Latest news with #subSaharanAfrica
France 24
a day ago
- Business
- France 24
Canal+ clears final hurdle to acquire S.Africa's MultiChoice
The company said in a statement that the South African Competition Tribunal had given its approval for Canal+ to acquire the approximately 55 percent of MultiChoice shares it does not already own. The approval "clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline" by October 8 at the latest, Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada said in a statement. "I'm excited about the potential this transaction unlocks for all stakeholders... the combined Group will benefit from enhanced scale, greater exposure to high-growth markets and the ability to deliver meaningful synergies," he added. Canal+ is present in 25 African countries through 16 subsidiaries and has eight million subscribers, according to the French group. MultiChoice operates in 50 countries across sub-Saharan Africa and has 14.5 million subscribers, it says. It includes Africa's premier sports broadcaster, SuperSport, and the DStv satellite television service. "It is a hugely positive step forward in our journey to bring together two iconic media and entertainment companies and create a true champion for Africa," Saada said about combining Canal+'s French language offerings with the English and Portuguese content on MultiChoice. Canal+ hopes that the acquisition will allow it to grow to 50 to 100 million subscribers in a few years, from 27 million currently. The mandatory share offer of 125 rand (6 euros) per share values MultiChoice values the company at $3.0 billion (2.6 billion euro). The approval came with several public-interest conditions worth about 26 billion rand over three years and keeping MultiChoice's headquarters in South Africa. Shares in Canal+ climbed 1.3 percent in trading in London, and are up 12.8 percent this year.
The Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Herald
Stellantis to launch Leapmotor EVs in South Africa later this year
Stellantis plans to sell Chinese-branded electric vehicles (EVs) developed by its partner Leapmotor in South Africa starting with the C10 from September, the company said on Tuesday. The C10 is an electric SUV with a petrol engine used only to charge the battery. More Leapmotor models are expected to be launched next year, including fully electric models, said Mike Whitfield, MD of Stellantis South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Leapmotor created waves with its recent rollout of the all-electric B10 SUV equipped with smart-driving features and lidar sensing technology for less than $18,000 (R 316,865) . In Stellantis bought a 21% stake in Leapmotor for $1.6bn (R28.17bn). The two carmakers also formed the joint venture Leapmotor International, in which Stellantis holds a 51% stake. Leapmotor will help the world's fourth largest carmaker widen its range of affordable EVs, as it presses ahead with electrification while other Chinese carmakers including BYD and Chery Auto are aggressively expanding into Africa. 'South Africa is a critical market for Stellantis and we are committed to unlocking its potential through product, innovation and meaningful partnerships,' Whitfield said. Stellantis, which entered the South African market four years ago, is building a new plant in the country with a maximum capacity of 100,000 vehicles by 2030. It plans to become the No 1 player in the Middle East and Africa region with 1-million vehicles sold by 2030, with 35% expected to be electric. In 2024 it sold 500,000 cars in the Middle East and Africa. With more than 60% of the South African market concentrated below the R400,000 price point, Stellantis's Citroën C3 range is gaining strong traction, with the upcoming C3 Basalt set to complete a competitive line-up in the accessible B-hatch and SUV segments early next year, Whitfield said. Stellantis will also launch the Citroën C3 Hola panel van, its entry into the growing commercial vehicle sector aimed at small business owners.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists discover new form of condition suffered by 38million Americans... putting even more at risk
A possible third type of diabetes that could potentially impact nearly 2million Americans has been discovered. An international team of researchers found that a specific subset of people with type 1 diabetes — which affects about 1.8million Americans — may actually have an entirely new form of the disease that is not caused by the immune system. Type 1 diabetes affects 8.4million people globally and is caused by the immune system misfiring and destroying cells that help to control blood sugar. But now scientists in the US and UK say they have detected a new variant of the disease in people of sub-Saharan African descent that does not appear to be linked to the immune system. Their analysis of nearly 900 people with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes from three African countries revealed that only about 33 percent had the characteristic antibodies — proteins made by the immune system that attack cells used to control blood sugar — seen in type 1 diabetics. The remaining 66 percent previously diagnosed with type 1 diabetes did not test positive for these antibodies, suggesting they had a new variant of the disease. Revealing the findings, researchers said it could pave the way for new treatments for the disease to boost health and life expectancy, with type 1 diabetics dying about a decade earlier than their peers on average. More than 38.4million Americans have diabetes, with the vast majority — around 37million — having type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition where the body can't use the insulin it produces, a hormone used to control blood sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels. This differs from type 1 diabetes, which is caused by the immune system attacking islet cells that make insulin, causing blood sugar levels to spike. The disease is typically diagnosed by testing the blood for characteristic antibodies against islet cells, indicating the disease. In the study, a similar analysis was repeated on 107 Americans of sub-Saharan African background with type 1 diabetes. It found 55 percent of them tested negative for typical type 1 diabetes antibodies. Writing in the study, the team led by the UK's University of Exeter said: 'These findings support the common existence of a non-autoimmune, insulin-deficient subtype of diabetes among children and young adults with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa. '[This] is different from classic autoimmune type 1 diabetes, and does not have features consistent with type 2 diabetes or malnutrition-associated diabetes. 