(Posted 03rd April 2025)
CCA IN THE NEWS
Africa: Year in Review 2024 Launch
Wilson Centre
Opening remarks were provided by Oge Onubogu, Director of the Wilson Center Africa Program. Panel discussion followed, with contributors to the publication discussing events of the past year and connecting them to US and African policy looking into 2025. Florie Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, discussed the ability of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen a continental-wide market and shift global value chains. She connected implementation of the AfCFTA with US-Africa trade policy and stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity to coordinate policy between the AfCFTA and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)….Read More>>
CCA MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
GE HealthCare and FPT to drive AI-powered healthcare innovation in Vietnam
Bio Spectrum
Global IT firm FPT and GE HealthCare have announced a Strategic Cooperation Agreement, expanding their commercial alliance to advance product strategy and development, and establish an FPT Competency Centre in Vietnam.This deepening collaboration reflects a strategic shift from project-based engagement to a long-term alliance aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving patient care…..Read More>>
Ethiopian Airlines introduces VIP business jet service
Biz Community
Ethiopian Airlines has added a Boeing 737-800 Business Jet to its fleet, dedicated exclusively to VIP and smaller group charter flights. This move addresses the growing demand for premium travel options for business communities, investors, and other travellers seeking a high-end charter experience….Read More>>
U.S.-AFRICA RELATIONS
Announcement of Massad Boulos as Senior Advisor for Africa?
U.S Department Of State
The Department of State is pleased to announce the appointment of Massad Boulos as Senior Advisor for Africa. Senior Advisor Boulos also serves as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs.?Senior Advisor Boulos and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Corina Sanders will travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda starting April 3. During the trip, Senior Advisor Boulos and the team will meet with Heads of State and business leaders to advance efforts for durable peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and to promote U.S. private sector investment in the region…Read More>>
Starmer accused of foreign policy disaster as Trump signs off Chagos deal
Telegraph
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of “one of the worst foreign policy failures in years” after Donald Trump signed off the deal for Britain to give away the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.Downing Street said on Tuesday that the details of the agreement with the Mauritian government are now being finalised after being approved by the US president..Read More>>
ENERGY
Rwanda expands solar power to electrify close to 1,000 schools by 2025
New Times
Schools in remote areas of Rwanda have welcomed the government’s initiative to deploy solar power, aiming to connect nearly 1,000 schools by the end of 2025. The effort is part of a new energy policy introduced in February.Cyamburara Primary School, located in the remote Buhabwa Village, had operated without electricity since its founding in 2003. The lack of power hindered teaching and learning, forcing teachers to travel 35 kilometers to print exam papers and essential documents. The cost of transportation, over 3,000 Rwandan francs per trip, further strained the school’s limited resources….Read More>>
Uganda launches largest malaria vaccine introduction to date
GAVI
Today, Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and Alliance partners UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), PATH and CHAI, rolled out a malaria vaccination campaign in Apac District, northern Uganda. This makes Uganda the 19th country in Africa to introduce the malaria vaccine into routine immunisation, and it is the largest malaria vaccine roll-out to date in terms of target districts and population.The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, administered in four doses at 6, 7, 8 and 18 months, will initially target 1.1 million children aged under two years in 105 high- and moderate-transmission districts across Uganda, with plans to expand nationwide….Read More>>
Rwanda’s syringe manufacturing facility to boost Africa’s vaccination initiatives
New Times
Health minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana on Tuesday, April 1, officiated the launch of TKMD Rwanda’s auto-disable syringe manufacturing facility in Rwamagana District.According to the Ministry of Health, established in partnership with Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization pre-qualified facility produces up to one million syringes daily. TKMD Rwanda, a subsidiary of Chinese company Anhui Tiankang Medical Technology, “works with UNICEF to distribute to several African countries which saves on cost and time,” according to the ministry.The factory is set to play a pivotal role in creating local jobs and fostering sustainable operations in the community, the company said last year….Read More>>
Minister Calls For Increased Support In Women’s Health
Voice of Nigeria
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment, towards advancing the rights and well-being of women across the country.She made the commitment, at the celebrating Womanhood Arts Gala tagged: “Arts as a Catalyst For Improved Maternal Health” #HealthmeetsArt, organised by Nigeria Health Watch in Abuja…Read More>>
INFRASTRUCTURE
MTN, Huawei deploy new antenna to enhance 5G in Zambia
IT Web
MTN Zambia and Huawei have partnered to develop an antenna unit to enhance network performance and energy efficiency using innovative hardware and software. Techtrends Zambia reports that the antenna, named Meta-Active Antenna Unit (Meta-AAU) is a third generation of 5G active antenna units, enabling more coverage range and bandwidth while consuming less energy as compared to the traditional antenna. According to the companies, the Meta-AAU solution addresses some of the most common challenges that MTN faces such as limited tower space for equipment deployment, high operational expenditures, particularly costly deployments…Read More>>
AGRIBUSINESS
Nigeria: Teco to Unveil Palm Oil Processing Innovation At Agrofood Nigeria
All Africa
TECO Group, a leading name in Nigeria’s engineering industry for over 45 years, will introduce its latest innovation–the Dual-Purpose Screw Press and Digester for Palm Oil Processing–at the Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria exhibition.Since its founding in 1980, TECO GROUP has delivered customized engineering solutions across Nigeria and Africa. The company is committed to driving industrial growth by creating practical, high-quality equipment that supports economic development and sustainability….Read More>>
AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Appoints HE Moses Vilakati Acting Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals
Kalo Africa Media
The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, HE Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed HE Moses Vilakati,Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment as the Acting Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM). This appointment comes as a temporary measure following the vacancy left after the tenure of HE Amb. Albert Muchanga and other Commissioners recently ended…Read More>>
ICT
MultiChoice Africa & EthioTelecom Expand Digital Entertainment Access
IT News Africa
Ethio Telecom and MultiChoice Africa have announced a strategic partnership to provide Ethiopian consumers with enhanced access to digital entertainment. The collaboration introduces bundled packages combining high-speed fiber broadband and mobile data with DStv entertainment services, offering a seamless and cost-effective solution for modern content consumption….Read More>>
MTN And Airtel Africa Unite To Expand Connectivity In Nigeria And Uganda
Broadcast Media Africa
MTN Group and Airtel Africa have signed a landmark agreement to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda, boosting digital and financial inclusion on the continent.In a statement, MTN indicated that the partnership aims to enhance cost efficiency, expand coverage, and improve mobile service delivery, especially in rural areas where connectivity remains challenging…Read More>>
FINANCE
Africa’s Digital Payments Economy to Reach $1.5trn By 2030 – Report
All Africa
A recent Mastercard-commissioned report by Genesis Analytics has stated that the digital payments economy in Africa would continue to grow, with a projection that is expected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030.As a longstanding technology partner to Africa, Mastercard continues to strengthen its commitment to the continent’s digital growth through strategic investments, public-private partnerships, and innovation initiatives that drive financial health and economic growth. By fostering collaboration with key stakeholders, Mastercard aims to enhance digital connectivity, expand economic opportunities, and enable millions of people and businesses to thrive in the digital economy….Read More>>
