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Congo lauds partnership with African Development Bank, seeks enhanced climate funding

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The Congolese government has lauded the African Development Bank Group for its vital support to the nation’s development, particularly in infrastructure, where the Bank stands as the country’s key partner.

Government representatives gave the commendation during a three-day visit by the African Development Bank Group’s Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, during which she engaged with several ministers on political dialogue and support for the Bank’s operations.

Jean-Jacques Bouya, Congo’s Minister of State for Regional Development, Infrastructure and Road Maintenance lauded the “very positive cooperation with the African Development Bank in the infrastructure field” and expressed eagerness to expand this partnership, highlighting the Bank’s comparative advantage in funding infrastructure across the continent. 

The Bank Group has significantly contributed to Congo’s infrastructure development, including the construction of the Ketta-Djoum road, part of the Yaoundé-Brazzaville corridor, and the first section of the Ndende-Dolisie road linking Congo to Gabon. The Bank also funded fiber-optic networks connecting Congo to Cameroon and the Central African Republic and is financing studies for a road-rail bridge between the two Congos. Alongside Africa50, the Bank is leading efforts in resource mobilization for these projects.

Minister Bouya presented Akin-Olugbade with studies of various road projects funded by the Bank and sought support for hydroelectric dam studies on the River Congo. The Bank committed to reviewing the request to help address Congo’s energy deficit, which is hampering economic and social development. Bouya also indicated that Congo plans to present some bankable projects at the African Investment Forum, 2024 Market Days scheduled to take place in Rabat in December.

Olga Ghislaine Ebouka-Babackas, Minister of Planning, Statistics and Regional Integration, emphasized the need for capacity building to optimize development assistance. She noted the need for the Bank’s support to ensure that management units and sector-specific ministries are adept at navigating financial procedures required by international partners.

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock Farming and Fisheries, Paul Valentin Ngobo, and Akin-Olugbade discussed a mid-term evaluation of the Integrated Agricultural Value Chains Development Project (PRODIVAC). This initiative aims to bolster the maize/cassava sectors and enhance seed production capacities. Ngobo also outlined the Agenda for Agricultural Transformation in Congo (ATAC), a government program to advance the agricultural sector.

Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and the Congo Basin, Alerte Soudan-Nonault, highlighted the challenges in mobilizing climate finance and advocated for Congo’s access to all Bank funding mechanisms. Akin-Olugbade mentioned the Bank’s technical support for the ‘Congo Basin Blue Fund’s readiness project and ongoing efforts to create a carbon exchange and incorporate natural resources into GDP calculations for African countries.

Jean-Baptiste Ondaye, Minister of Economy and Finance acknowledged the Bank’s support in Congo’s reforms program with the International Monetary Fund. At the end of 2023, the Bank provided Congo with $92 million in budget support, helping the country address urgent challenges. Ondaye assured that Congo would meet its commitments to the African Development Bank and other partners.

Akin-Olugbade outlined the Bank’s new Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033), focusing on accelerating the “High 5” strategic priorities, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, against the background of reforming the international financial architecture. The strategy emphasizes gender equality, youth support, and climate change, particularly mobilizing climate funding.

Discussions included the possibility of opening a Country Office in Congo and the government’s preparations to host the Bank Group’s Annual Meetings in 2026. The upcoming resource replenishment meeting of the African Development Fund, the concessional funding window for low-income African countries, was also highlighted.

Akin-Olugbade introduced Olivier Béguy as the new resident country economist, succeeding Sié Antoine-Marie Tioyé, whose mission had ended.

The Vice-President’s delegation included the Bank’s Director General for Central Africa, Serge N’Guessan, his deputy Solomane Koné, who is also the Country Manager for Congo, outgoing resident country economist Tioyé, Regional Lead economist Hervé Lohoues, and Principal Country Program Officer, Mohamed Coulibaly.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Romaric Ollo Hien,
Communications and External Relations Department,
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa’s development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.

Combating NCDs in vulnerable populations

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Combating NCDs in vulnerable populations

Emily Wroe, is Director of Programs at the NCDI Poverty Network, a dedicated organization striving to address the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the world’s most vulnerable populations. With her expertise and insights, Emily sheds light on the network’s initiatives, particularly focusing on the Pen Plus program, which stands at the forefront of their efforts. Through this interview with Capital’s Groum Abate, we gain valuable insights into the challenges, strategies, and impact of their work in combating NCDs and improving healthcare access for underserved communities globally.

Capital: Could you provide an overview of NCDI programs and their goals and initiatives?

Emily Wroe: Certainly. The NCDI Poverty Network focuses on addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the world’s poorest billion people. It was established following the Lancet Commission launch in 2020. The network encompasses various initiatives, including assessing disease burdens, aiding countries in priority setting, and integrating scientific approaches. However, our primary focus today is on Pen Plus, a clinical program that stands as a cornerstone initiative of the NCDI Poverty Network. Would you like me to elaborate further on Pen Plus?

Capital: Yes, please. Could you explain Pen Plus in more detail?

