Afreximbank targets Namibian businesses for AfCFTA training
via The Namibian4 min read
The Africa-Export-Import Bank Afreximbank is offering training to Namibian businesses, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat, to help them participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA. The training, open to all African businesses, will take place in Egypt in June. Afreximbank group chief economist and managing director of research Yemi Kale stated that the program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge to capitalize on the AfCFTA's prospects. AfCFTA Secretariat director of trade in goods and competition Mohamed Ali emphasized that the training will provide practical knowledge, tools, and institutional support for businesses to effectively use the agreement. The initiative addresses the limited understanding of AfCFTA's technical provisions that currently hinder the full realization of its benefits, aiming to clarify how the framework expands market access for producers across the continent.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Jannik Sinner began his Madrid Open campaign with a 6-7 6/8, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Benjamin Bonzi in the second round. The Italian world number one is seeking to break the record of four consecutive Masters 1000 titles, currently held by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Despite dropping the first set to Bonzi, Sinner recovered to secure his place in the third round. He acknowledged the tough match, stating it provided good feedback for improvement. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined due to injury, Sinner is considered a strong favorite in upcoming competitions. In other matches, Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic defeated world number six Ben Shelton 6-4, 6-7 4/7, 7-6 7/5, marking his first win against a top-10 player. American Tommy Paul also exited after losing to Thiago Tirante. Nineteen-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar upset world number eight Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1. In the women's draw, world number two Elena Rybakina advanced to the third round with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Gabriela Ruse, admitting she "basically survived" the match. Coco Gauff, the third seed, defeated Leolia Jeanjean 6-3, 6-0, and fifth seed Jessica Pegula beat Katie Boulter 6-4, 6-4.
Former Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin scored a late equalizer for Real Betis in a 1-1 La Liga draw against Real Madrid, impacting the Spanish title race. Vinicius Junior had given Real Madrid the lead in the 17th minute. However, Bellerin's stoppage-time goal secured a point for Betis. Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa expressed disappointment with the result, citing refereeing decisions and missed chances. The draw provisionally puts Barcelona eight points ahead of Real Madrid, with Barcelona having a chance to extend their lead to 11 points with a win against Getafe. Betis, currently fifth, trails Atletico Madrid by seven points.
The annual 'Art Splash' exhibition, featuring works by students from Windhoek’s College of the Arts, is currently on display at the National Art Gallery of Namibia. The exhibition navigates themes of modernity, cultural preservation, identity, and the archiving of ancestral knowledge. It showcases a diverse range of artistic mediums including textiles, ceramics, linocut and cardboard prints, installations, mixed media, and photography. Artist Vivian Rhoman's animal hide sculptures and installation, which reflect San iconography, are a prominent feature, addressing the impact of post-colonial urbanization on culture, nature, and identity. Rhoman's work uses stitching to emphasize fragmentation and reconnection, drawing from San symbolism and ecological wisdom. Other artists, such as Steven Banda and Angelo Neumbo, explore identity, religious faith, and belonging through photographic portraits incorporating traditional textiles and biblical iconography. Kavenandangi Karuuombe's carvings of traditional Ovaherero tools aim to archive their forms and discuss their historical functions, while Maveja Tjimbi's textiles celebrate the traditional game of owela. The exhibition also includes works by Romany Mongonga, Patrick Shilongo, and Michael Abraham, covering topics from underage drinking to urban landscapes. 'Art Splash' will be on display until May 23.
The National Theatre of Namibia NTN and the City of Windhoek have partnered to provide over 1,700 Grade 8 pupils from schools like Khomastura, Dawid Bezuidenhout, and Rosewood Academy with the opportunity to experience a live production of their prescribed text, 'Bang Bang'. Written by Chris Djuma and directed by Veronique Kuchekana-Chirau, the play explores themes of bullying, family pressure, and societal expectations through the story of Robert, a student who discharges a firearm at school. The production features an ensemble cast and incorporates music direction by Nyasha Kuchekana-Chirau and stage direction by Fellemon Ndongo. Following the performance, an interactive session, utilizing Kuchekana-Chirau's 'Kilanova Method', helps pupils connect the play's themes to their own lives and offers real-world advice. This method aims to foster resilience, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, imagination, and expression. NTN spokesperson Desiree Mentor hopes to expand the program, potentially through recording the production with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation to reach children in other regions. Kuchekana-Chirau emphasizes theatre's role as an educational tool for addressing important national issues.