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SENEGAL – Senegalese astronomer Maram Kairé enters the country’s history

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The International Astronomical Union gave the name of the Senegalese astronomer, Maram Kairé, to an asteroid in the belt of asteroids that gravitate between the planets Mars and Jupiter. Since May 14, 2021, the award has been made public by this association of qualified astronomers. The selection goes through several complex steps before being definitively validated. Maram Kairé, president of the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Astronomy, will now mark the history of astronomy. He is the first Senegalese to see his name engraved in the solar system.

It is all of Senegal that is honored through this recognition of the International Astronomical Union. Maram Kairé, president of Aspa, now has his name engraved in the solar system. An asteroid in the belt of asteroids that gravitate between the planets Mars and Jupiter is called “Maram Kairé”. The Senegalese astronomer welcomed the privilege granted him for the first time in the history of Senegal. ‘I still don’t realize, I accept the news with humility […] What we do, we are aware today that we do not do it for our own person, but much more for the image of our country on the international level and on the scientific level, but also for future generations,’ he said.

The asteroid in question was discovered on 27 April 1998. It was numbered (35462) 1998 DW 23 but now it officially becomes (35462) “Maram Kairé”. It is part of the main belt of asteroids orbiting the Sun between the planets Mars and Jupiter. It makes a complete tour around the Sun in 4,36 Earth years. 

Maram Kairé’s distinction came from the initiative of his friends, astronomers, astrophysicists and planetologists. He led two NASA (the American Space Agency) missions to Senegal in 2018 and again in September 2020. They were occultation missions, linked to the exploitation of probes sent to the planets of the solar system.’

Maram Kairé @Pae Facebook Maram Kairé

The President of the Republic Macky Sall addressed a message of congratulations and encouragement to the Senegalese astronomer whose dedication and passion for this field so rare in the country. On his Twitter account on Tuesday 30 June 2021, he expressed the pride of all the Senegalese people through the distinction received by Maram Kairé. ‘An asteroid of the Solar System now bears the name of the Senegalese astronomer Maram KAIRE. I want to say, here, all the pride of Senegal and congratulate him on this fine distinction which, while immortalizing him, sublimates his passion and commitment to astronomy.” said the Head of State.

Former Minister of Higher Education from 2012 to 2019, Mary Teuw Niane, also paid tribute to Maram Kairé, a tireless astronomer who continues to serve his people. On Tuesday, 30 June, he expressed his satisfaction at seeing this great Senegalese astronomer honoured internationally. In addition, he invited the State of Senegal to accompany him in his projects for the best interests of the nation.” I hope that this new distinction will lead our country to complete the projects it carried out, such as the astronomy observatory, the planetarium, the Centre for the construction of micro satellites and particularly the Senegalese Astronomy Agency.”, said the former minister, from the Saint-Louis region. 

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Mary Teuw Niane also called on the Senegalese government to direct the education system towards scientific and technical courses. This will be a major asset for a developing Senegal. “Giving Senegalese astronomy a chance to emerge also means contributing to the promotion of mathematics, digital science and technology in schools and in society. It is to permanently and eternally install Senegal, above our heads, in Heaven,” he added.

Maram Kairé is a 42-year-old Senegalese astronomer. Since childhood, he has had a passion for astronomy. He sometimes scrutinized the sky as he walked through the streets of the Senegalese capital from which he was born. Currently, he is the president of the Senegalese Association for the Promotion of Astronomy, composed of a hundred members and a thousand supporters.

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TOGO – The manganese mine of Nayega enters into operational phase

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The presidency of Togo has announced that the project to exploit the manganese mine of Nayega, located in the Savanes region in the north of the country, is entering its operational phase. According to a statement issued on June 10, 2025, production is scheduled to start at the end of June 2025, with an initial volume of 4,000 tons per month, which should gradually double to reach 8,000 tons per month.

Keras Resources is the technical partner retained by the Togolese government to carry out this project. A statement from Keras, relayed by the presidency, details that the company signed a cooperation agreement in 2023 with the Togolese state, owner of the mine through the Togolese Manganese Company (STM). Under the terms of this agreement, Keras will receive a remuneration of 1.5% of the mine’s gross revenue for three years for its advisory services, as well as 6% for brokering services.

The reserves of the Nayega mine are estimated at 8.5 million tonnes, which would allow exploitation over a period of 11 years. The authorities of Lomé welcome the expected contribution of the mine to the national budget, a benefit that should be strengthened by the rigorous management of the generated revenues, as indicated by our colleagues from Agence Afrique.

With a growing global demand for manganese, particularly in steel alloys and renewable energy technologies, Togo is seeking to assert itself as an essential supplier of this strategic ore. This positioning could play a catalytic role for the national economy, always according to information from the Africa Agency.

Source: senego / Photo credit: Republicoftogo.com

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GABON – The end of frozen chicken imports in 2027

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The Gabonese government decided on Friday to ban the import of broilers in order to promote national poultry production and ensure food security, according to the final communiqué of the council of ministers chaired by the head of state, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

The ban will be effective from 1 January 2027, thus leaving a period of 18 months (1 year and 6 months) for actors in the sector to structure themselves, invest and prepare to meet national demand.

“This measure aims to restore domestic poultry production, boost agricultural investment, reduce food dependency and strengthen the trade balance,” the government hopes. Gabon also hopes to foster “the emergence of a network of rural jobs, the rise in quality of products consumed locally and the creation of an economic ecosystem around this sector”.

The government has also planned a detailed operational plan to be presented within 45 days by the ministers responsible for economy and trade.

Libreville dreams of reducing its dependence on poultry imports and strengthening the country’s food security. In addition, the promotion of local poultry farming should have a positive impact on rural areas, generating jobs and contributing to the development of a vibrant poultry ecosystem.

Imported frozen chicken is the most consumed food in Gabon because of its low price and packaging ready to be thrown into a pot.

“The star of the freezer” is how Gabonese people refer to frozen chicken because it is often the only food, if not the default food, found in the freezers of Gabonese families.

Frozen chicken and meat are generally imported from Latin America and Europe. Their massive presence on the market has destroyed local production.

The Council of Ministers also announced a ban on exporting crude manganese from 1 January 2029. The objective is to promote local industrial development, create jobs and maximize the value of this resource, of which Gabon is the world’s second largest producer.

Sources: gabonactu.com

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BAD: Mauritanian Sidi Ould Tah takes the reins of the institution

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Mauritania is in the spotlight. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, Sidi Ould Tah was elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), at the annual meeting of the institution held in Abidjan. He succeeds Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, in office since 2015.

His election came after a hard-fought duel against Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia, who finished in second place. The election, which was marked by major geopolitical and economic issues, took place against a background of high expectations regarding governance and development financing on the continent.

The Senegalese Amadou Hott, long perceived as one of the favorites, finishes in third place, followed by the South African Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala. Despite significant diplomatic support, notably for Hott, the momentum in favour of Sidi Ould Tah has prevailed in the last few rounds.

Former minister and general manager of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Sidi Ould Tah is recognized for his experience and strategic vision. He will officially take office on 1 September 2025.

Photo credit: Forbes Africa

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