People & Lifestyle
Huawei Ranks No. 2 Globally and No. 1 in China despite COVID -19 in Q1
Global smartphone shipments fell by 11.7% in the first quarter, according to IDC, a market intelligence firm. As the coronavirus epidemic spreads around the world, the shipments of the top 3 phone brands have been hit to varying degrees.
Affected by the coronavirus epidemic, the mobile phone market, which was expected to warm up, was in a downtrend in Q1. All major manufacturers are facing unprecedented severe tests.
The competitive balance remains solid in the mobile phone market
Samsung, Huawei, and Apple are still the top three players in the global mobile phone market. According to IDC, in the first quarter, handset shipments of Samsung, Huawei (including Honor) and Apple were 58.3 million, 49 million, and 36.7 million units respectively, which means Huawei held onto its No.2 position.
(Figure: IDC data)
Although the mobile phone market as a whole declined, some niche offered comforting news. According to the latest research of Strategy Analytics, the global shipment of 5G smartphones surged to more than 24 million in the first quarter of 2020, greatly exceeding the shipment of 5G smartphones in 2019, which was 18.7 million.
Samsung and Huawei continue to maintain their leading position in the 5G smartphone field. In Q1, Huawei’s shipment of 5G smartphones reached 8 million units, ranking No. 2 in the world. Huawei and Samsung (8.3 million units) captured 68% of the global market share of 5G smartphones. 5G models such as Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro are popular among users.
New devices released in the first quarter, such as Huawei P40 series and Samsung S20 series, will contribute to the shipments in the second quarter. However, unless they can generate over 10 million shipments, otherwise the fundamentals will remain the same.
Huawei takes advantage of the “safe haven” of the Chinese market and attains growth against the trend.
China’s mobile phone market was hit the earliest by the coronavirus Pandemic, and has shown ups and downs in Q1 throughout the outbreak, control and gradually ease of the epidemic.
The smartphone sales in China plunged by an unprecedented 22% in the first quarter, according to Counterpoint. The impact of COVID-19 on both demand and supply sides were felt firstly in China. For example, Vivo and Oppo which heavily relied on offline market dropped by nearly 30%, with each down by 27% and 30% respectively. Xiaomi fell by a stunning 35% year-on-year.
Huawei was the only brand to see sales growth in China market in the first quarter, with total sales being 28.7 million units, up by 6% from the previous quarter, outstripping the sum of Oppo and Vivo. Huawei managed to attain the growth against the market trend.
In the past march, as the epidemic eased in China, and mobile phone production gradually restored, Chinese vendors were the first to recover, and the Chinese mobile phone market is serving as a “safe haven”.
Huawei climbs up by leveraging such a “safe haven”. Its Mate 30 series and Nova 6 series feature industry-leading image experience, optimal 5G solutions, and the distributed operating system that offers seamlessly connectivity in all scenarios. These solid product advantages make Huawei mobile phones the first choice for many users when it comes to replacing their phones. In March, Huawei took 43% handset market shares in China, ranking No. 1.
People & Lifestyle
1xBet recommends: don’t miss 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League main intrigue
Who will challenge the favorite duo? Reliable bookmaker 1xBet is talking about the third CAF Women’s Champions League, which will occur from November 5 to 19 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Women’s football development
Women’s football is growing in popularity and winning new fans in Africa and worldwide. In the summer of 2022, the Women’s African Cup of Nations took place in Morocco which was broadcast by channels from more than 60 countries. The tournament attracted much attention, and the continent’s four best teams – South Africa (CAN winner), Morocco, Zambia and Nigeria – played in the 2023 World Cup.
At the World Cup, the only African team that failed to make it to the playoffs was Zambia. The South African national team lost 1/8 to the Netherlands (0-2), Morocco could not find arguments against France (0-4), and Nigeria only missed out on England, the future finalist of the tournament, in a penalty shootout.
The standard of women’s football on the continent grows yearly, and the prestigious CAF WCL tournament provides great opportunities for African footballers to progress and perform at the highest level.
Participants and format
Eight teams will take part in the CAF WCL finals. Athletico Abidjan received a quota as the tournament host, and Moroccan AS FAR – thanks to their victory in the last edition. SC Casablanca (Morocco), JKT Queens (Tanzania), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Ampem Darkoa (Ghana), Huracanes FC (Equatorial Guinea) and AS Mande (Mali) proved their strength in the qualifying round of the tournament, finishing top in their respective qualifying zones.
As a result of the draw, the participants were divided into two groups. Quartet A included Athletico Abidjan, SC Casablanca, JKT Queens and Mamelodi Sundowns, while Group B included AS FAR, Ampem Darkoa, Huracanes FC and AS Mande. In the group stage, each team will play one match with each of the opponents, and then the two best representatives of each quartet will play in the semi-finals. Africa’s top team will be crowned in the final match on November 19, with the losers battling it out for third place the day before.
