Month: May 2023

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Investing in technology crucial to tourism: Grandcourt

It is imperative to invest in technological development and in human resources by capacitating the next generation of tourism professionals and leaders with strong digital skills.

This, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Director for the Africa Department Elcia Grandcourt, is paramount and instrumental to drive the future of the sector and contribute to the socio-economic advancement of the African region.

Grandcourt while addressing the opening session of the 5th African Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit (AYITS) on Wednesday in Swakopmund, said innovation, technology and digitalisation are an integral part of the evolution process of the tourism industry.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has sped up the urgency to integrate digital technology into the tourism and travel industry to reimagine businesses and destinations, design innovative tourism experiences, create or modify existing business operating processes, so as to adapt to the new conditions and features of the global context,” she explained.

Africa, she added is the youngest continent in the world, with 60 per cent of its population being under the age of 25, which should be an opportunity for the continent’s growth.

“This can only however be the case if these new generations are fully empowered to realise their best potential. It is thus especially important that young people are included in the decision-making processes and given appropriate opportunities and proper means to work and innovate the tourism sector,” the director stressed.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope at the same event supported the recently established Africa Tourism Innovation Hub’s main objectives to support the digital transformation in the tourism sector and build pragmatic tourism entrepreneurship programmes that empowers the youth with insight of the tourism enterprises and business intellectual property in formation and access to global travel markets, mentorship and funding opportunities.

Established in Namibia at the 4th AYITS held in Windhoek in 2022, the African Tourism Innovation Hub aims to provide mentorship to enterprising youth from across the continent and transition their ideas into viable start-up companies.

“The Namibian Government has put together a roadmap which is the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan (2022-2024), to aid the recovery process of the sector,” Itope highlighted.

Source: Namibia News Agency

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Application and issuance of MIT permits free of charge

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) has said the application for, and issuance of import, export, rebates and transit permits are free of charge.

MIT Executive Director (ED), Sikongo Haihambo in a statement informed the public that applications and issuance of MIT permits are free of charge and that all individuals seeking import, export, rebate, or transit permits should apply on the MIT official website.

This statement was issued after the ministry noticed that some individuals, agents, and groups have been misleading the public and charging them on the applications and issuance of MIT permits.

The ED urged the public to report any activities related to payment for the application and issuance of permits to the ministry.

Haihambo also encouraged the public to seek assistance at any of the ministries’ 14 regional offices at no cost.

Source: Namibia News Agency

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Prosperity Party Carried Out Activities that Enhance Nation-State Building: Party Vice President

The Prosperity Party has carried out major activities that enhance nation-state building following the direction given by the strong and legitimate leadership of the party, Vice President Adem Farah said.

The party will continue strengthening and building the leadership of the party so that the political, social, economic and diplomatic activities started can continue successfully, he added.

In the statement he gave to ENA at the conclusion of the two-day PP Executive Committee meeting, the leadership conducted in-depth discussion on various issues.

Accordingly, the executive committee has set directions in political, social, economic and diplomatic activities.

With regard to the political sector, the vice president said that the efforts exerted to solve fundamental national issues through the National Dialogue Commission in a democratic manner were successful.

He added that the Prosperity Party will play its role as a party for the holding of an inclusive dialogue to reach national consensus.

The party has created a spirit of cooperation to establish a democratic system in Ethiopia by involving competing political parties which differ from it in ideology and policy in the government structure, he noted, adding that the effort would continue unabated.

In order to create a lasting peace in Ethiopia, the vice president stated that commendable results have been gained in terms of building free and independent security, intelligence and democratic institutions for the benefit of the people.

The executive committee has also positively evaluated the efforts to establish lasting peace through combining modern and traditional methods of conflict resolution with those who were engaged in armed struggle.

Extremist bodies, which intend to meet group and individual needs by force in Ethiopia, are threatening our multinational unity, Adem said, adding that respecting the freedom of others is essential to exercise own freedom.

The executive committee has also set a direction stressing the importance ensuring the rule of law and constitutionalism, maintaining complete peace, and strengthening justice and security institutions.

Speaking about the economic sector, the vice president explained that the executive committee reviewed that an inclusive economy is being built in terms of ensuring fair development during the last 10 months.

