May 17, 2023

Tizeti to tackle broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire with Microsoft

ABIDJAN, Cote d’Ívoire, May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tizeti, a leading internet service provider in West Africa, announced an expanded collaboration with Microsoft to address the issue of broadband underdevelopment in Cote d’Ívoire and bring internet access to almost 5 million people.

The partnership aims to provide affordable and reliable high-speed internet access to underserved communities and people in the country, addressing the significant broadband gap that has hindered economic development and social progress in the region and empowering more Ivorians to participate in the digital economy.

Cote d’Ívoire is believed to have less than 40% internet penetration, with fixed internet around 2%. The fixed internet and broadband sectors remain underdeveloped in Cote dÍvoire, due to a legacy of poor international connectivity, which resulted in high wholesale prices, limited bandwidth, and a lack of access for alternative operators to international infrastructure. Operators such as MainOne, and Africa Coast to Europe have subsea infrastructure, with 2Africa expected to land in 2023. While the submarine cable vertical is more competitive, Cote d’Ívoire has limited last-mile providers who pull the internet capacity and distribute it to homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.

Tizeti will roll out high-speed internet infrastructure with Microsoft’s Airband Initiative, leveraging Tizeti’s low-cost wireless technologies. This will help make it easier and cheaper for people to access the internet and connect to the digital economy. These shared efforts are part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative’s commitment to bring internet access to 100 million Africans by the end of 2025, which aligns with Tizeti’s goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring reliable and affordable high-speed internet access to underserved communities in Cote d’Ívoire,” said Kendall Ananyi, Chief Executive Officer of Tizeti. “Our mission at Tizeti is to bring affordable and reliable internet to more Africans outside the digital envelope, and this partnership is a significant step forward in achieving that goal. This work with Microsoft continues our joint efforts to deliver world-class internet connectivity to the people of Africa, starting with Nigeria and now Cote d’Ívoire.”

Microsoft’s Airband Initiative is focused on advancing digital equity—access to affordable internet, affordable devices, and digital skills—as a platform for empowerment and digital transformation across the world.

“Through our expanded partnership with Tizeti, we are committed to providing high-speed internet access to five million people in Cote d’Ivoire by the end of 2025,” said Vickie Robinson, General Manager of Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. “Partners such as Tizeti are vital to the Airband ecosystem, which relies on local expertise along with public and private organizations of every size to tailor regional solutions. The expansion to Cote d’Ivoire will help build sustainable infrastructure that strengthens local development and reduces barriers to connectivity.”

For many countries in Africa, there is still a huge digital divide. This boundary between connected and unconnected translates into clear consequences for employment, education, family and social life, and access to information. Collaborations such as this play a significant role in addressing the digital infrastructure deficits in emerging economies, leveraging innovative technology and capabilities, to improve development outcomes for millions of people.

About Tizeti

Tizeti is a fast-growing Wireless Internet service provider in Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire delivering high-speed unlimited Wi-Fi Internet access to residential and business customers using wide-area Wi-Fi.

Contact: Temitope Osunrinde (press@tizeti.com)

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8840227

May 17, 2023

Sweegen’s Rebaudioside M receives full authorization for use in the United Kingdom

Bestevia Reb M expands sugar reduction solutions in the U.K.and is now available to food and beverage producers.

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen has announced that its Bestevia® Rebaudioside M (Reb M) has been fully authorized for use in the United Kingdom (U.K.) This regulatory approval marks a significant milestone for Sweegen, as it becomes the first and only company to receive authorization for any steviol glycosides produced using alternative technologies in the U.K.

Reb M, a high-purity steviol glycoside derived from the stevia plant, is renowned for its clean and sugar-like taste profile. It offers a natural, zero-calorie sweetness solution, making it an ideal choice for food and beverage manufacturers seeking to reduce sugar content and provide healthier options to consumers. Sweegen’s nature-based sweeteners, including its Reb M, offer a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional sugar.

Brands in the U.K. have eagerly anticipated the authorization of Sweegen’s Bestevia Reb M during the initial formulation phase and tastings. They are actively collaborating with Sweegen’s food and beverage applications experts based at its EMEA U.K. Innovation Studio in Reading, England, to integrate this highly sought-after stevia ingredient, along with Sweegen’s outstanding taste modulation and unique sweeteners, into their formulations.

