20 hours ago
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The Trump administration has provided a $99.6 million loan to a U.S.-owned cell phone network operator in Africa to expand American tech presence on a continent where China's Huawei is a leading player.
The loan from the U.S. government's Export-Import Bank was announced by the operator Africell on Friday. It is the only U.S.-owned cell network operator in Africa.
Africell said in a statement the loan would "boost U.S.-based employment in the telecommunications sector and strengthen American technology leadership abroad." It said the money would allow it to invest specifically in American and European technology for its operations in the southern African country of Angola.
Africell also operates in Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia, it said.
Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and is estimated to have supplied more than half the 4G and 5G network infrastructure in Africa.
#loan
The loan from the U.S. government's Export-Import Bank was announced by the operator Africell on Friday. It is the only U.S.-owned cell network operator in Africa.
Africell said in a statement the loan would "boost U.S.-based employment in the telecommunications sector and strengthen American technology leadership abroad." It said the money would allow it to invest specifically in American and European technology for its operations in the southern African country of Angola.
Africell also operates in Congo, Sierra Leone and Gambia, it said.
Huawei is the world's biggest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and is estimated to have supplied more than half the 4G and 5G network infrastructure in Africa.
#loan
20 hours ago
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo, the world's fastest-growing outbreak of the disease on record, has now spread to seven provinces in the African country, local authorities said. And it's showing no signs of slowing down.
According to the governor of the northwestern province of Sud-Ubangi, Jean-Rene Galekwa Vundawe, laboratory tests by Congo's national research institute found in a sample the Bundibugyo virus, the rare kind of Ebola that caused the current outbreak.
The statement, which was issued on Thursday and reported by local media outlets on Friday, said the sample was from the Bulu health district in Sud-Ubangi. It did not disclose other information about the source of the infection.
The development makes Sud-Ubangi the seventh province affected by the outbreak — and the first in western Congo — a worrisome spread west from what was previously concentrated in the country's east. A case was detected in Kinshasa in May in a person who had traveled from eastern Congo, but the Congolese capital was not classified as an affected province.
As of Wednesday, 6,942 cases and 3,349 deaths have been reported, according to the latest government figures.
#outbreak #local
According to the governor of the northwestern province of Sud-Ubangi, Jean-Rene Galekwa Vundawe, laboratory tests by Congo's national research institute found in a sample the Bundibugyo virus, the rare kind of Ebola that caused the current outbreak.
The statement, which was issued on Thursday and reported by local media outlets on Friday, said the sample was from the Bulu health district in Sud-Ubangi. It did not disclose other information about the source of the infection.
The development makes Sud-Ubangi the seventh province affected by the outbreak — and the first in western Congo — a worrisome spread west from what was previously concentrated in the country's east. A case was detected in Kinshasa in May in a person who had traveled from eastern Congo, but the Congolese capital was not classified as an affected province.
As of Wednesday, 6,942 cases and 3,349 deaths have been reported, according to the latest government figures.
#outbreak #local
2 days ago
By Maximilian Heath
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ****** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#idigoras
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ****** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#idigoras
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
2 days ago
By Maximilian Heath
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ***** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#countries #september #argentine #idigoras
BUENOS AIRES, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Argentina's corn exports are expected to reach a record 10 million metric tons in August and September, driven by a ***** per harvest and strong international demand as buyers seek alternatives to Ukrainian supplies disrupted by war and European crops battered by extreme heat.
The world's third-largest corn exporter is wrapping up its 2025/26 harvest, estimated at 71.7 million tons, nearly 20% above the previous record set five years ago, according to government data.
"Argentine corn right now is very competitive in price and in volume," Gustavo Idigoras, head of the CIARA-CEC grains exporters and crushers chamber, told Reuters. Normal export volumes for August-September typically reach about 3 million tons, he added.
Idigoras said demand from North African countries — typically buyers of Ukrainian grain — has been the primary driver. "In the last months we've had meetings with several North African countries, who want to have deeper commercial ties with Argentine exporters," he said, without naming specific countries.
#countries #september #argentine #idigoras
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
4 days ago
Gary Player is someone who never shirks responsibility when it comes to speaking out about issues with the current state of the game.
Player enjoyed a fabulous career at the highest level of the sport, winning 159 times professionally worldwide, including nine major championships.
Because of that record, the diminutive South African has a certain authority when he speaks.
Gary Player is often highly critical of numerous issues with the modern-day game.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
#gary #issues #images
Player enjoyed a fabulous career at the highest level of the sport, winning 159 times professionally worldwide, including nine major championships.
Because of that record, the diminutive South African has a certain authority when he speaks.
Gary Player is often highly critical of numerous issues with the modern-day game.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
#gary #issues #images
4 days ago
An exciting African star is ready to make his move to Liverpool.
The Reds are without a sporting director at the moment after Richard Hughes left the club. But it doesn't mean they are in disarray.
Behind him, Liverpool have a lot of experienced key decision makers when it comes to recruitment. Pedro Marques has done a brilliant job identifying young talent and bringing them to Anfield.
Meanwhile, Julian Ward and David Woodfine have been essential to the club's brilliant recruitment behind the scenes for many years now.
Liverpool may look to promote from within in order to fill Hughes' vacancy or they could look to bring in an external candidate.
#reds
The Reds are without a sporting director at the moment after Richard Hughes left the club. But it doesn't mean they are in disarray.
Behind him, Liverpool have a lot of experienced key decision makers when it comes to recruitment. Pedro Marques has done a brilliant job identifying young talent and bringing them to Anfield.
Meanwhile, Julian Ward and David Woodfine have been essential to the club's brilliant recruitment behind the scenes for many years now.
Liverpool may look to promote from within in order to fill Hughes' vacancy or they could look to bring in an external candidate.
#reds
6 days ago
Six years after it was banned for its racist overtones, the "Gator Bait" cheer reutrned Saturday in Gainesville for Florida's 2026 college football opener.
The Universitty of Florida's marching band played the cheer in the first quarter of the Gators' Sept. 5 game against Florida Atlantic for the first time since then-president Ken Fuchs banned it at football games in 2020.
Former UF defensive star Lawrence Wright popularized the term in 1995 after a win over rival Florida State when he said, "If you ain't a Gator, ya Gator bait, baby." The phrase caught on with the Florida faithful during the team's run of success under coach Steve Spurrier.
Even though Fuchs acknowledged the cheer itself wasn't racist, he based his decision on the "historic racist imagery **** ociated with the phrase." The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University said that newspaper articles and imagery from the late 19th and early 20th century depicted African American babies as alligator bait, a term that was also used as a slur for Black people.
#bait
The Universitty of Florida's marching band played the cheer in the first quarter of the Gators' Sept. 5 game against Florida Atlantic for the first time since then-president Ken Fuchs banned it at football games in 2020.
Former UF defensive star Lawrence Wright popularized the term in 1995 after a win over rival Florida State when he said, "If you ain't a Gator, ya Gator bait, baby." The phrase caught on with the Florida faithful during the team's run of success under coach Steve Spurrier.
Even though Fuchs acknowledged the cheer itself wasn't racist, he based his decision on the "historic racist imagery **** ociated with the phrase." The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia at Ferris State University said that newspaper articles and imagery from the late 19th and early 20th century depicted African American babies as alligator bait, a term that was also used as a slur for Black people.
#bait
6 days ago
Old foes South Africa and New Zealand collide in a new series in the first "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour.
The Springboks and All Blacks have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see the pair clash in a number of Tests every four years.
The first edition sees Dave Rennie's side head for South African soil to take on four United Rugby Championship sides alongside a quartet of clashes with Rassie Erasmus's world champions.
The fourth of those fixtures, which brings together the World Cup finalists from three years ago, will take place in Baltimore on the east coast of the United States.
Here's everything you need to know.
#four #years #africa
The Springboks and All Blacks have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see the pair clash in a number of Tests every four years.
The first edition sees Dave Rennie's side head for South African soil to take on four United Rugby Championship sides alongside a quartet of clashes with Rassie Erasmus's world champions.
The fourth of those fixtures, which brings together the World Cup finalists from three years ago, will take place in Baltimore on the east coast of the United States.
Here's everything you need to know.
#four #years #africa
7 days ago
The United Nations General ***** embly on Friday endorsed a new world map that represents Africa more accurately in its larger size, a culmination of a recent campaign led by African countries and advocacy groups.
Friday's resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only the U.S. voted against it while six other countries — Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine — abstained.
The vote encourages governments and institutions around the world to replace the traditional Mercator map, commonly used since the 16th Century, with the Equal Earth projection that advocates and geographers say shows locations more accurately.
The Mercator projection shows Greenland and Africa as appearing to be about the same size whereas in the Equal Earth projection that shows continents in their true proportions, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland.
Friday's resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement, but only encourages the use of the Equal Earth projection, the U.N. said in its report.
#equal #african #World
Friday's resolution, which was sponsored by Togo and backed by members of the African Union, was passed with 164 member states voting in favor. Only the U.S. voted against it while six other countries — Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova and Ukraine — abstained.
The vote encourages governments and institutions around the world to replace the traditional Mercator map, commonly used since the 16th Century, with the Equal Earth projection that advocates and geographers say shows locations more accurately.
The Mercator projection shows Greenland and Africa as appearing to be about the same size whereas in the Equal Earth projection that shows continents in their true proportions, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland.
Friday's resolution does not ban the Mercator projection or impose a replacement, but only encourages the use of the Equal Earth projection, the U.N. said in its report.
#equal #african #World
8 days ago
On September 1, Sasol Limited (NYSE:SSL) posted fiscal 2026 results that looked nothing like the shaky operator investors have grown used to. Net debt fell to its lowest level in ten years, Secunda output hit a five-year high, and adjusted EBITDA jumped 17% year over year to ZAR 61 billion. The numbers suggest a turnaround that finally has traction, even as chemical markets stay stuck in a rut.
The clearest thread running through the quarter is that Sasol's core Southern African operations are simply working better than they have in years. Secunda production reached 7.26 million tonnes, a five-year high, driven by improved coal quality and gas availability after the company installed a destoning plant that pushed sinks below 12%. That reliability helped cut the Southern African oil breakeven to $49 per barrel. Management is also weaning the business off external coal, planning to cut purchases from 8.8 million tonnes down to a range of 5 million to 7 million tonnes in fiscal 2027 as own production climbs toward 34 million tonnes by 2028.
The balance sheet tells a similar story. Net debt dropped 11% to $3.3 billion, and available liquidity rose 21% to roughly $5 billion after a bond swap that better matched debt currency to cash generation. Free cash flow of ZAR 11.9 billion was actually up 26% once you strip out a one-time legal settlement from the prior year. International Chemicals, long the drag on the portfolio, posted $604 million in adjusted EBITDA on a 7% cut in fixed costs and a stronger fourth quarter market. Retail fuel market share climbed to 13% from 9% five years ago, and renewable capacity reached 500 megawatts on the way to a 2 gigawatt target by 2030.
Not everything is fixed. Sasol lost two colleagues during the year, a reminder that operational improvement has not erased safety risk. Currency remains a persistent headwind, with CFO Walt Bruns noting that "the stronger rand remained a significant earnings headwind given the U.S. dollar-linked nature of much of our revenue." That same stronger rand outlook, combined with weaker long-term polyethylene pricing, drove impairments on the Secunda liquid fuels refinery and the South African polyethylene unit.
Management was explicit that global chemical markets have not turned a corner, warning that "excess capacity and weaker demand" continue pressuring prices with only a gradual recovery expected. Working capital also ran hot at 18.3% of trailing turnover, above the 15.5% to 16.5% target range, due to pricing volatility and elevated inventory. Fiscal 2027 capital spending guidance of ZAR 23 billion to ZAR 26 billion is also higher than the year just completed, and dividends stay off the table until net debt is sustainably below $3 billion, a threshold the company has approached but not yet crossed.
#debt #fiscal #years #five
The clearest thread running through the quarter is that Sasol's core Southern African operations are simply working better than they have in years. Secunda production reached 7.26 million tonnes, a five-year high, driven by improved coal quality and gas availability after the company installed a destoning plant that pushed sinks below 12%. That reliability helped cut the Southern African oil breakeven to $49 per barrel. Management is also weaning the business off external coal, planning to cut purchases from 8.8 million tonnes down to a range of 5 million to 7 million tonnes in fiscal 2027 as own production climbs toward 34 million tonnes by 2028.
The balance sheet tells a similar story. Net debt dropped 11% to $3.3 billion, and available liquidity rose 21% to roughly $5 billion after a bond swap that better matched debt currency to cash generation. Free cash flow of ZAR 11.9 billion was actually up 26% once you strip out a one-time legal settlement from the prior year. International Chemicals, long the drag on the portfolio, posted $604 million in adjusted EBITDA on a 7% cut in fixed costs and a stronger fourth quarter market. Retail fuel market share climbed to 13% from 9% five years ago, and renewable capacity reached 500 megawatts on the way to a 2 gigawatt target by 2030.
Not everything is fixed. Sasol lost two colleagues during the year, a reminder that operational improvement has not erased safety risk. Currency remains a persistent headwind, with CFO Walt Bruns noting that "the stronger rand remained a significant earnings headwind given the U.S. dollar-linked nature of much of our revenue." That same stronger rand outlook, combined with weaker long-term polyethylene pricing, drove impairments on the Secunda liquid fuels refinery and the South African polyethylene unit.
Management was explicit that global chemical markets have not turned a corner, warning that "excess capacity and weaker demand" continue pressuring prices with only a gradual recovery expected. Working capital also ran hot at 18.3% of trailing turnover, above the 15.5% to 16.5% target range, due to pricing volatility and elevated inventory. Fiscal 2027 capital spending guidance of ZAR 23 billion to ZAR 26 billion is also higher than the year just completed, and dividends stay off the table until net debt is sustainably below $3 billion, a threshold the company has approached but not yet crossed.
#debt #fiscal #years #five
9 days ago
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Enos Mafokate, South Africa's first Black show jumping champion and veteran equestrian, has died at the age of 80, his family announced on Thursday.
Mafokate broke racial barriers in a sport that was dominated by white riders during South Africa's decades of apartheid. He was widely known as "Kgosi ya Dipere," a Sesotho language phrase which translates to "King of Horses."
"His journey was shaped by several leading figures in South African equestrian sport who recognised his extraordinary ability and, at critical moments, supported him as he challenged the racial barriers of the time," his family said in statement.
Mafokate started out as a stablehand. He won his first riding competition in 1963 but the country's segregation laws prevented him from taking part in further competitions until 1975.
In 1980, he was the first Black South African man to compete internationally as a show jumper, placing fifth out of 31 riders at the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley.
#south #racial
Mafokate broke racial barriers in a sport that was dominated by white riders during South Africa's decades of apartheid. He was widely known as "Kgosi ya Dipere," a Sesotho language phrase which translates to "King of Horses."
"His journey was shaped by several leading figures in South African equestrian sport who recognised his extraordinary ability and, at critical moments, supported him as he challenged the racial barriers of the time," his family said in statement.
Mafokate started out as a stablehand. He won his first riding competition in 1963 but the country's segregation laws prevented him from taking part in further competitions until 1975.
In 1980, he was the first Black South African man to compete internationally as a show jumper, placing fifth out of 31 riders at the Royal International Horse Show at Wembley.
#south #racial
9 days ago
Corn futures are trading with contracts 7 to 8 cents at midday. There were another 187 deliveries issued against September corn overnight. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price is up 5 3/4 cents at $4.97 1/4.
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good. By state, IL (-3), IA (-2), MN (-5), ND (-6), OH (-1), SD (-7), TX (-7), and WI (-5) all saw deterioration. Improvement was noted in CO (+29), MI (+8), MO (+4), and NE (+3).
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#corn #condition #september
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good. By state, IL (-3), IA (-2), MN (-5), ND (-6), OH (-1), SD (-7), TX (-7), and WI (-5) all saw deterioration. Improvement was noted in CO (+29), MI (+8), MO (+4), and NE (+3).
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#corn #condition #september
9 days ago
December lean hog (HEZ26) futures present a buying opportunity on more price strength.
See on the daily bar chart for December lean hog futures prices have rebounded strongly from the August low and have negated a price downtrend. See, too, at the bottom of the chart that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator has just produced a bullish line crossover signal, whereby the blue MACD line crossed above the red trigger line. Prices last Friday also produced a technically bullish weekly high close.
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#line
See on the daily bar chart for December lean hog futures prices have rebounded strongly from the August low and have negated a price downtrend. See, too, at the bottom of the chart that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator has just produced a bullish line crossover signal, whereby the blue MACD line crossed above the red trigger line. Prices last Friday also produced a technically bullish weekly high close.
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#line
10 days ago
Corn prices are trading with 2 to 3 losses so far on Tuesday morning, with December 9 cents off the overnight high. Futures rounded out August with contracts up 1 to 3 1/2 cents on the session. Open interest was up 15,541 contracts on Monday. There were another 187 deliveries issued against September corn overnight. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was back up 3 1/2 cents at $4.93 1/2.
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good.
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#cocoa #condition
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good.
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#cocoa #condition
10 days ago
Corn futures rounded out August with contracts up 1 to 3 1/2 cents on the session. There were 90 deliveries issued against September corn on First Notice Day. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was back up 3 1/2 cents at $4.93 1/2.
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good.
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#good
This week's Crop Progress report showed 62% of the US corn crop in the dough stage by August 30, with 62% dented and 13% listed as mature. Condition ratings were steady this week at 47% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped another point to 347 on a 1 point move from excellent to good.
Cocoa Prices Rise on Concern Over West African Cocoa Quality
Rip-Roaring Bull Markets Are Taking Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Higher
Arabica Coffee Consolidates Recent Losses
#good
10 days ago
When scientists with the National Center for Wildlife in Saudi Arabia were surveying caves in search of wildlife in 2022 and 2023, they came across something unexpected: seven naturally mummified cheetahs in five caves near the northern city of Arar. The remains were largely intact with well-preserved soft tissue and skeletons.
Now, an ******* ysis of three of the mummies' DNA has revealed something that could help reintroduce cheetahs to the Arabian Peninsula wilderness, researchers say.
Cheetahs once inhabited much of Africa and parts of Asia, but now they are found in only 9% of their historic range. It was previously believed that the Asiatic cheetah, called Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, was the only subspecies ever present in Saudi Arabia. The species is now critically endangered, with a small wild population remaining in Iran. Across the peninsula, cheetahs were deemed locally extinct in the 1970s.
But when the researchers ******* yzed three of the mummies, they found that two of the oldest specimens were genetically closer to the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus hecki, known as the Northwest African cheetah.
The findings, published in January in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, reveal that at least two subspecies of cheetah once roamed the Arabian Peninsula. The discovery could help reintroduction efforts as scientists now know which cheetah lineages once lived in the peninsula and have evidence of their success in the area.
#cheetahs #cheetah #once #arabia
Now, an ******* ysis of three of the mummies' DNA has revealed something that could help reintroduce cheetahs to the Arabian Peninsula wilderness, researchers say.
Cheetahs once inhabited much of Africa and parts of Asia, but now they are found in only 9% of their historic range. It was previously believed that the Asiatic cheetah, called Acinonyx jubatus venaticus, was the only subspecies ever present in Saudi Arabia. The species is now critically endangered, with a small wild population remaining in Iran. Across the peninsula, cheetahs were deemed locally extinct in the 1970s.
But when the researchers ******* yzed three of the mummies, they found that two of the oldest specimens were genetically closer to the subspecies Acinonyx jubatus hecki, known as the Northwest African cheetah.
The findings, published in January in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, reveal that at least two subspecies of cheetah once roamed the Arabian Peninsula. The discovery could help reintroduction efforts as scientists now know which cheetah lineages once lived in the peninsula and have evidence of their success in the area.
#cheetahs #cheetah #once #arabia
11 days ago
Wheat is starting off a new week with sharp losses on Monday. The wheat complex extended the move to 3-year highs for the winter wheats into the weekend. Chicago SRW contracts rallied 10 ½ to 24 ¼ cents across the board on Friday, with September 85 ½ cents higher on the week. Open interest was up 4,975 contracts on Friday. There were just 9 deliveries first notice day for Sep CBT wheat. KC HRW futures saw gains of 10 to 24 ¼ cents in the front months, as September was 71 ½ cents higher since last Friday. There were 143 delivery notices for September KC wheat on FND. MPLS spring wheat joined in on the rally, with contracts 8 ¼ to 12 ½ cents higher, as September was up 47 cents this week.
Over the weekend, Turkey was reportedly pushing for a Black Sea shipping corridor to help restore the flow of grains.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#Monday #complex
Over the weekend, Turkey was reportedly pushing for a Black Sea shipping corridor to help restore the flow of grains.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#Monday #complex
11 days ago
ePointZero, a subsidiary of 2PointZero Group, has announced plans to acquire a 90% stake in Azura Power, a pan-African independent power producer (IPP) with 752MW of operating capacity.
The company will enter the African power generation market as a result of this transaction, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
No financial terms or expected completion date were disclosed.
The transaction would see ePointZero acquire the ownership interests held by Actis and Africa50 through an acquisition vehicle established with Amaya Capital.
Amaya Capital, which founded Azura Power in 2010, would retain a 10% minority stake.
#power #acquire
The company will enter the African power generation market as a result of this transaction, pending customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
No financial terms or expected completion date were disclosed.
The transaction would see ePointZero acquire the ownership interests held by Actis and Africa50 through an acquisition vehicle established with Amaya Capital.
Amaya Capital, which founded Azura Power in 2010, would retain a 10% minority stake.
#power #acquire
11 days ago
Cotton is trading with Monday morning gains of 168 to 207 points. Futures faced pressure to close the week with Friday losses of 19 to 114 points across the board. December still held up for a weekly gain of 303 points. Crude oil was down 9 cents per barrel, with the US dollar index $0.533 higher.
Commitment of Traders data showed managed money adding another 17,173 contracts to their net long in cotton futures and options during the week ending on August 25. That net long stood at 95,841 contracts on Tuesday.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#week
Commitment of Traders data showed managed money adding another 17,173 contracts to their net long in cotton futures and options during the week ending on August 25. That net long stood at 95,841 contracts on Tuesday.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#week
11 days ago
Corn price action is kicking off the final trade day of August with modest losses of fractionally to 1 ½ cents. Month end pressure could play a role today. Futures held onto the Friday gains into the close, with contracts settling 1 to 4 cents higher. September rallied 28 ¼ cents last week, with December 28 up cents. Open interest was up 35,585 contracts on Friday. There were 90 deliveries issued against September corn on First Norice Day. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was back up 2 1/4 cents at $4.84 1/4.
Friday's CFTC data showed managed money in corn futures and options adding a total of 126,008 contracts to their net long as of August 25. That net long was tallied at 376,513 contracts, which was the largest since April 2022, but still over 52,000 contracts shy of the Tuesday record going back to 2006. Specs held a total of 465,500 contracts of outright longs by Tuesday, the largest on record.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#cents #tuesday
Friday's CFTC data showed managed money in corn futures and options adding a total of 126,008 contracts to their net long as of August 25. That net long was tallied at 376,513 contracts, which was the largest since April 2022, but still over 52,000 contracts shy of the Tuesday record going back to 2006. Specs held a total of 465,500 contracts of outright longs by Tuesday, the largest on record.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#cents #tuesday
11 days ago
Soybeans are coming out of the weekend with 4 to 5 cent losses. Futures posted 14 to 20 cent gains across most contracts on the Friday session. September was up 51 ¼ cents on the week, as November rallied 48 ½ cents. Friday's open interest rose 15,047 contracts suggesting new buying. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 20 1/2 cents at $12.53 3/4. Soymeal futures were $1 to $8.10 higher on the day, led by the front months, as September was up $20.50 on the week. Soy Oil was back up 167 to 259 points, with September 124 higher this week. There were no delivery notices on FND for September beans, with 261 deliveries for September meal and 800 for September bean oil.
USDA reported a private export sale of 182,000 MT to China on Friday morning for 2026/27, with 226,000 MT during the reporting period to unknown. Another 200,000 MT of soybean meal was sold to both Germany and the Netherlands at 100,000 MT each.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#september #bean #cent #higher
USDA reported a private export sale of 182,000 MT to China on Friday morning for 2026/27, with 226,000 MT during the reporting period to unknown. Another 200,000 MT of soybean meal was sold to both Germany and the Netherlands at 100,000 MT each.
Was the Commodity Complex a Case of More of the Same Monday?
Cattle, Hog Prices Are Still Trapped and Heading Lower. What to Watch Next.
West African Cocoa Crop Concerns Underpin Prices
#september #bean #cent #higher
11 days ago
The 2026 PGA Tour season concluded last weekend at the Tour Championship, with Scottie Scheffler winning by three strokes.
With a three-week hiatus until the Biltmore Championship Asheville, this is the perfect time to reflect on the past season.
We have looked at the leaders of each statistical category on the PGA Tour, and the longest driver was particularly interesting.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
21-year-old South African golfer Aldrich Potgieter was the PGA Tour's biggest hitter in 2026, ahead of Rory McIlroy.
#championship #biltmore
With a three-week hiatus until the Biltmore Championship Asheville, this is the perfect time to reflect on the past season.
We have looked at the leaders of each statistical category on the PGA Tour, and the longest driver was particularly interesting.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
21-year-old South African golfer Aldrich Potgieter was the PGA Tour's biggest hitter in 2026, ahead of Rory McIlroy.
#championship #biltmore
11 days ago
How China's Recovery Could Boost These 3 Platinum Plays
Sibanye Gold (NYSE:SBSW) reported record revenue and operating cash flow for the first half of 2026, supported by higher commodity prices and stable operating delivery across its South African gold and platinum-group metals operations.
The company said revenue rose 64% year over year to nearly ZAR 90 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased 111% to ZAR 31.8 billion, representing a 35% margin. Cash generated by operations climbed 551% to just under ZAR 21 billion, with a 65% EBITDA-to-cash conversion rate.
→ Apple's Foldable iPhone Could Be a Catalyst, But Not a Cure-All
3 Large Caps Under $20 With Good Upside
#ebitda
Sibanye Gold (NYSE:SBSW) reported record revenue and operating cash flow for the first half of 2026, supported by higher commodity prices and stable operating delivery across its South African gold and platinum-group metals operations.
The company said revenue rose 64% year over year to nearly ZAR 90 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased 111% to ZAR 31.8 billion, representing a 35% margin. Cash generated by operations climbed 551% to just under ZAR 21 billion, with a 65% EBITDA-to-cash conversion rate.
→ Apple's Foldable iPhone Could Be a Catalyst, But Not a Cure-All
3 Large Caps Under $20 With Good Upside
#ebitda
11 days ago
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California would allow Jews to voluntarily identify their Jewish heritage on state forms under a bill the state Legislature passed Monday.
The bill, which lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, would require state agencies that collect demographic information to add "Jewish" as an option for ethnicity or ancestry. The goal is to give state officials and researchers better data on Jewish Californians, including their unemployment rates and representation in schools.
The data would enable lawmakers to create policies that address the needs of Jews in the state, said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, an advocacy group.
"It's about inclusion as a community," Bocarsly said, noting the Legislature has passed laws in recent years to collect more inclusive demographic data on Middle Eastern, North African and LGBTQ+ communities.
Some opponents of the bill are worried about the idea of the state collecting such data given the traumatic history of the **** government keeping records of Jews during the Holocaust. The proposal would bar agencies from disclosing "personal identifying information," and bill author Henry Stern, a Democratic state senator who is Jewish, said California already has robust privacy protections that should **** uage those concerns.
#state
The bill, which lawmakers sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, would require state agencies that collect demographic information to add "Jewish" as an option for ethnicity or ancestry. The goal is to give state officials and researchers better data on Jewish Californians, including their unemployment rates and representation in schools.
The data would enable lawmakers to create policies that address the needs of Jews in the state, said David Bocarsly, CEO of Jewish California, an advocacy group.
"It's about inclusion as a community," Bocarsly said, noting the Legislature has passed laws in recent years to collect more inclusive demographic data on Middle Eastern, North African and LGBTQ+ communities.