'Therefore, alternative causes must be considered in this group of individuals.' Researchers are not sure what may cause this version of diabetes, but said it might be linked to malnutrition in early life, which could cause cells to become less sensitive to the hormone insulin, which helps to control blood sugar. They also suggested it may be due to certain genetic variations in sub-Saharan African populations that are not present in white groups. Of those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the US, an estimated nearly 10 percent — or 167,000 — are black. It is not clear what proportion of these can trace their roots back to Sub-Saharan Africa. For the first part of the study, participants were recruited from Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa. About half were female, all were black, and participants were diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 15 years on average. They all also had a healthy body weight. For participants from Cameroon and Uganda, blood samples were collected from patients who had visited private or public hospitals between 2019 and 2022. These were analyzed for the presence of antibodies that would indicate the presence of type 1 diabetes. To expand the dataset, the researchers also included participants from South Africa who had their blood tested for the same antibodies between 2007 and 2015. A total of 312 participants, or 35 percent, tested positive for the antibodies, while the remaining 582 tested negative. Next, the researchers extracted data from the SEARCH database, which collects data on young people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the US. They extracted information on 3,000 participants, including 2,602 from a white ethnic background and 429 from a black ethnic background. Among the 107 recorded as being from a Sub-Saharan African background by the database, 55 percent or 59 participants did not test positive for the typical antibodies. And among those from a black background, 65 participants or 15 percent tested negative for the antibodies. The researchers said a similar pattern was not detected among those from a white ethnic background. Dr Dana Dabelea, an epidemiologist at the University of Colorado and co-author of the study, said: 'The identification of this type 1 diabetes in Sub-Saharan African populations and among individuals of African ancestry in the US suggests a potential ancestral or genetic link. 'These findings highlight the need to consider alternative etiologies in this group and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms may provide important insights for future prevention and treatment strategies.'
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Strengthens United States (US)-Africa Critical Mineral Ties Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved two new investments for critical minerals projects in sub-Saharan Africa this month. The funding aims to accelerate economic development across the region while reinforcing US supply chains for minerals essential to the country's defense, energy, security and advanced technology sectors. The investments will also drive infrastructure expansion, boost employment and increase export revenues for the African markets. The announcement comes ahead of the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders. The event will showcase the role being played by U.S. institutions such as the DFC in enhancing US-Africa ties in mining and investment. AMW will feature a dedicated US-Africa Roundtable, connecting U.S. policymakers and institutional investors with African governments, project developers and stakeholders for partnership formation, deal signing and policy alignment. AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@ In the last two years, the DFC has been advancing US–Africa mining collaboration through a growing portfolio of investments, loans and technical assistance grants. Among these is the DFC's $5 million funding package for Blencowe Resources, aimed at developing the Orom-Cross graphite project in Uganda. In July 2025, Blencowe received a $750,000 tranche as part of this commitment, following an earlier $500,000 disbursement in May. The final $250,000 payment will support the project's definitive feasibility study. With a JORC Indicated and Inferred Resource of 24.5 million tons at 6.0% total graphite content, Orom-Cross is expected to operate for 21 years, contributing to Uganda's economic transformation and in meeting growing global demand for battery-grade graphite. Other recent DFC commitments include a $553 million loan for the Lobito Corridor, a project aimed at improving mineral transportation for Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The DFC also approved a $3.4 million technical assistance grant for the Longonjo Rare Earths Project in Angola, a $50 million equity investment in the Phalaborwa Rare Earths Project in South Africa and a $3.2 million grant for Chillerton's green copper mining project in Kakosa, Zambia. In Tanzania, the DFC is also backing Kabanga Nickel Limited with a loan to support the development of one of Africa's most significant nickel sulphide deposits. With this growing investment footprint, the DFC continues to position itself as a key partner in unlocking Africa's mineral potential while advancing US strategic interests. AMW 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to build on this momentum, facilitating collaboration, catalyzing new investments and reinforcing US-Africa partnerships in mineral development. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Health leaders to convene in Mozambique for innovation and action for immunization and child survival forum 2025
