Day: June 1, 2024

Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Ambassador in India, Demeke Atnafu underscored Africa’s remarkable surge in digital growth, transforming various aspects of its socio-economic landscape.

Ambassador Demeke made the remark at the International Conference on Digital Growth in Africa to celebrate Africa Day 2024 at University of Delhi, organized by the Department of African Studies, according to Embassy of Ethiopia in New Delhi.

As a Chief Guest, the ambassador delivered speech on the topic with prelude to the important of celebrating African Day with reference to independent movement in Africa.

Ambassador Demeke underscored Africa’s remarkable surge in digital growth, transforming various aspects of its socio-economic landscape.

From the expansion of mobile connectivity to the proliferation of e-commerce platforms and the emergence of tech startups, digital technologies are reshaping how Africans interact, communicate, and do business.

With regard to Ethiopia, Ambassador Demeke highlighted that as a fast-growing econ
omy, digitization is at the core of everything in Ethiopia, such as in agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services.

In 2020 Ethiopia initiated Digital Ethiopia 2025, a strategy that aims to leverage digitally enabled pathways to foster inclusive national prosperity through boosting economic growth, enhancing public services, and fostering social development.

Telecommunication reforms, including the liberalization of the telecom sector in 2020, have introduced competition, improved services, and made internet access more accessible and affordable.

In his concluding remark, Ambassador Demeke emphasized that through strengthened Africa -India relations, we can create a future where both regions thrive in the digital era.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Addis Ababa: Director of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva, Paola Albrito has affirmed that UNDRR will continue to enhance its partnership with Ethiopia to safeguard vulnerable populations in the region from the impacts of natural disasters.

Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew held discussions with Paola Albrito, Director of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva on Friday , according to Ethiopian permanent Mission in Geneva.

During their discussion, the Director expressed her appreciation to the Ethiopian government for its dedication to implementing initiatives and centered in building resilient communities against disasters and hazards.

She affirmed that UNDRR will continue to enhance its partnership with Ethiopia to safeguard vulnerable populations in the region from the impacts of natural disasters.

Ambassador Tsegab on his part provided an overview to the Director about Ethiopia’s activities and initiatives in the area of disaster risk and reducti
on and highlighted some of the challenges faced in the Horn of Africa region due to the effects of Climate Change, as well as the recurring droughts and floods.

The Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva is set to lead the UNDRR Support Group for duration of one year, starting from September 2024 to June 2025.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Nchendzengang Tatah

On a bus from one town to another in Cameroon, there is a high probability of hearing people discussing environment-related issues more than employment.

Afrobarameter in a survey carried out in 34 African countries in 2021 to 2023, reports that 52% of their respondents will want government to prioritise environmental protection.

According to the report published in the Continent Magazine, Issue 164 of June 1, 2024, sixteen countries over the continent had more people concerned about the environment with twenty others prioritizing jobs.

The issue of the environment has stimulated national discussions for some time now following various disasters across Cameroon. According to Prof. Nkwatoh Athanasius Fuashi, a leading researcher in Forest Resources Economics and Management, the leading environmental challenges are climate change and pollution.

A case in point cited by Prof. Fuashi is Buea, where a flash flood in the first quarter of 2023 claimed two lives. Indigenes have said such massi
ve water movement has not been recorded in their recorded history. Environmentalists blamed construction on drainage lines for the severity of the incident.

Residents of the town have continued to worry over rising temperatures and reduced rainfall in recent years. Inadequate waste disposal is also visible with overflowing bins and stinky waste sites throughout the town. Buea is located at the foot of an active volcano, Mount Cameroon.

With a focus on the environment during the 31st edition of World Press Freedom Day, journalists have become stirred towards these issues too. Journalism training institutions like the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Buea envisage introducing special courses on environmental journalism as disclosed by its chair, Dr. Nengieh Lizzie.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

By Charity Nginyu

At the Mvog-Betsi Botanical Zoo Garden in the Center Region, a 6-year-old child had a terrifying encounter with a spotted hyena, resulting in the partial amputation of his forearm.

The Minister of Forestry and Wildlife on Friday issued a statement addressing the alarming incident, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and safety measures within the zoo.

According to the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, the child was recklessly disregarding safety precautions by crossing the designated barrier and attempting to touch the hyena.

Despite the enclosure’s double mesh of grids, the child managed to insert his arm, leading to the unfortunate encounter.

Immediately following the incident, the child was transported to the Yaoundé Emergency Center (CURY), where he underwent surgery. According to the Ministry, he currently remains under observation at the center as medical professionals monitor his recovery.

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, the Minister of Forestry and Wildli
fe assured the public that the Mvog-Betsi Botanical Zoo Garden remains a secure environment for recreation.

However, they stressed the importance of heightened vigilance among zoo personnel to prevent any potential safety breaches.

In light of this unfortunate event, visitors are urged to adhere to all safety guidelines and barriers established within the zoo premises.

Source: Cameroon News Agency