SCIENCE & TECH
AFRICA – Launch of the Spotify platform in dozens of African countries
On Monday, March 1, 2021, the online audio platform Spotify announced its launch in 85 new countries, including dozens of African countries. This is almost double the number of markets covered.
85 new countries will now be able to access the online music platform Spotify. Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique are among the most important markets from a population perspective.
In all these new countries of establishment, users will be offered the two formulas of the platform: a paid offer and a free one. They will also have at their disposal the entire music catalogue of Spotify which says it wants to collaborate with local actors to be able to expand its offer of music from the relevant market.
Spotify informs, in a press release, that the recommendations submitted to subscribers will be adapted to each country. In terms of podcasts, the majority of new markets will have access to the entire Spotify catalogue, which now has over two million programs.
With all these new markets, more than a billion people will have access to the platform.This will almost double the number of countries of establishment, which will exceed 170.
By the end of 2020, Spotify had 345 million active users, 155 million of whom were in the pay-per-view format, making it by far the world’s leading online music platform.
Created in 2008, Spotify is a Swedish music streaming service in the form of proprietary software and a website. The digital distribution platform allows almost instantaneous listening to music files. The catalog can be browsed by artist or album, and also thanks to a custom playlist feature.
An app is available for Windows, MacOS, some Linux, iOS, Android, PlayStation 3, 4, 5, Xbox One and Xbox series X,S as well as most web browsers. Other connected objects also make it possible to use the application (speakers, televisions, smart watches, voice assistants…).
SPORTS
SENEGAL – Awa Naar Fall takes over the leadership of the African Confederation of Football Skating
In Trabzon, Turkey, the World Cup of Football Skating is in full swing and Senegal is making a splash. But this time, it’s not just on the pitch that the Teranga Lions shine. Awa Naar Fall, president of the Senegalese Roller Soccer Federation, won a major victory as president of the African Confederation of Football Skating. With a skilful strategy, she has managed to outperform candidates of impressive profile, thus marking a historic turning point for this discipline in Africa. News that, hopefully, bodes well for Senegal in this global competition.
Awa Fall “don’t fall”
At this 2024 World Cup in Turkey, the players of skating football also organized the election of the presidency of the African Confederation. In the face of fierce competition, Awa Naar Fall did not race after this victory like a ball does, but she proved her ability to climb to the top through experience and commitment. Founder of “My Club Roller” in 2002, she has established herself as a key figure in roller soccer in Senegal. Under his leadership, the country has become a true continental power, accumulating more international trophies than any other African country.
What is roller soccer?
The sport of speed, balance and strategy, roller soccer was born in the 1990s in San Francisco and arrived in Africa a decade later. Played on a handball field, this sport is halfway between football and ice hockey. Introduced in Senegal in 2015, it has quickly flourished there, allowing the country to establish itself as the African leader of the discipline in less than ten years.
Despite its success, roller soccer remains underreported in Africa. As president of the African Confederation, Awa Naar Fall wants to reverse this trend. It aims to professionalize the discipline by strengthening local federations, developing adapted infrastructures and training coaches. It also plans to host more pan-African competitions, giving African athletes a platform to compete internationally. To do this, it relies on increased support from governments, media and sponsors to stimulate public interest.
Senegal ignites the World Cup
On the pitch, Senegal impressed at this 2024 World Cup. Placed in Group E, the Lions crushed India 15-1 before beating DRC 1-0. In the semi-finals, they beat Kenya 3-1 to qualify for the quarter-finals where they will face the United Arab Emirates. Driven by this momentum and the leadership of Awa Naar Fall, all hopes are allowed to bring the cup back to Africa.
Awa Naar Fall, an example for women
The election of Awa Naar Fall as president of the African Confederation of Football Skating is a strong signal. It illustrates the growing role of women in an African sports landscape still dominated by men. With boldness and determination, Awa Naar Fall shows that it is possible to break the norms and open new perspectives for future generations.
MEDIAS
GABON – The 2024 Gold GIFAs honour Pheel le Montagnard
On Friday, November 8, 2024, the French Senate hosted the GIFA d’Or Awards gala. A select audience. A glam setting. On the menu: personalities from the world of media in gala attire. This ceremony, which celebrates each year personalities committed to international economic and social development, was marked by the distinction of a media man: Pheel le Montagnard.
