Dubai has launched a blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (AI), a yearly plan that will focus on harnessing the technology’s potential to improve quality of life around the world.

The plan begins with the appointment of a CEO for AI in each government entity, and will be followed by the establishment of an AI and WEB3 Incubator, which will develop into the largest global hub for AI and technology companies. The hub will attract innovators, startups and AI leaders from around the world and support of development of their ideas into successful enterprises or real-world applications.

The plan also includes the introduction of AI Week into schools and colleges to help integrate AI applications into the educational system. This will enable students to develop skills that align with future market needs such as coding, and introduce them to the latest tools and best practices in this field.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) hosted a webinar in Addis Ababa on April 28 to discuss the resilience of the African Civil Aviation Industry during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aviation is crucial for effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). However, strong collaboration among stakeholders of the aviation industry is essential to optimise the benefits of AfCFTA, said Robert Lisinge, Acting Director of the Private Sector Development and Finance Division of ECA.

The event assessed the effectiveness of strategies for the survival and recovery of the aviation industry initiated by various organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is crucial to undertake an in-depth review of strategies and policies initiated during the pandemic, to determine the extent to which they contributed to build the resilience of the aviation industry, and identify lessons learned from implementing the strategies” said Lisinge.

The Fourth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Transport, Transcontinental and Interregional Infrastructure and Energy of the African Union was held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in 2023.

Unilever Ethiopia announced the appointment of George Owusu -Ansah as its new General Manager, effective from April 1, 2024. George’s appointment to lead our Ethiopia business reflects his very impressive career track record in general management and a variety of roles. He has had previous career stints in Malawi, China, Singapore, Kenya, and Nigeria serving in different leadership roles.

George brings to Ethiopia a wealth of over 30 years’ experience in Supply Chain, Customer Development, Procurement and General Management. He is passionate about talent development, business growth and been a force for impacting the communities we serve positively.

“Accelerating growth in Ethiopia involves collaborating closely with our winning team on the ground. Additionally, nurturing young talent to manage not only the business within Ethiopia but compute globally will be my top priority,” remarked George.

In a significant step towards understanding the diverse pathways to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has collaborated with several leading organizations to release the “Aviation Net Zero CO2 Transition Pathways Comparative Review.” This collaborative effort includes contributions from the Air Transportation Systems Laboratory at University College London, the Air Transport Action Group, the International Council on Clean Transportation, and the Mission Possible Partnership.

This groundbreaking report is the first to compile and compare 14 leading net zero CO2 transition roadmaps for the aviation sector. It serves as a comprehensive resource for airlines, policymakers, and stakeholders, providing crucial insights into the similarities and differences between each roadmap, and outlining various visions for achieving a carbon-neutral future.

Key findings of the review highlight the variability in the potential pathways to net zero emissions by 2050, which largely depend on assumptions made about the advancement and adoption of decarbonization technologies.