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Author: Claire Wanja

  • Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3 returns

    Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3 returns

    Smirnoff Kenya has unveiled the return of the electrifying Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3, a DJ competition that’s set to discover and champion the expression of progressive creativity through representation and inclusivity in the DJing industry.

    Over the next six thrilling months, DJs countrywide will converge to vie for the illustrious title of the undisputed Smirnoff Battle of the Beat (SBOB) Season 3 champion.

    The official Djs will be DJ Grauchi, DJ Malaika and DJ Karowski.

    L-R; Judges DJ Karowski, DJ Malaika and Joel Kamau KBL Commercial Director

    Speaking at the grand launch event of the competition, Anne Joy Michira, East Africa Breweries Marketing and Innovation Director, expressed her enthusiasm for the revival of this thrilling battle.

    Anne Joy underscored the importance of embracing the strength of the collective, particularly in a world where individualism has taken center stage.

    “We take great pride in reintroducing Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Season 3. Brace yourselves, Kenya, because the stage is set, the decks are primed, and the beat is about to drop like never before.”

  • Burna Boy’s Johannesburg show cancelled

    Burna Boy’s Johannesburg show cancelled

    Grammy-award-winning Nigerian artiste Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has cancelled his Johannesburg concert.

    The highly anticipated live concert was scheduled for September 23, at the FNB Stadium.

    Ticket Pro said the show was being delayed because of a “lack of ticket” sales, among other reasons.

    But Burna Boy’s management company, Spaceship blames the concert’s promoters for not fulfilling their “contractual, financial, production and technical obligations”.

    “Sadly, it is with great regret that we must inform you that despite my team’s effort,  the show in Johannesburg on Sept 23rd will be cancelled due to the inability of the promoters to fulfill their contractual, financial, production and technical obligations,’ Spaceship Management stated.

    “Production vendors have still not been paid and as such, it is evident at this point that the agreed production standard needed for this venue size cannot be achieved,” the statement said.

    “We hereby state that all ticketing companies must ensure that is refunded in full. Deepest apologies to all fans, looking forward to seeing you all soon, “their statement read.

    Burna Boy was booked to fill the +90,000-capacity FNB Stadium, coming fresh off selling out the 80,000-capacity London Stadium and recently the 41,800-seat Citi Field in Queens, NY.

  • Integration of health in climate change action needs political leadership, experts say

    Integration of health in climate change action needs political leadership, experts say

    Scientists in Africa have raised concerns over the pressing weak political commitment, scientific evidence and inadequate financing as some of the challenges of moving forward with climate change and health nexus.

    Speaking during a webinar by the USAID-funded Building Capacity for Integrated Family planning (FP) and Reproductive Health (RH) and Population, Environment and Development (PED) Action (BUILD) Project, Prof Brame Kone, the technical Officer in charge of Climate Change and Health at the Africa regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO/AFRO) in Congo Brazzaville said Africa still misses a political leadership to take the health agenda forward.

    The BUILD Project Webinar focused on ‘Prioritizing Health in Climate Change Action in Africa’ .

    “A good example is the recently concluded African Climate Summit (ACS) whose Nairobi Declaration had a very weak commitment on matters of climate change and health nexus,” said Kone.

    “Climate crisis is first and foremost a health crisis and this needs to be understood and funds need to be made available to tackle this challenge,” adds Kone.

    Noting the emergence of lethal strains of disease-causing pathogens amid shifts in climate patterns, Kone said African governments should intensify climate action at the community level to minimize deaths and pressure on health facilities.

    “Mainstreaming climate action in national health policy frameworks, combined with political goodwill, innovative financing, research, and innovations, will be key to enhancing the resilience of Africa’s public health systems amid disruptions linked to extreme weather events.

    This is the reason why, according to Prof Kone, the loss and damage fund at Conference of Parties (COP28) needs to be more agile and flexible to address climate change adaptation emergencies.

    However, Leah Aoko from African Research Impact Network (ARIN), the Nairobi Declaration badly reflects on the African Heads of State and Government who continues to have health as a low priority area despite is linkage with the climate crisis.

    “Our preliminary analysis of the Nairobi Declaration coming out from the first African  Climate Summit held from 4-6 September in Kenya’s capital city, show that Africa has an opportunity to strengthen the health systems to make them resilient to the impacts of climate change, taking cognisance of the devastating effects of floodsin Libya,” she said.

