
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>The price of bitcoin dropped by 7% on Saturday over the course of less than an hour, as prices for other cryptocurrencies also sharply declined after Iran launched an attack on Israel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>The price of bitcoin was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/digital-assets/assets/bitcoin-btc/?sh=57fc0c8a4357">down</a>&nbsp;7% to $62,570 as of 4:40 p.m. Saturday afternoon, after the cryptocurrency briefly fell to a low on the day of $60,908 minutes earlier.</p>



<p>The price of ethereum fell over 9% to $2,923, while prices for Binance coin and solana dropped 9% and nearly 18%, respectively.</p>



<p>Prices for several less-traded cryptocurrencies dropped by at least 15%, including avalanche (20%), XRP (20%) and the meme token dogecoin (18%).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>$73,750. That’s what the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/in/investing/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-down-to-64000-after-record-high/">price</a>&nbsp;for bitcoin was on March 24, the all-time high price for the cryptocurrency.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Concerns over increased geopolitical conflict in the Middle East have impacted U.S. markets in recent days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/investing/stocks-oil-banks-geopolitics/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">dropped</a>&nbsp;by 475 points Friday, after the White House said the U.S. and Israel were preparing for a potential attack by Iran. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told investors geopolitical conflict was cause for concern, noting it could “be determinative on what happens to the global economy if oil and gas prices go too high,” CNN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/12/investing/jpmorgan-chase-bank-earnings-q1/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reported</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/04/13/iran-launches-drone-attack-on-israel/?sh=343044cb2130">Iran Launches Drone Attack On Israel</a> (<em>Forbes</em>)<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/"></a></p>


Iran-Reaction, IRGC Missile And UAV Attack On Israel

Bitcoin Plummets After Iran Launches Attack On Israel


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Iran’s long-anticipated attack on Israel has started, as the country has launched unmanned aerial vehicles from within Iran set to reach Israel in the next “several hours,” the <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1779242779182288964" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Israel Defense Forces</a> confirmed Saturday afternoon.</p>



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



<p>In a press conference, IDF spokesperson&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1779241449889919327" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Daniel Hagari</a>&nbsp;said the IDF is going to “try to prevent them from reaching Israeli territory.”</p>



<p>He added the IDF would inform the public of additional threats if necessary, while the IDF is on “high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation”—Iran has also launched cruise missiles in addition to the drones, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-04-13-24/h_459325a36ff45ef1b197dc12352d75ce" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CNN</a>, citing Israeli media.</p>



<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/13/statement-from-nsc-spokesperson-adrienne-watson-on-attacks-against-israel/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">White House</a>&nbsp;issued a statement confirming Iran’s “airborne attack against Israel,” noting President Joe Biden is being “regularly updated on the situation” by national security officials and is in “constant communication” with Israel and other allies.</p>



<p>The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly confirmed the strikes in a statement read on Iranian state media, according to<a href="https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-04-13-24/h_885917fe5b91668450e443aab2c20d29" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> CNN</a> and the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/13/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York Times</a>, claiming it had launched “dozens of drones and missiles” toward “certain targets in the territories of the Zionist regime.”</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="705" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2147801988.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61656 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2147801988.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2147801988-300x207.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2147801988-768x529.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p><strong><em>An Iranian man is sitting on a sidewalk in downtown Tehran, Iran, on April 14, 2024, holding a Jam-e Jam daily newspaper that features an illustrated image of Iran&#8217;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) missile and UAV attack. He is looking on as Iran launches dozens of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and missiles against Israel in response to the Israeli attack on its Consulate in Damascus. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)</em></strong></p>
</div></div>



<p>The attacks have been&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/2024/04/13/everything-we-know-about-a-potential-iranian-attack-on-israel-as-us-suggests-strike-is-imminent/?sh=1a2984c665a9">highly anticipated</a>&nbsp;following a strike on an Iranian embassy in Syria—which Iran blamed on Israel—that killed several Iranian military officials, prompting global concern that an Iranian strike could widen tensions across the region amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.</p>



<p>Just ahead of the attack, the IDF issued new <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1779202651688702286" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guidelines</a> for Israeli citizens at home, limiting certain gatherings to 1,000 people and prohibiting educational activities across the country, while <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordan-temporarily-close-airspace-state-media-says-2024-04-13/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jordan </a>and <a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/iraq-closes-airspace-as-iran-launches-attack-on-israel-ministry-4adb745a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iraq</a> reportedly closed their airspace temporarily.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>“The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in the White House statement.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WHAT WE DON’T KNOW</h2>



<p>It’s unclear what Iran is targeting—though recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-10/us-sees-missile-strike-on-israel-by-iran-proxies-as-imminent?sref=yYYRek8e" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">reports&nbsp;</a>had suggested Iran was planning on targeting military or government sites. It’s unclear how, or if, Israel will respond to the attack. Israeli officials had in recent days vowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-latest-04-11-2024-9774f91ef80126e580ea5a9b3b84eb74" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">retaliation</a>&nbsp;in the event of an attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mollybohannon/2024/04/12/biden-expects-iran-to-attack-israel-sooner-rather-than-later/?sh=11f13de82b53">Biden</a>&nbsp;had also promised the United States would support Israel in the event of an Iranian attack. Iranian officials had criticized both Israel and the United States immediately following the embassy attack—Iran’s U.N. ambassador<a href="https://newyork.mfa.ir/portal/NewsView/742465/Ambassador39s-Statement-Before-UNSC-Following-Israeli-Regime39s-Airstrikes" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">&nbsp;Zahra Ershada</a>&nbsp;said in a statement that the “United States is responsible for all crimes committed by the Israeli regime,” while&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MhmmdJamshidi/status/1776238843710058907" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Mohammad Jamshidi</a>, an advisory to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, said in a message directed to the U.S. on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Stay away so you won’t get hurt.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CONTRA</h2>



<p>Some reports suggest Iran is aiming to avoid a wider conflict, with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-edge-iranian-retaliation-after-embassy-strike-2024-04-12/#:~:text=IRAN%20WANTS%20TO%20AVOID%20ESCALATION%2C%20SOURCES%20SAY&amp;text=Iranian%20sources%20and%20diplomats%20from,might%20spin%20out%20of%20control." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Reuters&nbsp;</a>reporting Friday that Iranian sources said Tehran had alerted the U.S. that it hopes to avoid a broader conflict.</p>



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



<p>At his press conference, Hagari said Israel’s army had been preparing for the attack in advance and “all of its elements both on the defensive and the offensive are prepared.” He said Israel has various “circles of protection” from its navy and air force with additional circles of protection from the United States. He added: “We have an excellent air defense system and it is now in full operation, but you must remember it’s never 100%—the defensive measures,” and urged residents to remain calm.</p>



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



<p>The airstrike on the facility in Syria reportedly killed seven Iranian military officials. Israel has been widely blamed for the attack, though it has not claimed responsibility. The strike and anticipated response has prompted concern that continued tit-for-tat between Israel and Iran could significantly widen the crisis in the Middle East, expanding out from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Iran has long been a vocal supporter of Hamas and materially supports other proxy groups that oppose Israel, like the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.</p>


