Today at WPR, we’re covering tensions between Algeria and Morocco, in the context of last week’s deadly incident on their maritime border. But first, here’s our take on today’s top stories:Iran’s nuclear program: Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, according to confidential reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency seen by Reuters. To get the Daily Review in your inbox five days a week, create your WPR account now. Algeria-Morocco Tensions Are a Ticking Timebomb for North Africa In August 2021, Algeria cut diplomatic ties with its neighbor and historic rival, Morocco, after months of diplomatic provocations had caused tensions between the two nations to peak. That’s all for today’s Daily Review.

Within a month, another regime in Africa was toppled — this time, resource-rich Gabon. Gabon, an OPEC member, is one of the richest countries of Africa in terms of per-capita income. When Omar Bongo was in power, the regime got French protection in return for business favours. Whether the putschists had public support or not, these coups speak of two major trends in Africa. Gabon has already replaced France with China as its most important trading partner.

The 16th Headies Awards took place at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, U.S. on Sunday, with an atmosphere filled with grandeur and splendor. Over the past year, several major music awards shows have introduced Afrobeats or African music categories. The American Music Awards added the category of "Favorite Afrobeats Artist," with Wizkid being the inaugural winner. These unannounced categories included Best Female Artiste, Best Recording of The Year, Songwriter of The Year, Best RnB Single, Best Vocal Performance (Female), Headies Viewers' Choice, Best East African Artiste of the Year, Best North African Artiste of The Year, Best Southern African Artiste of The Year, Best Central African Artiste of The Year, International Artiste Of The Year, Best Alternative Album, and Best RnB Album. Rema Vs. Burna BoyDuring the ceremony, Nigerian singer Rema subtly addressed Burna Boy, while accepting the "African Artiste Of the Year" award.

Quinton de Kock has been selected in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the Cricket World Cup for what will be his last tournament before retiring from one-day internationals (ODIs). 🟡ANNOUNCEMENT 🟢 Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from ODI cricket following the conclusion of the ICC @cricketworldcup in India 🏆 🏏 What's your favourite Quinny moment throughout the years ? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/oyR6yV5YFZ — Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 5, 2023According to South Africa’s coach Rob Walter, de Kock has “unfinished business” in the format. “We understand his decision to step back from ODI cricket and we want to thank him for his service over the years,” said South Africa’s Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe. Maharaj recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon and played for the first time since March in South Africa’s five-wicket Twenty20 loss to Australia on Sunday.

Ransomware attacks on public sector entities have crippled major operations and systems incurring exorbitant losses. This increasingly severe threat will be addressed at the upcoming Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit on 3 October 2023 (#PubliSec2023) in Johannesburg South Africa. Shadowserver also reported that South Africa is the nation most targeted by ransomware attacks, accounting for 42% of all detected attacks. Morocco is next with 8%, Botswana and Egypt at 6%, Tanzania and Kenya each account for 4% of detected ransomware attacks. Ransomware Attacks:Ransomware attacks are one of the most prominent forms of cybercrime that specifically targets public sector institutions.

New UK-backed projects worth £49 million will be announced by Development and Africa Minister Andrew Mitchell at the first Africa Climate Summit, which will be hosted by Kenya from 4 to 6 September. According to the press release, the projects will focus on mobilising finance for climate action and will help people manage the impact of climate change across Africa. But more action has to be taken, as those least responsible for climate change are increasingly bearing the brunt of its effects,” said Mitchell. “The UK is working closely with African partners to fight climate change, boost resilience and help those whose lives are most impacted,” he added. The Africa Climate Summit – in which the EU is a bilateral partner – aims to address the growing burden of climate change and its associated costs, both globally and in particular in Africa.

The decision was made Monday September 4 during a meeting of the ECCAS leaders in Equatorial Guinea to address the coup in Gabon. The Summit coincided with the inauguration of Nguema named few hours after the coup as Gabon’s transitional President. Nguema was sworn in on September 4 before the Constitutional Court as new transitional leader. The new leader also promised constitutional reforms adding that a new Constitution must be drawn up for Gabon, guaranteeing the establishment of more democratic institutions. The African Union has also suspended the central African country and demanded a return to civilian-led State.

The Jordan Chamber of Industry has disclosed its plans to establish a consortium involving existing Jordanian factories specializing in the production of renewable energy and energy efficiency systems. The objective is to foster collaboration and synergy among these enterprises, thereby boosting the competitiveness of locally-produced components for renewable energy systems. The primary aim is to strengthen the domestic renewable energy industry, with a focus on manufacturing photovoltaic panels, cables, reflectors, control panels, metal structures, and other related components. Jordan is a front-runner in renewable energy investments across the Middle East and North Africa, ranking third globally, behind China and Brazil, out of 71 countries. To bolster the renewable energy manufacturing sector in Jordan, it is essential to provide support and foster development.

