti.fi/3w6H5I1) 	Omny (https://bit.ly/3yPtg1U) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Team Qhubeka ASSOS.
Media Contact: Jean Smyth (Head of Communications) Email: jean@ryder.co.za Mobile: +27 63 4701 1710 or +31 625 739 033
About Team Qhubeka ASSOS: Team Qhubeka ASSOS is a purpose-led, high-performance team, fighting to win on the world&#39;s biggest stage, to inspire hope and create opportunity. Founded in 2007, Team Qhubeka ASSOS (formerly NTT Pro Cycling) became the first-ever African cycling team to gain a UCI WorldTour license, in 2016.
We achieved our first major win in 2013 when Gerald Ciolek won Milan-San Remo, one of the five Monuments of cycling. We have competed in six Tour de France’s and notched up 7 stage wins, with Mark Cavendish wearing the coveted Yellow Jersey at the 2016 Tour de France.
We are a multicultural, diverse team with bases in South Africa, the Netherlands and Italy. There are 19 nationalities represented across our World Tour and continental feeder team rosters. Our focus on developing African cycling has resulted in more than 55 riders from the African continent be given the opportunity to race on the world stage, since the team&#39;s inception.
We race to help people to move forward with bicycles through our relationship with Qhubeka Charity. Through our work with Qhubeka, we have contributed to the distribution of over 30 000 bicycles in communities in South Africa.
About Qhubeka: Qhubeka is a charity that moves people forward with bicycles. People earn bicycles through our programmes, improving their access to schools, clinics and jobs.
A bicycle is a tool that helps people to travel faster and further, and to carry more. In the face of extreme and persistent poverty, bicycles can change lives by helping to address socioeconomic challenges at the most basic level – helping people to get where they need to go. 
All images attached to the press release can be used with the respective image credit in combination to this release.
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Out Now: Unclipped with Giacomo Nizzolo

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344 people have tested positive for the disease, from a sample size of 4,864 tested. The positivity rate is now 7.1%. Total confirmed positive cases are now 170,041 and cumulative tests so far conducted are 1,801,449.

County distribution; Nairobi 77, Siaya 68, Kisumu 53, Mombasa 14, Bungoma 13, Busia and Uasin Gishu 12 cases each, Nakuru and Homa Bay 11 cases each, Kisii 9, Garissa 8, Kiambu and Nyeri 7 cases each, Embu 6, Murang’a 5, Makueni 4, Kericho 3, Baringo, Kajiado, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Trans Nzoia and Turkana 2 cases each, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kakamega, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Machakos, Nandi, Narok and Taita Taveta 1 case each.

30 patients have recovered from the disease, 27 from various health facilities, &#038; 3 are from the Home Based &#038;Isolation Care. Total recoveries now stand at 116,018 of whom 84,350 are from the Home Based Care &#038; Isolation program, &#038; 31,668 are from various health facilities.

16 people have succumbed to the disease all of them being late deaths, reported after conducting facility record audits. This now pushes the cumulative fatalities to 3,124. Our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones.

1,188 patients are admitted in various health facilities countrywide, &#038; 4,712 patients are under the Home Based Isolation &#038; Care Program.  107 patients are in the ICU, 20 of whom are on ventilatory support &#038; 63 on supplemental oxygen. 24 patients are under observation.

86 patients are separately on supplemental oxygen with 80 of them in general wards and 6 in High Dependency Units (HDU).

VACCINATION: A total of 966,433 persons have so far been vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease countrywide.  Of these 292,767 are aged 58 years and above, Others 274,791, Health Workers, 165,151, Teachers 151,995, while Security Officers 81,729.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Coronavirus – Kenya: COVID-19 update (28 May 2021)

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Total cases: 26,878 (+35) Recovered: 25,542 (+89) | 94.8% Active cases: 984 In critical condition: 3 Tests: 1,431,829 (+5,776) Test positivity rate: 0.6% Vaccinated: 350,400 Deaths: 352 (+1) | 1.3%
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Republic of Rwanda.
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Coronavirus – Rwanda: COVID-19 update (28 May 2021)

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The African Development Fund has been ranked second among 49 international agencies for the quality of its development assistance, underscoring its relevance to the continent’s most vulnerable countries.

The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the African Development Bank Group. According to the fifth edition of the Quality of Official Development Assistance report, published on Tuesday, the Fund is serving its constituency well by focusing on poverty and the least-aided countries.
The report singles out the African Development Fund and its peers for being adept at ensuring that development reaches the intended recipients. (See infographic below for full list of agencies).
“For country providers and policymakers, there is a clear and consistent message: using the multilateral system can support development effectiveness,” the report notes. “…Multilaterals are particularly well-placed to help countries respond to COVID-19, with global reach, broad mandates and expertise, an array of financing instruments, and knowledge of local contexts.”
The assessment also highlights the importance of further strengthening systems for learning from experience and evaluations. The publication is a product of the Centre for Global Development. It assesses the bilateral programs of 29 member countries of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the 20 largest multilateral agencies that provide official development assistance.
As the African Development Bank and its partners fight to save lives and livelihoods, the report is an encouraging sign that the African Development Fund is investing its resources where they are most needed.
Simon Mizrahi, Director of Delivery, Performance and Results at the African Development Bank, said: “The timing of this report could not have been better. As the African Development Bank strives to support its regional member countries through an unprecedented health and economic crisis, the assessment by the Centre for Global Development will help guide our interventions.
“This report confirms that the Bank is on the right track by focusing on producing timely development assistance data, and ensuring that we strengthen the learning loop to continuously improve our offering to the Bank’s regional member countries. Every day we get better, and every day we go further to support countries across the continent to increase resilience and deliver a better quality of life to their people.”
The report examines 17 indicators that are common among all the agencies. The authors point out that the African Development Fund’s solid 2021 ranking forms part of a track record, dating back to 2010. That squares with the key role that the Fund has played in helping African countries respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The African Development Fund is made up of 32 contributing states. It benefits 37 countries, including fragile states that need special support to ensure basic service delivery.
The Quality of Official Development Assistance is a tool developed by the Centre for Global Development and the Brookings Institution to measure which donors provide “higher quality aid” and how they can improve. It provides an assessment of efforts to comply with development commitments.
Find more information on the report here (https://bit.ly/2SyZnT2).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Gershwin Wanneburg Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank Email: g.wanneburg@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: j.mp/AfDB_Media
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African Development Fund ranked among the world’s leading providers of development assistance

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In the past 24 hours at least 3,000 people, including 1,800 children[i], have crossed into Rubavu district in Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following increasingly volatile volcanic eruptions near the major town of Goma. Earthquakes are continuing in the region, with communities on edge for another violent eruption.

On 22 May the sudden eruption of Nyiragongo volcano sent lava flowing into populated areas of Goma, destroying around 1,000 homes in four villages, six schools and vital infrastructure, cutting off power and water supplies to hundreds of thousands of people. Under the threat of another eruption, tens of thousands of people were yesterday ordered to leave Goma, and are now moving in their thousands to neighbouring towns and into Rwanda, where the situation on the border in Rubavu district is desperate.
The Rubavu District Government is expecting around 10,000 people to cross into Rwanda in the coming days and has set up three temporary refugee sites: Inyemeramihigo site to accommodate 6,000 people, Busasamana site to accommodate 2,000 and Nyundo site to accommodate other 2,000 people.
Save the Children has a team on the ground in Rubavu, working to establish emergency child protection systems, register lost children, and provide support and family tracing and reunification for unaccompanied and separated children. Save the Children has also mobilized donations of essential items like mattresses and water buckets to the area, to distribute to displaced children and families.
Aurore Kiberinka, Save the Children’s Child Protection Case Manager in Rwanda said: “The three camps in Rubavu district are still receiving new refugees from DRC, the majority of whom are children. Yesterday alone, at least 800 children with their families joined the Inyemerahimigo Camp. Many of these children came with just the clothes on their backs. We are incredibly concerned for their welfare and are doing everything in our power to keep them safe while they are displaced. We are working with the Government to get systems in place in case of another sudden eruption.”
Maggie Korde, Save the Children’s Country Director in Rwanda said: “We are waiting with baited breath to see what the volcano will do in coming hours, days and weeks. If it were to fully erupt, we would have a humanitarian catastrophe on our hands. 60% of the people coming across the border into Rwanda are children. They are tired, hungry and scared, and our teams are working around the clock to meet their needs. I’m incredibly proud of their efforts, in a very difficult environment. We are working hard to ensure these kids are safe and protected while their parents seek out the essentials to keep their family while displaced.”
Save the Children is also in Goma, where it is working with the local partner Umoja in Action to support the reunification of children with their families, together with the Child Protection Working Group and other actors.
[i] As of yesterday evening, around 3,000 DRC refugees have crossed over to Rubavu District, Rwanda with 60% of the population being children. 70% are women (young girls and adults) while men are 30%.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.
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Majority of refugees flowing into Rwanda from DRC volcano are children: Save the Children

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Reeperbahn Festival International (https://International.ReeperbahnFestival.com) in partnership with the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office (https://bit.ly/3fLIEUw), has released the programme for its Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa digital event from 31 May to 3 June.

The B2B music conference will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, insightful digital company visit, matchmaking sessions and a hybrid showcase experience with European and African artists. Additionally, a songwriting camp organised by ROBA Music Publishing (https://bit.ly/3ftSOdk) will connect authors, producers and artists from both continents a week before the event.

The MIAF has played a curatorial role in the programme, of which the showcase experience and music industry discussions will be available for the public to view.

The showcase programme will feature Tems (Nigeria), Awa Khiwe (Zimbabwean born Artist based in Germany), Kelvyn Colt (of Nigerian/Germany descent) and Yugen Blakrok (South Africa), with the performances broadcast via the Music In Africa Facebook page (https://bit.ly/3p3aLmf) on 31 May from 8pm CAT.

The second day of Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa will be dedicated to discussion sessions with respected professionals currently working in the African music and entertainment industry, including Boomplay Tanzania general manager Natasha Stambuli, Aristokrat Group founder and CEO Piriye Isokrari (Nigeria), International Federation of the Phonographic Industry regional director for sub-Saharan Africa Angela Ndambuki (Kenya), Daju founder Hannah Shogbola (UK), musician and producer Muzi (South Africa), Lynx Ghana CEO Richie Mensah (Ghana), festival producer Yemisi Mokuolu (UK) andAfroNation executive producer Ruddy Kwakye (Ghana).

The discussions will begin at 2pm CAT on 1 June and take a detailed look at the various areas of the African music industry, including its live music platforms and circuits, genres like amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-trap, singeli and bongo flava, the potential of music streaming, and digital innovation on the continent. Interested individuals can view the insightful discussions by purchasing tickets here (https://bit.ly/3fvVEih).

European delegates will then take part in digital company visits on 2 June where African decision makers will give valuable insights into their work and market. The company visits will include Africori, Lynx Ghana Limited and PerFORM Music Incubator. To round off the event, a matchmaking session will take place on 3 June with a view to foster business collaborations between European and African music industry players.

Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa is a continuation of a reciprocal partnership between the MIAF and Reeperbahn Festival, which saw the German organisation participating at the MIAF’s ACCES (https://bit.ly/3oYjOVC) music conference in Accra, Ghana, in 2019. Reeperbahn Festival brought three acts (https://bit.ly/3uu7Ow8) and a 30-strong European delegation to the Ghanaian capital, which dedicated itself to learn more about the local music market and create contacts with music professionals from across the African continent. The partnership is broadly based on facilitating sustainable business engagements and exchange between European and African music businesses and professionals, as well as the provision of performance opportunities to musicians in both territories.

“Promoting international cultural exchange and enabling small and medium-sized music industry participants to enter new and relevant cultural markets is the goal we have been pursuing with our spin-off Reeperbahn Festival as a central European music platform since 2016,” Reeperbahn Festival CEO Alexander Schulz said.“With the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, we are taking this strategy into the world – even under the conditions of these challenging times. In cooperation with our partner the Music In Africa Foundation and their fantastic network, our participants are guaranteed the greatest possible amount of attention along with a high level of efficiency in establishing new contacts. With our pan-African edition, I wish all delegates, artists and partners a successful four-day programme.”

For more information, visit the Reeperbahn Festival Pan-Africa official website (https://bit.ly/3uzcDUR). 

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of MIAF (https://bit.ly/3uwk4My) &#8211; Music in Africa Foundation and Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa (https://bit.ly/3fS00Px).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Reeperbahn Festival Pan-Africa.
For Media Queries and additional info contact: JT Comms 011 788 7632 Email media@jtcomms.co.za

Reeperbahn Festival International Pan-Africa announces programme

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Uganda 7s will get their bid to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games underway against Jamaica in their opening game of the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco in June.