CAF Women’s Champions League Favorites
AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns are considered the tournament favorites. Both teams have already won the CAF WCL and are the only ones among all participants playing in the final part of the tournament for the third time in a row.
Morocco has positioned itself as a leader in continental women’s football and is investing heavily in its development. AS FAR won its tenth domestic trophy in April and is now preparing to defend its African title.
Mamelodi Sundowns have reached the previous two tournament finals. In 2021, the team confidently beat Hasaacas Ladies 2-0 in the final, but last season, it lost to AS FAR 0-4 and is probably dreaming of revenge. South Africa’s women’s players easily qualified in their qualifying zone, scoring 21 goals in 5 matches and heading into the group stage in excellent form.
Will the main favorites be able to confirm their ambitions, or will new stars write a new page in Africa’s most prestigious club tournament? Follow the exciting women’s tournament and bet on your favorites with 1xBet!
People & Lifestyle
UBA Clinches Dual Honors at SSI Awards 2023 Accolades for Educational Support and Exceptional Partnerships
United Bank for Africa (Ghana) Ltd has proudly secured two prestigious accolades at the 2023 Sustainability and Social Investment Awards. The bank was honoured as the “Best in Educational Support” for the third consecutive year and received recognition for its outstanding “Partnerships and Collaborations”.
Accepting the awards on behalf of UBA, Henry Nii Dottey, the Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, expressed the bank’s deep-rooted commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 and 17. Henry underscored UBA’s strategic partnerships with key entities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), emphasizing their collective efforts to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), thereby fostering growth and development in Ghana and the wider African continent.
Under the theme “Sustainability and the Economy: Creating a Sustainable Future,” the SSI Awards 2023 recognized individuals and organizations making impactful contributions to sustainable development and social investment in Ghana.
Professor Douglas Boateng, Chairman of the Award Board, praised the significance of acknowledging initiatives that bring tangible and lasting change to communities. He emphasized the awards ceremony as a powerful platform to showcase innovative efforts that make a real difference in the areas where organizations operate.
The SSI Awards 2023 serve as a catalyst for transformative change, inspiring individuals, organizations, and policymakers to prioritize sustainability and social investment. Professor Boateng highlighted the crucial role of recognizing and celebrating those who contribute significantly to these areas, creating a ripple effect that motivates others to make meaningful contributions, irrespective of scale, in preparation for the betterment of society for generations to come.
UBA’s dual triumph at the SSI Awards underscores the bank’s commitment to making a positive impact on both a local and global scale, setting a standard for excellence in the realm of sustainability and social investment.
People & Lifestyle
Sweet Dreams in Style: Finding the Perfect Pajamas for You
1. Introduction to Pajama Fashion
Once a mere necessity for a good night’s sleep, pajamas have transcended their traditional role, morphing into a significant fashion statement. The evolution of pajama fashion mirrors changes in societal norms and cultural tastes. From simple nightgowns to chic loungewear sets, pajamas now play a pivotal role in our wardrobe, offering both comfort and style. The journey of pajamas from mere sleepwear to trendy outfits showcases the dynamic nature of fashion and its ability to adapt to our evolving lifestyle needs.
2. The Role of Fabrics in Comfort and Style
In the world of sleepwear, the fabric is a silent comforter, whispering ease into our nighttime attire. Pajamas crafted from cotton breathe life into summer nights, offering a cool embrace. Meanwhile, silk slides over the skin with a promise of luxury, perfect for those seeking a touch of elegance in their slumber. Every material, from the snug warmth of flannel to the gentle caress of satin, serves a dual purpose: ensuring our utmost comfort and enhancing the visual appeal of our bedtime ensemble. The right fabric doesn’t just dress us for sleep; it sets the stage for a night of peaceful dreams and stylish repose.
3. Exploring Pajama Styles and Cuts
The world of pajamas is a kaleidoscope of styles and cuts, each uniquely suited to different tastes and body shapes. Consider the jacquard cotton pajama set, a harmonious blend of style and comfort. Its intricate patterns speak to those who admire detail and texture in their sleepwear. For a touch of sleek sophistication, the v-neck ice silk pajama stands out. Its smooth fabric glides over the skin, offering a cool, luxurious feel that’s perfect for warmer nights or those who prefer a featherlight touch.
Then, there’s the charm of the retro or vintage cotton gauze pajama set. This style is a nod to the past, where comfort met simplicity in a lightweight, breathable fabric, ideal for those who treasure a classic, airy feel in their night attire.
Each style serves more than the purpose of comfort; it’s a reflection of personal aesthetics and a celebration of individuality. Finding the right pajamas becomes not just about a good night’s sleep but an expression of personal style, making every night a journey into comfort and fashion.