The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) today convened the 7^th meeting of the General Assembly of its Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI) Platform in Mombasa, with the Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and ASALs of Kenya, Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, the Executive Secretary of the regional bloc, Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, and the Minister of Agriculture of Sudan, H.E Eltahir Ismail Mohamed Harbi, presiding.  

The IDDRSI Platform General Assembly meeting was attended by officials from the ministries in charge of drought and related matters in IGAD Member States as well as senior representatives of development partners, some physically and others joined the meeting online. 

The 7^th meeting of the IDDRSI General Assembly was centred around the theme Consolidating the Path to Resilience and Sustainability, coming almost two years after launching the second five-year phase in the implementation of the IDDRSI Strategy. 

In his opening remarks, the IGAD Executive Secretary described the regional bloc’s determination to ‘tackle the impact of disasters through preventative & pro-active measures’. ‘Our single greatest imperative at IGAD remains the urgent need to build the resilience of our communities to recurrent drought & similar shocks’, he explained. 

‘IDDRSI is the flagship mechanism through which countries of the IGAD region address the challenges, including poverty, food insecurity and environmental degradation, which are faced by vulnerable communities, particularly in cross-border areas, employing concerted and coordinated approaches’, Dr Workneh said. 

The Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and ASALs of Kenya noted with appreciation that the IGAD Secretariat had ‘initiated a number of cross-border drought resilience enhancing projects’ to mitigate conflicts that may arise from movements of pastoralists in search of water and pasture. Hon. Eugene Wamalwa extended appreciation to the development partners for ‘their continued support’ before declaring the meeting open. 

During the General Assembly, reports on the progress made in the implementation of IDDRSI, throughout the IGAD region, were presented by Member States; and there were statements from development partners on their respective contributions to the region’s drought resilience initiative.

The meeting reviewed the progress, noted the challenges and discussed the plans and proposals for future interventions in the region’s efforts to consolidate its path to building resilience and attaining sustainability.   

The General Assembly meeting closed with the adoption of the Communiqué herewith attached. 

The IDDRSI Platform General Assembly meets once a year and brings together all stakeholders involved in the drought resilience initiative, including Member States, IGAD Secretariat, Development Partners, UN agencies, Civil Society and specialised research and training institutions.

The platform provides the opportunity and mechanism through which the needs and support for the region’s priorities for intervention in the drought resilience initiative can be discussed by affected countries and interested development partners. 

Universal Music Africa (UMA), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world-leader in music-based entertainment is proud to announce the signing of the iconic group MTN Joyous Celebration. Backed by top U.S.-based label Motown Gospel, which will release the group’s music in the U.S. and Canada, this signing comes as the award-winning ensemble celebrates its silver jubilee and prepares for the release of their 25^th album this Easter.

Making the announcement, Sipho Dlamini, CEO, Universal Music Group, South Africa & Sub Saharan Africa said, “MTN Joyous Celebration has enjoyed unparalleled success over the last 25 years, in which they have entertained and inspired South Africans, Africans and the world with their take of gospel and inspirational music.”

“This was an exciting opportunity to be involved in the next phase of their incredible journey, as they continue to grow, inspire, spread culture and positivity and reach new audiences around the world. We welcome Joyous to UMG and are looking forward to working together across a variety of platforms to help open up exciting new opportunities. At UMG, we are also involved in live event production, booking and touring of artists, brand development and creating content across a variety of different forms including film, TV and online, so being able to combine what we do, with what Joyous has do so amazingly well, is truly a dream collaboration.”

He noted that the band has also birthed a number of superstars who have achieved great success, as testament of how strong the foundation Joyous provided them.

“Joyous Celebration has a 25-year reputation for musical excellence,” share EJ Gaines and Monica Coates, Co-Executive Directors, Motown Gospel. “We are glad to support our Universal Music Africa family as it introduces the Joyous Celebration brand to a global audience.”

MTN Joyous Celebration was founded by three partners Dr. Lindelani Mkhize, Jabu Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba who continue to serve in different roles.

Mkhize remarks that the move to UM represents new beginnings and the rejuvenation of the Joyous brand. “After all the experiences of the past 25 years and the changes in the world and new dynamics in the industry, we are delighted to be on this new direction with a fresh new purpose. We are revived, we have a new energy as we turn things around to get to the next extraordinary level.”

