As we go about our daily lives, we often overlook a critical aspect of our well-being: the quality of the air we breathe. When we do think about the air we’re breathing, we often focus on outdoor pollution from vehicles and factories. What many people don’t realise is that the air inside our homes can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. [1] While we’re aware of the health risks of outdoor air pollution, we often overlook the similar health dangers [2] of poor indoor air quality.

“Many factors can contribute to poor air quality indoors, including inadequate ventilation, pollutants from cleaning products, pet dander, and volatile organic compounds emitted by furniture and building materials,” says Magrietha Coetzee, Air Solutions Head of Sales at LG Electronics South Africa. “Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe conditions such as asthma.”

Recognising the risks of poor indoor air quality

Identifying the signs of poor indoor air quality [3] is crucial for safeguarding our health. “Common indicators of bad indoor air quality include noticing a musty or stale odour, experiencing frequent headaches or dizziness, feeling congested or having respiratory issues, or observing an excessive buildup of dust or mould,” says Coetzee. “If you or others in the space experience more frequent allergies or asthma symptoms while indoors, it could indicate poor air quality. Keeping an eye out for these signs can help identify potential issues with the air in your home or workplace.”

How an aircon helps clean the air

“While air conditioning systems are known for keeping us cool in summer and warm in winter, what many people don’t realise is that they can play a crucial role [4] in purifying the air inside our homes,” Coetzee adds. By filtering out dust, allergens, and other impurities, aircons can help create a healthier indoor environment. These systems also control temperature and humidity, which helps prevent mould growth. However, air conditioning systems vary in their ability to purify air.

“LG’s ArtCool range of air conditioners are designed to enhance indoor air quality, providing a fresh and pure environment for your home. Whether you need to cool down or heat up your space, the ArtCool range offers the ability to keep you comfortable during both hot and cold months,” adds Coetzee. “The Multi-stage Filtration System effectively captures and filters dust, allergens, and pollutants, significantly enhancing indoor air quality,” Coetzee explains. This is especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions and allergies, as it promotes a healthier living environment by reducing harmful particles and contaminants.

“The Plasmaster Ionizer++ technology goes even further by generating sterilising ions to destroy bacteria and viruses, as well as eliminating unpleasant odours and neutralising harmful substances, such as volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde,” Coetzee adds. “With these features, LG’s ArtCool range of air conditioners provide more than just temperature control—they actively contribute to overall well-being, allowing you to breathe easier and enjoy a healthier, fresher indoor atmosphere.”

In addition to these air filtering capabilities, the ArtCool air conditioner is designed to be harmonised with the interior of your home with a minimal and basic style. The mirror glass on the front of the product reflects the surrounding environment to emphasise the interior and integrity, delivering timeless beauty through the solidity of the glass material. “You can also access and control your air conditioner from anywhere with LG’s exclusive mobile app, ThinQ,” Coetzee explains. “The ArtCool range, equipped with LG’s Dual Inverter Compressor and backed by a ten-year warranty, cools faster, lasts longer, and runs quieter by addressing problems related to inefficiency and noise.”

Prioritising indoor air quality is paramount for our health and well-being, especially considering the substantial time we spend indoors. “By understanding the risks associated with poor indoor air quality and acknowledging the pivotal role of air conditioning systems in maintaining cleaner and healthier indoor environments, we can take proactive steps towards creating spaces that promote overall well-being and vitality for ourselves and our loved ones,” Coetzee concludes.

Representing 13% of global reserves, Africa’s gas resources are able to fulfill continent-wide electrification objectives, while accelerating the energy transition and creating diversified downstream industries. The continent currently exports just over 40 million tonnes of LNG per annum, with additional capacity set to come online this year. In a flagship panel at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) forum – taking place in Paris in May 2024 – Africa’s deepwater gas, LNG and FLNG investment opportunities will be further unpacked, as global investors prioritize natural gas as a less carbon-intensive solution still able to deliver energy reliably and to scale.

