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Worldcoin crypto project officially launches with digital identity through eyeball scanning Worldcoin, an innovative AI-powered crypto project, has officially launched after three years of development. Led by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the project aims to achieve global scale alignment through its unique digital identity and crypto payments system. Worldcoin, co-founded by Sam Altman, has successfully merged the worlds of AI and crypto. Their revolutionary project involves the use of a small device called an "orb" to scan people's eyeballs, generating a unique digital identity known as the "World ID." This groundbreaking approach to digital verification provides "proof of personhood". Initial Success and Expanding Reach Despite facing challenges during its rollout, Worldcoin has seen significant success. Over two million signups have already been recorded, a testament to the growing interest in the project. The team has also taken steps to enhance ...

Agronomist from Cameroon Awarded Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity The prestigious Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has revealed the three inspiring individuals selected as winners of the 2023 Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. The esteemed recipients, Bandi "Apai Janggut," Cécile Bibiane Ndjebet, and Lélia Wanick Salgado, are being recognized for their remarkable leadership in restoring and protecting vital ecosystems worldwide. Chaired by former Federal Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, the Jury carefully evaluated 143 nominations from 55 countries to identify the deserving awardees. These three individuals stood out for their unwavering commitment and decades-long efforts to restore critical ecosystems, including forests, landscapes, and mangroves. Moreover, they have championed land protection for the benefit of local communities, reflecting their dedication to safeguarding the planet from the impacts of climate change. Cécile Bibiane Ndjebet - Advocate for Gender Equality and ...

Nigeria announces its second participation at 2024 Venice Biennale Nigeria is set to make its mark at the 2024 Venice Biennale with its national pavilion, titled "Nigeria Imaginary." This will be the country's second participation in the esteemed global art event. The exhibition will feature nine talented Nigerian and Nigerian diasporic artists, presenting a captivating mix of intergenerational creativity. The pavilion will be located in a historic palazzo in Dorsoduro, near the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Artist lineup includes Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Yinka Shonibare, Fatimah Tuggar, and Precious Okoyomon. Their unique contributions will showcase the richness of Nigerian artistry. The exhibition's theme, "Nigeria Imaginary," curated by Nigerian-British art historian Aindrea Emelife, aims to blend tradition and modernity. The Nigerian pavilion strives to redefine the concept of a national showcase and ...

Internet Usage in Tanzania Surges 17% in One Year Due to Kiswahili Content The number of internet users in Tanzania has witnessed a significant 17% increase over the past year, reaching 34.05 million, as reported by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). This remarkable growth is attributed to the availability of Kiswahili content on various digital platforms, propelling internet adoption across the country. The TCRA's performance report for the quarter ending June 2023 also revealed insights into the internet habits of Tanzanians, with video streaming emerging as the most significant consumer of bandwidth. YouTube leads the way, with 50.18 million gigabytes (GBs) consumed, making it the preferred destination for entertainment, education, and information. Positive Development: Boosting Internet Accessibility and Development Dr. Jabiri Bakari, the Director General of TCRA, emphasized the importance of Kiswahili content in fostering internet adoption in Tanzania. As...

Ghana's Newborns to Receive Digital ID Numbers in August In a groundbreaking move, Ghana's Vice President, Mahamudu Bawumia, announced the launch of digital ID numbers, known as Ghana Card numbers, for newborns beginning next month. This momentous initiative comes as the integration of databases between the Births and Deaths Registry, the National Identification Authority (NIA), and the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has been successfully completed. The development aims to streamline civil registration and enhance digitalization efforts in the country. Successful Trial Run and Transformational Impact During a recent trial on July 21, a test issuance of ID numbers to newborns was conducted, and the outcome was highly successful. Hence, from the coming month, all babies born in Ghana will be granted the Ghana Card number and their Birth Certificate Identification number simultaneously when taken for the Weigh-In process. The seamless integration of the databases allows for this simul...

