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  • President Ramkalawan meets FIFA president at State House

    President Ramkalawan meets FIFA president at State House

    15 April 2023 | Sport

    The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan received the President of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Mr. Gianni Infantino at State House, yesterday morning. The President, who is also the Patron of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF), welcomed Mr. Infantino on this first visit to Seychelles..

    President Ramkalawan underlined how encouraged he is seeing the number of football clubs that have already shown signs of emerging talents. He gave the commitment of the Government in the development of sports in Seychelles, which he emphasised is a way to keep the young boys and girls away from bad influences as well as for the wellbeing of their health.

    “On behalf of the Government of Seychelles, I would like to thank FIFA for all that you are doing for our young people around the world, and more importantly here in Seychelles. We are grateful for all the financial support that the Federation has given to Seychelles, which has helped us to tackle many outstanding issues including the re-surfacing of the stadium. Rest assured of the Government’s commitment and full support in the development and promotion of sports in Seychelles,” said President Ramkalawan.

    The courtesy meeting between the Head of State and Mr. Infantino was an opportunity for further exchange of views on the development of football in Seychelles. Furthermore, they discussed on the talent development schemes, and the stadium infrastructures on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, whereby Mr. Infantino gave his commitment for FIFA to invest in a stadium. They also spoke about the upcoming Beach Soccer World Cup in 2025, whereby Seychelles will become the first African country to host the tournament.

    In an interview held after the meeting, Mr. Infantino said that FIFA is looking forward to the future of Seychelles over the next decade and that they will invest together with the local Federation (SFF) into Football development, making sure that talents from Seychelles can emerge, and play at the international level.

    During his short official visit in the country, Mr. Infantino is expected to visit several football projects funded by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association under the Forward 1.0 and Forward 2.0 programmes. He will also inaugurate the Astroturf playing fields at the Seychelles Football Federation headquarters, Roche Caïman which was resurfaced last year. Mr. Infantino will also visit the Technical Centre at the SFF headquarter and the Astroturf pitch at La Retraitre. Another highlight of his visit will be a football match where he is expected to join mixed teams of under-17 boys and girls at the Roche Caïman Astroturf.

    Mr. Infantino was accompanied at State House by Deputy General Football, Mr. Mattias Graftström, Senior Football Advisor, Mr. Youri Djorkaeff, Director Member Associations Africa, Mr. Gelson Fernandos, Head of the President’s Office, Mr. Federico Raviglione, and FIFA Legend, Mr. Houssine Kharja.

    Also present yesterday morning for the courtesy meeting was the Minister for Youth, Sports, and Family, Mrs. Marie-Céline Zialor, president of the Seychelles Football Federation, Mr. Elvis Chetty, Principal Secretary for Sports, Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, Chief Executive of the Seychelles Football Federation, Mr. Denis Rose, and members of the Federation’s executive committee, Mrs. Sheila Mohideen.

    SOURCE

    State House News Alert, Seychelles 

  • Afreximbank to hold 30th Annual Meetings in Accra, Ghana, from 18-21 June 2023

    Afreximbank Annual Meetings are open to all those interested and/or active in promoting African trade and supporting the socio-economic development of African economies
     
    CAIRO, Egypt, April 13, 2023/ — The 30th Annual Meetings of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) will take place in Accra, Ghana, from 18 to 21 June 2023. The event will mark the high point of the Bank’s year-long 30th anniversary celebrations, under the theme “Delivering the Vision. Building Prosperity for Africans”.

    The 30th Afreximbank Annual Meetings and 30th Anniversary celebrations will bring together on one platform thousands of people, including African and Caribbean leaders and senior government officials, African, Caribbean and other policymakers, corporate leaders, bankers, academia and other thought leaders. The meetings will include the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and an extensive seminar programme, featuring plenaries and side events.

    “We thank His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his Government for graciously accepting to host Afreximbank’s 30th Annual Meetings. Thirty years ago, the founding fathers of Afreximbank launched a bold initiative for Africans. The hard work of the past three decades, in pursuit of that vision, has shaped what Afreximbank has become today. Member States, clients, customers and partners, the business and international trade community, all those in Africa and the diaspora who strive for the prosperity of African people are invited to join us in Accra to celebrate the Bank’s achievements and reflect on its future in an increasingly turbulent world”, said Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank.

    Afreximbank Annual Meetings are open to all those interested and/or active in promoting African trade and supporting the socio-economic development of African economies.

    Ghana’s Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, noted that, “It is only fitting that the commemoration of this milestone for Africa’s key Trade Finance institution is co-organised by the host of AFCFTA Secretariat, the Government, and people of Ghana, who are determined torch bearers for Africa’s quest for trade expansion and integration. This is another opportunity to deepen cooperation and seek African solutions to Africa’s challenges.”

    Register here (https://apo-opa.info/3MFwv5M) for Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2023 (AAM2023). Afreximbank’s last Annual Meetings took place in Cairo, Egypt in June 2022.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

    Media Contact:
    Amadou Labba Sall
    Manager, Media Relations
    Afreximbank
    asall@afreximbank.com

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    About Afreximbank:
    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa.

    A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. 

     At the end of 2022, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$86 billion between 2016 and 2022. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com.

    SOURCE
    Afreximbank

     

  • Annual Investment Meeting 2023 to Explore the Role of Digital Technology in Designing Future Cities

    Annual Investment Meeting 2023 to Explore the Role of Digital Technology in Designing Future Cities

    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 12 April 2023: The Annual Investment Meeting 2023 (AIM Global 2023), supported by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), will explore the future of urban development and how important employing innovative solutions and digital technology is in building smarter and more sustainable cities that can withstand future challenges.

    Anchored on the theme “The Investment Paradigm Shift: Future Investment Opportunities To Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity and Prosperity,” the 12th edition of the conference, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 8 to 10 May 2023, aims to gather together top government officials, decision-makers, and industry experts from 170 countries to promote sustainable economic growth and to further strengthen UAE’s global competitiveness and position as a leading investment destination.

    Future Cities is one of the main pillars of AIM Global’s agenda this year, alongside Foreign Direct Investment, Small and Medium Enterprises, Foreign Portfolio Investments, and Startups. Through the Future Cities track, the event will delve into the cutting-edge methods for designing future cities and bridging the financing gap by connecting project owners, entrepreneurs, and smart city solution and technology service providers with investors and finance companies. It will also offer an opportunity for its participants to showcase their smart projects to investors, expand their business network, and collaborate with the private sector.

    His Excellency Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of ADDED,  said: “Abu Dhabi has made great strides in its digital trasnforamtion journey, cemetnig its position as the smartest city in the region and laying down a solid foundation to continue developing a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.

    We are looking forward to be part of the globl dialouge on future cities at the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi to exchange ideas and experiences and work together with key decision makers and players to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing communities today”

    H.E. stressed the need to utilize the latest advancements in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), which involves digital transformation and innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, metaverse, 5G, Internet of Things, and connected technologies, to boost economic growth and shape future cities. This aligns with the smart city concept that pursues to improve quality of life through digital technology, efficient resource consumption, and human-centered design to create sustainable communities.

    AIM Global 2023 will have several forums that revolve around the Future Cities pillar, including “Digital Transformation: Integrating Innovative Technologies” forum, “What are Future Cities? and How Can foreign direct investment be leveraged in future cities?” forum, and “Leveraging new technologies and transitioning between future transformative technologies” forum, among many others.

    There will also be four pre-conference workshops organized a day prior to the event. The “Engaging communities in designing sustainable smart cities,” which is in cooperation with the World Organization of Sustainable Smart Cities, seeks to transform cities into smart and sustainable cities economically, socially, and environmentally by harnessing the power of digital technologies, engaging leaders and communities, achieving integration across different industries, and directing investments towards the development of sustainable smart cities.

    For registrations please use the following link https://aimcongress.com/register

    For more details kindly contact:

    Shereen Al Musallami

    Strategic Exhibitions & Conferences

    00971526998032

    pr.media@strategic.ae

     

  • Canon Student Development Programme 2023- Unlocking Potential & Empowering Young Photographers

    Canon Student Development Programme 2023- Unlocking Potential & Empowering Young Photographers

    The prestigious programme will allow 100 selected participants to attend key industry events and receive one-to-one mentorship from experts
    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 11, 2023/ — The Canon Student Development Programme 2023 (Canon-CNA.com) aims to provide aspiring photographers with the necessary resources and opportunities to take their careers to the next level and become professional photographers.

    This programme includes a range of valuable offerings, such as mentorships, industry visits, grants, portfolio reviews and networking. Supporting events such as Instagram live sessions (IG live sessions) will be held on Canon’s official Instagram page (https://apo-opa.info/3ZU4wC5), featuring Canon ambassadors and CSDP 2022 Alumni.
    Applications are open until April 16th, 2023. To apply to be a part of the 2023 Canon Student Development Programme or view the entry criteria, please visit: https://apo-opa.info/3JSvaXc

    Summary

    The esteemed Canon Student Development Programme (CSDP) is a platform for young, aspiring photographers to fast-forward their creative journey with the help of rewarding opportunities such as mentorships, grants, industry visits, portfolio reviews and networking. For its seventh edition of CSDP, the prestigious programme will allow 100 selected participants to attend key industry events and receive one-to-one mentorship from experts representing established news agencies and publications, and Canon Ambassadors, along with excellent networking opportunities with influential photographers from across the globe.

    Fueling Aspirations: Inspirational Sessions for Young Minds

    In a bid to spread light about this initiative that seeks to empower young photographers, Canon will host an array of live sessions on Instagram. These sessions will provide key insights on what students can expect from the programme, how they can support their careers through CSDP, and testimonials from previous winners. Canon’s most recent IG live session was held on April 6th with Canon Ambassador, Muhammed Muheisen, and Canon Student Development Programme 2022 Alumni, Samuel Alabi, who shared their experiences about the programme: “Working in the creative industry differs from working in the corporate industries, it is highly significant for creative industry aspirants to network and get involved in opportunities that may provide them with exposure of how the industry works. A programme like CSDP can be highly beneficial for young photographers as it provides myriad opportunities that can help them hone their skills and gain valuable knowledge needed to transition from an ‘amateur’ to a ‘professional’ in the industry,” said Muhammed Muheisen. Samuel Alabi added, “This opportunity changed my life for good. It got me out of the country and gave me a new family, and new opportunities. My work was also exhibited at a photo fair in Paris.”

    The next IG live session will take place on April 13th with Canon Student Development Programme 2022 Alumni, Muhammed Mahdy, along with Egyptian fine art photographer and Canon Ambassador, Menna Hossam, on Canon Central and North Africa’s official Instagram page (https://apo-opa.info/3ZU4wC5): “The Canon Student Development Programme is a ladder for aspiring photographers to jump forward in their careers as it presents invaluable opportunities such as mentorships from well-established professionals in the industry, access to esteemed photojournalists, and networking opportunities. I encourage all young students to become part of CSDP and attend the IG live sessions. This is a great opportunity that can open a lot of doors to accelerate career growth,” said Menna Hossam. When asked about CSDP’s contribution towards career acceleration, Muhammed Mahdy, CSDP 2022 Alumni, said, “A fundamental core towards success is to have resources of knowledge and networks that could help you along your career, and Canon provided that at every stage of the Canon Student Development Programme.”

    Don’t miss out: Apply now!

    Of the 100 selected students to receive mentorship from industry experts as part of the Canon Student Development Programme, 30 students will be invited to participate in a five-day workshop in Girona, Spain including a visit to Visa pour l’Image international photo-journalism festival in Perpignan, France. The final five mentees will receive a €2,000 grant along with an exclusive experience at the third edition of the Hamburg Portfolio Review, and top-of-the-line Canon equipment worth up to €9000 to support their creative journey ahead.

    Interested applicants and students above 18 years of age, or those who completed their course in the 2022-23 academic year, can submit their entries until April 16th, 2023, by clicking on this link- https://apo-opa.info/3JSvaXc

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

    Media enquiries, please contact
    Canon Central and North Africa
    Mai Youssef
    E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

    APO Group – PR Agency
    Rania ElRafie
    E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

    About Canon Central and North Africa:
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.

    Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.

    Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.

    For more information: Canon-CNA.com

    SOURCE
    Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA)

     

     

  • AIM Signs Memorandum of Understanding with UNWTO to Boost Tourism-Based Investments

    AIM Signs Memorandum of Understanding with UNWTO to Boost Tourism-Based Investments

     Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 5 April 2023 – The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the specialized agency of the United Nations for tourism development, and the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), an esteemed investment platform in the Middle East, have strengthened their cooperation around common interests in tourism-related investments. The two parties will work together to harness the power of tourism to drive global development and to accelerate the implementation of the agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS), particularly now that economies are now starting to recover from the pandemic.

    UNWTO and AIM, through this new Memorandum of Understanding, have formally committed to jointly support the following goals: the effective implementation of the agenda 2030 and the 17 SDGs through tourism investments, and the promotion of innovation and technology. UNWTO and AIM’s collaborative works related to investment facilitation and promotion will see them share and disseminate knowledge regarding investment policies among their stakeholders and networks and maximize foreign direct investments’ positive economic impact on the sector.

    UNWTO is the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development, environmental sustainability and aims to drive the digitalization of tourism and to create an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Organization offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.

    AIM provides an invaluable and unparalleled opportunity for public and private entities to come together to achieve their shared vision of growth and sustainability. Anchored around the theme of “The Investment Paradigm Shift: Future Investment Opportunities To Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity and Prosperity,” this year’s AIM edition will focus on 10 key sectors that include Tourism & Hospitality, among others.

    In line with the two organizations’ commitment to cooperate in the implementation of projects as stipulated in the MoU, UNWTO will spearhead the “Tourism Investment Forum” to be held on the framework of the upcoming AIM Global 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on May 8-10, 2023.

    UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented: “UNWTO has recognized investments as our key priorities for tourism right now and into the future. Investments are essential for the tourism sector to grow. And in turn, a thriving tourism sector can also attract investors. UNWTO is proud to collaborate with AIM around our shared goal of boosting investments into tourism and into the projects that will deliver greater sustainability and resilience for the sector.”

    AIM President Dawood Al Shezawi said: “It has been AIM’s mission to provide an interactive platform where investment opportunities can be formed, thereby not only strengthening economic relations among nations but also addressing issues that have profound effects on a global scale.”

    He added, “AIM takes pride in its belief that keeping abreast of the latest changes and issues while at the same time making available the best venue where the brightest minds, from all sectors, can converge to find solutions and scale up development ideas is of utmost importance. We welcome this great chance to cooperate with the UNWTO and we are certain that this collaboration will be fruitful.”

    AIM Global 2023 has engaged in several technologically driven initiatives as part of its commitment to build the global economy roadmap and bolster the five key pillars, which include Foreign Direct Investment, Small and Medium Enterprises, Future Cities, Startups, and Foreign Portfolio Investments. Besides Tourism & Hospitality, the other key focus sectors are Agriculture, Energy, Technology, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics, Finance, Healthcare, and Education.

     

     

  • Annual Investment Meeting tackles global market challenges, future investment opportunities in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

    Annual Investment Meeting tackles global market challenges, future investment opportunities in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development

    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2 April 2023: The 12th Annual Investment Meeting (AIM Global 2023), which is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, will feature a number of local and international events, forums, and conferences from May 8 to 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and discuss the latest investment trends, challenges, and opportunities to further boost the sustainable growth of the global economy.

    Its lineup of activities comprises a series of dialogue sessions, keynote speeches, and interactive workshops that facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices, foster dialogue and cooperation, and encourage collective efforts towards achieving a more sustainable and equitable financial future for all.

    It will focus on two main tracks, Investment and Innovation & Technology, which will highlight several topics that cover 10 key different sectors – Agriculture, Energy, Technology, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Tourism & Hospitality, Transportation & Logistics, Finance, Healthcare, and Education.

    Least Developed Countries Forum

    Organized in cooperation with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), the Least Developed Countries Forum aims to shed light on the key challenges confronting investment promotion agencies globally, such as market analysis mechanisms, investment trends, and sustainable approaches to addressing them, with a particular emphasis on investment promotion agencies in the least developed countries.

    İsmail Erşahin, WAIPA Executive Director and CEO, lauded the long-term partnership between the association and the Annual Investment Meeting, the world’s leading platform that offers an excellent opportunity for investment experts, private sector representatives and international organizations to network and exchange ideas.

    “This year we are pleased to be partnering on a conference for Least Developed Countries, where we will dedicate an entire day to discussing the crucial issues facing investment promotion agencies representing LDCs globally and to presenting them with the tools and knowledge needed to address their challenges in a productive and sustainable manner. We are also looking forward to hosting a workshop on attracting institutional capital, an increasingly urgent task for IPAs which WAIPA is supporting through our training programs,” Erşahin said.

    Future Finance Forum

    The Future Finance Forum, in partnership with the Union of Arab Banks under the theme “Leveraging Innovative Technologies for Financial Inclusion and Sustainability,” will bring together experts and practitioners to explore the role of cutting-edge technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, Web3, and digital currencies, in promoting financial access, stability, and sustainability. The Forum’s attendees will also gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in implementing these technologies in the finance sector so they can collaborate on concrete solutions for a more inclusive and sustainable financial future in the Arab world.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Secretary General of Union of Arab Banks Dr. Wissam Fattouh said: “In light of the global economic and climate risks, the Arab region is witnessing deep economic and financial transformations, which will shape its landscape for the upcoming decades. The Union of Arab Banks, in partnership with AIM, aims to shed light on the emerging challenges facing our region, and how to transform them into opportunities, in order to achieve a green, sustainable, and digital Arab economy.”

    The local and global side events at the AIM Global 2023 also include “Make it in the Emirates”; “Invest in Abu Dhabi”; “Road to the World Investment Forum” in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development; “Entrepreneurs Investment Summit” with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); “Bloomberg New Energy Finance Forum”; “Future Finance Forum” with the Union of Arab Banks; “World Local Production Forum” with the World Health Organization; “Tourism Investment Forum” with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO); “Least Developed Countries Forum” in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies; “Finoverse Forum”; “Distressed and Alternative Investment Forum” with the DDC Financial Group; and “Advanced Manufacturing Investment Forum” to be hosted by UNIDO.

    AIM Global 2023 will revolve around the theme “The Investment Paradigm Shift: Future Investment Opportunities To Foster Sustainable Economic Growth, Diversity and Prosperity.” Throughout its previous editions, the conference has established itself as the world’s largest investment platform, attracting extensive international participation from decision-makers, senior officials, businesspeople, experts, and academics. It has excelled at providing a premier venue for knowledge dissemination and exchange, staying updated on the latest developments in foreign direct investment and related matters, sharing experiences, exploring business prospects, and forging cooperation and partnership agreements.

     

     

  • Cake developing semi-autonomous electric ATV for sustainable farming

    By Paul Ridden

    December 14, 2022

    Swedish electric moto maker Cake is aiming to help clean up large-scale farming operations by replacing polluting machinery with the Kibb, an electric four-wheeler that can ride like an all-terrain vehicle or serve as an autonomous cargo hauler.

    “Sustainable and responsible farming is vital for healthy ecosystems and we are aiming to make Kibb the number one tool for all future farmers,” said company CEO, Stefan Ytterborn.

    The Kibb concept is inspired by a Masters thesis from transportation designer Fanny Jonsson, who interned with Cake earlier this year and has since been brought onboard to help take the project into production.

    It’s name comes from the word for an ox in Gutniska – an ancient language from the island of Gotland in Sweden – “representing the strength combined with gentleness and positive impact for biodiversity.” When a worker needs to zip quietly and cleanly around the farm, a short seat is strapped onto the sturdy top bar and adjusted to fit in a similar fashion to the company’s Ösa utility e-moto, and a motorcycle-like handlebar is mounted up front. The rider’s feet rest on capable-looking plates on each side of the chassis.

    It’s too early for actual specs to be released, but it looks like the rear-wheel-drive Kibb can accommodate up to three removable battery packs, there’s integrated lighting for around-the-clock operation potential, plus coil suspension front and back to smooth out the terrain, stopping power comes from disc braking on each wheel, and the chassis includes small pull-out drawers on each side to the front.

    Cake hasn’t yet detailed onboard sensors, but does say that an autonomous mode will be available to assist workers in the field, haul gear and cargo from A to B or tow equipment such as a planter powered by the Kibb’s battery bank.

    Aimed at supporting organic, permaculture and regenerative agriculture operations, Cake is planning to get the Kibb semi-autonomous electric ATV into production by 2025.

    Source: Cake

     

  • 1st Part of the 28th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)-31st March,Kingston,Jamaica

    1st Part of the 28th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA)-31st March,Kingston,Jamaica

    Highlights of the day included:

    • discussion on the report of the Chair of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC);
    • adoption of a decision relating to the establishment of the position of an interim director general of the Enterprise; and
    • adoption of a decision on the two-year rule; and
    • the Dominican Republic joined the calls for a precautionary pause on deep sea mining.

    On the LTC Chair’s report, many delegates welcomed the implementation of training programmes by the contractors, particularly for nationals of developing countries. On regional environmental management plans, Brazil stressed that they should be in place before a plan of work is approved, while Argentina and China emphasized their non-binding legal nature.

    On environmental thresholds, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and others noted that additional thresholds should be considered, including for habitat loss due to the removal of nodules. Many delegates underscored that intersessional work on thresholds, to be carried out by a group and sub-groups of experts under the guidance of the LTC, should be open-ended rather than limiting the number of experts to 10 for each sub-group

    On the incident during test mining by The Metals Company (TMC) – Nauru Resources Inc. (NORI) regarding the discharge of wastewater containing debris, sediment, and fragments of nodules from the seabed into the sea at surface level, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Costa Rica expressed concerns. They queried whether the contractor promptly reported to the Secretariat on the incident or only after it was revealed by civil society. Greenpeace International, on behalf of environmental organizations, validated the concerns.
    On the decision relating to the establishment of the position of an interim director general of the Enterprise, Germany and Singapore proposed adding that the Secretary-General shall explore all options to deliver the establishment of the proposed positions within the existing budget and, if not possible, provide detailed justifications before asking for a supplementary budget. Following restructuring suggestions by Ghana, on behalf of the African Group, and the Russian Federation, the Council adopted the draft decision.On the decision on the two-year rule, delegates agreed, among others, to continue the intersessional dialogue, which will be facilitated by Belgium and Singapore. The Co-facilitators will prepare a new briefing note for the Council to consider, and during the July 2023 Council meeting at least two half-day sessions will be devoted to discussing the outcome of the intersessional dialogue.

    Many delegates emphasized that difficult compromises were necessary to bridge divergent positions and reach consensus. They further emphasized that no commercial deep sea mining activities may commence before a robust framework is in place to ensure, among others, the protection and preservation of the marine environment, in line with relevant obligations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

    Some lamented that “the legal loophole was not closed,” noting there is no provision for the Council to provide relevant guidance to the LTC, as its subsidiary body, regarding the consideration of potential applications for plans of work for exploitation before the complete set of regulations, rules, and procedures, including standards and guidelines, are in place. Others noted the need to respect the LTC’s independence and its role in reviewing applications for plans of work.

    President Mijares thanked all delegates, observers, Secretariat staff, and interpreters for their commitment and hard work. He underscored important intersessional work and gaveled the meeting to a close at 5:02 pm.

    The Earth Negotiations Bulletin summary and analysis of the first part of the ISA Council for the 28th session will be available on Tuesday, 4 April 2023.

    SOURCE
    IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin
    Text: Credit:Asterios Tsioumanis, Ph.D., María Ovalle, and Pam Chasek, Ph.D.

     Photo: Credit : IISD/ENB | Diego Noguera

  • ”How Nigeria Could Turn Climate Change into Economic Opportunity”-Prof Okereke

    ”How Nigeria Could Turn Climate Change into Economic Opportunity”-Prof Okereke

    The ongoing effort to stem the negative impact of climate change presents Nigeria with unique opportunities to boost its economy and improve electricity supply through renewable sources, expert on climate change issues, Professor Chukwumerije Okereke has said.

    Okereke who is the Director, Centre for Climate Change and Development, CCCD, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, stated this in Abuja at the award ceremony for the winners of the second National Essay Competition titled ‘Climate Change and Nigeria’s Economic Development: A letter to Mr. Incoming President’.

    Prof. Okereke said the essays written by the three finalists would be sent to whoever emerges Nigeria’s President in the general elections.

    He noted that climate change was not just an environmental issue but a national emergency that should be paid serious attention to by all Nigerians.

    According to him, “Many people misunderstand climate change as a small environmental problem somewhere. We are saying that climate change is a national economic development issue. It has to do with agriculture. It has to do with migration. It has to do with security. It has to do with water resources. It has to do with energy. It has to do with urban planning. It has to do with transportation.

    “Nigeria is losing according to the statistics and research done by the UK Government up to $100 billion a year to climate change as at 2020. And that number may go up to $250 billion per year by 2050 if Nigeria fails to take drastic action to tackle the problem. And the youth is the future.

    “They’re our leaders. You can see how massive their engagement in the current election campaign is. So we thought that it’s important to bring the youth together, to animate them, to equip them to empower them, to sensitise them so that they can champion the cause of climate change and the action to solve the problem in Nigeria.

    “As to whether the right is going to get to the President, absolutely. We will make sure that we email these three winning essays to whoever becomes the next president”.

    Prof. Okereke explained that the government needs to create more awareness among Nigerians on the impact of climate change and also set out a national plan to tackle the issues.

    He said that the national plan has to be implemented to the letter and also ensure that institutions charged with implementing the policies are staffed with competent people to drive the process.