Iranians Celebrate Iran’s IRGC Missile And UAV Attack Against Israel

Iran Launches Drone Attack On Israel


<p>Lauded as the key to Africa’s economic fortunes, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been met with much excitement. Indeed, this area holds great economic promise for the continent but there are some glaring gaps that require consideration – particularly from a social dimension. Established in 2018 by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, AfCFTA entails the creation of a consolidated marketplace for goods and services throughout the African continent. </p>



<p>According to a 2022 World Bank report, this agreement could generate vast economic benefits, embracing 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. If fully implemented, the agreement is expected to increase income by 9% by 2035 and help uplift 50 million individuals from extreme poverty. It aims to boost intra-African trade, promote industrialization, foster economic diversification, and ultimately lead to increased economic growth and job creation. As the agreement outlines, this integration will be strengthened and underpinned by allowing the free movement of individuals across the continent.</p>



<p>Yet, there has been little consideration of the impact of this movement on social security, an important policy tool that addresses socio-economic challenges, contributes to long-term development, and promotes a more equitable and resilient society. </p>



<p>In Africa, particularly, its impact cannot be overlooked.</p>



<p>Without the necessary safeguards in place, the AfCFTA exists as nothing more than a romantic ideal. Intra-African migration has increased by 30% in the last decade and is on an upward trajectory. However, existing systems may find themselves under strain as demographics shift and the demand for services and support transcends traditional geographical boundaries under AfCFTA. As it stands with current policies, African migrant workers and their families may lose their social security benefits when they return to their home nations because these benefits are often limited to specific territories. </p>



<p>Compounding these concerns is the limited scope of social security coverage on the continent. According to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report, only 17.4% of the population in Africa receives at least one social protection benefit compared to 46.9% globally. This low level of access to social protection is attributed to the labor market structure on the continent and limited domestic resources allocated to social protection. As AfCFTA takes hold, there is a need for social security coordination to expand social protection coverage, especially for migrant workers and their families.</p>



<p>There are some considerations. First, it should guarantee the equal treatment of all workers in order to prevent unfair discrimination against migrant workers. Second, it must consider all elements of a worker’s career to ensure comprehensive insurance coverage and the determination of benefits. Third, there should be a recognition that residency, employment, or economic activity in one state allows for the acquired rights and benefits to be upheld in another state. </p>



<p>Fourth, the applicable laws should be established to prevent double benefits or double obligation to contribute towards a social security scheme. Fifth, these efforts must make social security benefits transferable or exportable by reducing restrictions on the payment of benefits and receipt of services when workers reside in a different country. In this regard, African countries should adopt crucial policy measures to develop the social dimension of this area by ratifying and implementing the existing ILO conventions and recommendations regarding migration and social security. </p>



<p>The equality of treatment, among other principles and standards, should be incorporated into domestic law. Moreover, African countries must also conclude social security agreements to coordinate and ensure the portability of social security rights and benefits. In this regard, bilateral labor arrangements or Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) should include social security provisions. Additionally, unilateral measures developed by sending and receiving countries must be taken, such as the inclusion of national social protection floors. Beyond social security, the social dimension should include initiatives that address practical obstacles to the AfCFTA, such as language barriers, xenophobia, exorbitant cross-border remittance fees, and lack of information and awareness.</p>



<p>As researcher and postdoctoral fellow Balkissa Diallo argues, “For the true elimination of trade barriers, AfCFTA efforts must embed the facilitation of African migration into their structures — and also consider existing dynamics that prevent this from happening.”</p>



<p>If AfCFTA has any real hope of succeeding, it must also integrate with society beyond the economic policies and trade agreements.</p>


Safaricom Plc Headquarters and Kiosks Ahead of Earnings

Developing Further The Social Dimension Of The African Continental Free Trade Area


<p><strong>World Central Kitchen has delivered 43 million meals to Palestinians facing starvation. Now the organization is calling for an investigation into the attack in which seven workers were killed.</strong></p>



<p>What were the clearly marked World Central Kitchen vans full of as they delivered food in the southern Gazan city of Deir al-Balah this week, before the horrific killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers? Rice, flour, legumes.&nbsp;<strong>Also among the supplies: Dates.</strong>&nbsp;To celebrate Ramadan. To bring a brief moment of tradition to a region facing catastrophic loss.</p>



<p>World Central Kitchen has <strong>delivered 43 million meals to Palestinians facing starvation</strong>, as access to food and water have been under attack. People like chef José Andrés’ volunteers have been risking it all to bring humanity to an inhumane crisis. The deadly attack this week is far from the first time food has been weaponized in Palestine, and while World Central Kitchen is <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/04/world-central-kitchen-demands-independent-probe-into-israeli-strike-that-killed-seven-aid-workers-in-gaza/">calling for an independent commission to investigate the killings</a>, millions are waiting to see if this shocking loss will create change.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-related-stories">Related Stories</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/06/16/russia-widens-attack-on-food-with-bombing-of-train-bound-for-jos-andrs-world-central-kitchen/">Russia Widens Attack On Food With Bombing Of Train Bound For José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/11/07/jos-andrs-has-some-things-to-get-off-his-chest-as-world-central-kitchen-prepares-for-brutal-ukraine-winter/">José Andrés Has Some Things To Get Off His Chest As World Central Kitchen Prepares For A Brutal Ukraine Winter</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2023/10/20/fresh-take-cooking-through-crisis/">Finding Moments Of Joy And Inspiration In <em>The World Central Kitchen Cookbook</em></a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/chloesorvino/2022/04/27/water-emerges-as-weapon-of-war-in-ukraine-and-beyond/">Water Emerges As Weapon Of War In Ukraine And Beyond</a></li>
</ul>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>What’s Fresh</strong></h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/04/03/how-food-industry-workers-want-to-modernize-the-farm-bill/"><strong>How Food Industry Workers Want To Modernize The Farm Bill</strong></a></h3>



<p>Essential&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/04/03/how-food-industry-workers-want-to-modernize-the-farm-bill/">food workers are organizing</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>ensure that the Farm Bill is keeping up</strong>&nbsp;with the needs of their communities.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/27/why-independent-grocers-are-pushing-for-better-antitrust-enforcement/"><strong>Why Independent Grocers Are Pushing For Better Antitrust Enforcement</strong></a></h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="740" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53534" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063-300x217.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GettyImages-1237046063-768x555.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


