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.
While summer begins to wind down in Cape Town, the events calendar is only heating up, with a lineup of epic events celebrating culture, art, music, and food.
This March, the Mother City is bursting with unforgettable experiences, from a colourful carnival and world-class jazz and music festivals to laugh-out-loud comedy shows and captivating theatre productions.
Here is your ultimate guide to Cape Town in March 2026:
Bree Street Sunday Market
1, 15, 29 March Clarke’s at 133 Bree Street
Enjoy a slow Sunday morning with local creatives at the Bree Street Sunday Market, held alongside the car-free Bree Street Sundays, a pedestrian-friendly activation in Cape Town’s CBD that transforms Bree and Shortmarket Streets into a lively social hub. Gather at Clarke’s from 10am-3pm for great food, browsing, and networking. More information here.
Vegan Goods Market
1 March The Range, Tokai
The Vegan Goods Market brings together over 50 vendors offering delicious plant-based food, refreshing drinks, and cruelty-free home and body products. Add live music from local artists and a relaxed outdoor setting, and you’ve got the perfect Sunday outing for conscious food lovers. More information here.
Boeka on Bree
1 March Between Shortmarket and Castle streets
The second annual Boeka on Bree kicks off at 6:30 pm, honouring the rich history of the Muslim community that has called the inner-city home since the late 1700s. Guests are invited to enjoy soup, dates, and water while taking part in a short prayer service and a historical talk. Bring a mat and something to share. Boeka on Bree is part of Bree St Sundays and is proudly hosted in collaboration with MSA Union, Radio 786, Cape Family Research Forum, AwqafSA, Salt River Heritage Society, Community Chess, Madina Institute, and Young Urbanists. Visit Young Urbanists Instagram page for more information.
Oh So 2000’s Sunday Street Fest
1 March Constitution Street, Harringtons Lounge, District Nightclub
Three venues. One street. Non-stop energy. Oh So 2000’s is taking over the streets for a Sunday daytime party. Think 2000s hip-hop and R&B anthems blasting from every corner — Usher, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Ashanti, Nelly, Destiny’s Child, Ja Rule, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams vibes all day and night. Get your tickets via Quicket.
Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts
1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 March Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
It’s the grand finale of Summer, and Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts has 5 epic shows featuring some of the country’s top acts. The line-up includes Derek Gripper and The Kyle Sheperd Trio (1 March), Matthew Mole (8th), Thandiswa Mazwai (15th), Will Linley and Ben Rodrigues (22nd), and The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra and Rob Van Vuuren – Peter and the Wolf (29th). Get your tickets via Webtickets.
Coniston Garden Tour
5-7 March Muizenberg Park
Step into the prize-winning Coniston Garden and experience a beautiful morning immersed in nature, while also discovering the fynbos restoration work taking place in Muizenberg Park. Begin with a gentle 30-minute walk through Muizenberg Park, followed by a one-hour guided tour of the Coniston Garden. The experience concludes with tea and delicious home bakes. The cost is R250 per person (100% of the proceeds go to the Fynbos Restoration Project). To book, WhatsApp John Venn on 067 382 4260 with your preferred date and time.
Spier Light Art
6 March- 6 April Spier Wine Farm
Spier Light Art returns to Spier from 6 March until 6 April 2026. Set among vineyards, the dam, river, and our historic buildings, the exhibition explores how light shapes memory, place, power, and possibility. Walk along winding pathways as artworks emerge from the night in playful, poetic, and provocative ways.
Entry to Spier Light Art is free, but booking is essential. This year, we’ve also introduced additional ticketed food experiences, so you can plan your evening, whether that’s a burger, pizza, picnic, or relaxed sit-down dinner. Book here.
Kingdom of Ubuntu – The Musical in Concert
6-7 March Artscape, Opera House
Experience a powerful Afro-epic musical journey that fuses live orchestra, African choir, dance, ritual, and storytelling. Set in a mythical African kingdom, this extraordinary concert celebrates unity across diverse clans, languages, and rhythms, while exploring timeless themes of love, betrayal, power, and leadership. When an exiled heir returns to claim the throne, the kingdom faces a pivotal choice: destruction or Ubuntu. The Kingdom of Ubuntu features South Africa’s most celebrated artists, including Mbuso Khoza, Ann Masina, Mbulelo Grootboom, Dizu Plaatjies, Bongiwe Nakani, and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. Book via Webtickets.
