Day: May 17, 2023

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Tizeti to tackle broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire with Microsoft

ABIDJAN, Cote d’Ívoire, May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tizeti, a leading internet service provider in West Africa, announced an expanded collaboration with Microsoft to address the issue of broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire and bring internet access to almost 5 million people.

The partnership aims to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet access to underserved communities and people in the country, addressing the significant broadband gap that has hindered economic development and social progress in the region and empowering more Ivorians to participate in the digital economy.

Cote d’Ívoire is believed to have less than 40% internet penetration, with fixed internet around 2%. The fixed internet and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped in Cote dÍvoire, due to a legacy of poor international connectivity, which resulted in high wholesale prices, limited bandwidth, and a lack of access for alternative operators to international infrastructure. Operators such as MainOne, and Africa Coast to Europe have subsea infrastructure, with 2Africa expected to land in 2023. While the submarine cable vertical is more competitive, Cote d’Ívoire has limited last-mile providers who pull the internet capacity and distribute it to homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

Tizeti will roll out high-speed internet infrastructure with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, leveraging Tizeti’s low-cost wireless technologies. This will help make it easier and cheaper for people to access the internet and connect to the digital economy. These shared efforts are part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative’s commitment to bring internet access to 100 million Africans by the end of 2025, which aligns with Tizeti’s goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to underserved communities in Cote d’Ívoire,” said Kendall Ananyi, Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti. “Our mission at Tizeti is to bring affordable and reliable internet to more Africans outside the digital envelope, and this partnership is a significant step forward in achieving that goal. This work with Microsoft continues our joint efforts to deliver world-class internet connectivity to the people of Africa, starting with Nigeria and now Cote d’Ívoire.”

Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is focused on advancing digital equity—access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills—as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.

“Through our expanded partnership with Tizeti, we are committed to providing high-speed internet access to five million people in Cote d’Ivoire by the end of 2025,” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “Partners such as Tizeti are vital to the Airband ecosystem, which relies on local expertise along with public and private organizations of every size to tailor regional solutions. The expansion to Cote d’Ivoire will help build sustainable infrastructure that strengthens local development and reduces barriers to connectivity.”

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information. Collaborations such as this play a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in emerging economies, leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

About Tizeti

Tizeti is a fast-growing Wireless Internet service provider in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire delivering high-speed unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access to residential and business customers using wide-area Wi-Fi.

Contact: Temitope Osunrinde (press@tizeti.com)

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8840227

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Sweegen’s Rebaudioside M receives full authorization for use in the United Kingdom

Bestevia Reb M expands sugar reduction solutions in the U.K.and is now available to food and beverage producers.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen has announced that its Bestevia® Rebaudioside M (Reb M) has been fully authorized for use in the United Kingdom (U.K.) This regulatory approval marks a significant milestone for Sweegen, as it becomes the first and only company to receive authorization for any steviol glycosides produced using alternative technologies in the U.K.

Reb M, a high-purity steviol glycoside derived from the stevia plant, is renowned for its clean and sugar-like taste profile. It offers a natural, zero-calorie sweetness solution, making it an ideal choice for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to reduce sugar content and provide healthier options to consumers. Sweegen’s nature-based sweeteners, including its Reb M, offer a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional sugar.

Brands in the U.K. have eagerly anticipated the authorization of Sweegen’s Bestevia Reb M during the initial formulation phase and tastings. They are actively collaborating with Sweegen’s food and beverage applications experts based at its EMEA U.K. Innovation Studio in Reading, England, to integrate this highly sought-after stevia ingredient, along with Sweegen’s outstanding taste modulation and unique sweeteners, into their formulations.

Damian Bellusci, Vice President of Sales EMEA/APAC at Sweegen, expressed his excitement about the authorization, stating, “We are extremely proud to be the pioneers in securing full authorization for Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. This milestone reaffirms Sweegen’s commitment to providing innovative, nature-based, and sustainable sweetening solutions to the industry. Reb M offers food and beverage manufacturers an exceptional tool to meet consumer demands for healthier products without compromising taste.”

The decision to authorize the bioconversion manufacturing method for steviol glycosides, including Reb M, was made by the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health in relation to England, the Welsh Ministers in relation to Wales, and the Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport in relation to Scotland. The authorization is per Article 10(1) of retained Regulation 1333/2008, fulfilling the requirements.

The authorized manufacturing method allows for using steviol glycosides, including Reb M, in the Great Britain (GB) market. The Regulations provide updated terms of authorization for using this method in GB, with the terms being similar to those in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. For the latest information, referring to the relevant EU Regulations on the EUR-Lex website is recommended.

