SCIENCE & TECH
SENEGAL – Khaby Lam, from destitution to fame thanks to a simple gesture!

God’s ways are truly unfathomable. No one would have dared to imagine that one day, Khaby Lam, this young Senegalese from a modest family living in Italy, would become one of the most followed personalities of social networks. Today, it is indeed ” the miracle ” that happened. Khaby Lam, aged 21, even walked on the famous red carpet of the Venice Mostra. How did we get here?
Khaby Lam has not always been the most followed Tiktoker in Europe and the second in the world to reach the 110 million followers it is today. In Italy, the young Khaby was a bricklayer, window washer, waiter, to make a living. When Italy is hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and subjected to the rigor of lockdown, Khaby Lam is locked up with his family in social housing. And it’s boredom that will give him a genius idea. To pass the time, he publishes videos on the Tiktok app. Without uttering a single word, he shows the proper use of things through a simple gesture of the hand that will make him world famous. His videos now exceed hundreds of millions of views.
Khaby Lam has become a true ‘boss’. Emails and partnership requests are pouring in on his table. He even has a special agent who handles all these requests. For a video, the former mason can get up to 180,000 euros today. He may even soon be on the screen of a movie. Here is the fabulous story of a young man who went from destitution to fortune!

A LA UNE
SENEGAL – Nanterre and Pikine formalize their partnership

On Friday, 14 February, at the Maison de la Musique in Nanterre, the cities of Nanterre (France) and Pikine (Senegal) formalised their twinning. They intend to join forces to strengthen their collaboration in key areas such as education, culture, sport and ecological transition.
Two municipalities, one creed
Signed by Mayors Raphaël Adam (Nanterre) and Abdoulaye Thimbo (Pikine), this agreement enshrines a long-standing relationship between the two cities, initiated in 2011 and strengthened by their joint commitment within the Forum of Local Authorities of the Periphery (FALP). These two suburban metropolises share similar challenges: rapid urbanization, social inclusion, access to public services and tackling inequality. “This partnership is based on shared values of participatory democracy, social justice and citizen empowerment,” said the two mayors. Two former mayors of the city of Pikine were present at this ceremony including Alioune Badara Diouck.
New Alliance: New North-South Relationship
This twinning has a particularity: it is not based on a classical scheme where the richest commune plays the role of benefactor by providing solutions to all the problems of the other. With this signature, it is a win-win partnership between two municipalities to ensure long-term financing and to involve the people in public works. By establishing a formal framework for cooperation, Pikine and Nanterre will foster the sharing of experiences and promote a dynamic of sustainable and inclusive development.

Twinning, a network of concrete exchanges
This partnership, as the two elected officials have announced, will not be limited to a declaration of intent. Concrete actions are planned in several strategic sectors, notably in the field of culture and arts. This will lead to joint artistic exchanges and festivals. In the area of sport and youth, both municipalities are planning to run inter-city tournaments and youth exchange programs. Regarding access to rights and solidarity, increased support for women victims of violence and a strengthening of social policies are planned. Finally, in terms of ecological transition, the two cities intend to develop joint projects around waste management, renewable energy and combating climate change.
A symbol of friendship between peoples
Beyond the local issues, this alliance is part of a broader perspective: that of decentralized international cooperation. These two municipalities learn a lot from each other. This twinning reflects the need to forge links between cities around the world, enhancing their complementarities and building bridges between cultures and territories. “This union will contribute to the development of friendship and understanding between peoples, while contributing to the consolidation of peace,” said the mayors at the ceremony. The evening concluded with a concert by Senegalese artist Faada Freddy. With this partnership, Nanterre and Pikine affirm their will to work together for a future based on solidarity, innovation and respect for democratic values. A promising alliance that, beyond borders, demonstrates that the challenges of tomorrow are better met by more people.
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.
-
EAST AFRICA2 years .
TANZANIA – President meets with Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Merck Foundation
-
A LA UNE6 years .
ITALY : Maurizio de Marchi the owner of “Mariella Martinato” talks about his company.
-
AMERICA2 years .
CANARY ISLANDS – 83 people aboard rescue canoe and 2 lifeless bodies discovered
-
CHAUD TOO CHAUD4 years .
POLITICS – [INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE] – MADAGASCAR – Fanirisoa Ernaivo, a politician and activist committed to the rule of law and respect for democracy
-
ZETVPLAY5 years .
WHAT IS AFRICA FOR YOU: Diaka Camara, CEO CBCworldwide talks about Africa
-
ART2 years .
SENEGAL – The Dakar Carnival is about to become a real institution by Fatou Kassé-Sarr
-
FOR YOU WHAT IS AFRICA4 years .
WHAT AFRICA MEANS TO YOU: Sandra BELLO CEO Bello Corporation talks about Africa
-
FOOTBALL1 year .
CAN 2024 – Cameroon and Namibia complete 24-qualifier list