Deadline for NMBM prepaid meter updates nears
Residents in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (NMBM) have until November 24 to update their prepaid electricity meter. According to Sikawuthi, the metro directorate is using various strategies to reach the thousands of residents who have not yet updated their prepaid electricity meter. “We continue to urge all residents and business owners with prepaid electricity meters to update their meters before the current devices expire in November 2024,” said Sikawuti. Refusal of access to update prepaid electricity meter remains a challenge for Metro staffShe urged the residents to cooperate with the Metro teams, as they have highlighted refusal of access by residents as one of the challenges they face. After the deadline, they might be able to buy electricity, but tokens won’t be accepted by the outdated meter,” she said.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 14:35 UTC
Middle East, North Africa Face Modest Growth Amid Uncertainty
While GDP is subdued in 2024, accelerating reforms would spur inclusive growthWASHINGTON, October 16, 2024 - Growth continues to be subdued in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) because of uncertainties heightened by the conflict in the region, says the World Bank in its latest semi-annual MENA Economic Update, entitled Growth in the Middle East and North Africa. In the rest of MENA, growth is expected to decelerate. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has already inflicted a heavy human and economic toll. "Peace and stability are the foundation of sustainable development," said Ousmane Dione, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa. "Transforming the role of the state would lead to substantial gains in productivity," said Roberta Gatti, World Bank Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 14:14 UTC
Angola Leads ITSO African Group for the First Time
Angola Leads ITSO African Group for the First Time | In In News | By By Mustapha IderawumiFor the first time, Angola is leading Region D (Africa) of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation (ITSO). During each regular meeting, the Assembly of Parties of ITSO elects a President and a Vice President from among the representatives. The Vice President assumes the President’s role in their absence, with the same authority. The goal is to ensure that international satellite networks can connect the over 67% of African citizens who currently lack internet access. Angola’s leadership role within ITSO reflects the country’s commitment to advancing satellite communications and fostering international collaboration for the benefit of the African continent.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 14:01 UTC
Kenyan direct air capture startup Octavia Carbon closes $5m seed round
Kenyan direct air capture (DAC) company Octavia Carbon has closed a US$5 million seed round to further develop and deploy its groundbreaking technology, which leverages geothermal resources – especially waste heat – to permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere. DAC technologies extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere at any location, unlike carbon capture, which is generally carried out at the point of emissions, such as a steel plant. The CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations or used for a variety of applications. Octavia Carbon’s US$5 million seed round was co-led by leading African venture capital firms Lateral Frontiers and E4E Africa, with participation from Catalyst Fund, Launch Africa Ventures, Fondation Botnar, and Renew Capital. The startup has also secured US$1.1m of non-dilutive carbon finance as part of this round, signaling strong market demand for the company’s carbon credits.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 13:55 UTC
e& and AWS Forge $1 Billion Partnership to Drive AI and Cloud Innovation in the Middle East
This follows AWS’s launch of its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in 2022, with a planned US$5 billion (AED 20 billion) investment in the local economy through to 2036. The alliance will focus on delivering core cloud services like storage, computing, networking, cybersecurity, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The two companies will also leverage AWS’s unique Amazon Bedrock generative AI solutions to empower e&’s Middle East customers, large and small, with advanced AI to drive productivity and improve customer experiences. Our partnership with e& underscores AWS’s deep commitment to both the UAE and the wider Middle East, particularly in fast-tracking UAE Vision 2031. Tanuja Randery, Vice President, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, AWS
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 13:55 UTC
MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets in black ahead of earnings; oil geopolitics cap gains
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index gained 0.3%, with aluminium products manufacturer Al Taiseer Group rising 0.4% and ACWA Power Company closing 1.6% higher. Among other gainers, Arabian Internet and Communications Services advanced 1.2% after the firm signed a 309.7 million riyals ($82.50 million) contract with Saudi Telecom Company (STC). On the other hand, oil behemoth Saudi Aramco eased 0.2%. Dubai’s main share index gained 0.4%, with blue-chip developer Emaar Properties climbing 1.5%. In Abu Dhabi, the index inched 0.2% higher, supported by a 3.7% rise in Fertiglobe.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 13:53 UTC
10 things to look out for at The PIE Live North America 2024
Main stage: Nov 19, 10.15am – The election fall out: What next for US policy? Workshop: Nov 19, 12.30pm – The impact of Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) on student success. Main stage: Nov 19, 11.30am – Protests, police and politics – how do we manage conflict on campus? Workshop: Nov 19, 1.30pm – Crisis clinic: How to future-proof your marketing for crisis management. Visit The PIE Live North America site to book tickets, travel info and the ful agenda.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 12:32 UTC
Middle East & Africa Bentonite Market Size & Outlook, 2030