    In addition, Prof Kone said the continent still lacks scientific evidence to support advocacy efforts towards integrating health in climate change discourses and action.

    “We still have weak knowledge on scientific evidence in tackling climate change and health nexus in the African region, a lot of things are known but we still need to build more strong and relevant scientific evidence and use them for adaptation,” said Kone.

    He said much has been done on climate change alone; carbon sequestration, mitigation and others, but when it comes to adaptation and the need to build the nexus between health and climate change, much still needs to be done.

    According to Melvine Otieno, founder of Planetary health Eastern Africa Hub and Lecturer at the University of Eldoret, Western Kenya, there is a great opportunity for the communities to be able to understand the linkages of the prevailing climate change impacts and the health systems because from one or two interviews conducted at community level, it was observed that there is inadequate understanding of how climate change and health interplays and the meaningful interventions that need to be put in place.

    Otieno added that the vulnerable communities only understand that when flooding happens, displacement is the only effect of climate change but are oblivious of such effects as diseases that come along with flooding and malnutrition when there are prolonged droughts.

    According to studies by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Africa region contributes to a relatively small percentage of global gas emissions compared to other regions like Asia, Europe and North America.

    The IPCCC says Africa accounts for approximately 4 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.

    The moderator of the Webinar, Dr Bernard Onyango,  Senior Research and Policy Analyst and BUILD Project PED Director, African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) said the BUILD Project brings together southern leadership and organizations from Africa, Asia, and the USA that, together, have proven technical expertise in promoting cross-sectoral interventions in Population-Environment-Development (PED) and in advocating for voluntary family planning (FP) and capacity strengthening.

    He said the consortium partners in the BUILD Project include United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Leadership for Environment and Development Southern and Eastern Africa (LEAD SEA), PATH Foundation Philippines Inc (PFPI), FHI360, and the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).

  • Empowering youth entrepreneurs will help reduce high unemployment rates

    Empowering youth entrepreneurs will help reduce high unemployment rates

    It is projected that by 2030 the number of youth will rise by 7%, to almost 1.3 billion. Africa touted as the continent of the youth will have over half a billion people aged between 15 to 35 years.

    They are touted as the future of the world economy and increasing their capabilities, guiding them to play their rightful role in an ever evolving world has become a constant topic of discussion in local and global fora.

    Youth face a number of barriers to business creation and self employment hence the growing emphasis to empower them through entrepreneurship coaching and training, start-up financing and business incubation programmes.

    The United Nations has it that ,worldwide, 30% of young women and 13% of young men are not engaged in employment, education, or training. Estimates suggest over 95% of all young workers are part of the informal economy in developing countries.Safeguarding their social and economic development is a key factor in the interventions being rolled out worldwide.

    UNICEF says that across Kenya, 85 percent of unemployed people are younger than 35. An alarming rate exacerbated by a growing population and labour force, a skills mismatch, declining economic growth, and skewed labour market set ups. Most of these youths have decried lack of access to capital to start businesses, credit and business mentorship as the major drawback to becoming entrepreneurs. An existential threat which the government and other societal decision makers are grappling with.

    It calls for urgent action in supporting initiatives and programs that youths in Kenya can embrace and use to provide their sources of livelihood. There is a need for incentives that will grow young entrepreneurs. These incentives should include waiver of business registration costs and business licensing costs, and establishment of a registration desk exclusively for the youth at all Huduma Centres. This should be coupled with provision of adequate training on business financial management, planning, and information technology platforms.

    According to the Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) estimates,  23 percent of people aged between 18 years and 25 years in Kenya are excluded from financial services and few financial service providers in developing countries specifically target the youth.

    In a rapidly changing global landscape, the role of entrepreneurship in fostering economic development cannot be overstated. It is imperative for Kenya to embrace and empower youth entrepreneurs as a catalyst for driving innovation and creating job opportunities to spur and sustain the economy.

    The traditional job-for-life career paths are insufficient which means mainstreaming of  youth entrepreneurship into today’s changing labour markets and securing their economic independence is of paramount importance. Youth entrepreneurs will create jobs for their generation as well.

    Thanks to the information superhighway, today’s youth are armed with an unparalleled access to information, technology, and networks. The youth appear impatient with the traditional way of life and are deliberately charting their own ‘new’ path to their destiny and that is where ideas of starting their business come in.

    Youth ingenuity is much welcome since emerging technologies are opening up new job opportunities and inventing new ways to do conventional jobs in new ways. The youth are willing to try new things, take risks by investing their time, effort and money.

    Studies have shown that a successful youth-led startup can create new job opportunities for more youths and grow to new businesses which improve livelihoods by providing solutions to commercially viable problems.

    The government through Women and Youth Enterprise development funds have done well to provide low interest funds for youth and women led startups. Funds and business training will go a long way to help unlock new businesses.

    In the private sector, companies like asset financiers Watu Credit have introduced entrepreneurship models that allow the youth to access various products for use in income generating activities under a pay-as-you-go model. This enables more people to purchase, on credit, motorcycles, tuk tuks or cars for which can be used for self employment.

    Already, data from the National Transport and Safety Authority indicates that there are over one million registered boda bodas in Kenya, most of which are used for commercial purposes. This sector continues to support economic development and youth employment in our country, hence why it is important to make asset financing accessible to the youth.

    Further, Watu is championing a cleaner and sustainable continent through the financing of new electric motorbikes. The Watu model allows customers to finance an electric motorcycle for as little as Ksh 450 daily, addressing the need for affordability. The company has partnered with leading e-mobility manufacturers like Ampersand, ARC Ride, Roam, and E-BEBA to offer a wide range of choices that the youth can take advantage of.

    Collaboration between the public and private sector to make financing and business ownership for the youth easier is crucial. This is one impactful way that the country can address the high rate of unemployment and its resulting challenges.

    Views expressed in this article do not reflect the position of Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC)

    Erick Massawe is the  Kenya Country Manager at Watu Credit Limited.

  • Watu Credit, ARC Ride partner to increase EV battery swap stations in Nairobi

    Watu Credit, ARC Ride partner to increase EV battery swap stations in Nairobi

    Asset financing company, Watu Credit Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Battery-as-a-Service provider ARC Ride to manufacture 1,000 Electric Vehicles (EV) and establish over 300 battery swap stations in Nairobi by the end of 2024. 

    “As Watu, we strongly believe that EV is the future. In recognition of the fact that coming up with the next EV for the African market is an expensive venture, we started investing in ARC Ride to help them in their research and innovation and delivery of bikes responsive to the African market to the ground,” says Erick Massawe, Kenya Country Manager at Watu.

    ARC Ride is an electric mobility or electric vehicle (EV) startup that builds electric vehicles and runs a Battery-as-a-Service business in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Watu has been dedicating resources to the development of ARC Ride with an aim to further grow the electric motorbike sector in Kenya. In addition to supporting the production of EVs, Watu is facilitating the set up of battery-swapping stations in Nairobi.

    ‘’For most of our riders who use their bikes for business, what they care about is being able to run a more efficient business by spending less on fuel and also having an EV that they can use without worrying that the battery will run dry in the middle of nowhere. We are helping ARC Ride set up more battery-swapping stations across Nairobi. Currently, ARC Ride has put up 76 battery-swapping stations across Nairobi and its environs, with a target of having at least 100 stations by the end of this year. This is central to making more and more boda boda riders make the switch to EVs’’ notes Eric Massawe.

    The 76 swap sites are in various locations along Eastlands, Ngong Road, Githurai, Westlands, Kiambu Road, Kebete, Mombasa Road and Thika Super Highway.

    The battery swap stations serve at least 50 riders per day, and these numbers have been going up as the number of swap stations increase.

    ARC Ride, represented by George Songe, said: “We are expanding our network of automated swapping stations to ensure that electric boda customers can conveniently replace their batteries when the need arises. Customers can replace batteries in under a minute for as low as Ksh 350 per day, for unlimited swaps.”

    To make them secure and accessible, the swap stations are set up through partnerships with food chain outlets such as Dominos and Artcaffe and fuel marketing firms such as Ola Energy.

    A few more partnerships will be announced before the end of 2023.

    Erick added that Watu decided to be involved in the EV development process because they’ve been exposed to the challenges that must be addressed to enable EV adoption across the continent.

    Andrii Volokha, General Manager for East Africa at Watu, commented: “We want to offer financing solutions that not only make access to e-motorbikes affordable to our customers and accessible nationwide. This investment will boost their penetration and uptake as we play our part to contribute to a just transition.”

    So far, the company has financed the purchase of over 100 electric assets in Kenya.