Under the theme, “Future Proofing Africa’s Gas and LNG Industry,” a dedicated panel will outline Africa’s long-term gas demand growth – among the highest in the world – as well as opportunities to develop, supply and service gas exploration, processing, transport and storage projects. The panel will be moderated by Amena Bakr, Senior Research Analyst, Energy Intelligence and panelists will include Per Magnus Nysveen, Senior Partner & Head of Analysis, Rystad Energy; Armel Simondin, Chief Executive Officer, Perenco and Cobie Loper, Senior Vice President – Operators and Geographical Sales of Energy Equipment, NOV

Organized by Energy Capital & Power, IAE 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3UMOOtQis an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 14-15, 2024 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-Energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

In terms of emerging exporters, countries like Senegal, Mauritania, Tanzania and Mozambique are bringing new capacity online through projects led by bp, Equinor, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil, while mature markets like Nigeria, Angola and Republic of the Congo are seeking to pivot from crude oil to associated gas production. The panel will explore Africa’s current LNG market outlook, along with the key investment trends shaping global supply-demand dynamics and long-term contract prices.

While the sector is undergoing an $800-billion, 20-year upstream capital expenditure program resulting in several world-class LNG facilities, African gas projects still face a lack of investment, owing in part to high capital requirements, long lead times and above-ground risks. As a result, the panel will explore strategies for governments and regulators to support gas development and stimulate investment through gas-specific legislation. It will also look at how new large-scale gas infrastructure projects can employ innovative solutions, including regional and multilateral financing mechanisms, to secure capital.

Technology will play a key role in discussions, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency, safety and sustainability of LNG operations across the continent. From small-scale LNG that delivers power to off-grid users, to FLNG vessels converted from existing LNG carriers, Africa is home to some of the leading innovations in the sector. Given that LNG is being positioned as a key enabler of the energy transition – emitting 50-60% fewer carbon emissions than oil or coal – the forum targets technology and service providers that can advance the discourse around decarbonization, energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

CEO of Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Scientific Committee announced and recognized the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2023 winners, 6 Researchers from 6 different African Countries awarded in two categories – Best African Women Researchers and Best African young Researchers; MARS Awards Ceremony was attended by African Ministers of Health, Technology, Information & Technology, Social Affairs, Women Rights & Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare; Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS 2023 Awards was in partnership with African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission, International Federation of Fertility Societies -IFFS, Africa Reproductive Care Society – ARCS, and Manipal University, India.

Merck Foundation also announced the Call for Applications for new edition of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit – MARS Awards 2024 to empower Women and Youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care’; Watch the Livestream of the MARS 2023 Awards Ceremony: https://apo-opa.co/3RIbzM3.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck Germany announced and celebrated the winners of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2023 announced in partnership with International Federation of Fertility Societies -IFFS, Africa Reproductive Care Society – ARCS, Manipal University and African Union Scientific Technical Research Commission to recognize African Researchers for their valuable research work and contribution to empowering women and youth in STEM in Africa with special focus on ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Reproductive & Fertility Care’.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and Chairperson of Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit -MARS expressed, “Like every year since 2016, I am extremely proud of our 6 Winners of MARS Awards this year who have been recognized under the two categories of ‘Best African Women Researchers Awards’ and ‘Best African Young Researcher Awards’ for their valuable contribution in research, especially by African Female Researchers who are under presented in this field, as we all know. Through Merck Foundation African Research Summit – MARS Awards, we aim to empower African young researchers and of course to empower and encourage African women researchers through advancing their research capacity and promote their contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).”

The winners of ‘Best African women Researchers Awards’ and ‘Best African Young Researcher Awards’ will be enrolled into research training at a premier institute in India.

“And I am also very happy to share with you all that as promised, we provided an opportunity to one of first winner of each category, however, only Ms. Stella Irungu from Kenya was able to attend the 4-day long International Federation of Fertility Societies – The IFFS World Congress 2023, held recently in Athens, Greece”, shared Senator Rasha Kelej.

Merck Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people and has been transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with its partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, by providing 1740 Scholarships for doctors from 50 Countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.

“Out of our 1740 scholarships, we have provided more than 535 scholarships for clinical and practical training for Fertility & Embryology, PG Diploma & Master Degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Psychiatry, Women’s Health, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction & Embryology, Urology, Laparoscopic Surgical skills to doctors from 39 countries across Africa and Asia. We are proud of this achievement”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.

The award ceremony was attended by Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, OFR, President of African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), President of The Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria & Secretary General of International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS), Nigeria and Prof. Dr. Satish Kumar Adiga, Head, Department of Reproductive Science and Coordinator at Fertility Preservation Centre, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.

Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, OFR shared, “I extend my congratulations to all the deserving recipients of the MARS Awards 2023. The received entries demonstrated exceptional quality of research. This platform holds significant value for African women and young researchers dedicated to health research.”

The ceremony was also attended by the below African Ministers:

  1. Hon. Dr. BARADAHANA Lydwine, Minister of Public Health and Fighting Against AIDS, Republic of Burundi
  2. Hon. Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health, The Gambia
  3. Hon. Mrs Imelde SABUSHIMIKE Minister of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender, Republic of Burundi (Represented by Donatienne GIRUKWISHAKA, General Director for the Promotion of Women and Gender Equality)
  4. Hon. Jean Sendeza, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Republic of Malawi
  5. Madam Leocadie NDACAYISABA, Minister of Communication, Information Technologies and Media, Republic of Burundi (Represented by Mr. MANIRAKIZA Ferdinand, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Communication, Information Technologies and Media)

The MARS 2023 Award Winners are:

Winners of “MARS Best Women African Researchers Awards” 2023

  • Stella Irungu, KENYA

TOPIC: Identifying Biomarkers For The Non-Invasive Diagnosis Of Endometriosis

  • Motshedisi Sebitloane, SOUTH AFRICA

TOPIC: Women Living With HIV Treatment Are At Increased Risk Of Premature Menopause

  • Oyeyemi Ifeoluwa, NIGERIA

TOPIC: Anticancer Effect Of A Copper(Ii) Complex With Vanillin 3-Ethyl-Thiosemicarbazone Ligand In Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Winners of “MARS Best Young African Researchers Awards” 2023

  • Afework Tadele Mekonnen, ETHIOPIA

TOPIC: Social Determinants Of Maternal Health In Developing Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

  • Stephene Shadrack Meena, TANZANIA

TOPIC: Targeting Tumor-Promoting Inflammation To Control The Growth And Metastasis Of Breast Cancer

  • Theogene UWIZEYIMANA, RWANDA

TOPIC: Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Maternal Near-Miss At Kirehe District Hospital In Rwanda: Implications For Improving Women’s Health In Africa

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej  further shared, “I am also excited to announce the Call for Applications for our prestigious Merck Foundation Africa Research Summit (MARS) Awards 2024. ‘The Role of Scientific Research in Women Health and Infertility & Reproductive Care’ will be the key focus this year too. Eventually, through these awards, Merck Foundation aims to empower Women Researchers and young African Researchers to strengthen the important role research plays towards contributing to public health thus improving healthcare capacity with special focus on women health, infertility and reproductive health in Africa.”

MARS 2024 will have scientific support from African Union Scientific-Technical and Research Commission (AU-STRC); African Reproductive Care Society (ARCS), International Federation of Fertility Societies (IFFS); and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India.

Details for MARS AWARDS 2024

– Abstracts are invited from final year PhD students, young investigators involved in research and Medical Doctors in Postgraduate Medical Fellowship program related to either of the following topics:

1) Women Health

2) Infertility and Reproductive Care

Applicants should be primarily based at African Research Institutes and Universities, although collaboration within Africa as well as outside is also welcome.

