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ISSUE NUMBER 758 VOLUME 2 01 MAR - 07 MARCH 2021

Zambia Copper production increases in 2020

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Women inch towards equal legal rights despite Covid-19 risks- Report page 4

Pandemic likely made IN TALKS OVER OCEAN 2020 ‘another devastating year’ WATER DESALINATION for world’s forests PROJECT page 10 2 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021

THE AFRICAN STORY

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Head of Design Ame Kolobetso [email protected] Botswana-Namibia in Distribution & Circulation Mogapi Ketletseng [email protected] Echo is published by ambitious ocean water YMH Publishing YMH Publishing, Unit 3, Kgale Court, Plot 128, GIFP, Postal address: desalination project talks P O BOX 840, The two Southern African an investor who is offering is cheaper in desalinating water the areas of water infrastructure Gaborone, neighbours - Botswana and to desalinate water from the from the ocean. and sustainable development”. Botswana Telephone: (267) 3933 805/6. Namibia have revealed that they Atlantic Ocean. Meanwhile the media in Namibia Hengari is reported to have said E-mail: [email protected] are jointly considering a water “Being a good neighbour and has raised issues with the silence the water scarcity situation the www.echo.co.bw development project, which alive to our water challenges, of their government on the two drought-stricken countries would see the two-desalinating President Geingob invited us to matter, and that the identity facto have e and plans to partner DISCLAIMER: water from the Atlantic Ocean come and meet the investor and of the potential investor is still on a desalination project were Echo Newspaper welcomes concise letters from readers. for supply to both countries. share thoughts on the project,” unknown. central to the meeting. Letters must carry the The details of the meetings Masisi said. According to The Namibian, State “Following presentations on full name and address of that have been taking place in Masisi further said they are elated House press secretary Alfredo opportunities to scale up water the sender. Letters must Windhoek, twice in a month at the prospects, adding that the Hengari refused to reveal the provision, the two presidents conform to the laws of were revealed by the Botswana success of the project will be details of Thursday’s meeting, directed technical experts to Botswana and to the Press Council of Botswana’s Code government-first by its President determined by their governance but only sad the two presidents work out further modalities and Of Ethics. Letters will also be Mokgweetsi Masisi, and later procedures. In an interview held talks bordering on common to report back on the feasibility of edited for length, libel and by the government media with government media, Masisi challenges and opportunities the such common projects,” Hengari language. following a visit by a government further revealed that the investor two countries share, “with the said. delegation he led to Namibia on had cited a new technology that view of cooperating, especially in Thursday. According to Botswana, President invited Botswana to meet a potential investor in Windhoek for the envisaged project, which would possibly be implemented in partnership between the two countries. Interestingly, it was Geingob Read more Echo who first posted that he was to stories on our host Masisi on Thursday while Facebook page by his counterpart had kept the visit under wraps, only for Botswana’s scanning the QR foreign affairs. In his statement code below with the day before the meeting, your mobile phone Geingob said during the visit they were to discuss within the framework of a win-win partnership matters of mutual concern for the two countries in the areas of water infrastructure and sustainable development. Following the meeting, it was the Botswana leader who took to social media that they discussed and explored the possibility of partnering in a water project. Namibia had started talks with Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Echo Report 3

9.71 percent. He said copper production by large scale mines increased to over 868,000.00 in 2020 compared to a production of over 787,600.00 in 2019 representing an increase of 9.32 percent while copper production by small scale mines increased to 13,391 tonnes in 2020 from 8,732 tonnes recorded in 2019 representing an increase of 34.8 percent. The minister attributed the increase in copper production by large scale mines mainly to the increase in production by Kalumbila minerals and Kansanshi mine plc while the increase in copper production by small scale mines was due to increased processing capacities by small scale mines in 2020 as compared to 2019 as well as the stabilized power supply to plants. Meanwhile the production of, manganese, coal and nickel increased while that of gold, gemstones and cobalt reduced. And the mines minister has projected to produce a total of 900,000 tonnes of copper in 2021 and that this should be boosted by the commodity prices increase on the international Copper production increases in 2020 market which will encourage the mining companies to further Zambia has recorded an increase an increase despite the covid the development at a media increased to over 882,000.00 increase their production. in copper production in 2020 -19 outbreak. briefing last week said the mining tonnes in 2020 compared to over with eight of the ten large scale Minister of Mines Richard sector performed better than 796,400.00 tonnes recorded in (Phoenix News ) mining companies recording Musukwa who announced anticipated as copper production 2019 representing an increase of