<p><strong>Independently owned grocery stores</strong>&nbsp;are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/27/why-independent-grocers-are-pushing-for-better-antitrust-enforcement/">enthusiastic about recent FTC actions</a>&nbsp;that could start to level the industry playing field.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/spread-the-word-here-are-the-biggest-trends-in-butter/"><strong>Spread The Word: Here Are The Biggest Trends In Butter</strong></a></h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="767" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-767x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-53663" style="width:524px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-767x1024.jpg 767w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session-768x1025.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Roasted-coffee-laid-out-for-a-cupping-tasting-session.jpg 809w" sizes="(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Roasted coffee laid out for a cupping (tasting) session. </figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Social&nbsp;<strong>conversations about Butter have increased by 23.57%</strong>&nbsp;over the past year. Here are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/spread-the-word-here-are-the-biggest-trends-in-butter/">trends driving butter&#8217;s growth</a>.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/policy-makers-should-not-overlook-the-role-of-culture-in-food-security/"><strong>New Movement Emphasizes The Role Of Culture In Global Food Security</strong></a></h3>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="774" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-60561" style="width:496px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-300x227.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-768x581.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001-1536x1161.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GettyImages-200530070-001.jpg 1991w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">(Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>With its&nbsp;<strong>focus on leveraging food culture as a catalyst for change</strong>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daphneewingchow/2024/03/31/policy-makers-should-not-overlook-the-role-of-culture-in-food-security/">Food Culture Alliance offers tangible pathways</a>&nbsp;toward achieving food security.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveknox/2024/03/25/mls-journey-from-restaurant-success-to-cpg-triumph/"><strong>MìLà’s Journey From Restaurant Success To CPG Triumph</strong></a></h3>



<p>From its&nbsp;<strong>humble beginnings as a restaurant in 2018</strong>&nbsp;to its foray into the CPG realm,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveknox/2024/03/25/mls-journey-from-restaurant-success-to-cpg-triumph/">MìLà&#8217;s unique approach</a>&nbsp;has captured the hearts and palates of a diverse audience.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/24/why-austin-frerick-is-taking-on-the-grocery-barons/"><strong>Why Austin Frerick Is Taking On The Grocery Barons</strong></a></h3>



<p>Iowa-born antitrust scholar Austin Frerick has seen firsthand&nbsp;<strong>how consolidation has wrecked the American food system</strong>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/errolschweizer/2024/03/24/why-austin-frerick-is-taking-on-the-grocery-barons/">His crucial new book</a>&nbsp;shows how to fix it.</p>


Closeup shot of a man holding his hands under a stream of water outdoors

Fresh Take: Food And Water Access Under Attack


<p><strong>An exclusive interview with renowned Kenya-born land- scape architect and pioneer of sustainable tourism Hitesh Mehta. His other fascinating career? Representing East Africa and Kenya in first-class cricket and playing in three ICC World Cup tournaments in the late 1970s and 1980s.</strong></p>



<p>A global authority on sustainable tourism, including the planning and design of eco-lodges in Africa, Hitesh Mehta wears Africa on his sleeve. He is also credited with creating environmental- and social- friendly master plans for many national parks and protected areas on the continent.</p>



<p>This writer first met Mehta at a lecture, <em>Africa–The First World</em>, in Miami, Florida, where he spoke about the achievements of Africa and its inhabitants over the course of several millennia.</p>



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:65% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mehta-is-known-for-his-work-in-the-protected-areas-of-the-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-image-supplied-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61627 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mehta-is-known-for-his-work-in-the-protected-areas-of-the-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-image-supplied-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mehta-is-known-for-his-work-in-the-protected-areas-of-the-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-image-supplied-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mehta-is-known-for-his-work-in-the-protected-areas-of-the-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-image-supplied-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mehta-is-known-for-his-work-in-the-protected-areas-of-the-Democratic-Republic-of-the-Congo-image-supplied.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<p><strong><em>Mehta with the Batwa tribe of Semiki forest in western Uganda (image supplied)</em></strong></p>
</div></div>



<p>Mehta was born in Nairobi of Indian parents, and attended the University of Nairobi where he obtained a degree in architecture in 1985. After receiving the Aga Khan Scholarship, he attained a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1989. Furthermore, he also represented East Africa and Kenya in first- class cricket and played in three ICC World Cup tournaments in the late 1970s and 1980s as an all-rounder. Mehta has consulted in 67 countries across six continents and is a recipient of multiple international awards for the physical planning of protected areas, for building design, site-planning, and landscape architecture. He shares more highlights in this interview with FORBES AFRICA:</p>



<p><strong>Q. You have had an amazing career as a landscape architect especially working in Africa with national parks to create a sustainable tourism environment. How do you define landscape architecture?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A</strong>: Landscape architecture involves the planning, design, management and nurturing of built and natural environments in an eco-friendly manner. Everything outside a closed environment, for example, a building, is landscape architecture: plazas, gardens, campuses, national parks, and other protected areas.</p>



<p><strong>Q. What inspired you to choose this profession, which is relatively a new profession compared to the architecture of buildings?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A: </strong>Typically, training in architecture schools involves the design of buildings, interiors, and elevations. I realized that  it was important for me to understand ‘outside’ areas to be a conscious designer. My education in Berkeley, a leader in the field at that time, helped me become a holistic designer where I could design the inside and outside at the same time.</p>



<p><strong>Q. Has growing up in Africa had an impact on your work?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A</strong>: Tremendously! I grew up close to a forested area in Nairobi where visits from small mammals and sightings of leopards were common. Growing up in Africa, I was exposed to material poverty and that made me truly understand what it took to survive and live off the land. Five years after starting my office, I realized that architecture is not about building glitzy structures for the rich but about creating sustainable livelihoods for those who are marginalized and underprivileged. This realization has led me to work with over 30 indigenous peoples the world over.</p>



<p><strong>Q: You have worked in many countries on behalf of the World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), <em>National Geographic, </em>International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), African Wildlife Foundation, to name a few. What projects have you done in Africa lately?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A:</strong> I am currently working on several projects; in Liberia and in Kenya. My firm HM Design is creating a protected area master plan for the East Nimba Nature Reserve, in northern Liberia. </p>



<p>The key aspects of the projects include the protection of endangered species such as the western chimpanzee, the sustainable development of local people, and ecotourism. In addition, we are designing ‘One Health’ centers, a concept initiated by One Health Alliance and the Food and Agriculture Organization, for the stewardship of the health of humans, animals and plants.</p>



<p>We are also working with USAID on a master plan for the Sapo National Park in Liberia, one of the most biologically-rich rainforests in the world.</p>



<p>In Kenya, we are working with the Maasai communities and conservation NGOs to create a Visitor, Research, Information and Sustainability Center in the two most important ecosystems – the Amboseli National Park and Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Currently, we are also creating a Maasai Mara Sustainability Center with support from the Oliveseed Foundation to educate Maasai women by creating a library and a sustainability center in Kenya. We are also creating a community center for the Noonkotiak Maasai community in partnership with the African Conservation Center headed by Dr David Western, the former head of the Kenyan Wildlife Service.</p>



<p><strong>Q. You were given an outstanding achievement award by United Nations’ bodies for the alleviation of poverty and for protecting sensitive environments. Can you please tell us about some of your work in that respect?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A:</strong> In my work around the world, especially while working in protected areas, the people who are most impacted are the local communities whose needs must be met in any such projects. The award that you mentioned was for my work in protected areas, especially in Africa, such as in the Nyungwe National Park, Africa’s largest montane forest, in Rwanda and the Virunga Massif, shared by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.</p>