Casey McCormick, Vice President of Global Innovation at Sweegen, emphasized the significance of Reb M in driving product innovation. “The approval of Bestevia Reb M in the UK represents a very positive step forward for brands looking to improve the nutrition profile of their products. The clean, sweet taste of our Bestevia Reb M enables new approaches to reduce and eliminate sugar in a way that exceeds consumers’ expectations  and supports public health objectives to reduce sugar consumption.”

Hadi Omrani, Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at Sweegen, highlighted the rigorous safety and compliance standards behind Bestevia Reb M’s authorization. Omrani stated, “At Sweegen, we prioritize safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Obtaining full authorization for Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. required thorough scientific evaluations and stringent assessments to ensure its safety for consumption. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering superior products that meet the highest industry standards.”

Sweegen is dedicated to revolutionizing the sweetener market with innovative solutions that promote healthier choices without compromising taste. The full authorization of Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. reinforces Sweegen’s leadership in the nature-based sweetener space and positions the company as a trusted partner for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin II, complementing steviol glycosides in food and beverage production. With the addition of brazzein and thaumatin II, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste-modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers’ holistic approaches to wellness. Brazzein is the star ingredient in Sweegen’s newly launched Sweetensify flavors for taste modulation, an ideal flavors tool for brands seeking to create sugar-like tastes in food and beverages.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8841398

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EU Funds The Development Of Maritime Curriculum

The European Union has bolstered Kenya’s efforts to enhance maritime security through the development of the first interagency curriculum on Maritime Security Governance in conjunction with Bandari Maritime Academy (BMA). Expertise France, the French Public Agency for International Cooperation, is tasked with the implementation of the EU-funded Go Blue component dedicated to the improvement of maritime security and safety in Kenya. The curriculum is aimed at improving cooperation and interoperability between Kenya’s maritime security agencies. To ensure the comprehensive safety and security of Kenyan territorial waters, the Kenya Navy, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Coast Guard, and National Environment Management Authority are developing a common core of knowledge on Maritime Pollution and the Search of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. The EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, led a delegation of ambassadors on a tour of the BMA to highlight the importance of the Blue Economy for Kenya. Geiger said that they are very hopeful that the curriculum will lay the groundwork for very ambitious maritime security cooperation in Kenya. Geiger added that the Go Blue project is the EU flagship project that seeks to develop all aspects of the Blue Economy. ‘We are here at this academy to highlight how important the training on maritime security is to develop a sustainable Blue Economy,’ said Ambassador Geiger, adding that they are impressed with the implementation of projects at the academy and will support future projects on the training of maritime security. Bandari Maritime Academy’s acting CEO, Francis Muraya, extolled the EU for funding the curriculum. He appealed to the high-level EU delegation to assist the academy in implementing its Sh19 billion master plan. ‘There are many facilities that we need, like simulators, a fire station, a ship, and a survival Centre,” said the Ag. CEO. France’s Ambassador Arnaud Suquet noted that BMA is an important institution providing skills to Kenyans, and France will deepen cooperation in skill enhancement in the maritime sector. CMA-CGM, a leading shipping company, has partnered with BMA to support the training of seafaring cadets. Since the signing of the MoU in 2021 with the Kenyan government, the shipping line has offered training and sea internships to 12 students. ‘As France, we want to partner with this institution through the Go Blue project, which is focusing on safety and security at sea, which is critical when you get to the maritime world. We also want to leverage the private sector and industry, and we are also proud that CMA-CGM has established a partnership with Bandari while providing sea time to seafarer cadets,” said Ambassador Suquet. Chairman of the Blue Economy Committee in the Council of Governors, Issa Timamy, thanked the EU for supporting the Blue Economy sector which has the potential to employ many youths. Timamy Said BMA is a premier maritime institution that is churning out skilled and competitive youth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Agriculture Food Authority To Construct Mango Storage In Makueni