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Women inch towards equal legal rights despite Covid-19 risks-Report

The World Bank has said equality with men in 2019-20, “a backslide on various hard- opportunity for countries to and equally in economic, social governments must do more said the report, which grades 190 won advances in women’s rights rebuild more resilient, inclusive and family life.” to ease the disproportionate nations on laws and regulations achieved in recent years”, said and prosperous economies,” burden shouldered by women that affect women’s economic Antonia Kirkland, the global lead she told Reuters. during the pandemic. The World opportunities. on legal equality at women’s “But this can only be achieved Bank said as it released a report While countries in all of rights organisation Equality alongside the removal of sex which showed that women the world’s regions made Now. discriminatory laws that prevent gained legal rights in nearly improvements in the new index “This disruption is a unique women from participating fully 30 countries last year despite - with most reforms addressing disruption due to Covid-19. pay and parenthood, women The Bank said Nations should on average still have only about prioritise gender equality in three quarters of the rights economic recovery efforts, granted to men, the report warning that progress on equal found. rights was threatened by heavier Notably, nearly 40 countries job losses in female-dominated brought in extra benefit or leave sectors, increased childcare and policies to help employees a surge in domestic violence. balance their jobs with the “This pandemic has extra childcare needs created exacerbated existing inequalities by coronavirus restrictions. that disadvantage girls and But such measures were “few women,” David Malpass, World and far between” worldwide and Bank Group president, said in will probably not go far enough a statement accompanying the to tackle the “motherhood annual Women, Business and penalty” many women face the Law report. in the workplace, it said. “Women should have the same The report also noted separate access to finance and the same data from a United Nations rights to inheritance as men tool tracking gender-sensitive and must be at the centre of pandemic responses which our efforts toward an inclusive found 70% of such measures and resilient recovery from the addressed violence, with Covid-19 pandemic.” just 10% targeting women’s A total of 27 countries economic security. reformed laws or regulations to give women more economic The pandemic could result in Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Echo Report 5

Most analysts said the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) may ease current output curbs when they meet on March 4, but would still agree to maintain supply discipline. “With OPEC+ endeavouring to keep global oil production below demand, inventories should continue falling this year and allow prices to rise further,” said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. Oil demand was seen growing by 5-7 million barrels per day in 2021, as per the poll. However, experts said any deterioration in the COVID-19 situation and the possible lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran could hold back oil’s recovery. The poll forecast U.S. crude to average $55.93 per barrel in 2021 versus January’s $51.42 consensus. Oil set for steady gains as economies Analysts expect U.S. production to rise moderately this year, although new measures from shake off pandemic blues U.S. President Joe Biden to tame the oil sector could curb output in the long run. Oil prices will stage a steady forecast Brent crude would $58.80 so far this year. dynamics, the supply side is “A structural shift away from recovery this year as vaccines average $59.07 per barrel in 2021, “Travel and leisure activity unlikely to catch up on time, fossil fuels” may prevent oil reach more people and speed an up from last month’s $54.47 look set to catch up to buoyant leaving the oil market in from returning to the highs of economic revival, with further forecast. manufacturing activity due to tightening mode for months previous decades, said Economist impetus coming from stimulus This is the biggest month-on- the mix of stimulus, confidence, to come.” Intelligence Unit analyst Cailin and output discipline by top month upward revision for the vaccines, and more targeted Of the 41 respondents who Birch. crude producers, a Reuters poll yearly forecast in Reuters polls pandemic measures,” said participated in both the February showed on Friday. going back until at least 2016. Norbert Ruecker of Julius Baer. and January polls, 32 raised their (Reuters.) The survey of 55 participants Brent has averaged around “Against these demand forecasts. --