<p><strong>Q: I understand that Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda and Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia have been recently named as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). What was your contribution to these projects?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A:</strong> I am so thrilled that these parks have been recognized by UNESCO. I prepared the physical master plans for both places. In Nyungwe, this included the protection of mammal species such as chimpanzees and helping benefit local communities by creating an investment apparatus for local entrepreneurs. The Bale Mountains National Park in Ethiopia is high plateau at over 11,000ft which I refer to as the Tibet of Africa. My company HM Design prepared the ecotourism master plans which were part of the World Heritage Site package that was submitted to UNESCO. Both Nyungwe and Bale are amazing natural treasures, and I am so proud to be associated with these parks.</p>



<p><strong>Q: Your book <em>Authentic Ecolodges</em> published by HarperCollins is a coffee-table publication; how did you manage to compile material for this project?</strong></p>



<p><strong>A:</strong> It all began with me preparing a ‘how to’ technical guidelines book on eco-lodges in 2002. This book, <em>International Ecolodge Guidelines, </em>was widely received by the ecotourism community, so I set about using the criteria set in the book to publish visual, exemplary examples of authentic eco-lodges around the world. The book highlights 36 properties from the 46 countries that I visited and evaluated for publication.</p>



<p><strong>Q: You have designed many of the properties that I have visited by chance the world over. But what fascinates me even more is your life as an international cricketer. What were some of your crowning moments?</strong></p>



<p>A: I first started playing cricket for East Africa at the age of 17, even before I played for my country, Kenya! All this was whilst still in high school. My crowning moment was when I captained the Kenyan team in 1987.</p>



<p>The first cricket bat (Slazenger) that Kapil Dev owned was given as a gift to him from me in 1977. He later signed a huge contract with the bat manufacturer and used a Slazenger bat during India’s successful run to win the World Cup in 1983.</p>



<p>In a three-day game in 1977 and before Kapil Dev had played for India, he borrowed my bat and then proceeded to hit me for three sixes&#8230; I also bowled five consecutive maidens against Sunil Gavaskar but he went on to score a double-century!</p>


Working with the Maasai communities and conservation NGOs; image supplied

On Conservation And Cricket: The All-Rounder In African Ecotourism


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday said Israel will be moving forward with a planned attack on the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip despite pleas from the United States and other countries concerned for the 1 million civilians sheltering there.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>Netanyahu&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1777380259131789536" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">on Monday said</a>&nbsp;a victory against the militant group Hamas, which attacked Israel in October, &#8220;requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there. It will happen &#8211; there is a date.”</p>



<p>The prime minister has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/02/09/israeli-prime-minister-orders-plan-to-evacuate-13-million-people-in-rafah/?sh=69e1c8e22e08">for months insisted</a>&nbsp;attacks in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza strip, are necessary to eliminate Hamas and win the six-month war, but Western allies have warned against attacking the city that holds more than 1 million civilian refugees who have been driven from their homes.</p>



<p>Netanyahu’s announcement follows backlash from his far-right supporters after <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2024/04/07/rafah-invasion-on-pause-israel-withdraws-most-troops-from-southern-gaza-heres-what-that-could-mean/?sh=5046a14124b2">Israel withdrew</a> most of its troops from southern Gaza on Sunday, a decision met with scrutiny and a threat from security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5b4fed42-cbb6-472d-8e3a-6249c6d9c6cb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning</a> that if he didn’t launch a &#8220;large-scale offensive&#8221; in Rafah, Netanyahu &#8220;will not have a mandate to continue&#8221; as prime minister.</p>



<p>The United States has put increasing pressure on Netanyahu to not authorize a major military strike in Rafah—President Joe Biden weeks ago said to do so would be a “<a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/18/biden-warns-netanyahu-against-mistake-of-invading-rafah-white-house" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">mistake</a>” and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/biden-warns-israel-to-protect-civilians-aid-workers-in-gaza-or-risk-losing-u-s-support#:~:text=Today%2C%20for%20the%20first%20time,the%20civilian%20suffering%20in%20Gaza." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Thursday said</a>&nbsp;continued U.S. support for the war in Gaza would depend on how well Israel worked to protect civilians and aid workers.</p>



<p>Biden told Netanyahu that he needed to take “measurable” steps to ease &#8220;civilian harm, humanitarian suffering and the safety of aid workers” or risk losing the support of the United States, Israel&#8217;s closest ally.</p>



<p>About two-thirds of the entire population of the Gaza Strip (some 1.5 million people) was sheltering in Gaza as of two weeks ago with no safe way to evacuate, Deepmala Mahl of the humanitarian organization CARE International&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/israeli-invasion-rafah-palestinian-civilians/story?id=108395828#:~:text=With%20about%20two-thirds%20of,evacuate%20them%2C%22%20she%20said." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">told ABC News</a>&nbsp;while warning of a &#8220;terrible loss of life&#8221; if Israel&#8217;s military invades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Netanyahu&#8217;s announcement comes one day after the six-month anniversary of an attack on Israel by Hamas that saw the group kill about 1,200 Israelis and take 253 hostages on Oct. 7. Twenty days later, Israel responded by carrying out attacks in Gaza that the territory’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.barrons.com/news/health-ministry-in-hamas-run-gaza-says-war-death-toll-at-33-207-1c950825" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">health ministry says</a>&nbsp;have killed more than 33,000 people. In that time, more than 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been displaced, more than half of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-02-09-2024-d3229eec6a85c071248d3ddc2de2a73e" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">sought shelter</a>&nbsp;in Rafah. Military operations in Rafah have been increasingly criticized by foreign governments and international organizations. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nrc.no/news/2024/february/gaza-israels-military-operation-in-rafah-would-be-fatal-for-displaced-civilians-and-humanitarian-aid/#:~:text=Any%20further%20deterioration%20in%20humanitarian,showers%2C%20or%20personal%20hygiene%20items." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Norwegian Refugee Council</a>&nbsp;said an attack would &#8220;turn Rafah into a zone of bloodshed and destruction&#8221; and&nbsp;<a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/care-statement-grave-humanitarian-consequences-military-operation-rafah" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CARE International&nbsp;</a>warned against &#8220;devastating consequences for civilians.&#8221; In addition to Biden&#8217;s concerns on behalf of the United States, more than two dozen countries in the&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/International/israeli-invasion-rafah-palestinian-civilians/story?id=108395828#:~:text=With%20about%20two-thirds%20of,evacuate%20them%2C%22%20she%20said." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">European Union</a>&nbsp;(all but Hungry) last month warned against what they called a &#8220;catastrophic&#8221; offensive plan in Rafah.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>Continued negotiations in Cairo. Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz on Monday told Israel’s Army Radio that the country has reached a &#8220;critical point&#8221; in its negotiations with Hamas over the safe return of 133 hostages still held in Gaza by the militant group. “I am more optimistic than I was,&#8221;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5b4fed42-cbb6-472d-8e3a-6249c6d9c6cb" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">he reportedly said</a>, &#8220;but we can’t promise things when dealing with Hamas.” Netanyahu&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1777380259131789536" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;Monday also referenced the talks in Cairo, saying &#8220;we are working all the time to achieve our goals, primarily the release of all our hostages and achieving a complete victory over Hamas.&#8221;</p>


Destruction in Khan Yunis after Israel’s withdrawal

Israel Moving Ahead With Plan To Attack Rafah: ’There Is A Date,’ Netanyahu Says


<p>In a move aimed at addressing decades of economic turmoil, Zimbabwe recently launched its new gold-backed currency, Zimbabwe Gold, ZiG, with hopes of bringing stability to its volatile financial landscape. However, experts warn that the road ahead for ZiG is fraught with challenges, with doubts lingering over its ability to enact meaningful change without systemic and governmental shifts to match.</p>



<p>Renowned South African economic analyst Daniel Silke cautions against placing too much faith in the currency&#8217;s ability to single-handedly solve Zimbabwe&#8217;s economic woes. Silke suggests that while a new currency may offer a temporary reprieve, lasting stability requires comprehensive economic and political reforms. He emphasizes to FORBES AFRICA, &#8220;A new currency is like putting a plaster over a wound, rather than treating its cause.&#8221; Silke&#8217;s analogy underscores the deeper structural issues facing Zimbabwe&#8217;s economy, highlighting the need for systemic change beyond mere currency reform.</p>



<p>Marisa Lourenço, an independent political and risk analyst, echoes Silke&#8217;s sentiments, expressing skepticism about ZiG&#8217;s potential impact on inflationary pressures. Lourenço points out that Zimbabwe&#8217;s history of currency failures highlights the need for more than just a change in currency. She emphasizes the importance of building reserves, committing to long-term monetary policies, and tackling corruption to address root causes of economic instability. &#8220;Printing money actually drives up inflation, which we have seen happen before in Zimbabwe,” she asserts in an interview with FORBES AFRICA, underscoring the complex interplay between monetary policy and inflation dynamics, suggesting that ZiG may not provide the desired solution to Zimbabwe&#8217;s economic challenges.</p>



<p>The introduction of ZiG comes amidst a backdrop of skepticism surrounding the Zimbabwean government&#8217;s ability to manage monetary policy effectively. Lourenço suggests that a stable monetary policy is crucial for maintaining ZiG&#8217;s credibility in the long term. She advocates for a liberalized currency regime, allowing the market to determine the currency&#8217;s value without undue interference from the central bank. &#8220;A stable monetary policy that enables a liberalized currency regime is essential,&#8221; Lourenço states, emphasizing the importance of market-driven mechanisms.</p>



<p>One of the key challenges facing ZiG is its coexistence alongside other currencies, particularly the United States (U.S.) dollar, which remains widely used in transactions. Silke highlights the dominance of the U.S. dollar and the difficulty of displacing it, especially in a country like Zimbabwe with an entrenched parallel market. Lourenço adds that Zimbabwe&#8217;s currency instability makes it challenging: &#8220;Given Zimbabwe’s track record in being unable to sustain its own currency on at least two occasions, the uptake of the ZiG is going to be difficult to enforce.&#8221;</p>



<p>Concerns have also been raised about the adequacy of gold reserves to back the new currency. Lourenço suggests that Zimbabwe&#8217;s government needs external assistance to address its massive debt arrears. However, she notes that political and economic reforms, including respecting democratic freedoms and implementing stable monetary policies, are essential for restoring confidence in ZiG&#8217;s stability. &#8220;Zimbabwe desperately needs external assistance to help clear its massive debt arrears,&#8221; Lourenço asserts, highlighting the urgency of international support. However, she cautions that without fundamental reforms, Zimbabwe may struggle to overcome its economic challenges and restore confidence in ZiG.</p>



<p>Despite these challenges, Silke remains cautiously optimistic about Zimbabwe&#8217;s future. He suggests that while the road ahead may be difficult, there is potential for positive change if the government commits to meaningful reforms. &#8220;Zimbabwe has the opportunity to turn things around,&#8221; Silke states, &#8220;but it will require bold leadership and decisive action.&#8221; Lourenço echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for political will and international cooperation to support Zimbabwe&#8217;s recovery efforts.</p>


Zimbabwe Replaces Battered Dollar With New Unit Called ZiG

Can Zimbabwe’s New Gold-Backed Currency Solve Its Economic Woes? Experts Weigh In


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>A total of 322 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday—the most in a single day since the war began—the Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed on Sunday, as Israel faces increased scrutiny over its treatment of aid workers that has resulted in over 200 deaths so far.</p>



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



<p>A total of 228 of the trucks that crossed into Gaza on Sunday were carrying food, said the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cogatonline/status/1777030931280167407?s=46&amp;t=XMT4bHReB9TWcV5q_r0pFw" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>&nbsp;on social media, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s department that handles humanitarian aid shipments.</p>



<p>The rapid increase in aid deliveries follows increased scrutiny on the process after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/caileygleeson/2024/04/02/netanyahu-says-israel-deeply-regrets-strike-that-killed-7-aid-workers-what-we-know-about-victims/?sh=3d7d6d9275fb">seven aid workers</a>&nbsp;with World Conflict Kitchen were killed in Israeli air strikes on Monday.</p>



<p>One of the seven international aid workers was an American citizen, prompting the White House to call for “specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers.”</p>



<p>Following a tense conversation with President Biden on Thursday, Israel reopened the Erez Crossing, the large border entry between northern Gaza and Israel, and announced it would allow aid shipments to flow through the port of Ashdod.</p>



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



<p>The increased pressure to protect international aid workers comes after the Israeli government apologized for the deaths of the seven World Conflict Kitchen workers on Monday. After an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/04/05/idf-fires-senior-officers-after-deadly-strike-on-aid-workers-as-it-blames-mistaken-identification/?sh=7cb8b7f7ae7f">IDF investigation</a>, the Israeli military called the attack a “grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification,” and dismissed two senior officers over the strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1775214347519660112" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">apologized</a>, adding that “we will do everything in our power to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future.” José Andrés, the celebrity chef and founder of World Conflict Kitchen, told&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/week-transcript-4-7-24-chef-jos-andrs/story?id=108949216" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ABC News’s</a>&nbsp;Martha Raddatz the attack was “unforgivable” and called for Israel to face “a real reckoning on how they conduct war.” Andres thanked Israeli military for releasing the results of the investigation so quickly, but also called for an independent investigation into the attack. “The perpetrator cannot be investigating himself,” Andrés said.</p>



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



<p>More than 220. That’s how many international aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the war began on Oct. 7, according to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148276" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">U.N. estimates</a>. Speaking on Friday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an independent investigation into the other deaths. “We want to know why each one of them was killed,”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/apr/05/we-want-to-know-why-un-chief-questions-israel-on-196-aid-workers-killed-in-gaza-video" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Guterres demanded</a>&nbsp;after a meeting of the U.N. Security Council.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">TANGENT</h2>



