While most cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus have been reported in the U.S. , Europe, and China, the virus is spreading rapidly across the African continent. 



The confirmed worldwide cases for the virus have surpassed 50 million with the current figure being at 86,979,718.



The increase in newly reported cases around the world has led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the coronavirus a global pandemic. 



The death toll continues to rise globally now surpassing <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2020/09/29/coronavirus-claims-the-lives-of-more-than-1-million-people-worldwide/">one million</a>. It is currently at 1,878,992.



The U.S. leads with 365,740 deaths. Brazil comes second with 197,777. India&#8217;s deaths are at 150,151; Mexico is with 128,822 deaths, and The U.K is with 76,329.



China, where the virus originated from, maintains that the country&#8217;s death toll is at 4,634.



The figure of the global recoveries stands at 61,684,121.



The African continent now has a total figure of 2,895,592 confirmed cases of Covid-19, while the death toll stands at 68,872. The continent has made 2,388,345 recoveries. 



Here are the country-wide numbers for Africa:



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-regular"><table><tbody><tr><td>Country </td><td>Confirmed Cases </td><td>Confirmed Deaths</td><td>Confirmed Recoveries</td></tr><tr><td>Algeria</td><td>100,873</td><td>2,782</td><td>68,185</td></tr><tr><td>Angola</td><td>17,756</td><td>410</td><td>11,376</td></tr><tr><td>Benin</td><td>3,304</td><td>44</td><td>3,185</td></tr><tr><td>Botswana</td><td>15,440</td><td>45</td><td>12,481</td></tr><tr><td>Burkina Faso</td><td>7,342</td><td>86</td><td>5,443</td></tr><tr><td>Burundi</td><td>842</td><td>2</td><td>687</td></tr><tr><td>Cameroon</td><td>26,848</td><td>448</td><td>24,892</td></tr><tr><td>Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)</td><td>11,983</td><td>113</td><td>11,608</td></tr><tr><td>Central African Republic (CAR)</td><td>4,963</td><td>63</td><td>1,924</td></tr><tr><td>Chad</td><td>2,289</td><td>105</td><td>1,876</td></tr><tr><td>Comoros</td><td>995</td><td>13</td><td>759</td></tr><tr><td>Congo</td><td>7,107</td><td>108</td><td>5,846</td></tr><tr><td>Cote d&#8217;Ivoire (Ivory Coast)</td><td>22,855</td><td>138</td><td>22,154</td></tr><tr><td>Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) </td><td>18,248</td><td>599</td><td>14,723</td></tr><tr><td>Djibouti </td><td>5,854</td><td>61</td><td>5,752</td></tr><tr><td>Egypt</td><td>144,583</td><td>7,918</td><td>115,414</td></tr><tr><td>Equatorial Guinea</td><td>5,286</td><td>86</td><td>5,154</td></tr><tr><td>Eritrea</td><td>1,445</td><td>3</td><td>740</td></tr><tr><td>Eswatini&nbsp;(formerly Swaziland)</td><td>10,338</td><td>252</td><td>6,094</td></tr><tr><td>Ethiopia</td><td>126,241</td><td>1,963</td><td>112,813</td></tr><tr><td>Gabon</td><td>9,605</td><td>66</td><td>9,415</td></tr><tr><td>Gambia</td><td>3,812</td><td>125</td><td>3,677</td></tr><tr><td>Ghana</td><td>55,168</td><td>335</td><td>53,928</td></tr><tr><td>Guinea</td><td>13,845</td><td>81</td><td>13,199</td></tr><tr><td>Guinea-Bissau</td><td>2,455</td><td>45</td><td>2,398</td></tr><tr><td>Kenya</td><td>97,398</td><td>1,694</td><td>79,966</td></tr><tr><td>Lesotho</td><td>3,206</td><td>65</td><td>1,496</td></tr><tr><td>Liberia</td><td>1,779</td><td>83</td><td>1,406</td></tr><tr><td>Libya</td><td>102,880</td><td>1,546</td><td>77,435</td></tr><tr><td>Madagascar </td><td>17,767</td><td>262</td><td>17,298</td></tr><tr><td>Malawi</td><td>7,110</td><td>199</td><td>5,753</td></tr><tr><td>Mali</td><td>7,349</td><td>284</td><td>5,070</td></tr><tr><td>Mauritania</td><td>14,981</td><td>367</td><td>12,639</td></tr><tr><td>Mauritius</td><td>531</td><td>10</td><td>513</td></tr><tr><td>Mayotte</td><td>6,045</td><td>56</td><td>2,964</td></tr><tr><td>Morocco</td><td>445,439</td><td>7,581</td><td>416,708</td></tr><tr><td>Mozambique</td><td>19,542</td><td>171</td><td>17,069</td></tr><tr><td>Namibia</td><td>25,887</td><td>222</td><td>21,777</td></tr><tr><td>Niger</td><td>3,557</td><td>112</td><td>2,152</td></tr><tr><td>Nigeria </td><td>92,705</td><td>1,319</td><td>76,396</td></tr><tr><td>Réunion</td><td>9,173</td><td>42</td><td>8,706</td></tr><tr><td>Rwanda</td><td>8,955</td><td>110</td><td>6,878</td></tr><tr><td>Sao Tome and Principe</td><td>1,024</td><td>17</td><td>987</td></tr><tr><td>Senegal</td><td>20,156</td><td>433</td><td>17,782</td></tr><tr><td>Seychelles</td><td>354</td><td>1</td><td>224</td></tr><tr><td>Sierra Leone</td><td>2,724</td><td>76</td><td>1,924</td></tr><tr><td>Somalia</td><td>4,714</td><td>130</td><td>3,612</td></tr><tr><td>South Africa</td><td>1,127,759</td><td>30,524</td><td>920,879</td></tr><tr><td>South Sudan</td><td>3,589</td><td>63</td><td>3,131</td></tr><tr><td>Sudan</td><td>23,316</td><td>1,468</td><td>13,524</td></tr><tr><td>Tanzania</td><td>509</td><td>21</td><td>183</td></tr><tr><td>Togo</td><td>3,770</td><td>69</td><td>3,515</td></tr><tr><td>Tunisia </td><td>147,061</td><td>4,934</td><td>110,324</td></tr><tr><td>Uganda</td><td>36,407</td><td>290</td><td>12,387</td></tr><tr><td>Western Sahara</td><td>10</td><td>1</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Zambia </td><td>23,495</td><td>417</td><td>19,672</td></tr><tr><td>Zimbabwe</td><td>17,194</td><td>418</td><td>11,813</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>







Note: The numbers will be updated as new information is available.

KENYA-HEALTH-VIRUS

[IN NUMBERS] Coronavirus Update: COVID-19 In Africa

TOPLINE&nbsp;Many employers should adopt a “hybrid” model of office work, with some employees in the office and others working remotely. Clearly communicate phased reopening plans with employees, especially new office protocols, such as testing and wearing masks.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5ed19b7a8be1be0006b4cbbe/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" alt="public-health-experts"/></figure>



<ul><li>Consider a staggered return. “Offices may consider starting slow by opening with fewer people at first,” says Dr. Mark Kortepeter, an epidemiology professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and author of Inside the Hot Zone. He also suggests shifting work schedules and “having liberal stay at home policies if people are ill.”</li><li>Antibody testing can be a helpful tool but not a panacea, Kortepeter says. The accuracy of the tests can vary, especially because there is a lag time between being infected with the virus and developing antibodies. We also don&#8217;t fully understand whether having antibodies translates to protection from infection and for how long. </li><li>Build areas of protection. The virus mostly spreads via large respiratory droplets, so using plexiglass or other types of barriers can block some of the direct spread of these droplets.</li><li>Minimize face-to-face contact by instituting virtual meetings. For in-person meetings, make sure there is enough room to socially distance. </li><li>Establish employee protocols around personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves.</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5ed19b61b37b8e000605bc84/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" alt="Fc"/></figure>



<ul><li>Adopt a “hybrid” approach to reopening. “Some jobs are better performed remotely and some are better performed in the office,” says Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management. “Employers are going through that process literally by job category.”</li><li>There are varied ways to reopen, says Taylor. The society’s most recent survey of employers found 39 percent were planning to implement a phased reopening strategy, with critical teams returning first, while 19 percent plan to implement an alternating schedule strategy, with most employees returning on alternating days or weeks.&nbsp;</li><li>Establish a policy around personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, because lax or conflicting guidelines will cause confusion. “We are now watching very closely what happens when you get people back into the workplace, particularly where businesses don&#8217;t mandate the wearing of a mask,” says Taylor. “You have a new area of dispute that&#8217;s going to need to be resolved by employers.”</li></ul>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5ed19b347f63de00066e0b22/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" alt="AFGw"/></figure>



Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/zuck/videos/live-from-our-internal-weekly-company-townhall-sharing-an-update-on-our-approach/10111936118050541/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced</a>&nbsp;sweeping changes to its remote work policies, such as allowing employees to request the option of permanently working from home and “aggressively” increasing the hiring of remote employees to diversify its workforce. “For the last 10 or 11 weeks, we&#8217;ve had 95 percent or more of our population working remotely and what we’ve found is that we’re still able to get a lot of work done,” says Lori Goler, Facebook’s Vice President of People. The new emphasis on remote hiring will allow Facebook to expand its talent pool geographically. “It really creates a lot of opportunity across the United States. So now you don&#8217;t have to live in one of the locations [where we have offices] which means that people don&#8217;t have to get up and leave their communities,” Goler says.&nbsp;



When the social media giant starts to reopen offices as permitted by state and local officials, they expect to operate at no more than 25 percent capacity in the near-term while proper safety measures are put in place.&nbsp; “We decided that we would take a more conservative approach, both in terms of leaving the offices and in terms of returning to the offices,” Goler says.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5ed19b0c5e2c7400068b09b6/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" alt="red-flags"/></figure>



Be alert for working conditions (or fellow employees) that are not complying with safety guidelines. Offices are full of high-touch surfaces—door handles, light switches, appliances—so check what the new cleaning and disinfection protocols are in your office. Stay away from crowded conference rooms or other commons areas where people are unable to socially distance.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/5ed199438be1be0006b4cba4/960x0.jpg?fit=scale" alt="QWD"/></figure>



While working remotely is a big change for many people, it also allows for much greater geographic diversity in hiring and access to a whole new pipeline of talented recruits. Plus, many companies will likely take a hybrid approach of having some people work remotely and others in a physical office. “Every company will have to do what’s right for their company and situation but what we found is that it’s actually worked out really well for us,” says Goler of Facebook. “And we’re pretty excited and optimistic about the future.” 



&#8211;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maneetahuja/">Maneet Ahuja</a>, Forbes Staff, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs">Entrepreneurs</a>

gettyimages-1084167640-170667a

How To Return To The Office

<figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="In conversation with Ethiopia&#039;s first female president" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uS77cHdLoK4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



Ethiopia&#8217;s first female president, Sahle-Work Zewde, spoke to FORBES AFRICA&#8217;s Managing Editor, Renuka Methil, on the country&#8217;s plans to combat Covid-19 and resuscitate one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.



Zewde, listed as one of Africa’s ‘50 Most Powerful Women’ in the March issue of FORBES AFRICA, says while the virus didn&#8217;t warrant the nation going into complete lockdown, it has hit some sectors of the East African country&#8217;s economy, affecting its GDP growth. 



In early May, the government announced a package to bolster healthcare spending, food distribution, rebuild SMMEs, etc to support the country&#8217;s most vulnerable. Zewde also shares her views on women in the front lines, as well as reimagining education.

Renu and Zewde

Ethiopia’s First Female President On Plans To Combat Covid-19 And Resuscitate The Economy

TOPLINE: After months of sagging demand and wild swings in prices that at one point fell below zero, oil has now seen five straight days of gains as economies slowly reopen and traders bet on a comeback.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h4>



U.S. oil prices jumped nearly 20% on Tuesday, with the June futures contract for West Texas Intermediate crude reaching $24.56 on its fifth straight day of gains.&nbsp;



Last month, futures prices for the May WTI contract&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhansen/2020/04/21/heres-what-negative-oil-prices-really-mean/#4c6a349d5a85">plunged into the negative</a>&nbsp;for the first time in history as demand cratered and storage space filled up.&nbsp;



Brent crude, the international benchmark, saw a bump of almost 14% on Tuesday and settled at $30.97 per barrel.&nbsp;



Prices are responding to a slow uptick in demand: As some states and cities take cautious steps towards reopening, and as Europe and China return to work, investors are optimistic that restrictions on travel and movement will continue to ease.&nbsp;



At the same time, global oil production is dropping thanks to a deal between OPEC and its allies last month to reduce collective output by some 10 million barrels per day.



Some American producers have also taken steps to slow down production; last month, ConocoPhillips said it would cut&nbsp;<a href="http://www.conocophillips.com/news-media/story/conocophillips-to-voluntarily-curtail-225-000-gross-barrels-of-oil-per-day-reduces-2020-cash-uses-by-additional-3-billion-for-total-reduction-of-over-5-billion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">225,000 barrels per day</a>.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h4>



“The reopening of economies has injected a degree of cautious optimism back into an oil market that plunged to historic lows only weeks ago,” RBC analyst Michael Tran&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/05/oil-jumps-13percent-in-fifth-day-of-gains-on-demand-recovery-and-production-cuts.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>&nbsp;in a client note.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBERS</h4>



Last week, ExxonMobil&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/companies/exxon-mobil" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">XOM</a>&nbsp;reported its&nbsp;<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/exxonmobil-q1-earnings-first-loss-decades-oil-market-price-plunge-2020-5-1029155170" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first quarterly earnings loss</a>&nbsp;since 1988 and cut its spending by $10 billion. Two weeks ago, BP saw its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/28/bp-earnings.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterly profit fall 67%</a>&nbsp;compared to the same period last year.&nbsp;



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">TANGENT</h4>



International oil hasn’t been hit nearly as hard as its American counterpart by the coronavirus crisis. The reason for the difference boils down to storage: Brent crude is priced in the middle of the North Sea, where tanker storage is ample and accessible, while WTI oil storage in the U.S. is limited and hard to reach. As a result, Brent is more removed from the coronavirus demand shock while WTI prices are much more sensitive to it.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h4>



Despite the major production cuts, the oil market is still under pressure and the next few weeks are likely to reveal more weakness. “The existing problems did not magically get resolved, the storage constraint is still there, but a couple of weeks away, so we will see its effect on prices soon, as the market will get tight,” <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/home-price-growth-could-slow-to-a-crawl-51588630813" target="_blank">writes</a> Per Magnus Nysveen, head of analysis at Rystad Energy. 



&#8211;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahhansen/">Sarah Hansen</a>, Forbes Staff, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/markets">Markets</a>

The Index of Oil. Up.

Why Are Oil Prices Rebounding?

TOPLINE Netflix is one of the few companies actually thriving during the coronavirus, hitting an all-time high in the market Thursday after becoming more valuable than rival entertainment giant Disney.



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="735" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tiger-King.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44391" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tiger-King.jpg 960w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tiger-King-300x230.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tiger-King-600x459.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Tiger-King-768x588.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption>&#8216;Tiger King&#8217; has been a huge boon for Netflix, drawing more than 34 million viewers in its first 10 days on the platform, according to Nielsen. NETFLIX</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KEY FACTS</h2>



The streamer’s stock climbed 5% by midday, after closing at a record price of nearly $427 per share on Wednesday.



With viewers turning to hits like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielshapiro/2020/04/08/34-million-people-watched-tiger-king-in-its-first-10-days-on-netflix/#56e0cff52a9a">true-crime documentary&nbsp;Tiger King</a>&nbsp;and comfort-food reruns like&nbsp;The Office&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cheers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielshapiro/2020/03/23/exclusive-disney-sees-huge-subscription-spike-as-homebound-audiences-clamor-for-content/#7f50f02e17c4">Netflix is seeing a spike in new subscriptions</a>, according to streaming analytics firm Antenna.



Aside from increased viewership, Netflix is seeing another benefit from the crisis: like the rest of Hollywood, it has had to halt production, says Lightshed partner and analyst Rich Greenfield, freeing up its cashflow as it accumulates revenue.



What’s good for Netflix is also good for its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/reed-hastings/#73a62bcd2782">cofounder and CEO Reed Hastings</a>&nbsp;— his net worth is now $4.9 billion, a $1.2 billion increase since the end of March.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BIG NUMBER</h2>



$194 billion. That is how much Netflix&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/companies/netflix">NFLX</a>&nbsp;is now worth, having increased its market value more than $50 billion so far this year. Disney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/companies/walt-disney">DIS</a>, having been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus, is valued below $184 billion, down from nearly $258 billion at the end of 2019. Disney and Netflix are two of the heaviest hitters in entertainment, but they have opposite approaches. While Netflix is entirely dependent on paid subscriptions for revenue, Disney is much more varied, as reliant on tourism and merchandise sales as it is on the content it puts out. While that diversity has traditionally been its strength, it has become a liability as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielshapiro/2020/04/14/saving-disney-iger-returns-as-coronavirus-batters-the-company-on-all-sides/#37412867e64f">the pandemic forces Disney to shut down theme parks and delay film releases</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



While that pause in production may be good for Netflix’s bottom line now, it could result in significantly less new content in the fall than planned. Even so, Netflix may still be better off than its competitors. “The reality is they have much more content in the pipeline than anyone else right now,” says Greenfield.



&#8211;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/arielshapiro/">Ariel Shapiro, </a>Forbes Staff, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/business">Business</a>

gettyimages-1215343881-594×594

Netflix Stock Hits Record High, Is Now Worth More Than Disney

Faced with one of the biggest shifts in our work lives, how can we mindfully maintain productivity in our new work environment?



For many, working from the comfort of your own home is a dream come true. You imagine the magnificence of extended sleeping hours and the freedom to incorporate self-care activities into any time of the day. Sounds amazing, right? It is, until it’s time to sit in front of your PC and actually work.



The downside of having a few extra hours to spare (especially the hours we normally use to get to office and back), is that we may succumb to the temptation of comfort – the comfort to binge-watch your favorite show or even upgrade your cooking skills; absolutely anything that has no connection to your ‘real job’.&nbsp; The challenge is to transition your mentality into work mode which may require more effort than anticipated. Perhaps it’s a lot harder to have discipline when nobody’s physically there to remind you of your perennial to-do list.



So, how do you ensure that you remain focused on the task at hand while working remotely? Here are some tips to help kick-start and maintain your productivity in your new work environment:



First things first, establish a morning routine: Set your alarm and get up and pretend as if you’re actually going to the office. Take a shower, it helps increase your blood flow and leaves you feeling energized. Don’t get back into your sleepwear. If you’re still feeling sluggish, try a quick workout or meditation routine to wake up your brain. Drink lots of water, it also helps.



Location is everything: Find a comfortable spot in your home that you can dedicate to your work. Your space should cater to your needs and allow for you to do your work without infringing on other areas of your home, especially if you live with other people. Try and pick an area that has a good source of light – whether natural or artificial. According to Lux Review, good lighting not only allows for pleasant working conditions but also plays a significant role in your health and wellbeing.



Clean space, clear mind: Once you have found your spot, it is important to remove all clutter that reminds you of home chores or entertainment not in line with your tasks. It’s a lot easier to work productively in a well-organized environment as the opportunity for distraction is decreased. A clean space also comes with psychological benefits such as less stress and anxiety which is good for your overall happiness. Who wants to be stressed more when there’s already so much going on in the world?



Get those sticky notes out: Plan for your day ahead of time. The environment may have changed but the expectations are still the same! Put each goal you have for the day on paper. This will allow you to keep track of your workload so you don’t get overwhelmed. Having a schedule allows you to maintain your professionalism. For creatives, this will help so you don’t get carried away with one task.



Phone a friend: Being an employee in the time of Covid-19 means the social benefits of working in an office have been temporarily stripped away. So, it is important to check in with your colleagues and friends, just so you stay sane and feel less isolated. It also assists in keeping you cheerful and motivated to do your work. Be careful to not overdo it as that might distract you.



Take a break: As you would take a lunch break at work, do so at home too. Take a walk around the house, get some fresh air or spend a bit of time with the people you live with. You can also apply the Pomodoro Technique; a cyclical system in which tasks are separated into 25-minute segments, divided by five-minute breaks (with a longer one around midday). This way, you will feel less guilty about wanting a second away from your computer screen.



Don’t forget to log off: Having a structured and productive work day also means knowing when to stop. You should definitely set boundaries for yourself so you don’t interfere with your work-life balance. Log off, refresh and restart tomorrow!

image2

How To Stay Productive Working From Home

With a possible call for a lockdown looming in South Africa, people are stockpiling for the worst case scenario. Although some may think it’s too early to be taking such panic-driven action, it seems this behaviour is perfectly aligned with global consumer behaviour trends caused by the different stages of the Coronavirus outbreak.



A recent<a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2020/key-consumer-behavior-thresholds-identified-as-the-coronavirus-outbreak-evolves/?utm_source=sfmc&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newswire&amp;utm_content=3-18-2020">
Nielson’s report</a> highlights that there are key consumer behavioural changes that
occur parallel to each stage of the virus’s evolution. Nielson identifies that
these consumer changes are being mirrored by every country that is currently
trying to flatten the curve. Nielson identified the following stages together
with changes in consumer behaviour at each stage:



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class=""><tbody><tr><td>
 Stage
 </td><td>
 Coronavirus Event Markers
 </td><td>
 Consumer Behaviour Change
 </td></tr><tr><td>
 Stage 1
 Health-minded Buying
 </td><td>
 Minimal localised cases of
 Covid-19 generally linked to arrival from another country.
 </td><td>
 Consumer’s interest rises in
 products that support overall maintenance of health and wellness.&nbsp;
 </td></tr><tr><td>
 Stage 2
 Reactive Health Management
 </td><td>
 First local transmission with
 no link to other location and first Covid-19 related death/s.&nbsp;
 </td><td>
 Prioritise products essential
 to virus containment, health and public safety. E.g., face masks
 </td></tr><tr><td>
 Stage 3
 Pantry Preparation
 </td><td>
 Multiple cases of local
 transmission and multiple deaths linked to Covid-19
 </td><td>
 Pantry stockpiling and
 shelf-stable foods and a broader assortment of health-safety products; spike
 in-store visits; growing basket sizes.&nbsp;
 </td></tr><tr><td>
 Stage 4&nbsp;
 Quarantined Living Preparation
 </td><td>
 Localised Covid-19 emergency
 actions, percentage of people diagnosed positive continues to increase.
 </td><td>
 Increased online shopping, a
 decline in-store visits, rising out-of-stocks, strains on the supply chain.
 </td></tr><tr><td>
 Stage 5
 Restricted Living
 </td><td>
 Mass cases of Covid-19.
 Communities ordered a lockdown.
 </td><td>
 Severely restricted shopping
 trips, online fulfilment is limited, price concerns rise as limited stock
 availability impacts pricing in some cases.&nbsp;
 </td></tr><tr><td>
 Stage 6
 Living a New Normal
 </td><td>
 Covid-19 quarantines lift
 beyond region/country’s most-affected hotspots and life starts to return to
 normal.&nbsp;
 </td><td>
 People return to daily routines
 (work, school, etc.) but operate with a renewed cautiousness about health.
 Permanent shifts in the supply chain, the use of e-commerce and hygiene
 practices.&nbsp;
 </td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



(table <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/article/2020/key-consumer-behavior-thresholds-identified-as-the-coronavirus-outbreak-evolves/?utm_source=sfmc&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newswire&amp;utm_content=3-18-2020">source</a>)



Although South Africa has yet to
have any deaths, our own consumer behaviour is following this trend almost
exactly. Derek Cikes, COO of online payment solution Payflex has been following
the effects of Coronavirus on retail closely since the outbreak and says that
South Africa is somewhere between stages 4 (Quarantined Living Preparation) and
5 (Restricted Living).



“We’ve seen a significant
increase in online shopping both in our own data and at our merchants. South
Africans are looking to online stores to keep goods flowing while we all
prepare for a possible lockdown. But we’re also seeing the limitations and strain
put on online retail because of this surge in users,” says Cikes.&nbsp;



In line with Nielson’s stage 5
attributes, South Africa is clearly seeing the strain put on online grocers and
their supply chain due to the demand of social distancing and self-quarantine.
Checkers launched their app sixty60 to major SA cities promising to deliver
your groceries within 60 minutes only to have to adjust that promise due to
increased demand for the home deliveries. Pick ‘n Pay’s online store is also
showing signs of a supply chain disruption as a large percentage of goods are
unavailable or sold out.&nbsp;



In order to ease the strain on
the supply chain caused by panic buying, both Checkers and Pick ‘n Pay have
implemented rationing, meaning that consumers are only allowed a certain number
of each product per purchase. This action hopes to ensure that all South
Africans are able to get what they need for the weeks ahead. Other online
grocery apps such as OneCart are seeing an unprecedented increase in users. For
example, OneCart is usually able to deliver groceries within an hour, but
because of increased demand, now have a 2 to 3 day delivery time.



In its <a href="https://www.bain.com/insights/defending-retail-against-the-coronavirus/">Situational
Threat Report Index</a>, Bain &amp; Company states that the concept of the shopping
journey in physical stores is taking on a new meaning and importance, given the
potential for transmitting the virus at each interaction.&nbsp;



According to Bain &amp; Company’s
index, the world is currently sitting at a level 6 global threat which is
called Markets and Public in Multiple Major Nations Reacting Strongly. The
index combines official data with Bain’s own modelling. It evaluates
Coronovirus’s effect on global business, grading it from 0 (a negligible
threat) to 10 (severe global recessionary conditions).&nbsp;



South Africa is no different,
with stores and businesses scrambling to find innovative solutions to keep
customers safe and secure. For example, a Spar franchise in the north eastern
suburbs of Johannesburg recently put up perspex glass panes at each till to
create a physical divide between shopper and cashier while delivery services
such as Woolworths allow the drivers to drop the goods in a safe area outside
the house without coming into contact with customers. Uber Eats and Mr D have
implemented similar regulations.



Bain &amp; Company also note that
in most segments, the outbreak will probably reduce traffic and revenue. They
say that retailers of all types must be prepared to act quickly to mitigate the
impact of such turbulence, while also learning from the experience of their
counterparts in China and other hard-hit countries. And even as they strain
every sinew to address short-term disruption, retail executives also need to
begin medium-term planning for an eventual recovery.



Falling in line with Nielson’s
stage 6 “A New Normal”, Cikes believes that there will be a permanent change in
the way South Africans use e-commerce.&nbsp;



“If there was anyone who was reluctant to use online shopping as a viable way to get both necessities and luxury goods, Coronavirus is sure to change this. It’s forcing people to get online and this may change the way South Africans shop forever. This will also push retail to think about bringing their own stores online if they haven’t already,” says Cikes.



Content provided by Nielson

gettyimages-1208025894-594×594

Op-Ed: These Are The Six Stages Of Changes In Consumer Behaviour Led By The Coronavirus Pandemic

As coronavirus cases have surged, so have the number of companies asking their employees to work from home, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.willistowerswatson.com/en-US/News/2020/03/north-american-companies-take-steps-to-protect-employees-from-coronavirus-epidemic" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">46% of American businesses</a>&nbsp;having implemented remote-work policies as of mid-February. While telecommuting has become more mainstream in recent years—the remote workforce grew 159% between 2005 and 2017—when just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/flexjobs-gwa-report-remote-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">3.4% of Americans work from home</a>&nbsp;at least half of the time, it’s not unreasonable to think that many of the employees who have been asked to work from home due to the coronavirus may have little to no experience doing so, or at least not for an extended period of time.



Whether you’re a first-time telecommuter struggling to be as productive from your couch as you are from your cube, or a manager looking for ways to keep your newly remote team engaged, here’s everything you need to know about working from home during the coronavirus pandemic. We’ll be adding to this guide as the situation develops, so check back for updates.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How To Work From Home</h3>



As the coronavirus has continued to spread, some of the world’s biggest businesses have asked employees to work from home. But if you’re working remotely for an extended period of time, how can you ensure that you’re just as productive from your couch as you are from your cube? <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenmenabney/2020/03/06/what-you-need-to-know-to-start-working-from-home/">These six tips</a> may be key to your success.



Many organizations have encouraged their workers to curb, if not cancel, business trips. If yours hasn’t, you may be wondering whether your boss can <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2020/03/06/can-employees-refuse-to-travel-out-of-fear-of-contracting-the-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/#4fc6f4a61eef">make you travel during an outbreak</a>. The short answer: Maybe. 



If you can’t telecommute and have to miss work due to being quarantined, can you lose your job?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomspiggle/2020/02/26/the-coronavirus-keeping-your-job-if-you-get-quarantined/">Here’s what you need to know</a>&nbsp;about your rights.



March is typically a strong hiring month, but as COVID-19 continues to spread, the job market may experience a slowdown. Whatever you do, don’t abandon your search—<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kourtneywhitehead/2020/03/01/3-things-you-need-to-know-about-a-march-job-search/">heed this advice</a> to achieve the best possible outcome.



If you’re a member of the class of 2020, with just weeks to go until graduation, chances are you’ve got more than a few questions about how, if at all, the coronavirus may affect your job hunt.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/03/10/how-recent-college-graduates-can-successfully-interview-in-a-covid-19-world/">Here’s what you need to know</a>.&nbsp;



Hiring may slow down, but it’s not likely to come to a grinding halt. There will always be a demand for top talent, even in a down market, and if you’re responsive to potential employers, open to alternative arrangements and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2020/03/08/how-to-keep-your-job-search-going-when-hiring-slows-down/">follow these steps</a>, you’ll be better equipped to keep your search alive.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How To Manage A Remote Team</h3>



As COVID-19 forces employers to embrace remote work, leaders have found themselves faced with a unique challenge: engaging employees from afar.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2020/03/02/what-managers-need-to-know-as-coronavirus-expands-our-remote-workforce/">Here’s how to get started</a>.



Despite the widespread adoption of telecommuting, remote-work advocates aren’t necessarily celebrating. Going remote may seem simple, but without the proper processes in place, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurelfarrer/2020/03/05/ironically-remote-work-advocates-warn-companies-about-covid-19-work-from-home-strategies/">experts warn that such arrangements can have serious consequences</a> for companies.



In times of uncertainty, people look to their leaders for answers. But you don’t have to know everything about COVID-19 to effectively address your team’s concerns—what you do need is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloedemrovsky/2020/03/03/why-the-business-impact-of-the-coronavirus-will-linger-and-what-to-do-about-it/">crisis communications plan</a>.



Leaders would also do well to stick to the facts and avoid any absolutes, exaggerations or otherwise emotive language. In other words, don’t say <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmurphy/2020/03/08/ten-words-leaders-should-avoid-when-discussing-coronavirus-with-their-employees/">these 10 things</a>.



The bottom line: Keep calm. Panic is contagious, but so is courage, and by following<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/margiewarrell/2020/03/08/leading-through-coronavirus-how-those-in-charge-can-navigate-the-uncertainty-with-calm--courage/"> these six steps</a>, you’ll be better equipped to lead through tumultuous times.



&#8211; <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/vickyvalet/">Vicky Valet</a>, Forbes Staff, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/careers">Careers</a>

Nothing was Achieved  by Being Idle

Working From Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic: What You Need To Know

With unemployment at a low 3.6%, American workers have been enjoying a candidate-friendly market, and many have used it to their advantage. According to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/compensation-and-benefits/salary-negotiation-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">survey</a>&nbsp;by recruiting firm Robert Half, 54% of job seekers negotiated for a higher payout before accepting their most recent position. Of those who didn’t ask for more, nearly one fifth said it was because they felt uncomfortable doing so.



“Anyone who has the experience is in demand,” says Paul McDonald, senior executive director at Robert Half. “Everybody should feel comfortable negotiating compensation today.”



Negotiating can be intimidating, but with a little preparation, job seekers can be better equipped to walk away with what they’re worth. Here are three keys to a successful salary negotiation, plus what to do if the hiring manager doesn’t budge.&nbsp;



1. Do Your Research



While hiring managers often discuss pay with candidates early on in the hiring process, with 35% of respondents reporting that the subject of salary came up in their first in-person interviews, McDonald advises against negotiating before an offer has been made. If salary range does come up, use that as the starting point to research industry averages for the role at hand, using online resources like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/know-your-worth.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glassdoor’s salary tools</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.payscale.com/salary-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Payscale’s salary calculator</a>&nbsp;as your guide. Another form of compensation that’s worth considering is benefits. A flexible work arrangement or student loan reimbursement, for example, may not pad your paycheck, but they are perks that could boost your bank account. Whatever you do, don’t overshoot—that could be a turnoff. Flexibility and knowing your market worth is key, he says.&nbsp;



2. Establish Your Must-Haves And Your Nice-To-Haves



Before you go into a salary negotiation, determine what you need and what you can do without. “If you’re interviewing for a new role, or if you’re going to your current employer for the annual salary review, know what your priorities are,” McDonald says. “Take the emotion out of it and be really in tune with what’s important to you.” Not being able to articulate what matters most can cost you a few extra thousand dollars, or even the position itself. 



3. Practice Makes Perfect



There’s no better way to calm prenegotiation nerves than to practice. McDonald recommends role-playing with trusted colleagues, mentors or recruiters so that you can get feedback from those who have been on different sides of the table. As you craft your pitch, remember to make liberal use of the words “we” and “us.” “It’s always good to try and join the parties when you’re negotiating,” McDonald says. Something as simple as “There are a few things that I’d like us to discuss” can demonstrate to the hiring manager that you’re a team player. For instance:  



“I’m so thrilled that you’ve extended an offer and I’m really enthusiastic about the role! I know I’d be the right fit for the [co. name] team and based on what we’ve discussed during the interview process, my background and experience align really well with the expectations of the job. I’m hoping we can discuss the offer you presented because based on my research, the salaries in our area for [job title] are typically around [number]. I’m confident you’ll be pleased with what I’ll bring to the role and organization and I’m looking forward to contributing.”&nbsp;



Next Steps



It is unlikely that your negotiation will end with you receiving an immediate “yes,” so leave by offering to continue the conversation. If the hiring manager doesn’t follow up regarding your request or just won’t budge, ask yourself if you can still afford to take the opportunity. If the answer is no, tell the company right away. “Don’t ghost the opportunity,” McDonald says. “Regardless of how it all turns out, always be professional, always be courteous, always be objective.”



&#8211;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/samanthatodd/">Samantha Todd</a>, Forbes Staff, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/leadership-strategy">Leadership Strategy</a>

Business handshake in glass reflection in office

How To Successfully Negotiate Your Salary

Isabel dos Santos amassed an empire worth more than $2 billion as the daughter of Angola’s former long-time president. Now it looks like that empire is beginning to crumble.



On Wednesday—as the Attorney
General of Angola held a press conference to provisionally charge Isabel dos
Santos with embezzlement and money laundering, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51218501" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according
to the BBC</a>—a bank in
Portugal where she has been a significant shareholder issued a statement saying
that Dos Santos’ stake is being sold.



EuroBic, a small privately
held bank in Lisbon in which Dos Santos has owned a 42.5% stake, issued a <a href="https://www.eurobic.pt/eurobic/noticias-eurobic/Comunicado-de-Imprensa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement on Monday</a> that it was severing its business relationship
with Dos Santos and the entities related to her. On Wednesday <a href="https://www.eurobic.pt/eurobic/noticias-eurobic/Comunicado-de-Imprensa---Estrutura-Acionista" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EuroBic announced</a> that Dos Santos had decided to sell her stake in
the bank, which has about $8 billion in assets. Forbes recently valued Dos Santos’
42.5% stake at around $200 million.



Dos Santos has come under
intense scrutiny this past week after a number of media outlets, including the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/19/world/africa/isabel-dos-santos-angola.html?action=click&amp;module=Intentional&amp;pgtype=Article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Times</a>, the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51128950" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/19/angola-state-oil-company-sonangol-isabel-dos-santos-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Guardian</a>, published articles based on
the “Luanda Leaks”—a cache of some 700,000 documents related to Dos Santos’
allegedly corrupt business dealings that were released to the International
Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).



Dos Santos was appointed to
head Angola’s state oil company, Sonangol, in 2016, when her father was still
president of the country. (He retired in 2017 after ruling Angola for 38
years.)



According to an article in<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/19/angola-state-oil-company-sonangol-isabel-dos-santos-investigation?utm_term=Autofeed&amp;CMP=twt_b-gdnnews&amp;utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1579458161" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> The
Guardian</a>, while Dos Santos
was heading up Sonangol, she allegedly arranged for a transfer of $57 million
on one day in November 2017 from Sonangol’s bank account to a Dubai company,
Matter Business Solutions, run by Paula Oliveira, a woman who The Guardian says is
apparently a close friend of Dos Santos’.



It turns out that the Sonangol
bank account from which the funds were transferred was a EuroBic account. In
its statement severing ties with Dos Santos, EuroBic also said that the
payments ordered by Sonangol to Matter Business Solutions “respected the legal
and regulatory procedures formally applicable . . . between this bank and
Sonangol, namely those related to the prevention of money laundering.”



The <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51224655" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC is
reporting</a> that an employee of EuroBic who managed the
Sonangol account, Nuno Ribeiro da Cunha, 45, was found dead in Lisbon on
Wednesday. A police source told the BBC that “everything points to
suicide.”&nbsp;&nbsp;



Dos Santos issued a statement on Thursday saying, “The
allegations which have been made against me over the last few days are
extremely misleading and untrue,” and adding that “I am a private businesswoman
who has spent 20 years building successful companies from the ground up,” and
that “I have always operated within the law and all my transactions have been
approved by lawyers, bankers, auditors and regulators.” 



Forbes first dug into the murky origins of Isabel
dos Santos’ fortune, with help from Angolan investigative journalist Rafael
Marques de Morais, in <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2013/08/14/how-isabel-dos-santos-took-the-short-route-to-become-africas-richest-woman/#52e2d7c345f5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an in-depth investigation in 2013</a>. In late
December 2019, an Angolan court issued a freeze of Dos Santos’ assets in
Angola—assets that Forbes estimates are <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2020/01/03/angolan-billionaires-assets-frozen-by-countrys-court-worth-hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars/#278178507acb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">worth hundreds of millions of dollars</a>. Most
of Dos Santos’ fortune—which <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/isabel-dos-santos/#4ec97300523f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forbes estimates at $2.1 billion</a>—lies in assets held outside of Angola, primarily in Portugal. 



The natural question: Will other Portuguese companies in which Dos Santos is a shareholder follow in EuroBic’s footsteps? 



&#8211;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/">Kerry A. Dolan, </a>Forbes Staff 



Isabel dos Santos features in the 2020 Africa Billionaire’s list in the February issue of FORBES AFRICA. The news of the provisional charges against her for embezzlement and money laundering was unavailable at the time of going to press.

GettyImages-914550024

As Angola Accuses Billionaire Isabel Dos Santos Of Fraud, Her Empire Begins To Unravel

When everyone else is running away from danger, war reporters hurl their cameras and microphones in the opposite direction to ‘get the story’. Paula Slier, the writer of this piece, is one of them. 



War reporting is more a calling than a profession. Why else
would an otherwise sane adult throw himself or herself in harm’s way? When
everyone else is running away from danger, these men and women are hurling
their cameras and microphones in the opposite direction to ‘get the story’.&nbsp; 



This year alone, 19 journalists have been killed in the
field. It begs the question if the job is worth the risk? Especially in the age
of Twitter, virtual reality and 360 cameras, can – and will – technology
replace human coverage on the battlefield? 



Wars today make no distinction between combatants and
journalists. Long gone are the days that the reporter was perceived as a
‘neutral observer’. Today, increasingly, the media is seen as a
legitimate-target in the so-called ‘information war’ that can be as important –
if not more – in the fight for public perception, than the battle itself. 



During the bloodiest days of the not-so-long-ago
Russia-Ukraine conflict, I reported from the frontlines alongside pro-Russia
fighters. 



I wore a bullet-proof jacket with the word ‘PRESS’ emblazoned
across it. Instead of offering me some degree of protection as one would
expect, the soldiers asked me to remove the jacket as they believed the
Ukrainian military would deliberately target me because I was a journalist. I
was thus making it unsafe for them too. 



Award-winning Italian war reporter, Fausto Biloslavo, has
covered most of the conflicts of the last 35 years. He believes this shift in
how journalists are viewed came about after ‘September 11’. 



“Insurgents no longer considered us witnesses to be
respected but cannon fodder for propaganda or ransom. Nowadays, in any war,
they always think that you are a spy and not a real journalist,” he says.



It doesn’t help that wars themselves have become more
difficult to cover. The rise of non-state actors like paramilitary and terror
groups means that, for years, swathes of Syria and Iraq were off-limits to
reporters. 



The only way a journalist could reach there was by being
‘embedded’ – attached – to an army unit. No wonder then that we are seen by some
groups as unobjective and pushing a particular view. It is very hard to travel
with the Kurdish army, like I did in northern Iraq, and be perceived by those
fighting the Kurds as neutral.



Amitabh Revi, associate editor of Strategic News
International, a niche Indian online news service, has had his fair share of
warzones. He believes that some wars are simply too dangerous to cover.



“It’s always a calculated risk. When I ask myself why I do
it, it’s to be the eyes and ears for those who can’t be there and frankly, just
to be there myself. Social media and citizen reporting are important, but for
sustained, comprehensive coverage, one still needs a professional.”



Small-sized digital equipment has seen the rise of the
so-called ‘accidental journalist’. These often young, unqualified reporters
venture into danger zones and take risks that their more seasoned colleagues
never would. The trend became so prevalent that major news organizations took
the unprecedented step of announcing they would not buy footage from
freelancers reporting in areas they deemed too dangerous to send their own
staff reporters to. 



Biloslavo has lost five close friends to conflict. 



The first was Almerigo Grilz, a kind of older brother to
him. He was killed on May 19, 1987, in Mozambique. filming a battle between
Renamo rebels and Frelimo government troops. Grilz made the mistake to move
slightly from behind the protection of a termite mound to film the rebel
retreat and was likely shot in the neck by a sniper.



“Almost always a journalist dies because he has made a mistake, small or big, conscious or not, as he travels along a dangerous road, photographing a tank around a corner or trusting the local population too much,” believes Biloslavo. And all the training in the world cannot prepare one for that moment. Often it’s instinct that kicks in at the last moment, especially when one must make that critical decision to move forward, stay put, or pull back.



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Fausto-Biloslavo-672x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42522" width="464" height="706"/></figure></div>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">&#8220;No article is worth the price of life, but someone has to go and report about wars, the dark side of humanity. <cite>&#8211; Fausto Biloslavo </cite></blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42521" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi-600x338.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Amitabh-Revi.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">&#8220;It&#8217;s to be the eyes and ears for those who can&#8217;t be there and frankly, just to be there myself. <cite>&#8211; Amitabh Revi </cite></blockquote>



<hr class="wp-block-separator"/>



But despite all the risks, Biloslavo has no intention of laying down his microphone for good.



“I’ll only stop taking risks when I can no longer bear the
weight of the bullet-proof jacket, the helmet, the backpack and am unable to
run halfway through the whistle of the bullets,” he says. 



