Rate of TB diagnosis, treatment in Africa increasing

World Health Organization

Rate of TB diagnosis, treatment in Africa increasing

Brazzaville – About 70% of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the African region are now being diagnosed and treated, marking the highest case-detection rate in the region ever, thanks to concerted efforts by countries to address the threat of the disease.

Although the case detection rate has been on the rise since 2018, the region saw a significant increase between 2020 and 2022, rising from 60% to 70% of cases being detected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2023. There has also been a notable reduction in the region in the number of people with TB who miss diagnosis. An estimated 700 000 people missed diagnosis in 2022, a 10% reduction compared with 2021. To further rally efforts to end the disease through concerted global efforts to advance detection, diagnosis and treatment, World TB Day is being marked this year under the theme “Yes! We can end TB”. 

In the African region a range of factors have helped boost TB diagnosis rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries-maintained TB notification services, ensuring that cases were detected and treated. In Nigeria, which has a huge TB burden, case notification nearly tripled over the past five years to 285 000 cases in 2022 from 106 000 cases in 2018. Improvement in the management of HIV infection, a significant driver of TB, has also bolstered TB detection rates in the region.

“More efforts are still needed to reduce the devastating impacts of this disease on families and communities. As WHO we continue working closely with governments to address the barriers to effective response and speed up the momentum to make TB history,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

The region, which accounts of 23% of TB cases and 33% of deaths globally, is making steady progress towards ending the disease.  For example, Cabo Verde, Eswatini and South Africa have achieved at least a 50% reduction in TB cases. The WHO End TB Strategy calls for countries to reduce TB deaths by 75% and cases by 50% by 2025 compared with the 2015 levels.

Across the region TB deaths fell by 38% and new cases declined by 23% in 2022 compared with 2015. High-burden TB countries have surpassed the 2025 milestone to lower TB deaths.

Despite the progress, further efforts are needed to meet the 2030 global End TB Strategy targets to cut TB deaths by 90% and cases by 80%. These include increased investments in TB control programmes. In 2022, in the African Region, the Global Plan to End TB 2018-2022 estimated that US$ 3.9 billion were required annually to achieve the targets, but only around US$ 890 million were mobilized for TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Domestic funding represented about 46% of total funding for TB (54% from international funding) in 2022. 

Limited access to health services, inadequate health infrastructure, insufficient quality of care, inadequate human resources for health and inadequate social protection are also impeding progress to ending TB. 

Globally TB continues to claim millions of lives annually. In the African region Africa, TB was the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, with nearly 2.5 million people falling ill and 424 000 lives lost in 2022.

GRAPHIC-Congo overtakes Peru on copper output, still behind on exports

Marco Aquino and Felix Njini

LIMA/JOHANNESBURG, March 22 (Reuters) – The Democratic Republic of the Congo overtook Peru as the world’s second largest copper producer in 2023, though it still lags the South American country in exports, official data from both nations show.

Congo produced about 2.84 million tons of copper last year, the country’s central bank reported. Peru’soutput was 2.76 million tons, the Andean country’s mining and energy ministry said

Congo has been reeling in Peru’s No. 2 copper spot over recent years, with flagging mining investment in Peru linked to red tape and recent political turmoil and protests. Chile remains the distant top producer of the red metal.

Peru, however, is hanging onto its lead over Congo on copper exports. Peru exported some 2.95 million tons of the metal last year, more than its annual production due to sales of stocks held over from previous years.

Rómulo Mucho, Peru’s minister of energy and mines, said in early March he expected copper production to increase to 3 million tons in 2024. The ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Peru’s Andes are home to major mining firms including Freeport-McMoRan FCX.N, MMG Ltd 1208.HK, BHP BHP.AX, Glencore GLEN.L, Teck Resources TECKb.TO, Japan’s Mitsubishi 8058.T, and Southern Copper of Grupo México GMEXICOB.MX.

Congo out coppers Peru https://tmsnrt.rs/3RhwFlS

Congo out coppers Peru (Interactive) https://tmsnrt.rs/44LABOV

Copper exports: Congo reels in Peru https://tmsnrt.rs/3MNpEFN

Copper exports: Congo reels in Peru (Interactive) https://tmsnrt.rs/3Cbka2s

(Reporting by Marco Aquino in Lima and Felix Njini; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Richard Chang)

China committed to deepening cultural, economic collaboration with Nigeria — Envoy

Ifedayo Ogunyemi

Nigeria and China flags. Getty Images Image used for illustrative purpose.

The People’s Republic of China has assured the Federal Government of Nigeria of its commitment towards deepening cultural and economic collaboration between the two countries.

The Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, Ms Yan Yuqing, disclosed this when she launched the free Chinese Online Classroom Project at the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ) in Igbesa, Ogun State.

While explaining that the project was in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Education, Yuqing said the Free Trade Zone Online Chinese Classroom was a significant milestone in the cultural and economic collaboration between Nigeria and China.

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The initiative, she said, aligns with President Xi Jinping’s African development support, which “seeks to cultivate Chinese-speaking talents, bolster local economies and foster mutual understanding.”

She said: “The online class aims to foster cultural exchange and strengthen Nigeria-China relations by offering Mandarin Chinese learning opportunities to tertiary students and interested individuals. With a focus on technology transfer, career enhancement, and global preparedness, the project signifies OGFTZ’s commitment to facilitating a positive environment for Nigerian and Chinese businesses.”

The hybrid event was attended by chairman of Chinese Plus, Madame Wang Jinhong; Ogun State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu; President of Yunnan Agricultural University, Prof Li Yonghe, who was represented by Prof Wei Hongjiang; CEO of Guangdong New South Overseas Investment Holdings Co., Ltd, Mr Deng Yu; Vice President of China Glass Holdings Co. Ltd, Mr Cai Guo and General Manager of Senda Group Nigeria Branch, Mr Song Bin.

Chairman of Chinese Plus, Madame Jinhong, who emphasised the initiative’s goal of making Chinese learning accessible worldwide through online courses and live broadcasts, said the collaboration with Yunnan Agricultural University promises to cultivate proficient language speakers that will be equipped with vocational skills while bridging cultures and creating opportunities for cooperation.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy General Manager of China-Africa Investment FZC, Kevin Liu, stressed that the key component of the programme is to equip university undergraduates as well as widen their chances in skill acquisition and economic empowerment.

He added that apart from the involvement of the academy environment, the locals who are interested in learning the Chinese language will also benefit from the programme.

He said: “We are very confident that the project will be successful and what we want is that the whole of Africa and Nigeria will benefit from it all.”

One of the project coordinators, Madame Wang, explained that the project will bridge the gap that existed between the workers and the experts, adding that the aim is to transfer knowledge to the workers through learning the language.

She said, “We want to improve the technical skills of the workers, we want to be more localised. There is a gap between the knowledge and vocational skills, our target is to bridge the gap.”

She disclosed that the organisers of the class are also looking for avenues to develop a curriculum with the higher institutions in the state, revealing that over 600 persons have registered for both physical and online classes.

In his remarks, Arigbabu, the Ogun commissioner assured the Chinese of the state government support, saying the government is ready to accommodate the teaching of Chinese in its curriculum to improve knowledge as well as better opportunities and empowerment.

One of the students, Tongnyan David, appreciated the Chinese government for organising the free Chinese online class.

“I am happy to be part of this project. It will help me to speak and learn the language which will enhance my skills and technical know-how of the machines as well as earn big pay,” he said.

Tinubu endorses sustainability reporting initiative for investment promotion in Nigeria

Leon Usigbe

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu speaks after his swearing-in ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria May 29, 2023. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to diligently implement world-leading sustainability reporting standards aimed at unlocking capital investments, transforming business models, and safeguarding the environment in the country.

According to a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), the President gave the assurance during a meeting with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Chair, Mr. Emmanuel Faber at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The statement informed Tinubu’s endorsement coincided with the launch of Nigeria’s Adoption Readiness Roadmap by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) in collaboration with ISSB.