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Nodo Investment (Pty) Ltd is supplying social protection grant a LEA assisted enterprise found beneficiaries with groceries on in Tsabong and . monthly basis. The business has Directed by Mr. & Mrs. Letsholo, also been assisted to be awarded a a service provider that operates tender on contract basis to supply retail outlets that comprise of groceries and meat products two general dealers, butchery to BDF, Prisons and Brigades & fresh produce as well as a in Tsabong. liquor store. Butchery & fresh produce and general dealer are Over and above LEA business based in Tsabong while the other development and support general dealer and liquor store services, the business has are in Middlepits grown and offers services to various markets that include Nodo Investment registered Government, private sector and with LEA in 2015, and have since individuals in the area. been assisted with targeted interventions to advance their Nodo Investments is currently businesses and has now shown being assisted to develop a growth despite their large retail business plan to purchase a competitors in the Kgalagadi shopping complex in in one of the South region as such managed villages in Kgalagadi South. The to establish supportive clientele financial move is geared towards and a stable market. expansion of the business to include manufacturing. As a Through the LEA business long term solution, securing advisory services, the enterprise this property will eliminate was able to prosper and diversify high rental costs for Nodo their product offerings in all Investments. the outlets which include other TEL: services such as general supply, The business has also construction and sales of poultry benefitted from the LEA training 73165857 products to increase its revenue. and capacity development LEA has assisted the business initiatives such as Business 74441233 to acquire construction codes Planning, Records Keeping and to meet local tendering and Entrepreneurship Development procurement processes. In training, branding, Financial addition, the business was able Viability Tool and Monitoring. The ARTICLE BROUGHT TO to subscribe for the Smart Switch business also receives business program, and the outlets are now coaching and mentoring. YOU BY LEA Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Echo Report 7 Nigeria seeks asset managers for $2.6 billion new infrastructure firm Nigeria’s central bank is seeking asset managers for a new $2.6 bln infrastructure investment www.lea.co.bw company set up to develop the country’s crumbling transport networks and boost economic growth. The asset managers will originate and manage infrastructure projects, generating return from investments, the bank said on Saturday. The deadline for submission of proposals is March 16. Nigeria emerged out of economic recession in the fourth quarter of 2020, despite a contraction in the year as a whole. But growth is fragile as poor infrastructure have stymied the economy for decades, holding back the distribution of wealth in Africa’s biggest economy. President approved the creation of Infrastructure Corporation DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO of Nigeria in February to focus on infrastructure development, with a seed capital of 1 trillion DEVELOP A BUSINESS PLAN? naira ($2.6 billion). Initial capital will come from the central bank, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), and the Africa Finance LEA WILL ASSIST Corporation, the central bank has said. Economists say the poor state YOU AT NO COST! of Nigeria’s infrastructure has put at risk the Buhari government’s ambitions for turning the country into a manufacturing hub and growing the agriculture sector. In 2017, the government set up the Development Bank of Nigeria to boost credit to small-scale Business Operational Marketing Financial businesses that make up almost overview Plan Plan Projections of half of the economy. Now the government wants to fix its crumbling roads and rail network that have made it hard to move agricultural and finished goods to markets. Buhari has pledged to strengthen the agricultural sector, to reduce Nigeria’s costly food imports and diversify the economy away from an over-reliance on oil. But access to long-term funds in Visit any LEA branch for assistance. local currency has been a major hurdle. InfraCorp’s board will be Gaborone: 3957856 : 2418036 : 5921006 chaired by the central bank governor, the managing director Pilane: 5729146 Tsabong: 6540196 : 6597161 Nigeria’s sovereign wealth fund, the president of the Africa Kanye: 5403093 Selibe Phikwe: 2613160 : 4632071 Finance Corporation, and three independent directors from the : 5391075 Maun: 6863146 : 6510420 private sector. The aim is for the entity to grow : 2489803 : 6250432 : 2978780 to 15 trillion naira in assets and capital, the central bank said.

(Reuters.)

Empowering the entrepreneur to start and grow TOLL FREE: 08 00 155 155 8 Business & Finance Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021

vastly underrepresented. Although appointed into leadership positions, women face an even greater hurdle of gender pay gap. The gender pay gap or gender wage gap is the average difference between the remuneration for men and women who are working. The awareness of pay disparities has increased with some companies adopting policies to ensure that diversity and pay inequality is addressed. The coronavirus pandemic has created a slowdown in economic activity, impacting business profitability and employment prospects. Women’s participation in the labour force had been increasing, but these gains are being lost due to COVID-19. The pandemic has inflicted disproportionate damage to sectors employing more women, such as retail stores, restaurants, and the Breaking the norm - the rise of Female hotel and hospitality business. Globally, women’s job losses due to Covid-19 are 1.8 times African leaders in Business greater than men. Gender norms in Africa most importantly in business and becoming leaders. These Today we have more female emphasize the primary role of By Emmanuel Allottey economic activity. According include social and cultural executives at the helm of large women as mothers and wives, to the third edition of the barriers, traditional gender corporations both public which discourages them from The appointment of Nigeria’s Mastercard Index of Women roles, the low status of women listed companies and private joining the workplace and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the new Entrepreneurs (MIWE), Uganda, in many societies, and limited institutions. According to ascending to higher positions. director-general of the World Ghana and Botswana are the top access to educational and Mckinsey report on women These antiquated stereotypes are Trade Organisation (WTO), the three African countries with the employment opportunities. in leadership roles, the private being destroyed with the rapid first woman and African to hold highest percentages of women- Despite these challenges women sector in Africa has more women rise of female leaders. Going this position has broken the owned businesses across the have remained resilient and in executive committees, CEO, forward, African females in glass ceiling for rise of African 58 markets evaluated around progressed into leadership roles and board roles in companies leadership is expected to grow females into leadership roles. the world. in male dominated industries than the average worldwide. exponentially walking in the Women play a critical role in Women in Africa must such as construction, mining, Despite these advances, footsteps of trailblazers like all spheres of society and now overcome high barriers to transportation and technology. however, women are still Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

assets to repay their obligations. An agile Credit risk management strategy combined with innovative credit risk models will assist in navigating the tumultuous operating environment as the pandemic drags on. Banks need to review their existing acquisition policies, strategies, and cut-offs to manage emerging risks and provide ongoing credit to customers. These enhanced policies should embody learnings from the current crisis and include an informed incorporation of horizon risks. Commercial banks can leverage their credit risk management strategy as a way to gain competitive advantage. Commercial banks face huge losses Commercial Banks are at the epicentre of the COVID-19’s economic storm. Governments and regulators introduced from the fallout of Covid-19 support measures to prevent economic collapse, ensuring the By Emmanuel Allottey economic downturn. that have been hardest hit by mortgage forbearance, loan flow of credit and functioning The effect of the government- the pandemic such as Aviation, modifications, late fee waivers, of markets. Some of these Financial Institutions face imposed lockdowns, movement Tourism and Hospitality as well as and suspension in reporting measures included rate cuts the inherent the risk of default restrictions and social distancing the informal employment sector. account delinquencies and other and other directives which has by customers. Commercial has decimated the profitability Capital intensive industries relief measures in support of a direct impact on the banks banks finance all segments of of businesses and household such mining, construction and customers. These initiatives profitability. As the pandemic the economy from corporates income leading to business manufacturing have started created a temporary reprieve rages and economic recovery to Small Medium and Micro collapse and loan default. yielding negative return on albeit somewhat fruitless as the remains muted banks face the Enterprises (SMME) to Banks around the world face investment due to slowdown recovery from the pandemic pressure to develop innovative individuals. The economic an imminent loan impairment in economic activity. remains prolonged. Businesses ways to help businesses stay interconnectedness of the crisis as their customers struggle Financial Institutions have are facing the inevitability of loan afloat while ensuring their own different types of customers to stay afloat and meet loan taken an unprecedented default and the repercussions business continuity. places banks at a unique position repayments. move to offer relief measures that ensue such as collateral of elevated loss during times of There are specific industries such as payment deferrals, repossession and disposal of Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 9 Echo Report