North Korea may supply Russia with armsKim Jong-un, North Korea’s leader, plans to travel to Vladivostok, Russia, this month to meet with Vladimir Putin, Russia’s leader, to discuss military cooperation, including the possibility of supplying Russia with weaponry for its war in Ukraine, foreign officials said. Putin wants Kim to agree to send Russia artillery shells and antitank missiles, and Kim would like Russia to provide North Korea with advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, as well as food aid, the officials said. The White House warned last week that Putin and Kim had exchanged letters discussing a possible arms deal. But the new information about a planned meeting between them goes far beyond the previous warning. Background: Late last month, a delegation of about 20 North Korean officials traveled by train from Pyongyang to Vladivostok and then flew to Moscow, an indication that North Korea was serious about a visit by Kim, for whom it would be a rare foray.

African airlines had the strongest performance in July 2023 with a 2.9 percent increase in cargo volumes compared to July 2022, according to the latest update from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). "Notably, Africa–Asia routes experienced significant cargo demand growth (10.3 percent). Global demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), was a significant improvement over the previous month’s performance (-3.4 percent). Many fundamental drivers of air cargo demand such as trade volumes and export orders remain weak or are deteriorating. July regional performanceAsia-Pacific airlines saw cargo volumes increase by 2.7 percent in July 2023 compared to the same month in 2022.

In a groundbreaking development, ATG Digital, pioneers in the field of Access Control and Visitor Management, has unveiled its advanced QR Code Reader solution, heralding a new era in precision access control. This system is set to “revolutionize” the industry with its powerful features that not only enhance security but also significantly improve the efficiency of access control. Ariel Flax, representing ATG, enthusiastically describes the capabilities of the new ATG QR Reader, highlighting its ability to provide seamless, contactless access control, thereby creating an exceptional user experience. The ATG QR Code Reader was introduced to ATG Digital’s customer base in August, and its adoption has been remarkably positive. Flax notes, “The response has been overwhelmingly favorable, indicating that our solution effectively addresses a clear market need.”Businesses of all types benefit from ATG QR Code Readers, enhancing security within ATG Digital’s access control solution.

Mr Hume has received recognition as a conservationist however, he has also faced criticism for advocating the trade in rhino horn. He has argued that the trade was necessary to safeguard his rhinos from poaching and raise funds to sustain the farm.

Two tourists were shot dead by the Algerian coast guard last week after mistakenly straying into Algerian waters on water scooters off the coast of neighboring Morocco. Algeria’s Ministry of Defense issued a statement confirming that the coast guard fired at one of the vehicles after multiple warnings. Morocco has so far responded only by stating that the issue is “a matter for the judiciary” and opening an investigation. But the incident highlights the potential for unintended escalation between the two neighbors and historical rivals, whose border has been closed since 1994 and whose diplomatic ties have been severed since August 2021, after months of diplomatic provocations caused tensions to peak. But Algiers did not respond to the king’s overture, in line with a consistent pattern of refusing to engage with its neighbor.

Egypt has bought a new shipment of Russian wheat, relying on imports to fill its domestic needs and trying to navigate the changes brought about by the war in Ukraine. Egypt, one of the world’s biggest importers of wheat, will reportedly pay about $270 a tonne, which could possibly be below an unofficial floor set by Russia’s government to control domestic wheat prices. Reuters reported that GASC had privately bought one cargo of Bulgarian wheat at $270 per tonne on Friday as well, and the state company has recently been tempted by Romanian and French wheat that is cheaper than Russian wheat. Egypt has shifted towards direct purchases, instead of tenders, since the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year disrupted global wheat markets. Many of the country’s recent wheat purchases have reportedly been made with loans from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation and the World Bank.

Pune, India, Sept. 05, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North American hand sanitizer market size stood at USD 1.30 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 1.33 billion in 2023 to USD 1.86 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period. Fortune Business Insights presents this information in their report titled "North America Hand Sanitizer Market, 2023–2030." This shift toward natural and organic formulations is anticipated to significantly contribute to the North American hand sanitizer market share. However, an abundance of alternative products such as liquid hand wash, bar soap, cleansing cream, and various other options pose a restraint on the North American hand sanitizer market growth. acquired Apotex Pharmaceutical Holdings Inc. to expand its presence in the Canadian hand sanitizer manufacturing industry.