Last Date of Submission:

Applications can be submitted till 30th June 2024

How to apply:

Apply online here: https://apo-opa.co/3vmV54I

Alternatively, Applications and abstracts can be submitted via email to mars@merck-foundation.com

along with CV (including Name, Gender, Country, University/Hospital Name, Email address, Mobile Number) and the abstract document as an attachment.

Entries are invited under the below categories:

  • Best African Women Researchers
  • Best African Young Researcher

The Winners receive a 3-month Research Training scholarship in India.

Winners will be invited to attend the Merck Foundation Africa Asia Luminary 2024.

 

Ethnos, a leading cybersecurity firm based in Lagos, recently welcomed the esteemed members of the FinTech Association of Nigeria to their premises for a collaborative meeting aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures within the financial technology sector.

The event provided an invaluable platform for industry stakeholders to engage in insightful discussions on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in Nigeria’s burgeoning fintech industry. Led by Peter Ejiofor, the CEO of Ethnos, the gathering underscored the importance of fostering strong partnerships to fortify cybersecurity frameworks and mitigate emerging threats.

Expressing gratitude to the FinTech Association of Nigeria for their visit, Peter Ejiofor remarked, “Thank you to the FinTech Association of Nigeria for stopping by at our office. It was a pleasure hosting such esteemed professionals, and we are committed to fostering positive progress and achievements in our collaborative efforts moving forward.”

The meeting exemplified Ethnos’ dedication to promoting cybersecurity excellence and its commitment to supporting the advancement of the fintech ecosystem in Nigeria. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration among industry stakeholders, Ethnos continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding digital assets and promoting trust and confidence in financial technology solutions.

As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, Ethnos remains steadfast in its mission to provide innovative cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique needs of the Nigerian market. Through strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, Ethnos aims to elevate cybersecurity standards and empower fintech companies to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with confidence.

 

 

ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU

The primary goal of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration among partners within the ISP, Carrier, Telecommunications, Systems Integration, ICT and Data Centre providers; Channel Partners will have additional product offerings to add to their current portfolio and in turn generate new revenue streams; The programme offers partners easy access to data centre experts and will provide ongoing commercial and technical support.

Africa Data Centres, a division of the Cassava Technologies group, is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive channel partner programme, ADC Channel. This programme is designed to establish colocation and ecosystem partnerships, empowering members to expand their product portfolio & offerings alongside their market presence including an expanded data centre footprint.

ADC Channel presents a unique opportunity for global carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), system integrators, Data Centres, Mobile Network, Content Developer, telecommunications companies, network infrastructure operators, hyperscalers and others to deliver state-of-the-art, sustainable and cost-effective digital solutions to their clients.

The primary objective of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration amongst partners, facilitating the delivery of optimised solutions and comprehensive support to clients. Partners enrolled in ADC Channel will benefit from a flexible approach that accommodates various partnership and go-to-market (GTM) models.

Finhai Munzara, CFO of Africa Data Centres, emphasises that the benefits of the ADC Channel programme extend to all types of partners. “Our facilities are designed with the needs of hyper-scale, wholesale & enterprise clients in mind, catering to their technical, operational and commercial requirements. Whether it’s greenfield projects, built-to-suit facilities, powered shells, dedicated halls, or hybrid colocation, we offer flexible, scalable and sustainable solutions that suit partners of every kind.”

He elaborates on the advantages of becoming an Africa Data Centres Partner.

Firstly, clients gain an additional product offering & footprint to augment their existing portfolio, enabling them to offer bundled solutions. This not only enhances their current revenue streams but also positions them for further growth & retention with both existing and future customers.

Africa Data Centres has also developed ADC Marketplace, a pioneering platform designed to empower partners and customers across the continent. This innovative marketplace provides a dynamic space for partners to showcase their services and for customers to explore offerings, fostering collaboration and visibility within the African tech community. Offering unmatched connectivity and growth opportunities, the ADC Marketplace stands as the ultimate platform for African enterprise organisations and tech companies seeking to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Partners stand to benefit from reduced churn, as colocation is inherently a ‘sticky’ product with minimal price erosion. By offering best-of-breed colocation services from Africa’s leading data centre provider, partners can differentiate themselves from competitors.