<p>Although a record number of aid trucks entered Gaza on Sunday, aid shipments have faced other issues making it into the besieged territory during the war. In February, a group of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/02/10/gaza-aid-blockade-protest-kerem-shalom/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">far-right Israeli activists</a>&nbsp;camped out in front of aid convoys attempting to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing. Aid shipments have also been threatened by members of Netanyahu’s government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member of Netanyahu’s coalition,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/13/israel-gaza-flour-shipment" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">intervened to block</a>&nbsp;a shipment of flour bound for Gaza from the U.S.</p>


Humanitarian aid trucks at Rafah Border Crossing

Largest Aid Convoy Enters Gaza Since War Began Amid Mounting Pressure On Israel


<p>The number of annual prostate cancer diagnoses is expected to roughly double by 2040, according to a study published Thursday in The Lancet medical journal, with the number of annual deaths attributable to the disease expected to rise by 85% in the same amount of time—an increase driven by lower-income countries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>Scientists at the London Institute of Cancer Research predict there will be 2.9 million annual cases of prostate cancer around the world by 2040, more than twice as many as the 1.4 million cases seen in 2020, with the increase expected to be most prominent among men in low- and middle-income countries.</p>



<p>Subsequently, researchers estimate deaths due to the disease will rise to almost 700,000 per year in 2040, up from the 375,000 in 2020.</p>



<p>While prostate cancer deaths have declined in most high-income countries over the last 30 years, mortality rates and the number of cases continue to rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those without access to early blood detection screening called PSA testing.</p>



<p>The study suggests that even in high-income countries, men at high risk—like those with family history, those of African descent and those with the BRACA2 gene mutation—be screened for the cancer early using PSA testing and MRI scans.</p>



<p>Researchers warn lifestyle changes and public health interventions will do little to stop the rise in cases as the main risk factors for the disease—being a man over 50 and having a family history of prostate cancer—are unavoidable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>“As more and more men around the world live to middle and old age, there will be an inevitable rise in the number of prostate cancer cases,&#8221; lead author Dr. Nick James said in a statement. &#8220;We know this surge in cases is coming, so we need to start planning and take action now.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>Prostate cancer is already responsible for 15% of all male cancers, and is the most common form of cancer in men in more than half of countries around the world, the Lancet study said. It is possible for women to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.baptisthealth.com/blog/womens-care/can-women-have-prostate-cancer#:~:text=Women%20can%20develop%20cancer%20in,0.003%25%20of%20all%20genital%20cancers." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">studies have suggested</a>&nbsp;as few as 0.003% of cases are found in women. There is no cure for metastatic prostate cancer, but many cases&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/prostate-cancer/types-treatment#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20cure%20for,that%20extend%20life%20even%20further." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">are treatable</a>&nbsp;and, if discovered early, it&#8217;s not uncommon for patients to outlive the disease. Those diagnosed within the first three stages are likely to be cancer-free after five years, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-prognosis#:~:text=High%20Cure%20Rates%20for%20Local,disease%2Dfree%20after%20five%20years." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">John Hopkins Medicine</a>, but there is little that can be medically done for the cancer in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stage-4-prostate-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20377972" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">late stage</a>. Johns Hopkins estimates 80 to 85% of all prostate cancers are found early, but cases found late have an average five-year survival rate of only 28%. Because of the importance of early detection, countries with less access to screenings have a higher rate of prostate cancer and deaths among residents. While prostate cancer rates are highest in countries including Ireland, Sweden and France, deaths rates from the disease are highest in the lower-income and predominantly Black nations of Zimbabwe, Barbados, Haiti and Zambia, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcrf.org/cancer-trends/prostate-cancer-statistics/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">World Cancer Research Fund</a>. Most prostate cancer research, however, is done on white men, the Lancet study reports, while also placing an emphasis on the need for more research involving patients of different ethnicities, especially those of West African descent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tangent">TANGENT</h2>



<p>A number of high-profile celebrities have publicly shared their journeys with prostate cancer. British actor&nbsp;<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/12/12/ian-mckellen-diagnosed-with-early-stage-prostate-cancer-years-ago#:~:text=Doctors%20diagnosed%20Sir%20Ian%20McKellen,%2C%22%20according%20to%20the%20site." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Sir Ian McKellen</a>, now 84, said he was given an early stage prostate cancer diagnosis in 2005 or 2006.&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=101017&amp;page=1" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Robert De Niro</a>, now 80, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003 at age 60 and went on to make a full recovery. Other public figures who&#8217;ve shared their diagnosis include former Secretary of State&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/12/us/kerry-to-undergo-surgery-for-prostate-cancer-today.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">John Kerry,</a>&nbsp;former New York City Mayor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/15/nyregion/giuliani-undergoes-implant-to-treat-his-prostate-cancer.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Rudy Giuliani</a>, actor&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/yourbestlife/cancer_and_you/comedian-and-actor-ben-stiller-brought-attention-to-early-screening-for-prostate-cancer/article_10b7ed1c-5fb1-11ee-b555-7fdb3fd50b39.html#:~:text=His%20doctor%20ordered%20a%20follow,to%20have%20this%20test%20done." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Ben Stiller</a>&nbsp;and billionaire&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2012/09/14/warren-buffett-completes-prostate-cancer-treatments.html#:~:text=In%20April%2C%20he%20announced%20that,debilitating%20in%20any%20meaningful%20way.%22" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Warren Buffet</a>. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles of England does not have prostate cancer, but has not shared what type of cancer he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2024/02/05/king-charles-diagnosed-with-cancer-after-hospital-stay/">was diagnosed with</a>&nbsp;earlier this year. The health discovery came after the monarch was treated for an enlarged prostate. His daughter-in-law and the future Queen,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/03/22/kate-middleton-cancer-diagnosis-prince-william-rose-hanbury-denies-rumors/">Kate Middleton</a>, also shared she has been diagnosed with cancer, but did not specify a type.</p>


Radiologist consoling a senior patient at MRI scan.

Worldwide Prostate Cancer Cases Will Double By 2040, New Study Predicts—Here’s Why


<p><strong>Leading the way in youth empowerment and change is Zuriel Oduwole. She shares the story of her humble beginnings and the lessons since.</strong></p>



<p>Over a decade ago, at 10 years old, Zuriel Oduwole already proved to the world that age is just a number. That statement still rings true for the 21-year-old who calls herself a filmmaker, global education advocate, presidential advisor, and peace envoy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Actually, everything that I&#8217;ve done now, it started with filmmaking,” Oduwole says to FORBES AFRICA, after leaving the stage following her panel discussion at the 2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit on March 8 in Johannesburg.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>She reveals more about a competition she took part in when she was nine, to create a documentary focusing on the “revolutionaries in history”. While all her peers focused on the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and various European ones, Oduwole opted for something different.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“I&#8217;ve always wanted to be different; I don&#8217;t want to follow the mold,” she says.</p>



<p>Oduwole, born to parents who are from Nigeria and Mauritius, decided to focus on Ghana, which resulted in her flying to the West African country from her home in Los Angeles in the United States. While collecting all the necessary footage for her documentary, it bothered her that children, particularly girls, were out on the streets during school hours.</p>



<p>“I found out that it’s a big challenge – girls are out of school, not just in Ghana but across the African continent. That’s how my film started. But from that, after seeing what was happening on the ground, I went back home and thought about what I wanted to do; to try and do my small part; to try to make a difference.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since then, she has sat down with over 30 world leaders to address global social development and education challenges that children and teenagers face, from former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to billionaire Aliko Dangote. Oduwole says she has also spoken to around 52,730 youth in over 21 countries.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“When I sit down with all these presidents and prime ministers, first of all, it’s such an honor,” says the 2024 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Young Achiever Awardee.</p>



<p>“But the biggest thing I try to do is to show myself as an example of what girls in their country can do. The biggest thing I try to talk about is education and how there are not enough girls in schools… I try to show myself as an example through excellence.”</p>



<p>According to a 2024 <em>Statista</em> report which explores the out-of-school population among primary school children, between 2000 and 2018, over the past two decades, there has been a decrease globally in the number of girls of primary school age who are out of school.</p>



<p>However, the progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children has generally “stagnated since 2007” and there is still a higher number of girls than boys who are not in primary school, worldwide, today.</p>



<p>Furthermore, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest out-of-school population in the world – 22% of girls and 17% of boys from this region are not in primary school.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As of 2022, 22.3% of female and 25.9% of male South African learners aged seven to 18 stated that poor academic performance was the main reason for dropping out and not attending educational institutions. The rate of learners not attending educational institutions due to family commitments was significantly higher among females at 12.1% than among males at 0.2%,” the report read.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Whenever I go and meet with these heads of state or am asked to speak at schools and speak on platforms, it’s not intimidation I feel, it&#8217;s a sense of responsibility,” Oduwole adds.</p>



<p>The change that she would like to see, is the way women are viewed. Oduwole would also like for young people to seize every opportunity and dare to dream.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“…If your dreams don&#8217;t scare you, then they&#8217;re not big enough. And so, as youth, we have the whole world at our fingertips. We need to dream big dreams,” Oduwole says.</p>



<p>“I have a different take about what we are about, as women. First of all, we have to decide if we are objects or subjects… I say that because I don’t think women came together and decided to dress in a certain way and show off half their bodies in front of the cameras, just so a group of four to five people could tell us who the most beautiful is. I think we need to decide that we are subjects of excellence as opposed to objects to be defined by others.”</p>


DSC04653 (1)

‘We Are Subjects Of Excellence’: 21-Year-Old Pan-African Activist Who Has Met With 30 World Leaders


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Global life expectancy rose by 6.2 years between 1990 and 2021, driven by reductions in deaths from diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, stroke and ischemic heart disease—but the world faced significant setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00367-2/fulltext" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">new study</a>&nbsp;by the Lancet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>The leading causes of death worldwide remained consistent from 1990 to 2019—with ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lower respiratory infections topping the list—with global life expectancy improving in that time period thanks in part to annual reductions in deaths from all causes ranging from .9% to 2.4%.</p>



<p>The Covid-19 pandemic hampered progress, with pandemic-related mortality causing a net reduction in life expectancy of 1.6 years between 2019 and 2021 and Covid-19 becoming the second-leading cause of death—the first major shakeup of the rankings in decades.</p>



<p>Changes in life expectancy varied significantly by region, the study found—the so-called super-region consisting of Southeast Asia, East Asia and Oceania saw the greatest net gain in life expectancy from 1990 and 2021, rising by 8.3 years due to big drops in mortality from chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections and cancer, with “strong management” of the pandemic curbing life expectancy losses due to Covid-19 to just .4 years between 2019 and 2021.</p>



<p>Reductions in deaths from enteric diseases—which include diarrhea and typhoid—significantly contributed to improvements in life expectancy, estimated to contribute an overall increase of 1.1 years globally.</p>



<p>Control of mortality due to diarrheal disease contributed to significant gains in life expectancy in the super region of South Asia, which had the second-highest increase among super regions in life expectancy with 7.8 years, and in Eastern sub-Saharan Africa, which had the highest increase in life expectancy of any local region with 10.7 years.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">CRUCIAL QUOTE</h2>



<p>“On one hand, we see countries’ monumental achievements in preventing deaths from diarrhea and stroke,” said Dr. Liane Ong of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluations, one of the authors of the study, in a statement. “At the same time, we see how much the Covid-19 pandemic has set us back.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>31.5%. That’s how much the age-standardized mortality rate for ischemic heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, dropped between 1990 and 2021. The rate in 2021 was 108.7, with Covid-19 the second-leading cause of death at 94.0.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surprising-fact">SURPRISING FACT</h2>



<p>The largest decline in life expectancy due to Covid-19 was in Latin America and the Caribbean, where it caused a 3.6-year reduction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>The study is the first of its kind to compare deaths from Covid-19 to other leading causes of death, according to the authors. It notes Covid-19 may have had indirect effects on mortality rates as well, with physical distancing measures affecting mortality for other diseases, and deferred care-seeking leading to pandemic-related deaths not attributable directly to Covid-19. Another <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/03/12/covid-lowered-global-life-expectancy-more-than-previously-thought-new-study-suggests/?sh=17845fa6576b">study</a> published by the Lancet earlier this month previously found the global life expectancy dropped by 1.6 years due to the pandemic, with the United States seeing the highest excess mortality rate when compared to similar high-wealth nations.<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesfarrell/"></a></p>


Researcher working in a biochemist laboratory

Global Life Expectancy Increased Between 1990 And 2021, But Pandemic Stalled Progress


<p><strong>A record year for ten-figure wealth has left the billionaire class bigger and richer than ever.</strong></p>



<p class="has-drop-cap">What a year it’s been for the planet’s billionaires, whose fortunes continue to swell as global stock markets shrug off war, political unrest and lingering inflation. There are now more billionaires than ever: 2,781 in all, 141 more than last year and 26 more than the record set in 2021. They’re richer than ever, worth $14.2 trillion in aggregate, up by $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion above the previous record, also set in 2021. </p>



<p>Two-thirds of the list’s members are worth more than a year ago; only one fourth are poorer. Much of the gains come from the top 20, who added a combined $700 billion in wealth since 2023, and from the U.S., which now boasts a record 813 billionaires worth a combined $5.7 trillion. China remains second, with 473 (including Hong Kong) worth $1.7 trillion, despite weak consumer spending and a real estate bust that helped wipe out some $300 billion in wealth. India, which has 200 billionaires (also a record), ranks third. </p>



<p>To calculate net worths, we used stock prices and exchange rates from March 8, 2024. See below for the full list of the world’s billionaires and our methodology. For daily updated net worths of all 2,781 billionaires, check out our&nbsp;<a href="http://forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real-time billionaires rankings</a>.</p>


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FORBES WORLD’S BILLIONAIRES LIST: The Richest in 2024

Most Attractive Youtube Thumbnail (9)

OVER 30 UNDER 50: Formidable And Forging Ahead


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



<p>Microsoft will split up its workplace messaging and video calls app Teams from its Office platform globally, the company told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-separate-teams-office-globally-amid-antitrust-scrutiny-2024-04-01/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Reuters</a>&nbsp;early on Monday, mirroring a move it undertook in the European Union last year as it attempts to avoid being penalized by the bloc’s antitrust regulators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



<p>In August last year, Microsoft announced it would unbundle Teams from its Microsoft 365 subscription—which includes its Office suite of productivity software like Word, Excel and PowerPoint—in the EU and offer the messaging service as a standalone subscription.</p>



<p>The tech giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-separate-teams-office-globally-amid-antitrust-scrutiny-2024-04-01/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">told</a>&nbsp;Reuters Monday it will enact the change for all its customers worldwide “to ensure clarity,” and businesses can now choose slightly cheaper Microsoft 365 plans without Teams.</p>



<p>The company said its decision was based on feedback from the European Commission to help global companies “standardize their purchasing across geographies.”</p>



<p>Forbes has reached out to Microsoft for a comment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



<p>The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm,&nbsp;<a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_3991" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">opened</a>&nbsp;an antitrust investigation into Microsoft in July last year. The commission said the investigation intended to assess whether the company “breached EU competition rules by tying or bundling its communication and collaboration product Teams to its popular suites for businesses Office 365 and Microsoft 365.” The executive body expressed concerns about Microsoft “abusing” the market dominance of its Office productivity software to restrict competition for “communication and collaboration products.” The investigation followed a complaint filed against Microsoft and Teams by its rival messaging platform Slack. Microsoft&nbsp;<a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/eupolicy/2023/08/31/european-competition-teams-office-microsoft-365/#:~:text=First%2C%20beginning%20October%201%2C%202023,or%20%E2%82%AC24%20per%20year)." rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">responded</a>&nbsp;by unbundling Teams from its office productivity suite for EU customers in August. At the time, the company said it was taking “meaningful steps” to address the commission’s concerns and had gained clarity “from extensive and constructive discussions” with the executive body.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-to-watch-for">WHAT TO WATCH FOR</h2>



<p>It is unclear if Microsoft’s latest actions are enough to fend off an antitrust fine from the EU. The commission had particularly expressed concern that Microsoft was giving Teams a “distribution advantage” over rivals by “not giving customers the choice” on whether they want to include Teams in their Office subscription. The unbundling will likely assuage that issue, but the commission had also raised a red flag about Microsoft possibly limiting “interoperability between its productivity suites” and rival messaging apps. If the investigators are unsatisfied with the remedies and find Microsoft guilty of antitrust breaches, the company could face fines as high as 10% of its global annual turnover.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h2>



<p>$2.37 billion (€2.2 billion). That is the quantum of antitrust fines Microsoft has faced in the European Union in the past decade, the Reuters report added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-separate-teams-office-globally-amid-antitrust-scrutiny-2024-04-01/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft to separate Teams and Office globally amid antitrust scrutiny</a> (Reuters)</p>


Microsoft Services Down For Tens Of Thousands Around World

Microsoft Unbundles Teams From Office Suite In A Bid To Address Antitrust Probe


<p>Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine asking boards and business leaders whether robots would one day run their companies.</p>



<p>However, the massive increase in awareness of the potential of large language models is forcing executives to explore how to use robots and artificial intelligence in day-to-day decision-making.</p>



<p>In fact, the rise of executive robots has already started.</p>



<p>For example, in May 2023, <em>Forbes </em>reported that Dictador, a progressive premium brand rum distiller, had appointed an AI CEO called Mika.</p>



<p>It is gimmicky for sure, as humans are still very much controlling her AI strings, but as Mika reportedly said in an interview with <em>Reuters</em>, “My decision-making process relies on extensive data analysis and aligning with the company’s strategic objectives.” She went on to explain how she was devoid of personal bias, which helps ensure that strategic choices are prioritized in line with the organization’s best interests, not hers.</p>



<p>This sounds amazing. So, is Mika the forerunner of the mass adoption of AI for corporate governance and leadership roles?</p>



<p>For once, the likely answer is yes, absolutely.</p>



<p>For starters, the demand for a solution like this is apparent.</p>



<p>Humans regularly make bad decisions, and more often than not, this leads to someone losing a lot of money.</p>



<p>Why, for example, did OpenAI’s board sack Sam Altmann (before he returned as CEO in November last year)?</p>



<p>What led Elon Musk to rebrand Twitter to X?</p>



<p>And why didn’t Silicon Valley Bank diversify its risk away from startups?</p>



<p>Decisions like these wipe out trillions of dollars of value every single year. And these three examples are just the tip of the iceberg.</p>



<p>Further, those impacted aren’t just the super-wealthy. Often, it’s the poorest who see their life savings and pensions hit hardest.</p>



<p>All of which means there is a huge interest from everyone, from governments to investors, to find ways to improve decision- making and corporate governance.</p>



<p>We already spend billions of dollars for consultants and business schools to develop leaders and models to help companies maximize profits while minimizing risks.</p>



<p>But these billions will quickly switch to AI alternatives if there is even the smallest of probabilities that technology will help improve a stock’s potential returns.</p>



<p>So, the demand is there.</p>



<p>But how long will we have to wait for the likes of the already hugely-impressive ChatGPT to offer intelligence that can not only answer questions in narrow fields but actually analyze data from multiple sources, draw inferences, consider interdependencies, develop execution plans, draw up funding requirements, consider resource allocations, raise funding and build support along with all the other tasks and activities that are required in any modern-day business?</p>



<p>Mustafa Suleyman, founder of DeepMind and Inflection.AI, explores this question in his recent bestseller, <em>The Coming Wave</em>.</p>



<p>Specifically, he asks how long it will be before machines answer and act on prompts such as “Please design and execute a strategy that will allow me to make $1mill on Amazon in as few months as possible with just $100K of investment.”</p>



<p>His conclusion? “Aside from the legal requirements of registering as a business on the marketplace and getting a bank  account, all of this seems to me eminently doable. I think it will be done within the next year and probably fully autonomously within three to five.”</p>



<p>When an industry insider as respected as Suleyman makes a comment like this, we should sit up and listen.</p>



<p>And it makes absolute sense when you consider that a potent combination of factors is driving development in AI. Breakthroughs in machine learning algorithms, dramatic increases in computing power, the abundance of extensive data sets, advancements in cloud computing, enhanced global connectivity, escalating demand across industries and the democratization of access through open-source initiatives are just some of the factors propelling it at exponential rates.</p>



<p>And, of course, the biggest factor of all is perhaps the simple fact that we are now using AI to build AI, as more and more code is being written by machines, not developers. So perhaps the real question isn’t whether or even when robots will run companies. Shareholders and boards might do better considering what types of leaders they need to employ to manage the transition from human to augmented to algorithmic leadership. This is not an easy question to answer. There is no template for designing leadership systems for robots. Perhaps ChatGPT has the answer?</p>


Tag: Africa

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