Spend your Saturday morning exploring the Streetscapes Garden Market, a community hub for fresh produce, unique finds and local creativity. Enjoy fresh seasonal produce and organic compost, discover plants and garden treasures, delicious food and beverages, handmade crafts, home décor and thrift fashion, and plenty of unique, one-of-a-kind finds. Details here.
Kurt Schoonraad presents Funny Side Up
7 March Die Boer Restaurant Durbanville
Everyone’s favourite funny man, Kurt Schoonraad, returns to the stage with his latest one-man show, Funny Side Up. In this laugh-out-loud performance, he takes audiences on a hilarious ride through the quirks and chaos of modern life, from everyday frustrations to finding the lighter side of a fast-changing world.Expect sharp wit, relatable stories, bold observations and plenty of classic Kurt charm. Book your tickets here.
Cape Town Cycle Tour
8 MarchGrand Parade
Recognised as one of the world’s largest timed mass-participation cycling events, the Cape Town Cycle Tour continues to attract cyclists from across the globe to experience the beauty of the Cape on two wheels. The 109 km route takes riders around the Cape Peninsula, passing through Bakoven, Camps Bay, Clifton, and Sea Point.
Tasting Under the Stars
12 March Durbanville Wine Valley
Wine lovers, raise a glass to Harvest 2026 at the much-anticipated Tasting Under the Stars. Rather than a single central festival, this event sees each participating wine farms curate its own harvest-inspired event, forming part of a series of celebrations marking the end of harvest in the region.
Participating cellars include Canto, D’Aria, De Grendel, Diemersdal, Groot Phesantekraal, Klein Roosboom and Maastricht Wines, among others. For more information, visit here.
Nora En Pure presents Purified
13 March Cabo Beach Club
Nora En Pure is bringing her iconic deep house grooves to the Mother City for an unforgettable night of music, sun, and waves. She’ll be joined by Monkey Safari, Chris Luno, Polar Inc, and Cornelius SA for a lineup that will keep you dancing till the stars come out. Grab your tickets and tables now via Howler.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
From 19 March Artscape Opera House
For the very first time, Pretty Woman: The Musical is coming to South Africa! Based on the iconic 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, this stage adaptation features music by Grammy Award-winner Bryan Adams and direction and choreography by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell. A global smash hit; the show is a dazzling celebration of love, laughter, and nostalgia, guaranteed to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss it, it’s running until 19 April 2026! Book tickets via Ticketmaster.
Image Credit: Matthew Murphy
Cape Town Carnival
21 March Green Point Fanwalk
Cape Town Carnival turns sweet 16 this year, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Themed “Follow your heART”, the Carnival promises a spectacle of hand-crafted floats, intricate costumes, dance groups, and live performances from powerhouse artists like Zolani Mahola, Anslin Gysman, and DJ Ready D. Hundreds of performers, musicians, and community groups, including the ever-popular City of Cape Town Firefighters, will light up the route. More details here.
Corona Sunsets Festival
21 March The Glen Country Club, Clifton
The Corona Sunsets Festival is back in the Mother City this month, from 12pm to 11pm, bringing a full day of music and vibes. Dance to an electrifying lineup featuring Purple Disco Machine, DJ Kent, LiquidDeep, Ndlovu Youth Choir, Sun-EL Musician, Zakes Bantwini, Mila-Rose, Msaki, Roz B2B Housewife, BlaqKongo, and Meek. An event you don’t want to miss! Book your tickets via Howler.
DHL Stormers vs Dragons, Edinburgh
22 and 28 March DHL Stadium
This March, rugby fans are in for a thrill as the DHL Stormers take to the field in two of the month’s most eagerly awaited clashes. On 22 March, they go head-to-head with the Dragons, followed by another epic showdown against Edinburgh on 28 March. Get your tickets
Cape Town International Jazz Festival
27 and 28 March Cape Town International Convention Centre
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is an annual Cape Town event at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The event brings together artists and jazz lovers from all over the world. The lineup is a mix of hot, up-and-coming musicians, local flavour, and big international names, including Jacob Collier, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Nduduzo Makhathini, The Yussef Dayes Experience, and Salomão Soares. For more information, visit here.