“No article is worth the price of life, but someone has to
go and report about wars, the dark side of humanity. This means accepting the
risks of being killed, injured or kidnapped.”



For Revi, he’ll only stop reporting when wars stop, which
implies never. 



“The most dangerous situation I was in was during a
so-called ‘double tap’ attack in Afghanistan,” he reflects. “The idea (of the
perpetrators) is to kill the first responders – medical, security forces and
journalists who rush to an attack. Instinct kept me away from the second of the
two blasts. So, in short, one needs loads of luck.” 



But what happens when that luck runs out? Sometimes, war
reporting can feel like a ticking bomb. I narrowly missed a suicide bombing at
the entrance to my hotel in Afghanistan. For three weeks, I had met the crew at
the same spot every day at 9AM. On the day of the explosion, we had an early
interview and left some 15 minutes before the bomb detonated – at the entrance,
exactly at 9AM.&nbsp;&nbsp; 



A mixture of faith and fate keeps me going. Faith in the importance of what I’m doing – writing the first draft of history – and fate that when my time comes, it’ll come, but not a second before.



As the US author, Horace Greeley, wrote: “Journalism may kill you, but it will keep you alive while you’re at it.”



&#8211; Paula Slier

Fausto Biloslavo

Braving Bullets And Death To Write The First Draft Of History

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would like to “become financially independent,” they announced Wednesday—and that may have to happen sooner rather than later, as Prince Charles, Harry’s father, is&nbsp;<a href="https://pagesix.com/2020/01/10/prince-charles-threatens-to-cut-off-funding-to-prince-harry-and-meghan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly threatening</a>&nbsp;to pull the millions he gives them each year. How they plan to replace those funds remains a subject of feverish palace intrigue about which the couple remains mum.



But what is clear: By stepping away from their duties, they likely are no longer prohibited from earning income the way senior members of the royal family are, clearing the way for them to take real jobs. What will those be? And how much will they actually need to make in order to live in the style to which they’ve become accustomed?



Annual Costs: Roughly $3 Million A Year (Not Including Renovations)



It’s hard to pinpoint the exact amount that Prince Harry and Markle earn from the various royal mechanisms each year—and a spokesperson for the Sussexes did not respond to questions about on the couple’s finances—but 95% of their annual income comes from Prince Charles, Harry’s father, via the Duchy of Cornwall. A trust that consists of 131,000 acres of real estate and&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://duchyofcornwall.org/assets/pdf/DuchyOfCornwallIAR2018.pdf" target="_blank">more than $450 million in commercial assets</a>&nbsp;within the United Kingdom, the Duchy of Cornwall was established in 1337 to support the direct heir to the throne.



That estate paid a combined $6.5 million (or £5.1 million) to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) and to Prince Harry and Markle in the fiscal year ending March 2019, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/annual-review/2018-2019/income-expenditure-and-staff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest financial report</a>. The funding for the princes and their families didn’t change much from 2018 to 2019, although both reports were prior to the birth of the Sussex couple’s son, Archie. Let’s assume the brothers split that income from the Duchy (though William and Kate, with three children, are likely taking a bit more). While the Duke and Duchess did not immediately surrender this income, reports surfaced Friday that Charles is threatening to cut them off completely.



The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did announce that they will “no longer receive funding through the Sovereign Grant,” which we know covers an additional 5% of their income, and used for their official duties. It covers official business such as international tours, travel to official events and the upkeep of their homes and offices, and comes from about 25% of the revenue from the Crown Estate (£85.9 million or $112.2 million for the 2020–2021 fiscal year), a portfolio of investments controlled by the monarchy—though not by the royal family or the government—and includes properties across the United Kingdom. (For example, the Queen herself does not own Buckingham Palace.)&nbsp;



In 2018 and 2019, the couple used money from the Sovereign Grant to travel across the world,&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.royal.uk/sites/default/files/media/final_sovereign_grant_for_website.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiji</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzN8VdOlsbk/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Africa</a>, on official royal business. While the royal annual reports don’t detail how much the Sussex’s travels cost in total, their trip to Fiji and Tonga cost $105,000 (£81,000), according to the latest Sovereign Grant financial report. (While it may seem that travel costs could go down as the couple steps back from royal duties, they say they plan to split time between the British Isles and North America, which will lead to new expenses.)&nbsp;



Based on what we know, we estimate the total of the couple’s funds from the Duchy and Sovereign Grants to be a (very conservative) $3 million—again, not including security costs.&nbsp;



And that’s not including the cost of their home and renovations: The Sovereign Grant covered last year’s $3.12 million (£2.4 million) refurbishment of the Frogmore Cottage, the four-bedroom plus nursery home in Windsor where the couple lives when they are in England. The home’s maintenance began before the couple decided to move in and was covered by the Queen, under existing commitments to maintain the upkeep of certain historical buildings, while the couple privately paid for the furniture and decor. Even though the house is property of the Queen, the couple plans to continue using it as their official residence when they are in the United Kingdom—meaning less rent to pay.&nbsp;



None of this takes into account the cost of their security, which is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-51047186" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reportedly</a>&nbsp;covered by the Metropolitan Police, and which the family is expected to continue to accept.&nbsp;&nbsp;



With all of these expenses and their easy access to funds facing a precarious future, the questions remains of how, exactly, the couple plan to earn the millions that their lifestyle demands.&nbsp;



What Could Make A Royal Gig: Books, Speeches, SponCon?



They do have some money to live off of: Thanks to her seven-year stint on the television drama&nbsp;Suits, Forbes estimates that Markle has a net worth of about $2.2 million. Prince Harry has money of his own as well, as he and his brother received the<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/denizcam/2019/05/10/baby-archie-queen-elizabeth-royals-net-worth-prince-harry-meghan-markle/#6c676ba33b82" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;bulk of Princess Diana’s $31.5 million estate</a>&nbsp;upon her death in 1997.&nbsp;&nbsp;



But it is likely that they will join other royals, like Harry’s cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, and actually take paying gigs (the former works in finance, while the latter works at an art gallery). While no announcements have been made as to how exactly the couple plans to make money, it would seem natural that they take up work in the entertainment and media fields.&nbsp;



Markle has said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a13943777/meghan-markle-prince-harry-quitting-acting/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">she was giving up acting for good</a>&nbsp;once she joined the royal family; maybe this is an opportunity for her to change her mind. At the height of her acting career, she commanded up to $85,000 per episode of&nbsp;Suits,&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;estimates, a number that would likely shoot up thanks to her royal title if she decided to return to the screen.



But it is more likely that the pair will take up shop on the speaking and book circuit. High-profile speakers like former president and first lady Bill and Hillary Clinton&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/danalexander/2016/11/08/how-bill-house-hillary-clinton-made-240-million-how-much-earnings-rich-white/#61817fce7a16" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">can earn up to six figures</a>&nbsp;per speech to corporations and universities, while even B-list celebrities like&nbsp;Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi could&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nj.com/news/2011/03/snookis_advice_to_rutgers_stud.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">command $32,000 per oration</a>&nbsp;during the height of her fame.&nbsp;



A hit book has the potential to earn the couple even more. A seven-figure advance is typical for celebrities like Amy Schumer and politicians like Elizabeth Warren, with some high-profile authors earning even more. In 2017, former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama signed a record-breaking $65 million book deal with Penguin Random House, while Hillary Clinton scored a $14 million advance for&nbsp;Hard Choices&nbsp;in 2014, and Bruce Springsteen got $10 million for 2016’s&nbsp;Born to Run.&nbsp;



There’s also talk that the couple,&nbsp;<a href="https://sussexroyal.com/media/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">which favors</a>&nbsp;new media and direct lines of communication with their fans, may even start a podcast, which could be a lucrative endeavor. Last year, advertising spend on podcasts reached an estimated $680 million, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iab.com/insights/third-annual-podcast-ad-revenue-study-by-iab-and-pwc-reports-significant-growth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PricewaterhouseCoopers report</a>, and that number is supposed to shoot up to $1 billion by next year.



And in the unlikely chance they’re ever interested in following the footsteps of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/g16355260/kardashians-royal-family-similarities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the royal family of Calabasas</a>, the Duke and Duchess could surely earn an enormous sum doing sponsored content on their widely popular (10.4 million followers)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram account</a>. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian West and her half-sister Kylie Jenner earn up to $500,000 per post.



Of course, the details of the couple’s future, and their future earnings, are all in flux, as Buckingham Palace’s&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.royal.uk/statement-discussions-duke-and-duchess-sussex" target="_blank">curt statement</a>&nbsp;on the matter made clear. And the wording of their own statement made sure that they can work toward financial independence on their own time. One thing is for certain: It doesn’t seem as if the Duke and Duchess will be hurting for cash anytime soon.