Revolutionizing the Cruise Industry: the World's First Zero-emission Cruise Ship Weeks before its 130th anniversary, Hurtigruten Norway revealed its ambitious plans for the world's first zero-emission cruise ship. Known as the 'Sea Zero' project, this groundbreaking initiative aims to create the most energy-efficient and sustainable cruise ship ever. Pioneering Sustainability in the Cruise Industry The 'Sea Zero' project, a collaboration between Hurtigruten Norway, 12 maritime partners, and research institute SINTEF, is committed to achieving emission-free marine travel. The consortium has spent a year researching energy-efficient and carbon-neutral technology solutions, paving the way for new innovations. The cruise line's focus on sustainable operations tailored to the Norwegian coast led to plans for smaller, custom-built ships with zero emissions. By 2030, the first ship will be ready, and Hurtigruten Norway aims to transform its entire fleet into zero-e...

Chale Wote Street Art Festival 2023: Africa's Vibrant Celebration of Artistic Excellence The 13th edition of the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, Africa's most vibrant celebration of art, is set to take place at the iconic Black Star Square in Osu. From Monday, 21st August to Sunday, 27th August, the streets of Osu will come alive with creativity and innovation in art. This year's Chale Wote Street Art Festival marks a significant milestone, celebrating over a decade of bringing together African artists and collaborators from around the world. For years, the festival has been known for its iconic public art interventions, showcasing the ingenuity and talent of African artists. A Unique Festival Experience Unlike previous years, the festival will focus solely on the Osu municipality, creating a new festival perimeter that includes the Black Star Square and adjoining streets. This change will provide an intimate and immersive experience for visitors and artists alike. The fest...

Wedding in the Hamptons: NBA Superstar Joel Embiid Marries Sports Illustrated Model Philadelphia 76ers' star player, Joel Embiid, recently exchanged vows with his long-time girlfriend, Anne de Paula, in a lavish wedding ceremony held in the upscale enclave of The Hamptons on July 22, 2023. The couple's love story began five years ago, thanks to a mutual friend's introduction. Love Born from Soccer Enthusiasm De Paula, 28, is a Rio de Janeiro-born Brazilian model who rose to fame by appearing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 2018. Before their paths crossed, both Joel Embiid and Anne de Paula were passionate about soccer. The towering 7-foot center from Cameroon and the Brazilian-born Sports Illustrated swimsuit model found common ground in their shared love for the sport. De Paula is a soccer enthusiast since childhood and even played goalkeeper as a child. Joel Embiid's wedding marks the pinnacle of his remarkable year, adding to his list of accomplishments as...

16-Year-Old Nigerian Teen Promotes Reading Culture and Mental Health Awareness Munachi Mbonu, a sixteen-year-old Nigerian, has taken the literary world of Nigeria by storm with the launch of her book, 'PEARL,' and an innovative online book clubhouse. The book aimed at inspiring young minds about the importance of mental health and seeking help. Munachi's inspiration for 'PEARL' stemmed from a desire to create a relatable narrative that addresses mental health issues faced by young people. The book carries an age-rating of 13, ensuring it to resonate with its target audience. Drawing from a real-life experience, Munachi's work aims to raise awareness and help those struggling with mental health challenges. Unveiling the Online Book Clubhouse In addition to her book, Munachi has launched an innovative online book clubhouse, promoting a culture of reading among Africans of all ages. Utilizing technology, the website offers free access, fostering a love for reading...

Preschool Math Teacher Wins Top Spot in National Competition in Tanzania Sophia Kawegere, a 30-year-old preschool teacher at Enaboishu Primary School in Arusha, Tanzania, earned her the top spot in the first-ever national competition held in Tanzania. Organized by the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) and funded by the World Bank's Boost Primary Student Learning Project (BOOST), the competition aimed to celebrate teachers' competencies and encourage the use of its Learning Management System (LMS), an online platform for accessing digital teaching resources and online learning initiatives. The competition is an integral part of Tanzania's Teachers' Continuous Professional Development (TCPD) initiative, known as Mafunzo Endelevu kwa Walimu Kazini (MEWAKA), which supports school-based professional development for teachers. It brought together pre-primary and primary teachers from 26 local government authorities (LGAs) participating in the BOOST Project to demonstrate t...

