The newly inaugurated Nigeria Egypt Cultural and Socio Economic Forum (NECSEF) is a model business association focused on promoting successful economic relations between Nigeria and Egypt.

NECSEF’s aspiration is to be the one stop organisation and preferred gateway for conducting business in Nigeria by Egyptians, providing trust and the ability to engage with highly influential people who can provide access and market intelligence into every aspect of the Nigerian market.

NECSEF organised its first conference in collaboration with Nigeria Embassy in Cairo, and strategic partners Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) on the 10^th – 12^th October 2022 to a roaring success.

The conference titled Nigeria – Egypt Trade Conference & B2B Meeting attracted over 300 high level business leaders and government officials. The event took place at the conference halls of the stunning St. Regis hotel Almasa, in the new federal capital territory, Cairo Egypt.

The idea for the conference according to Mr. Mahmood Ahmadu, chairman of NECSEF and OIS, the main organisers, was to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two largest African economies, Nigeria and Egypt with the aspiration to boost trade from the current of circa $180 million US.

The NECSEF chairman Mr Ahmadu and Dr Yousry El Sharkawi EABA chairman made a joint announcement that an agreement of $30 million dollars was signed during the conference as part of strengthening bilateral relations.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with over 225 million people, and Egypt is the third most populous country in Africa with over 104 million people. Egypt enjoys a mixed economy strong in tourism, agriculture, construction, fossil fuels with an emerging ICT sector.

Nigeria on the other hand has a mixed economy focused upon petroleum, and a growing agriculture sector, it also has an emerging market with expanding technology, service, financial and communications sectors.

There is great demand in Nigeria for Egyptian products and it’s really a promising market for Egyptian investments with some great Egyptian companies already operating in Nigeria.

A great percentage of Nigeria’s exports to Egypt are petroleum and gas products followed by agricultural commodities.

The objectives of the conference in part was to reach a new and viable vision with a view of mobilizing the private sector, civil society and business community of both countries to increase trade and actively participate in African development.

The well attended event was spaced out over three days; with the first day being the main conference with many high level speakers, attended by government leaders, senior members of several diplomatic missions, and leaders from the business sector.

The second day was a highly interactive B2B session, matchmaking several sectors with hundreds of the delegates where Nigerian and Egyptian business people participated in pitching and introducing their various businesses.

The third day was all about tours and external visits to some of Egypt’s most iconic centers. Delegates chose from one of two tour options, either a visit to the world famous Suez Canal Economic Zone, an innovative and self-sustaining industrial development and commercial hub, or the world class International Medical Center, a military hospital that is one of the largest in the Middle East.

Read Also – Nigerian tech company OIS opens latest offices in Cairo to offer Visa, Passport, BVN, NIN services in Egypt.

The dignitaries who graced the event included Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu, Minister of State Works and Housing, Minister of State Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum, H.E Nura Abba Rimi, Nigerian Ambassor in Egypt, Mr Anthony Nwachukwu, Vice President of Innovate 1 Pay, Mr Babatunde Irukera, CEO Federal Competition & Consumer Protection, Mr Khalifa Abdullahi, Chairman KK Kingdom Group, Dr Kassim Gidado from Nigeria Arab Gulf Chamber of Commerce.

Also in attendance was Dr Yousry El-Sharkawi, chairman Egyptian African Businessmen’s Association (EABA) Walid Gamal El Din, Chairman of the General Authority Economic Zone, Suez Canal, Dr Sherif El-Gabaly, chairman African Affairs, Egyptian House of Representatives, Eng. Ahmed Sameer,

Egyptian Ministry of Trade & Industry, Mr Walid Jamal Eldin, chairman of the Egyptian Nigeria Business Council among many others.

There were senior representatives from Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Export & Import Bank (Afreximbank), PWC, AFDB and others.

Source – https://expressday.ng/

<strong>$30m trade agreement signed at the recently concluded Nigeria – Egypt Trade Conference in Cairo Egypt</strong>
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The Nigerian technology firm Online Integrated Solutions (OIS), founded by Mr. Mahmood Ahmadu opened its newest office in Cairo, Egypt, to facilitate important administrative tasks relating to visa and passport applications, Bank Verification Number (BVN), and national identity enrolment services for Nigerians living in Egypt and the neighbouring Arab countries.

The Centre was opened as part of activities of the Nigeria–Egypt Trade Conference and Exhibition organised by the newly formed Nigeria Egypt Cultural & Socio-Economic Forum (NECSEF), which took place in Cairo, Egypt, on the 10th – 12th October 2022.

The office was formally opened by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Works and Housing, Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub and Senator Zaki Abas of the Egyptian Parliament and Ambassador Nura Rimi, the Nigerian Ambassador to Egypt, alongside many other dignitaries.  

The new building is situated at 51 Michel Bakom Street Dokki, Cairo, and serves as the Secretariat of the Nigeria-Egypt Cultural and Socio-Economic Forum (NECSEF), co-locates OIS, which provides services for Nigerian Foreign missions and Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Mr. Mahmood Ahmadu, who is also the chairman of NECSEF, explained that the building is an important symbol in promoting Nigeria-Egypt economic and business relations.

He said with the presence of OIS in Egypt, Nigerians in the country can now enroll and obtain BVN and National Identity Number (NIN) without having to travel to Nigeria.

The firm, he said, also provides administrative and payment support for Nigeria passport applications.

According to the founder of the leading software solutions provider, established in 2012, the company also supports and facilitates a wide range of online applications across 34 major cities around the world.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu and Robert Jreissati Signs MOU to Boost Trade Opportunities Between Nigeria and Poland

‘‘Our services also include the provision of biometric visa administrative services, financial services, bank verification number, account opening services (for Nigerian banks), national ID biometric capture, and medical tourism,’’ he said.

On NECSEF, Ahmadu explained that it is a model business association devoted to promoting successful economic relations and business relationships between Nigeria and Egypt.

He said that the Forum aims to promote its members in Nigeria and Egypt and facilitates the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships between Nigerian and Egyptian businesses.

According to Ahmadu, the objectives of the Forum is to organize conferences, lectures, seminars, exhibitions, and other business activities while also encouraging economic development and trade relations between citizens living in both countries.

High-level Egyptian business executives and officials were also present at the inauguration of the building.

Source – https://www.vanguardngr.com/

<strong>Nigerian tech company OIS opens latest offices in Cairo to offer Visa, Passport, BVN, NIN services in Egypt.</strong>
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The NAGCC formally unveiled its new and beautiful offices at their Dubai Headquarters located at Silver Tower, Cluster I, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, on the 26^th of July 2022.

By opening this new office in the heart of the business district in Dubai, it provides the opportunity for companies with a desire to do business in the vast Nigerian and the Arab Gulf markets to physically visit and meet with high-level members of the NAGCC face-to-face.

This will significantly enhance trust and confidence by meeting with senior individuals who have the ability to provide knowledgeable guidance, market intelligence, expertise and most importantly the right contacts. This will assist potential investors in navigating an unfamiliar terrain in the most populous country and largest African market Nigeria and the Gulf States.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu and Robert Jreissati Signs MOU to Boost Trade Opportunities Between Nigeria and Poland

The unveiling was graced by several dignitaries including;

• H.E. Amb. Zubairu Dada, Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nigeria.
• H.E. Mohammed Dansanta Rimi, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UAE.
• H.E. Dr. Fahad Al Taffaq – the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria,
• Amb. Tayyibat  Atinuke Mohammed, Nigeria’s Consul-General to the UAE,
• NAGCC President Mahmood Ahmadu
• Shaikh Abdulrahman Saif Al Sharqi alongside other VIP’S.

The NAGCC is a model investment association dedicated to the development of prosperous business relationships and economic contacts between Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf. The NAGCC board is made up of leading entrepreneurs who enjoy excellent business relations in Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf Countries.

The objectives of the NAGCC are to promote trade and investments in Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf States, to facilitate excellent economic relations between Nigerian and Arabian Gulf companies, and to provide trade information and business consultancy services to its clients and other potential partners.

For more information please email: info@nigeriaarabgulf.com

Article contributed by;

Charles Ajayi-Khiran

Inspirational leadership speaker

Corporate trainer & Consultant

NAGCC Unveils State of the Art Offices in Dubai
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Expo 2020 Dubai – The Nigerian Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC) hosted the last instalment of the Nigerian Trade & Investment Forum as part of the ongoing and soon to be concluded Expo 2020 Dubai.

The event featured senior government ministers from the ministries of Power, Water resources and the Federal Capital Territory, showcasing unique investment opportunities to the global audience. The Hon. Minister of Water Resources H.E ENGR. Suleiman Adamu presented the attractive investment opportunities in the water sector, H.E Muhammad Musa Bello, Hon. Minister Federal Capital Territory (FCT) delivered a compelling and comprehensive presentation unveiling powerful opportunities in the FCT, and the ministerial segment was rounded up with a presentation by H.E Goddy Jedy Agba Hon Minister of State for Power.

The panel discussions focused on Renewable Energy and African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) opportunities featuring senior directors from the Ministry of Water Resources, Power and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission alongside many other experts.

The Expo 2020 Dubai has over 190 countries participating and driven by a vision to “Connect Minds, and Create the Future” with a mission to offer a global platform for “cross-pollination” between different cultures from around the world. The expo as of February last month had recorded over 13.5 million unique visitors. It combines innovation, technology, art and culture to offer a superior experience with different countries showcasing their very best ideas to the world.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu and Robert Jreissati Signs MOU to Boost Trade Opportunities Between Nigeria and Poland

It will be recalled that the NAGCC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission hosted its first and hugely successful Nigerian Trade & Investment Forum as part of the Expo on the 4^th of December 2021 with a Presidential Dinner on the 3^rd. His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was the special guest of honour at that event, and in his speech he wooed investors informing them that Nigeria remains the viable and most attractive investment destination in Africa. 

There were no less than 16 senior ministers and Governors from Nigeria along with high-level Emirati delegates led by – His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Trade, UAE who also attended that event with the President all making powerful cases for investment in Nigeria to the global audience.

Chairman of the organizing committee of the NAGCC Mahmood Ahmadu in his final remarks spoke of his excitement at the success of the event, he further added how elated and encouraged he is by the growing confidence that investors and businesses from the UAE and the Gulf region are entrusting to the NAGCC as the primary gateway into the huge Nigerian market.

About the NAGCC

The Nigerian– Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC) is a model bilateral trade association dedicated to the development of prosperous business relationships and economic contacts between Nigeria and all the Arabian Gulf countries (Saudi-Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait & Oman). Its board and members are leading entrepreneurs and companies who enjoy excellent business relations in Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf Countries.

The objectives of the Chamber are to promote its members in Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf States, to facilitate the economic relations between Nigerian and Arabian Gulf companies, and to provide trade information and business consultancy services to its members and other potential partners. NAGCC’s primary focus is to act works as a platform for global business leaders.

Expo 2020 Dubai – An Exciting and Final Segment of the Nigerian Trade & Investment Forum
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The Federal Government through the Nigerian Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Polish Arab Chamber of Commerce to facilitate trade and investment opportunities.

The Chairman of the NAGCC, Mahmood Ahmadu, signed on behalf of his organisation while Robert Jreissati signed for the National Polish Arab Chamber of Commerce.

According to a statement by Executive Assistant to the Chairman NAGCC, Souzan Owji, the agreement was signed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on the margins of EXPO 2020, where President Muhammadu Buhari and other world leaders attended.

The statement said the partnership will unleash many business investments that will be finalised in the coming months.

“From EXPO 2020 Dubai, which will end in March 2022, we at NAGCC are excited that many businesses in the Middle East are interested in the Nigeria market and the signing of this MOU signals a new beginning for new investments in Africa’s largest economy.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu adds another coveted award for ‘visionary leadership’ in business to his numerous collection

“Already, the International Investors Council, which sits on an investment capital of trillion of dollars, is talking with us and once we have a good understanding they are willing to bring their investments to Nigeria,’” Ahmadu said.

The Chairman also commended President Buhari for the immense strides of his administration at repositioning the Nigerian economy and painstaking efforts to promote ease of doing business in the country, including issuing an Executive Order on Promotion of Transparency and Efficiency in the Business Environment.

On the recently launched National Development Plan (NDP), 2021 to 2025, Ahmadu welcomed the decision by the Buhari led administration to amend laws that impede the private sector from being the main driver of the economy.

He expressed confidence that the implementation of the NDP 2021 to 2025, which seeks to improve investments in the country with the private sector as the main driver, would improve foreign direct investments.

The Nigerian Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC), is a private sector bilateral and multilateral trade and investment vehicle committed to the development and promotion of business relationships, the facilitation of trade and investment engagements, the platform for financial linkages and technical support between Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf countries

Source – https://thebossnewspapers.com/

Mahmood Ahmadu and Robert Jreissati Signs MOU to Boost Trade Opportunities Between Nigeria and Poland
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On November 21st 2021 at the super prestigious 7 Star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, FIN (Foreign Investment Network) held its Trade and Investment Forum with an august gathering of both local and international audiences.

The event was themed – Road To A Prosperous Africa! The keynote addresses were delivered by Indian born Swiss businessman and billionaire Prakash Hinduja CEO of the Hindujah Group, one of Europe’s most successful businesses and H.E Ahmed Elmetwally, CEO, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Ahmed Bin Hamadan Al Nahyan.

Mrs Yinka Fayomi publisher of FIN magazine, who is a specialist in cross border investment, Entrepreneurship, Youthpreneur, financing of projects and promotion of local contents in FDI projects, said she was truly elated at the calibre of people that graced the event. She also said she was deeply encouraged by the success of the event and the financial commitment from powerful investors to Africa.

The event itself began with a Trade & Investment round table and panel discussion, followed by a Ministerial roundtable with several African government ministers participating. The highly acclaimed FIN Awards rounded up the day featuring several high profile recipients spanning from industry, business, arts, philanthropy and government.
Here is the list of awardees:

• PRAKASH HINDUJAH, Billionaire Chairman of the Hindujah Group – Lifetime Achievement Award
• MR DATO YURO TY, CEO, Tri-T Platinum Builders Gold Trading LLC – Outstanding Entrepreneur Award
• MAHMOOD AHMADU OON, Founder & Executive Chairman Online Integrated Solutions Ltd (OIS) – Visionary Leader Award
• AMB DAVID BALONDEMU, Chairman of Kampala district land board – Award of Distinction
• DR. ROZIOUS SIATWAMBO, CEO of the Great North Road Group of Companies
• DR. AHMED SALAWUDEEN – FIIN, FCIB, FCALM, PhD, ACII (London) Chairman of Signature Global Real Estate, and CEO of Standard Insurance Consultants Limited – Business Icon Award
• VIKAS BHARGAVA, Advertising supremo – Outstanding Leader in Art & Media Award

Read Also – President Buhari, Governors, Senior Ministers and Business Leaders grace The Nigerian Trade & Investment Forum at the Dubai Expo 2020

Some of the previous distinguished recipients of the FIN Awards include the following:

• Chief Olusegun Obasanjo – former President of Nigeria
• Alhaji Aliko Dangote – Chairman Dangote Group
• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala – former Finance Minister of Nigeria and now Head of WTO
• Vincente Fox – former President of Mexico
• Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina – President African Development Bank
• Dr Mohammed Bakindo – OPEC Secretary-General

About Mahmood Ahmadu:

Mahmood Ahmadu is a leading African entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist. He is the founder and executive chairman of online Integrated Solutions Ltd (OIS). OIS is a specialist visa application agency that provides online passport, visa processing and technical support services for Governments.
Mahmood is also the life President of the Nigerian Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC). The chamber’s aspiration is to become the largest business organization in Nigeria and the Arabian Gulf; representing businesses across all sectors, working at local, national and international levels to support businesses from sole traders to multinational corporations.

Mahmood’s other significant business interests span the following sectors; Mining, Real Estate, Construction, Agriculture, Bottling Water, E-education, E-healthcare, and Fintech spread across 53 countries in 5 continents. His philanthropic activities have made it possible for hundreds of students to afford good quality education both locally in Africa and abroad. He is the recipient of the Nigerian National Honour of the ‘Officer of the Order of the Niger’ (OON), he is also a two time Forbes award recipient among other significant awards and recognition globally.

Mahmood Ahmadu adds another coveted award for ‘visionary leadership’ in business to his numerous collection
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Dubai Expo 2020, initially scheduled for 20th October 2020 to 10th April 2021, was postponed to 1st October 2021 and will run until 31st March 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being postponed, the organizers retained the theme “Expo 2020” for marketing and branding purposes. The event brought 192 countries together with a sole vision of connecting minds and Creating the Future.

The special guest of honour at the Nigerian Trade & Investment Forum which took place at the Jumeirah Emirates Tower hotel was the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. Speaking at the event, President Buhari commended captains of industry and entrepreneurs who had shown interest in further enhancing trade and investment relations with Nigeria. The Nigerian leader also stressed the need for world leaders to work together and reinforce partnerships to limit the catastrophic consequences of the global surge in cases of COVID-19.

Also in attendance were the Governors of Kaduna and Zamfara States, and a strong contingent of senior ministers representing various
ministries – including Industry, Trade & Investment, Power, Agriculture, Transport, Petroleum, water, Finance, Communication & Digital Economy, Mines & Steel, Humanitarian Affairs & Disaster Management all showcasing the huge opportunities in Nigeria to the high-level attendees.

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu Wins Big in Forbes 2021 Awards

It was a hugely successful and breakthrough event as billions of investment dollars was committed by many foreign investors.
Mahmood Ahmadu, chairman of the influential Nigerian-Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce – (NAGCC) organisers of the Presidential Dinner, and the Trade and Investment Forum also urged investors to take turns in harnessing the virgin and untapped opportunities, especially in Nigeria.

The Dubai based entrepreneur with a global business interest rekindles his passion for showcasing Nigerian innovations and industry to the world through this forum. Mahmood also expressed joy and anticipation toward the positive outcome of such a breathtaking/creative event.

While appreciating everyone who attended, he stressed the need for unity and continual implementation of the peace policy to enhance infrastructural growth.

President Buhari, Governors, Senior Ministers and Business Leaders grace The Nigerian Trade & Investment Forum at the Dubai Expo 2020
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Adele – Australian TV reporter Matt Doran has made a lengthy, unreserved apology to Adele for failing to listen to her new album before an exclusive interview with the singer, calling the bungle a “terrible mistake”.

Doran made international headlines this week for his interview with the singer, which was canned after he conceded he had only heard one track from her latest work, 30. Sony is refusing to release the footage.

Live on Channel Seven program Weekend Sunrise on Saturday, Doran concluded the show by lamenting that he had “insulted” Adele and apologising to the singer, her fans and viewers of the station.

“This is a story that has sparked a torrent of abuse and mockery from around the world and, if I’m being honest with you, the bulk of this savaging I deserve and I totally own,” Doran said.

Read Also –  Mahmood Ahmadu Wins Big in Forbes 2021 Awards

Doran was flown to London for the exclusive interview with Adele in the lead-up to the release of her fourth album, which he described as an “unspeakable privilege””.

The interview was reportedly part of a A$1m package including broadcast rights to Adele’s One Night Only television special. It would have been Adele’s only Australian interview.

“I made the terrible mistake of assuming we weren’t to be given a preview copy of this album because our interview was airing before it was released and Adele’s album was the industry’s most prized secret,” Doran said.

“The day after we landed in London an email came through from Sony, it didn’t mention Adele but it did contain a link to her album.

“The genuine, deadset, hand on heart truth is that I missed it. By an absurdly long margin the most important email I’ve ever missed in my life.”

Doran said contrary to media reports, Adele didn’t walk out on the interview, which ran overtime and was at least 50% focused “squarely” on the new music.

“I thought it was reductive to describe [the new music] as simply being about divorce, that it was about empowerment and would inspire people to summon the courage to steer their lives in a new direction,” Doran said of the interview.

“We spoke about of the paradox that is being the world’s most famous artist but hating fame, we also discussed at length the concept of pure artistry, the majesty of Adele’s voice, what it must be like to hear that sound come out of one’s own mouth.

“How go Easy On Me was conceived in part by singing acapella in the shower, and how the album helped repair her relationship towards the end with her now late father,”

Source – https://www.theguardian.com/

Adele – Australian TV reporter Matt Doran gives lengthy on-air apology
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Covid – The US will restrict travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries to try to contain a new coronavirus variant spreading there.

From Monday, only US citizens and residents will be allowed to travel from the region.

This follows a similar flight ban imposed by the EU and the UK. Canada is also introducing travel restrictions.

The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier declared the new variant to be “of concern”, naming it Omicron.

US officials said flights from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi will be blocked, mirroring earlier moves taken by the EU. The ban will come into effect on Monday.

In a statement, President Joe Biden called the move a “precautionary measure” taken until more is known about the variant.

Canada is also shutting its borders to foreign travellers who have recently been to South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Foreign citizens will be banned from Canada if they have been to the seven nations in the past 14 days.

The Omicron variant was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24 November and has since been identified in other countries.

Read Also –  Mahmood Ahmadu Wins Big in Forbes 2021 Awards

South Africa’s health ministry has criticised the rush to impose new travel restrictions, calling them “draconian”, and contrary to WHO guidance.

Scientists say they still have much to learn about the virus’s new mutations, and the WHO has said it will take a few weeks to understand the impact of the new variant, as experts work to determine how transmissible it is.

The WHO on Friday said preliminary evidence suggested the new variant carried a higher risk of reinfection than other variants.

Scientists have said it is the most heavily mutated version yet, which means Covid vaccines, which were designed using the original strain from Wuhan, China, may not be as effective.

The WHO says so far fewer than 100 sample sequences have been reported. Cases have mainly been confirmed in South Africa, but have also been detected in Hong Kong, Israel, Botswana and Belgium.

Most of the cases in South Africa have been from its most populated province, Gauteng, of which Johannesburg is the capital city.

The WHO has warned against countries hastily imposing travel restrictions, saying they should look to a “risk-based and scientific approach”.

Source – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-59427770

Covid: US joins EU in restricting flights from southern Africa
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Covid – The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new coronavirus variant to be “of concern” and named it Omicron.

It had a large number of mutations, and early evidence suggested an increased reinfection risk, the WHO said.

It was first reported to the WHO from South Africa on 24 November, and has also been identified in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.

A number of countries around the world have now decided to ban or restrict travel to and from southern Africa.

Travellers from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini will not be able to enter the UK unless they are UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents.

US officials said flights from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi would be blocked, mirroring earlier moves taken by the EU. It will come into effect on Monday.

Brazil and Australia also introduced travel restrictions.

‘Bad news – but not doomsday’

On Friday, the WHO said the number of cases of this variant, initially named B.1.1.529, appeared to be increasing in almost all of South Africa’s provinces. 

“This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the UN public health body said in a statement.

It said “the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on 9 November”.

The WHO said it would take a few weeks to understand the impact of the new variant, as scientists worked to determine how transmissible it was.

A top UK health official warned that vaccines would “almost certainly” be less effective against the new variant.

But Professor James Naismith, a structural biologist from the University of Oxford, added: “It is bad news but it’s not doomsday.”

Read Also – Mahmood Ahmadu Wins Big in Forbes 2021 Awards

He said mutations in the variant suggested it may spread more quickly – but transmissibility “is not just as simple as ‘this amino acid does this'” and was determined by how mutations worked together.

Only about 24% of South Africa’s population is fully vaccinated, which could spur a rapid spread of cases there, Dr Mike Tildesley, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Modelling group (Spi-M), told the BBC on Friday.

Meanwhile, US infectious disease chief Dr Anthony Fauci said that while the reports on the new variant threw up a “red flag”, it was possible that vaccines might still work to prevent serious illness.

“Until it’s properly tested… we don’t know whether or not it evades the antibodies that protect you against the virus”, Dr Fauci told CNN.

The WHO has warned against countries hastily imposing travel restrictions, saying they should look to a “risk-based and scientific approach”.

However, in addition to the UK, and the US and the EU, a host of other countries have also announced restrictions:

• Australia announced on Saturday that flights from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, the Seychelles, Malawi, and Mozambique would be suspended for 14 days. Non-Australians who have been in those countries in the past two weeks are now banned from entering Australia
• Japan has announced that from Saturday, travellers from much of southern Africa will need to quarantine for 10 days and take a total of four tests during that time
• India has ordered more rigorous screening and testing for travellers arriving from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong
• Iran will ban travellers from six southern African countries, including South Africa. Iranians arriving from the region will be admitted after testing negative twice, state TV says
• Brazil also said it was restricting travel to the region from six countries in Africa

Source – https://www.bbc.co.uk/

Covid: New variant classed ‘of concern’ and named Omicron
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