He mentioned the results registered in the productivity of wheat production with a view to maintaining the multi-sector economic system where impressive results are recorded in wheat productivity.

In “Let’s Ethiopia Produce,” a national campaign that intends to solve the problems of the industrial sector, encouraging results have been achieved through increasing productivity and creating market linkages, he noted.

Adem also indicated the ‘ Dine for the Nation’ and other projects, were able to stimulate the tourism sector and create 2.4 million jobs in nine months; and this achievement will continue to be strengthened.

The Party executive committee has also set direction to take strong measures to reduce the role of non-value-added actors in the producers-consumers chain, preventing contrabandists with a view to stabilizing inflation.

He stated that in realizing inclusive prosperity and developing social system, encouraging results have been achieved in education, health, youth and women empowerment.

Stating that mutual benefits and productive diplomatic activities have registered results, priority has been given to neighboring countries in creating economic integration and boosting people-to-people relations, he noted this will be continued in a strengthening manner.

In preserving our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we were able to overcome the pressure of some elements following the war in the northern part of the country, he said.

As the principle of African solution to African problems has recorded results, it will be strengthened.

In the future, we will pursue balanced and inclusive diplomatic works to maintain our interests, he said adding we will continue to overcome the pressure and expand our allies.

To maintain the successful accomplishments of the ongoing political, social, economic and diplomatic activities, Prosperity Party will continue filtering, strengthening and building the leadership, he said.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Deputy PM and FM’s Visit To China Further Strengthens Multilateral Ties Between Two countries: MoFA

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnon’s official working visit to China further strengthens the friendship and cooperation between Ethiopia and China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said.

In a bi-weekly press briefing he gave to local and Addis Ababa based media on diplomatic activities and engagements of Ethiopia, Ambassador Meles Alem said that DPM and Foreign Minister Demeke’s visit to China was successful.

Ambassador Meles said the five-day diplomatic tour demonstrated the fast growing Ethiopia-China ties, especially in the areas of investment, trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and technology transfer.

The inauguration of a newly inaugurated Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing is indicative of this trajectory, he added.

The visit was indicative that China is Ethiopia’s most important ally and that they have reached an agreement to bolster friendship in the fields of politics and diplomacy, he said.

“I would like to say that the visit of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen has enhanced the relationship between Ethiopia and China, and brought the friendship and cooperation to a higher level,” he said.

During this visit, Demeke had extensive discussions with Vice President of China, the Foreign Minister, the administrations of Guangdong Province and the Mayor of Guangzhou and various investors.”

He added that the two countries reached better understanding on cooperation on international and the Horn of Africa issues.

During his stay in China, Demeke held discussions with senior officials of the Chinese government and investors, which further strengthens the historical relationship between the two countries that lasted for more than 50 years.

“The relationship between Ethiopia and China is 52 years old. Because we wanted to have a representative and embassy chancellery that fits this relationship, a newly built Ethiopian Embassy and Chancellery was inaugurated in China,” Meles said.

The visits and diplomatic activity which lasted for five days gave an opportunity to further strengthen the friendship of the two countries that lasted for more than 50 years,” the ambassador added.

The ambassador said successful discussion was held with 300 Chinese companies on potential investment opportunities in Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Cameroon Cup 2023: Hilltop Strikers create major upset to join PWD in 16th Finals.

The first round of the 2023 Cup of Cameroon rounded up on Monday, May 29th with major surprises recorded.

Hilltop Strikers of Bamendakwe is the only team from the North West Regional League that qualified for the next round after beating Gazelle FA of Garoua 5-4 after post penalties. The game ended in a 4-4 draw after regular time.

Hilltop Strikers will face Foudre of Akonolinga in the next round of the competition. Foudre eliminated elite 2 side Unisport of Bafang.

Another major upset in this 32nd finals was the Elimination of Dragon of Yaoundé by a Stade of Bandjoun, a team from the West Regional League. The team thrashed Dragon 4-0 to book her place in the 16th finals where she will face Bamboutos FC of Mbouda in a West Regional clash.

Full Results of the 32nd Finals of the Cameroon Cup 2023 and 16th Finals fixtures.

Aigle royal of Menoua (0-0, : 3-4) Edu SA.

Avion of Nkam 1-0 Ngaoundéré FC

Stade Bertoua 2-1 Sahel of Maroua

Colombe 5-0 Léopard of Douala

Victoria United 2-1Rainbow FC

Racing of Bafoussam 1-0 Njalla Quan

Canon Yaoundé 2-1 Lumière FC

Pwd bamenda 7-1 Dream Olympic

Eding sport 5-0 Ngaoundal Academy

Coton sport 4-0 Yong sport

Krimi FC 1-0 Ofta of kribi

Djiko 4-0 FC Bamenda

CFC de Garoua ( 3-0 walk-over ) UMS

Fovu baham 6-3 Abong mbang FC

Apejes 5-0 Best Talent Sport

Fauve Azur 2-0 Épervier of Ebolowa

Renaissance 2-4 Futuro of Yaoundé

Dynamo 2-0 Caïman

Union (3-0 walk-over) Rangers

Fap 4-0 Sable FC

Astres 2-1 AS Nylon

Foncha Street 0-0 (3-4) Atlantic of Kribi

Unisport 1-2 Foudre of Akonolinga

Lausanne (0-3 Walk-over) South West 1

Gazelle 4-4 (4-5) Hilltop Strikers

Bamboutos FC 2-2 (6-5) Africa FA

Stade Renard 4-0 Santos of Koza

AS Fortuna 2-1 Volcan of Noun

YAFOOT 0-0 (4-5) Pouma FC

TKC 7-3 Espoir of Mogode

Aigle of Moungo 1-0 Academie of Nyom.

Here are 16 finals fixtures.

EDU SA vs CFC of Garoua

Djiko FC vs Canon

Bamboutos FC vs Stade of Bandjoun

PWD vs Fauve Azur

Coton vs APEJES

Hilltop Strikers vs Foudre of Akonolinga

Racing vs Victoria United

Futuro of Yaoundé vs UNION

FAP vs Atlantic of Kribi

Eding vs Krimi FC

Aigle of Moungo vs Avion

Stade of Bertoua vs TKC

Pouma FC vs Colombe

Dynamo vs South West 1

Fovu vs Astres

Stade Renard vs AS Fortuna

Source: Cameroon News Agency

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Chris McCloskey Joins Duck Creek as Chief Operating Officer

Boston, May 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of Property and Casualty (P&C) and general insurance, today announces the addition of Chris McCloskey to its leadership team as Chief Operating Officer. McCloskey will be instrumental in driving key strategy, operational and transformation initiatives across the entire business, particularly within our customer and professional services organizations.

McCloskey joins Duck Creek from Datto, where he was most recently Chief Customer Officer for the cybersecurity and business continuity company. At Datto, McCloskey was responsible for building a new customer success organization that significantly improved technical implementation, customer satisfaction and retention, and partner health. Before joining Datto, McCloskey grew through sales and customer-facing leadership roles to become COO, Americas at London-based Finastra, a multi-billion-dollar financial services software company.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Duck Creek’s leadership team; he will help us continue to better focus on increasing lifetime value and enable our customers to be more successful,” said Mike Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek. “Chris is incredibly accomplished in growing and leading large teams through transformation, and having him as a strategic customer-facing leader is the perfect match to advance our vision.”

McCloskey Chris earned his MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Gettysburg College.

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and Twitter.

Carley Bunch
Duck Creek Technologies
2019626091
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8847565

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Hitachi Energy signs agreements with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company to design and develop the first phase of visionary NEOM region transmission system

Collaboration to accelerate the development of NEOM in Saudi Arabia with up to 9 gigawatts of power transmission capacity

Zurich, Switzerland, May 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all, has signed agreements under the supervision and management of the Ministry of Energy with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and with ENOWA. The agreements include the supply of three high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems to end customer ENOWA, the utility company for NEOM in Northwest Saudi Arabia. Built with sustainability in mind, NEOM is among Saudi Arabia’s Giga-Projects1 reshaping the future of development. The three HVDC links will have a total power capacity of up to 9 gigawatts (GW).

