Latest news with #Francophone
CAF
5 hours ago
- Sport
- CAF
WHERE TO WATCH: TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final expands global viewership footprint to Eastern Europe
Published: Saturday, 31 May 2025 With less than 24 hours to go before the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has announced an increase in global broadcasters for the decider. The final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns will be played on Sunday, 1 June in Cairo at 20h00 Cairo Time (17h00 GMT). The two sides played to an entertaining 1-1 draw in Pretoria last weekend. In recent years, the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League has experienced unprecedented television growth, solidifying its place as one of the fastest-growing continental football competitions in the world. For the first time, fans across 49 international territories, including countries in Eastern Europe, will be able to watch the second leg of the final live. This marks a significant leap forward in CAF's mission to bring African football to the world stage. TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Final Viewership Details: In Africa: SuperSport – English and Portuguese (Sub-Saharan Africa) – English and Portuguese (Sub-Saharan Africa) SABC Sport – Free-to-air (South Africa) – Free-to-air (South Africa) Canal+ – French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa – French-speaking Sub-Saharan Africa Azam Media – Tanzania and East Africa – Tanzania and East Africa New World TV – Francophone and Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa – Francophone and Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa beIN Sport – MENA, France, Asia-Pacific, Americas International Markets: Portugal: SPORT TV SPORT TV Netherlands: ZIGGO ZIGGO Germany, Austria, Switzerland: WEDOSPORT WEDOSPORT Czech Republic & Slovakia: TV ARENA TV ARENA Poland: SPORTKLUB SPORTKLUB Balkans: SPORT KLUB SPORT KLUB Eurasia: SETANTA SETANTA Israel: SPORT 5 SPORT 5 Worldwide Streaming (excluding certain territories): With its enhanced global visibility, iconic new trophy, and elite clubs competing at the highest level, this year's TotalEnergies CAF Champions League final is poised to be the most widely followed edition in the tournament's history. -ENDS- Further Inquiries: communications@ CAF | Communication Department
Morocco World
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Backstage at Comediablanca 2025: Artists Reflect Before the Laughs Begin
As the sun set over Casablanca and the lights went up at the Mohammed V Complex, the artists of Comediablanca 2025 gathered backstage. They looked nervous, yet felt honored and sounded energized by the anticipation of a 4,000-strong audience. The festival, now in its second edition, features some of the most beloved Francophone comedians of the moment. What it means to perform in Casablanca But before the first punchline hits the crowd, the performers shared personal insights, emotions, and what it means to take part in a comedy festival of this scale in Morocco. 'I hope it won't be my last time on stage in Morocco,' said Coco Makmak, one of this year's notable guests. For Makmak, Comediablanca represents not just an exciting performance opportunity, but a first encounter with the Moroccan public. Coco Makmak 'It was an honor for me to have been contacted by Sarad to take part in the event… all the artists who will be there tonight are big names in comedy, so I'm very happy to be taking part,' she said. Having participated in the Arabophone Gala the night before, she was struck by the scale and spirit of the venue. 'In a hall of 4,000 people, it's really impressive,' she enthused. 'The energy is incredible. It's my very first time on stage in Morocco and I hope it won't be my last.' Her goal for the night was simple but powerful: 'Honestly, what I'm hoping for tonight is that the audience buys into my humor… that I manage to offer you all the notes of humor that make me Coco Makmak.' Renowned French vocal performer Erick Baert echoed that enthusiasm. 'I'm the happiest guy in the world,' he said, visibly moved by the hero welcome he received. 'This is my big premiere here… in front of 4,000 people. I had the chance to see the crowd the night before — it was incredible. The atmosphere, the warmth… it sent shivers down my spine.' Erick Baert Though excited, the French performer admitted to some pre-show nerves: 'I'm stressed about tonight, I'll tell you that.' Baert offered the audience a teaser of what's to come, hinting at his upcoming return. 'I'm going to do 20 minutes of an extract of what I'm doing in the show because I'm coming back in November with my musicians for two performances here.' Meryem Benoua, who on this occasion is back in her home country as the event's host, was even more lyrical about what the show means to her. 