ICC U-19 Cricket Africa Qualifier Kicks Off with Tanzania vs. Kenya Clash The ICC U-19 men's cricket World Cup Africa qualifier has begun, and all eyes are on Tanzania and Kenya as they vie for their first victory. The tournament, held in Dar-es-Salaam, features a round-robin format with six African countries participating. High Hopes for Tanzania as Host Nation As the host nation, Tanzania is determined to make a mark in the competition. Head Coach Jimmy Kamande, a former player and coach for Kenya in the U-19 World Cup, is leading Tanzania's young talents. He is confident in his team's quality, evident during their intensive month-long training and friendly matches against Sierra Leone and Namibia, which they won by six wickets and 18 runs, respectively. "We are well-drilled. After scouting players from different parts of the country, we camped for about a month so they could train and find the balance. It’s a high-bar tournament. Only one team needs to qualify, so ...

Passionate Fans Await the Historic 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon Football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be hosted by Cameroon. The tournament promises to be a captivating showcase of passion, skill, and sporting excellence, celebrating the diverse cultural heritage that defines the African continent. Cameroon, known as the land of roaring lions, finds itself at the epicenter of this momentous occasion. With a rich footballing legacy and a deep love for the game, Cameroon stands ready to deliver an unforgettable spectacle that will reverberate throughout Africa and beyond. The African Cup of Nations marks the return of this prestigious tournament to the continent, uniting nations in a celebration of the beautiful game. Cameroon showcases not only their passion for football but also their capacity to seamlessly blend sporting excellence with vibrant cultural experiences. The state-of-the-art stadiums are set against Camero...

Latest Football News: Ghana's Football Ranking Shows Room for Improvement Ghana's national football team, the Black Stars, currently holds the 11th position in Africa, according to the latest ranking by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA). On the global rankings, the team stands at 60th. Although the Black Stars have not made it to the top 10 in Africa, there are opportunities for improvement. The team's ranking has been affected by their performance since the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where they exited at the group stage. Since then, Ghana has played three matches, all in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. While they remain unbeaten in their last three games, they have only managed to secure one victory, with a goalless draw against Madagascar last month. Africa's Football Rankings and Ghana's Aspirations At present, Morocco holds the top position in Africa's rankings, followed by Senegal and Tunisia in the second and third...

Nigeria and Canada Face Off in Women's World Cup 2023 In the upcoming World Cup, Nigeria and Canada will go head-to-head in an exciting battle to kick off their campaigns on a positive note. Both teams find themselves in Group B, alongside the Republic of Ireland and Australia, and are keen to secure a victory to boost their chances of advancing further in the tournament. Prospects for Nigeria and Canada Nigeria's Super Falcons head to the tournament with their highest world ranking in five years, standing tall at 40th place. With a rich history of World Cup appearances since 1991, they are determined to showcase their potential once again. Having achieved notable wins over Costa Rica, Haiti, and New Zealand, they are brimming with confidence. Similarly, Canada, ranked 7th globally, has had success on the pitch against strong opponents like Australia, which provides a morale-boosting foundation for their World Cup journey. Though they faced challenges against France, Japan, and...

Lviv First-year Students Designe Unique Smart Cane for the Visually Impaired Lviv Polytechnic National University's first-year students have designed a groundbreaking smart cane for partially sighted individuals. This cane operates autonomously, setting it apart from similar products. In a bid to equip students for the tech market and entrepreneurial ventures, the Lviv IT Cluster has been working to revamp bachelor's programs. These efforts have borne fruit as first-year students showcase their ingenious tech projects. The team leader, Melania Voloshynska, explained that they conducted surveys to identify users' needs, discovering that detecting stairs and curbs was a priority. To address this, the smart cane features a distance sensor at the bottom. When an obstacle is about two steps away, the sensor sends a signal to the handle, which starts vibrating. If the distance is less than a step, an audible beep is emitted. Additionally, the cane offers voice search functionalit...

