Latest news with #SubSaharanAfrica
Reuters
17 hours ago
- Health
- Reuters
Insight: Trump aid cuts deal a blow to HIV prevention in Africa
June 20 (Reuters) - Emmanuel Cherem, a 25-year-old gay man in Nigeria, tested positive for HIV two months after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration cut access for at-risk groups like gay men and injecting drug users to medication that prevents infection. Cherem admits he should have been more careful about practicing safe sex but had become accustomed to using the U.S.-supplied pharmaceutical. The drug - known as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP - is typically taken daily as a tablet and can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sex by 99%. "I blame myself... Taking care of myself is my first duty as a person," Cherem said at his gym in Awka, the capital of Nigeria's southeastern state of Anambra. "I equally blame the Trump administration because, you know, these things were available, and then, without prior notice, these things were cut off." Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid after taking office in January and halted grants by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency was responsible for implementing the bulk of the assistance under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the world's leading HIV/AIDS initiative. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic. Trump's cuts have restricted the availability of drugs that millions of Africans have taken to prevent infection - particularly vulnerable communities such as gay men and sex workers - as aid groups and public health systems in Africa strove to roll back the disease. The number of initiations, or people who have taken at least one dose of the drug, rose in Africa from fewer than 700 in 2016 to more than 6 million by late 2024, according to PrEPWatch, opens new tab, a global tracker. More than 90% of new initiations last year were financed by PEPFAR, using cheap generic versions of the drug. Sub-Saharan Africa had 390,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, or 62% of the global total, according to UNAIDS, the United Nations AIDS agency. However, progress has been made: that death toll was down by 56% from 2010, according to the World Health Organization. Now, some of those who've lost access to the preventative medication because of U.S. cutbacks are already testing positive, according to 10 patients, health officials and activists. Restrictions on PrEP have coincided with dwindling supplies of more widely used HIV prevention tools like condoms and lubricants "because of the US funding cuts", according to a UNAIDS fact sheet, opens new tab from May. The combination is creating what nine activists and three medical experts described as a major threat to prevention across the continent. "I just see this as incredibly short-sighted because we were on a winning path," said Linda-Gail Bekker, an HIV expert at the University of Cape Town. She said that many African governments did not have the resources to spend on PrEP drugs on top of treatment for HIV infections, risking a worsening of the pandemic. "It's as predictable as if you take your eye off a smouldering bushfire and the wind is blowing: a bushfire will come back." Trump has said that the United States pays disproportionately for foreign aid and he wants other countries to shoulder more of the burden, as he seeks to reduce U.S. government spending across the board. The U.S. disbursed $65 billion in foreign assistance last year, nearly half of it via USAID, according to government data, opens new tab. "It's a question of who has primary responsibility for the health needs of citizens of other countries, and it's their own governments," said Max Primorac, a former senior USAID official who is now senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation's Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom. "We all know, and this is a bipartisan issue, that aid dependency doesn't help these people - that the best solution is for these countries to be able to take over the responsibility of these programs." UNAIDS says the permanent discontinuation of PEPFAR-supported prevention and treatment programs could lead to an additional 2,300 new HIV cases globally per day. There were 3,500 new cases per day in 2023. Reuters spoke to 23 health workers, PrEP users and activists, nearly all of whom said that the increase in HIV infections since the funding cuts was impossible to quantify because many organisations working with vulnerable populations have been defunded. A State Department waiver issued on February 1 allowed some PEPFAR activities to restart, but only covered HIV prevention for mother-to-child transmission. That means PEPFAR-financed PrEP is no longer available for gay and bisexual men, sex workers and injecting drug users who are especially exposed to the virus. Many African governments had specifically targeted these groups in their PrEP programs. A spokesperson for the State Department, which oversees USAID and the PEPFAR program, told Reuters it "continues to support lifesaving HIV testing, care and treatment, and prevention of mother to child transmission services approved by the Secretary of State." "All other PEPFAR-funded services are being reviewed for assessment of programmatic efficiencies and consistency with United States foreign policy," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson did not directly respond to a question about why the waiver had excluded vulnerable groups from PrEP distribution. In East and Southern Africa, the sub-region that accounts for more than half of all people living with HIV, the U.S. had been funding nearly 45% of HIV prevention programming, UNAIDS said in March, opens new tab. Some countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique were almost entirely dependent on PEPFAR for their HIV prevention programs, the agency said. In some wealthier nations, like South Africa and Kenya, PEPFAR represented less than 25% of spending on HIV prevention. Russell Vought, the director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, told a Congressional committee on June 4 that, due to high U.S. debt levels, Africa needed to shoulder more of the burden in fighting AIDS. Asked specifically about restrictions on HIV prevention programs, Vought said: "We believe that many of these nonprofits are not geared toward the viewpoints of the administration." His office did not respond to a request for further details. Reuters spoke to four PrEP users in Nigeria, all gay or bisexual men, who have tested positive for HIV since January when they stopped being able to obtain more pills, after practicing unsafe sex. Hearty Empowerment and Rights (HER) Initiative, a community-based organisation in southeastern Nigeria, worked with other groups that provide HIV/AIDS services to confirm the men's diagnosis and help secure treatment for them, said executive director Festus Alex Chinaza. In Asaba, the capital of Nigeria's Delta state, Echezona, a 30-year-old gay man who took PrEP pills daily for more than three years, is struggling to come to terms with his HIV-positive test result, which he received in early May. He regrets that he had unprotected sex. "I just pray and wish that Trump actually changes his policy and everything comes back to normal so that the spread and transmission of the virus would be reduced," said Echezona, who asked to be identified only by his first name for fear of stigma. Like the other three men, he described being told by staff at community-based clinics that PrEP was only available to pregnant and lactating women, in line with the Trump administration guidelines. Nigeria has an adult HIV prevalence rate of 1.3% and an estimated 2 million people living with HIV, the fourth-highest total globally, according to UNAIDS. But for so-called key populations, the rates are much higher: 25% for men who have sex with men, according to a survey completed in 2021. The Nigerian health ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the effects of the Trump administration's cuts to HIV prevention services. South Africa – which has an estimated 7.7 million people living with HIV, according to UNAIDS, the highest number in the world - pays for its own PrEP pills. But some clinics where so-called key populations obtained them relied on PEPFAR grants and have been forced to close in recent months. PrEP is also available for free at public health centers, but gay men and sex workers often avoid such facilities, fearing discrimination and harassment, nine activists said. Francois Venter, executive director of the Ezintsha medical research center at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, said PrEP distribution from public sector clinics in the city had shown almost no increase since the Trump cuts. Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa's health ministry, said the ministry was "not aware" of reports that key populations were avoiding health facilities due to stigma. "We have sensitized health officials across the country to create (a) conducive environment for all healthcare seekers/clients to access the service without feeling judged or discriminated against," he said.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Octopus Energy launches first African renewable energy fund
Octopus Energy Generation is making a significant leap in its global green mission by establishing the Octopus Energy Power Africa Fund (OEPA), aimed at accelerating investment in renewable energy. The OEPA, starting with projects across Sub-Saharan Africa, intends to channel funds into transformative clean energy solutions such as rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and grid upgrades. The initiative represents a strategic move to capitalise on the continent's potential for sustainable power generation. In collaboration with Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers, an African investment specialist, Octopus Energy Generation is developing a smart and practical framework that facilitates green investments within emerging markets. With an initial commitment of $60m and aspirations to attract $250m over three years, OEPA presents an opportunity for investors seeking impactful ventures. Octopus Energy Generation CEO Zoisa North-Bond says: 'Africa is abundant with clean energy potential – enough to build the next-generation renewable powerhouse and a greener, fairer future fuelled by sunshine and wind. By partnering with local experts, such as Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers, we aim to accelerate that future and create new green pathways.' Africa has nearly 40% of global renewable resources yet attracts only 2% of worldwide clean energy investment. The launch of OEPA follows their recent finance in MOPO, innovators in solar battery technology for off-grid communities to accelerate clean energy across the region. The fund also complements their partnership with Akuna Group on Sierra Leone's inaugural wind farm project on Sherbro Island. The company said these initiatives underscore Octopus' dedication not just towards environmental sustainability but also towards powering regions that have historically lacked reliable access to traditional power grids. Octopus Energy Power Africa fund director Ashleigh Gray said: 'With the Octopus Energy Power Africa Fund, we're offering a new gateway into a region where demand is soaring. This is an incredible opportunity for forward-thinking investors to support transformative clean energy projects and grow with one of the world's most exciting markets.' In April 2025, Octopus Energy Generation has unveiled Asian renewables plans through its solar investment and develop 20 solar farms in South Korea. "Octopus Energy launches first African renewable energy fund" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Wamda
4 days ago
- Business
- Wamda
Egypt's DisrupTech backs Nigerian agri-fintech Winich Farms
DisrupTech Ventures, an Egypt-based early-stage fintech fund, has made its first Sub-Saharan Africa investment by backing Winich Farms, a Nigerian agri-fintech startup, as part of its pre-Series A round. Winich Farms, active in 29 of Nigeria's 36 states, is bridging key gaps in the country's agriculture sector by improving market access and financial inclusion for over 180,000 smallholder farmers. The company plans to expand beyond Nigeria and explore export opportunities to MENA markets, positioning itself as a continental leader in post-harvest agri-fintech. Press release: DisrupTech Ventures Backs Nigerian Agri-FinTech Startup Winich Farms, Marking Its First Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa DisrupTech Ventures, one of Egypt's leading early-stage fintech funds, has announced its first pan-African investment in Nigerian startup Winich Farms, a fast-growing Agri-Tech that is transforming access to markets and credit for smallholder farmers across Nigeria. The investment forms part of Winich's Pre-Series A round. Lagos-based Winich is addressing the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria's agriculture sector, market fragmentation and lack of financial inclusion. Despite agriculture contributing 21% of Nigeria's GDP and employing millions, smallholder farmers—who make up 80% of the farming population and produce 90% of output—remain largely excluded from modern supply chains and financial systems. Commenting on their debut international investment, Mohamed Okasha, Managing Partner at DisrupTech Ventures, stated: 'Our investment in Winich reflects our conviction in the potential of Nigeria's agri-fintech sector and the scalability of its model. Winich is not only solving real problems for smallholder farmers but doing so with a scalable model. Agriculture is also core to Egypt's economy, and we look forward to sharing insights and best practices between both markets as Winich grows across the continent.' From his side, Attai Riches, CEO and Co-founder of Winich Farms, added: 'We are excited to welcome DisrupTech Ventures on board as we enter our next phase of growth. Their experience in scaling early-stage fintechs will be invaluable as we strengthen our operations, empower more farmers, and explore expansion opportunities across Africa and beyond. This partnership reinforces our vision to build a more inclusive and efficient agricultural value chain, starting from Nigeria and reaching out to global markets.' Against the macro backdrop which saw the surge of agri-related input costs and interest rates due to the Naira's devaluation, Winich poses as a timely and impactful solution that addresses both access to market and access to finance—two of the biggest hurdles for Nigeria's agricultural sector. Currently active in 29 of Nigeria's 36 states, Winich is fast becoming a vital link between smallholder farmers and the broader agri value chain. Winich's digital platform connects over 180,000 smallholder farmers directly with off-takers such as processors and small retailers, eliminating layers of intermediaries that often erode farmers' profits. Through a countrywide network of agent collection points, the platform facilitates efficient produce aggregation and logistics without owning physical infrastructure. Their state-of-the-art Winich Cards are helping shift farmers away from cash transactions by enabling digital payments that build financial records—key to qualifying for credit in the future. In addition, Winich provides direct credit and agronomic advisory services, in partnership with Kebbi Agricultural Research Development Agency (KARDA), to help farmers scale operations and improve productivity.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Uganda Rallies Global Solidarity Against Oesophageal Cancer: Science, Innovation, and Diplomacy at the Heart of Progress
In a demonstration of Uganda's growing commitment to collaborative Healthcare Diplomacy, the Uganda Embassy in Washington D.C. in partnership with the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), and key stakeholders including AFRECC, Olympus, and Kyabiirwa Surgical Center, hosted a high-level esophageal Cancer Symposium at Four Points by Sheraton, Kampala. Under the theme 'Leveraging Science, Innovation and Technology to Address the Burden of Esophageal Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa,' the event marked the culmination of a four-day health-focused agenda that began with specialized surgical training at Kyabiirwa Surgical Center in Jinja. Over 50 patients received treatment during the training phase, a tangible outcome underscoring the importance of applied science in addressing real-world health burdens. The symposium was not merely an academic exchange it was a convergence of minds from the health sector, diplomatic corps, academia, media, and private manufacturers, drawn together by a shared sense of responsibility. Beyond policy, the symposium made room for stories personal accounts of survivors, caregivers, and practitioners working in low-resource settings. It is this blend of policy, practice, and lived experience, which gave the event its distinct character and diplomatic weight. The event also served as a platform for discussing the broader socio-economic and cultural implications of non-communicable diseases. Presenters explored how public perceptions, behavior change, and even commercial industries such as tobacco and alcohol influence cancer rates. With emphasis on building resilient health systems, speakers called for a multi-sectoral approach that combines regulation, education, and innovation. In line with her Mission's mandate to promote Science and Technology transfer under the four ATMS, Uganda's Ambassador to the United States, Robie Kakonge, delivered remarks that reflected a nuanced understanding of global diplomacy in the health sector. 'Cancer is not just a medical challenge it's a deeply human one,' she said. 'Each diagnosis is a story of hope, resilience, and the quiet strength of families and communities.' She underlined the critical role of technology in bridging geographic divides, emphasizing that embassies today function as both diplomatic posts and development facilitators. 'With limited resources and high expectations, we walk a fine line. But strategic partnerships and shared responsibility remain our greatest assets,' she added. Amb. Kakonge's remarks also recognized the essential roles of countries like Japan which has worked closely with the Uganda Cancer Institute and the United States, not as donors, but as co-creators of a shared future. Her appeal to 'think beyond borders and budgets' framed cancer as a global development issue an approach that resonated strongly with international health experts and funders in attendance. Speaking with both humility and resolve, His Excellency Takuya Sasayama, the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, who was also in attendance, reflected on the evolving collaboration between Japan and Uganda, which he described as 'a journey of mutual respect and long-term investment in people.' The ambassador pointed to areas of growth, including health cooperation, coffee exports, and cultural exchange. He also acknowledged Japan's contribution to Uganda's infrastructure through projects like the donation of ambulances and medical equipment efforts he described as acts of friendship, not charity. 'Our collaboration is not a project. It is a relationship,' he remarked, inviting partners to co-create solutions that transcend national interests and reflect a common vision for health, sustainability, and innovation. In his keynote address delivered on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Health, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, echoed Uganda's commitment to early detection, public education, and regional health equity. He emphasized the importance of HPV vaccination for girls under 14, and he urged stronger efforts to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage. 'When we delay, we pay,' he stated, referencing the escalating costs both human and economic of late diagnosis. Dr. Olaro also pointed to growing mental health concerns and the need for integrated, community-based approaches in both cancer and psychosocial care. Dr. Jackson Orem, Executive Director of UCI, described the symposium as 'a convergence of science, innovation, and diplomacy.' He stressed that Uganda's cancer burden cannot be tackled in isolation. 'We must draw on global partnerships not only for funding but for the co-creation of knowledge. Innovation must be localized, and science must be democratized,' he said. His remarks were received with deep resonance by the international delegations, many of whom had travelled to Kampala to affirm their support. As the curtains fall on this milestone gathering, one thing is clear: Uganda is not just hosting conversations it is shaping them. With its eyes firmly on the future and its feet grounded in regional realities, the country is emerging as a credible voice in the global dialogue on cancer care, resilience, and shared humanity. In a world grappling with health inequities, Uganda's call is simple yet profound: 'Let us heal together.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Gen Z on the rise in the global influence economy
Across the African continent compelling economic and demographic forces are converging to position Gen Z, along with Gen Alpha, as the major force to shape the future of work, culture and consumerism. Africa is by far the most youthful region of the world. According to the International Labour Organisation, around 375 million young Africans will have entered the job market by 2030. At an estimated 42% of the world's youth population, their aspirations and concerns for the world, as well as their life preferences and choices will have a global impact. This demographic power isn't just about numbers, however. These young Africans are also digital natives and their prowess at navigating digital landscapes is giving them the edge. According to Emma Odendaal, head of Influence for dentsu EMEA, the digital transformation of our world is setting the stage for African youth to rise as drivers, players and leaders in the future global economy. She notes: 'Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the fastest-growing rates of mobile phone penetration globally with more than 495 million mobile subscribers in the region. As connectivity spreads wide and deep, and device affordability improves, the digital natives of Africa are not just participating online as consumers but as dynamic content creators and shapers of the future of the world.' As the world's first true digital native generation, Gen Z are proving to be far more open to influencer marketing than their millennial counterparts. Odendaal explains: 'While older generations typically use social media to stay connected to friends, Gen Z has grown up in a world where social media platforms have evolved to deliver a far greater volume and variety of content. They use social media to follow their favourite artists, celebrities and influencers, and to find community when it comes to the entertainment, passions and brands that are important to them. This means that they are an exceptionally marketing-aware generation, adept at scanning and scrolling through reams of social media posts and homing in on what is relevant to them.' In a mobile-first world, brands in Africa are increasingly redirecting traditional advertising spend into creator-led digital channels that meet young consumers exactly where they are – in their chosen digital communities. According to a Google/IFC e-Conomy Africa report, Africa's internet economy may contribute $180bn to the continent's GDP by 2025 and has the potential to grow to $712bn by 2050. Meanwhile, Statista anticipates a 10.1% annual growth in influencer ad spending over the next five years, and forecasts that in 2025, it will exceed $30m in South Africa. This momentum toward trust-based digital creator ecosystems is real and happening now. In South Africa, multinational giants such as Beiersdorf, with leading brands such as Nivea, Nivea Men and Eucerin, are actively amplifying their influencer marketing strategies. Sne Njapha, precision influence and PR manager at Beiersdorf says: 'Influencer marketing is more than just about a means to reach consumers. It's about ensuring we meet our consumers where they are, at their point of need. Today, it's a key strategic pillar of how we do business. We have increased our investment in the acquisition of new models and tools, the upskilling of our employees and key partners and diversifying our pool of creators. Our focus is also on building long-term influencer relationships to maintain credibility and authenticity so that we create and maintain meaningful connections with our consumers.' Beiersdorf's head of integrated media, Teniel Nelson adds: 'Leading the influencer acceleration with my team puts us at the forefront of this exciting influencer movement. Influencer marketing in South Africa is growing fast with over 60% of brands increasing their investments in 2025.' With the boom of the influencer economy comes the need for accountability and standards. The South African Content Creator Charter, launched in 2024, is a foundational effort to professionalise the influencer industry. Developed by the Interactive Advertising Bureau South Africa (IAB SA) in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the charter provides guidelines and ethical practices for both marketers and creators. This is an issue that is top of mind at Dentsu, and Odendaal says: 'Dentsu was a pioneering signatory to the South African Content Creator Charter because we see it as a landmark in defining creators not just as freelancers with a side hustle, but as professionals in a growing digital economy. We believe that regulation helps ensure Africa's influencer industry evolves with transparency and trust, safeguarding the integrity of brands and promoting sustainable careers for the continent's content entrepreneurs.' All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