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It explained that the roadmap aims to guide businesses towards comprehensive sustainability reporting standards.

Highlighting the importance of compliance within the sustainability agenda, President Tinubu pledged that Nigeria would continue to adhere to international standards and expressed readiness to collaborate with ISSB to effectively harness national resources through reformed and reinforced financial management systems.

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”As an administration, we are committed to adopting cutting-edge models for financial reporting and process standardization. This applies to environmental regulation, where we are on the verge of significantly reducing the volume of gas flaring in the country. We are more transparent than ever before, and we are doing everything possible to represent the continent in a way that will be beneficial to humanity as a whole,” the president stated.

ISSB Chair, Mr. Emmanuel Faber, while recounting Nigeria’s commitment to sustainability reporting, noted that at COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022, Africa’s largest economy had expressed its intent to be among the earliest adopters of rigorous new standards, which is now a reality.

”I am extremely happy to be in Nigeria as the country announces its Adoption Readiness Roadmap. Nigeria is leading the pack in Africa and around the world, and these standards, which Nigeria is willingly adopting, will unlock sustainable capital inflows through foreign direct investments, promote inclusivity in value chains, and facilitate the decarbonization of the national economy,” Mr. Faber said.

Dr. Rabiu Olowo, the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), explained that Nigeria’s decision to join the global baseline for sustainability reporting marks the country as one of the earliest proponents committed to enhancing the transparency of financial information and business performance through sustainable reporting practices.

”The adoption readiness working group is set to pilot our affairs and roadmap to help us succeed on this journey. We are happy to inform the President that the work of the adoption readiness roadmap is ready, and we have the roadmap for businesses to follow. We have five sets of early adopters, and we have a period for voluntary adoption leading up to 2028 for mandatory adoption of the standards,” he added.

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Ghana’s economy grew 3.8% in fourth quarter of 2023 – statistics office

Christian Akorlie and Maxwell Akalaare Adombila

A man trades U.S. dollars for Ghanaian cedis at a currency exchange office in Accra, Ghana, June 15, 2015. Picture taken June 15. REUTERS/Francis Kokoroko

Ghana’s economy grew 3.8% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2023, the country’s statistics agency said on Wednesday. (Reporting by Christian Akorlie and Maxwell Akalaare Adombila; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Bate Felix)

Malta emerges as a premier investment and relocation destination for South Africans

Staff Writer

Johannesburg City Skyline. Aerial View Of Illuminated Buildings In City At Night. – stock photo Photo taken in Johannesburg, South Africa. Image Courtesy

Malta Invest and Frank Salt are excited to announce that they will be hosting free presentations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban during April 2024.

As the global investment landscape continues to evolve, Malta has emerged as a premier destination for South Africans seeking lucrative investment opportunities. With its stable economy, favourable tax laws and high quality of life, Malta offers a compelling proposition for those looking to diversify their portfolios or secure a residency or retirement option whilst enjoying the benefit of both EU membership as well as being in the heart of the sunny Mediterranean.

South Africans are increasingly turning to Malta for its attractive property market, which presents a range of investment options from residential properties to commercial real estate. The island nation’s strategic location, coupled with its robust legal framework and business-friendly environment, make it an ideal choice for investors looking to expand their international holdings.

Moreover, Malta’s residency and citizenship programmes provide South Africans with a viable “plan B” option, offering a secure and stable environment for individuals and families looking to safeguard their future. The ease of doing business in Malta, combined with its Mediterranean charm and rich cultural heritage, further solidifies its appeal as a top destination for investment and relocation.

Malta, as an EU Member state and part of the Schengen area, offers top-notch healthcare and education systems. With English as an official language and driving on the same side of the road, South Africans find it easy to adapt. Malta’s economy is robust and stable, showing 6.1% GDP growth in 2023. Additionally, the country is known for being a safe and secure place to live.

