Day: January 23, 2024

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Global Partners for Development and 374Water Announce Partnership Project – The Homa Bay Blueprint: A Beacon for Climate Resilience in Africa

HOMA BAY, KENYA / ACCESSWIRE / January 23, 2024 / Global Partners for Development (GPFD) and 374Water, a global cleantech and social impact company, have announced plans for the Homa Bay Blueprint, a bold and comprehensive clean water initiative for Africa’s Great Lakes region. Both a live facility and a model for future replication, the project will feature cutting-edge wastewater treatment technology, an advanced data hub, and production of recycled resources. Located in Nam Lolwe (Lake Victoria), the continent’s largest lake by area, Homa Bay has seen farming and community pollution erode the health of its 1.3 million inhabitants and devastate ecology. Local preparations for the project have been completed by collaborators at the University of Nairobi, Kenya’s Ministry of Water and Environment, as well as Homa Bay government and community stakeholders.

Cutting-Edge Wastewater Treatment Technology

374Water’s AirSCWO technology, described as “a pressure cooker on steroids,” the AirSCWO process transforms any organic waste into minerals and clean water in seconds. It is the first and highly efficient technology to destroy hazardous PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals” associated with major health risks. Within three years, the Homa Bay Blueprint expects to improve the water quality of Lake Victoria by 20 percent.

Thus far, AirSCWO has been purchased by the Orange County Sanitation District in California and included in an environmental initiative by the Department of Defense. The Homa Bay Blueprint will be the technology’s first application in a developing nation, strategically executed by GPFD, an NGO with over 30 years of experience working with East African communities to implement health, education, and clean water programs.

“Developing nations, particularly Africa, are frequently offered lo-fi, unsustainable sanitation solutions that we wouldn’t use ourselves in the developed world. Instead, GPFD and 374Water are delivering extraordinarily advanced, long-lasting technology to solve the problems in Homa Bay and throughout the continent,” said Daniel Casanova, the Executive Director of GPFD.

Advanced Data Hub

The Homa Bay Blueprint will include a data hub powered by local scientists and researchers to collect, consolidate, analyze, and distribute the region’s most comprehensive information on lake water quality, empowering governments, community organizations, and locals to address pollution sources and monitor conditions for safer fishing, swimming, and water collection.

Recycled Resources and Building Economy

Through its water sanitation process, the AirSCWO system extracts minerals which the Homa Bay Blueprint will recycle and sell as fertilizer for farming. Heat expelled by the system will be used to dry seeds and fish on behalf of local businesses. Larger AirSCWO units planned for future projects also produce clean electricity. These renewable products represent profitable, new market opportunities for government and private industry.

To advance the local economy further, the Homa Bay Blueprint will be constructed by local workers using local materials and, long term, the facility will be led and run by trained local staff.

“The Homa Bay Blueprint, a partnership between GPFD, 374Water, and our local government is a genuine game-changer that will propel Homa Bay County onto the global stage,” said H. E. Gladys Nyasuna Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay County. “Issues related to environmental pollution and sewer management have long been considered life hazards. I am thrilled by the innovation that will transform the sanitation sector into a significant economic opportunity, leading Homa Bay into a circular economy and ultimately increasing the county’s income per capita. Homa Bay County warmly welcomes other stakeholders, nationally and internationally, to join us in setting a replicable precedent not only for Kenya but also across East Africa.”

The Blueprint

While the Homa Bay Blueprint will be a working facility exhibiting dedication to the goals of the Paris Agreement, COP28, and the inaugural 2023 Africa Climate Summit, the project will also serve as a model to be reproduced and scaled along the shores of Nam Lolwe, in East Africa, and throughout the continent. The way for replication will be paved by information from the data hub and by the very architecture of the AirSCWO system, which runs inside a 40-foot shipping container. Compared to the complex construction required of other sanitation systems, AirSCWO is a plug and play design that is simple for local communities to initiate and maintain.

“Through the Homa Bay Blueprint, we’re turning innovative technology into real-world solutions for climate and environmental challenges,” said Dr. Marc Deshusses, co-founder of 374Water. “This partnership with Global Partners for Development exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development and pollution control. It’s a model we hope to replicate across Africa, leading the way in environmental stewardship and community empowerment.”

About Global Partners for Development

Global Partners for Development, based in Petaluma, California, is a 45-year-old NGO that works in close partnership with local communities across East Africa to develop and implement sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and social entrepreneurship, we believe in harnessing the power of innovation to create a more equitable and sustainable future. To learn more visit gpfd.org.

About 374Water

374Water Inc. (NASDAQ:SCWO), a cleantech company, is leading innovation in waste and wastewater treatment, deploying advanced technology to transform challenges into sustainable solutions for both public and private sectors. 374Water’s AirSCWO technology spearheads a novel approach in waste treatment, epitomizing our dedication to technological excellence. As we navigate the pathway of a circular economy, our mission extends beyond mere solutions, aiming to redefine waste management standards. Follow us on LinkedIn.

For additional information, interviews, or to arrange a site visit, please contact:

Ria Pullin, Director of Marketing and Communications Global Partners for Development rpullin@gpfd.org  (707) 588-0550

SOURCE: Global Partners for Development

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Annual Anaqua Data Report Finds 2023 Patent Grant Volume Holds Steady

Analysis of USPTO IP data indicates continued innovation among US-based and global companies

BOSTON, Jan. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, the leading innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, today announced its annual analysis of USPTO data using its advanced AcclaimIP patent analytics software. The analysis found that patent grants grew nearly one-half of one percent to 348,774 in 2023, marking a slight increase compared to 347,408 patents in 2022 placing US grants above pre-2019 levels.

Most Innovative Companies

Samsung Electronics leads the most innovative companies list, calculated by the number of granted patents, with 10,043 US grants (an 8% increase from 2022) in technology areas like data indexing schemes, electronic advertising technology, electronics related to renewable energy generation, organic electric solid-state devices, and plural semiconductor manufacturing.

The other top five most innovative companies were IBM with 4,003 granted patents, Qualcomm with 3,852, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company with 3,442 and LG Corp with 3,319 granted patents.

Most Innovative Countries

US-based companies led all countries for the total number of granted US patents at 162,557, an 18% increase from 2022, with companies in the APAC region continuing to be well represented in the top five list of countries with US-granted patents. According to the data, Japan is in second place (40,960), followed by China (28,979) and South Korea (24,073). In fifth place is Germany, the leading European country, with 13,905 grants.

Top Innovation Areas

The top technology fields based on the most granted patents include semiconductor technology for the second year in a row, followed by virtual reality (VR), 5G, artificial intelligence (AI) and software technology related to unauthorized user detection. The rest of the top ten list includes program control unit, medical related, wireless, chemicals and chemistry related (appearing for the first time in the top ten), and network security technologies.

In examining AI-related US grants, the top inventive areas include machine learning models, general neural network development, neural networks combination technology, neural networks for image and video recognition and neural network training using backpropagation processes. The top assignees who received US granted patents in AI in 2023 were IBM, Samsung Electronics, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Amazon.

Shayne Phillips, Director, Analytics Solutions, AcclaimIP, said, “Our annual patent report examining the USPTO’s data shows a resilience and a consistency amongst the inventive community and companies seeking to protect their innovations. The analysis points to continued global innovation despite economic uncertainty and volatility.”

“We are honored to support many of the most innovative companies across the globe develop and manage their intellectual property to make better, strategic decisions about their business,” said Bob Romeo, CEO of Anaqua. “Our AcclaimIP solution helps customers search over 150 million patents to analyze intellectual property (IP) to determine patentability and assess the competitive patent landscape, ultimately to translate powerful patent analytics into business success.”

Download Anaqua’s infographic to review the full data here. To learn more about Anaqua’s AcclaimIP solution, visit acclaimip.com

Methodology

The data for this report was analyzed by Anaqua’s patent search and analytics software tool AcclaimIP, leveraging public patent information from the USPTO. The metric used to determine innovative organizations is patent applications published and granted applications over a 12-month period between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023.

About Anaqua

Anaqua, Inc. is a premier provider of integrated intellectual property (IP) management technology solutions and services for corporations and law firms. Its IP management software solutions, AQX® and PATTSY WAVE®, both offer best practice workflows with big data analytics and tech-enabled services to create an intelligent environment designed to inform IP strategy, enable IP decision-making, and streamline IP operations, tailored to each segment’s need. Today, nearly half of the top 100 U.S. patent filers and global brands, as well as a growing number of law firms worldwide use Anaqua’s solutions. Over one million IP executives, attorneys, paralegals, administrators, and innovators use the platform for their IP management needs. The company’s global operations are headquartered in Boston, with offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. For additional information, please visit anaqua.com, or on Anaqua’s LinkedIn.

Company Contact:
Amanda Glagolev
Director, Communications
Anaqua
617-375-5808
aglagolev@anaqua.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9021959

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Le rapport annuel Anaqua indique que le volume des brevets délivrés en 2023 reste stable

L’analyse des données de propriété intellectuelle de l’USPTO indique une innovation continue au sein des entreprises basées aux Etats-Unis et dans le monde.

BOSTON, 23 janv. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Anaqua, le fournisseur de technologie de gestion de l’innovation et de la propriété intellectuelle (PI), a publié aujourd’hui son analyse annuelle des données de l’USPTO à l’aide de son logiciel d’analyse de brevets AcclaimIP. L’analyse a révélé que les brevets délivrés ont augmenté de près d’un demi pour cent pour atteindre 348 774 en 2023, marquant une légère augmentation par rapport aux 347 408 brevets en 2022, plaçant les brevets délivrés aux États-Unis au-dessus des niveaux d’avant 2019.

Les entreprises les plus innovantes

Samsung Electronics est en tête de la liste des entreprises les plus innovantes, calculée sur la base du nombre de brevets délivrés, avec 10 043 brevets délivrés aux États-Unis (soit une augmentation de 8 % par rapport à 2022) dans des domaines technologiques tels que les systèmes d’indexation des données, la technologie de la publicité électronique, l’électronique liée à la production d’énergie renouvelable, les semi-conducteurs organiques et la fabrication de dispositifs à semi-conducteur multiples.

Les cinq autres entreprises les plus innovantes sont IBM avec 4 003 brevets délivrés, Qualcomm avec 3 852, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company avec 3 442 et LG Corp avec 3 319 brevets délivrés.

Les pays les plus innovants

Les entreprises basées aux États-Unis sont en tête de tous les pays pour le nombre total de brevets américains délivrés (162 557), soit une augmentation de 18 % par rapport à 2022. Les entreprises de la région APAC continuent d’être bien représentées dans la liste des cinq premiers pays ayant délivré des brevets américains. Selon les données, le Japon occupe la deuxième place (40 960), suivi de la Chine (28 979) et de la Corée du Sud (24 073). La cinquième place est occupée par l’Allemagne, premier pays européen, avec 13 905 brevets.

Principaux domaines d’innovation

Les domaines technologiques les plus importants sur la base du plus grand nombre de brevets délivrés comprennent la technologie des semi-conducteurs pour la deuxième année consécutive, suivie par la réalité virtuelle, la 5G, l’intelligence artificielle (IA) et les technologies logicielles liées à la détection des utilisateurs non autorisés. Le reste de la liste des dix premiers brevets comprend les unités de contrôle des programmes, les technologies médicales, les technologies sans fil, les produits chimiques et les technologies liées à la chimie (qui apparaissent pour la première fois dans le top dix), et les technologies de sécurité des réseaux.

Si l’on examine les subventions américaines liées à l’intelligence artificielle, les principaux domaines d’invention sont les modèles d’apprentissage automatique, le développement général de réseaux neuronaux, les technologies de combinaison de réseaux neuronaux, les réseaux neuronaux pour la reconnaissance d’images et de vidéos et l’entraînement de réseaux neuronaux à l’aide de processus de rétropropagation. Les principaux déposants ayant obtenu des brevets américains dans le domaine de l’IA en 2023 sont IBM, Samsung Electronics, Alphabet, Microsoft et Amazon.

Shayne Phillips, directrice des solutions analytiques chez AcclaimIP, a déclaré : « Notre rapport annuel sur les brevets, qui examine les données de l’USPTO, montre une résilience et une cohérence au sein de la communauté des inventeurs et des entreprises qui cherchent à protéger leurs innovations. L’analyse montre que l’innovation mondiale se poursuit en dépit de l’incertitude et de la volatilité économiques ».

« Nous sommes honorés de soutenir de nombreuses entreprises parmi les plus innovantes à travers le monde pour développer et gérer leur propriété intellectuelle afin de prendre de meilleures décisions stratégiques pour leur entreprise », a déclaré Bob Romeo, PDG d’Anaqua. « Notre solution AcclaimIP aide les clients à rechercher plus de 150 millions de brevets pour analyser la propriété intellectuelle (PI) afin de déterminer la brevetabilité et d’évaluer le paysage concurrentiel des brevets. Le but étant que ces analyses poussées de brevets se traduisent en succès commercial. »

Téléchargez l’infographie d’Anaqua pour voir les données complètes ici. Pour en savoir plus sur la solution AcclaimIP d’Anaqua, visitez acclaimip.com

Méthodologie

Les données de ce rapport ont été analysées par le système AcclaimIP d’Anaqua, un outil logiciel de recherche et d’analyse de brevets qui exploite les informations publiques sur les brevets de l’USPTO. La métrique utilisée pour déterminer les organisations innovantes est celle des demandes de brevets publiées et des demandes accordées sur une période de 12 mois entre le 1er décembre 2022 et le 30 novembre 2023.

A propos d’Anaqua

Anaqua, Inc. est un fournisseur de premier plan de solutions et services technologiques intégrés de gestion de la propriété intellectuelle (PI). Ses logiciels, AQX® et PATTSY WAVE®, combinent les meilleurs outils pour définir une stratégie de propriété intellectuelle avisée. Ses technologies, qui reposent notamment sur des workflows et des capacités d’analyses avancés, offre un environnement de travail intelligent conçu pour une prendre de meilleures décisions et optimiser les opérations de PI. Aujourd’hui, près de la moitié des 100 premiers déposants de brevets américains et des marques mondiales, ainsi qu’un nombre croissant de cabinets de conseils dans le monde utilisent les solutions Anaqua. Plus d’un million de décideurs, avocats, parajuristes, gestionnaires et innovateurs utilisent la plateforme pour leurs besoins de gestion de la PI. Le siège de la société est situé à Boston, avec des bureaux aux Etats-Unis, en Europe, en Asie et en Australie. Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez consulter le site anaqua.com, ou LinkedIn.

Contact presse :
Amanda Glagolev
Directrice de la communication
Anaqua
+1-617-375-5808
aglagolev@anaqua.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9021959

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Breaking Ground in Fragrance Innovation: Sensegen and Global Leader Unveil Dynamic Collaboration

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sensegen, a pioneer in biotech-enabled fragrance solutions, announced a strategic collaboration with Takasago, a global leader in the flavor and fragrance industry. This creative and technical partnership marks a significant leap forward in fragrance creation powered by biotechnology innovation.

“The collaboration with Takasago stands as a shining example of creative synergy through biotechnology, a dynamic partnership poised to reenergize the field of fragrance ingredients,” said V.P. of Fragrance, Angélique Burke, at Sensegen. “At Sensegen, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration, and this venture with Takasago signifies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and crafting a vibrant, eco-responsible future for olfactory experiences.”

“We are pleased about the dynamic collaboration with Sensegen, as it marks a pivotal moment in the fragrance industry,” said Takasago’s Global Fragrance Division President, Paul Ireland. “Takasago’s rich fragrance expertise, combined with Sensegen’s innovative biotech solutions, heralds a new era for perfumery.”

Novelty Unleashed
Sensegen and Takasago are joining forces to yield a fusion of creativity and technical prowess, promising to redefine the landscape of olfactory experiences.

Sensegen has achieved a significant milestone by leading the way in biotech fragrance ingredient development, notably as the pioneering creator of a class of natural musk raw materials. This groundbreaking accomplishment underscores the importance of prioritizing musk in pursuing sustainable and innovative fragrance solutions.

The impetus behind crafting these sought-after scents was a commitment to expanding options in perfumery, moving beyond synthetic petroleum-based fragrances and traditional extracts.

Beyond Ingredients: A Multi-tiered Approach
Sensegen is a full-fledged fragrance house that goes beyond supplying specialty ingredients. The mission is to strive to replace fossil-fueled synthetics and resource-depleting ingredients. There is an increasing global market for natural fragrance, with an estimation at $3.3 billion in the year 2022, and is projected to reach a revised size of $8.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.7% over the period 2022-2030, according to the Global Natural Fragrance Industry report by Reportlinker.com.

The collaboration showcases Sensegen’s multidimensional capabilities, contributing novel materials and know-how in creating biotech-enabled fragrances. It is a testament to Sensegen’s commitment to work toward a better and clean future with a robust Intellectual Property (I.P.) position. This solid foundation positions Sensegen as a biosolutions fragrance leader in shaping the future of sustainable and inventive fragrance solutions.

Competitive Price and Scale
Coupled with innovation, it also provides cost-effective, scalable solutions to brands seeking a more natural profile and market share opportunities. For example, in the cleaning industry, the global natural household cleaners market size was valued at USD 5,237 million in 2022, and it is anticipated to reach USD 12,886 Million by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.9%, according to Straights Research. Products that fall under the category of “natural household cleaners” are those that do not include any synthetic chemicals. It does not contain any artificial components in any form. Sensegen’s dedication to making eco-friendly options economically viable underscores a mission to democratize sustainable fragrances, enabling a broader reach for businesses committed to environmental responsibility.

R&D and Commercialization Capabilities
The use of biotechnological processes allows for innovation and novelty in fragrance creation. Manufacturers can explore a broader range of biomolecular compounds, leading to the development of unique and distinctive scents that set products apart in the market.

Sensegen’s prowess extends beyond research and development (R&D) to effectively commercialize biotech-enabled fragrance solutions—the seamless integration of R&D excellence with commercial viability positions Sensegen as a competitive fragrance house.