By&nbsp; <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/">Madeline Berg</a>, Reporter, Forbes Staff and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/denizcam/">Deniz Çam</a> , Wealth Reporter, Forbes Staff.

dollars_flying_flickr

Harry And Meghan Need $3 Million-Plus To Be ‘Financially Independent.’ Here’s How They May Do It.

dpswhitened2_

African Of The Year

“There is no greater asset to Africa than its youth,” a statement that has been repeatedly proclaimed, but the continent still has a long way to go. Despite robust economic growth over the past two decades, a 1 percent increase in growth between 2000–14 was associated with only 0.41 percent growth in employment. This figure suggests that employment stood at less than 1.8 percent a year, far below the nearly 3 percent annual growth in the labor force. If this trend continues, 100 million people will join the multitudes of the unemployed in Africa by 2030.



With this in mind, researchers, youth representatives, business leaders,
and policymakers have joined over 350 stakeholders in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt,
to significantly move the needle on youth empowerment.&nbsp; 



The annual African Economic Conference (AEC), is jointly
organized by the African Development Bank, the Economic Commission for Africa
and the United Nations Development Programme, to discuss pertinent issues
affecting the continent. 



The 2019 AEC is held in Egypt and hosted by the
Bank on the theme; “Jobs, entrepreneurship and capacity development for African
youth” and runs from 2-4 December.



Turning the youth bulge into opportunities has been
the focus of the African Development Bank’s game-changing approach to job
creation, entrepreneurship, and capacity development. In recognition of the crucial
role that entrepreneurship plays in the creation of high-quality jobs, the Bank
developed its Jobs for Youth in Africa (JfYA) Strategy&nbsp;(2016-2025). The
Strategy aims to create 25 million jobs for African youth over the next decade as
well as equipping 50 million youth with a mix of hard and soft skills to
increase their employability and their entrepreneurial success rate. 



The impact is already being felt. Since its launch
in 2016, over $20 billion has been invested by the Bank across 318 projects.
These investments are directly making a difference in the African youth skills,
entrepreneurship, business development, and job creation.



In parallel and working closely with its partners,
the Bank is helping strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems in Africa. &nbsp;The flagship Youth Entrepreneurship and
Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund&nbsp;(YEI MDTF) program provides&nbsp;interventions
that equip the African youth, women-led start-ups, and micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) with skills and financial support to run bankable
businesses. 



The program also assists regional member countries (RMCs)
in their implementation of economic and social reforms toward job creation. 



In just one short year, the Trust Fund’s resources leapfrogged
from USD4.4 million (in 2017) to almost USD40 million (in 2018). By providing
technical assistance through enterprise support organizations and financial
institutions, the Fund is anticipated to reach more than 480 youth-led startups
in Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Togo, and Zimbabwe.



The Bank has also been very active on the education
front, supporting higher education institutions to deliver innovative training
curricula that are adapted to the changing demand of the labor market and the private
sector. &nbsp;Academic incubators—also known
as innovation centers of excellence, have been established. 



One great example of success is the &nbsp;African Institutions of Science and Technology
(AIST) Program, whose mission is to deliver quality postgraduate education and
build collaborative research capacity in various fields of Science,
Engineering, Technology and Innovation (SETI). With funding from the Bank, a
total of 1,477 PhD and MSc students have graduated, out of which 676 are women.
Additionally, a total of 35 partnerships have been brokered with the private
sector to enhance the quality and relevance of research.



Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has
also been acknowledged by the Bank as one of the main drivers of human capital
development alongside enhanced basic education that generates knowledge and
skills more broadly. As such, the Bank’s TVET project in Tanzania, has bolstered
TVET and teacher education with an investment amounting to $52 million. The
expected outputs include expanded infrastructure of 13 institutions targeting
about 8,000 trainees, expanded and extensive use of ICT in instruction at 53
institutions, and increased capacity for teaching, policy formulation, planning,
and quality assurance.



The insights and thoughts provided by other African
stakeholders, youth representatives, and political leaders on the debate on
youth jobs, skills, and entrepreneurship capacities during the AEC 2019 are
immensely important in helping the continent move forward. 



Now, more than ever, we must listen to the voices of the African youth.



&#8211; Hanan Morsy, Director, Macroeconomic Forecasting and Research at the African Development Bank Group.

WhatsApp Image 2019-11-30 at 07.51.13

Op-Ed: Fostering Jobs, Entrepreneurship, And Capacity Development For African Youth: The Time For Disruption Is Now!

The Country Music Awards are billed as Nashville’s biggest night, but this year’s event buried the genre’s most significant breakthrough of the past 12 months, offering up just one nomination for 20-year-old musician Lil Nas X, whose “Old Town Road” spent a record 19 weeks atop the singles charts. 



That run helped Lil Nas X notch a different honor, debuting on the&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;list of top-earning country acts this year with an estimated pretax income of $14 million. The Atlanta native claims the No. 18 spot thanks to the fiendishly catchy country-rap track he released through indie music service Amuse in December 2018. The song clocked 1.8 billion spins by summer despite being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8530110/inside-the-old-town-road-charts-decision" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">booted</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;Billboard&nbsp;country charts. The snub—and a bevy of remixes—helped “Old Town Road” broaden the genre’s audience more than any track in recent memory.&nbsp;



“It was on viral charts in countries where no country song has ever positioned itself,”&nbsp;says Amuse cofounder Diego Farias.&nbsp;“Everything from Southeast Asian markets to eastern European markets. I mean, I’m talking about places that you don’t necessarily associate with cowboy hats and boots.”



Lil Nas X isn’t the only high earner to come up short at the awards ceremony: Luke Bryan claims the top spot on our list for the second consecutive year with $42.5 million but didn’t receive a single nomination. That’s mostly because the Georgia native, who favors baseball caps over cowboy hats, hasn’t put out a new studio album since 2017. Instead, he spent his time grossing more than $1 million per tour stop and serving as a judge on American Idol.



The genre-bending Zac Brown Band ranks second, pulling in $38.5 million on the strength of 50 live performances and a new album,&nbsp;The Owl, which peaked at No. 2 on the&nbsp;Billboard&nbsp;200 album charts. Other crossover acts on the list include Canadian songstress Shania Twain (No. 7 with $29 million) and hip-hop-tinged duo Florida Georgia Line (No. 8 with $26 million).



“Country’s more of a lifestyle,” the group’s cofounder Brian Kelley&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2015/01/05/country-fireball-inside-the-rise-of-florida-georgia-line/#10cdd1b75997" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;in 2015. “The music’s always going to evolve.”



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">“It was on viral charts in countries where no country song has ever positioned itself. Everything from Southeast Asian markets to eastern European markets. I mean, I’m talking about places that you don’t necessarily associate with cowboy hats and boots.”</blockquote>



Plenty of the CMAs’ stars did make our list, including performers Eric Church (No. 6, $30 million) and Miranda Lambert (No. 20, $13 million), as well as two of the hosts—Dolly Parton (No. 15, $17 million) and Carrie Underwood (No. 14, $16 million). A third host, Reba McEntire, narrowly missed the cut.



Overall, the top ten acts in country earned $311.5 million, up 2% from last year’s $304.5 million. Our list of the genre’s top earners measures estimated pretax earnings from June 1, 2018, through June 1, 2019. Fees for agents, managers and lawyers are not deducted. Figures are generated with the help of numbers from Nielsen Music, PollstarPro and interviews with industry insiders.



Although our rankings typically reflect country’s woeful lack of diversity at the top, this year’s list offers at least a glimmer of hope that things are changing. There are 6 women in the top 20—the least lopsided ratio in the seven years&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;has published the list—and Lil Nas X is both the first openly gay act and the first person of color to make it.



Though he declined to comment for this story through a representative, Lil Nas X is clearly taking his role as a trailblazer seriously, regardless of how much CMA hardware he takes home. As he <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48880817" target="_blank">told the BBC</a> earlier this year: “I feel like [I’m] opening doors for more people.”



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="960" height="390" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/country-top-earners.png" alt="" class="wp-image-42251" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/country-top-earners.png 960w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/country-top-earners-300x122.png 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/country-top-earners-600x244.png 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/country-top-earners-768x312.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">20. Miranda Lambert,&nbsp;$13 million (tie)</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">20. Lady Antebellum,&nbsp;$13 million (tie)</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">19. Rascal Flatts,&nbsp;$13.5 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">18. Lil Nas X,&nbsp;$14 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">17. Faith Hill,&nbsp;$15 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">16. Carrie Underwood,&nbsp;$16 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">15. Dolly Parton,&nbsp;$17 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">14. George Strait,&nbsp;$17.5 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">13. Tim McGraw,&nbsp;$18 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">12. Dierks Bentley,&nbsp;$20 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">11. Toby Keith,&nbsp;$21 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">10. Jason Aldean,&nbsp;$23.5 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">9. Garth Brooks,&nbsp;$24 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">8. Florida Georgia Line,&nbsp;$26 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7. Shania Twain,&nbsp;$29 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">6. Eric Church,&nbsp;$30 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5. Kenny Chesney,&nbsp;$31 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">4. Blake Shelton,&nbsp;$32 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">3. Keith Urban,&nbsp;$35 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2. Zac Brown Band,&nbsp;$38.5 million</h3>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1. Luke Bryan,&nbsp;$42.5 million</h3>



&#8211; Zack O&#8217;Malley Greenburg

country musicians

Highest-Paid Country Acts 2019: Lil Nas X Debuts; Luke Bryan Tops List

Dubai, one of
the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, has positioned itself as an
elite tourism destination, and has also amassed enough educational accolades
over the years. 