Cameroonian Activist Christelle Bay Nfor Honored for Women Empowerment Initiatives Social worker and women's rights activist Christelle Bay Nfor was recently honored in London, United Kingdom, for her remarkable work in women empowerment. The prestigious award was presented to her during a high-profile event at the Palace of Westminster, House of Lords, on July 14, 2023. The recognition came as a result of the Advisory Board's recommendation and under the authorization of the Board of Trustees of the African Achievers Award. Dedicated Advocate for Gender Equality During the award ceremony, Christelle Bay Nfor, the founder and Executive Director of Hope for the Needy Association (HOFNA) in Cameroon, expressed her gratitude and dedicated the award to those who actively contribute to ending gender-based violence and other forms of oppression. She acknowledged the support of her team at HOFNA and the countless women and girls she has had the privilege to work with throughout her ca...

Peter Obi's 62nd Birthday: A Reminder of Hope and Inspiration for Nigerians Peter Obi, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has emerged as a symbol of hope and transformation in the country. From 2006 to 2014, Obi spearheaded a profound change in Anambra State, leading it towards peace, progress, and development. During his tenure, the state witnessed unprecedented growth, accumulating over N75 billion in surpluses and emerging as a model of development for other states in Nigeria. A Remarkable Transformation in Anambra State Obi's tenure was marked by his commitment to justice and the rule of law. He challenged the corrupt political system, transforming the perception of post-election litigation in Nigeria. When he felt cheated in the electoral process, Obi took his case to court and became the first governor to ascend to power through the tribunals. His victory showcased the infinite possibilities of the Nigerian judiciary. Throughout his political career, Obi demonstrate...

Australian Sailor and His Dog Bella Miraculously Rescued After Months at Sea A 51-year-old Sydney resident, Tim Shaddock, and his faithful companion Bella, have been found safe and sound after an astounding survival journey at sea. Their gripping tale of endurance, likened to the iconic movie "Cast Away," captivated the world as they faced the harsh challenges of life at sea. Incredible Survival Feat at Sea Tim Shaddock and Bella's extraordinary saga of survival began when their boat embarked on a voyage from La Paz, Mexico, to French Polynesia. However, their once-promising journey took a dire turn when a powerful storm severely damaged their vessel, leaving them stranded and adrift in the vast Pacific Ocean. Facing the harsh reality of their situation, Tim and Bella displayed remarkable resourcefulness and determination. They managed to sustain themselves by consuming raw fish and relying on rainwater for hydration. Reports from local sources revealed that the resilient...

Ghana's Renowned Costume and Makeup Designer, Belinda Ama Aflakpui, Receives Global Recognition Belinda Ama Aflakpui, a highly respected figure in Ghana's costume and makeup design industry, is making significant waves on the global stage. Recently, her outstanding work on the film "Coming To Africa: Welcome To Ghana" was honored at the African Film Festival held in Dallas, USA. Aflakpui, also known as Madam Ama Aflakpui, currently serves as a lecturer at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI). Ama Aflakpui's skills and passion for her craft are evident in her portfolio. Collaborating with renowned production houses such as Farmhouse Productions and Ad-visors, she has established herself as an adept costume and makeup designer. Her work on popular series like "YOLO" and "Stryke," as well as commercials for notable brands such as MTN, Pepsodent, UMB, Malta Guinness, and GHACEM, have garnered widespread acclaim. Recognition at the Afr...