Damian Bellusci, Vice President of Sales EMEA/APAC at Sweegen, expressed his excitement about the authorization, stating, “We are extremely proud to be the pioneers in securing full authorization for Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. This milestone reaffirms Sweegen’s commitment to providing innovative, nature-based, and sustainable sweetening solutions to the industry. Reb M offers food and beverage manufacturers an exceptional tool to meet consumer demands for healthier products without compromising taste.”

The decision to authorize the bioconversion manufacturing method for steviol glycosides, including Reb M, was made by the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health in relation to England, the Welsh Ministers in relation to Wales, and the Minister for Public Health, Women’s Health and Sport in relation to Scotland. The authorization is per Article 10(1) of retained Regulation 1333/2008, fulfilling the requirements.

The authorized manufacturing method allows for using steviol glycosides, including Reb M, in the Great Britain (GB) market. The Regulations provide updated terms of authorization for using this method in GB, with the terms being similar to those in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland. For the latest information, referring to the relevant EU Regulations on the EUR-Lex website is recommended.

Casey McCormick, Vice President of Global Innovation at Sweegen, emphasized the significance of Reb M in driving product innovation. “The approval of Bestevia Reb M in the UK represents a very positive step forward for brands looking to improve the nutrition profile of their products. The clean, sweet taste of our Bestevia Reb M enables new approaches to reduce and eliminate sugar in a way that exceeds consumers’ expectations and supports public health objectives to reduce sugar consumption.”

Hadi Omrani, Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at Sweegen, highlighted the rigorous safety and compliance standards behind Bestevia Reb M’s authorization. Omrani stated, “At Sweegen, we prioritize safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. Obtaining full authorization for Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. required thorough scientific evaluations and stringent assessments to ensure its safety for consumption. This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering superior products that meet the highest industry standards.”

Sweegen is dedicated to revolutionizing the sweetener market with innovative solutions that promote healthier choices without compromising taste. The full authorization of Bestevia Reb M in the U.K. reinforces Sweegen’s leadership in the nature-based sweetener space and positions the company as a trusted partner for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

Sweegen recently attained FEMA GRAS status for sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin II, complementing steviol glycosides in food and beverage production. With the addition of brazzein and thaumatin II, Sweegen continues to expand its portfolio of safe and effective taste-modulating flavors that can help food and beverage manufacturers meet the demand for healthier and delicious products to align with consumers’ holistic approaches to wellness. Brazzein is the star ingredient in Sweegen’s newly launched Sweetensify flavors for taste modulation, an ideal flavors tool for brands seeking to create sugar-like tastes in food and beverages.

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.
We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data
In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8841398