The games will take place at the Stade Louis II stadium starting on Friday, 18 June with Zimbabwe vs Mexico followed by Uganda vs Jamaica.
With just three weeks to go, World Rugby today confirmed the match schedule for the competition which will feature 12 Women’s and 10 Men’s teams all vying to achieve the ultimate prize of securing the remaining two Women’s and one Men’s team places for Olympic Rugby Sevens in Tokyo, which will take place on 26-31 July.
The Uganda 7 s side will kick off their campaign against Jamaica (18:22 pm local time/7:22pm Uganda time) at Stade Louis II on Friday, 18 June, before facing HongKong (10.06am/11:00 am Uganda time) and France (18:23pm/7:23 pm Uganda time) in further Pool B games on Saturday.Uganda will conclude the Pool stages on Sunday, 20 June against Chile (1:39pm,2:39om Uganda time)
The tournament organizers have confirmed that 5,000 fans will watch the second and third days, subject to maintenance of the current Covid environment in Monaco.
View World Rugby Sevens Repechage pools and match schedule (https://bit.ly/3uvMCpu)
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “With Tokyo 2020 less than three months away, the rugby family is looking forward to what promises to be a special Sevens tournament that personifies the togetherness, camaraderie and optimism that characterizes these remarkable Olympic Games.
”The schedule for the tournament is out and our mission still stays the same. There’s been plenty of growth in the team and I have faith that they will do the country proud.”- Coach Tolbert Onyango
The Uganda 7s team continues its training campaign that ends on 11th June 2021 before they leave for Monaco on 12th June 2021.
World Rugby Sevens Repechage – Uganda Schedule:
Friday, 18 June:
 	Uganda v Jamaica (6:22pm local time, 7:22pm Uganda time). 
Saturday, 19 June:
 	HongKong v Uganda (10:06am, 11:06 am Uganda time) 	France  v Uganda  (6:23pm,7:23pm Uganda time) 
Sunday, 20 June:
 	Chile v Uganda (1:39pm,2:39pm Uganda time) Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Uganda Rugby Union.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com Media files

Match schedule confirmed for World Rugby Sevens Repechage

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Together with the Embassy of Senegal in Canada, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (https://CanadaAfrica.ca) is honoured to welcome high-level leadership and Ministerial representation from Senegal and Canada, as the West African leader joins The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

At the inaugural forum, the Republic of Senegal will present its new economic policy. As one of Africa&#39;s most respected markets, Senegal’s economic growth has been among the highest in Africa: between 2014 and 2018, remaining above 6% annually. GDP growth was 5.3% in 2019.

&#39;It is a great privilege to welcome a nation that Canada regards as a reference for democratic governance and sustainable economic development, says Mr. Sebastian Spio-Garbrah, Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business: ‘Senegal&#39;s impressive growth averaging 6% for much of the past decade is reflection of unparalleled opportunities in this incredible market&#39;.

&#39;Senegal and Canada enjoy a special relationship, showcased in Prime Minister Trudeau&#39;s visit to Africa last year, joined by the Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business,’ explained Her Excellency, Ambassador Viviane Bampassy, representing Senegal in Canada: ‘The opportunities are immense. I am proud of Senegal&#39;s role as a leading commercial partner to Canada&#39;s trade diversification agenda.
Official Program: Tuesday 1 June 2021 at 11:00 ET / 07:00 PT / 15:00 Dakar
RSVP (https://bit.ly/3fWeu13) or Learn More (https://bit.ly/3wD9CEC).
11:00 Call to Order (MC: Mr. Jacques NdoutouMvé)
11:01 Chair of the Board of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (Mr. Sebastian Spio-Garbrah) &#038; introduction of the Ambassador
11:05 Welcome Remarks: Ambassador Viviane Bampassy, The Ambassador of Senegal to Canada
11:10 Government of Canada: Hon. Rachel Bendayan (MP), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
11:20 Keynote Speaker: Senegal’s New Economic Policy Path by Minister Amadou HOTT
11:30 Panel on Senegal’s New Economic Policy Path
Moderator: Christian Azarian, Commercial Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Senegal
Panelists
 	El Hadji Ibrahima Boutouthe Mané, Director of Cooperation, External Financing and Private Sector Development 	Evelyn Dioh SIMPA, Executive Director, WIC Capital 
12:05 Q&#038;A and deliberations begin
12:30 Formal Closing
See more and download the speaker biographies (https://bit.ly/3fPVO2M).
The event will include translation services and is followed by the Virtual Trade Mission to Senegal on 7 September 2021. Save the Date (https://bit.ly/3yKqRWr) for this exciting trade mission by registering early (at no cost).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.
For more information: Garreth Bloor President The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business Tel: +1.647.667.1223 Email: garreth@canadaafrica.ca Manulife Building RTO 55 Bloor Street West, PO Box 19553 Toronto, Ontario M4W 3T9
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CORRECTION: Senegal’s New Economic Policy to be outlined in Canada

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45 new cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria;

Lagos-27 Rivers-14 Kaduna-2 Jigawa-1 Ekiti-1
166,191 confirmed 156,535 discharged 2,071 deaths
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
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Coronavirus – Nigeria: COVID-19 case update (27 May 2021)

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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has conferred its Excellence Award for Outstanding Public Service and Exceptional Contributions to the Banking Industry on the President of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina.

In her congratulatory letter to Dr. Adesina, NACCIMA National President Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu said: “In view of the 60th anniversary of NACCIMA’s founding, which coincided with the 60th year of Nigeria’s independence, these awards are being given out on this fitting occasion to highlight the irrefutable achievements of great men and women like you, to encourage others to emulate you and adopt excellence as the benchmark for national development.”


The award was conferred on the African Development Bank President alongside others conferred on United Nations Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed and World Trade Organization Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, at a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday. Ministers, senior government officials, diplomatic community representatives and captains of industry, including NACCIMA members, attended the ceremony.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank President, the Acting Senior Director, Nigeria Country Department, Mr. Lamin Barrow said: “On behalf of President Adesina, I want to thank NACCIMA for conferring this award and recognition, which provides a great source inspiration for him to continue to give his best for the transformation of Nigeria and the African continent through private sector led economies.”

Established in 1960, NACCIMA is the umbrella body for various affiliate member chambers of commerce in Nigeria. Its objective is to provide a common platform for joint action on all matters of concern to the association.  
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Chukwuemeka Ezekiel, Nigeria Country Department, African Development Bank Group, Email: e.chukwuemeka-francis@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group 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.

NACCIMA Honours African Development Bank President with Excellence Award for Outstanding Public Service and Exceptional Contributions to the Banking Industry

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Teams competing in Monaco for the final places available at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be boosted by confirmation that fans will be able to attend the event on 19-20 June.

 	Match schedule announced for final Olympic qualification event towards Tokyo 2020 	Stade Louis II in Monaco to host up to 5,000 rugby fans on 19-20 June, 2021 	Tickets start at 10 euros per day and go on sale today at Monaco-rugby.com 	The revised format for the men’s competition will see two games played on Friday 18 June to maintain player welfare guidelines for World Rugby sevens tournaments 	Media and photographers interested in covering the event can request an accreditation by emailing mbergesi@gouv.mc 
Organisers have confirmed that 5,000 fans will be able to watch all the action from the second and third days of competition inside the iconic Stade Louis II, subject to maintenance of the current covid environment. Fans will be required to wear face masks and respect social distancing.
The boost comes on the day that World Rugby confirmed the match schedule for the competition which will feature 12 women’s and 10 men’s teams all vying to achieve the ultimate prize of securing the remaining two women’s and one men’s team places for Olympic rugby sevens in Tokyo, which will take place on 26-31 July, 2021 at Tokyo Stadium.
The women’s competition will feature Argentina, Colombia, France, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Samoa and Tunisia. The men’s tournament will involve Chile, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Mexico, Samoa, Tonga, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
View World Rugby Sevens Repechage pools and match schedule >> https://bit.ly/2QYS1b0
While the action kicks off on Friday 18 June at 18:00 local time with Zimbabwe versus Mexico being the first of two men&#39;s matches that evening, fans are invited to join the festivities in stadium for a packed programme of men&#39;s and women&#39;s matches on day two and three culminating in the two women&#39;s finals and the one men&#39;s final on Sunday evening.
The match schedule has been developed with player welfare at heart. No team will have more than three games in each day, resulting in the two games being organised on Friday evening, accommodating the reduction to 10 teams in the men’s competition. Due to late kick-off times, the two Friday games will be played behind closed doors.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “With Tokyo 2020 less than three months away, the rugby family is looking forward to what promises to be a special sevens tournament that personifies the togetherness, camaraderie and optimism that characterises these remarkable Olympic Games.
“The Monaco repechage is also symbolic in its own way – a reflection and celebration of sevens international re-emergence from the unprecedented challenges that society and sports people have faced. I know that these players are excited to be representing their nations with the opportunity of qualification for the pinnacle of sevens – the Olympic Games.
“It will be extra special that they get to showcase their skills in front of fans. I would like to thank their Serene Highnesses and the Monegasque Rugby Union for embracing our event and providing the players with the perfect platform to challenge for Tokyo 2020 qualification.”
TICKETING
Online ticketing for the World Rugby Sevens Repechage will open this Friday 28 May at www.Monaco-rugby.com. From 8 June, Rugby fans will also be able to buy tickets directly in Monaco at the ticket offices located at the Stade Louis II’s entrance. (see opening times below)
 	Tuesday to Friday 10:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 19:00 	Saturday 12 June: 10:00 – 13:00 	Saturday 19 June: 08.30 – 16:00 	Sunday 20 June: 10:00 – 16:00 
Tickets will start at 10€ / fan / day with a discounted price of 5€ available for Monaco students and FFR licence holders. Fan travelling to Monaco to watch the action will need to present a negative PCR test, less than 72 hours old, upon their entrance in the Monaco Principality (except for French residents living in the 06 and 83 departments). Fans can find all the measures put in place in the Monaco Principality on the following link: www.covid19.mc
For any ticketing related enquiries, please contact billetterie@monaco-rugby.com
MEDIA INFORMATION
Media and photographers interested in covering the event in Monaco can request an accreditation by emailing Margot Bergesi at mbergesi@gouv.mc.
No contact with players will be allowed during the Tournament, except for certain approved media who will be allowed access to the mixed zone (second stand A) with confirmation of a negative PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to the event.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
Media Contact: Rugby@APO-opa.com
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Monaco set to welcome fans for Olympic Games Sevens Repechage

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Assistant Director-General for Emergency Preparedness-World Heath Organization (WHO), Dr Jaouad Mahjour, has joined the Al Sumait Prize Board of Trustees representing the WHO.

Dr Jaouad Mahjour is an expert in public health, international health regulations and health security. He brings a wide range of leadership experience in assessing communicable diseases control programmes at national and international levels.
Dr Khaled Al-Fadhel, Director General of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), member and rapporteur of Al Sumait Board of Trustees, said: &#8220;We are pleased to welcome Dr Jaouad Mahjour as trustee to AlSumait Prize Board and especially value his accomplished career and constructive contribution to the health domain. Dr Mahjour, who is a renowned expert in epidemiology and diseases control, joins the Board at a critical time much affected by the covid pandemic, and he will complement the Board&#39;s expertise and will provide insight as well as valuable perspectives as we continue to promote the contribution of the Prize to African development.
In response to his appointment Dr Mahjour said &#39;Al-Sumait Prize presents an important opportunity to acknowledge and support innovative and successful projects that promote progress in Africa’s economic and social development. We highly value the significant efforts made by KFAS to organize this prestigious award. The focus of this year&#39;s prize on the &#8220;health&#8221; theme has never been more timely. We thank KFAS for prioritizing health at a time when the world is trying to control the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted all countries and each and every individual around the world.&#8221;
The Call for the 2021 Al-Sumait Prize in Health will close on 30th June 2021. 
The Health category includes but is not limited to initiatives, program, and research projects in the following areas:  Combating the prevalence of diseases in Africa, with a special focus on the utilization of effective frameworks and programs, to address and manage health crises such as SARS, COVID-19, and infectious zoonotic diseases; National capacity building in medical research and medical education; Upgrading and maintenance of national medical facilities; Developing national health policies and successful implementation of the outcomes.
Eligible candidates include organizations and research institutions whose initiatives and programs contributed significantly to solving health challenges in Africa, as well as outstanding researchers who are nominated by their institutions and peers.  
AlSumait Prize Criteria as well as the Application Form can be found via: www.AlSumaitPrize.org/nominations
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS).
www.AlSumaitPrize.org www.KFAS.com @AlSumaitPrize @kfasinfo @WHO
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WHO joins Al Sumait Prize Board of Trustees

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For the first time ever, future-shapers from all 55 African Union member states now have the chance to participate in the largest independent startup ecosystem-driven competition in the world with the opening of nominations for the Global Startup Awards (GSA) Africa (www.GlobalStartupAwards.com). The Awards give the entire ecosystem value chain visibility, access to valuable global connections and the opportunity to form partnerships across the continent.

According to Partech’s 2020 Africa Tech Venture Capital Report, despite the effects of the global pandemic, more startups in Africa closed rounds in 2020 than in any previous year, something which was not experienced in any other region in the world. This trend is set to continue with over $560 million in funding deals being announced across the continent since January 2021 [1]. “This, coupled with the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area, have signalled the start of a monumental year for Africa. We knew that now was the time to place the continent on the global stage by elevating the African innovation brand and showcasing it to the world,” says Caitlin Nash, Co-Founder of the Global Innovation Initiative Group, rights holders of GSA Africa. “In addition to global exposure, startups and the individuals and organisations that support them will gain access to a global network and opportunities for cross-border collaboration.”
The competition recognises and rewards all aspects of a startup ecosystem, from the startups themselves, through to the people behind them, and the organisations that work alongside these visionaries to make great things possible. Below are the categories in this year’s contest:
 	Women in Tech celebrates a pioneering tech startup founded and owned by a woman/women. 	AgriTech is awarded to innovative solutions in food security, food production, farming methods and nutrition. 	HealthTech recognises a startup that has initiated medical breakthroughs through innovative solutions in BioTech, HealthTech, wellness and telemedicine to improve quality of life. 	CommerceTech acknowledges the startup connecting Africa by enabling commerce using technologies ranging from mobile-commerce, e-commerce, blockchain, and cryptocurrency, to fintech, insurtech and big data. 	IndustrialTech celebrates the startup that is enabling Africa’s industrialisation with innovative solutions for safety, mining, manufacturing, production, logistics, mobility and supply chain management. 	ESG Tech is awarded to the startup that is enabling environmental, social impact or corporate governance solutions in areas such as renewable energy, CleanTech, sustainability, recycling, water and sanitation, human rights, EdTech, GovTech, policy and regulation, among others. 	Startup of the Year salutes a startup that inspires the next generation of founders by positively impacting the economy and the world in general. It should be a product and/or service that is already a success on the market, disrupting its industry with an innovative approach. 	Best Newcomer acknowledges a startup of up to two years in age with the potential to become Startup of the Year in the future. Its product and/or service should already be on the market and on a path to disrupt its industry and positively impact the economy and the world. 	Founder of the Year will go to a startup founder or co-founder who has shown strong leadership skills and achieved exceptional business results while also being an inspiration to their team and a role model for the next generation of founders. 	VC of the Year honours the VC who has created impressive financial results while investing bravely in innovative companies that can positively impact the economy and the world, supporting them with resources other than purely financial. 	Best Accelerator/Incubator Program recognises a fixed-term, cohort-based, mentorship-driven program that helps and empowers entrepreneurs to foster the growth of their innovative companies by providing tools, resources, connections, knowledge and expertise. 	Best Co-working Space is bestowed on a co-working space that deserves recognition for the services, support, and resources it gives to fast-growth startups, and for creating a culture and an environment that fosters innovation. 
The GSA Africa mission and categories in this year’s competition are aligned to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 which strives to feed Africa, industrialise Africa, integrate Africa and, ultimately, improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.
GSA Africa Country Partner and leader of Zambia’s Jacaranda Hub, Mara Zhanet concludes by saying: “This is the first year that GSA Africa will reach all 55 member states of the AU &#8211; a big step for African innovation. The Awards will bring African innovation to the world and place African innovators on the global stage, helping to connect emerging innovators in Africa to unrivalled opportunities.”
To enter, or nominate a future-shaper from the continent, go to www.GlobalStartupAwards.com/africanstartupawards. Scroll down and click on the appropriate region. Entries close on 31 July 2021.
[1] https://bit.ly/3fQ0K7Z
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Startup Awards (GSA).
About the Global Startup Awards (GSA): GSA is the largest independent startup ecosystem competition with the mission to find, recognise and connect the future-shapers of the digital age from all around the world. Starting in the Nordics, Denmark in 2012, GSA annually selects and awards those within their respective regional tech / web industries that have shown outstanding achievements in business and service to the community. In 2021, GSA will include all 55 African member states in the global network. For more information, go to www.GlobalStartupAwards.com.
About the Global Innovation Initiative Group (GIIG): GIIG Africa has the largest relationship infrastructure of mission-aligned African innovation stakeholders who work to accelerate the co-creation of future markets and world-changing solutions. The organisation connects like-minded leaders throughout the African innovation ecosystem. GIIG is the exclusive rights holder for GSA Africa. For more information, go to GIIG.africa.
About Loudhailer: Loudhailer offers a wide range of development services to pioneering organisations in Africa and further afield through exceptional knowledge, relationships and experience to stimulate economic growth. The internationally recognised aggregator of the African innovation ecosystem raises visibility and builds partnerships to grow next gen innovations. It works at the epicentre of the innovation ecosystem, coordinating and supporting policy makers, business leaders, corporates, investors, support and donor organisations, as well as media to identify and scale innovation solutions for market growth and commercialisation in Africa and globally. Loudhailer is the implementation partner for GSA Africa. For more information, go to theLoudhailer.org.

Global Startup Awards Africa to Discover the Top Technology Innovators from across the African Continent

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WHO Director-General Special Awards for World No Tobacco Day (https://bit.ly/3vtNHQd) announced: Minister of Health India and University of Bath for exceptional achievement in tobacco control; Smokers face a 40 – 50% higher risk of developing severe disease and death from COVID-19; WHO partners with  Viber (https://bit.ly/3bZNrR2), WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/3oYPcDn), FB Messenger, WeChat and AI company Soul Machines to reach billions with free digital quitting tobacco aids.

The World Health Organization’s &#39;Commit to Quit’ tobacco campaign (https://bit.ly/3fMhEnQ) has made resources from its Quitting Toolkit (https://bit.ly/3bVZsHe) freely available to more than a billion tobacco users, less than 5 months into the year-long campaign.
WHO launched the campaign to support those millions of tobacco users who are actively taking steps to save their lives, but still need help to succeed.   
The campaign is currently working directly with 29 focus countries. Each country agreed with WHO on selected activities, including, running national awareness campaigns, releasing new digital tools, revising policies, engaging youth, training health workers, opening new cessation clinics, supporting nicotine replacement therapies through WHO partners, establishing national toll-free quit lines, making quitting courses available, and more.
“Smokers have up to a 50% higher risk of developing severe disease and death from COVID-19, so quitting is best thing smokers can do to lower their risk from this coronavirus, as well as the risk of developing cancers, heart disease and respiratory illnesses,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We urge all countries to play their part by joining the WHO campaign and creating tobacco-free environments that give people the information, support and tools they need to quit, and quit for good.”
“To help tobacco users to commit to be quitters and winners, we are using digital aids to release the WHO Quit Challenge chatbot and Artificial Intelligence digital health worker Florence (https://bit.ly/3vp2wDv), and making advocacy material available in 30 languages (https://bit.ly/3oZuF1m),” added Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director Health Promotion, WHO.
The Quit Challenge gives daily notifications of tips and encouragement for up to 6 months to help people remain tobacco free. It is available for free on WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger and WeChat.
Globally, roughly 39% of men and 9% of women use tobacco.  The highest smoking rates are currently found in Europe at 26%, with projections only showing a 2% decrease by 2025 if urgent government action is not taken.
Director-General’s Tobacco Control Awards
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has given special recognition awards for tobacco control to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of India, Dr Harsh Vardhan and to the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath, UK.
Dr Harsha Vardhan was instrumental in the 2019 national legislation that bans E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in India. The Tobacco Control Research Group in UK has worked relentlessly to expose tobacco industry attempts and tactics to weaken, block or delay tobacco control, thereby helping secure policy change nationally and globally.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

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Coronavirus: African Union Member States reporting COVID-19 cases as of 29 May 2021, 9 am EAT

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