Mobile Money Emerges as Preferred Payment Method in Tanzania Studies conducted by Standard Bank (Stanbic) and FinScope Tanzania indicate that mobile money wallets have gained significant traction as the preferred mode of payment for business and financial transactions in Tanzania. This trend sets Tanzania apart from other African countries where cash payments still dominate and mobile money adoption remains slow. Stanbic's analysis of trade trends in Tanzania throughout 2022 revealed a notable shift from electronic bank transfers to mobile money as the preferred method of payment for sales. This shift signifies the increasing popularity of mobile money, while electronic fund transfers (EFTs) are losing favor as a means of receiving payment for sales. The findings were part of Stanbic's Trade Barometer report for Tanzania, released in late June. FinScope Tanzania's 2023 report corroborated Stanbic's findings, highlighting a significant increase in the adoption of mobile ...

Christie's and Gucci Unite for NFT Generative Art and Fashion Auction In a groundbreaking collaboration, renowned auction house Christie's has joined forces with luxury brand Gucci to explore the realm of generative art and fashion. The exclusive digital art auction titled "Future Frequencies: Explorations in Generative Art and Fashion" showcases a collection of 21 NFTs created by a group of talented artists. The collection features artworks by notable artists such as Claire Silver, Emily Xie, Botto, Emi Kusano, William Mapan, Zach Lieberman, Helena Sarin, and DRAUP. These artists combine the realms of fashion, art, and technology to push the boundaries of creativity. The influence of Gucci's iconic style is evident, with the inclusion of Bamboo 1947 handbags featuring the brand's signature bamboo handle, as well as fabrics and colors synonymous with Gucci. “With a focus on the interplay between autonomous systems and fashion, these digital artists create a fu...

Global Hit Series 'Magnificent Century' Enters The Sandbox Metaverse The popular Turkish TV series "Magnificent Century," captivating Ottoman costume drama, has formed a partnership with The Sandbox, a well-known virtual gaming platform. This collaboration marks the second time a global hit series has entered The Sandbox metaverse. Expanding the World of "Magnificent Century" in the Gaming Realm Produced by TIMS Productions' founder Timur Savcı, "Magnificent Century" has garnered a massive following, reaching over 140 countries and attracting over 500 million viewers worldwide. Now, fans of the series can immerse themselves in the game world and create their own unique experiences, utilizing both original and established characters and settings. Global players will have the opportunity to equip their 3D avatars within The Sandbox starting from the last quarter of this year. In addition to this exciting development, "Magnificent Century...

The First 24 Meters of the 18 km-long Fehmarnbelt Tunnel Successfully Completed The casting of tunnel elements for the Fehmarnbelt tunnel, connecting Rødbyhavn in Denmark to Puttgarden in Germany, has begun, signaling a major milestone in the project. This achievement comes after approximately two and a half years of construction on the world's largest precast concrete element factory in Rødbyhavn. Key Stage Reached in Fehmarnbelt Project The Fehmarnbelt project has reached a significant stage in its history with the commencement of tunnel element casting. The past few years were dedicated to constructing the tunnel element factory in preparation for this phase. Now, the first 24 meters of the 18 km-long immersed tunnel have been successfully cast, bringing the project closer to completion. Jens Ole Kaslund, Technical Director of Femern A/S, the client organization, expressed the importance of this achievement: "This is a very decisive moment and a major milestone in the Fehma...

100 Children Played Chess at the Same Time in Ukraine Olympic champion and Honored Master of Sports of Ukraine, Natalia Zhukova, organized a grand chess tournament at the Chornomorets stadium in Odesa on July 16. The event, dedicated to International Chess Day celebrated worldwide on July 20, aimed to popularize the game among children and showcase its numerous benefits. Promoting Chess and Developing Young Minds 100 children participated in this exciting tournament. Natalia Zhukova, a member of the Odesa City Council, expressed her delight at the opportunity to "give the stadium stands much-missed spectators." Amidst the challenging times, this event brought joy and excitement to both the young participants and the audience. From the moment the registration was announced, Natalia Zhukova wondered if there would be enough interest from children to fill the tournament. However, to her pleasant surprise, the list of participants was closed within just three days, showcasing the...