May 17, 2023

Results: Greater Accra NDC Parliamentary Primary, 2023

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) held its presidential and parliamentary primary elections, Saturday, May 3, 2023 as part of the party’s preparations towards the 2024 general elections. The parliamentary primary results for constituencies in Greater Accra Region are posted below: Ablekuma Central No. of Votes % Abdul-Latif Dan 1,468 56.55 Henry Kofi Quarshie 37 1.43 Halidu Haruna 1,091 42.03 Ablekuma North No. of Votes % Fred Ashitey 781 37.28 Awura Abena Aubynn 1,092 52.12 Hajia Alima Osman 222 10.60 Ablekuma South No. of Votes % Hon. Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye Nii Amasah Kotey Ablekuma West No. of Votes % Marian Korkor Aryetey 36 2.22 Rev. Kweku Addo 901 55.51 Kwabena Mensah 656 40.42 Adednego Elorm Agbesi 30 1.85 Ada No. of Votes % Hon. Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe 688 68.87 Catharine Dela Dzievnu 311 31.13 John Rexford Tetteh 0 0.00 Samuel Narteh Buabasah 0 0.00 Adentan No. of Votes % Hon. Mohammed Adamu Ramandan 1,015 40.44 Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo 989 39.40 Linda Assibi Awuni 506 20.16 Amasaman No. of Votes % Samuel Atsu Forson 422 17.78 Quarshie Emmanuel 29 1.22 Precious Kweku Senafiawo 282 11.88 Ernest George Thompson 255 10.75 Henry Nii-Chartey Marbell 71 2.99 Okpolu William Kwasi Ahamazie 8 0.34 Martin Nii Aryee Tagoe 43 1.81 Alhaji Mamudu Adamu 72 3.03 Anyaa Sowutuom No. of Votes % Hajia Mariama Zakari 66 12.91 Ketura Janet Naa Ashong 111 21.72 Emmanuel Adotey Allotey 191 37.37 Ibrahim Babangida Amadu 140 27.39 Ashaiman No. of Votes % David Kwaku Worwui-Brown 50 1.73 Tony Afenyo 1,221 42.13 Ernest Henry Norgbey 1,627 56.14 Ayawaso Central No. of Votes % Sophia Karen Ackuaku 680 44.18 Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu 797 51.79 Rudolph Collingwoode-Williams 22 1.43 Abdul-Razak Yakubu 35 2.27 Theresa Mamle Gbekie 5 0.32 Ayawaso East No. of Votes % Hon. Mahama Naser Toure 452 44.93 Yakubu Azindow 242 24.06 Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed 309 30.72 Ayawaso North No. of Votes % Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah 770 68.51 Seddique Abubakar Suleiman 354 31.49 Ayawaso West Wuogon No. of Votes % John Setor Dumelo Frederick Kwaku Nuamah Bortianor/Ngleshie Amanfrom No. of Votes % Senyo Philip Tsagli 621 34.03 Felix Akwetey Okley 923 50.58 Alexander Ackuaku 94 5.15 Nii Korle Anim Leslie Joseph 187 10.25 Dadekotopon No. of Votes % Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah 1,457 76.52 Hon. Nii Amarh Ashitey 144 7.56 Jake Kwei Adjei-Kwei 303 15.91 Dome Kwabenya No. of Votes % Theophius Edu Mensah 8 0.28 Isreal Kwaku Mensah Susuli 1,248 44.26 Elikplim Akurugu , 55.46 Domeabra Obom No. of Votes % Sampson Nii Anum Tackie 283 29.82 Dr. Gideon Kofi Agbley 15 1.58 Beatrice Afua Asantewaa Agyekum 4 0.42 Isaac Awuku Yibor 463 48.79 Richard Nii Aryee Ashley 184 19.39 Klottey Korley No. of Votes % Nii John Alfonso Coleman 360 19.76 Meredith Naakia Odarkai Lamptey Addy 268 14.71 Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings 1,194 65.53 Kpone Katamanso No. of Votes % Hon. Joseph Akurteh Tettey 872 42.41 Captain Moses Tetteh 745 36.11 Emammunel Salarn Azubila 165 8.00 Abraham Tettey Teye 244 11.83 Abednego Afotey 34 1.65 Krowor No. of Votes % Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey 1,413 70.09 Daniel Alabi 71 3.52 Edgar Nii Kpakpo Addo 87 4.32 Enoch Bortey Borquaye Manison 36 1.79 Dorcas Naa Korklu Afotey 409 20.29 Ledzokuku No. of Votes % Hon. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku 2,289 78.71 Mr. Bernard Martei 619 21.29 Madina No. of Votes % Hon. Lawyer Francis Xavier Kojo Sosu Prince Moses Zakaria Ningo Prampram No. of Votes % Hon. Samuel Nartey George 1,036 62.33 Michael Tetteh Kwetey 626 37.67 Odododiodoo No. of Votes % Okaikoi Central No. of Votes % Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu 682 58.59 Engr. Judge Hasford Quyartey 94 8.10 Nadine Issah Salifu 267 23.00 Fred Nii Tetteh 118 10.16 Okaikoi North No. of Votes % Hon. Theresa Lardi Awuni Okaikoi South No. of Votes % Mr. Ernest Adomako 1,111 67.21 Mr. Seth Kojo Adams 84 5.08 Mr. Omar Hayford Detty 171 10.34 Madam Jennifer Akpo 271 16.39 Mr. David Frimpong 16 0.97 Sege No. of Votes % Hon. Christian Otuteye 206 23.44 Richard Kumadoe 84 9.56 Sebbie Doku Goodman 14 1.59 Sebbie Charles 55 6.26 Kwasi Abaya 74 8.42 Daniel Keshi Bessey 446 50.74 Shai Osudoku No. of Votes % Hon. Linda Akweley Ocloo 693 55.35 Hon. David Tetteh Assumeng 19 1.52 Dr. Michael Kpessa-Whyte 560 44.73 Tema Central No. of Votes % Courage K. Makafui Nunekpeku 331 44.61 Ebi Bright 384 51.75 Carl Owupmpesika 27 3.64 Tema East No. of Votes % Hon. Isaac Ashai Odamtten 925 71.32 Edward Nii Tetteh Bediako Kraku 20 1.54 Michael Abbey 352 27.14 Tema West No. of Votes % Dr. Adams Kortey Asafotei 170 7.76 Lawyer James Enu 1,057 48.24 Dr. Raphael Kwasi Sarpong Tufuor 383 17.48 Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku 508 23.19 Jessica Aklerh Dosoo Pappoe 30 1.37 Rashid Issah 43 1.96 Trobu No. of Votes % Dr. John Kofi Halm 889 46.37 Lawyer Kojo Mensah 776 40.48 Pastor Elijah Arthur 206 10.75 Mr. Kwame Olympio 46 2.40 Weija Gbawe No. of Votes % Felix Odartey Lamptey 588 32.24 Dr. Nii Saka Alottey 519 28.45 Michael Nii Ayitey Aryee 549 30.10 Faisal Seidu 117 6.41 Cleland Ayaa Ayison 36 1.97 Nerissa Chart-Gyan 15 0.82

Source: Ghana News Agency

May 17, 2023

ANALYSIS: Could Africa broker a peace deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war?

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced his country will be leading five other African countries to Moscow and Kiev to meet with Presidents Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky respectively in an effort to end the war between both nations.

Speaking on March 16 while hosting the Prime Minister of Singapore, Ramaphosa stated that “…Representing various heads of government, I presented the initiative on behalf of these countries: Zambia, Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Egypt and South Africa as well. The two leaders that I had occasion to speak to, that is President Putin and President Zelensky agreed that they will be willing to receive the mission of the African heads of state in both Moscow and Kiev…

“I agreed with both of them that we will commence with the preparations for their engagements with these African heads of state. The SG of the UN was also briefed and so was the African Union office…”.

The announcement comes several days after the US ambassador to South Africa accused South Africa of “not in fact being neutral” as the ambassador claimed that South Africa was supplying arms to Russia.

Nonetheless, the news is very much celebrated in Africa because it would appear that America and its Western allies are not interested in a peaceful resolution of the conflict. America has not called for peace but has been busy arming Ukraine to the teeth, as have their counterparts in the European Union.

This is one of the rare occasions in which Africa is taking a global leadership position in one of the biggest wars since the start of this century and if the six African countries representing the entire African continent are able to broker a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, this would be a big win not only for Russia and Ukraine but also for the entire African continent and people of African descent.

For far too long, Africa’s image has been one of civil war, corruption and underdevelopment though countries like Botswana, Namibia and Rwanda are doing great things in terms of governance in the case of the first two and innovation in the case of Rwanda.

Brokering a successful peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war will also be beneficial for African economies because one of the fallouts from the war has been the levels of inflation that have gone over the roof in several African countries. Protests erupted in Ghana months ago over high costs of living and there were also protests in Uganda and Kenya and reports of increased prices for commodities in Cameroon as well – all with some links to the war in Ukraine.

While Ramaphosa’s country is dealing with an energy crisis that sometimes sees power being cut for up to 4 hours a day, this is more to do with outdated infrastructure and corruption than the war in Ukraine.

Ramaphosa understands that his country has its own internal issues to grapple with but that does not make South Africa less of a credible partner in leading the talks between Moscow and Kiev. After all, America has been pushing for Pretoria to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but Ramaphosa’s government chose a more neutral tone, rather calling for both sides to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict. Therefore this is being seen as an opportunity for South Africa to prove itself as non-aligned.