Hlongwane shares: “We are very excited to be partnering with Universal Music on this journey as we are celebrating 25 years. There’s been crazy ups and downs but we are here. This milestone album is special to us, 25 years is not a short time. We are particularly pleased that this partnership is an opening us up to new territories, new things, new outlook, we needed the change. We also want to say to say to the people that the 25^th instalment of Joyous Celebration is being cooked, and they should expect it soon. It’s going to be ready before Easter.”

Following the death of President John Magufuli on Wednesday evening, Tanzanian artists spent most part of the night in the studio recording a special song to mourn the late President.

The artists led by Diamond Platnumz were also among the first to mourn Magufuli who they have credited for the changes and growth of the creative industry in Tanzania.

In a video shared online the artists including Christian Shusho, BenPol, Rayvanny, Lava Lava, Marioo, Khadija Kopa are seen recording the song while in a sombre mood.

Magufuli’s death was announced Wednesday night by Tanzanian Vice President Samia Hassan Suluhu. She said Magufuli succumbed to a heart disease at Mzena State Hospital in Dar es Salaam. He was aged 61 years.

The Vice President, in a televised address, said Magufuli was taken ill on March 6 and rushed to Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute in Tanzania before he was transferred to Mzena hospital where he was admitted until his demise.

She further announced that Tanzania would get into a 14-day period of mourning ahead of burial plans. During the mourning period, all flags in Tanzania will fly at half-mast.

Chivas Regal will host its second instalment of the Chivas Afroblend series in partnership with Manchester United.

The series, made up of a culmination of music, football and fashion collaborations, will connect Manchester United Legends, consumers and media personalities through exclusive activities.

At the inception of Chivas Afroblend, launched in 2020, consumers and Man United fans were immersed by premium experiences plus special one-on-ones with Man United Legends.

This year Chivas plans to do things slightly different, incorporating innovative digital connections and exclusive ‘Success is a Blend’ experiences for consumers. Set to take place from March 2021, the experiences will offer an interactive and tailored brand immersion in Kenya, Cameroon and Zambia, under firm COVID-19 regulations. 

The heart of the partnership brings together the perfect blend which is brought to life through the power of collaborations.

The campaign brings together renowned international fashion artists - Consultant Annette Pringle Kölsch and African designers Faith Migwi (House of Manciny) in Kenya, Chiza Ngulube (House of Esnoko) in Zambia and Imane Ayissi x Cameroon.

Each designer will create a collection of premium African athleisure wear through a football and Chivas inspired collection, which complements street football culture amplified by the iconic Manchester United Football Club. 

Fans will also celebrate the spectacular taste of whisky while creating memorable moments with the Chivas Regal at-home experience. By buying Chivas through the Jumia ecommerce platform, consumers stand a chance to be part of the WhatsApp VIP Fan Club.

This offers an exclusive interaction and discussion with the Man United Legends, to drive engagement and conversation. Dwight Yorke will represent the Zambian market, Andy Cole, Kenya, and Louis Saha for Cameroon.

“SSA Pan African programme team is very excited to be launching our Chivas Afroblend 2.0 campaign in Cameroon, Zambia and Kenya. It goes without saying that this second edition of the campaign is entirely different from the first edition due to the implication caused by the global pandemic." says Tendai O’Connor Brand Manager Pernod Ricard SSA

Adding "Built off a great first year of Afroblend, and continue to entrench our platform in the Kenya, Zambia and Cameroon market through delivering the same great experience, just blended differently and all in line with Covid restrictions in markets for the full 4-month duration of our campaign” 

Chivas Regal’s partnership with MUFC is not only the meeting of legends, but the ignition of a successful partnership executing a global proposition the African way.

This year, through the campaign Success is a Blend, the brand demonstrates that through each person’s unique contribution, we can achieve even greater success. www.chivasafroblend.com to find out how you can participate!

Apple Music has launched Africa to the World, a definitive collection of original and exclusive content from some of Africa's biggest superstars including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Nasty C, Tiwa Savage and AKA, as well as the continent's hottest emerging talents like Tems, Elaine, Fireboy DML, Sha Sha, Joeboy and Omah Lay.

