Financial Stability Board’s Middle East and North Africa group discusses AI and cyber risks
+ Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow+ Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow+ Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow+ Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow+ Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow+ Follow x Following x Following - Unfollow+ Follow x Following x Following - UnfollowDISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations. On November 6, the Financial Stability Board’s (FSB) Regional Consultative Group for the Middle East and North Africa convened in Saudi Arabia for a meeting focused on technological innovation and AI advancements within the financial sector. The participants discussed the benefits and risks associated with AI and anticipated the FSB’s upcoming report on AI’s financial stability implications. The meeting also addressed the increasing frequency and severity of operational and cyber incidents in the financial system, emphasizing the implications of increased reliance on external providers. Global and regional market developments were also reviewed, including inflation expectations and the influence of technology and social media on depositor behavior.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 20:04 UTC
Mastercard Hosts First-Ever Africa Esports Summit in Casablanca
Mastercard has solidified its position as a leader in Africa’s rapidly growing gaming industry by hosting the company’s first-ever Africa Esports Summit in Casablanca. The Mastercard Africa Esports Summit is a cornerstone in our mission to enable secure, accessible payment solutions that drive economic opportunities for Africa’s digital generation,” said Mohamed Benomar, Country General Manager of North West Africa at Mastercard. Mastercard’s Africa Esports Summit aligns with this momentum, as it supports gaming and esports through technology, payment innovation, and partnerships that empower the next generation of African gamers. Hicham Khlifi said: “This summit is a landmark moment for esports in Africa. By bringing together key players from the financial and gaming ecosystems, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving esports industry across the continent.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 19:04 UTC
North Korea's Secret IT Army and How to Combat It -- Redmondmag.com
North Korea's Secret IT Army and How to Combat ItDate: Thursday, December 19 at 11am PT / 2pm ETOrganizations around the world are unknowingly recruiting and hiring fake employees and contractors from North Korea. Join us for this webinar where Roger A. Grimes, Data-Driven Defense Evangelist for KnowBe4, teaches you what we have learned and how you can stay one step ahead. About the presenters:Roger A. Grimes, Data-Driven Defense Evangelist, KnowBe4Roger Grimes, KnowBe4’s Data-Driven Defense Evangelist, is a 30-year computer security consultant, instructor, holder of dozens of computer certifications and an award-winning author of 10 books and over 1,000 magazine articles on computer security. He now serves as the Data-Driven Security Analyst for KnowBe4. He has worked at some of the world’s largest computer security companies, including Foundstone, McAfee and Microsoft.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 19:02 UTC
SA’s JET commitment: Clean energy, sustainable livelihoods
The president emphasised the importance of considering the livelihoods and jobs of ordinary people as the energy sector transitions towards clean energy sources. The 12-month campaign – dubbed Leveraging the Potential of Renewables—The Road to Johannesburg – aims to scale renewable energy in Africa by leveraging South Africa’s G20 Presidency. It is expected to tackle issues of inequality and promote sustainable development to provide access to power to millions who currently lack electricity. “Currently, only 3% of global investments in renewable infrastructure are allocated to Africa, while the European Commission aims to triple renewable energy investment by 2030. Global campaign to accelerate Africa’s renewable energy projectsMeanwhile, South African Human Rights and Climate Justice Activist Kumi Naidoo has called on the G20 leaders to urgently adopt clean energy solutions, warning about the dangers of catastrophic climate change.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 18:45 UTC
AMPIN Energy Transition and CIP Announce $300 Million Investment in Indian Renewable Energy
AMPIN Energy Transition, a leading renewable energy company in India, and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) have announced a new partnership aimed at advancing renewable energy projects across India. This second collaboration will see an investment of over USD 300 million, supporting the development of approximately 2 GWp of renewable energy capacity. Pinaki Bhattacharyya, Founder, Managing Director, and CEO of AMPIN Energy Transition, expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership, noting that CIP’s continued support validates AMPIN’s growth vision and its commitment to accelerating India’s renewable energy transition. AMPIN Energy Transition plays a pivotal role in India’s renewable energy sector, advancing utility-scale projects in solar, wind, and hybrid technologies. The new partnership between AMPIN and CIP is poised to significantly impact India’s renewable energy infrastructure, reinforcing both companies’ commitment to sustainable energy and contributing to India’s long-term energy goals.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 18:00 UTC
From Military Intervention and Economic Statecraft to Diplomacy: Russia’s Transforming Middle Eastern Policies since October 7
Russia’s strategic policies towards the Middle East can be characterised as largely relying on military intervention or presence, especially since 2015 when Moscow became involved in in the Syrian war. Recent events in the region, especially the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, have presented another turning point, signalling a shift towards diplomacy in Russia’s policy. Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas and several other Palestinian nationalist groups launched coordinated armed incursions into Israel, Russia, which had previously balanced relations between Israelis and Palestinians, has changed its approach. Russia also moved swiftly to renew its relations with Hamas and other Palestinian political factions[iii]. This military action is fraught with even greater dramatic consequences for Lebanon and the entire Middle East.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 17:24 UTC
North West road closures, bus and train disruptions from snow
Snow clearing and anti-icing measures were taken on tram and train tracks overnight ahead of services, with some bus routes being diverted, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said. Grane Road in Haslingden has been closed between junction 5 on the M65 and Holcombe Road due to a crash, Lancashire Police said. "The road will be closed for some time whilst we make sure the road is safe," the force added. TfGM said the 184 bus route through Marsden has also been diverted via Old Mount Road, as it has been unable to serve Mount Road due to snow. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber cold health alert for the whole of the North West, which is in place until 18:00 GMT on Saturday.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 17:17 UTC
Top 5 Best Online Sites to Shop for Black Friday in South Africa
With the rise of online shopping, many people are taking advantage of Black Friday offers from the convenience of their own homes. To help you make the most of your Black Friday shopping, here are the top 5 online stores to consider:1. TakealotTakealot is South Africa’s largest online retailer with over 25 collection facilities across the country and a popular location for Black Friday bargains. MakroMakro is well-known for its bulk purchasing possibilities and diverse product offerings, which include electronics, household items, and groceries. Their Black Friday prices are incredibly competitive, and shopping online at Makro allows you to dodge the crowds while still saving big.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 17:09 UTC
Sudan: Community kitchens bring vital food relief to thousands in North Darfur as humanitarian conditions worsen
Eight community kitchens are providing two hot meals per day for around 10,000 newly-displaced people in the Zamzam camp, south of Al-Fasher. The city has witnessed severe fighting over several months, disrupting the delivery of essential supplies and forcing tens of thousands of people from their homes. The project is being supported by the ICRC and the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS). Zamzam camp, established in 2004, is sheltering nearly half a million people and is considered by local communities as the last safe haven in northern Darfur. Food shortages are expected to get worse as newly-displaced families continue to arrive, fleeing the fighting in Al-Fasher.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 16:54 UTC
United Kingdom, United States, and World Food Programme (WFP) partner to provide lifesaving assistance to 70,000 drought-affected people in northern Ghana
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$ 3.6 million contribution (over 58.3 million Ghanaian cedis) from the United States, and the United Kingdom to provide emergency food and nutrition assistance to 70,000 drought-affected people in northern Ghana. The contribution will allow WFP to provide cash transfers to almost 70,000 Ghanaians, including minority groups, helping them meet their basic food and nutrition needs. WFP is grateful for U.S. and U.K. Governments’ continued support to Ghanaian families in need,” said WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Ghana, Aurore Rusiga. We know that investments now can help protect families’ nutrition, their assets, and their ability to recover. The United States and the United Kingdom are among the largest donors to WFP Ghana having been supporting families across the country to fight hunger, improve their nutrition, and rebuild their lives.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 16:54 UTC
Canon Central and North Africa Announces Strategic Partnership with École Supérieure des Arts ...
Canon’s Miraisha Programme focuses on delivering job opportunities and future livelihoods to young people across Africa through skills workshops, training programmes and enterprise support. Canon Central and North Africa (Canon-CNA.com), a global leader in imaging is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with École Supérieure des Arts Visuels de Marrakech (ESAV), a prestigious institution for film and visual arts education located in Marrakech, Morocco. This collaboration aims to elevate photography skills and empower photographers and videographers under the Canon Miraisha Programme and Film & Photography Excellence Programme. École Supérieure des Arts Visuels de Marrakech, renowned for its distinguished faculty and vibrant learning atmosphere, attracts students and professionals from across the globe. By teaming up with Canon, ESAV seeks to enhance its curriculum, providing students with comprehensive training to excel in the professional realm of visual arts.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 15:59 UTC
Egyptian insurtech startup Amenli raises $2.3m to accelerate growth
Egyptian insurtech startup Amenli has raised a US$2.3 million funding round aimed at accelerating its growth and enhancing its service offerings. Founded in 2020 by Adham Nauman, Omar Ezz El Din and Shady El Tohfa, Amenli offers its clients all types of insurance, with a focus on medical, car, home and business offerings. The investment, which includes a follow-on from Y Combinator, will be used to boost growth through evolving technological capabilities and solutions. Egypt’s largely unpenetrated insurance sector offers vast opportunity for rapid growth as adoption of insurance increases over the coming years. We are convinced that Amenli is uniquely positioned to capitalise on that trend with its advanced technology and strong management team,” he said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 15:11 UTC
Senegal’s president secures large parliament majority – The North Africa Post
Senegalese political party PASTEF won Sunday’s legislative elections, giving the president a much-needed large majority to push on through with radical economic reforms. The contenders from different opposition coalitions have all accepted defeat following a peaceful Sunday vote. Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who achieved victory in March’s presidential election, dissolved parliament in September after opposition resistance hindered his government’s initiatives. Faye has often said the lack of a parliamentary majority has impeded his march towards implementing his electoral promises of fighting corruption, reviewing fishing permits for foreign companies, and securing a bigger share from the country’s natural resources for the population. His announced reforms have unsettled some investors who fear Senegal would review some international contracts with gas firms and other extractive businesses.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 14:39 UTC
Nigeria Mining Week 2024: A new era for Nigeria’s mining sector
The ninth edition of the Nigeria Mining Week 2024 officially kicked off, with a pre-conference held yesterday, setting the stage for the official opening of the conference today (November 19) in Abuja. This year’s event marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s mining industry under the theme: From the inside out: Building the mining sector to be the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. Alake highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s mining industry through the seven-point agenda. Alake said by focusing on investor-friendly reforms and enhanced security measures, the ministry is laying the foundation for Nigeria’s mining sector to flourish and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic growth. The ministry’s vision is to ensure that Nigeria’s mining sector is not only economically prosperous but also a model of sustainability and global competitiveness.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 14:34 UTC
Rajitha, Embuldeniya recalled for South Africa Tests
SRI LANKA TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA, 2024-25Rajitha, Embuldeniya recalled for South Africa Testsby Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated onKasun Rajitha was part of the travelling squad to England but didn't play. © GettyFast-bowler Kasun Rajitha has been included in a 17-man Sri Lanka Test squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa beginning on November 29). Rajitha was not named in the squad for the 2-0 series win against New Zealand as the home conditions largely favoured the spinners. He too was part of the 2019 series win where he picked up six wickets in two matches. Sri Lanka will travel to South Africa on November 22.
Source:The North Africa Journal
November 19, 2024 13:04 UTC