It is not clear how the talks will go but although the African delegation will be meeting both Putin and Zelensky separately, there are those who would have preferred to see both leaders sitting in one room. Nonetheless, this is the first time since the war started over a year ago, that both Putin and Zelensky have agreed to both meet leaders that have spoken to Moscow and then Kiev – a remarkable feat for Africa in a European war that has stunned the rest of the world. This is an important time for Africa’s role in global geopolitics and also brings to mind the Biblical quotation in John 1:46 where “Nazareth” can be replaced with Africa in asking “Can anything good come out of Nazareth” and the answer like that of Philip would be “Come and see”.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

May 17, 2023

Assin North: NPP hails Supreme Court’s declaration of Gyakye Quayson’s election as unconstitutional

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has hailed the Supreme Court ruling, declaring as unconstitutional the election of Mr James Gyakye Quayson as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin North. Mr Stephen Asamoah, the Constituency Secretary, said the ruling affirmed the NPP’s stand that the former MP did not qualify to contest at the time of filing his nomination. ‘The NPP welcomes the Supreme Court ruling because it is refreshing that the dust has finally settled. This is a victory for the people of Assin North; the rule of law and democracy is working,’ he said. ‘We in the NPP hold the view that the former MP did not qualify at the time of filing his nomination, so the Supreme Court’s declaration does not come as a surprise,’ Mr Asamoah said. A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, ordered Parliament to expunge the name of Mr Quayson as MP from its records. It said Mr Quayson breached Article 94(2)(a) of the 1992 Constitution because, at the time he filed to contest the elections, he was not qualified to be elected as a legislator since he had not renounced his dual citizenship. As a result, it declared Mr Quayson’s filing to contest, the Electoral Commission’s decision to allow him to contest, as well as his swearing-in as MP as all unconstitutional, null and void. Mr Asamoah was elated that the ruling would give the people the opportunity to have a qualified representation in parliament for accelerated development. He stated that Mr Quayson had on countless occasions espoused his unwavering belief in the country’s judiciary and had prevailed on him to accept the ruling in good fate, having gone the full length of the case. Nonetheless, he gave the assurance that the NPP was ready for the bye-election after it lost the seat in 2020, with the vigorous reorganisation of the party’s base for victory in any election. ‘We have had training for constituency executives, electoral area Coordinators and polling station executives, and so we are ever ready for any election,’ Mr Asamoah said. He advised all, particularly politicians and party supporters, to desist from acts that would jeopardise the peace in the area. However, some constituency executives of the NDC the Ghana News Agency contacted refused to comment on the matter, saying they were waiting for official communication from the Central Regional Executives.

Source: Ghana News Agency

May 17, 2023

Angolan government pledges to take health services to communities

Ministry of Health (MINSA) on Tuesday said it was committed to continue working on improvement of the people´s health and restore the primary health care units, including the health system.

The pledged was made by the State Secretary for Public Health, Carlos Alberto Pinto, while speaking at the activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The official mentioned the results achieved last year by the Government in health field.

He referred to the construction and equipment of the new health units, the significant increase in the number of health professionals from different categories employed over the last few years, and the efforts to train and retain health professionals.

In his speech, the official said that the structuring investment made in the National Health Service was reflected on the improvement of the main indicators of the maternal and child health and nutrition programme.

He cited the increase in prenatal coverage, humanised childbirth, and the reduction of institutional maternal mortality.

As for the major endemics, he said that despite the increase in malaria, there was a reduction of death rate due to the improvement of the access and early diagnosis, as well as the proper treatment.

He said digital transformation allowed to boost the sanitary and epidemiologic information system and the development of health investigation.

This move, he said, enabled a timely decisions and improved management taking into account the extension of innovative platforms to control logistics, health indicators and for people´s nominal registration mainly in fight against Covid-19.

The official also stressed the support provided by WHO and from other partners, aimed to boost the primary health cares.

“We have the conviction that by strengthening partnerships, coordination, investments, integration and innovation in health, we can together face persistent challenges and ensure Health For All”, stressed the official.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)