North Korean cruise missile tests add to country’s provocative start to 2024
North Korea insists upon a boundary that encroaches deeply into waters currently controlled by South Korea. North Korea allegedly torpedoed a South Korean warship in March 2010, killing 46 South Korean sailors, and its artillery bombardment of Yeonpyeong Island near the disputed border in November 2010 killed four South Koreans. SOLID-FUEL MISSILE TESTOn Jan. 14, North Korea conducted its first flight test of a new solid-fuel intermediate-range missile that it said was tipped with a hypersonic warhead. State media said Kim also stressed North Korean efforts to build a nuclear-powered submarine, although experts say that would require significant outside help. Experts say North Korea would require considerable time, resources and technological improvements to build at least several submarines that could travel quietly and reliably execute attacks.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 08:40 UTC
Applications open for Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in SA
Applications have opened for the second edition of the Injini Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship in South Africa, which offers selected companies access to funding and other types of support. The only ed-tech specialised accelerator in Africa, its programmes and research via the Injini Think Tank contribute towards its mission to increase the quality, accessibility, and relevance of education in the region. Disrupt Africa reported last year Injini had partnered the Mastercard Foundation to launch the EdTech Fellowship for South Africa-based startups. “Injini’s distinct approach and extensive experience in delivering ed-tech acceleration support have been integral to the success of our 2023 EdTech Fellowship, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Applications for the second edition of the programme are open here until February 13.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 07:02 UTC
“Morocco, Kingdom of Light”, new beau livre by Assouline publisher – The North Africa Post
“Morocco, Kingdom of Light” is the title of a new Coffee Table book released by New York-based luxury publisher Assouline, which celebrates the rich and diverse culture of a Kingdom whose authenticity is “endless”. Embellished with more than 200 illustrations, the 312-page book “takes readers on a journey through this enchanting country” which is Morocco, indicates the publisher, noting that the “Kingdom of light” is an “eternal” source of inspiration. Morocco provides a “profound” experience to visitors, inspiring a myriad of world artists, mainly the French painter Eugène Delacroix, notes the publisher. The new book is designed to take readers on a tour across Morocco, from the lively streets of Marrakech to the serene Atlas Mountains, writes the American magazine. Assouline has already published two other books on Morocco: “Marrakech Flair” (2020) and “Moroccan Decorative Arts” (2023).
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 06:24 UTC
African tech startup investment falls 28% to $2.4bn in 2023 as global “funding winter” begins to bite
Total investment into the African tech startup ecosystem fell by 27.8 per cent to US$2.4 billion in 2023 as the impacts of the global capital shortage began to make themselves felt on the continent. While the African tech space had an impressive 2022, bucking global trends to see total funding increase to beyond the US$3 billion mark for the first time on record, 2023 signified a reset of sorts. Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya remain Africa’s “big four” from a funding perspective, securing a larger share of total funding between them than in 2022. With journalists roaming the continent to find, meet, and interview the most innovative and disruptive tech startups, Disrupt Africa is a true showcase of Africa’s most promising businesses and business ideas. Its research arm releases in-depth reports on various aspects of the African tech startup ecosystem.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 06:03 UTC
North Korea’s Kim ‘guided’ submarine-launched cruise missile test: KCNA
North Korean state media say the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, oversaw the launch of two submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCM), the second test of the weapon within days. The testing of cruise missiles, which are jet-propelled and fly at lower altitudes, is not banned under United Nations sanctions imposed over North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme that outlaw ballistic missile testing. Kim expressed “great satisfaction” over Sunday’s test, according to KCNA, noting North Korea’s determination to build a “powerful naval force”. In recent months, North Korea has tested a variety of weapons, including ballistic missile systems under development and an underwater drone. KCNA said the submarine marked the beginning of a new chapter for North Korea’s navy.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 06:00 UTC
North Korea says leader Kim supervised tests of cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines
It was the latest in a streak of weapons demonstrations by North Korea amid increasing tensions with the United States, South Korea and Japan. North Korea’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun published photos of what appeared to be at least two missiles fired separately. North Korea in past years has fired missiles both from developmental, missile-firing submarines and underwater test platforms built on barges. In recent years, North Korea has tested a variety of missiles designed to be fired from submarines as it pursues the ability to conduct nuclear strikes from underwater. North Korea has an estimated 70 to 90 diesel-powered submarines in one of the world’s largest submarine fleets.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 05:55 UTC
U.S. and Iranian Intentions
George Friedman is an internationally recognized geopolitical forecaster and strategist on international affairs and the founder and chairman of Geopolitical Futures. His most popular book, The Next 100 Years, is kept alive by the prescience of its predictions. Other best-selling books include Flashpoints: The Emerging Crisis in Europe, The Next Decade, America’s Secret War, The Future of War and The Intelligence Edge. Dr. Friedman has briefed numerous military and government organizations in the United States and overseas and appears regularly as an expert on international affairs, foreign policy and intelligence in major media. Friedman received his bachelor’s degree from the City College of the City University of New York and holds a doctorate in government from Cornell University.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 05:30 UTC
