Latest news with #U20
The Citizen
a day ago
- Business
- The Citizen
African cities need fiscal power to survive rapid urbanisation
In terms of urbanisation, what works in London or Washington cannot be transplanted to African cities like Maputo or Lusaka. Africa is urbanising rapidly. According to Africa's Urbanisation Dynamics 2025 – an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report – cities will house 1.4 billion people by 2050 – twice today's number. But this growth is happening in cities that lack the financial power to shape their own futures. Most African cities struggle to raise revenue, borrow money or spend capital at scale. They depend on national governments for funding and long-term planning and are often stuck waiting for budget limited allocations. This has real consequences. Cities struggle to build the roads, housing, power, sanitation or public transport their growing populations need. Climate change makes this worse. Flooding, drought, heatwaves and other climate shocks are hitting cities harder and more often, damaging infrastructure and draining already scarce resources. Cities must now build infrastructure that is not only bigger, but also more resilient and climate-smart. Yet they lack the tools to act, even when the need is urgent. The Urban 20 (U20) brings together mayors from major G20 cities to inform the discussions of national leaders at the G20 Summit, to be held in Johannesburg in November. The recent African Mayors' Assembly in Tshwane – held under the Urban 20 banner and hosted for the first time on African soil – crystallised this challenge into a single question: how do we finance the infrastructure that 1.4 billion urban Africans will need when our cities lack the basic authority to raise and deploy capital? Some cities, such as Johannesburg and Nairobi, have working systems, but they're stretched. Others are building from scratch. Across the continent, the scale of need is vast. ALSO READ: Multi-billion Limpopo mega-project has ground to a halt According to the African Development Bank, Africa needs $130 billion (about R2.2 trillion) to $170 billion annually for infrastructure. However, international lenders typically require three things before they finance city projects: steady revenue streams, a proven ability to repay loans and established institutions. Most African cities don't meet these criteria, creating a Catch-22 situation: they need infrastructure to generate revenue, but need revenue to finance infrastructure. That's why we're pleased that leaders at U20 met to craft an African G20 strategy that addresses burning issues and is built on lived realities, not Western blueprints. At the heart of the discussions was one recurring theme: devolution of fiscal power. In simple terms, this means giving cities more control over their own money. Local governments across Africa are stuck in outdated, centralised funding systems. National governments still control the purse strings. Cities must wait for budget allocations, which limits their ability to plan, borrow or build at the pace their people need. This creates a major bottleneck. Without fiscal authority, cities can't enter financing partnerships, tap capital markets or respond to urgent infrastructure demands. A collective call emerged from the assembly, voiced in a letter signed by dozens of mayors and directed at African finance ministers: Unshackle us. Give cities real fiscal authority – the power to raise, manage and spend revenue, access capital markets and forge financing partnerships. Without this, talk of climate finance and urban resilience is just that – talk. ALSO READ: Deputy Minister warns low-income countries will be hit hardest by geopolitical tensions African cities also need new financial models grounded in reality, not copy-pasted solutions from Europe or North America. What works in London or Washington cannot simply be transplanted to Maputo or Lusaka. Our models must factor in informal development, youth unemployment, weak revenue bases and uneven infrastructure legacies. At Ntiyiso Consulting Group, we have seen what works. Cities that build, digitise revenue collection and improve service delivery can unlock local capital. Municipal bonds, blended finance and public-private partnerships are possible if cities are empowered to plan and account. African cities also need an 'Urban African Union' of sorts – a regional coordination mechanism that allows cities to learn from each other's innovations and speak with a collective voice to international partners. The financing gap is too large for individual cities to bridge alone, but collective action could unlock new opportunities. The U20 Assembly was significant because it articulated a new approach to African urban development. Cities that control their fiscal destiny can plan for long-term growth. The next phase requires specific policy changes: constitutional amendments that guarantee municipal fiscal authority. We need regional frameworks that support cross-border collaboration. And we need international partnerships that strengthen local capacity rather than bypass it. African cities are not broken versions of global West municipalities – they are different economic entities that need different tools. The U20 summit began articulating what those tools might look like. The question now is whether African governments have the political will to provide them. By 2050, the success or failure of African cities will determine the trajectory of the global economy. Getting urban financing right is a global necessity. NOW READ: Africa Food Show: Tapping into the potential of the continent's food and beverage market
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane aims to boost economic growth by showcasing tourism at C20 and G20 meetings
MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, stated that the tourism sector is a crucial part of the South African economy, and the city aims to prioritise this sector to stimulate job creation and economic growth. Image: Supplied / City of Tshwane The City of Tshwane is set to leverage the C20 and G20 meetings in South Africa to showcase its capabilities, hospitality, and infrastructure in hosting international conferences. Member of Mayoral Committee for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the tourism sector is a vital component of the South African economy, and the city aims to boost job creation and economic growth by prioritising this sector. She highlighted the importance of tourism, citing its significant contribution to the country's economy. "In 2024, tourism and travel contributed R618 billion to the South African economy – R117 billion from international visitors and R430 billion from domestic travel spending. Importantly, the sector also provided employment to 1.8 million people in South Africa," she said. The city recently co-hosted the 2025 Urban20 (U20) meetings with the City of Joburg at the CSIR in Pretoria, which brought together tourism stakeholders from across Africa and globally. The theme of the session was "Harnessing Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities". The meetings, Mabotsa said, offered a platform to explore how tourism can transform cities into more inclusive, resilient, and future-focused hubs. She emphasised that hosting the U20 meetings in Tshwane aligns with the city's focus on growing the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions component of the business tourism sector. 'At the same time, promoting township tourism, an example of which is the activities of the Friends of Toloane, aligns with our economic growth strategy's prioritisation of both the tourism and township economy sectors,' she said. The Friends of Toloane, under its director Thabang Rabotho, promotes environmental awareness and conservation within the Toloane Nature Reserve and has received notable recognition for its efforts. The City of Tshwane is confident that the entity's participation in the C20 and G20 meetings will help to promote its tourism sector and showcase its capabilities to a global audience. Rabotho said: 'Our youth are at the forefront of preserving our natural heritage, using their voices and actions to champion environmental justice in our communities. Through initiatives like the Toloane Youth Water Network, they are proving that young people are not just beneficiaries of change - they are leading it. In them, we see the future of a greener, more just Tshwane.' The issue of safety was also addressed at the U20 meeting, with Mabotsa noting that Tshwane has been recognised as the safest city in South Africa, as reported by the SA Cities Network Safe Cities 2024t. The city, she said, has seen further decreases in nearly all reported crime categories in 2025, as evidenced by the SAPS quarterly report for January to March 2025. Following the meetings, the city organised a trip for delegates to the Union Buildings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Dinokeng Big Five Game Reserve. The Dinokeng project, a public-private partnership, has generated over 1,000 job opportunities and numerous small businesses that support or benefit from the reserve's tourism activities. Mabotsa promised that the multiparty coalition government will actively showcase Tshwane to the world, encouraging residents to proudly promote the city and encourage friends and family to visit. [email protected]
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Ultenic U20 cordless vacuum cleaner review: The smart, pet-friendly stick vacuum
Cordless stick vacuums are so versatile for busy households, offering unmatched convenience, flexibility, and ease of use. Lightweight and powerful, they tackle everyday messes with speed, especially in homes with pets, children, or both. Design and build The Ultenic U20 features several unique design elements that help it stand out from the crowd of generic stick vacuums. Weighing just 1.7kg, it's impressively lightweight for such a powerful machine, and its compact frame (44 x 29 x 19.5 cm) makes storage simple. One of my favourite features is its self-standing design, which means you don't have to use the included wall mount all the time. Simply park it upright when you're done or between room transitions. In terms of styling, it features a modern finish with a blend of grey, gold, and lilac accents, giving it a sleek, high-tech appearance. It also features a touch display with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy control of power levels, monitoring of battery status, and viewing of error alerts at a glance. Features The U20 delivers premium features usually reserved for higher-end models, including what Ultenic calls GreenEye Technology, which automatically adjusts suction power based on floor type and dirt level, saving energy while maximising performance. However, you can also toggle between different power modes via the touch display. Ultenic claims that its 7-layer filtration system captures 99.99% of allergens and dust, making it ideal for both allergy sufferers and pet owners. With a 1.5-litre dustbin, it also reduces the frequency of emptying, which is a plus for larger households or those with furry companions. The dustbin detaches from the U20 easily, making it simple to empty. However, I do wish there were a marking or guide to help line it up more easily when reattaching it. Other practical features include a detachable, long-lasting battery that offers up to 60 minutes of runtime, ultra-quiet operation at 60dB (ideal for pets or babies), and a flexible wand that allows you to reach under sofas and beds without stooping. Of course, the runtime is noticeably shorter when using it on carpet, and it also tends to get louder in the process. The anti-tangle brush is another nice-to-have feature, effectively preventing hair from wrapping around it. It's also a plus that the main brush head can be fully disassembled, making it easy to remove any debris or hair that may get caught. Performance At its heart is a powerful 600W motor, delivering an impressive 55KPa of suction, one of the highest in its class. This level of power is more than capable of lifting embedded dirt, fine