    Erick expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying it will further elevate Kenya’s prospect as a leading e-mobility hub, especially for boda bodas in Africa.

     

     

     

     

  • AI to support cancer treatment in Jaramogi Referral Hospital

    AI to support cancer treatment in Jaramogi Referral Hospital

    The Government of Kisumu has announced a partnership  with Hurone AI, a global oncology Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup to support cancer treatments at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu.

    Hurone AI is using Amazon Web Services Software, Amazon Bedrock to build applications for oncology care.

    The partnership will help enhance operational efficiency and optimize patient data, improving the quality of cancer treatments, ensuring seamless remote monitoring, and access to timely care interventions when needed to improve patient outcomes.

    “This strategic agreement demonstrates our commitment to redefining patient experiences and outcomes in underrepresented populations around the world,” says Kingsley I. Ndoh, MD, MPH, Founder & Chief Strategist of Hurone AI.

    “We are excited to work with the Government of Kisumu and Jaramogi Teaching and Referral Hospital to improve cancer care in Kisumu and beyond,”he added.

    Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Gregory Ganda, Minister of Health, Kisumu, adds, “Kisumu continues its commitment to healthcare innovation by embracing Hurone AI’s capabilities. This stride dovetails perfectly with our earlier adoption of San Francisco-based Zipline drone technologies for healthcare logistics.”

    Utilizing Amazon’s Bedrock, Hurone AI has selected foundational models for oncology care, enabling the integration of generative AI technology for the first time. This technology provides specific tools tailored to Hurone AI’s needs, such as creating personalized treatment plans and summarizing patient information, thereby making cancer treatment and side effect management more accurate and efficient.

    In a recent beta test, Hurone AI’s flagship software, Gukiza, reduced off-duty oncology calls by approximately 60% by enabling patients to interact directly with an AI-driven system for real-time monitoring and symptom reporting. The interaction replaces the traditional need for phone calls, allowing oncologists to instantly assess patient symptoms and provide timely interventions.

    Moreover, the application of generative AI automates complex tasks such as creating clinical summaries, generating treatment plans, and monitoring side effects, now allowing oncologists to save more than 75% of the time traditionally required to handle these responsibilities.

    This approach balances the dual goals of progressive cancer centres: achieving superior patient care and operational effectiveness. With Hurone AI, healthcare institutions can not only improve the quality of treatment but also streamline processes in a blend of technological innovation and patient-centred care.

    In Nigeria, Zenith Medical & Kidney Center, the largest Kidney Center in West Africa, is at the forefront of treating urologic cancers, chronic kidney disease, and performing kidney transplants. Nigeria bears 20% of the cancer burden in Africa.

    The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Health Equity Initiative has pledged additional support for these expansion efforts. Danielle Morris, health equity lead at AWS, articulates, “AWS is committed to helping improve health outcomes around the world. We believe that cloud technology can help address inequities in global health, and Hurone AI is a great example of how customers in our Health Equity Initiative are innovating truly novel solutions that can easily scale using cloud technology to bridge gaps in our global healthcare system and drive positive outcomes.”

    The visionary incorporation of generative AI into Hurone AI’s suite, with support from the AWS Health Equity Initiative, significantly improves the precision of the company’s solutions. “AWS’ support and the cutting-edge cloud tools we have incorporated not only improve accuracy but also leaves a profound impact on cancer patients worldwide,” concludes Ndoh.

  • E-Tourism Frontiers relaunches, to focus on AI and Tourism

    E-Tourism Frontiers relaunches, to focus on AI and Tourism

    E-Tourism Frontiers, a leading online tourism consultancy specializing in developing digital tourism strategies for global markets, has Thursday announced its relaunch.

    This comes following the untimely death of its CEO and founder, Damian Cook, in November last year.

    Originally established as E-Tourism Africa in 2007, the company expanded and rebranded to E-Tourism Frontiers in 2010, reflecting its broader focus on Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Continuing its mission to promote sustainable, community-based tourism, the company will now also explore the role of AI and Big Data in tourism.

    Taking up the helm in the role of Managing Director, is Sarah Mathews, a global expert in online tourism with over 30 years of marketing and digital experience. Mathews brings extensive knowledge from over a decade tenure as Director of Media Partnerships across Asia Pacific for Trip advisor.

