AI Breakthrough Creates Images From Nothing; Open Access Publishing and the Power of the Collective; & More Headlines
About Gary PriceGary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 13, 2024 04:39 UTC
What next after U.S. and UK strikes on the Houthis?
The Houthis started attacking Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war in Gaza. In mid-October, before targeting merchant shipping, the Houthis on several occasions launched drones and missiles at Eilat on Israel’s Red Sea coast. Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea could also undermine efforts to bring Yemen’s wars to an end. The Saudi-led coalition that attacked the Houthis in Yemen in 2015 did not weaken the group but instead made them stronger. The Houthis’ current military attacks are likely to push many Yemenis to support them out of sympathy for the Palestinian cause, even if they otherwise oppose the group.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 13, 2024 00:44 UTC
Why South Africa's Poor Vote for the Now Corrupt ANC
In South Africa’s proportional representation system, this means that the ANC will have to look for allies to continue governing. Summarising the study, Professor Yoland Sadie described the role of social grants in deciding voter behaviour as important, possibly decisive. ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe hinted as much when he accused Steenhuisen of organising “apartheid parties” to remove the ANC from power. He’s trying to organise all apartheid parties and parties of Bantustans to form a group that will defeat the ANC,” Mantashe said. Will this pitch erode the ANC vote among key constituencies, including the rural communities?
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 21:33 UTC
Molineux’s path back set to complicate spin selections
"She's been highly rated by the Australian set-up for a long time," said national selector Shawn Flegler. "She did well coming back for Victoria, getting that 6-fer early on (6-45 against NSW last month). She's right in the mix for the Bangladesh tour (prior to the World Cup) as well. Molineux's potential return is likely to complicate matters further; the left-hander can slot in virtually anywhere in the order and has been touted as a future national captain. Women's CommBank T20I Series v South AfricaJanuary 27: Manuka Oval, Canberra 10.45amJanuary 28: Manuka Oval, Canberra 10.45amJanuary 30: Blundstone Arena, Hobart 7.05pmWomen's CommBank ODI Series v South AfricaFebruary 3: Adelaide Oval, 2.10pmFebruary 7: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pmFebruary 10: North Sydney Oval, 2.40pmWomen's CommBank Test Match v South AfricaFebruary 15-18: Only Test, WACA Ground, Perth 11.00am
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 21:01 UTC
Early bird tickets now available for Enlit Africa 2024
The annual Enlit Africa conference announces its main programme themes and early bird registration. The event is taking place from 28-30 May 2024 at the CTICC in Cape Town, South Africa. Enlit Africa returns with a packed programme and a world-class exhibition showcasing the latest technology and services on offer in the power, energy and water sectors. Known for its compelling content and speakers, Enlit Africa includes a live conference, exhibition, workshops and co-located events – plus product launches, innovative technology showcases, site visits, networking, and more. Water HubNon-revenue water – stopping revenue leakageClimate-resilient water systemsThe digitalisation of the water sectorWater access vs water scarcity – are we focussing on the right issues?
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 20:27 UTC
The Power of Community in Crypto: The Self-Sustaining Economies of Avalanche, Toncoin and Meme Kombat
Cryptocurrencies like Avalanche, Toncoin and Meme Kombat are successfully achieving self-sustaining economies. Meme Kombat’s Unmatched Community Incentives in Crypto\Meme Kombat (MK) is an Ethereum-based meme coin currently in its presale phase. Beyond being a meme coin, Meme Kombat distinguishes itself by combining GameFi, GambleFi and AI utilities. Embracing Community Empowerment in CryptoThe success stories of Avalanche, Toncoin and Meme Kombat explain how thriving communities contribute to the creation of self-sustaining economies within the crypto space. You can enter the Meme Kombat presale on the Ethereum chain using either ETH or USDT.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 20:06 UTC
Rescue Mission Continues in Somalia
Somali national forces in the area where a UN helicopter was captured by al-Shabaab fighters are continuing to search for passengers, according to Daud Aweis, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism. Eight people were on board the helicopter when it was captured by al-Shabaab fighters in the Galmugud region, including foreigners and one Somali citizen, Aweis said. He was not able to confirm if anyone had died or escaped, saying that Somali forces were searching for all eight people. The UN emergency assistance helicopter made an emergency landing likely due to a mechanical issue in Galmudug, which is controlled by the al-Qaeda affiliated terror group, according to the state-run Somali National News Agency (SONNA). SOURCE: CNN
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 16:49 UTC
Kenya Announces Updates on its Regional Travel Policies
The country set a six-month grace period for other members of the East African Community on what next regarding travel to Kenya. This is to ensure that a new streamlined travel policy is implemented successfully. According to media reports, this new eTA system is intended to replace the Kenyan Visa System. People looking to visit Kenya are required to apply at least 3 days before their trip to the country. Kenya has been implementing the new eTA system as of January 1st, 2024, to all travelers, except those that had been exempted.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 16:49 UTC
Offering Something Radically Different to Ghana’s Political Mainstream