India's IIT Madras Offers Data Science and AI Education at its Zanzibar Campus IIT Madras, the top-ranked educational institute in India, is making history by launching its first international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The Zanzibar Campus aims to strengthen the educational partnership between India and Tanzania, offering two full-time academic programs in Data Science and AI. The campus will have a permanent location spread across 200 acres on Zanzibar Island, with the master plan being developed by experts from IIT Madras. IIT Madras Establishes First International Campus in Tanzania The expansion of Indian higher education outside the country, as encouraged by the National Education Policy 2020, has led to the realization of the Zanzibar Campus. The government of Tanzania has shown strong interest in this educational collaboration, and discussions with ministry officials and academic institutions have emphasized the importance of Data Science in the country. Prof. Preeti Agha...

Tanzania's Tax System: Adapting to the Era of Cryptocurrencies Tanzania adapts cryptocurrencies taxation as their usage continues to grow. Despite being geographically distant from the direct impact of cryptocurrencies, the country needs to prepare its tax system to handle these digital assets. Rapid Growth of Cryptocurrencies Requires Tax System Adaptation Since the emergence of Bitcoin in 2009, over 10,000 variations of cryptocurrencies have been created, leading to the need for tax systems to catch up with this fast-paced development. Tanzania's recent fiscal budget for 2023/24 has raised questions about the challenges associated with taxing crypto assets. The government aims to prevent tax revenue leakage and maintain the integrity of the tax system by addressing these challenges. Efforts to integrate cryptocurrencies into the tax system may face obstacles due to Tanzania's existing tax structures. Taxation of cryptocurrency users' transactions poses significant cha...

Cameroon-born director Bonaventure Ndikung offers a new vision of Berlin arts centre Berlin arts centre "Haus der Kulturen der Welt" (HKW) is undergoing a transformation under the direction of Bonaventure Ndikung, a prominent figure in the German cultural scene. The HKW, initially built for propaganda purposes during the Cold War, is now being revitalized as a hub of post-colonial multiculturalism. Ndikung, who hails from Cameroon and has lived in Germany for over two decades, envisions the center as a space that celebrates the diverse cultures of the world. Revitalizing the HKW After obtaining a doctorate in medical biology, Bonaventure Ndikung pursued a career as an engineer before transitioning to the world of art. In 2010, he established the Savvy gallery in Berlin, a space that fosters the convergence of art from diverse regions. His involvement as a curator in the renowned contemporary art event, Documenta, held in Kassel, Germany in 2017, further solidified his presenc...

French Football Star Mbappe Сompletes Three-Day Visit to Cameroon France's talented football player, Kylian Mbappe, has completed his three-day visit to Cameroon, the birthplace of his father. The 24-year-old forward was welcomed by ecstatic fans dressed in his Paris Saint-Germain team jersey. During his trip, Mbappe visited a school that his association is supporting with renovation funds and his father's village on Djelabe island, where he was celebrated by the locals. Warm Welcome in Cameroon Kylian Mbappe's visit to Cameroon sparked excitement among fans as they eagerly greeted the renowned footballer, many donning his Paris Saint-Germain team jersey. The warm welcome showcased the admiration and support Mbappe receives in his ancestral homeland. Supporting Education and Community Development During his trip, Mbappe visited a school that his association is financing for renovation purposes. The gesture not only reflects his commitment to education but also his desire to...

Ghana Welcomes First Female Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics A significant milestone has been achieved in Ghana's academic landscape as Professor Mariam El-Boakye Gyasi becomes the country's first female Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics. This achievement marks a major step forward for gender equality in academia. Dr. George Anagli, a former student of Prof. Boakye-Gyasi, shared the news on social media and expressed his admiration for his former lecturer. Breaking Gender Barriers in Academia Prof. Mariam El-Boakye Gyasi, currently a Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has made history with her remarkable accomplishment. She is part of the faculty in the Department of Pharmaceutics at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where she imparts her knowledge of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology to both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she also serves as th...