Emily: Pen Plus is designed to complement the World Health Organization’s PEN model, which addresses essential NCDs like hypertension and type 2 diabetes. However, Pen Plus fills a critical gap by addressing neglected NCDs prevalent in children and young individuals, contributing to premature deaths worldwide. The program specifically targets rheumatic heart disease, type 1 diabetes, and sickle cell disease. It trains non-specialist providers such as nurses and clinical officers to deliver care in rural areas, bringing healthcare closer to underserved populations.

Capital: What are the major challenges in implementing Pen Plus?

Emily: There are several significant challenges we face. Firstly, building a skilled workforce takes time. Clinical skills for managing these conditions are complex and require hands-on mentoring and experience. We’re working on scaling up training efforts and empowering early clinicians to become educators themselves. Secondly, ensuring a reliable supply chain for essential medicines and equipment is crucial. Patients require consistent access to medications like insulin and glucometers for diabetes management, as well as ultrasound machines and hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease. Any disruptions in the supply chain could jeopardize patient care. Therefore, investing in robust supply chains is imperative but resource-intensive. This remains a major challenge for us to navigate.

Capital: How do you ensure the functionality of the supply chain?

Emily: Addressing supply chain challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Initially, when a clinic opens, we ensure a buffer stock of supplies is available, both through government channels and additional purchases made by our partners. This buffer stock mitigates the risk of supply disruptions in the early years of clinic operation. Concurrently, we work at the national level to establish policies, approvals, and quantifications necessary for supplementing the supply chain as needed. Globally, we collaborate with partners on initiatives such as price negotiation and procurement strategies to address long-term supply chain sustainability.

Capital: Pen Plus aims to decentralize health facilities, but logistics can be a challenge in Africa. How do you tackle this?

Emily: The clinics we support are integrated into existing healthcare infrastructure, typically within district hospitals like Amin Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These hospitals already have established supply chains, including pharmacies and warehouses. Therefore, our clinics leverage the existing infrastructure, ensuring seamless integration into the government’s healthcare services.

Capital: Foreign currency shortages in Ethiopia often affect industries like pharmaceuticals, impacting access to essential medications like insulin. How do you address this issue?

Emily: Our initiatives operate within government facilities, and we collaborate closely with partners and governments to ensure cost is not a barrier to care. In many cases, insulin is provided free of charge at hospital levels, and in other instances, it’s covered by insurance. Long-term solutions involve strengthening the supply chain as part of our program. However, while I’m not an expert on foreign currency issues in Ethiopia, I’m unable to provide specific strategies in that regard.

Capital: How do you engage with local communities in your initiatives?

Emily: Our approach involves integrating staff from local communities into hospital teams, fostering long-term retention and community connections. Additionally, we conduct training for community health workers who help disseminate information about our clinics and the conditions we address. We utilize various methods such as radio messaging and community awareness campaigns. Moreover, our partners facilitate peer support groups, led by patients, which empower community members and promote mutual learning and support.

Capital: What are the most pressing NCDI issues globally and in Africa?

Emily: NCDI encompasses a wide range of conditions, but our focus is on those causing significant mortality among children and young people. Rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, sickle cell disease, and type 1 diabetes consistently emerge as top priorities globally. National commissions in many countries have identified these conditions based on data highlighting their impact on child mortality, workforce health, and disability. While these conditions serve as our entry point, the Pen Plus model also addresses additional NCDI issues.

Capital: How does innovation and technology contribute to achieving your goals?

Emily: Point-of-care diagnostics play a pivotal role in our efforts. These technologies enable hospitals to diagnose conditions more effectively and efficiently. For example, rapid tests for sickle cell disease provide immediate diagnosis, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming procedures. Similarly, point-of-care A1C machines for diabetes and handheld ultrasound devices in cardiology enhance diagnostic capabilities, significantly impacting patient care and outcomes. Thus, technology, particularly in diagnostics, is instrumental in advancing our objectives.

Capital: How reliable are these technologies? Are they a cornerstone of your approach? And how do you assess the impact of your interventions?

Emily: Our reliance on technology varies, but we ensure its reliability through rigorous evaluation methods. One approach involves establishing a standardized set of data collection parameters across all partner countries. This data provides insights into clinical outcomes, symptom management, and the overall well-being of patients. Additionally, we conduct facility assessments to track changes over time, including staffing, equipment availability, and medication supply. Cost analysis is also underway to understand the financial implications of our programs. Furthermore, we prioritize understanding patient and community perspectives through ongoing research efforts. These multifaceted assessment strategies allow us to comprehensively measure the effectiveness of our interventions.

Adekunle Gold, The Ben, Chris Eazy, Alyn Sano to headline entertainment at Basketball Africa League’s (BAL) Finale in Rwanda

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The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) today announced the lineup of artists and entertainers who will headline the entertainment at the BK Arena when the BAL Playoffs&Finals tips off on May 24 in Kigali, Rwanda. Nigerian global superstar Adekunle Gold will grace the stage alongside some of Rwanda’s hit makers including The Ben, Juno Kizigenza, Alyn Sano, Chris Eazy and more!