Limkokwing Caps Class Of 2020 Virtually

Limkokwing ecosystem shining as innovative leaders we only understand that this graduated were eager to as well as define the caliber and produces extraordinary across all creative industries is the beginning of multiple experience a different, relevant mindset of our graduating class graduates. Each one is a creative in Botswana. Limkokwing journeys of achievement, of and limitless type of learning which is highly skilled, highly mind with talent that has University hosted its first ever experimentation and of self- environment. New doors of adaptive, highly competitive been unleashed. Each one is a most anticipated Class of 2020 improvement. By graduating creativity were opened to them and highly enterprising tech confident youth, comfortable Virtual Graduation, on Saturday from Limkokwing University and they were trained using savvy creative thinkers. with new media technology. 27th February, 2021 through a of Creative Technology, you are the latest industry-standard Limkokwing Botswana Their creativity and innovative glittering ceremony that was better placed than most to exploit equipments, tools, and software is pushing the education mindset sets them apart and broadcast live on BTV, DSTV technology, entrepreneurial in digital and broadcast media, transformation envelope and is today many are successful Channel 289 as well as the skills, creativity and other video, web, computer graphics, leading the way as the Innovation in their careers. Some have Limkokwing Facebook Page. techniques of analysis and architecture, advertising and and Creativity Hub of Africa, ventured into business as In his occasional speech the creation to self-employ.” packaging and fashion among and this is evident through entrepreneurs within chosen guest of honor, minister for Limkokwing University’s many other exciting fields this most globalized cohort of fields with expertise while Tertiary Education, Research, goal has always been to design of study that are on offer at young professionals which is not others have become important Science & Technology Dr. graduates who can make Limkokwing University. only from the Botswana but also participants in growing business Douglas Letsholathebe, stated meaningful contributions to Creating industry leaders has includes 12 students from Angola, of the companies they are “Let us reflect on the journey society. Along the way the been the highest priority at China, Congo, Egypt, Kenya, employed in. of the Class of 2020. A few years University wants to help shape Limkokwing University. LEAP= Malawi, Namibia, Phillipnies, Another cohort of creative ago, as you successfully applied their graduates’ characters while Limkokwing Entrepreneurship South Africa, eSwatini and minds has successfully been for admission to this Institution, they develop their sense of values Acceleration Programme is aimed . transformed and have acquired all you held was a dream, an and impart to them the skills at producing entrepreneurs Of the (654) graduates, a total the 21st century skills and are ambition to change your lives for they need to become World- amongst graduates so they can of (51) students were awarded set to become contributors and the better. Even as today marks Class industry leaders. become employers and not just with the Tan Sri Limkokwing drivers of the new economy while the earning of you qualifications, All 654 students who virtually employees. It is an intensive Awards of Excellence. programme where all that the Limkokwing University global students learn is put to test as graduates in general practice; they develop a business idea, carry the best results that are work as a team and present their often achieved through a mix ideas to industry mentors, hence of traditional and contemporary preparing them to think beyond media. They are fully effective, employability upon graduation. and carry a genuine commitment This most anticipated virtual to creating dialogues that involve ceremony was celebrated and informs creative industries. under the theme; “Design Your Limkokwing Botswana Class Future”. Having enhanced their of 2020 bring to the industry, talents, sharpened their skills government and society, skills in and having broadened their managing new media technology, minds within this specialized a problem-solving mindset that and globalised ecosystem where seeks innovative solutions to Batswana prepare themselves issues and an entrepreneurial to face an extraordinary future. spirit that will benefit Botswana These words underscore the as it builds its competitiveness capabilities and mindset that we following the new global order have fostered in our graduating as we press towards 2036. students. The words; “Design Your Future’ are meant to inspire; 10 Art Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Pandemic likely made 2020 ‘another devastating year’ for world’s forests

The rate of destruction of when they rot or are burned. archipelago still experiences Respiratory Syndrome) and International, said 2020 had the world’s tropical forests is Forests also provide food and regular forest-clearing and now COVID-19,” he added. been “another devastating likely to have gathered pace livelihoods for people living fires. In Brazil, government data year” for forests in many last year, green groups warned, in or near them, as well as an In addition, last year the shows deforestation rates in parts of the world, calling on as the pandemic weakened essential habitat for wildlife. Southeast Asian nation scaled the Amazon rainforest surged governments to introduce environmental regulations, cut In 2019, the loss of 3.8 back its forest protection efforts to a 12-year high in 2020 with stronger legislation to halt funding for protection work million hectares (9.3 million because of the COVID-19 destruction soaring since right- deforestation. and forced city migrants back acres) of forest was the third- crisis and introduced a job wing President Jair Bolsonaro Such regulation must focus on to rural areas. biggest decline since the turn creation bill that investors and took office and weakened strengthening and expanding In 2019, tropical rainforests of the century, with Brazil, activists said could damage the environmental enforcement. tenure rights for indigenous disappeared at a rate of one Democratic Republic of Congo environment in years to come. Anders Haug Larsen, head of people and local communities, football pitch every six seconds, and Indonesia the top three Gemma Tillack, forest policy at Oslo-based Rainforest as well as supporting farmers to according to monitoring service offenders, according to GFW. policy director at U.S.-based Foundation Norway, said embrace sustainable practices, Global Forest Watch (GFW), While the pandemic last environmental group Rainforest forest monitoring data showed she added. despite more awareness of year caused a dip in demand Action Network, said initial deforestation rates in Brazil’s Businesses also have a the key role of carbon-storing for the commodities often data for Indonesia showed Amazon could have risen by responsibility to better forests in slowing climate blamed by environmentalists deforestation, logging and fires about 10% in 2020. understand their ecological change. for deforestation, such as palm persisted - and in some cases He blamed that on reduced footprint and boost efforts to The tracking platform, which oil, timber and soy, many urban spiked - throughout last year. funding for agencies combating clean up their supply chains, uses satellite imagery and is workers also lost their jobs and “2020 will be remembered deforestation and forest fires, Price said. run by the U.S.-based think- returned to their rural homes, as a year where rainforest and further dismantling of Consumers, meanwhile, tank World Resources Institute said Seymour. destruction continued institutions for environmental can do their part by asking (WRI), is due to release its It was hard to predict the unabated, despite major monitoring and control. lawmakers to act on deforestation numbers for net effect for forests of those brands and banks declaring “We also see that local deforestation and ensuring 2020 - when the COVID-19 opposing forces, she added. it a make-or-break year to authorities in Indonesia are the products they buy do not pandemic struck - in the next “While a drop in commodity end deforestation,” she said. diverting funds from forest- contribute to deforestation, three months. prices could slow conversion After missing a 2020 target fire prevention to battle she added. Frances Seymour, a senior of forests for commercial to end deforestation in their COVID-19,” said Larsen, who “2021 can be the year we turn fellow at WRI, said the work agribusiness, the return to supply chains, high-profile urged countries to invest in the tide on forest loss, but we of law enforcement and forest rural villages of urban workers companies in the Consumer a green recovery from the need decisive action on the protection agencies had been ... could increase small-scale Goods Forum launched a new pandemic. chief drivers of deforestation constrained by limited mobility clearing for subsistence,” she initiative, vowing to speed In Australia, bushfires in 2019 to ensure that solutions are due to coronavirus lockdowns said. up work to stop the main and 2020 destroyed more than sustainable and benefit both and budget cuts linked to Deforestation rates for commodities they use causing 11 million hectares (37 million nature and people,” Price said. economic woes. Indonesia, which is home further loss of forests, in a bid acres) across the southeast, “In addition, there are to the world’s third-largest to curb climate change. equal to about half the area (Reuters.) indications that some tropical forests but also its David Ganz, executive of Britain. governments have reacted to biggest producer of palm oil, director of international land Fran Raymond Price, global the economic crisis by relaxing remained at historically low rights and forestry nonprofit forest practice lead at WWF environmental regulations as a levels for the third year in a RECOFTC, predicted that way to facilitate investment and row in 2019. tropical and temperate forest jump-start economic growth,” Tougher law enforcement to losses in 2020 would be four to she told the Thomson Reuters prevent forest fires and illegal five times greater than in 2019, Foundation. logging, and a moratorium largely due to uncontrolled Cutting down forests has on new rainforest clearance fires. major implications for global and oil-palm concessions all “The irony is that forest loss goals to curb climate change, helped, forestry experts said. and increased contact between as trees absorb about a third of Nonetheless, weak people and wildlife are key the planet-warming emissions government institutions, drivers of the emergence of new produced worldwide, but corruption and overlapping pathogens, such as those that release carbon back into the air land claims mean the sprawling cause Ebola, SARS (Severe Acute Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Echo Report 11 12 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 13 Echo Report