Montreux Jazz Festival
27-29 March Huguenot Monument, Franschhoek
The first-ever Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek promises two unforgettable days of music, art, food, and wine. Inspired by the festival on Lake Geneva, this event celebrates music in all its forms. Performances will light up The Arches from lunchtime to midnight and Jazz Village from 3 pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the festival slows down with the Sunday Slowdown, featuring intimate music experiences scattered throughout the village along the scenic Montreux Mile. For the full lineup and ticket information, visit Montreux Jazz Festival’s website.
Phola Cape Town
29 March Cabo Beach Club
South Africa’s most premium daytime lifestyle event is back, and this time, PHOLA closes off the summer season with a 10/10 show you don’t want to miss. Expect world-class music in one of Cape Town’s most stunning settings. The line-up includes TKZee, Amaroto, Kentphonik, Kelvin Momo, Morda, Shakes & Les B2B Uncool MC. Get your tickets via Howler.
Social Chess Club
Every Wednesday Fool’s Gold Social Bar
Chess lovers, it’s time to make your move. Every Wednesday from 5–9pm, this Stellenbosch bar transforms into a buzzing social chess club. Your perfect midweek gambit, expect open boards, sharp tactics, and friendly competition as players go head-to-head, testing their strategy from opening move to endgame. More details here.
A Florida man shot and killed his wife, and shot his 13-year-old daughter, while watching a football game, before shooting himself, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred during the Monday Night Football game on Monday, December 22, just three days before Christmas.
“As you know, anytime you report on a murder it’s a sad situation,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd during a news conference. “It is hugely sad when it’s around Christmas. And what I’m about to describe to you is even 10 times worse.”
Jason Kenney, 47, was reportedly drinking and watching the football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts in his shed near Tampa, when he decided to watch the end of the game inside his home.
According to Judd, Kenney’s wife, Crystal, was home at the time. She did not want to watch the football game, leading to an argument between her and Jason.
As the fight intensified, Crystal reportedly told her 12-year-old son to run to a neighbor’s house and call 911.
Judd said the son heard the first gunshot after he left his house. Responding officers found Crystal dead in her home and her 13-year-old daughter shot in the face and shoulder.
The daughter survived her gunshot wound, Judd said, as the bullet hit the bridge of her nose and went through the top of her head. She was taken to a hospital where she was listed in critical but stable condition, Judd said.
“The 13-year-old girl begged not to be shot – ‘Please don’t shoot me. Please don’t shoot me,’” Judd alleged. “And he shot her twice.”
Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts rushes for yards during the fourth quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ersGetty Images
The couple also shared an infant daughter, who was unharmed in the incident.
Jason reportedly drove in his truck to his late father’s home in Lake Wales and called his sister. He told her he had “done something very, very bad,” and that it was the last time they would talk to each other, Judd said.
Soon after, Jason was found dead in his father’s shed by local deputies who were on the scene. Authorities said that when the officers called for Jason to come out of the shed, they reportedly heard a gunshot coming from inside, then found his body.
According to police, a relative alleged to authorities that Jason had been beating Crystal “for a while,” although Judd said Jason had no prior criminal record.
While searching the crime scene, deputies found a letter written by Crystal to Jason. She wrote, “You’re drinking, you’re using cocaine again. This is not the way the family should be. You need God.”
“He absolutely destroyed a family,” Judd said. “Our homicide detectives are distraught. When you go in there, there is a beautiful Christmas tree with lots of Christmas presents under the tree, just like the nuclear family should be … and it ends up this way.”
Judd then encouraged anyone to call 911 and ask for help.
“How does an argument over a television program end up with a murder, an attempted murder and a suicide?” he said. “It should never happen. Call for help … Don’t hurt yourself, don’t hurt a loved one.”
Judd said Crystal’s 12-year-old son and the infant daughter are in the care of their grandparents. Florida’s Department of Children and Families is currently determining their long-term placement.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Prosecutors in Nevada have charged a 35-year-old mother with her 5-year-old daughter’s murder, months after she was charged with abusing the little girl.
Andrea Loving stands accused of killing her daughter, Izabella.
Loving, 35, was arrested in late July for child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm. Investigators allege Izabela was abused daily by her mother. The girl was physically abused, left alone in isolation, confined to certain spaces, and would be deprived food while others in the household ate.
When she did eat, Izabella was often given just a hunk of bread, cops said.
Prosecutors formally amended her criminal complaint on Monday to include the murder charge.
Nicholas Loving, the girl’s father, was charged with murder in August following a four-month investigation into her death after the little girl died in April. In the amended complaint, prosecutors allege Nichoals killed Izabella by “hitting and/or kicking and/or dragging and/or whipping and/or otherwise striking the victim and/or by shoving the victim’s head against a wall.”
It also alleges that Andrea aided and abetted Nicholas, 45, as he beat the girl. They also tried covering up her bruises and told her siblings to tell cops they had caused her injuries.
The girl was taken out of school for a year so no one would see the damage to her body, cops allege.
As investigators looked into both parents, records viewed by Us Weekly show they discovered disturbing searches for “signs my child is dying,” “how long can you go without food,” “dark blood on boil when popping,” “my five year old is peeing blood,” and “kidneys failing.”
The two parents each blamed the other for the abuse that killed Izabella.
Andrea told police she could have taken Izabella for medical treatment on several occasions, but never did, rightly fearing she’d be turned into police by medical staff.
“Andrea admitted she could have and should have sought help but did not,” detectives wrote. “Andrea said she thinks about that all the time and said she feels bad and guilty now.”
“The loss of Izabella Loving continues to weigh heavily on our community and everyone in my office,” offered Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks in a statement. “As this case continues to move forward, the facts uncovered only reinforce the seriousness of what occurred and the responsibility we have to pursue justice for Izzy. With the benefit of additional evidence and continued investigative efforts by our law enforcement, my office has expanded the charges against Andrea Loving to reflect the nature and extent of her actions.
“These filings represent careful, deliberate decisions based on the evidence and our obligation to seek justice on Izzy’s behalf,” Hick added. “Although we are limited in what we can publicly disclose at this stage, the public can be assured that this case remains an active priority. We will continue to provide information as permitted while safeguarding the integrity of the legal process.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
56 students were introduced to robotics (including 20 students with special needs), at the Robotics Bootcamp in July 2025, in preparation for the WRO Tanzania national finals on 3 October 2025
Singapore 14 October 2025-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- The World Robot Olympiad (WRO), one of the world’s largest robotics competitions, has expanded significantly across Africa. From just 5 countries in 2020, WRO is now active in 14 countries with more than 40,000 young participants in the 2025 season. Over 2,000 teachers have been trained, with strong backing from the likes of Google, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and WRO’s own strategic partners. Together they are equipping young Africans with future-ready skills in coding, engineering, and AI.
Each year, WRO® challenges students worldwide to design and build robots to solve real-world problems. This year’s theme, “The Future of Robots,” has sparked bootcamps and workshops across Africa, introducing robotics to hundreds of students, including those from underserved and special needs communities. National champions will represent their countries at the WRO International Final in Singapore this November, joining teams from more than 90 nations.
Innovation with social impact
African youth typically approach innovation with a strong sense of community, often prioritising social impact over profit to address real-world challenges. Team FutureSight, winners of the National Senior Category Championship in Zimbabwe, developed an AI-powered voice assistant for the blind. Their solution supports visually impaired users with daily tasks and is being adapted to local languages to improve accessibility.
In South Africa, Karabo Rithuri’s journey shows how WRO builds skills, confidence, and community impact that lasts far beyond competitions: She joined a pilot programme at 13, and went on to represent her country at the WRO International Final in Malaysia. The experience gave her confidence and inspired her to give back, so when robotics was discontinued at her school, Karabo set up her own club with support from local sponsors. Today she holds degrees in Finance and IT, serves as a WRO judge, and mentors township students.
“WRO gave me a voice, and now I want to help make things even better for the next generation,” said Karabo Rithuri.
Mr Claus Ditlev Christensen, Secretary General, WRO, said: “WRO’s expansion into Africa is an important milestone in our mission to inspire young people through robotics and STEM. We are proud to see African students not only building technical skills but also developing solutions that address real needs in their communities.”
With Africa’s growing youth population and innovation agenda, WRO provides a vital platform for skills development, international exchange, and community-driven innovation. Initiatives such as WRO Learn and the Future Innovators Project are expanding access to robotics education – empowering young people to collaborate, solve problems, and become tomorrow’s changemakers.
World Robot Olympiad Association (WRO®) is a global non-profit that empowers over 100,000 young people across more than 100 countries through hands-on robotics challenges. The competition helps students develop creative problem-solving skills while fostering international collaboration and STEM leadership. Find out more: wro-association.org/.
World Mosquito Day 2025: Why investment in communities, researchers and innovation matters more than ever
Dr. Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Target Malaria Burkina Faso
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, August 18, 2025 /African Media Agency (AMA)/ – As the world marks World Mosquito Day on August 20th, the calls for renewed investment in the people, partnerships and innovations needed to beat malaria – a disease that still claims over half a million African lives every year, and mostly young children – is louder than ever.
Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium working in Africa to develop genetic technologies – such as gene drive (designed to reduce the population of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes) – has invested in the technology, training and development needed to heed the call to protect lives threatened by malaria in Africa.
With mounting pressures and challenges from climate change, insecticide resistance, and fragile health systems on the continent, governments and funders are urged to see genetic tools not as replacements, but as complementary innovations that can work alongside existing malaria interventions. But, these new solutions must go hand-in-hand with strong community engagement and scientific capacity-building.
“Every child lost to malaria is a failure of imagination and investment,” says Dr. Léa Paré Toé, Stakeholder Engagement Lead for Target Malaria Burkina Faso, at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IRSS). “On World Mosquito Day, we’re asking the world to invest not just in technology, but in the people and partnerships that will make it work.”
Investment in technology
How Target Malaria’s gene drive technology works: A genetic trait is introduced into the targeted Anopheles mosquito, one of the main carriers of the malaria parasite. This gene is passed down to offspring at a higher-than-normal rate, gradually reducing the population’s ability to reproduce. Over time, the mosquito population declines – potentially enough to interrupt malaria transmission altogether.
This technology is not designed to eradicate all mosquitoes – nor could it. Of more than 3,500 known mosquito species, only about 30 are a public health concern. Of those, just three or four are responsible for most malaria transmission in Africa. Target Malaria’s research is based on these.
Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté in the laboratory at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IRSS), in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Credit: Target Malaria
Investing in trust
“You can’t introduce scientific innovation without first investing in the trust of communities and the people who will carry this work forward,” says Dr. Paré Toé. “Our partnerships with local communities are foundational to our research – they are co-creators of this work, not just beneficiaries.”
In Burkina Faso and Uganda, the team has built long-term relationships with villages where research is taking place, ensuring residents are informed, consulted, and empowered to contribute to decisions.
To deepen community understanding of gene drive research, Target Malaria has invested in a suite of creative educational tools. These include interactive theatre performancesin local languages, visual presentations, radio and broadcast programs. These tools are helping to build trust, transparency, and meaningful dialogue around the science, especially in communities directly involved in the research.
“This model of engagement is now seen as a blueprint for responsible research across the continent,” adds Dr. Paré Toé.
Investment in talent
In Burkina Faso and in Uganda, Target Malaria team members are actively involved in training a new generation of young African scientists to lead the fight against vector-borne diseases. From entomologists and molecular biologists to social scientists and ethicists, the not-for-profit is supporting local expertise and infrastructure to ensure African-led solutions to Africa’s health challenges.
In addition to building infrastructure and partnerships, the team in Burkina Faso is playing a significant role in training future generations of African scientists. Researchers at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IRSS) supervise Master’s and PhD students, while the African Center of Excellence for Biotechnological Innovations for the Elimination of Vector-Borne Diseases (CEA/ITECH-MTV), led by Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté in partnership with Nazi Boni University and others, provides hands-on training focused on innovative approaches to combat vector-borne diseases. Many students from across the continent – including Kenya, Benin, and Burkina Faso – also benefit from research exchanges with leading laboratories in Europe.
“Our goal is to equip a new generation of high-performing scientists to adapt emerging technologies to Africa’s development priorities,” says Dr. Paré Toé.
“Malaria won’t be solved alone, we need collective efforts to beat the disease. But, because malaria is an African problem, we’re building African scientific leadership, so the next breakthrough doesn’t just happen in Africa – it’s led by Africa.”
Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté with scientists from Target Malaria Burkina Faso. Credit: Target Malaria
Recently, Dr. Léa Paré Toé was elevated to the rank of Knight of the Academic Palms alongside the Principal Investigator of Target Malaria Burkina Faso, Prof. Abdoulaye Diabaté who was awarded the title of Knight of the International Order of Academic Palms by the CAMES, a Pan- African organisation promoting cooperation in the field of higher education and research.
To find out more about malaria transmitting mosquitoes visit Target Malaria’s educational series here and here.
About Target Malaria:
Target Malaria is a not-for-profit research consortium that aims to develop and share new, cost-effective and sustainable genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Our vision is to contribute to a world free of malaria. We aim to achieve excellence in all areas of our work, creating a path for responsible research and development of genetic technologies, such as gene drive. www.targetmalaria.org.
Target Malaria receives core funding by the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The lead grantee organisation is Imperial College London with partners in Africa, Europe and North America.
Africa CEO Forum 2025: Navigating Energy, AI, and Infrastructure for Africa’s Future
Held on May 12–13, 2025, in Abidjan, the 12th edition of the Africa CEO Forum brought together over 2,800 leaders, including six African heads of state, to deliberate on the continent’s development trajectory. Key discussions centered on energy strategies, technological advancements, and infrastructure development.
Nuclear Energy: A Strategic Pillar for Africa’s Development
At the Africa CEO Forum 2025, nuclear energy emerged as a focal point in discussions about Africa’s energy future. Loyiso Tyabashe, CEO of South Africa’s Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa), emphasized the necessity of integrating nuclear power with renewable sources to ensure a stable and affordable energy supply.
“Nuclear provides baseload power essential for industrialization,” Tyabashe stated. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of nuclear energy, citing South Africa’s experience with its two nuclear units in Cape Town as among the cheapest electricity sources. Moreover, he underscored the environmental responsibility of nuclear power in reducing carbon emissions.
Addressing concerns about radioactive waste, Tyabashe assured that Necsa has maintained comprehensive records of all waste since the operation of its research reactor in 1965 and power reactor in 1984. “We can account for all the waste we’ve produced,” he affirmed.
The potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) was also discussed. Tyabashe noted that SMRs promise quicker deployment and lower capital costs, making them suitable for countries with smaller power grids. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all; we need to match generation technology to each country’s grid stability,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Necsa plans to develop nuclear fuel from raw uranium, leveraging South Africa’s and the continent’s uranium resources. Additionally, the corporation aims to build SMRs and explore multiple applications of research reactors, including power generation and isotope production for medical use.
The forum’s discussions reflected a growing consensus on the role of nuclear energy in Africa’s sustainable development. A poll conducted during the event indicated that 73% of attendees viewed nuclear as a viable energy solution for the continent.
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes global economies, Africa seeks to establish its own regulatory pathways. At the forum, experts debated models suitable for the continent, balancing innovation with sovereignty and local realities.
Franck Kié, founder of the Cyber Africa Forum, highlighted the progress made: “Several countries, including Benin and Rwanda, have adopted national AI strategies. The African Union also initiated a continental approach in 2024.”
Catherine Muraga from Microsoft Africa Development Center emphasized inclusivity: “We’re developing tools in Kiswahili, Amharic, Yoruba… to ensure no one is excluded. Africa has nearly 2,000 languages.” She stressed that responsible AI involves integrating security and privacy from the design phase.
The consensus underscored the urgency for Africa to accelerate its governance and investments in AI to avoid dependency on foreign technological decisions.
Infrastructure: The Backbone of Africa’s Industrialization
Infrastructure development remains pivotal for Africa’s industrial growth. At the forum, discussions centered on enhancing logistics, energy access, and connectivity to transform value chains.
Mohammed Diop, Deputy CEO Africa for AGL, pointed out the challenges: “In Africa, up to 30-40% of products are lost at the farm gate. We’re working on projects in Senegal and other countries to establish specialized warehouses near farms to reduce agricultural losses.”
Private sector initiatives, like AGL’s annual investment of €600 million in Africa, showcase the commitment to infrastructure improvement. However, energy remains a significant hurdle. In response, Schneider Electric signed strategic agreements with 3MD Energy and SmartEnergy to develop local industrial electrification solutions, integrating local production and digitalization.
These partnerships aim to secure energy access and generate employment, aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade. For sustainable industrialization, states must streamline regulations, attract financing, and connect remote areas, ensuring that Africa fully leverages its resources.
BRAND AFRICA TO ANNOUNCE THE 2025 MOST ADMIRED BRANDS IN AFRICA, THE MOST INFLUENTIAL COUNTRIES AND THE MOST ADMIRED GEN Z BRANDS
INVITATION FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES
What : The 15TH Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands Rankings
When : Africa Month, 23 May 2025
Where : Global Results – Africa Hall – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Regional and Country Results – See Below
OVERVIEW
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 6 May 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Now in its 15th year, Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands is the pre-eminent barometer of brands across the African continent. Launched in 2011 at the 2nd Brand Africa Forum, every year, on/around Africa Day, May 25th, Brand Africa reveals the rankings of the most admired brands in Africa globally and in select countries between 25 May and 30 October. Every year.
HIGHLIGHTS | 15TH BRAND AFRICA 100 | AFRICA’S BEST BRANDS RANKINGS
The 2025 Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands rankings will be the most comprehensive in the 15 year history of Brand Africa, and will cover:
The ‘Top 100 most admired brands’ in Africa overall and the most admired brands y economic region, country and key categories;
Recognizing the dynamic and complex geopolitics and the impact of nations brands, this year, Brand Africa will unveil the‘most influential nations’ building brands in Africa, the ‘most admired nations,’ and the most admired brands from G20 and BRICS countries of origin.
Recognizing the shifting demographics, this year Brand Africa will unveil the rankings of the ‘most admired brands by the generations’ (Gen-Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers).
Special Recognition Awards for Sustainability Excellence over the past 5 years.
Brand Africa will announce the leaders who have had a sustainable impact and have contributed to the growth and development of African brands, with Lifetime Achievement awards and Africa Brand Leadership Excellence awards for private sector, public sector, non-profit, and industry leaders.
Finally, Brand Africa will induct into the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of Fame, African brands that have consistently led Brand Africa rankings as the most admired brands overall and the most admired African brands in the past 5 – 15 years.
AFRICA’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE AND REFERENCED BRAND SURVEY
The Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands is based on an independent, comprehensive survey of African consumers aged 18+, spanning 30+ countries that collectively represent over 85% of the continent’s population and GDP. Conducted in 8 languages—from Arabic to Swahili—using mobile, face-to-face, and online methods, the research is led by GeoPoll and Kantar across the continent, supported by regional partners in North Africa Integrate (Morocco) and Gopinion (Algeria), and Southern Africa Analysis (Mauritius) and Oxygen (Namibia).
The study generates over 150,000 brand mentions and nearly 6,000 unique brands, producing a weighted Top 100 ranking for Africa and each surveyed country.
Over the past 15 years, the Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands has established that on average, African brands account for only 20% of the most admired brands in Africa.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES BRAND AFRICA 100: AFRICA’S BEST BRANDS?
The Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands rankings are authentically African, data-driven and consumer-led: (1) Africa focused (rooted in the continent’s voice and vision); (2) the most comprehensive barometer of consumer brand preferences (spanning 30+ countries representing 85% of Africa’s population and GDP); (3) research-based; (4) conducted by independent and globally respected research partners, including Geopoll and Kantar, the biggest research and information firms in the world; and (5) non-sponsored (no brand pays to participate in the study).
WHY BRANDS MATTER?
A country’s brand is far more than a logo or slogan—it is the world’s perception of that nation, and that perception has real economic and social consequences. Strong brands are powerful drivers of industrialization, investment, and job creation. They shape a country’s identity and competitiveness, influence trade and tourism, and enhance its soft power and global standing. In the African context, brands also play a vital role in fostering continental pride, trust, and unity. Simply put, strong brands build strong nations.
PARTICIPANTS
The annual Brand Africa announcement attracts CEOs and CMOs, academics, economic and branding thought leaders, researchers, the creative community, practitioners, and media.
Recognizing that brands play a pivotal role in shaping the growth, competitiveness, and global reputation of nations, Brand Africa was founded in 2010 as a non-profit initiative to inspire a brand-led African renaissance. Its flagship initiative, Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands, launched in 2011, is the most comprehensive, research-based ranking of the most admired brands in Africa. Released annually around Africa Day (25 May), the survey spans more than 30 African countries, covering over 85% of the continent’s population and GDP. The research is conducted independently by GeoPoll and Kantar, globally respected research and information firms, with support from regional experts across the continent. Kantar and Brand Leadership, Africa’s leading brand and strategy advisory firm, leads the strategic insights and rankings.
Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő celebrated Mass in his titular church in Rome on Sunday, days before attending the conclave that will elect the successor of Pope Francis. During his homily, Erdő asked faithful to pray for the new pope, who he said “will have to fulfil his mission in a dramatic phase of human history.” Known by his peers as a serious theologian, scholar and educator, Erdő, 72, is a leading contender among conservatives.
He has served as the archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest since 2002 and was made a cardinal by John Paul the following year. He has participated in two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, for the selection of Benedict and Francis. Holding doctorates in theology and canon law, Erdő, speaks six languages, is a proponent of doctrinal orthodoxy, and champions the Church’s positions on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
Erdő opposes same-sex unions, and has also resisted suggestions that Catholics who remarry after divorce be able to receive communion. He stated in 2015 that divorced Catholics should only be permitted communion if they remain sexually abstinent in their new marriage. An advocate for traditional family structures, he helped organize Francis’ 2014 and 2015 Vatican meetings on the family.
Ghanaian-British, Danny Manu has invented language translator ear buds that are able to translate various languages in real-time to languages preferred by users.
The CLIK+ and CLIK S ear buds have reportedly been accepted in the US and European markets.
Danny Manu’s company, Mymanu has said hundreds of thousands of the CLIK + and CLIK S ear buds have already been sold in the US and Europe.
According to MyManu, the company that makes Click, it uses its unique operating system to make this technology work effectively.
For the buds that operate on OS, the system even makes text-to-speech and speech-to-text possible.
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Users do not need to be connected to the internet before using the device, which enables them to communicate with billions people around the world.
The wireless Bluetooth earbuds can also sync with smartphones, enabling the earbuds to learn the language being spoken whilst providing instant translations to the person listening.
The innovator now hopes to add other African languages to the several languages already programmed for live translation on these ear buds.
Manu who self-financed the translating headphones through his business told Keep The Faith that “Like all the other ethnic minority-run businesses within the UK, I had a hard time getting the funding and financial support from banks and government-funded programs that I needed”.
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According to Manu, he made some sales to help raise capital, and also explored crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.
He was able to raise £5,000,000 through his different fundraising ventures, according to the Keep The Faith.
“I wanted to help my community and do some good, and Medybird was the perfect solution,” Manu said.
“I saw how COVID-19 was affecting the BAME [Black, Asian, and minority ethnic] communities and my fellow local businesses here in Manchester—it was heartbreaking to watch.”
Danny Manu, Photo: OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Danny on his personal website said he is a “very ambitious, hard-working engineer who strives to develop life-changing solutions to improve people’s life”.
The young entrepreneur is an engineer born in the United Kingdom to Ghanaian parents.
He studied at Oxford Brookes University and had previously worked at Quanta Networks Inc. and MEDYBIRD before establishing MyManu in 2014.
He was recently recognised by Google for his contributions to science, arts and culture.
1, 15, 29 March 
Clarke’s at 133 Bree Street
(WRO), one of the world’s largest robotics competitions, has expanded significantly across Africa. From just 5 countries in 2020, WRO is now active in 14 countries with more than 40,000 young participants in the 2025 season. Over 2,000 teachers have been trained, with strong backing from the likes of Google, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and WRO’s own strategic partners. Together they are equipping young Africans with future-ready skills in coding, engineering, and AI.
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