Nigerian leaders confirm moon sighting, mark the start of Ramadan

Nigerian leaders confirm moon sighting, mark the start of Ramadan

Nigerians will begin their observance of Ramadan on Thursday, following an announcement from the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and its National Moon Sighting Committee that the crescent moon was observed, marking the start of the holy month of fasting and prayer. “May Allah make it a blessed…

Laureen Fagan

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

African tech founders speak up about Silicon Valley Bank impacts

African tech founders speak up about Silicon Valley Bank impacts

Africa’s startup founders and investors are watching what happens next for Silicon Valley Bank (SBV), which was shutdown by regulatory authorities in the United States on Friday—essentially freezing thousands of accounts at the tech-friendly bank and raising questions about what happens to startup funds. “Check in on your fellow tech…

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

Ghana begins new COVID policy for China travel

Ghana begins new COVID policy for China travel

Beginning on Friday, travelers arriving in Ghana from China will require screening for COVID-19 due to concern over the current rise of coronavirus cases in China. They will need to produce a 48-hour negative PCR test and undergo a mandatory antigen test on arrival. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is…

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

Masisi pitches Botswana at U.S.-Africa Business Summit

President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, right, served as speaker during a discussion of technology and digital services as part of Wednesday’s opening sessions of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit 2022 in Morocco. Masisi said he welcomed the opportunity to promote African economic development and opportunity, while making a specific case for…

Earthquake shakes Morocco, Spain

An earthquake that struck just off the coast of Morocco beneath the Mediterranean Sea was widely felt across the region, according to international geological agencies. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the magnitude-5.5 quake occurred at 1:35 p.m. and was centered 48 kilometers from Al-Hoceïma, a coastal city in…

African leaders note the passing of UAE president

African heads of state were among global leaders sending their condolences to the United Arab Emirates on Friday upon the news that President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan had died. He was 73 years old. The news of his death was announced via state media, along with plans for…

U.S. puts Israeli firm behind Pegasus tech on blacklist

An Israeli company scrutinized for its role in supplying spyware to foreign governments, a number of them on the African continent, has been placed under new restrictions by the United States government. NSO Group, which develops and supplies Pegasus software, is now on the Entity List at the US. Department…

African nations implicated in Pegasus spyware inquiry

Morocco, Egypt and Rwanda are just three of the nations where governments and their leaders are named in an ongoing investigation into the use of Pegasus spyware supplied by Israeli tech company NSO Group. The Pegasus Project, coordinated by the Paris-based NGO Forbidden Stories, looks at how the technology is…

Morocco’s king kicks off COVID vaccination drive

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI became the first in his country to receive a COVID vaccination, setting the tone for a national campaign that aims to protect 80 percent of the population. The king rolled up his sleeve and got his shot at the Royal Palace in Fez on Thursday, according…