Ireland added, “This collaboration will yield positive outcomes for the fragrance industry and offers transformative possibilities for brands exploring alternatives to virgin fossil-based ingredients. It’s an exciting journey, and we’re contributing our expertise to shape the olfactory landscape for many important industries.”

Consumer Trend for Naturalness
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, brands incorporating fragrance biomolecules can benefit from a positive perception associated with sustainability and responsible sourcing. In a 2023 market report, 44% of consumers globally agree to actively look for sustainability claims on multiple forms of detergent products/brands. This can contribute to brand loyalty and attract environmentally conscious consumers.

Sensegen will present at the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Annual Meeting and Industry Convention, Jan 29-31, where Burke will speak on “Biotechnology has the potential to enhance fragrance creation and accelerate the promise of moving beyond fossil fuel-based synthetic materials.” Wed. Jan. 31 at 10 am. The presentation will be at the Innovation Showcase 2. The cleaning industry is intensifying its focus on making industry norms, prioritizing eco-friendly materials, reducing harmful chemicals, and adopting biodegradable solutions, reusable cloths, and energy efficiency.

About Sensegen
Sensegen® is at the forefront of fragrance innovation, pushing the boundaries of biotech-enabled solutions to create sustainable and captivating olfactory experiences. For more information, visit sensegen.com.

As a division of Blue California Ingredients, our innovative taste, smell, and beauty creative center is dedicated to delivering plant-based, natural, and sustainable solutions. Sensegen’s creators collaborate with advanced bio-techniques and team up to provide unique consumer-validated formulations.

Attachments

Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sensegen
+1.949.635.1991
ana.capretz@sensegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9022066

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MTC-Kilimanjaro Boxing Club takes boxing development to remote schools


KATIMA MULILO: The MTC-Kilimanjaro Boxing Club launched a school boxing development programme in Katima Mulilo on Monday, which will be active in seven regions across the country.

Learners at Namalubi Combined School and Bukalo Primary School were introduced to the fundamentals of boxing on the first day of the programme, which is expected to visit more schools before progressing to Kavango West, Kavango East, and the remaining regions.

Club founder Joseph Benhard explained that the programme’s objective is to bring boxing to remote parts of the country while scouting for new talent.

‘Our ultimate goal is to scout raw talent with the introduction of the sport in these remote areas,’ he said.

Benhard said the programme will conclude in August, culminating in a special event hosted in the Oshana Region with selected learners from all seven regions participating.

Mutimani Albius Alfes, the principal of Namalubi school, expressed gratitude and highlighted the significance of sport. He said boxing can create
opportunities for learners.

‘Boxing is one of the sports that can create opportunities for the learners as not all of them will make it in their education, and when the opportunity comes, they can make a living through boxing,’ he remarked.

Alfes urged the club to not just showcase their offerings but to actively engage in training learners from a young age, fostering talent development.

Moowa Richard, a teacher at Bukalo Primary School, shared the sentiment that boxing is a valuable sport, not only locally, but also internationally. He however said it is neglected in rural areas and emphasised the need for a diverse range of sports selections in these areas.

Richard said learners in rural areas often only have access to football and netball, making the boxing programme a significant opportunity for them.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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We need to improve our sports infrastructure: Ashipala-Musavyi


KORHOGO: Namibia’s Ambassador to the Ivory Coast, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, has called on the corporate sector in Namibia to collaborate with the government to develop sports infrastructure in the country.

Ashipala-Musavyi was speaking to Nampa during the ‘Invest in Korhogo’ business forum organised by the Centre for the Promotion of Investments in Côte d’Ivoire (CEPICI) and the Ivory Coast embassy in South Africa, which coincided with the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

The ambassador said being at the tournament has shown her how the government and corporate sector can collaborate to develop sports in Namibia.

‘Namibia has nothing to learn, Namibia just has to do. We need to improve our sports infrastructure, and this is not only the job of the government, but corporates as well,’ she said.

The ambassador added that the first-class stadium in Korhogo, where she watched the Brave Warriors play, has demonstrated the need for Namibia to invest in sports infrastructure at all levels because such investment wil
l change Namibia.

‘If we invest in sport at all levels, Namibia will change. With the Brave Warriors competing at Afcon, everyone is talking about sports. We need to invest in infrastructure and sports at a very early age and sports will change in our country,’ Ashipala-Musavyi said.

The ambassador further stated that the national team surprised her by winning their opening match against Tunisia.

‘Sport has a unifying power that can surpass even diplomacy. Namibia’s recent victory against Tunisia has put the country on the world map and has made it easier for us diplomats to explain where it is located. This win has increased Namibia’s visibility and helped to create a positive image for the country,’ she said.

Musavyi also called on the players to not be complacent by taking it one game at a time, and to realise their dream of progressing throughout the competition.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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NBL launches consumer promotions series for Brave Warriors


WINDHOEK: Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) announced on Tuesday that its brand, Tafel Lager has launched a series of consumer promotions for the Brave Warriors, starting with activations in Katutura and northern Namibia.

A statement issued by NBL Corporate Affairs Manager, Surihe Gaomas-Guchu said fans can engage in the spirit of the game with the chance to win instant prizes.

Gaomas-Guchu also called on Namibians to rally behind the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors as they make history in the ongoing Afcon 2023/2024 tournament. Brave Warriors recently secured a historic victory against 2004 Afcon champions Tunisia in the group stages, marking Namibia’s first win at the tournament.

‘As a proudly Namibian brand, we are extremely excited to stand behind the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors on their journey at Afcon 2023/2024. This team embodies the heart and soul of our nation. It is incredible to watch them compete on the continental stage and inspire fellow Namibians with their warrior spirit,’ said Gaomas-Guchu.

Foll
owing the brand’s initial event this past weekend, Tafel Lager will continue activations at over 20 outlets nationwide featuring prizes, games, and Tafel Lager Brave Warriors promotional items.

Recently, NBL employees also celebrated the team by showcasing their best supporter gear for the Tafel Lager Brave Warriors.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Qualification to the next round is under our control


SAN PEDRO: Brave Warriors head coach Collin Benjamin has said the senior national football team will not depend on other teams to help them qualify for the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Benjamin said this during a media conference ahead of their game against Mali at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.

The Brave Warriors coach stated that his team is focused and will give it their best.

‘As a team, we have control over our fate in this competition and we cannot wait for others to do us a favour,’ he said.

Benjamin added that the strengths of his team are unity, resilience, speed, hunger, and pride for their nation, therefore they will step onto the field and give everything with the hope of reaching the next round of the qualifiers.

Benjamin also expressed his admiration for the infrastructure and resources in Ivory Coast, which he considers to be some of the best in Africa.

‘It is a beautiful tournament and it is a great time to be alive as our continent is growing at the level where we hav
e sporting infrastructure as those in Europe,’ he said.

Meanwhile, team captain Peter Shalulile said he is happy and blessed to be part of an awesome team at the competition. He hopes that his goal drought at the competition will come to an end soon but emphasised that for now, it is not about him, but about the team.

‘As a player there are times when you struggle to score, but at the moment, it’s not about me. We are a team and we have other talented players who can make our country proud,’ he said, adding that their current focus is on tomorrow’s game against Mali.

Shalulile expressed his pride in captaining the team as they are focused despite coming from a country that did not have a league for a while. He praised the players for being mentally strong and determined to fight.

Namibia is currently third in their group, tied on three points with second-placed South Africa, while Mali leads the group with four points. Tunisia is at the bottom with a single point. Namibia’s last group game will be against
Mali at 19h00 in San Pedro on Wednesday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Rural sanitation project takes root in Oshana


KATIMA MULILO: The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated over N.dollars 2.1 million to the Oshana Rural Development Project for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Oshana Regional Council spokesperson Elly Ashikoto in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to implement a rural sanitation programme, primarily focusing on constructing 152 rural toilets.

Of the total number, 18 toilets will be constructed in Okatana; 22 in Okaku; 10 in Okatjali; 17 in Ondangwa rural; 10 in Ondangwa urban; 17 in Ongwediva; 10 in Ompundja; 13 in Oshakati East; 10 in Oshakati West; 15 in Uukwiyuushona; and 10 in Uuvudhiya.

According to Ashikoto, this will strategically address the sanitation needs of various constituencies, with allocation based on the size and needs of each community.

She added that each toilet, inclusive of materials and labour costs, is estimated at N.dollars 13,785, and the procurement method employed for this project is Execution by Public Entit
ies (EPE).

Ashikoto indicated that the responsibility of executing the project has been entrusted to the Ongwediva Rural Development Centre (ORDC), with a committed cost of N.dollars 1 624 216. The remaining budget of N.dollars 19 583 will cover unforeseen circumstances and preliminary expenses, ensuring that the project progresses smoothly and efficiently.

The sanitation initiative will see approximately 116 unemployed youth from the region being employed, and the regional council is investing N.dollars 471 200 to engage these individuals in the project.

Ashikoto explained that this will ensure that the benefits of the initiative are not only confined to improved sanitation, but also extend to economic empowerment within the community. All employment opportunities will be strictly sourced from local constituencies, providing a direct avenue for community members to contribute to and benefit from the project.

She also indicated that the Oshana Regional Council will acquire bricks exclusively from local br
icklayers or brick makers within each constituency.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Team Namibia Wins Huawei’s Tech4Good Global Competition 2023


WINDHOEK: Team Namibia has been named the worldwide champion of the third Seeds for the Future Tech4Good worldwide Competition.

Team Namibia consists of students from the University of Namibia and the University of Science and Technology.

The Tech4Good Global Competition encourages students to look at sustainable development challenges facing their communities and use their ICT knowledge and skills to create commercially viable solutions.

The winning proposal was an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered teaching system called YYeni AI, which responds to each student’s needs.

In a statement issued recently, Jeff Wang, President of Huawei’s Public Affairs and Communications Department, said that Huawei Cloud’s MetaStudio digital content production pipeline orchestrated the demonstration by training the Pangu Virtual Human Model with Wang’s image and voice data. Wang recently attended the awards ceremony virtually using an innovative, highly realistic avatar technology.

He said that YYeni AI provides persona
lised tutoring to individual students in large classes and added that the app uses AI algorithms to guide students through their coursework and show their real-time progress. This greatly improves students’ learning experience even when teaching resources are scarce.

”The Second and Third Prizes in this year’s Competition went to Team Uzbekistan’s Aquatibia Solution and Team Germany’s TraceWaters Solution. Team Uzbekistan was also named Champion of the Tech4Good Middle East and Central Asia Regional Competition in September 2023,” he said.

In 2023, 152 teams from 74 countries and regions participated in the competition, 70 per cent more than in 2022. A People’s Choice Award was also bestowed this year based on public voting. The total number of votes received was nearly 300,000, with Team Brazil and Team Uzbekistan coming out on top, he said.

Wang further called this year’s participants the backbone of Namibia’s future digital society and praised their obvious passion for using digital technology to prom
ote social inclusion.

He noted that their solutions were designed to address several sustainability and social issues, from natural resource protection and cancer diagnosis to education equity and sign language translation.

Wang also announced that the top three teams and winners of the People’s Choice Award will be invited to participate in a Seeds for the Future digital tour to China in 2024.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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More than 200 benefit from Ondangwa Town Council debt relief programme


KATIMA MULILO: A total of 213 municipal account holders have benefited from the Ondangwa Town Council’s debt relief programme that began in October 2023.

The 12-month programme is set to conclude in September this year, following the council’s announcement that residents owe a total of N.dollars 85 million in municipal services.

Town council spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha told Nampa the incentives provided relief to many residents. According to Shitalangaho-Mutikisha, the council passed a resolution last year to waive full interest (100 per cent) on all accounts with debt to enable consumers to settle their debts.

So far, 213 account holders have benefited from this initiative, with N.dollars 66 5146.46 in interest written off.

‘The council’s debts have increased rapidly due to the economic downturn coupled with the severe effects of Covid-19,’ she said.

Shitalangaho-Mutikisha added that the council acknowledges the impact of job losses, business closures, and employee retrenchment on househ
olds’ disposable incomes, purchasing power and, consequently, residents’ ability to pay their municipal services in full.

She said the programme is ongoing and applicable to all account holders classified as domestic (residential), commercial (business and industrial), non-profit organisations, community-based organisations, churches, and private institutions.

However, she clarified that it does not apply to government offices, ministries and agencies, including state-owned enterprises.

She noted that their goal is to ensure that residents and account holders take the initiative seriously and attempt to settle their principal debts within the stipulated time of this initiative to benefit.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Invest in modern maize technologies: Venaani


RUNDU: The president of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, has urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform to modernise maize production for self-sufficiency.

In a media statement issued on Monday, Venaani said Namibia imported approximately 82 000 tonnes of maize in 2023 alone.

‘With reports of a mere 42 per cent harvest projected for 2023/24, leaving almost 60 per cent of our white maize needs unmet, it’s time to move beyond rhetoric,’ he said.

Venaani proposed drought-tolerant maize varieties since crops hold the key to mitigating climate risks and reducing harvest failures – a common plight in sub-Saharan Africa.

He emphasised the urgency of the matter, reminding the ministry of the nearly 580 000 Namibians facing acute food insecurity.

‘Their plight is not a statistic, it’s a call to action. The PDM believes mechanisation and modernisation are not just promises, but cornerstones of a food-secure future,’ he stated.

The PDM leader said investing in modern maize tech
nologies would not only fill empty plates but also create robust value chains and jobs.

‘A transformed agricultural sector could be the engine of our economy, alleviating poverty and driving prosperity,’ he noted.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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SOUP KITCHEN BRINGS HOPE TO TSUMEB UNEMPLOYED YOUTH


TSUMEB: Carlos Leonard, a young entrepreneur from Tsumeb, has embarked on a mission to support and educate the local youth through a feeding programme.

The 26-year-old Leonard told Nampa he started the non-profit organisation called ‘Joel Parks’ this year to provide free meals to unemployed youth, including those living on the streets, and to educate them on food production.

He said his team feeds 30 to 50 unemployed youth daily. The meals are followed by a counselling and education session focusing on the importance of basic food production, recycling, and waste management.

‘Education on an empty stomach does not work, so we want to teach them how to produce their own food so that they can sustain themselves throughout their lives. We mentor and coach them so that they can become the best version of themselves,’ he said.

Leonard said his passion is fuelled by the high unemployment rate in Tsumeb, with many graduates and school dropouts finding themselves on the streets. The dropout rate is attributed to
factors like teenage pregnancy and a high failure rate, which in turn contribute to increased crime and substance abuse.

The programme runs from Monday to Friday and relies on donations from various families and companies. In return, supporters receive seedlings and are educated on backyard gardening.

Leonard called on all unemployed individuals in Tsumeb who are passionate about food production to reach out to him so they can benefit from the programme. He also said he is seeking potential sponsors so he can continue feeding the unemployed youth.

Leonard works closely with Corne Thalwitzer.

‘We are trying to make an impact by feeding the youth and cleaning the environment because everybody in this country is focused on making money without focusing on the leaders of tomorrow, who are the youth,’ Thalwitzer said.

He commented that the education system should incorporate different elements to help young people thrive.

‘Our schooling system focuses on teaching our children things that are not going to app
ly in their lives,’ he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Ezekiel Kakuva, a graduate from NIMT, is planning on becoming a farmer as he said he has learned a lot through Joel Parks.

‘I believe in this project because it has a positive impact. Farming is close to my heart so I am going to focus on it because I have been equipped with the skills I needed to start,’ said Kakuva.

Mariam Neibes thanked Leonard and his team for coming up with the programme.

She is currently seeking employment and resides with 16 housemates.

‘I am very pleased with the soup kitchen because it gives us the courage to learn new skills such as seeding, harvesting and how to make compost out of kitchen waste. They also taught me to be strong and proactive so that I can get what I want in life,’ Neibes said.

Neibes plans to apply for a piece of land where she wants to start a garden and grow fruit.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Newborn baby rescued from pit latrine at Oshilulu village


KATIMA MULILO: A newborn baby girl was rescued from a pit latrine at Oshilulu village in the Omusati Region on Sunday.

The Namibian Police Force’s Crime Investigations Coordinator for Omusati, Moses Simaho, told Nampa a 30-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the matter.

He said the woman is under police guard at the Okahao District Hospital and faces charges of attempted murder, concealment of birth and defeating the course of justice.

‘It is alleged that the suspect gave birth to a baby girl while at home and thereafter dumped the baby in the pit latrine,’ Simaho said.

The woman reportedly went to the Okahao District Hospital and told the nurses she had a miscarriage when she went to the toilet.

Simaho indicated that the baby was uninjured and was taken to the same hospital in order for her condition to be monitored.

Police investigations into the matter continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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School and cuca shop damaged in arson incidents in Oshana Region


KATIMA MULILO: The Namibian Police Force in the Oshana Region is investigating a case of arson after the Uukwiyoongwe Combined School in Oshakati was allegedly set alight by an unknown suspect.

Oshana Community Affairs Inspector Thomas Aiyambo told Nampa the arson incident occurred around 14h40 on Saturday.

According to Aiyambo, the fire was noticed by community members, who rushed to the scene and notified the police and firefighters.

A classroom and library caught fire, but the damage was minimised thanks to the immediate intervention of community members, the police, and municipal firefighters.

‘The windows of the library building were allegedly broken, and matchsticks were scattered at the windows outside, but they managed to stop the fire,’ Aiyambo said.

In an unrelated incident, a 31-year-old man allegedly set fire to a cuca shop at Uuvudhiya village, also in the Oshana Region, Friday night.

According to Aiyambo, the suspect set fire to the cuca shop built with thatch, wood, and zinc sheets after
the man and the owner of the cuca shop had an argument.

‘The suspect allegedly lost his N.dollars 70 and his cellphone screen was damaged when he was fighting with the complainant earlier on,’ he said.

He added that this angered the suspect, who allegedly decided to set fire to the cuca shop, which was destroyed in the fire.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency