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



A Dutch appeals court on Tuesday ruled in favor of oil giant Shell and overturned a landmark 2021 ruling by a lower court that ordered the company to sharply reduce its carbon emissions by the end of this decade, a major blow to activists pursuing legal measures to force companies to act on climate change.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h2>



Shell had filed an appeal against the 2021 ruling, which ordered the company to cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 45% compared to its 2019 levels by 2030; the ruling covered emissions both from its operations and the fossil fuels it sold.



In its&nbsp;<a href="https://uitspraken.rechtspraak.nl/details?id=ECLI:NL:GHDHA:2024:2099" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">verdict</a>, the Hague Court of Appeal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rechtspraak.nl/Organisatie-en-contact/Organisatie/Gerechtshoven/Gerechtshof-Den-Haag/Nieuws/Paginas/Hague-court-denies-claim-for-reduction-in-Shells-CO2-emissions.aspx" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ruled</a>&nbsp;that while Shell was obliged to reduce its carbon emissions, there is “insufficient consensus in climate science on a specific reduction percentage to which an individual company like Shell should adhere.”



The court noted the company is already working to reduce its so-called scope 1 and 2 emissions, which include emissions from its operations, but said it would be ineffective to force Shell to reduce its scope 3 emissions, which cover emissions from the fuel it sells.



The court said while Shell could, in theory, meet its Scope 3 target by ceasing or cutting trade in fossil fuels, other companies “would then take over that trade” and this “would consequently not result in a reduction in CO2 emissions.”



The court, however, acknowledged Shell has an obligation to limit its carbon emissions based on the “human right to protection against dangerous climate change.”



Tuesday’s ruling can be challenged before the Dutch Supreme Court, but it is unclear if the plaintiffs plan to do so.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">Crucial Quote</h2>



Shell CEO Wael Sawan welcomed the ruling in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shell.com/news-and-insights/newsroom/news-and-media-releases/2024/shell-welcomes-dutch-court-of-appeal-ruling.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">statement</a>, saying: “We are pleased with the court’s decision, which we believe is the right one for the global energy transition, the Netherlands and our company…Our target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 remains at the heart of Shell’s strategy and is transforming our business. This includes continuing our work to halve emissions from our operations by 2030.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chief-critic">Chief Critic</h2>



The Friends of the Earth Netherlands, the environmental activist collective that backed the case against Shell, along with 17,000 Dutch citizens, was “shocked” by the ruling. The group’s Director Donald Pols&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foei.org/?p=39110&amp;preview=true&amp;_thumbnail_id=39115" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">said</a>: “We are shocked by today’s judgment. It is a setback for us, for the climate movement and for millions of people around the world who worry about their future…Large polluters are powerful. But united, we as people have the power to change them.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading</h2>



<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx240l9xq2yo" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Shell wins landmark climate case against green groups in Dutch appeal</a>&nbsp;(BBC)

Shell Posts Quarterly Profits

Shell Wins Appeal Against Landmark Ruling That Ordered It To Slash 45% Of Its Emissions By 2030

It has been an exciting and rewarding debut year for South African singer, Tyla Seethal, best known as ‘Tyla’.



Her latest recognition on the global stage is a raft of historic awards and nominations.



On Sunday, in Manchester, United Kingdom, Tyla took home three MTV Europe Music Awards (MTV EMAs), making her the first African artist to win three EMAs in one night.



Tyla was one of the biggest wins of the night; American singers Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter who also won multiple EMAs last night.



The 22-year-old South African songtress was nominated in four categories and also took home an award for ‘The Best African Act’, a category in which she was up against Nigerian artists Asake and Ayra Starr along with South African musicians DBN Gogo, and TitoM &amp; Yuppe.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="396" height="594" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2184021824.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63645" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2184021824.jpg 396w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2184021824-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tyla paying tribute to Aaliyah (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/MTV EMA/Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Viacom International)</figcaption></figure></div>


Tanzanian global artist Diamond Platnumz, who won in this category in 2023, was also nominated. Tyla also won the award for ‘Best Afrobeats’; her fellow nominees were other African music icons Burna Boy, Tems and Rema.



“I can’t believe it,” she said, accepting the prize from LL Cool J.



“Literally, all the nominees, they are insane. They have taken Afrobeats so far and I’m so honored to be winning this award… Afrobeats has opened so many doors for African music, so thank you so much to Afrobeats.”



Tyla also took home the award for ‘Best R&amp;B’, beating artists such as Usher and Victoria Monét.



“I&#8217;m just as shocked as you guys. Like, I don&#8217;t know what to do,” she said in her acceptance speech. “I know it&#8217;s just so hard to categorise my music. I literally mix so many different genres into one, but R&amp;B is a huge influence in my music, especially Aaliyah, she&#8217;s like one of my idols.”



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The exact moment Tyla found out she won BEST R&amp;B at the MTV EMAs. I&#39;m not crying, you are 😭 <a href="https://t.co/PO7wBGi0sH">pic.twitter.com/PO7wBGi0sH</a>&mdash; Tyla Club (@TylaClub) <a href="https://twitter.com/TylaClub/status/1855843426173849982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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She paid tribute to the late ‘Princess of R&amp;B’, Aaliyah, by wearing a replica of the Roberto Cavalli dress that the she wore at the 2000 MTV VMAs.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Let&#39;s hear it for Tyla! 🗣️ Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/Tyllaaaaaaa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tyllaaaaaaa</a> on winning Best R&amp;B at the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MTVEMAs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MTVEMAs</a>! <a href="https://t.co/FqjLmnLi0y">pic.twitter.com/FqjLmnLi0y</a>&mdash; MTV EMA (@mtvema) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtvema/status/1855757329700131108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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“The fact that I&#8217;m even winning this in her dress is like – oh my God.”



This has been a record year for the South African singer. In February, she made history when she took home her first Grammy award for ‘Best African Music Performance’ for her hit single Water.



“I did not think I would win a Grammy at 22 years old,” she said as she accepted the award at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States.

MTV EMAs 2024 – Winners

South African Singer Tyla Has Record-Breaking Year As She Makes History (Again) At MTV EMAs And Pays Tribute To R&B Legend

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



The price of Bitcoin breached $82,000 for the first time ever early on Monday, continuing its post-election bull run as President-elect Donald Trump has promised to bolster the industry while several pro-crypto candidates won down-ballot races.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h2>



The world’s most valuable cryptocurrency hit an all-time high of $82,197 in early Monday trading, up more than 19.5% compared to last week.



Bitcoin breached the $80,000 mark for the first time on Sunday after a big weekend rally—breaking the election night high of $75,000.



The price of Ether—the second most valuable crypto token—has risen by an even biggest 28.7% over the past week to $3,165.



Other popular crypto tokens including Dogecoin, Solana’s SOL and Binance’s BNB have also surged in value in the past week—with volatile and popular meme coin DOGE’s price rising by 83%.



The crypto price boom has led to surge in the share price of related stocks like Coinbase—whose price has surged 50% in the past five days and is up another 15.6% in pre-market trading early on Monday to $312.92.



Trump is expected to usher in a new wave of crypto-friendly policies with ease after Republicans flipped control of the Senate Tuesday and are on the brink of maintaining their majority in the House.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-high-could-bitcoin-prices-by-the-end-of-this-year">How High Could Bitcoin Prices By The End Of This Year?</h2>



While&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/11/04/heres-where-analysts-expect-bitcoin-prices-will-head-under-harris-and-trump/">estimates have varied</a>&nbsp;slightly, most analysts agreed a Trump win would lead to a boom in cryptocurrency prices. Bernstein analysts led by Gautam Chhugani said Bitcoin can rise to $80,000 to $90,000 over the next two months if the “pro-crypto candidate” Trump won. Last month, Standard Chartered analyst Geoff Kendrick wrote he expects Bitcoin to hit $125,000 by the end of the year in the event of a Trump win.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">Key Background</h2>



Trump has embraced the crypto industry as a counter to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s stricter regulatory approach under President Joe Biden, vowing to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the planet.” Trump’s pro-crypto stance marks a reverse course from his previous skepticism of the industry, which&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57392734" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">he called</a>&nbsp;a “scam” and a disaster waiting to happen in 2021. Trump has vowed “to keep 100% of all the bitcoin the U.S. government currently holds or acquires into the future,” he told an audience at a bitcoin conference in Nashville in July, and he has repeatedly promised to “fire” SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, who has taken more than 100 regulatory actions against crypto during his tenure, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/06/trump-claims-presidential-win-here-is-what-he-promised-the-crypto-industry-ahead-of-the-election.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CNBC</a>. Trump earned endorsements from crypto leaders, including billionaires Marc Andreessen, Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss, while Vice President-elect, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, is a longtime bitcoin investor. Trump and his campaign have also personally invested in digital currency—Trump’s joint fundraising committee began accepting donations via Coinbase in May, and he debuted his own family&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/09/16/trump-used-to-think-crypto-was-a-scam---now-hes-launching-his-own-crypto-platform-run-by-his-sons/">cryptocurrency platform</a>, World Liberty Financial, in September.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-news-peg">News Peg</h2>



The crypto industry was the largest corporate donor in the 2024 election cycle, according to a report by the progressive consumer advocacy group,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.citizen.org/article/big-crypto-big-spending-2024/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Public Citizen</a>, which found donations from the industry accounted for 44% of all corporate money contributed as of August. The vast majority of the money was funneled through the super PAC Fairshake and two affiliated super PACs, Defend American Jobs, which backs Republicans, and the pro-Democrat Protect Progress. The groups—financed primarily by crypto companies Coinbase and Ripple—spent a combined $135 million supporting industry-friendly candidates in federal races, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/technology/crypto-industry-spending-election.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The New York Times.</a>&nbsp;The investment appears to have paid off: as of Sunday, 268 pro-crypto candidates had been elected to the House and 19 in the Senate, according to the non-profit,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.standwithcrypto.org/races" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Stand With Crypto</a>, compared to 122 newly elected House members and 12 senators it deems “anti-crypto.”



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



Aside from Trump, one of the biggest wins for the crypto industry came in the Ohio Senate race, where blockchain entrepreneur and GOP candidate Bernie Moreno defeated incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown served as the chair of the Senate Banking Committee and was a vocal opponent of efforts to loosen cryptocurrencies-related regulations. Coinbase CEO and co-founder Brian Armstrong reacted to the result of the Ohio Senate race by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1854029871040835614" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">tweeting</a>, “Being anti-crypto is simply bad politics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">Further Reading</h2>



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/dereksaul/2024/11/04/heres-where-analysts-expect-bitcoin-prices-will-head-under-harris-and-trump/">Here’s Where Analysts Expect Bitcoin Prices Will Head Under Harris And Trump</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/09/16/trump-used-to-think-crypto-was-a-scam---now-hes-launching-his-own-crypto-platform-run-by-his-sons/">Trump Used To Think Crypto Was A &#8216;Scam&#8217; — Now He&#8217;s Launching His Own Crypto Platform Run By His Sons</a>&nbsp;(Forbes)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/05/21/trump-campaign-now-accepts-crypto-donations/">Trump Campaign Now Accepts Crypto Donations</a> (Forbes)<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/"></a>

Key Speakers At The Bitcoin 2024 Conference

Bitcoin Crosses $82,000 For The First Time—Boosted By Trump’s Win

At the ninth edition of ART X Lagos, FORBES AFRICA witnessed a convergence of artists, collectors, and creatives, each contributing to the dynamic rise of Africa&#8217;s art scene.



César Schofield Cardoso, an artist from the quiet shores of Cape Verde, found himself in the middle of Nigeria’s pulsating art scene — a world away from his island of 562,000 people where the art scene is almost nonexistent.



“People actually buy art here?” he blurts out, half to himself, half to FORBES AFRICA, amidst the eclectic bustle of ART X Lagos, West Africa’s international art fair. He&#8217;s here with five other artists from the continent and the Caribbean, their creations displayed in a 45-square-meter booth with walls clad in gold — a hint of the opulence that now weaves through the Nigerian art world. Around him, top officials, social figures, and curious collectors fill the hall, their interest in art anything but fleeting.



Patty Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, founder of Alexis Galleries, which is just a short drive from the fairgrounds, nods knowingly as she says, “Art is growing very quickly in Nigeria.” Within three days of the four-day fair, her gallery has moved $50,000 worth of work, despite inflation gripping the nation. Her clientele — seasoned art lovers who appreciate pieces ranging from $9,000 to $65,000 — reflects a new trend in African art collecting that speaks to both exclusivity and passion.


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<figure class="alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-work-by-Nigerian-folk-artist-Abe-Odedina-Image-courtesy-Art-X-Lagos-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63633" style="width:405px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-work-by-Nigerian-folk-artist-Abe-Odedina-Image-courtesy-Art-X-Lagos-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-work-by-Nigerian-folk-artist-Abe-Odedina-Image-courtesy-Art-X-Lagos-240x300.jpg 240w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-work-by-Nigerian-folk-artist-Abe-Odedina-Image-courtesy-Art-X-Lagos-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-work-by-Nigerian-folk-artist-Abe-Odedina-Image-courtesy-Art-X-Lagos-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/A-work-by-Nigerian-folk-artist-Abe-Odedina-Image-courtesy-Art-X-Lagos.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A work by Nigerian folk artist Abe Odedina (Image courtesy Art X Lagos)</figcaption></figure></div>


Nearby, the works of Ethiopian artist Fiker Solomon sell out almost immediately, with pieces ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. Ugandan gallery owner Daudi Karungi, who brought pieces from Solomon as well as other African artists, finds himself busy with inquiries. “There’s a strong interest in African art,” he says. His gallery, a long-time exhibitor at ART X Lagos, represents Solomon, Kaleab Abate from Ethiopia and Odur Ronald from Uganda.



Nigeria’s art market has endured despite the fluctuating naira, asserting the country as a regional leader in African art. Cardoso couldn’t help but wonder if his own Cape Verde might one day match Nigeria&#8217;s vibrancy. In his current work, Alga C, a cyanotype that explores Cape Verde’s post-colonial transformations, he considers the displacement of traditional fishing communities to make way for the demands of tourism. Here, his piece invited art lovers from all walks of life to consider the stories of the less seen, the overlooked.



At another corner of the fair, O’DA Art Gallery, located a short drive from the venue, was showcasing the pieces of Nigerian folk artist Abe Odedina, priced at around N3 million ($1,825). “Collectors here used to be mostly older, but now we&#8217;re seeing younger people with a taste for contemporary art,” shares gallery founder Obida Obioha.



“There’s a new pride in ourselves,” he says. “People want to dress in their own labels, listen to their own music, and buy their own art.”



For Chidiac-Mastrogiannis, art may target specific buyers, but for Karungi, art is for everyone. “It’s about accessibility. I’ve seen the value of African art grow from three figures to six figures over the last five years. This value expansion is vital for keeping the art scene vibrant and growing,” shares Karungi.



Founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig dreamed ART X Lagos would inspire and elevate Africa’s art world. Watching collectors and artists exchange stories, she felt that her vision was being realized. As she prepared to welcome David Lammy visiting Africa for the first time as United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary, she reflected on the fair’s significance. “We’re building something more than monetary value here; we’re creating projects that take these artists’ voices to the world stage. These are ideas that will flourish, even decades from now.”



Cardoso felt it — the cultural electricity, the unspoken pride — a first experience in Lagos he wouldn’t soon forget.

Aspirations (Image courtesy Art X Lagos)

Nigeria’s Art Market Shines Even As Naira Wavers, Setting New Standards For Collectors

Last year, FORBES AFRICA featured inspiring women in our first-ever ‘Over 30 Under 50’ list, celebrating those excelling in their 30s and 40s. From musicians and actors to business leaders and tech entrepreneurs, we highlighted a dynamic cross-section of female trailblazers, disruptors, and decision-makers across the continent.



We now announce the second annual FORBES AFRICA &#8216;Over 30 Under 50&#8217; list, to be published early 2025, to showcase a new set of formidable leaders in this age group in Africa writing their stories and owning their success.



Know someone who fits the bill? Nominate them today – or apply to share your journey!



<a href="https://forbesafrica.typeform.com/Over30Under50">>>>>>>>Click here to nominate&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;&lt;</a>


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Call For Nominations For FORBES AFRICA’s 2025 ‘Over 30 Under 50’ List

There’s nothing like a cross-continental journey or overland adventure &#8211; with social media following along &#8211; to experience the diversity, culture, music, fashion, food and art in Africa. All you need is a trusty vehicle, self-belief and a few good friends that you will definitely make along the way.



An airplane is definitely the quickest way to venture between countries, but more and more travelers are now opting for the scenic route — and taking their time to take it all in.



“With road trips there is the joy of just being able to stop,” explains Pelumi Nubi, whose epic journey across Africa saw her accumulate more than 10,000 kilometers by car. “With other means of transport, like flights, trains, boats, you go from point A to point B and there is very little control. But with road trips, if something catches your attention, you have the power to diverge.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="900" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-900x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-63624" style="width:768px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-900x1024.jpeg 900w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-264x300.jpeg 264w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1-768x874.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image13-1.jpeg 1204w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The three doctors, James Weller, Karen Chang and James Spence, by their Toyota Hilux, which almost gave up but didn’t (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


The Nigerian-born content creator moved to the United Kingdom when she was 10 years old and has visited over 80 countries worldwide. Yet, it was her 74-day journey from the English capital to her birthplace, in a purple Peugeot 107 that she nick- named Lumi, that made her “the first Black woman to travel solo overland from London to Lagos”.



“I came up with the idea of driving from London to Lagos, connecting my two homes, to showcase Africa as a continent, because a lot of times, it doesn’t get the credit or the storytelling and exposure that I think it deserves.”



“Africa receives less than 5% of global tourism,” reveals the CEO of the African Tourism Association (ATA), Naledi Khabo. “If you’re flooded with news and there’s just negative news stories, that’s what people remember. Unfortunately, I also think people can’t conceptualize the breadth and length that is Africa. And so, anything that happens in one place must be happening across the entire continent.”



“We stayed in some really nice hotels and I guess we didn’t know there was quite so much luxury,” recalls James Weller, who drove from London to Cape Town with fellow doctors, Karen Chang and James Spence.



The three Brits — and their 2010 Toyota Hilux D-4D double cab named Edna — amassed an enormous social media following during their cross-continental journey.



“We never expected it at all,” Weller says of the trio’s Instagram account, @london.2.capetown, garnering almost half a million followers. “We made the account just for this trip, kind of to document it and so that our friends and family could follow along.”



Proving that the people you meet along the way are just as important as the journey itself, the three had a chance encounter with a travel blogger in Morocco doing a similar trip who then posted them on his Insta story. “Before we knew it, we were at 10,000 [followers] and then 20,000 and 50,000. And then it wasn’t long before we were at 100,000, 200,000… Part of it was the mystery of people going, ‘oh, are they going to make it?’ I think that obviously drew a lot of people in as well.”



The short answer to that question is… almost not. With a limited budget, Chang, Spence, and Weller, purchased Edna with the knowledge that she had some rust on the chassis. What they didn’t know, is just how bad it was. The constant cracking— and an out-of-commission airconditioner during 50-degree Celsius weather — meant that the trio spent a significant amount of time in garages and backyard repair shops along the trip.



In the end, though, all four made it to the Mother City, Cape Town.



“People were rooting for her to get to the end. We definitely didn’t want to give up on her.”



Nubi agrees: “[Following a collision with a truck in the Ivory Coast] There was the option of renting a new car and finishing the journey from Abidjan to Lagos. But I just had this strong instinct that, you know, I started with Lumi], I’m going to end with her.”



“I think that the more you travel, the more capacity you have to be able to tolerate unforeseen cumstances when they do arise,” says Cape Town-based clinical psychologist, Yanir Grindler. “When traveling, oftentimes, you have to make use of limited resources. That leads to an incredible amount of resilience and trust in your own abilities and inabilities.”



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Belief in herself is one thing Udoh Ebaide Joy did not forget to pack when she set out on her three- month adventure to become “the first African woman to ride from Kenya to Nigeria on a motorcycle”.



A traumatic car accident at the age of 23 left the Nigerian native with a damaged spinal cord and the inability to walk for eight months. Now 32, Ebaide Joy is determined to live life to the fullest, in the face of fear and constant pain.



“I live with screws and rods holding my spinal cord. People will never truly understand how thrilling it is using a motorcycle, knowing that I am not so whole. I am partly disabled and I’m still using it. It makes me so much more careful, knowing that if anything bad were to happen, it could be really, really bad for me because I already have something. And that makes it even more exciting.” Regardless of having had very little riding experience before embarking on her trip, Ebaide Joy couldn’t imagine traveling any other way. “Motorcyclists never go to the therapist,” she claims. “The motorcycle is enough — it fixes your brain, whatever you are going through, whatever sadness, whatever is stopping you, you get on the motorcycle, you will forget it for that period of time. Even when your thoughts circle back to it, the next move you have to make on the motorcycle will bring your thoughts back to the present.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-819x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-63614" style="width:667px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-819x1024.jpeg 819w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-1638x2048.jpeg 1638w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image0-scaled.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Udoh Ebaide Joy had little riding experience before embarking on the trip (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Another advantage is the global community to which bikers belong.



“The bike enables you to meet different people, different cultures, and make more friends,” notes Sthembiso Mthembu, whose BMW R 1250 GS saw him through 11 countries as he traversed 13,650 kilometers between South Africa’s coastal city of Durban and Kenya.



“It is like a brotherhood or sisterhood, the biking community. Even if it’s the first time you meet, there’s a connection. You can be riding or standing by the road, if a biker passes you, he’ll definitely stop, ask where you’re from, if you need any help. Bikers are like a family.”



Despite it being a solo trip, the thriving motorcycle community throughout Africa ensured that Mthembu never felt truly alone. Following updates on his Facebook page, riders in various countries reached out to offer the South African, accommodation, meals, and company.



“Human connection is a basic need. We are born wanting to connect. The first thing we do as we leave our mother’s womb is try to reconnect and create a bond,” Grindler states. “To tolerate days or months without any social connection can take a real toll.”



For Nubi, solo trips are “empowering”, but she does admit to experiencing bouts of loneliness en route. “I think it was in Mauritania. There was an incredible sunset and I was taking a picture to send to a friend and getting so frustrated because the picture wasn’t capturing the way it looked, you know? So, there are many moments where you just go, ‘ah, I wish I could share this’. Because the thing about a solo trip, it’s great, it’s absolutely incredible, but it’s a memory that only you have. You cannot go and call someone and say, ‘hey, remember the time when we…,’ like, there is none of that. It’s just your memories and you almost have to be extra present in it because if you lose it or if you don’t catch the moment, then it’s gone.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63621" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_6222-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pelumi Nubi’s 74-day solo road trip was from the English capital to her birthplace in Nigeria (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Although solo endeavors may be lonesome, traveling with others — even those nearest and dearest— can present its own set of issues, as Weller and his mates discovered.



“Spending three to four months together, in a car, in a tent, was pretty challenging to say the least… even at the best of times, we argue. I think agreeing to disagree is quite important, because you’re always going to disagree about stuff, but you have to evaluate how important it is and whether it really matters who is right or wrong. That said, it is difficult when you have to make so many decisions.”



Grindler believes that traveling in a group can offer the opportunity for personal growth: “It’s about tolerating and being able to negotiate, while also being respectful of each other’s strengths and limits. It’s also about being aware that not everything you decide is the right decision.”



Being alone on such grand adventures also forces one to take extra precautions when it comes to safety. Both Nubi and Ebaide Joy avoided posting social media updates in real time and driving at night; while the doctors regularly consulted the British government’s travel advisory. Mthembu, however, recalls feeling safe enough to hand over his cellphone to random locals in Rwanda to take a picture — something he wouldn’t fathom doing in South Africa.



“I think that in any country, in any city, you need to be aware of your surroundings and act accordingly,” says Khabo. “I also think that when things happen across Africa, they are magnified and similar things can happen in other places, like New York, for example — yet no one stops coming to the United States. You can’t attribute one city’s hotspot to the entire continent and then ask, ‘is the entire continent safe’?”



“There is serious kindness in Africa. If we care to look for it, there is kindness,” Ebaide Joy acknowledges.



“Whilst we were in the Ivory Coast, the car got stuck in the mud in the middle of a forest and we didn’t know how we’d get it out,” Weller recalls. “We tried all night. In the morning, some people came past and we asked them if they could help. They didn’t speak English, we didn’t speak French. But so many of them came to help that we managed to push it out!”



Language barriers are just one of the hurdles that come with crossing various countries. Waiting on travel documents and dealing with border officials can result in numerous delays, additional expenses, and occasionally put a stop to entry altogether.



“We need a borderless Africa,” argues Ebaide Joy. “I am planning a Eurotour next year. I only need one visa to go to all European countries, but I needed a visa for almost every country I traveled as a Black woman in Africa. If there can be a borderless Africa, it will change the narrative significantly. Tourism will thrive better in Africa. It is just wrong that I can travel another continent much, much easier than my own.” According to Khabo, discussions about ease of entry are taking place behind the scenes. “I think governments are hearing and understand why it’s important. You’re seeing more and more governments on an individual level make it easier for travelers to enter their country, either with visas-on-arrival or no-visa policies. And regionally, countries are coming up with solutions so that upon entry into one country, that single visa can be used in neighboring countries. You’re seeing it in East Africa.



“There are always security issues and political issues, but I think that there’s an understanding that ease of entry is a major factor in travel and tourism. And so, you’re seeing a shift. It may be slow, but it’s definitely happening.”


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63618" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17-225x300.jpg 225w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image17.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sthembiso Mthembu’s journey on a BMW R 1250 GS through 11 countries (Image Supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


Should such a shift occur, it may result in even more travelers embarking on overland adventures, which will only benefit communities, as Khabo notes: “It offers a unique experience. You’re literally crossing from town to town and seeing the terrain change and supporting the local economies in a way that you wouldn’t ordinarily. It showcases our incredible diversity, our culture, music, fashion, art, food. And the more that you see other people do it, the more people understand that it’s possible.”



“I would get messages from teachers saying, ‘we’ve ditched the school curriculum because my students and I literally just watch your journey in class’. Emails from 70-year-old women who tell me, ‘I literally feel like restarting my life because for so long I had this big adventure within me, but society told me I couldn’t do it. And now seeing you do it just gives me so much hope,’” Nubi reveals.



“As long as you are sure you can do, don’t mind what people say,” Ebaide Joy insists. “Whatever fears they put into you, however much they say you can’t do it, the first person to believe in it is you. If you think you can do it and you believe in a yourself, you should absolutely go for it.”



More times than not, it is ourselves who become obstacles in our own path, as Nubi acknowledges.



“We always wait for the perfect situation, but most of the time we already have the thing that we need to get to that destination. We just, you know, need to be a little bit braver.” People often say that it is not about the destination, but about the journey. Regardless of whether you choose to go fast, far, solo, or together, perhaps the answer is to just… go!

African by roada

Overland Adventures Across Africa: When The Journey Equals The Destination

The FBI has been notified of evidence of hacking on the iPhones of two senior officials at one of the presidential campaigns. Sources say the agency is pursuing a lead related to a Chinese hacking group.



The FBI is investigating whether China used its access to American telecoms networks to infect the iPhones of senior staff of a U.S. presidential campaign, according to a cybersecurity expert involved in protecting the officials’ devices.



Rocky Cole, the founder of mobile security startup iVerify, told&nbsp;Forbes&nbsp;his company’s software flagged anomalous behavior on two iPhones that belonged to senior officials for one of the presidential campaigns. He declined to specify which one.



Cole, a former NSA analyst and Google employee, said iVerify detected settings on staff iPhones were changed “in patterns that are not observed on healthy devices.” Previously, mobile malware developed by government hacking groups have changed settings in the same manner, he said. “That does not mean the devices were definitively compromised, but this information combined with who owned the devices and the timelines of the events were enough to merit a robust investigation, which is ongoing,” Cole told&nbsp;Forbes.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“The Trump administration will need to hit the ground running on countering the recent uptick in cyber activity.”Chris Krebs, former CISA director
</blockquote>



The FBI confirmed to Cole that one of the impacted iPhones belonged to a target of a Chinese cyber espionage group referred to as Salt Typhoon, he said. According to reports in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/chinese-hackers-targeted-phones-of-trump-vance-and-harris-campaign-e04abbdf?mod=article_inline" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>,&nbsp;a number of telecoms giants including AT&amp;T and Verizon had their networks breached by Salt Typhoon, a unit believed to work on behalf of China’s state security service. The paper cited various sources with knowledge of the matter, who claimed the attackers targeted the communications of President Trump, his running mate JD Vance and individuals working on the president Kamala Harris campaign. Neither the Harris nor Trump campaigns responded to requests for comment.



“The timeline of the anomalous behavior aligned with Salt Typhoon&#8217;s behavior within the Verizon network,” said Cole. “We have to assume China would do more with their position on the Verizon infrastructure than simply listen to phone calls. It&#8217;s an attractive position for deeper exploitation of adjacent networks and devices. For that reason, there is an ongoing investigation to determine whether those devices were actually breached.” His company was tasked with protecting officials’ iPhones through its work with the Defending Digital Campaigns nonpartisan nonprofit, which provides candidates and staff with access to free cybersecurity tools.



If the FBI finds a candidate or one of their staff had their iPhones hacked, it would be a significant breach. Infecting a smartphone allows for wider access to information on a target compared to what would be compromised via telecoms networks. Such malware would potentially have access to the phone’s microphone, calls and texts, encrypted communications, such as messages sent over WhatsApp and Signal, and to more private information stored on health and dating apps, as well as detailed location information.



Apple declined to comment. Neither the FBI nor Verizon responded to requests for comment.



Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., denied it was behind any attacks on the U.S. and had “no&nbsp;intention and will not interfere in the U.S. election,” adding, “In recent years, the U.S. has compiled and spread all kinds of disinformation about the so-called Chinese hacking threats. Such allegations are full of malicious speculations against China, which China firmly opposes.”



American officials and cyber experts believe China is a major cyber threat facing the U.S. Chris Krebs, former chief of the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), said China should be a top priority for the incoming Trump administration. In November 2020, Trump fired Krebs on Twitter after the ex-CISA head declared that year’s election legitimate and safe from outside influence.



“Given China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in multiple domains, the Trump administration will need to hit the ground running on countering the recent uptick in cyber activity,” said Krebs. “They’ll also need to continue evaluating offensive cyber options… The stakes are crystal clear: China is preparing for war, are we?”

US Election-Night Watch Parties Held Overseas

FBI Investigating Possible China Hack Of Presidential Campaign Officials’ iPhones

With a remarkable 20-year track record in the entertainment industry, South African television presenter, radio personality, and businesswoman, Bonang Matheba, spoke with FORBES AFRICA in September, reflecting on the highlights of her career, such as founding Bonang Matheba Entertainment in 2017, producing award-winning documentaries, and becoming the first face of Revlon outside the United States in 2013.



“When I think back, [the pivotal moments] were meeting certain people or being part of certain moments or events or projects that have really pivoted my career and completely changed how I view things,” she says.



Even as her reality show B’dazzled by Bonang airs the final episode (of the season), Matheba says that building a brand is a never-ending strategy but one she has been fortunate to take in different directions.



“I usually do very well when I’m doing something I absolutely love, or I’ve aligned with things that love me back,” she explains. “It’s not just about me slapping my name on to something. I’m a bubbly girl, so I launched my own bubbly. I’m a shoe girl, so of course, I’ll have my own shoe collection with Steve Madden. I’m a big makeup person, so of course I’ll be working with L’Oreal and flying between Paris and South Africa.”



And through working on “the small big things as opposed to a lot of little things”, Matheba believes there is more opportunity for growth. Five years ago, Matheba launched her own luxury bever age brand, the House of BNG and its Brut and Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classiques (MCCs).



In July this year, she launched the non-alcoholic version of BNG. Her inspiration?



Simple; listening to trends and “giving people what they want”.



Matheba says she worked for about three years listening to her consumers and researching non-alcoholic beverages. The market for this is big, as Statista reports that in the non-alcoholic drinks market, South Africa alone is expected to generate a revenue (in supermarkets and convenience stores) of over $4 billion in 2024.



“I think BNG for me has expanded [way more than] what I thought I could do as a businesswoman and entrepreneur; and also [to] kind of commercialize using my name, to generate a lot more income, and a different kind of approach to brand Bonang has been amazing.”



However, the buck does not stop there for ‘Queen B’ (as she is affectionately known by her fans). Matheba says she believes that she was put on this earth to serve. Be it by promoting the growth of other aspiring entrepreneurs or creatives or just by giving back, she notes the significance of her endeavors.



“I will always tell anybody that knows me or listens to brand Bonang or watches what I do that you should always be guided by your heart,” Matheba says, commenting on the work she also does as a global ambassador for Zero Malaria and with her foundation, “because you will never, ever fail; your gut and your heart are really your true lighthouse”.

Bonang Matheba

The Art Of Being South African and Brand Bonang

With The Spurt In Healthtech, AI-powered apps Are Now All The Rage Offering Groundbreaking Interventions In Africa’s Battle against Rising Obesity Rates.



It’s an issue that affects a bulk of the continent’s population.



In Africa, where rising rates of obesity present a growing public health crisis, researchers and innovators are now turning to artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools to combat the epi- demic. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, 2.5 billion adults worldwide were classified as overweight, with over 890 million living with obesity. The problem is becoming especially urgent in low- and middle-income countries. In Africa alone, the number of overweight children under five has increased by nearly 23% since 2000, signaling a dramatic shift in public health needs across the continent.



One of the figures joining the battle against obesity through AI Richmond Essieku, a Ghanaian doctoral student at Texas Tech University. Essieku has reportedly identified 13 genes as potential biomarkers for obesity, with four of them already confirmed. His research is now being translated into a practical solution: an AI- powered mobile app, tentatively titled Generating Artificial Intel- ligence (AI) Based Algorithms to Model and Predict Genotype-by- Socioeconomic Status Interaction for Precision Obesity Detection. This app is designed to model the interaction between genetics and socioeconomic factors in order to provide a more accurate picture of obesity risk in individuals, particularly in Africa, where such nuances are often overlooked.



AI-powered tools like Essieku’s app are not the first examples of how AI can help address the complex factors contributing to obesity. Globally, AI has been used in various ways to combat obesity — from monitoring dietary habits to creating personalized fitness plans. In the United States (U.S.), platforms like Lark Health use AI to offer real-time health coaching, helping users monitor their eating habits and physical activity.



Similarly, Noom, a popular weight-loss app, uses AI to provide personalized advice and insights into user-behavior, which can lead to long-term lifestyle changes.



With the number of smartphone subscriptions in sub-Saharan Africa expected to reach 689 million by 2028, according to Statista, mobile technology offers a promising platform for AI-powered health interventions. AI-driven mobile apps can help individuals monitor their weight, track their food intake, and maintain healthy levels of physical activity. These apps can be tailored to include traditional African foods in dietary rec- ommendations, making them culturally relevant and easier for users to adopt.



The global applications point to the potential for similar systems tailored specifically to African contexts. Abideen Ola- supo, founder of MyAIFactchecker, an AI fact-checking platform based in Nigeria, highlights the importance of culturally-local- ized solutions. “We want to build people’s confidence in explor- ing how they can interact with AI to find safe and effective ways to combat obesity,” Olasupo tells FORBES AFRICA. “For a long time, many have turned to harmful concoctions that negatively impact their health. Africa’s unique challenges cannot be under- stood from the outside, which is why we’ve been researching the solutions people seek online. Obesity, in particular, is a sensitive issue that many feel ashamed to confront.”



MyAIFactChecker is one of several platforms working to ensure that AI solutions are tailored to Africa-specific chal- lenges. Olasupo explains that the platform sifts through different themes, including health and nutrition, to ensure that data is lo- calized and actionable. He notes that combating obesity in Africa requires integrating AI into the daily lives of Africans in ways that are culturally relevant and accessible.



AI’s ability to personalize interventions is especially critical when considering the unique challenges Africa faces in address- ing obesity. Many Africans live in ‘food deserts’ — areas where healthy food is difficult to find or too expensive to buy. Physical activity can also be limited by unsafe environments or long work- ing hours, making traditional approaches to weight-loss difficult to implement.



Africa’s healthcare infrastructure faces significant challeng- es, including a shortage of healthcare professionals and limited access to health facilities. AI is helping to alleviate these issues by offering remote monitoring and telehealth services for obesity management. In countries like Nigeria and Ghana, where access to healthcare is often limited, AI-powered remote health services could provide essential support to individuals looking to manage their weight.



AI-powered health apps are gaining popularity in Africa, also offering personalized recommendations for diet and exercise.



In Nigeria, the startup WellNewMe is using AI to provide us- ers with customized health assessments based on their lifestyle choices. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to ana- lyze users’ eating habits, physical activity, and medical history. It then generates recommendations to improve their health and reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions. For example, users can receive tailored meal plans, exercise routines, and lifestyle tips, all customized to their specific health profiles.



A similar initiative is underway in Ghana, where mPharma, a healthtech company, has developed the mymutti Mobile app. While primarily used to offer affordable medications, the app has recently integrated an AI-powered feature that tracks users’ body mass index (BMI) and offers recommendations for healthier liv- ing. Users receive customized tips on maintaining a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and managing weight through simple lifestyle changes.



In Rwanda, AI is being used to improve access to healthcare in rural areas where obesity is on the rise. The Babyl Health plat- form, which uses AI to provide remote medical consultations, has been instrumental in helping individuals in rural communities access healthcare services. Through the app, users can consult with doctors about weight-related issues, receive prescriptions, and get referrals to local health facilities for further treatment.



Farming innovations to support the health sector



AI’s role in combating obesity extends beyond healthcare to the agricultural sector, where it is being used to improve the avail- ability of healthy, affordable food. In Nigeria, the startup Zenvus is leveraging AI to help farmers increase crop yields and reduce food waste. By using AI-powered sensors, Zenvus collects data on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop health. This data helps farmers make informed decisions about when to plant, irri- gate, and harvest their crops, resulting in higher yields and more efficient food production.



Another example is FarmPin, a South African agritech com- pany that uses AI and satellite imagery to monitor crop health and predict food shortages. By analyzing data from farms across the country, FarmPin helps farmers optimize their production and ensure a steady supply of fresh produce to local markets. This, in turn, makes healthy food more accessible and affordable, reducing reliance on processed foods that are often linked to ris- ing obesity rates.



Public health experts are also optimistic about the potential of AI to offer scalable solutions for obesity prevention in Africa. Opeyemi Adam, a public health expert based in Lagos, explains that AI could help overcome some of the challenges of limited healthcare resources in many African countries. “Obesity is often thought of as a personal issue, but it’s deeply systemic,” Adam says. “AI offers a way to analyze large amounts of data and iden- tify trends that would otherwise go unnoticed, which is crucial in places where healthcare resources are stretched thin.”



Adam also points out that many Africans lack access to per- sonalized health advice, something AI could help bridge. “With AI, we could create more personalized health plans that take into account not just the individual’s body weight or fitness level, but also their lifestyle, environment, and even their genetic makeup,” he says.

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Prince William is in Cape Town on a four-day climate-focused tour, meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa, engaging with young environmental leaders, and supporting wildlife conservation initiatives. His visit culminates with the presentation of the Earthshot Prize tonight, emphasizing his commitment to environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and South Africa.



Meeting with President Ramaphosa



Prince William met President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss mutual interests in sustainability, wildlife conservation, and climate change. The meeting reinforced the importance of international collaboration and strengthened the partnership between the two nations in pursuing sustainable development goals.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="721" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2182365016.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63587" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2182365016.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2182365016-300x211.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GettyImages-2182365016-768x541.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Prince William, Prince of Wales meets the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at his Official Residence on November 5, 2024 in Cape Town. (Photo by Victoria Jones &#8211; Pool/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure></div>


United for Wildlife Initiative



At the United for Wildlife Global Summit in Cape Town, Prince William announced a new support package for rangers across Africa. The five-year plan aims to provide 10,000 rangers with access to affordable insurance, medical evacuation services, and leadership development opportunities.



&#8220;Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030,&#8221; Prince William stated in a press release. Developed in partnership with Tusk Trust and the Game Rangers Association of Africa, the initiative seeks to enhance the welfare and professional development of those on the front lines of conservation.



Engaging with Youth Leaders



Prince William joined young environmentalists for the inaugural Earthshot Prize Climate Leaders Youth Programme. The initiative empowers young leaders through workshops on leadership, storytelling, and advocacy. Participants shared innovative solutions to climate challenges in their communities, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.



The Earthshot Prize in Africa



Hosting the Earthshot Prize in Cape Town marks its first time on African soil. Founded by Prince William in 2020, the prize recognizes groundbreaking environmental solutions, highlighting Africa&#8217;s growing role in global environmental innovation.



The ceremony near Cape Town Stadium will feature performances by international and African artists such as Davido, Diamond Platnumz and DJ Uncle Waffles, and will be broadcast globally. Five recipients will each receive £1 million to advance their projects in areas such as air quality improvement, ocean health, and climate resilience.



The Prince&#8217;s visit underscores the importance of international cooperation in environmental conservation. By engaging with government leaders, conservation professionals, and young activists, the tour highlights efforts to promote sustainability, protect wildlife, and empower future generations.

The Prince Of Wales Visits South Africa For The Earthshot Prize Awards – Day One

Prince William’s Visit to South Africa Highlights Conservation Efforts and Youth Empowerment

Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump Holds Election Night Event In West Palm Beach

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Post-election unrest in Mozambique intensifies with at least 11 dead and dozens injured amid nationwide protests and allegations of fraud in the recent general elections. Experts weigh in on the continued tension.



The aftermath of Mozambique&#8217;s 2024 general elections, held on October 9, has plunged the nation into public protests with a strong response from the government, potentially leading to further turmoil if the contested results are ratified by the judiciary on November 7. The ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), in power since the southern African country’s independence from Portugal nearly half a century ago, is facing scrutiny following allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities from both independent observers and opposition parties.



A Nation on the Brink



&#8220;Mozambique is like a ticking time bomb in many respects, including high levels of repression and the rapidly rising cost of living,&#8221; says independent political analyst Marisa Lourenço in an interview with FORBES AFRICA.



The scale of the unrest reportedly marks the largest revolt in the country&#8217;s modern history. Protests have erupted nationwide, with significant incidents in Maputo, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, and Inhambane.



Contributing factors noted by Lourenço include deteriorating living standards and the increased cost of living, with civic demonstrations having been on the rise even before the election. &#8220;This isn’t sustainable, and popular frustration was bound to result in sustained levels of protest at some point,&#8221; she observes.



The protests intensified after independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane contested the official election results, which declared FRELIMO&#8217;s Daniel Chapo the winner. Mondlane, who claims to have secured over 50% of the vote, has called for nationwide demonstrations and a general strike, urging citizens to protest against what he describes as a fraudulent electoral process. International observers have echoed these concerns. The European Union Election Observation Missions (EU EOM) noted &#8220;unjustified alteration&#8221; of election results at polling stations and district levels, urging Mozambican authorities to conduct the counting of ballots &#8220;in a transparent and credible manner&#8221;.



Youth at the Forefront



&#8220;We are certainly seeing a trend on the continent where young people are fed up with a government that does not produce results for them or essential services,&#8221; says Allan Ngari, Africa Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), to FORBES AFRICA. &#8220;And I think Mozambique is no exception.&#8221;



The significant role of young Mozambicans in the protests cannot be overstated. Lourenço adds: &#8220;It shows that youth are under huge pressure from the lack of economic opportunities for them, something that has been an issue for years and does not seem to be getting any better.&#8221;



Many of these young protesters did not experience Mozambique&#8217;s fight for independence and are seemingly disillusioned with the state of affairs, says Lourenço. &#8220;Young Mozambicans want change. They have lost faith in FRELIMO&#8217;s ability to bring that change… They have also lost faith in what was until this election, the main opposition, RENAMO. The only alternative that young people see is in a figure like Mondlane.&#8221;



Escalation of Violence



The situation escalated dramatically with the reported killing of Mondlane&#8217;s lawyer, Elvino Dias, and Podemos party member Paulo Guambe. Dias was preparing to submit a case contesting the early election results to Mozambique’s Constitutional Court before he was killed, allegedly by security forces, according to eyewitnesses interviewed by HRW.



Given the judiciary&#8217;s perceived lack of independence, many doubt that a timely or impartial investigation will occur, further eroding public trust.



HRW has condemned the crackdown. Ngari states, &#8220;The Mozambique security forces’ violent crackdown on protesters has severely increased political tensions following the country’s elections.&#8221;



HRW reports that security forces have killed at least 11 people and injured over 50 others using live bullets and tear gas…



“But it&#8217;s much more than that. That was our reporting as of last week, so the number has increased,&#8221; says Ngari.



Government and International Response



Mozambique&#8217;s government has doubled down, shifting responsibility for the violence onto the opposition. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Verónica Macamo accused Mondlane of incitement. &#8220;The speeches of candidate Mondlane and his supporters created the favorable environment for the transformation of demonstrations — a constitutional right — into acts of vandalism, theft, and violence,&#8221; she said.



In an apparent attempt to stifle communication among protesters, access to the internet and social media platforms has been restricted several times over the last week, with residents in major metros reporting limited or no access, as confirmed by local journalists, who reported the outages as an effort to stifle the protests and organization.



Meanwhile, in addition to the EU EOM, Portugal, Mozambique’s former colonial ruler, as well as the African Union (AU) and the United States have also condemned the violence.



The Road Ahead 



Looking forward, the prospects for significant political change remain uncertain. As Mozambique grapples with this crisis, the demands for democratic reforms and accountability grow louder.



The government&#8217;s response to these protests will significantly influence the nation&#8217;s path forward. &#8220;FRELIMO took it a step too far by rigging the elections too blatantly, and undermining opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane to a significant, obvious degree,&#8221; Lourenço concludes.



The hope for a peaceful resolution hinges on the government&#8217;s willingness to engage with the disillusioned youth and address the systemic issues fueling the unrest, and the final impact on the country itself remains to be seen. &#8220;Significant political change is unlikely, in my opinion, but protests are likely to continue sporadically over the coming weeks,&#8221; says Lourenço. &#8220;Eventually, FRELIMO will have to listen to the youth, in some form, to appease them.&#8221; <a id="_msocom_1"></a>

Voting begins in Mozambique to elect new president, parliament

Mozambique’s Election Crisis Deepens with Youth-Led Protests and Deaths

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



Vice President Kamala Harris inched ahead of former President Donald Trump by the narrowest of margins in both polling guru Nate Silver and FiveThirtyEight’s final presidential forecasts shortly after midnight on Tuesday, although both projections showed the race for the White House remained a statistical tie on Election Day as both candidates’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/11/04/election-2024-swing-state-polls-trump-harris-race-deadlocked-on-election-eve-as-pennsylvania-still-tied-updated/">poll numbers</a>&nbsp;in key swing states remained deadlocked.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Facts</h2>



Silver released his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.natesilver.net/p/nate-silver-2024-president-election-polls-model" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">final forecast</a>&nbsp;after running 80,000 simulations of the race based on polling data and found that Harris had a 50.015% chance of winning compared to Trump’s 49.985%—effectively a tie—after a minor comeback of sorts by the Democrat who was down 44% to 55% at the start of November.



FiveThirtyEight also&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2024-election-forecast/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">released</a>&nbsp;its final forecast for the presidential race winner, giving Harris the slimmest of edges at a roughly 50% chance of winning, compared to Trump’s 49%.



Silver and FiveThirtyEight’s forecasts estimate the probability of either candidate winning, and are separate from polls, which estimate how much of the vote each candidate will get—but many national and swing state polls remain essentially tied, too.



Harris leads Trump 49%-48% with likely voters in the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/11/04/new-forbesharrisx-survey-harris-and-trump-in-near-dead-heat-1-day-before-election/">HarrisX/Forbes poll</a>, which was taken between Wednesday and Friday and has a margin of error of one point, and she’s up 50%-48% in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/harris-and-trump-are-locked-tight-race-1-day-election" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Ipsos poll</a>&nbsp;also out Monday.



The vice president has a larger four-point lead (51%-47%) in both a new PBS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/harris-has-4-point-lead-over-trump-in-final-pbs-news-npr-marist-election-poll" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">News/NPR/Marist</a>&nbsp;survey and a 50,000-person poll by the&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.tufts.edu/cooperativeelectionstudy/2024/10/28/ces-estimates-on-the-2024-presidential-election/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Cooperative Election Study</a>&nbsp;taken throughout the first 25 days of October.



Some other recent polls show a tighter race: The vice president had a 49%-47% lead in a&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.morningconsult.com/trackers/2024-presidential-election-polling" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Morning Consult survey</a>, a 49%-46% advantage in an&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/election-stays-close-final-weekend-dispirited-electorate-poll/story?id=115278707" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">ABC/Ipsos</a>&nbsp;poll, a 49%-47% edge in an&nbsp;<a href="https://d3nkl3psvxxpe9.cloudfront.net/documents/econTabReport_NgtZTja.pdf#page=10" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Economist/YouGov survey</a>&nbsp;and a 50%-49% advantage in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-harris-poll-gender-gap/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CBS/YouGov</a>&nbsp;poll last week.



Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/final-nbc-news-poll-harris-trump-race-neck-neck-significant-gender-gap-rcna178361" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">NBC News</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/november-2024-national-poll-trump-and-harris-remain-locked-in-tight-race/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Emerson College</a>&nbsp;polls out Sunday show the two candidates tied at 49%, and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/final-yahoo-newsyougov-election-poll-trump-pulls-even-with-harris-at-47--but-will-enthusiasm-favor-democrats-144135193.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Yahoo News/YouGov</a>&nbsp;survey also produces a 47%-47% deadlock, matching up with other recent tied polls by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/25/us/politics/poll-harris-trump-times-siena.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>/Siena College,&nbsp;<a href="https://emersoncollegepolling.com/october-2024-national-poll-trump-49-harris-49/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Emerson College</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/25/politics/cnn-poll-harris-trump/index.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CNN/SSRS</a>.



The widely followed Times/Siena poll released late last month represented a decline in support for Harris since the newspaper’s previous poll in early October showed her with a 49%-46% lead over Trump—and the paper called the results “not encouraging” for Harris as Democrats have won the popular vote in recent elections even when they’ve lost the White House.



Trump is ahead 48% to 46% in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/24/presidential-election-is-a-dead-heat-though-trump-leads-harris-big-on-economy-says-cnbc-survey.html" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">CNBC survey</a>&nbsp;of registered voters released Oct. 24 (margin of error 3.1), and he leads 47% to 45% in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-leads-harris-wsj-poll-779f8516?mod=googlenewsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;registered voter poll out Oct. 23 (margin of error 2.5)—a shift in Trump’s favor since August, when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-harris-poll-august-election-2024-e6fa024e" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Harris led</a>&nbsp;47% to 45% in a Journal survey.



Harris erased Trump’s lead over Biden since announcing her candidacy on July 21, though her edge has decreased over the past two months, peaking at 3.7 points in late August, according to FiveThirtyEight’s&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/2024/national/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">weighted polling average.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Important Reminder: Presidential Polls Have Frequently Been Wrong</h2>



And there is a lot of speculation on how they’re wrong this year—and who that may benefit. Read all about it&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephenpastis/2024/10/25/heres-how-the-presidential-polls-might-be-wrong/">in this story</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Big Number</h2>



1.2 points. That’s Harris’ average lead over Trump in FiveThirtyEight’s&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/2024/national/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">polling average</a>. Meanwhile, RealClearPolitics’&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-harris" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">polling average</a>&nbsp;shows Harris up by 0.1, and Nate Silver has Harris up one point in his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.natesilver.net/p/nate-silver-2024-president-election-polls-model" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Silver Bulletin forecast</a>.

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