WHO mission revisits theory that coronavirus is spread through frozen meat
Momentum is growing for the suggestion that the coronavirus can spread from infected frozen wildlife. A World Health Organization (WHO) fact-finding mission in China did not rule out the idea that this mode of transmission contributed to early outbreaks of Covid-19 – although investigators say it is unlikely to have...
Africa needs pragmatic free market policies to attract capital into gas markets
When I spoke at the International Petroleum (IP) Week on February 25, 2021, I commended Nigeria for its efforts in driving gas monetisation. However, we have to be clear that the oil and gas industry and hardworking people remain frustrated by the delays and inability to pass and sign the...
Energy Chamber resolves to raise funding for new projects in Africa
Investment committee of the African Energy Chamber has prioritised capital mobilisation for investment in new energy projects on the continent. The committee, which met virtually for the second time since its inception last year, resolved to make capital mobilisation a top agenda of the industry in the post-Covid era. The...
Despite religious hurdles, women’s football in Morocco is growing – Fifa president
Fifa President Gianni Infantino wants the world football governing body’s cooperation with African strengthened through the support of women’s football. Despite religious encumbrances that sometimes prevent girls from taking the sport seriously, Mr Infantino acknowledged the efforts made in Morocco, a largely Muslim country, in getting women to participate in...
Sex pests: Acquittal of senior journalist Priya Ramani big victory for media women
The acquittal of senior journalist Priya Ramani of criminal charges of defamation brought by former editor and politician MJ Akbar is a landmark in the struggle against sexual harassment at the workplace in India. On February 17, 2021, history was made in a court room on Rouse Avenue in New...
A competitive oil and gas sector will drive growth in Angola’s economy
Angola’s oil wealth has by no means spared it from criticism about the unfair distribution of wealth, inequality in society and, in some cases, the misappropriation of state funds. These concerns are legitimate and should be looked into by the state. Where people are found to have profited unduly, it...
Sixty-five years of oil history has been good for Angola despite economic challenges
Angolan lawmakers last week approved the revision of current legislation, allowing for oil and gas pre-exploration studies to be carried out in some areas previously designated as natural reserves. The government, however, stressed that this law was by no means a relaxation of the stringent environmental provisions required for oil...
Unions condemn Facebook bullying, call for bolder steps to tackle ‘news deserts’
Journalists all over the world have, through their unions, told Facebook and Google to recognise the media as an essential service and stop exploiting them. In speaking out against Facebook and Google, journalists say they want to secure, support and sustain public-interest journalism on radio and television, in print and...
Covid control dilemma: Should we send the less-effective vaccine to Africa?
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi knows that a vaccine that offers 70 per cent protection against Coovid-19 could be a valuable tool against the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria – especially if that vaccine is cheap and doesn’t have to be stored at extremely cold temperatures. But what if another vaccine — one...
Facebook ‘re-friends’ Australia after revenue sharing law standoff
Facebook announced it would reverse its decision to block Australian news from the platform after a breakthrough in negotiations with Australia’s government over its proposed News Media Bargaining Code, the International Federation of Journalists reports (IFJ). In response, the IFJ and its Australian affiliate the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance...