Ghana and South Africa Announce Visa-Free Travel for Ordinary Passport Holders

In a significant development, the governments of Ghana and South Africa have reached an agreement to implement a visa waiver regime for holders of ordinary passports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Ghana made this announcement in a statement released on Friday.

According to the statement, the visa waiver agreement between the two countries will come into effect on November 1, 2023. Under this agreement, travellers with ordinary passports will be able to transit through, depart from, and stay in both Ghana and South Africa for a maximum period of ninety (90) days without the need for a visa. However, it’s important to note that this arrangement does not permit individuals to engage in any form of employment during their stay.

The Ministry advised the travelling public to take note of this development, as it will greatly facilitate travel between the two countries and enhance the ease of movement for ordinary passport holders.

In a separate statement, the South African High Commission in Ghana clarified that after the 90-day stay, ordinary passport holders will be required to apply for a visa to enter South Africa. This means that individuals must adhere to the visa requirements once their permitted stay duration has expired.

This visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa is expected to strengthen bilateral relations and promote tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. It will provide greater convenience and flexibility for ordinary passport holders travelling for various purposes.

Both governments expressed their commitment to the successful implementation of this visa waiver regime, which will contribute to fostering closer ties and cooperation between Ghana and South Africa.

Ghana and South Africa Announce Visa-Free Travel for Ordinary Passport Holders (2)

Combatting Diphtheria in Nigeria: A Call for Vaccination and Vigilance

In December 2022, Nigeria found itself grappling with a harrowing diphtheria outbreak, a contagious disease primarily affecting the nose, throat, and skin, which had already claimed the lives of more than 600 individuals, primarily children. This grim statistic surpasses the 2011 outbreak, which saw a mere 98 reported cases, casting a shadow of concern across the nation.

Kano state, situated in the northern region, became the epicentre of this health crisis, bearing the brunt of the outbreak with over 500 recorded fatalities. However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon, as the number of active cases has recently started to decline.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious and preventable disease, spreads through coughs, sneezes, and close contact with infected individuals, with severe cases often proving fatal. Regrettably, many of the affected children were unvaccinated, making the situation all the more heart-wrenching.

Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the head of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, witnessed the dire consequences of this entirely preventable disease during a visit to a diphtheria isolation centre in Kano city. He emphasized the need for vaccinations, stating, “Witnessing the young children suffering from this entirely preventable disease at the centre today was profoundly heart-wrenching.”

As of 24 September, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 453 fatalities and 11,587 suspected cases. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns that the actual fatality and infection rates might be higher due to inadequate testing and some patients not reporting their symptoms. Despite this, measures such as contact tracing have contributed to a decline in case numbers.

This devastating outbreak has cast its dark shadow over 19 of Nigeria’s 36 states and the federal capital, Abuja. The hardest-hit states are all located in the north, including Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Borno, Jigawa, and Kaduna.

Health authorities are now urgently appealing to parents with unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children to ensure they receive immunization. They emphasize that vaccination remains the most effective means of controlling the ongoing crisis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores that only 57% of Nigerians have received the pentavalent vaccine, which guards against five life-threatening diseases, including diphtheria. To avert future diphtheria outbreaks, Nigeria must increase vaccination coverage to reach at least 80% of the population, according to the WHO.

The last significant diphtheria outbreak in the country occurred in 2011 when 21 people lost their lives, and 98 were infected in Borno state, as reported by the WHO. In the wake of this latest outbreak, it is evident that vaccination is not just a crucial preventative measure but a lifeline to safeguard the health and future of Nigeria’s children.