Pheel Pambou
Born on 13 August 1977 in Mouila, Gabon, Achille Ulrich Pambou, his real name, made a name for himself in the media world under the pseudonym of Pheel le Montagnard. A name that fits well with his skin, since he never ceases to walk the mountaintop flowers of the media world. Having started his career in local Gabonese radio stations such as “Radio Mandarine” and “Radio Nostalgie”, he soon dropped off his bags at “Africa n°1” and, more recently, at “Africa Radio”. His unique style captivates. He receives many requests. Today, in addition to the journalist cap, he is a producer and organizer of shows.
Pheel Pambou, a committed pan-Africanist
This 15th edition of the GIFA d’Or, organized by GIFA LEPFIDA International, was placed under the patronage of Senator Vincent Delahaye. It is a great honour for Africa to see one of their own honoured in the French Senate. Pheel Pambou’s career has been praised as a key player in the African media landscape. Every day and at each speech, he contributes to the dissemination of African cultures by giving a voice to African artists. Since he lived in France, Pheel Pambou has been constantly promoting African culture through his programs and, in particular, his project “Africa Gospel”, a TV channel dedicated to gospel. This award reflects Pheel’s commitment to promoting Africa on a global scale and its unwavering desire to promote African values, both in the music and information fields.
Pheel’s journey, a success story
This ceremony, accompanied by musical and poetic performances, was also a gathering for opinion leaders and young entrepreneurs. Pheel the Mountain wanted to dedicate this prize his wife and children. Pheel the Mountain’s journey should encourage young Africans to devote themselves with all their heart and soul to their profession, whether in the media or elsewhere. For him, young people must “believe in themselves, empower themselves and go all the way” to achieve their dream. And most importantly, they must go beyond politics and engage in entrepreneurship.
When passion becomes a profession
Founded in 2008, GIFA LEPFIDA International promotes leadership and entrepreneurship for a more inclusive world. By honoring Pheel Pambou, the GIFA d’Or, while recognizing his talent, they want to show the activities that this man of media does in order to bring the African continent into the light. With this distinction, it is the image of Africa on the international scene that is enhanced. Implicitly, it is a call to young people to be inspired by Pheel le Montagnard, his rich experience and his unwavering commitment to Africa.
BUSINESS
SENEGAL – The Senegalese delegation at SIAL Paris 2024
From 19 to 23 October 2024, the International Food Show (SIAL Paris) brought together in Paris Nord Villepinte the world’s agrifood players. More than 7,500 exhibitors from 205 countries presented their products and innovations, making this edition a must-attend event for professionals in the sector. Among them, the Senegalese delegation, led by Madjiguène Ndoye, delegate of Promosalons Senegal, marked its presence at this international showcase of the agri-food industry.
A Senegalese Delegation Inspired by Food Professionals
The strong Senegalese delegation, led by Madjiguène Ndoye, created a remarkable buzz during this event. Representing Senegalese professionals through public and private institutions as well as the Association des Commerçants et Industriels du Sénégal (ACIS), she highlighted the dynamism of Senegal on the world agri-food scene. Madjiguène Ndoye, PROMOSALONS representative for Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Gambia, Mauritania and Guinea Conakry, has worked to increase the visibility of Senegal and the sub-region. The delegation took advantage of each meeting opportunity to share and build business partnerships and discover innovations in the sector.
The SIAL, Growth Engine for Agri-Food in Africa
This edition of SIAL has proven to be much more than a show. It is a true catalyst for agri-food innovation and sustainability, highlighting more than 400,000 products. Discussions on ecological practices and food safety were at the heart of the event. Senegal, as an emerging country in this sector, has taken the opportunity to learn from best practices. The Senegalese delegation demonstrated the country’s commitment to align with global trends, such as organic farming and local processing of raw materials. This sustainable approach could play a crucial role in the country’s food resilience, which faces many climate and economic challenges.
Senegal to Conquer New Markets
SIAL Paris wanted to welcome as many African companies as possible, including the Senegalese delegation, because the African continent challenges the global agri-food scene. The presence of the delegation, led by Madjiguène Ndoye, opened up new business opportunities and attracted foreign investment. Senegal’s participation in SIAL Paris 2024 marks an important step in the country’s desire to establish itself on the international agri-food scene. By combining innovation, sustainability and competitiveness, Senegal aims to become a major player in agriculture in Africa.
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