Events – African Development Magazine

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Announcing Africa Accelerating 2023 in Toronto: October 10-12

by Adewale Adenrele on January 10, 2023

The three-day conference will address and advance the immense opportunities for rapidly accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment ties.

‘’The 2023 conference in Toronto provides a phenomenal opportunity to welcome African business delegates to Canada’s largest city while offering an enabling platform for networking, B2B meetings, and dealmaking in and around the 3-day program,’’ said Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

Last year’s 2022 Africa Accelerating conference in Johannesburg, South Africa – sponsored by Ivanhoe Mines Ltd – took place under the theme, Leading from Africa: Toward a new global era enabled through Canada-Africa Collaboration.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was among those who addressed the event in October, joined by government heads, African Union leaders, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs.

The 2023 conference in Toronto provides a phenomenal opportunity to welcome African business delegates to Canada’s largest city

Registration for Africa Accelerating 2023 opens on 16 January 2023. The official theme to be announced will encompass raising investment capital, trade opportunities, new business partnerships, infrastructure, and responsible resource development – building on the track record and lessons learned on the foundation of billions already invested into African markets, through Canada.

Africa Accelerating 2023 will once again include a live interactive virtual participation option. Plenary proceedings will be broadcast to 47 countries, with a reach of an estimated 20 million viewers – showcasing the immense opportunities for all through the acceleration of Canada-Africa trade and investment.

‘’Toronto is a gateway to North American markets and directly connected by air to the African continent,’’ noted Garreth Bloor. ‘’For all joining us in person, our host city provides vital linkages to project partners and investors, driving the two-way trade and investment for deal-making that is at the core of our action-driven agenda for Africa Accelerating 2023.’’

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10 people killed in Uganda stampede during New Year celebrations

by Adewale Adenrele on January 1, 2023

Ugandan police are investigating a stampede that occurred at a New Year’s Eve event in Kampala and resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including several children.

The deadly crush occurred outside the Freedom City Mall which hosted an event marking the New Year. According to police, at midnight, the master of ceremonies encouraged attendees to go outside and watch the fireworks display.

Lucas Owoyesigyire, is the deputy spokesman, Kampala Metropolitan Police according to VOA

“After the display ended, a stampede ensued resulting in the instant deaths of five people and injuries of several others. Emergency responders arrived on the scene and transported the injured individuals to the hospital, where nine were confirmed dead,” he said.

Haji Kimera, whose two grandchildren died in the stampede, spoke to VOA by phone.

“He says, the children, one had been promoted to grade seven and the other to grade six. He says, their father had taken them to Freedom City,” daid Kimera.

Millions of Ugandans joined the rest of the world to usher in 2023, the first time the New Year was being welcomed with large festivities after two years due to COVID-19.

Events

Oyelere celebrates 82nd posthumous birthday for “Bibire”

by Adewale Adenrele on December 27, 2022

The Royal family of ASU celebrates the posthumous birthday of Late. Prince Adekunle Tijani Oyelere. a.k.a Bibire, Arole Asu and
Baba Oba Onifiditi of Fiditi.

In the message to celebrate the 82nd posthumous birthday sent to African Development Magazine from Prince Oyelowo Oyelere.

“Losing you was the hardest and most unfortunate moment in my life, but knowing that you are happy in Heaven brings me so much joy. Happy posthumous birthday, DAD”

“My beloved dad, we celebrate the day you were born even though you’re so far away. I miss you daily, but even more on the day your life was given.” Oyelowo said

“I appreciate all the moments that we had together, and today being your birthday, I want you to know that every little moment spent with you was the
happiest in my life. I miss you so much, Bibire!” Oyelowo concluded.

It will be recalled that Prince Adekunle Tijani Oyelere. a.k.a Bibire died on Thursday,30th July,2020.

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CHAD: Jubilations as Santa brings Christmas cheer to refugee camp

by Adewale Adenrele on December 24, 2022

A 37 year-old Central African Republic refugee, Henriette Batnan, could not afford to buy a Christmas present for her son Edouard, who fled home with her in 2017.

Instead, she dressed him in ceremonial robes so he could meet Santa Claus, who visited the Dembo Refugee Camp in southern Chad on Wednesday, bringing gifts for the children.

Edouard appeared to be on Claus’s list of nice children – receiving his first present since he entered the camp with his mother nearly six years ago.

“It makes me happy to see him laughing, having fun, and most of all getting Christmas presents,” said, Batnan, who like the majority of CAR population is Christian.

Edouard was one of around 300 children, who took part in a “Christmas Tree” ceremony organised by the World Bank’s Refugees and Host Families Support Project, which provides basic needs to displaced people and works to expand education and health services in camps.

Liliane Ganda Kadja Kossi, the project’s provincial coordinator, who came up with the “Christmas Tree” idea, said the event aimed to give the camp’s children a moment of joy, to help them forget for a while the difficult conditions they live in.

“The lives of children in refugee camps are not easy,” she said. “They are traumatized … They don’t have peace and quiet.”

For many children in the Dembo camp displaced by conflicts across central Africa, the event was the first chance to celebrate the holiday like other children across the world.

*Reuters*

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YouTube Partners AFRIMA, Reiterates Support For African Music and Creative Economy

by Adewale Adenrele on December 23, 2022

Ahead of the highly anticipated 8th edition of the All-Africa Music Awards AFRIMA tagged ‘Teranga Edition’ scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal on 12-15 January 2023, global entertainment service YouTube, has entered into a partnership with AFRIMA, to help provide artist-focused educational sessions and live streaming support for the awards.

AFRIMA, which is the pinnacle of recognition for African music globally is poised to ensure that the annual 4-day festival is broadcasted to music lovers and stakeholders across the globe.

Importantly, YouTube will be conducting workshop sessions for African creatives at the Africa Music Business Summit (one of the events at the 8^th AFRIMA) to educate on visibility across the global creative ecosystem on a digital platform.

The global streaming service will also be partnering with the All Africa Music Awards on a special incubator programme dubbed, AFRIMA Creative Academy, which aims to empower one million Africans (and in the diaspora) in the music and creative industry in the next five years.

The YouTube link for live streaming will be available on AFRIMA’s YouTube page @Youtube.com/AFRIMAAWARDS. Subscribe for free to the channel and catch the African Music Business Summit live on Friday, Jan 13, 2023, from 9.00 am-4.30 pm (WAT); while the AFRIMA Music Village will be live later that day from 6.00 pm – Till dawn (WAT). Finally, the 8th AFRIMA main awards ceremony will be streamed live from the Red Carpet- 4.30 pm (WAT), while the main awards will start at 7.30 pm (WAT).

Speaking on the development, the Head of the Culture Division at the African Union Commission (AUC), Angela Martins said, “It is important that we spread our efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure that the world can see the impact of AFRIMA at the global centre stage. It is easier for people to now follow up with the award ceremony via their smartphone or other devices. It is also vital we continue to create more education for creators to help them thrive in their crafts, and we are happy to align with YouTube on achieving this shared vision.”

On his part, AFRIMA’s President and Executive Producer, Mr Mike Dada, lauded the streaming service for their support of the African creative economy.

He said, “We have all seen the rise in circulation of short-form audio-visual content on these services and how they have helped to promote African music and creators on a global scale. We believe that sharing knowledge will be a veritable means to expand the revenue funnel for our creators at home and also boost foreign direct investment. In the spirit of uplifting the African creative ecosystem, we are excited to work with a driven and innovative team like YouTube.”

We have all seen the rise in circulation of short form audio-visual content on these services and how they have helped to promote African music and creators on a global scale

YouTube’s Head of Music Sub-Saharan Africa, Addy Awofisayo said, “YouTube has been consistent in its support for African creatives over the years and has played an essential role in the discovery and development of African music & culture and exporting it to audiences and listeners worldwide, enabling collaborations both locally and globally.

“We are excited for our partnership with AFRIMA and the African Union to deepen our relationship with the music stakeholders on the continent, provide educational support for African creatives, and to help music fans be a part of some of the most iconic music moments as they unfold live on YouTube, wherever they are around the globe.”

As the whole world gears towards the 8th edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, which will be held from January 12 to 15, 2023, African music lovers are encouraged to keep voting intensively for their desired winners, using the voting portal live at www.AFRIMA.org and take part in the events on social media platforms (IG/TikTok – @ afrima.official ; Facebook – Afrimawards; Twitter – @afrimaofficial; LinkedIn – AFRIMA). The voting process that determines winners at AFRIMA is audited by a globally renowned auditing firm, Pricewaterhousecoopers (PWC).

As announced at the conference, the delegates are expected to arrive on January 11, 2023. The AFRIMA ceremony is scheduled to kick-start fully on Thursday, January 12, 2023, with a Host Country Tour, School visit and gift presentation (as part of AFRIMA’s Corporate Social Responsibility), as well as a Welcome Soiree in the evening, in Dakar.

The 4-day event continues on Friday January 13, 2023, with the Africa Music Business Summit (AMBS) at the Grand Theatre, in Dakar. The AMBS is Africa’s largest gathering of creative professionals in the music industry and it features workshops and panel discussions on issues and opportunities within the African music industry.

The 8th AFRIMA will continue with high momentum at the AFRIMA Music Village at the Grand Theatre, which will be a free-to-enter concert featuring live performances from the biggest music stars across the continent.

On the eve of the awards ceremony, on Saturday January 14, 2023, the events will begin with Main rehearsals, Media engagements and a Courtesy Visit to the President of Senegal. There will also be a live recording booth at the venue for musicians across all five regions of the continent, and in the diaspora, to explore for collaborative recordings. The day’s activities will climax with a Nominees exclusive party.

Finally, the 8th AFRIMA will wrap up on Sunday January 15, 2023, at the 15-000 capacity Dakar Arena, in Dakar, with the live Awards ceremony broadcast by 104 TV Stations to over 84 countries around the world.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is the pinnacle of African music globally.

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Event: The 12th International Cultural Festival of Miniature and Decorative Arts held in Algeria

by Adewale Adenrele on December 7, 2022

The 12th International Cultural Festival of Miniature and Decorative Arts organized within the Ministry of Culture of Algeria in Tlemcen which is one of the historical cities of Algeria was held from 19 to 24 November 2022 with contributions from Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA).

A great number of artists and academicians participated in the festival, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Arts of Algeria with contributions from TİKA, where artworks from Türkiye, Iran, Uzbekistan, Oman, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan were exhibited. The “Turkish Art of Marbling” attracted considerable attention at the festival.

Scientific presentations as well as exhibitions and workshops were held at the festival were faculty members of Marmara University, Assoc. Prof. Şehnaz BİÇER and Assist. Prof. Seher AŞICI attended from Türkiye.

Speaking to a reporter from AA, a Faculty Member from the Division of Illumination-Miniature of the Department of Traditional Turkish Handicrafts of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Marmara University, Assoc. Prof. Şehnaz Biçer said, “We are glad to be able to attend this festival organized under the slogan of “Golden Bridges” in the city of Tlemcen in Algeria with contributions from TİKA.”

We are glad to be able to attend this festival organized under the slogan of “Golden Bridges” in the city of Tlemcen in Algeria with contributions from TİKA

Emphasizing the importance of such festivals for the training and practice of such fields of art, particularly the art of marbling, Biçer said, “It is very important for the transfer of culture and art that artists from different countries meet each other and the young people of Algeria.”

Biçer drew attention to the fact that the excitement of young people combined with the experiences of artists and teachers has created a beautiful synergy. “Young people get to know artists from different cultures in these fields of art and this both increases the communication between countries and creates permanent art friendships between them,” she said.

Assist. Prof. Seher Aşıcı from the Division of Bookbinding of the Department of Traditional Turkish Handicrafts of the same faculty said, “We were very pleased to see that the young people of Algeria showed great interest in all the artists from Türkiye and that they were willing to follow us on social media and make the communication permanent.”

Aşıcı thanked TİKA’s Coordination Unit in Algeria and the organization team and highlighted the importance of the participation of Türkiye in the festival.

The festival which started with the participation of 8 countries, particularly Türkiye, on 19 November in Algeria ended last night.

At the end of the festival, works by artists participating in the festival were published as a catalog, and those ranking the highest in the competition were presented with various awards by the Ministry of Culture of Algeria.

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Thousands gather for Africa’s Largest Gospel Music Fiesta in Lagos

by Adewale Adenrele on December 4, 2022

Africa’s largest religious concert, The Experience, has taken place in Lagos, Nigeria after a two-year hiatus – which saw it stage virtual and a hybrid version – due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The concert in its 17th edition featured an array of award-winning frontlines indigenous and international artistes such as Travis Greene, Sinach, Phil Thompson, and many more.

For these artistes, shows like this help to promote integration, between international artists and those in Nigeria, a socio-cultural powerhouse in Africa

“Look at the opportunities given the home-based musicians and artiste to collaborate and meet with international artiste. it is already a huge mileage and we are excited about that,” said Eben, a gospel artist.

Co-convener of the experience and senior pastor at the House on the rock, Ifeanyi Adefarasin says the concert also helps to promote peace in the country by bringing people of different faiths together.

“we have known it (experience) to have not just a denomination in Christianity but other faiths. We have people who are Hindu, we have the Muslims come and they testify and they say that oh! particular artiste I began to feel a lot of goosebumps all over me. So, it is just a powerful tool in unifying people in worship,” said Ifeanyi.

The Nigerian music industry contributes significantly to the growing wave of black music and culture going mainstream across the world. International concerts like ‘The Experience’ offer opportunities for other sectors of Nigeria’s creative industry who work behind the scenes.

“You learn the culture of the person and the person learns your culture. That alone is established, that is done. The more we collaborate, the more we learn about each other’s culture, values, and beliefs,” said Eno Michaels, a gospel artist.

“I think it is fascinating when you know on one hand you get people who say they are obedient and on the other hand, they say I am something else. And sometimes it is drawn on tribal lines and lines of our differences. Experience is a stage where you see all of us, as different as we are coming together to make one sound and I think it is a great model for us as a nation of what we ought to be and what are going to be,” said Muyiwa Olarewaju, a British gospel singer.

The Experience, brought together thousands of worshippers at the Tafawa Balewa Square Lagos, the first time since 2019, in a night of pulsating praise and worship.

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EVENT: Senegal celebrates 20 years of Dakar Fashion Week

by Adewale Adenrele on December 4, 2022

Senegal celebrated in style 20 years of Dakar Fashion Week on Saturday with a show at the historic island of Gorée, once associated with slavery.

The event was organised by Adama N’Diaye, a French designer with Senegalese roots and owner of French label Adama Paris.

“I’m completely happy, my baby [Dakar Fashion Week] has grown up and today is a very nice party with 20 exceptional designers. So I can only be happy that this baby has grown and that my dream has become ours”. (…) “African fashion is inspiring a lot. You have seen Chanel in Dakar and this is not insignificant, and other brands have gone elsewhere in Africa. African fashion is creative, it is diversified, it is beautiful and it is daring”, said Adama Ndiaye, designer and organiser of Dakar Fashion Week.

#Dakar_Fashion_week,
La mode africaine en marche… Bonne continuation.#Culture #Jeunesse #Innovation #20_ANS. pic.twitter.com/ur6syuJ4z2

— Mohamed Kagnassy officiel (@MohamedKagnass1) December 3, 2022

“The particularity is to be in Africa, to bring together all the African designers, each with their own cultural identity, and to be able to put everyone on the same catwalk, that’s what’s magnificent”, beamed Moroccan designer, Karim Tassi.

The event also boosts the local fashion industry whilst encouraging more young people to follow a career in this business.

Khadim Ndiongue is a young designer who took part in the event.

“It boosts of course the fashion sector in Senegal. Because it already gives audacity to young fashion entrepreneurs to be able to open up much more in this field and to be much more in the thing”, he said.

Dakar Fashion Week ends on Sunday evening with a “white night” event.

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Sports News: Golfers Sets For 2022 Cancer Awareness Golf Tourney In Ibadan

by Adewale Adenrele on November 8, 2022

In a bid to keep enlightening golfers against the deadly disease called cancer, all is set by the organizer of the annual golf event tagged: Cancer Awareness Golf Tournament scheduled for between 25 and 26 November this year at the prestigious Ibadan Golf Club (IGC).

The unique golf tourney was conceptualized by a concerned golfer and former Lady Captain of IGC, Mrs. Lizzy Afonja who claimed to have lost scores of loved ones to cancer, but believed enough awareness about cancer, using golf could reduce the scourge.

While speaking ahead of the tournament with newsmen in Ibadan, Mrs.Afonja, the initiator of the tourney said most people lack enough knowledge about the dreaded disease which is responsible for the rise in the volume of victims.

“We are using this golf tournament to carry out advocacy against the deadly disease called cancer; it is killing people around us irrespective of age or background. The campaign is to enlighten people on tackling it if the symptoms are noticed early in the body.

“Cancer can happen in any part of your body, it’s very painful to me because I have lost many loved ones to cancer, for the past 24 years I have lost over 20 friends, and that was why I came up with this idea to use golf to advocate for cancer awareness whereby doctors will come around and enlighten us about scourge”, Afonja noted.

The respected Lady gofer who once managed the lady section of the Ibadan Golf Club in the past added that golfers will have a touch of the lush-green course of the IGC, while medical practitioners will also hold a health talk to enlighten the participants about the preventive measures against cancer on the 25th, the first day of the tournament. The following day, Saturday 26th will be for the competition and closing ceremony.

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COP27: We’re on a highway to climate hell- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

by Adewale Adenrele on November 7, 2022

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told countries gathered at the start of the COP27 summit in Egypt on Monday they face a stark choice: work together now to cut emissions or condemn future generations to climate catastrophe.

The speech set an urgent tone as governments sit down for two weeks of talks on how to avert the worst of climate change, even as they are distracted by Russia’s war in Ukraine, rampant consumer inflation, and energy shortages.

“Humanity has a choice: cooperate or perish,” Guterres told delegates gathered in the seaside resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.

He called for a pact between the world’s richest and poorest countries to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels and funding to ensure poorer countries can reduce emissions and cope with the climate impacts that have already occurred.

“The two largest economies – the United States and China – have a particular responsibility to join efforts to make this pact a reality,” he said.

Despite decades of climate talks – the Egypt COP is the 27th Conference of the Parties – progress has been insufficient to save the planet from excessive warming as countries are too slow or reluctant to act, he noted.

*Participants walk outside of the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Centre before the COP27 climate summit opening in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt November 7, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem*

“Greenhouse gas emissions keep growing. Global temperatures keep rising. And our planet is fast approaching tipping points that will make climate chaos irreversible,” he said. “We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.”

Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, also speaking at the event, said global leaders have a credibility problem when it comes to climate change. He criticized developed nations’ ongoing pursuit of gas resources in Africa, which he described as “fossil fuel colonialism.”

“We have a credibility problem all of us: We’re talking and we’re starting to act, but we’re not doing enough,” Gore said.

“We must see the so-called ‘dash for gas’ for what it really is: a dash down a bridge to nowhere, leaving the countries of the world facing climate chaos and billions in stranded assets, especially here in Africa,” he said.

UAE TO CARRY ON PUMPING OIL, GAS

Immediately after Guterres’ speech, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahya took the stage and said his country, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, would continue to produce fossil fuels for as long as there is a need.

“The UAE is considered a responsible supplier of energy and it will continue playing this role as long as the world is in need of oil and gas,” he said.

The UAE will host next year’s U.N. conference, which will attempt to finalise agreements made last year in Britain and at this year’s Egyptian talks.

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Hassan Shoukry, Saudi Adel Al-Jubeir and other leaders pose for a family photo during the COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt November 7, 2022. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem

Many countries with rich resources of oil, gas, and coal have criticized the push for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels arguing it is economically reckless and unfair to poorer and less developed nations keen for economic growth.

Signatories to the 2015 Paris climate agreement had pledged to achieve a long-term goal of keeping global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the threshold at which scientists say climate change risks spinning out of control.

Guterres said that goal will only stay alive if the world can achieve net zero emissions by 2050. He asked countries to agree to phase out the use of coal, one of the most carbon-intense fuels, by 2040 globally, with members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development hitting that mark by 2030.

The head of the International Monetary Fund told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference that climate targets depend on achieving a global carbon price of at least $75 a ton by the end of the decade, and that the pace of change in the real economy was still “way too slow”.

The World Trade Organization, meanwhile, said in a report published on Monday that it should tackle trade barriers for low-carbon industries to address the role of global trade in driving climate change.