Some opponents of the bill are worried about the idea of the state collecting such data given the traumatic history of the **** government keeping records of Jews during the Holocaust. The proposal would bar agencies from disclosing "personal identifying information," and bill author Henry Stern, a Democratic state senator who is Jewish, said California already has robust privacy protections that should **** uage those concerns.
#state
14 days ago
JOHANNESBURG: A top State Department official has hit out at China for what **** ysts are calling "the China shock wave" effect now crippling African economies.
African manufacturing is reportedly being battered by a surge of Chinese imports. It's a triple whammy — China takes raw materials, including critical minerals, from the continent and floods Africa with state-subsidized products. And Beijing isn't importing anywhere near an equal amount of African products.
The China Global South Project reported that in 2025, Chinese exports to Africa hit $225 billion in value, whereas imports from Africa were roughly only half that — $123 billion.
Putin Using Africa As 'Purse' For Ukraine War While Us Faces 'Intelligence Black Hole': Commander
China's Xi Jinping with President of the Comoros Azali **** oumani (L), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Senegalese President Macky Sall attend the China-Africa Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue on the last day of the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Aug.24, 2023.
#state
African manufacturing is reportedly being battered by a surge of Chinese imports. It's a triple whammy — China takes raw materials, including critical minerals, from the continent and floods Africa with state-subsidized products. And Beijing isn't importing anywhere near an equal amount of African products.
The China Global South Project reported that in 2025, Chinese exports to Africa hit $225 billion in value, whereas imports from Africa were roughly only half that — $123 billion.
Putin Using Africa As 'Purse' For Ukraine War While Us Faces 'Intelligence Black Hole': Commander
China's Xi Jinping with President of the Comoros Azali **** oumani (L), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Senegalese President Macky Sall attend the China-Africa Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue on the last day of the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Aug.24, 2023.
#state
15 days ago
Two eagles propelled overnight leader Casandra Alexander to a second-round 66 as the South African seized control of the Women's Irish Open at the K Club.
Following a bogey-free 63 on Thursday, Alexander eagled the par-five 10th - her opening hole - on Friday and followed that with back-to-back birdies.
Having dropped a shot on 13, the 27-year-old carded a birdie two on 17 before recording her second eagle of the round at the third.
After a bogey on six, a birdie on seven gave Alexander a 36-hole total of 129 to sit five shots clear of the Czech Republic's Sara Kouskova, who followed an opening 68 with a 66.
Canice Screene leads the home challenge on five under after mixing seven birdies with two bogeys in a five-under 67, but Aine Donegan slipped back to two under with a disappointing 73.
#alexander #second #round #followed
Following a bogey-free 63 on Thursday, Alexander eagled the par-five 10th - her opening hole - on Friday and followed that with back-to-back birdies.
Having dropped a shot on 13, the 27-year-old carded a birdie two on 17 before recording her second eagle of the round at the third.
After a bogey on six, a birdie on seven gave Alexander a 36-hole total of 129 to sit five shots clear of the Czech Republic's Sara Kouskova, who followed an opening 68 with a 66.
Canice Screene leads the home challenge on five under after mixing seven birdies with two bogeys in a five-under 67, but Aine Donegan slipped back to two under with a disappointing 73.
#alexander #second #round #followed
16 days ago
Japan is today set to announce an energy import diversification plan that will include stipulations about support for pipelines in the Middle East aimed at diverting export oil flows away from the Strait of Hormuz.
The plan also features a push to reduce the country's reliance on oil and gas overall, and also reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and gas specifically, Reuters has reported, citing ****** anese media. The government also plans to make energy companies share the higher costs of importing crude from places other than the Middle East.
Before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran broke out, ****** an relied on the Middle East for almost all of its crude oil imports, which are vital for the resource-poor country. After the war, the ****** anese government rushed to secure alternative suppliers. These include the United States, Canada, African oil producers, and Azerbaijan.
This diversification has carried a hefty price tag, however. Last month, ****** an's total import bill hit an all-time high of $76.39 billion because of higher international oil prices. That monthly import figure beat the previous record set a month earlier, suggesting this month's import bill could be record-breaking as well.
Japan is also one of the world's biggest LNG importers, and earlier this summer reduced gas-fired generation in favor of coal as the price of liquefied natural gas remained elevated. ****** an has been burning more coal and less gas for power generation since the war in the Middle East started, and it is not the only one. Many Asian countries have been forced to make the switch from gas to coal on affordability and availability grounds.
#Japan #east #coal #energy
The plan also features a push to reduce the country's reliance on oil and gas overall, and also reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil and gas specifically, Reuters has reported, citing ****** anese media. The government also plans to make energy companies share the higher costs of importing crude from places other than the Middle East.
