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AMA, Health

African Leaders Call for Sustainable Malaria Financing as Progress Stalls and Funding Crisis Deepens

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The 2025 Africa Malaria Progress Report reveals 270.8 million cases and nearly 600,000 deaths. It warns of potential resurgence, as Heads of State and Government urge increased domestic resource mobilisation, call on partners to honour their commitments, and demand a renewed World Bank Malaria Booster Programme.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, 16 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Against a backdrop of stalled progress, declining international funding, and intensifying threats, African Heads of State and Government today issued a unified call for a new era of malaria financing at the 39th African Union Summit in Ethiopia. The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025, presented by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana and Chair of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), warns that without urgent action, the continent risks losing decades of hard-won gains against the disease.

Urgent action required as perfect storm intensifies
The 2025 report reveals that African Union Member States accounted for 270.8 million malaria cases (96% of the global total) and 594,119 deaths (97% of the global total) in 2024. Progress has stalled since 2015, and only five Member States have achieved the 2025 Catalytic Framework targets for reducing malaria incidence or mortality by 75%. These targets are part of the AU Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa by 2030.

The report warns that a 30% reduction in funding will result in 640 million fewer insecticide-treated nets, 146 million additional malaria cases, 397,000 additional deaths (75% among children under five), and a loss of $37 billion in GDP by 2030. Without urgent action, the report warns that malaria could resurge significantly, with cases potentially exceeding 400 million per year and deaths surpassing one million annually.

“The perfect storm of converging crises threatening malaria elimination has intensified. Official Development Assistance for health in Africa has declined by 70% in just four years, and the Eighth Replenishment of the Global Fund fell significantly short of its $18 billion target. We cannot allow these challenges to reverse decades of progress that have prevented 1.64 billion cases and saved 12.4 million lives since 2000.”
~ President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, Republic of Botswana, Chair of ALMA

A new era of financing as Africa takes the lead
In response to the funding crisis, African leaders reaffirmed their commitment to domestic resource mobilisation, innovative financing and the development of national health financing sustainability plans. The report highlights that End Malaria Councils and Funds in 12 countries have now mobilised over $200 million through public-private partnerships, demonstrating the power of multisectoral collaboration. Establishing public-private partnerships is essential for delivering sustainable financing. These partnerships can unlock new investments, propelling progress not only toward malaria elimination but also toward universal health coverage. A whole-of-society approach, engaging the private sector, philanthropic foundations, high-net-worth individuals and the diaspora through a public private health accelerator, will reinforce domestic commitments and deliver a win-win partnership.

Countries across the continent are stepping up with increased domestic financing commitments for malaria in 2025. Leaders called on global partners to honour their commitments, renew the World Bank’s Malaria Booster Programme, and align support with national strategies. The original World Bank Malaria Booster Programme (2005-2010) committed over $1 billion with transformative results. Today, African leaders are urging a renewed programme to close funding gaps, deploy next-generation tools, strengthen community health worker programmes, and build climate-resilient health systems. Investing in malaria in this way will also strengthen primary health care, making our health systems more resilient to shock and put us on a path to defeating other health challenges such as neglected tropical diseases.

“Our approach has spanned the full spectrum of what it takes to beat this disease. Tanzania has invested in world-class research and is home to the Ifakara Health Institute, where our scientists are working at the frontier of new technologies, including gene drive–an innovative approach that aims to ensure mosquitoes can no longer transmit the malaria parasite. This is African science, conducted by African researchers, addressing an African challenge.”
~ H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania

New, powerful next-generation tools gaining ground
Despite the challenges, the report highlights significant progress in deploying innovative tools. In 2025, 74% of insecticide-treated nets distributed across Africa were next-generation dual active-ingredient nets, up from just 20% in 2023. These nets are 45% more effective than pyrethroid-only nets against resistant mosquitoes.

Twenty-four countries have now introduced WHO-approved malaria vaccines for children under five, with 28.3 million doses distributed in 2025, up from 10.5 million in 2024. Additionally, WHO prequalified two spatial repellent products in 2025, marking the first new vector control intervention introduced in decades. A record 22 countries planned to implement seasonal malaria chemoprevention in 2025. The malaria innovation pipeline remains stronger than ever.

Promoting health sovereignty through local manufacturing
Leaders emphasised the importance of local manufacturing to ensure affordability, access, and supply chain resilience. Currently, Africa imports 99% of vaccines and 95% of medicines. The report highlights that Nigeria has entered into partnerships for local production of antimalarial treatments and rapid diagnostic tests, and is working to establish the first Africa-manufactured next-generation nets.

The African Medicines Agency, with 31 countries now ratified, and Regional Economic Communities are harmonising regulatory frameworks to accelerate the registration of new commodities across the continent.

“Full deployment of existing and new tools, combined with full funding, could save over 13.2 million lives over the next 15 years and boost African economies by over $140 billion. Every dollar invested in the Global Fund delivers $19 in returns. We have the tools. We need the resources.”
~ Dr. Michael Adekunle Charles, CEO, RBM Partnership to End Malaria

What must be done
The Heads of State and Government issued a clear call to action, urging all Member States to treat malaria as a central pillar of health sovereignty and economic transformation, protect and increase domestic and external funding, and fully implement the priorities of the Catalytic Framework through a Big Push Against Malaria.

