Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, 30 April 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – Yango Group has announced the 2026 cohort of its Yango Fellowship programme, selecting 24 participants from more than 600 applicants across six African countries. Over 12 weeks, fellows will develop science and technology based projects using technical skills and present them at a final Demo Day in Abidjan.
The selected fellows come from Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mozambique and Ghana, expanding the programme’s reach from two countries last year to six in 2026.
This year’s program focuses on the applied use of artificial intelligence. Participants will build solutions such as tools for health literacy, energy monitoring systems, traffic optimisation models and personalised learning in local languages.
The fellowship is structured in three stages: problem definition and market analysis, product development, and final presentation. It concludes with a Demo Day, where teams present their projects to industry experts and partners and may receive seed funding to support MVP development.
“The Yango Fellowship is part of our long-term investment in local technology ecosystems,” said Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Business Officer at Yango Group. “By supporting early-stage talent and enabling cross-market collaboration, we aim to contribute to the development of scalable solutions that address real needs across African markets, while helping founders build and grow products that can operate beyond a single country.”
According to the World Bank, Africa faces a shortage of more than 2.5 million STEM professionals. The programme aims to provide hands-on experience and strengthen pathways into technology careers through mentorship and project-based learning.
In previous cohorts, participants developed solutions across health, education and engineering. Some graduates secured internships across partner organisations, while others received funding for community initiatives. Alumni have gone on to launch startups, digital products and non-governmental projects, continuing their work beyond the fellowship.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 17 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-Africa.com announces a collaboration with In On Africa (IOA), one of the continent’s foremost research and advisory firms known for delivering rigorous, data-driven intelligence to organizations navigating Africa’s dynamic markets.
For more than a decade, IOA has provided deep analytical insight into the economic, social, political, and technological forces shaping Africa. From fintech innovation in Lagos to sustainable growth pathways across emerging markets, IOA’s research equips global and African stakeholders with the evidence-based perspectives needed to understand and engage with Africa’s opportunities.
Through this partnership, Africa.com will expand access to IOA’s research outputs, including position papers on digital economies, ESG developments, governance trends, and market expansion. IOA will also contribute tailored analyses and data-rich perspectives designed to align with Africa.com’s coverage of business, innovation, public policy, and technology. In addition, the partnership will highlight thought leadership from IOA’s analysts and researchers, offering Africa.com’s global audience deeper context and expert interpretation of Africa’s most consequential developments.
Most recently, IOA’s widely read report, The Top 10 Trends to Watch in 2026, outlines the structural shifts shaping Africa’s trajectory this year, from geopolitical realignments and fiscal consolidation pressures to AI-enabled productivity gains, regional trade acceleration, and evolving capital flows. The report underscores a central theme: Africa’s next phase of growth will be defined less by narrative and more by measurable execution. By publishing and amplifying this forward-looking analysis, Africa.com is expanding its commitment to delivering signal over noise in coverage of Africa’s markets and policy landscape.
“We’re excited to partner with Africa.com to get the real story of Africa’s markets out there,” said Ogi Williams, Director of Consulting at In On Africa. “There’s so much noise around Africa, but not enough signal. We’re bringing the data, the analysis, and the on-the-ground insights that decision-makers actually need. Africa.com has the platform and the reach; we have the research depth. Together, we’re cutting through the narratives and showing what’s actually happening across the continent.”
As part of this collaboration, Africa.com’s Doing Business in Africa series offers practical, country-by-country insights for investors, executives, and decision-makers. The detailed data and analysis informing these profiles are provided by In On Africa (IOA), drawing on the firm’s extensive research expertise and on-the-ground intelligence.
“We are delighted to welcome In On Africa as a Knowledge Partner,” said Teresa Clarke, Chair & CEO of Africa.com. “Their commitment to rigorous, Africa-centered research aligns with our mission to inform global audiences seeking authoritative insight into the continent’s transformation.”
About In On Africa In On Africa (IOA) is a Johannesburg-based research and advisory firm offering data-driven insights across all 54 African countries. For nearly two decades, IOA has provided deep analytical insight Through in-depth research, analysis, and strategy support, IOA empowers organizations seeking to understand Africa’s opportunities, risks, and long-term market trajectories. Learn more at www.inonafrica.com.
About Africa.com Africa.com is a leading digital media platform delivering thought leadership and insight on Africa’s business, innovation, and culture through its websites, newsletters, and online events, reaching a global audience of professionals, business leaders, and policymakers.
With its rich and storied history, Cape Town has a lot to offer visitors. Our world-class museums showcase a glimpse of the city’s past, delving into struggles and the country’s road to freedom.
Here are some of the museums in Cape Town that are worth the visit.
The Iziko South African Museum
Right in the middle of the historic Company’s Garden, the Iziko South African Museum is home to 1,5 million items of cultural and scientific significance. You’ll see traditional outfits from the last century, learn more about fossils and ancient insects, and view stone tools made by people 120,000 years ago.
Location: 25 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens, Cape Town. Price: R80. Website: Find out more here.
Iziko Slave Lodge
The Iziko Slave Lodge is a powerful reminder of the hardships enslaved people once faced in South Africa. As one of Cape Town’s oldest buildings and a place where slaves once called home, it holds centuries of deeply rooted history.. Today, the museum explores the long and painful legacy of slavery through thought-provoking exhibitions, alongside temporary displays that put a spotlight on human rights awareness. Upstairs, the tone shifts slightly with fascinating collections of ceramics, silverware, and even ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Location: Corner Adderley Street and Wale Street, Cape Town. Price: R80. Website: Discover more about the museum.
District Six Museum
Few areas are as vivid an example of the Apartheid regime as District Six. A once racially diverse and vibrant community, the original residents were forcibly removed from the area when the National Party government declared it a “white group area”. It started taking shape in the late ’80s, just after the powerful Hands-Off District Six conference and officially opened in 1994 with its first exhibition, Streets: Retracing District Six.
The museum is more than just a collection of photos and artefacts, it’s a living tribute to the people who once called District Six home. Its permanent exhibition, Digging Deeper, shares powerful personal stories from former residents, making it a deeply moving stop for both locals and visitors who want to understand the soul of the city.
Location: 25A Buitenkant Street, District Six, Cape Town. Price: From R60. Website: Explore the District Six Museum
Cape Town Museum of Childhood
The Cape Town Museum of Childhood is a playful, interactive space that brings joy, memories, and childhood stories to life for kids and grown-ups alike. As the first museum of its kind in Africa, it offers a unique look at how childhood has been experienced, remembered, and celebrated over time. From toys and games to personal stories and cultural traditions, the museum showcases a fascinating collection of childhood-related exhibitions from across South Africa. Whether you’re visiting with little ones or just young at heart, it’s a feel-good experience that invites curiosity, connection, and conversation.
Location: 3 Milner Road, Rondebosch, Cape Town. Price: Free. Website: Find out more here.
Long March to Freedom
Brush up on your history in the most unique way! The Long March to Freedom is an outdoor exhibition featuring 100 life-size bronze sculptures of South Africa’s most famous heroes. From Nelson Mandela to Walter Sisulu, the Long March to Freedom transports you through the lives of these heroes and their role in the country’s 350-year journey.
Location: Century Boulevard, Century City, Cape Town. Price: Between R20-R75. Children under 6: free. Website:Take the tour.
Cape Town Holocaust Centre
The Cape Town Holocaust Centre stands alongside the South African Jewish Museum and offers a deeply moving and thoughtfully designed experience. Through powerful stories, photos, film, and interactive displays, the museum takes you through one of history’s darkest chapters, the Holocaust, while also shedding light on other genocides around the world. It’s a space for reflection and learning, with exhibitions that are self-guided, allowing visitors to move through at their own pace. The space encourages understanding, empathy, and remembrance.
Location: 88 Hatfield Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town. Price: Free. Website: More information here.
Castle of Good Hope
Locally known as “The Castle,” this bastion fort is considered the best-preserved example of a 17th-century architectural structure in the world. A bell tower, situated over the main entrance, was built in 1684. The original bell, also known as the oldest in South Africa, was cast in Amsterdam in 1697 and weighs just over 300 kilograms.
The Castle also acted as the local headquarters for the South African Army in the Western Cape and today houses the Castle Military Museum and ceremonial facilities for the traditional Cape Regiments.
Location: Darling Street & Buitenkant Street, Cape Town. Price: R50 for Adults and R25 for children and pensioners. Website: Explore more.
Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
Bo-Kaap is one of the city’s most visited destinations. Beyond the iconic colourful houses, the area has an incredibly fascinating history. Many of the residents are descendants of enslaved people from Malaysia, Indonesia and various African countries who were forcibly brought to the city in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Bo-Kaap Museum is the perfect place to discover the history of the area. Be sure to check out depictions of the life of a typical Malay family.
This well-known Cape Town attraction has a very chequered past. It was originally a refreshment station for explorers when the Dutch Settlers were in the Cape. It was later used as a leper colony and animal quarantine station. However, the island is most famous for being a political prison during the apartheid regime. Its most notable prisoner, Nelson Mandela, served 18 years in the island’s prison. Visitors to the island can expect an insightful tour by former political prisoners, which includes a visit to Mandela’s cell and a ferry ride.
Location: Tours depart from The Nelson Mandela Gateway, which is located in the V&A Waterfront, close to the red Clock Tower. Price: R600 for adults and R310 for children. Website: www.robben-island.org.za
Warrior Toy Museum
Escape into a childhood dream of toys, models, ships, trucks, aeroplanes and toy soldiers at the Warrior Toy Museum in Simon’s Town. The museum boasts over 4000 model cars, 500 dolls and teddy bears and has a special sale section for those who want to start their own collection.
Location: 1067 King George Way, Simon’s Town, Cape Town Opening Times: Daily from 10am to 4pm Price: Various Website:bit.ly/3W8zshA
Rust en Vreugd
Rust en Vreugd was built on what was then the outer limits of the city in 1777 for a high-ranking official of the Dutch East India Company. In the early 1960s, it was restored and converted into a gallery space when William Fehr donated his private collection of works of art on paper (watercolours, prints and drawings) to the people of South Africa. Visitors will get to see part of the collection.
Location: 78 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town Opening Times: Thursdays and Fridays, from 9am to 4pm Price: R60 (Free entry on commemorative days) Website:www.iziko.org.za/museums/rust-en-vreugd
By Zwelethu Bashman, Managing Director, MSD South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Marloes Kibacha, Managing Director, Africa Health Business, Cheyenne Braganza, Senior Project Associate, Africa Health Business
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 22 January 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/ –
Introduction Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally, despite being almost entirely preventable. In Africa, it continues to claim lives not because science has failed, but because policy ambition has fallen short. Over 200 strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) exist, with 12 high-risk types responsible for most HPV-related cancers. [1] Although HPV vaccines can prevent almost 90% of cervical cancer, most women remain unvaccinated, leaving cervical cancer among the top killers of women worldwide, with more than 94% of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. [2] At current rates of vaccination and coverage, hundreds of thousands of African women will die from a cancer that could have been prevented with vaccines already available.
Cervical cancer hits the hardest where vulnerability is greatest. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies sub-Saharan Africa as the region with the highest prevalence of cervical HPV, affecting nearly one in four women. [3] Women living with HIV face an even steeper risk, as weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to persistent HPV infection and four to five times more likely to develop invasive cervical cancer. [4] Without urgent action, these inequities will continue to drive preventable deaths across the continent. Recently, Gavi’s inclusion of higher-valency HPV vaccines is an important development in the global HPV prevention landscape and a relevant consideration for countries across sub-Saharan Africa as they continue to strengthen cervical cancer prevention efforts.
Vaccinating Girls First: Africa’s Critical Foundation In 2018, the WHO launched a global call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat, built on three pillars: vaccination, screening, and timely treatment. Central to this strategy is fully vaccinating 90% of girls by age 15. [5] This focus on adolescent girls is a critical foundation, and African countries have made meaningful progress in recent years.
Rwanda offers a powerful example. In 2011, it became the first African country to introduce a national HPV vaccination program targeting adolescent girls through a robust school-based platform. Today, Rwanda has achieved over 90% coverage among eligible girls, one of the highest rates globally. [6] This success reflects strong political leadership, community trust, and effective delivery systems. But even Rwanda’s success highlights a fundamental limitation. High coverage among adolescent girls alone does not protect older women, boys, or men, nor does it fully interrupt HPV transmission within the broader population. A girls-only strategy, while necessary, is insufficient for elimination.
HPV Is Not a Women-Only Virus HPV continues to be framed primarily as a women’s health issue because of its link to cervical cancer. This framing is both incomplete and counterproductive. Men are not only carriers of HPV, they are also affected by HPV-related disease. Globally, one in three men is infected with at least one HPV strain, often after age 15. [7] In sub-Saharan Africa, HPV prevalence among men remains high, sustaining community-level transmission. [8]
HPV also causes anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, conditions that disproportionately affect men and are increasing globally. [8, 9] Excluding boys and men from vaccination strategies perpetuates transmission to women and leaves men unprotected from largely preventable cancers.
Why Gender-Neutral Vaccination Matters for Elimination If Africa is serious about elimination, vaccination strategies must reflect how HPV actually spreads. Expanding vaccination to boys and men is not only a matter of equity, it is an epidemiological necessity. Gender-neutral vaccination accelerates herd immunity, reduces circulation of high-risk HPV types, and offers critical protection for high-risk populations, including people living with HIV. [10]
Yet progress remains uneven. Only 29 of 54 African countries have implemented national HPV vaccination programs, and nearly all focus exclusively on girls aged 9 to 14. [11]This is an important starting point, but it will not break the cycle of transmission. Elimination demands moving beyond a single cohort and a single gender.
The Forgotten Cohort: Women Who Aged Out While adolescent girls remain the priority, millions of women across Africa missed HPV vaccination entirely. Many aged out before programs were introduced, while others were missed due to COVID 19 disruptions. [12] These women, now in their 20s and 30s, represent the largest group at near term risk and will drive cervical cancer incidence over the next decade if left unprotected. [13]
In addition, women living with HIV (WLHIV) require tailored protection. Sub-Saharan Africa carries the world’s highest prevalence of HIV among women. [14] WLHIV experience higher rates of persistent HPV infection, faster quicker disease progression, increased recurrence, and poorer outcomes. Modelling shows that vaccinating WLHIV aged 10–45 could reduce new cervical cancer cases by 4.7% overall and by 10% among WLHIV. [15]
The evidence is clear. Sexually active women over 15 still benefit from HPV vaccination, as they may not have been exposed to all high-risk HPV types. [16, 17] Catch-up vaccination, particularly when combined with screening, can substantially reduce future cancer incidence. Integrating HPV vaccination into HIV care, university health services, and workplace health programs offers practical, scalable pathways to reach this cohort. [18]
The socioeconomic case is clear. Women contribute an estimated 35–45% of GDP across the region. Preventing cervical cancer protects households, sustains productivity, and reduces catastrophic health expenditure. [19] Yet across the continent, adult women remain largely invisible in HPV prevention policies. This gap is not scientific. It is political.
Leadership, Systems, and Smarter Policy Choices African governments are central to closing the HPV protection gap. While the number of countries delivering HPV vaccines has tripled since 2019 and coverage has doubled, the regional average remains just 52%, far below the 90% target. [20] Sustainable progress requires integrating HPV vaccines into routine immunization schedules, securing predictable domestic financing, and strengthening supply chains.
Kenya’s recent decision to introduce a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls shows how policy can adapt to improve efficiency and access. However, simplification alone will not address missed cohorts or limited population-level protection. Other countries in the region are also adapting policy to expand reach, with Botswana integrating higher-valency HPV vaccines within national prevention planning aligned with HIV care, and Eswatini expanding HPV vaccination in 2024 to include adolescent girls and young women living with HIV. [21, 22]
Adult vaccination pathways should be integrated into reproductive health services, alongside catch-up vaccination for older adolescents and women. Efforts should target cohorts missed by school-based programmes, including out-of-school girls and WLHIV – using multi-channel delivery platforms such as clinics, HIV programmes, mobile outreach, and innovative community-based models. [23]
As science evolves, policy must keep pace. Transitioning to nonavalent vaccines offers broader protection against high-risk HPV types and greater long-term impact in high-burden settings. [24] Procurement decisions should be driven by epidemiology, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, not short-term constraints.
