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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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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of Tanzania have signed loan agreements totalling $140 million to finance the construction of the 50-megawatt Malagarasi hydropower plant in Western Tanzania.

The agreements cover a $120 million sovereign loan from the Bank and $20 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), administered by the Bank. Emmanuel M. Tutuba, Permanent Secretary at the Tanzania Ministry of Finance and Planning, and Nnenna Nwabufo, Director General of the Bank Group’s East Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office, signed the agreements.
The funds will be used to construct the plant and an evacuation transmission line, as well as to add 4,250 rural electrification connections, providing reliable renewable energy to households, schools, clinics and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Kigoma Region.
Tutuba said, “I would like to re-affirm the government’s commitment to working closely with the Bank in efforts to realize our national and international development aspirations. The government will take all necessary measures to ensure successful implementation of this project as planned.”
He lauded Tanzania’s cordial relationship with the African Development Bank that goes all the way back to 1964. He noted that the country was a proud founding shareholder who regard the Bank as a “development partner of choice.”
The project is one of Tanzania’s priorities under its Second Five-Year Development Plan and will also advance the objectives of the country’s Vision 2025. It also aligns with two of the Bank’s High Five strategic priorities, namely, Light up and Power Africa and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa.
Nwabufo said, “The signing of the loan agreements is another testimony of our joint commitment to working together to support Tanzania’s development aspirations. Malagarasi Hydropower is one of the flagship projects in Tanzania’s Second Five-Year Plan. We appreciate the trust the Government has put in the African Development Bank and we are committed to remaining a privileged and trusted partner of choice.”
The project is one of six transformative infrastructure projects, with a total value of $1.12 billion, that the African Development Bank has approved in Tanzania over the last three years.
The Bank Group’s total ongoing commitment in Tanzania, about $2.33 billion in value, covers the key sectors of transport, energy, water supply and sanitation, agriculture, governance and finance.
The Africa Growing Together Fund is a facility sponsored by the People’s Bank of China and administered by the African Development Bank.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact: Olufemi Terry Communication and External Relations Department African Development Bank email: o.terry@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group 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.

Tanzania: African Development Bank Group signs loan agreements for $140 million to increase power generation

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Together with the Embassy of Senegal in Canada, The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business (www.Canada-Africa.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 first visit to Africa, 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/3wz9Psv) or Learn More (https://bit.ly/3fOcdoj)
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: The Ambassador of Senegal, Her Excellency Viviane Bampassy
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/3oWQJKn)
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/3fqytpB) 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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Senegal’s New Economic Policy to be outlined in Canada

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With just under a week to go until entries close at the end of 31st May for Canon (https://global.Canon/en) – a photography competition for enthusiast photographers &#8211; Canon Ambassadors reveal how they would tackle the theme of ‘Light in the Dark’. Emannuel Oyeleke (https://bit.ly/2TbZSCL) and Menna Hossam (https://bit.ly/2RSKhYt), CCNA Canon ambassadors share tips with aspiring photographers – whether it is emphasising shadows, experimenting with different light sources or shooting with long exposures – they’re championing creative, experimental techniques to get the winning shot.

Tip 1: Emphasise the shadows
Known for his iconic fashion and beauty images, Canon ambassador, Emmanuel Oyeleke (https://bit.ly/3vu64US) from Nigeria pointed out that one doesn’t need to always light the whole scene as the shadow does its magic. Many upcoming photographers are often scared of using shadows as they want a polished clean look, and he notes that emphasizing on shadows is important.
Menna Hossam (https://bit.ly/3vqzyTG), another Canon ambassador and an Egyptian fine art and fashion photographer whose imaginative work is inspired by myth, fantasy and visual storytelling, notes the importance of avoiding anything that&#39;s not linked to the subject, instead arranging additional shadow or lighting a plant so it casts a shadow on your subject, making the image more atmospheric.
Tip 2: Experiment with different light sources
With a competition brief like this, it can be easy to lean on traditional techniques and tools such as your camera flash or a lighting panel, but Canon Ambassadors highlight the power of experimenting with different light sources. Emmanuel (https://bit.ly/3fHOeHi) tells us that there are no rules when it comes to shooting in the dark, as it can be blurry or grainy, but with a few simple lighting techniques one can completely transform well-known landscapes. The darker it is, the more impact you can have with your light.
Menna (https://bit.ly/3hWyJhv) points out that light and shadow are also critical parts. She recommends using a range of different light sources - such as torches, projectors or even bike lights - to create the right look and feel for each image. Photographing in the dark with this small, direct source of light she says, can be exciting because it gives you a dramatic, stylised look. Also, having a model in front of the projection distorts the image and creates a more abstract, interesting photo. As much as possible upcoming photographers should try to use unconventional light sources available in their environment to create atmosphere.
Tip 3: Play with long exposures 
Both ambassadors note that painting with light is a great way to create landscape photos which look unnatural. One can either opt for long exposure or use drones as a great tool for putting light and colour where one wouldn’t ever normally see it in nature. How fascinating it is to see the red-light contrast against the deep blue of the night sky. To paint with a light source such as a drone or even a laser pen, it is crucial that you get your camera settings right. One could use slow shutter speeds together with flash and then use a laser pen to draw with light. A shutter speed of 2 seconds, with an ISO of around 100 and aperture at 11 creates these light trails. You can easily paint any shape or emphasise certain elements of your subject with this technique. You never know what you are going to get, just experiment.
If you feel inspired by the Canon Ambassadors, there is still time to shoot and enter a winning image. Open until 23:59 GMT, 31st May 2021, enter Canon’s Redline Challenge (https://bit.ly/3yKnajm) by visiting here (https://bit.ly/3hYKYKy). You can find more top tips to shoot Light in the Dark from Canon Ambassadors, Youtube Channel (https://bit.ly/3fSDK88), @CanonCNA Instagram Channel (https://bit.ly/3wFDRuq).
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Notes to Editors: Terms and Conditions (for full T&#038;Cs and details please see Canon’s website here https://bit.ly/2R0DXOm).
 	•  Promotion Period: Enter between 00:01 GMT on 22nd March 2021 and 23:59 on 31st May 2021 inclusive. 	•  Incomplete, invalid or inappropriate entries, or entries received after the closing date on the 31st May 2021 at GMT 23:59 will not be eligible for publication or any prize. 	•  All entrants (“Participants”) must be amateur photographers, who are [Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)] residents aged 18 or over and hold a valid passport. 	•  Professional photographers or those earning more than 20% of their annual income from photography and employees of Canon Group, their families, agents, and other parties directly involved with this competition and the sponsorship are not eligible to enter. 	•  No purchase is necessary. It is free to enter this competition and images do not have to be taken on a Canon device. 	•  A maximum of 20 entries are permitted per person during the Promotion Period, but any Participant may only win once. Each new entry must be of a new image; the same image cannot be entered more than once. 	•  By submitting an entry, each Participant hereby grants to Canon Group a non-revocable, worldwide, royalty-free and free of charge, sublicensable licence to publish, republish, display and use their image for all purposes connected with this competition, including but not limited to display on Canon Group websites, Canon Group social media accounts and/or channels, any other websites of Canon Group or its agents/contractors, and in marketing materials (including at exhibitions) relating to this competition for up to one year after the competition ends. 
Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa  Mai Youssefe Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group &#8211; PR Agency Rania ElRafie Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region &#8211; by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: www.Canon-CNA.com.
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Shoot Like a Pro: Canon Ambassadors Share Redline Challenge Tips for Capturing Light in the Dark

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A U.K. Treasury -commissioned independent review on the economics of biodiversity has called for a change in the way the world thinks and acts with regard to nature. Africa, alongside the rest of the world, must heed the call to understand that our economies are embedded within nature and are not external to it, participants in a webinar heard.

Professor Dasgupta, Frank Ramsey Professor Emeritus of Economics at University of Cambridge, led the review, which was commissioned by the UK Treasury in March 2019, with support from an advisory panel drawn from public policy, science, economics, finance and business.
Sir Dasgupta spoke about the report’s findings at a virtual event hosted by the African Development Bank on Tuesday. The report’s implications for Africa were the focus of the afternoon’s panel sessions, co-organized with the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the United Kingdom Treasury.
The report, The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review, assesses the economic benefits of biodiversity globally. It looks at the economic costs and risks of biodiversity loss and identifies actions that can simultaneously enhance biodiversity and deliver economic prosperity.
In a conversation between Professor Dasgupta and African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi A.  Adesina, the two experts highlighted the need to change approaches, actions, and measure of success in mainstreaming biodiversity in economics and finding a balance between “what humanity takes from nature, and what we leave behind for our descendants.” The responsibility to protect nature is a global, shared one.
 “Biodiversity is not really an asset&#8230;it is a combination of assets…Nature is central in every decision,” Partha Dasgupta said.
President Adesina said: “We need to price what we value better, if we value natural capital. If we value biodiversity, we value ecosystems, then let’s make sure that the accounting price we put on biodiversity gives an incentive for its preservation.”
Africa, which contributes the least to global emissions, bears the brunt of the negative effects of climate change. Now, the African Development Bank president said, the added burden of the novel coronavirus pandemic means that countries have even less resources for biodiversity initiatives and to adapt to climate change.
Other speakers,  Dr. Pushpam Kumar, Professor Prof. Théophile Azomahou, Dr. Al-Hamdou Dorsouma, and Dr. Philip Osano, SEI Africa Director, and one of the two moderators, discussed  opportunities to implement Africa’s “options for change.”
One suggestion was that multilateral development banks like the African Development Bank could play a greater role in financing and developing a financial system that channels financial investments – public and private – towards economic activities that enhance the stock of natural assets and encourage sustainable consumption and production activities.
Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, outlined the many initiatives and programs that the Commission is already supporting to combat illegal poaching, conserve wildlife and the preservation of wild fauna and flora.
These initiatives include a regional cooperation framework on advancing the biodiversity economy. It will see transformation of raw materials and the enhancement of value chains, as well as scaled up investment in the sustainable utilization of biological resources as part of Africa’s transformation.
As part of the post Covid-19 response actions, the African Union has set up the African Green Stimulus Program. It addresses biodiversity conservation, combating illegal wildlife trade, revitalizing ecotourism and biodiversity economy, and the sustainable management of forests. The African Union counts the United Nations Environment Programme and the African Development Bank among its top champions, Sacko said.
The African Development Bank has a growing portfolio of initiatives focused on natural capital and biodiversity which are being channeled through its integrated approach to supporting a green and sustainable recovery from Covid-19 in Africa.
Dr. Kevin Chika Urama, Senior Director of the African Development Bank’s African Development Institute, commended the Dasgupta Review for the strong business case that it makes for realigning investments and decision-making to integrate the values provided by nature.
Earlier, in opening remarks, Dr. Åsa Persson, Research Director and Deputy Director at the Stockholm Environment Institute, emphasized the role and duty of SEI to support policy recommendations with “evidence and data” before they reached the negotiating tables and treasury departments of governments.
Sandy Sheard, Deputy Director with the UK Treasury, said she hoped the report would spur new and ambitious commitments. Her important takeaways were the importance of science and data; doing things differently with what we already have,  and walking the talk.
“The solution at one level is really simple… nature is our home and economics means that we manage it better,” Sheard said.
While opening the event, SEI Africa Director Dr. Philip Osano, underscored the strong connection between culture and biodiversity in Africa, noting that “It  is timely that this policy dialogue on the economics of biodiversity is being held on the occasion of the celebration of the Africa Day on 25th May, whose theme this year is on African cultural renaissance”
For more information and to read the report, click here (https://bit.ly/3fndZ0P).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contacts: African Development Bank Amba Mpoke-Bigg Communication and External Relations Department email: a.mpoke-bigg@afdb.org
Stockholm Environment Institute Lawrence Malindi Nzuve Communications Coordinator email: lawrence.nzuve@sei.org
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Act now to safeguard biodiversity, nature’s asset class in Africa – Dasgupta Review

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.
Facebook (www.Facebook.com) has released its industry-leading Community Standards Enforcement Report (CSER) (https://bit.ly/3fnFGGQ) for the first quarter of 2021. The report shares metrics on the progress made by Facebook in preventing and taking action on content that goes against its Community Standards while protecting the community’s safety, privacy, and dignity. 

The new report includes data on how Facebook is performing in enforcing 12 of its policy areas on Facebook and 10 on Instagram for the January-March 2021 period. It shows some positive strides towards improvements in prevalence, providing greater transparency and accountability around content moderation operations across different Facebook products. 
We’ve appointed EY to audit this latest report, as part of its commitment to independent oversight and verification of its performance. 
We’ve also expanded our reporting efforts by adding more prevalence metrics for Instagram, which will now include prevalence for adult nudity and sexual activity, and violent and graphic content. Prevalence of hate speech on Facebook continues to decrease and this is an improvement that continues to stem from changes Facebook has made to reduce problematic content in News Feed.
 “The report highlights how we are getting better and more efficient at enforcing our Community Standards through a multipronged approach that includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), human moderation, user reporting tools and collaboration with external experts.”, said Kojo Boakye, Director of Public Policy, Africa. 
“It’s pleasing that hate speech prevalence on Facebook continues to decrease for a third quarter in a row. Across the board, we’re seeing improvements in our numbers, and we will continue to share our progress each quarter.”, he added. 
Facebook is also launching a Transparency Centre (https://bit.ly/3vDqw5K) to provide a single destination for information about its integrity efforts. This site will make it easier to view Community Standards Enforcement Report trends and find data around specific policy areas. 
We will continue improving technology and enforcement efforts to remove harmful content from our platforms and keep people safe while using the Facebook family of apps. 
For more information, please see here (https://bit.ly/3fpwiT9). 
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Facebook.
Media Contact: Idea Engineers – PR agency for Facebook Africa facebookfr@ideaengineers.co.za

Facebook’s latest Community Standard Enforcement Report shows progress in preventing harmful content

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.

Partnership set to grow rugby for development and gender equality initiatives in Oceania and beyond; ChildFund becomes first-ever charity partner for the women’s edition of a Rugby World Cup; Rugby fans will have the opportunity to opt in to donate when purchasing match day tickets; Appointment builds on record-breaking success of the Rugby World Cup 2019 partnership in Japan where £2 million was pledged by rugby fans to support ChildFund’s rugby for development programmes and Typhoon Hagibis disaster relief; Rugby World Cup 2021 hosted in New Zealand set to take place 8 October-12 November, 2022 in Auckland and Whangārei.

World Rugby (www.World.rugby) has announced the appointment of international development agency ChildFund as the principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup 2021, playing in 2022, a first in the history of the premier women’s 15s event.
With a focus on gender equality initiatives, ChildFund works with partners, including Oceania Rugby, to provide vulnerable girls and women with opportunities to learn skills to overcome challenges and be active leaders in their communities. Rugby fans will have the opportunity to engage with and support the work of ChildFund Rugby, ChildFund’s dedicated rugby for development unit, via an opt in mechanism to donate when purchasing match day tickets, with funds raised through the partnership supporting the expansion of rugby for development programmes in Oceania.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are delighted to be extending our impactful association with ChildFund, this time as principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup 2021. The tournament will showcase rugby’s unstoppable women as they compete at the highest level.

“Importantly, it will also generate an incredible legacy by supporting a new generation of female players and leaders in Pacific Island nations through ChildFund’s significant contribution to rugby for development programmes in the Oceania region.”

Through a ground-breaking partnership at RWC 2019, a record-breaking £2 million was pledged by rugby fans globally to ChildFund, providing more than 25,000 children from disadvantaged communities in Asia with the opportunity to take part in ChildFund’s Pass It Back programme across Asia, teaching life skills through rugby with the support of Asia Rugby.

Funds raised were also used to support local communities in Japan with the rebuilding effort following the devastation caused by Typhoon Hagibis during the tournament.

ChildFund Rugby’s development programmes not only promote the right to play in communities where children have little or no access to organised sport, but provide important learning opportunities around leadership, problem-solving, gender equality, relationships, conflict-resolution, and planning for the future.

With a strong focus on gender equality, a strategic objective shared by World Rugby, more than half of all participants and rugby leadership roles are female, challenging gender stereotypes.

ChildFund Alliance Chair Simon Whyte said: “ChildFund is excited to again be partnering with World Rugby to change children’s lives through sport.

“Over 31,000 children and young people have benefitted from their involvement in ChildFund’s rugby for development programmes, which are highly successful in providing critical learning opportunities for children facing significant challenges linked to poverty and inequality.

“As part of this, 6,000 children have participated in Reconnect, a COVID-19 early response initiative developed by ChildFund which supports positive responses among young people to the challenges of the pandemic.

“ChildFund’s rugby for development programmes also support global efforts to achieve gender equality, reduce inequality, and end gender-based violence, reflecting targets within the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

ChildFund Ambassadors Honey Hireme-Smiler and Emily Chancellor, former and current New Zealand and Australian players, will be on opposing sides when the tournament commences. However, they are on the same team in recognising the importance of organised sport in girls’ and boys’ lives, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Hireme-Smiler, former New Zealand Black Fern, said: “I am extremely passionate about supporting younger girls as this was how we were raised within our whanau (family). The ways in which ChildFund makes an impact on the lives of vulnerable children – whether through health and wellbeing, education, or sport – is so inspiring.”

Wallaroos player Emily Chancellor, who shared her rugby skills with children in Laos in 2019, added: “ChildFund Rugby’s development programmes are incredibly important for young people in developing communities, because they combine education with team sport. Learning through play is a really valuable way to build confidence and resilience.

“I’m also proud to support an initiative which has such a strong focus on gender equality and is creating an equal playing field for girls and boys alike.”

Funds raised during the tournament will allow ChildFund Rugby to expand its contribution to rugby for development programmes for children and young people in Oceania, support female leadership initiatives, and support the creation of strong rugby women’s networks around the globe.

 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
For more information, visit www.ChildFundRugby.org
Media Contact: Douglas.Langley@worldrugby.org +353 87 067 8599
Rugby@APO-opa.com
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ChildFund appointed principal charity partner for Rugby World Cup 2021 to support the next generation of unstoppable women in rugby

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.

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation) announced the Call for Applications for their upcoming Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and “Mask Up with Care“ Media Recognition Awards 2021 in partnership with African First Ladies at the 8th edition of “Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary”; The Merck Foundation Health Media Training was attended by African, Asian, and Latin American Journalists from more than 35 countries.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany conducted their Health Media Training through an online video conference, on the sidelines of the 8th Edition of “MERCK FOUNDATION AFRICA ASIA LUMINARY”, being held in partnership with the Government of Zambia. The conference was inaugurated by The President of Zambia, H.E. Dr. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU and Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of both of Executive Board of E.Merck KG and Merck Foundation Board of Trustees. It was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. ESTHER LUNGU, The First Lady of Zambia and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation.
The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ community awareness Program and was organized to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break the Stigma around Infertility, raising awareness about Infertility Prevention, and Empowering Girls and Women through Education.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck More Than a Mother emphasized “I have always emphasized on the prominent role of media as I strongly believe that media has the capacity and ability to create a culture shift in our communities in a cost-effective way. Through this important training, we are aiming to educate media, especially the young journalists, on how to break the silence and be the voice of the voiceless in order to eliminate the stigma of infertility and raise awareness about male infertility and infertility prevention and emphasize the importance of girls’ education, through their day to day work”.
Merck Foundation Health Media Training was addressed by top fertility experts and stalwarts of media from countries like Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, and Senegal.
The Health Media training was attended by journalists from Print, TV, Radio and Online media from more than 35 African and Latin American countries.
During the session, Merck Foundation also announced two awards for media fraternity, Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards  “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation “Mask Up With Care” Media Recognition Awards 2021; two awards for fashion fraternity, Merck Foundation Fashion Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and Merck Foundation “Make Your Own Mask” Fashion Awards 2021.
Furthermore, Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies announced two other important awards:
1) Merck Foundation Film Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021 and 
2) Merck Foundation Song Awards “More Than a Mother” 2021.
“All these awards are in partnership with my dear sisters the First Ladies of Africa. 20 First Ladies will lead these awards in their countries as Ambassadors of Merck Foundation More than a Mother. However,  the awards are open for all of Africa as well as Latin America which will be announced separately in Spanish and Portuguese next week”, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added.
Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej also emphasized, “I strongly believe that media, art, and fashion play a significant role in raising awareness about sensitive topics like infertility and girl education and women empowerment, hence will contribute significantly to break the stigma around infertile women in Africa, if utilized properly. There are many infertile women out there; we witness their stories of suffering and humiliation every day, it is time to act and make a change. Through the awards under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, we would like to join hands with media, film, music and fashion fraternity to make a change and Break Infertility Stigma, a message that must reach every door, every community, every mind, and every heart. Another important message is to emphasize the importance of girl education in our communities.
Moreover, given the unprecedented times and second wave of coronavirus, it is important to sensitize communities and raise awareness about following best practices. Raising awareness about coronavirus in our communities will also contribute to supporting health workers who are at the forefront of COVID-19 response &#8211; providing high-quality, respectful treatment, and care. Hence, we came up with awards for media persons and fashion designers, so as to encourage people to wear masks during the Coronavirus pandemic and protect themselves and others.
Details of the Merck Foundation Africa “More Than A Mother” Media Recognition Awards 2021:
Who can apply:
Journalists from Print, Radio, Online, and Multimedia platforms from the following groups:
 	Southern African Countries 	West African Countries 	East African Countries 	African French Speaking Countries 	African Portuguese Speaking Countries 	Latin American Countries 
How to Apply:
Entries can be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com  
Last date of Submission: 30th August 2021
The Subject line of the mail should mention: Merck Foundation Africa “MORE THAN A MOTHER” Media Recognition Awards 2021
Please specify your name, country, category of application, and contact details in the mail.
Categories and Prize Money:
Categories
Print Media
Online Media
Radio
Multimedia
Prize Money
USD 500
USD 500
USD 500
USD 1000

Sending multiple applications will increase the chances of winning the award.
For more information on the awards, please visit our website: www.Merck-Foundation.com.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: bit.ly/2LdbD8F Twitter: bit.ly/2LesKH8 YouTube: bit.ly/3sdHMxm Instagram: bit.ly/2LC26rm Flickr: bit.ly/2XqzQdU Website: Merck-Foundation.com Download Merck Foundation App: bit.ly/2MmNvAU
About ‘Merck Foundation More Than a Mother’ campaign: “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” is a strong movement that aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and change of mind-sets. This powerful campaign supports governments in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe, effective and equitable fertility care solutions. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about infertility prevention, management and male infertility. In partnership with African First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Information, Education &#038; Gender, academia, policymakers, International fertility societies, media and art, the initiative also provides training for fertility specialists and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries.
With “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility at all levels: By improving awareness, training local experts in the fields of fertility care and media, building advocacy in cooperation with African First Ladies and women leaders and by supporting childless women in starting their own small businesses. It’s all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with or without a child. 
The Ambassadors of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” are: 

H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, 			The First Lady of Botswana
H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia
H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia
H.E. SIKA KABORE, The First Lady of Burkina Faso
H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana

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

The Former First Lady of Burundi, H.E DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The Former First Lady of Chad, H.E. HINDA DÉBY ITNO, The Former First Lady of Malawi, H.E. PROFESSOR GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA and The Former First Lady of Niger, H.E AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU have worked successfully with Merck Foundation as Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Ambassadors to break the stigma of infertility and empower infertile women in their countries.

Merck Foundation launched new innovative initiatives to sensitize local communities about infertility prevention, male infertility with the aim to break the stigma of infertility and empowering infertile women as part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother COMMUNITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN, such as; • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Africa Media Recognition Awards and Health Media Training • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Fashion Awards • ‘Merck Foundation More than a Mother’ Film Awards • Local songs with local artists to address the cultural perception of infertility and how to change it • Children storybook, localized for each country

About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality &#038; equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit Merck-Foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com); Facebook (bit.ly/2MU6Fht), Twitter (bit.ly/3scVf8t), Instagram (bit.ly/3boJ0jr), YouTube (bit.ly/3sf4aWX) and Flicker (bit.ly/3snPHZ8).
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Merck Foundation Health Media Training and Media Awards 2021 conducted in partnership with African First Ladies to build Media capacity in breaking Infertility stigma and supporting Girl Education

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Each year, Africa day is celebrated on May 25th to pay a tribute to the undying spirit of the great African continent as well as to recognize its diverse cultures, remarkable heritage along with the prolific progress made by the continent as a whole. To celebrate this significant day, Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) takes a walk down the memory lane, reflecting and rejoicing some of its major moments of contribution and change in the African landscape.  

WALK DOWN THE MEMORY LANE 
“Corporate philanthropy is not just about being part of the conversation, it is about starting a conversation and as a company, we truly stand by these words. Our philosophy has always been to make real and meaningful impact in people’s lives, to ensure that we provide opportunities that bring about a wave of change and progress in the society. A leader is someone who can channel creative energy, impulse and hope through the people. We have aspired to do exactly so in the past through our various initiatives and collaborations in Africa, and really gone an extra mile to create copious local employment opportunities across the continent, thereby ensuring we are hitting directly at the grass-root level with our efforts reducing gender bias and creating employment opportunities for men and women alike. A glimpse at our management &#038; in-country sales team across Africa proves what we stand for, a balanced team of visionary minds, regardless of any prejudice. We are a company for the people and by the people, our strength lies in empowering individuals, our employment drives across the continent have been vital in ensuring success, stability and equilibrium for Africa. As we celebrate Africa Day, I am extremely proud to look back at all our accomplishments that have set a visionary tone of collaborative contribution for the future,” remarks Somesh Adukia, Managing Director – Canon Central and North Africa.  
TORCHBEARERS OF CHANGE AND INNOVATION 
Being the torchbearers of change and innovation, this past year saw Canon set up myriad initiatives to promote and inspire the young talent in Africa. Through its Miraisha programme, Canon recognized and awarded ten young students from Kenya with scholarships to aid in the development of their visual storytelling skills. The elected scholars are poised to work towards a certificate in film technology, studying twelve subjects including video camera operations, screenwriting, editing, photography and film production techniques. Through this exclusive partnership with the KCA University, Canon aims to empower the African youth with creative opportunities that contribute not just on an individual level but also on the community level.  
In keeping up with its endeavor to promote young talent, Canon also unveiled its ‘Student Development Programme’ for 2021 for the fifth consecutive year. An initiative designed to supplement young photographers with a real-time experience of working with an industry expert, this life-changing opportunity is presented to 250 students from across Europe, Middle East and Africa. As a result, each candidate is able to participate in a unique and bespoke educational programme designed to enhance students’ visual storytelling skills thereby advancing their careers. 
ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE: LEVERS FOR BUILDING THE AFRICA WE WANT 
Canon has paid particular attention to the 2021 theme of ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want’ in all of its initiatives, carving out a road-map that builds on a strong foundation of these pillars. To maintain its commitment in a changing world, not only did the brand strategize encouraging initiatives for the younger African population but it also implemented peer-to-peer business partnerships in order to provide support and inculcate a collaborative spirit. Aiming to create a win-win situation for both the company and its partners, Canon employed its ‘closer to customer’ strategy in the African continent to strengthen its distribution network as well as to provide opportunities to the local players.  
As a result, this collaborative bandwagon will see Docutech and Al Mactab focus on advancing Canon’s Wide Format print solutions in Ghana and Libya respectively, while Express Automation will amplify Canon’s Professional Print services in Kenya and Digimate will boost Document Solutions and Large Format Print offerings in Morocco. Partnering with local business players has been the go-to strategy for Canon in order to streamline the supply process and facilitate growth and opportunities in the remotest of areas.  
On a similar note, Canon’s annual Service Conference held earlier this year in March, witnessed its partners and distributors come together from more than 30 African countries to virtually participate in a thought-provoking session of cutting-edge business ideas and innovation. The conference presented Canon’s Service partners an opportunity to get up-to-date on the Business and Service direction of CCNA.  
With the undeniable global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canon has made sustainable efforts to improve its remote service capabilities by designing virtual conferences that encourage its partners to receive optimum training to operate and implement services such as e-Service and e-Maintenance thereby ensuring seamless and unobstructed support to its customers.  
WORKING TOGETHER FOR COMMON GOOD 
Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good, ensures that all elements of its universe from its business partners to employees to customers are looked after and taken care of. The flywheel of Canon’s various activities in Africa focus on delivering real value thereby creating sustainable impact through its consistent contribution towards the pursuit of keeping creativity and innovation alive.  
In 2020, Canon expanded its world-renowned Ambassador Programme to over 100 leading international photographers and filmmakers, once again staying true to its commitment of nurturing creative talent without any boundaries. A first of its kind, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme was created to represent and support current and future generations of photographers and filmmakers by sharing their passion and technical know-how with fellow professionals, as well as enthusiastic amateurs who want to develop their skills.  
The consistent drumbeat of Canon’s efforts in the African continent have proven particularly important in creating a positive impact despite various challenges faced in the past year. Coming together as a company and promoting the ‘Kyosei’ culture has manifested in a thriving environment that is symbiotic for all the stakeholders, be it a consumer or a company employee.  
Adding on to this, company MD Mr. Somesh Adukia says, “At the heart of our business, lies our commitment to be change-makers, to be a company that recognizes its power and position to bring about a social change thus positively impacting the very people it serves. This is what sets us apart, our dedicated efforts in relentlessly pursuing the greater good, for one and all. As we celebrate Africa today, it is extraordinary that we also celebrate a key milestone &#8211; five years of Canon Central and North Africa. From the time we set foot on the African continent, we have walked on the path of creativity, collaboration and curiosity and we will continue to do so. Each and every day, we endeavor to work towards the development and progress of Africa and its people. We are optimistic to be spectators of tremendous growth and opportunities for Africa, we believe the future is full of possibilities.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group &#8211; PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region &#8211; by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.
For more information: Canon-CNA.com.