To learn more about the investment opportunities in Malta and how South Africans can benefit from them, interested parties are invited to attend the one-on-one meetings hosted by Malta Invest and Frank Salt. The meeting will cover a range of topics, including real estate, residency and citizenship options and more, providing attendees with valuable insights.

Frank Salt Real Estate has been operating in Malta since 1969. They offer a one-stop shop assisting with purchasing, renting out and managing you property for you. Malta Invest has been operating since 2015 and has assisted many South Africans with property investment and relocation to Malta.

Dates: Johannesburg, 11 and 12 April; Cape Town, 15 and 16 April; and Durban 17 and 18 April 2024.

Experts identify strategies on inclusion for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

To foster inclusion for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria, various experts have identified the need for a concentrated effort on dissemination of accurate information, more access to finance, creating a pool for women with like businesses, breaking down of cultural barriers and more structured support from the government at all levels.

This was made known at the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration organised by ImpactHER, a foremost non-profit organisation with a mandate for empowering African female entrepreneurs by bridging the gender business financing gap so as to help them realise their full economic potentials in partnership with the African Union, ToolUp, BRAVE Women, GIZ and Lotus Bank. The training had in attendance over 400 female entrepreneurs.

In her remarks, Efe Ukala, founder, ImpactHER, urged the women to forge a strong bond of unity, pull resources together and serve as a torch bearer in their various business enterprises. She explained that ImpactHER is an inclusion platform that seeks to help female entrepreneurs become the best version of themselves.

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She said: “Inspiring inclusion is more than just a theme for International Women’s Day. It is a guiding light for us all, especially the vibrant community of African women entrepreneurs. It means creating spaces where every woman’s voice can echo with strength, where her ideas can flourish without boundaries and where her dreams are nurtured by the collective support of a community that sees no limit to what she can achieve. It means each of us committing to lift as we climb ensuring that our success is not a solitary journey but a shared voyage that paves the way for more women to step into their power.”

“For this training, we had a slot for 250 women, but today, we have over 400 women in attendance. These women came from all parts of Lagos, Ibadan, Ogun State and even Benin Republic to learn. This shows that women across Nigeria and even Africa truly need platforms like this where they can learn, network and receive guidance for sustainable business progression. Generally, ImpactHER helps even the most marginalized women to get free resources that allows them to build a more structured and sustainable business. For example, we provide free business registration service, book keeping and accounting so that they can access the finance needed to build their businesses. All these, we believe will help foster inclusion to help bridge the gender gap. During the event, we organised a market place with over forty vendors to showcase and sell their items. We appreciate all our sponsors for making this event very successful”.

Another facilitator, Olanrewaju Oniyitan, Founder/CEO, W-Holistic Business Solutions who spoke on the topic Growing Wealth: Growing an investable company as a woman founder hinted that people, a wonderful business model, track record of business growth, financial viability, scalability and risk management are some of the pointers needed for female entrepreneurs to become successful in their business.

Niger govt, AEDC partner to improve electricity supply

Adelowo Oladipo

Low Angle View Of Electricity Pylon Against Sky During Sunset – stock photo Photo taken in Nairobi, Kenya.

Niger State Government in conjunction with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has come up with an initiative that will improve the electricity supply to residents of the State.

The initiative code name “Light Up Niger 2024” would be a collaboration between the state government and the AEDC to ensure a steady power supply to Nigerlites.

This was brought to the fore when the Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, received the AEDC delegation led by its Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Chijioke Okwuokenye at the Government House, Minna.

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Governor Umaru Bago described the initiative as a welcome development because Niger State is host to four hydroelectric power dams, adding that the dams contribute about 60 percent of electricity in Nigeria.

He also observed that power supply is key to development, especially as the State is moving into an industrialization and processing zone.

The Governor expressed optimism that the “Light Up Niger” project will also proffer a solution to the metering challenge in the state.

Governor Umaru Bago noted that the Electricity Act has been domesticated in the State, highlighting that the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission has been created.

He stated further that the necessary paperwork for the Regulatory Commission will soon be completed so that the State can start generating and distributing its power.

In his remarks, the Chief Operating Officer of AEDC, Engineer Chijioke Okwuokenye explained that the “Light Up Niger” project when it takes off, will pave the way for greater things to come as the whole scope is to come up with the best measures that will improve and sustain electricity supply to Niger State.

He commended the support of the Umaru Bago-led administration through the supply of transformers to communities, saying that “the private sector needs such support for survival and assured that the Company is willing to continue to partner with the State Government for the desired result”.

Meanwhile, the State Government recently described as unacceptable the continuous erratic and epileptic power supply in the state and demanded about 24 hours of power supply, or the state will withdraw from the AEDC to join another Distribution Company.

The situation improved immediately after that decision by the State Government, which has now brought about the “Light Up Niger” initiative.

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Oil, gas exploration frontiers include Namibia, Guyana, SLB CEO says

By Liz Hampton

SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch speaks on a panel during CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Texas, U.S.

HOUSTON, March 19 (Reuters) – Oil and gas companies have increased exploration of frontier areas in countries such as Namibia, Surinam and Guyana, and that will create a new wave of future projects, SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch said on Tuesday.

“We have seen a rebound in exploration over the past two or three years,” he said at a conference in Houston, Texas. SLB is the world’s largest provider of oilfield services.

He pointed to developments in countries like Namibia as setting the next frontier for exploration. That country, which has yet to produce any oil and gas, expects first production from major offshore finds by 2030.

Companies are also focusing exploration efforts around areas where there is already existing infrastructure, Le Peuch said.

Majority of new oil production will come from the U.S., Canada, Guyana and Brazil in the near-term, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said last week.

In Guyana, Exxon Mobil anticipates bringing oil production to 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027, around 12 years after it drilled its first exploration well off the shores of the South American country.

South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal

Staff Writer

Water treatment plant. Image used for illustrative purpose. 

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to Musina.

The agreement is the product of the bilateral agreement of cooperation on water resources management, and the establishment and functioning of the Joint Water Commission established by the two countries in 2015.

The transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.

The capacity of the Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant is 35 million cubic metres/annum (96 Ml/day) and is currently not fully utilised in Zimbabwe, with only 10% of the capacity used for Beitbridge.

Mchunu has welcomed the signing of the agreement and assured the community of Musina that the transfer of water from Beitbridge will alleviate water supply challenges in the area, as the quantities to be supplied are more than the current demand.

According to the agreement, the two countries will kick-start an implementation plan and oversee the construction of a pipeline and of pump stations to transfer 15 million cubic metres (41 ML/day) of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina.

The two implementing agents to oversee the construction projects include the South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

The treated water to be transferred is expected to comply with South Africa’s water quality standards (SANS 241), set by the South African National Bureau of Standards (SABS), which is informed by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

Mchunu said in the interim, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Vhembe District Municipality, which is the Water Services Authority for Musina Local Municipality, in addressing challenges with the existing water infrastructure, including rehabilitating the existing but non-functional boreholes, while the project is being implemented.

“We are looking at operationalising the non-functioning boreholes in Musina and we believe that with the transfer of water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works, the challenges of water supply in Musina will be a thing of the past.

“…We are thankful to the government of Zimbabwe to be able to expedite this water sharing deal, which will change the lives of the people of Musina,” Mchunu said.

Masuka also welcomed the contribution of the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that economic development is sustainable in Musina.

“I am very pleased that this day has come to fruition. It has taken years of negotiation and I thank the technical team for having put their very best for their countries to ensure that we come to this level today,” Masuka said.

The Minister reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed to supplying the maximum 15 million cubic metres of treated water per year to Musina town for the duration of the agreement. He is hopeful that the contribution will alleviate the water challenges in Musina, and also contribute to the economic development of the region.

As part of the two-day programme, Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, held a meeting with Vhembe District and Musina Local Municipality leadership on Friday to discuss immediate, medium- and long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges affecting the region.

The leaders later held an imbizo, where they gave an update to the community of Musina on the plans underway to provide them with water, as well as interim measures to alleviate intermittent water provision.