'It's the only place where I feel truly at home,' she said. The Casablanca-born comedian and master presenter described the experience in deeply moving personal terms. Meryem Benoua 'It's an honor to be performing in Casablanca, the city where I was born… to be performing for Moroccans, for Casablancais — it's incredible.' Her love for the local audience was clear as she spoke. 'The energy of the Moroccan public is exceptional,' she said. 'They send out so much love, so much positive energy. And it's really the only place where I feel truly at home.' Rising star Mimo Lazrak , also a Casablanca native and a rising star in the francophone scene, spoke of pride and the commitment it takes to hold one's own when under pressure to rise up to expectations. For Mimo Lazrak, performing in Casablanca is both a homecoming and a responsibility. 'I'm proud to be playing in Casablanca, my home town, in front of my parents, my family, and the whole world. There's extra pressure, but I hope I can make them proud,' he said. A returning artist from last year's Comediablanca, he was impressed by the festival's growth. 'It was a great success and I'm back again this year for a bigger edition… with an organization worthy of the biggest comedy festivals in the world.' Mimo Lazrak Despite having only 12 minutes on stage, Lazrak expressed a desire to stay with the audience longer. 'Sometimes we want to play more, but we respect the festival.' It's hard to make a Moroccan laugh Rounding up this series of enthusiastic comments about the unique joy of giving joy to Casablanca, humorist Oualas spoke of embracing the challenge of a demanding Moroccan audience. A veteran of the Francophone African scene, Oualas (Lazrak Tahar) offered a typically Ivorian and Moroccan-flavored perspective on the Moroccan audience. 'It's like coming home. I love playing in this city… Casablanca has an incredible public — very generous and very sincere,' he began. But he also made it clear that this is not an easy crowd. In fact, no Moroccan crowd is. 'The Moroccan audience… is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I've met. They're very demanding. If it's not funny, they don't laugh.' Oualas To him, however, that high standard is what makes the challenge so rewarding. 'If you make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh… Moroccans are funny themselves. You have to work at it.' Oualas emphasized the importance of supporting festivals like Comediablanca, stressing: 'It's a great festival and I'm proud to be here. We, the cultural players, have a duty to accompany and support this kind of initiative.' For each performer, Comediablanca 2025 is more than just another gig, it's a stage that reflects their roots, their reach, and their respect for the Moroccan audience. Whether it's a first-time debut or a long-awaited return, their resoundingly clear message seemed to go to others who will come after them to grace future iterations of Comediablanca: this festival matters. As the comedians step onto the stage one by one, Casablanca is reminded that laughter, like language, travels far, but always sounds best when it comes from the heart. Tags: Casablancacomediacomediablanca
Morocco World
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Francophone Gala: What to Expect on Day 2 of Comediablanca
Casablanca- Tonight, the heart of Casablanca is pulsing with laughter and linguistic diversity as the Francophone GALA is taking over the Complexe Mohammed V for the highly anticipated Comediablanca 2025. Starting at 8 p.m., this VIP event is bringing together some of the brightest Francophone talents in comedy for a night of cultural celebration and comedic brilliance. Taking the stage are artists like Roman Frayssinet, Meryem Benoua as a host, Mimo Lazrak, Erick Baert, and many more. Organized under the banner of TENDANSIA, Comediablanca has quickly become a staple in Morocco's entertainment calendar, championing French-language performance and pan-African creative expression. The gala features a curated lineup of top-tier comedians, delivering sharp wit and vibrant storytelling to a diverse audience. Launched in 2024, Comediablanca was built on the idea that Morocco's multilingual reality deserves a multilingual stage. By offering both Arabophone and Francophone galas, the festival reflects the linguistic diversity of Moroccan society, giving equal space to local and international voices. This year's schedule was adjusted to avoid overlap with tomorrow's Wydad AC match against Porta, ensuring smooth crowd management and full focus on the performances. Beyond entertainment, tonight's gala also offers a deeper kind of release. Studies