Global health leaders, policymakers, philanthropists, researchers, and advocates will gather in Maputo from 22–24 July 2025 for the Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025 ( This is a high-level convening aimed at accelerating progress toward expanding access to life-saving immunization and ending preventable child deaths across sub-Saharan Africa. D o wnl o ad d o cument: Hosted by the Governments of Mozambique and Sierra Leone, and in partnership with the Government of Spain, 'la Caixa' Foundation, the Gates Foundation and UNICEF, the forum comes just five years to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 deadline. 'Mozambique is proud to host this critical gathering, at a time when the world is at a crossroads,' said Hon. Dr. Ussene Isse, Minister of Health of Mozambique. 'Despite the unacceptable reality that we lose millions of children globally to preventable diseases each year, the rate of progress in reducing these deaths has slowed in the past 10 years, precisely when we need to accelerate. The decisions we make now will determine whether we keep our promise to every child to survive, to thrive, and to reach their fifth birthday. We must act boldly, together, and without delay.' A Defining Moment for Child Survival Incredible progress has reduced the number of deaths of children under the age of five by half since 2000. Yet today, almost five million children are still dying from preventable causes each year—58% of them in Sub-Saharan Africa. Preventable infectious diseases like pneumonia, malaria, diarrhea, and meningitis remain the global leading causes of death among children under five, while malnutrition contributes to 45% of all child deaths globally. 'We cannot afford to let progress stall. We have a golden opportunity to dramatically expand our impact through bold leadership, sustainable financing, and coordinated strategies and alignment to reach the most vulnerable populations,' said Hon. Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, Sierra Leone. 'Breakthrough innovations like malaria vaccines, point of care tests, and ready-to-use therapeutic foods formulated to address malnutrition are improving our capacity to save young lives and prevent childhood deaths. At the same time, by weaving these innovations into our Life Stages Approach, we make sure every child receives the right intervention at the right time, whether it is a vaccine at birth, nutrition support during a growth setback, or follow-up care through the continuum of care as they grow; ensuring no child or opportunity is missed.' The convening will spotlight ongoing record levels of global funding cuts to public health programmes, including immunization. With increasing budgetary pressure within low- and middle-income countries and little room to immediately raise domestic and philanthropic funding to plug these gaps, the impact of these cuts is even more acute, especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings where children are nearly three times more likely to die before reaching age five. 'This forum will be another milestone in our collective effort to build a world where every child gets to grow up and thrive. It's a unique opportunity to continue fighting inequalities for the most vulnerable populations, always aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Agenda 2030,' said H.R.H. Infanta Cristina, Director of the International Area at the 'la Caixa' Foundation. Mapping a Clear Path Forward The forum will offer a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, explore how to scale up innovations, diagnostic tools and nutrition solutions to reach all children, especially the most vulnerable in conflict-afflicted and climate-impacted settings. Speakers will also emphasize strengthening service delivery through integrated child health platforms, community health worker programs and digital tools, as well as building sustainable financing by mobilizing domestic resources, pooling international aid, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms. 'Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and thrive. Thanks to proven solutions and innovative care, we've made remarkable progress in helping more children survive their earliest, most vulnerable years. By investing in strong, integrated primary health-care systems and reaching every child with life-saving care—no matter who they are or where they live—we can save millions more young lives and build stronger families, communities, and futures," said Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, Director of Health, UNICEF. The convening will build on the momentum of the 2020 and 2023 Global Fora on Childhood Pneumonia ( to foster impactful partnerships, strengthen political will and mobilize Africa's political and public health leaders to ensure all children are protected against the leading threats to their survival. "Despite remarkable progress, millions of children remain unreached, lacking access to vaccines or treatments for preventable diseases. This forum is a rallying cry for Africa and the world, because the final chapter in the global fight for child survival will be written on this continent. We must protect our children with the tools we have, invest in the innovations we need, and ensure no child is left behind," said Keith Klugman, Director, Pneumonia and Pandemic Preparedness, Gates Foundation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025. For interview requests, please contact: - For Mozambique-based media wgaitho@ and wkariuki@ - For regional and international media About the Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025: The Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival Forum 2025 will bring together stakeholders across selected countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions including senior health ministry officials, development agencies, donors, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Accordingly, it will focus on new and underutilized tools to deliver progress on child survival, more effective infectious disease risk mitigation and surveillance strategies, more efficient models of service delivery, the need for robust prioritization exercises including for routine immunization systems and new vaccine introductions, and innovative child survival financing options. For more information on the forum agenda, visit:
