Latest news with #SubSaharanAfrica
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Missing Africa's innovation moment? Geopolitical shifts could push Israel away
As global innovation hubs shift and new markets emerge, Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming a critical arena of opportunity. By the end of this century, an estimated 40% of the world's population will live inAfrica. This is not just a demographic trend; it is a geopolitical pivot. The only question is whether Israel will be there as a partner or left behind as an afterthought. As global innovation hubs shift and new markets emerge, Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming a critical arena of opportunity. With demographic momentum, rapid tech adoption, and bold economic ambitions, the continent is not merely catching up; it is setting the pace in areas that matter most. So, how do we seize this potential and align ourselves with the trends shaping tomorrow? Sub-Saharan Africa offers one of the most significant opportunities of the 21st century. Its youthful, fast-growing population and urgent needs in agriculture, water, energy, and healthcare make it a natural fit forIsraeli innovation – solutions that can improve quality of life and accelerate development. Yet Israeli engagement remains limited. Trade with Kenya, for example, one of Africa's most vibrant economies, totals only tens of millions of dollars. By contrast, Kenya's trade with the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands, economies similar in size to Israel's, reaches into the billions. This is not only an economic gap; it is a moral one. Africa contributes little to global carbon emissions but bears the brunt of climate change, including droughts, flooding, and food insecurity. These are precisely the areas where Israeli technology could make a lasting impact. Some ventures are already showing this potential. NOF, a company that developed a portable off-grid cooling solution for preserving agricultural produce, is helping reduce food loss in emerging markets. The company grew out of the Pears Challenge, a venture-building program hosted by the NURA Global Innovation Lab that supports Israeli entrepreneurs in developing scalable technologies that address real-world challenges in developing regions. These efforts reflect a growing recognition in Israel that global development innovation must be grounded in a deep understanding of local realities. Real impact requires co-creating solutions with local communities, building long-term partnerships with ecosystem leaders, and designing products and business models tailored to actual needs on the ground. These partnerships aim to position Israeli climate tech within global efforts to address urgent challenges in agriculture, water, and infrastructure, especially in arid regions. One powerful example of this kind of ecosystem-building is the DeserTech and Climate Innovation Center in the Negev. The center works to turn climate challenges into business opportunities by promoting cutting-edge technologies, supporting new ventures, and connecting talent, research, and industry. In 2024, NURA partnered with DeserTech to organize a new cycle of the Pears Challenge, specifically focused on building connections between innovators in the Negev and communities in East Africa, regions facing similar environmental conditions. This model strengthens Israel's positioning as a long-term partner in sustainable development across desert and climate-vulnerable areas. Israel has the ingredients for long-term engagement in Africa – innovative start-ups, academic excellence, research institutions, and a growing network of public-private partnerships. However, its current activity remains far below potential. In East Africa, the opportunity is especially clear. Countries like Kenya and Tanzania are actively seeking partnerships in agritech, water solutions, and sustainable energy. Israeli ventures can meet this demand, but success requires more than one-off pilots. It demands ongoing presence, cultural understanding, and mutual trust. Meanwhile, the global race is accelerating. China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and the Gulf nations are steadily expanding their footprint across the continent. These players come not only with technology and diplomacy but also with state-backed financing, development programs, and strategic patience. Israel's bid to gain observer status in the African Union was recently rejected – a symbolic warning. If Israel does not wake up, it may miss the train. Unlike its competitors, Israel lacks a coordinated national strategy to support its private sector in Africa. Many successful international companies operate with the backing of their governments, using aid frameworks, concessional funding, and diplomatic infrastructure to reduce risk and open doors. Israeli firms, by contrast, are too often left to operate alone. It is also worth noting that Africa is not waiting for Israel or anyone else. Across the continent, innovation ecosystems are gaining momentum, powered by local entrepreneurs, regional investors, and forward-thinking policies. From fintech in Nigeria to e-mobility in Rwanda and agritech in Kenya, African-led ventures are solving real problems at scale. In 2023 alone, African start-ups raised over $3 billion in venture capital, much of it for climate-resilient solutions. This is not a future in the making; it