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Edmonton Journal
11-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Opinion: Bill C-5: Rest in peace, reconciliation?
Against the backdrop of Donald Trump's threat to Canada's future, the prime minister is embarking on a nation-building project rivalling Sir John A. Macdonald's National Policy. Article content The mantra is 'build, baby, build' with Bill C-5 the midwife of this plan. The haste with which this legislation was rushed through Parliament is troubling many, as was the Trump-like urgency behind getting an agreement on internal trade by Canada Day. Article content Article content Article content There's no question that Mark Carney has a lot of political capital to spend and he has to exploit the honeymoon afterglow. It is also true that the logic of his actions is sound: Canada has been far too dependent on trade with the Americans — an understandable strategy if a multibillion-dollar market sits on your doorstep. Article content Article content With that market disappearing, moves to find others in Europe and beyond are necessary, as are plans to forge a closer relationship with the European Union. However, embedding the ability to bypass pesky regulations and perhaps limit public consultations to accelerate construction of major projects, does not inspire confidence. Legitimate concerns have been expressed by, among others, Indigenous and environmental groups, who feel that their voices will be muted, if not silenced. Article content The cost of living and the housing shortage dominated the recent federal election, easing out issues like climate change, health care, et cetera. Here again, not surprising, since having a roof over one's head must take precedence over everything else. Building housing at breakneck speed is one thing, but fast-tracking mega-projects is something else entirely. Is it wise to put the environment on the back burner when evidence of a warming planet smacks us in the face every summer? And is there not a danger that Indigenous interests may be sidelined in pursuit of a new National Policy? RIP Reconciliation? Article content Article content The duty to consult Indigenous groups has been affirmed and clarified by various Supreme Court decisions and Canada's ratification of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. The latter obliges the federal government to uphold the principle of 'free, prior and informed consent' of Indigenous groups before resource-development projects affecting their lands can proceed. Article content It is important to point out that Aboriginal groups have a very different attitude to decision-making. They do not make important decisions lightly. They consider their impact far into the future to determine how the seventh generation will be affected. While this might seem excessive to Settler society, one would hope that we would, at the very least, consider the repercussions of our actions on our grandchildren. Article content In fact, we could learn much from Indigenous values and attitudes to resources, especially with respect to water. Aboriginal groups do not frame the discussion in terms of their rights to water — rather, the focus is on their obligations to it. While Settlers believe they have dominion over the earth, Indigenous people adhere to an ethic of responsibility when interacting with water and other resources. They consider themselves stewards of nature's bounty obliged to protect and preserve it for future generations.
Mail & Guardian
08-07-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Tech experts call on South Africa to scale up its digital infrastructure
South Africa needs to accelerate digital transformation and infrastructure to harness the potential of artificial intelligence South Africa needs to accelerate digital transformation and infrastructure to harness the potential of Although the country has made inroads with developing policies for the adoption of AI, including the National Policy on Data and Cloud, the National AI Policy Framework and the establishment of the AI Institute of South Africa, which laid strong groundwork, the uptake of the smart technology has been slow. 'In order to sustain positive momentum and unlock the full potential of AI, South Africa must address three key challenges: AI infrastructure, industry application, and talent and local ecosystem development,' Gene Zhang, the chief executive of He said in terms of infrastructure, the three main challenges are date, computing power and connectivity. 'Data is the fuel of intelligence. It is projected that by 2030, the world will generate 1 less than 3.5 Zettabytes [a trillion gigabytes], with less than 30% utilisation. This is largely due to the absence of unified platforms for data collection, storage, and processing,' Zhang said. 'Computing power is the brain of intelligence. Global demand for AI computing power is expected to reach 105 ZFLOPS [a unit for measuring the speed of a computer system] by 2030 — 500 times that of today. Yet, South Africa's AI computing growth rate remains below 60%.' By 2030, 23% of households Communications and Digital Technologies Minister 'This includes concluding the Broadcast Digital Migration process to free up spectrum, expanding 5G infrastructure, and modernising public facilities with open-access fibre,' Malatsi said. Through the Affordable Smart Devices Workshop to ensure affordable access to smart devices for all South Africans, the treasury was able to remove the luxury goods tax on smartphones priced under R2 500, he noted. 'This is a meaningful step toward reducing barriers for low-income households to access smart devices. It is one small step in a long journey of eliminating barriers to affordable smart devices,' the minister added. South Africa is also lagging with respect to talent and local innovation, Zhang said. 'South Africa currently faces a talent gap of 500 000 in ICT [Information and Technology Communications], with 60% of this concentrated in AI, big data, and cloud. The country's total AI investment stands at around US $500 million, but 70% comes from foreign sources. 'This highlights a clear need to accelerate local AI investment and development.' To address this, Malatsi said the country is investing in digital skills through the national Digital and Future Skills Strategy. He said the country's aim is to empower 70% of the population with basic digital skills by 2029. This includes integrating digital literacy into basic education and scaling community-based learning initiatives. 'These efforts target not only students, but also job seekers, workers in transition and vulnerable groups such as women and persons with disabilities to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy,' he added. The government's other aims are to promote the productive use of digital technologies — as a tool to access government services, run online businesses, reach new markets and connect with job opportunities — as well as to become the 'most attractive destination for ICT investment on the continent'. Zhang said AI technologies are accelerating across the world, especially in public sector industries. 'AI models have improved significantly — reports show that since 2022, the accuracy of various AI models has increased 91.5%. The cost of using AI has rapidly decreased — data shows that since 2022, the price of AI model usage has dropped 99.3%. 'As a result, AI adoption is accelerating across industries — with 53% of enterprises already using AI.' But in South Africa's industry-specific applications, AI adoption is still at the early stages. 'Cloud penetration is relatively low, and AI has yet to achieve deep integration with verticals,' he added. As businesses adopt digital technology and AI, they should ensure the societies that use them are uplifted and the digital divide is not widened, said Jonas Bogoshi, the chief executive of South African ICT company BCX. 'We're not talking about gadgets here. We are talking about upliftment of societies,' Bogoshi said. 'We are talking about a mother in the rural community able to access health specialists with telemedicine. We are talking about a young student who can code, we are talking about an AI system that can detect problems or rather can detect that there's an issue on your crop and therefore be able to stop it and help you to be able to harvest quicker. It is more than just gadgets, it's how people interact with their yield.'
Hans India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Pharma sector set for 11% YoY growth in Q1FY26 driven by global momentum: Report
Pharmaceutical companies in India are projected to deliver an 11% year-on-year (YoY) growth in both sales and EBITDA for the first quarter of FY26, according to a recent report by Kotak Institutional Equities. The growth is expected to be driven by sustained momentum across key international markets, despite slightly muted domestic demand in April and March. The hospital segment is also expected to shine with a robust 17% YoY increase in sales and EBITDA, attributed to increased patient footfalls, capacity expansions through new bed additions, and a modest improvement in Average Revenue Per Occupied Bed (ARPOB). Diagnostics players are forecast to see a 14% growth in sales, fueled by higher volumes, an improved service mix, and mergers and acquisitions activity. The Indian pharmaceutical market was valued at USD 50 billion in FY24, with domestic consumption contributing USD 23.5 billion and exports accounting for USD 26.5 billion. India continues to hold its place as the world's third-largest pharmaceutical producer by volume and 14th by value. The industry's portfolio spans generic and bulk drugs, OTC products, vaccines, biosimilars, and biologics. As per the National Accounts Statistics 2024, published by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, the pharmaceutical sector's total output stood at ₹4.56 lakh crore for FY23 at constant prices, with ₹1.75 lakh crore as value added. With over 9.25 lakh people employed in the sector during FY23, the Indian government has been actively promoting pharmaceutical innovation. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has set up seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) to foster advanced research and academic excellence. To accelerate innovation, the department has also rolled out the National Policy on R&D and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector, aimed at nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem and positioning India as a global leader in drug discovery and medical device development.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Marine and blue economy ministry records 75% performance in two years
The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, said that the ministry has recorded 75 per cent performance in two years since its inception. He said the marine and blue economy ministry received the encomium through an evaluation conducted by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, through the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), which confirmed that the ministry achieved a 75% performance score at the end of 2024, despite various institutional and operational challenges. He made this known at the Second Quarter Citizen/Stakeholders Engagement Forum convened to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy held at Eko Hotels and Suites on Thursday. The theme of the Forum is 'Strengthening Collaboration For Effective Implementation Of the National Policy On Marine and Blue Economy'. He explained that the engagement is a working forum designed to develop a strategic roadmap for implementation. 'We are here to design actionable frameworks, set implementation priorities, and assign clear institutional responsibilities. In doing so, we must focus on improving coordination, ensuring accountability, and building capacity at all levels. He noted that the approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy by the Federal Executive Council marks a critical turning point providing a comprehensive framework to unlock value across the marine ecosystems. 'This policy encompasses port infrastructure, maritime security, aquaculture, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience,' he stated. He opined that the rollout of the policy would be cross-sectoral, collaborative, and data-driven. On deliverables on tasks given, Oyetola commended the efforts of the delivery task teams across the Marine and blue economy ministry and its agencies and urged them to remain focused and continue to pursue excellence in the discharge of their responsibilities. Oyetola said the Marine and blue economy ministry is prioritising the modernisation of port infrastructure. 'The Federal Government has approved the contracts for the reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can Ports, under the Western Port Rehabilitation Programme. Procurement is ongoing for the Eastern Ports. 'These upgrades are complemented by the deployment of digital solutions, including the Port Community System, the E-Call-Up System, and a unified One-Stop-Shop for port clearance. These interventions are designed to reduce delays, boost investor confidence, and reposition Nigeria as a regional maritime hub,' he asserted. He averred that the ministry is also working to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity through a public-private partnership model to revive a national carrier. In addition, Oyetola said that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced preparatory activities for the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund with the process being carefully structured to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance to expand opportunities for Nigerian shipping operators. On revenue and service delivery, the minister said that through digitisation, the ministry has recorded consistent year-on-year growth across its agencies to improve operational efficiency, close leakages, and attract private capital into the sector. Regionally, the minister asserted that Nigeria is championing the operationalisation of the Regional Maritime Development Bank under the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) to provide long-term financing for maritime infrastructure, thereby accelerating regional integration and supporting cross-border trade. He highlighted that the ministry, through the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has introduced the Inland Waterways Transportation Regulation, 2023, and launched a nationwide water safety campaign, distributed over 42,000 safety jackets, deployed ferries, patrol boats, and trained water marshals with the efforts already yielding results in reducing boat mishaps across the country and restoring confidence in water transport as a safe and viable mode of movement. Oyetola also said that the transition to a sustainable blue economy model requires innovation, investment, policy coherence, and human capital development. 'This is why we are placing strong emphasis on capacity building, research, and the promotion of local content in every segment of the value chain,' he maintained. He reiterated the ministry's commitment to build the necessary institutional, legal, and international linkages to enable Nigeria's maritime sector to contribute robustly to national development.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
MOHAP strengthens cooperation with partners to implement a National Roadmap for Addressing Health Risks
Workshop to launch the 'National Policy for Combating Health Risks' and to establish the policy's executive framework. Coordination at all levels through building effective national partnerships and networks and international cooperation. His Excellency Al Olama: The policy's focus on good governance and institutional empowerment constitutes a fundamental pillar for establishing comprehensive national health security. UAE, Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention held a workshop titled "Launching the National Policy for Combating Health Risks in the UAE." The workshop was attended by broad participation from relevant stakeholders, including health authorities and other entities. The aim was to introduce its pillars following its approval by the UAE Cabinet. The workshop also discussed the framework of the executive plan emanating from the policy and enhanced coordination among all relevant partners to ensure integrated efforts related to combating health risks and to ensure the achievement of the policy's vision and objectives. This will contribute to adopting a multi-sectoral approach to health risk preparedness and response, meeting the aspirations of the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. Wide Participation The workshop was opened by His Excellency Dr. Salem Al Darmaki, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Prevention, with the participation of representatives from the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the Presidential Court, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Health Services Corporation, the Emirates Drug Establishment, the Dubai Health Authority, the Sharjah Health Authority, Dubai Health, the United Arab Emirates University, and the Emirates Medical Association. Risk Response System The workshop focused on governance frameworks for combating health risks, including building and supporting social, financial, and administrative commitment; coordination at all levels through building effective national partnerships and networks and international cooperation; developing supportive policies and legislation; integrating health into all policies; and mechanisms for managing health risks at all stages, including: Prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery are achieved through monitoring the implementation of the National Framework for Health Risk Management, identifying, analyzing, assessing, and providing early warning of risks, as well as ensuring response and control of the health situation in cases of exposure to health risks and emergencies. Future Planning The workshop addressed strengthening sustainable basic health infrastructure and logistics, maintaining essential and vital health services during health emergencies, ensuring the availability of a sufficiently qualified health workforce, developing interventions for effective response to risk communication, addressing rumors, and providing and analyzing risk data and statistics for evidence-based decision-making. It also focused on strengthening research capacity, establishing systems, and managing innovation in the field of various health risks. It also identified the most important expected improvements in the health sector and beyond it, and developing a future planning process for health risk management. A Proactive Vision His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasized that the National Policy for Combating Health Risks in the UAE represents a strengthening of the national response system to health emergencies. This embodies a proactive vision that aligns with the aspirations of wise leadership and the UAE government's ambitions to continuously develop a health sector capable of containing emerging challenges and responding quickly to health crises and emergencies. His Excellency added: "The Ministry operates within a coordinated framework with all government, private, and academic entities, both local and international, within a framework that enhances the integration of roles and establishes a legislative and executive environment capable of achieving sustainable results. Furthermore, the policy's focus on good governance, institutional empowerment, and improving infrastructure efficiency constitutes a fundamental pillar for establishing comprehensive national health security by consolidating the role of community participation as a strategic tool for early detection, disease prevention, and achieving comprehensive preparedness that ensures the continuity of vital services under various circumstances, thus achieving the Ministry's strategy 2023-2026. Dr. Lubna Al Shaali, Director of the Health Policy and Legislation Department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, indicated that implementing the National Policy for Combating Health Risks will contribute to providing proactive guidance for developing the national capabilities needed to respond to various events and risks and combat their health impacts, in accordance with the latest global and national health practices and guidelines. This will also promote more resilient health systems capable of adapting to future crises through a national framework that consolidates integration among agencies and unifies efforts. She noted that this policy represents a strategic step toward building a robust health system, centered on health in all policies, and aligned with the Ministry's strategy to achieve comprehensive and sustainable health security. Dr. Fatima Al Attar, Director of the International Health Regulations Office at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, indicated that accurate periodic assessment of health risks by strengthening monitoring and early detection systems, classifying these risks, and identifying their sources will enhance preparedness, improve response indicators, reduce mortality and morbidity rates associated with health emergencies and disasters, and enhance the continuity of health coverage in the country.