Mango farmers in Makueni County will benefit from a cold storage facility that will be constructed by the Agricultural Food Authority (AFA), the Board’s Chairman Cornelly Serem has said. Serem said this on Tuesday at the Police Grounds in Wote town during the First National Mango Conference that was officially opened by Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. and attended by participants drawn from mango-growing counties in the country. ‘The Governor has assured us that there is half an acre of land to construct the cold facility to avert exploitation of our farmers from middlemen. We are going to set monies aside from the next financial year,’ said Serem. While noting that they will help counties build capacity for extension officers, he added that his organization will also help the counties in the value-added chain and get markets for the mangoes. Mango-growing counties represented included Machakos, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, West Pokot, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Murang’a, and also the United States Agency for International Development, among other participants. ‘I assure you that we will partner with you and farmers. I have a team of knowledgeable officers who are ready to work with county governments in order to promote the horticultural sector,’ he said. Also, the chairman disclosed that his organization will work closely to increase the land under mango cultivation in the country, besides ensuring the mangoes meet the set standards internally, in a bid to reap maximum benefits for the farmers in the country. Addressing the same event, Mutula lamented that mango farmers have been forgotten by the national government, saying only coffee, sugarcane, avocado, and tea farmers have been given preference by the government in the country. He added that this had led to rampant exploitation of mango farmers by unscrupulous middlemen who benefited more, saying this was a mockery to the farmers. ‘For far too long, mango farmers have suffered, been ignored, and been exploited. The national government has only preferred sugarcane, coffee, and avocado farmers in the country. Freedom is coming to mango farmers now,’ Mutula posed. ‘We want mango farmers to be given a table at the national desk,’ he added. The theme of the conference was ‘Winning Markets for Kenyan Mangoes by Building a Resilient and Competitive Mango Value Chain.’ The governor also urged the national government to put more resources into the mango sector to especially empower the cooperative movement. The Governor thanked the partners and the national government who helped in ensuring the conference was held saying the resolutions would be taken to the National Assembly and Senate for discussion. The main objectives were to explore opportunities in the mango value chain, provide a platform for business linkage, and enhance market access, to name a few. The expected output from the conference included increased opportunities among mango value chain actors, increased market access for Kenyan mangoes, more business linkages, and information sharing among value chain actors’ solutions to mango value chain challenges and responsible institutions.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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ANALYSIS: Could Africa broker a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war?

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his country will be leading five other African countries to Moscow and Kiev to meet with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky respectively in an effort to end the war between both nations.

Speaking on March 16 while hosting the Prime Minister of Singapore, Ramaphosa stated that “…Representing various heads of government, I presented the initiative on behalf of these countries: Zambia, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa as well. The two leaders that I had occasion to speak to, that is President Putin and President Zelensky agreed that they will be willing to receive the mission of the African heads of state in both Moscow and Kiev…

“I agreed with both of them that we will commence with the preparations for their engagements with these African heads of state. The SG of the UN was also briefed and so was the African Union office…”.

The announcement comes several days after the US ambassador to South Africa accused South Africa of “not in fact being neutral” as the ambassador claimed that South Africa was supplying arms to Russia.

Nonetheless, the news is very much celebrated in Africa because it would appear that America and its Western allies are not interested in a peaceful resolution of the conflict. America has not called for peace but has been busy arming Ukraine to the teeth, as have their counterparts in the European Union.

This is one of the rare occasions in which Africa is taking a global leadership position in one of the biggest wars since the start of this century and if the six African countries representing the entire African continent are able to broker a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, this would be a big win not only for Russia and Ukraine but also for the entire African continent and people of African descent.

For far too long, Africa’s image has been one of civil war, corruption and underdevelopment though countries like Botswana, Namibia and Rwanda are doing great things in terms of governance in the case of the first two and innovation in the case of Rwanda.

Brokering a successful peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war will also be beneficial for African economies because one of the fallouts from the war has been the levels of inflation that have gone over the roof in several African countries. Protests erupted in Ghana months ago over high costs of living and there were also protests in Uganda and Kenya and reports of increased prices for commodities in Cameroon as well – all with some links to the war in Ukraine.

While Ramaphosa’s country is dealing with an energy crisis that sometimes sees power being cut for up to 4 hours a day, this is more to do with outdated infrastructure and corruption than the war in Ukraine.

Ramaphosa understands that his country has its own internal issues to grapple with but that does not make South Africa less of a credible partner in leading the talks between Moscow and Kiev. After all, America has been pushing for Pretoria to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but Ramaphosa’s government chose a more neutral tone, rather calling for both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict. Therefore this is being seen as an opportunity for South Africa to prove itself as non-aligned.

It is not clear how the talks will go but although the African delegation will be meeting both Putin and Zelensky separately, there are those who would have preferred to see both leaders sitting in one room. Nonetheless, this is the first time since the war started over a year ago, that both Putin and Zelensky have agreed to both meet leaders that have spoken to Moscow and then Kiev – a remarkable feat for Africa in a European war that has stunned the rest of the world. This is an important time for Africa’s role in global geopolitics and also brings to mind the Biblical quotation in John 1:46 where “Nazareth” can be replaced with Africa in asking “Can anything good come out of Nazareth” and the answer like that of Philip would be “Come and see”.

Source: Cameroon News Agency