dust, and pet hair from carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors alike. I don't have carpets in my house, but I use a rug that gathers pet hairs like a magnet. The U20 performed admirably, though not surprisingly, it didn't match the effectiveness of a significantly more expensive alternative. Transitions between floor types are seamless, thanks to GreenEye's adaptive technology, while the digital display ensures you're always in control. Real-world uses Ultenic U20 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with the optional mattress brush. Pictures: Ultenic. In everyday scenarios, the Ultenic U20 excels. Whether it's clumps of pet hair, scattered cat litter, or crumbs under the kitchen table, the U20 handles it all with ease. Its flexibility makes cleaning under beds and sofas a breeze, and the anti-tangle brush truly lives up to its name. As a pet owner, the U20 feels purpose-built, offering quiet but powerful cleaning with minimal fuss. Cleaning large areas on a single charge is entirely feasible, and with the added bonus of fast recharging, you're never left waiting long between sessions. The main brush head handles most cleaning tasks, while the crevice tool and the super convenient built-in upholstery tool take care of the rest, making the U20 a versatile all-rounder. The power button is well-placed for easy access. Press once to start vacuuming and again to stop. When powering off, the U20 briefly boosts suction for a couple of seconds to help clear any remaining debris from the passageway. The extra power and lightweight design are great, but I found the main brush head to be awkward to use on my stairs. Verdict The Ultenic U20 is a lightweight, powerful and intelligently designed cordless vacuum that excels in real homes, especially those with pets. Quiet, effective and easy to use, it delivers high-end performance at an excellent price point. €220
The 42
3 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Andy McEntee departs as Antrim senior football manager
ANTRIM GAA HAVE confirmed that Andy McEntee's time as senior football manager is over. His three-year term will not be extended after reaching successive Tailteann Cup semi-finals in 2023 and 2024 while integrating numerous U20 prospects into the senior panel. Advertisement A statement from the county board praised McEntee 'and his entire backroom team for their service and commitment.' He also paid tribute to the players and those he worked closely with since his appointment. 'I have been very fortunate to work with a backroom team who have such love for Antrim football. I would like to pay tribute to the medical and performance team who have worked tirelessly to ensure players received the best treatment and are in the best possible condition at all times to represent their county. 'To the management team of Tom, Terry, Justin, Brendan, John and Darren, I would like to thank you for your massive contribution. To the players, I would like you to know that it has been an honour to get to know and work with such a great bunch of young men. I wish you nothing but the best going forward. I will be watching. 'To all of the above I hope that you continue to strive to reach your potential as a county.'
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Former Ireland captain's son among Munster Rugby's five new academy recruits for next season
KEITH Wood's son Tom will be among five new academy players for Munster's 2025/26 campaign. The province this morning confirmed that he would be joining the ranks along with Emmet Calvey, Conor Kennelly, Oisín Minogue and Eoghan Smyth. 4 The club revealed the five new members of its academy on Wednesday morning Credit: @munsterrugby 4 Unlike his dad, Tom and his brothers play in the backline 4 Keith and Tom after February's U20 Six Nations fixture against Wales in Newport 4 The other Wood son Alex also plays to a high level with Garryowen in the Energia All-Ireland League Credit: Garryowen RFC All five are Ireland Under-20 internationals with Keith having Keith's older son Gordon also featured in that game as Tom and Gordon may be chips off the old block in many ways - but they're far from hard-nosed hookers as they line out at fly-half and centre respectively. It's worth noting too that Oisín Minogue is the nephew of another Reds icon and ex-head coach in Anthony 'Axel' Foley. Read More On Irish Sport The family lineage of both legends being carried on into next season was warmly received by supporters. Julien hailed: "Special mention to Tom Wood, carrying such a name is hard. "There is a lot on you but know that whatever happens we, the supporters, will be with you. Just give it your all and have no regrets." 2025/26 MUNSTER ACADEMY SQUAD: Year 3: George Hadden, Dylan Hicks, Darragh McSweeney, Ben O'Connor, Max Clein, Ronan Foxe. Most read in Rugby Union Year 2: Jake O'Riordan, Gene O'Leary Kareem, Michael Foy, Danny Sheahan, Seán Edogbo, Luke Murphy, Gordon Wood. Year 1: Emmet Calvey, Conor Kennelly, Oisin Minogue, Eoghan Smyth, Tom Wood. 'I live life on the edge' - Watch Peter O'Mahony storm off after wife Jessica startles him while gardening On a lighter note, the official Munster Supporters Club had some fun on social media yesterday The 39-year-old Speaking at his first appearance as a member of When asked on Monday about Now, the good folk at the province's official club fan club have responded by taking Sexton up on his remark. They shared a mock-up of a season ticket pass with his name on it. The amusing social media post was captioned: "Great to hear from official Lions Rugby that we have a new member for next season. Your card is in the post Johnny. SUAF." BOOK BLAZE In his autobiography, Sexton He wrote that, after referee Wayne Barnes blew the final whistle, Ioane said to him 'Don't miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement you c***'. Sexton responded by calling him 'a fake-humble f*****'. Auckland native Ioane reignited the row after the All Blacks beat Ireland last November with an Instagram post with the caption 'Put that in the book'.