Partners will also enjoy seamless access to data centre experts, continuous commercial and technical support, and regular, complimentary training for their sales and product teams.

Furthermore, partners face no financial risk, as participation in the channel programme requires no investment and entails no capital expenditures for building data centres.

Partners can also leverage flexibility in setting their selling prices and receive significant upfront discounts, further bolstering their competitive advantage. Exclusive benefits include competitive pricing, dedicated sales & Presales Teams, Remote Hands support and access to joint marketing resources & activities, enabling partners to thrive in the marketplace.

Munzara emphasises that ADC Channel programme  epitomises Africa Data Centres’ commitment to fostering collaborative growth and innovation. “It serves as a platform for clients to enrich their product portfolios and seamlessly extend their business across diverse ecosystems with openness and transparency.” Africa Data Centres warmly invites partners to embark on this transformative journey towards shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa.

“The programme prioritises mutual growth, leveraging Africa Data Centres’ profound industry expertise and extensive infrastructure,” Munzara concludes.

 

Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist with The Sun Newspapers, has been recognized with the prestigious MTN Nigeria Foundation Chairman’s Award for Innovative Reportage. The award ceremony took place during the School of Media and Communication’s (SMC) graduation ceremony for the MTN Media Innovation Program (MIP-2).

Presented by Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Director and Board Member of MTN Foundation, along with a cash prize, the award acknowledges Chinenye’s exceptional report on the MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur initiative. This initiative focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs by providing essential tools such as training, funding, and mentorship.No alt text provided for this image

Chinenye’s report highlighted the significant impact of the Y’ellopreneur initiative on women’s entrepreneurial aspirations in Nigeria. Her insightful exploration of the program’s contributions earned her this esteemed recognition.

Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am pleased to receive the MTN Foundation Chairman’s Award for Innovative Reportage. My report, ‘MTN’s Yellopreneur Initiative Paves the Way for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria,’ aimed to shed light on the transformative impact of this program. I extend my sincere thanks to MTN Nigeria for this honor and for the invaluable experience gained through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP).”

Chinenye also expressed appreciation for the School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, acknowledging their pivotal role in her professional development.

This award serves as a testament to Chinenye’s commitment to journalistic excellence and provides a solid foundation for her future endeavors.

 

He lives in a 4 bedroom house with a swimming pool, has an SUV, has a private driver (chauffeur), has two house maids and even has a gateman/security guard at home. His children go to a private school—dropped off and picked up by a dedicated driver or the parents.

In the West, this person could only be a millionaire footballer, a millionaire music star or a millionaire in a certain field. Even top politicians cannot easily have this enviable life.

Back in Africa or Asia, this person could be any ordinary person who has figured out Passengers leaving South Africa facs dilemma at airportshis life or a person slightly flourishing in business or working in a well-paid job.

Therefore, if you intend to relocate to the West, you should ask yourself—am I going to heavily compromise on my lifestyle and how long can I entertain or sacrifice the life I’ve known.

As an expert UK immigration lawyer, I always argue that if you intend to relocate to the UK—you should critically evaluate what you are giving up and what you plan to achieve. Just don’t jump because everyone is jumping.

More importantly, if you are 40 years and above, you must double-think about relocation—especially the intended outcome. And the level of lifestyle cuts you are ready to accommodate to achieve that outcome.

I’ve heard many stories of people who had house helps back home and relocated to the UK or Canada with their 3 or 4 children (without these house helps)—only to realize that they cannot afford the level of support they had back home and have found themselves in serious problems (depression, regret and painful adjustments)

The absurd adage, “no pain no gain” may be true. But sometimes, you don’t have to re-live a pain which you have already lived somewhere.We all have one life and if you’ve managed to find a comfortable footing or lifestyle in a certain country, don’t just uproot yourself to go and start afresh somewhere else to suffer. What if you die 2 years after relocation while still in your struggling stage?

How many of us are willing to go back to secondary school and University (for about 5 years) all again—even if it means we will get slightly increased pay?

The thing is, if you are 19 years old or 22 years old, you can easily relocate, adjust and take the pains of relocation with ease. But if you are 40 years old with some level of comfort or roots in your home country, relocation wouldn’t be that easy.Life is a daring adventure. But always think twice and consider many things, including even the effect of the cold weather on you as an older person. It shouldn’t all be about the money—it should be about the total “lifestyle” awaiting you.

You should even consider your personal or religious ideologies including your position on same-sex relationships or dealings, smoking, racism, food and culture. Are you open-minded enough to sit next to same-sex couples or have your children be loudly taught about same-sex relationships, atheism and different things to which you may hold strong objection?

–Chris-Vincent Agyapong,

A Hedonist, Contrarian, Lawyer, Atheist, Thinker, Writer, Minimalist, Polygamy Evangelist, Soft Life Ambassador and A Professional Truth Sayer

 

 

 

The thing is, if you are 19 years old or 22 years old, you can easily relocate, adjust and take the pains of relocation with ease. But if you are 40 years old with some level of comfort or roots in your home country, relocation wouldn’t be that easy.Life is a daring adventure. But always think twice and consider many things, including even the effect of the cold weather on you as an older person. It shouldn’t all be about the money—it should be about the total “lifestyle” awaiting you.

 

Transcorp Hotels Plc, under the leadership of Tony Elumelu, is set to establish its presence in Lagos with the construction of the Transcorp Hotel Ikoyi Lagos. The upcoming 20-story property, slated for completion in 2027, aims to offer 315 rooms, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to industry giants like Marriott and Sheraton.

The project, which faced delays in its development, has now resumed construction after overcoming various challenges. With 90% of the company’s current revenue stemming from its Abuja property, known as Transcorp Abuja, the Lagos venture marks a strategic move to diversify earnings and expand its footprint in the hospitality sector.

Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, emphasized the significance of the Lagos expansion, highlighting its potential to drive revenue growth and enhance the firm’s position in the hospitality market. Financing options, including equity and debt, are being explored to support the development of the Lagos hotel.

In line with its growth strategy, Transcorp Hotels recently divested its loss-making Transcorp Hotel Calabar to a new investor. The company’s audited 2023 full-year results showcased remarkable performance, with record-breaking revenue reaching N41.5 billion, a substantial 36% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, profit for the year surged by 133%, reaching N6.1 billion, while total assets saw a five percent rise, reaching N126.1 billion by December 2023.

Tony Elumelu’s entrepreneurial success continues to inspire admiration, with Transcorp Hotels Plc serving as a testament to his visionary leadership and strategic business acumen. The expansion into Lagos represents another milestone in Elumelu’s journey, solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in the Nigerian business landscape.

Africa can build a more prosperous, just, and sustainable future if countries invest in science, technology and innovation, these are sentiments echoed by African leaders, representatives and experts at the opening of the two-day Sixth African Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)  Forum in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

 

Science, innovation and technology, they said, are critical to the transformation of the continent in agriculture, industry and poverty eradication.

Held ahead of the African Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, the STI Forum is a pre-event organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other partners under the theme, “Effective delivery of innovative science and technology solutions to reinforce the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 and eradicate poverty in Africa.”

Belete Molla, Minister of Technology and Innovation, Ethiopia, said fostering innovation in key sectors like agriculture, clean energy, and healthcare, can create jobs, improve livelihoods, and lift millions out of poverty in Africa.

He said Ethiopia’s commitment to improving its agricultural sector and ensuring food security is a good example to be emulated by other countries in Africa.

“Ethiopia has developed a food system transformation roadmap and launched several initiatives focused on boosting agricultural productivity, achieving self-sufficiency, and combating climate change. These initiatives include improving access to fertilizers, seeds, and technologies for farmers,” he said.

Additionally Mr. Molla said Ethiopia has not only created a roadmap for food system transformation, but actively implemented numerous initiatives. These initiatives prioritize boosting agricultural resilience, achieving food self-sufficiency, and combating climate change.

The country recently amended its Science and Technology policy, placing a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and harnessing the potential of emerging technologies. The country has also enacted a national Digital Transformation strategy named “Digital Ethiopia 2025”

For his part, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support at the ECA said Africa must invest in human capital development, research and development (R&D), and in learning how to produce, sell and use emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and genomics that are transforming every aspect of life.

“Technology should advance the wellbeing of the millions of households, farmers, fishermen, and many others that still use basic tools to lift themselves out of extreme poverty,” said Mr. Pedro.

“Science and technology can play an important role in increasing the efficiency of service delivery to the poor, monitoring living conditions, predicting impending crises in crowded or remote areas and informing decision-making during crises,” said Mr. Pedro.

The STI Forum he said is specifically designed to foster collaboration, the diffusion of technology and innovation, and the scaling up of policy and operational efforts to accelerate the contribution of science, technology and innovation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

According to the ECA Executive Secretary, the STI forum has over the years, grown to become a premier platform for addressing the opportunities and challenges that science, technology and innovation offer for fostering strategic partnerships and implementation of scalable and innovative solutions.

He noted that in 2022, the Forum launched the Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa. The Alliance has since stimulated Universities and their 19 million students in Africa to nurture start-ups aimed at creating one 100 million jobs and generate $200 billion in revenue in ten years (that is by 2033).

Similarly, in 2023, the continental problem-solving and innovation platform called Origin was launched in Niamey, Niger, as the first Origin Research and Innovation Hub for East Africa at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) in Kenya. It has registered hundreds of problem solvers, has its own physical space, staff and partners from the private and public sectors.

“The ECA’s coding camps for girls and women are an example of how we can empower young women to become the next tech entrepreneurs and innovators. We have trained two thousand young girls and women so far. However, to trigger transformational change, we must replicate these examples again and again across the continent,” said Mr. Pedro

Lidia Arthur Brito, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO said international collaboration in science is an ideal way to foster peace and sustainable development.

“By investing in science and promoting innovation, African societies can empower youth to become the drivers not only of economic growth and job creation but also drivers of solutions to pressing environmental challenges,” said Ms. Brito adding that when research is linked to society, to local communities, it deploys its full potential for socio-economic development.

She underscored a critical challenge – financial sustainability – which she said impacts on many African tech hubs. “They are reliant on grants from development partners and international donors to survive, in the near absence of local business angels and seed capital.”

Javier Pérez, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to the African Union and ECA, said science and technology advances development in societies. If young people and women are empowered to become the next technology entrepreneurs and innovators, they are likely to trigger transformational change.

“The European Union is investing 279 million Euros in Africa for research and innovation to support both the SDGs and Agenda 2063 for Africa,” said Mr. Perez.

The African Science, Technology and Innovation Forum was established by the Conference of Ministers, in its resolution 961 (LI) of 15 May 2018, to take all steps necessary to organize a regular multi-stakeholder forum on science, technology and innovation as an input into the work of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development.

 

Let’s applaud the remarkable achievement of Favour Chidera, who has emerged as a shining example of academic excellence in the field of law. Favour’s journey began at Ebonyi State University, Nigeria, where she distinguished herself by graduating top of her class with a First-Class Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LL.B), boasting a cumulative grade point average of 4.66.

Undeterred by the challenges, Favour continued to demonstrate her unwavering commitment to excellence at the Nigerian Law School, Abuja campus. Her dedication paid off as she once again graduated with First-Class Honors, maintaining her stellar academic performance.

Adding another feather to her cap, Favour was officially called to the bar as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, cementing her status as a legal luminary in the making.

Favour’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers and scholars alike. Her remarkable intellect and dedication to her craft make her a true genius deserving of recognition and celebration. Let’s raise a toast to Favour Chidera as she embarks on a promising career in the legal profession.