
Namibia's New President Names Witbooi as Deputy, Trims Cabinet
Witbooi, 64, a former deputy minister, previously worked in education and home affairs before rising through the ranks of the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation, or Swapo. She becomes the second woman to hold the vice presidency in the southern African country, which is on the verge of an oil boom but which faces significant economic challenges, including a 37% unemployment rate.
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Africa's richest man retires as chairman of Dangote Cement
Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dangote Cement Plc. Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has resigned as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, with Emmanuel Ikazoboh succeeding him. Ikazoboh has extensive experience spanning over 40 years in senior management roles across several African countries. Dangote Cement significantly contributed to Nigeria transitioning from a major global cement importer to Africa's largest exporter. Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has stepped down as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dangote Cement Plc, marking the end of an era at one of the continent's largest cement producers. In his place, Emmanuel Ikazoboh has been appointed as the new board chairman, according to Premium Times. Ikazoboh, who previously served as an independent non-executive director, brings more than four decades of senior management experience across Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa. Further details about the leadership change and its implications for the company's strategy are expected in the coming days. In June, Mr. Dangote stepped down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, marking the end of two decades of leadership at one of Nigeria's most profitable food companies. The move, according to the company, was 'in line with the principles of good corporate governance and succession planning.' Dangote Cement has played a significant role in transforming Nigeria's economy. In June, Dangote noted that Nigeria, once the second-largest importer of cement globally, now exports more cement than any other African country, thanks to massive local investment in production capacity. Nigerian-based Dangote Cement remains Africa's largest cement producer, with a total installed capacity of 48.6 million metric tonnes per annum (Mt/a) across the continent. Of this, 32.3 Mt/a is located in Nigeria, while the remaining 16.3 Mt/a spans nine other African countries: Tanzania, South Africa, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Senegal, Zambia, and Sierra Leone.

Business Insider
7 hours ago
- Business Insider
Zap unveils new brand identity
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Business Insider
7 hours ago
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Senegal shoots for the moon with historic NASA agreement
Senegal has formally signed the US-led Artemis Accords, becoming the 56th member to the global framework outlining rules for peaceful space exploration. Senegal signed the US-led Artemis Accords on July 24, 2025, becoming the 56th member of this space exploration framework. The ceremony held at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., marked Senegal's commitment to science, technology, and space diplomacy. Key figures, including Senegal's ambassador and the Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency, participated in the event. The signing ceremony took place on July 24, 2025, at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., marking a watershed moment for the West African country as it strengthens its commitment to science, technology, and space diplomacy. The signing event at the U.S's capital brought together important figures from Senegal and NASA, including Abdoul Wahab Haidara, Senegal's ambassador to the United States; Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official in the Department of State Bureau of African Affairs; Maram Kairé, Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency (ASES); and Brian Hughes, NASA Chief of Staff. Following a meeting between President Faye and President Trump, Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy stated the signing of the Artemis Accords demonstrated the close ties between the two countries. President Trump met with Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and other African leaders in Washington two weeks prior to the signing ceremony of the Artemis Accords, which focused on the U.S.-Africa cooperation, as seen on SpaceAfrica. 'Senegal's adherence to the Artemis Accords reflects our commitment to a multilateral, responsible, and transparent approach to space,' Maram Kairé, Director-General of the Senegalese Space Agency (ASES). What the Artemis Accords means for Senegal This signature marks a meaningful step in our space diplomacy and in our ambition to contribute to the peaceful exploration of outer space,' she added. Senegal's signing represents a growing trend of African countries participating in space governance and asserting their presence in the next frontier of human development, outer space. Along with aligning with international standards for space activities, such as the utilization of space resources, deconfliction of operations, and the preservation of lunar heritage sites, this move also signifies Senegal's intention to build its own space capabilities. Remarkably, China's International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) program has connections with Senegal as well. Senegal's decision to join both the ILRS and Artemis Accords shows diplomatic balance and a willingness to engage in many international frameworks, which is uncommon but becoming more common among new space operators. Senegal becomes the fourth African country to sign the Accords, after Nigeria, Rwanda, and Angola. This trend reflects Africa's rising engagement in determining global space policy, as well as the continent's growing desire to use space technology for development purposes ranging from climate monitoring and agriculture to connectivity and national security. The NASA Artemis Accords Given that several countries and private businesses are carrying out missions and activities near the Moon, the Artemis Accords offer a shared set of guidelines to improve the administration of space exploration and utilization for civil purposes. Basically, the accords are intended to foster cooperation and transparency among countries involved in lunar and deep space missions, particularly those aligned with the Artemis program's overarching goals of returning humans to the Moon and eventually reaching Mars. Signatory countries' adherence to the Outer Space Treaty, the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, and best practices and standards of responsible conduct for the exploration and use of civil space is strengthened by the Artemis Accords.