is already happening. Africa is asserting itself as a frontier of innovation, and those who engage now will help shape what comes next. Those who hesitate may find the continent has moved on without them. What Israel needs is a clear, forward-looking Africa strategy. This means more than symbolic visits. It means focused trade missions, targeted public investment in innovation, and meaningful joint ventures with African partners. This is not charity; it is strategic policy. Until such a strategy is in place, it is up to forward-looking companies and innovation ecosystem players to take the lead. Because if Israel does not step forward today, it will be chasing others' footsteps tomorrow. The writer is managing director of NURA – The Global Innovation Lab. Sign up for the Business & Innovation Newsletter >> Sign in to access your portfolio
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Met reopens African art wing with 500 works, explores complexity of sub-Saharan cultures
NEW YORK, May 30 — From a delicate 13th-century clay figure to self-portraits by photographer Samuel Fosso, New York's Metropolitan Museum reopens its African art collection today, exploring the "complexity" of the past and looking to the present. After a four-year renovation with a US$70 million price tag, the reopening of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing comes amid heated debate over the representation of cultural diversity in Western museums and the return of works to their countries of origin. The reopening should be "an opportunity to recognize that the achievements of artists in this part of the world (sub-Saharan Africa) are equal to those of other major world traditions," Alisa LaGamma, the Met's curator for African art, told AFP. In a spacious gallery bathed in light, visitors are greeted by a monumental Dogon sculpture -- "a heroic figure, likely a priest," LaGamma explained. Next to it sits a clay sculpture of a curled body from the ancient city of Djenne-Djenno, in present-day Mali, which is believed to be one of the oldest pieces in the collection, dating back to the 13th century. Complex history The exhibit does not present the works of sub-Saharan Africa as a single unit, but in chapters to better distinguish between the various cultures. "We don't want people to oversimplify their understanding of an incredibly complex history," LaGamma said. "There are over 170 different cultures represented among the 500 works of African art on display," she pointed out. "That gives you a sense of how many different stories there are to tell in this presentation." The museum wing, which also displays arts of Oceania and the "ancient Americas" — prior to European colonization — opened in 1982 after former Republican vice president and philanthropist Nelson Rockefeller donated his monumental collection. It is named for his son. "This is a collection that was formed essentially following independence in a lot of what were new nations across sub-Saharan Africa," LaGamma said. "It doesn't have necessarily the heavy weight of a collection that was formed under colonialism," she said, hinting at the pressure faced by many museums to respond to questions about the origins of works on display. African Spirits A third of the works shown here were newly acquired. The museum was thus able to benefit from a donation of thousands of photographs from the renowned Arthur Walther collection. Among the vast trove of pieces donated is a 2008 series of self-portraits entitled "African Spirits" by Fosso, a Cameroonian-Nigerian photographer. Among Africa's leading photographers, Fosso poses as major figures in African independence and civil rights struggles, from Congolese independence leader and first prime minister Patrice Lumumba, to Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X. Through around a dozen films directed by Ethiopian-American artist Sosena Solomon, visitors can also explore iconic cultural sites across the continent, like Tsodilo rock paintings in Botswana, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Tigray in Ethiopia, and the tombs of Buganda kings at Kasubi in Uganda. "In an art museum like this, it is important that rock paintings should be reflected," said Phillip Segadika, chief curator for archeology and monuments at Botswana's national museum, in residence at the Met to participate in the project. "It tells us that what we are seeing today, whether it's in European art, medieval art, whatever — it has a history, it also has an antiquity." — AFP
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Global Leaders Network Issue Calls to Elevate Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health on Regional Political Agendas during the 78th World Health Assembly