Leaders called on international partners to fulfil commitments, align support with national strategies, and invest in the tools and systems that will secure a malaria-free future. They emphasised that the path ahead is challenging. Nevertheless, with determined leadership, the smart use of data, and sustained investment, Africa can bend the curve towards elimination and ensure that future generations grow up free from the threat of malaria.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of African Union

Notes to Editors: The African Union Malaria Progress Report 2025 is available for download at:  www.au.int and  www.alma2030.org

About the Africa Malaria Progress Report:
The Africa Malaria Progress Report is an annual publication prepared by the African Union Commission, African Leaders Malaria Alliance and RBM Partnership to End Malaria. It tracks progress against the AU Catalytic Framework targets, highlights challenges and threats to malaria elimination, and documents Member State actions to accelerate progress. The report is presented annually to Heads of State and Government at the African Union Summit.

About ALMA:
Founded in 2009, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) is a ground-breaking coalition of African Heads of State and Government working across country and regional borders to achieve a malaria-free Africa by 2030. www.alma2030.org

Media Inquiries:

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AMA, Business

African Business Stories Celebrates One Year of Impact with Launch of Inaugural Impact Report and Presentation of Africa Champion Award to Prof. Benedict Oramah, President Afreximbank at UNGA

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Prof. Benedict Oramah, President Afreximbank and Akaego Okoye, Founder African Business Stories

NEW YORK, United States of America, 02nd October 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, African Business Stories (ABS) marked the one-year anniversary of its flagship Roundtable Series with two milestones: the presentation of its inaugural Africa Champion Award to Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), and the launch of its first Impact Report, capturing a year of progress in closing Africa’s $42 billion gender financing gap.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Florida’s 20th District)

The event opened with special remarks from Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Florida’s 20th District), who underscored the urgency of shifting from aid to trade in U.S.–Africa relations. She highlighted new U.S. legislation enabling diaspora remittances to be reinvested as capital and reaffirmed her commitment to the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

“When women start businesses, they create jobs, change communities, and shift entire economies,” said Cherfilus-McCormick.

Left to Right: Ejike Egbuagu, CEO Moneda Invest, Kanayo Awani, EVP Afreximbank, Florie Liser, President & CEO Corporate Council on Africa, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President Afreximbank, Akaego Okoye, Founder African Business Stories, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, Nigeria

The award was presented by Ms. Florie Liser, President & CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, who praised Prof. Oramah’s transformative leadership in expanding Afreximbank’s assets and guarantees eight-fold, growing revenues seven-fold, and ensuring women, youth, and SMEs have access to trade and capital opportunities.

“Prof. Oramah embodies the foresight to envision a stronger Africa through trade, the resolve to mobilize billions in capital for transformative initiatives, and the commitment to ensure that women, youth, and SMEs are not left behind,” said Liser.

Left to Right: Ejike Egbuagu, CEO Moneda Invest, Hon. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, and Cheryl Buss, CEO, Absa International

In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Oramah underscored the importance of narrative ownership and boldness in Africa’s development journey:

“The problem of Africa is that others have been telling our stories — and telling them in ways that put us down. We must tell our own stories and define African best practices.”

He also called for ambition in mobilizing resources at scale:

“Small projects rarely succeed. If we want to compete globally, Africa must think big and act boldly.”

Left to Right: Nnedi Ifudu Nweke, Partner Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, Ifedayo Agoro Founder, Dang! Lifestyle and Lesego Serolong-Holzapfel, Founder, Moedi Wines

The ABS Impact Report, unveiled by Founder Akaego Okoye, documents five high-level convenings held across New York, Washington, D.C., and Luanda, Angola over the past year. These gatherings brought women founders face-to-face with policymakers, financiers, and global leaders, and laid the groundwork for new access to markets and capital. The report serves both as a record of impact and a roadmap for future action.

Alongside these milestones, the Roundtable featured:

  • A Founders Panel with Ifedayo Agoro (Dang! Lifestyle) and Lesego Serolong-Holzapfel (Moedi Wines), sharing the realities of accessing capital, navigating trade barriers, and scaling globally
  • A Public–Private Dialogue with Hon. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs) and Cheryl Buss (CEO, Absa International), highlighting how policy frameworks and innovative financial products must align to unlock scale for women entrepreneurs
  • The signing of an MOU between Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Domena Commodities Limited to expand women’s participation in agribusiness and trade

“The $42 billion funding gap is not just a challenge, it is an opportunity,” said Akaego Okoye. “This first year has proven that when women are seen, connected, and resourced, they don’t just grow businesses — they transform economies. ABS will continue to create the access and partnerships needed to catalyze their success.”

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of African Business Stories.

About African Business Stories

African Business Stories (ABS) is a platform committed to amplifying the voices of African women entrepreneurs and accelerating the growth of women-led businesses across the continent. Through storytelling, high-level convenings, and access-building initiatives, ABS tackles the $42 billion financing gap facing women entrepreneurs in Africa.

Media Contact:

African Business Stories

info@africanbusinessstories.com

www.africanbusinessstories.com

The post African Business Stories Celebrates One Year of Impact with Launch of Inaugural Impact Report and Presentation of Africa Champion Award to Prof. Benedict Oramah, President Afreximbank at UNGA appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business

Why Majority of Nigerian Traders Lose Money and How to Become a Successful Trader

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LAGOS, Nigeria, 29 August 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-In recent years, more and more Nigerians have turned to trading in financial markets as a way to diversify their income and find new opportunities to earn money. With the growing interest in forex, commodities, indices, and cryptocurrencies, great trading opportunities are attracting both novice investors and experienced market participants.

However, the reality is sobering and contrary to expectations, because statistics show that the majority of traders lose money. This applies not only to beginners, but also to experienced traders who fail to adapt to the constantly changing market conditions. Understanding the reasons for losses and mistakes, such as CFD trading risks, can be the first step to building a sustainable growth strategy. The trader should consider whether they understand how CFDs work and whether they can afford to take the high risk of losing money. To ensure that you fully understand the risks associated with margin trading, you can explore the Risk Disclosure info of such brokers as JustMarkets.

Why most Nigerian traders lose their deposits

1. Frugal trading and lack of discipline

Many traders enter the markets without clear rules, allowing emotions and financial pressure to dictate their decisions. “Frugal trading” is the tendency to trade based on immediate personal financial needs rather than a sound trading framework. This approach often results in forced trades with low risk/reward ratios. When traders feel pressured to “make money today” to cover bills or obligations, discipline becomes secondary, and market noise and volatility begin to seem like a distant opportunity to make money.

2. Not having a trading plan and blindly following signals

A trading plan defines which markets to trade, entry and exit rules, risk per trade, and maximum daily loss limit. Without one, traders act reactively, jumping from one trading framework to another based on social media posts, chat room tips, or unverified advice from other traders. Blindly following these signals without understanding basic analysis and evaluating the signals yourself is one of the fastest ways to lose capital.

3. Lack of knowledge and understanding of market mechanics

The market is influenced by economic data, geopolitical events, interest rate changes, investor sentiment, and liquidity flows. Many traders do not understand how these factors interact. For example, not knowing how a central bank interest rate announcement affects currency volatility can lead to entering positions at the most dangerous times. Without this basic knowledge, traders are essentially gambling rather than engaging in real, thoughtful trading.

4. Overconfidence and lack of clear trading objectives

Success in a few trades often breeds overconfidence, even among experienced traders. Traders increase position sizes without adjusting their strategy, take unnecessary risks, or ignore stop-loss rules. Likewise, the lack of specific daily, weekly, or monthly goals makes it impossible to measure progress or maintain a consistent approach. Over time, the lack of structure undermines discipline and leads to significant drawdowns. Without a clear trading plan, even deep technical knowledge and extensive experience may not be enough for long-term success.

How to try mitigate risks

Despite all the dynamism and unpredictability of the financial markets, a small percentage of traders consistently grow their accounts. They treat trading as a business, not as a hobby or a quick-money machine. These traders are distinguished by careful risk management, constant learning, and the ability to adapt.

But two components that are indispensable on the path to long-term success are iron discipline and patience:

Iron discipline

In trading, discipline means sticking to your plan regardless of ups and downs, losses, market conditions, and personal life. It involves strictly adhering to predetermined entry, exit, and position sizing rules. For example, if your plan states that you only risk 1% of your deposit per trade, you stick to this rule even after a series of profitable trades tempts you to “step on the gas.”

Iron discipline protects traders from impulsive decisions dictated by fear or greed. This includes:

  • Adhering to stop-loss levels. Experienced traders never move their stop-loss levels too far to avoid taking an excessive loss.
  • Avoiding revenge trading. Resisting the urge to jump in after a loss to “cash back” when the necessary setup is not available.
  • Following a schedule. Only trade during certain hours and in markets where your strategy has the highest probability of success.

In practice, disciplined traders often make fewer trades than their undisciplined counterparts, but their trades are of higher quality and better aligned with their system. Over time, discipline develops into consistency, and consistency leads to profitability.

Patience

Patience in trading means waiting for the right situation, rather than forcing a trade because “the market is moving.” It also means allowing trades to close out according to analysis, rather than closing them prematurely out of fear or excitement.

Successful traders understand that sometimes it is better not to trade. They wait for conditions that match the criteria of their strategy rather than chasing every price move. This patience extends to the big picture, knowing that significant account growth is the result of hundreds of well-executed trades over months and years, not days.

Patience is also essential in the learning process. Mastering a trading strategy, understanding market behavior, and refining a psychological approach takes time. Those who rush to “get it done” without putting in the necessary hours of practice almost always make a critical mistake.

The Path Forward for the Nigerian Trader

Trading offers Nigerians a way to diversify their income beyond a traditional job or small business. The potential rewards are real, but so are the risks.

To move from a losing majority to a winning minority, traders need to:

  • Develop and follow a structured trading plan.
  • Invest time in learning market fundamentals and technical analysis from reliable education materials of such brokers as JustMarkets.
  • Keep your risk per trade small and consistent.
  • Avoid making emotional decisions under financial pressure.
  • Focus on developing iron discipline and patience as daily habits.

In financial markets, capital preservation is the foundation of growth. Those who protect their account balance through disciplined risk management have the time and opportunity to let profitable setups work to their advantage.

Successful traders do not chase every price move. They are the people who have the discipline and patience to enter the market when their strategy will bring the most benefit, and those who step aside when conditions are unclear.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of JustMarkets

About JustMarkets:

JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 60 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries.

The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Media Contact:

Samuel Apkan

samuel.akpan@justmarkets.com

The post Why Majority of Nigerian Traders Lose Money and How to Become a Successful Trader appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business

Choosing a broker? Here are the 5 signs of a reliable platform

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LAGOS, Nigeria, 26 August 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The Nigerian Forex market keeps attracting traders all over the world. In recent years, its accessibility and potential for profit have grown by leaps and bounds. Although to trade safely and not worry about a thing, traders should understand the legal landscape, rules, and characteristics defining this particular market.

Check the five most important indicators that show a trading platform is trustworthy and will serve you well.

First of all, check regulations and security

Even though Nigeria now lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework for online trading, platforms regulated by top-tier bodies like the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), or South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) often uphold higher safety standards.

It’s better to always check for security encryption, compliance certifications, and, if possible, register and fund through local naira accounts for added convenience.

Second, don’t underestimate asset variety

A versatile platform gives traders access to Forex pairs, digital assets, metals, indices, stocks, and more. Different brokers offer different selections. Some, like JustMarkets, provide a wide spectrum, while others focus on local equities via platforms. Choose what works best for you, but remember that a great variety of instruments can give more opportunities.

Third, test user flow and educational tools

Ease of use and intuitive UX make a fantastic difference. Platforms with friendly interfaces, demo accounts, educational resources, and responsive customer support are ideal. 

Big brokers, such as already mentioned JustMarkets, understand how crucial it is to give ed resources to their traders. They offer a wide range of resources that give beginners the confidence to start while keeping pro traders informed on the latest developments. These materials include webinars, case studies, digests, as well as daily, market, and bank analytics.

Fourth, examine fees, spreads, and commissions

Costs can eat into your gains. Brokers with low spreads and transparent fee structures are preferable. Always watch out for inactivity, withdrawal, or hidden charges, as these can affect profitability.

Last but not least, ensure local accessibility

Trading becomes much simpler when you can deposit, trade, and withdraw using your local currency. Platforms like JustMarkets, for instance, offer naira-based accounts for their clients from Nigeria, which is a great help in a country where foreign exchange issues can complicate things. The same goes with every broker’s trader and partner, with an aim to remain trader-centric and comfortable for all.

Bottom line

Forex trading in Nigeria offers opportunities, but only if approached with legal compliance, caution, and the right broker by your side. Ensuring your broker is reliable, understanding specifics, and checking every important detail before starting will position you for safer trading. This is what really matters when you’re already active in the market, but even more when you’ve just begun.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of JustMarkets

About JustMarkets:

JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 60 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries.

The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Media Contact:

Samuel Apkan

samuel.akpan@justmarkets.com

The post Choosing a broker? Here are the 5 signs of a reliable platform appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business, Technology

JustMarkets Trading App: One of the Fastest Growing Trading Apps in Nigeria

MaraviPost

CITY, Country, 22 August 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/- Interest in trading in financial markets is growing at an unprecedented rate in Nigeria. As more Nigerians seek to diversify their income sources, trading across a wide range of financial markets is becoming an increasingly attractive way to earn money with ample opportunities. One of the most popular trading apps is the JustMarkets Trading app – a mobile solution that combines speed, flexibility, and professional tools within one convenient interface.

Our Take on JustMarkets

JustMarkets is a world-renowned multi-asset broker with over 12 years of industry experience, operating in over 160 countries. The company has won over 50 international awards, including Best Trading Conditions at Money Expo Abu Dhabi 2025, and Best IB/Affiliate Programme 2025. In Nigeria, the JustMarkets Trading app has quickly gained popularity among beginner and professional traders alike due to its powerful functionality, low trading costs, and fast order execution speed.

Benefits of the JustMarkets Trading app

  • Instant withdrawals without delays from JustMarkets
  • Flexible leverage of up to 1:3000 – one of the highest in the industry
  • Ultra-fast order execution, up to 20% faster than many competitors
  • Low and stable spreads on top instruments
  • Over 260 trading assets, including currencies, indices, commodities, and stocks
  • Swap-free trading for all account types
  • Different account types for different trading strategies
  • Fast and secure transactions with a wide range of payment methods
  • 24/7 multilingual customer support

Latest App Improvements

The latest update for iOS and Android focuses on improving usability, speed, and analysis tools:

  • Accounts screen: Instantly switch between multiple accounts for seamless multitasking
  • Trade screen: Expanded workspace to track more instruments at once, with faster navigation to focus on specific assets
  • Symbols screen: Larger price display for better analysis on smaller mobile screens, improving visibility of indicators and chart patterns

These improvements are especially valuable for traders in Nigeria, where mobile trading is the primary way to access financial markets and analyze trading instruments.

Unique trading conditions

  • Ultra-fast execution and tight spreads

The app’s execution speed and consistently tight spreads, better than 90% of competitors on most instruments, allow traders to take advantage of market opportunities without worrying about slippage or high commissions

  • Flexible leverage 

With leverage of up to 1:3000, Nigerian traders can manage larger positions with a smaller capital investment. This flexibility is ideal for experienced traders who know how to combine leverage with disciplined risk management

Various trading asset coverage

The JustMarkets Trading app offers:

  • Forex: Majors, minors, and exotics, including cross-access to USD/NGN through supported accounts
  • Indices: S&P 500, Dow Jones, NASDAQ, and more
  • Commodities: Gold, Silver, WTI, Brent, and Natural Gas
  • Stocks: Apple, Amazon, Nvidia, Google, and more

Account Types for Every Trader

  • Standard: Entry from $10, spreads from 0.3, leverage up to 1:3000
  • Pro: Minimum deposit from $100, spreads from 0.1, zero commission
  • Raw Spread: spreads from 0.0, commission of $3 per lot – ideal for scalping and high-frequency strategies

Global recognition and regulatory trust JustMarkets is licensed by:

  • FSA Seychelles
  • Cyprus CySEC
  • FSCA South Africa
  • FSC Mauritius

This ensures compliance, segregation of funds, and transparency for Nigerian clients.

Who is the JustMarkets Trading app for?

With a low entry threshold, swap-free conditions, and a variety of account types, the JustMarkets trading app is equally suitable for:

  • Beginners looking for an easy-to-use platform with a wide range of educational and analytical resources
  • Active traders who value fast order execution, low spreads, and flexible leverage
  • Investors are diversifying their investments into global stocks, indices, and commodities

Final verdict on JustMarkets Trading app

The JustMarkets trading app offers Nigerian traders a professional platform optimized for mobile access to financial markets from anywhere in the world. Fast withdrawals, super-fast order execution, competitive spreads, and access to over 260 instruments make it one of the fastest-growing forex apps in Nigeria. Coupled with the latest usability updates and various top licenses and educational programs, the JustMarkets Trading app is poised to become the top choice for those serious about trading the financial markets in 2025.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of JustMarkets

About JustMarkets:

JustMarkets is a globally recognized multi-asset broker providing reliable and transparent trading services since 2012. The company has earned over 60 industry awards, highlighting its excellence in the financial sector. JustMarkets offers a diverse array of trading instruments, including forex, stocks, commodities, indices, metals, energies, and cryptocurrencies, serving clients in over 160 countries.

The company is renowned for its competitive pricing, featuring low spreads and zero commissions. JustMarkets caters to both new and experienced traders by providing a wide range of services designed to enhance their trading experience.

Media Contact:

Samuel Apkan

samuel.akpan@justmarkets.com

The post JustMarkets Trading App: One of the Fastest Growing Trading Apps in Nigeria appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Health

Gates Foundation Announces Catalytic Funding to Spark New Era of Women-Centered Research and Innovation

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Investments Through 2030 to Catalyze Innovation in Maternal, Menstrual, Gynecological, and Sexual Health for Women Globally

SEATTLE, 5 August 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The Gates Foundation today announced a $2.5 billion commitment through 2030 to accelerate research and development (R&D) focused exclusively on women’s health. It will support the advancement of more than 40 innovations in five critical, chronically underfunded areas—particularly those affecting women in low- and middle-income countries.

“For too long, women have suffered from health conditions that are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or ignored,” said Dr. Anita Zaidi, president of the Gates Foundation’s Gender Equality Division. “We want this investment to spark a new era of women-centered innovation—one where women’s lives, bodies, and voices are prioritized in health R&D.”

Women’s health R&D remains chronically underfunded. Areas such as gynecological and menstrual health, obstetric care, contraceptive innovation, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) solutions (including HIV PrEP for women), and maternal health and nutrition receive limited investment. According to a 2021 analysis, led by McKinsey & Company, just 1% of healthcare research and innovation is invested in female-specific conditions beyond oncology. Critical issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, heavy menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and menopause, which together affect hundreds of million women, remain deeply under-researched.

“Investing in women’s health has a lasting impact across generations. It leads to healthier families, stronger economies, and a more just world,” said Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation. “Yet women’s health continues to be ignored, underfunded, and sidelined. Too many women still die from preventable causes or live in poor health. That must change. But we can’t do it alone.”

To close persistent gaps in funding and research, the foundation is urging governments, philanthropists, investors, and the private sector to co-invest in women’s health innovations, help shape product development, and ensure access to treatments for the women and girls who need them most.

“This is the largest investment we’ve ever made in women’s health research and development, but it still falls far short of what is needed in a neglected and underfunded area of huge human need and opportunity,” said Zaidi. “Women’s health is not just a philanthropic cause—it’s an investable opportunity with immense potential for scientific breakthroughs that could help millions of women. What’s needed is the will to pursue and follow through.”

The foundation’s investment will advance innovation across five high-impact areas of a woman’s lifespan:

Obstetric care and maternal immunization: Making pregnancy and delivery safer

Maternal health and nutrition: Supporting healthier pregnancies and newborns

Gynecological and menstrual health: Advancing tools and research to better diagnose,

treat, and improve gynecological health and reduce infection risk

Contraceptive innovation: Offering more accessible, acceptable, and effective options

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Improving diagnosis and treatment to reduce disproportionate burdens on women

Areas of breakthrough potential include research into the vaginal microbiome, first-in-class therapeutics for preeclampsia, and non-hormonal contraception. Included in the commitment are investments that will support data generation and advocacy to help ensure product uptake and impact upon approval.

The five priority areas were selected based on a combination of data and evidence about where innovation can save and improve the most lives, direct insights from women in low- and middleincome countries about their needs and preferences, and the persistently high rates of misdiagnosis caused by gaps in medical knowledge and training. They also reflect the unique challenges faced in low-resource settings, making these areas especially ripe for broader public and private investment to drive meaningful, scalable impact.

“We see the consequences of underinvestment in women’s health innovation every day when women suffer needlessly, and sometimes lose their lives, because of the gaps in how we understand and treat conditions that uniquely affect them,” said Dr. Bosede Afolabi, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. “This commitment brings much-needed attention to the health challenges women face in places where resources are most limited and the burden is highest. It reflects a recognition that women’s lives—and the innovations that support them—must be prioritized everywhere.”

By addressing long-standing gaps in women’s health, the investment aims to unlock broader social and economic gains. Research shows that every $1 invested in women’s health yields $3 in economic growth, and closing the gender health gap could boost the global economy by $1 trillion per year by 2040.

This work supports the foundation’s long-term goals through 2045: helping to end preventable deaths of moms and babies; ensuring the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious diseases; and lifting millions of people out of poverty, putting them on a path to prosperity. It builds on a 25-year legacy of advancing maternal and child health and supporting women’s empowerment globally. The R&D commitment complements the foundation’s work supporting the scale-up and delivery of women’s health commodities, vaccines such as the HPV vaccine, and child health.

For more info please see the fact sheet

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of the Gates Foundation

About the Gates Foundation

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.

Media Contact:

Press Office

Gates Foundation

media@gatesfoundation.org

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Lifestyle

Record volume and revenue for Ethiopian coffee exports

Maravi Post Reporter

Ethiopia’s Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) said Wednesday that the country earned a record $1.868 billion from coffee exports over the past 10 months.

Its director-general, Adugna Debela, said 354,302 thousand tonnes were sold, with Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United States ranked as its top three destinations.

These figures represents an increase of 70 per cent in volume and 87 per cent in revenue compared to the same period in the last fiscal year.

Debela described this as an “outstanding achievement” and the outcome of a well-coordinated national effort.

He also expressed optimism that the next two months of the fiscal year would build on the same momentum.

Coffee production is seen as the backbone of the country’s agriculture-led economy and is the primary source of its export revenue.

The brew is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages with an estimated 2 and a quarter billion cups of it is consumed daily.

It is also one of the most traded commodities, with the Arabica species representing the majority of global coffee production.

The variety makes a cup of joe that is smooth and mild with fruity and nutty notes.

Last year researchers unlocked the genome of the Arabica species and confirmed that its origins were in Ethiopia’s southwestern highlands.

The country’s coffee producers, many of them smallholder farmers, take great pride in their high-quality beans.

They are a result of Ethiopia’s exceptional heirloom varieties, high altitudes, and traditional farming practices.

Farmers believe the characteristic flavour and quality of Ethiopian coffee is derived from growing it in the shade of larger trees.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/15/01/03/03/ED_PYR_1501033_20250515144549.mp4
Lifestyle

Nigerian farmers struggle as climate change dries up water sources

Maravi Post Reporter

Farmers in Nigeria are finding it increasingly difficult to get enough water for their crops. Riverbeds have started to run dry leading some to have no choice but to pump for groundwater. The finger is pointed firmly at climate change, with conservationists warning that food could become scarce if measures are not urgently put in place to help the farmers irrigate their land. STORYLINE: The ground is cracked and dry – once a lake and a river had been here.

These are the conditions for farmers in Nigeria and many believe climate change is to blame. After two decades of working his farm in north-western Nigeria, and struggling to find water for his crops, Nasiru Bello has no other option but to resort to pumping groundwater. A muddy puddle is all that remains of a river that had provided water for his over five-hectare farm and those of others in the Kwalkwalawa community in arid Sokoto state. “All these things are a result of climate change, because in the previous years we didn’t know the dryness of rivers like that but now due to climate change they are dry.

Surely, all the people around there, some of them counted the loss some years back when the rivers dried because they don’t have any means of irrigation apart from the river,” says Bello. He continues to plant his leeks in the dry earth. “I am facing a lot of difficulties because I’m not using the river,” he says. “It’s a well and sometimes you can dig a well but it dries up while you’re using it. You have to dig another one and to dig another is not easy because you have to spend money on any well that you are going to dig. And you don’t have the money to charge generators (to power the well) every year, you will be managing the ones you have until you get the money to buy another one. If you don’t, you will continue to manage it.”

Climate change is challenging agriculture in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. The decisions of farmers in the north, which accounts for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s agriculture, are already affecting food prices and availability in the booming coastal south that’s home to the city of Lagos (with an estimated population of over 21 million people). Farmers say once-reliable water bodies are drying up.

And they have few resources to draw on. More than 80% of Nigeria’s farmers are smallholder farmers, who account for 90% of the country’s annual agricultural production. Some work their fields with little more than a piece of roughly carved wood and their bare hands. Maize, Nigeria’s largest cereal crop, saw a decline in cultivated land from 6.2 million hectares in 2021 to 5.8 million hectares in 2022, according to AFEX, a licensed private commodities exchange.

For years, Nigerians and others have taken note of the dramatic example of Lake Chad in the country’s northeast. It has shrunk by about 90%. There is little data available on the drying-up of other, smaller water bodies across the north. But farmers say the trend has been worsening. Elsewhere in Sokoto state, Umoru Muazu is tilling his farm to cultivate various crops without the certainty of a meaningful harvest. He says: “The year we started, we had enough water but now there is no water. Therefore, we have to dig a well in order to get water to continue to irrigate, except in the rainy season.

In the rainy season, we get water, but not now since the water withdrew, and before it didn’t dry as early as this, but now it does. We must dig a well to complete our work.” Nigeria is forecast to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050, alongside the United States and after India and China. Experts are warning about the impacts of decreasing crop yields.

Dr. Isa Yusuf-Sokoto is an environmentalist from Sokoto’s Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, he says: “The drying of rivers, lakes, streams in recent decades is associated to climate change that has come to stay. This is coupled with the precarious nature of Sokoto State being semi-arid region whereby desertification and other related climatic problems have been bedeviling the area. So this is why we’re battling with drought, which is the farmers are now complaining.”

Dr Yusuf-Sokoto explains how studies have shown that two-thirds of the trees across Sokoto are now gone, which contributes to rising temperatures. “If there is no intervention to farmers and this intervention has to be an emergency one,” he says. “There will virtually be a crisis, food crisis will occur, water crisis will also come up, and even health crisis can come up because all these are sons and daughters that could be given birth by climate change crisis.”

The decreasing farm yields are being felt elsewhere in Nigeria, especially in the south. Data from the government-run statistics agency show that local agriculture contributed 22% of Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2024, down from 25% in the previous quarter, while food imports reached their highest in five years.

With Nigeria’s population expected to reach 400 million by 2050, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has been encouraging climate-smart agriculture to help ensure food security. Nigeria’s government has directed agricultural research institutes to develop solutions. That couldn’t come soon enough – for now farmers like Bello and Muazu continue to try cultivating in dry earth.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/64/34/07/ED_PYR_1464347_20250512041228.mp4
Lifestyle

Climate change threatens agriculture in Nigeria

Maravi Post Reporter

Farmers in Nigeria are finding it increasingly difficult to get enough water for their crops. Riverbeds have started to run dry leading some to have no choice but to pump for groundwater. The finger is pointed firmly at climate change, with conservationists warning that food could become scarce if measures are not urgently put in place to help the farmers irrigate their land. STORYLINE: The ground is cracked and dry – once a lake and a river had been here.

These are the conditions for farmers in Nigeria and many believe climate change is to blame. After two decades of working his farm in north-western Nigeria, and struggling to find water for his crops, Nasiru Bello has no other option but to resort to pumping groundwater. A muddy puddle is all that remains of a river that had provided water for his over five-hectare farm and those of others in the Kwalkwalawa community in arid Sokoto state. “All these things are a result of climate change, because in the previous years we didn’t know the dryness of rivers like that but now due to climate change they are dry.

Surely, all the people around there, some of them counted the loss some years back when the rivers dried because they don’t have any means of irrigation apart from the river,” says Bello. He continues to plant his leeks in the dry earth. “I am facing a lot of difficulties because I’m not using the river,” he says. “It’s a well and sometimes you can dig a well but it dries up while you’re using it. You have to dig another one and to dig another is not easy because you have to spend money on any well that you are going to dig. And you don’t have the money to charge generators (to power the well) every year, you will be managing the ones you have until you get the money to buy another one. If you don’t, you will continue to manage it.”

Climate change is challenging agriculture in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country. The decisions of farmers in the north, which accounts for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s agriculture, are already affecting food prices and availability in the booming coastal south that’s home to the city of Lagos (with an estimated population of over 21 million people). Farmers say once-reliable water bodies are drying up.

And they have few resources to draw on. More than 80% of Nigeria’s farmers are smallholder farmers, who account for 90% of the country’s annual agricultural production. Some work their fields with little more than a piece of roughly carved wood and their bare hands. Maize, Nigeria’s largest cereal crop, saw a decline in cultivated land from 6.2 million hectares in 2021 to 5.8 million hectares in 2022, according to AFEX, a licensed private commodities exchange.

For years, Nigerians and others have taken note of the dramatic example of Lake Chad in the country’s northeast. It has shrunk by about 90%. There is little data available on the drying-up of other, smaller water bodies across the north. But farmers say the trend has been worsening. Elsewhere in Sokoto state, Umoru Muazu is tilling his farm to cultivate various crops without the certainty of a meaningful harvest. He says: “The year we started, we had enough water but now there is no water. Therefore, we have to dig a well in order to get water to continue to irrigate, except in the rainy season.

In the rainy season, we get water, but not now since the water withdrew, and before it didn’t dry as early as this, but now it does. We must dig a well to complete our work.” Nigeria is forecast to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050, alongside the United States and after India and China. Experts are warning about the impacts of decreasing crop yields.

Dr. Isa Yusuf-Sokoto is an environmentalist from Sokoto’s Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, he says: “The drying of rivers, lakes, streams in recent decades is associated to climate change that has come to stay. This is coupled with the precarious nature of Sokoto State being semi-arid region whereby desertification and other related climatic problems have been bedeviling the area. So this is why we’re battling with drought, which is the farmers are now complaining.”

Dr Yusuf-Sokoto explains how studies have shown that two-thirds of the trees across Sokoto are now gone, which contributes to rising temperatures. “If there is no intervention to farmers and this intervention has to be an emergency one,” he says. “There will virtually be a crisis, food crisis will occur, water crisis will also come up, and even health crisis can come up because all these are sons and daughters that could be given birth by climate change crisis.”

The decreasing farm yields are being felt elsewhere in Nigeria, especially in the south. Data from the government-run statistics agency show that local agriculture contributed 22% of Nigeria’s GDP in the second quarter of 2024, down from 25% in the previous quarter, while food imports reached their highest in five years.

With Nigeria’s population expected to reach 400 million by 2050, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization has been encouraging climate-smart agriculture to help ensure food security. Nigeria’s government has directed agricultural research institutes to develop solutions. That couldn’t come soon enough – for now farmers like Bello and Muazu continue to try cultivating in dry earth.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/64/34/07/ED_PYR_1464347_20250512041228.mp4
Lifestyle

Putin and Xi Deepen strategic alliance amid rising tensions with the West

Maravi Post Reporter

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Moscow on Thursday to reaffirm and expand their “strategic partnership” in the face of intensifying Western pressure.

During a high-profile summit that coincided with Russia’s Victory Day celebrations, the two leaders signed a joint statement pledging to significantly boost trade and investment by 2030. The agreement outlines plans to scale up bilateral economic ties by increasing the share of high-tech goods, developing new e-commerce strategies, and enhancing mutual supplies of vital commodities such as mineral resources and agricultural products.

“In our joint statement with President Xi Jinping, we have set ambitious goals,” Putin said. “It concerns ensuring significant and qualitative progress in Russian-Chinese trade and investment… and improving the structure of economic ties by raising the share of high-tech products.”

Xi, for his part, emphasized a broader geopolitical vision, framing the deepening cooperation as a joint stand against what he called a growing international trend of “unilateralism and power bullying.”

“China will, together with Russia, shoulder the responsibilities of world powers,” Xi said. “We will uphold the correct view of World War II history, safeguard the authority of the United Nations, and resolutely defend the rights of developing countries. Together, we will promote a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization.”

Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a four-day visit, during which he will attend commemorative events and hold further talks with Russian leadership. The visit underscores Beijing’s increasingly public backing of Moscow, which has come under heavy Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

China has refrained from sending weapons to Russia but has emerged as a crucial economic partner, particularly in the energy sector. It now represents one of the largest markets for Russian oil and gas—revenues that are helping sustain the Kremlin amid war-related expenditures.

Additionally, Beijing has become Moscow’s key supplier of machinery and electronics after Western sanctions cut off access to much of Russia’s high-tech imports. These exports have helped maintain Russia’s military-industrial complex even as global supply chains have tightened.

Putin and Xi, who have met over 40 times in recent years, have forged a notably close personal and political bond. Their growing coordination spans economic, political, and strategic dimensions, including within multilateral organizations such as BRICS, which has expanded beyond its founding members to include other developing nations.

While Beijing continues to insist on neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, it has repeatedly echoed Kremlin narratives, blaming NATO and Western powers for provoking Russia. Moscow, in turn, has offered unambiguous support for China’s positions on Taiwan and other core sovereignty issues.

The relationship, while described by both as a “no limits partnership,” has raised alarm in Western capitals, where officials view the Moscow-Beijing axis as a long-term challenge to the post-World War II international order.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports from Ukraine last month alleged that two Chinese nationals were captured fighting alongside Russian troops, with claims that over 150 others might be operating as mercenaries. Beijing denied any state involvement, stating it discourages citizens from joining foreign conflicts.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/36/98/03/ED_PYR_1436983_20250508131417.mp4