    “The good news is that if we can act on climate change in a sensible and wise and intelligent manner, we can actually turn it from being a threat to being an opportunity. For example, in the area of renewable energy, we have just about 4,000 megawatts of energy that we are generating for a country of about 200 million people. South Africa generates about 40 gigawatts. And yet, Nigeria is a land of sun, we can harvest all the energy we need to meet our power and electricity from the sun.

    “Second, we can begin to utilise what we call green agriculture to be able to deal with the issue of desertification, desert encroachment, the degradation of the Lake Chad lecture and begin to create opportunity for women and men to go into green agriculture, which will build resilience to climate change and also lead to a lot of job opportunities.

    “We should stop the flaring of our gas in the Niger Delta, because its contribution is about 55 million metric tonnes of CO2 per annum to Nigeria. And yet if we harness those gases we can use it to power modular cooking and energy in the rural areas of the country”, he added.

    Source:(CCCD Post)

  • Investment Forum for Access to Energy: the African Development Bank conducts consultations for the implementation of its strategy on mini-grids in the Sahel

    The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Desert to Power initiative and promote strategic investments in solar energy in the Sahel countries.
    ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, March 30 , 2023/ — On the sidelines of the Energy Access Investment Forum, held in Abidjan from March 21 to 23, 2023, the African Development Bank ( http://www .AfDB.org ) organized two-day consultations with stakeholders in the mini-grid sector in Africa. Objective: to attract the main actors of the sector in order to discuss the strategy of mini-grids that the bank plans to put in place through the Desert to Power taskforce ( https://apo-opa.info/3ZBnD3W ).

    The event also aimed to raise awareness of the Desert to Power initiative and to promote strategic investments in solar energy in the countries of the Sahel as a major contribution to the fight against climate change.

    The first session, which brought together nearly 50 participants including actors from the private and public sectors and then financial partners, made it possible to discuss the bottlenecks in the promotion of mini-grids in the countries of the Sahel. Participants shared best practices and lessons learned from their experiences.

    The second session, which brought together around forty participants, focused on the use of technology platforms to plan, acquire and operate mini-grids and monitor their performance. The results of the two sessions will make it possible to refine and finalize the bank’s intervention strategy in the financing and development of mini-grids in the countries of the Sahel.

    The National Focal Points of the Desert to Power Initiative and the Directors General of Rural Electrification Agencies from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad, met with the Desert to Power Taskforce on 20 March 2023, ahead of the two sessions in order to discuss the challenges of deploying mini-grids in the region. This consultation had been requested, during the 3rd ministerial meeting on the Desert to Power Initiative, held in Nouakchott in December 2022. The energy ministers of these five countries wanted more in-depth discussions for an approach that would make the strategy applicable. in each country given the importance of the deployment of mini-grids in achieving universal access to electricity in the region.

    Daniel Schroth, Director of Renewable Energies and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank, welcomed the strong mobilization and the active and fruitful participation of the various delegations. He particularly underlined the need to accelerate the deployment of green mini-grids in the Sahel.

    The managing directors of rural electrification agencies welcomed the bank’s initiative, which made it possible to capitalize on various expertise for the development of mini-grids while being based on the specific realities of each country. They expressed their expectations on the final document which they hope will serve as a reference for the deployment of mini-grids in the Sahel countries.

    Distributed by APO Group for African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Xiaomi Ollo HIEN
    Department of Communication and External Relations
    o.hien@afdb.org

    Technical contacts:
    Franklin GBEDEY
    Head of the Renewable Energy Division
    f.gbedey@afdb.org

    About the Desert to Power Initiative:
    Launched in 2019, “Desert to Power” ( https://apo-opa.info/3ZBnD3W ) is a flagship renewable energy and socio-economic development initiative initiated and piloted by the African Development Bank Group . As part of the first strategic priority of the Bank Group’s “High 5s”, the initiative has a great ambition “ to light up and supply electricity “ to eleven countries in the Sahel region by increasing, by 2030, 10 gigawatts of solar generation capacity through public and private, on-grid and off-grid projects. The initiative should thus provide 250 million people with access to electricity throughout the Sahel region, for socio-economic development purposes. It covers 11 countries in the Sahel (Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan and Chad), where 64% of the population lives without electricity — with consequences for education, health and business.

    SOURCE
    African Development Bank Group (AfDB)