The Role of Partnerships and Innovation Industry, alongside governments and civil society, has a role to play in supporting national cervical cancer elimination goals.
Between 2021 and 2025, MSD supplied over 115 million HPV vaccine doses to low- and middle income countries, supported by a US$2 billion investment in manufacturing capacity. MSD has also reaffirmed its commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to support sustainable HPV vaccine supply and equitable access across Sub-Saharan Africa.
These efforts support broader vaccination strategies, including protection of older cohorts and women living with HIV, and enable country transitions to higher-valency HPV vaccines – an important step toward averting millions of future cancer cases and deaths.
The Choice Africa Must Make Africa cannot eliminate cervical cancer and all other HPV-related diseases by protecting adolescent girls alone. HPV does not respect age, gender, or delivery platforms, and elimination requires population-level protection. This means vaccinating girls, protecting boys, catching up women who were left behind, and building resilient systems that sustain coverage over time.
The tools exist. The evidence is overwhelming. What remains is the choice. If governments and partners act decisively now by expanding HPV vaccination beyond adolescent girls and investing in durable prevention systems, cervical cancer can become a disease of the past. Elimination is not a question of feasibility. It is a question of ambition, and the time to choose is now.
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[2] “World Health Organization,” 5 March 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and cancer#:~:text=The highest prevalence of cervical,variable based on sexual trends .. [Accessed 11 November 2025].
[3] T. e. a. Dzinamarira, “Cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: an urgent call for improving accessibility and use of preventive services,” International Journal of Gynecological Cancer, vol. 33, no. 4, 2023.
[4] S. M. T. N. B. R. Liu G, “HIV-positive women have higher risk of human papilloma virus infection, precancerous lesions, and cervical cancer.,” AIDS, October 2018.
[5] K. M. K. S. Wilailak S, “Strategic approaches for global cervical cancer elimination: An update review and call for national action.,” Int J Gynaecol Obstet., 2025. [Online].
[7] G. K. M. J. Naidoo D, “Breaking barriers: why including boys and men is key to HPV prevention.,” BMC Med, 2024.
[8] T. B. M. C. C. J. A. K. K. &. K. S. K. Olesen, “Human papillomavirus prevalence among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.,” Sexually transmitted infections, 2014.
[9] P. JM., “Human papillomavirus-related disease in men: not just a women’s issue.,” J Adolesc Health, 2010.
[10] G. J. Scheepers VC, “Expanding the case for gender-neutral human papillomavirus vaccination in South Africa: Emerging neonatal and ethical considerations.,” Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med., 2025.
[11] E. I. Eric Asempah, “Accelerating HPV vaccination in Africa for health equity,” PubMed Central- National Library of Medicine, no. PMID: 39294815, 2024.
[12] I. L. C. M. Sad SA, “Revisiting HPV vaccination post-COVID: geopolitical, sociocultural, and ethical disparities in global health,” Int J Equity Health., 2025.
[13] S. P. Castanon A, “Is the recent increase in cervical cancer in women aged 20-24years in England a cause for concern?,” Prev Med., 2018.
[15] W. J. e. al., “Modelling the Impact of HPV Vaccination among Women Living with HIV.,” Lancet Global Health.
[16] X. M. N. P. P. F. D. M. J. A. K. L. J. M. E. M. S. B. O. M. B. J. V. S. H. R. M. &. S. A. Castellsagué, “End-of-study safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of quadrivalent HPV (types 6, 11, 16, 18) recombinant vaccine in adult women 24- 45 years of age.,” British journal of cancer, 2011.
[17] “Human papillomavirus vaccination for adult women,” Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet, 2022.
[18] S. N. e. B. E. A.-D. Kimeshnee Govindsamy, “Effectiveness of integrating cervical cancer prevention strategies into HIV care programmes: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol,” PLOS One, 2024.
[23] “Cervical Cancer Data Surveillance in Sub-Saharan Africa,” WHO & IARC, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://gco.iarc.fr/.
[24] V. V. C. H. e. a. Bobadilla ML, “Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Risk Behavior in Vaccinated and Non Vaccinated Paraguayan Young Women.,” Pathogens, 2024.
[25] T. G. e. al., “Implementing HPV Vaccination Services in People Living with HIV in Trinidad and Tobago: A Brief Report,” Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers, 2025.
[26] G. M. E. Al., “Human papilloma virus vaccination in the resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and recommendations,” Vaccine X, vol. 20, 2024.
[28] b. G. A. a. J. R. c. L. A. M. A. A. R. G. L. E. M. N. B. M. T. Laia Bruni a, “Global and regional estimates of genital human papillomavirus prevalence among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” PMC PubMed Central, no. PMID: 37591583, 2023.
[31] e. a. Alison G Abraham, “Invasive cervical cancer risk among HIV-infected women: A North American multi-cohort collaboration prospective study,” PubMed Central- National Library of Medicine, no. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e31828177d7, 2014.
[32] A. I. R. S. C.-U. Erna Milunka Kojic, “Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in HIV-infected Women: Need for Increased Coverage,” PubMed Central- National Library of Medicine, no. doi: 10.1586/14760584.2016.1110025, 2016.
[33] M. Goretti, “Vellum,” 24 October 2025. [Online]. Available: https://vellum.co.ke/kenya-switches-to-single-dose hpv-vaccine-to-boost uptake/#:~:text=Kenya has taken a major,local scientists and international expert s.. [Accessed November 2025].
[34] W. H. Organization, “Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem,” WHO-Int, 2020.
[35] M. C. C. J. A. K. K. S. Olesen TB, “Human papillomavirus prevalence among men in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Sex Transm Infect, no. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051456, 2014.
[36] H. S. S. G. S. G. Soumendu Patra, “HPV and Male Cancer: Pathogenesis, Prevention and Impact,” Journal of Medicine in Africa (JOMA), vol. 2, no. 1, 2025.
[37] I. Z. E. Al., “Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Areas,” Ann Glob Health, 2023.
[38] L. B. E. Al., “Global and regional estimates of genital human papillomavirus prevalence among men: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Lancet Global Health, 2023.
RABAT, Morocco, 19th January 2026 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-As the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 unfolded, TECNO, Official Global Partner of the tournament, was actively extending the matchday experience beyond stadiums and screens through a series of Technology Carnival activations and offline watching parties that took place across multiple African countries.
Launched alongside the tournament and running throughout the AFCON competition period until 18 January 2026, these activations were designed as immersive, fan-first experiences that brought football, technology and entertainment together in public spaces, retail locations and pop-up venues.
Across North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and key AFCON markets, fans gathered at TECNO-organized watching parties featuring live match screenings, interactive product displays, AI-powered demonstrations, performance shows, interactive games, lucky draws and temporary pop-up stores. These shared spaces allowed visitors to engage with TECNO’s AI ecosystem while celebrating the collective energy, emotion and passion that defined African football culture.
At each activation, TECNO showcased how AI-driven technology enhanced the way fans experienced the game, from understanding match dynamics to capturing and sharing standout moments. Visitors discovered TECNO smartphones and devices in hands-on environments, exploring features designed to make football moments clearer, smarter and more immersive.
AFCON Retail Events Deployed Throughout the Tournament
Running in parallel with the offline watching parties, TECNO also rolled out a wide range of AFCON-themed retail events, which were active across multiple countries and continued until 18 January, with schedules adapted to local markets.
These in-store activations translated the excitement of AFCON directly into everyday shopping experiences through interactive consumer mechanics, including :
Cashback promotions via lucky draw on selected devices such as POP 10, SPARK 40 and CAMON 40
Points-based rewards through TECNO’s Points Mall
Interactive AFCON TECNO AI Analysis experiences that allowed fans to explore AI-driven insights around ongoing matches
“Rank Your Own AFCON Team” challenges, encouraging fans to build and debate their ideal tournament line-ups
Additional localized games, giveaways and fan engagement activities
By integrating football culture into retail environments, TECNO ensured that fans remained connected to the tournament not only during match time, but throughout their daily routines.
Making AFCON a More Participatory Experience Through AI
These Technology Carnival activations reflected TECNO’s broader ambition to make football more participatory, more interactive and more emotionally engaging. Rather than positioning AI as a distant technology, TECNO presented it as an intuitive companion that enhanced how fans followed matches, relived key moments and expressed their passion throughout the tournament.
As an Official Partner of the Confederation of African Football, TECNO activated across stadiums, fan zones, retail spaces and communities, ensuring that AFCON 2025 was experienced not only as a competition, but as a continent-wide cultural celebration powered by TECNO AI.
As the tournament came to a close and momentum peaked during the final stages, TECNO’s Technology Carnival emerged as a powerful demonstration of how technology, football and community came together, transforming every match, reaction and celebration into a moment worth powering.
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, 14 January 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-AMA founder Eloïne Barry has been named in Bizcommunity’s ranking of the “10 PR personalities to watch in 2026.” A recognition that validates more than a decade of transforming communication and public relations in Africa into a strategic lever for growth.
For Eloïne Barry, this distinction reflects above all an approach: that of an agency that has chosen not to simply relay messages, but to support organizations with their fundamental challenges. “Public relations is not a showcase, but the driving force behind lasting trust: it shapes reputation, that essential DNA that underpins credibility, loyalty, and growth”, she says. It is this vision that has enabled AMA to become a strategic ally for multinationals, development institutions, governments, and innovative African players.
Collaborations that illustrate AMA’s approach The agency supports major players across the continent. In Côte d’Ivoire in particular, AMA has been working with Yango Côte d’Ivoire, a global technology group, since February 2025 African Media Agency, andwith OMOA, a major player in digital financial services operating in 11 African countries African Media Agency. The agency’s clients also include Imperial College, Thales, MSD, IFC, and dozens of international organizations whose work spans from South Africa to Morocco and from Senegal to Kenya. These partnerships demonstrate AMA’s ability to combine a deep understanding of local realities with strategic deployment on a continental scale.
Strengthening strategic support in 2026 This appointment comes at a key moment when organizations operating in Africa are facing increased demands for transparency and authenticity. In this context, communication and public relations are becoming a fundamental pillar. AMA plans to strengthen its areas of expertise to support companies even more effectively in their sustainable growth ambitions on the continent.
About African Media Agency African Media Agency (AMA) is one of the leading and most trusted independent pan-African communications firms, helping global and African organizations enter, grow, and thrive across the continent. By combining narrative design, strategic communication, and a deep understanding of Africa’s on-the-ground nuances, AMA enables clients to build trust, shape perception, and unlock sustainable market opportunities.
AMA operates through three complementary pillars: AMA Wire, its flagship pan-African press release distribution platform; AMA PR, its communications and advisory arm; and AMA Academy, a training initiative that equips journalists and media professionals with modern storytelling and reporting skills.
Over the past decade, AMA has delivered hundreds of high-impact campaigns for more than 150 clients, including some of the world’s largest corporations, development institutions, and African innovators. With local teams in 30 African countries and operational hubs in Abidjan, Johannesburg, and Durban, AMA stands as a trusted partner for organizations looking to connect authentically and operate effectively across Africa’s diverse markets.
Groundbreaking partnership transforms pitch renovation program into comprehensive talent development platform, offering long-term support for promising U12-15 players across African nations.
RABAT, Morocco, 29 December 2025/African Media Agency (AMA)/ – TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the Total Energies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Morocco 2025, today unveiled a major evolution of its flagship football charity program of DreamOnTheField with the launch of TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative. The announcement represents a pivotal moment in the partnership between TECNO and the Confederation of African Football, expanding beyond infrastructure investment to direct youth talent development.
This launch exemplified the TECNO x CAF partnership’s commitment to community engagement and transparency. TECNO executives joined CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, football legends Yaya Touré and Ahmed Hassan, Nigerian artist and TECNO Power Moment Featured Artist Joeboy, along with customers and key opinion leaders to witness the launch.
The Dream On The Field program, which began as an infrastructure initiative, now has evolved into a holistic ecosystem for African football development. The Dream On The Field program, launched by TECNO, has already made a tangible impact across the continent with eight completed pitch renovations. Seven additional projects are currently underway in different African countries. TECNO has committed to an ambitious target: renewing 100 pitches across Africa in the coming years, creating a continent-wide network of development centers that will serve millions of young players.
Today’s announcement of TECNO x CAF “Future Star of Africa” initiative represents the natural evolution of this initiative. By combining pitch infrastructure with youth player development, the collaboration creates a complete pathway from grassroots participation to professional elite development.
“Our partnership with TECNO goes far beyond renovation, it is about building foundations for dreams,” said Hassan Elkamah, Commercial Director of CAF. “From revitalizing pitches to the launch of the Future Star of Africa initiative, we are creating pathways for the next generation.”
This initiative builds directly on the DreamOnTheField program as a new extension.The initiative will identify young male and female talents aged 12-15 in Africa, providing continuous support and development opportunities until age 18. This long-term commitment addresses a critical gap in African football development: the lack of sustained investment in promising young players during their formative years.
“At TECNO, we believe talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” Jack Guo, general manager of TECNO emphasized. “Through DreamOnTheField, we’ve built the stages. Through Future Star of Africa, we’re ensuring the performers have everything they need to shine.”
The TECNO x CAF partnership approach is deliberately holistic. The renovated pitches provide the infrastructure; the selection process provides the pathway; and the long-term sponsorship provides the sustained support that transforms potential into achievement. The collaboration extends beyond traditional corporate sponsorship. As Official Global Partner of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, TECNO has positioned itself as a long-term stakeholder in African football’s future.
The partnership leverages CAF’s unparalleled expertise in football development and governance with TECNO’s commitment to empowering Africa’s rising generation through technology and social investment. CAF will appoint lead technical scouts, senior youth development experts, to ensure professional fairness in each country, while local jury members will include national football association youth coaches, sports academics, and TECNO representatives.
“Football is Africa’s heartbeat. It unites us, inspires us, and transforms lives,” said Véron Mosengo-Omba. “With TECNO, we are not only improving facilities but also investing in talent, young boys and girls who will carry Africa’s football legacy forward.”
Through joint efforts with CAF, Players will be evaluated across comprehensive and professional criterias; the assessment framework evaluates everything from ball mastery and game reading to resilience, concentration, and leadership potential, identifying not just talented players, but future stars with the character to inspire the next generation. Selection results will remain national, with no cross-border rounds, allowing each country to recognize and develop its own talent while contributing to the broader continental vision.
The TECNO x CAF partnership continues to demonstrate that corporate social responsibility, when executed with genuine commitment and strategic vision, can create a transformative impact that extends far beyond brand recognition, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and strengthening communities across an entire continent.
About TECNO TECNO is an innovative, AI-driven technology brand with a presence in over 70 markets across five continents. Committed to transforming the digital experience in global emerging markets, TECNO relentlessly pursues the perfect integration of contemporary aesthetic design with the latest technologies and artificial intelligence. Today, TECNO offers a comprehensive ecosystem of AI-powered products, including smartphones, smart wearables, laptops, tablets, smart gaming devices, the HiOS operating system, and smart home products. Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing,” TECNO continues to pioneer the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and AI-driven experiences for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and brightest futures. For more information, please visit TECNO’s official site: www.tecno-mobile.com.
DUBAI, UAE, 22 December 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Yango Group today published its inaugural Impact Report, a comprehensive overview of the company’s social, economic, and environmental contributions across more than 30 countries. The report introduces a long-term framework for how Yango measures and communicates its value as a global technology company rooted in emerging markets.
The publication reflects Yango’s evolution from a ride-hailing service launched in 2018 into a multi-service digital ecosystem used daily by millions of people. The report outlines how Yango’s technology enables local entrepreneurship, expands earning opportunities for partner drivers and couriers, and supports the development of the skilled workforce needed for future digital cities.
Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group, described the report as a significant milestone for the company. “As we continue expanding globally, we are committed to scaling not only our technology, but also our positive impact on communities, local economies, and future generations. Our goal is to help build the digital cities and digital opportunities of tomorrow — together with the countries we serve,” he said.