    Her experience spans working with both corporate entities and internal tourism boards – she was the youngest ever female Chair of PATA – the Pacific Asia Travel Association and she had a decade-long collaboration with Damian Cook, identifying trends in consumer travel and providing strategic insights to keep the sector connected with travel audiences.

    Mathews said, “I am both thrilled and humbled to step into the role of Managing Director at E-Tourism Frontiers. Damian’s sudden passing last year left an immense void, not just within our organization, but across the many destinations he worked with including Kenya, Jordan, Rwanda and beyond. I am excited and feel a deep sense of responsibility to carry on Damian’s legacy, ensuring that businesses and destinations he worked with, benefit from the same level of innovation and passion that he embodied.”

    Under Mathews’ leadership, ETF will incorporate big data analysis and AI to stay at the cutting edge of online tourism trends.

    Mathews outlined her vision saying, “As we embark on this new chapter in E-Tourism Frontiers’ journey, I am keenly aware of the evolving landscape of travel and tourism. The urgent need for sustainable practices, the ever-changing consumer demands and the advent of AI are all factors that require our attention and action. My vision for ETF is to continue to be a leader in digital marketing consultancy, helping the industry navigate these changes with conscious, data-driven strategies that respect both our clients’ goals and the world in which we operate.”

    “We want to show the benefits of both AI and Big Data and highlight how both can be used in everyday business. Part of the role of ETF is to ensure that the developing world in not left behind by a digital divide”, said Mathews.

    Joining Mathews in this new chapter of E-Tourism Frontiers is Elizabeth Cook, stepping back into the role of Director of Marketing. As women leaders, Mathews and Cook bring a unique perspective and dynamic to the company’s leadership.

    “We’re thrilled to lead E-Tourism Frontiers as a team,” Mathews said.

    “Our combined experience, insights, and vision will not only drive growth but also foster a culture of inclusivity, innovation and empowerment. We believe in the power and potential of a company led by women, and we’re excited about the unique benefits this will bring and we also have the combined insight of an Asia and Africa focus”.

  • Kenyan based tech firm selected as finalist for global award

    Kenyan based tech firm selected as finalist for global award

    Responding to the urgent need to support positive responses to diversity, the Global Centre for Pluralism today announced 10 finalists for the 2023 Global Pluralism Award.

    Selected from among 200 submissions from 60 countries, Build Up, an innovator in the field of peace building based in Kenya, was shortlisted for its use of technology to address online polarization and division in diverse contexts.

    Build Up was selected for its unique approach to addressing hate speech and polarization. It partners with peace building organizations around the world to design and implement technology-based solutions to conflict. Among its creations are a chatbot that fights online misinformation. It has helped deliver voter education via WhatsApp bot to remote communities.

    “The creativity, courage and commitment shown by this year’s finalists is so important at this moment,” said Meredith Preston McGhie, Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism.

    “At a time of increasing polarization globally, it is critical to magnify the impacts of pluralism leaders who are creating more inclusive and peaceful societies where diversity is valued. I hope these examples spur us all to follow their example and take action.”

    Nominees for the Award undergo rigorous review and finalists are selected by an independent, international jury of experts.

    According to jury chair Dr. Marwan Muasher of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Jordan: “The Award finalists have made outstanding contributions to fostering pluralism in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. They are strengthening their communities by helping to build a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation and shared purpose.”

    From among these 10 finalists, three winners and seven honourable mention recipients will be announced in October and recognized at a ceremony to be held in November in Ottawa, Canada. Each winner will receive a prize of $50,000 (CAD) to further their work in support of pluralism.

    Release

  • East Africa’s largest healthcare exhibition opens in Nairobi

    East Africa’s largest healthcare exhibition opens in Nairobi

    Medic East Africa and Medlab East Africa,-East Africa’s largest healthcare exhibition and congress opened its doors on Wednesday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

    The three day event is set to bring together 5,000+ government officials, healthcare professionals and investors from across the globe to discover the latest healthcare and lab innovations that promise to redefine healthcare delivery in East Africa.

    In parallel, the event will also host a series of CPD-accredited conferences that are free to attend for healthcare and lab professionals from East Africa.

    Speaking at the event, Tom Coleman, Exhibition Director at Informa Markets, noted that “With the increase in international pavilions, we are providing the ideal platform for the East Africa healthcare industry to build relationships with stakeholders from around the world.Apart from the seasoned exhibitors, we have also first-time exhibitors like Siemens, United Imaging, Mindray, and Snibe, some of the leading brands in the world.”