A wealthy Ghanaian businessman revealed himself as the masked presidential candidate featured on billboards in major cities in recent weeks. But his launch was most notable for highlighting the government’s apparent fear of a new youth-led populist movement similar to others sweeping the continent. The cancellation of the New Africa Convention came as a surprise to many, but Ghana’s government is clearly unwilling to accommodate events that could make it look bad in an election year. The move to use security forces to enforce the cancellation suggests a deeper fear that the populism gripping some young people elsewhere in the continent could spread to Ghana. SOURCE: SEMAFOR
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 16:38 UTC
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Algeria involved in drone spying! Desert Foxes under the microscope as North African giants experience espionage ahead of Afcon kick-off - report
The Algerian national team had an unwanted visitor at the training session in Ivory Coast as a spies zoomed into Djamel Belmadi's preparations. Algeria victim of espionage in Ivory CoastA drone flew over their training sessionThe suspect is reportedly arrested
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 16:28 UTC
UN forecasts moderate 3.5% growth for Africa in 2024 amid global challenges
Public Management(Ecofin Agency) - The UN predicts a modest growth rate for Africa in 2024, rising to 3.5% from 3.3% in 2023. The report reveals varying growth rates among African sub-regions in 2024, with East Africa leading at 5.5%, followed by West Africa (3.8%), North Africa (3.2%), Central Africa (3.1%), and Southern Africa (2.3%). Globally, economic growth is projected to slow from an estimated 2.7% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024, rebounding to 2.7% in 2025. The UN underscores challenges such as persistent high interest rates, escalating conflicts, sluggish international trade, and increased climate disasters affecting global growth. The organization emphasizes the need for increased investments to revive growth, address climate change, and expedite progress toward achieving sustainable development goals.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 15:06 UTC
Algeria vs Angola Predictions and Betting Tips: The North African side to dominate
We share predictions and betting tips for Algeria’s AFCON starter against Angola, including 4.45 odds for the winning margin. Algeria vs Angola Betting TipsAlgeria to win @ 1.43 with SupabetsAlgeria clean sheet @ 1.61 with SupabetsAlgeria to win by more than two goals @ 4.45 with SupabetsAll odds are courtesy of Supabets, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change. However, the Antelopes will be clinging to the fact that of the three times they’ve met Algeria, they haven’t lost. Algeria vs Angola Betting Tip 1: Algeria to win @ 1.43 with SupabetsLack of significant goal threatsIn addition to Algeria’s attacking arsenal, they’re quite strong defensively. Algeria vs Angola Betting Tip 2: Algeria clean sheet @ 1.61 with SupabetsFiring FoxesAlgeria have goals in them.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 15:01 UTC
In Ghana, Deforestation and Illegal Gold Mining Go Hand in Hand
At last year’s United Nations COP28 Climate Change Conference, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo actively sought out countries to partner with Ghana toward fulfilling its commitments under the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership. Among its ambitious objectives, the program aims to halt deforestation and restore 2 million hectares of degraded land, access international carbon markets, boost cocoa production and position Ghana as a global leader in sustainable timber production. Resilient Ghana is also projected to increase tourism, create jobs and generate $12 billion through 2030. The program has won plaudits, with several countries and organizations already partnering with Ghana to implement it, including the United Arab Emirates, which has pledged $30 million. But to many Ghanaians, Resilient Ghana sounds like just another one of Akufo-Addo’s grandiose pronouncements, quickly put together to impress global audiences, but without a clear strategy or deep commitment toward actualizing it.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 14:58 UTC
Afcon: everything you need to know about a record year for Africa’s biggest football event
Add to this the fact that the tournament takes place in the European winter and so it doesn’t face competition from any other major international tournaments except the AFC Asian Cup. As a scholar of sports communication with a focus on African football, I believe that this will be a record year for Afcon. Record prize moneyThe Confederation of African Football (Caf) has announced a 40% increase in the prize money for winning Afcon. The winning national team will take home US$7 million while the runner-up takes US$4 million, third place takes US$2.5 million and the fourth placed team takes US$1.3 million. World class facilitiesCôte d'Ivoire has pulled out all the stops to ensure that this year’s Afcon is a world class event.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 14:28 UTC
Abdullah bin Zayed congratulates Morocco on winning presidency of Human Rights Council
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Kingdom of Morocco on the winning of the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN. His Highness expressed the UAE’s congratulations in a call with Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, and expressed his sincere wishes for success and progress for the Kingdom during its presidential term. The UAE top diplomat affirmed that winning the Presidency reflects global recognition for the Kingdom’s continuous endeavors to strengthen and safeguard human rights, and its prominent role in this field. Furthermore, it also represents a significant addition to a remarkable record of achievements across various realms. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.
Source:The North Africa Journal
January 12, 2024 13:44 UTC