logo
UAE signs $60m deal for visually impaired students in Ethiopia

UAE signs $60m deal for visually impaired students in Ethiopia

Dubai Eye15-02-2025
The UAE announced a new $60 million (AED 220 million) initiative from the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for the development of schools to support the needs of visually impaired students across Ethiopia.
This initiative will be led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It builds on the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, which was inaugurated in May 2024.
With an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative directly addresses a pressing humanitarian need by reaching rural areas where educational and healthcare services remain limited.
Ethiopia also has one of the highest global rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease that disproportionately affects underserved communities. With the support of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, the new schools will serve as centres of excellence, integrating cutting-edge assistive technologies, specialised curricula, and tailored vocational programmes to empower visually impaired students with the skills necessary for higher education and workforce integration.
Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said, 'The UAE remains dedicated to supporting people of determination worldwide. A key element is ensuring that visually impaired students in Ethiopia can access inspiring and inclusive learning environments that meet their specialised needs, thereby enabling them to reach their full potential. This initiative represents the shared commitment by the UAE and Ethiopia to ensure that everyone, regardless of the challenges they may face, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable global society.'
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan said, "The UAE has long recognised that sustainable development and strategic collaboration are the key drivers of lasting change. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to uplifting communities, creating economic opportunities, and expanding access to essential services. Our partnership furthers the vision of African states to invest in education as a catalyst for future prosperity, empowering youth to realise their full potential and drive sustainable growth."
First Lady Zinash Tayachew added, 'We are grateful to the UAE for their continued partnership, which supports our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education. Together, our shared commitment will help to create a more inclusive society where every student has the opportunity to succeed."
Mohamed Haji AlKhoori said, 'Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports their unique needs. By strengthening educational systems, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. This initiative reaffirms the power of global partnerships in driving lasting impact, ensuring that education remains a catalyst for opportunity and empowerment for generations to come.'
Together with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the new schools announced today will create a network across Ethiopia to expand access to inclusive education.
The UAE's commitment to strengthening Ethiopia's educational infrastructure ensures that every visually impaired child, regardless of socioeconomic background, can thrive in a supportive learning environment that empowers them to contribute to society.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Powerful new documentary spotlights world's largest humanitarian logistics hub in Dubai
Powerful new documentary spotlights world's largest humanitarian logistics hub in Dubai

Zawya

time2 hours ago

  • Zawya

Powerful new documentary spotlights world's largest humanitarian logistics hub in Dubai

First six months of 2025 saw AED179.2M of humanitarian aid distributed from Dubai Humanitarian across 81 countries, reflected in its Humanitarian Logistics Databank Dubai, UAE – Dubai Humanitarian, the world's largest humanitarian logistics hub, has unveiled a new documentary, Coming Together: The Dubai Humanitarian Story - a gripping behind-the-scenes look at the premier disaster response facility. From devastating floods in Pakistan to the escalating conflict in Gaza, the film captures real-time coordination between United Nations agencies, international NGOs, and government partners. It reveals how Dubai Humanitarian's 150,000 sqm of warehouses - donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai - enables life-saving supplies like vaccines, health kits, and clean water to reach crisis zones within hours. The documentary highlights the critical role of partners including the UN World Food Programme and UNHCR, and government logistical partners like Dubai Customs and Emirates Airline, whose close collaboration ensure relief efforts are swift, seamless, and scalable. Their combined expertise in customs clearance, logistics, and airlift capacity has proven vital in overcoming the most complex humanitarian challenges and ensuring response and aid are provided in record time. This new documentary also underscores the human stories behind the headlines - of aid workers, customs officials, and airline crews working as one to deliver hope. 'Dubai Humanitarian is more than a logistics hub - it's a global lifeline,' said Giuseppe Saba, CEO, Dubai Humanitarian, 'This film shows what's possible when the world comes together, and when the UAE leads with purpose.' Saba added: '2025 continues to bring extraordinary global challenges. Working alongside our UN partners and other relief organisations, in just the first half of the year Dubai Humanitarian facilitated the delivery of over AED 179.2 million in aid to 81 countries across the globe, with the need for shelter and health aid being particularly striking. We remain steadfast in our commitment to stand with our international humanitarian community in safeguarding the most vulnerable.' Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) UAE, Sajeda Shawa, said: 'We need to make sure humanitarian aid is delivered based on humanitarian principles - with no discrimination and with equality. Being the voice of those who have no voice is not a luxury - it's a responsibility, an honour and a life calling.' Dubai Humanitarian's one of a kind, AI-powered Humanitarian Logistics Databank enables real-time analytics, demand forecasting, and stock visibility across time zones. It helps aid agencies anticipate needs, avoid price spikes, and prepare for seasonal surges, such as monsoon-related shelter demand in Bangladesh. Dubai's strategic location, just 10 minutes from Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport, allows humanitarian cargo to reach two-thirds of the world's hazard-prone population within 4 to 8 hours. As the databank expands to 11 hubs, aid will be increasingly sourced locally, reducing carbon emissions and delivery times. The powerful behind the scenes documentary premiers on World Humanitarian Day, 19 August, on the Dubai Humanitarian YouTube channel Dubai Humanitarian aid in numbers (Jan to Jun 2025) $48.8m Aid worth $48,867,298 distributed from Dubai Humanitarian. 81 Aid sent to 81 countries. $14m Health Aid: This included $13,969,276 worth of health accessories, medical equipment, pharmaceutical items and more. $1m Water and Sanitation Aid: The demand for water and sanitation aid included $733,297 worth of water supply items, ranging from buckets and containers to Jerry Cans. $15m Shelter Aid: Almost a third of all aid was allocated to shelter. This included 937,377 pieces of camping and field equipment, from tents to winterisation kits $208.1m Stock value available at Dubai Humanitarian in June 2025. 25 During the first half of 2025, key moments included the 25th Dubai Humanitarian airlift for Gaza. The April operation delivered 56.8 metric tonnes of critical medical supplies worth over $1million (AED4.3million), provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), to El Arish Airport in Egypt. About Dubai Humanitarian: Dubai Humanitarian, formerly known as the International Humanitarian City, is the largest humanitarian hub in the world. Established in 2003 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, it was created to proactively support the efforts of the international humanitarian community. As the only non-profit, independent humanitarian free zone authority, Dubai Humanitarian is home to a diverse community of around 80 members, including United Nations agencies, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, and commercial companies. Together, they work to advance humanitarian and development efforts worldwide. Benefits of the Humanitarian Logistics Databank To countries in need of aid: Real-time analytics and 24/7/365 visibility of aid levels – daily updates provides accurate data, especially convenient across time zones and saves phone calls Enhanced co-ordination and faster identification of aid partners – countries requiring aid have access to detailed data, including which members from UN World Food Programme to UNICEF within Dubai Humanitarian have how much of each product, so they can approach them direct for support, knowing their current stock levels To Dubai Humanitarian-based aid agencies: Prepare more effectively by anticipating aid demand – as aid flows can be tracked over time, through its ongoing AI backed data analysis, Dubai Humanitarian can advise aid agencies when demand will likely peak and aid levels will run low. For example, during the August monsoon season in Bangladesh, Dubai Humanitarian identified the higher annual demand for tents and blankets. Aid agencies at Dubai Humanitarian can then build up stocks ahead of time Avoid price spikes – By building up stock ahead of demand spikes, aid agencies can manage stocks more effectively and purchase aid ahead of price surges. To Dubai Humanitarian Anticipate storage needs - Dubai Humanitarian continually analyses its data to understand changing demand for different types of aid. By recognising the increase in health product demand in the early years of the databank, Dubai Humanitarian were able to expand its cold storage solutions and were then more prepared for the Covid-19 response as a result. Global sustainability Reducing travel distances and carbon emissions - Due to Dubai's strategic geographic position on the path between Middle East, Asia and Africa, and Dubai Humanitarian being located only 10 minutes away from the Jebel Ali seaport and Al Maktoum airport, it enables the humanitarian community to reach, within 4-8 hours, two-thirds of the world population living in hazard-prone areas. Future view: locating local aid – As the databank grows to include up to 11 hubs, countries and organisations in need will be able to effectively locate their closest available aid, reducing travel time and emissions, with aid able to travel by road and sea rather than air.

Viory expands African network with Mali's national broadcaster
Viory expands African network with Mali's national broadcaster

Broadcast Pro

time4 hours ago

  • Broadcast Pro

Viory expands African network with Mali's national broadcaster

With ORTM joining this growing network, Viory strengthens its presence in the region. Viory, the video news agency of the Global South, has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Mali's national broadcaster, the Office de radiodiffusion et de télévision du Mali (ORTM). The agreement marks a step in Viory's mission to amplify Global South perspectives on the international stage while expanding its presence in West Africa. As Mali's national broadcaster, ORTM serves millions of viewers across the country with vital news and cultural programming. Under the MoC, Viory and ORTM will work together on international news coverage, the promotion of cultural and public events, technical cooperation, digital innovation and knowledge sharing. The collaboration aims to strengthen broadcasting capacity and ensure that stories from Mali and the wider West African region gain greater global visibility. Speaking about the MoU, Zulayho Siddikova, General Manager of Viory, said: 'Partnering with ORTM, Mali's most prominent broadcaster, is a moment of real significance for Viory. It allows us to expand our presence in West Africa and ensure that the perspectives of Mali and its people are represented globally. ORTM's reach and reputation make it an invaluable partner as we continue building a strong, diverse network across the Global South.' Hassane Baba Diombélé, Director General of ORTM, added: 'Our MoC with Viory represents a new chapter for ORTM in expanding our reach and capabilities across borders. Working together with the video news agency of the Global South allows us to amplify Malian stories, connect with broader audiences, and enrich the diversity of media content available to our viewers.' The agreement builds on Viory's growing footprint across Africa. In recent months, the agency has signed MoCs with Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) and the O.I.C States Broadcasting Union (OSBU) at the Arab Radio and Television Festival in Tunisia, as well as with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation. These partnerships underscore Viory's role in uniting media organizations across the continent, promoting collaboration, and ensuring African voices are better represented in global coverage. With ORTM joining this expanding network, Viory not only strengthens its regional presence but also reinforces Mali's position as a cultural and media hub. The partnership highlights Viory's continued commitment to shaping international narratives with authentic stories from Africa and the wider Global South.

Africa's AI Ambition Takes Shape with AfricAI Venture
Africa's AI Ambition Takes Shape with AfricAI Venture

Arabian Post

time7 hours ago

  • Arabian Post

Africa's AI Ambition Takes Shape with AfricAI Venture

Four technology firms from Australia, Nigeria, the UAE and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a joint venture named AfricAI, aimed at creating enterprise-grade artificial intelligence solutions specifically designed for Africa's diverse markets. The pact marks a strategic push for digital sovereignty and localised innovation across the continent. Lakeba Group of Australia, Next Digital of Nigeria, AqlanX of the UAE and Agentic Dynamic of the Netherlands are the founding partners behind AfricAI. Nigeria will serve as the venture's launchpad, leveraging existing digital infrastructure to deploy AI-powered systems in public services, healthcare, enterprise operations and identity management. Strategic planners envision AfricAI as a distributed AI network that reaches across the continent, offering tailored solutions in agriculture, urban planning, education and citizen services. Expansion plans include Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Rwanda by 2026, with a commitment to training more than 100 AI professionals to bolster regional expertise. ADVERTISEMENT This initiative aligns with broader shifts in Africa's AI ecosystem. Investment in AI startups is rising, drawn increasingly towards sectors beyond fintech—particularly in climate tech, healthcare and education. Several African-born startups have already attracted significant funding. Notably, eight were raising over US$1 million apiece this year, with Egypt leading the pack with three firms securing such backing. Among those, the startup PlayAI, focused on voice technology, has even been acquired by Meta, underlining the continent's potential for globally competitive AI innovation. This heightened activity in AI mirrors the strengthening of digital ecosystems—with Lagos, Nigeria, recently being named the fastest-growing tech ecosystem in the world for 2025, driven by the presence of major unicorns such as Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay and Moniepoint. Still, barriers persist. Challenges related to limited infrastructure, funding gaps and data availability remain obstacles for widespread AI deployment. The AfricAI joint venture demonstrates a strategic response to these challenges. By focusing on solutions built in Africa for African contexts, the partners aim to avoid outsourcing while empowering local development. Meanwhile, other international collaborations—such as the Ghana-UAE US$1 billion tech hub deal—signal growing global interest in supporting Africa's digital transformation, including talent development and AI infrastructure. Venture capital patterns provide further insight: African AI startups are increasingly winning investor interest by demonstrating problem-first approaches, capital efficiency, domain expertise, scalability beyond home markets and regulatory alignment. Moreover, global tech giants are positioning themselves to support African innovation; Google, for instance, selected fifteen AI ventures from the continent for its Startups Accelerator programme, enabling early-stage development and mentorship.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store