Counterpoint Technology Market Research, a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media and telecom) industry, released a report in April showing that TECNO managed to replace Samsung as Africa’s top smartphone brand for the first time in 2020, riding on a successful launch of models in the affordable and mid-ranged mobile phone segment and continued market spending. TECNO achieved this feat against the backdrop of a 6.7% YoY fall in Africa’s smartphone shipments in 2020. Much of the damage was done in the first half of the year due to retail and supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19, which were partially offset by a swift recovery in the second half due to pent-up demand.
Commenting on the market dynamics, Senior Analyst Yang Wang said, “Looking at the entire year, the African smartphone market outperformed other regions but was not immune to disruptions caused by the pandemic. Q2 2020 was especially difficult as demand was hammered when most countries entered lockdowns. Smartphone shipments during the quarter saw a YoY drop of 27%.”
TECNO topples Samsung as Africa’s top smartphone brand
ICL – Ethiopia launches mass COVID-19 test campaign in Tigray
International Clinical Laboratories (ICL) has launched free Covid-19 testing program for 50,000 people in Tigray. The Laboratory kicked off the massive campaign earlier this week in collaboration with Tigray Health Bureau and Mekele Hospital after securing a permission from Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH).
The testing campaign is expected to reach other health facilities in the region, and in addition to the Public Health Facilities in Tigray, ICL is partnering with other private health facilities to offer free Covid-19 testing for individuals who cannot afford the test.
“We are extremely excited to serve the residents of Tigray through this testing campaign. We believe this will contribute to strengthen the COVID-19 response and curb further spread in the community. COVID-19 tests might be costly, especially for the low-income households and those struggling financially. And this is part of ICL’s aim to make Covid-19 testing available for everyone,” said Tamrat Bekele, CEO of ICL- Ethiopia.
ECA plays leading role in Africa’s fight against climate change
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is working with sister United Nations agencies, bilateral and multilateral partners to align global climate goals to the continent’s action agenda.
At the forefront of enhancing national, regional, and continental climate adaptation preparedness and response efforts is Africa’s lead climate think-tank, the ECA’s African Climate Policy Centre (ACPC) that is based in Addis Ababa.
In the “State of the Global Climate Report” that is being jointly launched today by the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Secretary-General, Petteri Taalas, the ECA is delighted to have made extensive contributions touching on the African continent through the ACPC.
The “State of the Global Climate Report” is being released ahead of the much awaited “Leaders’ Summit on Climate” convened by U.S. President Joe Biden to coincide with the Earth Day commemorations on April 22.
Italy approves emergency contribution in Ethiopia
The Italian Government has approved a further emergency contribution of €625,000 in favor of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support health facilities in Ethiopia in response to the humanitarian crisis in Tigray. This intervention complements the humanitarian flight that transported medical items to Tigray last week. The Italian Development Cooperation and the Italian Red Cross delivered eight tons of medical equipment and medicines to Tigray through a humanitarian cargo flight that landed in Mekelle last Friday. The donations will be distributed to the Ethiopian Red Cross’s branch in Mekelle and to other health facilities in the Region.
The Ambassador of Italy to Ethiopia, Arturo Luzzi, said “the humanitarian flight to Mekelle and the new emergency contribution in favor of the International Committee of the Red Cross confirm the strong commitment of the Italian Government to contribute to address the humanitarian situation in Tigray.”
