by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, business, ghana, government, news
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), alongside Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST) and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST), have officially launched Sankore, an initiative valued at £1.9 million designed to enhance science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) environments across West African nations.
As part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) Program, Sankore will enhance the United Kingdom’s relationships with Nigeria and Ghana. This initiative supports crucial strategies such as the UK-Ghana Science, Technology & Innovation Strategy from 2023 to 2027 and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, which was agreed upon in November 2024 between the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, and Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
Centering on Nigeria and Ghana, Sankore will collaborate intensively with stakeholders in West Africa to:
— Assist with the implementation of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) and the Nigeria National Research Fund (NRF).
— Assist Nigeria in establishing its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) as an operational entity.
— Promote the commercialization of innovative solutions in key economic areas like agriculture and energy.
— Improve the policy and regulatory framework to foster innovation, enhancing data access and transparency for stakeholders within the ecosystem;
– Set up a demand-driven Helpdesk to support FCDO and governmental partners, offering expert guidance and advice.
At the program launch in Abuja, the UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, stated that the Sankore initiative represents an exhilarating enhancement aimed at bolstering the United Kingdom’s enduring collaboration with the governments of West African nations. This new venture seeks to foster economic expansion via innovative approaches.
“Through utilizing our abilities, assets, and knowledge, we strive to hasten the common objectives of economic diversity, employment generation, and enhanced service provision in both Nigeria and Ghana,” she mentioned additionally.
Additionally, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, stated: “Innovation plays a crucial role in fostering a robust and equitable economy. The Sankore initiative will serve as a driving force behind positioning Ghana as a leader in scientific progress and technological development within the area. We are excited about working alongside numerous collaborators contributing their knowledge and skills to this collective effort.”
Furthermore, the Honorable Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Nigeria, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji stated: “At the FMIST, we aim to promote sustainable growth by encouraging locally developed innovations while incorporating international scientific advances to secure Nigeria’s advancement globally. The project known as Sankore signifies a crucial step forward in our significant and fruitful collaboration with the United Kingdom, working together towards a prosperous future for all Nigerians via state-of-the-art technologies and enhanced economics.”
Sankore will be provided by UNESCO and R4D working alongside local and international collaborators to guarantee successful execution and knowledge sharing.
The project will span 15 months, coming to an end by March 31, 2026.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | bitcoin, blockchain, business, cryptocurrency, future of cryptocurrencies
Growing adoption of Bitcoin is becoming more prevalent across Africa. An increasing number of enterprises, people, and even monetary institutions are opting for cryptocurrencies over conventional banking methods for transactions. Given the economic volatility, inadequate banking facilities, and high costs associated with money transfers in many parts of the continent, Bitcoin is emerging as a practical financial option. This trend highlights the potential benefitsBitcoin could bring to the region economically.
Bitcoin price trends
is essential for investors, traders, and businesses across Africa looking to incorporate digital assets into their activities.
The Effect of Bitcoin on Africa’s Economic Landscape
North American countries have taken the lead in adopting Bitcoin; nonetheless, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa have recently become frontrunners in Africa. The peer-to-peer crypto trading market throughout the continent surpassed $100 billion in 2023, positioning Africa as one of the quickest-expanding regions for blockchain tech, as stated in a Chainalysis report. Various elements driving this expansion encompass:
-
Lower Reliability of Fiat Currencies – In countries like Zimbabwe and Nigeria where the local currencies exhibit poor liquidity, it is wise for residents to consider investing in Bitcoin as a way to mitigate potential financial losses from currency depreciation over time.
-
Payments for Foreign Worker Transfers – Bitcoin proves beneficial for transfer payments as it removes the necessity of utilizing traditional remittance centers, which often impose exorbitant fees for processing payments.
-
Financial Inclusion – A significant segment of Africa’s population remains outside the banking system. Consequently, Bitcoin emerges as a suitable substitute, providing a decentralized and accessible means for financial transactions without relying on traditional banks.
How Bitcoin’s Pricing Impacts Africa’s Markets
Businesses and individuals’ activities with bitcoin are directly proportional to its price trends and different nations have different ways through which they analyze this. Take Nigeria, for instance, where the e-commerce platform Patricia and several local sellers on Jumia have had to change their prices multiple times a day to keep in line with the fluctuating value of bitcoin. This has led to the platform’s volatility driving the pricing strategy of freelancers and remote workers who are paid in bitcoin and the currency has to be converted before being spent. As investor sentiment increases, so too does Bitcoin’s value, reaching 71,333 dollars in April of 2024, according to estimates from CoinMarketCap. The volatility, however, remains high and so there is a lot of uncertainty for African investors and businesses hoping to capitalize on the price movement.
The following elements have the greatest influence on Bitcoin’s price fluctuations:
-
Widespread Acceptance and Institutional Investment – When companies boost their expenditures, this results in greater demand and an increased value of Bitcoin.
-
Regulatory Shifts – Laws concerning cryptocurrencies vary significantly across different African nations and play a crucial role in shaping both the perception and valuation of Bitcoin.
-
Market Speculation and Trading Activity – Bitcoin’s price fluctuations continue to be influenced by investors’ attitudes, particularly within the developing economies.
Regulation of Cryptocurrencies by African Governments
Regulations governing Bitcoin vary across African nations. Countries such as South Africa and Kenya exhibit skepticism yet are making efforts to adapt their policies so they can integrate cryptocurrencies into their economic systems. However, some other nations continue to show reluctance. Below is an overview of key policy shifts:
1. **South Africa**: Despite initial doubts, authorities are now seeking ways to regulate digital currencies.
2. **Kenya**: Similar to South Africa, Kenyan officials are exploring methods to bring crypto within regulatory bounds.
Other regions remain cautious about embracing these new financial technologies.
-
In South Africa, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) introduced more comprehensive rules by categorizingcryptoassets asfinancialproducts.This representsa significantstep towardstricterregulations.
-
In Nigeria, the Central Bank had earlier prohibited financial institutions from aiding cryptocurrency dealings. However, they are now moving towards permitting such activities following new permits issued to crypto exchange platforms. These licenses enable these entities to carry out regulated crypto operations subject to specific regulations.
-
Kenya — The Capital Markets Authority aims to explore methods for regulating Bitcoin’s security aspects in order to minimize fraudulent activities.
The Influence of Bitcoin on E-Commerce and Small Enterprises in Africa
As cryptocurrencies gain wider acceptance, small businesses and
e-commerce businesses
are expanding the choice of paying for products and services using Bitcoin. Companies can lower expenses through:
-
Reduced Transaction Costs – Making payments with Bitcoin typically incurs lower fees compared to transactions processed via credit cards. As an illustration, certain businesses in Ghana have started adopting Bitcoin as a means to circumvent expensive payment-processing charges, thereby boosting their profit margins and enhancing their overall financial performance.
-
Decreased Transaction Lag – Bank transactions executed via blockchain eliminate the wait times linked to conventional banking systems.
-
Entry into Worldwide Markets – Companies in Africa face no obstacles when interacting with international customers since they do not require currency conversions.
For example, Yellow Card is a cryptocurrency exchange operating across multiple African nations, facilitating Bitcoin trades. By 2024, Yellow Card had secured additional compliance certifications, enabling operations in over 20 African countries. This has positioned it as a key figure within the continent’s crypto landscape. The platform enables both enterprises and individuals to conduct seamless transactions using Bitcoin.
Obstacles and Dangers of Embracing Bitcoin in Africa
In contrast to its benefits, several challenges surround the acceptance of Bitcoin in Africa:
-
Regulatory Ambiguity: Frequent changes in policy create challenges for companies and investors trying to find their way, though certain nations like South Africa and Nigeria are starting to implement more transparent regulations. For instance, Nigeria intends to oversee the trading of digital assets and exert greater control via licensed cryptocurrency exchanges; these licenses are anticipated to roll out in 2024.
-
Price Fluctuations: Variations in Bitcoin’s cost may impact financial stability and trade activities for companies.
-
Restricted Resources: A key factor for increased adoption is having access to the internet along with proficient computer skills.
Conclusion
Bitcoin is progressively emerging as an essential element of Africa’s financial landscape by offering banking solutions or substitutes, streamlining money transfers, and promoting inclusivity. Specialists anticipate that Africa will further embrace Bitcoin as a principal means of payment and cross-border remittance service for digital monetary activities. However, this shift depends on implementing supportive regulations. Despite ongoing issues with price fluctuations and regulatory hurdles, comprehending market behavior and advancements within the Bitcoin sphere can aid both investors and enterprises in grasping the evolving African economic environment. If steps are taken, Africa could leverage targeted technological integration to boost economic progress and drive innovation via Bitcoin usage.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, government, health, healthcare and medicine, medicine and healthcare
On Monday, Nigeria’s First Lady and Senator Oluremi Tinubu committed ₦1 billion towards eradicating tuberculosis in Nigeria by the year 2030.
This contribution mirrors a comparable sum donated to the cause in March 2024, coinciding with her designation as both Global and National Stop-TB Champion.
“I wish to contribute an extra N1 billion from the Renewed Hope Initiative to combat tuberculosis in Nigeria,” stated Mrs. Tinubu during the 2025 World TB Day Community Outreach event held at the Sauka Village, located on Airport Road in Abuja.
The Senior Special Assistant for Media with the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Busola Kukoyi, made this announcement in a statement released on Monday entitled, ‘Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI contributes N1 billion to bolster efforts against tuberculosis.’
She characterized the disease as a Public Health Crisis requiring immediate action, appealing to Nigerians to undergo testing and be aware of their Tuberculosis status.
The First Lady stated that eliminating TB by 2030 is a shared duty among government officials, traditional and religious figures, lawmakers, young people, medical professionals, entities from the private sector, NGOs, grassroots organizations, as well as international collaborators.
The data presented in the World Health Organization’s 2024 Global TB Report are concerning. In Nigeria, tuberculosis claims a life every seven minutes.
“This indicates that during our brief stay at this event, numerous additional lives could be lost if we fail to take swift and decisive action,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu contended that the widespread occurrence of tuberculosis in Nigeria is intolerable, and everyone needs to contribute their efforts to combat this preventable and treatable illness.
As the Ambassador for Global and National TB Control, I renew my pledge to tackle the epidemic of tuberculosis within our country.
I am committed to promoting greater financial investment and policy changes to enhance tuberculosis control initiatives, as well as rallying resources and collaborations to back TB awareness and treatment programs.
“I am committed to continuing the amplification of TB survivor voices and combating stigma and discrimination. Additionally, I pledge to guarantee that women, children, and marginalized communities receive equitable access to TB treatment,” she vowed.
The First Lady highlighted that the administration has focused on increasing TB testing and treatment facilities throughout Nigeria to guarantee free and readily available care for everyone. Additionally, they aim to bolster grassroots healthcare networks to better serve marginalized groups and improve financial support as well as collaborations to expand TB control initiatives.
For World Tuberculosis Day 2025, the First Lady stated in her personal message that eradicating TB can be achieved through “our collective action, funding effective strategies, and guaranteeing access to vital treatments for everyone requiring them.”
Today, on World Tuberculosis Day 2025, I stand with the international community in renewing our pledge to eradicate one of the globe’s most lethal contagious illnesses, tuberculosis.
Aligned with this year’s theme, ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,’ we are encouraged to understand that defeating tuberculosis becomes achievable when we join forces, commit resources to effective strategies, and guarantee access to vital treatments for everyone requiring them.
As the national and global champion for stopping tuberculosis, I embrace this role with profound personal dedication. The battle against TB isn’t merely a matter of policy; it’s deeply personal to me, as I’ve experienced the sorrow of losing a dear friend to the disease. This serves as a stark reminder that TB continues to pose a significant health risk, particularly when left unrecognized and unaddressed. We cannot afford to let additional lives be claimed by an illness that can both be prevented and cured.
She urged all Nigerians to treat tuberculosis with seriousness, stating, “Should you experience a continuous cough lasting over 14 days, unexpected weight reduction, night sweats, or fevers, kindly go to the closest healthcare center for complimentary TB screening and therapy. Tuberculosis can be cured, and prompt medical intervention preserves lives.”
In his earlier comments, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, stated that eliminating tuberculosis in Nigeria by 2030 is achievable, particularly since President Bola Tinubu has instructed the ministry to enhance the overall health and welfare of Nigerians.
In immediate reaction to the appeal from the Sapeyi of Garki, Dr. Usman Kupi, who requested a Primary Health Centre for the Sauka Community, the First Lady guaranteed their request would be fulfilled after having an urgent conversation with the Minister regarding the matter.
A health lecture covered the aspects of tuberculosis including its causes, symptoms, preventive measures, diagnostic methods, and treatments. Additionally, screening for the condition took place during the Community Outreach event.
The theme for World Tuberculosis Day 2025 is ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, and Deliver,’ with the local slogan being ‘We Fit Do Am.’
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, government, politics, politics and law, public policy
Bengaluru
(
Karnataka
[India], March 25 (ANI):
Karnataka
Deputy Chief Minister
DK Shivakumar
On Monday announced that the Bruhat
Bengaluru
Mahanagara Palike (
BBMP
) would utilize artificial intelligence to bring property documents directly to the doorstep and to recognize
illegal construction
s.
Speaking at a press briefing following a gathering with lawmakers,
Bengaluru
on
BBMP
budget
In 2025-26, he stated, “A significant number of property owners have constructed unauthorized extra floors. Additionally, these individuals are avoiding the appropriate tax payments. To address this issue, we will employ artificial intelligence for detecting and quantifying such violations.”
illegal construction
s.”
He mentioned that approximately 7 lakh properties had unpaid property taxes, out of which around 1 lakh have now been included in the taxable category. “The rest still need to be incorporated into the tax net. The
BBMP
It doesn’t have the authority to impose unlawful conditions, but a new regulation addressing this was enacted last week. Additionally, it’s been determined that private roads within residential complexes will be classified as public thoroughfares,” he clarified.
I have directed my top officials to halt those
BBMP
Officials closely allied with the proprietors of unauthorized constructions. Every property is required to remit taxes without exception. Certain Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have proposed categorizing dwellings into group housing and single housing during approval processes.
He stated that the program to bring khatas directly to residents’ homes will commence in April. “Every property record has been converted into digital format. In collaboration with the relevant constituency MLAs, we will organize informational sessions,” he added.
He mentioned that street vendors will not be allowed to construct shops along the roadsides going forward, and this is also supported by a court ruling.
Up to 3,778 applications have been received for the distribution of pushcarts. We plan to provide 10,000 pushcarts.
BBMP
This year, the deadline for registering pushcarts has been pushed back to the end of April. Vendors who fail to register by then will be removed.
BBMP
He specified that they will create a pushcart tailored specifically for this purpose.
“The carts will resemble bicycles, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and conventional pushcart designs. Tender notices will soon be issued for their production. This initiative aims to guarantee that police officers, troublemakers, and bureaucrats do not harass street sellers,” he explained.
He additionally mentioned that the administration is gearing up to carry out the
BBMP
The elections are coming up shortly. We will head towards the elections once the Greater Region is ready.
Bengaluru
“The governance bill has been approved by the Governor,” he stated.
He stated that the chosen delegates
Bengaluru
The city has presented numerous proposals and articulated various requests from the residents of their districts. “Everything will be taken into consideration based on this feedback.”
BBMP
budget
. Numerous BJP legislators were missing from the
budget
The preparatory meeting requested the annulment of the suspension of the MLAs from the assembly. I informed them that it was an issue between the Speaker and the BJP MLAs. I had set up the
budget
“he mentioned additionally.” (ANI)
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, infrastructure, local news, news, transportation
The Hull City Council has been granted £7.6 million from the government to enhance its public transportation systems, particularly focusing on buses.
The agency stated that the funds from the Department for Transport (DfT) will be utilized for introducing new services, boosting the frequency on major routes, setting up approximately 30 new bus stops, and enhancing accessibility under their Bus Service Enhancement Program. This initiative is scheduled to roll out between April and March 2026.
Kerry Ryan, who leads the transport and traffic management department at the council, stated that the objective was to “offer additional transportation alternatives and encourage individuals to opt for greener travel methods.”
The funding from the DfT is part of an extensive effort to improve bus services throughout England.
As per the council’s proposal, a fresh service will be introduced to the North York Moors, connecting with Clough Road and forming a circuit through Kingswood.
Major corridors such as those running along Anlubby Road, Holderness Road, Beverley Road, and Spring Bank West will have buses operating at intervals of 10 minutes throughout the day, as stated by the local government.
The council mentioned that they will provide enhanced details at bus stops, which includes additional seating, signage, and upgrades to the display of bus schedules.
Ben Gilligan, the managing director of East Yorkshire Buses, stated: “Over the past year, we’ve been satisfied with our advancements as we aimed at boosting service frequency throughout the city.”
He mentioned that customers were provided with “additional choices to opt for eco-friendly transportation and reach both the city and nearby regions.”
Matt Cranwell, the managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, stated: “This funding has been essential and will remain vital for the ongoing enhancement of transportation choices for the residents of Hull.”
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | business, colleges and universities, education, government, politics and government
The Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University in Ibadan, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, has appealed to the Federal Government to expand the Tertiary Education Trust Fund advantages to include private institutions, enabling these schools to have access to similar resources as those available at publicly funded universities.
At a press conference held on Monday in Ibadan to celebrate the institution’s 20th anniversary, Adeyemo stressed that private university students ought to have access to student loans, and professors should get government-supported research grants.
I recommend that the Federal Government promote private universities by granting them access to the same benefits enjoyed by most public universities, particularly those provided by TETFund.
“As the chairperson of the Committee of Private Universities in Nigeria, we have explicitly stated that private universities should be granted access to these resources,” he emphasized.
Adeyemo also highlighted the importance of educational fairness, emphasizing that TETFund resources, funded by taxpayer dollars, ought not to be limited to just public institutions.
Our students ought to have access to scholarships, as these can assist them in covering part of their tuition costs.
“Furthermore, faculty members at private institutions should also gain access to these resources, ensuring they feel included.”
“At minimum, the funds from TETFund come from taxpayers’ money and shouldn’t be exclusively enjoyed by public universities,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor encouraged the administration to establish an enabling atmosphere for private universities to flourish, appealing to the National Universities Commission (NUC), the federal authorities, and other involved parties to offer essential support measures.
When looking back at the accomplishments of Lead City University over the last twenty years, Adeyemo credited its prosperity to robust collaboration, outstanding academics, and a dedication to fostering individuals who generate wealth instead of those seeking employment.
Our dedication to quality stands unmatched. The team remains devoted to our processes. It’s our collaboration, connections, pledges, and shared goals that distinguish us.
He stated, ‘We maintain an open-door policy, exhibit zero tolerance towards misconduct, and prioritize being student-friendly.’
Adeyemo mentioned that the university’s offerings have expanded from 40 to around 120 programs, vowing to uphold academic standards in compliance with NUC guidelines.
The growth of the university stems from a commitment to build an engaging, all-encompassing, and forward-thinking educational setting that fosters exceptional achievements among both learners and faculty members.
“Our main objective is to boost capability, productivity, and enthusiasm among our staff members, guaranteeing their continued leadership in educational quality, creativity, and service provision,” he noted.
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