The databook focuses on market statistics denoted in the form of revenue and y-o-y growth and CAGR across the globe and regions. A detailed competitive and opportunity analyses related to bentonite market will help companies and investors design strategic landscapes. Horizon Databook has segmented the Middle East & Africa bentonite market based on sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, other products covering the revenue growth of each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. On account of increasing consumer base for personal care products in Saudi, bentonite market is anticipated to witness substantial growth in the near future. These strategies are expected to increase market penetration of bentonite market in aforementioned applications over the next eight years.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 12:05 UTC
Middle East & Africa Parenteral Nutrition Market Analysis Report 2024-2030, with Profiles of Leading Players B. Braun Melsungen, Baxter, Fresenius Kabi, Qatar Pharma Factory, Hospira and Evonik
Middle East & Africa Parenteral Nutrition Market Report HighlightsSingle dose amino acid solutions held a dominant share in 2023. The leading players in the Middle East & Africa Parenteral Nutrition market include:B. Braun MelsungenBaxterFresenius KabiQatar Pharma FactoryHospira (now part of Pfizer Inc.)EvonikWhy should you buy this report? MEA Parenteral Nutrition Market Analysis ToolsChapter 4. MEA Parenteral Nutrition Market: Indication Movement Analysis, USD Million, 2023 & 20306.3. MEA Parenteral Nutrition Market: Sales Channel Movement Analysis, USD Million, 2023 & 20307.3.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 11:53 UTC
Europe to promote green hydrogen ties with Africa at REFA 24
Recently, multiple companies have signed MoUs for green hydrogen projects connecting to the South H2 Corridor in Tunisia and Algeria. Details regarding some of these projects will be presented at Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA 24) in Tunis on November 6 and 7. Prominent developers, including Germany’s ABO Energy, Aker Horizons, TotalEnergies, and TuNur, are advancing hydrogen projects in North Africa, with several in Tunisia. The Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA), scheduled for November 6-7, 2024, in Tunis, will bring African and international stakeholders together to discuss the strategic potential of renewable hydrogen across Africa. Organized by AFSIA, MESIA, CSPV, and SolarPower Europe, this forum will spotlight Africa’s role in the global renewable energy landscape.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 11:40 UTC
Global South powering up energy systems faster than North
Energy demand per person in the Global South is only 32 GJ a year, which is a fifth of the amount used in the Global North. 41% of people in the Global South live in countries where electricity demand per person is below the global energy minimum of one MWh a year. But the Global South contains 70% of the world’s renewable energy potential, and half of clean technology minerals. The renewable resources of the Global South are nearly 400 times larger than their current fossil fuel production. Fossil fuel demand for electricity will peak by 2030 in the Global South.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 11:31 UTC
Fin raises $7 million for US expansion
British sustainable logistics provider Fin has raised $7 million in seed funding to expand its operations into the US. Fin will use the funding to scale its e-cargo bike fleet by 500% from 100 to 600 vehicles in total. The operator aims to deploy these additional vehicles across the UK and New York by the end of the year. “When operating in NYC compared to London, we need to account for several key differences,” Fin CEO Rich Pleeth told Zag Daily. With a market size of $130 billion, Fin plans to expand into five additional UK cities in 2025 starting with Manchester and Birmingham.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 11:26 UTC
Benni McCarthy eyes coachig opportunities in North Africa
Following in the footsteps of Pitso Mosimane, Benni McCarthy has expressed interest in taking on coaching opportunities in North Africa. South African coach Benni McCarthy is currently on the job market after his contract with Manchester United ended in June, he has been at the club since the summer of 2022, serving alongside Erik ten Hag on the first team’s coaching staff. McCarthy said on the On The Whistle Podcast: “The first step is belief in yourself. It’s about the style of football you want to play, the kind that players want to be part of. His time with Al Ahly was met with huge success too, securing two CAF Champions League titles, two CAF Super Cup trophies, one Egyptian Premier League title, and one Egyptian Cup.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 11:08 UTC
Vodafone, e& to power Mercedes-Benz cars
Vodafone Group and e& strengthened ties with a connected car partnership, combining the former’s IoT business with the UAE operator’s network to provide smart services for Mercedes-Benz’s vehicles in the country. The companies claim the agreement “can provide seamless cross-border connectivity, making it easier and more efficient for customers to access connected services globally”. Vodafone described connectivity from e-SIM as “locally configured”, meaning it satisfies all connectivity standards and requirements in the UAE to guarantee “reliable and secure experience”. The deal is also expected to give Vodafone and e& “a broader reach” to serve digital automotive solutions of OEMs. Today, e& owns holds a 15.1 per cent stake in Vodafone, up from an initial 9.8 per cent in 2022.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 10:48 UTC
Lebanon says 21 killed in air strike in country’s north
Lebanon says 21 killed in air strike in country’s northReuters Residents said there was no warning before the strikeAt least 21 people have been killed and eight others injured in a rare Israeli air strike in northern Lebanon, the Lebanese health ministry says. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reports. But it came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "continue to strike Hezbollah without mercy everywhere in Lebanon - including Beirut". Hezbollah said it was a response to deadly Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which the country’s health ministry says has killed almost 1,700 people over the past month. Most of the Israeli air strikes over the past week have struck in the majority Shia south and the Bekaa Valley in the east - areas where Hezbollah is strong.
Source:The North Africa Journal
October 16, 2024 10:46 UTC