    Some of the companies involved at the exhibition include Al Fahim Healthcare Solutions LLC, Siemens Healthineers and Leader Healthcare from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Crown Healthcare from Kenya, Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Company Ltd (Snibe) – China, Mindray and United Imaging among others.

    “At the end of the exhibition, health stakeholders will be able to determine the best course of action to deliver good and quality healthcare across the East African region. The conferences will also address crucial issues and define solutions for current challenges” Coleman added.

    (L-R) Tom Coleman exhibition director Informa markets healthcare, DR Joseph Lenai, head, division of National Laboratory service ministry of health Dr.Peter Lokamar and Solenne singer vice president Informa markets healthcare cut a ribbon to officially open Medic East Africa conference during Medic East Africa conference

    Among the countries present for the conference are United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Pakistan, and India among others.

    The second day of the conference will feature a Leaders Summit where Kenya’s dynamic potential and global healthcare innovation will be discussed. Looking to the future, this forum will aim to strengthen its roots in Kenya and spotlight Kenya’s strategic efforts in refining regulations to bolster the healthcare sector in the region.

    In addition to this, Medic East Africa has an ever-increasing focus on sustainability to improve its impact environmentally, socially, and economically in the region. The event organizers have taken extra measures such as visitors using electric buses to and from the venue, making use of sustainable building materials encouraging exhibitors to move away from disposable exhibition stands and ensuring all core elements, such as walls, archways, and counters can be re-used.

    The exhibition promises to be a transformative event, bringing together the brightest minds in healthcare to drive innovation and progress in the region and will serve as a platform for thought-provoking conversations on a wide range of topics.

     

  • Norad to provide core funding to icipe

    Norad to provide core funding to icipe

    The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), has signed an agreement with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), to provide the institution with annual core funding.

    Core funding is financial support made to institutions to produce global public goods, and to support of general operations, research, management and administration costs. Such resources ensure smooth day-to-day functions and contribute to stronger organisations that have greater impact, as they enable the improvement of processes, innovations and in-depth, systems-approach impact, thus enhancing productivity and efficiency.

    For research and development institutions like icipe, core funds safeguard resilience and capacity for innovation through long-term, visionary planning.

    They allow infrastructural upgrades of important physical and intellectual infrastructure and scientific equipment, as well as staff capacity strengthening, communication, finance and research innovation dockets. Significantly, core funds support the exploratory phases of novel research areas, helping to generate the evidence base needed to attract project investments. The funds also serve as a bridge for researchers and projects between funding phases. Indeed, without core funds it would be difficult for research and development institutions to effectively undertake their main business.

    The core support by Norad to icipe is in line with Norway’s commitment to strengthen food security in sub-Saharan Africa. Within this vision, Norad intends to boost research that contributes to: increased local climate-resilient food production; increased local value creation and incomes for food producers; reduced malnutrition and under nutrition; and reduced hunger crises.

    “Norad aimed to support an African-led research institution that works on the above-mentioned topics, which has significant activity in the region – including Norway’s five priority countries; Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, South Sudan and Ghana – and has a mandate for capacity development,” says Solbjørg Sjøveian, Head of Higher Education and Research in Norad. “The decision to provide core support to icipe  was based on several factors, including icipe’s outstanding results on recent agreements* with Norad, as well as the Centre’s solid administrative system,” Sjøveian adds.

    “Norad was one of the earliest supporters of icipe right from the founding of the Centre more than 50 years ago and has remained central to the execution of the vision and strategies of using insect science to transform livelihoods in Africa. The core support will significantly strengthen icipe and greatly benefit the constituencies that we serve,” stated icipe Director General & CEO, Dr Segenet Kelemu.

    The core funding agreement will strengthen the partnership between Norad and icipe in boosting research and capacity development for food security, thus contributing to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 of the African Union and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all the member states of the United Nations.

    “Norad and icipe mark the beginning of a new and exciting phase; a model of strategic investment and partnership for a greener, more sustainable, knowledge-based, innovation-driven, prosperous world. This is a vision that both our institutions cherish and share,” added  Dr Kjersti Thorkildsen, Senior Adviser, Section for Higher Education and Research, in Norad.

    Norad joins a list of icipe core donors that includes: the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida); the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC); the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; and the Government of the Republic of Kenya.

    Release