show that laughter lowers stress, boosts immune response, increases social bonding, and enhances mood – making festivals like Comediablanca more than cultural events. They are public moments of joy, solidarity, and emotional renewal. As the Francophone performers step into the spotlight, Casablanca is once again reminded that in uncertain times, laughter remains a powerful tool for unity and resilience. This year's edition emphasizes both inclusivity and exclusivity, with VIP invitations distributed to key partners and cultural influencers. Organizers reminded guests that tickets must be validated through the Guichet app, as third-party resales are not secure or valid for entry. Whether you're here for the punchlines, the people, or the prestige, Comediablanca 2025 promises a night to remember, where laughter becomes a language of unity. Tags: comediablancaComedy festival in Casblanca
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Jeune Afrique names Egypt in top 3 of best-performing nations in Africa
Egypt, with an overall score of 49.91 out of 100, has secured a position within the top three best-performing countries in Africa, alongside Morocco (49.17), in a new exclusive ranking by Jeune Afrique. South Africa leads the list of 20 nations with an overall score of 64.79. The ranking was developed by the Jeune Afrique Media Group, through its Jeune Afrique Intelligence Unit, using a unique methodology focusing on governance, innovation, and influence. South Africa tops the ranking with a comfortable lead, its score driven by its industrial power, active diplomacy, high-quality infrastructure, innovation capacity, and an internationally recognised education system. The country ranks first in two of the three analysed dimensions: influence (contributing 16.92 points to its overall score) and innovation (contributing 19.53 points). Its governance dimension contributed 28.33 points. Egypt's second-place performance included a governance score of 23.33, an influence score of 12.04, and an innovation score of 14.53. Morocco, in third, received 27.50 for governance, 9.82 for influence, and 11.85 for innovation. The strategic overview, published by Jeune Afrique following its November list of the 30 most attractive African cities, aims to highlight countries building resilient development trajectories. 'This ranking highlights countries that, beyond short-term crises, are successfully building resilient development trajectories,' said Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group. 'It's not just about measuring a country's wealth or size, but its ability to achieve sustainable performance across all dimensions.' Beyond the leading trio, the vitality of the anglophone bloc is confirmed, with Botswana (overall score 46.15, including a strong governance contribution of 36.67 points) positioned at 4th. Kenya followed at 5th (45.36), with Mauritius at 6th (43.75). Ethiopia ranked 7th (43.71), Tanzania 8th (43.56, with a governance score of 33.33), and Nigeria 9th (43.14, including an innovation contribution of 13.63 points). Some countries, like Kenya and Ethiopia, benefit from the performance of flagship companies (such as Safaricom and Ethiopian Airlines), a booming digital ecosystem, and a strong geostrategic role. Others, such as Mauritius (governance contribution 32.50) and Botswana, capitalise on institutional stability and economic attractiveness. On the Francophone side, the ranking surprises by the low representation of several economically significant countries. Algeria, for example, is ranked 19th with an overall score of 39.70 (governance 26.25, influence 5.42, innovation 8.04), and Mauritania does not appear in the top 20. After Mauritius, Côte d'Ivoire (10th, overall 42.72; governance 32.50, influence 3.24, innovation 6.97), Tunisia (12th, overall 42.44; governance 24.17, influence 7.30, innovation 10.97), and Senegal (13th, overall 41.39; governance 30.83, influence 4.90, innovation 5.65) achieve the highest scores among francophone countries. While these nations show strong performance in governance and innovation, their international influence still needs to be strengthened, according to the report. The ranking also gives prominence to island nations and low-population countries such as Namibia (15th, overall 40.90), Cape Verde (16th, overall 40.58), and Seychelles (17th, overall 39.91). Seychelles notably achieved the highest governance score in the ranking, contributing 37.08 points to its total. These relatively stable, democratic, and well-governed states leverage their image, diplomacy, and roles as tourism and financial hubs to maximise their influence. Departing from traditional GDP-centric approaches, Jeune Afrique's ranking offers a renewed analytical framework of the continent by deploying a broader methodology. This approach is structured around 25 indicators, grouped into three dimensions, with scores for each dimension weighted to contribute to an overall score out of 100:
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
A Village That Feeds: Breakfast Bash 2025 Raises Over $95K for Student Nutrition in Halton
Halton Food for Thought's 2025 Breakfast Bash brought more than just early-morning cheer to the Oakville Conference Centre on May 27 — it brought together a community with a shared mission: ensuring that no student in Halton starts the day hungry. With over 400 attendees and a festive atmosphere, the annual fundraising event exceeded its $95,000 goal and may climb even higher as final donations roll in. For Aliya Khawari, executive director of Halton Food for Thought (HFFT), this marked her first Breakfast Bash since stepping into the role in 2024. Her takeaway? Enthusiasm and heart. 'You could feel the energy in the room,' Khawari said. 'We have students, parents, volunteers, educators, and community leaders all here for one reason — to support student nutrition. It's a celebration of what's possible when a community comes together to make sure every child is cared for.' HFFT currently supports student nutrition programs across four school boards: Halton District School Board (HDSB), Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), Viamonde, and MonAvenir, with the latter two representing Halton's growing Francophone population. 'The last three years have seen more French immersion schools joining the program,' Khawari shared. 'That's a beautiful sign of growth and inclusion.' Student engagement and parent involvement are at the heart of HFFT's mission, and this year's Breakfast Bash brought that philosophy to life. From the lively blender bike demonstrations by students from St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School to parents connecting with fellow volunteers who share the same goal — ensuring students are well-fed and ready to learn — the spirit of community was unmistakable. Meanwhile, Appleby College offered a sampling from its student-prepared breakfast menu, giving guests a literal taste of student leadership in action. Ten food vendors served up everything from yogurt parfaits and scrambled eggs to chicken and waffles, with Jackson's Landing and longtime partner Joe Dog's Gasbar Grill among the returning favourites. Kristina Graham, a 12-year volunteer who organizes vendor outreach, says much of the support is built on relationships that deepen with time. 'Most of our vendors come back year after year,' said Graham. 'Joe Dog's has not only stayed with us for a decade — they've brought new restaurants into the fold. That kind of commitment speaks volumes.' She emphasized the deeper impact of the program beyond the food. 'The breakfast before school isn't just about nutrition, it's a social connection. Students sit together, talk, laugh, and start their day with community.' The powerful impact of HFFT was echoed in the stories shared by HDSB students who spoke during the event. Each expressed how the program has positively impacted their lives, fostering a sense of civic and social engagement. For schools like River Oaks Public School in Oakville, the Breakfast Bash is a reminder of the year-round work being done. Teacher Richard Bernard has led his grade 8 students in running their school's nutrition program for over a decade. 'I wanted my students to see themselves as leaders, to know their actions make their school better,' Bernard said. 'It's about empathy, ownership, and community.' His students not only distribute food, but they also serve as role models, building connections with younger students and setting the tone for a supportive school environment. 'These kids are an important part of making our school one of the best places to learn,' Bernard added. The Halton District School Board and Halton Catholic District School Board were both present in full support, with Director of Education Curtis Ennis attending alongside board members. Tables were sponsored by both boards, and a lively silent auction helped bring in additional funds. Looking ahead, Khawari emphasized that Halton Food for Thought has ambitious goals. 'We want to raise at least one dollar per student in the region — that's about $97,000. But more importantly, we want to eliminate the waitlist. Our vision is to onboard every new school that wants to join the program within six months.' She added a heartfelt message to the attendees: 'Just have fun and enjoy today. Look around and see the village that supports you, because it really does take a village.' And on this morning, that village showed up with full hearts — and full plates.