Empowering local partners: $4B Earned last year
According to the report, partner drivers and couriers working with Yango services earned more than USD 4 billion in 2024. Yango’s partner network now includes 6,000 businesses, 2.1 million registered partner drivers, and 600,000 partner couriers. In the delivery segment, 40% of users are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on Yango’s infrastructure to reach customers and scale their operations. These dynamics position Yango as an important contributor to economic activity and entrepreneurship across Africa and other emerging markets.
Strengthening local economies through technology
The report also details how Yango’s technology supports urban development and digital commerce. In Côte d’Ivoire, the company is piloting electric mobility initiatives that help reduce emissions and modernize transport infrastructure. Across markets, services such as Yango Buy & Sell enable small merchants to increase visibility and customer trust, reinforcing their participation in digital commerce. Meanwhile, Yango Food Delivery continues to broaden access to local restaurants and everyday essentials, stimulating consumer activity while creating flexible earning opportunities for couriers.
Investing in STEM: preparing talent for the cities of tomorrow
A major focus of the report is Yango’s investment in STEM education and digital skills training, implemented through 4 flagship initiatives that equip young people with the capabilities needed in fast-growing digital economies. The first of these initiatives is the Yango Fellowship, launched in Zambia to support outstanding STEM students with full financial assistance, mentorship, and practical workshops. The Fellowship expanded to Côte d’Ivoire in early 2025, opening new pathways for young innovators. Alongside the Fellowship, Yango has strengthened hands-on learning through mobility and smart-city hackathons, which brought together more than 800 participants across 6 African countries. These events helped learners build applied skills in data science, machine learning, and urban innovation. To broaden access to foundational digital knowledge, Yango also offered free SQL data analysis courses, completed by more than 2,000 learners in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Zambia. These courses provided essential data literacy for careers in technology-driven sectors. In Cameroon, Yango supported the Technovation Challenge, enabling 100 girls to develop technology and entrepreneurship projects under the guidance of local mentors. The initiative reinforces Yango’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young women in STEM. Together, these programs illustrate Yango’s long-term vision to help prepare young people across Africa to participate in and shape the digital cities of tomorrow.
Community investment and cultural inclusion
Beyond technology and education, the report highlights Yango Group’s community initiatives across Africa, including digital inclusion programs for visually impaired students in Angola, support for youth football academies in Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia, and public art projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These efforts reflect Yango’s belief that technological progress should advance alongside social inclusion and cultural preservation.
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, 17 December 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Yango Group, a global tech company, has announced the next chapter of its Yango Fellowship; a program designed to unlock the potential of STEM talent across Africa. By providing mentorship, resources, and networks, the Fellowship helps participants turn ideas into solutions that benefit their communities. After successfully launching in Zambia and Ivory Coast, Yango is bringing the program to four more countries – Mozambique, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal.
The expanded Yango Fellowship will provide financial support, expert guidance, and access to a cross-country community of Fellows working on impactful solutions for their communities. As the last years students of the programme landed prestigious internships that will help them achieve significant results in their future careers, in 2026 Yango is moving beyond country levels and builds to create a network of STEM professionals that will function after the conclusion of the year’s programme, defying borders and uniting aspiring young people from different African regions.
Across Africa, the demand for skilled scientists, engineers, and technologists far exceeds the number of graduates entering these fields. The World Bank estimates a shortage of more than 2.5 million STEM professionals needed to support sustainable economic growth across sub-saharan Africa. At the same time, Africa’s rapidly growing youth population faces a persistent skills gap: only 10–15% of young people have access to quality digital or technical training, and fewer than 5% gain experience in fields such as programming, data analysis, or cybersecurity.
With 10–12 million young people entering the labor market each year and only about 3 million formal jobs created annually, the need for practical STEM education, mentorship, and career pathways is urgent. By expanding the fellowship to new regions, Yango aims to help build a diverse, capable, and future-ready STEM workforce, empowering students to develop solutions for challenges faced by their communities. The program encourages collaboration, creativity, and leadership, while building a supportive alumni network that spans the continent.
Adeniyi Adebayo – Chief Business Officer at Yango Group, said:“Africa has an extraordinary pool of talent, who bring creativity, and problem-solving energy. The Yango Fellowship is a hands-on program designed to support these talents, connecting young innovators with the mentorship, resources, and knowledge they need to develop solutions that benefit their communities. This year, the program will be held at our African hub in Abidjan, and with its expansion to six countries, we can share expertise, learn together, and harness technology to make a real impact across the continent.”
The Fellowship has already delivered meaningful impact: past Fellows have launched community projects and became role models in their countries. Yango’s local hubs play a key role in mentoring Fellows, ensuring the program strengthens both talent and local ecosystems.
Beyond the Fellowship, Yango is driving digital innovation by partnering with universities and educational organizations across its markets, sharing expertise with young data scientists and IT students. Through programs like Urban Mobility Hackathons, participants tackle real-world traffic prediction challenges, gaining skills they can apply to improve their cities and communities. All of Yango’s youth initiatives are designed to empower participants with practical knowledge while creating tangible benefits for their local communities and countries.
Applications are now open to university STEM students aged 18–25 in all six countries. Interested candidates can apply until January 26, 2026, at yangofellowship.com.
Watch here testimonial videos of first cohort of Zambian STEM fellows.
NAIROBI, Kenya, 10 December 2025-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-There is a $130 billion annual investment gap hindering the world’s mission to achieve universal access to climate-resilient water and sanitation services by the year 2030, Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) reports. In Africa, the gap is estimated at no less than an additional $30 billion annually.
In October 2025, nearly 50 ministerial level delegates worldwide gathered in Madrid at the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting to discuss ways to better integrate water, sanitation, and climate action goals at a governmental level.
For participating African delegates, this was an opportunity to include African perspectives on the global stage ahead of COP30 and the UN 2026 Water Conference. It was also essential to help establish the globe’s five-pillar guidelines.
5 critical Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Climate statistics in Africa calling for critical measures
Priority #1: Embed water, sanitation, hygiene, and climate priorities into national adaptation plans, climate commitments, and development strategies.
In 2018, 71% of African countries were in the medium-low to very low categories of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) implementation, according to a report by UNEP. Fast forward to 2024 and UNEP’s “Progress on implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management” report revealed that none of the African sub-regions are on track to achieve the aspirational global SDG 6.5 target of ‘Very High’ (91-100%) IWRM implementation by 2030.
There lies a critical gap in governance due to these stagnations that isolated sector projects cannot fix. It’s time for nations to move beyond fragmented management and operationalize political and institutional integration.
Ministers must work to embed water, sanitation, and hygiene mandates directly into central national adaptation plans and broader development strategies. Governments have the power to secure the political leverage and institutional coherence required to turn these IWRM metrics around, to accelerate progress and reach the SDG targets.
Inclusive, Rights-Based Services
Priority #2: Use data to identify and reach the most vulnerable populations, children, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities, while promoting transparency and community participation.
As women, girls, and children remain the most vulnerable, these stats are concerning for Africa.
The failure to achieve universal access is a clear indication that broad, generalized interventions are not sufficient. To close this gap and prioritize those suffering most, governments must immediately implement inclusive and rights-based services.
The only way to move beyond these alarming statistics is to use high-quality, disaggregated data to accurately identify, locate, and track the concerned underserved communities and groups of people. This should ensure that future WASH investments are precisely targeted, transparent, and driven by the needs of the most vulnerable.
Resilient Systems and Risk Management
Priority #3: Incorporate climate and environmental risk assessments into planning, and promote nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration.
A September 2025 publication by the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) underlined the direct link between climate change, water scarcity, and displacement on the continent.
The study asserts that 2 million people in East Africa have been displaced due to drought and conflicts, with migration into urban areas straining cities like Nairobi.
In 2024, Earth.org warned that climate change could displace up to 700 million people in Africaby 2030 due to increasing water scarcity and related shocks. With the figure currently standing at 400 million, the High-Level Leaders Compact priority for resilient systems and risk management is legitimately high on the agenda.
To build true resilience against these shocks, leaders must move beyond reactive measures and proactively incorporate climate and environmental risk assessments into all levels of urban planning. Investing in nature-based solutions and ecosystem restoration is essential to stabilizing these vulnerable regions.
The approach is straightforward: Address the root environmental degradation driving these migration crises.
Sustainable and Innovative Financing
Priority #4: Mobilize domestic and international resources through green and blue bonds, results-based financing, and public-private partnerships.
According to the World Bank, public-private partnerships account for only 3 percent of total water sector investment in Africa, with state-owned enterprises and public entities providing the remaining 97 percent of investment. This is far below private participation in other infrastructure sectors, underscoring the need for stronger mechanisms to attract and sustain investment in water.
Unlocking greater resources will require improving incentives for investors, strengthening project pipelines, and deploying targeted de-risking instruments that reduce uncertainty while safeguarding public value. Ensuring coherence with the High-Level Leaders Compact on Water Security and Resilience will further help align public and private action.
With these conditions in place, tools such as green and blue bonds, results-based financing, and well-structured public-private partnerships can more effectively expand financing for water security and sanitation systems.
Political Leadership and Accountability
Priority #5: Ensure that water and sanitation remain at the top of global and national policy agendas, including through mutual accountability frameworks such as those facilitated by Sanitation and Water for All (SWA).
Sub-Saharan Africa losesan estimated 5% of its annual GDP due to poor sanitation, lack of water or its contamination. Highlighting the seriousness of the matter and the responsibility of ministers, a preamble statement from the High-Level Leaders Compact on Water Security & Resilience declares:
“We acknowledge that fragmented policies, weak coordination, and insufficient and inefficient financing continue to challenge progress. Addressing these barriers requires strengthened political leadership, inclusive whole-of-government collaboration, inclusive governance, and more predictable and efficient investments that meet the needs of all people, particularly the most vulnerable.”
In the aftermath of the Madrid Commitment on Water Security, Sanitation & Climate Resilience
As the rest of the world, African ministers have pledged to “collaborate with Sanitation and Water for All partnership to track progress through systematic monitoring, aligned with national systems and global frameworks like SDG 6 indicators, broad multi-stakeholder collaboration, and continual adaptive learning.”
The compact produced at the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting has been endorsed by 29 states, more than half of which are African.
Indeed, Burundi, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda and The Gambia joined the African Civil Society Network on Water and Sanitation (ANEW), the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in the Water and Sanitation Sector (CONIWAS), UNICEF and 14 other organizations in endorsing and pushing for the implementation of the five global priorities identified in the High-Level Leaders Compact on Water Security & Resilience.
The door remains open for more governments to join this compact and express their serious intention to achieve sanitation and water security as well as resilience which is needed for healthy populations, economic development, and environmental sustainability
For 15 years, the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership, hosted by UNICEF, has united governments, civil society, private sector actors, and development partners to advance the human rights to water and sanitation for all. With over 500 partners worldwide, SWA drives political commitment, strengthens institutions, and promotes accountability to achieve lasting results.
