Federica GiganteA rare eleventh-century Islamic astrolabe has been discovered in the vaults of a museum in Verona, Italy. The Verona Astrolabe. “It’s now the single most important object in their collection,” said Dr. Gigante, whose findings on the “Verona astrolabe” were published today in the journal Nuncius. Dr. Federica Gigante and the Verona Astrolabe. “The stars’ apparent positions above our heads change constantly, about one degree every 70 years,” said Dr. Gigante.
The astrolabe with Arabic and Hebrew inscriptions was discovered at an Italian museum where its historical importance had been overlooked for decades. “When I visited the museum and studied the astrolabe up close, I noticed that not only was it covered in beautifully engraved Arabic inscriptions but that I could see faint inscriptions in Hebrew. Close-up of the Verona astrolabe showing Hebrew inscribed (top left) above Arabic inscriptions. The Verona astrolabe example features Muslim prayer lines and prayer names, arranged to ensure that its original users performed their daily prayers on time. A close-up of the Verona astrolabe showing inscribed Hebrew, Arabic and Western numerals.
Nigerian startup Startbutton is a “merchant of record” that enables businesses to accept payments in local currencies and manage local compliance without needing to establish local offices. In fact, with a single API from Startbutton, merchants can accept payments in five local African currencies and receive settlements in USD. “A primary reason why companies expand to other countries is because they want to sell more and unlock new revenue streams. “We’ve partnered with payment companies like Paystack and Cellulant to start merchant expansion programmes,” said Bolake. Startbutton takes commission from collections and settlements made by its customers, and also charges a recurring fee for other services such as compliance and taxes.
A German charity has accused the Libyan coast guard of threatening its crew members who were rescuing migrants in the Mediterranean Sea, causing at least one migrant to drown. The German charity SOS Humanity, which operates the rescue ship Humanity 1, said the Libyan coast guard used violence and fired live bullets into the water during its "life-threatening intervention" on Saturday. A spokesman for the Libyan coast guard didn't respond to phone calls and messages seeking comment. As part of the deal, the coast guard has intercepted migrants in Libyan and international waters and has returned them to Libya. In March last year, the Libyan coast guard fired warning shots as it attempted to rescue migrants from a packed ship, according to the SOS Mediterranee group, which also rescues migrants at sea.
While the news is dominated by stories of African migrants fleeing political and economic turmoil, little attention has been paid to a growing trend of reverse migration, particularly among creatives. Valuing community and culture, young emigres are returning to African cities and helping to foster new vitality and social engagement. In Algiers, sports journalist Maher Mezahi has moved back home twice. He first relocated from Canada in 2015 to report on African football on the ground; after six years, he fancied a change and tried out life in Marseille, but quickly realized that he missed Algeria.
RCL, which owns brands such as Selati sugar, Ouma rusks and Yum Yum peanut butter, has been assessing whether its portfolio delivers sustainable earnings and value for shareholders. It had resolved to bulk up its fast-moving consumer goods business through acquisitions while separating its chicken, sugar and Vector Logistics into separate legal entities. Vector was eventually sold last year.
Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world’s biggest music corporations, has acquired the majority stake in a leading Nigerian record label, Mavin Global. The company in a statement on Monday, noted that the deal is, however, awaiting regulatory approval. Mavin is credited with unearthing talents like popular Afrobeats stars: Ayra Starr and Rema, to global success. Label owner Don Jazzy, real name Michael Collins Ajereh, was quoted in a UMG statement as saying: “I’m proud of the artists, careers and brand we’ve built that have made Mavin the force it is today. In this historic partnership with UMG, we will continue that mission in Africa and across the globe.”AFRICA NEWS
INTERVIEW: Tareq Amin, CEO of Aramco Digital (pictured), insisted the Saudi oil giant’s recently created technology unit is not interested in entering the consumer mobile segment in a traditional way, with its focus set firmly on software, platforms and private 5G. Amin joined Aramco Digital in late-2023 shortly after leaving Rakuten Symphony. With previous experience in developing open RAN at Rakuten Symphony, Amin also said Aramco Digital would look at the technology for industrial use cases, while adding he was very much focused on developing a private 5G play. “If private 5G is going to be successful, it must look exactly like managed Wi-Fi,” he said. Amin further argued “the struggles” of the entire private 5G segment today in relation to uptake are mostly driven by the complexities of browsing, buying, deploying and provisioning.