For the first
time ever this year, Dubai’s universities were evaluated and published by
Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority. In the first phase, 17 out
of 25 institutions were evaluated; covering 282 programs studied by 16,517
students (51.5% of students enrolled in international branch campuses in
Dubai). According to the ratings, three institutions achieved 5-star rating,
eight institutions achieved 4-star rating, three institutions received 3-star
rating, two achieved 2-star rating and one received a star-rating. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Education-Supplement.digital.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Cover-Photo.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42219" width="335" height="438" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Cover-Photo.jpg 670w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Cover-Photo-300x392.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Cover-Photo-600x784.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Cover-Photo-230x300.jpg 230w" sizes="(max-width: 335px) 100vw, 335px" /></a><figcaption><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Education-Supplement.digital.pdf">Download the report here&#8230;</a></figcaption></figure></div>



As Dubai
continues to innovate and reinvent itself, these trends have been observed in
the education sector too. Namely, formative schooling, in the form of Coded
Minds, a global iSTEAM &amp; Leadership education platform, that provides
alternative learning and ventures into educational possibilities that have so
far seen limited support. 



Omar Farooqui,
the founder and Chief Innovation Officer: who is one of the city’s most
formidable figures in the education sector, offers his perspective on
transforming the education environment for all children, including those who
don’t fit conventional expectations. 



A quick search
online and the messages from this founder are both inspiring and informative
about the subject of alternative education. 



“Alternative
education is more appropriately places for special needs and gifted children
today. I think that a lot more can be done and a lot more should be done by us,
and by institutions around the world, and they should play a significant role
in terms of funding to provide a stronger basis for these wonderful children to
be able to have a more immersive learning experience. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="610" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Article-Pic-1024x610.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42218" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Article-Pic-1024x610.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Article-Pic-300x179.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Article-Pic-600x358.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Article-Pic-768x458.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Omar-Farooqui-Article-Pic.jpg 1030w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



“And one that
lends itself to be able to cater to their strengths. I feel that a lot more can
be done. If we see a little aspect of a child that is not able to grasp the
theory of any subject matter in a regular classroom environment, we always feel
that that child is lacking or is not up to par with standards. Whereas, if they
are put in an alternative way of learning, I’m certain that that child will
accelerate. Every child is unique and every child is so special, so I think we
should be able to cater to that,” Farooqui says. 



Coded Minds is
of the view that many schools still appeared reluctant to accept coding, which
is commonplace in most industries and has been said to be the language of the
future. 



“Both coding and
robotics are still taken as vocational rather than mainstream subjects. This
needs to change dramatically and quickly. They should become part of the
national curriculum,” Farooqui says. 



“Even the
premium schools in the UAE – despite the fees they are charging – do not meet
the international standards these subjects should be taught at.” 



Coded Minds
integrates project-based and technology-driven learning into any school
curriculum. Regardless of the academic board, or the courses being taught in a
school, they make the teaching method more interactive and hands-on. Students
are able to learn through experiments and technology, instead of memorizing. 



The curriculum,
which considers global trends, takes students to various corners of the world
for real-life experiences. Whether in a faraway forest village in Mozambique,
among Aboriginal tribes in Australia or at an orphanage in Nepal, the Global
Camp gives students a reality check and prepares them to be the world leaders
of tomorrow. 



It is this
unrivalled pursuit of excellence and innovation that many consider when
choosing an ideal school. Farooqui tells us more from Dubai in this interview
with FORBES AFRICA:



What gives Coded Minds a competitive edge? 



The education
sector is globally competitive. There are traditional schools and some, indeed,
are outstanding in their traditions of academic excellence; not to mention
campuses and some of the newer alternate platforms that are sprouting up
everywhere for online learning. No doubt that it is very competitive out there.




However, not
many, if any, are doing what Coded Minds is doing. Technology is only a quarter
of our offering whether it is learning about it, or even using it. Coded Minds
is reinventing education altogether and making it purely and truly 100%
project-based and to ensure true delivery of this approach, Coded Minds is also
training teachers through our professional development program which is a way
of upskilling them to the standards of 21st century pedagogy.



What is on offer for African students at your
institution in Dubai? 



Coded Minds has
been set up globally, as we expand into various geographies around world.&nbsp; We cater to the local cultures and traditions
and, by that, I mean that the overall curriculum and projects that we develop
all have a 20% local flavor/aspect infused into them. 



This is done by
an on-the-ground based curriculum developer who works with the overall global
team playing a very crucial role. 



African students
will be able to experience this through the localized projects that we bring to
the core.&nbsp; It is also up to the empowered
teachers, post the professional development program, who assist us to localize
the curriculum, and are our eyes and ears as they innovate on their feet. We
give them that flexibility in the lessons that are taught.



Many African countries grapple with stagnant national
economies, limited job openings for graduates and poor prospects for
self-employment. Which Coded Minds programs/projects are offered that can
remedy this challenge? 



The fact that we
hire and train teachers locally to upskill them means in itself that we are
creating jobs. Secondly, once they are upskilled, they have the necessary
modern day skills to seek other jobs and, better yet, still be entrepreneurs in
their own respective rights. 



Thirdly, Coded
Minds endeavors to play its role in society by offering global opportunities to
teachers across our platform as we grow bigger and expand in various
geographies to work in other countries as well. 



Finally, as we
develop our capabilities, as well as our partner network with colleges,
universities and corporates, we envision being a supply line to these
institutions for candidates who may need it. So basically, an ecosystem is
being created by Coded Minds as we speak. 



Increasing access to sustainable economic
opportunities improves human development. How can African students gain these
skills from Coded Minds? 



The ecosystem
being created by Coded Minds is in itself a sustainable environment of constant
opportunities; be it students or be it teachers. Africa, for Coded Minds, will
be no different when it comes to those who go through the platform. 



Core and
peripheral/ancillary skills are equally important and can be acquired through
our leadership, or emotional intelligence, or innovation, or entrepreneurship
programs. We teach everyone skills that are needed for the 21st century, skills
that robots cannot attain.



What innovative approach has Coded Minds taken to the
much-lauded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects? 



Coded Minds has
gone a bold step forward and increased the breadth of STEM and called it iSTEAM
(Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Liberal Arts, Mathematics), and
have added Leadership as our core offering; and to add to that, we are a 100%
project based company. We are constantly adding to our projects and are
constantly looking at the latest global trends, as well as problems faced in
various countries and are finding practical solutions to those problems.&nbsp; In addition, we develop projects that will
aid the economy by teaching those skills to the children in Africa to help
solve the issues in their respective countries at the core of any matter. 



Many institutions are still prioritizing rote
learning, theory over practice, and outdated curricula that do not respond to
the changing needs of the job market, and few to no schools teach
entrepreneurship to young people. Are students being prepared for a climate
that is specific to Africa? 



Majority of the
schools out there around the world are still conforming to rote learning and
that is simply because the end goal seems to be to studying for tests and exams
filled with theories of hundreds of years gone by. As a result, they are under
preparing children for modern challenges, be it Africa or any other part of the
world. 



Coded Minds is a
100% project-based methodology of real world projects that children get their
hands on and build from scratch. It encourages children to think critically,
logically, be creative, inventive and debate. 



Therefore, Coded
Minds gets children inquisitive, instead of traditional rote learning where
free thinking is not prioritized because every child needs to study for an
exam, in which short-term memory of regurgitating theory will be examined, completely
detached to the real world that awaits them. At Coded Minds, the ecosystem
reflects that real world. 



The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is at the
center of the current social discourse. How do Coded Minds approach this
subject? 



The 4IR is very
much at the center of our daily thoughts when it comes to developing our
curriculum/subjects/projects/professional development programs. 



We have our
finger on the pulse at all times, which is why our constantly evolving&nbsp; projects are key to the skills being attained
by students preparing them for the 21st century. 



Add to that, the
current crop of teachers who require an update to their own respective skills
are also benefiting from our professional development programs that will help
them remain relevant when it comes to the jobs post the 4IR.



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Category: Special Report