As global health leaders converged on Geneva last week for the 78 th World Health Assembly ( there was a clear focus on prioritization and maximizing limited resources in the current aid constrained environment. One area prioritized by global health leaders in key discussions throughout the week was women's, children's, and adolescents' health (WCAH). From South Africa to regional organizations such as the African Union and PAHO, leaders reiterated the call to elevate and prioritize this issue on regional agendas. At an event co-hosted by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn&Child Health (PMNCH) ( and the Global Leaders Network for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health (GLN) ( South African Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of political alignment and regional collaboration: 'There is an increasing role we can and must play regionally, aligning efforts and collaborating. This is why we are very proud to provide the highest political support through the Global Leaders Network for Women, children and adolescents. Led by President Ramaphosa and supported by other sitting heads of state and governments, and ministers of health and ambassadors, the GLN advocates for the attainment of the SDG targets for women's, children's and adolescents' health.' Discussions highlighted stark disparities in child survival. In 2023, 1 in 15 children in Sub-Saharan Africa died before reaching their fifth birthday—14 times higher than the risk for children born in high-income countries and almost 20 years behind the world average, which achieved a 1 in 15 rate by 2004 ( Meanwhile, adolescents across low- and middle-income countries still face persistent barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive and mental health services. Angola, in a statement on behalf of 47 WHO African Region Member States, responded to the WHA agenda item on the Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health and highlighted the need for stronger regional responses: 'Despite progress, the main causes of maternal, newborn and child death are preventable. We must work jointly to set the progress and recognize the setbacks.' The statement stressed the need for joint action to improve health financing and ensure sustainable investment in health systems. As part of efforts to advance regional support, the Global Leaders Network (GLN), PATH, and PMNCH convened a high-level dialogue with representatives from the European Union, the Asian Development Bank, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Africa CDC, and the G20. Dr. Sami Al-Farsi also joined on behalf of the Ministry of Health in Oman. The dialogue focused on strategic follow-up and monitoring to accelerate action in priority countries and to strengthen national WCAH data systems. These calls for action are aligned with broader WHA78 commitments, including the renewal of the strategic partnership between the African Union and the World Health Organization ( to advance reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) as a shared priority. Participants reiterated their engagement for WCAH through the Global Leaders Network (GLN), emphasizing high-level political commitment and the importance of a rights-based, life-course approach. The discussions underscored the need for equity-driven policies and sustained momentum at regional and global levels. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Global Leaders Network. About the Global Leaders Network (GLN): The Global Leaders Network for Women's, Children's, and Adolescents' Health (GLN) is a Global-South led platform of Heads of State and Government working to mobilize high-level political leadership to advance the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents. Chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and supported by the PMNCH Secretariat, the GLN drives action on sustainable domestic financing, progressive lawmaking, and regional accountability to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The network brings together leaders from across Africa and beyond to champion integrated, rights-based approaches to health, rooted in equity and national ownership. Learn more here (
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 days ago
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
New York's Met Museum Sheds New Light on African Art Collection
From a delicate 13th-century clay figure to self-portraits by photographer Samuel Fosso, New York's Metropolitan Museum reopens its African art collection on Saturday, exploring the "complexity" of the past and looking to the present. After a four-year renovation with a $70 million price tag, the reopening of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing comes amid heated debate over the representation of cultural diversity in Western museums and the return of works to their countries of origin. The reopening should be "an opportunity to recognize that the achievements of artists in this part of the world (sub-Saharan Africa) are equal to those of other major world traditions," Alisa LaGamma, the Met's curator for African art, told AFP. In a spacious gallery bathed in light, visitors are greeted by a monumental Dogon sculpture -- "a heroic figure, likely a priest," LaGamma explained. Next to it sits a clay sculpture of a curled body from the ancient city of Djenne-Djenno, in present-day Mali, which is believed to be one of the oldest pieces in the collection, dating back to the 13th century. 'Complex history' The exhibit does not present the works of sub-Saharan Africa as a single unit, but in chapters to better distinguish between the various cultures. "We don't want people to oversimplify their understanding of an incredibly complex history," LaGamma said. "There are over 170 different cultures represented among the 500 works of African art on display," she pointed out. "That gives you a sense of how many different stories there are to tell in this presentation." The museum wing, which also displays arts of Oceania and the "ancient Americas" -- prior to European colonization -- opened in 1982 after former Republican vice president and philanthropist Nelson Rockefeller donated his monumental collection. It is named for his son. "This is a collection that was formed essentially following independence in a lot of what were new nations across sub-Saharan Africa," LaGamma said. "It doesn't have necessarily the heavy weight of a collection that was formed under colonialism," she said, hinting at the pressure faced by many museums to respond to questions about the origins of works on display. 'African Spirits' A third of the works shown here were newly acquired. The museum was thus able to benefit from a donation of thousands of photographs from the renowned Arthur Walther collection. Among the vast trove of pieces donated is a 2008 series of self-portraits entitled "African Spirits" by Fosso, a Cameroonian-Nigerian photographer. Among Africa's leading photographers, Fosso poses as major figures in African independence and civil rights struggles, from Congolese independence leader and first prime minister Patrice Lumumba to Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X. Through around a dozen films directed by Ethiopian-American artist Sosena Solomon, visitors can also explore iconic cultural sites across the continent, like Tsodilo rock paintings in Botswana, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Tigray in Ethiopia, and the tombs of Buganda kings at Kasubi in Uganda. "In an art museum like this, it is important that rock paintings should be reflected," said Phillip Segadika, chief curator for archeology and monuments at Botswana's national museum, in residence at the Met to participate in the project. "It tells us that what we are seeing today, whether it's in European art, medieval art, whatever -- it has a history, it also has an antiquity."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
New York's Met museum sheds new light on African art collection
From a delicate 13th-century clay figure to self-portraits by photographer Samuel Fosso, New York's Metropolitan Museum reopens its African art collection on Saturday, exploring the "complexity" of the past and looking to the present. After a four-year renovation with a $70 million price tag, the reopening of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing comes amid heated debate over the representation of cultural diversity in Western museums and the return of works to their countries of origin. The reopening should be "an opportunity to recognize that the achievements of artists in this part of the world (sub-Saharan Africa) are equal to those of other major world traditions," Alisa LaGamma, the Met's curator for African art, told AFP. In a spacious gallery bathed in light, visitors are greeted by a monumental Dogon sculpture -- "a heroic figure, likely a priest," LaGamma explained. Next to it sits a clay sculpture of a curled body from the ancient city of Djenne-Djenno, in present-day Mali, which is believed to be one of the oldest pieces in the collection, dating back to the 13th century. - 'Complex history' - The exhibit does not present the works of sub-Saharan Africa as a single unit, but in chapters to better distinguish between the various cultures. "We don't want people to oversimplify their understanding of an incredibly complex history," LaGamma said. "There are over 170 different cultures represented among the 500 works of African art on display," she pointed out. "That gives you a sense of how many different stories there are to tell in this presentation." The museum wing, which also displays arts of Oceania and the "ancient Americas" -- prior to European colonization -- opened in 1982 after former Republican vice president and philanthropist Nelson Rockefeller donated his monumental collection. It is named for his son. "This is a collection that was formed essentially following independence in a lot of what were new nations across sub-Saharan Africa," LaGamma said. "It doesn't have necessarily the heavy weight of a collection that was formed under colonialism," she said, hinting at the pressure faced by many museums to respond to questions about the origins of works on display. - 'African Spirits' - A third of the works shown here were newly acquired. The museum was thus able to benefit from a donation of thousands of photographs from the renowned Arthur Walther collection. Among the vast trove of pieces donated is a 2008 series of self-portraits entitled "African Spirits" by Fosso, a Cameroonian-Nigerian photographer. Among Africa's leading photographers, Fosso poses as major figures in African independence and civil rights struggles, from Congolese independence leader and first prime minister Patrice Lumumba, to Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X. Through around a dozen films directed by Ethiopian-American artist Sosena Solomon, visitors can also explore iconic cultural sites across the continent, like Tsodilo rock paintings in Botswana, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and Tigray in Ethiopia, and the tombs of Buganda kings at Kasubi in Uganda. "In an art museum like this, it is important that rock paintings should be reflected," said Phillip Segadika, chief curator for archeology and monuments at Botswana's national museum, in residence at the Met to participate in the project. "It tells us that what we are seeing today, whether it's in European art, medieval art, whatever -- it has a history, it also has an antiquity." arb/gl/nl/sla
