Italian leader Meloni unveils plan to promote Africa development and curb migration at summit
Meloni opened a summit of African leaders on Monday aimed at illustrating Italy's big development plan for the continent that her government hopes will stem migration flows and forge a new relationship between Europe and Africa. Meloni opened a summit of African leaders on Monday aimed at illustrating Italy's big development plan for the continent that her government hopes will stem migration flows and forge a new relationship between Europe and Africa. Meloni opened a summit of African leaders on Monday aimed at illustrating Italy's big development plan for the continent that her government hopes will stem migration flows and forge a new relationship between Europe and Africa. Meloni opened a summit of African leaders on Monday aimed at illustrating Italy's big development plan for the continent that her government hopes will stem migration flows and forge a new relationship between Europe and Africa. Alongside the Mattei Plan, Meloni's government has forged controversial deals with individual countries to try to mitigate the migration burden on Italy.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 15:47 UTC
Italian PM Meloni's Africa plan swaps energy investment for migration curbs
Among other initiatives, Meloni's plan seeks to swap energy investments for African efforts to curb migration. The so-called Mattei Plan hopes to position Italy as a key bridge between Africa and Europe, funneling energy north in exchange for investment in deals aimed at curbing migrant departures across the Mediterranean Sea. Meloni said the summit had been a success that had produced many areas of potential cooperation, particularly with regards to energy. In a news conference after the summit, Meloni acknowledged that it was important to ensure that work begin on projects that will make a difference on the ground. Von der Leyen described the plan as "complementary" to the European Union's own Africa package, unveiled in 2022 and worth €150 billion.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 15:46 UTC
Italy-Africa Summit kicks off in Rome with Morocco’s participation – The North Africa Post
Meloni outlined Italy’s cooperative vision with Africa, rooted in the “Mattei Plan,” which she described as an effective and tangible platform for collaboration based on equality. He underlined that Italy as one of the largest investors in Africa, with an investment volume of €24 billion in 2018. President of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat noted that Africa faces unique challenges in living standards, security, and climate. He commended the “Mattei Plan” as an effective model reflecting Europe’s concrete commitment to assisting Africa. The Italy-Africa Summit marks a pivotal moment in the Italian government’s ongoing efforts, initiated since it took office.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 15:35 UTC
Israel's ‘Hamas Completely Dismantled’ Lie Exposed | IDF To Bolster North Gaza Deployment, Raids
Israel's ‘Hamas Completely Dismantled’ Lie Exposed | IDF To Bolster North Gaza Deployment, RaidsIsrael is reportedly planning to bolster troop activity in North Gaza in the coming weeks. The decision comes as Hamas is attempting to re-establish its military presence in the region. The move comes after rocket fire emanated from the area on Sunday, Army Radio reports. IDF brigade-level raids are likely on areas where Hamas is attempting to retake Northern redoubts. Watch for more.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 15:01 UTC
Tesla-beating Chinese EV manufacturer debuts in Rwanda
Electric vehicles (EVs) produced by the world’s largest manufacturer in the sector have been introduced in Rwanda. This applies not only to individual and corporate customers but also to stakeholders including urban public transport networks and government agencies.”Have you read? Tax-driven incentives to bolster East Africa’s e-mobility growthThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has supported Rwanda’s shift to electric vehicles. Rwanda government pushing for expansion of EVsUNEP notes that Rwanda has, in recent years, introduced tax breaks for EV buyers. BYD surges past TeslaIn terms of China’s BYD, it surpassed Tesla last year as the world’s biggest EV manufacturer.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 14:21 UTC
AfDB and research centres to transform African agriculture and improve food security
With 65% of global uncultivated arable land, the African Development Bank believes that the continent can feed itself and the rest of the world. CGIAR centres are located across African countries and focus on enhancing food and nutrition security, reducing poverty, and improving natural resources and ecosystem services. They also discussed capacity building for country-based national agricultural research services partners, young scientists and extension workers, and private-sector seed growers to produce certified seeds. Following the success of TAAT phases I and II, the African Development Bank President announced that the Bank plans to roll out phase III. The African Development Bank, together with the AfricaRice centre, recently launched the $650 million Regional West Africa Rice Development (REWARD) programme in 15 West African countries.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 13:59 UTC
Italy's Meloni seeks new partnership with Africa, funds limited
Speaking at a one-day summit attended by more than two dozen African leaders and European Union officials, Meloni outlined a series of initiatives, pledging an initial 5.5 billion euros ($5.95 billion), including state guarantees. “We believe it is possible to envision and write a new chapter in the history of our relationship, a cooperation among equals, far from any predatory imposition or charitable stance towards Africa,” Meloni said in an opening speech.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 13:35 UTC
North Macedonia elects first-ever ethnic Albanian PM
Talat Xhaferi reacts on the day the North Macedonian parliament voted him as the first Albanian prime minister since the country became independent.—ReutersSKOPJE: North Macedonia’s parliament elected Talat Xhaferi as caretaker prime minister on Sunday, making the 61-year-old the first ethnic Albanian to lead the Balkan country’s government. Around a quarter of North Macedonia’s 1.8 million inhabitants are ethnic Albanians. But ever since the country’s 1991 declaration of independence from former Yugoslavia, tensions persisted between the majority population and ethnic Albanian minority. The tensions even erupted into a six-month armed conflict between ethnic Albanian rebels and government forces in 2001, which only ended through the intervention of the international community. Representatives of the ethnic Albanian community have been elected or appointed on high state positions before but have never led the government.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 13:22 UTC
Abakar Ahamat on Cameroon Anglophone crisis: ‘Weapons cannot bring peace’
The governor of Cameroon’s North-West region from 2007 to 2012, Abakar Ahamat is a disillusioned retiree. He devotes his time to writing, using his free time to express his views on the crisis in the English-speaking North-West and South-West. There's more to this story Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Subscribe Now cancel anytime Already a a subscriber Sign In
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 12:38 UTC
ECOWAS: Withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso & Niger from African Bloc Kills Algeria-Nigeria Pipeline Project – The North Africa Post
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), dealing a hard blow to France and the Algerian regime which is serving the agenda of the former French colonial power in the region. The three countries had already been suspended from ECOWAS after military coups took place in Niger in July 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Mali in 2020. According to some experts, their withdrawal from the regional bloc buries once for all the Algeria-Nigeria gas pipeline project, while the Moroccan-Nigerian project is gaining momentum driven by the African Atlantic cooperation project spearheaded by King Mohammed VI. Within the frame of South-South solidarity-based cooperation, the Moroccan Sovereign has launched lately an international initiative to enable Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Niger) to have access to the Atlantic Ocean, a project that will transform the economies of these landlocked countries and the entire region. These combined projects show Morocco’s leadership in driving geostrategic changes in Africa for shared prosperity, co-development, regional peace and stability.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 12:34 UTC
Mastercard, Paymob Drive Digital Payments Growth in MENA
SharePaymob, a prominent financial services provider in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENA-P), has recently joined forces with Mastercard. This comprehensive, omnichannel partnership will utilize the strengths of Paymob’s payment infrastructure alongside Mastercard’s advanced payment technology. In the MENA region, MSMEs are crucial for economic expansion and play a significant role in contributing to the GDP. Together, we are fast-tracking the implementation of affordable digital payment options, which will boost the uptake of digital transactions in the region. In addition to Egypt, Paymob’s services extend to merchants in KSA, UAE, Oman, and Pakistan, thanks to its partnership with Mastercard.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 12:09 UTC
North African gas project passes key milestone for go-ahead
UK-listed Energean is about to receive Moroccan regulatory approval to takeover operatorship of Morocco’s biggest gas project, a key step towards getting the Anchois gas field development off the drawing board. Late last year, Energean struck a deal to acquire a major stake in the project from original operator, London-listed Chariot Energy, in as move to expedite tapping 1 trillion cubic feet of gas held in the offshore field.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 11:52 UTC
Algeria threatens Mali with ‘civil war’ – The North Africa Post
Bamako also accused Algeria of supporting sanctions against Mali and backing terrorism. In response, Algeria issued a statement addressing the “Malian people” directly -instead of the Malian authorities- threatening an upcoming civil war, in total disregard for the sovereignty of the Malian government’s sovereignty. It also denounced Algeria’s “condescendence” with Mali, whom Algiers views as its “backyard.”As for terrorism, Mali recalled Algeria’s “hidden hand” in the spread of terrorism in the Sahel by Algerian groups such as the GSPC and AQIM. The diplomatic crisis between the two countries was building up since Mali kicked out French troops and took military action against the heavily armed Tuareg rebels in the north. Algeria, a military dominated state, is ill-positioned to give lessons to Mali on political transition and military rule, Malian analysts say.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 11:28 UTC
Nigeria: Solar-powered irrigation pumps help boost food security
The Netherlands has provided 10 solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers across four states in Nigeria through its HortiNigeria project. The HortiNigeria programme was set up in 2021 and is expected to conclude in 2025. Idris told the News Agency of Nigeria that the project is dedicated to pioneering sustainable solutions for Nigerian agriculture. Solar irrigation pumps improve crop yields for farmers in TogoOutcomes expected from the Nigeria agriculture programmeIn addition to the solar irrigation pumps, the project has also provided information to over 50,000 farmers regarding sustainable practices. The HortiNigeria programme was introduced to her women’s group, Nagarta Manoman Mata Garin Ali, and by extension, the capacity of solar-powered irrigation pumps.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 11:17 UTC
Egypt is exploring possibility of issuing bonds in Emirati dirhams, Indian rupees: Finance Minister
The Egyptian government is mulling over the possibility of issuing bonds for the first time denominated in Emirati dirhams, Indian rupees, and Hong Kong dollars. The move is part of the ministry's pursuit of a diversified financing strategy, encompassing multiple markets, investors and financing tools. He underscored the recent issuance of green bonds worth $750 million and sovereign sukuk worth $1.5 billion. Minister Maait emphasised the Egyptian government's keenness to boost cooperation with the UAE, especially in taxation, economic, financial, and investment fields, across all sectors. He added that the Egyptian Ministry of Finance is also committed to smoothing any tax or customs hurdles Emirati businesses might face in Egypt.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 11:15 UTC