Multicultural Student Services revives Middle Eastern/North African Mentoring Program
The Middle Eastern/North African Mentoring program, a student advising program offered by Multicultural Student Services, was officially revived last fall after five years of dormancy and will continue to recruit students throughout the spring semester. The program, which includes students with Middle Eastern or North African backgrounds, offers academic support to underclassmen and transfer students who are paired with upperclassmen mentors. Formerly known as the Middle Eastern Mentoring program, the advising program was expanded to include North African students when it was restarted. Daria London, president of the program and fourth-year College student, said she and other executive members felt it was important to expand the organization’s services. Imane Akhanous, director of mentee affairs and second-year College student, echoed a similar statement to London’s.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 02:55 UTC
Every year of education reduces mortality risk
Researchers have unveiled a striking correlation between education levels and mortality rates. Previous theories proposed that higher education levels might lead to longer life spans, but the extent of this effect was unclear. The current research clarifies this by illustrating a direct correlation: a completion of six years of primary school decreases death risk by about 13 percent, secondary education cuts it by nearly 25 percent, and 18 years of education slashes mortality risk by 34 percent. Link between education and mortalityThe correlation between education and reduced mortality can be compared to other well-known health factors. “In order to reduce inequalities in mortality, it’s important to invest in areas that promote people’s opportunities to get an education.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 01:29 UTC
AFCON 2023: DR Congo goalkeeper Mpasi converts winning penalty to eliminate Egypt
Egypt are out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after the Pharaohs fell to DR Congo 8-7 in a penalty shootout after the teams played to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. Meschack Elia opened the scoring for the Leopards in the first half before Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty kick leveled the score just before halftime. The match was a tactical battle throughout with Egypt focused on maintaining possession while the Congolese team searched for opportunities to exploit the wings. A free kick service into the Congolese penalty area resulted in an aerial duel between DRC central defender Dylan Batubinska and Egypt defender Ahmed Hegazy. Highlights and the penalty kick shootout will be below when available.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 29, 2024 01:22 UTC
Taliban directives single out 'infidel' hairstyle of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un as 'fashion sin'
No haircuts that make them look like an "infidel." And no shaved faces or beards shorter than the optimal length, the report said. The issuance of the directives, initially denied by the ministry, were confirmed by a regional ministry official in the western province of Herat this week. Azizul Rahman Mohajer said on January 23 that certain haircuts were too similar to what the "infidels in the West or North Korea" have, RFE/RL reported. The latest rules say that beards should be no shorter than "one strand" and that men's eyebrows should not be trimmed.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 28, 2024 20:55 UTC
Banksias are iconic Australian plants, but their ancestors actually came from North Africa
But our research, published in Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics, shows that the ancestors of banksias actually migrated here from North Africa. We used a DNA assessment of the entire protea family to create an evolutionary tree. This showed that by 120 million years ago, the ancestors of banksias had begun crossing into northeast South America. They could have originated in Antarctica and South America, and possibly even Africa. This north Antarctic pathway might well also apply to eucalypts, whose oldest records are for southern South America, as well as currently endemic animals and microbes.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 28, 2024 19:33 UTC
Official launch of celebration of Marrakech as Culture Capital in Islamic World for 2024 – The North Africa Post
The Celebration of Marrakech as Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024, was officially kicked off, under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, at a ceremony co-organized by the Ministry of Culture and the Rabat-based Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The ceremony began with performing Morocco’s national anthem, followed by the screening of a video highlighting the characteristics and features of the historic and ancient city of Marrakech. In an address during the ceremony, ICESCO Director General Salim M. AlMalik stated that Marrakech is genuinely worthy of bearing the Capital of Culture of the Islamic World for 2024 in view of its abundant natural and historical richness and geographical uniqueness. The celebration of Marrakech, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024, featured the official song of the ceremony, which will be played at related events during 2024. Toward the end of the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik recited a poem he wrote in tribute to the city, entitled “The Glorious Marrakech.”
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 28, 2024 18:46 UTC
Suez Canal crisis: Inter-ministerial meet called, market observers fear exporters will be hit
KOLKATA, JANUARY 28: The Suez Canal crisis has prompted an inter-ministerial huddle as market observers fear exporters will be hit if the situation remains tense over the next few quarters. Freight moving through the Suez Canal has dropped 45% in 2 months since the attacks by Yemen’s Houthis. Shipping companies are diverting freight through Cape of Good Hope now. “We are conscious of the fact that the Suez Canal route is very important for us. Indian companies use the Red Sea route through the Suez Canal to trade with Europe, North America, North Africa and parts of West Asia.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 28, 2024 17:13 UTC