 

Source: Africa News

Microsoft and Flutterwave Partner to Drive Payment Innovation and Empower African Businesses

Microsoft and Flutterwave, a leading payments technology company, have joined forces in a five-year strategic technology partnership aimed at revolutionizing payment innovation in Africa. The collaboration will see Flutterwave build its next-generation platform on Microsoft Azure, with the goal of accelerating the growth of small businesses across the continent and promoting financial inclusion. This partnership comes at a crucial time when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as vital contributors to Africa’s progress and development.
SMEs play a pivotal role in Africa’s economy, providing employment opportunities for about 90 percent of the continent’s population. These businesses are also at the forefront of innovation, addressing societal challenges and driving progress. However, SMEs face significant obstacles, with research indicating that around five out of seven businesses fail in their first year. Access to financial services and seamless payment methods are among the key challenges faced by these enterprises.According to reports from the African Union Development Agency, approximately 90 percent of transactions in Africa are still cash-based, while nearly half of small businesses lack access to credit. Flutterwave has been dedicated to overcoming these challenges by connecting businesses to financial services and enabling various payment modes, including local and international cards, mobile wallets, and bank transfers. The partnership with Microsoft further strengthens Flutterwave’s mission to democratize payments in Africa and fuel business growth.By transitioning to Microsoft Azure, Flutterwave can process high-volume payments at scale, ensuring a secure and seamless payment experience for its clients. Azure’s advanced capabilities and infrastructure provide the technology foundation needed for Flutterwave to expand and revolutionize payment services across Africa. Additionally, through Azure OpenAI Service, Flutterwave has the opportunity to scale its product offering globally, empowering millions of merchants worldwide.Ola Williams, Country Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, emphasized the importance of digital financial inclusion for sustainable growth in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Enabling small businesses to participate actively in local and global marketplaces is crucial for building resilience and prosperity. The partnership between Microsoft and Flutterwave aims to provide businesses with the digital financial services they need to not only survive but thrive. Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, Founder and CEO of Flutterwave, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting its transformative potential. He emphasized that the collaboration is not just about transactions but about transformation, as Flutterwave and Microsoft work together to create an inclusive digital Africa. The partnership will enable Flutterwave to expand its reach through transactable solutions on Azure Marketplace, including its SMB finance-as-a-service offering, further empowering businesses across the continent.

Microsoft and Flutterwave Partner to Drive Payment Innovation and Empower African Businesses

Microsoft’s strategic technology partnership with Flutterwave marks a significant step toward fast-tracking payment innovation in Africa and empowering small businesses for growth. By leveraging Microsoft Azure’s capabilities, Flutterwave aims to revolutionize payments, address financial inclusion challenges, and connect African businesses to the global stage. This collaboration aligns with Microsoft’s mission to empower individuals and organizations worldwide and holds the key to building stronger economies and a brighter future for Africa.

 

Source: ITNewsAfrica

South Africa’s Electricity Woes Drive UK Investment in Renewable Energy

In a surprising twist, South Africa’s unreliable electricity supply is attracting significant foreign investment in renewable energy, with the United Kingdom emerging as the leading foreign investor in the sector. The UK’s trade envoy for South Africa and Mauritius, Andrew Selous, recently highlighted the country’s commitment to renewable energy in an interview in Cape Town. Selous emphasized that the challenges faced by South Africa’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, are driving UK commercial and industrial investment into renewable energy in South Africa.

One prominent example of UK investment in renewable energy is through companies like Globaleq, which currently operates two wind farms and six solar farms with a total capacity of 384MW. These projects support approximately 1,300 jobs and are set to expand further. British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution, owns a majority stake of 70% in Globaleq.

Additionally, the UK’s Solar Century is actively involved in developing, building, owning, and operating solar power plants, including battery storage facilities. Gridworks, another UK company, is contributing to the expansion of the electricity grid capacity in South Africa.

The most significant UK investor in South Africa, according to Selous, is Hive Energy. Hive Energy is constructing a £5-billion green ammonia production plant in the Coega special economic development zone in the Eastern Cape. This facility aims to provide green energy for the maritime shipping industry, which has a substantial carbon footprint. Selous highlighted the potential collaboration between South Africa, which possesses 80% of the world’s platinum group metals, and the UK’s ITM company, which specializes in electrolyzers for hydrogen production. Such a partnership could leverage the expertise of both countries to produce hydrogen and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

Selous also spoke about Rolls Royce’s ambition to establish South Africa as a hub for its plans to build small modular nuclear reactors across sub-Saharan Africa. This project holds the potential to create numerous jobs and bring technical expertise to the region.

Furthermore, several British companies, including Rio Tinto, are investing in renewable energy to power their operations. Rio Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining companies, is allocating approximately $500 million to renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, to sustain its operations in South Africa.

Selous emphasized the importance of the UK’s trade relationship with South Africa, recognizing it as the most significant trading partnership with Africa. The combined trade between the two countries amounts to R258 billion annually, accounting for a quarter of the UK’s total trade with the entire African continent. UK investment in South Africa stands at R512 billion, representing half of the UK’s total investment in Africa.

Beyond renewable energy, Selous highlighted the active presence of British businesses in South Africa, particularly in Cape Town. Companies like Capita have created thousands of jobs and are expanding their operations, fostering economic growth and providing employment opportunities for young South Africans.

Selous acknowledged the challenges faced by South Africa, such as frequent power outages and infrastructure constraints, including railway and harbor bottlenecks. However, he emphasized the need for a strong government-business partnership and private sector investment to address these issues effectively. Selous expressed his optimism about South Africa’s potential to become a regional global energy superpower, given its abundant natural resources, including ample sunshine, wind, and coastal areas suitable for floating wind and tidal energy generation.

The UK government is also playing a significant role in South Africa’s energy transition through its joint financing, along with other countries, of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). This initiative supports South Africa’s transition away from coal-fired power generation by investing in renewable energy and ensuring a just transition for coal miners and their communities.

Selous concluded by expressing his confidence in the enduring strength and significance of the trade and investment relationship between the UK and South Africa. He revealed that the UK had invited President Ramaphosa to give the keynote address at its African investment summit, underscoring the commitment to fostering economic ties between the two countries.

As South Africa moves forward with its green economy journey, Selous encouraged greater investment in renewables to avoid potential carbon border adjustment mechanisms and to create a sustainable future. He emphasized that time is of the essence, and urgency is required to attract investors and ensure the success of these initiatives.

With a shared vision for a greener future, the partnership between the UK and South Africa is poised to bring about positive change, economic growth, and job creation in both countries for years to come.

 

Source: Daily Maverick SA

King Charles III to Address Colonial Past and Strengthen Ties During Landmark Visit to Kenya

In a historic move to foster reconciliation and strengthen diplomatic ties, Britain’s King Charles III is set to embark on a significant visit to Kenya, where he will meet with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi in the coming weeks. Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday that during the four-day visit, from October 31 to November 3, the king will address the “painful aspects” of Britain’s colonial past.

The visit holds special significance for both nations, as it coincides with Kenya’s celebration of 60 years of independence from British rule. Charles, accompanied by his delegation, will engage in a range of activities aimed at deepening understanding and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

One of the key highlights of the visit will be a tour of the Nairobi National Park, where Charles and Ruto will witness firsthand the importance of conservation efforts and discuss strategies to combat the pressing climate crisis. The discussions will also focus on collaborations in the field of national security, as both nations seek to strengthen their mutual cooperation in this crucial area.

Chris Fitzgerald, the king’s deputy private secretary, emphasized the significance of this visit during a press conference, stating, “His majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.” By acknowledging the painful history between the two nations, Charles aims to promote healing and reconciliation, while also affirming the commitment of the British monarchy to address the consequences of colonialism.

The forthcoming visit also holds personal significance for the royal family. In 1952, then-Princess Elizabeth, Charles’s mother, received the news of her ascension to the throne while in Kenya following the passing of her father, King George VI. Charles himself has previously visited Kenya in 1971, thus making this visit a continuation of the family’s connection with the East African nation.

This visit to Kenya marks yet another milestone in King Charles III’s efforts to strengthen ties with former British colonies. Earlier this year, he successfully undertook royal tours to Germany in March and France in September, reaffirming the importance of diplomacy and fostering friendly relations between nations. Charles’s commitment to engaging with Commonwealth countries was also evident in his attendance at a meeting for the heads of Commonwealth governments in 2022.

As the head of a nation that once held dominion over many countries, King Charles III’s visit to Kenya serves as a testament to the evolving nature of international relations. By confronting the painful aspects of the past, the British monarchy aims to forge a path of understanding and cooperation, laying the foundation for a brighter future between Britain and Kenya.

Stem Cell Awareness Day: Young Black and Asian Men Urge To Register as Stem Cell Donors.

NHS Blood and Transplant is urging young Black African, Black Caribbean, and Asian men to register as lifesaving stem cell donors.

Blood stem cell transplants are used to treat blood cancers and we simply don’t have enough young black or Asian men on the registry.

Only 37% of transplant recipients from minority ethnic backgrounds receive the best stem cell donor match from an unrelated donor, compared to nearly 72% for Caucasian people.

There is a particular need for more young men because clinical data shows us that transplants from young, male donors are more successful. They provide the highest doses of healthy stem cells.

75% of people who go on to successfully donate stem cells are males aged under 30 but only 12% of people on the UK’s combined stem cell registry are from this background.

Stem cell transplants help treat conditions where the bone marrow is damaged and is no longer able to produce healthy blood cells. This can help treat conditions affecting blood cells, such as leukaemia, aplastic anaemia and multiple myeloma.

The best chance of finding a match is from a sibling or a close family member. Around 30% of people find a match in their family. If there are no matches in the family, a search on the British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR) will be carried out.

Khaled El-Ghariani, Consultant in Haematology and Transfusion Medicine at NHS Blood and Transplant said: “Every offer to donate is valuable. But if you are a young black or Asian man, you are one of the most urgently needed people that we need to register as a potential blood stem cell donor. Your generosity and good health could save a stranger’s life.”

Dr M Suhail Asghar, Consultant in Blood Donations, Stem Cell Donations and Transplant, Therapeutic Apheresis Services at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “When a transplant centre has a choice of potential donors, they select young male donors first. This is because men produce higher stem cell yields, since they are on average bigger bodied. The more cells donated the more successful the transplant is likely to be.

“In addition, as stem cells age, they have a higher risk of abnormalities or poor function. Younger people are less likely to have medical conditions that would stop them being able to donate.

“And genetically, patients in need of a stem cell transplant are far more likely to match with Stem Cell donors of a similar ethnicity. People from ethnic majority backgrounds often have rarer tissue types which makes it harder to find matching donors.”

Abrar Ali, 27, from Wandsworth in London, donated his blood stem cells in August 2019. He said: “I donated blood for the first time through an initiative organised by my local mosque with The Imam Hussain Blood Donation Campaign which is the UK’s most successful Muslim blood donation partnership.

“The blood donation staff spoke to me about potentially donating a sample for the British Bone marrow Registry and I decided ‘why not’- it was another potential way of helping others.

Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Proposes Bill to Tackle Social Media Challenges

In a bid to address the evolving landscape of media and communication, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has sent a bill to the National Assembly seeking to repeal and reenact the existing NBC act. The proposed bill aims to equip the NBC with the necessary tools to regulate social media platforms and effectively manage the transition from analogue to digital broadcasting.

During a meeting at the NBC headquarters, Balarabe Ilelah, the Director-General of the NBC, expressed his concerns about social media by referring to it as a “monster.” He emphasized that the current legislation does not grant the NBC the authority to regulate social media platforms, which has become one of the major challenges faced by the commission and the country as a whole.

Ilelah explained, “We are pleased to inform you that a bill for an act to repeal and amend the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) act has been introduced in the national assembly. This bill has been drafted to address various important aspects, including the transition to digital broadcasting, enhancement of audio and video quality, efficient spectrum management, establishment of the Nigeria Broadcast Institute, social media regulation, and other related matters that are not adequately covered in the existing act. Social media poses a significant challenge, and without appropriate legislation empowering the NBC to address these issues, it will continue to negatively impact our daily lives.”

While the NBC aims to maintain a collaborative approach with broadcasters and stakeholders, prioritizing negotiations and understanding, Ilelah disclosed that in 2023, the commission had to issue 1,238 warnings and impose penalties on six different stations due to violations. The proposed bill seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that enables the NBC to effectively address social media-related concerns while upholding responsible broadcasting practices.

This bill reflects the NBC’s recognition of the transformative power and influence of social media in Nigeria’s media landscape. By seeking to regulate social media, the NBC endeavours to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the need to protect against misinformation and hate speech, among other potential challenges associated with online content dissemination. The bill will now proceed through the legislative process in the National Assembly, where it will be reviewed and debated before any potential amendments to the regulatory framework are made.

Air France Resumes Mali Route with Third-Party Plane and Crews Amid Security Concerns

Air France has announced that it will resume flights to Mali starting Friday, using a plane and crews from a third-party company. The airline had suspended its Mali route in early August following the coup in neighbouring Niger.

In coordination with the French Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) and Malian authorities, Air France spokesperson confirmed that service to Bamako from Paris-Charles de Gaulle will recommence on October 13, 2023. The company is also working closely with Burkinabè authorities to resume flights to Burkina Faso as soon as possible. However, service to Niamey, Niger, remains suspended until further notice.

Flights between Paris and Bamako will operate three times a week (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) using a Boeing 777-200 ER aircraft provided by the Portuguese company EuroAtlantic Airways. The flights will no longer be operated by Air France’s own planes. The crew will also consist of employees from EuroAtlantic Airways, which specializes in regular flights as well as rental and charter services.

Air France assures that the aircraft provided by EuroAtlantic Airways complies with all French and European regulations. It is equipped with 30 seats in the Business cabin, 24 seats in the Premium Economy cabin, and 239 seats in the Economy cabin. The onboard services will be the same as those offered on Air France-operated flights. Passengers whose flights are cancelled will be rebooked on available flights or provided with the option to modify their reservation free of charge.

The decision to use a third-party company and crew for this connection is due to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs “formally” advising against French citizens traveling to Mali, including airline crew, due to the tense security situation. In March, Air France’s pilots’ union called on its members to exercise their right of withdrawal if they did not wish to fly to Bamako.

Security concerns have been raised by various authorities. The American federal agency overseeing aviation (FAA) cited an “increased risk” for commercial aircraft overflying or serving Mali due to the installation of anti-aircraft missile batteries by the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Following Air France’s suspension of the Paris-Bamako route, Malian authorities revoked the company’s authorization to operate the line, considering it a breach of the operating authorization.

Tensions between France and Mali have escalated since the military took control in Bamako in August 2020. The junta expelled French forces in 2022 and shifted its political and military alliances towards Russia. This strained relationship has impacted air travel between the two countries.

Air France emphasizes that the safety of its customers and crews is its top priority and closely monitors the geopolitical situation in the areas it serves and flies over.

 

Source: Africa News

Africa Young Innovators for Health Award Recognises Pioneering Entrepreneurs Driving Universal Health Coverage

In a celebration of scientific excellence and innovation in Africa, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) and Speak Up Africa have announced the winners of the second edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award. The prestigious award recognises young entrepreneurs who are making significant strides in advancing healthcare solutions and driving universal health coverage in their communities.

The first prize winners of the award are Teniola Adedeji from Nigeria and Dr. Moses Ochora from Uganda. Adedeji, the CEO of Pharmarun, an on-demand platform that provides convenient access to essential medications, expressed her commitment to ensuring universal health coverage through collaborations among pharmacies. Dr. Moses Ochora, the Co-Founder and CEO of Photo-Kabada, a remotely monitored phototherapy device designed to reduce neonatal jaundice-related morbidity and mortality, emphasised the importance of homegrown solutions in achieving universal health coverage.

The second prize winners of the award are Nura Izath from Uganda and Muhammad Abdullahi from Nigeria, who were also recognized for their innovative contributions to healthcare in Africa.

The second edition of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award focused on innovations that aim to achieve universal health coverage across the continent. While many African governments have expressed their commitment to achieving universal health coverage by 2030, there is a need to accelerate progress. The award sought to support entrepreneurs whose innovations can extend population and service coverage while ensuring financial protection for patients.

Yacine Djibo, the Executive Director and Founder of Speak Up Africa, highlighted the importance of fresh and purposeful health innovations in advancing equity and delivering essential health services. The award aimed to promote gender equality and support entrepreneurs who contribute to the goal of universal healthcare coverage.

Thomas Cueni, the Director General of IFPMA, congratulated the winners and expressed the organisation’s commitment to accelerating innovation in delivering universal healthcare coverage. Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall, Director of Neglected Tropical Disease at the World Health Organisation and a jury member of the second edition, commended the program for its tangible and intangible support to African entrepreneurs, contributing to the achievement of common goals.

The Africa Young Innovators for Health Award is a program launched in 2021 by Speak Up Africa and IFPMA. It provides young health entrepreneurs in Africa with funding, business mentorship, intellectual property rights guidance, media training, and access to a network of supporters and partners.

Supported by organisations such as Amref Health Africa, Forum Galien Afrique, and Women in Global Health, the award program recognises the crucial role of innovation in realising the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and fulfilling the fundamental human right to health.

The winners of the Africa Young Innovators for Health Award are poised to make significant contributions to advancing universal health coverage and transforming healthcare in Africa. Their innovations hold the potential to improve health outcomes and create lasting positive change in their communities and beyond.

 

Source: Independent Uganda

TotalEnergies Faces Legal Action Following Palma Attack in Mozambique

In a new development regarding the Palma attack in Mozambique that occurred in March 2021, seven survivors or families of victims have filed a complaint against TotalEnergies, the French oil group responsible for a mega-gas project in the region at the time. The plaintiffs, consisting of three survivors and four heirs of two victims, are accusing TotalEnergies of “involuntary manslaughter and failure to provide assistance to a person in danger.” The complaint alleges a series of negligent acts and failure to ensure the safety of subcontractors. However, TotalEnergies denies any responsibility and asserts that it made every effort to assist its staff on-site.

The attack in Palma, claimed by the Islamic State (EI) group, lasted several days and resulted in casualties among the local population and TotalEnergies subcontractors. While Maputo has reported a death toll of approximately 30, independent journalist Alexander Perry, who conducted a five-month investigation in Palma between November 2022 and March 2023, suggests that the number of civilian deaths or missing individuals stands at 1,402, including 55 subcontractors.

During the attack, many sought refuge in the Amarula Lodge, a hotel on the outskirts of Palma that was besieged by jihadists. Tragically, at least seven individuals lost their lives while attempting to escape in a convoy.

The lawsuit against TotalEnergies is primarily based on two reports by risk consulting firms that highlighted the absence of preventive measures. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Henri Thulliez, emphasizes that the danger was known, as several villages had previously been attacked, indicating a real jihadist threat in the area.

Notably, TotalEnergies’ competitor, Exxonmobil, withdrew its investment in the project and repatriated its staff in 2019 due to concerns about the security situation.

Regarding the allegation of “failure to assist in danger,” TotalEnergies is accused of refusing to provide fuel to a private South African military company, DAG, which was conducting helicopter evacuations from the Amarula Lodge. The evacuations had to be halted due to a lack of fuel, according to Thulliez.

TotalEnergies contends that the Afungi site, where the gas project was located, was under the control of government security forces. The company states that all Mozambique LNG personnel, as well as their contractors and subcontractors, were evacuated, along with many civilians, totaling approximately 2,500 individuals. While TotalEnergies claims to have provided fuel for evacuation and rescue operations, it denies support to the DAG company, citing allegations of “exactions against the civilian population” at the time.

The meticulously planned attack on Palma, a port city with a population of 75,000, marked the culmination of a lengthy period of civil unrest in the region.

The legal action against TotalEnergies highlights the complex circumstances surrounding the Palma attack and raises questions about corporate responsibility in high-risk environments. As the case unfolds, the plaintiffs seek justice and accountability for the tragic events that unfolded during the attack.

 

Source: Financial Times