Apple Music has been championing the work of artists, songwriters, producers and DJs from all over Africa, with the goal of shining the global spotlight on the amazing creative talent across the continent.

Africa to the World’s mission extends beyond music to art, with renowned South African illustrator and street artist Karabo Poppy (of Soweto Towers, Nike and Budweiser fame) the genius behind the campaign’s striking artwork. 

Africa to the World includes every episode of Africa Now Radio with Cuppy, which features exclusive interviews with Davido, Tiwa Savage, Jux, Nasty C, Mr Eazi, Rayvanny, Cassper Nyovest, Navy Kenzo, Fireboy DML, Yemi Alade and Olamide, to name but a few.

It also features exclusive radio and video interviews with Apple Music 1's Ebro Darden, Nadeska, Dotty, Cuppy and Zane Lowe speaking to Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Tiwa Savage, Black Coffee, DJ Spinall, Simi, Amaarae and AKA.

Apple Music’s Song Stories dive into the creative process and inspirations behind the hits from artists such as Omah Lay, Burna Boy, Joeboy, Davido, Elaine, Adekunle Gold and Sha Sha.

Exclusive guest playlists from Africa's biggest artists and personalities including Don Jazzy, Denola Grey, Angelique Kidjo, Karabo Poppy, Amadou & Mariam, Israel Adesanya, Henry Oyekuru, Boity, Nandi Madida, Sho Madjozi, Master KG, Diamond Platnumz and Sauti Sol also reside within the collection.

Africa to the World also houses Apple Music 1's One Mixes from some of the continent's biggest DJs (DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, Black Coffee, Prince Kaybee and Black Motion), exclusive Boiler Room mixes (DBN Gogo, Major League Djz, Da Capo and Kid Fonque) track by track artist interviews (Burna Boy, Elaine, Mi Casa, AKA and Sun-El Musician), original documentaries (Nasty C, Joeboy, DJ Maphorisa, mr Eazi and Ebro in South Africa) and exclusive UP NEXT videos (Rema, Burna Boy and Mr Eazi).

Chipper Cash, Africa’s fastest-growing money transfer platform has partnered with Atotos Sports to provide professional training for Kenyan Coaches who come from disadvantaged backgrounds within Nairobi.

The training is set to take four weeks and kicks off on the 20th of March, 2021 at the Gems Cambridge International School in Karen, with a live session for the coaches to learn how to make use of Atotos Sports’ digital training platform – Supa Coach App - before proceeding to online individualized training.

In 2020, Chipper Cash partnered with AS Roma as the official money transfer partner in Africa. This partnership signaled a strong commitment from the fintech company towards supporting grassroot football in Africa in the long term.

The commitment kicked off with the production and distribution of more than two hundred and fifty FIFA standard footballs to grassroot soccer teams across Africa.

Recently, young footballers in Nigeria received financial literacy training and also young Kenyan ladies from the Kibera Angels Sports Academy obtained financial support to enhance their soccer passion.

“With the Covid pandemic, investment and growth of sports worldwide has been greatly affected. Chipper Cash’s partnership with the Atotos Sports provides a great solution for the local sports sector. Not only are we assisting coaches from disadvantaged backgrounds access world class training but also helping the many youth training under these coaches with proper soccer skills." Says Leon Kiptum, Country Manager, Chipper Cash Kenya.

Adding " One coach can reach between one hundred to five hundred children and we would like to benefit more than ten thousand youth in Kenya with this initiative” 

“As a Sports Agency, one of the challenges we face when trying to get our players to sign professional contracts in Europe is that the market is very competitive and our players lack basic soccer skills. It is for this reason, we introduced the Super Coach App, a European standard digital training platform.” Nick Kimanthi, CEO Atotos Sports Management.

Currently Chipper serves over 3.5 million people across Africa, processing more than 100,000 transactions every day. With the addition of United Kingdom, the company now boasts of operations in eight countries; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana and South Africa. The commitment to football from the Chipper Cash extends to all these African countries.

Actress Brenda Wairimu has apologized to friends and fans after wearing a dress that exposed her underwear.

According to Brenda , she wore the see-through dress unknowingly, only to realise later that her underwear was exposed.

"Want to here something embarassing? I spent the whole day in this dress, when I went back to the room after dinner,  I realised it was VERY see through. So to everyone who was forced to see my underwear all dear yesterday, I'm so sorry" she posted.

The post led to her fans also sharing some of their embarrasing moments.

"Happened to me and the worst is a male colleague joked about it, he though I knew ''Leo naweza kuambia kila kitu umevaa mpaka colour'' went home with scrubs'' replied one of her fans, Trizzhayley.

Another fan, Njokissking posted '' Happened to me ..worse in Church, I prayed for the earth to swallow me . Found out saa tisa service zote zikiwa zimeisha. That was 9 years ago. I lived. I made it"

Veteran Radio Journalist Robin Njogu is dead.

Njogu who was the Managing Editor at Radio Citizen passed on at the Aga Khan Hospital while undergoing treatment.

His demise comes as a double tragedy for the family, having lost their mother hours before Njogu's death.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru took to Twitter to mourn the Radio icon.

"I’m saddened to learn of the passing on of Robin Njogu and his mum. Robin was a consummate journalist and contributed heavily to the development of radio news in the country. Sad loss for his young family, RMS and the media fraternity in the country. May God comfort his family," CS MUcheru posted.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua also paid his respects to the fallen journalist.

"The other day when I visited him at the hospital he was cheerful and getting better...what a sad night," Mutua condoled.

On this week’s African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s Arit Okpo travels to the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya to meet the woman responsible for ensuring the survival of an endangered zebra species.

Sheila Funnell is a wildlife conservationist working to protect Grevy's zebra.

She tells Okpo about the species, “Grevy's zebra is one of the three zebra species found in Africa. They are the largest of the three zebra species and they are also the most endangered."

Adding "In Kenya we have 90% of the remaining wild population, so that's a significant number when you consider that just over 3,000 individuals exist in the wild today.”

Raised in Nairobi, Funnell and her family spent their holidays traveling the Kenyan wilderness.

She says these experiences influenced her future career, “My childhood memories are full of those travels, they are full of being together as a family, seeing wildlife and people interacting. I didn't know how but I really knew I wanted to maintain this bond that people and wildlife have always had.”

After completing a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, followed by a master’s degree in taxonomy, Funnell began working with the Grevy’s Zebra Trust in 2015.

Grevy’s Zebras are one of Africa’s most endangered large mammals, threatened by poaching and by habitat loss.

Funnell explains how these challenges have evolved, “So in the 1970s the Grevy’s zebra population dropped from about 15,000 individuals to just under 2,000 and that was primarily because of hunting for their skins for the fashion industry."

Adding "Since then, we've had a huge reduction in the quality of land, so range degradation has taken a huge toll in Grevy’s zebra numbers and range degradation has been getting worse and worse in some areas.”

Through her job with the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Funnell is working with local communities to promote conservation efforts.

She talks about why this community approach is important, “I think the greatest obstacles towards conservation success come from separating people and wildlife. So, with Grevy's Zebra Trust we work towards Grevy’s zebra conservation by promoting the benefits of livelihoods for people here.”

The Trust also works to support the community more broadly, including the Nkirreten Project which produced reusable sanitary pads designed with Grevy’s zebra stripes.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, this operation switched to producing face masks.

Funnell describes how projects like this help, “It's been such an amazing initiative because the reusable sanitary pads have really made a difference to women and also to school-going girls within this community. So, it's really an excellent way for people to link back the conservation benefits of Grevy’s zebra to their livelihoods, their health, as well.”

While conservation can be a hard job with many challenges, Funnell stresses the importance of staying hopeful, “There are so many stories of species extinctions globally, stories of destruction, of loss of species, of pollution. It's very difficult to sort of see a thousand years down the line and see how any species might survive. So, you really have to have hope and I think that is the most challenging part of the job. But I think it's also one of the strengths of conservationists.”

In the future, Funnell hopes that her work with the Grevy’s zebra will inspire other conservation projects.

“The legacy that I would like to leave is to show that wildlife and people can thrive, can co-exist. And I think the opportunity that we have with the Grevy’s zebra presents the perfect opportunity to show how that can happen and it can be a model for conservation on a much wider scale.” she says.