The agreements include an order from ENOWA’s engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) partner, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) awarded to Hitachi Energy and its consortium partner, Saudi Services for Electro Mechanical Works (SSEM), to provide one of the world’s first 3 GW, 525 kilovolt (kV) HVDC Light® transmission system connecting Oxagon, NEOM’s regional development, with the larger Yanbu area more than 650 kilometers away in Western Saudi Arabia.

Hitachi Energy’s scope of supply includes design, engineering, procurement of HVDC technology and commissioning of the HVDC Light converter stations. Whilst SSEM – a leading Saudi EPC specialized in power, water and industrial projects – will design and supply the AC equipment portion and perform the construction and the installation. The converter stations convert the power from AC to DC then back to AC for integration into the receiving grid. The converters will be sourced by and supplied to Saudi Electricity Company, who were contracted in 2022 by ENOWA to act as their EPCM to build this first HVDC system for NEOM.

Further to this, Hitachi Energy and ENOWA have signed an early works and capacity reservation agreement for two additional HVDC projects, each rated up to 3 GW. Under this agreement, both companies commit to having the resources and capacity necessary to implement these two HVDC systems. As part of a new scalable and modular regional network design that is targeted to seamlessly integrate future renewables and energy storage technologies in the NEOM Energy System, making it unique in terms of size and complexity. The co-operation will also explore opportunities to develop local competencies in the Kingdom, including ways to sustainably assemble the necessary HVDC Light components locally.

“We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with ENOWA and Saudi Electricity Company in order to power one of the most visionary development projects of all time,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “As the world progresses towards a more sustainable future, our expertise and HVDC technologies are true enablers of the electrification of the global energy system and the transition to renewables.”

“By securing the first capacities for such an important part of our future grid in only one year since the decision to use this technology, we show ENOWA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 in collaboration with Saudi Electricity Company and Hitachi Energy,” said Thorsten Schwarz, Executive Director of Grid Technology & Projects, Energy of ENOWA.

ENOWA, NEOM’s energy and water company, produces and delivers clean and sustainable energy for industrial and commercial applications. The company benefits from NEOM’s greenfield site and strategic location in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia, with abundant solar and wind resources. ENOWA will act as a catalyst and incubator for developing new, sustainable energy and water businesses while creating a robust economic sector regionally.

ENOWA seeks by its commitment to renewable energy and efficient water management, to become a global reference for industry leaders and setting a benchmark for sustainable economic circular systems around the world. Formed in 2022, ENOWA is the principal shareholder in the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant set to be commissioned in 2026 and will enable NEOM to be a global green hydrogen hub.

NEOM will be powered by 100 percent clean energy, through renewable solar, wind and green hydrogen-based energy. The region is designed to be a blueprint for sustainable urban living with minimal impact on the environment and enhanced livability.

Note to editors:
Hitachi Energy’s HVDC solution combines world-leading expertise in HVDC converter valves; the MACH™ digital control platform2, converter power transformers and high-voltage switchgear; as well as system studies, design and engineering, supply, installation supervision and commissioning.

HVDC Light is a voltage source converter technology developed by Hitachi Energy, which was launched over 25 years ago. It is the preferred technology for many grid applications, including interconnecting countries, integrating renewables and “power-from-shore” connections to offshore production facilities. HVDC Light’s defining features include uniquely compact converter stations and exceptionally low electrical losses.

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology almost 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects.

Hitachi Energy’s consulting services assist energy customers in pinpointing their challenges and suggesting customized solutions tailored to their unique requirements. Our consultants operate independently, with a product and system-agnostic approach, possessing in-depth knowledge of global technologies, standards, and local grid codes.

1 Saudi’s Giga-Projects
2 Modular Advanced Control for HVDC (MACH™)

See also:
Hitachi Energy to supply the first ever large-scale HVDC interconnection in the Middle East and North Africa (2022)
Hitachi Energy and Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority sign contract to upgrade high-voltage direct current transmission system (2023)

ENOWA website

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About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 40,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of over $10 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergy
https://twitter.com/HitachiEnergy

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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Jocelyn Chang
Hitachi Energy
jocelyn.chang@hitachienergy.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8848737