Latest news with #Diaspora
Rudaw Net
3 days ago
- Sport
- Rudaw Net
German-Kurdish football club rises to success
Also in Culture Kurdish language teacher uses puppet and play to motivate students US Congress hosts first Assyrian Martyrs' Day ceremony I don't want a celebration Sweden Kurdish magazine aims to promote Kurdish literature A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - SV Azadi, a Kurdish football club in Germany, has gained attention for its rapid rise in German football, evolving from a dream shared by friends into a team that now attracts Kurdish players from around the world through long-term goals to expand its activities. "There was no Kurdish community like this before, there was no place for Kurds to gather and get to know each other, so we founded the Azadi team. We wanted to create a home for Kurds, so they could get closer and build relationships, a place that would be special for Kurds," Azad Miran, founder and player of the SV Azadi, told Rudaw's Diaspora program that aired on Friday. Founded in 2016 by three friends in Germany, the Kurdish football team SV Azadi has risen through the ranks to reach the Verbandsliga, the sixth-tier league in the German football system. It has become a symbol of community, cultural identity, and sporting success in the diaspora. Miran emphasized that SV Azadi aims to become the 'biggest Kurdish sports team in Germany,' with goals of securing its own stadium and achieving full infrastructural independence. SV Azadi player Aland Khalil described the Kurdish team as a 'family,' saying, 'We are friends and brothers to each other, and if any of us has a problem, we all help together.' Born from the dream of three friends, SV Azadi brought together Kurdish players from all four parts of Kurdistan - Turkey, Iran, Syria, and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq - embarking on a remarkable journey of unity and success. With challenges they are facing such as verbal harassment and insults from other teams, the team's coach Niwar Jasim said, 'It's important to control yourself, be strong and not listen to them, just focus on the game.' "Our plan is to gradually start creating youth and children's teams. For our first team, I hope in the next five years we reach the Oberliga level, which is the fifth tier of the German league system," he noted.
Time Business News
3 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
The Complete Overview of Mutual Life Africa and Its Role in Empowering Individuals Families and Businesses in Africa and Beyond
Diaspora Funeral Cover is a crucial service provided by Mutual Life Africa, a leading pan-African insurance and financial services company. This company plays a vital role in empowering individuals, families, and businesses across Africa and the global African diaspora. Whether you are an African national living abroad or an expat living in Africa, Mutual Life Africa offers tailored insurance and financial products to meet your unique needs. The company serves over 2 million policyholders worldwide, operating within multiple regulatory frameworks. Their mission is clear: empowerment, accessibility, and financial inclusion. Through their comprehensive services, such as Diaspora Funeral Cover, Diaspora Life Cover, Expat Life Insurance, and SA Rand Life Family Cover, Mutual Life Africa supports communities both locally and internationally. Diaspora Funeral Cover is one of the core services offered by Mutual Life Africa. It is designed specifically for African nationals living outside their home countries or in foreign countries, such as Zimbabweans living in South Africa. This cover ensures that families receive timely financial support to manage funeral expenses without additional stress. The need for diaspora-focused funeral insurance arises because traditional funeral arrangements in African cultures involve significant emotional and financial commitment. Many families living abroad lack the local support or financial resources to manage such costs. By providing diaspora funeral cover, Mutual Life Africa fills this critical gap. In addition, diaspora funeral cover protects families from unexpected expenses during difficult times, ensuring dignity and respect for the deceased. It allows expats and diaspora communities to focus on healing and support without the worry of financial burdens. Alongside funeral cover, Mutual Life Africa offers Diaspora Life Cover and Expat Life Insurance, which are vital to securing the future of African families abroad. These products provide financial security in case of unforeseen events such as death, disability, or critical illness. Diaspora Life Cover offers a safety net that helps beneficiaries cope with loss by providing lump sum payouts or monthly benefits. This kind of cover is especially important for diaspora members who often support families back home financially. Expat Life Insurance is tailored for Africans working or living temporarily in foreign countries. It helps them maintain financial protection even when away from their home country's insurance systems. Mutual Life Africa's ability to operate across multiple jurisdictions means expats can enjoy seamless coverage without bureaucratic hassles. In both cases, the goal is to ensure peace of mind for the insured and their families, regardless of geographic location. This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility demonstrates Mutual Life Africa's leadership in the insurance industry. The SA Rand Life Family Cover and SA Rand Life Cover are insurance products tailored for residents of South Africa and other African countries. They offer protection against death, illness, and other life risks while denominated in South African Rand, which is a stable and widely accepted currency in the region. These products provide families with financial relief when tragedy strikes. By offering affordable premiums and flexible payment options, Mutual Life Africa makes insurance accessible to a broad demographic, including low-income earners and small business owners. SA Rand Life Family Cover is especially suited to family units, ensuring that spouses, children, and dependents have continued financial support. Meanwhile, SA Rand Life Cover can be customized to fit individual needs. Together, these products demonstrate how Mutual Life Africa bridges the gap between international diaspora requirements and local African insurance needs. Besides insurance, Mutual Life Africa offers Personal Credit Facilities, which include personal loans, car finance, and revolving credit options. These credit products empower individuals by providing access to funds for emergencies, business start-ups, or everyday needs. Access to personal credit is often challenging for Africans living abroad or in underserved communities due to stringent banking requirements. Mutual Life Africa's flexible credit solutions remove these barriers, making borrowing simple, fast, and affordable. Moreover, these credit facilities often work alongside insurance products, providing a comprehensive financial safety net. For example, clients with life insurance may be eligible for better loan terms, creating an integrated financial ecosystem. Through these services, Mutual Life Africa encourages financial independence and growth for individuals and families. For African entrepreneurs and corporate clients, Mutual Life Africa provides tailored Business Insurance solutions. These cover various commercial risks such as property damage, liability, employee benefits, and business interruption. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of African economies. However, they often face significant risks without adequate protection. Mutual Life Africa's business insurance products help mitigate these risks, safeguarding investments and livelihoods. Furthermore, the company's pan-African presence enables it to offer multi-country coverage, a vital feature for businesses operating across borders or employing expat staff. By supporting business continuity and resilience, Mutual Life Africa strengthens economic development within Africa and the diaspora. Mutual Life Africa recognizes the importance of travel for business, family, and leisure. Their Travel Insurance products offer comprehensive protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel-related risks. For diaspora members and expats frequently traveling between countries, travel insurance ensures peace of mind. It guarantees access to quality healthcare abroad and financial protection against unforeseen travel disruptions. In addition to insurance, Mutual Life Africa provides Visa Services to assist African nationals and expats with visa applications and renewals. Navigating immigration processes can be complex and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with foreign systems. By offering visa support, Mutual Life Africa reduces the stress involved in cross-border mobility. This service is invaluable for diaspora families visiting home, business travelers, and those relocating for work or study. Together, travel insurance and visa services make international movement safer and easier for Africans worldwide. Mutual Life Africa's core mission centers on empowerment, accessibility, and financial inclusion. This mission guides every service they provide — from diaspora funeral cover to personal credit facilities. The company operates in multiple regulatory environments, giving it the flexibility to serve Africans living both locally and internationally. This adaptability ensures that diaspora members can access familiar, trustworthy insurance and financial products, no matter where they reside. Moreover, Mutual Life Africa's digital platforms and neobanking solutions provide smart, affordable banking for underserved populations. This innovation further promotes financial inclusion and convenience. Ultimately, Mutual Life Africa's holistic approach helps individuals, families, and businesses build security, resilience, and prosperity. African diaspora and expat communities face unique financial challenges, such as sending remittances, securing insurance abroad, and accessing credit. Mutual Life Africa understands these challenges and offers products designed with these needs in mind. The company's diaspora funeral cover and life insurance policies provide culturally sensitive and financially reliable protection. Personal credit and business insurance products support entrepreneurial aspirations and everyday needs. Additionally, their fast and secure cross-border remittance services ensure money reaches loved ones without delays or excessive fees. This service is a vital lifeline for many diaspora families. By combining these features, Mutual Life Africa stands out as a trusted partner for Africans navigating complex financial landscapes abroad. Getting started with Mutual Life Africa is straightforward. Interested individuals and businesses can visit the company's website or contact local agents for personalized consultations. The application process typically involves completing a simple form, submitting identification documents, and selecting suitable coverage or credit options. For diaspora members, the company provides multilingual support to ease communication. After approval, clients benefit from efficient claim handling, dedicated customer service, and ongoing financial advice. This user-friendly approach ensures that Mutual Life Africa's empowering services are within reach of every African, no matter where they live. Diaspora funeral cover is an insurance product designed to cover funeral costs for Africans living outside their home countries. It is available to African nationals and expats across multiple countries. Mutual Life Africa offers expat life insurance policies that provide financial security for Africans living temporarily or permanently abroad, with flexible terms suited to different jurisdictions. Yes, Mutual Life Africa's personal credit facilities are accessible to many diaspora clients, subject to eligibility criteria and documentation. The company offers coverage for commercial risks including property, liability, employee benefits, and business interruption, suitable for SMEs and corporates across Africa. Mutual Life Africa assists with visa application and renewal processes to simplify international travel and relocation for African nationals and expats. In conclusion, Mutual Life Africa stands as a beacon of hope and financial security for Africans both at home and abroad. Their comprehensive products — including diaspora funeral cover, diaspora life cover, expat life insurance, SA Rand life family cover, personal credit facilities, business insurance, travel insurance, and visa services — address the unique challenges faced by diaspora and expat communities. Through a commitment to empowerment, accessibility, and financial inclusion, Mutual Life Africa not only protects lives but also fosters growth and resilience for individuals, families, and businesses across Africa and beyond. By choosing Mutual Life Africa, you are partnering with a trusted institution dedicated to supporting your financial wellbeing wherever life takes you. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Irish Post
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
A multimedia lament for Ireland's lost souls — presented by John Buckley McQuaid at the ICC
Singer-songwriter and seanchaí John Buckley McQuaid brings his one-man show to the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith, blending folk, film and fury in a searing portrait of Ireland through exiled eyes In Memoriam sleeve JOHN Buckley McQuaid, modern-day Irish seanchaí, bard, poet, storyteller and singer songwriter john Buckley McQuaid presents his one-man music & video show at the Irish Cultural Centre this Saturday, July 26. Based on his new album, This is Where I Keep My Dreams – Ireland Through Exiled Eyes, McQuaid brings Ireland's past and present into stark relief with this one-man multimedia show. Originally from Dublin and now based in Denmark, McQuaid, who also goes by the title of Bard of Stillorgan, embraces the role of the modern Irish seanchaí—the traditional storyteller—using song, video, poetry and a wry sense of humour. He casts a fresh, critical, often radical yet compassionate gaze on his native land. At the heart of his show lies a powerful narrative that confronts Ireland's deep-rooted social wounds—The Magdalene Laundries, Vulture Funds, the Diaspora and the enduring homelessness crisis A standout is the haunting tribute 46A – In Memoriam, honouring Dublin's iconic 46A bus, retired in February 2025. McQuaid relates how it played a key part in his upbringing. Funny, nostalgic — and poignant. The chorus runs: 46A, Oh! 46A You'll always be more than a bus Just yesterday they took you away They're stealing the future from us His upbringing inspired the following lines in Confessions of a Catholic Kid: Forgive me Lord for I have sinned I promise not to sin again Unless of course I get the chance I beg forgiveness in advance Mea culpa, mea culpa Mea maxima culpa BUT there are deeply moving songs too in McQuaid's canon. Girls Who Lived in Hell is an unflinching homage to the women confined in Magdalene laundries. Dear Mr Taoiseach, from his albums This Is Where I Keep My Dreams and Be Yourself, which he released just ahead of then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's 2024 resignation, is both magnificently melodious as well as searingly political. In Homeless Hotels, the refrain goes: Ireland, Ireland, Ireland, Ireland Some get cake and some get crumb Ireland, Ireland, Ireland, Ireland What on earth have we become? MCQUAID moved to Denmark in 1973 and has since become a fixture on Europe's folk scene—performing in theatres, libraries, prisons and festivals from 1979 onward Despite decades abroad, he remains deeply rooted in Irish culture, carrying its history—both glorious and painful—into his art. His fairy-tale vision shines in the audio-visual work Stations in the Sky. A true polymath, McQuaid is also a painter—reportedly creating around 500 works—as well as being an aspiring screenwriter focusing on Irish-set narratives. His e‑book Valentine's Day pairs 29 songs with 29 videos, while his poem Prodigal Kiss features on UCD's Virtual Poetry Wall For his principled artistry, he was recently declared Musician of the Month by Dublin's radical magazine Cassandra's Voices, celebrated for his powerful, unflinching reflections on Ireland McQuaid's artistry derives from deep empathy and wry wit—bringing Celtic humour to heavy truths. He gives voice to the unheard, his lyrics confronting legacy and justice: Land of the Magdalenes laments wounds that 'may never be healed,' while Homeless Hotels indicts the Irish state's abandonment of its poorest. McQuaid's artistry reminds us that national identity is not static—especially for an Irish storyteller in exile. With black humour, nostalgia and moral rigour, he challenges complacency: calling for accountability from Church and State, and honouring the pain of the diaspora and marginalised. In doing so, he upholds the bardic tradition: where music is memory, and memory is resistance. For Irish audiences—at home or abroad—this is more than folk music. It is a reckoning, a requiem, and a call to reckon. A show not to be missed. Details John Buckley McQuaid Saturday, July 26 Irish Cultural Centre 5 Black's Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9DT Details: HERE See More: Irish Cultural Centre, John Buckley McQuaid, Multi-media Shows
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Professor Benedict Oramah recognised for long service as Export Trading Group (ETG), TRACE, KCB and CBZ toast award success at 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings
Key Highlights The third edition of the Pan-African Business and Development Awards has recognised and celebrated leading businesses on the continent and in the diaspora in alignment with Afreximbank's push for a promotion of a Global Africa Marking his distinguished tenor, Professor Benedict Oramah, outgoing Afreximbank President, was honoured with the Bank's Long Service Award alongside other employees Export Trading Group (ETG) won the Global Africa Business Leader Award 2025 for fostering economic growth across the continent and enhancing food security KCB Group Plc, Kenya and CBZ Bank, Zimbabwe emerged winners of the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award 2025 for banking institutions with more than $500m and less than $500m capital respectively for having played a pivotal role in bridging the trade finance gap in Africa. TRACE, a multimedia platform dedicated to the entertainment and empowerment of people of African descent won the Diaspora Business of the Year Award for their impact in strengthening continental and diaspora ties. African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) ( hosted the third edition of the Pan-African Business and Development Awards in association with the Business Council for Africa (BCA) on Wednesday June 25, 2025, at a colourful Gala Dinner attended by more than 400 dignitaries including business and political leaders from Nigeria, across Africa and the diaspora. The Pan-African Business and Development Awards, held annually during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings, are designed to celebrate and recognise transformative businesses and financial institutions within the African continent and in the diaspora in keeping with the Bank's vision for a Global Africa. Export Trading Group (ETG), operational in nearly 20 countries on the continent, won the Global Africa Business Leader Award, 2025 for fostering economic growth across the continent and enhancing food security by connecting smallholder farmers with regional and global markets, improving livelihoods and boosting intra-African trade, reflecting Afreximbank's mandate of fostering trade and economic growth across the continent. The company's investments in storage, logistics, and processing infrastructure have helped reduce post-harvest losses and increased value addition. This year, TRACE, the multimedia platform dedicated to the entertainment and empowerment of people of African descent, won the Diaspora Business of the Year award for its impact in strengthening continental and diaspora ties through the vehicle of entertainment. Its mission is to uplift African identity through music, education, and storytelling. TRACE's platforms reach and support over 5,000 artists and 1,000 brands annually. It employs hundreds across Africa, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in value. Two banking giants were recognised in the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award - 2025. KCB Group Plc, Kenya's largest bank by assets emerged winner of the award for banking institutions with more than $500m capital while CBZ Bank, also Zimbabwe's largest Bank emerged winner of the Afreximbank Financial Institutions Award-2025 for banking institutions with less than $500m capital. KCB, which won in the same category in 2024, was recognised for facilitating local and cross-border trade finance through various products as well as mitigating risks inherent in trade on behalf of its customers. One of the first East African banks to enhance financial inclusion and economic growth, it has positioned itself as an enabler for businesses and consumers to transact efficiently across African borders. CBZ Bank from Zimbabwe has played a pivotal role in bridging the trade finance gap in Africa by leveraging strategic partnerships, introducing innovative products, and executing a comprehensive pan-African vision. During the 31 st Afreximbank Annual meetings held in Nassau, The Bahamas last year, CBZ Bank and Afreximbank inked two deals ( totalling $80 million consisting of US$60 million line of credit and $20 million Afreximbank Trade Facilitation Programme (AFTRAF) facility signalling their continued collaboration aimed at promoting economic development. In a speech delivered on behalf of Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, the Bank's Senior Executive Vice President, Denys Denya, said: 'This Awards event is our way of saying thank you to everyone who, regardless of size or significance of your role, has contributed to furthering the course of development in Africa. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you. With these awards, we reaffirm our commitment to the shared goal of transforming the African economy and restoring the dignity of Africans, regardless of their geographic location.' Arnold Ekpe, former group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated and chair of the BCA, in his remarks, commented on the importance of recognising and celebrating institutions that contribute to Africa's development, which he said, 'has become the defining essence of Afreximbank.' A major highlight of the awards ceremony was the recognition of four long serving Afreximbank staff members for their dedicated service of between 25 and 30 years. This esteemed group included Professor Benedict Oramah who was honoured for over three decades at the Bank with ten years spent at the helm as President and Chairman of Board of Directors. Presenting the long service award to Prof. Oramah, Wale Edun, Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy said: 'Tonight, we acknowledge not just a remarkable career, but a transformative journey spanning three decades. Under your leadership, the bank hasn't just scaled; it has soared, championing strategies that have fundamentally reshaped trade and development across Africa. Nigeria is incredibly proud of your achievements, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to the economic prosperity of our continent. You are a true son of the soil; a shining example of what dedication and vision can accomplish.' The Pan-African Business and Development Awards are hosted by Afreximbank in association with the BCA. The awards series was launched in 2023 to recognise those organisations and leaders that epitomise the pan-African spirit by leading the way in building substantive and transformative cross-border businesses. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media Contact: Vincent Musumba Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) Email: press@ Follow on Social Media: X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa2), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB-). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Low turnout in Togo municipal elections seen as test for the country's president
Togolese voters went to the polls on Thursday in municipal elections seen as a test for the country's leader Faure Gnassingbé, who has faced rare and deadly protests after a recent constitutional reform that could effectively keep him in power indefinitely. Polling stations remained largely deserted in Togo's capital, Lomé, reflecting widespread voter apathy and fear following the crackdown on anti-government protests that left several people dead in June. Gnassingbé, who has ruled since 2005 after the death of his father and predecessor as president, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, was sworn in as president of the Council of Ministers in May. The powerful role has no official term limits and he is eligible to be reelected by Parliament indefinitely. Diaspora-based social media influencers and civil society groups had called for a boycott of the elections, the first national vote organized since the constitutional reform. They argued that the current electoral system lacks credibility and that the recent repression has silenced dissenting voices. Police and military patrols were stationed at major intersections throughout Lomé, reinforcing a heavy security presence that many residents said contributed to the atmosphere of unease. 'I've been voting since 1998, but this year is nothing like the others,' Sémon Aboudou said outside a nearly empty voting center in the Bè neighborhood, considered an opposition stronghold. 'Even in 2019, there was more enthusiasm. Now people don't see any change coming.' 'People are afraid — afraid of being attacked by protesters for legitimizing these elections, or afraid of being dispersed by security forces,' said Edem Adjaklo, a voter in the Gakli neighborhood. 'They feel it's pointless to vote because the results are always the same — predetermined.'
