Search

The article presents an addendum to the position paper on the use of meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MMCV) in the African meningitis belt issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization at its meeting in September 2023. Topics include the WHO off-label recommendations for meningococcal vaccines and vaccination that apply to countries in the African meningitis belt and research priorities on the impact of Men5CV vaccine.

This article discusses the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and its impact on Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, particularly due to their weak healthcare systems. The authors emphasize the need for better global health security and international cooperation to manage such diseases. The paper aims to analyze the outbreak and response strategies in these three countries in order to provide insights for improving healthcare systems and responses to EVD and similar diseases worldwide. It is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Bayobab white paper: read about the big developments taking place to extend connectivity across Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study published in Science Advances reveals that a third of Africa's gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees are at risk due to mining operations for metals essential to the global clean energy transition. The study estimates that nearly 180,000 great apes in Africa are threatened by mining activities, which drive deforestation. The impact may be even greater as mining companies are not required to disclose biodiversity data. The demand for minerals used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles is increasing, and Africa, home to a third of the world's mineral resources, is particularly vulnerable due to its diverse and fragile ecosystems. The researchers emphasize the need for a shift away from fossil fuels that does not jeopardize biodiversity. [Extracted from the article]

Ric Swift, the founder of the UK Wildlife Film School, plans to relocate his school to Africa and his Land Rover One Ten is an essential part of his plans. The vehicle is equipped with a large roof rack and a platform on the bonnet for easy access. It is used to transport film equipment, camping gear, and food for the students during their wildlife film courses in Scotland. Ric aims to take the school to Tanzania, but is also considering Botswana as an alternative due to import tax issues. He values the reliability and familiarity of his Land Rover for the long journey. [Extracted from the article]

In 2012, whilst studying the basic mechanisms of how bacteria defend themselves against viruses (some blue-sky basic science), Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna identified a method for genome editing. Less than a decade later in 2020, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the development of this method - which the scientific community now refers to as CRISPR genome editing. This began a gene editing revolution that is still ramping up, and that Africa and South Africa are actively taking part in. But a lot more can and should be done on the continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study conducted by international researchers, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Huazhong Agricultural University, Africa Rice Centre, and Wageningen University and Research, which reveals that Africa's rice sector has the potential for increased yields by employing improved agronomic practices, with the average yield currently representing less than half of what could be achieved.

BankservAfrica, a clearing house in Africa, partnered with UnionPay International for e-commerce transactions for UPI cardholders in Africa. Through this partnership, UnionPay will be able to extend its service to several countries in Africa, according to a press release. "As... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides the latest verified results from South Africa's national election, as released by the Electoral Commission of South Africa. The tables show the support for various political parties, including the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, uMkhonto weSizwe, and smaller parties. It is important to note that these partial results may not accurately reflect the final outcome, as counting in rural areas and townships, where the ANC historically has more support, tends to take longer. The article also mentions the new national-regional ballot, which allows independent candidates to contest for National Assembly seats alongside political parties. [Extracted from the article]

Multinational companies are scaling back their operations in Africa due to challenges such as currency fluctuations, bureaucratic obstacles, unreliable infrastructure, and congested ports. This pullback is most evident in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, which together account for a significant portion of sub-Saharan Africa's economy. African leaders are frustrated by this reluctance, as they had hoped for increased employment opportunities and reduced reliance on commodities. The retreat of multinational companies has also allowed lower-cost producers from other emerging nations to challenge big brands in Africa. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses archaeological findings at Border Cave in South Africa, where researchers discovered root vegetables called Hypoxis that were used as food and medicine in the past. Similar vegetables have been found at other sites in the region. The text also explores various topics related to archaeology and anthropology in Africa, including the !Kung San people, African elephants' reproductive strategy, the spiritual practices of the Kalahari Ju'hoansi, and rock art in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains. It suggests a possible common pre-exodus African cosmology underlying these practices. The article also discusses the discovery of cooked root vegetables at Border Cave, the earliest evidence of such food being consumed by humans. Additionally, DNA analysis of medieval individuals from the Swahili coast reveals a multiracial identity and the influence of Persian sultans in the formation of Swahili culture, aligning with local stories previously dismissed as myth. However, the study's focus on elite Muslim cemeteries may not represent the entire Swahili population. [Extracted from the article]

Combat drones have significantly changed warfare in Africa, leading to an increase in civilian casualties. African governments, facing financial constraints and poorly equipped armies, have turned to cheaper drone options from companies like Turkey's Baykar and China's Aviation Industry Corp. These drones have been used in civil wars and insurgencies across the continent, resulting in a rise in civilian deaths. The lack of adequate pilot training and intelligence failures have contributed to the harm inflicted on civilians. The proliferation of drones in Africa is also influenced by conflicts in other regions, such as Russia's war with Ukraine. Non-state actors, including jihadist groups, are also utilizing drones for surveillance and attaching explosives to them. The use of drones by African governments has raised concerns about the protection of civilians and the need for more responsible use and regulations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Haramaya University has found that twin pregnancies are becoming more common in Eastern Africa, occurring in about 4% of pregnancies. The study also revealed that twin pregnancies are associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes, such as neonatal intensive care unit admission, low birth weight, prematurity, stillbirth, and maternal complications. The researchers emphasize the need for special care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery to reduce these adverse outcomes. The study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and risks of twin pregnancies in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Nigeria's naira has experienced significant gains in both official and parallel markets after the Central Bank of Nigeria announced that it has cleared a backlog of unmet foreign-exchange obligations totaling $7 billion. This move is seen as a fulfillment of Governor Olayemi Cardoso's commitment to stabilize the market and restore investor confidence. The clearing of the backlog is expected to boost market confidence, strengthen the naira in the medium term, and contribute to a downward trajectory on inflation. Nigeria has faced foreign-exchange scarcity due to low crude production and a lack of economic diversification, leading to unmet obligations and a decline in investor interest. The government has implemented various measures to attract investors, including allowing the naira to trade more freely and introducing additional measures to address the backlog. These efforts have resulted in increased overseas remittances and foreign-investor portfolio asset purchases. The central bank is expected to announce further rate hikes to rein in the naira and inflation. [Extracted from the article]

Central banks in Africa's largest economies, including Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, and Ghana, are expected to maintain their current interest rates as they assess inflation risks. Factors such as currency weakness, hot and dry weather conditions, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are contributing to inflation pressures in these countries. The Central Bank of Nigeria's rate decision is uncertain, with analysts split on whether there will be a rate hike. Inflation rates and targets vary across these countries, and their central banks are closely monitoring domestic and global factors before making any changes to their monetary policies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the National Research Centre in Giza, Egypt, explored the use of liposome technology in the treatment of fabric textiles. The researchers found that using liposomes to encapsulate dyes increased the dyeing affinity of cotton and wool fabrics compared to conventional dyeing methods. The study also investigated the color strength, infrared spectra, scanning electron microscope images, and fastness properties of the liposome-dyed fabrics. This research contributes to the development of environmentally friendly dyeing techniques using liposome technology. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Cairo University in Egypt has developed an uncertainty-aware approach called optimized Bayesian convolutional neural network (OBCNN) for the automated detection of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), a type of breast cancer. The OBCNN model uses deep learning techniques and Monte Carlo dropout to estimate and infer uncertainty in its predictions. The research found that the proposed OBCNN achieved high accuracy, precision, and G-mean in diagnosing IDC compared to other methods. This study provides valuable insights into the use of machine learning and neural networks for breast cancer diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Senegal's efforts to capitalize on its large oil and gas finds off its coast have been hindered by political turmoil and project delays. The delays in BP's $4.8 billion Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas project have caused Senegal to potentially miss the International Monetary Fund's economic growth forecast for 2024. This is a common issue in African countries that have struggled to benefit from major oil and gas discoveries, as project delays, political uncertainties, and mismanagement have limited export revenues and worsened their financial situations. Additionally, these discoveries have done little to improve the energy situation at home, as domestic markets have limited access to their own gas for electricity generation. [Extracted from the article]

The TCL NxtPaper smartphone, which features a full-color display with an e-ink feel, received a CES Innovation Honoree Award at CES 2024. The device is set to be released in select African countries in 2024, including South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda. The NxtPaper technology aims to provide an elevated eye comfort experience and reduce harmful blue light by up to 61%. TCL is also planning to launch other products in South Africa, including the TCL 505 smartphone and the Vodafone R228T. The company is shifting its focus to the TCL brand and aims to deliver affordable yet high-quality products. [Extracted from the article]

Ethiopia has the potential to become Africa's next fintech giant, with a growing fintech sector and supportive government policies. While most of Africa's fintech success has come from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, other countries like Ethiopia are starting to realize the benefits of an active fintech ecosystem. Ethiopia's recent liberalization of its telecommunications sector, establishment of a stock exchange, and development of policies to increase financial inclusion are all steps towards unlocking its fintech potential. Challenges such as interoperability and access points still need to be addressed, but as these solutions fall into place, Ethiopia could become a major player in the fintech industry. [Extracted from the article]

Ethiopia has the potential to become Africa's next fintech giant due to its large population, high economic growth, and increasing connectivity levels. The country has recently opened up its telecommunications sector, allowing for the growth of mobile money platforms like M-Pesa. The establishment of an Ethiopian stock exchange and the government's supportive policies, such as the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, further contribute to the development of a fintech ecosystem. While there are challenges to overcome, such as interoperability and access points, Ethiopia is on track to unlock its fintech potential and become a major player in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the Sarafu Network, a mutual credit network in Kenya that enables trading without conventional money. It focuses on the network's impact on poverty-induced hunger and unemployment by providing a supplementary currency for buying agricultural produce. The Sarafu Network has gained popularity among food sellers and farmers, with over 52,000 households registered. However, challenges such as government acceptance and the cost of telecommunications hinder its nationwide scaling. The article also highlights the role of chamas, self-governing groups prevalent in Kenya since the 1980s, in facilitating mutual credit systems. Chamas offer access to credit with negotiable interest rates and foster community cohesion, providing an alternative to exploitative working conditions. The text suggests the potential for connecting mutual credit networks between Africa and Europe. [Extracted from the article]