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Facebook unveils its 2020 Africa year in review

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Facebook today released its “2020 Year in Review: Highlights an infographic showcasing some of its key investments and work across Africa in 2020. Supported by an animated video celebrating and showcasing a few people across the continent rising against the challenges of this unexpected year, the campaign aims to highlight the successes, strength and resilience of its users, whilst reinforcing Facebook’s ongoing commitment to the region.

Commenting, Kojo Boakye, Director of Public Policy, Africa said: “We know this year has brought many unexpected challenges around the world, including here in Africa. The COVID pandemic has changed the way we work, come together, and impacted many economies and local businesses. Despite this, we continue to see and hear so many stories of resilience, strength and growth. As Facebook, we remain committed to the continent, and our 2020 highlights reinforce just some of these investments and the impact we’ve been able to have by supporting the growing ecosystems of developers, SMBs, creatives, and many other communities.”

Some of the key 2020 Year in Review: Highlights include: 

  • 2Africa: Announced 2Africa, alongside eight global and local partners – one of the largest subsea cable projects in the world at 37,000kms it will circle the African continent, connecting 16 countries in Africa, aiming to deliver increased internet capacity and enable greater 4G/5G access
  • Supporting COVID-19 efforts: Partnered with over 40 local health authorities enabling them to run coronavirus education campaigns on Facebook, developed educational pop-ups on Facebook and Instagram, and worked with a number of countries to launch a WhatsApp-based helpline developed to deliver accurate health information
  • Economic Impact Trainings: Trained over 55,200 SMBs across 14 countries through our economic impact programmes, including; Boost with Facebook and SheMeansBusiness, and graduated 229 young people through the Digify Pro programme, with 183 placed in jobs
  • Developer Circles: Grew our Developer Circles Programme to over 76k people, from 45 cities across 17 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Digital Literacy Trainings: Undertook digital literacy training, focused on online safety, privacy, news, media literacy and digital citizenship, across six countries training 26,562 people
  • Supporting SMBs: Created a Business Resource Hub to support local SMBs and rolled out a $1.8million SMB grant programme for SMBs in Nigeria and South Africa to help cushion some of the effects against COVID-19
  • Facebook Journalism Project (FJP): In collaboration with the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ), announced $140,000 in grants to South African publishers and a $250,000 video training programme for 10,000 journalists across Africa covering COVID-19
  • Facebook Nigeria Office: Announced plans to open our 2nd office in Africa, in Lagos, Nigeria. Serving the entire SSA region it will be the first office on the continent to house a team of expert engineers building for the future of Africa and beyond
  • Blood Donations: Partnered with local Blood Donation banks and health authorities to roll out the blood donation feature in Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Senegal, Chad, Namibia, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Zimbabwe and Niger, with over 2.6 million Facebook users signed up to receive blood donation notifications from blood donation centres. 

Check out the ‘2020 Year in Review: Highlights’ infographic and animated video to learn more about Facebook’s investments and work across Sub-Saharan Africa in 2020.

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People & Lifestyle

Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.

This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.

Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

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This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.

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#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy

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stonebwoy king promise and kelvynbwoy

The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.

Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.

The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

Anas took $100,000 to stop documentary release – Kwesi Nyantakyi
‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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