Fan Zone
The Fan Zone, situated at BK Arena parking lot, will be open to fans on game days from 2:00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. CAT and during weekends from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. CAT. 

The Fan Zone will offer a range of activities for both the young and adults, including 3-on-3 basketball games, food trucks, a photo booth, and music by DJ Loft and DJ Kim.

In-Arena Entertainment
The Playoffs&Finals fan in-arena experience will feature pre-game and halftime performances by music artists, dancers, drummers, and dunk teams.  Fans can expect some of the biggest Rwandan artists on stage and curated music experience from some of the city’s hottest such as DJ Sonia&Hottempah Collective and an international DJ, Fully Focus (Kenya).

Starting May 24, every game will showcase diverse performers catering to all age groups; Adekunle Gold, Juno Kizigenza, Alyn Sano&Chris Eazy will perform during the opening weekend.  Kivumbi King, Ariel Wayz&The Ben will close the Finals with halftime performances during the closing weekend May 31 – June 1, 2024.

Tickets are now on sale at BAL.NBA.com and TiCQet.com. Single game tickets start at 1600 RWF. Fans can save up to 20% on single ticket prices by purchasing a tournament pass to watch all games during the Playoffs and Finals. Fans who buy tickets will have free access to the BAL Fan Zone at BK Arena. Fans can save up to 35% off single ticket prices for group packages by emailing BalTickets@thebal.com.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE:

DATE

PERFORMANCES

24 May

Opening Ceremony:

Game One Halftime: Juno Kizigenza
Game two Halftime: Adekunle Gold

Timeout: Dancers

25 May

Game One Halftime: Bwiza
Game Two Halftime: Kenny Sol
Timeout: Dancers

26 May

Game One Halftime: Alyn Sano
Game Two Halftime: Chris Eazy
Timeout: Dancers

27 May

Game One Halftime: Dancers
Game Two Halftime : Ish Kevin

29 May

Game One Halftime: Kivumbi King
Game Two Halftime: Kevin Kade

31 May

Game One Halftime: Ariel Wayz
Elevate Showcase: Dancers

1

June

Game One Halftime: The Ben

Closing Ceremony: Rwandan National Ballet&HipHop Crew
Timeout: Dancers

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Eutelsat Group bring Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services to Africa

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Liquid Intelligent Technologies (https://www.Liquid.Tech), a pan-African technology group, announces a distribution partner agreement (DPA) with Eutelsat Group that will see enterprise-grade Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services being made available in Africa. Eutelsat Group is the world’s first satellite operator with an integrated GEO-LEO infrastructure.

“Liquid has always been committed to technological innovation in Africa,” said Ahmed El Beheiry, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, “Our collaboration with Eutelsat signifies a milestone in bringing cutting-edge LEO services to our customers across multiple countries in Africa, empowering them with high-speed solutions and unlocking new possibilities for connectivity.”

“We are thrilled to work with Liquid to introduce new connectivity services throughout Africa. Liquid has a proven track record and a longstanding commitment to connect African businesses. Working together and leveraging Eutelsat Group’s innovative LEO services, we can unlock new opportunities for enterprises and communities. We look forward to the positive impacts we can have to help Liquid’s customers flourish, especially in the mining industry in Central Africa” said Philippe Baudrier, VP Connectivity, Africa.

The strategic integration of the OneWeb LEO satellite network allows Liquid Dataport to deliver not only low-latency satellite services but also introduces a network interconnect that enables services integration across the LEO satellite access and Liquid Dataport core network infrastructure.

The strategic integration of the OneWeb LEO satellites present a paradigm shift in satellite technology, offering lower latency, faster orbital periods, and higher bandwidth. On a continent where satellite technology is relatively new and limited in its reach, for Liquid Dataport’s customers, this translates to enhanced performance for applications like cloud computing, video conferencing, and real time applications, amongst others. Looking beyond these conventional offerings, Liquid Dataport’s LEO services, in partnership with Eutelsat, also include enterprise access with Internet breakout, including Point-to-Point services, providing a versatile and robust solution for diverse business needs.

Beyond the technical advantages, Liquid Dataport’s expanded reach will give its customers an even more streamlined experience, making it the preferred one-stop shop for a range of connectivity and other services.

As Eutelsat’s OneWeb’s network coverage continues to mature, Liquid Dataport is planning a systematic expansion of services, aligning with the evolving demand for low-latency primary and backup services in remote regions of the continent and benefiting a range of businesses across all industries. This strategic move anticipates the expected surge in new LEO satellite constellations over the next three years, providing agile and cost-effective solutions for entering and expanding markets.

For Liquid Intelligent Technologies, the collaboration with Eutelsat is about more than just services; it’s about launching opportunities for businesses and communities in Africa that extend beyond connectivity, fostering progress and innovation across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.

About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group with operations in over 25 countries in Africa. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.

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