Archaeologists have identified evidence of a Jewish-Islamic scientific collaboration having taken place a thousand years ago, thanks to an archaic star chart once thought to be a forgery. It’s a powerful record of scientific exchange between Arabs, Jews and Christians over hundreds of years.”It’s more remarkable, considering the Veronese museum thought the instrument might be a fake, according to Gigante. Credit: Federica GiganteAs it moved to Italy, it collected Hebrew inscriptions, likely thanks to language barriers that existed among Verona’s large Jewish communities. “It may be that a later user of the instrument thought the original Arabic value was wrong and amended it. But the correct, modern value for the latitude of Medinaceli is 41°15′, indicating that the Arabic value was more accurate than either amendment.”Gigante’s analysis is published in the journal Nuncius.
Confederation Cup: Rivers United To Face North African OpponentsSampson AdedejiIf the standing rule of the African soccer governing is to be considered, Nigeria's representative in the Confederation Cup, Rivers United is likely to get a North African club for their quarter-final game, BSNSports.com.ng reportsRivers United reached the quarter-final of the competition for the second consecutive year after their 2-1 win over Dream FC of Ghana on Sunday. The victory means they finished in the second position behind Dream FC despite garnering 12 points. And considering how the team qualified, all the top teams from the other groups are North African teams except Dream FC. The teams include Zamalek SC ( Egypt) USM Algiers ( Algeria), RS Berkane ( Morocco) and Dream FC ( Ghana). With this, Rivers United is poised to be handed a tough fixture with either Zamalek, RS Berkane or USM Algiers.
Revenues from over-the-top services are expected to reach $100 billion in 2029; a increase from $81 billion in 2023. Digital TV Research is forecasting the United States will contribute $16 billion from the $19 billion additional revenues, with Canada supplying the rest. Simon Murray, Principal Analyst at Digital TV Research, said: “Despite being the most mature OTT market by some distance, the US OTT sector continues to grow as cord-cutting show few signs of abating. The US is unique, given the poor state of the pay TV market and the wide OTT choice.”North American AVOD revenues will increase from $17 billion in 2023 to $25 billion in 2029. SVOD revenues will climb by $10 billion between 2023 and 2029 to $67 billion.
LEAP, which has been dubbed the "Digital Davos", brings together the global technology ecosystem. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong Cyberport, Hong Kong's major technology and innovation promotion hubs, have collaborated to co-host the first-ever Hong Kong Pavilion at LEAP. Startups from Hong Kong are showcasing cutting-edge innovations in sectors such as biotech, health-tech, logistics, AI, robotics, and new energy. The Middle East and Saudi Arabia have a great deal to contribute to China's Belt and Road Initiative, analysts said. The LEAP event is being held concurrently with Deep Fest, a global AI event with more than 20,000 attendees from all over the world.
Independent power producer Yellow Door Energy has concluded the development phase for a 48 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in Leeudoringstad, North West. The solar PV facility will deliver electricity to multiple customers via the Eskom transmission grid, offering a stable tariff and substantial cost savings. Yellow Door Energy has committed a significant portion of the project’s capacity to companies and is in talks with reputable businesses for additional capacity through power purchase agreements. The project represents just the initial phase, with plans for an additional 192 MW of solar PV capacity in Leeudoringstad, totalling 240 MW. Yellow Door Energy aims to play a key role in South Africa’s solar wheeling market, supporting the country’s transition to a more sustainable and energy-independent future.
Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has provided legal counsel to logistic company ESP Solutions – Spain, controlled by investment funds Avior Capital and Blantyre Capital, in its acquisition of AUTRANSA Group. AUTRANSA, a family-owned company with over 40 years of tradition, is a significant player in the logistics industry. This acquisition positions ESP Solutions – Spain to strengthen its presence in North Africa and solidify its leadership in temperature-controlled transportation and logistics. The transaction was led by a team of legal experts including managing partner Iñigo Erlaiz (pictured left), Jorge Martín (of counsel, pictured right) as well as Patricia Pérez, Rodrigo Fernández-Chillón, and Gemma Serra from the corporate department. This strategic move underscores ESP Solutions – Spain’s commitment to expanding its operations and enhancing its service offerings in key markets.
Hitachi Energy has booked orders for over 65 units of its groundbreaking EconiQ™ 420-kilovolt Dead Tank Breaker and the world is taking note. Hitachi Energy has turned this vision into a reality with its revolutionary EconiQ™ technology. This is more than just a commercial success; it's a resounding vote of confidence from utilities, recognizing EconiQ as a cornerstone of the energy transition. In addition to the DTB, the company has developed SF 6 -free Live Tank Breakers (LTA) for 72.5 kV and 145 kV voltages, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) for 72.5 kV, 145 kV and 420 kV voltages, Gas-Insulated Lines (GIL) for 420 kV voltage, and Retrofill for GIL for 420 kV voltage. Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business at Hitachi Energy, reiterates the company’s unwavering dedication to driving the energy transition agenda forward.