institutions should intervene in guiding producers and farmers. They can do this through the formation of cooperatives and educating members about GI. Producers and farmers should form GI management organisations to help members manoeuvre through the legal landscape. These include registration of products and collection of royalties and licensing revenues. African nations should also streamline their regional intellectual property bodies. Two major African IP regional bodies – the African Intellectual Property Organisation and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation – could be merged into a single organisation for efficiency. The Anglophone and Francophone dichotomy in African intellectual property rights management shouldn’t exist. With the AfCTA encouraging a single trade market, a divided IP regional management structure Why it pays to link products to may not be effective. Nigeria and Ethiopia, like most African countries, do not places - and how African countries have a single governmental institution that deals with GI. can do it Although Nigeria’s trademark laws regulate registration, Around the world, people in national economic growth. the economic value of GI. products. they do not cover GI registry. commonly associate certain According to a 2020 European There are two main Joining the Lisbon Agreement Ethiopia does not have any law foods and products with Commission study, Europe’s treaties currently regulating and the Geneva Act would aid for geographical indications particular geographical areas. economy gained about €75bn Geographical Indications. African countries in extending nor a registry. These products are known for in the 2017 sales value of GI They include the Lisbon their products beyond their A specialised governmental characteristics like aroma, products. This means GI Agreement for the Protection shores. Member countries office should regulate GI in each flavour, and the traditional products accounted for 7% of of Appellations of Origin and have treaty obligations to African country. For example, knowledge systems used the total sales value of Europe’s Their International Registration protect GI products from Zimbabwe has its Geographical to make them. Legal and food and drink sector. The (Lisbon Agreement), and the misappropriation and abuse. Indication Act. South Africa has agricultural scholars speak of study also shows that the sales Geneva Act of the Lisbon For example, Oku white its Geographical Indications these characteristics as terroir. value of GI products doubled Agreement on Appellations honey from Cameroon, South Regulation of 2019. It sets up For example, coffee from on average, when compared of Origin and Geographical African Rooibos tea and South its GI registry and guidelines Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe, Sidamo with similar products without Indications (the Geneva Act). African lamb are certified GI to protect GI agricultural and Harrar regions is famous GI certification. People attach Together, they are called The products. They enjoy protection products. for its quality. The Ijebu people value to buying authentic Lisbon System. outside the continent, leading African countries could of western Nigeria call their products from their sources. Most African countries have to enormous financial benefits position GI to help global processed cassava Ijebu garri. As a predominantly agrarian not signed these GI treaties. to their places of origin. IP rights enforcement for Roquefort cheese and Darjeeling region, Africa could adopt this Accession to these treaties The local producers of GI developing economies. tea are also products associated strategy to boost the economies carries political and economic products and services have Registration and export of with certain places. of rural communities. The benefits. Not even Ethiopia inadequate knowledge of GI products will improve These kinds of products, second phase of the African and Nigeria – countries with intellectual property and the economy of rural African which have characteristics Continental Free Trade great agricultural potential – economics. Identifying GI communities. unique to their source, can be Agreement (AfCFTA) focuses have done so. GI status attracts products and including them identified and protected by a on intellectual property rights higher revenue streams because in a formal database requires (TheConversation.) type of intellectual property and trade. It’s an opportunity to of the customary assumption learning and experience. right called Geographical take steps towards recognising of quality that accrues to these Therefore, private and public Indications (GI). This right gives economic and financial advantages to the place of origin. The products can be registered with a global treaty registry like the World Intellectual Property Organization. This helps to counter fake products in the international market. Developed economies, especially in Europe, have benefited from GI protection and promotion since 1994, when they adopted the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. And as early as 1883, the geographical origin of products was recognised as as aspect of industrial property in the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. It accords them protection due to their value 14 Echo Report Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021

Total U-20 AFCON – African talents abroad showing off

Coaches present at the 2021 hesitate,” said Central African integrate our national teams”, and it is a huge pride to be able he sees no difference between edition of the Total Africa Republic coach Sébastien Ngato, said Maher Kanzari, Tunisia to represent my country,” locals and expatriates. Same Cup of Nations in Mauritania who qualified his team for the coach and former Carthage Damergy said. applies for Cameroon as per told CAFOnline.com how this quarterfinals in their maiden Eagles midfielder. The language barrier was not coach Cristophe Ousmanou. competition is important in the appearance. Ngato has five of This new policy satisfied a problem for German-born “The Cameroon team are all constitution of future football his players having their career French side Stade Rennais defender Ramzi Ferjani who Cameroonians, whether they elites in their countries. This abroad. goalkeeper Elias Imed Damergy, plays for FC Nitra in Slovakia. were born in the country, is why they did not hesitate For their first match in who said he is proud to be able “I’m speaking English with outside or working in other to go and take the best young U-20 AFCON history, Tunisia to represent his country at this several players in the squad but countries,” he said. people where they are. fielded eight expatriates out level of competition. you know football is a universal Cameroon has seven abroad “Why deprive us of our of their starting 11. “Our language,” he said. based players, including the players, if there is the possibility football federation launched “I was already called up to Burkina Faso has seven abroad sons of former stars, Samuel of bringing in talented players a policy towards our players senior Carthage Eagles last based players in their squad, Eto’o and Bill Tchato. At from abroad, we must not abroad, that is to bring them to November in AFCON qualifiers, and coach Oscar Barro said the end of the day, of the 12 teams present in Mauritania, only Namibia did not have expatriates. However, the presence of abroad based players expatriates does not necessarily mean being competitive. Mozambique, which lost all three group games had three players in the Portuguese championship. While Uganda advanced to the semifinals with only one expatriate player, Jack Komakech of Ascent Soccer Academy in South Africa.

(Cafonline.) Echo Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Sports 15

team of refugees at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 in an effort to raise awareness of the issue, and it became one of the feel-good stories of those Games. The 10-member team from Syria, Congo, Ethiopia and South Sudan at those Games were in the spotlight after marching into the stadium for the opening ceremony at the Olympic stadium in Brazil. They competed in athletics, swimming and judo. “Olympic solidarity is supporting 55 promising refugee athletes from 13 countries and being hosted by 21 National Olympic Committees across all five continents, representing 12 sports,” IOC President Thomas Bach told a virtual news conference. The IOC has said the refugee team in Tokyo will be larger than in Rio. “The final composition will be announced in June and based on number of criteria, including athletes’ sporting performance but also qualification as refugees status,” Bach said. More than a million refugees entered Europe in 2016 alone as they fled fighting in the Middle East and elsewhere, prompting the IOC to create the first Olympic refugee team. Tokyo Games refugee team to be Tens of millions more are housed in camps in countries finalised in June – IOC across the world, having escaped wars or armed conflicts in their home nations. The refugee team that will will be finalised in June from a in 12 sports, the International Wednesday. compete at the Tokyo Olympics group of 55 athletes preparing Olympic Committee said on The IOC unveiled its first (Reuters.)

their borders, in countries like Egypt, Mali, Morocco and Tunisia, since the ban was imposed. An initial restriction was ordered by FIFA in 2011 during the civil war that led to the ousting of dictator Muammar Gaddafi. It was lifted briefly in 2013 before being reimposed. Al Ahly Benghazi will now host their first home game in the group phase of the African Confederation Cup against Entente Setif of Algeria on March 17. Libya’s national team can host neighbours Tunisia in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier a week later. Al-Shalmani, who is also a CAF executive committee member, said the Benghazi stadium was earmarked for the first home appearance of the Libyan national side since a World Cup qualifier in mid- 2013. Libya cleared to host international games “We have been asked by CAF to put together a security plan to receive the Tunisian team at after ban lifted the Martyrs Benina Stadium, as well as to host other matches A decade-long ban on delegation to inspect facilities of the complete ban on all our confirmed to Reuters the later in other Libyan stadiums,” international football matches and the security situation in stadiums, especially the ban in lifting of the ban, although he added. League football in being played in Libya has been the north African country, terms of security,” said Libyan the organisation has yet to Libya resumed last month after lifted, the country’s football beset by civil strife over the Football Federation president make an announcement. a three-year hiatus. federation said on Thursday. last decade. Abdulhakim Al-Shalmani in a Libya’s national team and its The decision comes less than a “I have good news today, video message on Twitter (@ clubs competing in African club (Reuters.) month after the Confederation especially for football fans and LibyaFA). competition have been forced of African Football (CAF) sent a all Libyans, which is the lifting CAF sources on Thursday to stage home matches outside THE AFRICAN STORY

SportEcho Newspaper 01 Mar - 07 Mar 2021 Motor Racing- Formula One Says Racing In Africa Is A Priority

Formula One needs to have there was interest from North a grand prix in Africa and and South Africa. the absence of one is wrong, Targett-Adams said the sport according to the sport’s global still hoped Vietnam, whose director of race promotion inaugural race has been put Chloe Targett-Adams. on hold, might make its debut The continent has not featured eventually. on the calendar since the last She expected Saudi Arabia, South African Grand Prix at making its first appearance Kyalami in 1993. Morocco also this year with a night race in hosted a round of the world Jeddah, to become a fixture championship at the Casablanca for at least a decade. circuit in 1958. That race has attracted Seven times world champion criticism, with some Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s campaigning organisations only Black driver, said last year writing to Hamilton asking him it was important for the sport to boycott the race or speak to race in Africa. out against reported human “I completely agree with rights abuses in the country. Lewis,” Targett-Adams told Targett-Adams said it was the Black Book Motorsport important to question the virtual summit. records of countries the sport “Africa is a continent that we visited. don’t race in and that is just “From Formula One’s wrong. It’s somewhere that perspective, we choose to we very much want to (race engage with partners and we since 1976, could be expanded. in). It’s a priority. have a framework contractually “We’re already talking to “We’ve been in talks with to set out our expectations them potentially about the possible options for a few on human rights and how we growth of that across our season years and we’re hoping that expect to work,” she added. for 2022. So I see ultimately W “Africa is a continent that we don’t race in and ultimately we will be able to A partnership with the all- being at more races with us.” achieve a race there in the near female W Series, which is she said. that is just wrong. It’s somewhere that we very to mid-term,” she added. supporting eight grands prix much want to (race in). It’s a priority. Formula One’s new chief this season and has the ultimate (Reuters.) executive Stefano Domenicali aim of getting a woman driver ‘‘ told reporters last month that onto the F1 grid for the first time