Before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran broke out, ****** an relied on the Middle East for almost all of its crude oil imports, which are vital for the resource-poor country. After the war, the ****** anese government rushed to secure alternative suppliers. These include the United States, Canada, African oil producers, and Azerbaijan.
This diversification has carried a hefty price tag, however. Last month, ****** an's total import bill hit an all-time high of $76.39 billion because of higher international oil prices. That monthly import figure beat the previous record set a month earlier, suggesting this month's import bill could be record-breaking as well.
Japan is also one of the world's biggest LNG importers, and earlier this summer reduced gas-fired generation in favor of coal as the price of liquefied natural gas remained elevated. ****** an has been burning more coal and less gas for power generation since the war in the Middle East started, and it is not the only one. Many Asian countries have been forced to make the switch from gas to coal on affordability and availability grounds.
#Japan #east #coal #energy
17 days ago
By Jennifer Rigby
LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Uganda is over but it is not under control in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, a World Health Organization official told a briefing on Wednesday.
The all-clear for Uganda follows a declaration on July 28 from the Ugandan government that it was free of the disease, which caused 20 cases and two deaths in the country.
The WHO monitored the situation until this week to ensure that no chains of transmission had been missed.
But Dr Marie Roseline Belizaire, director of emergency preparedness for the WHO African region, told a WHO regional meeting that cases in Democratic Republic of Congo continued to rise despite some progress. The outbreak there is the second-deadliest in history, and outpacing containment efforts.
#rigby #london
LONDON, Aug 26 (Reuters) - The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in Uganda is over but it is not under control in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, a World Health Organization official told a briefing on Wednesday.
The all-clear for Uganda follows a declaration on July 28 from the Ugandan government that it was free of the disease, which caused 20 cases and two deaths in the country.
The WHO monitored the situation until this week to ensure that no chains of transmission had been missed.
But Dr Marie Roseline Belizaire, director of emergency preparedness for the WHO African region, told a WHO regional meeting that cases in Democratic Republic of Congo continued to rise despite some progress. The outbreak there is the second-deadliest in history, and outpacing containment efforts.
#rigby #london
18 days ago
Prince Harry's exit from the board of African Parks caught everyone's attention. Ahead of his reported move to the UK, the non-profit conservation group addressed the duke's departure on its website. It came after the organization made headlines over a human rights violation controversy. Meanwhile, an insider claimed that the 41-year-old prince might not be completely walking away from the charity.
Prince Harry has reportedly not completely abandoned his support for African Parks. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex told Page Six that his "commitment" would continue even after his exit. "The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its Board."
Furthermore, they said, "His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks' mission." On Monday, African Parks released a lengthy statement on its website, announcing Harry's exit. They offered "deep gratitude" to the prince for his ten-year dedication and commitment to the non-profit conservation organization.
Moreover, the statement also read, "The Duke remains deeply committed to this cause, and remains a strong supporter of African Parks' work." For those unversed, Harry served as the charity organization's president for the first six years and then joined the board of directors.
In 2019, he visited Africa with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son, Prince Archie. Later in 2022, he made a surprise visit. Furthermore, the "Spare" author has expressed his fondness for Africa in several interviews.
#duke
Prince Harry has reportedly not completely abandoned his support for African Parks. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex told Page Six that his "commitment" would continue even after his exit. "The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its Board."
Furthermore, they said, "His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks' mission." On Monday, African Parks released a lengthy statement on its website, announcing Harry's exit. They offered "deep gratitude" to the prince for his ten-year dedication and commitment to the non-profit conservation organization.
Moreover, the statement also read, "The Duke remains deeply committed to this cause, and remains a strong supporter of African Parks' work." For those unversed, Harry served as the charity organization's president for the first six years and then joined the board of directors.
In 2019, he visited Africa with his wife, Meghan Markle, and son, Prince Archie. Later in 2022, he made a surprise visit. Furthermore, the "Spare" author has expressed his fondness for Africa in several interviews.
#duke
19 days ago
(NewsNation) — Prince Harry has resigned from another African charity, marking his second exit from an Africa-focused charity in over a year.
The Duke of Sussex has resigned from the board of wildlife charity African Parks ahead of his move back to the United Kingdom, his spokesperson told The Independent.
African Parks was embroiled in scandal last year after it admitted that some of its rangers committed human rights violations.
One allegation accused a guard of beating, raping and torturing Baka people living in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.
Harry's representative told The Independent that he still supports African Parks.
#charity #told
The Duke of Sussex has resigned from the board of wildlife charity African Parks ahead of his move back to the United Kingdom, his spokesperson told The Independent.
African Parks was embroiled in scandal last year after it admitted that some of its rangers committed human rights violations.
One allegation accused a guard of beating, raping and torturing Baka people living in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.
Harry's representative told The Independent that he still supports African Parks.
#charity #told