Celebrating the past, defining the future: looking back to look ahead

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.
For the first time, banks can now self-provision the most complete banking services at the click of a button; With Temenos (www.Temenos.com), banks can innovate in minutes and launch new products in days to achieve the industry’s fastest time to market; With Temenos Banking Cloud, banks can gain business agility to create new revenue streams, massively scale and significantly reduce their cost of operations to 10% of legacy systems; The Temenos Banking Cloud brings the unmatched breadth of Temenos front-to-back Banking Services, an innovation Sandbox, and the most complete fintech Marketplace, powered by an Explainable AI-enabled engine all through an easy-to-access, self-service portal.

Temenos (SIX: TEMN), the banking software company, is accelerating its leadership in the cloud by introducing the next-generation in SaaS, The Temenos Banking Cloud. This combines the industry’s most complete banking services, covering all segments and all geographies, with a Sandbox for fast innovation and the Temenos MarketPlace for fintech collaboration, all powered by a new AI-enabled engine to drive banks’ business growth and accelerate time to market. With Temenos Banking Cloud, banks now have the power to self-provision always-on banking services and scale instantly and securely while dramatically reducing the cost of operations to 10% of legacy systems. Join TCF Online (https://bit.ly/3ujXfvH) with over 10,000 attendees, to find out more.

Max Chuard, Chief Executive Officer, Temenos, said: “Banks face huge challenges – fierce competition, rising customer expectations, cost pressures. Research shows that for quite some time 70% of banks cannot cover their estimated cost of capital. Banks can no longer wait; they need a new approach to run their business and develop banking products.

Building on over 10 years of cloud leadership, $1 billion in R&#038;D investment and the experience of over 700 SaaS customers ranging from global banks to over 70 challengers, we are delivering the next-generation in SaaS, The Temenos Banking Cloud.

The Temenos Banking Cloud is for both digital-first banks that want to launch in weeks as well as large or complex banks that want to acquire distinct capabilities, launch products fast and progressively migrate customer bases that are serviced by legacy systems.

We are putting banks in control of their business models and innovation cycles, giving them the agility and speed to build great customer products and profitable businesses. With The Temenos Banking Cloud, we empower banks to digitally transform and massively scale faster than ever.”

Chris Sozou, General Manager Platforms, Partnerships &#038; Analytics, Virgin Money Australia, said: “Our digital bank has been designed with a clear ambition to simplify banking and help customers achieve their financial goals. With Temenos SaaS, we can deliver a frictionless digital experience, bringing together credit cards, transactions, and savings accounts, plus a loyalty program in a single, native mobile app.  With The Temenos Banking Cloud, it is easier to integrate with third parties and we have an agile platform that easily scales up or down depending on business demands.”

The Temenos Banking Cloud gives banks the freedom to innovate faster, move from a CapEx to an OpEx model and benefit from a lower total cost of ownership. Varo Bank (https://bit.ly/3hSXMC4), using Temenos SaaS, estimates that it services customers at 25% of the total costs incurred by a traditional bank. Banks using The Temenos Banking Cloud have benefited from instant and massive scalability. A European challenger bank opened over 600K accounts in 3 months. While a global digital disruptor saw a staggering number of over 20M loan applications processed within 9 months. They are already adding over 100K new loans per day which is expected to reach 200K loans per day. Over 700 financial institutions use Temenos SaaS such as Al Ain Finance (https://bit.ly/3wCVEmh), Alpian (https://bit.ly/3wDN5HX), Flowbank (https://bit.ly/3hXfpAL), Flowe (https://bit.ly/3vmtTy4), Itau (https://bit.ly/3yFCYEj), Orange Bank (https://bit.ly/3ui4pQZ) and they will now benefit from all the new rich features of The Temenos Banking Cloud.

Dan Dickinson, Chief Information Officer, EQ Bank, said: “As Canada’s first digital-only challenger, we turned to Temenos SaaS to easily scale to meet customer demand, grow deposits much more quickly at a lower cost, and pass on the benefits to our customers. With The Temenos Banking Cloud, we can accelerate our business growth and benefit from unlimited innovation through the Sandbox and Temenos MarketPlace capabilities.”

The Temenos Banking Cloud removes the complexity, enabling banks to concentrate on their customers rather than their technology. With the touch of a button, banks can turn on new banking services, scale instantly, build new applications, plug into the richest fintech marketplace, and proactively manage usage and service health. With The Temenos Banking Cloud, banks gain:

 	Faster to time market with Banking Services: The industry’s leading front-to-back Banking Services with localized functionality from over 150 countries, covering all banking segments. The Banking Services are created using Packaged Business Capabilities [1], which are aligned to the BIAN standards. They are extensible, flexible and open, and can be easily configured and integrated with external applications.  The Banking Services can be consumed instantly, are pay-as-you go, and continuously updated safely without the need for big upgrades. These Banking Services are built for banking, they offer enterprise-grade controls to manage mission-critical systems. 

 	Unlimited innovation in the Sandbox: Temenos Sandbox enables banks to innovate faster by exploring new Temenos functionality, train their developers, and create new applications. The Sandbox includes access to Temenos Banking Services, Temenos MarketPlace, example data, and integration tools to enable banks to configure new products. The Sandbox also offers high-quality well-documented APIs, which are essential connectors of open architecture. Banks can choose to move to production environments in the cloud or on-premise. 

 	Collaborate with the most complete fintech marketplace: Instant access to Temenos MarketPlace (https://bit.ly/3hUc3i6), with the most innovative fintechs such as Plaid, Taurus (https://bit.ly/3fJb9lB), Tink (https://bit.ly/34elHUy), and Wise (https://bit.ly/3vlf2nn). The fintech solutions are pre-integrated so they can be rapidly consumed for a quick time-to-value. Developers can work with open APIs to extend their banking services by inviting fintechs and developers to the Sandbox environment and collaborate. 
The Temenos Banking Cloud is powered by an Explainable AI engine with advanced data analytics, so banks can test, report and measure product performance, and gain insight to support business decisions and product design. Through the self-service portal, IT users and developers can spin up fully provisioned environments, benefit from real-time dashboards on usage and billing, configure permissions and manage security credentials. Temenos AI advisors offer recommendations to banks to proactively manage usage and service health.

The Temenos Banking Cloud offers multi-layered security, comprehensive compliance coverage, and the highest availability across the globe. Temenos’ cloud-native, cloud-agnostic technology architecture is micro-services-based and API-driven to optimize the use of the underlying cloud platform services.
[1] According to BIAN, Packaged business capabilities (PBCs) are software components representing a well-defined business capability, functionally recognizable as such by a business use.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Temenos.
Media Contacts: Jessica Wolfe &#038; Scott Rowe Temenos Global Public Relations Tel: +1 610 232 2793 &#038; +44 20 7423 3857 Email: press@temenos.com

Alistair Kellie &#038; Andrew Adie Newgate Communications on behalf of Temenos Tel: +44 20 7680 6550 Email: allnewgatetemenos@newgatecomms.com

About Temenos: Temenos AG (SIX: TEMN) is the world’s leader in banking software. Over 3,000 banks across the globe, including 41 of the top 50 banks, rely on Temenos to process both the daily transactions and client interactions of more than 1.2 billion banking customers. Temenos offers cloud-native, cloud-agnostic and AI-driven front office, core banking, payments and fund administration software enabling banks to deliver frictionless, omnichannel customer experiences and gain operational excellence.

Temenos software is proven to enable its top-performing clients to achieve cost-income ratios of 26.8% half the industry average and returns on equity of 29%, three times the industry average. These clients also invest 51% of their IT budget on growth and innovation versus maintenance, which is double the industry average, proving the banks’ IT investment is adding tangible value to their business.

For more information, please visit www.Temenos.com.

Temenos transforms banking with The Temenos Banking Cloud to accelerate SaaS and AI adoption with instant access to Sandbox, Banking Services, and Marketplace

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.

Energy Capital &#038; Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com) – Africa’s leading energy event organizer – has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting events in Africa, as some organizers relocate overseas; Africa Energy &#038; Mining 2022 Conference &#038; Exhibition will be held in Cape Town on March 29-31, with an in-person and online Africa Energy &#038; Mining seminar to be held in Cape Town in November 2021 to set the agenda; The Africa Energy &#038; Mining series will explore emerging synergies between mining and energy in a post-COVID-19 environment, with a view to facilitating a continent-wide energy transition.

nergy Capital &#038; Power (ECP) is doubling down on its commitment to an Africa-focused 2021/2022 events calendar – citing the role of local capacity-building and investor engagement in enabling an African energy transition – ahead of its Africa Energy &#038; Mining (AEM) Conference &#038; Exhibition in Cape Town next March and an AEM online and in-person seminar and networking event in Cape Town in November.
As the energy sector faces systemic change, the success of the African continent in navigating a clean energy transition rests on its ability to mobilize domestic resources, establish local and regional value chains and chart its own path. This has led the event organizer to renew its pledge to building networking and deal-making opportunities on the ground, as well as restructure its flagship pan-African energy conference earlier this year into a more integrated and inclusive program. 
Under the theme, “Investing in the World’s Future Energy Value Chain,” AEM 2022 will unite the entire mining and energy value chain, exploring the role that renewables play in advancing Africa’s mining sector, as well as the value of mining in facilitating a continent-wide energy transition. While the events in November and March represent a continuation of ECP’s Cape Town conference series, AEM has expanded the scope to include investment opportunities across oil and gas, mining, power and renewables, along with emerging industry segments such as energy storage and hydrogen.
“Our unwavering commitment to the continent means that a pan-African energy event must take place in Africa,” says Kelly-Ann Mealia, Chairperson of ECP. “We support South Africa’s economic recovery and believe in positioning African innovation and resources at the heart of the energy transition. There is no better place to do this than Cape Town. We are continuing to invest in Africa’s future through our events, which unite leading industry players and decision-makers from across the continent. Unlike other event organizers, we are committed to working with the African public and private sectors to drive progress from within our key markets.”
“In recent weeks, we have seen promising signs from our government signaling expedited vaccine rollouts, streamlined safety protocols and a forthcoming return to professional events,” says Liam Beattie, Managing Director of HOTT3D, ECP’s exhibition partner. “With the support of the private sector and event industry associations such as the South African Events Council (SACIA), South Africa can declare itself reopen for business and compete with global venues in organizing professional, international events safely. In driving a post-COVID-19 recovery, now is the time to double down on – not withdraw from – the continent and enable the growth and survival of its events industry.”
The AEM event in November will gather southern African and pan-African delegates to set key agenda points, including but not limited to, energy storage, battery metals, and the future of African mining; the role of natural gas in Africa’s economies and new petroleum exploration; Africa as a global LNG leader; the future of African power grids and utilities; funding for gas-to-power projects; independent power producers, privatized power and Africa-wide electrification; the hydrogen revolution; and electric vehicles.
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital &#038; Power.
To learn more about the Africa Energy &#038; Mining series and the post-COVID-19 energy and mining landscape in Africa, please visit www.EnergyCapitalPower.com. For sponsorship or exhibition opportunities, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Media files

Energy Capital & Power stands by African Energy Events ahead of Africa Energy & Mining Conference

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.

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

On May 18, 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released “Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector,” which outlines plans for the global energy sector to reach “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Achieving net zero emissions means the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere would equal the amount being removed. Achieving this balance, the IEA maintains, would require more than aggressive carbon-capture measures: It would call for a swift and immediate shift from petroleum energy sources to energy provided through naturally replenished sources like wind, water, and solar power.
From an environmental standpoint, this is a great concept.
But we live in reality. And today, in real-world Africa, this goal is not feasible. Nor is it advisable. While I agree with their data on many topics, the IEA’s conclusion is flat-out wrong on this issue. Africa needs oil and gas.
Unreasonable Objectives
Some of the critical steps in IEA’s roadmap include:
 	No new investment in new fossil fuel supply (including oil and gas) after 2021 	No new sales of fossil fuel boilers after 2025 	No new internal combustion engine (ICE) car sales after 2035 globally 	60% of car sales are electric by 2030, and 50% of heavy truck sales are electric from 2035 
These steps assume a lot about the state of the world — assumptions that are faulty, especially for Africa. For one, it will require universal energy access by 2030, meaning that everyone has access to electricity and clean cooking. And with approximately 592 million Africans currently without this access, we’re going to be hard-pressed to flip that switch in less than 10 years.
The IEA’s roadmap to net zero also relies on unprecedented investments in renewables — a substantial boost in clean energy investments from the $1 trillion made over the last five years all the way up to $5 trillion annually by 2030 — and cooperation from policymakers who are unified in their efforts. In this idyllic partnership, our Western counterparts talk a good game. But the fact is, to date, these same Western countries have invested little to no funding into Africa&#39;s renewables space. To our dismay even the International Oil Companies that have tried to accept the IEA’s publicity stunt have little or no renewable projects in Africa.
“For many developing countries, the pathway to net zero without international assistance is not clear,” OPEC wrote in response to IEA’s roadmap release, issuing a “critical assessment” on the very same day. “Technical and financial support is needed to ensure deployment of key technologies and infrastructure. Without greater international co‐operation, global CO2 emissions will not fall to net zero by 2050.”
As I have stated in the past, demonizing energy companies is not a constructive way forward, and ignoring the role that carbon-based fuels have played in driving human progress distorts the public debate. We cannot expect African nations, which together emitted seven times less CO2 than China last year and four times less than the US, according to the Global Carbon Atlas, to undermine their best opportunities for economic development by simply aligning with the Western view of how to tackle carbon emissions.
Creating New Problems
China, meanwhile, appears willing to continue investing in fossil fuel projects in Africa. This means that to keep their nations energized, African governments will have little choice but to partner with China — whose performance is notoriously poor when it comes to environmental protection, despite having signed the Paris climate accord. In this scenario, China will become the most influential entity in the African oil and gas industry. And giving China (or any foreign entity) such a monopoly is a dangerous play.
For the IEA plan to work, no new oil and natural gas fields would be developed. The potential energy security risk here is twofold: Concentrated production means that demand will exceed the supply of traditional fuels, while new energy security issues emerge related to the new technologies such as cybersecurity and a dwindling supply of rare earth and critical minerals. And energy insecurity brings economic insecurity and geopolitical instability.
At the same time, a ban on fossil fuel production would bring about the collapse of many carbon-dependent governments. The oil industry is the primary source of income for many African nations. Without the continuation of petroleum production — or time and opportunities to cultivate new revenue sources — their economies will suffer — along with their citizens.
Interestingly, the very announcement of this roadmap features an admission by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol that net zero will unhinge socioeconomic structures.
“This gap between rhetoric and action needs to close if we are to have a fighting chance of reaching net zero by 2050 and limiting the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 °C. Doing so requires nothing short of a total transformation of the energy systems that underpin our economies,” Birol wrote.
And many of the world’s economies cannot bear this.
Excellent Points from Australia
Energy officials from Australia, for example — incidentally, one of the IEA member countries —  had plenty to say in response.
“There are many, ways to get to net zero, and the IEA just looked at one narrow formula,” said Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association chief Andrew McConville. “The IEA report doesn&#39;t take into account future negative emission technologies and offsets from outside the energy sector — two things that are likely to happen and will allow vital and necessary future development of oil and gas fields.”
In urging policymakers to maintain a degree of skepticism about the wisdom of the IEA roadmap, McConville isn’t alone.
“We are bringing emissions down,” stated Angus Taylor, Australia’s Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, “but we’re going to do it in a way that ensures we’ve got that affordable power that Australians need.”
Rather than being dictated to by entities abroad, Taylor argued that Australia must proceed at a pace that makes sense locally. And part of these local considerations includes ensuring that people have energy and jobs. The IEA’s call to cease investment in fossil fuels will impede both of these metrics.
“Global gas demand is forecast to grow by 1.5% on average per year out to 2025, providing incentive to ensure our large gas fields … are developed as soon as possible,” said Keith Pitt, Minister for Resources. “Large upcoming offshore developments … will create thousands of new high-wage jobs.”
Africa’s Realities
The same holds true for African countries.
While environmental causes are a major focus in the West, lawmakers in Africa’s developing countries are more concerned with living wages and supplying basic necessities to the continent’s growing population.
The IEA plan amounts to austerity measures that would see Africans leaving petroleum resources in the ground. It would essentially brand poor Africans criminals — or at the very least enemies of the environment — for using fossil fuels.
This is folly. Let’s keep in mind the critical role that natural gas is playing in the global transition to clean energy: It’s an affordable and reliable bridge to renewables. And natural gas is particularly important to Africa. As I’ve written in the past, the African Energy Chamber’s 2021 Africa Energy Outlook report projects that African gas production and consumption are going to rise in the 2020s. As a result, Africa’s natural gas sector will soon be responsible for large-scale job creation, increased opportunities for monetization and economic diversification, and critical gas-to-power initiatives that will bring more Africans reliable electricity. These significant benefits should not be dismissed in the name of achieving net zero emissions on deadline. To tell African countries with gas potential like Mozambique, Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Libya, Algeria, South Africa, Angola and many others that they cant monetize their gas and rather wait for foreign aid and handouts from their western counterparts makes no sense.
What’s more, we can’t overlook the fact that renewable energy solutions are still young technologies —they are less reliable and more expensive per unit of power than tried-and-true petroleum products. Not only that, but achieving net zero by 2050 would require widespread adoption of technologies that are not even available yet.
Don’t get me wrong: I understand the importance of working toward renewables. I believe they are the future of the energy industry. But the global energy transition must be inclusive, equitable, and just. Unfortunately, the roadmap laid out by the IEA is none of these.
The IEA is a respected institution whose opinions help shape the rhetoric of the global energy market. So instead of mandating these strict guidelines from abroad, the IEA should try working with African countries to find solutions that we can actually abide. At the very least, I encourage the IEA to consider partnerships with African Private sector and financial institutions, whose collaboration with indigenous and international energy stakeholders provides invaluable insight from all sides across the energy industry. The IEA should use its voice to push for what I have always believe Africa needs the most at this time,  free markets, personal responsibility, less regulation, low taxes, limited government, individual liberties, and economic empowerment will boost African energy markets and economies.
Africa deserves the chance to capitalize on its own oil and gas to strengthen itself, rather than being bullied onto a path determined by Western institutions that don’t face the same obstacles. We must be able to improve our energy sector by exploring our continent’s full potential in a way that benefits our people.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Media files

Net Zero? Not For Africa. Not Yet. Africa Must Fight Energy Poverty with Oil and Gas Development (By NJ Ayuk)

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.

Marriott International’s (www.Marriott.com) portfolio of luxury brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels &#038; Resorts, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, W Hotels and Bvlgari Hotels &#038; Resorts, is delighted to unveil a collection of one-of-a-kind adventures in the Middle East and Africa curated in partnership with Quintessentially, the world’s leading luxury concierge company. Available to book now, each distinct itinerary features extraordinary experiences unique to the destination, paired with luxurious accommodations, flawless service and exceptional culinary offerings.

“Our guests are seeking new ways to explore a destination with a renewed sense of discovery and desire for personalised experiences,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East &#038; Africa, Marriott International. “Following our successful partnership with Quintessentially last year, which saw the launch of several distinct itineraries across Europe and the United States, we are thrilled to enhance our collaboration by debuting this series of bespoke adventures across the Middle East and Africa. These unique itineraries will offer guests access to immersive and luxurious journeys created with the expertise of this leading concierge company.”
Luxury guests are increasingly seeking bespoke holidays which offer a more private approach. These curated experiences reflect this trend and address the growing demand for personalised experiences in trending and emerging markets.  Whether travelling to Jeddah or the Seychelles, the bespoke itineraries promise an unforgettable escape to some of the region’s most vibrant cities and island retreats. Guests can cruise the Gulf Sea by private yacht, enjoy a majestic evening in Dubai’s sand dunes, explore the unique marine eco-system in Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, snorkel in Saudi Arabia’s pristine coral reefs or spend an afternoon island hopping in the Seychelles, and more.
&#8220;As the resurgence of safe travel gains momentum, we are delighted to expand upon our partnership with Marriott for this exclusive Middle East and Africa adventure series,&#8221; said Darren Ellis, Group CEO, Quintessentially. &#8220;As one of the world’s most connected groups, we pride ourselves on being able to draw out the very best every destination has to offer with an unparalleled level of personalisation and authenticity. These incredible journeys speak to Quintessentially’s dedication to enhancing people&#39;s lives and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for Marriott guests.&#8221;
These journeys will be available from June 1st until August 31st, 2021, and the highly coveted itineraries include:
A FAMILY REUNION IN ABU DHABI: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort &#038; Spa.
Guest will enjoy a unique family get-together in Abu Dhabi; a city of luxury and innovation, a destination graced with glass-paneled skyscrapers, breathtaking desert landscapes, an array of cultural and outdoor attractions, and activities for the whole family.
 	Explore a unique marine eco-system during a guided kayaking adventure through the scenic mangroves 	Visit the Abu Dhabi Louvre, an architectural gem housing unique historical and cultural exhibits 	Discover Manarat Al Saadiyat, a historical, cultural and artistic enclave 	Explore the desert dunes, dive into desert activities and learn about Bedouin life 	Watch a falconry show and attend a race at Al Wathba Camel Racetrack 	Enjoy a range of activities for the whole family including watersports, golfing, tennis and horse riding 
DOHA, THE ‘ART CAPITAL OF THE MIDDLE EAST’: Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort &#038; Spa.
Located on the beautiful coastline of the azure Arabian Gulf, Qatar is a dynamic country of contrasts. Steeped in history, traditional Arabic hospitality meets modern ambition. From UNESCO recognised heritage sites and untouched scenic desert landscapes to emerging cities, Qatar is a captivating destination off the beaten path.
 	Discover the beauty of Doha from the sky including Westbay Lagoon, The Pearl Qatar and Zig Zag Towers during a private helicopter tour 	Visit the National Museum of Qatar and discover its historical and natural exhibits 	Stroll Doha’s century-old trading market, Souq Waqif 	Cruise by private yacht in the Gulf Sea of Qatar to Safliya Island 	Explore the vast collection of art at the Museum of Islamic Art, Mathaf the Arab Museum of Modern Art and Katara Cultural Village 	Unwind, relax and enjoy a wellness experience at Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort &#038; Spa 
SAND, SUN AND SKYSCRAPERS IN DUBAI AND SEYCHELLES: Bvlgari Resort Dubai and North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort.
Bursting with excitement, innovation and glamour, Dubai is an experience like no other. From Dubai guests will fly to the Seychelles, the beautiful archipelago islands in the Indian Ocean lying off the coast of East Africa.
 	Enjoy an intimate desert safari trip with private chefs and Astronomers in Dubai’s majestic sand dunes 	Indulge in extraordinary culinary experiences in Bvlgari’s exclusive atmosphere 	Relax with romantic sundowners over a bonfire from The Cross at the base of Spa Hill 	Cruise to La Digue and see the iconic granite boulders that frame Anse Source d’Argent beach 	Discover the surrounding archipelago islands by private boat 
FAMILY FUN IN JEDDAH: The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah
Guests will visit the Kingdom’s second largest city, along the country’s west coast overlooking the Red Sea and discover Jeddah’s enchanting history and culture through its narrow streets, museums and art galleries. Surrounded by deserts at this sea front city, the whole family will enjoy safari trips and thrilling watersports.
 	Explore Jeddah’s diverse culinary scene, from street-stall shawarma to fine-dining fusion 	Take a family day trip to the reefs for snorkeling and diving at Sharm Obhur 	Explore Balad, the magical historical quarter and Nasseef House 	Discover the labyrinthine lanes of Souq Al Alawi 	Visit the magnificent floating Mosque 	Swim with dolphins and learn about marine life at Al Fakieh Aquarium 	Enjoy the thrilling rides and family activities at Al Shallal Theme Park 
For more information please visit https://Quintessentially.com/marriott-experiences
 Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..
For more images: https://bit.ly/2RJh7uT
About Marriott International, Inc.: Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,600 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 133 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website, and for the latest company news, visit www.Marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook (https://bit.ly/3vnayg0) and @MarriottIntl on Twitter (https://bit.ly/3bRNIFI) and Instagram (https://bit.ly/3oRlCj5).
About Quintessentially: Quintessentially, the world’s leading luxury lifestyle group is dedicated to connecting individuals and communities, through life-affirming experiences. Quintessentially achieves this by providing unique access and specialist lifestyle services, and by fostering global brand relationships. With a global network, our specialists are experts in every aspect of contemporary luxury living.
Media files

Marriott International’s Portfolio of Luxury Brands and Quintessentially Unveil a Collection of Exclusive Luxury Experiences in the Middle East & Africa

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SMS learning company, Eneza Education has launched a new product in Rwanda this week, called, “Ask a Teacher”; making it the second East African country on the company’s roster and the 4th on the continent.

Eneza Education looks enhance distance learning in Rwanda with SMS

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Safaricom has launched a new strategy on the occasion of their 19 year Anniversary that they describe as &#8220;Simple, Transparent and Honest&#8221;. The strategy includes new data, SMS and calling plans that will offer data bundles and calling minutes with no expiry. This comes after a lawsuit made news of Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya being sued over just that – the expiry of data and loss of unused Internet bundles. Journalist, Joseph Bonyo joins CNBC Africa for more.

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Monaco set to welcome fans for Olympic Games Sevens Repechage

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Celebrating the past, defining the future: looking back to look ahead

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Net Zero? Not For Africa. Not Yet. Africa Must Fight Energy Poverty with Oil and Gas Development (By NJ Ayuk)

Marriott International’s Portfolio of Luxury Brands and Quintessentially Unveil a Collection of Exclusive Luxury Experiences in the Middle East & Africa

Eneza Education looks enhance distance learning in Rwanda with SMS

Safaricom backs down on data expiry losses

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